Manila Standard - 2020 October 10 - Saturday

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WORLD FOOD PROGRAM WINS NOBEL PRIZE FOR ANTI-HUNGER EFFORTS THE Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the World Food Programme on Friday for feeding millions of people from Yemen to North Korea, with the coronavirus pandemic pushing millions more into hunger.

The WFP was “a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict,” Nobel committee chairwoman Berit Reiss-Andersen said on unveiling the winner in Oslo.

“This is a powerful reminder to the world that peace and #ZeroHunger go Next page

BEGGING BOWLS. Afghan children

beg for food near the village of Jano Khevi. Afghanistan’s children suffer one of the highest levels of chronic malnutrition in the world. AFP

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM OCTOBER 9)

334,770 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

2,996 53,311 NEW

ACTIVE

6,152

83

DEATHS

NEW

275,307 1,045 RECOVERIES

NEW

Duterte rebuffs Cayetano

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 218 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Calls for House special session, certifies 2021 budget bill urgent measure

By Maricel V. Cruz

P

LAKE LUCENA? Heavy rains brought about by a low pressure area and southwest monsoon caused floodings and forced-evacuation of residents in some parts of Lucena, Quezon province early morning on Friday October 9, 2020. Authorities are still assessing the damage to property, infrastructure and crops. Francis Semilla

Romualdez assured of majority post

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Friday called for a special session of Congress from Oct. 13 to 16 to ensure the timely passage of next year’s proposed P4.5-trillion national budget.

The President also certified as urgent the budget measure, allowing lawmakers to skip the three-day rule and pass the measure on third reading immediately after it is passed on second reading.

In a proclamation, the President called on Congress to resume deliberations on the national budget and to avoid any further delays in its passage.

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, who had earlier suspended the session until Nov. 16 to avoid having to step down as part of a term-sharing agreement he signed in 2019, said he welcomed the President’s call for a special session, saying this would

Velasco fires back at Speaker: Abide by term-sharing deal

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

because he wants to use the House of Representatives when he runs for president in 2022, said Marinduque Rep. SPEAKER Alan Peter Cayetano refus- Lord Allan Velasco.

Velasco, who was supposed to take es to honor his term-sharing agreement

over as speaker under the terms of an agreement brokered by President Rodrigo Duterte, said both he and the President were “duped by a scheming Cayetano.”

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By Maricel V. Cruz MAJORITY Leader and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez will retain his post after speaker-in-waiting and Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco takes over the speakership under the term-sharing agreement he has with Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.

In July 2019, shortly before the 18th Congress convened, Cayetano and Velasco entered into a gentlemen’s agreement that would give Cayetano the first 15 months as speaker while Velasco would take over for 21 months or until Congress adjourned.

Romualdez, who was the top contender in the speakership race at the time, was prevailed upon by President Rodrigo Duterte to withdraw his bid Next page

give Congress the chance to resume deliberations on the budget.

“We trust his wisdom on how to address issues concerning the budget, and thank him for his continued confidence by allowing Congress to pass the general appropriations bill free from the specter of politicking and intrigues that we had originally sought to avoid,” Cayetano said.

The proclamation was issued a day after the President told members of Congress to resolve the leadership issues that have been threatening to delay the budget.

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LOCAL ROUNDUP • Senator quizzes DOH on COVID-19 deaths • Avigan trial begins

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Willie Casas

BILIBID BRAWL. A member of the PNP Special Action Force guards the main entrance of the National Bilibid Prisons in this file photo taken on July 29, 2019. Two warring gangs on Friday Oct. 9, 2020 figured in a bloody brawl that left nine NBP inmates dead.

SENATOR Joel Villanueva lamented Friday that 76 percent of those who died from coronavirus – or 3,279 of the 5,840 total – were not admitted in a hospital, based on official data as of October 5.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, who was at the Senate during the budget hearing of the DOH’s P204.73 billion proposed budget for next year, noted that many of them were declared by the hospital dead on arrival.

Duque said they were already studying the report on deaths because it would appear that COVID-19 patients Next page

Bilibid gangs trigger riot, leave 9 inmates dead

By Joel E. Zurbano and Rey E. Requejo

pital – during a riot between two rival gangs inside the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City early Friday morning, NINE inmates were killed and seven police said.

Initial investigation reports released others injured – the latter rushed to hos-

China to dole out vaccines to poor CHINA has cines to poorer signed up to a nations as soon deal to ensure as they are defuture COVveloped aims to ID-19 vaccines head off fears are distributed to developing coun- rich countries will limit distribution tries, the biggest economy yet to join of game-changing medicines made the World Health Organization-led by their pharmaceutical companies. bid to control the pandemic.

The deal gives China, the country The COVAX pledge to get vacNext page

WORLD ROUNDUP

by the Southern Police District showed the riot broke out inside the NBP’s East Maximum Security Compound in Barangay Poblacion around 1:07 a.m.

Next page

13th month plan provokes uproar

By Vito Barcelo, Willie Casas and Macon Ramos-Araneta LABOR Secretary Silvestre Bello III said micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) “in distress” could be allowed not to Next page

DOLE OUT. A commuter avails himself of Beep cards given out for free at the Parañaque

Integrated Terminal Exchange on Friday, October 9, 2020. President Rodrigo Duterte and the Department of Transportation required the company producing Beep cards to dole out the cards as a form of public service in this time of the virus pandemic. Norman Araga

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News

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

No stopping health care law—DOH

By Willie Casas and Vito Barcelo

T

HE implementation of the Universal Health Care law will still push through regardless of the fate of the state insurer Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Friday.

ble,” Vergeire stressed.

“We are one with WHO (ther World Health Organization) in pushing for highest standards of mental health care and well-being and for mental health to be included in the UHC coverage,” she added.

The proposed P4.5 trillion budget for 2021 has earmarked P71 billion for PhilHealth, largely for the implementation of UHC law.

Meanwhile, Malacanang hailed PhilHealth chief Dante Gierran for his determination to convince senior officials of PhilHealth to tender their courtesy resignations as part of the reorganization of the state insurer, describing the move as a “step in the right direction.”

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque issued the statement after more than 40 senior officers of the PhilHealth heeded the call of its new chief to step down as part of a reorganization initiative amid allegations of corruption hounding the agency.

A total of 43 senior officers have responded to Gierran’s September 30 memo implementing a 2019 Board Resolution directing all senior officers from Salary Grade 26 and above to tender their courtesy resignation.

“The Palace welcomes the move of (PhilHealth) President and Chief Executive Officer Dante Gierran to implement an old PhilHealth Board Resolution– which his predecessor, Mr. Ricardo Morales, blatantly failed to carry out – directing all senior officers with Salary Grade 26 and above to tender their courtesy resignation,” Roque said in a statement.

“We commend PhilHealth PCEO Gierran for his display of decisiveness,” the Palace spokesman said.

“It is a step in the right direction as this is in line with President Duterte’s directive to reorganize the state health insurer and to make erring officials accountable to give the agency a fresh start,” he added.

“Whether or not PhilHealth will be privatized, the implementation of UHC cannot be stopped,” Vergeire said in an online forum.

During the Senate hearing Friday on the Department of Health’s proposed P203.74-billion budget for 2021, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said he was amenable to the proposal to privatize PhilHealth to stem corruption.

“Yes, there are many components of the health insurance system that can be outsourced. An example would be claims processing, the counter fraud, risk management...” Duque said.

The privatization, if not abolition of PhilHealth, was raised by no less than

President Rodrigo Duterte after officials of the state insurer were accused of anomalous disbursements of P15 billion worth of Internal Revenue Mechanism funds to hospitals.

However, Vergeire said the controversy would not get in the way of UHC. “Nobody said this will not be implemented just because a government agency has restructured,” she added.

The Department of Health also backed the inclusion of mental health expenses under the UHC law coverage.

“We only have one health care worker for 100,000 individuals. We want to change this, and we want to make quality mental health care services accessi-

Velasco...

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Duterte names Rosario as 15th SC justice

Budget slash for VFA panel

By Macon Ramos-Araneta FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. asked the Senate to cut the proposed P28 million budget of the Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces for 2021.

During the Senate budget hearing, Locsin said the budget slash would buttress the plan to abolish the Visiting Forces Agreement, a treaty between the Philippines and the United States for joint military exercises.

Instead of P28 million, Locsin asked for only P12 million budget allocation for the said commission next year.

PCVF is an attached agency of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the President has an oversight power over it.

Last February, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the abolition of the treaty, but the move was suspended in June.

Although the suspension of the abolition, effective July 1, will last for six months, it can be extended for another half a year.

“We look forward to continuing our strong military partnership with the US even as we continue to reach out to our regional allies in building a common defense towards enduring stability and peace continuing economic progress and prosperity in our part of the world,” Locsin said in June.

The President had cited “political and other developments in the region” as the DFA chief explained why the President had a change of heart.

The Judicial and Bar Council has included Rosario, who repeatedly applied for the SC post, in its shortlists several times.

Rosario, who obtained his law degree from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1983, started out as a legal officer at the National Bureau of Investigation and went on to be a senior corporate attorney at the Metropolitan Waterworks

and Sewerage System.

In 1994, he was appointed as senior assistant prosecutor in Quezon City.

He began his judicial career in 1997 when he was appointed as judge at the metropolitan trial court of Manila City, and subsequently became a regional trial court judge in Makati City. In 2005, he was appointed to the Court of Appeals.

Rosario will retire from the SC in 2028.

call of the President.

“We appeal to our colleagues to give their full cooperation in ensuring the swift enactment of a legal and constitutional General Appropriations Bill (GAB) as requested by President Duterte to support his vision for the nation in the years to come,” Romualdez said.

“The members of the super majority and our colleagues from the constructive minority bloc are one with the Duterte administration in the implementation of its comprehensive plan to rebuild the Philippine economy, defeat COVID-19 and ensure that government services are not derailed,” Romualdez added.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, chairman of the House ways and means committee, said a re-enacted budget due to delays in the passage of the general appropriations bill for 2021 would compromise the country’s pandemic response and recovery efforts.

A reenacted budget, he added, cannot be realigned, especially with the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, which provides special powers to realign government funds to directly address the

health crisis, which is set to expire by the end of the year.

He said the President’s call for a special session clearly showed he did not want the budget to be delayed.

“The President has made it clear that he will do what is necessary to get the budget enacted on time. All parties concerned are aware of the grave economic consequences that a budget delay will cause our recovering economy,” he said.

Also on Friday, Oriental Mindoro Rep. Salvador Leachon said resuming the House session even without the consent of Cayetano, was aboveboard and possible.

Cayetano had earlier moved to approve on second reading the proposed P4.5-trillion national budget for 2021 and subsequently adjourned the session until Nov. 16 — which would miss congressional commitments to approve the national spending plan on third and final reading by Oct. 14.

A group of lawmakers, however, opposed the suspension of session and called for its resumption to allow for further deliberation on the budget.

give their employees the mandatory 13th month pay.

But the labor group Associated Labor Unions immediately criticized Bello, with ALU National Executive Vice President Gerard Seno saying “The 13th month pay benefit at this time of the year have (sic) already been earned and accrued by employees. Therefore, 13th month payment cannot be waived or taken away by giving exemp-

tion to employers or deferment of payment.”

In the Senate, Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III said the employees’ interests and needs must not be sacrificed at all or in any way and delay giving the 13th month pay.

He pointed out that employees were “more distressed” compared to their “capital providing” employers. Because of this, he said the 13th month pay must be paid, adding the “13th month pay is really ‘salary’ under current laws. It is just called 13th month pay. Hence it must be paid.”

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon himself said the proposal of de-

ferment of payment of 13th month pay by agreement of the parties was invalid because legal compliance could not be the subject of an agreement between the employee and employer.

He said P.D. 851 or the enabling law for 13th month pay did not allow any exemption but covered all employers, except those already paying its equivalent.

Senate labor committee chairperson Sen. Joel Villanueva asked DOLE to convene the tripartite council immediately to discuss the proposal to defer the 13th month pay for workers.

Romualdez was a part of the term-sharing deal that should be honored by all parties involved.

He also played down rumors that key and was named majority leader instead. leadership positions would be shuffled Velasco acknowledged Friday that once he assumes the speakership.

He added that Romualdez, as chairman of the committee on rules, would have a say on who is in and who is out.

He said he had assured Romualdez that he would abide by the terms of

their agreement.

Velasco said the agreement was put on paper and that he, Cayetano and Romualdez had signed it. Cayetano had added “For God and Country” to the agreement, Velasco added.

Russia registered a record daily number of new coronavirus infections on Friday, surpassing its previous high from May. Officials reported 12,126 new infections, edging above the previous high of 11,656 on May 11 and bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 1,272,238 – the fourth highest in the world.

Widespread restrictions were lifted after new cases began to drop in May, and officials have shown no sign of moving to reimpose such broad measures.

But the head of consumer watchdog Rospotrebnadzor described the situation as increasingly difficult and warned new measures could lie ahead.

“Either we observe (restrictions) or we will have to introduce new measures,” said Anna Popova. AFP

Department of Justice.

Police Investigator John Amodia said six of the fatalities were members of the Sigue Sigue Sputnik Gang, while two others from its rival gang Sigue Sigue Commando, and the other one from an unidentified group.

He added that eight of the fatalities sustained head and body injuries, including stab wounds, while the death of another man was still to be determined.

Most of the victims were described as persons deprived of liberty (PDL).

The police reports, based on information given by the Bureau of Correc-

tions, stated that “a free-for-all scuffle transpired at about 1:07 a.m. at Quadrant 4 NBP East Maximum Security Compound between Sigue Sigue Sputnik and Sigue Sigue Commando.”

It cited a member of a Commando group saying they were fast asleep outside their dormitories when they heard a commotion.

“Stones were being thrown everywhere hitting some of the PDL who were caught unaware of the situation.

Warring gangs tried to hit each other with whatever object that can be held on,” the SPD report stated.

tion” in a world where, by its own estimates, some 690 million people – one in 11 – go to bed on an empty stomach.

“With this year’s award, the Norwegian Nobel Committee wishes to turn the eyes of the world towards the millions of people who suffer from or face the threat of hunger,” ReissAndersen said.

“The link between hunger and armed conflict is a vicious circle: war and conflict can cause food insecurity and hunger, just as hunger and food insecurity can cause latent conflicts to flare up

and trigger the use of violence. We will never achieve the goal of zero hunger unless we also put an end to war and armed conflict.”

WFP executive director David Beasley said the agency was “deeply humbled” by winning the prize, adding it had rendered him “speechless.”

In Central African Republic – the worst country for food insecurity according to the WFP – agency spokesman Vigno Hounkanli said the prize was a “recognition for all the work the WFP does in the most difficult crises.” AFP

In an effort to prevent the turnover of the speakership on Oct. 14, Cayetano’s allies had the session of the House of Representatives suspended until Nov. 16, even though the chamber has yet to pass the national government budget bill on third and final reading before the end of October.

Cayetano reportedly told Duterte that he wanted to stay on as speaker until at least the end of the month because “I still want to be the Speaker when I turn 50 years old on Oct. 28.”

Interviewed on television on Friday morning, Velasco said legislators have to show to the public that they honor their word... that they have one word and if they give their word they will abide by it.

“Honoring our word is a must, otherwise we will not deserve the title ‘honorable’,” Velasco said.

“I regret that at this point, I can no longer determine what Speaker Cayetano is fighting for. I think he is only thinking and fighting for his personal interest,” he said.

Just before the House sessions were suspended, the 2021 budget was approved on second reading upon Cayetano’s motion, although reports said the proposed budgets of more than 30 government agencies have not been discussed.

Velasco believes Cayetano’s camp sought the suspension of the plenary session because he does not have the numbers to keep himself in the post.

Velasco said the President was furious as he felt he and Velasco had been fooled by Cayetano, who has maneuvered to keep himself speaker, despite the term-sharing agreement.

On Thursday night, the President called on members of the House not to allow their leadership “impasse” affect the passage of the P4.5-trillion national budget for 2021.

On Oct. 6, Cayetano and his handful of supporters abruptly terminated plenary deliberations, approved the budget bill on second reading and suspended the session until Nov. 16, in an apparent move to prevent any attempts to unseat him on Oct. 14, the date set for Velasco’s takeover per the term-sharing deal.

By Rey E. Requejo

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has promoted Court of Appeals Associate Justice Ricardo Rosario as magistrate of the Supreme Court, completing the 15-member bench.

Rosario took over the seat vacated

by Associate Justice Jose Reyes Jr. who mandatorily retired in September.

Duterte...

From A1 “If you do not solve the problem then I will solve the problem for you,” he said.

Cayetano said between now and Oct. 13, Congress will “continue to work and prepare for the swift passage of this measure, and to ensure that it will be responsive and relevant to the government’s overall recovery efforts for 2021.”

Speaker in waiting Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco supported the President’s call for a special session.

“This is what the majority of us in the House of Representatives have been telling Speaker Cayetano and his small group of loyalists since the unceremonious termination of the budget plenary debates and the highly questionable and unconstitutional suspension of session.

President Duterte’s marching orders to Speaker Cayetano is clear: reopen Congress to its members,” Velasco said.

House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez said Congress will immediately act next week on the

13th...

