Manila Standard - 2020 September 22 - Tuesday

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DU30 DEFENDS MANILA BAY SANDS; LAUDS CIMATU, SLAMS LENI, OTHER CRITICS

By Joyce Pangco Pañares PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday defended the Manila Bay Sands project that covered a portion of the baywalk with crushed dolomite to make it look like a white sand beach.

Duterte also pushed back at critics,

including Vice President Leni Robredo, who are questioning the P349-million project.

"People now are really enjoying the reclaimed area with white sand maski na papaano. Wala naman talaga tayong magawa. You do it, may masabi sila.

You do not do it, may masabi si Leni,"

the President said.

Robredo earlier questioned the timing of the project.

While it was programmed in 2019, the Vice President said it was "insensitive" to push through with the beautification at the height of the pandemic and when the government could barely give

another tranche of financial aid to affected Filipinos.

She also noted physical distancing was not observed when the dolomitecovered part of the baywalk was opened to the public Sunday (See related story on A2 – Editors).

The observations of Robredo and

other critics of the project did not sit well with the President.

"What do you want us to do? Ang problema kasi ‘yung magsabi that we are not doing enough. What can we do with the germ that’s flying around? It’s the microbe that can’t be controlled," he Next page said.

Zero infection areas may move to ‘new normal’ by next month

By Willie Casas SOME areas may graduate to the "new normal" by October, the Palace said Monday.

“There will be areas with zero transmission [of COVID-19] in the past month that may be declared under the regime of new normal,” Roque said at a Palace briefing Monday.

He said this would mean a new classification aside from the modified general community quarantine.

Roque’s statement came as the coun-

try marked the 14th straight day in which new infections surpassed 3,000 a day.

The country logged 3,475 new cases of COVID-19 Monday, bringing the total number of infections to 290,190 since the pandemic began.

The Department of Health reported 400 recoveries, bringing to 230,233 cases in which patients have recovered from the disease.

The department also reported 15 new deaths, bringing the total death toll from COVID-19 to 4,999.

Next page

MONDAY HABIT. President Rodrigo Duterte (head of table, right) listens to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III make a point during a presentation to the Inter-Agency Task Force on the coronavirus disease Monday night in Davao City. Presidential Photo

Rody to House: Pass budget Solons fall silent on leadership Issue, adjourn until 3pm today

COVID-19 PH

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM SEPT. 21)

T

290,190 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

3,475 54,958 NEW

ACTIVE

4,999

15

230,233

400

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 200• 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

NEW

NEW

More healthcare workers cleared to work abroad PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has allowed more Filipino health workers to work abroad amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Malacañang announced Monday.

Health professionals with complete employment documents as of Aug. 31, 2020, are already allowed to leave the country, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.

Next page

OFF LIMITS. Police turn away bystanders and curious onlookers from the Manila Bay Sands project on Monday, even as people continue to visit the area to see the dolomite-padded ‘white sand’ along the shore. CNN Philippines and PNA photos

Duterte to debut before UN assembly FOR the first time since assuming office, President Rodrigo Duterte will address the United Nations’ General Assembly following the series of attacks he has leveled against it, Malacañang said Monday as the world's largest intergovernmental organization marks 75 years.

Duterte will join the high-level general debate of the international body, which will happen on Sept. 22 to 26,

Chief of Presidential Protocol Robert Borje said.

He said the world would be watching the 75-year-old Duterte talk about issues of key importance to the Philippines, including its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, human rights and justice.

Asked if Duterte would address the criticisms on his war on drugs, Borje said: "Yes, that will be part of the President's Next page

‘Expand PhilHealth probers’ scope’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Willie Casas SENATOR Christopher Go on Monday said he recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte to expand the scope of the investigation of Task Force-PhilHealth to include other national agencies, in-

cluding government-owned and controlled corporations, that are fraught with allegations of mismanagement and corruption.

“I told Duterte not to limit the task force probe to PhilHealth. If needed, there should also be a task force in other agencies to expedite and charge (those Next page

ON THEIR GUARD.

members of humanitarian non-government organizations show their placards after filing the 36th petition against the Anti-Terrorism Act on Monday before the Supreme Court in Manila, which is also heavily guarded by police (inset) on the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law in 1972. Norman Cruz

HE Palace said Monday President Rodrigo Duterte wants the P4.506 trillion national budget passed before the end of the year amid fears that squabbles within the House of Representatives could delay the spending plan.

“Let’s just say because the 2021 budget is also our biggest stimulus package, this is non-negotiable for the President.

They must pass the budget on time,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Last week, Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. Questioned the huge infrastructure allocations for Taguig City and Camarines Sur, the legislative districts of Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and Deputy Speaker Luis Raymund Villafuerte.

Villafuerte fired back, accusing Teves of being a part of a ploy by supporters of Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco to torpedo plans to finish budget deliberations by the end of September.

Under a term-sharing agreement brokered by the President, Cayetano would be speaker until October, at which time Velasco would take over until the 18th Congress ends 21 months later.

As the deadline nears, however, his allies have become vocal about retaining Cayetano as speaker, citing his record.

Roque said the President leaves it to the discretion of the House members to decide on the leadership issue.

Despite heated exchanges over the weekend, both camps kept their peace in Monday’s session.

Talk of a plot to unseat Cayetano brewed over the alleged inequitable share of funds for lawmakers districts in the 2021 budget, fueled by a text message that the House Mindanao bloc led by the President’s son, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, would declare the posts of Cayetano and deputy speakers vacant.

But party-list Rep. Eric Go Yap, House budget chairman, said the younger Duterte never said he would declare Next page the posts vacant.

A2

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

News

Isko asks to barricade Bay Sands Domagoso also discouraged the public from visiting the area due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This developed as the Department of Health expressed alarm Monday due to the mass gathering and overcrowding of people along Manila Bay over the weekend to check out the dolomite white sand amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire flagged the activity, which showed people under 21 years old and senior citizens who are prohibited from going outside due to vulnerabilities to COVID-19, flocking the area without observance of social distancing.

“This situation is worrisome. The vi-

rus isn’t gone yet,” Vergeire said in an online briefing.

The beach was opened to the public over the weekend to mark the International Coastal Cleanup Day. The event was led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Vergeire said the Department of Health contacted the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police to increase deployment of policemen in the area to ensure that minimum health standards are being followed.

“Pakiusap ko lang sa mamamayan, gustuhin man nating makita ‘yung Manila Bay white sands, e siguro may iba pa namang panahon,” Domagoso said.

Rody...

is pitiful so he should sit as speaker,” Yap said.

At the moment, Yap said Cayetano is now focused on the passage of the proposed 2021 national government budget and has put the speakership row on the backburner.

“All that he told me was to focus on the deliberations on the 2021 budget,” he said.

Villafuerte, meanwhile, said the infrastructure allocations for the province of Camarines Sur and for Taguig City, which Teves questioned during the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget briefing last week.

Villafuerte said that out of the supposed P11.8 billion infrastructure budget for Camarines Sur, only P3.3 billion is actually allocated for his district.

He said the reason for the increase in the budget allocation for his district was the Camarines Sur Expressway and the Pasacao--Balatan Tourism Highway— two flagship projects that will be built there.

The same is true for Taguig City, one

of whose two districts is represented

by Cayetano and the other by his wife Lanie, Villafuerte said.

"In the case of the Speaker, the C-6 Highway passes through his district. He did not have a hand in the preparation of the plan for C-6 that will benefit the whole Metro Manila and even the whole country.

That is not a local project," he added.

Villafuerte defended Cayetano by saying that the allocation of the budget for infrastructure projects is done by the Executive Department.

"Cayetano or any other congressman did not have a hand in preparing the budget proposal," he said.

Villafuerte earlier branded Teves's claims as a "sinister ploy" hatched by Velasco supporters to delay the passage of the national budget.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon on Monday raised fears that the power struggle in the House and the bickering among congressmen supposedly over infrastructure funds could derail the passage of the P4.5-trillion national budget for 2021 and the country’s

recovery from the pandemic.

Speaking in an interview over ABSCBN- ANC, Drilon said a power struggle could affect their timelines for the budget.

“I hope not because we are still in the middle of a pandemic and we have about 10 percent unemployment,” Drilon said.

He underscored that the 2021 national budget seeks to address the pandemic, unemployment and the imminent economic contraction that is projected to be 6 percent to 9 percent by the end of 2020.

Drilon recalled how a power struggle and bickering over infrastructure funds in 2018 delayed the passage of the 2019 national budget for over four months, which the economic managers blamed for the economic slowdown.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said the bickering over allocations was “ugly.”

“This early, we are already seeing the ugly effects of pork,” Lacson said.

Lacson noted that when statesmanship goes out the window, so does the public’s respect for Congress as an institution.

my dare.”

“People are now enjoying the benefits of the determined action of the Cabinet member to do good,” he added.

Duterte warned that the opposition “is trying to picture that there is a failure in the government.”

“The dynamics is that we are in still waters, with the engine conked out.

Unless the vaccine is there, as long as human beings continue to relate to each other, wala tayong magawa.

Hindi natin makulong ang Pilipino,” he said.

Meanwhile, on extending the country’s state of calamity to another year or until September 2021, the President said this will give time for the national and local governments to have enough resources in fighting the pandemic.

“We also requested the Armed Forces and police to extend the necessary assistance to fulfill this mandate,” he said.

On the vaccine for the coronavirus, Duterte repeated his promise to lend funds to purchase it, which he said should be available by January.

“We will follow the program laid down by the IATF. Yun munang mga mahihirap (ang kukuha ng vaccine),” the President said.

“Pagka-lulusot ito, by January we will be better off. Ang problema lang, yung clinical trials sa Moderna. Yung mga tao nag-exhibit ng side effects,” he said.

“The only thing we can do really is wear your mask, that's it and wait for the vaccine. COVID-19 is equal to a vaccine. Wag na ninyong palakahin ang problema,” Duterte added.

The senator also said they had discussed the need to review existing laws to increase the penalties for crimes related to corruption and illegal drugs, when congressional leaders met with the President on Sept. 16.

“We need harsher penalties to serve as more effective deterrent to crimes.

While we consistently avoid harsher penalties to uphold human rights, we also need to protect the rights of every Filipino to live a life that is free from fear of corruption, criminality and illegal drugs,” Go said.

Go also said the President is also open to abolishing or privatizing PhilHealth if systemic corruption in the agency is not weeded out.

Meanwhile Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon rallied behind the proposal of Senate President Vicente Sotto III to name as the ex officio chairman of the PhilHealth board the secretary of Finance instead of the secretary of Health.

“There is a structural defect at PfhilHealth that can be repairedthrough

law and that is the chairmanship should be with the secretary of inance and the member of the Board should include the Insurance Commission so that the corporation, as the country’s primary health insurance agency, can thrive,” Drilon said.

Drilon cited the amendment to the charter of the Social Security System, which the President signed last year.

He said the amendments include the designation of the secretary of Finance as chairman.

“We should do the same in PhilHealth. Similar to SSS, PhilHealth is an insurance organization. It provides insurance protection to our people against unfunded health expenses. It is basically an insurance issue,” he said.

Drilon said the President is “sufficiently equipped” to reorganize, streamline and even abolish or privatize PhilHealth.

“The law today is sufficient and equips the executive branch with the power to reorganize PhilHealth to

achieve the policy and purpose to provide our people with health insurance under the Universal Health Care Act,” Drilon said.

He considered as “totally unnecessary” previous calls for emergency powerw for the President to reform PhilHealth.

“There is sufficient authority under the law. We do not need legislation.

They can do it today. You do not have to go back to Congress,” he said.

Also on Monday, the Department of Health released new implementing guidelines on health technology assessment (HTA), which serves as a transparent priority setting mechanism in developing policies and programs for the purchase and coverage of health technologies funded by the DOH and PhilHealth.

The documents describe standards and methods governing the conduct of HTA as well as the methods of assessment used as basis by the HTA Council in providing recommendations to decision-makers.

“In that event, we saw certain violations of our guidelines.,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

Vergeire’s statement was in reaction to the “Flatten the Fear” event organized

by Concerned Doctors and Citizens of the Philippines, which she said violated any quarantine rules.

“We are not allowing any mass gatherings based on the guidelines of our Inter-Agency Task Force,” she said.

Vergeire said they also saw the video showing that many of those who attended did not wear face masks.

Tondo demolition put on hold Demolition of Vitas-Katuparan B in Tondo, Manila, has been suspended while the country is still under a state of public health emergency.

National Housing Authority General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. offered this assurance Monday.

“No demolition until the general community quarantine is lifted. NHA also offers Naic housing site to those who are willing to evacuate,” he said.

Residents of the Vitas-Katuparan housing project earlier held a protest action against the looming demolition of their homes located along R-10 Road in Tondo. Rey E. Requejo and Rio N. Araja

Duterte...

By Willie Casas

M

ANILA Mayor Francisco Domagoso on Monday asked the Environment department to barricade the Manila Bay Sands area in the city after people crowded it at the weekend and ignored social distancing.

From A1

"What he said was that he would ask the Mindanao bloc if they have a complaint, then they should declare the posts vacant," Yap said in a TV interview.

Villafuerte said that Cayetano and the young Duterte have discussed the alleged brewing coup.

Yap said Monday the gentlemen's agreement involving the leadership of the House of Representatives will stand unless President Rodrigo Duterte changes his mind and decides that Cayetano should stay on as speaker.

Yap said there is a possibility that the President will make his wishes known before November and that all members of the House will abide by the decision.

The President, in a meeting with congressional leaders on Wednesday, was reported to have quipped "Kawawa naman si Lord (Poor Lord).""That could mean two things: Lord is pitiful because he won't be able to sit as speaker, or Lord

Du30...

From A1

"People now enjoying benefits of determined action of a Cabinet member...

Yung mga dilawan maski anong sabihin mo -- gawin mo, masama ka. Hindi mo gawin, masama ka pa rin. E put***na mo anong gustong mo?" Duterte said.

The President even congratulated Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu for the project, saying: “Napabilib nya ako (He made me a believer) when he accepted

‘Expand...

From A1

liable). We can tap the Office of the Ombudsman and the Commission on Audit] and Civil Service Commission to suspend, to conduct a lifestyle check and audit, to investigate, to charge and send to jail those who should be jailed,” Go said.

On Sept. 14, the multi-agency task force led by the Department of Justice submitted its initial report to the Office of the President, recommending that criminal and administrative charges be filed against seven senior PhilHealth officials.

When asked about Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, who is chairman of the PhilHealth board, Go said the President continues to have faith in him.

But he said the PhilHealth investigation is continuing to find more evidence against others involved in corrupion.

Zero...

From A1

That leaves 54,958 active cases in which patients are being treated or under quarantine.

BuCor chief tests positive for COVID-19 Bureau of Corrections chief Director General Gerald Bantag on Monday confirmed that he tested positive for coronavirus.

This came after BuCor spokesman Gabriel Chaglag disclosed that he was also tested positive of COVID-19 virus following a swab test conducted Tuesday.

Earlier, two personnel of the BuCor director general also contracted the virus, prompting the latter to undergo a swab test.

Bantagsaid he experienced symptoms of the disease for two nights such as chills and high temperature.

Doctors face sanctions A group of doctors, including a former secretary of the Department of Health (DOH), may possibly face sanctio––ns after they held an event that violated quarantine guidelines, the Health Department said on Monday.

The beach will remain closed for the week while the bay’s rehabilitation is resumed.

“I already asked the DENR to close ‘yung bakod dahil hard-hat pa, may construction pang nagaganap,” Domagoso said.

He said it was enough that the public had a preview of the Manila Bay Sands through the media.

“Ipagpaliban po muna natin ang pagpunta,” he said. “Alam ko po marami sa inyo nasisiyahan, nagagalak sapagkat ito ay kakaibang pangyayari.

‘Yung imposible naging posible.

“Ngunit, naalala ko pa rin na meron pang pandemya. Meron pa akong pangamba, panganib sa lungsod ng Maynila.”

From A1

speech. He will address issues on human rights and justice.

"The President will articulate principal Philippine positions on peace and security, which includes terrorism and the geopolitical developments in Asia and the Pacific.”

In July last year, the UN Human Rights Council approved a resolution seeking a comprehensive report on the human rights situation in the Philippines, including the killings linked to Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.

This year's UN General Assembly will be conducted online due to the limitations set by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This will be the President's first time to address the UN General Assembly, the main deliberative board of the UN where all the 193 member-states are represented," Borje said.

At the start of his presidency, Duterte threatened to withdraw the Philippines from the world body after a UN human rights expert said his encouragement of security forces to kill drug suspects violated international law. Duterte later retracted the threat and described it as a "joke."

Last year, Duterte again lashed out at the UN, calling it "inutile" over its supposed failure to prevent wars and protect nations from pirates.

The Philippines is a founding member of the UN. This year, however, showed the "intensity and the urgency needed to address global issues," which was why Duterte decided to join the UN General Assembly, Borje said.

"The President recognizes that the Philippines cannot do it alone and the United Nations is the world’s biggest platform.

“The participation of the President has always been considered since the beginning of his term. But of course, this year takes on special significance.”

Duterte's address can be watched in the Philippines at 9 p.m. today, Tuesday.

Locsin to solons: EU devolving into ‘stupidity’

By Maricel V. Cruz THE European Parliament had devolved into "stupidity," Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. said on Monday, with a resolution adopted by 626 out of its 685 members threatening to withdraw tariff-exempt privileges on the Philippines for alleged human rights violations.

“The European Union has gone down to the level of deciding for us. They have descended on the level of stupidity,” said Locsin, adding that he is willing to defend the country's human-rights record with the European Union.

At the hearing of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ proposed P21-billion budget for 2021 at the House of Representatives, Locsin said he will not exclude the country from the debate on its human rights situation.

“I can stand on the human rights credentials of the Philippines. I am not afraid of them. I can face them. I will not excuse them from the debate,” he said.

On September 17, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling on President Rodrigo Duterte to address what it believes to be widespread and systematic drug-related killings and suppression on press freedom.

The resolution also expressed concern over what it described as “a deteriorating press freedom in the Philippines” as seen in the charges filed against journalist and Rappler Chief Executive Officer Maria Ressa, Congress’s denial of the franchise to operate of ABS-CBN, and the continued detention of Duterte critic Sen. Leila de Lima.

Gas up P0.60, kerosene P0.55 at most retailers

By Alena Mae S. Flores PUMP prices of gasoline, kerosene and diesel went up by P0.60 per liter, P0.55 per liter and P0.20 per liter, respectively, effective 6 a.m. Tuesday, putting an end to several weeks of price rollbacks amid weak global demand.

“Petron will implement the following price increases effective 6 a.m. on Sept.22: P0.60 per liter for gasoline; P0.20 per liter for diesel; and P0.55 per liter for kerosene. These reflect movements in the international oil market,” Petron Corp. said in its advisory.

Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Total Philippines, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Flying V, Seaoil Philippines and Cleanfuel also issued separate advisories of their respective price hikes.

Unioil Philippines announced over the weekend that consumers can expect fuel prices to go up during the week of September 22 to 28.

“Diesel should increase by P0.10 per liter. Gasoline should increase by P0.50 to P0.60 per liter,” Unioil Philippines said.

More...

From A1

"The health professionals with complete documentation as of Aug. 31, 2020 were already allowed by the President to leave for work abroad,” he said.

Senator Joel Villanueva thanked the President for heeding the appeal of the healthcare workers.

“It is a win for our healthcare workers who have been suffering from the travel ban, which was instituted in April with the good intention of ensuring available manpower during the height of the pandemic,” Villanueva said.

Earlier, Senator Christopher Go appealed to the government on behalf of the affected nurses and other medical professionals to grant more exemptions to the temporary deployment ban imposed on them.

Meanwhile, Malaysia will now allow professional and visit-pass holders from the Philippines to enter the country as long as they get a travel approval from Malaysian immigration authorities, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday.

The entry ban was imposed by Malaysia on 23 countries with a high number of COVID-19 cases, including the Philippines, on Sept. 7.

Previously, only healthcare workers with employment contracts as of March 8, 2020, were allowed to work abroad as the Philippines, a key exporter of nurses and other medical workers, sought to keep a reserve force in its battle against the pandemic.

The Philippines initially suspended the deployment of doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers abroad on April 2. Macon Ramos-Araneta

News

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

A3

Remember Martial Law’s dark past—Leni

By Rio N. Araja and Willie Casas

No periodical exams this year—DepEd THE Department of Education has decided not to conduct periodic examinations, at least for this year, as the education system shifts to distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Undersecretary for curriculum and instruction Diosdado San Antonio, the department would instead use written outputs and performance tasks to assess the learning of students.

“Ang periodic test, 20 percent ng grade eh. Ang i-a-administer mo, isang araw lang. Ang feeling namin, that’s very unfair to the learner, lalo na ang mga learner ngayon, iba’t iba ang situwasyon,” San Antonio said. (Periodic tests account for 20 percent of the grade. You’ll only administer it for a day. We feel that it’s very unfair for the learner, especially now that they’re in different situations.)

He added that students can write reflections of their readings, or record a speech explaining how they understand a lesson to show how much they have learned/ “Kapag ganyan, nilalagay sa portfolio, iniipon ang proof [of] what they can do and understand,” he said. (In this case, everything is compiled in a portfolio, as proof of what they can do and understand.)

The DepEd official said that the department is looking at changes in students’ learning assessment and doing away with periodic exams could minimize “distance cheating,” where parents or guardians answer the students’ activity sheets.

San Antonio also explained that private schools are “strongly encouraged” but not required to adopt the policy on periodical tests for the coming school year.

A

S THE nation on Monday commemorated the 48th martial law anniversary, Vice President Leni Robredo called on the Filipino people to reject lies during the dark chapter of dictatorship.

MENDIOLA MARCH. Militant and cause-oriented groups march towards

Mendiola calling for the repeal of the Anti-Terror Law as police line up to guard the area. DZBB via Twitter

Cops arrest Daulah Islamiyah member in buy-bust

By Rio N. Araja POLICE arrested a suspected member of Daulah Islamiyah Terrorist Group in a buybust operation in Quezon City.

Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo, Quezon City Police District chief, identified the suspect as Kevin Madrinan, also known as Ibrahim Abdullah Madriñan and Ibrahim Khalil AlGuraba, 33, of Barangay Malabanan, Biñan, Laguna.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection, headed by Major Elmer Monsalve, had received information from the Philippine

National Police’s Intelligence Group that the suspect was involved in gun running.

On Sept. 19 at about 4:50 p.m., an entrapment operation was conducted on the corner of Atherton Street and Burbank Street, North Fairview Subdivision, Barangay North Fairview.

The suspect was caught red-handed while selling an unlicensed cal.45 pistol with high-capacity magazine and seven live ammunition for P60,000 to a police undercover.

Aside from the buy-bust money, also seized from the suspect was a fragmentation

grenade.

Montejo said Madrinan was a balik-Islam and affiliated with the DITG designated as contact person or liaison in Luzon of DITG members coming from Maguindanao under Esmail Abdulmalik with aliases of Abu Turaife and Salahuddin Hasan and Abu Salman, and Mudzrimar Sawadjaan, alias Mundi or Abu Marwan.

He said the arrested suspect was responsible in locating and providing safe haven for DITG members and logistics after the arrest of Datu Omar Palte Jr. or Allan Palty last Jan. 1, 2020 in Fairview.

The Vice President said it is high time that the people remember the past when martial law was proclaimed in 1972.

“In a time when divisiveness is the norm and the gaps in society continue to widen, it is essential that we strive to find more spaces of commonality. We do this not only by looking forward to a shared horizon, where our shared dreams may come to fruition, but equally importantly, by looking back,” she said in a statement.

“We do this by telling our stories, and by asserting the truths that bind us together as one people, with one history.

Maraming pinahirapan, naglaho, at pinatay noong Martial Law; lumobo ang utang ng bayan na binabayaran natin hanggang sa ngayon; lumalim at lumawak ang kahirapan. Dinurog ang mga institusyong haligi ng lipunan. Naging bahagi ng diwa ng pamamahala ang korupsyon at pangaabuso,” she added.

She said “those truths know no political color but come starkly in the black and white of our lived experience as a nation.”

“Walang debate dito; nangyari ito.

And those who attempt to tell us otherwise are not only merely telling a supposed version of the story: They are lying to our faces, stealing our truths from us, stealing our stories. Because without these truths and stories, we will be further divided, at mas madaling magtatagumpay ang mga pagtatangkang abusuhin muli tayo,” she said.

Thank UK, France, Germany, DFA told

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Risa Hontiveros on Monday called on Department of Foreign Affairs to send an official ‘thank you’ to the United Kingdom, France, Germany for rejecting claims in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) and for supporting the arbitral award won by the Philippines in 2016.

She said the DFA should officially send the country’s ‘profound appreciation’ to the three Western countries, who recently submitted a joint note verbale to the United Nations refuting China’s historic claims over the entire South China Sea. The three countries’ statements, she said, have effectively strengthened the Philippines’ claims over the West Philippine Sea, through their support and recognition of the arbitral award in the 2016 case of Philippines vs. China.

The opposition senator said declarations by the UK, France and Germany before the UN greatly elevate the Philippines’ position as it pursues a just and legal claims against China’s misdeeds in the West Philippine Sea. “Although Malacañang has already issued a statement about this action by the UK, France and Germany, it would be more appropriate if the government, through the DFA, officially expresses the appreciation and solidarity of Filipinos with our European allies,” she added.

She noted that the Philippines is not alone in fighting over its claim and against China’s abuses.

“We should fully express our gratitude to our friends in the international community who have joined us in opposing China’s unlawful and destructive acts in the West Philippine Sea and the rest of the South China Sea,” she added.

