Skip to main content

Manila Standard - 2020 September 29 - Tuesday

Page 1

twitter.com/ MlaStandard

facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

S

manilastandard.net

Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circulation@manilastandard.net

Cayetano allies claim Velasco losing backers on speakership By Maricel V. Cruz SPEAKER Alan Peter Cayetano has strengthened his grip on the top post of the House of Representatives as some supporters of Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco, with whom he has a termsharing agreement, have jumped ship and signed a manifesto asking Cayetano to stay. Cayetano, who is supposed to step down in October under the term-sharing agreement brokered by President Rodrigo Duterte, and Velasco who is supposed to succeed him, were scheduled to meet with the President Tuesday evening. A key supporter of Cayetano, Deputy Speaker and Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said Velasco lost the speakership because of his failure to prove to his peers his capability to lead as speaker of the House. "Despite the announcement of the

term sharing deal, he (Velasco) should not have assumed the support of the majority, he still had to earn it, which unfortunately he did not. He lost by default because of his own fault and actions," Villafuerte said. Velasco has yet to comment on Villafuerte's remarks but he renewed his appeal to his colleagues to uphold the term-sharing agreement between him and Cayetano, “for God and our country.” In a Facebook post on Monday, Velasco said the gentleman's agreement Next page

BUDGET DELIBERATIONS.

House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez (3rd from left) and Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano (2nd from left) talk with members of the minority during the debate on the 2021 national budget at the plenary of the House of Representatives. Ver Noveno

Metro under GCQ until Oct. 31 Also Batangas province, cities of Tacloban, Bacolod, Iligan, Iloilo

By Jimbo Gulle, Macon Ramos-Araneta, Joel E. Zurbano and Willie Casas

Rody frustrated over corruption; eyes PhilHealth reorg/abolition

M

ETRO Manila will remain under a General Community Quarantine (GCQ) until the end of October, while the province of Lanao del Sur, including Marawi City, was downgraded to a Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ), Health Secretary Francisco Duque III announced Monday night. During a televised meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte and the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on the coronavirus pandemic, Duque said the National Capital Region (NCR) would stay under GCQ for another month along with Batangas province and the cities of Tacloban, Bacolod, and Iligan. Iloilo City will also move to a GCQ from an MECQ that ends Sept. 30, Duque added, while the rest of the country – 98 cities and all other provinces – will stay under a Modified GCQ, the lowest lockdown level amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Duterte expressed his satisfaction with the response of local government units (LGUs) to the coronavirus crisis and assured them the national government was there for them. “Our purpose is to serve,” the President said in the meeting at Malacanang. He also expressed a desire to maximize the barangay health units, as they are the LGUs’ first line of defense against the dreaded disease. Next page

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 207 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday admitted he had offered to resign as Chief Executive over his frustration with corruption in the government, as he urged Congress to enact more laws against it. The President also said he would propose to lawmakers to reorganize or abolish the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and warned he would “shake the tree” at the state health insurer soon. Duterte also vowed to name-andshame government officials he did not identify during his televised meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) against the coronavirus pandemic at Next page

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM SEPT. 28)

307,288 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

3,073 49,242 NEW

ACTIVE

5,381

37

252,665

163

DEATHS

LONG TABLE. President Rodrigo Duterte meets with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the coronavirus pandemic in Malacañang on

Monday night. Sen. Bong Go via Twitter

that will be placed under localized lockdowns, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said. The Labor department will continue its cash-for-work program and the Finance department will still provide subsidy to small and medium businesses. "The guarantee to decrease the number of people experiencing hunger is to Next page

Provincial bus travelers need trip pass In these handout photos (clockwise from top right), Hashim Saripada poses for a police lineup after being arrested in Zamboanga City, authorities show a chart explaining the relationships of the main suspects in the deadly Jolo blasts in August, and the lifeless body of Abu Sayyaf Group sub-leader Arsibar Sawadjaan lies in a hut after an encounter with soldiers in Patikul, Sulu. Arsibar is the cousin of bomb expert Mundi Sawadjaan, and Saripada is his righthand man. Story on A2

NEW

Reopening seen to address hunger New infections REOPENING the economy is the only guarantee to address hunger, Malacañang said Monday after a recent survey found 7.6-million Filipino families went hungry in the past three months. The government, however, will continue its programs to provide assistance to those hit by the COVID-19 pandemic as some P13 billion is allotted under Bayanihan 2 Act for the residents of the areas

TAKEN DOWN.

RECOVERIES

NEW

PEOPLE who prefer to take the bus to commute to and from Metro Manila will need travel passes and book their tickets two days in advance, an official said Monday. Joel Bolano, head of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s technical division, told DZBB

travel passes will be needed by those taking the provincial buses once bus services resume on Sept. 30. There will be no exemptions. “Passengers will need to secure a travel pass from the PNP [Philippine National Police] and their LGU [Local Next page

on downtrend; DOH cautious

THERE is a downward trend in the weekly average number of new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Monday. In an online media forum, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the average number of new cases has gone down to 1,000 to 1,200 from the previous average of 3,000 per week. ‘If we look at the number of cases and we look at the trend of the average per week, we can see that it is decreasing,” Vergeire said in Filipino. She urged the public not to be Next page

DepEd: 3m students yet to enroll 1 week before classes By Macon Ramos-Araneta

tion (DepEd) said Monday, a week before dents to register their children. the start of classes in public schools. Meanwhile, DepEd is crafting the polABOUT three million students from grades Education Undersecretary Jesus Ma- icy and guidelines on hiring para-teachers K to 12 have yet to enroll for the upcoming teo said the department was still trying or learning support aides who will assist academic year, the Department of Educa- to convince the parents of unenrolled stuNext page


A2

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

News

Carpio: Chinese aid ‘a pittance’ By Rey E. Requejo

But Carpio also expressed confidence the Philippines can muster an “overwhelming majority” of allies against China if it pursues before the United Nations the enforcement of the arbitral ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016, which favored Manila and rejected

Beijing’s excessive claims over the South China Sea. Carpio, a strong advocate of asserting the country’s sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea, said China was claiming 80 percent of the country’s EEZ as part of its alleged nine-dash line, which is equiv-

alent to about 300,000 square kilometers. "How can you say that they are our friend when they are grabbing our backyard? They’re grabbing our fish, gas and all our natural resources. This is the biggest threat to Philippine national security at present and in the next 25 to 50 years," Carpio told ANC. "We are going to lose maritime space larger than our total land area. What Philippine leader can explain that to future generations of Filipinos? We have to stand pat on this." When President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office in 2016, he shelved the 2016 arbitral award in exchange for loans and investments from Beijing. China had promised $24 billion in loans and investments to the Philippines, but only 5 percent of that had materialized.

Metro...

who lost their jobs because of the pandemic and the resulting lockdowns. Some services, such as those providing legal, accounting, and other services, could be allowed to operate at 100 percent capacity to allow more workers to go back to work, he said. In a virtual press briefing Monday, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority general manager Jose Arturo Garcia Jr. said members of the Metro Manila Council have already submitted their recommendations to the IATF. Garcia said it is up to the members of the IATF to approve or reject these recommendations. “We cannot disclose it to avoid confusion. Hence, we will let the IATF decide on the matter with finality,” said Garcia. The MMC, composed of 17 mayors in Metro Manila, is the policy-making body and the governing board of the MMDA. Garcia noted that cases of coronavirus in NCR are already on a downward trend. “I am happy to announce that the recorded COVID-19 cases in the metropolis are gradually decreasing. We want to maintain it to further reduce the number of cases in NCR,” he said. Garcia said all Metro Manila mayors

are ready to implement any community quarantine status, whether it is general community quarantine (GCQ) or a modified GCQ. Metro Manila was placed under GCQ until Sept. 30 upon the recommendation of the mayors in August. GCQ is a more relaxed form of community quarantine. Areas deemed by the task force at "low" or "moderate" risk for an outbreak are under GCQ. Under a GCQ, public transportation resumes at a reduced capacity, people can go back to work in certain sectors, and "non-leisure" establishments can reopen. A research group from the University of the Philippines that has been tracking the pandemic said easing quarantine restrictions in Metro Manila would be premature. During the last two weeks, the reproduction rate of the virus in the regions has been below the threshold of "1," indicating it will eventually peter out, said Dr. Guido David of the UP OCTA Research Team, in an interview on ABS-CBN TeleRadyo. However, the occupancy rate of hospitals was still around 60 percent. David said this figure should be lower to ensure that patients will be admitted to

hospitals in case of a surge, he said. “The cases are going down. That means what we are doing is correct. But once we change that, our interventions and protocols, there’s always a risk of a coronavirus surge,” David said in Filipino. “It will be better for us to bring the cases further down before we take that risk. It's a bit premature for now. We have a lot to lose if we take the risk and this leads to a surge,” he said. David also urged the government to focus on a spike in coronavirus cases in Calabarzon and Bulacan, Iloilo and Misamis Oriental provinces. Also on Monday, Senator Imee Marcos said the time has come for the government and local officials to open up public spaces, shorten curfews and extend business hours despite the ongoing pandemic. “Lockdowns are keeping people in highly populated cities too cramped in their homes to observe proper distancing, also limiting their mobility to find work,” said Marcos, who chairs the Senate committee on economic affairs. She noted that the crowded shanties of Metro Manila and the overcrowded migrant barangays of Cebu, physical distancing is practically impossible.

Rody...

things over. "Facebook, listen to me. We allow you to operate here hoping that you could help us also. Now, if the government cannot espouse or advocate something which is for the good of the people, then what is your purpose here in my country?" he said. "What would be the point of allowing you to continue if you cannot help us? We are not advocating mass destruction, massacre. It’s a fight of ideas," he added. Facebook last week took down several pages and accounts linked to the military and police for “coordinated inauthentic behavior” that included posts on issues such as the Anti-Terrorism Law and criticism of activists and communists. • The President urged the country’s telecommunications companies to improve their services as classes resume in public schools on October 5, saying he hopes they can put an end to poor internet connection in the Philippines. Duterte also appealed to local government officials to make it easier for the telcos to set up towers and infrastructure in their localities for them to improve their services. "Sometimes, the operations or expansion of telcos are hindered by so many requirements, from the barangays down to the community. Of course, you have the right. Every citizen has the right to air his grievance," he said. "Our students will rely heavily on the use of electronics. I cannot discuss the specific gadgets because I am ignorant on that matter, I must confess. But this is an eternal complaint,” the President said. Jimbo Gulle

R

ETIRED Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio on Monday described China’s promise of economic aid to the Philippines as “a pittance” compared to the resources it will receive from claiming over 300,000 square kilometers of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, which is larger than its total land area.

From A1

Mayors in Metro Manila have expressed their preference to remain under GCQ and are ready to implement it after being under the same lockdown level for the whole of September. In a meeting Monday, the mayors also agreed to no longer divulge their recommendations to the IATF about the kind of community quarantine that will be in place after Sept. 30 Meanwhile, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez openly pushed for fewer restrictions under an MGCQ despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “I made this proposal even to the IATF,” he said. This, he said, would entail the reopening of more industries but would retain the strict enforcement of minimum health standards. Local authorities would still be expected to enforce granular lockdowns, test, trace and treat COVID-19 cases and maintain the minimum health standards. Opening more sectors would help address poverty and hunger for workers

Cayetano... From A1

was based on mutual trust and confidence, especially in light of the fact that it was brokered by the President. “The covenant was crystal clear: a 1521 term-sharing agreement. The first term expires on Sept 30, after which the second term immediately begins,” Velasco said. “That was the pledge made before the President. As true leaders and as examples for our people, both sides are obligated to avoid situations or statements that would subvert the agreement and betray the trust of our people who’ve stood witness to the covenant,” he added. Velasco said that as he has always intended to honor the deal, Cayetano’s camp should do the same. In the same Facebook post, Velasco underscored the importance of trust and honor as they “reveal our true character and show what we, as leaders, are truly made of.” “And it is in this period of difficulty that our people yearn for honorable leaders whom they can trust–– Leaders who are able to live up to their promises come hell or high water, Leaders with palabra de honor who lead not with lip service, but who back up their words with action,” Velasco said. Over 200 congressmen, including the heads of various political parties in the House have reportedly signed the mani-

New... From A1

complacent, however, as there are still areas that are experiencing spikes in COVID-19 cases. Total COVID-19 cases at 307,288 The Philippines logged 3,073 new COVID-19 cases Monday, bringing the total to 307,288 in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) reported. The DOH reported 163 recoveries, bringing to 252,665 the total number of patients who have recovered from the disease. At the same time, the DOH reported 37 new fatalities, bringing the death toll from COVID-19 to 5,381. There are 49,242 active cases. Of these, 86.4 percent are mild; 8.7 percent are asymptomatic; 1.5 percent are severe; and 3.4 percent are critical. Robredo outlines recommendations In a national address broadcast from her Facebook account, Vice President

Provincial... From A1

Government Unit] in accordance with the policies of the IATF-EID [InterAgency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases],” Bolano said. Twelve provincial bus routes going to the Araneta Center Bus Terminal and the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange will resume beginning Wednesday.

festo of support for Cayetano. Deputy Speakers Aurelio Gonzales and Johnny Pimentel, PDP-Laban partymates of Velasco also signed the manifesto. The manifesto partly reads: "This commitment to pass a pro-people budget for 2021 follows the vision of Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, whose guidance of the House of the past 13 months has been invaluable in the passage of numerous landmark bills including the 2020 General Appropriations Act, which was passed in record time and without any pork, parked funds, or corruption. “In these trying times, as the nation is being wracked by an unprecedented public health and economic crisis brought about by the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, we reiterate our continued full and unequivocal support for Speaker Cayetano and the entire leadership of the House, and join the President in his desire to allow the membership to chart its own course in choosing those who would lead this chamber." Villafuerte slammed Velasco, saying he already lacked the gravitas, experience and skills compared to Cayetano. What’s worse, he continued, Velasco was an absentee congressman, he was always missing in action, and his peers called him lazy. "He did not perform as congressman, he did not perform as chairman of the energy committee which convinced the supermajority [of] his inability to lead the hamber," said Villafuerte, who also signed the manifesto. Leni Robredo outlined her recommendations for the government to solve the COVID-19 crisis. They are: 1) Set clear and measurable goals in suppressing COVID-19 in the country; 2) Provide additional support to local government units; 3) More comprehensive assistance for small businesses; 4) Help the unemployed find jobs; and 5) Plan for the massive deployment of COVID-19 vaccine once available. Robredo also called for unity in battling the coronavirus. “The good intentions of national government not enough—strategic and organized action is needed,” she said. “(We should) be open to ideas, to all suggestions, and to all who are ready to help out and pitch in to beat COVID-19 crisis. The Office of the Vice President only wants to help. It does not want the government to fail. This is not the time to sow divide between the Administration or Opposition—we are all Filipinos,” Robredo added. Willie Casas and Rio N. Araja

From A1

Malacañang Palace, saying they were “asking for remuneration” for delayed permits. “Papuntahin ko kayo dito (Palace). Buhusan ko kayo ng tubig. Better come up with an explanation or bastusin talaga kita,” the Chief Executive said, while encouraging the public to complain about corruption in government. He also said he is willing to appear before Congress as a resource speaker on corruption and noted he had “no qualms” over congressional oversight of government. “They (lawmakers) should allow me to talk first,” the President said, as he revealed plans to create a new agency “out of the ruins” of PhilHealth, which is mired in another multibillion-peso corruption scandal. A presidential task force has submitted its initial findings to Duterte, recommending criminal and administrative charges against former PhilHealth chief Ricardo Morales and at least seven other officials. In other developments: • President Duterte scolded Facebook, questioning the social media giant’s purpose in the country as he said it was preventing the government from “espousing its causes.” The President apparently took issue with Facebook's recent move to take down pages and accounts associated with the military and police, while admitting he could not understand why it would do so and inviting the tech giant to talk

Reopening...

"Even if the entire $24 billion has materialized, that’s a pittance compared to the value of the fish, oil, gas and other mineral resources in the West Philippine Sea," Carpio said. He also said the Philippines had stopped benefiting from the Chinese tourists, who have stopped coming due to lockdowns meant to curb the coronavirus pandemic. Carpio says China also regards Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGOs as illegal and has stopped issuing passports to its workers. "There are no loans and investments as promised. No tourists, no POGOs. What can we get out of this? Nothing. We have set aside the ruling for nothing. That is the way China is trying to win: by promising something and delivering nothing," Carpio said.

open the economy so more can return to their livelihoods. Aid is temporary, it's better to give permanent livelihoods to our people,” Roque said. "We call on everyone. We know COVID-19 is scary, but in the seven months that it has been here, we know that when we wear face masks, wash our hands and avoid others, we can go to work.” Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Monday raised alarm over the increasing number of Filipino families that experienced hunger amid the pandemic, warning of a looming hunger crisis if proper measures are not put in place. “I am alarmed by the worsening condition of the poor Filipino families affected by the pandemic. They are hungry, and most of them are women and chil-

dren,” Drilon said. “The government must address this immediately before it spirals into a fullblown crisis.” In the latest survey by Social Weather Stations, the hunger incidence among Filipinos worsened amid the pandemic. The families that experienced involuntary hunger jumped to 7.6 million, a new record-high of 30.7 percent in the September survey from about 5.2 million families, or 20.9 percent, in the July survey, which represents a 9.8-percent increase. Senator Risa Hontiveros said the government must act swiftly against the growing epidemic of hunger and poverty. She said the record-high number of families experiencing hunger was a symptom of the deepening economic crisis that must be taken seriously. The fight against hunger and economic depression deserved as much attention from government as the COVID-19 crisis.

Passengers will need to pay for their Metro Manila will be opened by Sept. 30. tickets two days before their trip. They Those routes are the following: will also be required to present a valid ID 1. San Fernando, Pampanga – Araneta with their address or place of origin, age Center, Cubao, Quezon City and school or workplace. 2. Batangas City, Batangas – Parañaque They will also need a written consent Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) to allow for Covid-19 testing and possible 3. Lemery, Batangas – PITX quarantine and other documents required 4. Lipa City, Batangas – PITX by the IATF-EID and their LGU. 5. Nasugbu, Batangas – PITX Meanwhile, the Department of Health said 6. Indang, Cavite – PITX health standards should be followed after the 7. Mendez, Cavite – PITX LTFRB announced that 12 routes to and from 8. Tagaytay City, Cavite – PITX

9. Ternate, Cavite – PITX 10. Calamba City, Laguna – PITX 11. Siniloan, Laguna – PITX 12. Sta. Cruz, Laguna – PITX “Our primary objective is for our population to be safe if ever we will be opening up some of the sectors of society. What the Transport department is doing is they will open routes. Minimum health standards should be implemented,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said during a virtual briefing.

From A1

Sawadjaan’s aide caught; cousin dies in firefight A TRUSTED aide of terrorist leader Mudzrimar Mundi Sawadjaan was arrested in Zamboanga City over the weekend, while a relative of his was killed while being pursued by government forces in Patikul, Sulu, authorities said Monday. Hashim Saripada, alias Ibnu Kashir Saripada, was arrested by operatives of Regional Intelligence Unit-9 and 84th Special Action Company (Seaborne) in Barangay Recodo around 6:30 a.m. on Sunday., Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan announced Monday. Later, Arsibar Sawadjaan was slain as government troops overran a temporary Abu Sayyaf Group lair in Patikul's Barangay Maligay after being tipped off by a resident, according to Lt. Col. Ronaldo Mateo, public information officer of Joint Task Force Sulu. Mundi Sawadjaan, who remains at large, has been identified by officials as the main suspect behind last month's twin blasts in Jolo town proper that killed more than two dozen persons and injured over 70 others, including military and police personnel. The armed engagement of the Philippine Army's 45th Infantry Battalion with some 40 militants, under the group of ASG leaders Radullan Sahiron and Mundi Sawadjaan, at around 9 a.m. Monday led to the death of Arsibar, Mateo said. Authorities said Arsibar, said to be a bomb maker, is a cousin of Mundi Sawadjaan, the mastermind of the Aug. 24 explosions in Jolo. Francisco Tuyay

House opens plenary debates for 2021 budget By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives on Monday began its deliberations in a plenary session on the ₱4.5-trillion national budget for 2021. In his sponsorship speech for House Bill 7727 or the General Appropriations Bill, ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Eric Go Yap, chairman of the House committee on appropriations, cited the importance of cooperation among his colleagues to pave the way for a smooth passage of the money measure. "Let us all unite in passing this national budget. This is not just for us, but also for the poorest of the Filipinos," Yap said. "More work needs to be done and it is my hope that the entire budget process will not be delayed by whatever issue that the Congress may face in the coming days,” he added. Last Friday, Yap's committee approved the proposed national government budget for next year. The proposal is 9.9 percent higher than the P4.1-trillion 2020 national government budget. Just like the two Bayanihan measures, the 2021 budget is focused on the government’s continued response to the COVID-19 crisis and will be passed by the chamber in record time. Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, chair of the House committee on ways and means, said during the plenary debates that no new taxes shall be implemented in the remaining years of the Duterte administration.

DepEd:... From A1

teachers and students in blended learning. In the same press conference, Mateo said the teaching assistants will work together with the educators in providing learning through various modalities. But instead of hiring additional 10,000 teachers next year, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian called on DepEd to prioritize filling its remaining vacant positions and target displaced private school teachers. Gatchalian said DepEd should hasten its hiring to fill the remaining 34,000 unfilled positions. The department reported earlier this month that the suspension of operations of 865 private schools across the country this year, owing to the coronavirus pandemic, affects more than 4,000 teachers. “If we will base it on the enrollment figure last year, we still have 2 million or 3 million who have yet to enroll. What we're doing is we continue our campaign with the help of local government units and the media to convince parents to enroll their children,” Mateo said in a virtual briefing. As for the teacher aides, the salary for para-teachers ranges from P6,000 to P11,000 per month, according to Mateo. Applicants should be 21 to 59 years old and at least a senior high school graduate or with two years of study in college to be qualified, even without training and experience, he added. Preferably, Mateo said the applicants reside within the same community as teachers and students.


News Clarify law vs. child porn, solons urged PLDT and its wireless unit, Smart Communications, Inc., are urging lawmakers to amend ‘conflicting provisions’ of RA 9775 or the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009 to boost efforts in curtailing online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. “We want to do more in protecting children on the internet. But some provisions in the Anti-Child Pornography Law are holding us back because they encroach on the rights of citizens and contradict existing laws particularly RA 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Law,” said Smart Vice President for Legal and Regulatory Affairs Atty. Roy Cecil Ibay. He also concurrently serves as the Vice President of the Philippine Chamber of Telecom Operators (PCTO). Section 9 of the law mandates internet service providers to actively monitor and block any material that promotes child pornography passing through their servers. It also orders them to install software that will filter out these illicit content. But PLDT and Smart, together with other members of the PCTO, pointed out in a position paper submitted to the Department of Justice that this contradicts another sentence in the same section declaring that “Nothing in this section may be construed to require an ISP to engage in the monitoring of any user, subscriber or customer or the content of any communication of any such person.”

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

A3

Du30 not extending term—Palace ALACE spokesman Atty. Harry Roque on Tuesday said that President Rodrigo Duterte is “not interested” in extending his term of office beyond his term.

P

Roque issued the statement amid a barrage of criticisms after Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo earlier proposed to suspend the 2022 elections due to public fears of the coronavirus fears. Arroyo had suggested to the Commission of Elections to postpone next year’s polls, saying that voters may not go out

to vote because of fears of contracting the virus. Roque, however, said that postponing the elections ‘is not an option for Malacañang given the provisions of the 1987 Constitution.’ “The President is not interested in extending his term. And he leaves it to the

Filipino people, the sovereign people, to decide if they want to amend the Constitution to postpone the elections,” Roque said during a Palace press briefing. “It can never be an option for Malacañang, unless the Constitution is amended,” he added. Presidential and vice-presidential elections are held every second Monday of May, every six years after May 1992, as provided for by the 1987 Consitution. Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas also

said that he was not looking at suspending the 2022 national polls. “On the part of Comelec, wala sa plano namin yung postponement,” Abas said in a virtual press briefing. Roque, meanwhile, said what the government is considering is to change the way elections are conducted in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “Under the new normal, under the situation, mukhang ang magbabago ay yung paraan paano mangampanya, pero patuloy po ang eleksyon,” he said.

Defer fund transfer fee, banks asked By Maricel V. Cruz A CONGRESSIONAL leader on Monday urged the country’s biggest banks to defer re-imposing fees for online fund transfers “at least until the end of the year.” “The pandemic is not yet over and a lot of people are still suffering from its effects, thus it is only proper for these banks to continue providing relief to their distressed clients by extending their waiver of fees for online fund transfers,” Deputy Majority Leader and Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera said. Quoting the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Herrera said only eight banks have agreed to suspend the fees on the use of both Instapay and PESONet until Dec. 31, while 10 other banks, mostly among the largest in the country, are waiving the fees only by Sept. 30. The Bank of the Philippine Islands had formally announced that starting Oct. 1, it will resume imposing the P50 service fee for fund transfer to other banks done through its mobile app.

NPA AMBUSH. Three cops were hurt after suspected communists ambushed their patrol vehicle in

Barangay Cabalwa, Oriental Mindoro on Monday morning. Police said the rebels also burned the vehicle of the cops before leaving the area. A firefight between police and alleged NPA members is still ongoing in Oriental Mindoro. The NPA members reportedly also burned a police patrol car.

Cops, village execs hit for arrest of boy in Malabon SC uses ‘Office 365’ By Rio N. Araja THE Commission on Human Rights on Monday slammed police and village officials in Malabon City for alleged violation on the human rights of a 13-year-old boy who was arrested for not wearing a mask. Lawyer-spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said law enforcers and barangay leaders are duty-bound to protect the rights of the children. “Government officials and its officers should be the first ones to protect the wel-

fare of children, not violate them,” she said. The CHR said it will conduct its own probe. On Sept. 26, the teenage boy was arrested and penalized, and that his mug shot was taken for not wearing a mask when crossing to their house coming from his neighbor’s place. De Guia said that after capturing the joy’s mugs hot, the police supposedly told the minor that “he now has a profile picture for his Facebook account.” The police’s gesture caused distress to

the boy, she said. “It is concerning that this happened despite the prohibition on the arrests of minors as stated in the joint memorandum circular entitled Reiteration of Protocols on Reaching out to Children, including those in Street Situations, in need of Special Protection, Children at Risk, and Children in Conflict with the Law During the Enhanced Community Quarantine issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Council on the Welfare of Children,” she said.