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Romualdez...

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Local...

From A1 were already in several and critical conditions when taken to a hospital.

The DOH chief also cited the healthseeking behavior of Filipinos especially among the poor, adding they were still waiting for their conditions to worsen before seeking medical treatment.

COVID updates

The Philippines logged on Friday 2,996 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 334,770, the Department of Health reported.

DOH likewise announced 1,045 recoveries. This brings the total number of recoveries to 275,307.

There are 83 new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 6,152.

Avigan trial

The Philippines will be starting enrolling patients for its clinical trial that aims to test whether the anti-flu drug Avigan is also effective against COVID-19, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

Vergeire said they were just waiting for

the insurance documents to be finalized.

“Our legal service has a minor comment for this insurance document,” she said during a virtual briefing, referring to insurance coverage of the participants “But we already gave the signal to our proponent, they are now going to start recruiting participants for the trial,” she added.

Vergeire said that once participants are recruited, the trial, which will last for nine months, can officially start “hopefully by next week.”

Russia’s plan

The DOH on Friday said it was open to Russia’s plan of setting up a COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing and distributing hub in the Philippines, as the development could give the country a medical advantage.

“This will provide us with that advantage. Not just for this pandemic but in the coming years in case we would have this need again,” Vergeire said during a virtual briefing.

The DOH had said the country was also considering repackaging the vaccines or taking on the fill-and-finish process since the Philippines did not have a factory yet for vaccines.

Bilibid...

From A1 In Manila, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra immediately directed Bureau of Corrections Director General Gerald Bantag to investigate the gang-related riot and submit a report to him as soon as possible.

“I have asked DG Bantag to investigate and submit a report to me asap,” Guevarra said in a text message.

BuCor, which operates seven penal institutions around the country including Bilibid is an attached agency of the

World...

From A1 hand-in-hand,” the Rome-based organization said on Twitter.

Founded in 1961, the UN body helped 97 million people last year, distributing 15 billion rations to people in 88 countries.

Whether delivering food by helicopter or on the back of an elephant or a camel, the WFP prides itself on being “the leading humanitarian organiza-

China...

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China joined COVAX to “honor its commitment to turn COVID-19 vaccines into a global public good,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Friday of the October 8 agreement.

She gave no details on how much money China would commit to the deal, which has a fundraising goal of $2 billion and aims to provide 92 low and middle-income countries with a future vaccine.

Chinese vaccines “will be provided to developing countries as a priority,” Hua said, adding Beijing hopes “more capable countries will also join and support COVAX.” Superpower rival the US has not signed up to the deal.

Russia logs record-high cases

News

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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Computerizing Bar test eyed by high Court

By Rey Requejo THE Supreme Court will soon conduct a series of tests to determine the viability of computerizing the Bar examinations instead of the traditional handwritten examinations for aspiring lawyers.

In a Bar bulletin, the high court, through Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, the 2020/21 Bar chairman, said the Court En Banc had resolved to explore the possibility of computerizing the Bar exams under a “localized and proctored setting” to facilitate the speedy evaluation and release of results.

Leonen said the handwritten examinations had long been considered “to affect the evaluation of answers and to distort the playing field.”

“Within the next few months, a series of activities shall be commenced to rest the viability of the proposed system,” Leonen said.

The activities include holding two mock Bar examinations in several law schools.

“These activities will be done in partnership with the Philippine Association of Law Schools and other relevant sectors,” Leonen said.

“Building on the knowledge to be gained from these endeavors, the Office of the Bar Chairperson can assess early on the most apt modality for the Bar Examinations proper.”

The high court will announce the modality of the 2020/21 Bar examinations in the first quarter of 2021.

In another departure from tradition, next year’s exams will be held not only in Manila but also in Cebu City.

IN BRIEF Agents seize liquid marijuana

DEMOLITION.

Residents of Barcelona Street in Binondo, Manila, take out their furniture and appliances while policemen keep the peace in the area on Oct. 9 as their residences are set for the demolition ordered by the city government. The residents however, have nowhere to go. Norman Cruz

Police officer held for rape

By Rio N. Araja

T

HE CHIEF of the Philippine National Police’s Custodial Service Unit was placed under restrictive custody after he was charged for sexually assaulting former Ozamiz City Vice Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog, who is detained at the facility.

PNP spokesman Ysmael Yu said Friday Lt. Col. Jigger Noceda had been charged with rape, acts of lasciviousness, unjust vexation and violation of the Safe Spaces Act filed by the PNP Women and Children Protection Center based on the

affidavit submitted by Parojinog.

Yu made his statement even as the Commission on Human Rights on Friday questioned the arrest of a female Grab driver who was allegedly assaulted by a police officer in Taguig City.

“The CHR is deeply concerned with the manner of arrest and alleged assault by a police officer on a female Grab driver in Taguig City last Tuesday, 06 October 2020,” lawyer-spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said.

“The Commission will look into the possible misconduct of the police officer identified as Captain Ronald Saquilayan, and investigate if there was a disregard of the due process of law as claimed by the victim in the video circulating online.”

The incident took place at 10 p.m. on Tuesday in the pickup/drop off area of a coffee shop along Cayetano Boulevard in

AIRPORT authorities have seized two smuggled shipments of liquid marijuana at the Central Mail Exchange in Pasay City.

The first shipment was sent by a certain “Tan” of California, and was declared as “Cosmetic Beauty Cream” to avoid detection. The other was shipped by “Travis Arvin” from Oregon, also in the United States, and was declared as “video”.

The authorities did not identify the consignees pending a follow-up operation.

Joint elements of the Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency intercepted the shipments containing 21 pieces of vape cartridges with liquid marijuana.

Customs-NAIA turned over the illegal drugs and records to the PDEA for further investigation and case build-up against the importers and those responsible for the illegal importation. Joel Zurbano

Guidelines eyed on unspent sums

By Vito Barcelo

Syndicates warned THE Bureau of Immigration has warned syndicates it is on the lookout for fake Department of Foreign Affairs endorsements.

The warning stemmed from intelligence reports that syndicates plan to use fake DFA endorsements to allow the entry of people who are temporarily restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Foreign Affairs suspended the issuance of visas in March, but may exempt those covered by the suspension on very meritorious or humanitarian grounds.

“We have received intelligence reports with pictures that these syndicates are trying to falsify documents to allow the entry of those currently restricted,” Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said.

“Don’t even try. We have a smooth verification process with other government agencies that makes it easier to confirm if the document you will present is a fake.”

Morente cited an earlier attempt of a shipping agency to falsify a DFA endorsement in favor of a seafarer who disembarked early and wanted to stay in a hotel upon arrival instead of proceeding directly to his outbound flight. Vito Barcelo

NCD survey to launch THE Health department on Oct. 12 will launch the second phase of the non-communicable diseases or NCD Mobile Phone Survey after its launching in May by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, the department said the project aims to encourage the public to take part in the survey on how Filipinos are keeping themselves healthy.

According to the World Health Organization-Western Pacific Regional Office, a significant proportion of Filipino adults continue to be exposed to the NCD risks of tobacco and alcohol use, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity. This makes millions of Filipinos vulnerable in developing NCDs in the future. In the Philippines, NCDs are the top causes of death.

The survey, written in both Filipino and English, can be done in two steps using a mobile phone: 1) via SMS or text, free for all mobile phone subscribers; or 2) via mobile web, where a link to a web form will be sent to all subscribers. To avoid any data charges, please ensure that the device is connected to wifi. Willie Casas

Barangay Ususan.

The charges against Noceda were filed before the Quezon City Prosecutors’ Office on Wednesday.

“He will be administratively held and inquired. The Chief of the PNP strongly stresses that this act is not a virtue of police being responsible, respected, and disciplined. It will be dealt with accordingly,” Yu said.

Parojinog was detained at the PNP Custodial Center, which is managed by Noceda, on drug and illegal possession of firearms charges following the raid by the police at their residence in July 2017.

OPERATION. The Highway Patrol Group led by newly installed Chief Alexander Tagum conducts an operation arresting violators and distributing free helmets to motorists along Commonwealth avenue in Quezon City. Manny Palmero

Faithful urged to pray for people with depression AN official of the Catholic Bishops’ of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on the Laity on Friday urged the faithful to pray for the people suffering from mental health problems.

In an interview with the Church-run Radio Veritas, Bishop Broderick Pabillo, chairman of the commission, said offering prayers to those suffering from depression would help them get relief.

Pabillo, also the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila, issued a prayer for the commemoration of World Mental Health Day on Saturday.

“Our loving Father God, we thank you

for the gift of health. The health of our bodies, minds and souls,” Pabillo said.

“We pray for the World Mental Health Awareness, for our brethren who have different mental health problems.

“Guide them and save them. Give them people who would be able to understand and help them. We also pray that we may be spared from these mental illnesses.

“We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.”

Pabillo said aside from taking care of one’s health, it is also important for a person to take care of his/her mental health.

The World Mental Health Day, cel-

ebrated every Oct. 10, aims to make people aware of the worsening case of depression, which sometimes results in suicide.

The National Center for Mental Health has received some 953 calls from March to May, when the government implemented a Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The center also revealed that the monthly average calls in connection with suicide have increased to 45.

A Social Weather Stations survey in July showed that 84 percent of Filipinos are suffering from depression due to the pandemic.

THE Office of the President has started to craft the guidelines on the efficient use of unused donations by a Lopez-owned corporation flagged by the Commission on Audit.

The President’s office is also looking into the efforts to address other findings raised by the commission in its latest report, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.

“As per the Office of the Executive Secretary, the Office of the President is already working on the guidelines and studying how to best address the findings of the Commission on Audit, which include how donations will be effectively and efficiently utilized,” Roque said in a statement.

The commission had earlier called the attention of the office over the unused P1.4-billion donation from Benpres Corporation that was made several years ago. The alleged irregular foreign travels made by some Palace executives were also questioned by the state auditors.

The donation, made in 1990 by Benpres Corporation, now known as the Lopez Holdings Corporation, could have been spent for economic development projects and assistance to calamity-hit communities, among other things, according to the commission. It made the same observation in the 2018 audit report on the Office of the President.

The commission also questioned the office over the irregular foreign travels of some officials.

In its recent report, the commission likewise raised concern over Duterte’s office for allowing some government officials to travel abroad even if the requests were made less than the prescribed period before their dates of departure.

Villar renews support to wetlands

By Macon-Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Cynthia Villar again stressed the importance of the wetlands in providing wildlife habitats, including sanctuaries to migratory birds.

On the occasion of the World Migratory Bird Day, Villar said the Las PiñasParañaque Wetland Park South of Manila Bay had served as resting and feeding grounds for migratory birds from Japan, China and Siberia.

“Wetlands have a unique characteristic and serve a lot of functions, and that is why these areas are protected and preserved,” Villar said.

Villar, head of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, authored Republic Act 11038, or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas Act or ENIPAS Act, which lists the Las Piñas-Pa-

ranaque Wetland Park as a protected area.

She also underscored the urgency of preserving the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park as a result of plans to reclaim Manila Bay. “There are reclamation projects that plan to build on the buffer zones of the park. We are vigorously opposing this because buffer zones should not be touched in order to preserve the landscape where the wetland now thrives,” Villar said.

She has objected to the plan of the Bacoor and Parañaque local governments to reclaim 320 hectares and 287 hectares, respectively, in the portions of Manila Bay that are delineated as buffer zones of the Wetland Park.

The 175-hectare nature reserve provides sanctuary to 82 species of wild birds, including Philippine ducks, Chinese egrets and the Black-winged stilts.

WAYWARD TRUCK. Members of the MMDA Road Emergency group prepare to use a crane to lift a trailer truck that fell on its side while turning on Ayala Boulevard and Natividad Lopez in Manila on Friday morning. Norman Cruz

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LGUs

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020 lgu@manilastandard.net editor.lgustandard@gmail.com

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Pasay also bans videoke, noise makers for kids

By Joel E. Zurbano JUST like in Manila, the use of videoke and other sound-producing machines disturbing the communities are also banned in Pasay City.

Pasay City Mayor Imelda Rubiano said her administration is strictly enforcing an ordinance against loud noise from videoke sessions, construction works, factory machines and other sources of excessive sounds that might disturb students attending online classes amid the coronavirus disease outbreak.

“The national government especially through the Department of Education has exerted all efforts to ensure the continued education of our youth amid the pandemic, through online classes, modular system and other special arrangements. Our communities and neighborhoods must make their corresponding contribution to this endeavor by simply not making excessive and unnecessary noise which could otherwise adversely affect our students in their study sessions,” said Rubiano.

The city chief executive said the youth’s study hours “could be amply protected by Ordinance 6010 entitled “Anti Sound Pollution in the City of Pasay”, a measure approved by the City Council on June 2019, or months before the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“The ordinance prohibits anyone from producing or playing excessive, unnecessary and unreasonable noises from any and all sources in the community,” she said.

The measure prohibits particular decibel (dB) levels of sounds in private properties, public properties, construction sites, and commercial or industrial locations during specific hours of the day and specific days of the week.

Officials of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Philippine National Police earlier said that local governments must have an ordinance prohibiting loud noises during online class hours and independent study periods.

TABLETS FOR TABACO. Tabaco Mayor Krisel Lagman distributes 20 of the 80 tablets donated by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman from his personal funds for poor but deserving senior high school students of Tabaco National High School in the First District of Albay. The tablets will help students in their online classes amid the pandemic. Norman Cruz

Palawan plebiscite protocols set

By Vito Barcelo

T

HE Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has set health protocols for the conduct of a plebiscite to ratify the division of Palawan into three provinces, according to Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque.

“The conduct of the plebiscite to ratify the division of the province of Palawan may now finally push through in the first quarter of 2021 after the IATF approved the health and safety protocols for the said event,” Roque said Friday.

According to Roque, the period of vot-

ing will be two days and only five voters will be allowed in the room to cast their votes at any particular time.

Registered voters between the ages of 18 and 21 years old and those who are 60 years old and above, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other

health risks, and pregnant women shall be exempt from mobility restrictions for the purpose of voting.

Republic Act 11259, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in April last year, divided the province of Palawan into Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, and Palawan del Sur. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) had originally set the conduct of the plebiscite to ratify the division on May 11, but it was suspended in April this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Comelec en banc agreed with the recommendation of its Law Department that the holding of a free and honest plebiscite on May 11 was impossible at the

height of the spread of the COVID-19.

Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez had pushed for Palawan’s division to better manage the huge province and its islands.

Some groups opposed the split, saying it was being used by politicians to perpetuate themselves in power through more local elective posts.

In a media briefing on Friday, Alvarez described Palawan as mildly hit by the coronavirus disease, with only 59 active cases or currently ill patients.

Some popular destinations, including El Nido, started accepting a limited number of tourists from low-risk areas since October 1, provided that their RT-PCR test is negative for COVID-19.

IN BRIEF

Lanao Sur hires PUVs for frontliners

FCF plants 3,308 tree seedlings

By Nash B. Maulana

QUEZON, Nueva Vizcaya—The FCF Minerals Corporation here has planted more than 3,308 seedlings as part of its commitment and support of the national government tree planting programs and activities.

Barangay Captain John Babliing, citing reports from the mining company said the volume of trees planted covered the second quarter of this year within and outside barangay Runruno.

“These seedlings were planted through the FCF Minerals Corporation’s various reforestation and rehabilitation programs,” he said.

FCF report showed that the company through its Mining Forest Program (MFP) has planted 1,176,115 seedlings with 198,999 seedling donations to barangay Runruno totaling to 1,375,114.

The company also donated some 1,248,785 seedlings to barangay Runruno through the National Greening Program (NGP) supervised by the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Ben Moses Ebreo

‘Turn trash site into ecotourism site’ BAMBANG, Nueva Vizcaya—Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Director Gwendolyn Bambalan recently urged local officials here to further develop their Sanitary Landfill (SL) into eco-tourism purposes.

Bambalan, along with local government officials here visited the town’s SL and recognize it as a show window for state-of-the-art facilities for Minerals Recovery Facility (MRF) in Cagayan Valley.

She also thanked local officials for their compliance to the provisions of the Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) act and recommended that the area will be further developed into an ecotourism area for ESWM. “You can plant trees surrounding the area through the National Greening Program (NGP) and use the treated water to irrigate the plantations,” she said.

Bambalan advised local officials to apply for tenure instrument for occupying and utilizing forestland in the operation of their facilities. Ben Moses Ebreo

PRESIDING OFFICER. Sen. Manuel “Lito” Lapid acts as presiding officer during Wednesday’s hybrid plenary session at the Senate. Lapid, the pride of Pampanga, presided over the proceedings during the continuation of the interpellation on Senate Bill No. 1375, or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE), previously known as the Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Reform Act or CITIRA. Lino Santos

LANAO SUR—To help boost resolve in the global fight against covid19, the local government of this province has commissioned public utility vehicles, offering free-ride to its front-line workers and authorized persons outside residence (APOR) to and from their towns of residence and places of work.

This developed even as Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong on weekend sent 300 sacks of rice for Muslim Filipino residents of Davao City, and 120 more sacks for Muslim workers in three Metro Manila barangays.