Meralco lauded for paying P19-m fine

By Maricel V. Cruz A HOUSE leader on Monday welcomed the Manila Electric Co.’s (Meralco) payment of the P19 million “bill shock” penalty earlier imposed by the Energy Regulatory Commission.

“Meralco’s action demonstrates good corporate citizenship that should be emulated by all firms in highly regulated sectors, especially those enjoying exclusive congressional franchises,” Deputy Speaker and Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said.

Pimentel also urged Meralco to overhaul its “unfair” portal wherein customers paying their electricity bills online are automatically captured by sister firm Paymaya Philippines Inc., and then slapped a P47 “convenience

fee” for the transaction.

Meralco has since suspended the convenience fee and has since refunded customers who previously paid the charge.

However, it remains unclear whether Meralco will eventually restore or forever get rid of the convenience fee, once the COVID-19 crisis is over.

Meralco was fined P19 million last month for neglecting to clearly explain to customers that their monthly bills during the COVID-19 quarantine period were merely estimated, owing to the power distributor’s inability to send out meter readers.

As a result of Meralco’s lack of care, the ERC said customers received the unwanted surprise of large charges for the April 18 to May 17 billing cycle.

BAGUIO RE-OPENED. The “full execution” of opening Baguio City to tourists from Region I will happen next week, tracing czar and Mayor Benjamin Magalong said on Monday. At a Laging Handa press briefing, Magalong said local authorities are still addressing other matters in the province. He mentioned that two barangays in Baguio City have COVID-19 outbreak.

PNP chief orders probe of drug deals inside prisons PHILIPPINE National Police chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan has ordered a probe into the alleged continuing illegal drug operations inside prisons.

“I have directed the PDEG (PNP Drug Enforcement Group) to coordinate closely with PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) and BuCor (Bureau of Corrections) to validate the information of the alleged continued operation of illegal drugs activities by a convicted drug lord even while serving sentence inside the prison,” Cascolan said in a press briefing at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame Monday.

The order stemmed from a drug buy-

bust operation in Cebu City on Sunday morning that resulted in the arrest of three suspects who yielded some seven kilograms of shabu worth P47.6 million.

One of the arrested couriers revealed that the seized drugs belonged to convicted drug lord Rustico “Dikoy” Ygot who is now serving sentence at the New Bilibid Prison. Ygot was convicted of drug charges in 2013.

Cascolan also said police would “never lower” its guard on the campaign against illegal drugs and vowed to continue upholding the protection of human rights.

“We will never lower our guard

Peloton named Comelec commissioner

CAPTURED. The Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion releases this photo confirming that

a member of the New People’s Army was captured during a skirmish on Sunday in Sitio Kalahaan, Barangay Minalwang, in the town of Claveria, Misamis Oriental. PNA Photo

Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Sheriff Abas on Monday said the nomination of lawyer Michael Braganza Peloton to the commission will contribute to the government’s campaign to revolutionize the country’s electoral process.

“Commissioner Peloton is a timely addition to the Commission en banc as his vast experience in the field of law and information technology will highly contribute in our thrust to further improve and revolutionize our electoral processes,” Abas said in a statement.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Sept.

17 named Peloton as new Comelec commissioner with the term ending Feb. 2, 2027. He will replace Luie Tito Guia, who retired from the Comelec in February this year.

Abas said Peloton will be entering

at the time the Comelec is preparing for the country’s next national polls.

“Commissioner Peloton joins Comelec at an exciting and challenging time, as we have already started preparations for the 2022 National and Local Elections in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic,” Abas said.

Abas welcomed the nomination of Peloton in behalf of the Comelec family. “He will complement the existing members of the Commission en banc as we continue to strive to fulfill Comelec’s mandate in strengthening and advancing our democracy.”

Peloton will join incumbent commissioners Ma. Rowena Amelia V. Guanzon, Socorro B. Inting, Marlon S. Casquejo, and Antonio T. Kho Jr. in the Comelec if the Commission on Appointment confirms his appointment.

PNA

against a crime that destroys families and the moral fiber of society, and certainly not while we are winning the war,” he said.

During the 45th Human Rights Council session in Geneva, UN’s High Commissioner on Human Rights Michele Bachelet appealed to the Duterte administration to remove the policies, including the anti-narcotics campaign, which she said resulted in killings as well as other human rights violations.

Cascolan said the PNP would not back down on the campaign, noting that its anti-drugs operations are consistent with police operational procedures.

Manila

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Standard

TODAY COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENT President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has submitted to the Commission on Appointments (C.A.) for its consent the nominations of the following officials: Commission On Elections Mr. Michael Braganza Peloton – as Commissioner, for a term expiring on 02 February 2027 Armed Forces of the Philippines Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos, Jr., PA To the rank of Lieutenant General Vener Odilon D. Mariano, PA and William N. Gonzales, PA To the rank of Major General Lito D. Villanueva, PAF (MNSA) To the rank of Brigadier General The public may submit any information, written report, or sworn/notarized complaints or oppositions in thirty - two (32) copies on the above nominations to the CA Secretariat, 6th Floor, PNB Financial Center, D. Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City, Metro Manila.

For the schedule of the public hearings, the CA Secretariat can be reached through telephone numbers 8834-2713, 8831-1824, 8831-0527, 8832-9830, 88342706 and 8551-1989.

21 September 2020.

HECTOR A. VILLACORTA Secretary (MS-SEPT. 22, 2020)

A4

LGUs

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020 lgu@manilastandard.net editor.lgustandard@gmail.com

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Soap laced with weed seized

By Jess Malabanan

C

LARK FREEPORT —Imported liquid soap and toothpaste allegedly laced with marijuana were held for further laboratory testing by agents of the Bureau of Customs Port of Clark and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency after the two parcels were intercepted Monday at a courier firm at the Clark International Airport.

Sto Nino Image Francis Ong

Santo Niño image return elates diocese

By Ronald O. Reyes TACLOBAN CITY—The Diocese of Maasin is jubilant over the return of the centuries-old Santo Niño image, reported to have been stolen at the Santo Niño parish in Malitbog in Southern Leyte 32 years ago.

“Our joy of knowing that the centuries-old image has been found might be compared with the joy of Mary and Joseph when they found the lost child Jesus in the temple,” said Monsignor Oscar Cadayona of the Diocese of Maasin.

“Our Bishop has already instructed our Chancellor to communicate officially with the individual who has the old image and who was the first one to contact us,” he added.

Fr. Mark Vincent Salang, chancellor and chairman of the Diocesan Commission on Worship, said the return of the Santo Niño was an answered prayer.

“It was an unfortunate event that one of the treasured images of the Holy Child reverently venerated in the Diocese of Maasin got lost more than three decades ago. It is with great joy that you have informed us that you have found this dearly beloved image of the Señor Santo Niño and have secured it, to be returned to his home—our Diocese,” said Salang in his letter to Francis Ong, an antique collector in Manila who got hold of the image.

The Santo Niño image was first enshrined inside the parish in Malitbog town after its church construction in 1857, CBCP News reported.

Malitbog, 60 kilometers away from the Diocesan capital in Maasin City, became a parish in 1850.

IN BRIEF Solon assures: ‘No demolition’ A LEGISLATOR on Monday gave assurances that “no demolition without relocation” would be carried out for residents of Vitas-Katuparan Housing Project in Tondo, Manila.

Manila Rep. Manuel Luis Lopez made the assurance as he said agencies of government, including the City government, would provide decent housing for the affected residents through a sustainable rehabilitation project in the next years.

In the interpellation of Lopez during a budget hearing, National Housing Authority general manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. said that they would abide by President Rodrigo Duterte’s order not to implement demolitions without proper relocation sites for displaced families.

Manila City Administrator Felix Espiritu gave the same assurance in a radio interview on September 11.

Lopez, chair of House Committee on Metro Manila Development, welcomed the NHA commitment. “These commitments are a welcome development not just for me but most especially to (sic) our constituents who have been fearing for their future in the past weeks. We have a long way to go in the development of the Vitas-Katuparan housing project...” Maricel V. Cruz

Policeman killed in P2-m roberry A POLICEMAN was killed by at least four robbers who stole some P2 million worth of cash and belongings from gold traders in Sta. Cruz, Manila this weekend, a Manila Police District (MPD) official said on Monday.

Sketchy reports said the victim. Executive Master Sergeant Roel Candido, was driving a scooter and escorting the jewelry store owners who were on board a car when they were shot by the robbers.

Two of the robbers were reportedly wearing fatigue uniform of the Philippine National Police.

“He was there in the wrong time, in the wrong place,” said Manila police chief Brig. Gen. Rolando Miranda.

Investigators will talk to four other victims who are recovering from their injuries at the hospital and will check surveillance videos to identify the robbers, Miranda said.

Jocilyn Candido, wife of the victim, asked for justice.

The police formed a special investigation task group to handle the case. Willie Casas

JUST WON’T WASH. Liquid marijuana content? Bureau of Customs Port of Clark and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency personnel show to media parcels with liquid soap, and toothpaste purportedly laced with marijuana shortly after they were seized inside Clark International Airport. Jess Malabanan

The parcels, according to Port of Clark District Collector lawyer Ruby Alameda, are consigned to Metro Mobilia Corporation with business address at Alabang, Muntinlupa City. It was declared as toothbrush and hygiene kits such as toothpaste and liquid soap.

Alameda said the cargoes were shipped via courier from China but were put on hold due to suspicion that they had illegal substance inside as the point of origin of the parcels was included in the country tagged as red flag by the BoC and PDEA. When checked, two bottles of liquid soap and toothpaste were found positive of marijuana after series of laboratory tests at the PDEA headquarters, said Joseph Samson, chief of PDEA stationed at CRK. Three persons who claimed the packages, through an authorization letter from Metro Mobilia Corporation, were identified as Leonardo Gabalfin Jr., Frederick A. Juan and another one whose name was not mentioned in the report.

MMC representatives placed under PDEA custody after they claimed the parcels said the shipment was a legitimate business transaction between MMC and supplier from China. “MMC totally deny (sic)any involvement of illegal drugs shipment.”

142 QC village CoA recognizes Pasay LGU for tax collection leaders lauded By Joel E. Zurbano

By Rio N. Araja DURING Monday’s 25th Barangay Day, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte led in paying tributed to village officials for their immeasurable contribution to fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“Your efficient leadership cannot be measured to maintain peace and order among your constituents amid the pandemic,” she said.

She lauded the untiring efforts of the officials of the city’s 142 barangays in helping slow down the spread of COVID-19 within their communities and addressing the needs of the people.

“We almost could not take a break just to be able to respond to the needs of our constituents,” she said.

During the event themed “Tuloy-tuloy na Paglilingkod at Malasakit para sa Bayan,” Belmonte announced the winning barangays in the city government’s “Race to Zero” campaign designed to encourage and challenge villages to sustain the drop in the number of daily cases in the city through “trace-test-isolate-treat-reintegrate.”

Barangays Sikatuna Village, Quirino 3B-Claro and Dioquino Zobel (small barangay category), Sangandaan and Loyola Heights (medium group) and Sauyo and Fairview (large barangay class) were selected after garnering an average of 85 and above, based on the assessment by the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit.

THE Commission on Audit (CoA) on Monday recognized the city government of Pasay for consistently improving its efficiency in collecting business taxes.

COA Director for the Local Government Sector Omar Roque, in his 61-page report, noted Pasay´s CTO (City Treasurer’s Office) had consistently improved its efficiency in collecting business taxes for the past five years.

“We gathered that this was achieved by implementing effective collection strategies and measures by the CTO which included the tax information campaign such as timely announcement of payment deadlines and adopting detailed and facilitative procedural guidelines that assisted taxpayers, among others, which were posted on social media thru the Public Information Office of the City,” Roque said.

“The high collection on business taxes contributed 34.17 percent of the total rev-

enues from all sources... Notably, business taxes has (sic) become a stable source of the City’s revenue and a major factor to the City’s financial self-reliance,” he added.

Roque said the increasing trend of collections “from business taxes, surpassing the target figures for the year, is well perceived.”

Pasay City Mayor Imelda Rubiano said her administration would continue to strive for efficiency to further improve tax collections in the city.

GARBAGE CLEANUP. Almost 38 sacks of solid

wastes weighing about 494.5 kilograms were collected along the coastal barangays of Rawis, Arimbay and Bigaa in Legazpi City during Monday’s observance of the International Coastal Cleanup Day.

Police bust suspected drug ring

By Joel E. Zurbano

FACE SHIELDS. Sen. Cynthia Villar initiates the distribution of face shields to Las Pinas residents and workers to enhance their protection against the new coronavirus disease.

Villar sourced more than 6,000 face shields and, with the help of barangay leaders and community volunteers, has distributed the personal protective equipment to all 20 barangays of Las Pinas City and nearby barangays of Cavite.

POLICE busted another suspected members of a drug syndicate operating in southern part of Metro Manila, and seized more than P1.5 million worth of shabu in separate entrapment operations in cities of Muntinlupa and Makati Sunday night and early Monday morning.

First to be arrested was Raymond Calinog, 34, a resident of 168 T. Molina Street, Purok 5, Barangay Alabang.

He is now detained at the Muntinlupa Custodial Facility and was charged with violation of Sections 5 and 11 Article II of Republic Act 9165 also known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Members of the Muntinlupa City Police

Staton - 5 led by Maj. Peter Aquino, in close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, conducted the entrapment operation at the Philippine National Railway Site in Sucat, Muntinlupa City around 7:30 p.m.

Seized from Calinog were three pieces of plastic sachets containing 101 grams of shabu, a red color eco bag and P2,000 marked money used in the police operation.

The police operation was also conducted in cooperation with Barangay Alabang Councilman Jeramel Mendoza and a membert of the media.

Arrested In Makati City were Romnick Basas, alias Nick, 32; and Martin Garcia, alias Junior, 35, both residents of 4516 Quintos Street in Barangay Poblacion.

Moving in the wrong Opinion Opinion T Opinion A reckless plan Adelle Chua, Editor

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Adelle Chua, Editor TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, Chua, 2020 Editor Adelle mst.daydesk@gmail.com

B1

Living and dying during Living dying martial lawduring Living and and dying during martial law martial lawfought Living anddying dying during Ateneans who Living and during martial law the darkness martial law EAGLE EYES

TONY

EAGLE EYES LA VIÑA EAGLE EYES

TONY CONTINUING with my series on martial law, I borrow from a VIÑA book Living and LA TONY Dying: In Memory of LA 11 Ateneo VIÑAde Manila Martial Law Activists written byonCristina EAGLE EYES CONTINUING with my series marEAGLE EYES Jayme Montiel and published by the Ateneo tial law, I borrow from a book Living and CONTINUING my series on chronmarUniversity Presswith inof2007.

The book TONY Dying: 11aTONY Ateneo de Manila tial law,InI Memory borrow from book Living and Martial Law Activists written bydeCristina LA VIÑA Dying: In Memory of 11 Ateneo Manila LA VIÑA Jayme and published theCristina Ateneo MartialMontiel Law Activists writtenbyby University Press in 2007.

The book chronLetthirdus remember Jayme Montiel and published by Ateneo CONTINUING with my series series on marCONTINUING with my on marIN THIS instalment of the this series University Press in 2007.

The book chrontial law,I Iborrow borrow from abook bookLiving Living and tial law, from and these young people featuring “Living and aDyingIn Memory Dying: Memory Ateneo Manila Dying: Memory 1111Ateneo dedeManila of 11 InIn Ateneo deofofManila Martial Law who stood up to by be Martial Law Activists written byCristina Cristina Let us remember Martial Law Activists written Activists,” a book written

by Cristina Jayme Jayme Montiel and published by theAteneo Ateneo Jayme Montiel andand published by the counted fought Montiel memorializing the life story of 11 Let us remember these young people University Pressinlaw in2007.

2007.

Thewe book chronUniversity Press The book chronAtenean martial heroes, revisit as darkness veiled our the these young people who stood up to be journey of three more of these extraordinary land.stood individuals—Dante Dizon who up toPerez, be Abraham counted and fought “Ditto”Let Pascual Sarmiento Jr. and Lazaro Let us remember usand remember counted fought as darkness veiled P. Silva—who, for their courageour in fighting these young people these young people the dictatorship of Marcos and service to the icles the life, times and death ofour 11 Ateneo as darkness veiled land. people, left an indelible mark in their short dewho Manila University (ADMU) activists. stood up to be who stood up to be land. lifetime, ultimately laying livesjourney for a Each chapter capsulizes thetheir human and fought counted and fought cause they worth dying ofcounted anthe Ateneo activist from childhood days to icles life,believe times and death offor.

11 Ateneo turning points in theveiled radicalization process as darkness our de Manila (ADMU) activists. as darkness icles the life,University timespersonal andveiled deathinvolvements of our 11 Ateneoat to stories about Each chapter capsulizes the human journey deland.

Manila (ADMU) activists. land.

Dante, Ditto the peak ofUniversity activism.

Each biography of an Ateneo activist from childhood daysconto Each chapter capsulizes the human journey cludes with the violent death inflicted by turning points in the radicalization process and Lazzie ofMarcosian an Ateneo military activist from childhood days to forces. to stories about personal involvements at turning points in theand radicalization process icles the life,times times and death Ateneo icles the life, death 1111of Ateneo The book memorializes theofof life 11 Atthe peak ofabout activism.

Each biography conto stories personal involvements at de Manila University (ADMU) activists. de Manila University (ADMU) activists. eneans who gave up their lives during the cludes with the violent death inflicted by the peak ofDizon activism.

Each conEach chapter capsulizes thebiography human journey Each chapter capsulizes the human journey Dante Perez was born on 7 May horrendous first 10 years of martial law.

Marcosian military forces. cludes with the violent death inflicted by of an Ateneo activist from childhood days of an activist from childhood toto 1951 in Sampaloc, Manila.

Hisofdays parents These intrepid souls are—Ferdie Arceo, TheAteneo book memorializes the life 11 AtMarcosian military forces. turning points inCelestial, the radicalization process turning points in the radicalization process Amador and Remedios, natives of Batangas Bill Begg, Jun Sonny Hizon, Ed eneans whoabout gave up their the lives during the The book memorializes of 11where Atto stories personal involvements to stories about personal involvements atat province, early on migrated tolife Manila Jopson, Eman Lacaba, Dante Perez, Ditto horrendous first 10 years of martial law. eneans who gave up their lives during the the peak activism.

EachNick biography conthe peak ofofactivism.

Each biography conthey settled after marriage.

Dante was the Sarmiento, Lazzie Silva, Solana, and These intrepid souls are—Ferdie Arceo, horrendous first 10 years of martial law. cludes with the violent death inflicted by cludes with the violent death inflicted by eldest among seven boys.

Dante enrolled Manny Yap (whose body has not yet been Bill Begg, Jun Celestial, Sonny Hizon, Ed These intrepid souls are—Ferdie Arceo, Marcosian military forces.

Marcosian military forces. at the Ateneo for first year high school, found).

In this column, I share the stories of Jopson, Eman Lacaba, Dante Perez, Ditto Bill Begg, Jun Celestial, Sonny Hizon, Ed The book memorializes thelife life 11 AtThe book memorializes the ofof11 Atbut transferred to Silva, De la Nick Salle High School Arceo, Begg, and Celestial.

Sarmiento, Lazzie Solana, and Jopson, Eman Lacaba, Dante Perez, eneans who gave uptheir their lives during the eneans gave up lives during the in They Lipawho City, Batangas.

In college heDitto first were misunderstood and often disManny Yap (whose body has not yet been Sarmiento, Lazzie Silva, Nick Solana, and horrendous first 10 years of martial law. horrendous first 10 years martial law. enrolled at De La Salle in of Taft but ownedInby their alma mater.

AsAvenue Antonette found). this column, I share the stories of Manny Yap (whose body has not yet been These intrepid souls are—Ferdie Arceo, These intrepid souls are—Ferdie Arceo, in the Begg, second semester, hethe transferred to Palma-Angeles put it in foreword of the the Arceo, and Celestial. found).

In this column, I share the stories of Bill Begg, Jun Celestial, Sonny Hizon, Ed Bill Begg, Jun Celestial, Hizon, Ed University ofmisunderstood the East. book: “Student activistsSonny were not always They were and often disArceo, Celestial.

Jopson, Eman Lacaba, Dante Perez, Ditto Jopson, Eman Lacaba, Dante Perez, WithBegg, hisand brother Romy, Dante well-received in the Ateneo, for theyDitto quesowned by their alma mater.

As Antonette They were misunderstood and often disSarmiento, Lazzie Silva, Nick Solana, and Sarmiento, Lazzie Silva, Nick Solana, and began attending student rallies and tioned our traditions, disturbed our complaPalma-Angeles put it in the foreword of the owned by their alma mater.

As Antonette Manny Yap (whose body has not yet been Manny Yap (whose body has not yet been personally witnessed the violence against cency, even set us against each other while book: “Student activists were notstories always Palma-Angeles put itBut inI the foreword of or the found). this column, Ishare share the of found).

InInthis column, the stories ofof demonstrators.

Following the series they were with us. now, 30 years so well-received in the Ateneo, for they quesbook: “Student activists were not always Arceo, Begg, andCelestial.

Celestial.

Arceo, Begg, and jeepney strikes, an association of student after the declaration of martial law, we see tioned our traditions, disturbed our complawell-received inmisunderstood the Ateneo, for they quesThey were and often disThey were misunderstood and often disactivist called the Samahan ng Kabataan with aeven clarity enhanced by time, thatwhile these cency, set us against each other tioned our disturbed our complaowned bytraditions, their alma mater.

As Antonette owned by their alma mater.

As Antonette para sa Ikauunlad nang Tsuper (SKIT) young men did indeed absorb the best of our they were with us.

But 30 other years while or so cency, even us each Palma-Angeles putagainst innow, the foreword ofthe the Palma-Angeles put ititof insupport the foreword ofup was established to the strikers. lessons to set them, giving themselves for after the declaration martial law, we see they were withliving us.

But now, 30 years or so book: “Student activists were notalways always book: “Student activists were Dante decided to join It not was through justice, truly as SKIT. men-for-others.” with a clarity enhanced by time, that these after thethat declaration of martial law, we see well-received inthe theAteneo, Ateneo, for they queswell-received inindeed for they quesSKIT he met fellow activists and “Ferdie” Mirasol Arceo was born on 18 young men did absorb the best of our with a our clarity enhanced by time, that these tioned our traditions, disturbed our complationed traditions, disturbed our complastarted attending seminars and workshops January 1952 at the Delgado Memorial lessons to them, giving themselves up for young did indeed absorb theQuezon best of our cency, even set against each other while cency, even set ususagainst each other while conducted by Father JoseRoad Blanco, S.J. The Clinicmen along Kamuning City, justice, truly living asBut men-for-others.” lessons to with them, giving themselves up for they were with us. now, 30years years or they were us.

But now, 30 or soso Jesuit strongly influenced Dante’s political the first child of Atty.

Regaldo and Thel“Ferdie” Mirasol Arceo was born on 18 justice, truly living as men-for-others.” after the declaration of martial law, we see after declaration ofhe martial law, see transformation toward increased massma the Arceo.

In at 1968, enrolled aswean AB January 1952 the Delgado Memorial “Ferdie” Mirasol Arceo born on 18 with aclarity clarity enhanced bywas time, that these with a enhanced by time, that these based organizing.

Humanities student at ADMU and in 1970 Clinic along Kamuning Road Quezon City, January 1952 at the Delgado Memorial young men didindeed indeed absorb the beststudent ofour our young men did absorb best When martial law wasthe declared on Ferdie, together several fellow the first child of with Atty.

Regaldo and of ThelClinic along Kamuning Road Quezon City, lessons tothem, them, giving themselves up for lessons to giving themselves up for September 1972, Dante was in Mindoro activists, established the Ligang Demokrama Arceo.

In 1968, he enrolled as an AB the first child of (LDA), Atty.

Regaldo and Theljustice, truly living asmen-for-others.” men-for-others.” justice, living asat organizing.

In Mindoro, and his tiko ngtruly Ateneo theDante first radical acHumanities student ADMU and in 1970 ma Arceo.

In 1968,to he enrolled asLDA an “Ferdie” Mirasol Arceo was born onAB 18 “Ferdie” Mirasol Arceo was born on 18 group tried hard learn the culture and tivist organization of Ateneo.

The later Ferdie, together with several fellow student Humanities student at ADMU and in 1970 January 1952 at the Delgado Memorial January atthethe Memorial way life local people.

They Makalso split of into1952 twooffactions: the Kabataang activists, established theDelgado Ligang DemokraFerdie, together withthe several fellow student Clinic along Kamuning Road Quezon City, Clinic along Kamuning Road Quezon City, prepared themselves for military skirmishes. abayan (KM) and Samahang Demokratiko ng Ateneo (LDA), the first radical acactivists, established the Ligang Demokrathe firstchild child Atty.

Regaldo andThelThelthe first ofofAtty.

Regaldo and Unknown to them, deep penetration agent tivist organization ofaAteneo.

Theradical LDA tiko ng Ateneo (LDA), first acma Arceo.

In1968, 1968, hethe enrolled asmilitary. anlater AB ma Arceo.

In he enrolled as an AB was reporting their activities to the split into two student factions: the Kabataang Maktivist organization of Ateneo.

The LDA later Humanities at ADMU and in 1970 Humanities student ADMU and in 1970 On the(KM) night of the 3atNovember 1972, three abayan and Samahang Demokrasplit into twooffactions: the Kabataang MakFerdie, together withseveral several fellow student Ferdie, together with fellow student truckloads soldiers descended on them. abayan and Samahang Demokraactivists, established theLigang LigangDemokraDemokraactivists, established the When (KM) shots werethe fired, Dante was hit on tiko ngAteneo Ateneocausing (LDA),his thedeath. firstradical radical actiko (LDA), the first the ng abdomen, He wasac21 tivist organization of Ateneo.