IN BRIEF PAL opens additional Manila-Davao flights LEGACY carrier Philippine Airlines announced on Monday it will operate more flights between Manila and Davao to serve the increasing demand for essential travel out of the commercial heart of Mindanao. PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said beginning Oct. 3, PAL will increase the Davao-Manila flights to eight (8) times a week, while offering travelers a choice of three Manila-Davao flights per week. From Davao to Manila, travelers may take: PR1810, departing at 6:30 a.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The flight arrives in Manila at 8:30 a.m., giving travelers a convenient full day in the national capital. PR1818, departing from Davao every Saturday at 4 p.m. and arriving in Manila at 6 p.m. and PR1814, departing from Davao every Monday and Thursday at 1:05 p.m., arriving in Manila at 2:55 p.m. From Manila to Davao, travelers may take: PR1817, departing from Manila every Saturday at 1:25 p.m. and arriving in Davao at 3:20 p.m. PR1813, which flies from Manila every Monday and Thursday at 10:15 a.m. arriving in Davao at 12:05 p.m. Joel E. Zurbano

Stranded OFWs in China slated to arrive today THE Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday said that sixteen Filipino sailors and three land-based workers who were stranded for several months in China due to the COVID-19 pandemic will finally be repatriated to Manila today, September 29. In a statement, the DFA said the Filipino seafarers will arrive in Manila around 1 a.m. on board a chartered flight. Eleven of the 16 seafarers are from Ocean Star 86, who have been docked in Dongshan since March 2020. They will be joined by five seafarers on board M/V Maria P., who have been stranded in Ningde since July 2020. “Both are Chinese fishing vessels which were affected by China’s nodisembarkation policy as precautionary measure due to the pandemic and the unavailability of commercial flights,” the statement said. Rey E. Requejo

MONITORING. Preparing for the Christmas holiday to protect shoppers and business establishments, a police officer shows a monitor

covering 16 different areas from Moriones-Dagupan up to the stretch of Divisoria, Recto Avenue, inside the Manila Police Station 2, on Sept. 28. A total of 16 Closed Circuit Television Cameras were donated by the Manila Chinese Action Team to help Manila Police monitor illegal activities in the area. Norman Cruz

for digital messages By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court through the Office of the Court Administrator has advised all judges and personnel of first and second level courts that all official announcements, issuances, and periodic reports would be electronically sent to and from SC through the Philippine Judiciary Office 365 accounts. In OCA Circular No. 162-2020, Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez said that the full utilization of Philippine Judiciary Office 365 accounts for court issuances would start on October 1, 2020. Because of this, Marquez reminded all concerned judges and court personnel to regularly log in to their accounts at least once in the morning upon arrival in court and once in the afternoon before departure to check for newly-released administrative orders, circulars and other Court issuances. “All administrative orders, circulars, memoranda and other issuances by the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice and the Office of the Court Administrator shall now be posted and disseminated to the first and second level courts through the Official Announcements and Issuances Channel in the Philippine Judiciary Office 365 platform,” the circular stated. “These will no longer be individually distributed to the courts, either by registered or electronic main,” it said. Starting October 1, hard copies of reports and documents will no longer be accepted, the OCA said. “All judges and branch clerks of courts are directed to ensure compliance with this Circular,” the circular added. The OCA have provided the more than 1,000 single-sala courts with Philippine Judiciary 365 accounts to enable them to conduct trials through videoconferencing during the pandemic.

NBI exec, bro charged with extortion By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Justice filed criminal charges before the Manila City Regional Trial Court against the chief of the National Bureau of Investigation-Legal Assistance Section Joshua Paul Capiral and his brother for allegedly extorting money from some of the accused in the so-called “pastillas” scam in exchange for clearing their names. The DOJ accused Capiral and his brother Christopher John Chua of violating Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code for robbery (extortion); Section 3 (e) of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Acts for giving “unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference in the discharge of his official administrative or judicial functions through manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence.” The NBI official was also charged with

violation of Section 7 (b) (2) or R.A. 6713 otherwise known as Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. Section 7(b) (2) of R.A. 6713 prohibits ant public official and employee from having financial or material interest in any transaction requiring the approval of their office. On the other hand, the DOJ recommended the conduct of a preliminary investigation against the respondents on the complaint for violations of Section 3 (h) and (k) of R.A. No. 3019 and violation of Section 7 (c) (1) and 2 of R.A. No. 6713. Section 3 (h) and (k) of R.A. 3019 prohibit government officials and employees from having directly or indirect financial interest in any business, contract or transaction in connection with which he intervenes or takes part in his official capacity and from divulging valuable information of a confidential character, acquired by his office, respectively.

ANTI-RABIES. A pet owner plays with her four puppies while waiting for their turn to avail of free anti-rabies vaccines inside the Philippine Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals office in Manila, on 28 September 2020. The World Rabies Day takes place each year on September 28, the anniversary of the death of Louis Pasteur who, with the collaboration of his colleagues, developed the first efficacious rabies vaccine. Norman Cruz


A4

LGUs

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020 lgu@manilastandard.net editor.lgustandard@gmail.com

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Olivarez belittles warning By Joel E. Zurbano PARAÑAQUE City Mayor Edwin Olivarez on Monday belittled the warning made by Senator Cynthia Villar who said the city’s planned reclamation project in Manila Bay would cause flooding in the areas nearby. Olivarez said any proposed reclamation, including the issue of flooding, would be subjected to a thorough appraisal by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and other concerned government agencies. “The assessment, determination and all technical parameters of any proposed reclamation will also be subjected to investigation and checking not only by the DENR but also the Department of Public Works and Highways, whose chief is the son of the senator,” he said. Villar claimed the reclamation project being pushed by the Paranaque City government would cause flooding in Cavite, Las Pinas and other areas including Paranaque, and will destroy 35 hectares of mangrove forest along Manila Bay. But Olivarez pointed out that no reclamation project could be implemented without first passing compliance of all the technical requirements of the law. “No reclamation project can also be realizèd without approved policies and issuance of the government, otherwise, the proposed project is doomed for denial and therefore should not be implemented,” he explained. The project will be situated along the coast of Manila Bay fronting the five coastal barangays in Paranque, namely Baclaran, Tambo, La Huerta, Don Galo, and San Dionisio. In addition, Olivarez said, three inland barangays namely Moonwalk, Sto. Nino and Vitalez were included as beneficiaries.

SELLING NECESSITIES. A woman vendor sells vegetables and bicycles at the same time in Las Pinas City on Sunday. Bicycles are in demand nowadays due to the rarity of passenger jeepney, which have been restricted for transportation owing to the coronavirus pandemic. JR Josue

Villar warns vs. more floodings By Macon Ramos-Araneta

S

ENATOR Cynthia Villar has warned the reclamation project being pushed by the Parañaque local government will cause more floodings in Cavite, Paranaque, and Las Pinas and claims this will be detrimental to the viability of the Las Pinas-Paranaque Wetland Park.

Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, issued the statement in response to the public hearings set October 1 and 2 for the creation of a 287-hectare artificial island along

the coast of Manila Bay in Paranaque. “The Paranaque Reclamation Project will be built on the buffer zone of the Las Pinas- Paranaque Wetland Park. This should not be allowed to proceed

because it will hamper the free flow of water which is critical to the survival of the wetland ecosystem,” Villar said. Villar also cautioned against the destruction of the 35-hectares mangrove forest, a spawning ground of fishes in Manila Bay which supports the livelihood of 300,000 fisherfolks. Villar also debunked the stand of Paranaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez, project proponent that the flooding would be prevented by the Imus catchment basin. She said the infrastructure was constructed for the existing problem in Cavite brought about by the Cavite expressway. She said the Paranaque reclamation project was not considered when this was planned.

“According to former DPWH Secretary (Rogelio) Singson, the Cavitex Expressway is supposed to be a viaduct based on the plan. But instead, they reclaimed Manila Bay and constructed the expressway on top of the reclaimed road which causes so much flooding in Imus, Bacoor and other places in Cavite. To address this, DPWH built the Imus catchment basin. This project is not intended to solve flooding in Paranaque and Las Pinas,” Villar explained. Villar also appealed to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to consider the buffer zone of the wetland park before approving any reclamation in the area.

‘San Simon workers treated well’ CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga—Laborers and other workers at the Real Steel Corporation have been treated well by the management as they are provided with airconditioned barracks and three square meals daily while the entire town of San Simon and the province of Pampanga are under health quarantine due to coronavirus pandemic. These were the findings made by Department of Labor and Employment 3 director Maria Zenaida Angara-Campita during routine and complaint inspection accompanied by the regional field officers at the compound of the steel factory at Barangay San Isidro, San Simon town. This followed reports on alleged maltreatment and violations of the occupational safety and health standards of

COLORFUL ‘TREE’. A group of cyclists passes by a brightly-colored Christmas tree made of discarded soft drink bottles and used tires in Tagaytay City on Sunday. PonD News Asia

Bayanihan spirit helps COVID-19 frontliner survive By Willie Casas A VOLUNTEER frontliner from Paranaque disclosed in a recent episode of Survivors Speaks Series how the pandemic pushed her to join their barangay in implementing the minimum health protocols. She also narrated how she won over COVID-19 through the help of tireless frontliners and the kindness of people from her community. When the pandemic broke out and the

Enhanced Community Quarantine was announced, Maria Malaya Manalili, or Mars, 29, as her friends and family call her, felt the need to do something for the community. She said she reached out to a friend who works in their barangay and volunteered to help any way she could. This led Mars to join a small task force in their local barangay which patrols their neighborhood’s wet market and ensured that physical distancing was strictly im-

plemented. Other projects in her barangay included supplying meals for frontliners. But Mars contracted the virus---but found herself reaping the seeds of kindness she had sown in the community and made her realize that the bayanihan culture among Filipinos, even in a dire situation, was still alive. Mars experienced symptoms early in July, nearly four months after the main island of Luzon came under strict lockdown.

workers. During the inspection tour, Campita noted the living quarters of stay-in laborers were fully airconditioned with sufficient running water for their sanitation. “The company observes health standard and that was the reason why the workers were not allowed to go out because of their safety and to prevent them from being exposed outside due to coronavirus,” said Campita. She added that safety and health protocols like foot bath and hand sanitizers were being observed before entering the premises of the steel plant. But she noted minor violations found during random interviews although she said corrective measures had been put up to improve the operations and management of the steel factory. Jess Malabanan

Lubao pays tribute to Cong Dadong LUBAO, Pampanga—Mayor Esmeralda Pineda and representatives from the National Historical Commission spearheaded the 110th birthday celebration Monday of former president Diosdado Macapagal at the official residence here. “It was a simple celebration in honor of the former president, known as Cong Dadong, the only president of peasant origin,” said Pineda shortly after the program. Pineda said it was fitting to mark the former president’s birthday in his hometown because of his service to the the country. Macapagal, known as a reformist president, served as the ninth chuef executive of the Philippines from 1957 to 1961.

Restituto Aguilar of the NHC said: “The celebration this year was scaled down due to pandemic but we must not forget his contribution to the progress of our country.” Aguilar said: “We at the NHC and the local government of Lubao have come up with simple celebrations in honor of the former president. Similar events are also being held in other places to pay tribute to a man popularly known as ‘the poor man from Lubao.” “The NHC considers Macapagal as one of the great leaders who gave importance to the people and the country,” Aguilar said. Jess Malabanan

Southern Luzon group hosts PNC gab, which declares ‘RevGov’ priorities STO. TOMAS, Batangas—The Southern Luzon Solidarity for Charter Change recently hosted 48 organizations under the People’s National Coalition (PNC) for Revolutionary Government and Charter Change as it bared its priority program within the next 12 months here. Bobby Brillante, RevGov Committee Chairman and National Deputy Spokesperson, disclosed PNC’s 10-Point Priority Program “to be accomplished within one year before President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s term ends on June 30, 2022.” The organizations present included the Federal Coalition of Filipino Tribes, Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). Top of the agenda, Brillante said, was the consolidation of draft constitution transforming the system of government to a federal system with one unicameral legislative body as parliament, whose leader is the Prime

Minister and his Cabinet Ministers running the day-to-day affairs of the government. Prominent among the proposals is the constitution drafted by the Commission chaired by former Chief Justice Reynato Puno to be finalized within three months, Brillante said, after which the proposed constitution shall be submitted within the next 90 days to the people for a referendum. Then national and local elections shall be held at a scheduled date under the new constitution. Equally important, he said, is the provision in the proposed constitution that provides equal opportunity in public service by dismantling family dynasties and a prohibition on family members in government service up to the third degree of affinity and consanguinity. Only one member of a family shall be allowed to serve in public office, the PNC proposed. “The concentration of power in one family in every city, town and province or region

allows unabated abuse of power and uncontrolled corruption to the great disadvantage of the taxpayers and people,” Brillante said. Another urgent, the group said, is to “democratize our oppressive economic system. We must dismantle monopoly and legislate anti-trust laws to level the playing field, provide equal opportunity in business and pursue equitable distribution of wealth.” Brillante emphasized that to stop corruption, there must be a speedy resolution of all pending cases in the Office of the Ombudsman within a 180-day period from the date of an Executive Order issued for this purpose by a Revolutionary President. Expand the Office of the Ombudsman to every Province. Each Provincial Office of the Ombudsman shall hence be given 90-day period to resolve cases of graft and corruption from the date of filing, dismiss those without merit and file those with evidence and/or

established probable cause before the AntiGraft Court/Sandiganbayan. Also proposed is the expansion of the Anti-Graft Courts or Sandiganbayan to all regions and allow each Regional Sandiganbayan six months or 180 calendar days to resolve corruption cases, to acquit those accused without merit or convict and send to jail those accused government officials when evidence so warrant. “No more ‘Justice Delayed, Justice Denied,’” Brillante said. The new constitution and succeeding laws under a revolutionary government should institute the “Nakaw na Yaman” Recovery Program, PNC added. Under this proposal, all elected and appointed government officials, including their private cohorts who have accumulated illgotten wealth through fraudulent practices in violation of all pertinent anti-graft laws and/or those whose wealth have become dis-

proportionate to their salaries and legitimate income, shall be subjected to confiscation in favor of the government and shall only be returned upon submission of proof that such questioned wealth or properties have been legally and/or legitimately earned. The group also wants to stop criminality by professionalizing and strengthening the Philippine National Police under the supervision and control of the National Police Commission (Napolcom). “The commission shall be chaired and composed of experienced criminal lawyers and retired justices of the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court to guarantee its independence and integrity in deciding cases of corruption, abuse of authority, violations of the established rules of engagement and incompetence in the performance of duties and functions of police officers,” the 10-Point Program of the Revolutionary Government stated. Roy Tomandao


Opinion Opinion Opinion

B1

Adelle Chua, Ed TUESDAY, TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER15, 15,2020 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail

Opinion A reckless plan Opinion A reckless plan T

Living and dying during Living martialand lawdying during martial law Living and dying during

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL

Adelle Chua, Editor

B

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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