Jennie Alonto Tamano, head of the Provincial Information Office, said specific areas were designated pickup points 6-7 a.m. in Bacolod Kalawi Municipal Hall; at military checkpoint in Tugaya;

Balindong Municipal Hall; at Sultan Guro Elementary School at Barangay Inudaran in Marantao—for Marawi-Marantao-Bacolod-Kalawi-Marawi Route.

Also, from 6-7 a.m., a route for Marawi-Ditsaan Ramain-Masiu will pick up frontline workers and APOR at Masiu National Highway, Tamporao National Highway; Mulondo Municipal Hall; Pagalongan Elementary School in Barangay Pagalongan, Ditsaan Ramain; and at Bubong Public Market.

Contracted public utility vehicles will pick up the same workers and APOR from 3-4 p.m. in places near their workstations, Alonto Tamano said.

Lanao Sur has had 697 confirmed cases of covid19, but with a high recovery level of 515 or 73.89 percent, as against a minimal level of covid19-related death cases at 29.

Virtual exhibition of CL products

Isabela opens first hemodialysis center

By Jess Malabanan

By Jessica M. Bacud

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—The annual exhibition of locally-made products from different participating localities in Central Luzon would be different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, organizers of Likha ng Central Luzon announced as they geared for a virtual trade exposition slated on Oct 13-17.

Department of Trade and Industry regional director Judith Angeles said the yearly activity is far different from the traditional exposition as participants and buyers have to go online for them to appreciate wide array of high quality products for local consumption and even for export.

“LCL will continue through an easily accessible online platform that will allow buyers to see the best products of the region. We organized the virtual trade exposition to promote and sell the quality products of Central Luzon micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs),” Angeles explained.

Touted as the biggest exhibition of locally made products including foods, household items and housewares, jewelry, supplement, LCL is now on it 22nd successful years. Products of about 100 MSMEs will be viewed and sold at http://www.virtualtradeexpoph.com/expo/6/show.

ILAGAN, Isabela—Governor Rodito T. Albano III and Rev. Fr. John Couvruer led the blessing and inauguration of the Gov. Faustino N. Dy Sr. (GFNDY) Memorial Hospital and Hemodialysis Center here.

They were joined by Isabela Provincial Health Officer and GFNDY Hospital Chief Dr. Nelson Paguirigan, LPGMA Party-list Rep. Allan Ty at Barangay Calamagui 2nd in this city.

Governor Albano expressed his gratitude to the people behind the realization of the Dialysis Center, as it will benefit hemodialysis patients in the province as it delivers the service for free.

“The dialysis center will provide a lifesaving treatment for Isabeleno patients with chronic kidney failure. People with this disease that live in remote locations who often have great difficulty accessing low-cost dialysis centers will get proper treatment,” Albano cited.

This is the first of four centers that will be built in the province. The other centers are slated at Cabagan, Echague, and Cauayan City, Albano stressed.

Cagayan Valley Medical Center Dr. Glen Baggao, in his message, informed the governor and the people of the specialists deployed by CVMC to Isabela hospitals to extend assistance to the medical needs of the Isabeleños through the Isabela Provincial Health Office.

HEMODIALYSIS CENTER. Governor Rodito T. Albano III (left) stands behind Rev. Fr. John Couvruer as he leads the blessing and inauguration of the Gov. Faustino N. Dy Sr. (GFNDY) Memorial Hospital and Hemodialysis Center here, the first of four to be built in the province. Isabela PIO

Globe creates eModules for online behavior RECOGNIZING the importance of keeping students safe from online risks while learning and having fun, Globe has launched the first of a series of eModules designed to promote proper online behavior among the youth.

The Digital Insight eModules tackle the internet landscape in the Philippines while underlining imminent threats and risks such as cyberattacks and identity theft that digital technology users are exposed to and how the youth can be protected against them.

The eModules are an offshoot of Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) workshops launched in 2016 to educate students on digital citizenship and responsible use of technology. DTP was eventually integrated by the Department of Education (DepEd) in the K-12 curriculum to bolster DepEd’s existing modules around digital literacy.

With the current pandemic discouraging face-to-face interactions in schools, Globe saw the need to convert the traditional DTP workshop modules into bite-

Opinion Joblessness THE Social Weather Stations (SWS) July survey on joblessness indicated that 45.4 percent of the adult population in the Philippines has become jobless. Half of this was attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. These translate to 27.3 million and 13.65 million jobless Filipinos, respectively.

Among those who became jobless during the pandemic, 23 percent were in the urban areas while 18 percent were in rural areas. Some 23 percent were in Luzon, 19 percent in Visayas and also in Mindanao, and 18 percent were in the National Capital Region (NCR).

This pandemic is truly a test of our creativity and resourcefulness.

Government data show a different and better picture. On September 4, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), as of April of this year, 17.7 percent or 7.3 million adult Filipinos became jobless. On the other hand, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said that based on their records, only 3.3 million Filipinos lost their jobs due to the pandemic.

We can readily say that the difference in these numbers is huge. 13.65 million per SWS, 7.3 million according to PSA, and 3.3 million from DOLE. However, if we take a closer look at the numbers, we will notice that the SWS did its survey in the first week of July, the PSA number is only as of April when the lockdown was still in its first month, and the DOLE report is only based on employers’ submissions and we do not know how many employers did submit. We know that more of the lay-offs happened after the first month of lockdown.

The difference between SWS and PSA numbers would not be as big if the timeframe is the same. Finally, to me, the least reliable source of the three is DOLE. This is not because the number is wrong but because of the many unknown factors about the reported numbers.

At this point, the numbers are surely even higher.

How do our people cope? Definitely, for the poorest among us, the meager amount of government assistance is not enough. Whatever kind of mathematics we use, P6,000.00 cannot suffice for even the basic needs of a Filipino family for even a month. Those in the middle and upper classes do not get any State support and have to find other sources of livelihood. This pandemic is truly a test of our creativity and resourcefulness.

My NGO has been conducting focus

CHARLIE V. MANALO DURING the deliberation of the House of Representatives on the budget of the Department of Transportation, party-list Congressman Jericho Nograles of the Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta raised questions on the P107-Billion Ninoy Aquino International AirTOwas THE port expansion project which awarded to Megawide Construction Corporation.

POINT Nograles is the same feisty congressman who exposed the anomalous EMILmaintenance P. service contract entered into by the DoTr and the Korean firm Busan JURADO Universal Rail Inc. (BURI) which caused constant breakdowns of the MRT 3 in the past. This prompted the eventual termination of the contract.

During the hearing, Nograles revealed that Megawide, was red-flagged by the Investment Coordination Committee of the National Economic Development Authority because the company is not only non-compliant with the documentary requirement for a multi-billion PPP, but is also incapable of proving that it has the capital to carry out the project.

This was compounded by the fact that GMR, which is an Indian infrastructural conglomerate, has already backed out from its partnership with Megawide Construction Corporation. GMR has pulled out of the project and is no longer investing a dime for the NAIA expansion.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020

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EDITORIAL

group discussions with community women and the effects of the pandemic on them and their families are discussed among other issues. While the FGDs have not been completed, reports from women in Quezon City, Bulacan, Laguna, and Quezon Province have been consistent. Family members who used to have regular jobs are now unemployed. Those engaged in informal work have also been seriously affected. Most sources of earnings have stopped and whatever small capital they had is now gone because of family survival. The poverty they experience now is worse than before.

By sheer necessity, people are trying to find, or are engaging in alternative sources of livelihood. This is done across economic classes primarily using online platforms.

The use of internet technology is something that ordinary women have to learn and are trying to. In our FGDs, a good number of poor women particularly in rural areas said that selling is now their families’ major source of income. Many have started selling food they cook in their neighborhoods. Gardening, which used to be a hobby is now a livelihood activity as they also join the “plantita/plantito” craze.

Even in Metro Manila, food is sold left and right online. A few friends took online professional cooking classes and are now marketing their creations. An engineer friend learned baking and now sells his breads, cookies, and pastries. Another engineer friend now flies fruits from Davao and sells them in the Metro. A few friends who have farms have been selling their harvests. Plants and gardening supplies are marketed online by numerous sellers. An enterprising teen mother buys clothes from ukay-ukay near their community and resells them online targeting other young people who do a lot of videos for Tiktok.

I have seen a few acquaintances working in the development sector who, unknown to me, are artists too, again take out their brushes and paint to create art for selling.

These are difficult times in many respects and people are trying to cope and survive using their own means, talents, and skills. It will be quite hard to sustain without government intervention. Every day, more and more Filipinos join the millions of unemployed. Poverty level is skyrocketing. Businesses are shrinking and many are closing.

As already said several times by President Duterte, his administration no longer has money for those needing assistance.

In fact, the bigger part of the proposed national budget for 2021 will be sourced from borrowing. Sure, the government intends to already open the economy. However, doing this should be coupled with strong measures for COVID-19 prevention. Government must also create jobs and not only rely on the private sector that is already very severely affected.

While joblessness should be arrested, the government and all of us must continue to arrest the pandemic. @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

Questions on NAIA expansion project NAKED THOUGHT

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

In the hearing, Nograles asked Secretary Arthur Tugade on why the DoTr is giving favorable concessions to Megawide even with clear knowledge that the company does not have the money to guarantee the completion of the project.

A week before that, Nograles wrote Tugade a letter expressing his concern on the “continuing consideration of Megawide’s unsolicited proposal for the expansion of the Manila International Airport.”

The law sets some standards.

“It is therefore very alarming that your office negotiated and approved that there will be no minimum equity requirements on the part of the project proponent. This accommodation was not extended to the previous mega-consortium and may be considered in violation of Republic Act 3019, otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for giving unwarranted benefits, advantage, or preference to a private party,” Nograles reminded Tugade in his letter.

Republic Act 6957 or the BOT Law as amended by RA 7718, clearly requires private sector project proponents to have an “adequate financial base to implement said project consisting of equity and firm commitments from reputable financial institutions to provide, upon award, sufficient credit lines to cover the estimated cost of the project.”

Rule 5, Section 5.4.c of the Implementing Rules and Regulation of Republic Act 6957

Mental health in the time of COVID

T

HE unheralded COVID-19 pandemic, which forced millions of Filipinos quarantined at home for much of nearly seven months since March 17, has taken its toll on the population’s psychological resilience.

standing up to the challenge of the insuperable coronavirus.

We ask the authorities, today and any other day during and post-pandemic time, not to turn a blind eye on mental health issues that have crashed on Filipinos—from as far south as Tawi Tawi to as far north as Batanes—during these difficult months.

There are many factors: The virus continues to spread and claim more lives, the domestic economy has fallen into recession for the first time in 29 years with a record slump in the second quarter, the lockdown measures limit mobility and opportunities for earning a living, and there is no certainty as how students will cope with new modes of learning.

It is but appropriate that today, assigned as World Mental Health Day with the theme “Mental Health for All: Greater Investment—Greater Access,” we put focus on mental health issues that, absent official figures notwithstanding, need to be addressed by health authorities while

Family members, online communities and the government all have a role to play.

There is little epidemiological evidence on mental disorders in the Philippines, but some relevant data are available.

For example, 14 percent of a population of 1.4 million Filipinos with disabilities were identified to have a mental disorder, according to the latest available figures from the Philippines Statistics Authority.

Officials have said four of the most common mental illnesses Filipino people are facing are schizophrenia, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression, driven up the wall by the controlled mobility, loss of jobs and anxiety over what the future may have for them, as well as fear for their own and their loved ones’ health.

With the lack of resources due to the poor socioeconomic status of many Filipinos, they develop physical sickness and insecurity, which make them more vulnerable to depression. This is true for Filipinos of whatever age.

Mental health issues, already formidable to begin with, became even more insurmountable during this difficult time.

Worse, professional services intended to help those suffering from these issues have been halted or limited.

But as always, we do what we can. Given the lack of structured support for those affected by overwhelming and lingering mental issues, family members, online communities and other circles, as well as the government all have a role to play.

Gone haywire ONLY after sitting on the petition for eleven months did the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, presided by procrastinating justice Marvic Leonen, decide to seek the opinion of the Office of the Solicitor General and Commission on Elections on the issue of jurisdiction to justify his dismissal pending the outcome of the long awaited decision.

As the petitioner would comment, the annulment of election: 1) Is an exercise of the judicial function by the PET; 2) Only the results connected in the areas contested in the election protest are considered; and 3) The only question to be determined by the PET is who between the candidates garnered the majority of the valid votes cast.

BBM never asked for a declaration of a failure of elections which is totally different and a distinct cause of action under our election laws. The remedy sought is for the annulment of the election results in the provinces of Lanao Del Sur, Basilan and Maguindanao which is recognized by the 2010 Rules of the PET under Rule 73.

This absolutely anti-Marcos bigot who is now the presiding justice of the Presidential Electoral Tribunal wants to make a fool of himself when it is evident that R.A. No. 1793 approved on June 21, 1957, provides in Section 3 that the PET shall decide the contest within 20 months after it was filed, and within said period shall declare who among the parties has been elected by a majority vote of the members of the Congress in a joint session assembled.

This justice knows that RA 1793 was not amended when the 1987 Constitution was drafted, meaning that all contests and quesclearly states that “the prospective Project Proponent must have adequate capability to sustain the financing requirements for the detailed engineering design, Construction and/or operation and maintenance phases of the project, as the case may be.”

It also states that the Agency/LGU concerned shall determine on a project-to-project basis, and before pre- qualification, the minimum amount of equity needed. For purposes of pre-qualification, this capability shall be measured in terms of proof of the ability of the prospective Project Proponent and/or the consortium to provide: For the equity, RA 6957 requires: (a) a minimum amount of equity to the project measured in terms of the net worth of the company, or in the case of consortia, the net worth of the lead member or the combined net worth of members, or (b) a set-aside deposit equivalent to the minimum equity required.

But in its public disclosures of its present financial state, Megawide is clearly in the red which could have been the cause of worry for the ICC. Megawide disclosed for the first half of 2020 alone, it has suffered losses amounting to P398 million.

Its consolidated revenues had dipped by a whopping 21 percent.

For a company that has a net worth of only P 17.998 billion, the ICC and the PPP Center has determined that Megawide is financially incapable for the P 107-billion NAIA expansion project. Not only that, despite questionable liquidity, Megawide managed to bag other multi-billion PPP projects.

These projects include the Philippine National Railway’s P18-billion Manila-Clark railway project, the P90.1-billion Mactan-Cebu airport project, the P12.5-billion Clark airport project and the P12.8-billion project with

tions related to the position of President and Vice President shall be decided by the PET and that the PET is mandated to finish its assignment within 24 months from the filing of the petition. The exclusivity of jurisdiction is reiterated in Article VII, par. 6 of Section 4 of the Constitution to quote: “The Supreme Court sitting en banc shall be the sole judge of all contests related to the election, returns, and qualifications of the President or Vice President, and may promulgate its rules for the purpose.” This is reiterated in 2010 Rules of the PET, Rule 13, on jurisdiction, to quote: “The Tribunal shall be the sole judge of all contests relating to election, returns and qualifications of the President and the Vice-President of the Philippines.”

Justice Leonen could have answered his own question.

All of a sudden, this Rip Van Winkle justice was awakened after this column wrote that for four years and a half, he slept on the petition, and now demanding issues to be decided which is clearly outside the scope of his jurisdiction before coming out with a decision of the petition. Rule 13 of the 2010 PET Rules is clear. The Order of the PET to comment is it wants to know if special elections were held in these areas, and the results of these elections and is seeking Comelec’s comment on certain issues involving Marcos’ third cause of action on the annulment of elections, which he knows should have been resolved by the tribunal but did not.

The ludicrous justice of the PET is now the Department of Education.

Megawide is undertaking all these multi-billion PPP projects with just P17.998-billion net worth. In short, Megawide is too broke and its resources spread too thin but the DoTr awarded the NAIA expansion project to them anyway.

Just few days ago, Megawide chairman and CEO Edgar Saavedra announced that they are tapping into the capital market, hoping to raise up to P8 billion in fresh capital “to fund its growth program which includes the redevelopment of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.”

Megawide said it is targeting to raise P3 billion from the issuance of new preferred shares with an oversubscription option of up to P5 billion.

This announcement made by Megawide could be seen as proof that the company managed to secure PPP contracts without the actual requirement that is prescribed under the BOT Law and the Government Reform and Procurement Act. Responding to Nograles on behalf of Tugade during the House hearing, DoTr Undersecretary for Planning and Development Ruben Reinoso admitted that Megawide is non-compliant with the needed documentary requirement which could prove that the company is financially capable to pursue the airport expansion project.

“We are still awaiting the compliance of the consortium on the requirement of ICC (NEDA Investment Coordination Committee) so that we can review them and submit them to the ICC for their own appreciation and evaluation if it is compliant with the requirement of the ICC,” Reinoso admitted.

Reinoso said that Megawide submitted some documents but did not satisfy the requirement of the ICC. Why was the project awarded to Megawide then? Clearly, this statement of Reinoso could be interpreted as an admission that the DoTr committed something illegal that is tanta-

asking whether there was an election held in the three questioned provinces and that an election was marred by terrorism, intimidation and harassment of voters and pre-shading of ballots. Clearly, Leonen could have answered his own question as it was his tribunal that heard from the parties and could have verified what happened in that election.