The LDA later tivist of Ateneo. The LDA later yearsorganization old. splitinto intotwo twofactions: factions:the theKabataang KabataangMakMaksplit abayan (KM) and the Samahang Demokraabayan (KM) and the Samahang Demokra-

tiko ng mga Kabataan (SDK).

Ferdie became involved in labor unions and decided to drop out of school to go full time tiko nginto mgapolitical Kabataanactivism.

(SDK). When martial law wasbecame declared in 1972, he joined the Ferdie involved in labor unions tiko ng People’s mga Kabataan (SDK).

New Army in Westernto Visayas. and decided to drop out of school go full Ferdie became involved in labor unions On 29 July 1973, the 21-year oldmartial Ferdie time into political Whento and decided toalong dropactivism. out ofa school goinfull was walking with companion San law was declared in 1972, he joined the time into political activism.

Whenoperatives martial Joaquin, Iloilo when military New People’s Army in Western Visayas. law was declared 1972, heSarmiento joined the tiko ng mga Kabataan (SDK).

Abraham “Ditto” Pascual Jr. tiko ng mga Kabataan (SDK). bore down on themin and gunned themFerdie down.

On 29 Julybecame 1973, the 21-year old New People’s Army in Western Visayas.

Ferdie involved in labor unions was born on 5 June 1950.

He was the son Ferdie became involved in laborBegg unions William Vincent “Bill” Acuna was was walking along with a companion in San On 29 July 1973, 21-year old Ferdie and decided todrop dropthe out school togo gofull full of lawyer Sarmiento who later and decided to out ofofAlbay. school to a native of Abraham Legazpi City, He was the Joaquin, Iloilo when military operatives was walking along with a companion in San time into political activism.

When martial became a justice of the Supreme Court and time into political When thirddown among five activism. children born to martial John C. bore on them and gunned them down.

Joaquin, Iloilo when military operatives law was declared in1972, 1972, joined the Irene Montano Pascual.

Ditto spent his law was in he joined the Begg, andeclared engineer employed athethe Clark Air William Vincent “Bill” Acuna Begg was bore down on them and gunned them down.

New People’s Army Western Visayas. elementary and high school days at Ateneo New People’s Army inin Western Visayas.

Base, and Zenaida Acuna from Legazpi City. ade native of Legazpi City, Albay.

He was the William Vincent “Bill” Acuna Begg was On 29July July 1973, the 21-year old Ferdie Manila.

He belonged to the honor section, On 29 1973, the 21-year old Ferdie At 14, Bill entered the seminary in Balintathird among five children born to John C. agarnered native of Legazpi City, Heexcellence was the was walking along with aAlbay. companion San general was walking along with a1970, companion inin San wak, Quezon City.

Inacademic even as he exBegg, an engineer employed at the Clark Air third among five children born to John C. Joaquin, Iloilo when military operatives awards and frequently topped hisinclass.

Joaquin, Iloilo when operatives celled academically andmilitary was a Legazpi leader extraBase, and Zenaida Acuna from City.

Begg, anstrengthened engineer employed at principles the Clark Air bore down onthem them and gunned them down.

Ateneo core that bore down on and gunned them down. curricular activities inthe college, Bill was also At 14, BillZenaida entered the seminary inBegg BalintaBase, and Acuna from Legazpi City.

William Vincent “Bill” Acuna was Ditto held throughout his life.

William Vincent “Bill” Acuna Begg was active in nationalist student circle of radical wak, Quezon City.

In 1970, even as he exAt 14, Bill entered the seminary in Balintaastudents native Legazpi City, Albay.

He wasthe the In college, he entered the University of acelled native ofofon Legazpi City, He was campus.

HeAlbay. joined Kabataang academically and was aborn leader in extrawak, Quezon City.

In 1970, even as he exthird amongfive fiveand children to John C. the Philippines became editor in chief third among children born to John C. Makabayan (KM) and immersed himself in curricular activities in college, Bill was also celled academically and was a leader in extraBegg, an engineer employed at the Clark Air of The Philippine Collegian.

On 24 January Begg, an engineer employed at the of Clark Air student and community organizing work. active in nationalist student circle radical curricular activities in college, Bill wasCity. also Base, and Zenaida Acuna from Legazpi City.

1976, heZenaida was arrested andLegazpi incarcerated Base, Acuna Inand 1971 the writ of from habeas corpus was students on campus.

He joined Kabataang active in nationalist student circle of radical At 14, Bill entered the seminary in Balintafor seven months and three days.

In At 14, Bill entered the immersed seminary Balintasuspended and Bill, together in with three Makabayan (KM) and himself in students on campus.

He joined wak, Quezon City.

In 1970, even asheheexextime, through the In efforts ofeven hisKabataang father, he wak, Quezon City.

1970, as fellow KMs, were detained for putting up student and community organizing work.

Makabayan (KM) and immersed himself inof celled academically and wasa aleader leader extrawas released from prison.

But the harsh celled academically and was ininextrasubversive posters in Marikina.

Because In 1971 the writ of habeas corpus was student andactivities community organizing work. curricular activities incollege, college, Bill was also conditionsin prisonintook a toll on his health; curricular was also his radical activities, Bill wasBill dismissed by suspended and Bill,of together with three In 1971 the writ habeas corpus was active in nationalist student circle of radical his asthma deteriorated.

On 11 November active inKMs, nationalist studentWhen circle of radical the Board ofwere Discipline. martial law fellow detained for putting up suspended Bill, together with three students onand campus.

Hejoined joined Kabataang 1977, heon suffered a joined heart attack brought on students campus.

He Kabataang was declared, he the underground subversive posters in Marikina.

Because of fellow KMs, were detained for putting up Makabayan (KM) and immersed himself by seizures resulting from his ailment.

He Makabayan (KM)later, andBill immersed himselfwhile inin and three activities, years in was March 1975, his radical dismissed by subversive posters in Marikina.

Because of student and community work. died atand age 27. student community organizing work. waiting for a doctor inorganizing a hut martial in Villalaw Rey the Board of Discipline.

When his radical activities, Bill was dismissed by In 1971 the writ of habeas corpus was Ditto will never be forgotten.

Forty-five In declared, 1971 the writjoined of habeas corpus wasatEchague, Isabela, Bill’s NPAunderground unit was was he the the Board of Discipline.

When martial law suspended and Bill, together with three years ago, he wrote these stirring words that suspended and Bill, together with three tacked by the military.

Bill was captured and three years later, in March 1975, while was declared, he joined the underground fellow KMs, were detained for putting up generations of youth activists and student fellow were detained forinsoldiers putting up alive. KMs, Before killing him, the merwaiting for a doctor in a hut Villa Rey and three still years later, March 1975, while subversive posters inin Marikina.

Because of leaders proclaim with courage and subversive posters in Marikina.

Because of cilessly tortured him, leaving him with 17 Echague, Isabela, Bill’s NPA unit wasKung atwaiting for a doctor in a hut in Villa Rey his radical activities, Bill was dismissed by conviction: “Kung hindi tayo kikilos? his radical activities, was was dismissed by stab wounds 11 Bill gunshot wounds. tacked by the and military.

Bill captured Echague, Isabela, NPA unit washindi atthetayo Board Discipline.

When martial law di kikibo, sinoBill’s ang“Jun” kikibo?

Kung the Board ofofArtemio Discipline.

When martial law Finally, Somoza Cealive.

Before killing him, the soldiers mertacked by the military.

Bill was captured was declared, he joined the underground ngayon, kailan pa?” (“If we do not act, who was declared, joined the underground lestial Jr. washeborn 16 September 195017in cilessly tortured him, leaving him with alive.

Before the soldiers merand three later, in March 1975, while will act?

Ifyears wekilling do nothim, who If and three years later, incare, March 1975, while Maragondon Cavite, Jun was awill soncare? of Arstab wounds and 11 gunshot wounds. cilessly tortured him, leaving him with 17 waiting for a doctor in a hut in Villa Rey not now, when?”) waiting for a doctor in a hut Somoza in Villa Rey temio Celestial, superintendent of Public Finally, Artemio “Jun” Cestab wounds and 11was gunshot wounds.

Echague, Isabela, Bill’s NPA was atLazaro P. Silva born on 4unit March 1952 Echague, Isabela, Bill’s NPA unit was atSchools in Cavite, and Maria Celestial. lestial Jr.Jose, was born 16 September 1950 in Finally, Artemio “Jun” Somoza Cetacked by the military.

Bill was captured in San Nueva Ecija.

Within the Silva tacked by theCavite, military. was captured Jun entered college at aBill politically charged Maragondon Jun was asoldiers son of merArlestial Jr. was born 16 September 1950 in alive.

Before killing him, thesoldiers family, he was known as Cedric though he alive.

Before killing him, the merperiod.

He joined the Ateneo Catechetical temio Celestial, superintendent of Public Maragondon Cavite, Jun was a son of Arcilessly tortured him, leaving him with 17 came to be called Lazzie by his friends. cilessly tortured him,(ACIL) leaving himthe with 17 Instruction League and Student Schools in Cavite, and Maria Celestial. temio Celestial, superintendent of Public stab wounds and11 11gunshot gunshot wounds.

In 1965, Lazzie passed the qualifying stab wounds and wounds.

Catholic Action (SCA).

Due perhaps to his Jun entered college ataand a“Jun” politically charged Schools in Artemio Cavite, Maria Celestial.

Finally, Artemio Somoza Ceexaminations for the scholarship at the Finally, “Jun” Somoza Ceencounters with military and martial period.

He joined the Ateneo Catechetical Jun entered college at aopen politically charged lestial Jr.was was bornof 16 September 1950 Philippines Science High School (PSHS). lestial Jr. born 16 September 1950 inin law’s suppression political activist Instruction League (ACIL) and theson Student period.

He joined the Ateneo Catechetical Maragondon Cavite, Jun was a of ArWhen the First Quarter Storm heated up in Maragondon Cavite, wasperhaps a involvement son of Arorganizations, Jun’sJun political Catholic Action (SCA).

Due to hisin Instruction League (ACIL) the temio Celestial, superintendent ofStudent Public 1970, Lazzie was in his lastand three months temio Celestial, superintendent of Public and the extent of his participation from 1972 encounters thehigh military and martial Catholic Action (SCA).

Due perhaps topoint. his Schools inwith Cavite, and Maria Celestial. high school.

After school, enrolled Schools inbecame Cavite, and Maria Celestial. to 1974 less clear-cut athe this law’s suppression of open political activist encounters with the military and martial Jun entered college at a politically charged at the Ateneo de Manila College.

Thereat, Jun entered college at a politically charged The circumstances of Jun’s death have not organizations, Jun’s political involvement law’s suppression of open activist period.

Hejoined joined the Ateneo Catechetical he joined the Samahang Demokratiko ng period.

He the Ateneo been fully established.

Aspolitical farCatechetical as the family and the extent of his participation from 1972 organizations, Jun’s political involvement Instruction League (ACIL) and the Student Kabataan and began attending rallies and Instruction League (ACIL) and the Student recalls, he was gone for several days before to 1974 became less clear-cut at from this point. and thefound extent ofbody his participation Catholic Action (SCA).

Due perhaps to his demonstrations.

Catholic Action (SCA).

Due perhaps to1972 his they his inJun’s the Montalban River The circumstances of death have not to 1974 became less clear-cut at this point. encounters with the military and martial In the September 1976, Lazzie left for the encounters with the military and martial near Wawa Dam in Rizal province on 21 been fully established.

Asbrought farpolitical as the family The circumstances Jun’s have law’s suppression open activist countryside.

A comrade him to his law’s suppression ofoffor open political activist February 1974.

There was adeath bigdays gash onnot his recalls, he was gone several before been fully Asbloated. far as the organizations, Jun’s political involvement designated area in was Central Luzon where organizations, Jun’s political involvement head, andestablished. his body Thefamily police they found his body in the Montalban River recalls, he was gone for several days before and the extent of his participation from 1972 Lazzie was to work among the peasants. and the extent ofDam his participation from 1972 investigation established that Jun was held near the Wawa in Rizal province on 21 they found body inclear-cut themountains.

Montalban River to 1974 became less clear-cut atthis this point.

Castilla, ahisfellow activist, was making to 1974 became less at point. by a military unit in the February 1974.

There was a big gash on his near the Wawa Dam in Rizal province onnot 21 TheSeptember circumstances ofJun’s Jun’s death have not arrangements to Lazzie somewhere in The circumstances of death have is asee month when we rememhead, and his body was bloated.

The police February 1974.

There was afar big on his been fully established.

Asfar as thefamily family Zambales when she received agash phone call been fully established.

As as the ber bad things that happened in this country. investigation established that her JunThe held head, his body was bloated. police recalls, was for several days before from his informing ofwas Lazzie’s recalls, he was gone for several days before But itand ishebrother, also agone good time to remember our by a military unit in the mountains. investigation established that Jun was held they found his body in the Montalban River death.

Apparently, 13 August River 1975, they found hisisbody inon thewhen Montalban heroes, those brave and courageous young September a month we rememby a the military in the mountains. near theWawa Wawa Dam inRizal Rizal province on21 21 members ofunit the military surrounded the near Dam in province on people—Ferdie, Bill, and Jun whocountry. stood up ber bad things happened in this September isthat aThere month when we rememFebruary 1974. was abig big gash on his hut where Lazzie and his comrades were February 1974.

There was a gash on his to be counted and fought as darkness veiled But it is also a good time to remember our ber things that happened in country. head, and hisbody body wasbloated. bloated.

The police staying.

Lazzie volunteered tothis stay to keep head, and his was The police ourbad land. heroes, brave courageous young But itmilitary isthose also established aat good time to remember our investigation established that Junwas was held the bay and so his comrades could investigation that Jun held people—Ferdie, Bill, and Junprocess. who stood up heroes, those brave and courageous young by a military unit in the mountains. escape.

He was killed in the He was by a military unit in the mountains.

Website: tonylavina.com to be counted and fought as darkness veiled people—Ferdie, Bill, and Jun who stood up September is a month when we rememonly 23 years September isold. a month when we tonylavs rememFacebook: deantonylavs Twitter: our land. to be counted and fought as darkness veiled ber bad things that happened in this country.

Dante, Ditto, and Lazzie were only in their ber bad things that happened in this country. our Butland. also agood good timedid remember our twenties but atheir youth not stop them But ititisisalso time totoremember our Website: tonylavina.com heroes, those brave and courageous young from fighting the darkness that covered this heroes, those brave and courageous young Facebook: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs Website: people—Ferdie, Bill,21 and Jun48 who stood up land onetonylavina.com September some years ago. people—Ferdie, Bill, and Jun who stood up Facebook: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs to be counted and fought as darkness veiled to be counted and fought as darkness veiled ourWebsite: land. tonylavina.com Facebook: our land. deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs Website:tonylavina.com tonylavina.com Website: Facebook: deantonylavsTwitter: Twitter:tonylavs tonylavs Facebook: deantonylavs

only in three situations: HE recent move by mst.daydesk@gmail.com • If the government official who filed the Office of the it and his or her official representative TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 B1 Adelle Chua,Editor Editor made aSEPTEMBER request; Adelle Ombudsman to limit TUESDAY, 15, 2020 Chua, B1 • If it is legally ordered by the court mst.daydesk@gmail.com public access to the statements mst.daydesk@gmail.com in relation to a pending case; or of assets and liabilities • If the request is22, made through the TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER15, 15,2020 2020 B1 B1 TUESDAY, (SALNs) of government Office of the Ombudsman’s field investigation office for the purpose of a officials is diametrically fact-finding probe. opposed to the Duterte administration’s avowed policy plan against COVID-19, Secretary Carlito combination, and not just one component, HE government has Galvez, said “optimizing” physical distance face masks, can stop the spread of a highly approved a plan to of transparency.

How does the disease. among passengers would help ease trans- contagious

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL A reckless plan EDITORIAL T A reckless plan A more measured response A reckless plan T T T

increase the number portation among commuters. plan againstwoes COVID-19, Secretary Carlito HE government has of This policy was clearly set down in an "With public transportation, there is fastGalvez, said “optimizing” physical distance riders in mass transport vehicles plan against COVID-19, Secretary Carlito HE government executive order issued by the President approved a plan has to er recovery of lives and livelihoods as we among passengers would physical help ease transGalvez, said “optimizing” distance by reducing thethe physical early days of his administration. push forward under the new normal,” Galapproved a plan todistance increase number of in theportation woes among commuters. among passengers would help ease transvez said. between commuters, even though Order No. 2,commuters. signed onis July "With public transportation, there fastthe number of Executive riders inincrease mass transport vehicles portation woes among erpreferences recovery offor lives and livelihoods as we 23, 2016, provided guidelines to enable health officials are still reporting "With public transportation, there is fastplan against COVID-19, Secretary Carlito the country’s exporters.

HE government has response from the riders inHE mass transport vehicles plan against COVID-19, Secretary Carlito by reducing the physical distance government has push forward under the new normal,” GalerGalvez, recovery livestheir andtolivelihoods aspique we saidof “optimizing” physical distance people to exercise constitutional The Palace response all this was thousands of Galvez, said “optimizing” physical distance approved plan tothough Palace tophysical aaCOVID-19 call from the vez said. by reducing thenew between commuters, even approved plan todistance push forward under the new normal,” Gal-in The new IATFamong passengers would help ease transat what it views as foreign interference right to information and spelled out state among passengers would help ease transinfections daily. increase the number vez said. woes European Parliament topolicies portation woes among commuters. between commuters, even though health officials are still reporting domestic affairs.

But given the stakes inincrease the number ofof portation among commuters. approved policy for public full public disclosure and "With transportation, there is fastvolved and the EU’s own internal require"With public transportation, there is fastriders in mass transport vehicles suspend the Philippines’ tax-free The in new policy, by thetransparency Inhealth officials areapproved still reporting thousands of new COVID-19 riders mass transport vehicles inthe the public service. suggests a careless errecovery recovery of lives and livelihoods we The new IATFfor of grant oflivelihoods GSP+ privileges, erments lives and asaswe ter-Agency Task Force for the Management by reducing the physical distance privileges inthe the European Union thousands of new COVID-19 infections daily.

Transparency, after all, is a key comby reducing physical distance push forward under the new normal,” Galpush forward under the new normal,” Galperhaps it wasn’t all too advisable to dare of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), is approved disregard forIATFthe safety The new policy vezto said. between commuters, even though ponentthe fighting corruption (EU) as ahandiwork result ofofhuman rights infections daily. said.

EU to go ahead and makein ourgovernday. between even clearly thecommuters, the Department The new policy, approved bythough the In-of vez of working men and approved policy suggests a careless ment.

Transportation (DOTR), with Transport Sechealth officials are still reporting concerns was predictably—and ter-Agency Task Force for the Management health officials are still reporting The new by the Inretary Arthurpolicy, Tugadeapproved emphasizing the need women who have suggests afor careless sadly, EO No. 2 covered only the of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), isBut disregard the safety thousands of new COVID-19 unnecessarily—prickly and ter-Agency Task Force for the Management thousands of new COVID-19 to “safely optimize theofcarrying capacity”ofof The new IATFclearly the handiwork the Department executive department, and in the The new IATFno choice but to take ofpugnacious.

Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), is disregard for the safety and more infections daily. public transport vehicleswith given that more em- of working infections daily.

Transportation (DOTR), Transport SecPerhapsmen it wasn’t all

clearly thearehandiwork ofreturn the Department ofas four than years transportation. after its signing, Conapproved policy approved policy ployees expected to to their jobs public of working men and retary Arthur Tugade emphasizing thethe need women who have Transportation (DOTR), with Transport SecThe new policy, approved by In- has too advisable to dare gress not deigned to pass a freedom The new policy, approved by the Inmore industries resume their operations.

“If they want to add to the hardships suggests abut careless to “safely optimize theemphasizing carrying capacity” of suggests athat careless retary Arthur Tugade the need women who have ter-Agency Task Force forthe theManagement Management no choice to take ter-Agency Task Force for Tugade said his department is “receptive of“safely thetransport Filipino people during a more time of ofofaisinformation act would cover public vehicles given that emthe EU to go ahead andthe to optimize the carrying capacity” of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), disregard for the safety As the economy reels from the effects of of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), is disregard for the safety to an initial optimization of the physical disno choice but to take pandemic, so be it.

We will accept that ployees are expected to return to their jobs as public transportation. other two branches of government. public transport vehicles given that more emclearly the handiwork the Department make our pandemic, thisday. sentiment is understandclearly the handiwork ofof the Department ofof the tancing measure in public transport vehicles of working men and as history repeating itself,” presidential more industries resume operations. of working and ployees are expected to their return toTransport their jobs asNow the Office ofmen thebecome Ombudsman, public transportation.

Transportation (DOTR), with Secable but could quickly self-defeatTransportation (DOTR), with Transport Secto .75 meters among commuters beginning Tugade saidHarry his department isin“receptive spokesman Roque Filipino. more industries resume their said operations. retary Arthur Tugade emphasizing theneed need women who have whiching is independent theeffects execuifthe the number of from COVID-19 cases of beretary Arthur Tugade emphasizing the women who have Sept.

14.

As economy reels from the toto an initial optimization of the physical dis“Let’s stop this discussion.

They should Tugade said his the department iscapacity” “receptive “safely optimize the carrying capacity” of department, gins to rise as a result. to “safely optimize carrying of This will “further be optimized to 0.5 metive seems to believe public the pandemic, this sentiment is understandno choice but to take tancing measure in public transport vehicles do they want.of In times like this, choice to take As the economy reels from the has effects of a Under thephysical EUbut GSP+ privileges, more topublic anwhatever initial optimization physical distransport vehicles given that more em- no To date, distancing been public transport vehicles given that more emters after two weeks and tothe0.3 meters after able but could quickly become self-defeatto .75 meters among commuters beginning officials need not be sentiment open to public scruif they want to implement it, go ahead! the pandemic, this is understandthan 6,000 types of Philippine goods entancing measure in public transport vehicles ployees are expected to return to their jobs as public transportation. key component ofofmost efforts to stopbethe ployees are expected return to their jobs as ing public transportation. another two weeks,"toTugade added. ifbut number cases Sept.

14. could quickly become self-defeatThey will be among the biggest contributor totiny, the able either. tomore .75 meters commuters beginning ter thetheEU atCOVID-19 zero tariff. industries resume their operations. spread ofasmarket COVID-19 around the world, more industries resume their operations.

Tugade argues that current health measgins to rise a result.

This will “further be optimized to 0.5 meing if the number of COVID-19 cases beviolation of the right to life PhilipSept.

14.

Tugade said his department isthe “receptive Suspending privileges would The new guidelines issued by Omalong with goodthese hygiene and has hand washTugade said his department ismeters “receptive ures, such as the mandatory usein of face masks To date, physical distancing been aof ters after two weeks and to 0.3 gins toand rise as a result.

As the economy reels from theeffects effects This will “further be optimized toone-meter 0.5after mepines,” he added. to an initial optimization of thephysical physical disdeal a substantial blow to Philippine exAs the economy reels from the of ing the use of face masks.

Health exto an initial optimization of the disand face shields meant that the budsman Samuel Martires limits access key component of most efforts to stop the another two weeks," Tugade added.

To date, physical distancing has a the pandemic, thissentiment sentiment understandters after two weeks and totransport 0.3 meters after In ameasure resolution, European Union law- the tancing measure public transport vehicles ports toofthe EU. pandemic, this isis understandperts—including those from thebeen World tancing inin public physical distancing measure can be vehicles relaxed. spread COVID-19 around the world, Tugade argues that current health measto a SALN tocould the person who filed it and key component of most efforts to stop the able but quickly become self-defeatanother two weeks," Tugade to .75meters meters among commuters beginning makers had called onofadded. the European In the EU GSP+ report for 2018-2019 able but could quickly become self-defeatHealth Organization (WHO)--believe this to .75 among commuters beginning The chief implementer the government’s along with good hygiene and hand washures, such the mandatory use of face masks spread of number COVID-19 around world, officers conducting an investigation. ingif ifthe the number ofCOVID-19 COVID-19 cases beTugade argues Sept.

14. as Commission, “inthat thecurrent absencehealth of anymeassubing offace cases bepublished early this year, thethe country’s Sept.

14. ing and the good use of masks.

Health exand face shields meant that the one-meter along with hygiene and hand washgins to rise as a result. ures, such as the mandatory use of face masks Thiswill will “furtherbebeoptimized optimized to0.5 0.5memeUnder a memorandum issued Sept. stantial improvement and willingness to gins to rise as a result. utilization rate of the preferential trade This “further to perts—including from the World physical measure relaxed. ingTo and thephysical use ofthose face masks.

Health exTo date, physical distancing has been and face shields meant thebe one-meter ters afterdistancing two weeks andthat tocan 0.3 meters after date, has been aa cooperate onweeks the part the Philippine ters after two and toof 0.3 meters after 1, theHealth Ombudsman release SALNs arrangement waswill atdistancing 73.1 percent in 2018.