Adelle Chua, Editor

B1

B1

mst.daydesk@gmail.com TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020 tiko tiko ng ng mga mga Kabataan Kabataan (SDK). (SDK). Ferdie became involved in labor unions Ferdie became involved in labor unions EAGLE EAGLEEYES EYES and and decided decided to to drop drop out out of of school school to to go go full full TUESDAY, 15, 2020 Carlito plan against COVID-19, combination, and and not not just just one one component, component, plan against SEPTEMBER COVID-19, Secretary Secretary Carlito combination, HE HE government government has has time activism. When time into into political political activism. When martial martial tiko ng mga Kabataan (SDK). TONY TONY face masks, can stop the spread of Galvez, said “optimizing” physical distance face masks, can stop the spread of aa highly highly Galvez, said “optimizing” physical distance law in he joined the law was was declared declaredFerdie in 1972, 1972, he joined the became involved in labor unions approved approved aa plan plan to to EYES LA LAVIÑA VIÑA EAGLENew among contagious disease. disease. among passengers passengers would would help help ease ease transtrans- contagious in New People’s People’s Army Army in Western Western Visayas. and decided to dropVisayas. out of school to go full number of increase the the number of has The that and gradually portation among commuters. Thenotion notion thatwe wecan cansafely safely andjust gradually portation woes woes among commuters. combination, and not one compo plan against COVID-19, Secretary Carlito On Ferdie HE government On 29 29 July July 1973, 1973, the 21-year old Ferdie When martial increase timethe into21-year politicalold activism. TONY cut back from the WHO-prescribed one-meter "With public transportation, there is fastcut back from the WHO-prescribed one-meter "With public transportation, there is fastface masks, can stop the spread of a h Galvez, said “optimizing” physical distance was with a companion in San NG with waswalking walkingalong along with a companion in San ING with my my series series on on marmarlaw was declared in 1972, he joined riders vehicles ridersthein in mass mass transport transport vehicles approved a plan toerer recovery to when general laws like operatives the Election Code and distance to would lives and we distance down toone onefoot foot wouldbe beludicrous, ludicrous, recovery of of lives passengers and livelihoods livelihoods ashelp we ease LA tiko ng mga Kabataan (SDK). contagious disease. among wouldas trans-down Joaquin, military orrow from Joaquin, Iloilo Iloilo when military operatives borrow from aa book book Living Living and and VIÑA New People’s Army in Westernby Visayas. reducing distance by reducing the the physical physical distance the Localbecame Government Code which their Ferdie involved in labor set unions increase the number potentially dangerous. push forward under new normal,” Galweren’tso soThe potentially dangerous. pushof forwardportation under the the newamong normal,” Gal- ififititweren’t notion that we can safely and grad woes commuters. bore and gunned them down. Memory boredown downon onthem them and gunned them down. On 29 July 1973, the 21-year old Ferdie Memory of of 11 11Ateneo Ateneo de de Manila Manila EAGLE EYES election every threeout (3) of years on the second and decided to drop school to go full In fact, a former adviser to vez said. cut back from the WHO-prescribed "With public transportation, there is fastIn fact, a former adviser to the the IATF IATF onevez said. between commuters, even though between commuters, even though was“Bill” walking along withunless awas companion in San Vincent Begg CONTINUING my seriesWilliam on marw written Cristina William Vincent “Bill” Acuna Begg was w Activists Activists written by bywith Cristina riders mass transport plan against COVID-19, Secretary Carlito combination, and not just one component, Monday of Acuna May, again, HEin government has vehicles time into political activism. Whenotherwise martial distance down to one foot would be ludic er recovery of lives and livelihoods as we describes the public transportation plan as describes the public transportation plan as Joaquin, Iloilo when military operatives tial law, I borrow from a book Living and TONY a native of Legazpi City, Albay. He was the tiel and published by the Ateneo a native of Legazpi City, Albay. He was the tiel and published by the Ateneo Galvez, said “optimizing” physical distance face masks, can stop the spread of a highly provided by law. For the 2022 officials are reporting health officials are still stillthe reporting law was declared in 1972, he presidential joinedhealth the by reducing physical distance approved a plan to if it weren’t so potentially dangerous. push forward under the new normal,” Galreckless. reckless. munity but from all Americans who were bore down on them and gunned them down. Dying: InThe Memory 11 de among Manila third children born to John C. Press book chronthird among five five children born to John C. Press in in 2007. 2007. The bookof chronHERE was something LAAteneo VIÑA among passengers would help ease trans- contagious disease. and People’s vice-presidential elections are New Army inrace, Western Visayas. InLeachon fact, apower former adviser thousands of COVID-19 vez said. thousands of new new COVID-19 Dr. said the one-meter sickened by the abuse ofsafely by the police. to the Dr. Anthony Anthony Leachon saidand thegradually one-meter between commuters, even William Vincent “Bill” Begg Martial LawKabataan Activists(SDK). writtenBegg, by Cristina increase theironic numberabout of though tiko ng mga an employed atat the Begg, an engineer engineer employed the Clark Air The notion that we can portation woes among commuters. scheduled Monday, May Air 9,Acuna 2022 as part was The attempts to On 29 Julyfor 1973, theClark 21-year old Ferdie supremely a The new IATFThe new IATFdescribes the public transportation On June 1, peaceful protesters at Laphysical distance between individuals isis the physical distance between individuals the pl a native of Legazpi City, Albay. He was the Jayme Montiel and published by the Ateneo Ferdie became involved in labor unions "With public transportation, there is fast- cut back from the WHO-prescribed one-meter of that year’sfrom general elections. Base, Zenaida Acuna Legazpi City. Base, and Zenaida Acuna from Legazpi City. ininfections daily. infections daily. health officials are still reporting was walking along with a companion San CONTINUING with my series on and marLIKE constitutional change, the riders inbill mass transport vehicles impose a moral fi led by a US conreckless. fayette Square near the White House in bedrock of preventing virus transmission, bedrock of preventing virus transmission, and decided to drop out of school to go full third among five children born to John C. University Press in 2007. The book chrondistance down to one foot would be ludicrous, er recovery of lives and livelihoods as we But even if the elections were to be approved policy approved policy At 14, Bill entered the seminary in BalintaAt 14, and Bill theIloilo seminary Balinta-operatives Joaquin, wheninmilitary tial law, I borrow a book Living postponement of from elections abbreviated as entered tt us remember ustime remember notthe just onenormal,” component, plan against COVID-19, Secretary Carlito combination, by reducing theseeking physical thousands of new COVID-19 Dr. Leachon said HE government DCaaAnthony calling foror onthe oneinto When imperative on the that face mask face shield ifWashington it weren’t so potentially push forward and under new Gal- and and that wearing wearing facedangerous. mask oraction face shield postponed bythem Congress, theexterm limits of Air Begg, engineer employed athas the Clark gresswoman todistance susThe new policy, approved by InThe new policy, approved by the the Indown on and gunned them down. Dying: In political Memory of 11 Ateneo de martial Manila “No-el” or “No activism. elections” automatically wak, Quezon City. In 1970, even as he wak, Quezon bore City. In an 1970, even as he exThe IATFface masks, can stop thenew spread of a highly isisFloyd’s Galvez, saidcommuters, “optimizing” physical distance suggests a careless suggests a careless physical distance between individuals murder were violently dispersed law was declared in 1972, he joined the In fact, a former adviser to the IATF vez said. the president down to the lowest ranking just a complement to this basic preventive Base, and Zenaida Acuna from Legazpi City. between even though just a complement to this basic preventive infections daily. Task Force the Management approved plan Begg to ter-Agency William Vincent “Bill” was Martial Law Activists reaction written celled by Cristina generates a knee-jerk of suspicion ter-Agency Task Force for for would thesecurity Management young people academically and aaleader in extrayoung people celled academically andwas was leader inaAcuna extraPhilippines ironic. pend American disease. seempolicy among passengers help easeassistrans- contagious New People’s Army inFilipinos. Western of preventing virus by law enforcement officers to clear a path describes thebedrock public transportation plan as transmi elective official, except for approved At 14, Bill entered the seminary in Balintameasure. alocal native of Legazpi City, Albay. Hebarangay was the measure. Jayme Montiel and published bycurricular theVisayas. Ateneoactivities and opposition among of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), isis ofof Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), disregard for the safety disregard for the safety in college, Bill was also curricular activities in college, Bill was also health officials are still reporting increase the number Let us remember The notion that we can safely and gradually reckless. portation woes among commuters. tance to the Philippines until On 29 July 1973, the 21-year old Ferdie tood up to be for President Donald Trump to walk to tood up to be and that wearing a face mask executives and Bangsamoro officials The new policy, approved by the Inthird among five children born to John University book chronIn the Press past, in the2007. sameThe proposals were wak, Quezon City. Inradical 1970, even asC. he exHe be He added added that that the the DOTR DOTR seemed seemed to toaor beface s clearly the handiwork of the clearly the handiwork of the Department Department offast- cut back from active nationalist student circle of active in nationalist student circle of radical suggests a careless the WHO-prescribed one-meter "With public transportation, there of is thousands of new COVID-19 walkingyoung along with apeople companion inin San mar- was Dr. Anthony Leachon said the one-meter of working men and riders inextended mass transport vehicles cannot be since these are fixed of working men and nearby church so that he could hold up a is just a complement to this basic ter-Agency Task Force for the Management Begg, an engineer employed at the Clark Air unceremoniously shot down before they these the Duterte administration celled academically and was a leader in extraworking working at at cross-purposes cross-purposes from from the the DeDe-preve Transportation (DOTR), with Transport SecTransportation (DOTR), withand Transport Seced fought The new IATFstudents He ed and and fought students on on campus. campus. He joined joined Kabataang Kabataang down to one foot would was be ludicrous, er recovery of lives livelihoods as we distance Joaquin, Iloilooffwhen military and theisintruders before Taylor killedsafety in physical between individuals is the by the Thus, all distance elective Bible indistance aof bizarre photo op. measure. and Constitution. Zenaida Acuna from Legazpi City. could take because they operatives created an Base, of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), disregard for the infections daily. curricular activities in college, Bill was also by reducing the physical partment Health, which mandates the partment of Health, which mandates the retary Arthur Tugade retary Arthur Tugade emphasizing the need who have women who have institutes reforms inthe theneed miliifaitapproved weren’t so potentially dangerous. push forward emphasizing under the new normal,” Gal- women Makabayan and immersed himself in Makabayan (KM) immersed inintheir who stood upgunned be bore down on and them down. (KM) nila bedrock of preventing virus hail of police bullets. officials have to step down once term A number of law enforcement agencies policy He added that transmission, the DOTR seemed At 14,and Bill entered thehimself seminary Balintaavalanche of them criticism andto strong pushback kness veiled our rkness veiled our clearlythe the handiwork of theof Department offact, active in nationalist student circle of radical one-meter distance based on the WHO one-meter distance based on the WHO Let us remember In a former adviser to the IATF vez said. to “safely optimize carrying capacity” to “safely optimize the carrying capacity” of between commuters, even though and organizing student andcommunity community organizing work. ofbut working men and and William Vincent “Bill” Acunastudent Begg was tina thatinvolved wearing a face or dispersal face shieldat of office ends on June 30, 2022, according Less than abut weekto aftertake Wild’s sponsortary and to end with human TheTransportation new police policy, (DOTR), approved by the In-no were in theatmask violent wak, Quezon In work. 1970, even as he exfrom many quarters. Postponing elections, working cross-purposes from the choice nodescribes choice to take Transport Secand fought students onCity. campus. Hewas joined Kabataang suggests agrand careless the public transportation plan as standard. standard. public vehicles given more empublic transport transport vehicles given that thatthe more emnative like of Legazpi City,people Albay. HeIn theisthe neo acounted 1971 writ of habeas corpus Inwas 1971 the writ ofofficials habeas corpus was isLafayette just a complement to of thisHealth, basicthe preventive to theacademically 1987 Constitution. ship speech, a jury in Louisville, ter-Agency Task Force for Management these young health are still reporting celled and was a leader in extramuch changing the Constitution, Square, including US Parkmandate partment which retary Arthur Tugade emphasizing the need rights abuses here. women who have Makabayan (KM) and immersed himself in reckless. “This [policy] will risky, reckless, “This the [policy] will be be risky,the reckless, return as among five children born suspended to our John C. and on- third ployees are expected to to return to to their their jobs jobs as ispublic transportation. public transportation. Only a constitutional amendment Bill, three suspended and Bill, together together with three of expected Emerging Infectious (IATF), as darkness disregard for safety Kentucky cleared all the three police officers measure. curricular activities inwith college, Bill wasployees also are invariably regarded asveiled a self-serving device, Police, US Secret Service, one-meter distance basedDC on the W to “safely optimizeDiseases the carrying capacity” thousands of new COVID-19 student and these community organizing work. who stood up toat be Dr.ofAnthony Leachon saidbut the one-meter counter-intuitive and will derail the flatBegg, an engineer employed the Clark Air counter-intuitive and will seemed derail thebeof flatHe addedGuard, that the DOTR to more industries resume their operations. can change terms and, approving more industries resume their operations. clearly the handiwork of Pennsylvania the DepartmentRep. of no choice to take fellow KMs, were detained for putting up fellow KMs, active were detained forstudent putting up of Earlier this month, of wrongdoing in the shooting death of in nationalist circle radical a mere subterfuge by incumbent elected National the Federal Bureau The new IATFstandard. public transport vehicles given that more emof working men and land. physical distance between individuals is the In 1971 the writ of habeas corpus was Base, and Zenaida Acuna from Legazpi City. working at cross-purposes from the Detening of the curve in the National Capital infections daily. them requires the conduct of a plebiscite tening of the curve in the National Capital Transportation (DOTR), with Transport SecTugade said his department is “receptive Tugade said his department is “receptive counted fought students on campus.Because He joined to cling their postssubversive beyond theposters Susan Wild are sought the enactment her jobs Taylor, signaling that theretransmission, are no legal Prisons, the Arlington in of e,e, times and of 11 subversive posters in Marikina. Marikina. Because ofKabataang timesofficials and death death ofand 11toAteneo Ateneo Countywill Police De“This which [policy] bethe risky, rec ployees expected to returnthetoofneed their aseconomy ofpublic preventing virusthe transportation. suspended andand Bill, with approved policy Atterms 14, (ADMU) Bill entered the seminary in radical Balinta- activities, partment of US Health, mandates which is an(KM) election. As together laidby down in the retary ArthurPhilippine Tugade emphasizing which will... affect the entire Philthe reels from effects of Region, which will... affect the entire PhilAsbedrock the economy reels from the effects of Region, women who have Makabayan immersed himself inthree to initial optimization of the physical dislimits mandated by the Constitution. to an an initial optimization of the physical disproposed Human Rights Act,As consequences of breaking into anshield innohis Bill was dismissed University activists. his radical activities, Bill was dismissed by University (ADMU) activists. partment, Marshals, Drug Enforcecounter-intuitive and will derail the as darkness veiled our and that wearing a face mask or face more industries resume their operations. Theand new policy, approved by the In-upto “safely optimize the carrying capacity”the fellow KMs, were detained putting wak, Quezon City. In 1970, even as he ex- student one-meterWe distance based onthe thecurve, WHO infamous case of martial Javellana v. for Executive of pandemic, ippines. have flattened but this sentiment is understandcommunity organizing work. ippines. We have flattened the curve, but pandemic, this sentiment is understandtancing measure in public transport vehicles which would halt US assistance for the cent Black woman’s home and shooting tancing measure in public transport vehicles suggests a careless the Board of Discipline. When law r capsulizes the human journey the Board of Discipline. When martial law ment Administration, the Federal Bureau er capsulizes the human journey but tobasic take is no just achoice complement to this preventive standard. tening of the curve in the National C Tugadevehicles said hisgiven department isem“receptive ter-Agency Task Force for thecorpus Management celled academically a leader in extrasubversive posters inhabeas Marikina. Because ofpublic icles the life, timesand andwas death of 11 Ateneo Secretary, decided 1973 and which transport that more land. In 1971 the writunderground ofin was that is not completely irreversible. We will able but could quickly become self-defeatthat is not completely irreversible. We will able but could quickly become self-defeatArmed Forces of the Philippines and the her dead, as long as you are police in to .75 meters among commuters beginning to .75 meters among commuters beginning of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcowas declared, he joined the ooactivist from childhood days to was declared, he joined the underground activist from childhood days to measure. Region, which will... affect the As the economy reels from the effects of [policy] will be risky, reckless, entire ofhisEmerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), isbyployees disregard the safety to are an expected initial for optimization of thejobs physical discurricular in college, Bill was also suspended “This radical activities, Bill was dismissed de Manilaactivities University (ADMU) activists. allowed theand Marcos Constitution to operate to return to their as ifif search public transportation. Bill, together with three 14. cause [a] of ififflattened we the number of COVID-19 cases cause [a]resurgence resurgence ofcases cases weare arereckrecking the number ofthe COVID-19 casestobebePhilippine National Police, which ing she of drugs. Sounds familiar. Sept. Sept. 14. hol, Tobacco, Firearms Explosives. and three years later, in March 1975, while nts the process and three years later, in March 1975, while nts in inEach the radicalization radicalization process He added that DOTR seemed be clearly the handiwork of the Department of ippines. have the pandemic, this sentiment is understandactive in nationalist student circle of radical tancing measure in public transport vehicles counter-intuitive and We willand derail the flat-the curve inthe theBoard country, there is only one wayupto lawmore of Discipline. When martial chapter It capsulizes thepossible human journey fellow is still industries resume their operations. KMs, were detained for putting of working men and said are responsible for committing huOn May 25, two months after police less,” he warned. gins to rise as a result. less,” he warned. gins to rise as a result. This will “further be optimized to 0.5 meDefense Department officials also diThis will “further be optimized to 0.5 meworking at cross-purposes from the Dewaiting for a doctor in a hut in Villa Rey bout of personal involvements at fortoasubversive doctor inposters a hut in amendments Villa Rey about personal involvements at Transportation (DOTR), with Transport Secis not completely irreversible. We students on campus. Hedeath joined Kabataang tening of thethat curve in the National Capital to .75 meters among commuters beginning able but could quickly become self-defeatratify or a new Tugade said his department is organizers, “receptive was constitutional declared, he joined the underground an Ateneo activist from childhood days in Marikina. Because of icles the life, times elections and ofwaiting 11 Ateneo man rights abuses labor shot Taylor dead, anumber white police officer to hold The newly approved policy also suggests date, physical distancing has been aof The newly approved policy also suggests Topartment date, physical distancing has beenthe ain cases rected National Guard helicopters to useif we are of if Health, which mandates ters after and to 0.3 meters after ters aftertotwo two weeks and toagainst 0.3 meters after dis-To retary Arthur Tugade the need women who have Echague, Bill’s NPA unit was atactivism. Each biography conEchague, Isabela, Bill’s NPA unit was atactivism. Each biography conMakabayan (KM) and radicalization immersed himself inIsabela, cause [a] affect resurgence of cases ing the COVID-19 beRegion, which will... the entire PhilAs the economy reels fromof the effects constitution—an election orMarch plebiscite held Sept. 14. an weeks initial optimization of the physical and three years later, in 1975, while turning points in the process his radical activities, Billemphasizing was dismissed by de Manila University (ADMU) activists. workers and the political opposition. key Minneapolis, Minnesota, planted his knee aaippines. one-meter distance based on the WHO disregard for the safety of workcomponent of most efforts to stop the acareless “persistent presence” tothe disperse procareless disregard for the safety of workkey component of most efforts to stop the to “safely optimize the carrying capacity” of another two weeks," Tugade added. another two weeks," Tugade added. student and community organizing work. tacked by the military. Bill was captured death inflicted by tacked by the military. Bill was captured h the the violent violent death inflicted by We have flattened curve, but the pandemic, this sentiment is understandin accordance with law and participated in less,” he warned. gins to rise as a result. even in these times tancing measure in public transport vehicles This will “further be optimized to 0.5 meBoard of martial law Rey no chapter capsulizes the involvements human journey at thewaiting forDiscipline. a doctor When in a hut in Villa toEach stories about personal choice but to take Wild cited widespread human rights vioon the neck of George Floyd, a 46-year-old standard. testers. Helicopters, including a twin-enpublic transport vehicles given that more eming men and women who have no choice spread of COVID-19 around the world, ing men and women who have no choice spread of COVID-19 around the world, In 1971 the writ of habeas corpus was Tugade argues that current health measTugade argues that current health measis not irreversible. will also sug able but could become distancing self-defeat- hasthat only byhim, qualified and duly registered voters. alive. Before the mermilitary alive. Before killing him, the soldiers mermilitary forces. .75ters meters commuters The newly approvedWe policy To quickly date, physical been a completely afteramong two by weeks and tobeginning 0.3 meters after was declared, he soldiers joined the underground offorces. an Ateneo activist from childhood days to killing Echague, Isabela, Bill’s NPA unit wasasat-tolations the peak ofnational activism. Each biography conofpoints health perpetrated shemasks describedalong as ing Black man who wasCOVID-19 already handcuffed “This [policy] will be reckless, ployees expected return to their jobssuch gine UH-60 Black Hawkif we and transportation. to take transportation. Is with good hygiene and hand washsuspended and together withprocess three but tothe take public transportation. Is itsafety it all all of w along with good hygiene and hand washcause [a] resurgence of cases areUH-72 reckif the number of cases be- to but Neither can the Commission onwas Elections ures, as the mandatory use of ures, suchSept. aspublic the mandatory usewhat offace face masks 14. him, leaving him 17 the life of Atapublic careless disregard for the key component ofrisky, most efforts stop cilessly tortured him, leaving him with 17 k memorializes memorializes the life of 11 11 Atthree are years later, intowith March 1975, while turningwith inBill, the radicalization another two weeks," Tugade added. tacked by the military. Bill captured cludes the violent deathcilessly inflictedtortured by and counter-intuitive and masks. will the exflatPresident Duterte’s “brutal regime.” andthe face down and derail being restrained more industries resume their operations. Lakota, were observed in a “low-flying fellow KMs, were detained forstab putting up less,” he them warned. gins tolying rise as a result. right for to be only a foot apart so long ing and use of face Health postpone the 2022 elections. While it and can doface right for them to be only a foot apart so long ing and the use of face masks. Health exemergency. This will “further be optimized to 0.5 meshields meant that the one-meter and face shields meant that the one-meter waiting for a doctor in a hut in Villa Rey to about personal involvements at ing men and women who have no c spread of COVID-19 around the world, wounds and 11 gunshot wounds. up their lives during the stab wounds and 11 gunshot wounds. o gave gaveMarcosian upstories their lives during the Tugade argues that current health measalive. Before killing him, theissoldiers mer- Six months before Wild’s sponsorship tening military of the curve indistancing the National Capital by other officers. Despite Floyd’s said his department “receptive subversive posters inforces. Marikina. Because of Artemio neo of force” over protesters who hadthe The newly approved policy also suggests To two date, physical hasWorld been ahand so Tugade insofar as local elections are ters after two weeks and to 0.3 meters after as the officials who make perts—including those from the asshow the government government officials who make the Is perts—including those from the World Echague, Isabela, Bill’s NPA unitconcerned, was at- 17distancing the peak ofof Each biography conphysical measure can be relaxed. physical distancing measure can be relaxed. but to take public transportation. along with good hygiene and washFinally, “Jun” Somoza Cefirst years martial law. Finally, Artemio “Jun” Somoza Cefirst 10 10The years ofactivism. martial law.the ures, such as the mandatory use of face masks cilessly tortured him, leaving him with book memorializes life of 11 Atwhich affect the breathe, entire PhilAs the economy reels from the effects of Region, to an can initial ofunder the physical dis- another speech, Louisville white police officers pleading thatwill... he(WHO)--believe could not the rules radical Bill death was dismissed by sts. his gathered inbeside theto evening. a again careless disregard for the safety of workkey component most to stop the this beoptimization done only specified two weeks," Tugade added. by the military. Bill was captured don’t need to Organization this cludes withactivities, the violent inflicted bythe rules don’t needlater to sit sit beside them? Health Organization (WHO)--believe this The implementer of the Thechief chief implementer ofsentiment thegovernment’s government’s right for them bethem? only a foot apart so ing have andofthe useefforts ofthe face masks. Health exlestial Jr. was born September 1950 in pid souls are—Ferdie and face shields meant that barged the Health one-meter lestial Jr. wastacked born 16measure September 1950 inwounds. epid are—Ferdie Arceo, stab 16 wounds and 11 gunshot eneans who gave upArceo, their lives during ippines. We flattened curve, but the pandemic, this is health understandtancing in public transport vehicles who did not identify themselves white police officer Derek Chauvin kept the Board of Discipline. When martial law ney souls ing Given men and women who have notrack choice spread of COVID-19 around the world, circumstances. The Election Code cites as her own country’s spotty reTugade argues that current measalive. Before killing him, the soldiers merMarcosian military forces. Any attempt to tinker with the as the government officials who mak perts—including those from the World physical distancing measure can be relaxed. Maragondon Jun was a son of ArJun Sonny Hizon, Ed Maragondon Cavite, Jun was a son of ArJun Celestial, Sonny Hizon, Ed Finally, Artemio “Jun” Somoza Cehorrendous first 10 years ofunderground martial law. Cavite, that is not completely irreversible. We will able but could quickly become self-defeatto .75 meters among commuters beginning was declared, he joined the s to Celestial, into the apartment of a 26-year-old his knee on Floyd’s neck for almost nine to intake public transportation. Is Wild’s it all good hygiene and hand wash- but ground tortured for postponement “anyhim serious cord combating abuse of power, ures, such as the mandatory use of face masks along with cilessly him, leaving withcause 17 The book memorializes the life of 11 AtConstitution or postpone the elections is rules don’t need to sit beside them? Health Organization (WHO)--believe this The chief implementer of the government’s temio Celestial, superintendent of Public an Lacaba, Dante Perez, Ditto temio Celestial, superintendent of Public cause [a] resurgence of cases if we are reckman Lacaba, Dante Perez, Ditto ing if the number of COVID-19 cases belestial Jr. was born 16 September 1950 in These intrepid souls are—Ferdie Arceo, Sept. three years later, March 1975, while cess and Black and shot ing minutes—until was masks. dead. Health ex- right for them to be only a footimperative apart so long and the use ofheface such as14. violence, or destruction and facewoman, shields Breonna meant thatTaylor, the one-meter attempts to impose a moral on wounds and terrorism, 11 gunshotloss wounds. eneans who gave up in their lives during the stab a touchstone issue that Filipinos regard less,” he warned. gins to rise as a result. Schools in Cavite, and Maria Celestial. Silva, Nick Solana, and Schools in Cavite, and Maria Celestial. Lazzie Silva, Nick Solana, and This will “further be optimized to 0.5 meMaragondon Cavite, Jun was a son of ArBegg, Jun Celestial, Sonny Hizon, Ed waiting for a doctor in a hut in Villa Rey sLazzie at Bill thePhilippines government officials make the those the footage World asthe ofFinally, electionArtemio paraphernalia records, force her dead in an anti-drug operation gone perts—including The transcripts of from bodycam physical distancing measure can be relaxed. seem ironic,who indeed. “Jun”or Somoza Cehorrendous 10 years martial law. with utmostfirst suspicion; oneofthat we cannot newly approved policy also suggests To date, physical hasand beenTaya Health ters after weeks and to 0.3 meters after Jun entered at awas politically charged (whose body has not temio superintendent Public wrong. Jun entered college at Celestial, atwo politically charged Jopson, Eman Dante Perez, Ditto pon(whose body has not yet been Echague, Isabela, Bill’s NPA that unit was atdon’t need to sitWild beside them? Organization (WHO)--believe this majeure, and other analogous causes ofofsuch Noimplementer drugs distancing were found asThe well as video shot by bystanders who rulesCongresswoman The chief of the government’s lestial Jr. born 16 September 1950 in These intrepid souls are—Ferdie Arceo, countenance. ItLacaba, isyet onebeen issue frays the college is free to propose careless with disregard for the of workkey of most efforts worker, to stop the two weeks," Tugade added. tacked by the military. was captured bycolumn, Schools inthe Cavite, Sarmiento, Lazzie Silva,Bill Nick Solana, andjoined period. He the Ateneo Catechetical his IIshare the stories of period. He joined thethat Ateneo Catechetical his column, share the stories of aanother nature holding ofand a free, orderly and lor,component an emergency medical had a pleaded the police to safety stop, show Floyd any legislation before the US Congress, of Maragondon Cavite, Jun was aMaria son ofCelestial. ArBill Begg, Jun Celestial, Sonny Hizon, Ed nerves and elicit instinctive condemnation ing men and women who have no choice spread of COVID-19 around the world, Tugade argues that current health meas- no criminal record. But the police used said more than 20 times he could not breathe. alive. Before killing him, the merhonest election should become impossible Jun entered college a politically charged Yap (whose body hassoldiers not yetDitto been Instruction League (ACIL) and the Student g, Celestial. Instruction League (ACIL) and the at Student g, and andManny Celestial. temio Celestial, superintendent of Public Jopson, Eman Lacaba, Dante Perez, and rejection from the people. While most course, but wouldn’t it be a more producalong with good hygiene and hand wash- but to take public transportation. Is it all ures, such as the mandatory face masks cilessly tortured him, leaving him with 17 Atin any political subdivision,” (section 5, week period. He joined the to Ateneo Catechetical found). In this column, Idisshare the stories of Schools Catholic Action (SCA). Due perhaps his e misunderstood and often disCatholic Action (SCA). Due perhaps touse hisof re misunderstood and often in Cavite, and Maria Celestial. Sarmiento, Lazzie Silva, Nick Solana, may not understand the intricacies ofand the a refrain we have long heard here:exthe right He was also pleading forahis mother andlong beg- also actual number of LAST was a bumper crop of inanity also took theher actual police number of3,0003,000LAST week was a bumper crop of inanity tivetook use the of timepolice and energy to address for them to be only foot apart so ing and the use of face masks. Health and face election shields meant that the one-meter stab wounds and 11 gunshot wounds. the alma Omnibus Code). Instruction League the Student Arceo, Begg, and Celestial. Jun entered college at a(ACIL) politically Manny Yap (whose body has not yet been with Constitution, people do know that choosing encounters the and martial heir mater. As Antonette other side shot first. Taylor’s boyfriend, ging “please, please, please.” encounters with the military military and martialandcharged their alma mater. As Antonette plus unexplained deaths in the war on drugs, and illogic issuing from the opposition, esthe rampant police abuse and clear huplus unexplained deaths in the war on drugs, and illogic issuing from the opposition, esperts—including those from the World as the government officials who make the physical distancing measure can be relaxed. Finally, Artemio “Jun” Ceaw. found). Needless topolitical say,the the COVID-19 pandemic He joined Ateneo Catechetical In this column, I the share the stories of Catholic Action (SCA). Due perhaps to histhe who willof and represent were misunderstood and often dis- period. who insists the police failed to identify Both killings sparked widespread outrage also took the actual police number FORMATION law’s suppression of open activist LAST week was a bumper crop of inanity eles put itThey in the foreword FORMATION law’s suppression of open political activist eles putthe it inpeople the foreword ofgovern the Somoza man rights violations in her own counand then inflated that number to thirty, forty, pecially Red variety. and then inflated that number to thirty, forty, of 3 pecially the Red variety. rules don’t need to sit beside them? Health Organization (WHO)--believe this Theone chief implementer ofand thethe government’s lestial born 16right, September 1950 in Instruction ceo, owned isencounters not of them. Itthe is still possible to hold League (ACIL) Student Arceo, Begg, and Celestial. them Jr. is awas sovereign oneAs that cannot withinvolvement military and martial bywere their alma mater. Antonette themselves, hadissuing squeezed offthe one shot at and plus deaths in the war on d and illogic from opposition, es- protests, not only from the Black com- now organizations, Jun’s political dent not always organizations, Jun’s political involvement dent activists were not always try,fifty before she unexplained pokes her nose into ours? thousand….and still counting. Consider, for example, the accusation by now fifty thousand….and still counting. Consider, for example, the accusation by Maragondon Cavite, Jun was a son of ArEd activists elections even (SCA). in these times of national Action perhaps to his werefor misunderstood and often disbeThey usurped byput self-serving politicians or Catholic also took theand actual police 3,000week was crop that of inanity FORMATION law’s suppression ofDue open political activistLAST Palma-Angeles it quesin the foreword of the then that of number thirty, pecially theain Red variety. and the extent of his from 1972 ed Ateneo, they and the extent of hisparticipation participation from 1972 ed in the the Ateneo, for they quesYou can count on the opposition to put Makabayan party-listers Congress You can count oninflated thenumber opposition to to put Makabayan party-listers inbumper Congress that temio Celestial, superintendent Public ittoin GARY health emergency. GARY encounters with the military and involvement martial owned by Filipinos their alma mater. As of Antonette “trapos.” want therefore to strictly plus unexplained deaths in the war on drugs, and illogic issuing from the opposition, esorganizations, Jun’s political book: “Student activists were not always now fifty thousand….and still counting Consider, for example, the accusation by to 1974 clear-cut at this point. raditions, disturbed our toCelestial. 1974 became became less less clear-cut at this point. raditions, disturbed our complacomplaanything out of context. As a matter of fact, the administration was “Red-tagging” them. anything out of context. As a matter of fact, the administration was “Red-tagging” them. Schools in Cavite, and Maria and At most, the Comelec, aspolitical the independent FORMATION open activist Palma-Angeles put in the foreword the law’s enforce the constitutional concept ofof questerm and then inflated thatcan number to thirty, forty, the Red variety. andsuppression the extentdeath ofofhis participation from 1972pecially well-received inother theitatAteneo, for they OLIVAR count on opposition t Makabayan party-listers in Congress that OLIVAR The circumstances have set against each while The circumstances of Jun’s Jun’s death have not neen set us us against each other while aside from the beach sanding, the DENR isis Jun entered college a politically charged In reply, anti-terrorism spokesman PCOO GARY aside from theYou beach sanding, thethe DENR In the reply, anti-terrorism spokesman PCOO body of tasked toJun’s safeguard thenot sanctity of organizations, political involvement book: “Student activists were not always limits and the holding of regular elections now fifty thousand….and still counting. Consider, for example, the accusation by to 1974 became less clear-cut at this point. tioned our traditions, disturbed our complaanything out of context. As a matter of the administration was “Red-tagging” them. been fully established. As far as the family with But now, 30 years or so been fully established. As far as the family with us. But now, 30 years or so period. He joined the Ateneo Catechetical s of us. ballot well of ashis ensure the conduct ofUndersecretary aUndersecretary fair, also spending money on related Lorraine Badoy offered to also spending money on related programs programs Lorraine Badoy in offered to that and the as extent participation from 1972 well-received theagainst Ateneo,each for queseven even if Philippine elections are they historically You can count on thethe opposition to put the DEN party-listers Congress OLIVAR GARY The circumstances ofbefore Jun’s death have notMakabayan cency, setinlaw, us other while aside from beach that sanding, Inififreply, spokesman PCOO Instruction League (ACIL) the Student recalls, he gone days claration martial we see recalls, he was was gone for several days before claration ofthe martial law, we seeandand andseveral free less elections, should administer cleaning up the empty Jose Maria resign post those party-listers would like cleaning up the waterways waterways that empty Jose Maria Sison Sison continues continues to to boast boast about about like resign her her post thoseanti-terrorism party-listers would toorderly 1974for became clear-cut at this point. tioned our traditions, disturbed our complanotof most peaceful, orderly civil. anything out of context. As a matter of fact, the administration was “Red-tagging” them. beenin fully established. Astocrop far as family they were with us. But now,perhaps 30 years or so also spending money on had related Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy the offered toand Catholic Action (SCA). Due to hisof dispolls in such a aof way asRiver ensure that also took actual police number of 3,000LAST week was bumper of the inanity OLIVAR they found his body the Montalban ty by time, that these they found hisThe body in the Montalban River ty enhanced enhanced by time, that these circumstances Jun’s death have cency, set us against eachpossibility other while Manila Bay, just as they first growth of the NDF. Both of Thiseven time around, the do aa couple of things: denounce Senate will become the justice with Understanding (APCU), which back into Manila Bay, just asfirst they first had to prog the size size and the growth of the NDF.goes Both ofto into donot couple of simple simple things: denounce aside from the beach sanding, the DENR is to In reply, anti-terrorism spokesman PCOO recalls, he was gone for several days before after the declaration of martial law, we see like cleaning up the waterways Jose Maria Sison continues to boast about encounters with the military and martial resign her post if those party-listers would ette minimum public health safety protocols are plus unexplained deaths in the war on drugs, and illogic issuing from the opposition, esnear Wawa Dam in province did absorb the best of our school-age children. China’s Maoist years. the clear near the Wawabeen Dam inRizal Rizal province on21 21the family fully established. As on far as didindeed indeed absorb the best ofgeneral our 30elections they were with But now, yearsthe or was so postponing theus. 2022 the of of before telling the truth at same communist violence work with the also spending money on programs Undersecretary Lorraine to clear the bayfront bayfront of tons tonsrelated of garbage garbage beforethat e them can’t can’t be be telling theWhen truth asked at the theabout same communist violence and and workBadoy with offered the them they found body in thehis Montalban River athe clarity enhanced bypolitical time, that these FORMATION law’s suppression ofDeputy open activist the with into Manila Bay, just as they first h the size and growth of the NDF. Both of do a couple of simple things: denounce observed. And this includes, as pointed out and then inflated that number to thirty, forty, pecially the Red variety. But because she is Catholic as well Duterte speech, Chinese Ambassador Huang recalls, hewas was for several days before after declaration of martial law, we see raised by House Majority Leader February 1974. There ahis big gash on hem, giving themselves up for February 1974. There was agone big gash on his them, giving themselves up for like cleaning up the waterways that empty Jose Maria Sison continues to boast about resign her post if those party-listers would bringing rest of bringing in in the the sand. sand. But But don’t don’t expect expectasthe the time. rest on of government government to to peaceably peaceably address address its its time. the Wawa Dam inpolice Rizal province organizations, Jun’s political involvement young didenhanced indeed absorb the bestMikey of our bynear Comelec director James Jimenez, holding now fiftythem thousand….and stillNDF. counting. clear the bayfront of tons oftogarbage b can’t be telling the truth at the same Consider, for example, the accusation by 21do a communist violence and denounce work with thesize conservative, Barrett’s confirmation is blandly replied that the maritime issue was found body in the Montalban River with amen clarity by time, that these and Pampanga 2nd Dist. Rep. into Manila Bay, just as they first had the and growth of the Both of couple of simple things: head, and his body was bloated. The yyays living as head, and his they body was his bloated. The police living as men-for-others.” men-for-others.” critics to praise them for that. Either the Makabayan or Mr. Sison is roots. critics to praise them for that. Either the Makabayan or Mr. Sison is roots. and themen extent of his participation from 1972 ues- lessons February 1974. was a big gash on hiscommunist toThe them, giving themselves up for near the elections in twoThere to Rizal three days, instead of bound to be a very rocky one. Expect all but a small part of an overall productive You can count on the opposition to put Makabayan party-listers in Congress that bringing in the sand. But don’t expec time. rest of government to peaceably address its the Wawa Dam in province on 21 young did indeed absorb the best of our Arroyo. main contention advanced by GARY clear the bayfront of tons of garbage before them can’t be telling the truth at the same violence and work with the established Mirasol Arceo was on investigation established that that Jun Jun was was held held Mirasol Arceo was born born clear-cut on 18 18 atinvestigation ** ** ** Either NDF isis alive well, or These lying. Either the theof NDF alive and well, or These are are things things any any ordinary ordinary citizen citizen lying. to 1974 became this up point. plathe lefty in expect mainstream relationship that could still flourish even just oneand day,hisexpanding alternative voting anything out context. As a and matter oforfact, head, body was The the administration was “Red-tagging” them. justice, truly living ason-going men-for-others.” critics to praise them for that. Either the Makabayan Mr. Sison is inliberals—especially February 1974. There was a bloated. big gash on hispolicerest ofroots. lessons to them, giving themselves for unit the proponent isless the public health bringing theChurch sand. But don’t the of time. government to peaceably address its by aa military in the mountains. 52 at the Delgado Memorial byhave military unit in the mountains. 952 atThe thecircumstances Delgado Memorial Today the honors Our Lady it’s not. Or perhaps we’re being asked to beshould be willing to do, let alone elected 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 OLIVAR of Jun’s death not hile media—to gang up on her. We can while the issue is unresolved. methods, and allowing online filing aside from theMakabayan beach sanding, theisDENR is In reply, anti-terrorism spokesman PCOO investigation established thatThe Jun wasofheldroots. These are things any ordinary citizen “Ferdie” was born on 18 head, and his body was bloated. police justice, trulyMirasol living men-for-others.” emergency or theasArceo COVID-19 pandemic. * *only * hope lying. Either the NDF alive and well, or critics to praise them for that. Either the or Mr. Sison is September is a month when we rememgrg so Kamuning Road Quezon City, September is a month when we rememKamuning Road Quezon City, 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 waitthat the Republican majority in the Senate This will not please those who prefer to been fully established. As far as the family Certificates of Candidacy to avoid crowding, also spending money on related programs Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy offered to by a military unit in the January 1952 at this the Delgado established thatmountains. Jun was held “Ferdie” Mirasol Arceo was born on 18 investigation As we all know, pandemic hasMemorial affected Today it’s not. Or perhaps beingorasked to beshould willing do, let citizen alone elected * * the * Church honors Our Lad lying. Either the NDF is alivewe’re and well, These are be things any to ordinary ber bad things that happened country. ild Atty. Regaldo Thelber bad things that happened in this country. ild ofClinic Atty. Regaldo and Thelwillthe stand their ground. baycleaning for blood. But the only way recalls, he1952 was gone for several days before see of 35), blind seer Simeon Mary zombies, the undead. ing for to agree to this. 35), the blind seer Simeon warns Mary that(Lk 2 zombies, theOr undead. ing for Makabayan Makabayan to agree todo, this. LAST week, theBut caught usbreath by like among others. up theit’s waterways thatforward, empty Jose Maria Sison continues toalone boast about resign her post if party-listers would a military unitin inthis the mountains. January atand the Delgado Memorial everyalong inch ofKamuning our lives. Some that by September is athose month when we rememRoadanticipate Quezon City, Today theSorrows. Church honors Our Lady ofthat it’s not. perhaps we’re being asked to beshould be willing toPresident lethold elected In onewarns Gospel reading lieve that the NDF is actually populated by legislators. don’t your waitThis battle ought to matter for those who given our own capabilities and requirements But it is also a good time to remember our In he enrolled as an AB But it is also a good time to remember our they found his body in the Montalban River In 1968, 1968, he enrolled as an AB ese surprise during his virtual address to the UN The scheduled elections are one and a half the fulfilment of her unborn Child’s mission * * * 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 the fulfilment of her unborn Child’s mission * * * September is a that month when we Clinic along Road Quezon this will alsoKamuning possibly the conduct of ber bad things happened in rememthis country.legislators. the first child of Atty.include Regaldo andCity, ThelIn 35), onerights Gospel reading (Lk 2: 33thatzombies, the is actually But don’t hold your breath the invoked blind seer Simeon warns Mary the undead.populated by Sorrows. ing for Makabayan to agree to waitthis. lieve believe that by abortionists— in relation to NDF China. General Assembly when hedredges unequivocally near the Wawa Dam inscheduled Rizal province on 21 our heroes, brave courageous young student at ADMU and in 1970 heroes, those brave and courageous young years This enough time for Comelec student at ADMU and in 1970 the bayfront be telling the truth at the same clear communist violence and work with In thefact, be aaseer sword piercing her heart. In ** *of the term “Red-tagging” will be like likethe sword piercing her heart. In mi * **tons of garbage before will In fact, the term “Red-tagging” dredges badaway. things thataishappened in this country. the first child of Atty. Regaldo and Thelthe general for 2022. 