This justice knows that the PET has jurisdiction over the case; allowed the petitioner to submit his evidence in support of its cause of action, yet now raises certain unresolved issues not within his jurisdiction after allowing the petition to hibernate for four and a half years. Leonen now comes out with a nasty question in the guise of raising jurisdiction by asking the Comelec whether it has jurisdiction over which the Constitution and by R.A. No. 1793 that has long been resolved as exclusive to the Supreme Court, specifically to the PET. He now drags the Comelec and the SolGen to cover his ignorance about his claim of “unresolved” issues they themselves left open to warrant the dismissal of the petition rather make an honest-to-goodness recount of the ballots. It is like a justice asking an elementary student what he is going to do with the problem he is tasked with.

To reiterate, it is too late now for Justice Leonen to raise this issue for it is clear the PET acquired jurisdiction and have long declared that the protest is sufficient in form and substance in accordance with Rule 21 of the 2010 PET Rules. Besides, Bongbong Marcos never sought the declaration of a failure of election as a relief to any of his causes of action. In fact, there is a whale of difference between annulment of elections and failure of elections except that Leonen failed to digest what it means. mount to graft. The law requires that a contract must be awarded only to a proponent which has already fully satisfied the prescribed documentary requirement.

And while Megawide is harping about its past projects that include the Mactan International Airport, this cannot be used to justify the awarding of a PPP contract without compliance to the standards set by law.

This project would ultimately turn the NAIA into privately run airport for the next 25 years as stipulated in its contract, and this would mean higher terminal fees and higher cost of other airport services.

This writer tried to reach out to DoTr and Megawide, and would welcome clarifications from them should they feel the need to reply.

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Moscow agrees to host truce talks

A

RMENIA and Azerbaijan have agreed to their first talks on ending the fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh, Russia said Friday, as fierce clashes over the disputed region showed no signs of abating.

Russia’s foreign ministry confirmed that senior diplomats from the two countries are joining talks in the Russian capital following a late-night appeal on Thursday from President Vladimir Putin.

“Baku and Yerevan have confirmed their participation,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told AFP, adding that preparations were underway.

Armenian and Azerbaijan defence officials said fierce clashes continued overnight Thursday to Friday and reported further civilian deaths after Putin announced the meeting in Moscow and appealed for a ceasefire on humanitarian grounds.

Fighting erupted between Armenian separatists and Azerbaijan’s army late last month over the disputed region in Azerbaijan that declared independence following a war in the 1990s.

Both sides have dismissed mounting calls to end the fighting that has claimed some 400 lives including dozens of civilians, and Azerbaijan has said it is determined to capture the majority-Armenian province.

The Kremlin said late Thursday that following a series of calls with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, Putin was calling for an end to hostilities in Karabakh “in order to exchange dead bodies and prisoners”.The two countries’ foreign ministers were invited to the Russian capital to broker an end to the hostilities in talks mediated by the Russian foreign ministry, the Kremlin said.

Diplomatic efforts to find a lasting solution to the decades-old stalemate have faltered since a precarious ceasefire was agreed in 1994.

Mounting civilian toll

Putin’s announcement of talks in Moscow came shortly after international mediators from France, Russia and the United States launched their first efforts to resolve the fighting in Geneva.

The countries make up the “Minsk Group” that has sought a solution to the Karabakh conflict since the 1990s but have failed to stop sporadic outbreaks of fighting, including the most deadly clashes in decades this month.

But the negotiations in Geneva went ahead without Armenia, which refused to participate if the fighting was ongoing, and there were no public statements following the closed-door talks.

Since the fighting restarted both sides have accused the other of shelling areas populated by civilians and thousands of people have been displaced by the clashes.

The administrative centre of the disputed region, Stepanakert, is dotted with wide craters and unexploded ordinance following days of intermittent shelling but the city was calm Friday morning, an AFP journalist said. AFP

IN BRIEF Yemeni children return to schools ruined by war WITH its walls pounded by artillery, roofs torn open and concrete beams in shreds, AlWehdah school lies in ruins as students return for the first day of Yemen’s school year.

At the school near Taez, the third-biggest city in a country shattered by years of war between the government and Iran-backed Huthi rebels, there are no doors or windows, let alone desks.

Instead the students use old exercise books to jot down their lessons, as they sit in makeshift classrooms with a handful of teachers brave enough to join them under crumbling ceilings.

Yet in a country where nearly a third of children don’t go to school at all, these are the lucky ones.

Al-Wehdah school was hit in a 2016 air strike.

Ali Sultan, a parent of one of the students, points out to AFP a warning sign in red letters written on a perimeter wall.

“Beware of Mines,” it reads.

The school is located in the middle of a minefield, that was partially cleared to allow the students to return. AFP

Captive 75-year old French aid worker finally freed FRENCH aid worker Sophie Petronin will be welcomed home

by President Emmanuel Macron Friday afer suspected jihadist hostage-takers freed the 75-yearold from nearly four years of captivity in Mali.

Petronin was released along with a top Malian politician and two Italian hostages late Thursday.

The last French citizen known to have been held hostage anywhere in the world since her abduction in 2016, a white-robed Petronin was embraced by her son as she touched down in Mali’s capital, Bamako.

A plane bringing her to France left Mali on Friday morning and was expected to touch down at 12.30 pm (1030 GMT) at Villacoublay south of Paris, where she will be met by Macron, the presidency said.

The president spoke of “immense relief” at the septugenarian’s release.

Malian politician Soumaila Cisse, a three-time presidential candidate and former opposition leader, was also hugged by loved ones and greeted by cheering crowds on his way home. AFP

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA— Traffic is jammed on I-10 westbound amid evacuations ahead of Hurricane Delta on October 8, 2020 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Residents along the Gulf Coast are bracing for the arrival of Hurricane Delta which is expected to make landfall in Louisiana on October 9. AFP

US evacuates people as Hurricane Delta nears THE US National Guard was mobilized and people on the Louisiana coast evacuated from their homes Friday as a strengthening hurricane bore down that officials say threatens a deadly storm surge and flash flooding.

Hurricane Delta earlier swept over the western Gulf of Mexico, where it ripped up trees and tore down power lines, and will slam into areas on the US seaboard badly battered by another massive storm just weeks ago.

“I don’t even know if we’ll have a house when we come back,” said Kimberly Hester, who lives in Lake Charles, Louisiana—right in the path of the storm.

“I just pray to God every night we can at least have a house to come home to”.

Hurricane Delta was packing sustained winds of 120 mph (195 kph) on Friday, the US National Hurricane Cen-

ter (NHC) said, with landfall expected Friday evening.

It is now a Category 3 storm, which means “devastating damage” may occur, according to the NHC. The Center warned that a “life-threatening storm surge” was expected along portions of the northern Gulf Coast, with a predicted swell of up to 11 feet (3 meters).

The hurricane earlier barreled into Mexico’s Yucatan region, which escaped major destruction, with no reports of deaths.

Battered US Gulf Many along the Louisiana coastline have yet to recover from Hurricane Laura, which struck near the end of August as a strong Category 4 storm on the five-level Saffir-Simpson scale.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards urged residents to be extremely careful with Delta, and announced that

2,400 National Guard personnel had been mobilized to aid locals.

Hurricane Delta would hit “in the area of our state that is least prepared to take it,” Edwards said late Thursday.

“To the people of Southwest Louisiana, I know you are strong. I also know you are about to be tested again. Please finish making preparations now We will get through this.”

In the city of Lake Charles, where torn planks of wood, uprooted trees and debris from Hurricane Laura still litter the streets, Shannon Fuselier drilled plywood over the windows of a friend’s home as protection from flying debris.

Many neighborhood houses are covered with tarps from previous hurricane damage, and the home Fuselier was working on had already suffered roof damage from a fallen tree and smashed windows during Laura. AFP

MASSACRE REMEMBERED. A woman lays flowers for the victims of the Thammasat University massacre on October 6, 1976, during the annual commemoration ceremony for the event at Thammasat University in Bangkok. AFP

13 men arrested for plotting to kidnap Michigan State governor THIRTEEN men, including members of two right-wing militias, have been arrested for plotting to kidnap the Democratic governor of the US state of Michigan and “instigate a civil war,” officials said Thursday.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer thanked law enforcement for thwarting the kidnap plot and rebuked President Donald Trump for failing to condemn hate groups.

Announcing the arrests, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel described the conspiracy to kidnap the 49-yearold Whitmer as a “serious and credible threat.”

Andrew Birge, US attorney for the western district of Michigan, said six men were facing federal charges for conspiring to kidnap hitmer from her vacation home.

Birge said they had conducted surveillance of her residence and even tested a home-made bomb they intended to use to divert law enforcement away from her home.

FBI agents and Michigan police arrested them on Wednesday as they met to “pool funds for explosives and exchange tactical gear,” the Justice Department said.

Trump has repeatedly attacked Whitmer over her tough coronavirus lockdown, and armed right-wing groups have staged protests against her in the state capital Lansing.

“LIBERATE MICHIGAN!” Trump tweeted in April.

Late Thursday Trump showed little sympathy when he commented via Twitter.

“Rather than say thank you” for the

FBI action, Trump said, “she calls me a White Supremacist.”

Without explicitly condemning the plotters, Trump said: “I do not tolerate ANY extreme violence. Defending ALL Americans, even those who oppose and attack me, is what I will always do as your President!”

Whitmer said that when she took the oath of office “I knew this job would be hard,” but “never could have imagined anything like this.”

She added: “We are not one another’s enemy. This virus is our enemy.”

Whitmer pointed to Trump’s refusal at the recent debate with Democrat Joe Biden to condemn white supremacists and “hate groups” like the two Michigan militias that allegedly targeted her.

“Stand back and stand by, he told them,” she said.

“Hate groups heard the president’s words not as a rebuke but as a rallying cry, as a call to action,” she added.

“When our leaders meet with, encourage, or fraternize with domestic terrorists they legitimize their actions, they are complicit.”

Biden also sought to pin some blame on the Republican president.

Biden said in a statement that he spoke with Whitmer--who was on the shortlist to become his vice presidential candidate-and commended the FBI and law enforcement “for their work to prevent this deranged act by emboldened domestic terrorists.”

He said that Trump “is giving oxygen to the bigotry and hate we see on the march in our country. We have to stop it.” AFP

Neo-Nazis fuels anti-Semitic attack in German city GRAFFITI tributes to mark one year since a deadly anti-Semitic attack in the German city of Halle have been sprayed over with swastikas, police said on Friday.

A left-wing group called Antifa Halle had sprayed stencil images with the names of the two victims of the October 2019 attack in various locations across the city on Sunday night, according to a report in the Bild daily.

But some of the images with the inscription “Never forget -- Kevin and Jana” were smeared with red swastikas on Thursday night, the eve of the anniversary of the Halle attack, the report said.

An investigation has been launched and work has begun to remove the swastikas, police told AFP. The attack targeting a synagogue in Halle on October 9, 2019 came during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, and was one of the worst acts of anti-Semitic violence in Germany’s post-war history.

A neo-Nazi suspect, 28-year-old Stephan Balliet, is currently on trial for the attack and has told the court it was “not a mistake”.

The suspect had sought to storm the synagogue, but when the door failed to break down, he shot dead a female passerby and a man at a kebab shop instead, named as Jana L. and Kevin S. by German media.

The Antifa Halle group said in a statement sent to media that its graffiti was intended to draw attention to the fact that nothing has changed a year on from the attack, according to Bild.

Anti-Semitic crimes have risen steadily in Germany in recent years, with 2,032 offences recorded in 2019, up 13 percent on the previous year.

They have sparked soul-searching in Germany, which has placed a huge emphasis on atoning for the murder of six million European Jews by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime during World War II. AFP

Philadelphia residents cast early votes HUNDREDS of voters line up for Joe Biden: less than a month before the presidential election, images from Philadelphia are likely to irritate Donald Trump who says the Democratic stronghold is a potential source of fraud.

This week, a line of voters wearing masks stretched around the town hall of the largest city in the swing state of Pennsylvania to cast “mail-in ballots” for the Democratic candidate under the supervision of municipal employees and police.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, for the first time, this year, any voters in this key state can request a ballot by mail, and then return it via post or drop it off in person at a temporary office to ensure it is counted on time.

Since these offices opened on September 29, thousands of citizens have dropped off their ballots early, with several hundred thousand expected to have done so by polling day on November 3.

In 2016, 82 percent of voters in Philadelphia plucked for Hillary Clinton and Trump is unlikely to fare better this year.

All but one of 16 people asked by AFP said they were voting for Biden.

Nancy Rasmussen, 74, said she felt like November 3 had arrived already.

“I gotta be here. Because it’s so important (to get rid of Trump), so I’ll stand in a long line to get this vote in,” she said, teary-eyed.

Kenneth Graitzer, a retired librarian, said he chose to vote in advance because he considers it “safer” due to heightened political tensions, which include Trump calling on his supporters to monitor polling stations.

“I’m afraid of him, and I’m afraid of people that are on the edge, that think that he’s a god. And I just think he’s a danger to the country, and it’s been a disaster,” he said.

Curtis Adams, a bar owner and art historian, said he had no fear of intimidation but he still felt happier getting his vote in early.

“I didn’t want to take a chance on my vote not being counted. I had to wait an hour or two, but I wanted to get it in,” he said.

Lisa Deeley, the chairwoman of the city’s commissioners, which oversees voting, said early voting had been “tremendously popular” but added that “the pressure is real” to ensure the elections are conducted properly.AFP

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Standard Standard TODAY TODAY

PSEi October 9, 2020

TOP GAINERS

Stocks slip; SM Prime, JG Summit lead losers

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TOCKS fell slightly Friday on profit taking on uncertainty about the chances of a fresh US stimulus package as talks for a broader agreement appeared to be back on.

TOP LOSERS

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index slipped 11.05 points, or 0.2 percent, to 5,931.61 on a value turnover of P5.6 billion. Gainers, however, beat losers, 119 to 76, with 43 issues unchanged.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. of the Sy Group fell 2.2 percent to P29.10, while JG Summit Holdings Inc. of the Gokongwei Group declined 1.6 percent to P62.80.

Dito CME Holdings Corp., the third major telecommunications firm, however, rose 7.3 percent to P6.16, while Now

Corp. of the Velarde family advanced 5.5 percent to P4.77.

The rest of Asian markets drifted Friday. Global markets were jolted after President Trump on Tuesday told his team to stop discussions with Democrats so that lawmakers could concentrate on passing his Supreme Court nomination.

However, he then tweeted that he wanted the two sides to pass legislation giving $1,200 handouts to struggling Americans and supporting small businesses and airlines, providing a bounce for equities.

Wall Street provided another positive lead but Asian markets struggled to maintain any momentum.

Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Jakarta and Bangkok were slightly lower, while Sydney was barely moved. Wellington and Mumbai were slightly higher.

Shanghai jumped more than one per-

cent, though, as traders in mainland China returned from their Golden Week holiday.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi rejected the call for piecemeal measures and insisted a broad deal was needed, though acknowledged Thursday that discussions were ongoing with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

“We’ve told the White House we’re at the table, we want to continue the conversation,” she said, adding that “we’ve made some progress.”

Meanwhile, on the same day, Trump told Fox Business Network: “Well, I shut down talks two days ago because they weren’t working out. Now they are starting to work out, we’re starting to have some very productive talks.”

Axios reported that the about-turn came after the president became concerned about the negative market reaction to the talks being called off. With AFP

MOST ACTIVE

2-WEEK CLOSURE. Customers have drinks in Jackson’s Bar in the city center of Glasgow on October 8, 2020, on the eve of a

two-week closure of pubs due to an increase in the number of cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Scotland, on October 7, 2020, ordered a two-week closure of pubs in the central part of the country including the main cities Glasgow and Edinburgh. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the measures, to last for 16 days from October 9, were designed as “short, sharp action to arrest the worrying increase in infection.” AFP

Mobile games thriving, even as virus keeps players home SAN FRANCISCO—Mobile games are thriving as players turn to them for fun and friendship during the pandemic, with increasing numbers of women joining the trend.

“Being stuck at home has not stopped people from playing games on their phones,” said SensorTower mobile insights strategist Craig Chapple.

“To the contrary, mobile gaming is more popular than ever.”

Smartphone game play involves taps on touch screens with just a few moments of play at a time, often while sipping coffee or waiting for transit, in contrast to the console games with immersive worlds that can span hours.

Mobile games appeal to a broader demographic than do shooters and other genres popular on console or PC gamers.

More than 40 percent of mobile gamers are women, according to research firms Newzoo and Statista. That differs from gamers using consoles or personal computers, who are more likely to be males age 12 to 35 years old, according to analysts.

“We’ve had loads of people forced inside during lock-downs in need of entertainment,” said Futuresource mobile tech and gaming research analyst Morris Garrard.

“Gaming being one of the most interactive and engaging forms of entertainment has seen a significant boost.”

According to the mobile consultancy App Annie, spending on mobile gaming is expected to see strong growth this year and top $100 billion.

Popular titles include Candy Crush Saga, Honor of Kings, Pokemon Go and Gardenscapes.