Organization (WHO)--believe this The chief implementer of the government’s perts—including those from the World key component of most efforts to stop the physical distancing measure can be relaxed. another twoweeks," weeks," Tugade added. component of most efforts to stop the authorities,” to take stepsadded. that could lead keyThe another two Tugade EU Delegation to the Philippines Health Organization (WHO)--believe this spread of of COVID-19 COVID-19 around the the world, The chief implementer of the government’s Tugade argues that current health meas- spread around argues that current health toTugade the temporary withdrawal of measGSP+ also estimated that around EUR 2world, billion along with good hygiene andhand handwashwashures,such suchasasthe themandatory mandatoryuse useofofface facemasks masks along with good hygiene and ures, ingand andthe theuse useofofface facemasks. masks.Health Healthexexandface faceshields shieldsmeant meantthat thatthe theone-meter one-meter ing and LAST week was ameasure bumper can cropbe ofrelaxed. inanity perts—including those from from the the World World physical distancing perts—including those physical distancing measure can be relaxed. and illogic issuing from of thethe opposition, es- Health Organization (WHO)--believe this The chiefimplementer implementer government’s The chief FORMATIONthis pecially the Red variety.of the government’s Health Organization (WHO)--believe

Ombudsman’s memorandum help in the fight against corruption in government?

The notionand that not we can and gradually combination, justsafely one component, cut masks, back from the WHO-prescribed face can stop the spread of one-meter a highly combination, and not foot justwould one component, distance down to one be ludicrous, contagious disease. face can stop the spread of a highly ifThe itmasks, weren’t so dangerous. notion thatpotentially we can safely and gradually contagious disease.

In fact, a former adviser to the IATF cutThe backnotion from that the WHO-prescribed we cantransportation safely andone-meter gradually describes thetopublic plan as distance down one foot would be ludicrous, cut backbillion) from the WHO-prescribed one-meter combination, and notjust justone oneof component, (P113 or 25 percent the councombination, and not component, reckless. if it weren’t so potentially dangerous. distance down to stop one foot would beofof ludicrous, faceDr. masks, can stop the spread highly try’s total exports to EU enter the trade face masks, can the spread a ahighly Anthony Leachon said the one-meter fact, aso former adviser to the IATF ifbloc itInweren’t potentially dangerous. contagious disease. under GSP+. contagious disease. physical distance between individuals is as the describes the public transportation plan InAlready, fact, former adviser toand the The notion that wecan can safely gradually European Chamber ofIATF ComThe notion that we safely and gradually bedrock ofathe preventing virus transmission, reckless. describes the public transportation plan as cut back from theWHO-prescribed WHO-prescribed one-meter merce of thethe Philippines has warned ofshield mascut back from one-meter and that wearing a face mask face Dr. Anthony Leachon said theorbeone-meter reckless. distance down to one foot would ludicrous, sive social andtoeconomic repercussions the distance one foot be ludicrous, is just adown complement to would this basic preventive physical distance between individuals isifthe Anthony Leachon said thenoone-meter all other instances, SALN will ifmeasure. it“In weren’t sopotentially potentially dangerous. if itDr. weren’t so dangerous. country’s GSP+ status isvirus withdrawn. bedrock of preventing transmission, physical distance between individuals is the In fact, a former adviser to the IATF be furnished to the requester unless InECCP fact, a former adviser toseemed the IATF He added thata face the DOTR to be he/ president Nabil Francis said conand that wearing mask face shield bedrock ofat preventing virus or transmission, describes the public transportation plan as describes public transportation plan as working cross-purposes from the Desidering the EU is among the largest tradshe presents a notarized letter of auis just a complement to this basic preventive and that wearing a face mask ormandates face shield reckless. reckless. partment ofofHealth, which the ing partners the Philippines, removing its the measure. from the declarant allowing isthority just a complement to this basic preventive Dr. Anthony Leachon said the one-meter Dr. Anthony Leachon said the one-meter one-meter distance based onjobs theintoWHO GSP+ status would jeopardize both He added that the DOTR seemed be release of thebetween requested SALN,” measure. physical distance between individuals isthe the the physical distance individuals standard. the agriculture and manufacturing sectors. working atof cross-purposes from theis He added that the DOTR seemed toDebe bedrock preventing virus transmission, memorandum said. bedrock of preventing virus transmission, “This [policy] will be risky, reckless, partment of cross-purposes Health, which mandates the Hethat said Philippine exports totheEU inworking at from Deand wearing aalso face mask face shield and that wearing face mask ororface shield counter-intuitive and will derail the flatThe memo states that “all one-meter based on the WHO creased bydistance 27 apercent a basic year after the repartment of Health, which mandates the is just a complement to this preventive is just a complement this preventive tening of the curveto inor the National Capital standard. quests toqualified inspect tobasic take pictures country for GSP+, and revok- of one-meter distance based on the WHO measure. measure.

Region, which will... affect the entire Phil“This [policy] will be risky, reckless, ingHe theadded benefits of GSP+ amid the COVthe SALN will be denied.” standard. that the DOTR seemed be He added the DOTR seemed toto be ippines.

Wethat have flattened the curve, but counter-intuitive and will derail the flatID-19 pandemic “will also exacerbate “This [policy] will be risky, reckless, working at cross-purposes from the DeThe Ombudsman offers no reason working at cross-purposes from the that isofnot completely irreversible.

WeDewill tening the curve in will the National Capital the economic situation” here. counter-intuitive and derail flatpartment of Health, Health, mandates thethat partment ofresurgence which mandates the for the new guidelines, saying cause [a] ofwhich cases if wethe areonly reckRegion, which will... affect the entire PhilThe Philippine Exporters Confederatening of the curve in the National Capital one-meter distance based on the WHO one-meter distance basedRepublic on the WHO less,”are heWe warned. they in line with Act ippines. have flattened theumbrella curve, but Region, which will... affect the entire Philtion Inc. (PhilExport), the or-No. standard. standard.

The newly approved policy also suggests that is not completely irreversible.

We will 6713, which is a code of conduct ippines. have flattened the curve, but “ThisWe [policy] will be risky, reckless, ganization of Filipino exporters, said theand [policy] will be a“This careless disregard therisky, of workcause [a] resurgence offor cases ifsafety we reckless, are reckthat is not completely irreversible.

We will counter-intuitive and will derail the flatethical standards for public officials move could to 20 percent of the counter-intuitive andupwill derail the flating men andaffect women who have no choice less,” he warned. cause [a] resurgence of cases if wecould are recktening of the curvein in the National Capital country’s exports to EUNational and and employees. tening of the curve the Capital but to take public transportation.

Is itcost all The newly approved policy also suggests less,” he warned.

Region, which affect theentire entireso Philof thousands workers their jobs.

Region, will... affect the Philright forwhich them towill... beof only a foot apart longpreThe new guidelines effectively atens careless disregard for the safety of worknewly approved policy also suggests ippines.

We have flattened the curve, but In the face offlattened these dire outcomes, ippines.

We have the curve, but asThe thethe government officials who make the to ing men and women who have no choice public from gaining access avent careless disregard for theRobredo safety of workthat isnot not completely irreversible.

We will Vice President Leni said it that is completely irreversible.

We will rules don’t need to sit beside them? but to take public transportation.

Is it all ing men and who have no choice SALNs, aswomen the ofbetter press not included cause [a]have resurgence of cases we are reckcause [a] resurgence cases ifisifapart we are reckwould been for the Palace right for them to be only a foot so long but tohehe take public transportation.

Is it all less,” warned. among those may copies less,” warned. to show that thewho country is obtain abiding by as the government officials who make the right for them to be only a foot apart so long The newly approved policy also suggests newly approved policy alsoof suggests itsThe human rights commitments after all. without a notarized letter authority rules don’t need to sit beside them? the government who the acareless careless disregardofficials forthe safetymake workaasThis disregard for safety ofof workis all assuming, ofthecourse, that this rules don’t need to sit beside them? ing men and women who have no choice ing men and is really the women case. who have no choice but to take public transportation.

Is it all but to take public transportation. Is it all right for them to be only a foot apart so long right for them be only a foot apart of so3,000long alsothe took the to actual police number government officials whomake make the asas theunexplained government officials who the plus deaths in the war on drugs, rules don’t need to sit beside them? rules need tothat sit beside and don’t then inflated numberthem? to thirty, forty,

Walking dead Walking dead The Monday IATF confe dead A newWalking normal GARY for teachers WalkingOLIVAR dead Walking dead GARY

nowtook fiftythe thousand….and still counting.

Consider, for example, accusation also actual police number of 3,000LAST week was a bumper the crop of inanityby can count on the opposition to put Makabayan party-listers inopposition, Congress esthat THE Monday Inter Agency Task plusYou IN unexplained deaths in the war on drugs, and illogic issuing from the more stringent budget pressures local WE’RE smack inbumper the middle today of also took the actual police number ofof 3,000LAST week was a crop of inanity anything out of that context.

As atomatter of fact, the administration was “Red-tagging” them.

FORMATION and then inflated number thirty, forty, pecially the Red variety.

Force for Infectious Diseases meeting, governance.

This would also encourage the 12th annual celebration of National plus unexplained deaths in the war on drugs, and illogic issuing from the opposition, esDUTY CALLS aside from the beach sanding, the DENR is InConsider, reply, anti-terrorism spokesman PCOO now fifty thousand….and still counting. for example, the accusation by greater community especially Teachers’ starting last Septembertwo 5. interesting topicsFORMATION were discussed and then inflatedmoney that participation, number to thirty, forty, pecially theMonth, Red variety. also spending onopposition related programs Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy offered to count on to put Makabayan party-listers byYou thecan parents, in the critical activities like It’s an ongoing project ofin ourCongress friends atthat the the President in his usual frankness now fifty thousand….and still counting.

Consider, for example, the accusation by by like cleaning up the waterways that empty resign her post ifwas those party-listersthem. would Jose Maria Sison continues to boast about anything out ofactual context.

As a matter ofto3,000fact, the administration “Red-tagging” teacher and curriculum evaluations.

Metrobank Foundation, led by its president You can count on the opposition put Makabayan party-listers in Congress that also took the police number of LAST week was a bumper crop of inanity and candor. thethe actual of 3,000LAST wasofa simple bumper crop ofdenounce inanity intotook Manila Bay, police just asnumber they first hadisto the size and growth OLIVAR ofGARY the NDF. Both of also doreply, a week couple things: aside from sanding, the DENR In anti-terrorism spokesman PCOO The second reform should open Aniceto Sobrepena. anything ofbeach context.

As a matter of fact,up the administration was “Red-tagging” them. plus unexplained deaths inthe the waron on drugs, and illogic issuing from theopposition, opposition, esunexplained deaths in war drugs, and illogic issuing from the esclear theout bayfront of tons of garbage before them can’t be the telling the truth at thevacsame plus communist violence and work with the One is about coronavirus also spending money on related programs Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy offered to OLIVAR education to foreign investment, which The teaching profession is a topic that FORMATION aside from the beach sanding, the DENR is In reply, anti-terrorism spokesman PCOO and then inflated that number to thirty, forty, pecially the Red variety.

FORMATION then inflated that number to thirty, forty, pecially the Redifvariety. bringing in the sand.

But don’t expect the time. rest ofher government to peaceably address its Jose cine, which theSison country is now banking like up the waterways that Maria continues to boast about and resign post those is cleaning totally prohibited under theempty 1987 ought to be close to theparty-listers hearts of sowould many also spending money on related programs Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy offered to now fifty thousand….and still counting.

Consider, for example, the accusation by now fifty thousand….and still counting.

Consider, for example, the accusation by critics to praise them for that.

Either the Makabayan or Mr. Sison is roots. into Manila Bay, just as they first had to the size and growth of the NDF. Both of do a couple of simple things: denounce on toJose deliver us to the Promised Land.

Constitution.

We’ll have to learn the selfof ourher countrymen whose parents included cleaning up the waterways that empty Maria Sison to boast aboutor like resign if those party-listers would You cancount count on opposition toput put Makabayan party-listers Congress that cine.

This obviously puts poorer counYou on the to Makabayan party-listers inin Congress that *tons *the *opposition lying.

Either the continues NDF isGARY alive well, These post are things any ordinary clear thecan bayfront of of garbage before them can’t begrowth telling theGARY truth atand the same communist violence and work withcitizen the confidence of advanced Asian countries atheteacher—in my case, my mother, who into Manila Bay, just as they first had to the size and of the NDF. Both of do a couple of simple things: denounce He said that we are now in all probaanything out of context.

As a matter of fact, administration was “Red-tagging” them. tries at a disadvantage. anything out of context.

As a matter of fact, the administration was “Red-tagging” them.

Todayinthe Church honors Our Lady of it’s not. Or perhaps we’re being asked to be- bringing should be willingtotopeaceably do, let alone elected Blended learning theKong sand.

But don’t expect theis rest of government its time.

OLIVAR like the Hong and Singapore where earned two master’s degrees and address awith doctorate clear bayfront of tons of garbage before them can’t be buy telling truth at thefrom sameby aside communist violence work the OLIVAR aside from beach sanding, the DENR In reply, anti-terrorism spokesman PCOO bility going to vaccine from the beach sanding, the DENR is In reply, anti-terrorism spokesman PCOO Sorrows.

Inthe one Gospel reading (Lk 2: World 33lieve thatthe the NDF the isthe actually populated legislators.

But don’t and hold your breath waitThis is the reason why the critics to praise them for that.

Either Makabayan or Mr. Sison is roots. world-class institutions like Harvard and in education and taught, first at Philippine bringing in themoney sand.Simeon But don’t the time. because of COVID is an rest offorgovernment totopeaceably address its also spending money onrelated relatedexpect programs Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy offeredChina also on programs Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy offered toto lying. and Russia.

This because the 35),spending theOrganization blind seer Mary that an zombies, thethe undead. ing Makabayan agree to this.

Health is warns trying toempty find *up *for *their Either NDF is is alive and well, or These are things any ordinary Stanford have set ownthat campuses.

Christian University (PCU) and thencitizen inwould UP. Jose critics to praise them that.

Either theSison Makabayan ortoto Mr. Sison is like roots. like cleaning up the waterways that Jose Maria Sison continues boast about resign her post ifthose those party-listers cleaning up the waterways empty Maria continues boast about resign her post if party-listers would the fulfilment of her unborn Child’s mission * * * opportunity for wider two countries have not demanded any Today the Church honors Our Lady of it’s not.

Or perhaps we’re being asked to beshould be willing to do, let alone elected equitable way to distribute the vaccines We ought to be able to benefit from the Among us cousins, however, only one of *just * *as lying.

Either NDF is*the alive and Both well, orof into aretheof things any things: ordinary citizen Manila Bay, asthey theyfirst firstheart. hadto to thesize size andthe growth theNDF. NDF. Bothof doThese couple ofterm simple things: denounce Bay, just had the and growth do aIna couple simple denounce willManila be like a sword piercing her In *of *of fact, “Red-tagging” dredges Sorrows.

In one Gospel reading (Lk 2:before 33lieve that the NDF isreforms. actually populated by into legislators.

But don’t hold your breath waitadvance deposits.

Hewe’re then said that we capital and technology of foreign educational us is currently teaching actively.

That would Today the Church honors Our Lady of it’s not.

Or perhaps being asked to beeducation should be willing to do, let alone elected that will be fair to all countries, rich or clear the bayfront of tons of garbage them can’t be telling the truth at the same communist violence and work with the clear the bayfront of tons of garbage before them can’t be telling the truth at the same communist violence and work with the the other reading (Jn 19:25-27), her heart up old memories.

In the late sixties, there 35), the blind seer Simeon warns Mary that zombies, the undead. ing for Makabayan to agree to this. entrepreneurs while monitoring what they would buy only if the vaccines are efbe Dean Jorge Bocobo III, today also titled Sorrows.

In one Gospel reading (Lk 2: 33lieve that the NDF is actually populated by legislators.

But don’t hold your breath waitbringing in the sand.

But don’t expect the time. rest of government to peaceably address its poor.

We simply have to scramble hardbringing in the sand.

But don’t expect the time. rest of government to peaceably address its is fulfilment indeed pierced asunborn she watches His death was a House committee to root out the of her Child’s mission *to*agree * assigned teach our students, which iswarns what Mary to be “Dean”—of the College of Engineering 35), theto blind seer Simeon that zombies, the ing for Makabayan to to praise them forto that.

Either theundead.

Makabayan or Mr. Sisonisis critics roots. fective and are safe.

Then heMr. proceedpraise them for that.

Either the Makabayan or Sison roots. ercritics not to be the last get it.ought from the foot of the Cross. subversives masquerading as this. legal dredges activists.

Maybe the NDF is will be like a sword piercing her heart.

In * * * InThese fact, the term “Red-tagging” the policy objective anyway. and Information Technology at De La the fulfilment of her unborn Child’s mission * * * * * * lying.

Either the NDF is alive and well, or are things any ordinary citizen ed to lambast western pharmaceutical * * * lying.

Either the NDF is alive and well, or These are things any ordinary citizen Lady’s sorrows do not cease.

My They came up with the catchy slogan,there “If it done it yet, DepEd may wish to look at the Our other reading (Jn 19:25-27), her heart up oldfact, memories.

InLipa, the late sixties, The transition to blended learning may Salle’s campus in Batangas.

He and will be like a sword piercing her heart.

Inbe * * * In the term “Red-tagging” dredges Today the Church honors Our Lady of it’s not.

Or perhaps we’re being asked to beshould be willing to do, let alone elected actually just made up Today the Church honors Lady of it’s not.

Or perhaps we’re being asked to be- isfriend should be letlike alone elected Baby Nebrida, film Our producer and walks likewilling acommittee duck to anddo, talks atoduck, then firms by saying that their only priority indeed pierced as she watches His death was a House assigned root out independent initiatives like my cousin’s in Lipa a golden opportunity to make changes like his colleagues have managed to produce the other reading (Jn 19:25-27), her heart up old memories.

In the late sixties, there Sorrows.

In one Gospel reading (Lk 2: 33lieve that the NDF is actually populated by legislators.

But don’t hold your breath waitSorrows.

In one Gospel reading (Lk 2: 33lieve that the NDF is actually populated by legislators.

But don’t hold your breath waithomegrown recently conveyed it must be amasquerading duck!” ofbecause zombies. is profit, they demanding from the foot ofvisionary, the Cross. subversives as to legal activists. in order to the speed up technology adoption.

Maybe theareNDF is these—perhaps one of the silverMary linings in aingcomplete onlinetoto platform for the is35), pierced as she watches His death was afor House committee assigned toLeft rootentire out theblind blind seer Simeon warns Mary that zombies, undead.

Makabayan agree this.

35), the seer Simeon warns that the undead. ing for Makabayan agree this. toindeed President—in a do private letter that’s The young firebrands ofto the had a zombies, Our Lady’s sorrows not cease.

My They came up with the catchy slogan, “If it advance deposits.

This, according to This would also free up more time for the COVID cloud. elementary and high school curriculum—a from the foot of the Cross. subversives masquerading as legal activists. the fulfilment of her unborn Child’s mission * * * Maybe the NDF is the fulfilment of her unborn Child’s mission * * * actually made up not friend gone viral—a Marian appeal for him toand lead field like day amaking funtalks of this.

But it turned film producer walks duck and likeslogan, ahowever, duck, then the agency to just deal* with hardware * *piercing *do not prodigious achievement which, the him, is unconscionable and he willissues Lady’s sorrows cease.

My They came up with the catchy “If it will beBaby likea aNebrida, sword her heart. * yellow-led fact, the term “Red-tagging” dredges be like sword her heart.

InIn * ***the InInfact, term “Red-tagging” dredges inOur consecrating the piercing country to Our Lady Just as noisyjust was uproar will out to beathe spot on.

The big leftist youth homegrown visionary, recently conveyed it must be duck!” actually made up like bandwidth, access devices, even power of zombies.

Today’s Gospel (Lk 8: 19-21) tells us last I heard they were still trying to market friend Baby Nebrida, film producer and walks like a duck and talks like a duck, then the other reading (Jn 19:25-27), her heart up old memories.

In the late sixties, there stand for it. the other reading (Jn 19:25-27), her heart up old memories.

In the late sixties, there her Son, on pains of suffering “the Big over the DENR’samong decision to pour tonsInof toand groups did prove to be creations of the the President—in ashe private letter that’s The young firebrands of in thetheir Left hadCPP. a supply especially remote schools. how Jesus redefined His family.

When told to DepEd and other schools region. homegrown visionary, recently conveyed it must be a duck!” is indeed pierced as watches His death was a House committee assigned to root out of hezombies. went on to warn pharmaceuindeed pierced as she watches Histodeath was a House committee assigned toitroot out Then One”, the long-feared earthquake along dolomite ontotelecoms stretchesofficial of the is Those groups did become fertile recruitgone viral—a Marian for letter him lead field making fun But turned awhite country where sand the top that His mother and brothers were outside * *of* this. tofrom thethe President—in aappeal private that’s Theday young firebrands ofasasthe Left hadthey a the foot the Cross. subversives masquerading legal activists.

Maybe the NDF is from foot ofof the Cross. subversives masquerading legal activists. the Marikina fault that could hit 8.5 on the Manila Bay shoreline.

Even Congress has ment grounds for the NPA. And when tical agents who may be in the country Maybe the NDF is in consecrating the country to Our Lady Just as noisy was the yellow-led uproar out to be spot on.

The big leftist youth The Chinese and Russian vaccines 3-5 mbps is “decent enough,” the gone waiting to seeMarian Him, He replied: “My I was minded ofthe Dean’s viral—a appeal for him tomother lead field day making fun ofcatchy this.project But it when turned Our Lady’s sorrows do not cease.

My They came up with the catchy slogan, “IfititI thinks Our Lady’s sorrows do not cease.

My They came up with slogan, “If Richter.

Baby subsequently confided to me been inveigled into launching a DepEd. probe. bombed the LP rally in 1971 at Plaza Miranand her Son, on pains of suffering “the Big over the DENR’s decision to pour tons of groups did prove to be creations of the CPP. to better leave.

If he met them at a hoactually just made up hardware challenge is cut out for and my brothers are those who hear the word came across a news story about DepEd hiring will naturally helpcountry but we must also in consecrating the to Ourreceived Lady Just asDOH noisyhas was the yellow-led uproar out be aspot on. big leftist youth actually just made up friend Baby visions Nebrida, film producer and agwalks like aduck duck andThe talks like duck, then friend Baby Nebrida, film producer and walks and talks like a aduck, then that similar had also been The already assured the public da to tolike provoke martial law, the armed Left white One”, the long-feared earthquake along dolomite sand onto stretches of the Those groups did become fertile recruit* * * shame tel lobby, he might just them.

I homegrown of God and act on it.”toofrecently well-known radio TV broadcasters and her Son, on pains suffering “the Big over DENR’s decision to from pour tons of groups did prove to beand creations ofwell the CPP. homegrown visionary, recently conveyed itdid must beanotice aduck!” duck!” gressively work buy other vaccines ofthe zombies. visionary, conveyed itment must be byMarikina others like her, withcould the Virgin Mary crythat we have nothing toEven fear dolomite, serve that they bloody meant of zombies. the fault that hitteaching 8.5 on the Manila Bay shoreline.

Congress has grounds for the NPA. And when they It’s also high timeonto for our educational In our Christian country, our are toThe train teachers who will beLeft producing One”, the long-feared earthquake along white dolomite sand stretches of the Those groups did become fertile recruitdo not know why he had to say those to the President—in a private letter that’s The young firebrands of the Left had a from other sources, so long as these to the President—in a private letter that’s young firebrands of the had a ing tears of blood. either in its bulk state or granulated into bloody business.

Richter.

Baby subsequently confided to me been inveigled into launching a probe. bombed the LP rally in 1971 at Plaza MiranTests of SinoPharm’s vaccine against ma- ment sector to consider a couple of more children to hear the word of God and act broadcast and online teaching material. the Marikina fault that could hit 8.5 on the Manila Bay shoreline.

Even Congress has grounds for the NPA. And when they gone viral—a Marian appeal for him to lead field day making fun of this.

But it turned thingsbeach on live TV or whybeing the TV station viral—a Marian appeal for him to day making funLeft oflaw, this.

But it turned It’s beenand amply documented inreceived thelead past sand.

It’s also used in other gone Today the same is the well represented effective arehad safe.

And inparents. fairness that similar visions also been The DOH has already the public da to provoke martial armed Left jor COVID-19 virus strains are reported to field fundamental reforms.

Inassured a arecent global onconsecrating it comes naturally toconfided most This project supports thebig blended learning Richter.

Baby subsequently to me been inveigled into launching probe. bombed the LP rally in 1971 at Plaza Miranin consecrating the country to Our Lady ABOUT TOWN Just as noisy was the yellow-led uproar out to be spot on.

The big leftist youth in the country to Our Lady Just as noisy was the yellow-led uproar out to be spot on.

The leftist youth that such visions presaged great disasters beaches all nothing over theGrade And if you’re in serve Congress itself by thebloody Makabayan folks, did not cut that portion.

It isfrom someby others like her, with the Virgin Mary crythat wethe have toworld. fear dolomite, notice that they well meant toand the pharmaceutical manufacturers, have shown promising results in both safety did among 7tonot students, competition But because we areof nominally secular, program that will hopefully supplement, that similar visions had been received The DOH has already assured the public da to provoke martial law, the armed Left her Son, on pains ofalso suffering “the Big over DENR’s decision pour tonsour groups did prove creations of the CPP. her Son, on pains suffering “the Big the DENR’s decision to pour tons ofof groups did prove totobebe creations of the CPP. if tears unheeded, but turned defeats into victodumb enough to inhale large amounts of and although they remain unmoved by this un- over thing we would like our President to do. ing of blood. either in its bulk state or granulated into bloody business. and efficacy. kids came in dead last in the subjects of one company came out with a stateour public schools cannot do so formally, if not entirely replace, physical classroom by others like her, with the Virgin Mary crythat we have nothing to fear from dolomite, did serve notice that they bloody well meant Tests SinoPharm’s against maOne”, the long-feared earthquake along white dolomite sand onto stretches of the Those groups did become fertile recruitWithof just two monthsvaccine to go, it’s a guessing ERNESTO M. One”, the long-feared earthquake along white dolomite sand onto stretches of the Those groups did become fertile recruitries ifbeen heeded.