35), the blind Simeon warns Mary that zombies, the undead. ing forcan’t Makabayan to agree to this. But itand is also good time to remember ourthem ma Arceo. Inelections 1968, he enrolled as anthose AB ber the fulfilment of her unborn Child’s * * * the right to liberty and the penumbral right to asserted our maritime rights, there stating that bringing in the sand. But don’t expect the the February 1974. There was a big gash on his for with to prepare or for Congress to address lookup into time. rest of government to peaceably its memories. Bill, Jun who stood up ther fellow student people—Ferdie, Bill, and who stood up ether with several fellow student it is and also aJun good time to courageous remember our ma several Arceo. In 1968, he enrolled as an The Constitution fixes thepeople—Ferdie, date ofAB the But other reading (Jn 19:25-27), her heart old In the late sixties, the other reading (Jn 19:25-27), her heart up old memories. In the late sixties, there fulfilment of her unborn Child’s mission * * * heroes, those brave and young Humanities student at ADMU and in 1970 will a sword *** Inthefact, the term or “Red-tagging” privacy—are far be lesslike important thanpiercing the right her hea “we firmly reject attempts to undermine [the head, and his body was bloated.and The possible sources of funds that will enable the critics to praise them Either Makabayan Mr. out Sison is dredges roots. to be counted and fought as darkness veiled tablished the Ligang Demokrathose brave and courageous young to be counted and fought as darkness veiled Humanities student atelections. ADMU inpolice 1970 heroes, national and local As provided, stablished the Ligang Demokraisis indeed pierced as she His will be which like aissword piercing her heart. In was aaHouse assigned to root * *for * that. Incommittee fact, thememories. term “Red-tagging” dredges indeed pierced asfirst she watches His death death her was House committee assigned toUNCLOS].” root out people—Ferdie, Bill, and Jun who stood up 2016 Ferdie, together with several fellow student to life, cited inwatches the US Declaration the other reading (Jn 19:25-27), up old In the late sixties, there Arbitral Award under investigation established that Jun was held 18 We have a long polling body to introduce measures to safely * * * lying. Either the NDF is alive and well, or These are things any ordinary citizen people—Ferdie, Bill, and Jun who stood up Ferdie, together with several fellow student the regular election for President and Viceour land. neo the first radical acour land. neo (LDA), (LDA), the first radical acthe other reading (Jn 19:25-27), her heart up old memories. In the late sixties, there from the foot of the Cross. subversives masquerading as legal activists. from the foot of the Cross. subversives masquerading as legal activists. of Independence. Reordering its priorities in the His to be counted and fought as darkness veiled established the Ligang Demokra- conduct Maybe the NDF is But what also surprised me was the Maybe the NDF is is indeed pierced as she watches was a House committee assigned to root out by a military unit in the mountains. rial activists, the willing elections midst of a Today the Church honors Our Lady of isright it’s not. Or perhaps we’reassigned being asked to bebe toeven do, let the alone elected be counted and fought as in darkness veiled activists, established Ligang DemokraPresident isThe held on the the second Monday of toshould indeed pierced asgoshe watches His deathMy was a with House committee toobservers. root out zationtiko of Ateneo. LDA later ization of Ateneo. The LDA later history of presidents direction will a long, long way towards Our Lady’s sorrows do not cease. They came up the catchy slogan, “If it Our Lady’s sorrows do not cease. They came up with the catchy slogan, “If it bafflement expressed by many our land. ng Ateneo (LDA), the first radical acfrom the foot of the Cross. My subversives as legalbyactivists. September isotherwise a monththe when we rememity, tiko pandemic. Maybe the Sorrows. In just one Gospel reading (Lk NDF 2: 33- isfrom that themasquerading NDFmasquerading is actually populated legislators. But don’t hold your breath wait- lieve our land. ng Ateneo (LDA), firstWebsite: radical May, unless provided by aclaw. actually made up actually just made up theBaby foot the Cross. subversives as legal activists. reversing the of immorality that sadly informs so tonylavina.com o factions: the Kabataang MakWebsite: tonylavina.com wo factions: the Kabataang MakMaybe the NDF is Could this be the same Duterte whom they’ve friend Nebrida, film producer and walks like a duck and talks like a duck, then friend Baby Nebrida, film producer andcease walks like a duck and talks like a duck, then tivist organization of Ateneo. The LDA later Our Lady’s sorrows doMynot They came up with the catchy slogan, “If it ber bad things that happened in this country. helcollectively say No totoNo-elections. ever-friendlier 35),seeking the blind seer Simeon warns Mary that zombies, theupundead. ingLet’s for Makabayan to agree this. tivist organization of Ateneo. The LDA laterofdeantonylavs TheSamahang same goes Demokrawith the regular election Our Lady’s sorrows do not cease. They came with the catchy slogan, “If it much of American culture today. pilloried as a Chinese puppet? These people Facebook: Twitter: tonylavs M) and the Facebook: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs actually just made up M) and the Samahang Demokrahomegrown visionary, recently conveyed it must be a duck!” homegrown visionary, recently conveyed it must be a duck!” Website: tonylavina.com into two factions: the Kabataang MakBut it is also a good time to remember our AB split friend Baby Nebrida, film walks like a duck and talks like a duck, then of zombies. of zombies. actually just made up the fulfilment of her unborn Child’s mission * * * split two factions: the Kabataang Mak-of Website: tonylavina.com the into members of Congress. For the date friend Baby Nebrida, producer and producer walks like anever duck understood—or and talks like a duck, then * * film obviously believed— relations with China. to the President—in aa*1:private letter that’s The firebrands of the Left aa to the President—in private letter that’s conv Facebook: Twitter: tonylavs The young young firebrands of the Left had had (KM) and the Samahang Demokraheroes, those brave and courageous young 970 abayan homegrown visionary, recently it must be a duck!” Website: tonylavina.com Facebook: will be like a sword piercing her heart. In * * * In fact,deantonylavs thedeantonylavs term “Red-tagging” dredges Twitter: tonylavs abayan (KM) and the Samahang Demokrathe elections of local elective officials, we Facebook: of zombies. In today’s Gospel (Jn 47-51), the apostle homegrown visionary, recently conveyed ithis must be a duck!” stated intention from the very start: To of zombies. Bill, and Jun who stood up dent people—Ferdie, gone viral—a Marian appeal for him to lead field day making fun of this. But it turned gone viral—a Marian appeal for him to leadletter field day making fun of this. But it turned deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs the other reading (Jn 19:25-27), her heart up old memories. In the late sixties, there to the President—in a private The young firebrands of the Left had a refer not only to the Constitution but also tries to recruit one Nathanael follow toPhilip the President—in a private lettertothat’s The had an a tilt theyoung countryfirebrands away fromofthethe USLeft towards kra- to be counted and fought as darkness veiled consecrating the country Our Lady is indeed pierced watches His death in as was the yellow-led uproar out to spot on. The big youth was a House committee assigned to root in consecrating the appeal country to appeal Our Lady Just as noisy noisy was as theshe yellow-led uproar outout to be befield spot on. The big leftist youth gone viral—a Marian for him to field day making fun of this. But itJust turned the Nazarene. Nathanael sarcastically asks, independent foreign policy course. gone viral—a Marian for to him to lead day making fun ofleftist this. But it turned ac- our land. from theasChinese foot ofdecision the Cross. subversives masquerading as legal activists. her Son, pains of “the over the DENR’s to pour of good come from Nazareth?” The arenoisy grabbing those islands groups to be creations of CPP. and heranything Son, on pains of suffering suffering “the Big over the DENR’s decision towas pour tons of and groups did did prove to bebe creations of the CPP. inon consecrating theOur country to Our Just as thetons yellow-led uproar tospot spot on. The big Maybe the NDF is youth The tilt toward China had toleftist be youth in“Can consecrating the country to LadyBig Just noisy was the yellow-led uproar outprove toout be on. The bigthe leftist ater Our Lady’s sorrows not cease. My They came up with the catchy slogan, “If it groups Buther he goes along with Philip. of ours, not to invade us,do butto mainly toto build aggressive initially, following after the One”, the long-feared earthquake along white dolomite sand onto stretches of the Those did become fertile recruitOne”, the long-feared earthquake along “th white dolomite sand onto stretches of the Those groups did become fertile recruitand her Son, on pains of suffering over the DENR’s decision pour tons of groups did prove to be creations of the CPP. and Son, on pains of suffering “the Big over the DENR’s decision pour tons of groups prove to be creations of the CPP. actually just made up ak- Website: tonylavina.com friend Baby Nebrida, film producer and Jesus him that coming andhit deterrence against the powerful navies of the the walks like a duck and talks like a duck, thengrounds PNoyfor administration that was—to quote One”, long-feared earthquake along white dolomite sand onto stretches the fault could 8.5 on Those groups did become fertile recruitManila Bay shoreline. Even Congress has One”, the long-feared earthquake a ment the NPA. And when they white dolomite sand ontoofstretches ofMarikina thethesees Those did become fertile recruitthe Marikina fault that could hitcomments, 8.5 on the the Manila Bay shoreline. Even Congress has ment grounds for thegroups NPA. And when they kra- Facebook: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs “Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity US and its allies. It’s a face-off into which homegrown visionary, recently conveyed it must be a duck!” another former president, PGMA—the lone of zombies. the Marikina fault that could hit 8.5 on the Manila Bay shoreline. Even Congress has ment grounds for the NPA. And when they thesubsequently Marikina fault that could hit 8.5 o Manila Bay shoreline. Even Congress hasBaby for the NPA. And when they Richter. confided to me been into launching aa probe. bombed rally in MiranRichter. Baby subsequently confided to me been inveigled inveigled into launching probe. bombedthe theLP LPment rallygrounds in1971 1971at atPlaza Plaza Miranin him.”Baby When Nathanael asks Jesus,to“How we’ve been forced participate to theinveigled President—in atoprivate letter simply that’s The young firebrands of the Left had a bombed exception arally long history of Philippine Richter. subsequently confided meconfided t been into launching a the probe. the in LPthe 1971 Plaza MiranRichter. Baby subsequently been inveigled into if launching a probe. LPin rally inat1971 at PlazaThe Miranthat visions had also been received DOH has already assured public da martial law, the armed Left that similar visions had also been “Before received The DOH has already assured the public da to to provoke provokebombed martial law, the armed Left do similar you know me?”had Jesus answers, because of geography. And other issues seeking ever-friendlier relations gone viral—a Marian appeal for him to lead that field day making fun of this. But it turned dapresidents similar visions also been received The DOH has already assured the public to provoke martial law, the armed Left that similar visions had also been rec The DOH has already assured the public da to provoke martial law, the armed Left by others like her, with the Virgin Mary crythat we have nothing to fear from dolomite, did serve notice that they bloody well meant by others like her, with the Virgin Mary crythat we have nothing to fear from dolomite, did serve notice that they bloody well meant called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” come up—such as rights, access with China. in consecrating thefishing country to or Our Ladyto byPhilip Just as notice noisy that wasthey the bloody yellow-led uproar out to be spot on. The big leftist youth did others like her, withlike the Virgin Mary crythat we have nothing to fear from dolomite, serve well meant by others her, with the Virgin Mary that we have nothing to fear from dolomite, did serve notice that they bloody well meant ing tears of blood. either in its bulk state or granulated into bloody business. ing tears of blood. either in its bulk state or granulated into bloody business. Nathanael then exclaims, “Rabbi, you are the our undersea mineral wealth—our negotiating PNoy’s suing for the arbitral award was herinSon, on pains of or suffering “the into Big ing tears of blood. thebusiness. DENR’s decision to pour tons of and groups didvaccine prove toagainst be creations Tests maTestsof ofSinoPharm’s SinoPharm’s vaccine against ma- of the CPP. over either itsbenefit bulk granulated bloody tears ofKing blood. either in state its bulk statein orother granulated into bloody business. Tests ofgroups SinoPharm’s vaccine against maofbeen God;ing you are the of Israel.” stance will from aearthquake warmer, instead of Son It’s amply documented in the past beach sand. It’s also being used Today the same Left is well represented It’s been amply documented in the past beach sand. It’s also being used in other Today the same Left is well represented arguably a case of undue provocation and One”, the long-feared along white dolomite sand onto stretches of the Those did become fertile recruitTests of SinoPharm’s vaccine against major virus strains are reported to jor COVID-19 COVID-19 virus strains are reported toreported been amply documented the past in the beach sand. It’ssand. also usedbeing in other TodayToday the same Left is Left well is represented ABOUT ABOUTTOWN TOWN and wait for thevirus post toNPA. be handed to him on The duplicity inin Nathanael colder, withbeing ourAnd adversary. jor COVID-19 strains are to It’sofbeen amplygreat documented beach It’s also used that in It’s other the same well represented baditself timing. now thatEven it’s inCongress hand, Duterte such visions presaged disasters beaches all over the world. you’re in Congress by the Makabayan folks, that suchabsence visions presaged great disasters beaches all relationship over thethe world. And you’re inthey Congress itself byBut the Makabayan folks, ABOUT the Marikina fault that could hitifif 8.5 on the Bay shoreline. has ment grounds for the And when COVID-19 virus strains are reported toManila that such visions presaged great disasters beaches all over world. And if you’re inisCongress itself by the Makabayan folks, have results in both safety haveshown shownpromising promising results in both safety ABOUTTOWN TOWN ajor silver platter. opened his mind and heart to the immediate * * * have shown promising results in both safety obliged to use it to his advantage. Building that such visions presaged great disa beaches all over the world. And if you’re in Congress itself by the Makabayan folks, Richter. Baby subsequently confided to me been inveigled into launching a probe. bombed the LP rally in 1971 at Plaza Miranif unheeded, but turned defeats into victodumb enough to inhale large amounts of although they remain unmoved by this unif unheeded, but turned defeats into victodumb enough to inhale large amounts of although they remain unmoved by this unshown promising results in both safetyalthough they remain unmoved by this un- dumb if unheeded, but turned defeats into victoenough to inhale large amounts of and and efficacy. efficacy. andhave Alluding to Velasco who has relied on his understanding of Jesus’but Divinity. When into v Last Sunday Ienough chanced across a video of US efficacy. onThewhat’s been leftremain behind bytheprevious if unheeded, turned defeats dumb to inhale large amounts of although they unmoved by thisthat unsimilar visions had also been received DOH has already assured public da to provoke martial law, the armed Left ERNESTO ERNESTO M. M. ries if heeded. It might be a good time for sand, it really doesn’t matter whether it’s deserved concession of democratic space. ries if heeded. It might be a good time for sand, it really doesn’t matter whether it’s deserved concession of democratic space. ERNESTOThe M. and efficacy. ries if heeded. It might be a good time for sand, it really doesn’t matter whether it’s deserved concession of democratic space. term-sharing agreement with Cayetano tobesit we’reit’snot busy deceiving Presidentsand, Trump as he introduced his latest vaccine isisthat likely to The Sinopharm vaccine likely tois be be administrations is toanother statesmanly Theserve Sinopharm vaccine likely tomeant M.Sinopharm ries if heeded.ourselves—about Itwhom might be a good tim it with really matter deserved concession of democratic space. by others likenot. her, thedoesn’t Virgin Mary cry-whether that we haveconflict nothing fear from dolomite, did notice they bloody well the Church hierarchy—with whom Duterte dolomite or not. In no other conflict country I know about the Church hierarchy—with whom Duterte dolomite or not. In no other conflict country I know about Church hierarchy—with Duterte dolomite or In no other country I know about The Sinopharm vaccine is likely to be as the next Speaker , Castro said: “He did not HILARIO HILARIO ERNESTO HILARIO what kind of creatures we are, the reality of nominee to the US Supreme Court, Judge practice—except, again, in the case of PNoyout end out in in the the market market by the end of of December. out inby thethe market by December. the end of December. the Church hierarchy—with whom dolomite oronnot. Ininan no other conflict country I know about ing tears ofspokesman, blood. either itsactive bulk state or granulated into The bloody HILARIO shares mutual take theof The DILG spokesman, Undersecretary are members of anrebellion active allowed aa deep deep mutual dislike—to take the DILG are of allowed work, hebusiness. didtwo not contribute, did of notDecember. defend shares deep mutualdislike—to dislike—to take the Du DILG spokesman, Undersecretary are members of an active rebellion allowed Tests of SinoPharm’s vaccine against ma- The outcompany in the market by two thehebiend our sins and shortcomings, the fallenness Amy Coney Barrett, theUndersecretary White House lawn. shares Sisi”—who put hisrebellion predecessor in jailThe -“Boy has built high-level bi-members The has built high-level The company company has built two high-level biIt’s been amply documented in the past beach sand. It’s also being used in other Today the same Left is well represented shares awedeep mutual dislike—to tak The DILG spokesman, Undersecretary are members ofof angovernment active rebellion allowed this House, he did not lead. So why expect us conciliatory steps towards convincing Jon Malaya, also clarified that the total cost to participate in the business of government the world to which are forced by earthly Judge Barrett will be replacing the late Ruth jor COVID-19 virus strains are reported to first conciliatory steps towards convincing Jon Malaya, also clarified that the total cost to participate in the business first conciliatory steps towards convincing Jon Malaya, also clarified that the total cost on charges that were all later repudiated by to participate in the business of government The company has built two high-level biAMPLE proof that Philippines-China osafety production in Beijing folks, and oof Philippines-China ties production facilities in Beijing and oof that that Philippines-China ties osafety osafetyties production facilities in facilities Beijing and that such visions presaged great disasters beaches all over the world. And if you’re in Congress itself by the Makabayan first conciliatory steps towards convin Jon Malaya, also clarified that the total cost to participate in the business of government to follow him?” him to heed this latest Marian appeal. for the sand was actually less than P30 milwithout first giving up their guns. life to conform—then we open the way for Bader Ginsburg, who came to be idolized AS shown ONE-HALF of the legislative branch of Wuhan, have promising results in both safety thegiving justice up system. AMPLE proof that Philippines-China ties for sand less than milwithout first guns. osafety production inby Beijing and him to to heed heed this this latest latest Marian Marian appeal. appeal. for the the unheeded, sand was was actually actually less than P30 P30victomil- him without first giving up their their guns. remain robust despite the territorial dispute with an remain annual facilities production capacity ust the territorial dispute Wuhan, with annual capacity ust despite despite the territorial dispute Wuhan, with analthough annual production capacity but turned defeats intoless enough to“Red-tagging”, inhale amounts of if they unmoved this un- dumb Castro production pointed out: “It production was his mistake himtotoenlighten heed thisuslatest for the sand was actually than P30 without first givinglarge up guns. themilHoly Spirit with Marian grace. appeal. for the shattering so many glass ceilings against lion, notP389 the P389 million being alleged. So By alleging these parour democratic system ofterritorial government, the an Now that he’s delivered his their salvo, Duterte and efficacy. remain robust despite the dispute Wuhan, with an annual capacity lion, not million being alleged. So By alleging “Red-tagging”, these parlion, not the P389 million being alleged. So By alleging “Red-tagging”, these parin the West Philippine Sea is that Beijing of 300 million doses. With the expansion of ries if heeded. Itbut might be abecame good time for alleged. sand, it By really doesn’t in matter whether it’s deserved concession of Sea isis that Beijing of 300 doses. the expansion t Philippine Philippine Sea that vaccine Beijing of 300tomillion million doses. With thecould expansion of to thinkWith that he justdemocratic doof nothing space. in 15 women lawyers, who also the High lion, not the P389 million being So House of Representatives plays athat crucial role production alleging “Red-tagging”, these parReaders can write me at gbolivar1952@ is once again tacking the other direction, where did the rest of the pesos come from? ty-listers are disclaiming any connections to The Sinopharm is islikely be in the West Philippine Sea Beijing has already pledged to supply the country of 300 million doses. With the expansion of capacity, the annual output will can gbolivar1952@ did the rest of the come ty-listers any Readers cancanwrite write me at gbolivar1952@ whereCourt’s did the rest of the pesos pesos come from? from? Readers ty-listers aredisclaiming disclaiming anyconnections connectionsto to where Church hierarchy—with whom Duterte dolomite or not. In no the other conflict country I know about months andannual then just onewill day appear in are pledged supply the country output pledged to the supply theby country Readers writeme me at at gbolivar1952@ leading defender of same abortion. production capacity, the annual output will in to implementing the constitutional mandatecapacity, by CPP-NPA-NDF. refusing to ask UNonGeneral Assembly yahoo.com. Well, probably fromthetherest folks whocome But the other hand, the Readers can write me at gbolivar19 where did of the pesos from? ty-listers arethe disclaiming any connections to out in market the endThese ofproduction December. with vaccines for Covid-19. vaccines 800 million to 1active billion doses in the fuhas already pledged to asupply the country reach production capacity, therebellion annual output willthe yahoo.com. Well, probably from the same folks who the CPP-NPA-NDF. But on hand, yahoo.com. Well, probably from thetopped sameher folks who the CPP-NPA-NDF. But on the thetoother other hand, shares a deep mutual dislike—to take the The DILG spokesman, Undersecretary are members of an allowed Congress to claim the speakership as if it was yahoo.com. The new nominee law school for the State to promote “just and dynamic to put China’s actions a vote. It’s back to es These vaccines reach 800 million to 1 billion doses in the fues for for Covid-19. Covid-19. These vaccines reach 800 million to 1 billion doses in the fuThe company has built two high-level biyahoo.com. Well, probably from the same folks who the CPP-NPA-NDF. But on the other hand, are now at the final stages of field testing ture, according to the Chinese ambassador. with vaccines for Covid-19. vaccines his reach 800 million to 1 billion in the fu-Jon birthright.” steps and towards also clarifiedact that total cost first to in ambassador. the business of doses government classconciliatory at Notre Dame went convincing on to clerk social order will ensureinThese the prosperity theMalaya, high-wire balancing forthe him. the stages of field testing ture, according to the the final final stages ofthat field testing ties ture, according toparticipate the Chinese Chinese ambassador. osafety production facilities and prior to large-scale manufacturing. are now at the final stages ofBeijing field testing ture, according to up thetheir Chinese ambassador. for the sand was actually him to heed this latest Marian appeal. less than P30 milwithout first giving guns. for the brilliant conservative justice, the and independence of the nation and free the * * * pute with an Huang annual Xilian production capacity e-scaleWuhan, manufacturing. ge-scale manufacturing. Ambassador told the meand will end at the (SMC) to P389 build the P95.4 billion prior tomillion large-scale manufacturing. late Antonin Scalia. Asa aconnection mother of toseven, lion, the million being So in Manila, By alleging “Red-tagging”, these par- tion people from doses. poverty through policies that Anot couple of days after thealleged. UNPasig event, ing of 300 With the expansion of dor Xilian told the mein Manila, and at aaconnection the tion to build the P95.4 billion Pasig dor Huang Huang Xilian told the meinby Manila, and will end atme connection the tion (SMC) (SMC)where to build the rest P95.4 billion Pasig dia recently that since the coronavirus South East Metro Manila Expressway at CirExpressway thatsponsored would basiincluding twoend adopted Haitians ato special provide adequate social services, promote Ambassador Huang Xilian told theoutme- ty-listers Readers can write at gbolivar1952@ I tion attended a(PAREX) webinar inwill Manila, and will end and at ato connection to the (SMC) to of build the P95.4 Pasig did the the pesos come billion from? areSinopharm disclaiming connections to River How did one any lawmaker The production capacity, theactively annual output will that the coronavirus outSouth East Metro Manila Expressway at River Expressway (PAREX) that would basiyntry that since since the coronavirus outbreak, China has since been engaging in Southcumferential East Metro Manila Expressway at CirCir-US at CirRiver Expressway (PAREX) that would basiRoad 6 Metro (C6). cally follow the path of the waterway. child, Judge Barrett if confirmed by the full employment, a rising standard of living, the Association for Philippines China yahoo.com. Well, probably from the same folks who the CPP-NPA-NDF. But on the other hand, dia recently that the coronavirus outSouth East Manila Expressway River Expressway (PAREX) that would basiThe Sinopharm The Sinopharm nes reach 800 million to 1 billion doses in the fuThefar? Sinopharmcallyfollow get this vaccine research and development. It willRoad have 6entry and exit points at the what's good about it is that the project a has actively engaging in cumferential the path of the waterway. na has been been actively engaging inlife for cumferential Road 6 (C6). (C6). followAnd the pathfollow of thethe waterway. and an improved quality of all.” China has been actively engaging in vaccine is likely to becally cumferential Road 6 (C6). cally path of the waterway. ing break, ture, according to the Chinese ambassador. The Worldleadership Health Organization (WHO) University Belt area, San Juan, Buendia, would also about reviveitit the heavily polluted Pasig ItIt will earch and development. Effective of the House requires have entry and exit points at vaccine is likely to be And what's good is that the project earch and development. will have entry and exit points at the the vaccine is likely to be And what's good about is that the project out in the market by 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 has reported that there are now 34 vaccines Mandaluyong, Makati, Rockwell, Edsa, PiRiver. Citizens Act of 2010, Strengthening the Magna As for Velasco, his track record leaves the Speaker to be able to unite 250 lawmakers d Health Organization (WHO) University Belt area, San Juan, Buendia, would also revive the heavily polluted Pasig ld Health Organization (WHO) University Belt area, San Juan, Buendia, would also revive the heavily polluted Pasig The World Health Organization (WHO) University Belt area, San Juan, would also revive the heavily polluted Pasig me- already in Manila, and will end at a connection to the tion (SMC) to build the P95.4 billion Pasig out in the market by out in the market by Cayetano enjoys a distinct advantage over Carta for PWDs, and the Domestic Workers Act much to be desired. He practiced law in the Buendia, in clinical evaluation around the the end of December. oneer St., Bonifacio Global City, C5, before According to SMC president and CEO fromare various districts and party-list groups as out in the market by doutnow 34 vaccines Mandaluyong, Makati, Rockwell, Edsa, PiRiver. d that that there there are now 34there vaccines Mandaluyong, Makati, Rockwell, Edsa, PiRiver. has reported that are now 34 vaccines Mandaluyong, Makati, Rockwell, PiRiver. South East Metro Manila Expressway at CirRiver Expressway (PAREX) that would basiVelasco in track record and experience in Ramon (Kasambahay) Supreme Court globe. Of theSinopharm eight candidate vaccines in at C6. office of his father, former Edsa,(www.manilastandard.net) Ang, theyLaw. will “not only be building terminating well asThe political parties behind President’s evaluation around the the end of December. St., Bonifacio Global City, C5, to SMC president and CEO clinical evaluation around theThethe thecomend offollow December. oneerCEO St., Bonifacio Global City, C5,Jr.before before According to According SMCRoad president andpresident CEO a oneer gclinical in already 6to(C6). the pathof of the waterway. According clinical evaluation around the cally the end December. oneer St., Global City, SMC and public office. Cayetano’s political career reached new Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco He later priority legislative agenda. Speaker must Phase 3 in trial—the final phase before The expressway isBonifacio expected to provide an C5, before acumferential much-needed direct link between eastern (www.manilastandard.net) (www.manilastandard.net) (www.manilastandard.net) (www.manilastandard.net) he eight candidate vaccines in terminating at C6. Ramon will “not only be building the eight candidate vaccines in terminating atterminating C6. Ramon Ang, they will “not only be building Itthey will have entry and exit points atalso the vaccine likely to be what's about it skills is that the project Cayetano’s legislative honedAng, globe. Of thetois eight candidate vaccines when he was chosen as Rodrigo Duterte’s at C6. toadministrator Ramon Ang, they will “not only be building assumed the of provincial POINT OF also listen what opposition lawmakers alternative andpost faster access the businessof andhigh western Metro Manila, but we will While the good Chinese vaccine iswere welcome, mercial use—fur are from Chinese vaccine in And l—thePhase final phase before comThe expressway isis expected to provide an aa much-needed direct link between eastern al—the final phase before comHO) The expressway expected to provide an much-needed direct link between eastern University Belt area, San Juan, Buendia, would also revive the when heavily Pasig early on. At ageconsider 22, hepolluted was being still indelaw be running mate in the 2016 presidential elections. Marinduque and headed the provincial chapter are saying as part and parcel of democratic 3 trial—the final phase before comThe expressway is expected to provide an a much-needed direct link between eastern IMPACT hubs Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global leading a historic effort to bring the Pasig we should also vaccines developers, including 2 from Sinopharm, out in the market by POINT POINTOF OF POINT OF school, he emerged as youngest and number nes Mandaluyong, Makati, Rockwell, Edsa, PiApart from being aManila, veteran legislator, of theand Integrated of thefaster Philippines. faster access to business and western Metro Manila, but will While the Chinese vaccine is welcome, —fur are from Chinese vaccine alternative and fasterBar access to the theaccess business and western Metro Manila, but we we will also also discourse. While theRiver. Chinese vaccine is the welcome, —furmercial from Chinese vaccine alternative and to the business and Metro but wealternative willCity. also While the Chinese vaccine is welcome, use—fur are fromleading Chinese vaccine River backwestern to health.” veloped by other countries, such as Russia, aare subsidiary of China’s vaccine ERWIN one municipal councilor in Taguig City. Cayetano also served as Secretary of Foreign present, Velasco leads the House Global the the of December. oneer Bonifacio City, C5, According toalso SMC president and More important, from2 where we sit, is thatalso IMPACT IMPACT IMPACT hubs Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global be leading aa“For historic effort to bring the Pasig we should consider vaccines being deincluding 22 end from Sinopharm, hubs Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global beasCEO leading historic effort toGlobal bring the Pasig we should also consider vaccines being de-And including from Sinopharm, NoAt timetable has been set for the project, so many even when Ibefore was United States and Great Britain. we deproducer China National Pharmaceutical hubs Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio beSt., leading adecades, historic effort to bring the Pasig we should consider vaccines being developers, including from Sinopharm, (www.manilastandard.net) Afterward, hesuch wonas a Russia, seat in the House back as young, TULFO Affairs Dutertehad Cabinet. Here,City. he but Committee But this body doescan not syyinof terminating atthe C6.toRiver Ramon Ang, they will “not only be building the Speaker must able toSinovac earn theBiotech trust and River to veloped by countries, leading vaccine we hope theEnergy. government and SMC theinback Pasig been synonyCity. River back to health.” health.” wrote last week, even our neighbor IndoneGroup (CNBG), from veloped by other other countries, such as Russia, of aChina’s China’s leading vaccine City.on River health.” veloped by other countries, such as Russia, subsidiary of 1be China’s leading vaccine representative of the lone district of TaguigERWIN managed to protect the national interests in appear toand have passedthe anyterms significant bill thus ERWIN ERWIN respect of his colleagues. omThe expressway is expected to provide an a much-needed direct link between eastern sit down discuss of reference mous (with) pollution. Many Filipinos have sia is well on the way to developing its own and 1 from CanSino Biological. No timetable has been set for the project, “For decades, even when II was United Great Britain. as we hina producer National Pharmaceutical No timetable hasthe been sethas forthe the project, “Forasso so many decades, evendecades, whenwhile was United States States and and Great Britain. And asBritain. wehis eloquence China National Pharmaceutical No timetable been setsector. for the project, Jail barangay, “For so many even when I was United States andAnd Great And wemany China National Pharmaceutical Pateros. There, he earned praises for the international community striving to far to advance interests of energy POINT OF When the 18th Congress convened last alternative and faster access to the business and western Metro Manila, but we will also While the Chinese vaccine is welcome, cine TULFO TULFO TULFO to get it but off ground as soon as possible. long wanted totheclean itbeen and revive it,been bring vaccine that we can even also use to control the Sinopharm has 1Biotech in fact Sinovac already tapped but we hope the government and can young, the Pasig River had synonywrote last week, even our neighbor IndoneBG), Group 11year, from Sinovac but we hope thethe government and SMC SMC can young, the Pasig River had been synonywrote last week, even our neighbor IndoneNBG), from Sinovac Biotech we hope government and SMC canPhilHealth thieves young, Pasig River hadcountries. synonywrote last week, ourbring neighbor Indone(CNBG), from Biotech and strong against graft corruption. maintain cordial relations other We understand thatthe Velasco was offered the Speakership was contested by at IMPACT Makati, Ortigas, andwith Bonifacio Global be leading astand historic effort toand the Pasig ithubs should also considerto vaccines being derm, we This would certainly help boost mobility in back to its old glory. There were even spread of the deadly disease. around 1,500 Filipinos participate in the discuss reference mous (with) pollution. Many Filipinos have down and discuss terms of reference Jail well the way to its own mous (with) pollution. Many have CanSino Biological. sit down andsit discuss the terms terms ofthe reference mousits (with) pollution. Many Filipinos haveFilipinos is well on the way to developing own and 1 from Biological. sia is well on thesia way totodeveloping developing its own CanSino Biological. After completing three terms in Congress, In the Pulse Asia survey conducted insit thedown by and Cayetano the the position of of Deputy Speaker least threeCanSino or four lawmakers. But when itonRiver Jail barangay, Jail barangay, barangay, City. back health.” veloped other countries, suchsia asis Russia, cine Hospital negligence the metropolis in theas years ahead amid the high-profile fund-raising projects andrevive similar Phase 3 by clinical trial of fact its COVID-19 vacERWIN Cayetano ran for senator in 2007 and won. to get it off the ground as soon as possible. long wanted to clean it and it, bring first week of December last year—less than six so he could prove his leadership skills, but to get it off the ground soon as possible. vaccine that we can also use to control the long wanted to clean it and revive it, bring Sinopharm has in already tapped vaccine that we can also use to control the m has in fact already tapped to get it off the ground as soon as possible. long wanted to clean it and revive it, bring vaccine that we can also use to control the m has in fact already tapped seemed that no one wanted to give up the No timetable hasit.been set for the project, “ForPasig so many decades, evenproject when I was initiatives States and Great Britain. And as we ical United expected growth in the urban population. to clean But unfortunately, not River expressway cine candidate in the United Arab Emirates PhilHealth thieves PhilHealth thievesthieves He chaired the Ribbon andto TULFO provesBUSINESS deadly months into his its term Speaker—Cayetano he chose to turn ithelp down. Lastmobility week,boost hein said fight,to the President stepped in and suggested This would certainly help mobility inPhilHealth itold back to oldas were glory. There even spread ofPasig the Blue deadly disease. around 1,500 Filipinos participate in This certainly help boost itsynonyits glory. There even spread of deadly disease. 0 Filipinos participate in the This would would certainly boost mobility in it back back to itswe old glory. There were even spread of the theyoung, deadly disease. 00 Filipinos to participate in the but hope the government and SMC were can the River had Committee been wrote last week, even ourto neighbor Indoneech The Pasig River Expressway will be a much has changed,” he explained. Can we expect substantial relief from since June. These Filipinos are among more exposed several corruption scandals. as the third most trusted official insimilar that he the preferred toyears keepin quiet of respect a is term-sharing deal between the two CLASS metropolis the out years ahead amid the high-profile fund-raising projects and Phase 3its clinical ofvacits COVID-19 vacthe metropolis in the ahead amid high-profile fund-raising projects and similar nical of COVID-19 the metropolis in the ahead amid the high-profile fund-raising projects and similar nical trial trial of its COVID-19 vacdown and discuss the terms of reference (with) pollution. Many have sitemerged sia well on the trial way to developing its own ifbut ityears is greenlighted bythe theon 27-kilometer Pasig River, which links horrible traffic congestion in Filipinos Metro Manila than 30,000 volunteers in the world's first mous Jail barangay, In 2013, on River his second term, he was elected The government, garnering ait. trust rating of 76 game-changer for Cayetano his deafening silence frontrunners. expected growth in the urban population. initiatives to clean But unfortunately, not Pasig expressway project candidate in the United Arab Emirates expected growth in the urban population. initiatives to clean it. But unfortunately, not Pasig River expressway project to get it off the ground as soon as possible. ate the United Arab Emirates long wanted to clean it and revive it, bring expected growth in the urban population. initiatives to clean it. But unfortunately, not vaccine that we can also use to control the ped Pasig River expressway project ate in incine the United Arab Emirates BUSINESS soon enough. Ramon to Manila runs through RUDY say, within the next to 10 and years? Phase 3 clinical trial of a vaccine. BUSINESS Senate Majority Floorfive Leader chaired Laguna BUSINESS percentdeorBay an increase of Bay, 14 percentage points government pressingPhilHealth national issuesthieves showedAng thatearlihe is Under the term-sharing deal, Taguig more Rep. itin, The Pasig Expressway much has changed,” explained. Can we expect substantial relief from June. These Filipinos arepeople among This would certainly helpinhe boost mobility inThe back to if its old glory. even spread of the deadly disease. the since Pasig River Expressway be aa will be a has changed,” explained. Can we substantial relief from These Filipinos are among more The Pasig River Expressway willto be much has changed,” he explained. Can we expect expect substantial relief from These Filipinos are among more ersimply said SMC already hasRiver a proposal build the cities Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Maybe, the government and were the private Hundreds of thousands of have ROMERO the Senate committee onThere rules. Inmuch 2016, he CLASS from hisof 62he percent rating September. unprepared to take on will the awesome Alan Peter Cayetano would sit as Speaker CLASS CLASS the As metropolis themunicipality years ahead the high-profile fund-raising similar game-changer if itexisting is greenlighted The 27-kilometer Pasig River, vachorrible traffic congestion inand Metro Manila than 30,000 in themonths, world'svacfirst game-changer ifif ititonof isistopgreenlighted by the The 27-kilometer Pasig River, which links horrible traffic congestion in Manila in the world's first game-changer greenlighted by the The 27-kilometer Pasig River, which links horrible traffic congestion in Metro Metro Manila 0 volunteers volunteers in thevolunteers world's first new highway of the EDSA. Pasig, Taguig, andinthe ofamid Pateros sector can get their act together. received vaccinations of Sinopharm’s was designated chair ofprojects the Senate foreign Speaker, Cayetano managed towhich get alinks responsibility uniting lawmakers and by the of the House for the first 15 while growth inBay, the population. initiatives clean it. not de River expressway project ates government soon enough. Ramon Laguna deand Bay tourban Manila Bay, runs through in, say,to within the next five 10 years? Phase clinical trial of a Allan vaccine. relations committee. government enough. Ramon Ang earliLaguna Bay to Manila runs through RUDY Whatever happened toBUSINESS that proposal? inexpected Metro Taytay in Rizal province. in, within the five to 10 years? Warning: PhilHealth ical trial of a3a vaccine. Atnext least there's at theunfortunately, end oftothe tunnel. cine since China launched emergency use government soon enough. Ramon Ang earliLaguna de Bay toManila Manila Bay, runs through RUDY RUDY lawmakers to pass the 2020 national budget in, say, within the next five tolight 10But years? leadingsoon the House in crafting laws that wouldAng earlinical trial ofPasig vaccine. Marinduque Rep. Lord Jaysay, Velasco River Expressway will be much has talking changed,” explained. Can we expect from said SMC proposal toisbuild thePasig cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, Maybe, iflegislative the government thecities private Hundreds of thousands of relief people have ROMERO Cayetano’s record isand impressive. inThe only 20 working days. HeMakati, helped steer the nation in the years tohas come. will stretch aMandaluyong, total ofalso 19.4 kilomeabout the project proposal ofwould COVID-19 vaccines on 22, with no21 take over thesubstantial post forJuly the remaining er SMC already has aaalready proposal to the of Manila, Makati, Maybe, ififthe government and the private of of people have erasaid saidbenefit SMCer already has proposal toa build build the cities ofPAREX Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Maybe, theWe're government andhe the private sore of thousands thousands of people have CLASS ROMERO ROMERO dangerous to your health game-changer iffrom it and isRadial greenlighted The 27-kilometer Pasig horrible traffic congestion in Metro Manila irst received He was the main ofRiver, 43 bills,which six of links which new highway on top the existing Pasig, Taguig, theof municipality ofnew Pateros the passage of the President’s tax reform sector can get author their act together. vaccinations of Sinopharm’s vacWe atherefore ask: How didofhe get this EDSA. ernhil@yahoo.com ters and will start Road 10 by (R10) of the conglomerate San Miguel Corporacases of Sinopharm’s severe adversevaceffects or infection. months. athe highway on top of the existing EDSA. Pasig, Taguig, and the municipality Pateros sector can get their act together. ccinations of a new highway on top of the existing EDSA. Pasig, Taguig, and the municipality of Pateros sector can get their act together. accinations of Sinopharm’s vacgovernment soon enough. Ramonbills, Ang earliLaguna de Baythere's to Manila Bay, through RUDY in, say, within the next five toemergency 10raised years? wereAtpassed into law. Among theseof the packages and economic as well far happened with nothing more thanto overweening Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro a valid Whatever happened that proposal? inand Metro Manila andpriority Taytay in Rizal province. PhilHealth least light theruns end the tunnel. cine since China launched use Whatever to proposal? in Metro Manila Taytay in province. Warning: PhilHealth At least there's light atat the end the tunnel. China launched emergency use Whatever happened to that that proposal? inare Metro Manila and Taytay inRizal Rizal province. Warning: PhilHealth Atprivate least there's lightEmployment the endof of theat tunnel. The viceWarning: presidency: China launched emergency use and er said SMC already has a proposal to build the cities of Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Maybe, if the government the ave of ROMERO Public Service Office (PESO) Act, as the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act and the ambition and meager accomplishments? point in his privilege speech last September PAREX will of stretch akilometotal of 19.4 kilomeWe'rethe talking about the projectPAREX proposal COVID-19 vaccines on July 22, withtalking no is dangerous your heal will stretch a total 19.4 We're about project proposal 19 vaccines on July 22, with no PAREX will stretch a total of 19.4 kilomeWe're talking about the project proposal 19 vaccines on July 22, with no a Bayanihan new highway onstart top of theOne existing EDSA. and the municipality of Overseas Pateros sector can get their act together. vac- cases is your health The greatto mismatch Anti-Money Laundering Act 2001, is dangerous dangerous to yourto health Recover as Act Road aimed at (R10) ernhil@yahoo.com 22 when he said that one who or wants to be Pasig, ters andto will from Radial 10 of Taguig, theSan conglomerate Sanof Miguel Corporaof severe adverse effects infection. Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ernhil@yahoo.com ters and will start from Radial Road 10 (R10) of the conglomerate Miguel Corporaere adverse effects or infection. ernhil@yahoo.com ters and will start from Radial Road 10 (R10) of the conglomerate San Miguel Corporavere adverse effects or infection. Voting ActTaytay of 2003, Senior Whatever happened to that proposal? Metro Manila and in Expanded Rizal province. Warning: PhilHealth At Speaker least there's light quietly at the end use addressing the Covid-19 public health crisis. ernhil@yahoo.com the cannot sit of inthe onetunnel. corner in Absentee