Many mobile games are free to download and rely on massive numbers of people spending a little on things like extra lives, virtual outfits, or items that boost in-game abilities.

And, paying a dollar or so to upgrade to an ad-free version of a mobile game is seen by some as a bargain. AFP

‘Ghost island’ Phuket hunkers down IMF: Ending lockdowns no guarantee of quick rebound in Thailand; 3,000 hotels, bars empty

By Sophie Deviller Thanaporn Promyamyai PHUKET, Thailand—Phuket’s go-go dancers sit playing on their phones in empty bars lining deserted streets as the Thai tourist island reels from the ravages of the pandemic with little sign of any recovery soon.

Swimming pools are empty, chairs are stacked high in deserted restaurants and normally packed beaches are so quiet they are even seeing rare species of sea turtle arriving to nest.

Last year, more than nine million tourists visited Phuket, the kingdom’s second most popular destination after Bangkok.

Today, nearly all the island’s 3,000 hotels are closed and the main town of Patong has become a “ghost town,” says local tycoon Preechawut Keesin, who owns five nightclubs and around 600 hotel rooms.

Thailand has so far remained relatively unscathed from the global outbreak with around 3,600 confirmed cases and just a few dozen deaths.

But the kingdom’s decision to concentrate on beating the virus has dealt a brutal blow to the economy, which is expected to contract 7-9 percent this year and leave millions unemployed.

“My boss wants to help the staff keep their jobs, but I don’t think we can survive after the end of the year,” sighs Jantima Tongsrijern, manager of Pum Pui bar.

‘Worse than tsunami’ In normal times, 80 percent of the island’s profits come from tourism, a

sector that employs more than 300,000 people.

Tens of thousands of those who have lost their jobs have returned to their home provinces.

Life is hard for those sticking it out.

Some have accepted huge pay cuts, while others have little choice but to join the long lines at the food distribution centers or scrape together an income where they can.

Bar owner Orathai Sidel says she used to make 100,000 baht ($3,200) a month in high season.

With her business a victim of the pandemic, she now sells desserts from a streetside cart, making just $3 a day to try to cover her children’s school fees.

“We’re just fighting to survive,” says fellow street vendor Poi, fired in June from the restaurant where she used to work.

Phuket has been due to welcome Thailand’s first foreign tourists since April in a cautious experiment by the kingdom, but their arrival keeps being pushed back.

And the two-week compulsory quarantine and high price tag—several thousand dollars a person—will mean this is a niche market.

“We will have to focus on developing local customers and individual travelers rather than mass tourism,” says Preechawut Keesin.

Before the pandemic, domestic holiday-makers only made up 30 percent of visitors to Phuket, prompting the local tourism industry to rethink its business model. AFP

WASHINGTON—Business shut- rates hit the economy as well, mak- more effective in containing the downs amid the coronavirus pan- ing people less willing to venture spread of the illness, and could be demic imposed an economic cost, out. lifted sooner, compared to restricbut removing restrictions is no guar“By bringing infections under tions imposed after the case level antee of a quick recovery unless control, lockdowns may thus pave had risen. the virus is defeated, the IMF said the way to a faster economic recovBut the authors caution that “as Thursday. ery as people feel more comfortable long as significant health risks perVoluntary social distancing played about resuming normal activities,” sist, economic activity is likely to nearly as large a role in the economic the report said. remain subdued.” impact of Covid-19 as the forced reThe Washington-based crisis lendThey repeated Georgieva’s call strictions, the IMF said in its World er in June projected a nearly five for officials to resist the impulse Economic Outlook (WEO) chapter percent global recession this year, to withdraw policy support too on lockdown effects. but IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva quickly and instead should “preUsing mobility data from Google this week said new data show the serve spending on social safety and Vodafone, the report found that situation is “less dire” although cer- nets.” voluntary social distancing made tainly not rosy.

That said, governments should an “important contribution” to the The IMF is due to release the up- implement measures that support recession, which “should caution dated WEO forecasts on Tuesday. economic activity while continuing against expecting a quick economThe report showed strict lock- social distancing, including workic rebound once lockdowns are downs early in the pandemic were from-home programs. AFP lifted.”

Manila Manila BENGUETCORPORATION CORPORATION Standard BENGUET “This is especially rel- Standard TODAY Flr.Universal–Re Universal–ReBuilding Building TODAY 77ththFlr. evant for countries that lift 106Paseo Paseode deRoxas, Roxas,1226 1226Makati MakatiCity City 106 lockdowns prematurely, ANNOUNCEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT when infections are still relNoticeisishereby herebygiven giventhat thatthe theAnnual AnnualStockholders’ Stockholders’Meeting Meetingof ofBenguet BenguetCorporation Corporationwill willbe beheld heldon on atively high,” the IMF said. Notice Wednesday,November November11, 11,2020 2020at at33o’clock o’clockp.m. p.m.at atthe theCompany’s Company’sBoard BoardRoom, Room,7th 7thFloor FloorUniversal Universal Despite the short-term Wednesday, ReBuilding.

Building.106 106Paseo Paseode deRoxas, Roxas,1226 1226Makati MakatiCity, City,Philippines.

Philippines.

Re economic costs, lockdowns The Company Company will will not not hold hold aa physical physical meeting, meeting, but but will will conduct conduct the theASM ASM virtually virtually via via livestreaming livestreaming may lead to a faster eco- The throughwww.benguetcorp.com. www.benguetcorp.com. through nomic recovery by containTheagenda agendaof ofthe themeeting meetingprovides, provides,among amongothers: others: ing the virus and reducing The voluntary social distancing, 1.1. For Forelection electionof ofthe theBoard Boardof ofDirectors; Directors; 2. Approval Approvalof ofMinutes Minutesof ofthe theannual annualstockholders’ stockholders’meeting meetingheld heldon onNovember November7, 7,2019; 2019; according to the research.

2.

Approvalof ofManagement ManagementReport Reportand andAudited AuditedFinancial FinancialStatements Statementsfor for2019; 2019; Approval But the IMF rejected the 3.3.

4. Approval Approval of of re-appointment re-appointment of of Sycip Sycip Gorres Gorres Velayo Velayo and and Company Company (SGV) (SGV) as as the the Company’s Company’s 4. debate as a simple tradeoff independentexternal externalauditor; auditor; independent 5. Ratification Ratification of of all all acts, acts, contracts, contracts, resolutions resolutions and and proceedings proceedings made made and and entered entered into into by by between lives and liveli- 5.

Management and/or and/or the the Board Board of of Directors Directors since since November November 5, 5, 2019 2019 until until the the date date of of the the 2020 2020 Management hoods, since rising infection AnnualStockholders’ Stockholders’Meeting; Meeting; Annual 6. Such Such other other matters matters as as may may properly properly come come before before the the meeting meeting and and which which are are not not known known to to 6. managementbeforehand beforehandat ataareasonable reasonabletime, time,including includingto toadjourn adjournthe themeeting meetingfor forup upto toninety ninety management (90)days daysfrom fromNovember November11, 11,2020 2020ififthe theelection electionof ofdirectors directorsisisenjoined enjoinedas asof ofthe themeeting meetingdate. date.

(90)

NO OT T II C CE E N Notice isis hereby hereby given given that that VIRKAR VIRKAR REALTY REALTY Notice CORPORATIONwith withoffice officeaddress addressatat2nd 2ndFloor FloorOPM OPM CORPORATION Center,Bldg.

Bldg.3,3,2295 2295Chino ChinoRoces RocesAvenue AvenueExtension, Extension, Center, MakatiCity Cityisisapplying applyingfor forregistration registrationwith withthe theBoard Boardofof Makati Investments(BOI) (BOI)as asNew NewDeveloper DeveloperofofEconomic Economicand and Investments Low-Cost Housing Housing Project Project under under the the Preferred Preferred ListListLow-Cost MassHousing Housing(Mercedes (MercedesHomes HomesPadre PadrePio-Parcel Pio-Parcel Mass 1)with withaacapacity capacityofof310 310house houseand andlot lotunits unitson onaaNonNon1) Pioneer status, with project site located at Brgy.San San Pioneer status, with project site located at Brgy.

IsidroNorte, Norte,Sto. Sto.Tomas, Tomas,Batangas.

Batangas.

Isidro Any person person with with valid valid objection/s objection/s on on the the aboveaboveAny mentionedproject projectmay mayfile filehis/her his/herobjection objectionininwriting, writing, mentioned underoath, oath,with withthe theBOI BOIwithin withinthree three(3) (3)days daysfrom fromthe the under dateofofthis thispublication. publication. date

Aerial file photo taken on October 01, 2020 shows empty swimming pools at a hotel on Patong beach in Phuket. Today, nearly all the island’s 3,000 hotels are closed and the main town of Patong has become a “ghost town,” says local tycoon Preechawut Keesin, who owns five night clubs and around 600 hotel rooms, during a recent interview. AFP

(SGD)ANGELITA ANGELITAF.F.ARCELLANA ARCELLANA (SGD) Director Director Infrastructureand andServices ServicesIndustries IndustriesService Service Infrastructure (MS-OCT.10, 10,2020) 2020) (MS-OCT.

Stockholdersintending intendingto toparticipate participateininthe themeeting meetingvia viaremote remotecommunication communicationand andexercise exercisetheir theirright right Stockholders to vote in absentia should first register and be authorized. Stockholders should notify the Company on to vote in absentia should first register and be authorized. Stockholders should notify the Company on or before before November November 3, 3, 2020 2020 by by email email to toASMregister@benguetcorp.com ASMregister@benguetcorp.com attaching attaching aa scanned scanned copy copy or of a valid government-issued identification card (ID) for registration and verification purposes. Indirect of a valid government-issued identification card (ID) for registration and verification purposes. Indirect stockholders should include in their email their broker’s certification of shareholding. Stockholders who stockholders should include in their email their broker’s certification of shareholding. Stockholders who cannotattend attendby byremote remotecommunication communicationcan canstill stillbe berepresented representedand andvote voteat atthe themeeting meetingby bysubmitting submitting cannot proxy.AAcopy copy of of the the proxy proxy form form containing containing instruction instruction on on each each item item on on the theAgenda Agenda that that requires requires aa proxy. stockholdersvote voteisisdownloadable downloadableininthe theCompany’s Company’swebsite websitewww.benguetcorp.com. www.benguetcorp.com. stockholders The Information Information Statement Statement (SEC (SEC Form Form 20-IS) 20-IS) with with the the Management Management Report Report and and other other pertinent pertinent The documents, the Annual Report 2019 (SEC Form 17-A), and the 2020 Second Quarter Report (SEC documents, the Annual Report 2019 (SEC Form 17-A), and the 2020 Second Quarter Report (SEC Form 17Q) as filed with the SEC and PSE are available for downloading at the Company’s website Form 17Q) as filed with the SEC and PSE are available for downloading at the Company’s website www.benguetcorp.com and in the online system of PSE Edge Portal https://edge.pse.com.ph. www.benguetcorp.com and in the online system of PSE Edge Portal https://edge.pse.com.ph.

Byauthority authorityof ofthe theBoard Boardof ofDirectors Directors By (Sgd.)HERMOGENE HERMOGENEH. H.REAL REAL (Sgd.) CorporateSecretary Secretary Corporate (MS-OCT.9 9&&10, 10,2020) 2020) (MS-OCT.

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Business

Converge pegs IPO price at P16.80 October power rates set to rise P0.12 per kWh

By Alena Mae S. Flores MANILA Electric Company said Friday the overall rate for a typical household will rise P0.1212 per kilowatthour to P8.5500 per kWh in October from P8.4288 per kWh in September.

Meralco said the new rate is equivalent to an increase of around P24 in the monthly bill of residential customers consuming 200 kWh. The rates went up after five consecutive months of power rate reduction.

Meralco said the month’s overall rate was still lower by P0.5362 per kWh compared with P9.0862 per kWh in October 2019.

“The net rate reduction since the start of the year is still well over P1 per kWh,” the power retailer sad.

Meralco attributed the higher rates this month to increased generation charges brought about by tighter power supply in the Luzon grid.

Power generation charges rose P0.1373 per kWh to P4.2233 in October from P4.0860 in September.

After six straight months of reduction totaling P0.5772 per kWh, Meralco said the October generation charges are still P0.4399 per kWh lower than in March.

Meralco said this month’s increase in generation charges was mainly due to the higher Wholesale Electricity Spot Market charges, brought about by tightened supply condition and higher demand.

The WESM operates as the country’s trading floor of electricity.

Meralco said the Malampaya natural gas restriction from Aug. 28 to Sept. 6 and forced outages of several large plants in the first week of September tightened the supply conditions in the Luzon grid.

This led WESM to cap the bids at P32 per kWh, the highest this year, on Sept. 5 and 7 despite the absence of yellow alerts.

The higher Luzon demand and more generation capacity on outages resulted in P1.1605 per kWh increase in the WESM rate.

2 1600

By Jenniffer B. Austria

F

IBER internet provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. said Friday it priced its initial public offering at P16.80 per share, or at the lower end of the indicative price range of P16.50 to P19 apiece.

Converge ICT is expected to raise up P25 billion in proceeds based on the price level. The amount could reach P29 billion once the over-allotment shares were sold.

The offering period for the 1.73 billion shares is set from Oct. 13 to 19.

The maiden offering attracted eight foreign funds as cornerstone investors, including Canadian pension fund OMERS Administration Corp. and USbased fund Thornburg Investment Management Inc. The net proceeds from the primary offering will be used to fund capital expenditures to accelerate the company’s nationwide fiber network rollout.

Converge ICT is conducting the IPO amid volatile market conditions brought about by the pandemic.

The company is on an expansion

mode fueled by strong demand for faster internet connection as most people are working or studying from home, but it is also experiencing increased competition. Telecom players are beefing up their capital spending program to fund expansion projects.

Converge ICT has 750,000 residential customers mostly in and around Metro Manila but plans to reach 55 percent of the total households in the Philippines by 2025..

US-based private equity firm Warburg Pincus is a minority shareholder of the company. Coherent Cloud Investments B.V., a company managed by Warburg Pincus, plans to sell more than 1 billion common shares in Converge ICT. Converge ICT’s earlier prospectus filed with the Philippine Stock Ex-

change showed that Coherent Cloud would convert its 2.045 billion preferred shares in the fiber internet company into common shares at a conversion ratio of 1:1. The conversion will take place on the pricing date of Converge ICT. Morgan Stanley Asia (Singapore) Pte. and UBS AG Singapore Branch are the joint global coordinators and joint bookrunners for the offer, together with Credit Suisse (Singapore) Limited and Merrill Lynch (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. as international joint bookrunners.

The company tapped BPI Capital Corp. as the sole local coordinator and joint local underwriter and joint bookrunner with BDO Capital and Investment Corp.

Converge ICT’s IPO will be the country’s largest since 2013 when Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc. raised P25.13 billion in maiden share offering.

Among the largest IPOs in the country were SM Investments Corp. (P28.75 billion), Cebu Air Inc., (P26.83 billion) and Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (P26.79 billion).

Converge ICT is the second company to list at the Philippine Exchange this year after MerryMart Consumer Corp.

EXPORTS tumbled 18.6 percent in August from a year ago, deeper than the 9.1-percent contraction in July, after the government placed Metro Manila and surrounding provinces under the stricter moderate enhanced community quarantine.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed merchandise exports dropped to $5.12 billion in August from $6.3 million in the same month last year. The figure was also lower than $5.68 billion in July.

Imports dropped 22.6 percent in August to $7.2 billion from $9.3 billion a year ago. Imports were also lower than $7.5 billion recorded in July.

The PSA said the trade deficit declined 30.9 percent to $2.075 billion in August from $3 billion in the same month last year, as both exports and imports fell by double digits because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic to global trade.

This brought the trade shortfall in the first eight months to $14.609 billion, down by 46 percent from the $27.070-billion last year.

“The export earnings in August 2020 marked the sixth month in a row in which value of export had negative growth,” the PSA said. ‘ Total exports from January to August declined by 16.6 percent to $39.29 billion from $47.13 billion a year earlier.

By commodity group, electronic products continued to be the country’s top export with total earnings of $2.93 billion, accounting for 57.1 percent of exports in August.

Imports in the first eight months went down by 27 percent to $53.89 billion from $74.20 billion in the same period last year

-11.05 PTS.

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

5,931.61

9,155,344,606 102,725 5,628,713,909.38 119 76 43

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2020

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.3770

Japan

Yen

0.009434

0.4564

UK

Pound

1.293200

62.5611

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129032

6.2422

Switzerland

Franc

1.090275

52.7442

Canada

Dollar

0.757748

36.6576

Singapore

Dollar

0.736160

35.6132

Australia

Dollar

0.716700

34.6718

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652098

128.3005

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266588

12.8967

Brunei

Dollar

0.733460

35.4826

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000068

0.0033

Thailand

Baht

0.032082

1.5520

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.1717

Euro

Euro

1.175900

56.8865

Korea

Won

0.000869

0.0420

China

Yuan

0.147080

7.1153

India

Rupee

0.013644

0.6601

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.240964

11.6571

New Zealand

Dollar

0.658400

31.8514

Taiwan

Dollar

0.034944

1.6905 Source: BSP

IN BRIEF PayMaya providing P60m to small firms PAYMAYA Philippines Inc. said Friday it will provide P60 million to micro-, smalland medium-sized enterprises across the country to accelerate their transition to e-commerce with the help of digital and cashless technologies.

PayMaya said the assistance under the “Sulong Negosyo” campaign would help jumpstart the recovery and growth of MSMEs, aided by cashless and contactless payments.

“MSMEs form a critical sector in our country’s recovery from the current crisis. With all businesses compelled to go digital, MSMEs should not be left behind.

‘Sulong Negosyo’ is our rallying action to enable MSMEs with cashless technologies,” said Orlando Vea, founder and chief executive of PayMaya.

Data from the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Labor and Employment showe that some 90,000 businesses were still closed and over 200,000 workers permanently lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of which belong to the MSME sector. Darwin G. Amojelar

Electric coops asked to extend grace period

PCCI’S HIGHEST AWARD. Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Benedicto Yujuico (left) places the PCCI Presidential Excellence Award medallion around the neck of Ambassador Francis Chua during the 46th Philippine Business Conference & Expo. Chua, the PCCI chairman emeritus, is the first recipient of the highest award to be conferred by the country’s biggest business organization. Chua is recognized for his steadfast and unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the chamber movement and the Philippine business community and his philanthropic contributions that impacted the lives of scholars, frontliners, public servants and the less fortunate members of the society.

Exports plummeted companies hiring 17,000 employees in next four months by 18.6% in August ByBPO Othel V. Campos after shift to MECQ

By Julito G. Rada

PSE INDEX

Friday, October 9, 2020

THE business process outsourcing sector will hire at least 17,000 workers in the next three to four months, the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines said Thursday.

IBPAP president Rey Untal noted surges in demand, especially from the health sector, that prompted BPO companies to expand their workforce.

“About a month ago, two huge BPO players announced they will be hiring more people. One is hiring 10,000 people in the next three months and the other one is hiring 7,000 in four months.

This is huge even for these companies in this time of crisis,” Untal said in a virtual briefing.

Healthcare saw growth spurts of phenomenal magnitude over the last six to eight months, possibly because of the health crisis, he said.

“We have seen surges of demand.

The one area for example that has really

added a lot of headcount is in the healthcare. This is not a surprise because of the way the global pandemic has manifested. A lot more push is being given to incumbents who are here or captives that increased capacities,” he said.

Untal said the pockets of growth were good indications that the industry was able to grow in certain areas compared with other industries having difficulties in reopening.

He said, however, the industry was not “out of the woods yet” and could not relax in terms of policies and processes to manage the delivery of work to clients.

The group said employees who worked from home before the pandemic represented just 6 percent to 7 percent of the total work pool. After seven to eight months, almost 70 percent of the entire industry’s labor pool worked from home.

Untal said industry performance would have been optimized if not for issues of connectivity and slow internet.

DBM prefers local firms as medical supplier THE Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management asked local companies to participate in the government-wide purchase of medical supplies in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The PS-DBM said as a part of government’s effort to help local enterprises during the pandemic, it implemented a “domestic preference” policy in its procurement of all COVID-19 related goods, in accordance with the Bayanihan to Recover as One law or Bayanihan 2.

Domestic preference means the PSDBM will award contracts to local companies, a policy that aims to stimulate employment and generate higher incomes for Filipinos and provide additional tax revenue for the government.

Based on the PS-DBM data, there are

356 domestic suppliers and manufacturers that could participate in the procurement of personal protective equipment, testing kits and other medical supplies.

Of that, 299 were registered with the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System with businesses in testing instruments, medical apparel, personal safety and protection, paper products, solvents, cleaning and janitorial supplies and plastic and chemical industries.

About 44 of them also participated in PS-DBM’s previous procurement of COVID-19 response goods.

Meanwhile, there are 26 local companies that expressed intent to bid during the implementation of Bayanihan 2 which runs from Sept. 11 to Dec. 19, 2020. Julito G. Rada

“Nevertheless, I give credit to friends in the industry and support industries like telco and power, and government to support to allow us to pivot in a very successful manner,” Untal said.

IBPAP plans to commission a survey of its members to determine the recalibrated targets for 2020 and beyond following the disruptions caused by COVID-19.

The group said a big part of the contributions by the industry to Philippine investments report cited by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority are mostly enablers or business components that stabilize the organization during the pandemic.

These may involve equipment to augment operations, devices for digitalization and shuttle services for employees.

“These are investments we don’t even report to PEZA. Beyond the pandemic, many of the companies have thought of permanent work-from-home strategies, and many are going to expand that way,” said Celeste Ilagan, IBPAP board of trustee.

STATE-RUN National Electrification Administration asked all electric cooperatives to provide consumers a grace period and staggered payment for electricity bills falling due within the community quarantine period.

NEA Administrator Edgardo Masongsong issued Memorandum No. 2020-047, endorsing the recent advisory of the Department of Energy on providing a grace period to all power sector bills falling due during the community quarantine period.

“All electric cooperatives are enjoined to abide by the directives, specifically the implementation of 30-day grace period and staggered payment for unpaid bills, particularly those that fall due within the community quarantine period,” Masongsong said.

NEA supervises 121 electric cooperatives all over the country.

The directive is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No.1021, extending the state of calamity declaration throughout the country for one year, or until Sept. 12, 2021, due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Alena Mae S. Flores

GCR affirms rating of Standard Insurance INTERNATIONAL rating agency Global Credit Ratings affirmed the national scale claims paying ability rating of A(PH) assigned to Standard Insurance Inc., with the rating outlook viewed as positive from stable.

A highly capitalized non-life insurer, Standard Insurance also improved its international scale rating of BB with a stable outlook for US dollar-denominated claims paying ability, according to GCR. The GCR, in a credit rating released last month, cited Standard Insurance for its strong and improving capitalization and superior reinsurance facilities from some of the world’s best, highest-rated insurers that protect its motor and property portfolios from catastrophes and large single loss events.

The international scale rating is impacted by the insurer’s exposure to the Philippines’ sovereign rating, given that the insurer’s assets are locally domiciled and revenue is locally derived.

The positive outlook reflects the potential for upward rating movement should Standard Insurance’s earnings capacity register within a strong range, while maintaining very strong risk adjusted capitalization and strong liquidity metrics.

ENERGIZED QUARANTINE FACILITY. Manila

Electric Co. ramps up efforts to provide safe, adequate and reliable electricity to Laguna’s 90-bed COVID-19 temporary quarantine and treatment facility in Calamba City. The project involves the installation of metering facilities, eight concrete poles, eight spans of covered conductors and two 75-kVA distribution transformers. The facility boosts government efforts in containing the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside a mega health facility in the same city.

Sports

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

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020

De los Santos, lady teammate bag gold in Okinawa meet

Anthony Davis and LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers share a laugh while leaving the arena after Game 2 of the NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena in Orlando, Florida. AFP

PSC Physio head to direct Sports Academy A FRONTRUNNER of the country’s breakthrough sports talentidentifying program and Philippine Sports Commission’s Sports Physiology Unit head Prof. Josephine Joy Reyes will direct the soon-to-rise National Academy of Sports.

Prof. Reyes, who spearheaded the testing manual creation of the Sports Mapping Action Research talent Identification and has been serving the PSC’s Medical Scientific Athletes Services for 27 years, was chosen from a roster of experts in the field of grassroots sports development.

“I just want to deliver. I just want to perform. I just want to serve.

I know it’s gonna be a big task because remember, this is not just a simple department. It’s not a simple unit but we are talking about a school Prof. Josephine system,” said Joy Reyes the newly-appointed NAS Executive Director.

Reyes was appointed by the NAS’ board of trustees headed by the Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones, co-chair William Ramirez of the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino, and Commission on Higher Education Chairman Prospero de Vera.

“It is an honor on the PSC’s part that someone who has been in the field of sports for so long with the PSC and helped in the development of grassroots sports will take a key role in NAS. As the future home of our budding sportsmen, it will help that the Executive Director is brilliant, competent, and with good character,” said Ramirez.

A former athlete herself, Reyes’ experience in the field is fueled by the commitment to improve the athletic performance of the national team.

“The reason why my heart is in this field and in PSC is because ang passion ko nasa atleta. Naging atleta rin ako ng national team. I’m really on the side of development, looking at their progress and performance,” shared Reyes.

Lakers seek 17 NBA title; Heat still defiant th

O

RLANDO—The Los Angeles Lakers can complete the franchise’s return to the pinnacle of basketball here Friday as they look to seal a record-equalling 17th NBA Finals crown with a victory over the Miami Heat.

The Lakers, who returned to the finals this season after missing the post-season for six consecutive years, can clinch a series victory in game five in Orlando.

The Lakers took a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series on Tuesday, leaving Miami needing to stage a miracle to keep their championship hopes alive.

Only one team—the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016—has ever come back from a 3-1 NBA Finals deficit to win the title. The odds, and momentum, are stacked firmly against Miami.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra nevertheless struck a defiant tone on Thursday, insisting that the series remained competitive despite the improbable task facing his men.

“We think it’s a really competitive series,” Spoelstra said.

“We have a purpose of why we’re here.

We’re competing for a title, and it’s the first team to four wins. There’s a lot of different narratives out there.

“We don’t give a shit what everybody else thinks. This is everything that we wanted this year, an opportunity to fight for, compete for a title, and that hasn’t changed at all through these first games.”

The fates have conspired against Spoelstra’s team, however.

Injuries to Goran Dragic and Bam Adebayo in game one robbed Miami of two key figures for games two and three.

While Adebayo returned for Tuesday’s game-four loss, Dragic remains sidelined by a foot injury and is rated as “doubtful” to feature on Friday.

“It’s supposed to get more challenging every step of the way,” Spoelstra said.

“I know the character of our group, and we are still very much committed to what our purpose is.”

‘It’s win or win’ Miami will look to the inspirational Jimmy Butler to lead the fightback. Butler was superb in the Heat’s sole victory of the series in game three, scoring 40 points

in a virtuoso performance.

“Ain’t nobody thinking about going home over here,” Butler said Thursday.

“It’s not win or go home—it’s win or win. That’s how we think about it.”

Asked what the key to victory would be, he added: “Scoring more points than the Lakers.”

That, though, is likely to be easier said than done.

After being given a bloody nose in game three, the Lakers adjusted superbly in game four, neutralizing the threat of Butler by deploying Anthony Davis to shadow the Miami small forward.

Davis, who has formed a dominant axis alongside James since joining the Lakers in 2019, is chasing a first NBA championship.

The Lakers will attempt to close the deal wearing their “Black Mamba” uniforms, a tribute to franchise icon Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in Los Angeles in January.

So far, the Lakers are undefeated when they have worn the striking allblack strip.

“If we come out and do what we’re supposed to do, then we can remain undefeated,” Davis said Thursday. AFP

Eala making waves at French Open

By Peter Atencio WHATEVER happens to the campaign of Alex Eala in 2020 French Open’s Roland Garros Junior Tennis Championships, she is now considered a heavyweight in the highly competitive junior circuit.

This was after the 15-year-old Eala came out a 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 winner after a difficult encounter with Czech rival Linda Nozkova Thursday afternoon at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris. Eala’s game against Spanish netter Leyre Romero-Gormaz, who she beat 6-1,4-6, 6-1, in the quarterfinals, was also intense.

“I think the last match (quarterfinals) was the most difficult (so far) given the history of the two players having played a big match on a huge stage before,” said the elder Michael, the young Eala’s dad.

How Eala fought it out with Nozkova put her in the same stature with her semifinal foe Elsa Jacquemot of France, who is favored because of her experience and age at 18 years. Hurdling the world no. 6 Jacquemot will boost Eala’s junior ranking further.

Eala had actually beaten Nozvoka in the Les Petits As Championship back in 2018, when she pulled off a grittier 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) win.

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Alex Eala

A TURNING kick done in a very slow and precise manner ended world no. 2-ranked James de los Santos’ routine.

This allowed the 30-year-old De los Santos to claim one of two gold medals won by Filipino competitors Thursday evening in the first leg of the Okinawa E-Tournament Series kata competitions.

The move, known as the unsu kick, pushed De los Santos to a 25.26-24.6 triumph in his virtual duel with Swiss rival Matias Domont in the individual male seniors’ category.

“In this kata, the highlight has always been the jump near the end.

It’s what the audience usually anticipates,” said De los Santos on his presentation.

This gave de los Santos his 13th straight gold medal this year, keeping him on track for the no. 1 spot in the world rankings.

World no. 1 Eduard Garcia still ahead with 8575 points, but De los Santos is close with 8110 at no. 2 spot.

Two of the three female aspirants from Maharlika Karatedo Kai of the Philippines International joined De los Santos in claiming medals, with Julie Marcos getting the higher accolade.

The 18-year-old Marcos, a Grade 12 student in Sen. Renato Companero Cayetano Memorial in Taguig City, picked up a gold medal after defeating Ida Olafsen of Norway, 24.4-23.2, in the women’s under-21 action.

Fatima A-Isha Lim Hamsain, 14-year-old eighth grader and schoolmate of Marcos, settled for the bronze in the under-15 side where she bowed to Norwegian Marion Wester, 23.8-24.26, in the women’s under-15 event.

“The wins of these two MKKPI students made it sweeter for me,” said De los Santos, who added the top spot in the world rankings remains in his dreams as he enters his 14th competition, the Euro Grand Prix finals.

“The no. 1 spot is not far away,” said De los Santos. Peter Atencio

“They played for the Les Petits As Championship in 2018 where they both played great tennis,” recalled Michael, Eala’s father.

This time around, Eala needed to take a medical timeout right after the second set against Nozkova, because her glute muscles were tightening due to fatigue.

After that, Eala found her winning chances in the decisive third set.

The little rest she had allowed her to take control in the fourth and fifth games and finish off Nozkova in one hour and 59 minutes The third-seeded Jacquemot advanced to the semis against Eala on a 6-4, 6-4 win over Kristina Dmitruk of Belarus. She is seen as one of the top contenders for the finals after making it to the quarterfinals last year.

Another favorite is giant-killer Alina Charaeva, who will fight for the other finals’ slot after taking down Alexandra Vecic of Germany, 6-2, 6-3.

Charaeva is playing in the other semifinals fourth seed Polina Kudermetova (Russia), who prevailed over French girl Oceana Babel, 6-3, 7-5.

Charaeva created a stir when she earlier upset world no. 1 Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva of Andorra,7-5, 2-6, 6-3, in the second round.

With Kasintseva gone, Eala is now the highest seeded player left, along with Jacquemot and Kudermetova.

TV5, Cignal TV to air PBA’s Bubble Games THE country’s love for the game comes front and center this October as the Philippine Basketball Association games return live via TV5, One Sports, and in high-definition via PBA Rush on Cignal TV. TV5 and Cignal TV are proud partners of the PBA, which serves as the pioneer in returning live local sporting events, and paves the way for other local sports leagues to resume play given the ‘new normal,’ delighting generations of its loyal followers.

During the 45th season kick-off of the league last March, the campaign ‘Tayo Ang Bida’ emphasized the fans and those working behind the scenes as the true MVPs -- inspiring an insightful look at the PBA, going beyond the star power of the iconic teams, renowned players and coaches, and giving the spotlight to the crew and avid fans who make the games more meaningful and enjoyable.

The meaning of “Tayo Ang Bida” has since evolved given the current health pandemic. With the resump-

tion of the PBA, it now also aims to inspire hope, positivity and camaraderie through sports. Prompted by the bravery displayed by the frontliners, deemed as today’s modern heroes, the league pays tribute to real life ‘Bida’s’ who have been the primary agents of basketball’s revival in the pandemic and those who have given an immeasurable contribution to the country.

“Just as the PBA was gaining momentum, the world stopped. Yet in the midst of a pandemic, we try our best to be heroic - because we, the PBA community, aren’t just players, coaches, staff, or fans.

We’re also families who hold on to each other for love, and friends who continue to lean on each other for support,” said Robert P. Galang, Cignal TV and TV5 President and CEO. “By bringing back live PBA games across our various platforms on Cignal TV and TV5, we play a part in bringing the PBA’s message of inspiration, hope and resilience, and the highest-quality basket-

ball entertainment in the country,” he added.

The PBA aims to be a source of entertainment and a symbol of inspiration and hope through these unprecedented times. With that, various content from within the PBA Bubble will be released on a daily basis on top of the live games across TV, digital and various news platforms. Exclusive daily updates from inside the bubble and messages from some of the top players will be available online to give the people a glimpse into the life of their favorite teams and players within the bubble.

In addition to this, it has created new opportunities allowing the audience to feel as if they were watching the game live in the arena. Fans will be present in the game virtually through a virtual mural flashed on an LED screen, giving players on the court the chance to see and hear the fans live.

All games will be played at the Angeles University Foundation gym in Pampanga adjacent to the

Clark Freeport. Various teams have started entering the PBA Bubble’ last September 28 with daily games starting on October 11. It will follow a single round elimination format followed by the quarterfinals (Top 4 twice-to-beat), then best-of-5 semifinals and, lastly, the best-of-seven finals for the top two teams to determine this conference’s winner.

The first game will be aired at 4:00 PM and the second game at 6:45 PM. Fans can watch the games live every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday on TV5. They can also tune in daily (MondaySundays) on One Sports and PBA Rush. The games are also available live via Facebook and Youtube livestream, Radyo5 and Cignal Play, ensuring that PBA fans don’t miss any of the PBA action, wherever they may be.

For more information and updates: Visit TV5, One Sports and PBA Rush on Facebook, or TV5, One Sports and PBA Rush on Youtube.

C2

Tech & Gadgets

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020

rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

Enhancing communications, operations with Samsung Knox

S

USTAINING its phenomenal growth in the business of distilled spirits and other alcoholic beverages, Emperador Distillers, Inc. worked with Globe to enhance the former’s enterprise communications and operations.

Raphael Carpio, National Sales Head for Emperador Distillers

The enterprise arm of Globe Telecom, Globe Business, played a valuable role in helping Emperador Distillers promote greater harmony and prevent silos within its organization. Through Globe Mobility Solutions where postpaid plans were integrated with Samsung Knox, Emperador Distillers Inc. was able to better monitor on-ground operations across manufacturing, bottling, and distribution, as well as secure the information exchange among its workforce.

“Emperador Distillers Inc. is a fast-growing company, and we want to grow even faster. To achieve that, we needed more tools to improve our team's alignment, coordination, and communication. Before Globe came into the picture, we were using a plethora of apps and had very little means of monitoring our sales workforce in the field aside from physically going on their respective routes," said Raphael Carpio, National Sales Head for Emperador Distillers.

He added, "Our subscription to Samsung Knox through Globe came at the right time. This disciplined process further; enhanced individual sales route plans and account coverage. In addition, Knox provides us with peace of mind, knowing that the information being funneled through employee phones remain secure."

With the help of Globe, Emperador Distillers Inc. was able to use Samsung Knox to empower its workforce to stay connected and productive, while protecting its company data. The built-in security layers on Samsung phones allows the company to isolate, encrypt, and guard data, thereby allowing users to

concentrate on what needs to get done.

Globe and Samsung have a shared purpose: to help individuals and businesses focus on what matters through innovative and powerful products. These digital solutions will be here to stay in the long run," shared Raymond Policarpio, Vice President for Product Management & Marketing, Globe Business. "We are delighted that, through our partnership with Emperador Distillers, we are able to support its growth as the world's largest brandy company."

Emperador Distillers, Inc. on the other hand continues to be recognized as one of the first global Filipino-owned businesses. Embodying core Filipino

values such as hard work, excellence, and passion, the company is consistently working on its transformation through technology.

To help businesses, like Emperador Distillers Inc., bring world-class products and services to the Philippines and abroad, Globe Business continues to expand its partnerships with trusted solutions providers to enhance its ICT portfolio. In an era of changing enterprise landscapes, Globe believes that resilience is achieved and progress can be accelerated when communities—including enterprises—embrace digital transformation and welcome the ways it makes daily life easier, safer, and more productive.

Acer keeps top rank in consumer, gaming PCs ACER proved its dominance bagging the leading laptop brand for consumer and gaming mobile computer in the Philippines amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, according to a recent market research.

Acer’s market share in notebooks was unshaken with 32%-unit brand performance in August. It also recorded the highest sales units in more than a year. Similarly, Acer led value share with 31% of the market and reached the highest brand value seen in 13 months. Acer holds the top position in the notebook laptops market for 14 consecutive years.

On the gaming segment, Acer strengthened its grip with a 42%-unit share in August, setting another new record in more than a year. Predator Helios 300 was the bestselling Gaming notebook for Acer. It is consistent in topping the gaming PC market.

the digital framework that will enable a way of interaction within the academic situation. It has a dedicated team to work closely with schools and academic units to develop real and innovative IT solutions that accelerate the learning process and set new benchmarks in educational standards. The program is open to all Philippine private and public schools, colleges, and universities.

Aside from Acer Academy, Acer’s education-driven programs during the crisis include product discounts thru Acer Academy Faculty Student Purchase Program and Learn from

Acer Academy program

In the absence of the Covid-19 vaccine, face to face encounters have been restricted by the Philippine government especially for the Education segment.

Demands for mobile computing devices have highly increased due to the distant learning scheme in the country.

Acer Academy is a program designed to provide the educational environment

Home Campaign, product bundle in partnership with Smart for a Department of Education (DepEd) compliant online learning setup, and Acer and Intel Scholar program wherein they offer free laptops to scholars.

Acer’s initiative on corporate

Acer continued operations to serve essential and frontline industries such as in healthcare, banks, telecommunications, and business process outsourcing (BPOs) even during the lockdown. The increase in the demand from the enterprise market for laptops as work-from-home (WFH) productivity tool during lockdown pushed for more sales of Acer products from the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises market.

Consumer segment

The surge in gaming as part of stay-at-home entertainment helped in pushing for sales of Acer’s wide range of products. Acer relaunched an enhanced e-commerce website selling its laptops, desktops, projectors, monitors, and accessories.

The laptop brand’s social media has also been consistently

ift Acer Sw

Full Recovery to pre-crisis levels likely to happen in 2022 IT WOULD take until the year 2022 for the global economy and market to fully recover, according to Pacific Investment Management Company, LLC, one of the world’s premier fixed income investment managers.

“The road to recovery will be a long climb up the stairs and we don’t believe the level of economic activities will return to pre-crisis level until the year 2022 in spite of some recent recovery in the high frequency economic data,” said PIMCO Singapore Senior Vice President and Account Manager Kang Min Lin during the webinar, Market Outlook: Risk, Recovery, and Reality. The event was sponsored by Allianz PNB Life, HSBC, and PIMCO. Several factors are behind this “long climb up” as uncertainties will be heightened in the next 12 months.

Some sectors might still operate below capacity due to social distancing. With impaired global supply chains, reopenings will likely be uneven across countries, regions, and sectors.

Lin added that time is also needed to reallocate labor and capital from weaker to stronger sectors and debt overhang will likely weigh on personal and corporate spending.

“Even though we do recover, we expect a U-shaped recovery contingent with the discovery of a vaccine,” he said. “With this economic backdrop, what should investors consider in making investment decisions?”

PIMCO’s 3C Framework to Investing “PIMCO developed the 3C Framework as a way to help our investors and clients organize their various considerations given the uncertainty of the world economy and markets,” Lin shared. “What we’re trying to avoid is to overwhelm our clients with investment solutions, without

having the opportunity to help them understand what they should do to achieve their investment objectives.”

The first C refers to calm.

“What should you do to incorporate more defensive elements in your investment portfolio? Some investment strategies that one could consider is allocation to government bonds,” Lin said.

The second C stands for calibrate and involves a yield and return orientation, high quality bias, and dislocation with limited impairment risk.

The third C is capitalize and it is about seeking attractive liquidity as well as dislocated and stressed opportunities.

A Fund that has the potential to Maximize Total Returns Consistent with Prudent Investment Management Recently, Allianz PNB Life has introduced the PesoHedged Diversified Income Dividend Paying Fund, which is designed for investors looking for regular income with just the right amount of risk.

The fund will be invested in the PIMCO Funds: Global Investors Series plc—Diversified Income Fund (“Diversified Income Fund”) managed by PIMCO, which is an independent subsidiary of the Allianz Group.

“We do believe with this, we further drive our ambition to have first-class international financial solutions available here in the Philippines as we give you access via Allianz PNB Life, and through the Allianz Group globally, to the expertise of our (PIMCO) colleagues, and provide you with opportunities to diversify your investment and have informed investment decisions going forward,” said Allianz PNB Life President and CEO Alexander Grenz.

5

active with various social media activities especially for Predator helping them establish a solid connection with the gaming community. Predator recently concluded Predacast, a series of online workshops conducted by brand ambassadors such as Alodia & Ashley Gosiengfiao, CongTV & Team Payaman, Akosi Dogie, TNC Predator Dota 2 Pro Team, ArkAngel Predator PUBG Pro Team, Nexplay Predator, VladFX, Kuya Nic & Lupon WxC, Kang Dupet, Een Mercado, Kuku Palad, Marlon Marcelo, and its newest ambassadress, Ivana Alawi, among other esports key personalities.

Acer also provided relevant promotions during the pandemic including the partnership with Home Credit for up to 18 months installment at 0% interest, and the free foldable work desk bundled with select Acer laptops to aid workers whose income were affected by the pandemic.

Acer has a broad presence nationwide, making its products available and accessible in brick and mortar stores and online. Other initiatives during the pandemic include e-commerce development and lowtouch after-sales service programs such as warranty extension, 24/7 phone/chat support, and door-to-door pick-up and delivery service.

Visit Acer’s Official Social Media Pages for more details: Facebook – @ AcerPH, Instagram – @acerph, Twitter – @acerphils, www.acer.com.

Alibaba debuts Cloud Computer, Delivery Robots ALIBABA Cloud, the digital technologies and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, unveiled a series of innovative products at its 12th annual Apsara Conference, highlighting the technology pioneer’s commitment in helping people adapt to the more digitized world and accelerate customers’ digital transformation during and after the pandemic.

A highlight is Alibaba Cloud’s first cloud computer, a palm-sized personal computer which, despite being just about 60 grams and as light as an egg, offers high-performance computing, thanks to robust back-end cloud resources. By simply connecting the cloud computer with a normal computer screen , a user can access almost unlimited computing resources anytime, anywhere, while paying on a subscription model or for the actual cloud consumption.

“We hope our cloud computer can help people access resilient computing power whenever they need to, so they can conduct complex tasks which usually require sophisticated and powerful PCs, such as video editing, animation rendering, software development, and online customer services, with a tiny personal computer at hand now,” said Jeff Zhang, President of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence. “As working from home becomes the new normal during and after the pandemic, we believe our innovation can also help users more easily enjoy the benefits of cloud computing anytime, anywhere, in a cost-effective yet secure way.”

With robust computing power, the cloud computer can reduce the rendering time of one frame highresolution animation from 90 minutes using a traditional PC, down to only 10 minutes. In addition, the cloud computer’s system upgrades are conducted online, saving a big chunk of the normally heavy cost of PC machine upgrades and maintenance in traditional office settings. Through Alibaba Cloud's self-developed app-streaming protocol, which is designed for synergy between the cloud and the device, users can also purchase and access licensed apps and programs such Linux and Windows as well as various office applications. All user data will be stored on cloud for datacenter-grade security and protection measures. Available initially for enterprise customers, the cloud computers will be also available for purchase by individual consumers in the near future.

Alibaba Cloud also unveiled its autonomous logistics robot for last-mile deliveries. Developed by the Alibaba DAMO Academy, the global research initiative by Alibaba Group, the delivery robot can carry 50 packages at one time and cover 62 miles (or 100 kilometres) on a single charge. It is estimated the mobile robot should be able to deliver as many as 500 packages a day to one designated community or campus, meeting the rising demand for speedy last-mile delivery in China. Online shopping is booming there, with 200 million packages delivered daily and expectations that will rise to 1 billion packages per day in the coming years.

Skyworth launches official store on LAZADA SKYWORTH, one of the world's leading television brands, is officially launching its official store on e-commerce platform LAZADA this October 2020.

“As the COVID pandemic persists, e-commerce will continue to play a big role in the lives of many Filipinos, especially since most will refrain from going outside,” said Martin Han, President of Skyworth Philippines. “This growth in e-commerce is what is driving our decision to launch at one of the main e-commerce platforms in the Philippines.”

Founded in 1988, Skyworth has always adhered to technology leadership and quality first. It is among the world’s market leaders for TVs and digital set-top boxes. In the past 30 years, Skyworth has applied for more than 8,000 patents, and completed more than 200 major scientific research tasks at the national, provincial, and municipal levels.

Beyond its e-commerce launch, Skyworth has nine new products set to launch this 2020. This includes a product range that spans from the simple smart 32-inch to the high end smart 55-inch TV—a frameless Ultra HD (4K) LED flat screen powered by an Android 10 operating system.

Filipino consumers can expect free shipping for Skyworth TVs for GMA and Luzon after the LAZADA launch. What’s more, Skyworth will begin offering more than TVs at the beginning of next year to including air conditioner and washing machines among others. “The goal is to make the new LAZADA store a Skyworth flagship store for all categories,” said Han. The television brand will be hosting a live-streaming event on LAZADA on October 12, and then officially launch a 3-day campaign on the e-commerce platform beginning October 15. In those three days, Skyworth will be offering free shipping and vouchers to LAZADA buyers. Additionally, consumers can get up to 50% cash back for the 1st, 11th, 111th, 1111th orders placed on the Skyworth official store on https://www.lazada.com.ph/ shop/skyworth-philippines/

Tech & Gadgets

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020

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Paperless billing for over 1.6M PLDT, Smart customers

Smart AVP for Community Partnerships Stephanie V. Orlino (top row, 2nd image) announced the availability of the CVIFDLP Learning Activity Sheets at DepEd Commons during DepEd’s School Opening Day National Program and World Teachers Day celebration.

Smart-backed learning resource materials now available for free via DepEd Commons I

N SUPPORT of the Department of Education’s Learning Continuity Plan, Smart Communications, Inc. announced that resource materials under the CVIF-Dynamic Learning Program can now be downloaded for free from DepEd Commons at www.commons.deped.gov.ph.

The ready-to-use Junior and Senior High School Learning Activity Sheets developed by the Central Visayan Institute Foundation were made available in time for the October 5 official opening of classes in public schools nationwide.

Supported by Smart and PLDT-Smart Foundation for over a decade, CVIFDLP is one of only three supplemental learning materials being endorsed by the DepEd for this school year.

CVIF-DLP is a crisis-resilient independent learning strategy aimed to ensure that the teaching-learning process continues despite the pandemic while improving students’ academic performance especially in Science, Technol-

ogy, Engineering, and Mathematics. It was first implemented in 2002 at CVIF in Jagna, Bohol by world-renowned Theoretical Physicists and Ramon Magsaysay awardees for education, Dr. Christopher Bernido, and Dr. Ma. Victoria Carpio-Bernido. The education program works in all primary and secondary academic levels, as well as in the Alternative Learning System (ALS), and targets the entire spectrum of learners, including Special Education students.

During DepEd’s School Opening Day National Program and World Teachers Day celebration led by Education Secretary Leonor Briones, Smart AVP for Community Partnerships Stephanie V.

Orlino shared the role of the CVIF-DLP in distance learning of students, particularly how its Learning Activity Sheets are aligned with DepEd's Most Essential Learning Competencies.

"We have been conducting CVIFDLP virtual workshops for DepEd Divisions nationwide since July and will continuously support this sector to ensure that there will be #NoLearnerLeftBehind in education's new normal," Orlino says.

Continuing Smart’s and PSF’s support for the CVIF-DLP is part of a much broader program of PLDT, the Philippines largest and only integrated telco, to assist the education sector as it overcomes the challenges posed by the pandemic. The innovative teaching pedagogy fosters the highest level of creativity and productivity, while its systems-based scientific approach for enhanced independent learning is crucial in today's highly digital time.

PLDT and Smart recognize quality education as a foundation in improving people's lives and obtaining sustainable development. In support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly SDG #4: Quality Education, education continues to be a flagship CSR program throughout PLDT Group, with a strong emphasis on digital literacy.

To download the CVIF-DLP LAS, visit www.commons.deped.gov.ph/ grades and go to the Spotlight folder.

After clicking on the CVIF-Dynamic Learning Program folder, just select the grade level and subject for junior or senior high school, then download the needed files. The DepEd portal, as well as www.dlp.ph, can be accessed by Smart, Sun, and TNT subscribers even without data load.

For more information about Smart's education initiatives, send an email to LearnSmart@smart.com.ph.

THE country’s largest and only integrated telco PLDT, Inc and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc (Smart) have seen over 1.6 million customers shift to paperless billing since the lockdown due to the coronavirus-19 pandemic.

Latest figures showed that the number of subscribers who enrolled to e-statements have quadrupled since end-2019 until May 2020, when the government placed various parts of the country under different levels of community quarantine.

"While these channels have been in place even before the pandemic, PLDT and Smart have made it easier for our customers to transition to digital transactions, especially during a time when we’re forced to stay at home and be physically distant from each other,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, Chief Revenue Officer at PLDT and President & CEO at Smart.

“We will continue to uphold customer-centricity and bring them the services that would make their lives more convenient,” Panlilio added.

Going green As delivery of bills remains suspended, customers of PLDT and Smart are encouraged to go green and shift to paperless transactions by using the available online payment and billing services.

They can sign up to go green by sending an email to pldtbilling@pldt.com.ph, smart-billing@smart.com.ph and sunbilling@smart.com.ph or by logging in to www.pldthome.com/myHome.

Smart Postpaid subscribers can pay their bills via the unique Smart Pay Express Link in their monthly billing SMS, or by logging on to www.my.smart.com.ph using their My Smart account. Meanwhile, PLDT customers can go to https://pldthome.com/paymentcenters for payment options.

They can also enroll their postpaid account in their credit card’s auto-debit feature or use the bills payment services of their respective banks. They may also drop by the nearest accredited partner establishments like 7-Eleven, The SM Store, Robinsons, Bayad Center, Cebuana Lhuillier, ECPay, and others.

On the other hand, they can also pay for their monthly billing via PayMaya on their smartphones in the safety of their homes.

Dell UltraSharp monitors, space Pre-order the bigger and smarter Nokia 2.4 solutions enhance productivity NEW displays and meeting systems from Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL) help creatives and office professionals work productively and comfortably in hybrid work environments.

According to IDC research, 81% of employees believe monitors with higher resolution, better ergonomics and color improve the overall working experience. This expanded UltraSharp portfolio features state-of-the art technology, including mini-LED, built-in colorimeter and low blue light reduction screens.

“Technology that helps us do our best work is critical as we adapt to the new hybrid work environment,” said Martin Wibisono, Director, S&P, South Asia and Asia Emerging Markets, Dell Technologies. “Our monitors have always been the most desired companion to any PC, and our new line is no different. We’re helping customers push productivity to the edge while delivering great performance, style and comfort.”

As the world’s number one monitors brand for seven years running, Dell offers an end-to-end ecosystem of collaboration tools that can meet the needs of every worker.

Exceptional color accuracy, contrast and precision for creatives

Design professionals rely on color accurate displays to produce their creative masterpieces.

The Dell UltraSharp 32 HDR PremierColor Monitor (UP3221Q) is the world’s first professional monitor with 2K mini-LED direct backlit dimming zones where the individually controlled backlight zones on the monitor provide contrast with deep blacks and bright whites.

With the widest DCI-P3 color coverage in a professional monitor at 99.8%, 4K resolution and VESA DisplayHDR 1000, the 32-inch UltraSharp enables precise and uniform color reproduction of film and video content. It is the world’s first 31.5-inch professional monitor with a built-in Calman® Powered colorimeter giving creators the flexibility of on-demand or scheduled calibration with or without the PC attached.

Enhanced eye comfort and broader screen space for desk-centric professionals For desk-centric professionals who frequently work with spreadsheets and datadriven tasks, the Dell UltraSharp 24 USB-C Hub Monitor (U2421E) and Dell UltraSharp 34 Curved USB-C Hub Monitor (U3421WE) offers the ideal balance between comfort and functionality.

HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, today launches the Nokia 2.4 for its Filipino fans, that is sure to become another favourite.

Starting 9th October until 15th October, fans can pre-order their very own Nokia 2.4 for only Php6,990, exclusively on Shopee.

Shipping of pre-ordered devices and retail roll out will begin on 16th October.

The next-generation Nokia 2 brings advanced AI imaging features including Night mode and Portrait mode, enabling fans to take photos to the next level. Fans can also see the bigger picture as they enjoy apps and games for longer – thanks to its immersive and large 6.5” HD+ screen and a two-day battery life[i]. The Nokia 2.4 is also equipped with modern essentials like fingerprint scanner and face unlock feature giving fans effortless access and added security for their smartphone. Plus, the Nokia 2.4 comes with our Android promise, giving fans three years of monthly security updates and two years of OS updates, meaning it’s ready for Android 11 and 12.

Detailed night and portrait shots fuelled by AI imaging Moments worth capturing don’t always

The next-generation Nokia 2 is an impressive budget smartphone —being the first in the series to feature a dualcamera combined with two-day battery life and immersive HD+ screen

happen in the light of day—making the Nokia 2.4’s Night mode with advanced image fusion and exposure stacking the perfect companion for capturing vibrant detail even

in darker conditions. Its Portrait mode’s custom shapes and blurred backgrounds allow users to become more creative while the new Portrait Editor allows refocusing and editing pictures after snapping—making for instantly shareable and unique shots.

Watch, learn and create on a 6.5” screen and enjoy long-lasting entertainment A large HD+ display with a selfie notch maximises the screen, bringing an elevated viewing experience at an accessible price.

Plus, staying true to the signature battery life expected from the Nokia 2 range, the Nokia 2.4 is packed with a large 4500mAh battery that lasts up to two days on a single charge[ii]. It also has an AI-assisted Adaptive Battery, which can learn what apps are frequently used and prioritises power for them—enabling users to use more of the features they love, for longer.

Timeless design inspired by our Finnish roots, built to last The Nokia 2.4 brings with it modern essentials that give versatility in how one uses the phone, such as accessing the device quickly and easily with a convenient fingerprint sensor and AI face unlock.

SCG, Mariwasa donate mobile isolation rooms to 2 hospitals AS PART of its commitment to give back to the community, Mariwasa Siam Ceramics, Inc., the leading tile manufacturing company in the Philippines, donated two units of Negative Pressure Mobile Isolation Rooms to the Veterans Medical Memorial Center on September 25, 2020 and another one unit to the Lung Center of the Philippines on September 30, 2020.

The SCG Mobile Isolation Rooms, which use a controlled air pressure system that can protect medical professionals from the risk of contracting the coronavirus disease, were turned over last Friday by H.E. Vasin Ruangprateepsaeng, Ambassador of Royal Thai Embassy, and Emilie Maramag, SCG Philippines Asst.

Country Director, to VMMC Medical Director Dr. Dominador M. Chiong, Jr., in simple ceremonies also attended by Secretary of National Defense Delfin Negrillo Lorenzana.

Thai Ambassador Ruangprateepsaeng and Maramag also led the donation drive at the Lung Center of the Philippines on Wednesday, with Dr. Sullian Sy Naval, LCP Deputy Executive Director for Medical Services and Dr. Antonio Ramos, LCP Administrative Services Department Manager, receiving another unit of the Mobile Isolation Room.

Continuing efforts

The donation to the LCP was Mariwasa's second to the hospital, with the first one turned over last June as part of the company's continuing efforts to help in the fight against the dreaded coronavirus.

In the same month, Mariwasa also donated one (1) unit each of Negative Pressure Mobile Isolation Room to the Sta. Ana Hospital and Dr. Fabella Memorial Hospital, both in Manila.

On August 10, Mariwasa turned over a Positive Pressure Mobile Isolation Room to the City Government of Sto. Tomas in Batangas, represented by City Mayor Edna Sanchez and City Administrator Salvador Geling.

Shown here during the SCG-Mariwasa donation of Mobile Isolation Rooms to the Lung Center of the Philippines are (from left) Mr. Evans Frivaldo, Mariwasa Engineering Department Senior Manager; Ms. Emilie Maramag, SCG Philippines Asst. Country Director; Dr. Antonio Ramos, LCP Administrative Services Department Manager; Mr. Danilo Bagay, Mariwasa AVP for Energy & Engineering, Technical, and Operations Division; and Ms. Evelyn Torio, Mariwasa Admin Senior Manager.

Shown here during the SCG-Mariwasa donation of Mobile Isolation Rooms to the Lung Center of the Philippines are (from left) H.E. Vasin Ruangprateepsaeng, Ambassador of Royal Thai Embassy; Emilie Maramag, SCG Philippines Asst. Country Director; Dr. Sullian Sy Naval, LCP Deputy Executive Director for Medical Services; and Dr. Antonio Ramos, LCP Administrative Services Department Manager.

Humble contribution

“The pandemic has brought the world to its knees, but humanity will eventually prevail, thanks to the joint efforts of everyone. This donation is SCG and Mariwasa's humble contribution to that cause,” said Mr. Jakkrit

Suwansilp, SCG Philippines Country Director and Mariwasa President.

The Mobile Isolation Rooms are expected to serve as a decontamination area to ease the spread of COVID-19 virus in hospital facilities and are suitable for use in emergency rooms (COVID ICUs or PUI wards).

Catering to medical needs similar to permanent structures, the innovative equipment from Thailand can be installed

quickly, equipped with a filter system that can effectively prevent the spread of viruses.

“I know that Thailand is not as badly stricken by the COVID-19 pandemic as we are and the gesture of donating the two negative pressure isolations rooms is really a classic example of that phrase "no one left behind." Thank you so much on behalf of the Lung Center [of the Philippines] to the Thailand Government and Mariwasa Siam Ceramics, Inc.” said Dr. Naval.

Motoring

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

C4

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020

Honda puts on a brave front, sets twin launches

By Rochelle Campos

T

HE Philippine unit of Japan-based Honda will be launching two new models this month to encourage consumers to spend for mobility and convenience well ahead of the holiday rush.

Honda Cars Philippines vice president for sales Louie Soriano said the two launches are expected to boost October sales, shrugging off a lethargic market reeling from the impact of the virus pandemic.

“So, with the new launch that we’re going to do this October, perhaps that’s going to help us achieve our target for the rest of the year,” he said during the virtual celebration of Honda Philippines 15th anniversary Thursday.

“We are going to make sure that the market is going to be excited about it. So basically, at this moment, we are studying the market, and based on that demand, based on the needs of the market we’re going to introduce a model that would cater to the needs of the market,” he said.

Soriano noted that the industry has not been performing very well, because of the pandemic.

“In fact, the latest data would show that the industry has only performed about 40 percent performance. And basically we are above that performance as of September,” he said.

The 15th anniversary celebration is a expression of gratitude to Honda stake-

holders, not only to the customer, but also to all those who are part of Honda that like the community, the associates, our dealers and others, Soriano said.

Honda prepared a special discount for customers this month of October, a sales and after-sales promo blitz.

The brand encouraged all customers to go back to and stay connected with Honda

- update their personal and vehicle information to get a chance to win a Honda Brio.

In terms of sales, Honda has already slashed sales projection significantly as it aligned sales with that of the industry.

The automotive industry reduced sales forecast by 35 percent to 240,000 because of the crisis. However, Honda is positive

the industry will overcome the 2020 crisis in no time at all.

Honda remains optimistic to hit another milestone sales soon after the record breaking sales of 31,000 in 2015.

“Honda has always been there to overcome this crisis. I think we are very confident that we’re going to overcome this crisis of 2020,” Soriano said.

PNP Mahindras still roadworthy—CAC OVER 90% of the vehicles Mahindra sold to the Philippine National Police five years ago are still in healthy condition according to a report submitted by the Columbian Autocar Corporation.

This was made possible by the continuous after sales program delivered by CAC Mahindra to the PNP units while the vehicles were in active service.

Apart from the regular Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS) accorded to the Mahindra units of the PNP, Mahindra Philippines conducted a Service Campaign for the Enforcer Patrol Jeeps and the Scorpio Light Transport Vehicles (LTV) from October 22, 2018 to February 29, 2020.

At least 1,645 units of the 2,045 released to the PNP were serviced by Mahindra free of charge. This free service campaign cost Mahindra Philippines P10,641,942.43 worth of parts and labor.

Mahindra also awarded the PNP a Goodwill Warranty for 474 units that were already out of warranty. A goodwill warranty is the extension of warranty service for a unit that has passed its rated warranty period. For the Mahindra vehicles, 1,656 patrol jeeps and 398 Scorpio LTV’s had expired warranties in July 31 of 2019. Still, Mahindra accorded warranty services to 474 units that needed major repairs. These

services amounted to P12,614,415.21.

To achieve this service level and keep almost all of the Mahindra vehicles sold to the PNP in top condition, Mahindra maintained a 30-million-peso spare parts stock to replace worn out parts of the PNP units.

Mahindra also created a special and dedicated service group of five Service Engineers to look after the areas where Mahindra units were deployed. To support these engineers, four (4) parts depot were established in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to ensure parts availability. An additional four (4) Mobile Service Vehicles were built to conduct regular site visits so Mahindra can immediately address any concerns of the patrol jeeps in the field.

Mahindra says they did this to make sure that our police force have a healthy and functioning transport when they need it, especially for the enforcement of peace and order in remote towns and barangays.

“We even conducted regular training exercises with the handlers and managers of these Mahindra units covering the subjects of proper operation, maintenance and basic trouble shooting of the units so the drivers and users of the patrol jeeps and LTV’s are familiar with their Mahindra service vehicles,” said Antonio Mallari, Jr, Mahindra’s After-Sales Director. “Even Mahindra

GR SUPRA GT CUP ASIA

Pinoy champs vie for glory

India, regularly send their International Service Managers to help in the conduct of field training in operational areas and monitor the performance of the units and report it to their headquarters,” Mallari adds.

Of the 1,656 Enforcer Patrol units delivered to the PNP, only 41 are non-operational, whilethe Scorpio LTV only. Has

2 non-operational units. The major cause of vehicle breakdown of the PNP units according to Mahindra are failure to follow Preventive Maintenance Schedules and units that were brought to unauthorized service centers. Other factors include road accidents and encounters with criminal elements or armed rebels.

AFTER winning the national finals of GR Supra GT Cup Asia Philippines, Filipino eMotorsport racers Terence Lallave, Lance Padilla, and Jose Luis Altoveros are now getting ready to represent the country at the regional finals to be held on October 25.

The three racers who won Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP)’s first ever virtual racing tournament will compete with 12 formidable players representing India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand - all of whom are top champions in their respective national rounds.

The winners were officially introduced during an awarding ceremony led by TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto.

“I would like to congratulate our three winners for pushing their limits and giving their best. Lance, Terrence and Jose, go and make us proud!” said Okamoto.

To increase Team Philippines’ chances in the Asian championship, TMP together with Tuason Racing, its official e-motorsport partner for the GR Supra GT Cup Asia Philippines, has been providing necessary

support for team’s preparations for regional challenge. TMP also tapped PLDT Enterprise to be the Official Connectivity partner of Team Philippines to ensure fast, seamless, and lag-free Internet connection, while the team races with the challengers from other Asian countries on the virtual tracks of PlayStation’s Gran Turismo Sport.

“The current landscape has pushed all of us to come up with innovative ways to continue on with how we do things and technology has been a key enabler for many of these initiatives. With this, I would like to commend Toyota Motor Philippines for how they’ve pushed the envelope for racing through a groundbreaking virtual platform. We are proud to partner with you on such undertaking and we look forward to seeing how this will raise the bar for the local sports industry,” said Jovy Hernandez, ePLDT President & CEO and SVP & Head of PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups.

“I think we have a good chance of placing well in the regional finals. We have a

Isuzu aims at higher sales mark THE Philippine unit of Isuzu has set its sights on 400,000 units to sell in 2 to 3 years, another milestone after it hit 300,000 units sold in mid-2020.

Isuzu president Hajime Koso noted that Isuzu has taken 12 years to achieve its first 100,000-milestone and another 9 years to reach the 200,000 mark and after 6 years, it has successfully sold its 300,000th unit.

“We can probably reach our 400,000 units in the year 2022. When we reach that record, Isuzu will be an essential brand in the Philippines and at the same time, we help you, our dealers, expand your business with confidence and pride,” he said.

“On this journey, we will surely encounter countless storms. And now, we are battling with a perfect storm we call COVID-19. The spread of this virus is a big chain of reaction not just to automotive industry but to the global markets,” he added.

The company continues to be optimistic even as industry sales forecast was slashed by half to 240,000 units that influenced Isuzu to also temper sales projection by 45 percent to 11,000 units, 9,000 units less from the pre-COVID forecast of 20,000 units.

“We can feel its impact to our sales and aftersales operations as well. Our sales executives cannot have a face-toface conversation with our customers.

Vehicle mileage, PMS (periodic maintenance services) and accident repairs have significantly decreased. Customers have lessened their visit to dealers to buy parts.

I’m afraid that this will go on for at least several years,” Koso said.

This situation, he said, will force automotive companies to adapt, thus, companies must provide customers with products, sales methods, and after-sales operations that are suitable for the new normal era.

The pandemic served as an eye-opener for Isuzu. Koso assured that the company, just like always, IPC would be prepared for the future.

Exerted to optimize operations by enhancing and expediting the company’s digitalization, has become a core thrust of the company.

To this end, Isuzu is drafting a 10-year plan to further build its resiliency as a responsible and reliable partner on the road as it seeks assistance through thoughts and ideas from dealers.

“Change is inevitable, and all we have to do is to adapt to stay competitive. IPC has geared up for its digital transformation as we have formed a digital task force that specializes in creating a new business platform for the new normal. I think we can present various solutions to you, and this is something to look forward to,” Koso said.

Since March, the company has been lending vehicles to different hospitals to service frontliners as part of their “Isuzu Kasama Mo” campaign wherein charitable institutions like Philippines Red Cross and Caritas Manila were regular beneficiaries.

As the threat of COVID-19 pandemic continues, Isuzu is set to donate medical-grade personal protective equipment (PPE) such as surgical facemasks and gloves to one beneficiary hospital each in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

These are the National Kidney and Transplant Institute in Quezon City, the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City, and the Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro. Rochelle Campos strong line up of drivers. We will prepare the drivers and with a bit of luck in the race, possibly get a podium position,” said JP Tuason, President of Tuason Racing.

Lallave is a 35-year-old businessman and social media influencer from Quezon City while Padilla is a 24-year-old aircraft mechanic and businessman from Bacoor, Cavite. Third member Altoveros is a 25-year-old writer and photographer, also from Quezon City.

“My strategy is to technically practice as much as I could every day,” said Lallave when asked how he is preparing for the regional finals.

Padilla meanwhile plans to “practice every day with my teammates and to strategize and familiarize (myself) with the tracks we’re competing on and be faster than the competitors.”

“I just met my teammates so we need to work on that,” added Altoveros. “I know the other guys (from the other countries) are really really good so we need to come up with a strategy.”