It might be a good time for sand, it and really doesn’t matter whether it’s deserved concession ofis democratic space.

It’s amply documented in8.5 the past beach sand.

It’s also being used in it other Today the same Left well represented From various reports however, is The asSinopharm vaccine is reported likely to the be bloody reading mathematics, and second to ing although you would—thankfully--never learning in the age of COVID. If it fails, our tears of blood. either in its bulk state or granulated into business. ment that it will not prioritize profit jor COVID-19 virus strains are to the Marikina fault that could hit on the Manila Bay shoreline.

Even Congress has ment grounds for the NPA. And when they game to who would take over fault presaged that couldgreat hit 8.5 on the but Bay shoreline.

Even And Congress has the ment grounds for the NPA. AndI when they ABOUT TOWN Tests vaccine against matheMarikina Church hierarchy—with whom Duterte dolomite not. The InCongress no otheritself conflict country knowfolks, about Manila HILARIO such visions beaches allorover thelaunching world. ifinlittle you’re inkids by the Makabayan out in of theSinoPharm’s market by results the endinof December. last ininveigled science. problem has to that guess that from the ubiquity ofatdisasters religious may well end up kissing goodbye to one not a question of pharmaceutical comIt’s been amply documented in the past beach sand.

It’s also being used other Today the same Left is well represented have shown promising both safety Richter.

Baby subsequently confided to me been into a probe. bombed LP rally in 1971 at Plaza Miraninstitution once Cascolan retires. will be selling the vaccines a minimal Richter.

Baby subsequently confided to me been inveigled into launching a probe. bombed the LP rally in 1971 at Plaza Miranjor COVID-19 virus strains arehigh-level reported tobi- although shares a deep mutual dislike—to take the The DILGdedication Undersecretary are members of an active rebellion allowed ABOUT TOWN unheeded, but defeats into victodumb enough tospokesman, inhale large amounts of if theyitself remain unmoved by this unThe company has built two dobeing with of And our teachers, images even in turned public schools, especially two school years. that such visions presaged disasters beaches allthe over the world. if you’re inor Congress by business the Makabayan folks, and that similar visions hadalso alsogreat been received The DOH has already assured the public da toprovoke provoke martial law, the armed Left Ifefficacy. seniority is the main consideration, panies greedy by demanding adthat similar visions had been received The DOH has already assured the public da to martial law, the armed Left have shown promising results in both safety first conciliatory steps towards convincing Jon Malaya, also clarified that the total cost cost. to participate in the of government ERNESTO M. ties Eleazar ries if heeded.

It might be a good time for sand, it really doesn’t matter whether it’s deserved concession of democratic space.

AMPLE proof that Philippines-China osafety production facilities in Beijing and and everything to do with longstanding of the Mother and Child.

The broadcaster/trainors will be led by ifby unheeded, defeats into victodumb enough toIt inhale large amounts of by although they remain unmoved by this unThe Sinopharm likely to be others likebut her,turned withthe the Virgin Mary crythat we havenothing nothing tofear fear from dolomite, did servenotice notice thatthey they bloody well meant would be avaccine shoo-inisfor the highest vancethat payments. istothe eagerness others like her, with Virgin Mary crywe have from dolomite, serve that bloody well meant and efficacy. him to heed this latest appeal. for the sand was actually less than P30 of milwithout first giving up their guns. * *Marian the Church hierarchy—with Duterte dolomite oritsnot.

In no other conflict country I know about remain robust despite the territorial Wuhan, with an annual production capacity did HILARIO institutional issues.

ERNESTO M.dispute out TV5 news chief Luchi Cruz-Valdes and either ries iftears heeded.

It might be*a whom good time for sand, itnot doesn’t matter whether it’s deserved concession of democratic space. inonce the market byvaccine the vaccine end oflikely December. ingtears ofblood. blood. either inreally bulk state orbeing granulated into bloody business. post Cascolan retires from the service. ing of in its bulk state or granulated into bloody business.

The Sinopharm is to be lion, the P389 million alleged.

So By alleging “Red-tagging”, these parTests of SinoPharm’s against masome countries, like the United States, abeen deep mutual dislike—to take the The spokesman, Undersecretary members ofsame an active rebellion allowed of SinoPharm’s vaccine against main the West Philippine Sea is that Beijing The The second topic discussed by the ofTests 300 million doses.

With the expansion of are The DILG first reform should devolve much of shares Readers can write me at gbolivar1952@ veteran TV host Paolo Bediones, and include the Church hierarchy—with whom Duterte dolomite or not.

In no other conflict country I know about company has built two high-level biIt’s amply documented in the past beach sand.

It’s also being used in other Today the Left is well represented Eleazar is a member of PMA Class 1987, HILARIO It’s been amply documented in the past beach sand.

It’s also being used in other Today the same Left is well represented out in the market by strains the of reported December.

Readers can write me at gbolivar1952@ where did the rest of the that pesos come from? ty-listers arein disclaiming anyofconnections jor COVID-19 virus strains are reported totobeJon the first.

Germany, for instance, conciliatory steps towards convincing Malaya, also clarified the total cost first to participate the business government COVID-19 virus are toto ABOUT TOWN has already to supply country production capacity, theend annual output will the authority and budget of DepEd, away yahoo.com. household names like Jessica Soho, Korina President was his approval of the shares a deep mutual dislike—to take the The DILG spokesman, Undersecretary WE FIRST metABOUT Police Lt.the General are members of an active rebellion allowed TOWN AMPLE proofpledged that Philippines-China ties jor osafety production facilities in Beijing and that such visions presaged great disasters beaches all over the world.

And if you’re in Congress itself by the Makabayan folks, and will retire in November 2021.

If he is such visions presaged great disasters filbeaches all over the world.

And if you’re Congress itself byupthe Makabayan The company has to built two high-level biyahoo.com.

Well, probably from the same folks who that the CPP-NPA-NDF. But onguns. the otherfolks, hand, have shown promising results inboth both safety him to heed this latest Marian appeal. for the sand was actually less than P30 milwithout first giving their have shown promising in with vaccines for Covid-19. vaccines reach 800 million 1results billion doses insafety the fu- in just gave 750 million euro to ensure from the central office, downwards and Sanchez, Karen Davila, Arnold Clavio, Kara first conciliatory steps towards convincing Jon Malaya, also clarified that the total cost Guillermo Eleazar a territorial fewThese years back to participate in the business of government remain robust despite the dispute Wuhan, with an annual production capacity if unheeded, but turned defeats into victo-sevdumb enough to inhale large amounts of although they remain unmoved by this unappointed as PNP Chief, he will serve for ing of criminal charges against if unheeded, but turned defeats into victodumb enough to inhale large amounts of although they remain unmoved by this unAMPLE proof that Philippines-China ties osafety production facilities in ambassador.

Beijing and andefficacy. efficacy. lion, notsand the P389 million being alleged.

So By alleging “Red-tagging”, these parare at Philippine the final stages field testing and according to the Chinese towas thedoesn’t regional offices.

Ideally, David, Atom Araullo Kim Atienza. him toiftop heed thisItIt latest Marian appeal.

ERNESTO M. for the actually less than P30 milwhen he guested atERNESTO the Saturday Forum@ without first giving upoftheir guns. that sand, aoutwards vaccine would come on time. in thenow West Sea isofthat Beijing of 300 million With theisexpansion of riesif heeded. might beacurrent agood goodtime time for sand, itreally really matter whether it’s ries deserved concession ofand democratic space. ature, year in theandoses. highest position.

This would M. eral former and officials heeded. might be for it doesn’t matter whether it’s deserved concession democratic space. remain robust despite the territorial dispute Wuhan, with annual production capacity The Sinopharm vaccine likely to be canhierarchy—with write me at gbolivar1952@ didthe theP389 rest million of the the pesos come from? ty-listers are disclaiming anybroadcast-ready connections to where Thehim Sinopharm vaccine is likely towill be prior to large-scale manufacturing. in abecause federal set-up, regional offices of Readers DepEd also plans tocountry build lion, not being alleged.

So which we He was production By alleging “Red-tagging”, these parhas already pledged to moderated. supply the country capacity, the annual output the Church whom Duterte dolomite or not.

In no other conflict country I know about give enough time not only to lead the This is according to some exHILARIO the Church hierarchy—with whom Duterte dolomite or not.

In no other conflict I know about inAnnabel’s the West Philippine Sea is that Beijing ofout 300 million doses.

With theofexpansion of themarket market bythe theend end ofDecember.

December. of PhilHealth led by its former PresiHILARIO Well, from the same folks who the CPP-NPA-NDF. But onrebellion the otherallowed hand, inin800 the by Ambassador Xilian told theCity me- out Manila, and will end atpesos ainto connection to the yahoo.com. tion build the P95.4 billion Pasig DepEd would transform the education studios for inanthe different regions, and Readers can medislike—to at gbolivar1952@ where did the rest of the come from? then the Director of supply theThese Quezon ty-listers aretouse disclaiming any connections to in with vaccines for Huang Covid-19. reach million to 1built billion intotheassist fusharesa adeep deepwrite mutual dislike—to takethe the Theprobably DILG spokesman, Undersecretary are(SMC) members active PNP’s anti-crime drive, butdoses also shares mutual take The DILG spokesman, Undersecretary are members ofofan active rebellion allowed has already pledged to thevaccines country production capacity, the annual output will perts, pharmaceutical companies will Thecompany company has two high-level bi- River dent Ricardo Morales andconvincing the current The has built two high-level bidia recently that since the coronavirus outSouth East Metro Manila Expressway at CirExpressway (PAREX) that would basidepartments of regional governments, with hopes to open classes by October 5—right yahoo.com.

Well, probably from the same folks who Police District (QCPD) and held the rank the CPP-NPA-NDF. But on the other hand, are now at the final stages of field testing ture, according to the Chinese ambassador. first conciliatory steps towards Jon Malaya, also clarified that the total cost to participate in the business of government the national government in addressing the The Sinopharm first conciliatory steps towards convincing Jon Malaya, also clarified that the total cost to participate in the business of government with vaccines for Covid-19.

These vaccines reach 800 million tofacilities 1facilities billion doses in theand fuAMPLE proofhas that Philippines-China ties osafety production Beijing and cally follow the path of the waterway. take cumferential two tosmaller four years to less manufacture AMPLE proof that Philippines-China ties production ininBeijing break, China been actively On engaging in osafety Road 6 (C6).

PhilHealth afor much central federal office looking after National Teachers Month ends. of a to Police Brigadier General. the few prior large-scale manufacturing. himtotoheed heedthis thisOffice-in-Charge latestMarian Marianappeal. appeal. Calixto thesand sandwas was actually thanP30 P30 mil- him without firstgiving giving uptheir their guns.

COVID-19 latest for the actually less than without first up guns. are now at the final stages of field dispute testing ture, according toannual thelikely Chinese ambassador. remain robust despite the territorial dispute Wuhan, withpandemic. an annual production capacity remain robust despite the territorial Wuhan, with an production capacity all the needed vaccines for all countries, vaccine research and development.

It will have entry and exit points atmilthe vaccine is to be And what's good about it is that the project after a much smaller agenda like policy Transferring pedagogy from the classroom occasions that we invited him, he readily Gabuya Jr. This was upon the recomAmbassador Huang Xilian told the mein Manila, and will end at a connection to the tion (SMC) to build the P95.4 billion Pasig lion, not the P389 million being alleged.

So By alleging “Red-tagging”, these parlion, not the P389 million being alleged.

So By alleging “Red-tagging”, these parprior to large-scale manufacturing. inthe theWest West Philippine Seaisisthat thatBeijing Beijing 300million milliondoses. doses.With Withthe theexpansion expansionofof would also revive the heavily polluted Pasig University in Philippine Sea ofof300 The World Health Organization (WHO) Belt area, San Juan, Buendia, development and coordination. that each person needs two shots to the digital world is any neither simple nor accepted and gave media a comprehensive dia recently that since the coronavirus outEast Metro Manila Expressway at CirRiver Expressway (PAREX) that would basi-given Readerscan canwrite write meDepartment atgbolivar1952@ gbolivar1952@ where did the rest ofthe the pesos come from? ty-listers arebuild disclaiming anyconnections connections to South mendations of the of Jusout in the market by Readers me at where did the rest of pesos come from? ty-listers are disclaiming to Ambassador Huang Xilian told the mein Manila, and will end at a connection to the tion (SMC) to the P95.4 billion Pasig has already pledged to supply the country production capacity, the annual output will The Sinopharm has pledged toactively supply the country capacity, the annual output will cally hasalready reported that there are nowengaging 34 vaccines Mandaluyong, Makati, Rockwell, Edsa,who Pi- yahoo.com.

River.

Capex, salaries, procurement, straightforward.

Interactivity and student view of the current peace and order break, China has been in production cumferential Road 6from (C6). follow the path of But the Seniority, competence, Well, probably the same folks the CPP-NPA-NDF. Butwaterway. onthe the other hand, to acquire immunity. yahoo.com.

Well, probably from the same folks who the CPP-NPA-NDF. on other hand, dia recently that since the coronavirus outSouth East Metro Manila Expressway at CirRiver Expressway (PAREX) that would basitice Task Force created to investigate with vaccines for Covid-19.

These vaccines reach 800 million to 1 billion doses in the fuwith vaccines for Covid-19.

These vaccines reach 800 million to 1 billion doses in the fualreadyresearch in clinical evaluation around the the end oflikely December. oneer St.,have Bonifacio Global City, C5,atbefore According to SMC president CEO maintenance and and other some overhead are The Sinopharm performance measurement two of theThere situation in the his area of jurisdiction. vaccine and development.

It will entry points vaccine toambassador. be And what'sthe good about it is are thatjust theand project is, therefore, waythe a break, China hasfinal beenstages actively engaging inin ture, cumferential Road 6 (C6).inexit cally follow path of the waterway. are now at final stages field testing ture, accordingis theChinese Chinese ambassador. (www.manilastandard.net) (www.manilastandard.net) anomalies. professionalism, are now atthen, the ofoffield testing according totothe globe.

Of the eight candidate vaccines terminating at C6.

Ramon Ang, they will “not only be building better decentralized and placed under the the reported simpler challenges.

If they haven’t already Since Eleazar has steadily climbed The World Health Organization (WHO) University Belt area, San Juan, Buendia, would also revive the heavily polluted Pasig vaccine research and development.

It will have entry and exit points at the vaccine is likely to be And what's good about it is that the project prior to large-scale manufacturing. mad scramble to ensure that a country out in the market by prior to large-scale manufacturing.

Senate President Vicente Sotto exPhase 3PNP trial—the final before comThe expressway is expected to Edsa, provide an a much-needed direct link between eastern Mandaluyong, up theWorld hierarchy tophase take34 thevaccines post of has reported that there are now Makati, Rockwell, PiRiver. leadership The Health Organization (WHO) University Belt area, San Juan, Buendia, would also revive thethe heavily polluted Pasig Ambassador Huang Xilian told the mein Manila, and will endat atato aconnection connection tothe the tion (SMC) toMetro build theP95.4 P95.4 billion Pasig will be one of the first get the vacPOINT OF dismay why Ambassador Huang Xilian told the mein Manila, and will end to tion (SMC) to build billion Pasig alternative and faster access to the business and western Manila, but we will also While the Chinese vaccine is welcome, use—fur are from Chinese vaccine mercial out in the market by pressed his surprise and Director thethere National Capital Region already in ofclinical evaluation around the the end of December. oneer St., Bonifacio Global City, C5, before According to SMC president and CEO has reported that are now 34 vaccines Mandaluyong, Makati, Rockwell, Edsa, PiRiver. dia recently that since the coronavirus out- we South East Metro Manila Expressway atCirCirRiver Expressway (PAREX) that would basidia recently that since the outSouth East Metro Manila Expressway atGlobal River Expressway (PAREX) that would basiIMPACT (www.manilastandard.net) hubs Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio be leading a historic effort to bring the Pasig should also consider vaccines being dedevelopers, including 2 coronavirus from Sinopharm, NCRPO proved its mettle in peacekeeping Commission (Napolcom) commended the The Sinopharm Police Office (NCRPO), Deputy Chief globe.

Of the eight candidate vaccines in terminating at C6.

Ramon Ang, they will “not only be building Sinopharm already in clinical evaluation around the theThe endother of countries, December. oneer St., Bonifacio Global City, C5, before According tohealth.”

SMC president and CEO cumferential break, China has been actively engaging in veloped Road (C6). of cally follow path the waterway. break, has been actively engaging in Road 6is6(C6). follow the path ofoflink the waterway.

City.

River back tothe such as Russia, cally a subsidiary ofAffairs, China’s leading vaccine by posting zero incidence election-related QCPD under Eleazar’s watch as the “Most cumferential of Directorial Deputy Chief for Phase 3China trial—the final phase before comThe expressway expected topoints provide an aRamon much-needed direct between eastern (www.manilastandard.net) There’sbyone other responsibility, however, ERWIN globe.

Of the eight candidate vaccines in terminating at C6.

Ang, they will “not only be building vaccine research and development.

It will have entry and exit atthe the vaccine is likely to be And what's good about it is that the project vaccine research and development.

It will have entry and exit points at vaccine is likely to be And what's good about it is that the project No timetable has been settofor the project, “For soDistrict” many decades, even Ialso was alternative United States and Great Britain.

And as we producer China National Pharmaceutical casualties.

Trusted amongbut thewewhen four police POINT OF Operations and now the Deputy Chief for and faster access the business and western Metro Manila, will While the Chinese vaccine is welcome, use—fur are from Chinese vaccine mercial that Eleazar would have to assume if Phase 3 trial—the final phase before comThe expressway is expected to provide an a much-needed direct link between eastern TULFO The World Health Organization (WHO) University Belt area, San Juan, Buendia, would also revive the heavily polluted Pasig The World Health Organization (WHO) University Belt area, SanBonifacio Juan, also theRiver heavily polluted Pasig butRecognition we hope theof government andBuendia, SMC can young, the Pasig had been synonywrote last week, even our neighbor IndoneGroup (CNBG), 1 second from Sinovac Biotech we Eleazar’s professionalism offices in the National Capital Region. out in the market by IMPACT Administration, the highest position hubs Makati, Ortigas, and Global be leading arevive historic effort to bring the Pasig should also consider vaccines being dedevelopers, including 2are from Sinopharm, he becomes the PNP Chief: To lay the would out in the market by POINT OF alternative and faster access to the business and western Metro Manila, but we will also While the Chinese vaccine is welcome, mercial use—fur are from Chinese vaccine has reported that there now 34 vaccines Mandaluyong, Makati, Rockwell, Edsa, PiRiver. has reported that there are now 34 vaccines Mandaluyong, Makati, Rockwell, Edsa, PiRiver. sit and discuss terms as of reference mous (with) pollution. Many Filipinos have City. sia is well onfor theclean way and to developing its own River and CanSino Biological. anddown impressive tracktherecord a police Another accomplishment of the police in the1 from organization.

He is alsoSinopharm, the headthe of veloped back tohistoric health.” by other countries, such as Russia, adevelopers, subsidiary of China’s leading vaccine groundwork peaceful national Jail barangay, Manila Bay White IMPACT hubs Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global be leading a effort to bring the Pasig we should also consider vaccines being deincluding 2 from already in clinical evaluation around the end of December. oneer St., Bonifacio Global City, C5, before According to SMC president and CEO ERWINSands already inChina clinical evaluation aroundon the the States end ofcountries, December.

Bonifacio Global C5, before According toto his SMC president andofit,ICEO to getSt., ithas off come thehas ground as soon as project, possible. wanted clean and revive bring oneer vaccine that we can use toAnd control the long Sinopharm has in implementing factPharmaceutical already tapped officer from other He official during stintit as Director QCPD Task Force SHIELD the No timetable been setCity, fordirections. the “Forback so many decades, even when was United and Great Britain. as we producer National elections inother 2022.

Asalso we know, byRussia, middle (www.manilastandard.net) City.

River to health.” veloped by such as aglobe. subsidiary of China’s leading vaccine (www.manilastandard.net) PhilHealth thieves Of the eight candidate vaccines in terminating at C6.

Ramon Ang, they will “not only be building all worth it TULFO globe.

Of the eight candidate vaccines in terminating at C6.

Ramon Ang, they will “not only be building would certainly help boost mobility in itand back its isoldhis glory.

There were even This spread ofyear, the deadly disease. around(CNBG), 1,500 Filipinos participate in the wrote was “Man of the Year” in 2018 bycan the later the competent management ERWIN ground level andbefore quarantine wenamed hope the government and SMC thetomany Pasig River had been synonylast week, even our neighbor IndoneGroup 1 policies fromto Sinovac Biotech of next those aspiring for election No timetable has been set for project, “For so decades, even when Isimilar was but United States and Great Britain.

And as we ayoung, producer ChinatheNational Pharmaceutical Phase 33trial—the trial—the final phase comThe expressway is expected tothe provide an ahigh-profile much-needed direct link between eastern Phase 3 final phase before comThe expressway is expected to provide an much-needed direct link between eastern the metropolis in the years ahead amid the fund-raising projects and Phase clinical trial of its COVID-19 vacManila Broadcasting Company, the largest of four State-of-the-Nation Addresses of TULFO restrictions of the1 Inter-Agency Task Force wrote sit down andand discuss the termsand ofthe reference (with) pollution.

Many Filipinos well on the wayalready to developing its own and 1 from CanSino Biological. or is re-election will be isgirding for mous POINTOF OF but we hope the government SMC can young, the to Pasig River had been synonylast week, even our neighbor IndoneGroup (CNBG), from Sinovac Biotech Jail barangay, alternative faster access business and western Metro Manila, but wewill willhave also While theRiver Chinese vaccine welcome, mercial use—fur are from Chinese vaccine sia POINT and faster access toto the business and western Metro Manila, but we also While the Chinese vaccine isproject welcome, mercial use—fur from Chinese expected growth urban population. initiatives clean it.before But unfortunately, not alternative Pasig expressway cine candidate inare the United Arab vaccine Emirates radio inin the the country.

The Civil President Duterte Congress since (IATF) on Covid-19. to get it network off the ground as soon as reference possible. long wanted to clean itMany andto revive it, bring we can also use control the Sinopharm has inBiological. fact already tapped vaccine battle inthat May 2022.

Part of to Eleazar’s task BUSINESS sit down and discuss the terms of mous (with) pollution.

Filipinos have sia is well on the way to developing its own and 1 from CanSino IMPACT hubs Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global be leading a historic effort bring the Pasig we should also consider vaccines being dedevelopers, including 2 from Sinopharm, POP GOES NAKED IMPACT PhilHealth thieves Jail barangay, Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global leading achanged,” historic effort to bringwere thebeen Pasig should also consider vaccines being de- be developers, 2directly The Pasig River help Expressway will bein a much has he explained.

Canoftherefore we expect substantial relief from since June.

These Filipinos areSinopharm, among more Service Commission also gave him an award 2016.

The SONA has traditionally Eleazar reports to tapped This boost mobility it back to its old glory.

There evenan hubs spread the deadly disease. around 1,500including Filipinos tofrom participate innewly the we would be to ensure that political CLASS toCity. getwould it off certainly the ground asgreenlighted soon as possible. long wanted clean it and revivewhich it, bring vaccine we can also usesuch toMetro control the River Sinopharm has in fact already River back toto health.” veloped by other countries, Russia, athan subsidiary of China’s China’s leading vaccine THE WORLD back tofor health.” by other countries, asasRussia, aPhase subsidiary of vaccine game-changer if the it is bythe the The 27-kilometer Pasig River, links horriblethat traffic congestion insuch Manila 30,000 volunteers inleading the world's first veloped THOUGHT formetropolis exemplary in public service. occasion various opposition forces to City.

ERWIN designated PNP Chief, PGen Camilo PhilHealth thieves the years ahead amid high-profile fund-raising projects and similar 3 clinical trial of its COVID-19 vacadversaries keep their rivalries within legal ERWIN This would certainly help boost mobility in it back to its old glory.

There were even spread of the deadly disease. around 1,500 Filipinos to participate in the No timetable has been set for the project, “For so many decades, even when I was United States and Great Britain.

And as we producer China National Pharmaceutical No timetable has been set for the project, “For so many decades, even when I was United States and Great Britain.

And as we producer China National Pharmaceutical government soon enough.

Ramon Ang earliLaguna de Bay to Manila Bay, runs through RUDY in, say, within the next five to 10 years?

Phase 3 clinical trial of a vaccine.

The only thing that could work against gather along Commonwealth Avenue leading JENNY Pancratius Cascolan, who has taken over the bounds, growth theyears urban population. tofund-raising clean it.

Butprojects unfortunately, not expected TULFO Pasig River expressway project cine candidate in the United Arab Emirates avoid moves thatIndonecould initiatives CHARLIE V. the TULFO the metropolis inin the amid high-profile andsynonysimilar Phase 3(CNBG), clinical of itsSinovac COVID-19 vacBUSINESS but wehope hope the government SMC can young, the Pasig River hadbeen been synonywrote lastand week, evenany ourneighbor neighbor Group (CNBG), 1from from Sinovac Biotech we the government and SMC can young, the Pasig River had last week, our IndoneGroup 1Filipinos Biotech er said SMC already hasMANALO a ahead proposal tobebuild the cities of Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Maybe, if theeven government the private Hundreds oftrial thousands ofamong people have wrote ROMERO Eleazar in being appointed toand the top PNP to Congress to ventilate their grievances and but helm of the 190,000-member organization.