No tomartial ‘no elections’ law d dying during rtial law

T

EDITORIALB1 EDITORIAL

A reckless plan T Wild accusations T A reckless plan T EDITORIAL

Walking dead Walking dead Walking dead

Walking dead Assorted rights

ce Race to develop COVID-19 to develop COVID-19 to develop COVID-19 Congress requires vaccine heatsheats up upup vaccine vaccine heats a tested leader

velop COVID-19 e heats up

MORE OPINION ONLINE

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser accessedaat:total of 19.4 kilomePAREX can willbestretch We're talking about the project proposal ManilaStandard manilastandard.net Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager ONLINE of the conglomerate San Miguel Corpora- ters and will start from Radial Road 10 (R10) ernhil@yahoo.com Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard

MORE MORE MORE OPINION OPINION OPINION ONLINE

ONLINE ONLINE

L. Tomeldan is Ramonchito dangerous to yourManaging healthEditor

Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors Rolando G.Rolando Estabillo Publisher Baldwin R. Felipe Head—Ad Solutions Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Lino G. M.Estabillo Santos Publisher Chief Photographer Joyce Pangco Pañares News Editor MEMBER Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone ManilaStandard Philippine Institute Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser canPress be accessed at: Adelle Chua Opinion Editor Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager ManilaStandard numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all canAssociation be accessed Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor Former Chief Member & Legal Formerat: ChiefJustice JusticeReynato ReynatoS.S.Puno Puno Board Member &Chief Chief LegalAdviser Adviser The National ManilaStandard ManilaStandard AnitaBoard F. Grefal Treasury Manager ONLINE can be at: can beaccessed accessed at:manilastandard.net Honor Cabie Night Editor Ramonchito L.L.Tomeldan Managing Editor Honor Blanco Cabie City Night Editor departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Ramonchito Tomeldan Managing Editor JimboBlanco Owen Gulle Editor Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors manilastandard.net of Philippine Newspapers Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager ONLINE Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Owen Gulle City Editor Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Chairman Associate EditorsEditorial Jimbo manilastandard.net manilastandard.net Box 2933,Monday Manila Central Post by Office, Manila.Manila Website: www. Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Published to Sunday Philippine Standard Emil P. Jurado Emeritus, Board Baldwin R. Felipe Head—Ad Solutions Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Chief Justice Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer Joyce Pangco Pañares News Editor Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors MEMBER Former Reynato S. Puno Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser manilastandard.net by Philippine Manila Standard yto toSunday Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard ManilaStandard Baldwin R. Felipe Head—Ad Solutions Publishing Inc. at 6/Fbe Universal Building, 106City. Paseo de Lino M. Santos Chief Photogra Joyce Pangco Pañares News Editor can accessed at: Makati Roxas, corner Perea St., LegaspiRe Village, Telephone Honor Blanco Cabie Editor Editor Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor MEMBER Philippine Press Institute Adelle Chua Night Opinion Baldwin Felipe Head—Ad Solutions BaldwinR. R. Felipe Head—Ad SolutionsManager /F Universal Re 106 Paseo de Lino Chief Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation 6/F Universal ReBuilding, Building, 106St., Paseo de Village, Joyce Pañares News Editor LinoM. M.Santos Santos ChiefPhotographer Photographer JoycePangco Pangco Pañares News Editor Roxas, corner832-5554, Perea Legaspi Makati City. Telephone manilastandard.net MEMBER MEMBER numbers 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager ONLINE Philippine Press Institute The National Association Adelle Chua Opinion Editor Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager Village, Makati City. Telephone aSt., St.,Legaspi Legaspi Village,832-5554, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all Philippine departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. ofThe Philippine Newspapers PhilippinePress PressInstitute Institute National Association Adelle Chua Opinion Editor Adelle Chua Opinion Editor Edgar Circulation EdgarM. M.Valmorida Valmorida Joyce Circulation Manager Baldwin R. Solutions 4,4,832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all Office, Lino M. Santos Chief PangcoManager Pañares News Editor Box 2933, Manila Central Post Manila. Website: www. departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. National MEMBER The Association The National Association Emil P.Photographer Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board of Felipe PhilippineHead—Ad Newspapers torial) (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. itorial)832-5554, 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Boxmanilastandard.net 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. of Newspapers ofPhilippine Philippine Newspapers Philippine Press Institute Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board Adelle Chua Opinion Editor Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

no on.

ONLINE ONLINE

PPI

Central Office, Manila. Website: www. CentralPost Post Office,The Manila. Website: www. manilastandard.net National Association t of Philippine Newspapers et

PPI

PPI PPI PPI

Emil EmilP. P.Jurado Jurado Chairman ChairmanEmeritus, Emeritus,Editorial EditorialBoard Board

Emil P. Jurado

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board


CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

of the Philippines StandardRepublic SUPREME COURT

TODAY 8

th

Judicial Region REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Branch 7 (Family Court) Bulwagan Ng Katarungan Magsaysay Blvd., Tacloban City

NESTOR R. GAYAS Petitioner,

CIVIL CASE NO: R-TAC-20-00078-CV

-versus-

FOR: ANNULMENT OF MARRIAGE

ESTELA P. GAYAS, Respondent. x----------------------------------------x ORDER In a motion filed for the purpose, Petitioner seeks reconsideration of the court`s order of granting him leave of court to have the service of summons effected through publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines and in a local newspaper of general circulation in the place/province where this court is situated. He avers that publishing the summons in a national newspaper and in a local newspaper would be too costly for him and beyond his financial capacity to afford; that he believes based on the pertinent provision of the rules and jurisprudence (citing Fortune Motos, (Phils) Inc. v Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company, G.R. No. 115068, November 28, 1996) that publication of the summons only in a local newspaper of general circulation in such places in the Philippines will suffice the requirement of the rules. Hence, the motion for reconsideration. After a circumspect reading of Sec. 6 of the Rule of Declaration of Nullity of void marriages and Annulment of Voidable Marriages (A.M. No. 02-11-SC), the court is convinced that publication in only one newspaper is a sufficient compliance of the requirement of publication. After all what is required under the rule is that the newspaper shall be of general circulation in the Philippines. WHEREFORE, the motion for reconsideration is GRANTED. The Order dated August 7, 2020 is hereby reconsidered, Petitioner is directed to have the Summons on the respondent be affictive through publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. The order has to have the copy of the summons served on the respondent at her last known address remains.

Wondering why the Respondent and their children were not moving in yet despite that their house was already habitable with the the money for completion of the house construction, the Petitioner discovered that not all of the money he sent was used in the house construction, but some of it if not most part of it was deviated for her parents’ use without informing the Petitioner. But despite of this, Petitioner continued working harder abroad so he can provide the money so that his wife’s standard of living was met, after all according to him the reason for his working abroad is for the fully; and it might even be best that their house was completely done. After 10 years in Taiwan, he transferred to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to look for a better income. True enough, the Petitioner was able to complete their two storey-house fully painted; IX That even in the purchase of the appliances and furniture, the Petitioner suggested to buy them in a staggered manner preferably paid in installments, but the Respondent demanded that the house be furnished at once. So that, the Petitioner continued working hard some more for the fulfillment and happiness of the family. In the meantime, information reached him to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where he was already working after 10 years in Taiwan that the Respondent left their children oftentimes with their neighbors with her uncertain whereabouts; X That in 2002 with all the good intentions of the Petitioner, he never expected that their serious marital problem would be caused through the mobile phone he provided to the Respondent supposedly for their constant communication. Unknown to the Petitioner, the Respondent met a certain engineer who had to to sign the approval of the electrical plan for the electric connections in their new house and their frequent communications using the mobile phone that the Petitioner provided to her resulted in hidden extramarital affair. From then on, with the Petitioner continuously working hard abroad, the Respondent was never the same again to her husband; XI That feeling restless already with the mysterious behavior of the Respondent, in 2003 he informed the Respondent that he is due for vacation in that year. Instead of being excited for his coming home, the Respondent strongly suggested that it was best for the Petitioner to come in December 2004. Getting more suspicious, the Petitioner pretended to agree on the date she wanted assuring her he was coming home in December 2004 as suggested, but contrary to her desire he came earlier in December 2003 without informing her; XII

S0 ORDERED. Given in CHAMBERS this 14th day of September, 2020 at Bulwagan ng Katarungan, Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines. JACINTO B. ELLE Acting Presiding Judge Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT Eight Judicial Region REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Branch 7 (Family Court) Magsaysay Blvd., Tacloban City

That caught by surprise, the Petitioner discovered that the Respondent was already pregnant, which was surely fathered by a man other than him. Contrary to the excitement of spouses, during the first evening of his arrival no sexual intercourse happened between them because her pregnancy was already obvious. Confronted with this, the Respondent admitted that she was carrying a baby from another man. The following day, the Petitioner informed the Respondent’s parents about this and that he was returning her to them. Months after, the Respondent delivered the child and true enough to her admission of infidelity, it was declared by her that the child’s father was unknown. Attached hereto as ANNEX “F” is the Certificate of Live Birth of the same child whose column for the name of the father is indicated as “UNKNOWN”; Summary

NESTOR R. GAYAS Petitioner,

CIVIL CASE NO: R-TAC-20-00078-CV

-versus-

FOR: DECLARATION OF NULLITY OF MARRIAGE

ESTELA P. GAYAS, Respondent. x-------------------------------------------x SUMMONS TO: ESTELA P. GAYAS Rizal St., Brgy. 1, Poblacion Jaro Leyte

XIII That without need of exaggerations, it is fair to say that it is the Respondent is suffering from psychological incapacity to perform the essential obligations of marriage which had juridical antecedence being present during their celebration of marriage, grave, and incurable outwardly manifested at least by the following: 1.

First, she lied from the beginning to the Petitioner of the fact that she was no longer a virgin;

2.

Second, she willfully refused to live in their own conjugal home;

3.

Third, she lied about the fact that their house was not yet completed intentionally misleading the Petitioner by spending his hard-earned money somewhere else;

4.

Fourth, she capriciously caused pressure on her husband by demanding huge money to complete the house construction at once which was beyond his usual capability;

5.

Fifth, she lied about the indebtedness of the appliances and furniture which were supposedly fully paid at once that the Petitioner had to have them paid again to avoid the embarrassment of the family;

6.

Sixth, she can afford to leave their young children to the care of their neighbors in exchange of her frequent outgoings without informing her husband or anyone where did she go;

7.

Seventh, the money sent by the Petitioner that she deviated manifested the fact of her extravagance, irresponsibility, selfcenteredness, and insensitivity to the extra effort of her husband who was working hard abroad for their family;

8.

Eighth, she lied about the indebtedness she caused out of the deviated finances that she also made which showed her serious disrespect to her husband’s discretion by totally disregarding him;

9.

Ninth, her gross infidelity by allowing herself to be sexually used by another man is beyond repair most specially when she dishonored her marital vow by impregnating herself and bringing the illegitimate child to their conjugal home while pretending to love her husband with whom she was,still living with; and

10.

Ninth, the foregoing acts coming from the Respondent are enough to infer the facts that she is both a liar and a cheater to the bone dictated by her state of mental flow of psychological and natural causes.

GREETINGS: You are hereby required to file with the Clerk of Court of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 7, Bulwagan Ng Katarungan, Tacloban City, within Fifteen (15) days after the service of this Summons upon you, exclusive of the day of such service, your answer to the Complain/Petition of the Plaintiff/Petitioner, a copy of which is hereto attached and herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of said answer within the same period upon the Plaintiff/Petitioner. If you fail to answer within the time aforesaid, the Plaintiff/Petitioner will take judgment against you by default and demand from this Honourable Court the relief applied for in this case. WITNESS, the HON. JACINTO B. ELLE, Acting Presiding JUDGE of this COURT, this 11th, day of AUGUST, 2020. MARIVIC O. CARIAN OIC-Branch Clerk of Court Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT 8th Judicial Region REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Branch 7 Tacloban City NESTOR R. GAYAS Petitioner,

CIVIL CASE NO: R-TAC-20-00078-CV

-versus-

FOR: DECLARATION OF NULLITY OF MARRIAGE

ESTELA P. GAYAS, Respondent. x-------------------------------------------x IF A HUSBAND IS WORKING HARD ABROAD FOR HIS FAMILY BUT UPON HIS VACATION HIS WIFE IS ALREADY PREGNANT FROM ANOTHER MAN, IS IT FAIR FOR HIM TO SUFFER BY KEEPING THIS MARRIAGE UNTIL DEATH? PETITION Unto this Honorable Court, Petitioner through the undersigned counsel, most respectfully alleges: The Parties

While the Respondent is of legal age, Filipino, married to the Petitioner and a resident of Rizal St., Brgy. 1, Poblacion, Jaro, Leyte, the last known address, where summons, notices, orders, resolutions and other processes may be served. Both parties have the capacity to sue and be sued. Nature of the Petition II The following provisions of the Family Code are relevant and the main bases in this action for declaration of nullity of marriage: Art. 36. A marriage contracted by any party who, at the time of the celebration, was psychologically incapacitated to comply with the essential marital obligations of marriage, shall likewise be void even if such incapacity becomes manifest only after its solemnization. Art. 68. The husband and wife are obliged to live together, observe mutual love, respect and fidelity, and render mutual help and support. Art. 72. When one of the spouses neglects his or her duties to the conjugal union or commits acts which tend to bring danger, dishonor or injury to the other or the Family, the other party may apply to the court for relief. The foregoing substantive laws allowing dissolution of marriages have already been applied enriching our jurisprudence with the Supreme Court decisions declaring nullity of marriages based on psychological incapacity to perform the essential obligations of marriage based on a case-to-case basis as long as it is present in one or both of the spouses as outwardly manifested during the celebration of marriage, although it manifested only later, characterized as grave and incurable.

The infidelity of a wife alone in itself, as long as it is proven to be psychologically connected to her state of mind and it is incurable, that she cannot perform as an obligation by her to her husband under Article 68 of the Family Code, is more than sufficient enough to declare that indeed this wife is suffering from psychological incapacity. For what is worse than an act of regular infidelity of a wife to her hardworking husband if she cannot be left at home alone to be trusted by her man because at any minute she will be in coitus with another man or more men. A wife, like the Respondent here, who commits this infidelity, is surely incapable of performing the essence of respect and fidelity both to her husband and marriage. In addition, if this wife cannot perform this standard of fidelity to one man who is her husband, then she can never be honest in all the rest of her acts lower than that simply because her actions are flowing from the dictate of her mental state. RELIEFS WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is most respectfully prayed that after trial, this Honorable Court render judgment declaring the marriage between the Petitioner and the Respondent VOID from the beginning due to the Respondent’s psychological incapacity citing Article 36 of the Family Code. Other equitable remedies applicable to this case are likewise most respectfully prayed for. Respectfully submitted, October 31, 2019, Tacloban City. RENATO M. ESMALE Counsel for the Petitioner PTR No. 7826732, January 3, 2019 Issued in Tacloban City IBP Lifetime No. 09877, October 28, 2010 Roll No. 48854, TIN No. 152-879-864 MCLE Compliance No. VI-0000075 (until 2022) Office Address: ESMALE LAW OFFICE Rm. 210, 2nd Floor RR Apostol Arcade Cor. P. Zamora & Sto. Nino Sts. Tacloban City www.attvnickesmale@yahoo.com VERIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION AGAINST FORUM-SHOPPING

III

I, NESTOR R. GAYAS, of legal age, Filipino, married to the Respondent, and a resident of 2nd Floor, Gayas-Requiron Residence, Brgy. 6-A Lopez Jaena Extension, (back of DAR Regional Office 8) Tacloban City, after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law, do hereby depose and say: 1. 2. 3.

IV

Their marriage gave births to their two (2) children, namely: Nethel who was born on March 4,1996, Neslie, born on October 13, 1997, and Noreen who was born on December 20, 1999. Copies of their Certificates of Live Birth are hereto attached as ANNEXES “C”, “D” and “E”, respectively;

W

ASHINGTON—US President Donald Trump on Sunday faced allegations that he paid little or no federal income tax for years before he came to power, as his cloudy financial past stoked controversy ahead of the first election debate.

The New York Times alleged the billionaire president paid just $750 federal income taxes in 2016 -- the year he won the White House -- and 2017, and no federal income taxes at all in 10 of the previous 15 years because he reported losing more money than he made. Trump, who immediately dismissed the accusations as “totally fake news,” is readying to come face to face with his Democratic opponent Joe Biden at a pivotal live debate on Tuesday. The Republican leader has broken with presidential tradition by refusing to release his tax returns, fighting a long battle in the courts and triggering speculation about what they might contain. “First of all, I paid a lot and I paid a lot of state income taxes too... It’ll all be revealed,” Trump said as he shrugged off the Times story that cited tax data extending more than 20 years.

The Times said that Trump reduced his tax bill via a $72.9 million tax refund that is the subject of an Internal Revenue Service audit. He also reportedly took tax deductions on residences, aircraft and $70,000 in hairstyling for television appearances. Meanwhile, his golf courses report losing large amounts of money, and hundreds of millions of dollars in loans he personally guaranteed will soon be due for repayment, according to The New York Times. Democrats jumped on the allegations, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi saying it showed “Trump’s disdain for America’s working families,” and party colleague Chuck Schumer calling for everyone “who paid more in federal income tax” to raise their hand. Massachusetts representative Richard Neal, the chair of the House Ways

4.

INN FLAMES. The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area on September 27 in St. Helena, California. The fast-moving Glass Fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes. Much of Northern California is under a red flag warning for high fire danger through Monday evening. AFP

‘Europe, US need united front World leaders in new Cold War with China’ call for truce BERLIN—Europe and the United States need to face up to a “new Cold War with China” together, regardless of who wins the White House in November, Germany’s point man on transatlantic ties told AFP. With just five weeks to go until the US election, the German government’s coordinator for relations with the United States and Canada, Peter Beyer, insisted there were more shared interests than differences. “Europe has got to stand shoulderto-shoulder with the US to face the

huge challenge of China,” he said. “The new Cold War between the United States and China has already begun and will shape this century.” After four years of frequent friction between Donald Trump and Angela Merkel on issues including Iran, trade, NATO and the climate, Beyer said it was no secret that Germany would find it easier to work with Joe Biden. “I’m the last person who’s so naive to say, ‘If Biden wins, everything will be super, it’s the beginning of a golden age’,” he said. AFP

That I am the Petitioner in the above-captioned case; That I caused the preparation of the foregoing Petition; That I have read and understood the contents thereof and that they are true and correct of my personal knowledge and belief and based on authentic documents; and That I personally know that the instant case had not been filed before any judicial or administrative forum nor is there any pending case for the same cause of action involving the same parties, and in the event that there is such before any judicial body or any administrative agency, we bind ourselves to notify the court within a period of five (5) days from such knowledge.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed my signature, this 31st day of October 2019 at Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines.

V That after the marriage solemnization, they lived together as husband and wife in the house of Petitioner’s parents in Jaro, Leyte who gave them money as a capital to start a small business in buying and selling copra, palay and tuba. Unfortunately, their business did not succeed as they got everything that they need from the proceeds of their copra buying and others. Although another fresh funds were given to them by the Petitioner’s parents plus a house in the farm, after a year when the Respondent got pregnant they decided to live together with his parents again in the Poblacion;

and Means Committee who has tried unsuccessfully to obtain Trump’s tax records, said the Times report makes it even more essential for his committee to get the documents. “It appears that the President has gamed the tax code to his advantage and used legal fights to delay or avoid paying what he owes,” Neal said in a statement on his Facebook page. “Now, Donald Trump is the boss of the agency he considers an adversary. It is essential that the IRS’s presidential audit program remain free of interference.” Biden’s campaign team posted a tweet that simply stated how much federal income tax had been paid by teachers ($7,239), firefighters ($5,283) and nurses ($10,216) -- all groups that have been hit hard by the pandemic or the West Coast wildfires, two major topics ahead of the debate. At Tuesday’s election debate, millions of Americans will watch as the two antagonists -- who depict each other as existential threats to the country -- step into the ring live on television after months of shadow-boxing. AFP

XV

Love Story

That on May 27, 1994, the Petitioner and Respondent decided to marry each other before the Municipal Trial Court of Jaro, Leyte solemnized by Judge Rodolfo C. Ramos. Copy of the certificate of marriage is hereto attached as ANNEX “B” and made an integral part hereof.

NYT: Trump avoided paying taxes for years

That from the foregoing, it can be safely said that the Respondent does not deserve of the good man that the Petitioner has, and it is better for each of them to let go from this ,marriage at least for the sake of justice, if that is so, in favor of the herein Petitioner who suffered too much disrespect, dishonor, and infidelity brought about by the Respondent’s natural ways of psychological incapacity.

Valerio E. Kalaw vs. Ma. Elena Fernandez, G.R. No. 166357, January 14, 2015

Despite of her gestures of assurance that he was her first man, it was during this time that the Petitioner found out that he was not the first to her not being a virgin anymore. Nevertheless, the Petitioner accepted her as he learned to love her. He supported her on her college studies while he worked abroad;

World

XIV

In this Petition, the Petitioner prays of this Honorable Court to declare as null and void his marriage to the Respondent on the ground of the Respondent’s psychological incapacity;

That sometime in 1990, the Petitioner and the Respondent met in a youth disco (pasayaw). Feeling that he was attracted at her since then, the Petitioner started to visit the Respondent in her house for courtship. Ending up as lovers after six months, Petitioner and Respondent had their first sexual intercourse.

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

That few years from 2003 when they were already separated from living together, a sympathetic friend of the Petitioner who cannot afford to tell him the truth while he was still in union with her although already working abroad informed him that a certain driver of a public utility van (PUV) narrated to him (Petitioner’s friend) in a drinking session how the Respondent performed in bed with the said PUV driver while having carnal knowledge. Although their separation in fact was already long ago before this information came, the Petitioner cannot help but cried remembering his hard work abroad years back away from but for the sake of the family;

“Hence, every trial judge must take pains in examining the factual milieu and the appellate court must, as much as possible; avoid substituting its own judgment for that of the trial court.1”

1

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

In fact, these manifestations of psychological incapacity which was present during the celebration of marriage, grave and incurable have already been conduded to be true through the evaluation of one clinical psychologist. Please, see the initial Psychological Evaluation Report hereto marked as ANNEX “G”;

I That Petitioner is of legal age, Filipino, married to the Respondent, and a resident of Brgy. 6-A, Lopez Jaena Extension, (back of DAR Regional Office 8), Gayas-Requiron Residence, Tacloban City where he may be served with notices, orders, resolutions and other processes of this Honorable Court. Attached hereto are the Barangay Certification and Residence Sketch as ANNEXES “A” and “A-1”;

B2

NESTOR R. GAYAS Affiant BEFORE ME, this 31 day of October 2019, at Tacloban City, Philippines, personally appeared NESTOR R. GAYAS who took an oath and, under penalty of law, affmned the whole truth of the contents of this affidavit affixed his signature appearing above his printed name. The identity of said affiant was established through his Driver’s License No. NOl-08-000871 with an expiration date on August 29,2024. WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL, this 31st day of October 2019 at Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines. st

GOING HOME. This handout photo taken on September 27 and released by the South Korean Defence Ministry shows Chinese honor guards carrying caskets containing the remains of Chinese soldiers to a plane during a handover ceremony at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, west of Seoul. The remains of 117 Chinese soldiers killed during the 1950-53 Korean War returned home from South Korea on September 27 for permanent burial. AFP

VI That in same year 1994 when their first baby was born, the Petitioner decided to leave for Taiwan. After a year in Taiwan, the Petitioner was able to purchase a house and lot at the town proper of Jaro, Leyte, however, the Respondent refused to transfer because the house was old and simple. She wanted it two-storey and newly painted. Upon his vacation, the Petitioner discovered that the Respondent was living with her parents’ house instead of living in their newly acquired house; VII

NOTICE

That in 1999 determined to make his wife (Respondent) happy, the Petitioner immediately went back to Taiwan and worked harder to save enough money in order to build the house as much as possible the one that his wife, the Respondent, was dreaming to be.

NOTICE is hereby given that the estate of TAKAYUKI NISHIMURA, who died intestate in Pasig City on June 07, 2020, consisting of Cash Deposit in Philippine National Bank (PNB) - PasigTiendesitas Branch in the amount of P710,975.86, is the subject of an Affidavit of Self-Adjudication made by deceased Nishimura’s spouse, namely Donah Rose Nishimura, per Doc No. 406, Page No. 83, Book No. 16, Series of 2020, of the Notarial Registry of Atty. Ronald C. Sandoval, Notary Public for and in the City of Makati.

However, despite of the Petitioner’s effort the Respondent refused to live in their new conjugal home and still preferred to live with her parents’. In the beginning, the Petitioner proposed to purchase first the necessary materials for the construction and stock them on pile before the construction started to lessen the pressure of the expenses. However, the Respondent pressured the Petitioner to have it altogether at once have the construction and purchase of materials all at the same time. Only for the Respondent to live at the house of her parents, unless the house was fully furnished; VIII That the Petitioner exerted all his efforts to send all the money needed for the completion of the house construction to meet the demands of his wife, this Respondent, but he learned that she and their children never moved in yet. (MS-SEPT 29 & OCT. 6, 2020)

(MS-SEPT. 29/OCT. 6/13, 2020)

in Armenia

YEREVAN, Armenia—At least 24 people have died after deadly clashes between arch foes Armenia and Azerbaijan, as the latest violence in the decadeslong territorial dispute sparked international calls Sunday to halt the fighting. The worst skirmishes since 2016 have raised the specter of a fresh war between the ex-Soviet rivals, locked since the early 1990s in a stalemate over the Armeniabacked breakaway region of Nagorny Karabakh. Seventeen Armenian separatist fighters were killed and more than 100 wounded in the fighting, Karabakh President Arayik Harutyunyan said, conceding that his forces had “lost positions”. Both sides also reported civilian casualties. “We are tired of Azerbaijan’s threats, we will fight to the death to resolve the problem once and for all,” Artak Bagdasaryan, 36, told AFP in Yerevan, adding that he was waiting to be conscripted into the army. Karabakh separatists said one Armenian woman and a child were killed, while Baku said that an Azerbaijani family of five died in shelling launched by Armenian separatists. AFP

Riyadh: G20 Summit to be virtual RIYADH—Saudi Arabia said Monday it will hold the G20 summit virtually in November, instead of having leaders of the world’s richest nations converge on Riyadh as planned before the coronavirus crisis. The pandemic has forced all of the group’s meetings to be held by videoconference since March. In that month, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman chaired an emergency virtual summit of leaders to discuss a global response to the

crisis which has ravaged global economies. “The 2020 G20 Leaders’ Summit will be held virtually on November 21-22 and will be chaired by His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud,” the kingdom said in a statement. “The upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit will focus on protecting lives and restoring growth, by addressing vulnerabilities uncovered during the pandemic and by laying down the foundations for a better future.” AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK


CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Business

Standard

TODAY

B3

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market climbs to end 4-day slump T HE stock market rose slightly Monday on bargain hunting to end a four-day losing streak amid worries about fresh global virus spikes and the reimposition of economically damaging containment measures.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 22.73 points, or 0.4 percent, to 5,861.39 on a value turnover of P5.1 billion. Losers, however, beat gainers, 113 to 88, with 38 issues unchanged. NOW Corp., owned by the Velarde family and the country’s fourth major mobile phone operator, advanced 9.2 per-

cent to P3.20, while Dito CME Holdings Corp., the third telecommunications player, climbed 6.9 percent to P4.49. Manila Water Co. Inc., which operates the water concession in the eastern part of Metro Manila, however, fell 2.6 percent to P14.50, while sister unit Ayala Land Inc. declined 1.5 percent to P29.80. The rest of Asian stocks rose Monday, tracking a healthy lead from Wall Street as bargain-buyers moved in following a recent sell-off. Traders are also awaiting the first US presidential debate this week, which could prove crucial in determining November’s election, with many worried that a close vote might mean the result is delayed or even challenged by the loser. Tech firms led strong gains in New

York as a new surge in infections forces governments—particularly in Europe— to put new stay-at-home orders in place, leading investors to bet people will use their computers more. Asian markets were mostly in positive territory. Tokyo, Mumbai, Seoul, Bangkok and Taipei were all one percent higher, while Singapore put on 0.4 percent and Wellington was flat. Hong Kong also rallied, though China’s biggest chipmaker Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. tumbled five percent on weekend reports that the US has placed export controls on it, marking the latest salvo in the battle for tech dominance between the superpowers. Real estate giant China Evergrande surged 18 percent after it made a state-

ment Friday seeking to reassure investors that its operations were “stable and healthy.” The firm tanked nearly 10 percent last week following reports claiming it was seeking government help to avoid a cash crunch. Shanghai and Sydney both dipped, however. And as the death toll from the disease topped one million, the World Health Organization warned that figure could double without more global collective action. However, while many leaders are unveiling fresh fiscal measures to support their economies, US lawmakers remain at loggerheads over a second rescue package, with Democrats and Republicans miles apart on their proposals. With AFP

BRUSSELS, Belgium—Negotiators for the EU and Britain are hoping for a breakthrough in trade talks this week, despite feuding over a controversial UK bill that threatens to scupper a post-Brexit deal. Scores of officials will assemble in Brussels from Monday in efforts to forge a compromise on negotiating positions that have not budged on key areas since the talks on future relations began six months ago. Both London and Brussels say a deal on a free trade agreement must be struck by mid-October to allow time for it to be ratified before coming into force from January 1 next year. Failure to do so would see trade conducted on World Trade Organization rules, with higher tariffs and quotas and almost certain economic chaos for Britain and Europe. Chief negotiators Michel Barnier and the UK’s David Frost met last week to prepare the round of talks, in meetings that London characterized as “constructive.” European diplomats remained cautious that a breakthrough was possible, seeing this round of meetings as laying the necessary groundwork for a final push later in October. “Next week, a path to a deal should UNFAZED BY TRUMP. This undated be identified,” an EU source said. “If handout picture courtesy of Saadia Mirza we have zero movement, the process shows her political TikTok screen. Many will be in big trouble.” TikTok users and influencers don’t seem very Also on Monday senior EU and UK concerned by the repeated threats of the Trump officials will meet in Brussels to try to administration to ban their app and think that find an understanding on the highly conthe president should focus on other, more important matters, like the pandemic or climate tentious issue of the withdrawal bill. change. AFP EU Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic will meet his British Manila counterpart Michel Gove as joint chair of Standard TODAY an EU-UK coordination committee overseeing the implemenNOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING tation of the divorce agreement. To All Stockholders: Irish Foreign MinPlease be advised that the annual meeting of stockholders ister Simon Coveney, of BRIGHT KINDLE RESOURCES & INVESTMENTS, INC. (the whose country has “Corporation”) will be held virtually on October 23, 2020 (Friday) more to lose than most at 2:00 p.m. Due to Covid-19, there will be no physical venue for if talks break down, the meeting. The meeting will be held via remote communication by AGM@Convene at https://agm.conveneagm.org/ said Brussels will not provided brightkindle, with the Chairman of the meeting presiding from rubber-stamp a trade Makati City. agreement if London The Agenda of the meeting is as follows: keeps threatening to breach its divorce. 1. Call to Order EU capitals were 2. Proof of Notice and Certification of Quorum incensed by Johnson’s 3. Approval of Minutes of Previous Stockholders’ Meeting 4. Approval of the Management Report and Audited decision to push an Financial Statements Internal Markets Bill 5. Ratification of All Acts of the Board of Directors and in his own parliament Management that his own govern6. Election of Directors ment admits would 7. Appointment of the Independent External Auditor 8. Other Matters break international 9. Adjournment law by overwriting the withdrawal treaty. For purposes of the meeting, stockholders of record as of Brussels intends to September 02, 2020 are entitled to receive notice and to vote at launch legal action the said meeting. Stockholders intending to participate by remote against the measure, communication should pre-register at https://agm.conveneagm. on or before October 13, 2020. Please refer to the but decided to con- org/brightkindle Requirements and Procedure for Participation and Voting at tinue talks on a trade the 2020 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting (attached to the Definitive deal as the bill passes Information Statement) for detailed information on the procedure for through the Commons registration, and participation by remote communication and voting in absentia (electronic voting) or by proxy. and House of Lords. “When you have a Pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) family member who is Notice dated April 20, 2020, a copy of the Notice of the meeting, going through a bit of a Definitive Information Statement, minutes of the previous meeting rough patch and loses it of the stockholders, and other documents related to the meeting be accessed through the Company’s website at www a bit, you can’t cut him may brightkindle.com and will also be available at https://agm. off from the rest of your conveneagm.org/brightkindle and PSE Edge. life,” an EU source said. For any question about the conduct of the virtual meeting, The two sides are still divided on rules for a you may visit https://agm.conveneagm.org/brightkindle or email mdc.bkr@gmail.com. “level-playing field” of fair competition beMakati City, September 24, 2020. tween companies, on state aid or subsidies for MAILA G. DE CASTRO EU and UK firms and Corporate Secretary on access for EU boats to British fishing wa- * All proxies which have been previously submitted shall remain valid unless revoked. ters. AFP (MS-SEPT. 28 & 29, 2020)

TOP GAINERS

TOP LOSERS

Qatar Airways obtains $2b in state aid after huge loss

EU, UK resume trade talks over Brexit package

PSEi September 28, 2020

DOHA, Qatar—Qatar Airways said Sunday it received $2.0 billion in state aid to weather the coronavirus crisis, as it posted huge annual losses after enduring one of its “most difficult years.” The firm said that the combination of the coronavirus pandemic, a boycott by Gulf neighbors and the liquidation of 49 percent-owned Air Italy—which announced its bankruptcy in February—had resulted in a near doubling of losses. This brought the carrier’s net loss for the year to end-March to 7.0 billion riyals ($1.92 billion). “Qatar Airways is familiar with facing exceptional challenges; however, 2019-20 has been one of the most difficult years in the airline’s history,” the carrier said in a statement. The airline confirmed that Qatar had joined a list of governments that have stepped in to support their national carriers through the coronavirus shutdown, which has pummeled global travel and the aviation industry. The carrier will issue 730 million shares to the government after receiving “an advance of 7.3 billion riyals” ($2.0 billion) after annual losses exceeded 50 percent of share capital, it said in its annual report. “If not for the exceptional circumstances of fiscal year 2020, our results would have been better than the year before,” said the airline’s chief executive, Akbar al-Baker. The report also said that over the 12 months, revenue increased 6.5 percent to 51.1 billion riyals, seat capacity increased by 3.2 percent, and freight handled rose by 2.8 percent. The pandemic compounded an already difficult environment for Qatar Airways. The United Arab Emirates, which was a key market for the Gulf carrier, along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt, have enforced a boycott of Qatar since June 2017. They accuse Doha of links to extremist groups and being too close to Iran, Riyadh’s regional arch-rival—charges Qatar denies—and have closed their airspace, borders and markets to Doha. AFP

MOST ACTIVE

Capitol View Park, Barangay Bulihan City of Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines ace.malolos.doctors@gmail.com

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING Dear Stockholders, Please be informed that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Allied Care Experts (ACE) Malolos Doctors, Inc. (“ACE Malolos Doctors”) will be held on October 21, 2020 (Wednesday) at 8:00 o’clock in the morning, via Zoom Webinar, in light of the current health crisis. To be able to attend the Zoom Webinar, please register on or before October 19, 2020, through the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NoK57CCeTnKS3kcU0o-wDw The link will provide you the process for the registration. You will receive a confirmation email once you have successfully registered in the online platform, including the details and procedures for the conduct of the meeting. Voting will be done via the online tool which you can access once you have logged in to the Webinar; voting in the election of directors may also be done in absentia through the above link. The Agenda: I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. XI. XII. XIII.