The Pasig River Expressway will a much has changed,” heBut explained.

ORTUOSTE Can we expect substantial relief from since June.

These are more lead to violence.

Filipinos, as and we also know, expected growth in the urban population. initiatives to clean it. unfortunately, not Pasig River expressway project cine candidate in the United Arab Emirates sit down and discuss the terms of reference mous (with) pollution.

Many Filipinos have sia is well on the way to developing its own and 1 from CanSino Biological.

CLASS down and the of reference mous pollution.

Many Filipinos have is well onget thecongestion wayact to developing its own and 130,000 fromvaccinations CanSino Biological.

BUSINESS apost newishighway ofterms the existing EDSA. Pasig, Taguig, and and the municipality of Pateros Jailbarangay, barangay, sector can their together. received of Sinopharm’s vac- sia that discuss he does not belong to by the sopresent political economic demands to sit Together, they have assumed the more huge game-changer if on it top is greenlighted The(with) 27-kilometer Pasig River, which links Jail horrible traffic in Metro Manila than volunteers in the world's first take their politics seriously—perhaps too The River Expressway will bethea much has changed,” he Can we expect substantial from since June.

These Filipinos are among to getitPasig itDavao offhappened the ground assoon soon possible. long wanted clean and revive it,bring bring to vaccine that wecan can also use torelief control the long Sinopharm has in fact fact already tapped get off the ground asas possible. wanted totoclean ititexplained. and revive it, that we also use to control the Sinopharm has in already tapped Whatever to that proposal? inthe Metro Manila and Taytay in Rizal province.

Warning: At least there's light at the end of the tunnel. cine since China launched emergency use vaccine CLASS called group ofas police officials who administration.

Eleazar initiated dialogues responsibility of running after both organized government soon enough.

Ramon Ang earliLaguna de Bay to Manila Bay, runs through RUDY in, say, within the next five to 10 years?

Phase 3 clinical trial of a vaccine.

PhilHealth thieves seriously in some cases—that electionNational Family Week PhilHealthPhilHealth thieves game-changer if it ishelp greenlighted by the The 27-kilometer Pasig River, which links horrible traffic congestion inproject Metro proposal Manila ititback than 30,000 volunteers the world's first This wouldthe certainly help boost mobility back itsold old glory.

There were evento This spread thedeadly deadly disease. around 1,500 Filipinos to participate in the would certainly boost mobility inin toto its glory.

There were even ofof the disease. around 1,500 Filipinos toin participate inhave the PAREX will stretch a total of 19.4 kilomeWe're talking about the ofHundreds COVID-19 vaccines on July 22,national with no spread hail from regionhas or ahave been assigned with the organizers ofMakati, various SONA rallies and street criminals and helping the er said SMC already proposal to build the cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, Maybe, if the government and the private of thousands of people is dangerous to your related intimidation and violence can flare ROMERO government soon Ramon Ang earliLaguna dewill Bay to Manila Bay, Road runs through RUDY health within the next San five to 10 years?

Phase trial a its vaccine. the metropolis inenough. the years ahead amid the high-profile fund-raising projects and similar Phase 3clinical clinical trialof COVID-19 vac- in,ofsay, metropolis in the years amid the fund-raising projects and similar Phase clinical ofof COVID-19 vacernhil@yahoo.com ters and start from Radial (R10) the thecan conglomerate Miguel Corpora- high-profile cases33of severe adverse orquarantine infection. there in the past.

This putsahead him outside of keep their protest rallies peaceful and10 without government intrial implementing aerexpected new highway onin top ofurban the existing EDSA. Pasig, Taguig, and the municipality of Pateros get their actareas. together. received vaccinations ofitseffects Sinopharm’s vac- sector upMaybe, in hotly contested said SMC already has a proposal to build the cities of Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, if the government and the private Hundreds of thousands of people have ROMERO growth the population. initiatives to clean it.

But unfortunately, not Pasig River expressway project cine candidate in the United Arab Emirates growth the urban population. to clean it. But taking unfortunately, not expected Pasig River expressway project cine candidate United Arab BUSINESS Duterte’s innerin circle. any untoward incidents place despite regulations.

Atinthethe same they Emirates mustvackeep happened toExpressway that in Metro Manila and in Rizal province.

Warning: PhilHealth At least there's light at the ofrelief the tunnel. cine China launched emergency use sector Eleazar has been intogether. theend frontlines offrom the initiatives BUSINESS a new highway on top of theproposal? existing EDSA. Pasig, Taguig, and theTaytay municipality of Pateros Whatever can get their act received vaccinations oftime, Sinopharm’s The Pasig River will much has changed,” explained.

Can we expect substantial sincesince June.

TheseFilipinos Filipinos areamong amongmore more The Expressway will bebethe aa much has changed,” hehe explained.

Can we expect substantial relief from since June.

These are ButPasig if theRiver main criteria for choosing the heated atmosphere of such gatherings.

CLASS close watch over the men and women under PAREX will stretch a total of 19.4 kilomeWe're talking about the project proposal of COVID-19 vaccines on July 22, with no Duterte administration’s war on illegal drugs is dangerous toCLASS your health Whatever happened to proposal? by Metro Manila and Pasig Taytay in Rizal province.

Warning: PhilHealth At least there'scongestion light at the in end of theManila tunnel. cine since China launched emergency use game-changer greenlighted by the the The 27-kilometer Pasig River, which links game-changer horrible traffic congestion inMetro Metro Manila in The than30,000 30,000 volunteers inthe theworld's world'sfirst first horrible ifif ititaside isisthat greenlighted 27-kilometer which links traffic than volunteers indo next PNP chief, from seniority, are G. Estabillo Publisher Eleazar tookfrom over theRiver, NCRPO in(R10) 2018. him to ensure that they their jobs within ernhil@yahoo.com ters and will start Radial Road 10 of the conglomerate San Miguel Corporacases of severe adverse effects or infection. since 2016.

As Director of QCPD—the Rolando PAREX will stretch a total of runs 19.4 kilometalking about the proposal Laguna ofPhase COVID-19 vaccines July 22, with no in, government soon enough.

Ramon Ang earliLaguna de Bay to Manila Bay, runs through RUDY in,We're say,within within the nextfive fiveproject to10 10years? years?

3clinical clinical trialofofaon avaccine. vaccine. is dangerous to your health government soon enough.

Ramon Ang earlide Bay to Manila Bay, through RUDY say, the next to Phase 3 trial competence, professionalism and leadership, Here he was able Board to garner various awards the bounds of the law aseffects well asorinternal rules ManilaStandard Chief Reynato S.start Puno Member & Chief Legal Adviser notcan only in Metro Manila but alsoJustice ernhil@yahoo.com ters and will fromMakati, Radial Road 10 (R10) the conglomerate San Corporacases of severe infection. er saidRamonchito SMCalready already hasa aproposal proposal tobuild build the cities of Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Maybe, ifthe the government andFormer the private Hundreds ofadverse thousands ofpeople people have ofbiggest be government accessed at: Miguel ROMERO Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor L. Tomeldan Managing Editor er said SMC has to the cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, Maybe, if and the private Hundreds of thousands of have ROMERO including the capability to implement for outstanding performance.

In 2019, the and regulations. in the can entire country—he chalked up an Pasig, manilastandard.net Former Chief Justice Anita F. Grefal Treasury Managerof Pateros a new Chin ONLINE ManilaStandardJimbo highway on top of the existing EDSA. Taguig, and the municipality sector get their act together. received vaccinations of Sinopharm’s vacOwen Gulle City Editor Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors can be accessed at: a new highway on top of the existing EDSA. Pasig, Taguig, and the municipality of Pateros sector can get their act together. received vaccinations of Sinopharm’s vacPublished to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard emerged as an awardee for “Best meaningful reforms within the institution, Gen.Monday Cascolan, however, will retire by impressive record in terms of the number inNCRPO manilastandard.net Chairmanship 101 Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Whatever happened to that proposal?

Metro Manila and Taytay in Rizal province.

Warning: PhilHealth Baldwin R. Felipe Head—Ad Solutions At least there's light at the end of the tunnel. cine since China launched emergency use Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer Joyce Pangco Pañares News Editor ONLINE Whatever happened tothe thatManila proposal?

Manila andduring Taytay the in Rizal province.

Warning: PhilHealth least there's lightneutralized at the end oforthearrested, tunnel. in Metro cine since China launched emergency then Eleazar may be best man for the job.

Police Region” PNP founding November this year afterMakati only a little use over MEMBER ofAtWe're drug suspects Published Monday to Sunday

by Philippine Standard Roxas, corner Perea St., vaccines Legaspi Village, City. Telephone Former Chief Justice Reynato S.will Puno Board Member &19.4 Chief Legal Adviser PAREX willstretch stretch totalofManager of19.4 kilomePhilippine Press Institute talking about theproject project proposal COVID-19 onJuly July 22,with with noManilaStandard Adelle Chua Opinion Editor Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation for Secretary Duque PAREX a atotal kilomeWe're talking about the proposal Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ofof COVID-19 vaccines on can be accessed at: isdangerous dangerous toyour your health Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Managing Editor B numbers 832-5554,as 832-5556, (connecting Publishing Inc.Ramonchito at 6/F UniversalL. ReTomeldan Building, 106 Paseo de anniversary. three months PNP832-5558 Chief.

This22, is all unlessno his and is to health MEMBER The National Association in the confiscation of millions of pesos manilastandard.net ernhil@yahoo.com ters andwill will start from Radial Road 10Legal (R10) ofthe theconglomerate conglomerate SanMiguel Miguel Corporacases ofsevere severe adverse effectsor832-5550. orinfection. infection.

Anita F.S.Grefal Treasury Manager departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) P.O. ONLINE Roxas,ernhil@yahoo.com corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone Former Chief Justice Reynato Puno Board Member & Chief Adviser ters and start from Radial Road 10 (R10) of Philippine Newspapers of San Corporacases of adverse effects Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors ernhil@yahoo.com In last year’s midterm elections, the ManilaStandard Philippine PressCabie InstituteNight Editor term is extended by the President. be accessed at: The National Police Published Monday toCentral SundayPost

by Philippine Manila Standard worth ofcan illegal drugs.

Honor Blanco Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor Edg Box 2933, Manila Office, Manila.

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FLORENCIO FIANZA

Is the government in such a hurry?

Race to develop COVID-19 Race to develop COVID-19 vaccine heats up Race to develop COVID-19 PNP needs a reformer vaccine heats up vaccine heats up Race to to develop develop COVID-19 COVID-19 Race vaccine heats heats up up vaccine

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Richest 1% to blame for high pollution emissions

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

NEW TANDEM. This combination of pictures created on September 20 shows US President Donald Trump (left) holding a press conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, DC, while newly elected leader of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Yoshihide Suga poses for a portrait at his office following his press conference at the party’s headquarters in Tokyo. AFP

US eyes ‘free, open Indo-Pacific’ IN BRIEF W Supreme Court push called ‘abuse of power’

PHILADELPHIA -- White House hopeful Joe Biden on Sunday branded Donald Trump’s moves to fill a Supreme Court vacancy less than two months before the US presidential election an “abuse of power,” as some of the president’s own party also objected.

The prospect of an expedited Senate confirmation vote has sparked furious pushback from Democrats desperate to stop Trump moving the court lastingly to the right.

Two Republican senators have also registered their opposition to any rushed vote to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the popular liberal justice who died Friday at 87.

Biden, speaking Sunday in Philadelphia, accused Trump of exercising “raw political power” by attempting to “ram” through his court choice amidst a bitterly fought election campaign.

“I believe voters will make it clear—they will not stand for this abuse of power, this constitutional abuse,” said Biden, who urged the Senate not to act until after the November 3 election.

“If Donald Trump wins the election, then the Senate should move on his selection— and weigh that nominee fairly. But if I win the election, President Trump’s nomination should be withdrawn.” AFP

China is locked in disputes with neighbors including Japan and Vietnam over islands in the resource rich South China Sea. “The two leaders discussed the importance of pursuing our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, continuing to strengthen the United StatesJapan Alliance, and working together to strengthen the global economy,” the White House said in a statement.

After the phone conversation Suga told reporters that he informed Trump that the alliance with Washington is the “cornerstone of peace and stability in the region,” Japan’s Kyodo News reported.

In their 25-minute call, Trump and Beijing’s expanding military presence in the region has worried several of its Suga also talked about the situation in neighbors, and Washington has vowed North Korea. The Japanese leader asked to stand up against its territorial claims. for US support to push for the return of

ASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump on Sunday spoke to Japan’s new prime minister, Yoshihide Suga, to congratulate him on taking office and to discuss a “free and open IndoPacific” region, which is increasingly dominated by China.

Japanese nationals kidnapped by the North Koreans in the 1970s and 1980s, Kyodo reported.

The two leaders also discussed the response to the coronavirus pandemic, and agreed to cooperate on developing and distributing a vaccine and treatment for the deadly virus, an unnamed Japanese official told Kyodo.

Suga earlier spoke by phone with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, which Kyodo said is the first head of government he spoke to since his inauguration.

Between the US and China Japan’s parliament elected Suga, 71, as the country’s first new leader in nearly eight years on Wednesday.

He said he would seek continued strong ties with Washington and stable relations with China and Russia. AFP

PARIS—The richest one percent of people are responsible for more than twice as much carbon pollution as the poorest half of the world’s population —3.1 billion people—new research showed Monday.

Despite a sharp decrease in carbon emissions due to the pandemic, the world remains on pace to warm several degrees this century, threatening poor and developing nations with the full gamut of natural disasters and displacements.

An analysis led by Oxfam showed that between 1990 and 2015, when annual emissions ballooned 60 percent, that rich nations were responsible for depleting nearly a third of Earth’s carbon budget.

The carbon budget is the limit of cumulative greenhouse gas emissions mankind may produce before rendering catastrophic temperature rises unavoidable.

Just 63 million people—the “one percent”—took up nine percent of the carbon budget since 1990, research conducted for Oxfam by the Stockholm Environment Institute found.

Highlighting an ever-widening “carbon inequality”, the analysis said the growth rate of the one percent’s emissions was three times that of the poorest half of humanity.

“It’s not just that extreme economic inequality is divisive in our societies, it’s not just that it slows the rate of poverty reduction,” Tim Gore, head of policy, advocacy and research, told AFP. “But there is also a third cost which is that it depletes the carbon budget solely for the purpose of the already affluent growing their consumption.”

“And that of course has the worse impacts on the poorest and least responsible,” Gore added.

The 2015 Paris climate deal commits nations to limit global temperature rise to “well below” two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

But emissions have continued to rise since then, and several analyses have warned that without a thoroughly re-tooled global economy prioritising green growth, the pollutions savings due to Covid-19 will have an insignificant mitigating impact on climate change. AFP

Partial virus lockdown in Madrid

MADRID—A million people in and around the Spanish capital on Monday were under new “stay-at-home” orders to contain another coronavirus surge, YANGON—Booted from Aung San Suu as the US death toll neared 200,000.

Kyi’s “chaotic and autocratic” party, one feBut unlike other nations that are male MP is now taking on Myanmar’s national heroine in the upcoming election, claiming tightening curbs to battle outbreaks, Inthe country needs to work with, not against, a dia pressed ahead with its measures to military accused of genocide. kickstart its battered economy, reopenVoters are expected to return Suu Kyi’s Naing the Taj Mahal and some schools on tional League for Democracy (NLD) party to Monday—despite having the secondpower at the November 8 polls—only the sechighest caseload in the world. ond since the country emerged from decades of outright military rule—but Thet Thet Khine The restrictions in Madrid will last is still hoping to make her mark. for two weeks starting Monday, affectShe has undergone many incarnations, ing people living mainly in densely from student activist to medical doctor then populated, low-income neighbourbusinesswoman and jewellery magnate -- behoods who will be allowed only to fore being elected as an NLD MP at Suu Kyi’s travel for essential reasons such as side in 2015.

But she has since fallen from grace. work, medical care or taking children Ousted from the NLD last year—she says to school. for speaking her mind—the 53-year-old hopes On Sunday, people took to the streets to entice voters to her People’s Pioneer Party in some of the affected districts in pro(PPP). test against the new measures.

“The NLD is no longer the solution for the They sported placards reading country,” she tells AFP at her Yangon mansion, decorated with neoclassical columns, “No to a class-based lockdown” or chandeliers and gold-trimmed furniture. AFP “They’re destroying our district and TAJ MAHAL REOPENS. Tourists have their pictures taken at the Taj Mahal in Agra on September 21. The Taj Mahal reopened now they’re locking us up”. to visitors in a symbolic business-as-usual gesture even as India looks set to overtake the US as the global leader in coronavirus “We thinkYELLOW that theyBLACK are laughing CYAN MAGENTA infections. AFP at us a little bit,” said nurse Bethania Manila OF THE PHILIPPINES Perez, as hundreds protested against StandardREPUBLIC Department of Finance TODAY SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION the measure.

Secretariat Building, PICC Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay, 1307 “We will still be able to go to work, MARKETS AND SECURITIES REGULATION DEPARTMENT and go into other areas that are not under “We want to send out the message out the Taj tourists,” he said.

AGRA, India—From Princess Diana IN THE MATTER OF REGISTRATION OF COMMERCIAL PAPERS lockdown, where we might be able to The re-opening comes as the Indian to President Trump, everyone wants to that things are not so bad and you will CITYLAND DEVELOPMENT raise the infections and also still be vulCORPORATION visit the Taj Mahal, but in the middle be safe if you follow the instructions.” government seeks to get Asia’s thirdx----------------------------------------x nerable to infections in our own area.”

Neither the new rules nor the dan- largest economy moving again even as of a global pandemic the bucket-list NOTICE Authorities in Spain—among the gers of catching the coronavirus put virus cases surge. experience is just a little less special.

Notice is hereby given that on 4 September 2020, a sworn Registration Statement was filed with the worst-hit nations in the world—have Securities and Exchange Commission on behalf of CITYLAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION So far it has recorded more than 5.4 As India’s “monument to love” off a steady stream of visitors to the insisted the step is necessary because for the registration of One Billion Four Hundred Million Pesos (P1,400,000,000.00) worth of re-opened on Monday after a six- breathtaking 17th-century monument million coronavirus cases—second Commercial Papers. virus cases in those districts were only to the United States, which it month hiatus, special rules were in- on Monday morning.

According to the papers presented, the following persons are the director/officers of the corporation: much higher than the national average. could overtake in the coming weeks.

Relief for locals troduced—including no touching the Name Position Global coronavirus infections are Dr. Andrew I. Liuson Director/Chairman of the Board “The moment I heard the Taj is re‘We have to get used to it’ white marble walls of the mausoleum rapidly approaching 31 million, with Stephen C. Roxas Director/Chairman of the Executive Committee A lockdown imposed in March left built for a Mughal emperor’s favourite opening I decided to visit. I had been more than 958,000 deaths.

Grace C. Liuson Director/Vice Chairman of the Board planning it for so many years,” said tens of millions out of work almost wife.

Josef C. Gohoc Director/President ‘We have to get used to it’ Peter S. Dee Independent Director Only 5,000 visitors are allowed dai- engineer Debargha Sengupta, 25, who overnight, while the economy shrank by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern George Edwin Y. SyCip Independent Director ly—a quarter of usual capacity— and took a train from Allahabad 500 kilo- almost a quarter between April and June.

Helen C. Roxas Director moved most of New Zealand to its Benjamin I. Liuson Director “People have suffered a lot and it is all have their temperature taken by metres (300 miles) away. lowest virus alert setting on Monday, Emma A. Choa Director/Executive Vice President/Treasurer “It’s amazing, it’s incredible. I had time the country opens up fully,” said staff wearing face shields, masks and saying the country was edging towards Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer/Compliance & Corporate Rudy Go read about the Taj in books and seen bank official Ayub Sheikh, 35, visiting gloves.

Information Officer/Data Protection Officer/Investors Relations Officer eliminating Covid-19.

Melita M. Revuelta Vice President/Alternate Compliance & Corporate Information Officer Visitors can whip off their masks the pictures but to see it in real is so with his wife and baby daughter.

The Pacific nation has recorded just Melita L. Tan Vice President “We are not afraid of the virus. If it for a photo, but security personnel are amazing,” he told AFP. Romeo E. Ng Vice President 25 deaths in a population of five milRosario D. Perez Vice President-Executive Affairs “I am not worried about the corona- has to infect us, it will,” he told AFP. quick to remind them to put them back lion and has been widely praised for its Winefreda R. Go Vice President- Purchasing Department virus. It’s been six months and I am “Not many people are dying now. I on once the shutter has been pressed. virus response.

Atty. Emma G. Jularbal Vice President-Legal Affairs/Corporate Secretary And the famous bench where people totally fed up now. We cannot sit at don’t think it is going to go away soon.

Dorothy U. So Assistant Vice President-Head of Internal Audit Department In India, however, infections are Catherine Grace T. Wong Assistant Corporate Secretary We have to get used to it now.” usually sit to have their picture taken home forever.” surging with tens of thousands of new In order to implement necessary health protocols consistent with the directives and guidelines of the The return of visitors is a huge reThere were few foreigners present has been laminated in plastic, to help infections being reported every day.

Department of Health for the protection of its employees and the investing public, the Commission hereby suspends the physical inspection of the RS and other papers/documents attached thereto lief to the many people of Agra who Monday as India has not yet opened cleaning between every photo op.

But with the economy reeling, the (collectively referred to as “Documents”) as well as (ii.) providing physical copies thereof to interested parties, until further Notice. In lieu thereof, the Commission has adopted an alternative “We have all the safety measures in depend on Taj Mahal tourists for their up to international tourists. government has gradually eased what mode of viewing and/or downloading the said Documents and any subsequent amendments thereto But Spaniard Ainhoa Parra—who place,” said Vasant Swarnkar from the livelihoods. by enabling interested parties to access the same through the MSRD corner of the Securities and was once among the world’s strictest Exchange Commission’s website (www.sec.gov.ph) or the Company’s website www.cityland.net.

“It was so frustrating to sit idle at lives in India—did make the trip.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), lockdowns—despite warnings from home for six months,” said an elated “Coronavirus is in every country,” which oversees the UNESCO world some experts about the virus spreadsigned VICENTE GRACIANO P. FELIZMENIO, JR. Zahid Baig, a rickshaw driver.

Parra told AFP after posing for a selfie heritage site in Agra south of New ing across the vast nation of 1.3 billion Director “Agra looked like a ghost city with- with her husband and two friends. AFP Delhi. people.AFP

Lady taking on ‘The Lady’ in Myanmar

To Taj Mahal visitors: ‘Don’t touch the marble’

(MS-SEPT. 18 & 22, 2020)

Manila

Standard

Business

B3

TODAY

HSBC shares fall to 25-year low amid fears of China’s list HONG KONG—Shares in banking giant HSBC plunged to a 25-year low Monday on fears it could be added to a Chinese list of firms deemed a threat to national security and following news it had been accused of allowing fraudulent activity to go unpunished.

The troubled lender tanked more than four percent to HK$29.60 at one point—a level not seen since mid1995—as investors fret over its ability to continue doing business in China and Hong Kong, which make up a crucial portion of its growth.

The sell-off came after the Global Times, a state-run English tabloid in China, reported the bank could be one of the first firms to be named on Beijing’s “unreliable entity list” as part of a tit-for-tat stand-off with several western countries.

The report pointed to HSBC’s participation in Washington’s investigation of Huawei and the arrest of its chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou in Canada.

Among penalties that can be meted out include restrictions on trade, investment and visas.

“If the company is listed as an unreliable company by China, which looks certain since it’s a Global Times article, the bank will be facing lots of difficulties to do business in China,” Banny Lam, at CEB International Investment Corp., told Bloomberg News.

“They may have trouble expanding the mainland business, after investing so much there over the past few years.”

On Sunday, HSBC was among a group of banks said to have allowed fraudsters to transfer millions of dollars around the world even after it had learned of the scam.

The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists cited leaked official US documents that said the bank “kept profiting from powerful and dangerous players” in the past two decades.

HSBC told the investigation team that it has always met its legal duties on reporting suspicious activities.

Shares in another Hong Kong-listed bank, Standard Chartered, also tumbled almost four percent after it was mentioned in the report.

HSBC has seen its share price more than halve so far this year, hit by the pandemic—net profit slumped 69 percent in the first six months—and China-US tensions.

The lender acts as a major business conduit between China and the West but that has left it more vulnerable than most to the crossfire of the increasingly bellicose relationship between the superpowers. AFP

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market ends flat; NOW, Dito rise S TOCKS closed virtually flat Monday in thin trading, with investors growing concerned about an uptick in coronavirus infections in Europe and the United States.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index ended nearly unchanged at 5,909.32, or minimally up 0.42 point from Friday’s close, on a value turnover of P4.3 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 138 to 58, with 42 issues unchanged.

NOW Corp. jumped 49.8 percent to P3.58 after the company, owned by the Velarde family, secured a permit

from the government to operate as the country’s fourth major mobile phone operator. Dito CME Holdings Corp., the country’s third major telecom firm, also advanced 9.6 percent to P4.12.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. of the Sy Group rose 3.4 percent to P29, but miner Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. fell 4.7 percent to P1.22.

Most Asian markets, meanwhile fell Monday following another disappointing performance on Wall Street as well as the lack of movement in Washington on a new stimulus.

After months of big gains around the world, fueled by government stimulus and central bank largesse, equities are beginning to wobble, with analysts warning traders were taking profits as they consider the rally may have been overblown.

A key worry is a spike in new virus cases in key economies that have led to containment measures being reimposed.

Britain’s government, noting hospitalization rates are doubling every eight days, said fresh restrictions could be put in place across England, with several cities already seeing some measures.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the country was at a “tipping point.”

France has seen death numbers creep back up and there are fears Madrid could be overwhelmed. New infection rates in the United States are also picking up again after dropping for weeks.

“Investors remain confused about which way to move... as lockdown fears take charge with the UK government sounding alarm bells as the Covid-19 curve moves in the wrong direction,” said AxiCorp’s Stephen Innes.

“After the initial economic bounce from full-blown lockdowns, both the UK and Europe’s economic trajectory could be entering a gloomy second phase characterized by ongoing social distancing, elevated unemployment, and increasing damage to the supply side.” With AFP

PSEi September 21, 2020

ODD SHOPPING DISTRICT.

TOP GAINERS

TOP LOSERS

This photo taken on September 20, 2020 shows people visiting a shopping district made out of shipping containers in Shenyang in China’s northeastern Liaoning province. AFP

MOST ACTIVE

US judge halts WeChat download ban in US-China row NEW YORK—A US judge on Sunday blocked the government’s ban on WeChat downloads, hours before it was due to take effect in an ongoing technology and espionage battle between Washington and Beijing.

The Trump administration had ordered a ban on downloads of the messaging platform WeChat as well as hugely popular video-sharing app TikTok, both owned by Chinese companies. Both bans have now been suspended.

A California court ruling said it granted a “motion for a nationwide injunction against the implementation” of the government order on WeChat, with the judge citing concerns over free speech.

The order would have slowed We-

TikTok Global set to launch public offering—ByteDance BEJING, China—TikTok Global plans to hold a public listing, its Chinese parent company ByteDance said Monday, after announcing a deal over the weekend that would avert a shutdown of the popular app in the US. The agreement, which has been approved by Donald Trump, sees Silicon Valley giant Oracle become the data partner for the video-sharing platform while Walmart becomes a commercial partner, creating a new US company called TikTok Global.

On Monday, ByteDance said in a statement on social media that TikTok Global plans to launch a “small round of pre-IPO financing,” after which it would become an 80 percent-owned subsidiary of ByteDance.

The company added that the board of directors of TikTok Global includes ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming, along with its current directors and the CEO of Walmart.

“TikTok Global will also launch a listing plan to further enhance its corporate governance structure and transparency,” the statement said. It did not say how much it intended to raise or where it plans to list.

Bloomberg News reported that Bytedance was seeking a valuation of $60 billion for TikTok, citing a person familiar with the matter.

TikTok—which became a global phenomenon with its brand of short, addictive phone videos—has come under fire in recent months as tensions escalate between China and the west.

Trump has claimed TikTok is collecting user data for Beijing, without providing evidence, and in early August gave ByteDance until September 20 to hand over TikTok’s US operations to an American company.

ByteDance, under pressure in China not to give in to US demands, set out to clarify “rumors” on Monday after details of the deal were announced. It said the current plan “does not involve the transfer of any algorithms and technologies.”

While Oracle has the authority to check the source code of TikTok in the US, ByteDance said displaying the source code is a way for multinationals to allay local data security concerns.

ByteDance added that a “so-called tax payment of $5 billion to the US Treasury” was a forecast of corporate income tax and other operating taxes TikTok would need to pay for business development. AFP

Chat down and made it unusable in the United States for video chats with family and friends, according to experts.

Owned by technology giant Tencent, WeChat has around 19 million active daily users in the United States.

When contacted by AFP, Tencent declined to comment on the ruling.

The ruling “is a short-term relief for the plaintiffs, who wanted to be sure that the app was not shut down tonight,” said Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond.

If the government appeals and wins, the plaintiffs can appeal that decision.

“The plaintiffs wanted to just buy time,” Tobias said. “It may be very soon that the president is no longer the president.”

As President Donald Trump seeks a breakthrough with voters to win a second term in the November 3 election, he has increasingly put national security and his aggressive stance toward China at the center of his campaign.

He regularly accuses Democratic opponent Joe Biden of weakness toward Beijing.

The president said Saturday that he had approved a deal allowing Silicon Valley giant Oracle to become data partner for TikTok to avert a shutdown of that app.

The deal, announced by the companies, includes Walmart as a commercial partner and would create a new US company named TikTok Global. AFP

10 September 2020 To the Stockholders Chemical Industries of the Philippines, Inc. Subject: Annual Stockholders’ Meeting Ladies and Gentlemen: NOTICE is hereby given that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Chemical Industries of the Philippines (CIP) will be held on 15 October 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at the 7th Floor, Board Room, Chemphil Building, 851 A. Arnaiz Avenue, Legaspi Village, Makati City, to consider the following matters: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Calling the Roll Presentation of Secretary’s Due Notice of the Meeting Reading and Disposal of Any Unapproved Minutes Presentation of the 2019 Annual Reports Election of Directors Unfinished Business New Business Adjournment

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING To All Stockholders: Please be advised that the annual meeting of stockholders of MARCVENTURES HOLDINGS, INC. (the “Corporation”) will be held virtually on October 16, 2020 (Friday) at 2:00 p.m. at the 4th Floor, Citibank Center, 8741 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and for the health and safety of the stockholders and other attendees, the meeting will be held virtually and stockholders who wish to attend should register according to the process below in order to have access to the meeting through the following link: https://agm.conveneagm.com/marcventures/#/agm The Agenda of the meeting is as follows: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Call to Order Proof of Notice and Certification of Quorum Approval of Minutes of Previous Stockholders’ Meeting Approval of the Management Report and Audited Financial Statements 5. Ratification of All Acts of the Board of Directors and Management 6. Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws to Change the Corporate Name (from Marcventures Holdings, Inc. to Marcventures Nickel Holdings, Inc.) 7. Election of Directors 8. Appointment of the External Auditor 9. Other Matters 10. Adjournment

If you are unable to attend the meeting, please accomplish the proxy form…, and present the same to the Corporate Secretary/Assistant Corporate Secretary or their representatives not later than 6:00 p.m. on 5 October 2020, for validation purposes. The validation of proxies shall be conducted on 10 October 2020 at the 7th Floor Boardroom, Chemphil Building, 851 A. Arnaiz Avenue, Legaspi Village, Makati City.

Please take note that the proxy executed by a corporation should be in the form of a Board resolution duly certified by the Corporate Secretary or in a proxy form executed by a duly authorized corporate officer accompanied by a Corporate Secretary’s certificate quoting the board resolution authorizing the said corporate officer(s) to execute the said proxy.

Per SEC Memorandum No. 06-2020, stockholders may attend and participate in the Annual Stockholders Meeting through teleconferencing, videoconferencing and other remote or electronic means of communication. If you wish to attend through videoconferencing, kindly inform the Corporate Secretary at least five (5) business days prior to 15 October 2020 so that the proper link may be sent to you.

The Stock and Transfer Book of the corporation shall be closed from 24 September 2020 to 14 October 2020.

Immediately after the Stockholders’ Meeting, the Organizational Meeting of the Board of Directors will follow….

Thank you.

Very truly yours, (sgd.)

ATTY. SALVADOR L. PEÑA Assistant Corporate Secretary P.S. The Definitive Information Statement (“IS”), Management Report, SEC Form 17A, and pertinent documents may be accessed through any of the following operations: 1. Go to the CIP website via this link: https://www.chemphil. com.ph/main_cip.htm ; and 2. Go to the PSE EDGE portal via https://edge.pse.com.ph/

For purposes of the meeting, stockholders of record as of August 24, 2020 are entitled to receive notice and to vote at the said meeting.

Stockholders intending to participate by remote communication should pre-register at https://agm.conveneagm.com/marcventures/#/agm on or before October 6, 2020. Please refer to the Procedure for Registration, Participation, and Voting at the 2020 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting (attached to the Definitive Information Statement) for detailed information on the procedure for registration and participation by remote communication and voting in absentia (electronic voting) or by proxy. Validation of proxies will take place on October 9, 2020.

Pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Notice dated April 20, 2020, a copy of the Notice of the meeting, Definitive Information Statement, minutes of the previous meeting of the stockholders, and other documents related to the meeting may be accessed through the Company’s website at www.marcventuresholdings.com and will also be available at https://agm.conveneagm.com/marcventures/#/agm and PSE Edge.

For information about the conduct of the virtual meeting, you may visit https://agm.conveneagm.com/marcventures/#/agm, or email rfrondoso@ marcventures.com.ph.

Makati City, September 17, 2020.

ROBERTO V. SAN JOSE Corporate Secretary *

(MS-SEPT. 22 & 23, 2020)

All proxies which have been previously submitted shall remain valid unless revoked.

(MS-SEPT. 21 & 22, 2020)

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

B4

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

IN BRIEF PLDT upgrading ADSL lines for free PLDT Inc. said Monday it will implement a modernization program to upgrade the lines of customers still using the copper-based ADSL service to fiber within the next 18 months to boost internet speeds for free.

“COVID-19 has set our agenda for the foreseeable future. At the outset, our task was clearly to keep people connected as the country went into lockdown. Moving forward, we will grow our business by helping our customers—and the country—rebuild their lives and livelihoods with powerful connectivity like fiber, 4G and now 5G, combined with innovative digital solutions,” PLDT chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan said.

PLDT chief revenue officer and Smart president Alfredo Panlilio said that with the modernization program, the company would reinforce the drive to install new fiber connections and meet the increasing demand for high-speed internet access for more homes and businesses. “It is an essential need, especially in these times of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

“The program will boost the internet service of both PLDT Home and Enterprise customers to fiber speeds, at no added cost,” Panlilio said. Darwin G. Amojelar

PSALM optimistic on Malaya bidding STATE-RUN Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. expressed optimism about privatizing the 650-megawatt Malaya Thermal Power Plant and its underlying land this week, after announcing a lower minimum bid price of P2.188 billion.

PSALM set the bid submission for MTPP on Sept. 23 at 12 noon, after which the opening and evaluation of bids will immediately start. All bids are to be submitted to PSALM Office at the 24th Floor of Vertis North Corporate Center 1, North Ave., Quezon City.

“I am hoping that the minimum bid price will encourage bidders to submit their bids so that we can privatize once and for all the Malaya power plant,” PSALM president and chief executive Irene Besido Garcia said.

PSALM said its board set the new minimum bid price after considering various valuation methodologies and relevant factors such as the book value of the asset, the zonal value of the land, the substantial losses incurred and continue to be incurred

by PSALM in maintaining the MTPP, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on marketability, the electricity demand and the need to have a justifiable price that would lead to a successful public bidding.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Malayan Insurance bares online notice MALAYAN Insurance Co. Inc. has taken the word “service” to another level, allowing clients to request for insurance claims online.

It said with the new online claims notification form available at Malayan’s official website, policyholders may now inform MICO that a claim is being filed, which facilitates the claim making process.

Through the online platform, the policyholder would only need to fill-out an online form to notify MICO regarding a claim request, which is much faster than the previous practice where they would personally go to Malayan offices or branches.

To file for a claim, the insured must provide details such as personal information, contact details, policy number, type of claim, valid IDs, date of loss and other details necessary for claim and submit it together with required documents through Malayan’s official website.

Business

Megawide, 2 Korean firms win Malolos-Clark rail deal

By Darwin G. Amojelar

T

he joint venture of Megawide Construction Corp. and Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd. and Dong-ah Geological Engineering Company Ltd. of Korea bagged the P28-billion contract from the Department of Transportation to build the Malolos-Clark Railway Project Package 1.

The DOTR said it issued the notification of award to the joint venture of Megawide and the two Korean firms on Sept. 18.

MCRP is part of the larger NorthSouth Commuter Railway project of the government. Under the awarded contract, the consortium will take care of the building and provision of civil engineering works for 17 kilometers of viaduct structure, including elevated station buildings in Calumpit, Bulacan and Apalit, Pampanga.

“Megawide, together with our worldrenowned consortium partners in the field of engineering, Hyundai E&C and Dongah, is committed to deliver the highest standards of construction and engineering excellence for the MCRP. This will be another first-world infrastructure in the making,” Megawide chairman and chief executive Edgar Saavedra said.

The project has an estimated cost of P28 billion or more than half of Megawide’s current order book of P48 billion.

It will boost the company’s construction segment revenue in the next three to four years during the development phase.

Megawide said that as precast materials and construction ancillary services would be the major components for the development, the project would also benefit the company’s technologicallyadvanced business units and support expansion plans in the area.

“We are honored to be working with the Philippine government on the MCRP. Not only will this project, once totally completed, spur growth in Central Luzon, it will also increase connectivity and unlock exciting commercial opportunities between Metro Manila and Clark,” Saavedra said.

“This is also a strong testament to how public and private sector cooperation—foreign and local alike—can effectively propel the country towards a first-world Philippines,” he said.

FOOD ENTREPRENEURS. The Department of Trade and Industry Rizal Provincial Office conducts an assessment, consultation and triage session under the One Town, One Product Next Generation program among micro, small and medium enterprises under the food sector at the Training Room of the Negosyo Center DTI Rizal Provincial Office in Antipolo City. The OTOP program aims to level up the products and services of chosen MSMEs by offering assistance to enhance the design, quality, production and marketability of products.

Meralco pays P19-m fine but appeals retail rate discount

By Alena Mae S. Flores ELECTRICITY retailer Manila Electric Co. said Monday it paid the P19million penalty imposed by the Energy Regulatory Commission for violating the advisories the agency issued during the community quarantine period from March to July.

Meralco said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it also appealed ERC’s directive to provide a retail rate discount to lifeline customers.

“Pending the resolution of the motion for partial reconsideration, Meralco will implement the retail rate discount in its

October 2020 billing,” the company said.

The ERC earlier directed Meralco to set to zero the distribution, supply and metering charges of lifeline consumers whose monthly energy consumption does not exceed 100 kilowatt-hours for a month effective the next billing cycle immediately upon receipt of the subject the decision.

ERC said the retail rate discount would provide temporary economic relief to more than two million lifeline consumers. ERC said the total discount to be provided to all lifeline consumers of around P200 million

should not be charged to non-lifeline consumers.

Meralco, in its motion, called the ERC decision “arbitrary and unconstitutional.”

“The imposition of the retail rate discount, amounting to approximately P230 to P240 million, effectively requires Meralco to absorb the costs of providing its distribution service to lifeline customers on the sole ground that the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on our economy. With due respect, while the imposition is indeed well-intentioned, the same has no basis in law,” Meralco said.

Alliance Global’s board clears plan to buy back P2.5-b worth of shares

By Jenniffer B. Austria

ALLIANCE Global Group Inc., the holding company of billionaire Andrew Tan, disclosed a plan to buy back P2.5 billion worth of stocks to improve shareholder value.

AGI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its board of directors approved the buyback program, which would be implemented for a period of 12 months starting Sept. 24, 2020 until Sept 23, 2021.

The program will be executed in the open market through the trading facilities of the Philippine Stock Exchange.

AGI said it would use cash to repurchase shares and that it had sufficient retained earnings to support the new buy-back program. The repurchased shares will be booked as treasury shares.

“The new buy-back program shall be implemented in an orderly manner and should not adversely affect the company’s and its subsidiaries’ prospective and existing projects,” AGI said.

The stock of AGI recently hit a 52-week low of P5.30 from a 52week high of P12.44. It also fell

1.1 percent to close at P7.17 Monday.

The company, in the previous P2.5-billion buyback program that started in September 2019, repurchased 210.35 million common shares from the open market for P1.99 billion.

AGI earlier said it reduced the planned 2020 capital expenditures to P42 billion from the original target of P79 billion as the group focuses on preserving cash because of the pandemic.

AGI reported a net income of P3.8 billion in the first half, down 53 percent from P8.1 billion in the same period last year, on lower income contribution from core businesses.

Consolidated revenues also fell 26 percent to P61.4-billion from last year’s P82.8 billion.

Several listed companies earlier announced share buyback programs while others increased the size of their buybacks amid the market sell off on fears related to the spread of COVID-19.

Among these companies were Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc., Megaworld Construction Corp., Megawide Construction Corp. and Ayala Land Inc.

OIL TAXES. The Department of Finance says 12.05 billion liters of fuel were marked by the government from Sept. 1, 2019 to Sept. 17, 2020 under the Fuel Marking Program. Data from the department shows that Petron Corp. accounted for 2.913 billion liters of the total volume of fuel marked, followed by Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. with 2.528 billion liters and Unioil Petroleum Philippines Inc. with 1.359 billion liters. The Bureau of Customs raised P112.35 billion in duties and taxes as of Sept. 17, while the Bureau of Internal Revenue collected P18.82 billion in excise taxes from gasoline, diesel, kerosene and other fuel products as of Sept. 10.

PSE INDEX CLOSING Monday, September 21, 2020 0.42 points 5,909.32

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES

2,126,878,122 94,108

TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES

4,266,492,613.91 58

DECLINES UNCHANGED

138 42

Foreign E xchange R ate

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2020 Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.4100

Japan

Yen

0.009566

0.4631

UK

Pound

1.293300

62.6087

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129034

6.2465

Switzerland

Franc

1.098418

53.1744

Canada

Dollar

0.757805

36.6853

Singapore

Dollar

0.736269

35.6428

Australia

Dollar

0.729600

35.3199

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655055

128.5312

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266631

12.9076

Brunei

Dollar

0.733568

35.5120

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000068

0.0033

Thailand

Baht

0.032134

1.5556

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.1807

Euro

Euro

1.184500

57.3416

Korea

Won

0.000859

0.0416

China

Yuan

0.147710

7.1506

India

Rupee

0.013599

0.6583

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.243191

11.7729

New Zealand

Dollar

0.676300

32.7397

Taiwan

Dollar

0.034501

1.6702 Source: BSP

PAL settles P12.72b-worth of flight refunds to passengers PHILIPPINE Airlines said Monday it settled more than P12.72 billion worth of COVID-related refund requests from passengers as the airline vowed to address the backlogs.

“We are doing all we can to cope with the massive deluge of refund requests that we received after the global pandemic forced us to cancel more than 60,000 PAL flights since March 2020, affecting over 1.3 million passengers,” the airline unit of tycoon Lucio Tan said.

“The loss of revenues deprived us of liquidity to make prompt refund payments, even as lockdown restrictions posed serious staffing and logistical limitations,” it said.

PAL said it progressively stepped up its processing capabilities to address the system backlogs.

“We have so far refunded about 80 percent of the more than $300 million (P15.9 billion) COVIDrelated refund requests,” PAL said.

“We recognize that this has taken some time, and we greatly appreciate your understanding as we continue to resolve these challenges over the coming months,” it said.

PAL said it restored nearly 15 percent of regular domestic and global network and aimed to ramp up more flights and more routes in line with the expected easing of travel and quarantine restrictions.

“We assure our customers of Philippine Airlines’ commitment to fulfill all refund obligations, and we sincerely apologize for the long processing time many of you have experienced,” PAL said.

Cebu Pacific also said it refunded over P2.4 billion of booking cancellations related to COVID-19, equivalent to 50 percent of refund requests received.

“We remain committed to our customers to complete pending refunds, and will update them once these have been processed. We are currently halfway through refund requests filed last April,” Cebu Pacific said.

Cebu Pacific said the refunds may take up to six months to process from the time the request was filed.

Cebu Pacific said the tourism and aviation industries were among the worst hit by COVID-19, which limited Cebu Pacific’s flights to only 10 percent of its pre-COVID network.

Darwin G. Amojelar

DTI survey shows only 6% of small businesses have yet to reopen

By Othel V. Campos ABOUT 6 percent of small businesses have yet to reopen after closing at the height of the quarantine period amid the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019, according to a survey by the Department of Trade and Industry.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the agency conducted the survey among 2,000 micro, small and medium enterprises during three quarantine periods.

“It showed that 38 percent companies were closed and about 50 percent were partially operating during the height of the ECQ [enhanced com-

munity quarantine] last April to May. This went down to 11 percent in June to July, and to 6 percent in August to September as we were reopening the economy,” Lopez told members of the Philippine Franchise Association during the opening of Franchise Asia Philippines 2020 on Monday.

He said the country’s unemployment rate steadily decreased from the worst rate of 17.7 percent in April to 10 percent in July. The DTI expects the unemployment rate to revert the pre-COVID level of 5.1 percent before the end of the year.

Lopez assured participants that Philippine manufacturing was slowly

getting back to where it used to be. He said the manufacturing index climbed back closer to the benchmark index of 50, reaching 49.7 in June from its record-low of 31.6 in April.

“The Philippines has always been posting 50 index. Above 50 suggests an increase in manufacturing activities and below 50 suggests a contraction. So we are about to surpass the 50 index. This reflected a recovery in our manufacturing indices as we eased down the community quarantine in several regions across the country.

Furthermore, our output index has been climbing from 10.2 last April to 51.1 last June,” Lopez said.

Davis triple lifts Lakers to 2-0 lead over Nuggets LOS ANGELES—Anthony Davis drained a three-pointer as time expired to seal the Los Angeles Lakers’ 105-103 victory over the Denver Nuggets Sunday for a 2-0 lead in the NBA Western Conference finals.

“People talk about (I’ve) never been in this moment before, pressure, am I ready for it,” Davis said. “I want to take those shots.”

Davis scored 31 points and pulled down nine rebounds, and LeBron James added 11 rebounds as the Lakers turned back the determined Nuggets—who had taken a 103-102 lead on Nikola Jokic’s driving basket with 20.8 seconds remaining.

Jokic scored 11 straight points for the Nuggets down the stretch, finishing with 30 points, six rebounds and nine assists to lead Denver.

Jamal Murray added 25 points, and the Nuggets battled in a furious fourth quarter but finally came up short.

Davis and Jokic traded baskets down the stretch, Jokic tipping in a miss from teammate Murray to put the Nuggets up 101-100 with 31.8 seconds left, only for Davis to answer at the other end.

After Jokic scored to put the Nuggets ahead by one again, the Lakers’ Alex Caruso missed a three-pointer, and Murray blocked a shot by Danny Green, giving the Lakers a chance to inbound the ball.

Rajon Rondo found Davis, and the All-Star forward drained the gamewinner over Jokic.

The Lakers will try to take a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series on Tuesday in the NBA’s quarantine bubble in Orlando, Florida.

James powered the Lakers early, scoring Los Angeles’ first 12 points.

But the rest of the Lakers warmed up and Los Angeles put together an 18-3 scoring run that included a galvanizing dunk from Caruso.

The Lakers pushed the lead to as many as 16 points in the second quarter, but the Nuggets never surrendered.

Special moment for Davis Murray scored nine of his 25 points in a Nuggets surge that spanned the third and fourth quarters.

His reverse layup gave Denver an 87-86 lead with 7:26 left in the fourth quarter—the Nuggets’ first lead since the first quarter.

“We put the effort, we put the fight,” Jokic said. “Maybe we lost the game, but I think we played well.

“Most of the game we were down, but we came back again, so we’re going to keep our heads up and (go) on to the next one.”

For Davis, the game-winner was a career moment for a player who sought a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans so he would have a chance to challenge for an NBA title. AFP

Sports

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

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Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after hitting the game-winning three-pointer against the Denver Nuggets during Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at the AdventHealth Arena in Orlando, Florida. AFP

Cage powers to turn PH into sports mecca

By Peter Atencio

T

HE participation of four basketball superpowers in the region is expected to turn the Philippines into sports tourism destination next year.

This is the promise that the East Asia Super League offers with its planned opening on Oct. 20, 2021.

EASL Chief Executive Officer Matt Beyer said this after he got the Games and Amusement Board’s approval to invite professional club teams from the Philippine Basketball Association and allow foreign squads to come over as well.

“This will be a destination for tourism in Asia for the wildest and

most passionate basketball fan,” said Beyer during a Zoom web conference, with GAB chairman Abraham Mitra and PBA club owner and EASL Business Development Officer Dioceldo Sy of Blackwater Elite.

Two teams from the PBA, which could be any of the pro league’s champions from its three conferences, will join an eight-team EASL format, which will also involve participants from China, Japan and Taiwan.

“This will be in different cities and it will be rotating round,” added Beyer.

Last month, the international basketball body, FIBA entered into a 10-year deal with the EASL. The first two editions of the EASL are in 2021 and 2022, and will match up the region’s top eight teams in a home-and-away group stage.

It will culminate with a Final Four in February to determine the champion, runner-up and third-place finishers.

EASL plans to expand the competition to 16 teams by 2023.

“This is a milestone not only for Philippine basketball, but also for Asian basketball. We hope that this pandemic will be resolved soon so that we will be able to play together,” said Sy.

Genato of legendary ‘54 PH cage team honored ANTONIO Genato described himself as an emotional and hot-headed player during the 1954 World Basketball Championships for men when it was held in Brazil.

Now 91, the last surviving member of the Philippine national men’s basketball team that bagged a bronze medal in the worlds back then, recalled two instances when he blew his top over the officiating.

“I disagreed with the officiating back then,” said Genato during an online honoring ceremony held to commemorate members of that fabled 1954 national squad at the Bahay Alamat in Valenzuela City.

Bahay Alamat is located at Barangay Maysan in Bahayang Pag-Asa, featuring murals and photos of the 1954 team that was skippered by Lauro ‘The Fox’ Mumar.

The national team in the 1936 the Berlin Olympics, the 1973 all-Filipino squad that claimed the FIBA Asia Men’s Championship and the 2014 version snatched spot in the FIBA World Cup after a 36-year-absence, also have places in the gymnasium.

The Philippines’ bronze finish in that 1954 worlds was the highest honor that the country reached in the

lost to host Brazil, 62-99.

Then, he talked about the time when he confronted the captain of the Uruguay squad over dirty plays before beating them, 67-63, in the battle for the bronze, also during the 1954 worlds.

Despite the ups and downs that he experienced in dealing with officiating, whether good or bad, Genato said he is grateful that his time with the national squad has received recognition.

“That’s why I now thank you for your dedication and interest in the game of basketball,” said Genato to the supporters of the enshrinement and honoring rites, hosted by House Committee on Youth and Sports Chairman Eric Martinez of Valenzuela City.

Markers were also placed in Genato’s honor at the entrance of the gymnasium, while his no. 13 jersey, was put on display on a wall.

Martinez said Genato is the first athlete to be honored in the venue, and more will follow, like Loyzaga —their next honoree.

Antonio Genato: Grateful for the honor “For us Filipinos, we must have a sense of history in the game of basketball,” said Martinez, international cage scene.

Genato, who also saw action in the 1952 and 1954 who recalled of his father’s stories on basketball Summer Olympics, recalled how he and Carlos heroes like Danny Florencio, Allan Caidic and Loyzaga ran after the referee when Team Philippines Samboy Lim. Peter Atencio

Fil-Aussie McLaren tries to topple ‘The Giant’ REECE “Lightning” McLaren is back in action after nine long months, and he is ready to continue his ascent in the ONE Championship f lyweight rankings.

The Filipino-Australian sensation looks to resume his winning ways when he takes on unbeaten Aleksi “The Giant” Toivonen in the co-main event of ONE: REIGN OF DYNASTIES on October 9.

Currently ranked number five in the ONE flyweight division, McLaren would put himself right back in the hunt for the ONE Flyweight World Title if he beats “The Giant.”

There’s no denying that the 29-year-old has faced the best of the

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

organization no matter which division he competes in.

He originally started at bantamweight, where he scored convincing wins over Mark “Mugen” Striegl and Muin “Tajik” Gafurov before falling to the division giants Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes and Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon.

Moving to the flyweight division, McLaren quickly secured wins over Antapong “Mak Mak” Bunrad, Gianni Subba, and Tatsumitsu “The Sweeper” Wada though he lost by decision to third-ranked Kairat “The Kazakh” Akhemetov and second-ranked Danny “The King” Kingad.

He recently got back to winning ways when he made short work of Gurdashan

“Saint Lion” Mangat at ONE: MARK OF GREATNESS in December 2019.

Now he has his hands full against “The Giant,” who’s also coming off a long layoff.

Toivonen made his ONE debut in July 2019 with a submission win over Akhihiro “Superjap” Fujisawa before tearing his ACL during training a few months later.

Now that he is healthy and hungry, he hopes to add McLaren to his growing list of wins.

The night will be bannered by twosport World Champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao who defends his ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title against top-ranked contender Josh “Timebomb” Tonna.

Reece McLaren

Former Jr Gilas is 8th player to leave UST FORMER Batang Gilas standout Bismarck Lina became the eighth player to leave the University of SantoTomas Growling Tigers camp.

The 6’5” Lina originally committed to the Growling Tigers last February, but changed his mind and decided to accept an earlier invitation to suit up for the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons yesterday.

Fighting Maroons coach Bo Perasol confirmed this following talks with Lina, members of his family, and UP team manager Atty. Agaton Uvero.

Lina, who joined former teammate CJ Cansino in the Maroons’ roster, will undergo a yearlong residency before suiting up in Season 84 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

“Bismarck is going to be part of the Season 84 team. A young man with a great fighting attitude and potential,” said Perasol.

Lina, who was part of the AllUAAP Season 81 Team, averaged 16.6 points on 54.7 percent shooting and 10.9 rebounds per game.

Since controversy began with the Growling Tigers last August, eight players have left the team.

It began when CJ Cansino moved over to the UP camp.

After that, Rhenz Abando, Ira Battaler and Brent Paraiso jumped over to Letran. Then, Mark Nonoy and Deo Cuajao went to La Salle, while Jun Asuncion joined the Mapua Cardinals.

Perasol said they have been inviting Lina to join them since last year.

Lina’s mind changed when controversy hounded the UST training camp in Sorsogon, a violation of health protocols and lockdowns imposed during the pandemic.

Four officials have also left after 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.

When coach Aldin Ayo gave up his post, assistant coaches McJour Luib and Jinino Manansala followed suit. Peter Atencio

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Sports TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

DeChambeau notches 1st major victory N

EW YORK—Bryson DeChambeau captured his first major golf title on Sunday, firing a three-under-par 67 to win the 120th US Open and humble a relentless Winged Foot layout.

The 27-year-old American, who bulked up during the coronavirus lockdown in a bid to add power to his game, eagled the par-5 ninth from just inside 40 feet and rolled to a sixstroke victory over 21-year-old countryman Matthew Wolff.

“Oh my gosh. I can’t believe it,” said DeChambeau, renowned for his scientific approach to the sport. “It has been a lot of hard work.”

DeChambeau hit only 23 fairways for the week but finished 72 holes on six-under par 274 thanks to Sunday’s only sub-par round at the formidable Mamaroneck, New York, layout.

DeChambeau became the first player since 1955 to win with the only sub-par score in the final round, and just the fourth ever to do it, completing a dominating performance.

Typical deep US Open rough could not stop DeChambeau, whose exercise and protein shakes delivered powerful drives while his calcula-

tions and precise readings produced solid shotmaking on a layout that crushed rivals.

“I just kept thinking throughout the back nine, ‘We have to keep focused.

I have to execute every shot the best I can.’ And that’s what I did,” he said.

DeChambeau’s 325 yards off the tee was a driving distance record by a US Open champion, defying convention by attacking without fear, taking swing speed length to outweigh drawbacks of finding the rough.

“I worked my whole life for this,” DeChambeau said. “I wasn’t that afraid of going off line. I gained the confidence I needed for the week.”

The scientist found a majorwinning formula. On Saturday night, he was the last player to leave Winged Foot, working into the dark with his driver.

“Sure enough it paid off,” he said. “I’m in shock right now. It’s amazing.” AFP

Bryson DeChambeau (center) of the United States, caddie Tim Tucker (2nd from right) and team celebrate with the championship trophy after winning the 120th U.S. Open Championship at the Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York. AFP

Mind games FREE THROW SHOOTER NATHANIEL DELA CRUZ HOW the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets both earned their respective Western Conference Finals spot tells of a story of two teams that took two different paths that brought them to this penultimate challenge.

Their 2019-20 playoff history seems to suggest that the Lakers have been somewhat afflicted with a disconcerting habit of losing the first game of the series before blitzing to a 4-0 win-loss card to wrap up the series and advance.

The Nuggets, on the other hand, seem to always end up in a 3-1 hole; in the quarterfinals against Utah, and the semifinals against the Los Angeles Clippers. But against these difficult odds, Denver managed to turn a potentially tragic situation into something historic and become the first NBA team to overcome a 3-1 series deficit twice in one Playoff season.

Lucky. Gritty. Best when fighting for their lives.

Charmed. Loves a Game 7 and excels in it—call it whatever you want, but the third-best team in the West remains in the hunt for the Larry O’Brien trophy.

Both the Lakers and the Nuggets have proven that they are the best in the West when it comes to squeezing the most out of their superstars and role players. The question now is which is the sturdier of the two when it comes to mental toughness. With the Lakers leading the series 2-0, it would be interesting to see how mental toughness becomes a factor in how this series turns out.

It would be easy for the Lakers and their fans to be confident— after all, the team just needs two more wins and they’re headed for the NBA Finals. But I am genuinely curious as to the quality of their confidence right now.

I believe that there is a specific kind of confidence a 2-0 lead gives players, the one that erases any doubt on their ability to win the series, the kind of confidence that makes them feel deserving, destined, and undefeatable. Fed with the right dosage, players become the best versions of themselves, making easy work of com-

pleting the task at hand. A team playing with this kind of confidence is difficult to defeat.

But players can also take from a 2-0 series lead a different kind confidence—the one that is shallow, unstable, and quick to fade.

This kind of confidence comes from knowing that while a 2-0 lead gives players comfort, it comes with the caveat that this is not big enough a deficit for the opponent to overcome, least of all not for the Denver Nuggets—the feared Demolishers of Deficits.

What kind of confidence every Laker takes from this situation is an important test of their mental fortitude.

Denver players, on the other hand, have their challenges when it comes to mental toughness. Their first and most important challenge is handling mental fatigue.

How much fighting spirit is left if you have to battle through a series deficit for the third time? And how much physical strength can sustain your fighting spirit, having played longer and with fewer rest days?

That flawless Anthony Davis catch-and-shoot three-point-shot from the left wing with 02.1 seconds on the clock and Denver leading 103-102 is a real punch in the gut for Denver because after rallying in the second half and showing the offensive cohesion Denver is known to have, Game 2 should have been Denver’s. Instead of an even 1-1 series, Denver battles the Lakers in Game 3 staring at a 2-0 series deficit.

Not everyone has the same level of tolerance when it comes to mental fatigue, and when someone succumbs to it, it becomes contagious, quick to infect those close to breaking point. Mental fatigue can make players resort to finding an easier rationalization of their situation and choose to accept it rather than defy it.

Why do we always fall behind?

Maybe this time around we are not the better team. Maybe winning three straight series all come-frombehind is just too grand a fairytale for us. Finishing as the second-best in the West is still a win for us.

Without peak mental toughness, it is easier to be ready to accept defeat than to search for hopeful optimism. It is not on the account of lacking fighting spirit, but maybe because fighting spirit is finite. Have the Denver Nuggets used up theirs?

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

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‘Grateful Tuesdays’ with chemist Pinky Tobiano WITNESS the much-awaited comeback of chemist Pinky Tobiano on the CSTV screen with her new show, Grateful Tuesdays, which premieres tonight at 7:00 on Cornerstone Entertainment FB Page. The show streams simultaneously CSTV Kumu Account.

Chemist Pinky Tobiano’s name is now on the pedestal of ensuring safety and providing effective and essential cleaning tips in every household. Due to the overwhelming support she received from the first season of her online show, Essential Cleaning Tips, it opened new doors of opportunities to help with a bigger and a greater cause.

Grateful Tuesdays is the newest addition to CSTV’s programming airing every Tuesday where its main

goal is to give back and help those people mainly affected by this pandemic. In order to share positivity, each episode chooses one Barangay as recipient of food packs from Tobiano through the help of sponsors. In this segment, Charm Aranton, Grand Winner of Witty 101 and now part of Cornerstone’s roster, visits the chosen barangay, tours the viewers, and gives field updates.

The one hour show also features inspiring viral stories on social media depicting Filipino resilience during these trying times. And of course, cleaning tips will still be tackled in this show as part of Tobiano’s trademark.

Singer Yeng Constantino joins Tobiano as co-host.

Chemist and program host Pinky Tobiano and co-host Yeng Constantino.

Star-studded online entertainment

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Kapuso stars Alden Richards and Ruru Madrid inspire cancer warriors on GMA News TV’s ‘Bright Side.’

Alden Richards, Ruru Madrid inspire cancer warriors in ‘Bright Side’ IN TODAY’S episode of GMA News TV’s Bright Side, airing on its new timeslot at 9:15 p.m., actors Alden Richards and Ruru Madrid share an inspiring moment with cancer patients.

Alden is known to have a soft spot for children with cancer. Even during lockdown, he tried finding means to reach out to these children to bring them joy and hope. Like Alden, Ruru also considers cancer warriors close to his heart because his grandmother has colon cancer.

In this episode, Bright Side also meets cancer warriors who, instead of giving up, even make it a point to inspire and help others.

Meanwhile in Batanes, which remains COVID-free until now, it is said that there is a vaccine against the virus—discipline and bayanihan. The province closed its border to tourists as early as February and the Ivatans

themselves help each other so that everyone has food and livelihood.

They came up with a project called “Walang Sayang” where farmers are supported so that their harvest do not go to waste. They also have Quarantine Resorts to accommodate those who got stranded in the province.

Apart from Batanes, Balangkayan in Eastern Samar also remains COVID-free. With rich marine resources, Balangkayan’s abundant sea produce keeps its residents secure in terms of food and livelihood. Discipline and bayanihan also help them keep the virus away.

And in “Good Eats,” COVID-19 survivor Donita Nose joins host Kara David in a cooking face-off featuring Pork Talong Binagoongan.

Catch these inspiring and feelgood stories in Bright Side tonight on GMA News TV.

HALLENGING and trying as the times may be, it is probably in our nature to try and find something that might give us that muchneeded lift in spirits. Whether it’s busying ourselves with newfound hobbies, reconnecting with friends, or simply bingewatching movies, it’s all about finding that pleasant diversion that reassures us that better days will come soon.

Puregold recognizes this hopeful spirit as it continues to look after every Filipino’s welfare amidst these uncertain times.

As online consumption grows brought about by the “stay home” lifestyle, Puregold has contemplated venturing in this space to further reach out to its public.

But this time, it sets out beyond being a retailer as we know it to be and explores the world of bringing entertainment to Filipinos.

Enter the Puregold Channel. A groundbreaking move to further expand Puregold’s digital footprint and engage shoppers. With the rise of video content and live streaming, Puregold shall use Facebook and Youtube to house its own program offerings aimed at bringing entertainment that caters to a wide variety of interests.

The digital channel will also provide opportunities for branded messaging and segments, sale offers, and ultimately an instant link to frictionless transactions.

Viewers will be hooked and engaged with content recurring in a weekly time slot from a cooking show, to a comedy show

‘The Happy Hour’ with Alex Calleja

Arra San Agustin of ‘Luto Mo, Negosyo Mo’

to a full-on game show.

A lot of individuals have recently tried their hand at cooking. Online instruction videos notwithstanding, The Puregold Channel introduces “Luto Mo, Negosyo Mo, Panalo!” as a unique way of presenting culinary lessons.

Hosted by TV Personality Arra San Agustin, the show features easy-to-follow recipes. Done in a casual and light manner, even the “non-experts” should be able to relate and stay on track. What’s more, a part of the program will be about how to get into the entrepreneurship side of food preparation, indeed a growing trend these days.

It has been said that “laughter is the best medicine”. In these times, surely a lot of us would agree. The Puregold Channel sees the value in looking at the lighter side of life and so another program will serve just the thing. Called “The Ha Ha Hour”, this comedy-themed show will feature the sought-after brand of humor

of popular lounge comic Alex Calleja.

Those who have seen his performances both live and online will surely attest to a potentially riotous time.

And of course, who doesn’t want to win prizes? To make it more exciting, how about being an actual game show contestant right at your own home? Game shows might be a dime a dozen, but not when you have Luis Manzano as host.

The promisingly fun “Playtime Panalo” is all that. Online subscribers will have the chance to be chosen as home partners and live out their game show contestant dreams and play for exciting prizes. Joining Luis are equally entertaining co-hosts—their hilarious banter alone will surely knock the socks off of even non-contestants.

Search for The Puregold Channel shows on Facebook and YouTube and explore entertainment as brought to you by someone who’s always been around to help you be, panalo at life.

‘Playtime Panalo’ host Luis Manzano

What is next for Kris Bernal?

ZRewards by Zeal has turned over care packages composed of food, toiletries, laundry supplies, and protective equipment, to jeepney drivers and their families who were displaced by the current pandemic.

ZRewards, partners turn over care packages to jeepney drivers ZREWARDS by Zeal, in partnership with Lalamove and Minimart.ph, has turned over care packages composed of food, toiletries, laundry supplies, and protective equipment, to jeepney drivers and their families who were displaced by the current pandemic.

The move was part of the HELPJEEP campaign launched by the three parties last July wherein the public was encouraged to take part by simply becoming a member of ZRewards for free. ZRewards, in turn, committed to provide care packages upon reaching its target membership milestone.

ZRewards is the country’s newest one-stop shop for premium and solid deals, discounts, and vouchers ranging from food, beauty, health and fitness, entertainment, among other offers, redeemable at online shops and physical stores.

For the HELPJEEP campaign, ZRewards partnered with on-de-

mand delivery company Lalamove to access the Lalajeep drivers who were among the hardest hit by community quarantine restrictions. The jeepney drivers who lost their livelihoods were taken in by Lalamove in agreement with the Quezon City local government unit. Instead of carrying passengers, Lalajeeps carry goods for businesses that need a more affordable means to deliver their products.

Minimart.ph, on the other hand, provided a generous discount for the items as well as free packaging and free delivery to the QC distribution site designated by Lalamove.

ZRewards continues to support the stricken communities and anyone can help by signing up for free at https:// zeal.ph/signup.

ZRewards by Zeal is a brand of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globe.

“Honestly, I haven’t received an offer from ACTRESS Kris them yet. Although they still get me to appear in Bernal is some of their programs like Tadhana and Wish definitely one of GMA’s prized Ko Lang. I understand that things are still untalents.

After certain at this point. If there’s still no final deciwinning in the sion on their end, it’s okay. As I’ve said, I fully fourth season of understand,” she admitted. the popular reality show StarStruck, her “I guess there are still bigger issues to atstar started to shine brightly as her mother tend to than this. Ha-ha-ha! I’m just glad that studio gave her a string of hit programs the management still taps my services. That’s like Little Nanay, Asawa Ko Karibal Ko, what’s important. Work is work and I will acand Hanggang sa Dulo ng Buhay Ko, to cept it,” she added. name a few.

Kris points out that for the record, she never However, after 13 years, the petite actress is had any disagreement with her mother stuno longer an exclusive talent of the GMA Artist dio since she started in 2006.

Center. This, she revealed in her latest vlog in which “I can’t remember one! I’ve been very she featured scenes of her recent guest stint in the professional in my dealing with them new TV 5 talk show Chika BESH hosted by Pauleen and is always cooperative.”

Luna, Pokwang, and Ria Atayde. The video beMany are curious if she would came an avenue for the fans to ask questions like eventually leave GMA and move how was she able to guest on TV 5 when everyto another network. body knows she’s with GMA. “Of course, I deeply value “My contract with the Kapuso actually them. I practically grew up with expired during this pandemic. Currentthe station. They are responsible ly, I’m a freelancer. My services are no for the big breaks I had to reach longer exclusive to GMA. For this TV 5 my present stature. They honed my guesting though, I still asked permisacting craft. They supported my passion from my bosses and fortunately, sion. I’m thankful that they have faith they allowed me. I won’t do this if in me,” she said. somebody will get hurt,” she said.

“All these years, they’ve given me Is she looking for a new business huge projects in which I’m the lead manager? star. I will be forever grateful to that.

“Yes. I’m in search of one. I’m I owe GMA a lot. I’m praying hard studying carefully whom I’m that God will direct my path. I After revealing that her going to tap if ever.” have trust in His plans for me. I contract with GMA Network Hasn’t GMA offered her a can say that I leave my options has expired, Kris Bernal said that she is open to any possibilities contract renewal? open,” Kris ended. with her career.

Life

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

C4

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

DOCTOR SAYS:

NECK AND NECK.

5 daily activities

An orthopedic doctor lists down daily activities that seem harmless but can actually contribute to neck pain.

that cause neck pain W

‘‘

HILE rarely serious and often goes away on its own, neck pain is the kind that can easily ruin one’s day.

A stiff neck limits the head’s range of motion while the pain brought by the sudden jerking could leave one with a headache, as well as shoulder and back strain.

What causes neck pain? An orthopedic doctor from Makati Medical Center lists down five things an individual normally does that can contribute to pain in the neck.

Sitting all day “Sitting behind a desk leads to postural strain in the neck, back, and shoulders,” says Anne Kathleen Ganal-Antonio, MD of MakatiMed’s Department of Orthopaedics.

To prevent muscle strain, she recommends standing up, stretching, and walking after long periods of time, as well as practicing good posture. “Sit up straight, with your feet flat on the floor.

If working with a computer, adjust the placement of your monitor and key-

board to a comfortable level.”

Dr. Ganal-Antonio adds that too much bending down of the neck increases the stress on it, leading to pain. It is best to keep the neck in a neutral position.

Exercising Certain workouts (like crunches or yoga positions) and sports (golf, swimming, cycling) can strain the neck if done poorly or in a wrong position.

“Ask your trainer or coach to help you execute the proper form for your workout or sport,” advises Dr. GanalAntonio.

“You can also ease neck pain with this simple stretch: Facing forward, slowly bend your head to the right. Hold for three seconds, then go back to your starting position and slowly bend your head to the left. Hold for three seconds then go back to the starting position. Repeat 10 times.”

When you sleep on your stomach, your neck is turned to one side. Holding that position for hours strains your neck muscles, giving you that stiff feeling in the morning.

Sleeping the wrong way

Carrying heavy bags

“When you sleep on your stomach, your neck is turned to one side. Holding that position for hours strains your neck muscles, giving you that stiff feeling in the morning,” she points out.

Dr. Ganal-Antonio suggests sleeping on back with a pillow underneath the knees to relax the lower back, or on the side with a pillow between the legs.

“Laying your head on a too-high pillow also strains your neck; replace it with a lower one,” she adds. When sleeping sitting down, she says, “travel pillows for the neck are helpful as they support your head.”

Besides affecting posture, lugging a heavy bag strains the trapezius muscle on the top of the shoulder, and affects nearby body parts like the neck and back. “To ease strain on your neck, shoulders, and back, lessen the amount of things inside your bag,” suggest Dr. Ganal-Antonio.

“Look for bags with wide straps because they distribute the weight of your bag over a wider area. Cross-body bags also evenly distribute the weight. When using backpacks, have this close to your back to provide support. Avoid just using one strap, as this makes the weight and posture uneven.”

Using a smartphone

Sitting all day? Prevent muscle strain by standing up, stretching, and walking after long periods of sitting.

Wake up to a neck pain-free morning by sleeping on your back and laying on a pillow with the right height.

Taking a call with the phone cradled between the ear and the shoulder or while looking down at the screen can strain the neck.

To address the former, the orthopedist suggests switching cellphone between the left ear and right ear instead of favoring one side to take the call.

Meanwhile, to prevent straining the neck from reading, she offers the solution of taking mini-breaks to move and stretch the neck and back, or limit cellphone use to 20 minutes.

“Gentle stretches, a soothing massage, a cold compress for 20 minutes, and overthe-counter pain medication can also alleviate neck pain. But if the pain lasts for more than a week and makes simple movements difficult to do, see your family physician immediately,” she says.

HEALTH BULLETIN

Infectious disease expert highlights importance of vaccination

By Monica Sanchez

Customers buying a pair of Essilor lenses can get a second pair at 50 percent off.

Get a pair of lens at half the price LEADING ophthalmic optics company Essilor has an ongoing multi-pair promotion on its lenses until end of the year.

Customers buying a pair of Essilor lenses can get a second pair of Varilux or Crizal lenses at 50 percent off.

Varilux progressive lenses offer sharp vision and smooth transitions for those having difficulty in seeing things that are relatively near, giving wearers superior vision at any distance with one lens.

On the other hand, Crizal lenses are best suited to work-from-home needs, according to the brand’s makers, with its blue light protection. They also provide protection against reflection, scratches, smudges, dust, water, and UV, among other enemies of clear vision.

Go to https://bit.ly/3lN1UmP to know more.

AROUND 10 million deaths between 2010 and 2015 were prevented because of vaccination, according to the World Health Organization.

However, in the Philippines, vaccination rate continues to decline, putting children at risk of vaccinepreventable diseases (VPDs).

Data from the Department of Health’s National Immunization Program gathered in May reveal the vaccination rate in the Philippines hit an all-time low of 7 percent in the first quarter of the year due to the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Prior to ECQ, rate stood at 16 percent average immunization rate per quarter—lower than the ideal target of 23-24 percent per quarter, with a cumulative target of 95 percent vaccination rate per year to achieve herd immunity.

In her recent talk via the University of the Philippines Med Webinars, Dr.

Dr. Anna Lisa Ong-Lim

An expert warns against secondary health crises emerging in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic if routine immunization services were to be interrupted.

Anna Lisa Ong-Lim, past president of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines, reminded the public about the value of vaccination and possible secondary health crises emerging in the midst of the pandemic if routine immunization services were to be interrupted.

“As we focus on COVID-19, we should not neglect the delivery of basic healthcare services, and that includes immunization,” emphasized Dr. Ong-Lim. She continued, “We were low to start with, and we’re going even lower from the start of 2019,” citing the decline as seen in the measles outbreak recorded early this year.

According to DOH, from January 1 to April 18 this year, there were 3,250 cases of measles, 98 percent higher than the 1,240 cases during the same period in 2019. The Health department traced the outbreak to vaccine hesitancy, or delay or refusal

in accepting recommended vaccination services despite availability.

Measles, along with mumps, rubella, varicella, rotavirus, polio, tetanus, and diphtheria among others are vaccinepreventable diseases (VPDs).

“Unfortunately fewer childhood vaccines have been given during the COVID-19 pandemic and we are reminded once again that to avoid outbreaks of VPDs, it’s essential to continue to provide vaccinations and well-child visits,” said Dr. Ong-Lim. She observed, “Parents are quite concerned with exposing their very young children to environments outside the home firstly because of restrictions of movement, and also because of a well-founded concern about infection and perhaps a lack of information about whether these regular or basic healthcare services continue to be available.”

But Dr. Ong-Lim emphasized that the current pandemic should not hin-

der parents from giving their children the immunization they need.

She encouraged healthcare workers to adhere to the proper measures to reduce COVID-19 transmission, such as using personal protective equipment and ensuring thorough sanitation with each patient interaction, to ensure patient’s protection and assure parents of their children’s safety.

Other best practices applicable to parents include encouraging appointment settings versus walk-ins, appealing to clinics to set up signage to guide the patients along a single direction (one entry, one exit), and observing proper physical distancing at all times.

For those in areas where routine vaccination schedules have been interrupted, or where facilities have temporarily closed, she encouraged parents to bring their babies and children to their pediatricians for catchup immunization as soon services are available.