Call to Order Invocation Determination of Quorum Welcome Message from the Chairman of the Board Reading and Approval of the Minutes of the Y2019 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting Audited Financial Report for Y2019 President’s Report Ratification of the Acts and Proceedings of the Board of Directors, Officers, and Management of the Corporation Amendment of By-Laws Election of the Board of Directors2020-2021 Appointment of External Auditor for the year 2020 Other Matters Adjournment

Only stockholders of record at the close of business on October 1, 2020, Thursday, shall be entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. If you cannot personally attend the meeting, you may opt to send your proxy to attend in your behalf. Kindly submit your duly executed proxy form with the undersigned, via email, at ace.malolos.doctors@gmail.com not later than 5:00 p.m. on October 20, 2020, but preferably, on October 19, 2020, to enable your proxy to register in the Zoom Webinar. Attached is a sample proxy form for your reference. [NOTE: Management is not soliciting proxies.] The meeting shall be recorded (visual and audio) for future reference. The Information Statement and Management Report and SEC Form 17-A are available at the Corporation’s website www.acemalolosdoctors.org You may contact the undersigned via email at ace.malolos.doctors@gmail.com or call 044-8167698 if you have inquiries/concerns regarding the meeting. Very truly yours, ARLENE NG LIM-VITUG, MD Corporate Secretary (MS-SEPT. 28 & 29, 2020)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK


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

B4

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

IN BRIEF SEC voids license of FCash Global

THE Securities and Exchange Commission revoked the license of FCash Global Lending Inc. for unfair debt collection practices. The SEC said in a statement it found FCash liable for multiple violations of SEC Memorandum Circular No. 18, Series of 2019, which spells out the provisions for the Prohibition on Unfair Debt Collection Practices of Financing Companies and Lending Companies. The company, which operates online lending platforms Fast Cash and Fast Cash Loan, has made multiple attempts to collect loan payments by contacting or threatening persons other than those that the borrower has identified as guarantors or co-makers, according to SEC. FCash sent messages threatening borrowers with charges for estafa, complaints before the National Bureau of Investigation and service of writ of garnishment or writ of attachment. It also threatened to report borrowers to their respective employers and used abusive words when talking to them over the phone. The SEC noted how FCash took advantage of borrowers’ lack of awareness of legal terminologies to compel them to pay their loans. Jenniffer B. Austria

Cebu Landmasters finishes CDO project

Business

Udenna to exercise right to buy Malampaya stake U By Alena Mae S. Flores

DENNA Corp., controlled by businessman Dennis Uy, said Monday it will exercise its right as a member of the Service Contract 38 consortium to acquire the 45-percent stake of Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. in the $4.5-billion Malampaya natural gas project. “The Udenna Group firmly believes that Malampaya is a high-quality asset, strategic to the future welfare and energy security of the country and welcome our partner PNOC Exploration Corp. to join us in taking over the field on a 100-percent basis,” Udenna Group spokesperson Raymond Zorrilla said in a statement. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, who is also the chairman of PNOC, welcomed the offer of Udenna, but said the

government would have to study the transaction first. “We thank Udenna for their invitation. We need to do due diligence first before we can state our position,” Cusi said. Zorrilla said Udenna was prepared to exercise its rights under SC 38 or the Malampaya gas-to-power project consortium. Udenna earlier bought the 45-percent stake of Chevron Corp. in the consortium. “Should Shell not consider their ex-

CEBU-BASED real estate developer Cebu Landmasters Inc. recently completed the P1.2-billion residential development in Cagayan de Oro City. CLI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday said it had also turned over more than half of 700 units to homebuyers in the three-tower development called Mesaverte Residences. The project is expected to generate about P2 billion in sales for CLI once fully sold. Mesaverte Residences is the third completed project under the company’s midmarket brand. Construction work continued and was governed by strict safety guidelines during the lockdown period in Cagayan de Oro. Launched in 2016, Mesaverte was CLI’s first project outside Cebu, offering 20 to 40 square metersof studios and one-bedroom units. The first phase of the project was sold out in less than a year, prompting the company to launch the second phase the following year. Jenniffer B. Austria

P10-5-B USAID ASSISTANCE. The

new US-Philippines economic development agreement enables projects of the United States Agency for International Development to boost local economies through and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The USAID introduces digital solutions to help connect agricultural producers and consumers. The USAID and the Department of Finance also signed a new, five-year bilateral assistance agreement valued at more than P10.5 billion ($213 million) to strengthen the country’s economic development and growth.

SM Investments wins sustainability award SM INVESTMENTS Corp. won a bronze medal for Asia’s Best Sustainability Report (Digital)-the SMIC Sustainability Microsite Category—at the 5th Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards, the most prestigious awards for reporting. The accolade adds to the SMIC Sustainability Report’s several international awards. BDO also clinched bronze for Asia’s Best Sustainability Report (First Time) Category. SMIC’s award-winning report demonstrates the organization’s leadership in sustainability reporting and its commitment to creating long-term value for stakeholders. The winners were selected from 461 entries received from 16 countries in Asia. The 2019 ASRA saw 80 shortlisted companies from 13 countries competing in the finals across 19 awards categories. As institutional investors require greater accountability regarding a company’s sustainability performance, sustainability reporting has become an essential tool for communicating how the reporting organization manages its material economic, environmental and social impacts, risks and opportunities.

isting partners but put forth a decision to sell its stake to another third party, Udenna will rely on its rights as stipulated in the agreement and as a member of the consortium, such as our pre-emptive and consent rights,” said Zorrilla. Zorrilla said the company would exercise its pre-emptive right as “there might be offers from others.” He said the partners in the consortium were free of any conflict of interest associated with ownership of the downstream gas and electricity businesses. He stressed the importance for Malampaya to operate independently for the benefit of the Filipinos. Zorrilla said complicated issues might arise with a potential new consortium member which would take time to be evaluated. He said it might be difficult for anyone other than the present partners to assess the outcome of the issue in a timely manner.

DTI wants full reopening of companies in services sector By Othel V. Campos THE Department of Trade and Industry proposed the faster opening of business establishments in the Category 3 or services sector that are operating at only 50-percent of their normal capacity. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the government wanted to see these businesses fully reopened to allow more workers in the field and support economic recovery. “Right now, they are still 50-percent [opened] which is good. But if we allow more of this sector to reach 100-percent [capacity], the benefit will be even

better. We appeal to implement these economic-based improvements,” Lopez said during the Senate hearing on the proposed budget of DTI for 2021. Among the services under Category 3 are legal and accounting, management and consultancy, architect and engineering, science and research development, advertising, market research, computer programming, publishing, printing, film, music/TV production and employment activities that include recruitment and placement agencies for overseas employment, photography, wholesale and retail trade and motor vehicles repair.

Lopez said the opening of these establishments would help improve the economic situation as business confidence remained low and unemployment was still high. The DTI estimated that 4.4 million Filipino workers lost their jobs at the height of the pandemic. Updated data from the agency showed that almost half already regained employment, with only 2.4 million Filipinos left without means of livelihood. Lopez said the solution to the high unemployment is to fully reopen the services sector which is a labor-intensive industry.

LTFRB asks EDSA buses to switch to cashless fare collection by Oct. 1 THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said Monday it will implement a cashless transaction system using Beep cards on public utility buses using the EDSA Busway System starting Oct. 1. Transportation Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Steve Pastor said the system would be part of the agency’s safety measures to reduce the spread of the virus associated with cash-handling in public transport. “We want to ensure that commuters along EDSA will have a safer and comfortable travel, while at the same time providing them a more seamless and efficient system of public transport,” Pastor said. “This will also complement other safety and health protocols already enforced by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases on PUVs, such as the required social distancing, and mandatory wearing of face masks and face shields to board,” he said. The LRTFB also asked EDSA Busway passengers to purchase their Beep cards and put load in the cards to avoid inconvenience once the automated fare collection sys-

tem was implemented. Beep cards are stored-value contactless cards that provide easier, modern and more convenient ways of paying for the ride. Fare is deducted from the card upon tapping at its fare collection machine. This system is also used in Metro Manila’s three elevated railways which are the LRT-1, LRT-2 and MRT-3 and by a number of pointto-point buses and modern public utility vehicles nationwide. To load the BeepTM cards, passengers can go to any LRT and MRT stations, FamilyMart and Ministop branches, Bayad Center and their affiliates, or via over-the-air loading partners such as BPI, Eon by Unibank, Akulaku and Justpayto. The EDSA Busway is a joint project of the Department of Transportation, LTFRB and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, with the vision to transport commuters from Monumento, Caloocan City to Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange through a dedicated median bus lane to reduce travel time from as long as three hours to less than an hour. It began operations on July 1. Darwin G. Amojelar

LIVELIHOOD STARTER KITS. The Department of Trade and Industry Region 12, through its Cotabato Provincial Office, awards livelihood starter kits to fire victims in M’lang, Cotabato under the ‘Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa’ program. The PPG beneficiaries, who are residents of Barangay La Fortuna and Barangay Poblacion, each received a livelihood starter kit amounting to P8,000 in the form of chicken livestock or barbecue package.

PSE INDEX CLOSING Monday, September 28, 2020 22.73 PTS. 5,861.39

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES

1,135,142,562 77,376

TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES

5,082,931,122.80 88

DECLINES UNCHANGED

113 38

Foreign E xchange R ate

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.4720

Japan

Yen

0.009463

0.4587

UK

Pound

1.276500

61.8745

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129032

6.2544

Switzerland

Franc

1.076310

52.1709

Canada

Dollar

0.747217

36.2191

Singapore

Dollar

0.726216

35.2011

Australia

Dollar

0.703100

34.0807

Bahrain

Dinar

2.651746

128.5354

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266638

12.9245

Brunei

Dollar

0.723589

35.0738

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000067

0.0032

Thailand

Baht

0.031636

1.5335

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.1976

Euro

Euro

1.162900

56.3681

Korea

Won

0.000852

0.0413

China

Yuan

0.146585

7.1053

India

Rupee

0.013572

0.6579

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.239866

11.6268

New Zealand

Dollar

0.654800

31.7395

Taiwan

Dollar

0.034187

1.6571 Source: BSP

Smart, Globe uplift systems to boost speed of broadband

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE country’s two largest telecom companies said they upgraded their networks nationwide to provide faster broadband to the public. Smart Communications Inc. said it rolled out commercial 5G services in key cities in the Visayas and Mindanao, while Globe Telecom Inc. began upgrading its network to 4G in key areas in the Visayas and Mindanao after nearly completing the modernization in Metro Manila and most parts of Rizal, Bulacan and Cavite, Globe said it fired up 86 percent of its target migration to 4G in Metro Manila. Pateros, Marikina City, Valenzuela City, Malabon City and Navotas are the cities with the highest percentage of completion. The rest of the National Capital Region is not far behind at 73 percent. “With the upgrades, we are hoping to help not just the ordinary Filipinos but also those who are making the most out of the COVID-19 pandemic. With 4G, small and medium businesses will get the boost they need now that the traditional means to sell are no longer applicable to sustain their survival,” said Joel Agustin, Globe senior vice president for program delivery at network technical group. Globe also plans to improve its network in Pampanga, Batangas, Laguna, Cebu (Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City), Davao City, Iloilo City, Bacolod City and Boracay. Smart, which launched its 5G service commercially in July, is rolling out Smart 5G in key areas in Boracay, Cebu, Iloilo and Davao. These areas add to the live Smart 5G sites in Makati central business district, Bonifacio Global City CBD, Araneta City, Mall of Asia Bay Area, North Ave. in Quezon City, Taft Ave. in Manila, Ortigas CBD, New Clark City in Pampanga, EDSA and in strategic locations in Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and the cities of Manila, Quezon City, Makati, Taguig, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Paranaque, Valenzuela, Caloocan, Navotas, San Juan and Pasay “The commercial launch of 5G underscores our commitment to bring the best digital technologies to our customers across the country,” said Alfredo Panlilio, president and chief executive of Smart and revenue officer of PLDT. “As we continue to lead the way in 5G in the Philippines, we are now bringing Smart 5G’s super-fast data service to even more customers as we expand into Visayas and Mindanao and extend our Smart 5G service to our prepaid customers as well,” Panlilio said. Smart’s high-speed broadband service serves 95 percent of the country’s population. Supporting Smart’s mobile network is PLDT’s fiber infrastructure, the most extensive in the country at 360,000 kilometers.

FMIC: Capital market to remain active as more firms raise funds By Jenniffer B. Austria FIRST Metro Investments Corp, the investment banking arm of the Metrobank Group, said Monday it expects the capital market to remain active, as companies will likely continue to raise funds amid the pandemic. FMIC head of investment banking Daniel Camacho said companies are looking for fund-raising sources to support working capital requirements, refinance debt or fund acquisitions and other capital expenditures despite the market conditions. Camacho said companies had several options to raise funds, including bank borrowings and bond and equities offerings.

“These are still accessible in the current environment, with the debt markets having a banner year,” Camacho said. “The regulatory environment is very supportive and market liquidity is ample,” he said. Several companies are tapping the bond market as interest rates are at historical lows. The rest of the year would see Ayala Land Inc., Aboitiz Equity Ventures, SM Investments Corp. and Filinvest Land Inc. actively tapping the bond market. “Investor sentiment continues to be positive as the economy reopens, but understandably interest is on the shorter end with tenors of five years and below.

Despite the recent uptick in interest rates, it’s still a good opportunity to raise capital with borrowing costs at these low levels,” Camacho said. Camacho said property developers might also raise funds through real estate investment trusts. AREIT Inc. of Ayala Land raised P12.33 billion from REIT offering in August. DD Meridian Park, owned by DoubleDragon Properties Inc., is expected to conduct its REIT offering this year. Camacho said that as companies adjusted to the ‘new normal’ and the government slowly opened up the economy, the capital markets would remain active and healthy.


Heat arrange NBA title duel with Lakers FLORIDA—The Miami Heat poured it on in the fourth quarter to beat the Boston Celtics 125-113 on Sunday and book a NBA Finals showdown with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Heat, NBA champions in 2006, 2012 and 2013, reached the championship series for the sixth time in club history with a four games to two victory over the Celtics in the best-ofseven Eastern Conference finals in the NBA’s quarantine bubble in Orlando, Florida. When the finals start on Wednesday they’ll be up against a Lakers team led by LeBron James—who reached the title series four times with Miami and won two titles before departing as a free agent in 2014. Bam Adebayo scored 32 points and pulled down 14 rebounds for the Heat, who trailed by six with 9:18 remaining. Midway through the fourth quarter Adebayo was fouled on a layup and made the free throw put the Heat up 101-100 and they wouldn’t trail again. It was a vindication for the player who blamed himself for the team’s failure to clinch the series at their first opportunity in game five. “I couldn’t let my teammates down like I did in the game before,” Adebayo said. “I just went out there and tried to execute and make plays and I did that tonight.” Jimmy Butler added 22 points and eight assists and rookie Tyler Herro scored 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter for the Heat. Duncan Robinson and Andre Iguodala scored 15 points apiece and Goran Dragic added 13 for Miami. “This group, more than anything, they just love to compete,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said as the Eastern Conference trophy was presented. Herro contributed two baskets in a 9-0 scoring run that put the Heat up by 10 with 3:31 to play and Adebayo’s pass set Butler up for a layup that made it 116-102 with 2:40 remaining. Fittingly, it was Adebayo who capped the scoring when he jammed in a reverse two-hander. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 26 points, Jayson Tatum had 24 along with a career-high 11 assists, and Marcus Smart and Kemba Walker both scored 20 points for Boston. But it’s the fifth-seeded Heat headed to the finals, the lowest seeded team to reach the championship series since the eighth-seeded New York Knicks lost to the San Antonio Spurs in 1999. The Heat had emerged from a close first quarter with a 33-27 lead. Tatum missed his first seven shots but warmed up with 12 points in the second quarter. His driving layup with 1:56 left in the first half put Boston up 5655—their first lead since the first quarter. AFP

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

C1

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

Bam Adebayo of Miami holds up the Eastern Conference Championship Trophy and poses for photos with his team after the Heat won Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics in Orlando, Florida at AdventHealth Arena. AFP

Tolentino: POC polls on Nov. 27 to go on By Peter Atencio

T

HE coming elections of the Philippine Olympic Committee cannot be postponed.

POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said this upon learning of the objections raised by Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella. Puentevella said he is worried about the health and safety of members of the General Assembly, who will come to Metro Manila to vote on Nov. 27. Because of this, he will ask for a rescheduling of the elections during an online meeting of the GA on Wednesday. But amendments to the constitution and bylaws of the POC will have to be made first before any cancellation of the polls can happen and changes in the char-

ter can only be approved after the Nov. 27 polls, explained Tolentino. “Monico asked that the election be postponed, hindi naman ganu’n ang procedure, you have to amend the constitution,” said Tolentino, who heads the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines or PhilCycling. Tolentino, who is the congressman representing the 8th district of Cavite (Tagaytay), explained that the executive board has already entered into a “gentleman’s agreement” that they will ratify changes to the POC charter after the polls. By the time the elections come, parts of the country would have been under a Modified General Community Quarantine already, and more people would have been allowed to join gatherings by then. “Kahit ma-extend pa GCQ (General Community Quarantine), by that time MGCQ na, wala ng time to approve it, hindi pa natin alam procedure na ilalatag ng comelec, baka blended,” added Tolentino. Since the lockdowns were imposed last March, many heads of national

sports association have been in their respective provinces. And Puentevella fears that the officials may not be able to attend the elections in the final week of November because flights or travel to Metro Manila may still be restricted. And it may not also be safe for the heads of 50 NSAs to travel as well, since most of them are senior citizens, according to Puentevella. Triathlon chief Tom Carrasco is once again seeking the chairmanship of the POC, under Tolentino’s ticket. Tolentino, who is going for the presidency, will also have Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio and Ormoc City mayor Richard Gomez in his group. Panlilio, who is the president of Smart Communications and chief revenue officer of PLDT, is going after the post of first vice president, while Gomez, who is the president of the fencing and the modern pentathlon federation, is running for the second vice president post.

Adiwang: Pacquiao will finish foe within 6 rounds LIKE every other fight fan in the world, ONE Championship phenom and fifth-ranked strawweight Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang of Team Lakay was shocked to hear news that Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao has agreed to face “The Notorious” Conor McGregor sometime early next year. The Filipino fighting senator confirmed talks with the McGregor camp over the weekend to put together a boxing spectacle sometime in January. In McGregor’s first professional boxing match in 2017, he was stopped inside the distance by none other than the pound-for-pound king, Floyd Mayweather Jr. Now, in his second appearance atop the squared circle, McGregor faces another boxing legend in Pacquiao. Although he’s excited to see the bout unfold, Adiwang, like many, understands this is a total mismatch in favor of the Filipino megastar. “I have a lot of respect for both fighters. McGregor has proven himself in the world of MMA and became a two-division champion. He has this charisma that makes people watch his every fight. Even though he sometimes has a negative persona, let’s accept the fact that he is still a highly skilled martial artist. He always backs up his talk,” said Adiwang. “Against Mayweather, we saw what happened. There is no doubt McGregor can box, but there are levels to this game. He’s a good boxer but the guys who have been doing this all their life like Mayweather, they are legit. To me, Pacquiao is the greatest living legend in boxing. He’s the

Senator Manny Pacquiao

only boxer in history who has won world championships in eight divisions. I just don’t see any scenario in which McGregor will win this fight.” Against Mayweather, McGregor put forth a valiant effort, making a stand and boxing fairly well, all things considered. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to make it to the final bell, and Mayweather put the finishing touches on the Irishman in the 10th. Adiwang believes that Pacquiao will try to one-up his long time rival and get McGregor out of there much quicker. “Yes, McGregor has a strong and powerful left hand that has finished many of his opponents...in MMA. But this is boxing, they use boxing gloves and not small MMA gloves, so that power isn’t the same. And the fact that Pacquiao is one of the best knockout artists in history, even in boxing gloves, that’s scary. He’s faster and he has more experience than McGregor. Even if we say Pacquiao is older now and that McGregor has the youth advantage, the fact is, Pacquiao’s entire life has been about boxing. He has the tools to beat McGregor badly when they fight,” said Adiwang. “I predict Pacquiao will find an opening and take him out in the early rounds. He will finish McGregor early. Once he sees that opening, he will knock McGregor out easily. Pacquiao’s speed will be too much. I see a knockout between the fifth and sixth rounds for Pacquiao. I feel like Pacquiao wants to finish McGregor faster than Mayweather’s round 10 victory over the Irishman a few years ago.”

LeBron uses star power to address voting rights CLEVELAND—New Cleveland resident Steven Catudal was eager to register to vote in his adopted state of Ohio. He found an unlikely ally to thank for smoothing that process during a turbulent election year: basketball superstar LeBron James. The NBA legend has emerged as the most highprofile promoter of US civic engagement in all of sports. And his encouragement of Americ a n s — p a rticularly in LeBron James minority communities—to express their power through voting has the potential to impact November’s election. “I think it’s fantastic,” Catudal, a 23-year-old business consultant, told AFP after filling out voter registration and change-of-address forms at one of several booths set up in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ arena. “These pro athletes are role models to people all around the US and the world,” he said, and “they’re leading by example” in important get-out-the-vote efforts. “To have those franchises, those athletes, going out and pushing younger voters and everyone to come vote, and kind of help shape the future of... the United States is really big.” The event in Cleveland, supported by government and civic groups, registered more than 700 people in person or online and proved a highlight of National Voter Registration Day last Tuesday. LeBron’s home state Ohio is a critical bellwether; President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden will be squaring off there in their first presidential debate Tuesday, in Cleveland. ‘Shut up and dribble’ In 2019 James was told by one conservative Fox host to “shut up and dribble.” Instead, the Los Angeles Lakers power forward and four-time season MVP is trumpeting his get-out-the-vote message from the rooftops. James has teamed up with New York billionaire Michael Bloomberg and others to raise $20 million to pay the outstanding debts of thousands of Florida felons so they can vote.

Alibaba Cloud digitalizes sports with more AI solutions DURING the Apsara Conference 2020, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, unveiled a series of artificial intelligence (AI) powered solutions which are set to transform and digitalize the way sports entertainment was traditionally organized, broadcast and consumed. The solutions are designed to bring spectators closer to the events’ center stage for more personalized and interactive engagement, while helping organizers and broadcasters operate more efficiently, effectively and securely. Event organizers are set to benefit considerably from Alibaba Cloud’s Event Simulation Services (ESS). Running on cloud and powered by elastic compute, ESS can help

organizers plan the layout of indoor venues virtually, optimizing the position of equipment and facilities, without having to move or commission a single piece of physical kit. With the ability to create a digital twin, ESS negates the time, expense and risk of physical tests and run-throughs, providing a comprehensive digital examination of a venue for all key stakeholders. When it comes to event broadcasting planning, ESS enables broadcasters to simulate and test different camera positions before installing camera tracks, thereby offering audiences the best point of view. Furthermore, ESS provides organizers with a wealth of insights for post-event analysis for more effective future planning.

For large-scale events, crowd management and access control could be time-consuming and cumbersome to coordinate. The typical paper-based accreditation system is not effective enough, especially at a time when venue coordinators are working hard to maintain social distancing measures. Alibaba Cloud has developed a Digital Badge System which embeds access control and essential event information with digital accreditation. Developed to be simple to use, the digital badge system negates the need to print a paper ticket, not

only being more environmentally friendly, but also reducing the risk of access pass counterfeiting. When using the digital badge, cards that carry important information such as maps, event times and organizer contact details, can be issued within seconds and on demand, removing the inventory problems often associated with paper-based systems. Card holders can also receive card expiration notices and other important notifications in real-time. In addition, event organizers have the option to embed health advisory information in the event of COVID-19 outbreaks. Broadcasters and journalists are imperative in bringing the joy and excitement of sports stories to fans around the world.

To improve their experience when attending press conferences, Alibaba Cloud has launched Press Conference on Cloud to facilitate virtual media briefings using proven live and on-demand streaming technologies. The solution broadens the reach and increases efficiency for journalists, who do not need to be physically present in order to join press conferences, saving them valuable time in crafting news stories, as well as the hassles of travelling to different venues in gigantic sports parks. Furthermore, with Press Conference on Cloud, reporters may even choose to attend more than one briefing happening in different locations at the same time to maximise their efficiency and productivity.


C2

Sports

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

Rafa faces most difficult French Open P ARIS—Rafael Nadal embarks Monday on what he has described as his “most difficult ever Roland Garros” while Serena Williams launches another attempt to clinch an elusive 24th Grand Slam title on her least successful surface.

Nadal, the undisputed king of clay, needs one more major to equal Roger Federer’s record of 20, but the Spaniard comes to Paris short of preparation and unhappy with the French Open’s choice of new balls. “The conditions here are probably the most difficult conditions for me ever at Roland Garros for so many different facts,” said the world number two. “The ball is completely different. It is super slow, heavy. It’s also very cold, slow conditions.” Nadal won the first of his 12 French Open titles in 2005 and has been beaten just twice in 95 matches here, but now must adjust to the unusual autumnal chill due to the coronavirus-induced delay.

The event began Sunday amid steady drizzle in temperatures struggling to reach 10 degrees (50F), conditions branded “ridiculous” by US Open finalist Victoria Azarenka. The forecast is little better for day two with the new roof on Court Philippe Chatrier again likely to be closed although overcast weather could give way to clearer skies late in the afternoon. The heavier atmosphere could negate some of Nadal’s lethal topspin as he heads into the event without a clay title under his belt for the first time. The second seed is not pleased the French Open has switched to a new ball supplier and even believes it could pose physical problems for the players. “I really believe that the organisation

needs to take a look at that for the next couple of years, for the health of the players, too, because the ball is super heavy and becomes dangerous for the elbow and for the shoulders,” said Nadal. However a first-time meeting with Egor Gerasimov, the world number 83 from Belarus, is Rafael Nadal unlikely to trouble him. Serena feeling confident US Open champion Dominic Thiem, the man beaten by Nadal in the final in Paris the past two years, starts his campaign against another former Grand Slam winner, Marin Cilic. Meanwhile Daniil Medvedev, the fourth seed, is looking to win a match at Roland Garros for the first time when he battles Marton Fucsovics, following three first-round exits.

In the women’s draw, Williams returns to action still dealing with the lingering effects of an Achilles injury sustained in her US Open semifinal loss. The former world number one skipped the Rome tune-up event as a result but is confident of making a challenge for a fourth Roland

Garros crown. “I wouldn’t be playing if I didn’t think I could perform,” said Williams, who turned 39 on Saturday. “I’m not at 100% physically. But I don’t know any athlete that ever plays physically when they’re feeling perfect. That’s just something I think as athletes we have to play with.” She is playing at Roland Garros for the 18th time, having made her debut in Paris in 1998. AFP

DISINFECTION.

Personnel of Quest Hotel– Clark disinfects luggage and bags of Philippine Basketball Association players, officers, and crew upon their arrival at the hotel. This is one of the many health and safety protocols put in place to ensure the protection of all participants in the PBA bubble league. The Clark Freeport Zone was chosen by the PBA as the official bubble venue for one of the premier basketball leagues in Asia. CDC-CD Photo

Bottas exploits record-chasing Hamilton’s troubles in Russia SOCHI—Valtteri Bottas took full advantage of a troubled day for his Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton to claim the ninth win of his career with a measured drive to victory in Sunday’s incidentpacked Russian Grand Prix. The Finn swooped to take second place at the start and inherited the lead when the runaway series leader and six-time champion took an extended pit-stop to serve two five-second penalties for irregular pre-race practice starts. A disgruntled Hamilton, aiming to win and equal Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 Grand Prix triumphs, re-joined in 11th place, but fought back to finish third behind Bottas and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. His second win in Russia and second this season reinvigorated Bottas’ challenge for the drivers’ title and reduced Hamilton’s lead to 44 points. Sergio Perez came home fourth for Racing Point ahead of Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo, who had to take a five second penalty for an infringement, and Charles Leclerc, who was sixth for Ferrari. Esteban Ocon was seventh for Renault ahead of local hero Daniil Kvyat and his Alpha Tauri team-mate Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, who was also given a fivesecond penalty, in the second Red Bull. Hamilton did not want to talk about his penalty “It doesn’t matter. It’s done now. I’ll

FREE THROW SHOOTER NATHANIEL DELA CRUZ WHAT doesn’t kill you will make you stronger, so they say. But I think the most important part of this aphorism from the 19th-century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche is often left unsaid, and thus we fail to consider it: only those who are strong, or those who possess inside them the grit that makes them disposed to relying on strength (e.g. physical, emotional, spiritual, mental) to survive, will emerge stronger after adversity. The weak, who survive adversity is simply a survivor, who will eventually succumb either to his wounds or to stronger adversity once that has come to pass. The secret of the strong becoming stronger is the ability to embrace the suffering.

take the points and move on, but congratulations to Valtteri. “A big thank-you to the fans here this weekend – spasibo,” he said. “It’s not the greatest day, but it is what it is…” Bottas said: “It’s very nice to get a win. It’s been a while! I need to try and keep the momentum. I’ve managed to squeeze a few points over Lewis, but there’s still quite a few races to go so you never know. I’ll keep pushing. I won’t give up.” Verstappen said: “We split the Mercedes again so that is good -- and we can be happy with that.” All three drivers wore their racing overalls on the podium after the race, obeying the latest revised rules from the sport’s ruling body not to wear any items carrying ‘political’ messages. Hamilton had made a solid start from his record 96th pole and fended off the slipstreaming Bottas, who had passed Verstappen’s Red Bull. ‘This is ridiculous!’ The Dutchman, recovering from a ragged getaway, ran off-line to defend against a rapid Ricciardo before two first lap crashes behind them ended the early action and brought out the Safety Car. McLaren’s Carlos Sainz hit a wall in the run-off area at Turn Two after losing control before Racing Point’s Lance Stroll was nudged from behind by Leclerc and spun into the barriers.

Those who are weak seek to be relieved of, or avoid, suffering at any cost, and thus denied the wisdom gleaned from enduring. Dr. Nava R. Silton, who specializes in developmental psychology, wrote in the book Scientific Concepts Behind Happiness, Kindness, and Empathy in Contemporary Society: “Embracing suffering most likely enables us to become courageous and disciplined in our quest.” This will be the context for both Denver and Boston as they now grieve. Despite a similar conference finals runnerup finish, I can’t help but think that somehow, the way Denver is processing the experience contrasts with how Boston is dealing with their failure, at least that is how I see it. I think losing the conference finals will bring Denver closer together. And it is all because of the ability to embrace suffering, and how they do it: with leaders up front and the rest of the team eager and willing to be shepherded, courageous and disci-

Sainz almost collected several other cars including team-mate Norris who managed to avert a collision, but felt he suffered some damage. The action resumed on lap six, when Hamilton’s penalties were announced. “What happened? What happened?” he responded on team radio. “Those starts, going to the grid, we got five seconds for

each —out of position,” he was told. “Where is that in the rule book?” said a disgruntled Hamilton. “Anything to slow me down, but it’s ok. I can take it.” Hamilton was also given two more penalty points on his racing licence and, with a total of 10 in 12 months, moved within two of an automatic one-race ban. AFP

SM LOVES BIKERS. SM’s Bike-Friendly MOA initiative is part of a comprehensive plan to make communities where SM malls are located, more inclusive, livable, and sustainable, and will be implemented in stages across all SM Malls nationwide in the coming months. Shown at the bike parking area beside the racks are Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles (second from left), Ambassador Grete Sillasen of Denmark (second from right), and Ambassador Saskia de Lang of the Netherlands. They are joined by Ms. Carol Sy (far right), and SM Engineering, Design and Development President Hans Sy Jr. (far left), who conceptualized and spearheads the initiative.

The wounds of war

plined. No finger-pointing because no one is to blame. No feeling of regret from not giving it their best, because they all did. What they lost – the opportunity to become champions – is something they can have again next year. What they lack this season (specific skillsets, roster depth, etc.) they can remedy before next season’s battles begin. Their faith in one another makes them strong, and so they will suffer in strength and become stronger. They are in good hands with Jamal Murray and Nicola Jokic conscious in their joint leadership role. On the other hand, I think losing the conference finals pushes Boston to its breaking point. And again, it is all because of the ability to embrace suffering. This is not to say Boston is incapable of embracing suffering – they can, and they’ve had their share in recent years, and I think that is part of the problem: maybe they have had too much and had too little leadership; they’ve endured suffering for so long and

after all that, still without reward or recompense. Despite the promise and potential, the strength to survive their biggest adversity has eluded them again and again, and now the lessons of suffering have turned sour, leaving them only with resentment, bitterness, and frustration. What didn’t kill them has fractured them. It will break them apart. And not too long from today, this core of the Boston Celtics will ‘die’, in one form or another. Why? Because despite the talent, it is clear something is sorely missing. I think it is leadership, particularly from someone in the image of the Nietzsche survivor-leader archetype, as described in his book Ecce Homo: “He divines remedies for injuries; he knows how to turn serious accidents to his own advantage; that which does not kill him makes him stronger… He instinctively gathers his material from all he sees, hears, and experiences. He is a selective principle; he rejects much...he honors the things he chooses,

Saguiguit new coach of Perpetual Help Altas By Peter Atencio MIKE Saguiguit will now handle the basketball program of the University of the Perpetual Help in Las Piñas. Saguiguit was asked by the school to take over after multititled coach Frankie Lim left the organization. The rebuilding activities of the senior and junior cage campaign of the Altas in the coming season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association will be his task in the coming months. “I have been asked to take care of the senior and junior teams since coach Frankie Lim said he will leave,” said Saguiguit. Lim’s decision to leave the school’s athletic organization came after the Las Pinas-based University closed down its sports activities following restrictions that were imposed to stop the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. The senior team, with the exception of 6’7” sophomore Mario Barasi Jr., remains largely intact. Barasi is the only member of the team who left. The team will be looking for replacements for Barasi from among their high school players. Lim left after his contract was suspended since the shutdown took place. The University reportedly plans to reactivate the sports program next year, when the next season of the NCAA is expected to take place.

All-boxing discussion at PSA Forum WORLD Boxing Organization bantamweight champion Johnriel Casimero banners an all-boxing discussion in the online session of the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday. Fresh from his short, third round demolition of Ghana’s Duke Micah to retain his 118-lb crown, Casimero will be accompanied by Manny Pacquiao Promotions President Sean Gibbons to talk about the plans moving forward for the 30-year-old native of Ormoc. The other boxing topic features the first-ever ‘bubble’ boxing card in the country to be held on Oct. 7 in Mandaue City. Cebuano promoter Joe Romero and two of his fighters will grace the 10:00 a.m. sports program to expound on the very first fight promotion in the Philippines since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The weekly Forum is presented by San Miguel Corp., Go For Gold, MILO, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. It is powered by Smart and with Upstream Media as official webcast partner. The session is livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and also shared by Radyo Pilipinas Facebook page.

the things he acknowledges, the things he trusts...He believes neither in ‘ill-luck’ nor ‘guilt’; he can digest himself and others; he knows how to forget - he is strong enough to make everything turn to his own advantage.” Equal opportunity basketball is good, but the downside is relying on leadership by committee, which is ineffective and dangerous if different players have different notions of what is best for the team, or worse if those who are unfit for leadership assumes this role, while those who should lead are disengaged from this task. The Celtics need someone pragmatic, but with gravitas, someone, who could mentor Jayson Tatum on how to become a real leader, on the court, in the locker room, and in the mind of his teammates. Winning the Eastern Conference has been Boston’s biggest adversity many times in recent years; it hasn’t killed them; nonetheless, they are dead on the water. The ship is sturdy, but there is no sail.


Entertainment By Nickie Wang WITHOUT prior professional experience working behind the camera, actor and Bidaman grand finalist Miko Gallardo has taken all his time learning the ropes while taping for the Pinoy BL, My Day. In fact, he has assisted in editing a few scenes for the trending digital drama. “With the strict health protocols being implemented, only a few people can work on the set. So, we had to do double jobs acting in front of the camera and working behind the camera,” the 22-year-old actor told Manila Standard Entertainment in a recent virtual catch up on Kumu. “I kind of enjoy editing some of the scenes we taped for the series. And our director is generous enough to allow us to improvise while doing our scenes. Sometimes, he would just tell us the situation using the sequence guide, and we would come up with our own dialogue. He wanted our responses to the situations in the drama to be as natural as possible,” he added. Miko stars alongside Aki Torres in My Day, the Boys Love drama directed by Xion Lim and produced by Prime Event Productions Philippines Foundation Incorporated (PEPPS) in collaboration with Oxin Films. The digital series follows a young, determined culinary intern named Sky (Miko) making his way into a multibillion-dollar food company where he encounters and wins the heart of his wicked boss Ace (Aki). “It’s a challenging character to play given that this is the first time I’m portraying such a role. I’m trying to give my all to meet the high expectations of BL fans. We’re a bit nervous of course, but this is our chance to join the hype. We are working really hard,” Miko admitted. “Going to a relationship with another guy as straight man is hard for me, but that’s what I prepared myself for. I tried

Make it Miko

C3

Zayn gets personal with ‘Better’ ENGLISH pop star Zayn Malik has released a new single and video “Better,” a song he co-wrote as the first track for his forthcoming album. With total creative reign on his third album, the 27-year-old artist is making the music he has always wanted to. The “Better” video directed by Ryan Hope, who previously directed Zayn’s “iT’s YoU,” is a captivating addition to his impressive video collection, which in total boasts over 3.5 billion views on YouTube. Zayn and Hope worked closely on the concept of the video, which features the singer being watched and monitored by unknown characters. Zayn’s debut album Mind of Mine saw him become the first male solo artist in the world to simultaneously chart at #1 on the UK and US album charts in the first week of release.

The record was critically lauded upon release receiving widespread praise and adoration from fans. The album’s lead single “Pillowtalk” hit #1 in 68 countries around the world and was recently included in Billboard’s “Songs That Defined the Decade” list. Meanwhile, his sophomore album Icarus Falls, which was released in 2018 and garnered over 5 billion worldwide streams across all platforms in its first 11 months of release. In addition to his album releases Mind of Mine and Icarus Falls, Zayn has collaborated with a variety of artists including Taylor Swift on “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” and Zhavia Ward on “A Whole New World,” from the live-action version of Aladdin, which grossed over one billion dollars at the box office.

Miko Gallardo is making waves with his character in the trending Pinoy BL series ‘My Day’ that currently streams on Youtube.

to talk to my friends who are part of the LGBT community. I tried to absorb everything I have learned from them and applied them in the scenes that we do in My Day,” he shared. While Miko and the series he’s part of joins in the Pinoy BL bandwagon, he hopes that the project would serve as his springboard for more mainstream

A scene from the ‘dizi’ series ‘Everywhere I Go’ featuring Turkish actors Aybüke Pusat and Furkan Andiç.

‘Everywhere I Go.’ I quickly understood why Turkey is the world’s fastestgrowing TV series exporter next to the US, and why dizi has a big following in the US, Bulkan countries, the Middle East, China, Korea, and Latin America,” says Solar Entertainment CEO Wilson Tieng. Dizi—as the sweeping epic dramas from Turkey are called—have been “invading” the world. They cover genres such as comedy and romance, to thriller

roles. But he also doesn’t mind doing another BL series again, he just wanted to have another drama with a different story and character. “As you can see, we are daring in this series. I wanted to prove that I’m serious about the things I do as an actor. I want the audience to see my capabilities as an actor,” Miko ends.

and action. Audiences worldwide have been mesmerized by the engaging storylines, relatable themes of family and love, scenic locations (mostly shot in picturesque Istanbul), original soundtrack, and stunningly gorgeous cast. A recent article in UK’s The Guardian reported that about 150 Turkish dizi have been sold to 100 countries. One of these is Everywhere I Go (Her Yerde Sen), a story about a serious businessman, Demir, and an ambitious female architect, Selin, who are surprised to know that they each own half of the same house. The drama, in fact, is both a smash hit and an award-winning program in its home country. It was chosen as Golden Lens Awards’ Best Romantic TV Comedy, and the show’s lead actress Aybüke Pusat and lead actor Furkan Andiç were named as Golden Butterfly’ Best TV Couple. Adding to this dizi’s appeal are the charming co-stars who play the supporting characters. From the company owner’s son who has an eye on Selin, and the lady client who is harboring feelings for Demir, to the funny and lovable co-workers, and the warring sisters who sell the house to Selin and Demir — they are just some who play important roles to increase the kilig and fun factor of Everywhere I Go. Everywhere I Go had a three-episode premiere on ETC last Saturday. It now regularly airs Monday to Friday at 8:00 in the evening. ETC is seen on SkyCable Ch.16, Cignal Ch. 21, CableLink Ch. 34, DTT Ch. 21 in Metro Manila, and in over 200 cable operators nationwide.

Ben&Ben, AC Bonifacio join stellar lineup of first YouTube virtual fanfest OVER 150 talented creators and artists from across Asia-Pacific, alongside some of the top global YouTube stars such as Alex Wassabi, Matt Steffanina, Merrell Twins, and Mike Chen. These global stars will join a stellar lineup of local YouTube sensations in the Philippines including Ranz Kyle, Niana Guerrero, Natalia Guerrero, Mimiyuuuh, Ben&Ben, FumiShun Base, AC Bonifacio, and more for a live stream filled with special performances, creator collaborations, and lots of fun. Some of the creators from the Philippines will have virtual meet and greet moments leading to the Fan Fest event. To showcase and celebrate the diversity in Asia-Pacific, there will be dedicated country spotlight segments featuring homegrown creators and hosted in local languages. More exciting creators will be announced in the upcoming days on YouTube FanFest’s Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts. “YouTube FanFest has become an annual celebration of our YouTube communities across APAC. While we couldn’t host physical shows this year, we hope

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

English pop star Zayn Malik releases a new single and a music video, the first record off his forthcoming album.

Turkish delight

WE ARE an embracing culture that is why it’s no longer surprising that Pinoys are welcoming this delightful Turkish offering that’s hitting the small screen – Turkish drama. Bringing this foreign delight to our seven-thousand one hundred islands is ETC, touted as the Philippines’ number one free-to-air female entertainment network. The channel heats up local programming with its newest primetime block called “ETCerye” — the channel’s first foray into the Tagalized foreign drama series with its initial salvo, the Turkish dizi, Everywhere I Go. “The Turkish creative artists have a flair to how they tell their stories. I found myself glued to every episode of

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

this special edition YouTube FanFest will create moments of joy, spread positivity, and bring about a sense of unity that we all need during this time,” Gautam Anand, managing director of YouTube APAC, said. Another integral part of the YouTube FanFest experience is the annual Creator Camp. Creator Camp has always been a great opportunity to engage with creators and provide them a sense of community, inspiration, and knowledge on how they can succeed on YouTube. This year, YouTube is also hosting a series of virtual Creator Camps for rising creators to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of YouTube stars by sharing ways to elevate the quality of video and strengthen content strategy. For more information on YouTube FanFest, please visit http://www.youtubefanfest.com. Teen actress and dancer AC Bonifacio

‘Mornings with GMA Regional TV’ FROM the producers of top-rating and award-winning newscast Balitang Amianan comes the pioneering morning show in North Central Luzon, Mornings with GMA Regional TV, airing weekdays at 8:00 in the morning. Available via GMA Regional TV North Central Luzon channels, Mornings with GMA Regional TV aired its premiere telecast on Monday, hosted by Ralph Guieb with Ara Hanesh. A proud Ilocano, Ralph started his career as a local TV host, and later transitioned to event hosting both in the Philippines and abroad. He once joined the corporate world as part of GMA Regional TV. With his passion in storytelling, Ralph not only takes the helm as host but also serves as the morning show’s executive producer. Meanwhile, Ara hails from Urdaneta, Pangasinan. She is a local TV host, model, and beauty queen. Following her

eight-year stint working overseas, she came home to pursue her hosting career as co-host of Mornings with GMA Regional TV. She brings with her a wealth of experience as she chats with North Central Luzon’s movers and shakers on diverse topics and issues. Joining the show on its pilot week are various guests led by Alden Richards, Tom Rodriguez, and movers and shakers in North Central Luzon. “We aim to give our valued viewers, a well-produced morning program that highlights your stories and culture. This is part of our commitment to bring to our Kapuso in the regions the right information and inspiration,” says GMA Regional TV and Synergy Vice President and Head Oliver Amoroso. For updates about GMA Regional TV, visit www.gmaregionaltv.com. Follow GMA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

‘Mornings with GMA Regional TV’ co-host Ara Hanesh.

DIGITAL MEDIA

Turning PH into ‘Smart 5G country’ MOBILE services provider Smart Com- step effectively makes it simpler for more munications, Inc. has pushed ahead with Filipinos to experience significantly fastthe initial phase of its 5G commercial er data speeds using Smart 5G-certified rollout as it becomes the first provider in devices with 5G-activated SIMs. The latest evolution in wireless commuthe Philippines to fire up 5G sites in key nications, 5G offers fast data speeds and cities in Visayas and Mindanao. ultra-low latency, which As part of its naenable users to upload and tionwide 5G deploydownload heavy files in ment, Smart has fired up seconds, stream high-res5G sites in select areas in olution videos seamlessly, Boracay, Cebu, Iloilo, and play online games without Davao. lag, and benefit from other These areas add to the cutting-edge apps and serlive Smart 5G sites in vices on their smartphone Makati Central Business with fiber-like speeds. District (CBD), Bonifacio “Our initial Smart 5G Global City CBD, Aranrollout lays the founeta City, Mall of Asia dation of our vision to Bay Area, North Avenue turn the Philippines into in Quezon City, Taft Ava Smart 5G country that enue in Manila, Ortigas is at par with the world’s CBD, New Clark City in Pampanga, EDSA, and in Smart also recently fired up t e c h n o l o g i c a l l y - a d strategic locations in the 5G at the Gariath Concepts vanced nations. With suesports venue in Quezon perfast speeds and ultraprovinces of Cavite, LaCity, the first 5G-powered low latency, Smart 5G guna, Rizal, and the cities of Manila, Quezon City, esports hub in the country, will unlock more powerMakati, Taguig, Pasig, and at the TV5 Media Center ful digital services meant Mandaluyong, Marikina, in Mandaluyong City, the first to further improve and 5G Media City. simplify the life of our Parañaque, Valenzuela, customers,” said AlfreCaloocan, Navotas, San do S. Panlilio, PLDT Chief Revenue OfJuan, and Pasay. Moreover, Smart has expanded its ficer and Smart President and CEO. To know more about Smart 5G, vis5G service to also cover all Smart Prepaid subscribers, adding to the ini- it 5g.smart, and follow Smart’s official tial Smart 5G provision for all Smart Post- accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Inpaid subscribers announced in July. This stagram.


Life

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

C4

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

Customizable protection and investment plan launched By Bernadette Lunas

H

ERE’S a hard truth: For many Filipinos, savings for healthcare are not considered a priority until they or a family member gets sick. And when it does happen, a recent study reveals many (40 percent of 1,350 respondents) cannot afford to pay for their hospital bills. Life savings are at risk of being depleted or debt is expected to be incurred just so 35 percent of Filipinos can address their medical expenses. While over 100 million are currently covered by state insurance PhilHealth and many have HMO plans, data show majority of healthcare spending is still paid out-of-pocket. According to a study by Valerie Gilbert Ulep and Nina Ashley Dela Cruz, published in the Philippine Journal of Development, “out-of-pocket expenses remain to be Filipinos’ major source of financing for medical care,” accounting for more than 50 percent of the total, which “pushes Filipino households into poverty.” “The fact that health expenses continue to rise each year, it’s becoming more expensive to be sick,” lamented Alok Roongta, chief of retail propositions at Axa Philippines. “Ironically, no product is available to cover all these costs.” For instance, a severe case of COVID-19 can set a patient and their family back by millions of pesos, and PhilHealth, as of April 15, only covers a fixed amount of the patient’s hospital bills depending on the severity of infection.

“Ninety-five percent of Filipinos are very much concerned about COVID,” said Grace Mallabo, segment director for protection and health at Axa. As the ongoing pandemic highlights the value of health protection, Axa Philippines introduces its new customizable protection and investment plan, MyLifeChoice. The new product is an insurance and an investment in one. It covers 57 illnesses including heart attack, stroke, and cancer; while letting policyholders build a health fund by investing in a wide array of local and global funds based on their risk appetite. “Our newest product MyLifeChoice addresses the need of people with clear goals and priorities, and help them achieve those goals,” said Axa Philippines president and chief executive Raul Hora. MyLifeChoice allows customers to personalize their insurance plan depending on their priorities, budget, desired payment terms, investment profile, and they can opt to start for as low as and desired supplementary benefits. Budget-wise, for example, they can P1,000 per month should they choose to pay for as long as they want, whether pay regularly. Customers can also customize their that’s seven years, 10 years, or longer

According to studies, more than 50 percent of Filipinos’ medical expenses are paid out-of-pocket; many admit they cannot afford to pay for their medical bills should the need arise.

WHEN it comes to heart health, the resting heart rate (RHR) doesn’t get as much attention as the pulse rate (the number of times your heart beats in one minute). RHR is an important indicator of overall heart health and fitness level, and can alert a person of potential health issues. In celebration of World Heart Day on September 29, wearable fitness company Fitbit shines a light on RHR and the four important things it can tell an individual.

On World Heart Day…

Understand what resting heart rate means

You are not active enough A normal resting heart rate for the average adult is 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm) or 40 to 60 bpm for highly conditioned athletes. An inactive person’s RHR likely approaches or exceeds the top end of this range, which may be because their heart is less efficient or pumping more. Based on recommendations from the World Health Organization, an individual needs to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of high-intensity activity each week to maintain a normal RHR. Fitbit recently introduced Active Zone Minutes, an algorithm that uses the company’s 24/7 PurePulse heart rate tracking to calculate “Active Zone,” or target heart rates The newly launched Fitbit Sense comes with an on-device electrodermal activity sensor to help wearers understand their body’s response to stressors.

Resting heart rate is an indicator of fitness level—a lower RHR can mean a higher degree of physical fitness.

during exercise, personalized to the users based on their RHR and age.

You’re dehydrated In tropical countries like the Philippines, there may be a temporary increase in RHR, which experts said could either mean that the body is trying to cool down or that the person is dehydrated. To lower the RHR, the classic recommendation is to drink eight glasses of eight fluid ounces of water per day. Health experts recommend a significantly higher daily benchmark, with 2.7 liters for women and 3.7 liters for men, which translates to 11 to 15 cups of water.

You’re sleep-deprived Chronic sleep deprivation may greatly affect one’s heart health, as studies by the Sleep Foundation have shown that people who do not get enough sleep are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease or coronary heart disease. To help lower RHR,

Fitbit recommends aiming for at least seven hours of sleep each night. The multi-day battery life enables Fitbit devices to provide advanced sleep tracking with Sleep Stages to measure deep, light, and REM sleep. Users also see a Sleep Score each morning to help gauge their sleep quality.

You’re too stressed Prolonged mental and emotional stress can also increase RHR over time. The physical strain from stress can contribute to a variety of health problems if unmanaged, like an increased risk for high blood pressure and heart disease, obesity, diabetes, anxiety, or depression. The newly introduced Fitbit Sense (P19,490) comes with an on-device electrodermal activity sensor to help wearers understand their body’s response to stressors. The new Stress Management Score helps them understand how their heart rate, sleep, and activity levels impact their psychological and physiological stress and overall health.

DESIGN YOUR LIFE.

Made for ‘people with clear goals and priorities,’ Axa Philippines introduces MyLifeChoice which is a customizable insurance and investment product.

sum insured from seven times to 30 times their basic annual premium and enhance their plan with supplementary benefits as additional coverage to boost their protection if they so choose. It also comes with a Start-Up Bonus equivalent to 70 percent of the first year premium invested in their selected Axa

fund, as well as accident coverage benefit which will provide cash benefits in case of accidents and waiver of premium benefit where Axa will pay for future premiums in case of disablement. Go to www.axa.com.ph/mylifechoice to know more.

PLDT’s adopted eagle demonstrates stability, resilience Matatag has survived the harsh jungle and irresponsible acts of humans. (Photo from Philippine Eagle Foundation/Facebook)

MATATAG, a brown and white eagle, is specific to the United Nations Sushas definitely earned his name. tainable Development Goal #15: Life on In 2011, weak and sickly, he was land which takes urgent action to probrought to the Philippine Eagle Cent- tect animals, as well as plants,” shared er (PEC) in Davao City for caring and PLDT community relations head Kathnurturing until he recovered and got erine Diaz De Rivera. his eagle-strength back in 2014. According to Diaz De Rivera, the proPEF’s Andi Baldonado related that ject indirectly contributes to the EffecMatatag thrived in the wildlife until he tive Environmental Stewardship sustainwas shot and ability pillar was brought that makes back to the up the PLDT center in Group’s Sus2016. “Mat ainabilit y tatag had a Fr a mework .22 caliber as the combullet wound pany’s clithat fractured mate change his right mitigation The adopted eagle forms part of PLDT’s efforts to wing. He has efforts help contribute to the sustainable development now fully reboth humans of the Philippines. covered after and highly u ndergoing v u l n e r a bl e treatment at the center. wildlife creatures like Matatag. “But his injury has permanently PLDT’s beloved eagle is now around affected his flight so he cannot be 10 years old and in good health, the released again because it risks his company reported. Matatag is curchance of survival in the wild,” said rently in a relationship with his natuBaldonado. ral pair, Ariela. Adopted by PLDT, Inc., through its PEF senior animal keeper Dominic Community Relations Division, the Tadena observed that “they are preoccuvigorous bird has endured a tough ex- pied in building their nest bowl. Matatag istence, from the harsh law of the jun- himself uses the sprigs that I provide, to gle to the harsher cruelty of thought- prepare their nest bowl for an egg. He less, irresponsible humans. MVP even added freshly cut leaves from the Matatag has emerged victorious. mahogany tree in their breeding dome.” “Matatag forms part of PLDT’s efThe eagles’ keepers are anticipatforts to contribute to the sustainable de- ing an egg from Matatag and Ariela velopment of the country. This initiative next month.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook