Manila Standard - 2020 November 14 - Saturday by Manila Standard

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Evacuees as spreaders feared DOH wants evac centers to watch out for virus symptoms

By Willie Casas EALTH officials on Friday called for close monitoring of evacuation centers to spot new outbreaks of the novel coronavirus, “a very strong possibility” as thousands of displaced residents fled their flooded homes in Metro Manila and nearby areas.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque symptoms of COVID-19 among evacusaid evacuation centers should have ees, in the wake of the disaster that safety officers who will watch out for Next page

OUT OF HARM’S WAY? Evacuation centers in San Juan (left) and Marikina serve as refuge for children, women and elderly displaced by typhoon “Ulysses”. While they may be out of harm’s way for now, the Health department says, there’s a ‘very strong possibility’ of outbreaks in these centers unless they strictly abide by health and safety protocols.

Ulysses’ fury ravages P4.25b in infra, roads

Death estimates vary: 24 or 42? Landslides amid storm in Ifugao

By Vito Barcelo TYPHOON “Ulysses” caused P4.25 billion worth of damage to roads and other infrastructure, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Friday. Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said 92 national road sections were closed due to landslides, mudflow, debris, fallen trees, and flooding but 40 of them have already been cleared. “Only 52 road sections remain closed and our target is that by tomorrow, the majority of them will be cleared,” he said. The affected roads were in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, IV-A, Bicol region, and Eastern Visayas. Most of the closed roads were in CAR, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon, Villar said. Of the total affected national roads, 19 have limited access for light to heavy vehicles due to flooding and sediment along bridge approaches. He said some 3,000 personnel and 483 vehicles were already in position to begin clearing operations.

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 253 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM NOVEMBER 13)

404,713 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

1,902 34,058 NEW

ACTIVE

7,752

362,903

506

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

NEW

PICKING UP THE PIECES. Residents beging cleaning up and picking up the pieces of what’s left of their belongings after the flood has subsided at North Libis, Banaba, San Mateo, Rizal following overnight rains induced by “Ulysses”, the third typhoon to hit Luzon in as many weeks.

By Rio N. Araja, Joel E. Zurbano, Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE death toll from Typhoon “Ulysses” has risen to 27, official figures showed Friday, after some of the worst flooding in years swamped villages and forced thousands to flee their homes. Torrential rain dumped by Ulysses – the third powerful storm to hit the country in as many weeks – inundated low-lying areas of Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, trapping people on rooftops and balconies. The typhoon claimed at least 27 lives, Civil Defense figures showed, but the final toll will likely be higher as disaster agencies verify some fatalities. The Philippine National Police has recorded 42 deaths. The military put the number of fatalities at 39 with 22 missing. The PNP said 10 people died following landslides near a mining site in Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya. Police Col. Ranser Evasco, provincial director of Nueva Vizcaya Police, told radio dzBB they immediately recovered five bodies in three sitios in Barangay Runruno on the same day, but five others were missing. Next page

Water shortage persists; waves of sickness loom By Rio N. Araja WATER service interruptions, no electricity and telecommunications damage – no thanks to powerful typhoon Ulysses – are on the plates of Next page

NOT A DROP TO DRINK. After severe flooding, residents of Barangay 664-A along U.N. Avenue in Manila finding themselves lacking potable water, fall in line on November 13, 2020 to draw water from a firetruck. Many areas are experiencing water supply interruption in the aftermath of typhoon Ulysses. Norman Cruz

DUTY OVER FAMILY. Policemen rush to the aid of flood-hit families in Marikina City

affected by typhoon “Ulysses.” Police are cooperating with the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the city’s local government unit to clean up the muddy streets. #workingPCOO

First responders: Duty calls

phoon Ulysses as it barreled through Luzon Wednesday evening until about MARINE Staff Sgt. Allen Abarcar Thursday noon. The 44-year-old father of three and waded through waist-high murky floodwaters in Rizal province in a bid platoon sergeant of the Disaster Reto rescue trapped residents caught in sponse Team deployed in Rizal said Next page the catastrophic rains unleashed by Ty-

By Joyce Pangco Pañares

Price curbs set for calamity-hit Marikina, others By Maricel V. Cruz MALACANANG said Friday a price freeze had been imposed in Marikina City and seven provinces in Southern Tagalog and Bicol – meaning prices Next page

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

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Cases surge in Cavite, Davao, QC By Willie Casas

HE Philippines logged on Friday 1,902 new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, bringing the total to 404,713, the Department of Health reported, as 29 laboratories failed to submit their reports.

This marks the fourth consecutive day where less than 2,000 cases were reported. “A total of 29 labs were not able to submit their data to the COVID-19 Data Repository System on November 12, 2020,” said the DOH. The top provinces and cities with new cases are Cavite, 122; Davao City, 113; Quezon City, 84; Bulacan, 81; and Manila, 78. The DOH also reported there were 34,058 active cases, which is 8.4 percent of the total number.

Of the active cases, 83.9 percent are mild; 9.4 percent are asymptomatic; 4.3 percent are critical; 2.3 percent are severe; and 0.12 percent are moderate. The DOH also said there are 506 persons who recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 362,903, which is 89.7 percent of the total and 31 new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 7,752, which is

Price... From A1

Evacuees... From A1

of basic goods in these areas would be placed under automatic control for two months. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque identified the provinces as Batangas, Cavite, Catanduanes, Mindoro, Palawan, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. The Price Act of 1992 states that prices of basic necessities in disaster areas or those under a state of calamity “shall automatically be frozen at their prevailing prices or placed under automatic price control”. With the declaration, Roque said the prices of basic commodities in the city and provinces mentioned would be “frozen” for 60 days. Typhoon Ulysses made landfall in Quezon province on Wednesday night, bringing torrential rains and ferocious winds in several areas including the National Capital Region. By Thursday morning, reports of heavy flooding and calls for rescue, mostly from Marikina and Rizal province, flooded social media as the typhoon swept through Luzon. Roque reported the Philippine National Police had rescued 107,535 people, including 3,811 in Metro Manila as of 3 a.m. Friday. The typhoon has so far affected 170,561 persons in 811 barangays in Cagayan Valley, Bicol, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Metro Manila. Some 74,721 individuals are currently served inside evacuation centers. Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said it had sufficient funds allocated for providing relief assistance to Filipinos hit by the onslaught of a series of typhoons in the country. In a virtual press briefing, DSWD Undersecretary Rene Glen Paje said the agency had total “stockpile or standby funds” amounting to P1.4 billion. Paje said about P800 million of it would be allocated for the use of the DSWD central office and its field offices.

struck as the nation continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. Ideally, there should be only one family per tent or room, Duque said. Evacuees should also wear anti-virus masks, keep a three-meter distance from other people, and frequently wash their hands, he added. Individuals who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19, including the elderly, pregnant women and those with underlying health problems, should be in separate quarters, Duque said. He said COVID-19 spread in crowded evacuation centers was “a very strong possibility.” The DOH has distributed P26.8 mil-

Areas under state of calamity (Typhoon Ulysses, Rolly and Quinta)

• Marikina City • Isabela province • Real town, Quezon province • Cavite • Camarines Sur • Catanduanes • Albay • Oriental Mindoro • Batangas

Ulysses’... From A1 Affected road sections in CAR were along Claveria-Calanasan Road, Cong Andres Akop Cosalan Road, Gov. Bado Dangwa National Road in Benguet; Banawe-Mayoyao-Alfonso Lista-Isabela Road, Nueva VizcayaIfugao-Mountain Province Road, Kiangan-Tinoc-Buguias Road, Baguio-Bua-Itogo Road in Ifugao; ApayaoIlocos Norte Road, Conner-Kabugao Road in Apayao; Tabuc-Banawe via Tanudan-Berlig Road and Mt. Province Bdry. Calanan Road in Kalinga; and Jct Talubin-Berlig-Natonin Road, Baguio-Bontoc Road, and Mt. Province-Cagayan Road via Tabuk-Enrile Road in Mt. Province. Damaged roads in Ilocos and Cagayan Valley Regions were: Manila

1.92 percent of the total. The DOH said, nationwide, of the approximately 1,900 ICU bed capacity, 54 percent were available; of the approximately 13,500 total isolation bed capacity, 59 percent are available; of the approximately 5,900 total ward bed capacity, 70 percent are available; and of the approximately 2,000 units of ventilators, 77 percent are available. Meanwhile, the DOH said that Cebu City was still in a “safe zone” and should not be put on lockdown even if the increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases had outpaced the rate of recoveries during the past three days. Health Undersecretary Rosario Ver-

geire made the statement in response to the suggestion of Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera to have the city placed in a lockdown by the end of the month if the uptrend in new cases continues to surpass recovery rates. Vergeire stressed that while local government units were given a free hand to decide whether they should put their jurisdiction in lockdown, such drastic measures should only be done after much careful evaluation not solely dependent on case count. From mid-June to July, due to rising COVID cases, Cebu City was placed under strictest protocols under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified ECQ—measures that ban public transport and allows half of the public transport to operate, respective-

lion worth of hygiene kits, medicine, face masks, water containers in Metro Manila and Calabarzon, Duque said. The Philippines has the second highest number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Southeast Asia, next to Indonesia. Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday urged the national government to provide Typhoon Ulysses evacuees free face masks and rubbing alcohol. “We may have rescued them from dangerous flooding, but let’s not put them at risk of a dangerous virus,” she added. The DOH on Friday offered free medicine against leptospirosis and tetanus for people who waded through floods in the aftermath of Typhoon Ulysses. These can be had at their nearest health centers, the DOH said. Many areas in Luzon, including the National Capital Region (NCR), experi-

enced massive flooding due to Ulysses, which left dozens dead and injured. “Thosewho have waded through floods, please go to the nearest health center so you can be given a prophylaxis for preventing leptospirosis,” said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, speaking in Filipino. “This is important because leptospirosis can be fatal.” Vergeire said that those in need of this medical assistance need not worry since it will be given for free. She said the prophylaxis must be given 24 to 48 hours after a person has waded through flood waters. Vergeire also said the DOH’s regional units have been instructed to provide face masks to evacuees as a result of Typhoon Ulysses and Super Typhoon Rolly, which battered the country only days apart.

Rizal sparked comparisons with the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Ondoy in 2009 that killed hundreds. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Danilo Lim, meanwhile, ordered the deployment of additional teams to help in the rehabilitation of the affected areas in Marikina City in the wake of the devastation brought about by Ulysses. Men from the agency’s Metro Parkways Clearing Group, Road Emergency Group, and Public Safety Division will assist the local government of Marikina City in its on-going clearing and rehabilitation efforts. “We have dispatched our men to severely-damaged areas in Marikina City to remove debris, clear obstructions, and collect household waste in coordination with the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office,” Lim said. Aside from manpower, dump trucks, self-loaders, back hoes, and other heavy equipment needed in removing road obstructions were deployed in the hardesthit city in the National Capital Region. “Our men are equipped with clearing tools to haul garbage and thick mud from the affected areas,” Lim said. Lim, concurrent chairman of the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC), also directed concerned agency’s personnel to ensure that all major roads in Metro Manila are passable. Agency personnel cleared roads blocked by fallen tree branches, stalled vehicles and debris, and realigned concrete and plastic barriers. Based on the MMDA Metro Manila Crisis Monitoring and Management Center’s monitoring of the flood situations in Metro Manila, all major thoroughfares inundated on Thursday are now passable. Lim earlier asked several Metro local government units to extend assistance to Marikina and other cities which have been severely devastated by the typhoon. At the height of the typhoon Ulysses, MMDA personnel assisted in the rescue and evacuation of affected individuals, assisted in crowd control, and managed traffic flow in affected cities in the metropolis. Ambulances, rubber boats, truck-

mounted cranes, backhoes, water pumps, rescue equipment were dispatched. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said the Plaridel Airport in Bulacan sustained mild flooding in its apron while cracked door panels and water leakage was discovered in its tower building due to storm surges. Sangley Airport in Cavite, on the other hand, experienced flooding along Runway 07, and its hangar and general aviation area. Both airports suffered power outages. Malacanang on Friday said President Duterte was constantly monitoring the situation during the onslaught of Ulysses, even while he was attending to his other obligations. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after the hashtag “#NasaanAngPangulo?” (Where is the President) went viral while Ulysses was ravaging parts of the country Thursday, adding that the social media criticism was a ploy hatched by the opposition. “You should not ask where the President is. That’s nonsense caused by the opposition. The President is never absent, he is always with us. He is always thinking about our welfare,” Roque said. “Only those who really don’t like the President say that because the President’s real message is ‘I sympathize with all the victims of this typhoon,” he added. Senator Christopher Go, a constant companion of the President, said Duterte has ensured that all available government assets would be used to help typhoon victims. Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Friday commended the efforts of local government units (LGUs), including Marikina City, for their disaster response preparations despite the devastation brought by Typhoon Ulysses. “The preparations and response of Mayor Marcy Teodoro are okay and also other LGUs. Mayor Marcy did his best but it’s the wrath of nature and you can only do so much. The water’s rise was too fast, faster than Ondoy but the evacuation was being done even before the water reached the... alarming level. And then it happened from night to dawn so there were additional obstacles,” Año said in a message sent to reporters.

First... From A1

with the same dilemma as he joined other soldiers dispatched as first responders in Marikina City at the height of Tropical Storm Ondoy that left over 400 people dead. “We were drenched in floodwaters for two days during Ondoy. In truth, we also needed to be rescued, but we could not stop because it was a race against time to help those who were stranded or trapped,” he recalled his experience in 2009. Abarcar is just one of the many soldiers who served as front liners during the past three strong typhoons to batter the country – Quinta, Rolly and Ulysses. “It’s a call of duty for us,” said Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo in a separate interview. “We have committed to a life of service to others which may not include our own families.” Rescue units of the AFP have successfully rescued at least 2,727 persons

LOCAL ROUNDUP

Death... From A1 Local police in Banaue, Ifugao, reported five dead and six missing in a landslide caused by the typhoon. Police said the landslide pushed a twostory house in Banaue into a ravine. Ulysses left the Philippine area of responsibility Friday and headed toward Vietnam. It briefly weakened into a severe tropical storm before dawn Friday but re-intensified into a typhoon at 8 a.m. before its exit. As floodwaters receded and residents began to return home, the scale of the destruction left by Ulysses became clearer. In Marikina City, one of the hardest hit areas of the capital, mud-covered washing machines, televisions, couches, office chairs and bicycles were piled up on streets as residents swept debris and murky water from their houses. Hundreds of thousands were still without power after Ulysses lashed the most populous island of Luzon on Wednesday and Thursday, triggering landslides, toppling trees and cutting off roads. Authorities vowed to distribute food and other essentials to victims, many of whom were still recovering from typhoons Quinta and Rolly that killed dozens of people, destroyed tens of thousands of houses and knocked out power to swathes of the country in recent weeks. Defending the response to the latest disaster, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the government “acted fast.” “Unfortunately we couldn’t do anything about the floodwater which rose too fast... but we made sure no one will be left behind,” he said. Officials said many people had ignored orders to evacuate their homes and were caught by surprise by the fastrising waters. Police, soldiers and coast guard were deployed to assist in rescue efforts, using boats to reach thousands of people stranded. The operations were made more complicated by the coronavirus outbreak. The severity of the flooding in Metro Manila and neighboring province of

North Road in Barangay Pancian, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte; Jct. Logac, Magapit Road in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Jct Gattaran Cumao Cappissayan Sta. Margarita Road, Baybayog-BaggaoDalin Sta. Margarita Road, Cagayan Valley Road in Alcala, CagayanApayao Road, Manila North Road in Cagayan; Cabagan-Sta. Maria Overf low Bridge, Ilagan-Delfin-AlbanoMallig Road in Isabela; BambangKasibu Road in Nueva Vizcaya; and San Pedro Overf low Bridge, Cordon-Aurora Bdry Road in Quirino. Closed roads in Central Luzon include the following road sections: Nueva Ecija-Aurora Road, MaddelaDinadiawan Road, and Baler-Casiguran Road in Aurora; Baong Spillway, Labi Bridge, Gabaldon Road in Nueva Ecija; and Sta. Maria Norzagaray Road and Gen. Alejo Santos Highway in Bulacan.

they were able to rescue and evacuate about 100 families. Abarcar’s own family – his wife Leila and their three kids, the youngest only eight years old – was also faced with waist-high murky floodwaters outside their home almost a hundred kilometers away in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. “It pains me that I am not with them,” he told Manila Standard in a phone interview yesterday late afternoon, a few hours since he and his team were able to return to Fort Bonifacio to finally get some rest and wash their uniforms. “But my wife knows the kind of work that I do, and why I have to be somewhere else. We just updated each other from time to time,” Abarcar added. Eleven years ago, Abarcar was faced

WORLD ROUNDUP

New vaccine vs. pandemic game-changer HAILED this week as a pandemic game-changer, the new COVID-19 vaccine offered countries that had preordered doses a potential escape from a cycle of lockdowns and new waves of sickness and death. But while richer nations plan their vaccination programmes through the end of 2021, experts warn that poorer and developing countries face hurdles that could deny billions the first proven protection against the coronavirus. Vaccine developers Pfizer and BioNTech plan to roll out the first doses within weeks, once they receive emergency use permissions from drug agencies. They expect to have 1.3 billion doses ready next year. The results of phase 3 clinical trials showed their mRNA vaccine was 90 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 symptoms and did not produce adverse side effects among thousands of volunteers. At the cost of $40 per treatment, which consists of two separate shots, richer nations have rushed to order tens of millions of doses. But it is less clear what poorer nations can expect. “If we only have the Pfizer vaccine and everyone needs two doses, clearly that’s a difficult ethical dilemma,” Trudie Lang, director of The Global Health Network at the University of Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Medicine, told AFP. Anticipating the outsize demand for any approved vaccine, the World Health Organization formed the COVAX facility in April to ensure equitable distribution. COVAX brought together governments, scientists, civil society and the private sector – though Pfizer is not currently part of the facility. A company spokesperson told AFP it had “provided an expression of interest for possible supply” to COVAX.

Water... From A1 hundreds of thousands on the path of the 21st weather disturbance which left an ugly trail of destruction Friday. West zone Maynilad Water Services Inc. said its customers must brace for further water service interruption – while nearly 500,000 residents in various areas are still without power, hours after Ulysses left the country. The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said its line crews were working to restore electricity services in areas that remain without electricity. At the same time, the National Telecommunications Commission, pursuant to instructions from the Department of Information and Communications Technology, ordered all public telecommunications companies to fast track the repair and restoration of telecommunication services in areas severely affected by Ulysses. The NTC also directed the companies to accelerate the mobilization and transport of their respective technical or service personnel and equipment to the affected areas, and to deploy Libreng Tawag and Libreng Charging Stations [Free Call and Free Charging Stations] in strategic areas affected by the typhoon. As of 11 a.m.Friday, there were 453,349 customers that remained without electricity in areas that include parts of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, Laguna and Quezon Province.

in the National Capital Region, Rizal province, and Bicol Region from the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses. The AFP serves as the lead agency for the Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) Cluster of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council Response Cluster. “We have learned to accept the fact that it is part of our duty to leave our loved ones behind to fend for themselves while we help other people survive. Our families may have resigned to that fate, but sometimes the struggle is within us to reconcile with this irony,” Arevalo added. For Abarcar and his team, armed with an assault amphibious vehicle, rubber boats, and their equally important stash of potable water and biscuits, this meant rescuing even pets who got caught in the massive flooding that inundated parts of Rizal province. “Lahat ng may buhay, lahat ng pwedeng iligtas,” he said.

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Priority bills’ okay predicted By Maricel V. Cruz

ARDUOUS TASK. Residents clean up after the flood subsided in North Libis, Banaba, in San Mateo, Rizal. | via @joncellona #UlyssesPH

China candidate support thanked By Rey E. Requejo CHINA has expressed its gratitude to the Philippines for backing its candidate for one of the vacant seats in the International Court of Justice. In a tweet, the Chinese Embassy in Manila thanked Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. for expressing support for Beijing’s candidate for the seat. “Thank you for your support of the Chinese candidate. It is highly appreciated,” the Chinese Embassy said in a Twitter post. “As always, China would like to continue to strengthen close cooperation and coordination with the Philippines in regional and international fora.” Locsin earlier defended the Philippines’ choices for the vacant positions in the United Nations’ court of justice. He said the Philippines had voted for the candidates of China, Japan and Germany, whom he described as having “sterling qualifications with their probity beyond question.” He said the Philippines’ “national interest is in the intelligence and integrity” of the world court. “We voted for CHINA’s, JAPAN’s and GERMANY’s respective candidates for the International Court of Justice and all 3 won—along with Uganda,” Locsin said in a Twitter post. “Their qualifications are sterling, their probity beyond question; our national interest is in the intelligence & integrity of the world court.” The bilateral relations between China and the Philippines have improved under the Duterte administration despite the lingering tensions due to the territorial disputes in the South China Sea. During the ASEAN Summit held virtually on Thursday, President Rodrigo Duterte exhorted the member states to uphold the July 2016 arbitration ruling of a United Nations-backed tribunal that invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the resource-rich waters.

Cigarettes held in Indanan, Sulu THE Bureau of Customs has intercepted more than P120 million worth of smuggled cigarettes. The seizure stemmed from a call received from a citizen about a certain vessel allegedly carrying smuggled cigarettes, prompting BOC-Zamboanga operatives to conduct an operation on the ship M/L Nur 1, which arrived in Indanan, Sulu, from Indonesia. According to the intelligence group, the information was then relayed to the Customs personnel in Taganak Island, Tawi Tawi, for validation and coordination. Customs’ anti-smuggling operation resulted in the seizure of more than 3,000 boxes of undocumented cigarettes estimated to be worth P120 million. The seized cigarettes will undergo proper disposition procedure pursuant to Customs laws, the agency said in a statement. “The success of this operation under the stewardship of Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero is attributed to the Bureau of Customs’ dedication to a more efficient monitoring, intelligence-gathering and full implementation of Customs laws and procedures with the ultimate goal of erasing the stigma of Mindanao being the country’s backdoor for smuggling operations,” the agency said. Vito Barcelo

HOUSE of Representatives’ Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin G. Romualdez on Friday forecast the fast approval of seven priority bills of Speaker Lord Allan Velasco under Rule 10 Section 48 of the chamber. Rule 10 Section 48, Romualdez said, authorizes the committees to dispose of priority measures already filed and approved on third reading in the immediately preceding Congress. “We discussed ways on how to expedite the approval of pending legislative measures in compliance with Speaker Velasco’s directive to hit the ground running,” Romualdez, chairman of the House Committee on Rules, said. “The concerned committees for these measures may meet for just one hearing and immediately refer the committee reports for plenary deliberation by invoking Section 48 of the House rules,” Romualdez, a lawyer and president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats and the Philippine Constitution Association, said. Rule 10 Section 48 says “In case of bills or resolutions that are identified as priority measures of the House, which were previously filed in the immediately preceding Congress and have already been approved on third reading, the same may be disposed of as matters already reported upon the approval of majority of the members of the committee present, there being a quorum.” The seven priority measures of Speaker Velasco pending in various stages of deliberation in the committee level that are eligible under Section 10, Rule 48, Romualdez says, include the Coconut Levy Fund, National Land Use Act, Mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps or ROTC, Rightsizing the National Government, Right to Adequate Food, Anti-Ethnic, Racial and Religious Discrimination Act, and On-Site, In-City Near City Local Government Resettlement Program.

Judge’s killing ordered probed By Rey E. Requejo and Willie Casas

USTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to probe the killing of a Manila City regional trial court judge inside her office last Wednesday. Judge Maria Teresa Abadilla of the Manila City RTC, Branch 45, was shot dead allegedly by her own clerk of court, Amador Rebato Jr., who also shot himself thereafter. She was declared dead at 3:15 p.m.

on Nov. 11 at the Medical Center Manila. where she was taken after the shooting. “Though Judge Abadilla’s death appears to have arisen from an internal issue with her clerk of court, I have nonetheless directed the NBI to conduct a paral-

lel probe, considering that the incident has implications on the personal security of our judges and justices,” Guevarra said in a text message. He made his statement even as University of the Philippines Law sorority, where she was a member, said her killing was the latest in a string of “gross violations of justice” that had occurred under the Duterte administration. The UP Portia Sorority said Abadilla’s killing by her own clerk of court highlighted the need for reform within the Philippine government.

Official backs decision on VFA

TO THE RESCUE. Philippine Marine Corps’ Amphibious Assault Vehicles are on their way to conduct rescue operations in response following the destruction caused by Typhoon Ulysses in Rodriguez, Rizal.

Coconut waste pushed as a viable income source By Macon Ramos-Araneta TURNING coconut waste into a viable source of livelihood and income for many communities is a “win-win for people and the environment,” Senator Cynthia Villar said Friday. “There are two-fold benefits in turning waste coconut husks into something useful, we got rid of garbage that used to litter our streets and clog our rivers and

“Her death abruptly put an end to the exemplary work that she has done; it is a stark reminder of the numerous gross violations of justice that have occurred under this administration,” the sorority said in a statement. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court welcomed the parallel investigation that would be conducted by the NBI on Abadilla’s killing. Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez said the high court started its probe immediately after the incident on the instructions of Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta.

waterways. Secondly, we helped residents by providing them with livelihood and additional source of income,” said Villar, head of both the Senate Committees on agriculture and the environment. Villar SIPAG’s coconet-weaving enterprises convert waste coconut husks into coconets, which are used as riprap materials in construction projects to prevent soil erosion. Vista Land buys the coconets for its housing subdivisions.

Villar also said the coco peat or dusts extracted from the coconut husk fiber were mixed with household waste to make organic fertilizers. All the fertilizers produced are distributed all over the country and given free to farmers and urban gardeners. Villar says these have become in demand during the pandemic when the popularity of growing one’s food and vegetable gardening dramatically increased.

A LAWMAKER on Friday welcomed the government’s decision to extend the suspension of the Visiting Forces Agreement’s abrogation, calling it “sound and strategic” considering the outcome of the United States elections. “I think it is a good move for the government to extend the suspension to give time for the new US administration to settle in and possibly pursue talks with the Philippines on issues concerning the VFA,” Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon said. “The impending change in administration in the US offers the Philippines an opportunity to engage the new administration and discuss concerns pertaining to the PH-US relationship and come to a refresh or reboot of security arrangements in the Region.” Biazon said the official reason for the extension of the suspension of the termination of the VFA showed the United States that the Philippines was not abandoning its long-standing strategic alliance. The suspension of the termination of the VFA was extended “to find a more enhanced, mutually beneficial, mutually agreeable and more effective and lasting arrangement,” according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. “This shows that the Philippines is serious in coming up with an agreement which is strong in upholding peace and order in the areas around the West Philippine Sea but sensitive to the interests of both countries and consistent with mutuality,” Biazon said.

Stronger immigration law urged THE Bureau of Immigration has urged congress to add more “teeth” to the proposed new immigration law “to effectively implement its mandate,” particularly in imposing heavier fines against erring airline companies. Customs Commissioner Jaime Morente earlier said the passage of the new law was the solution to the corruption in the agency. “It is necessary to equip the BI with the necessary legal and administrative tools for us to effectively carry out our mandate,” he said. Section 44 of the Immigration Act of 1940 says vessels or aircraft that bring in improperly documented aliens may be subjected to a fine of P500 for each person brought, and should not be allowed to depart the country until the fine has been settled. The amount was increased in 1999 to P50,000 by then Customs Commissioner

and now Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, and as approved by then Justice Secretary Serafin Cuevas. But its legality was questioned by airline companies, resulting in the nonpayment of the fines. In 2016, former Justice secretary Emmanuel Caparas issued a circular directing Customs to revert to charging P500 following a petition from an airline questioning the legality of the 1999 Memorandum, saying the added fine had “no legal basis” as the Immigration Act fixed the amount to P500. “This is exactly the reason why we’re pushing for a new law,” Morente said. “The Philippine Immigration Act is a very old law, it was enacted in the 1940s, and the rates included there are not applicable anymore.” Morente also said the solution to the issues plaguing Customs was to update the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940. Vito Barcelo

BACK TO THE RAILS. MRT-3 trains returned to normal operations on Friday after they were suspended due to Typhoon Ulysses. The trains run at 50 kph and have a passenger capacity of 352 each, with 124 passengers per car. DOTR

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020 lgu@manilastandard.net editor.lgustandard@gmail.com

LGUs LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

DARAGANG MAGAYON. Salakot-like lenticular clouds crowned the majestic Mayon Volcano on Nov. 12, 2020. John Cidric Santillan

6,609 residents evacuated in Muntinlupa AS Typhoon Ulysses barreled over Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon mainland, the local government of Muntinlupa evacuated at least 6,609 individuals as of November 13. Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Resilience and Management reported that there were 1,607 families or 6,609 individuals in 20 evacuation centers across the city during the onslaught of the typhoon. MCDDRM recorded 205 lactating and pregnant women, 258 senior citizens, 70 persons with disability, and 2,079 children among the evacuees from Brgy. Tunasan, Brgy. Poblacion, Brgy. Putatan, Brgy. Bayanan, Brgy. Alabang, Brgy. Cupang, Brgy. Buli, and Brgy. Sucat. Muntinlupa City Health Officer Dr. Teresa Tuliao noted that medical personnel from barangay health centers were mobilized to provide vitamins, safe drinking water, disinfection, medical consultation, breastfeeding counseling, nutritional assessment, vaccination, COVID-19 screening, and psychological first aid and prophylaxis against leptospirosis to the evacuees. Tuliao warned the public to take precautionary measures against the outbreak of leptospirosis considering that some areas in the city remains flooded. She advised city residents to wear protective gear such as rubber boots and gloves to avoid contact with floodwater which may be contaminated. MCDDRM has identified 28 floor-prone areas in the city’s eight barangays including those located along the Laguna Lake. On Thursday, the Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau reported that the Muntinlupa - San Pedro, Laguna River overflowed due to heavy rains. A portion of the national highway at the boundary was also flooded because of the overflow.

First digital free TV in E. Visayas By Maricel V. Cruz

HE newly-rebranded PRTV has reached new heights in providing viewers with substantial, credible, reliable, up-to-date and valuable information as it relaunched the formerly analogtransmitted channel as the first digital free television channel in Region VIII. The local government information of- information to reach a broader market, fice said Tacloban City will now be an especially far-flung communities in Reinformation capital in Eastern Visayas gion VIII. with the rising demands of platforms for The private-owned regional TV station

is registered under the Philippine Collective Media Corporation (PCMC) and is permitted to broadcast via digital transmission through a 250-watt transmission power. Apart from PRTV, its mother company PMPC has also several affiliate regional radio network like the Favorite Music Radio (FMR) that has station across Eastern Visayas particularly FMR Tacloban 100.7, FMR Calbayog 88.5, FMR Catbalogan 106.9, FMR Borongan 101.7, FMR Ormoc 100.9, and FMR Catarman. It is also partnered with other radio networks in the country such as the 96.7 Friends Radio in Iligan, 88.5 ZRadio in Davao De Oro, 99.3 Like Radio in Zamboanga Sibugay,

and 104.1 Like Radio in Ipil, Zamboanga. The People’s Television (PTV), a staterun TV station based in Manila, is currently in talks for some of its programs to be aired using one of PRTV’s digital channels as part of its commitment to help the government in its information dissemination efforts for peace and development. The upgraded and remodeled PRTV is designed to strengthen and improve the broadcast services in Eastern Visayas through free television airwaves with basic programming. PRTV boasts several features such as the acquisition of two digital channels which could be accessed through smart

TV or non-smart TV but with commercial digital boxes like the commonly used affordabox or TV plus. Currently, PRTV has forged partnerships with the Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources in their advocacy and information programs while Department of Education’s TVSkwela will come in this month to reach learners in far communities. As the station innovates more strategies for the audience, it will soon introduce news and current affairs, entertainment, health and wellness, sports, public service, magazine and lifestyle programs.

Fishing ban set in Visayan Sea FISHING within the Visayan Sea is prohibited for three months starting Nov. 15, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said. Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) 167-3 series of 2013 established the closed season that specifically prohibits the catching, selling, and marketing of sardines, herring, and mackerel. BFAR regional director Remia Aparri said the closed season allows herrings, sardines, and mackerels to spawn, thus making fishing sustainable in the Visayan Sea. “Let us give them time to spawn and grow. In the end, we are still the ones who can benefit from it,” she said in a statement on Friday. The Visayan Sea is surrounded by 33 cities and municipalities of the provinces of Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Cebu, and Masbate.

Around 20 percent of the total production of the said fish species comes from Western Visayas. Apart from the three fish species, the Visayan Sea is also home to hectares of corals, mangroves, seagrasses, and marine protected areas. Aparri added the current health pandemic showed the significance of the agri-fishery sector, which provided the primary needs of people. “As stakeholders, we enjoin everyone to take part in Bantay Visayan Sea while it takes its much deserved pahuway (rest),” she said. Aparri said the closure of the Visayan Sea last year has boosted the population of the targeted three fish species by about 10 to 20 percent. The increased population means abundant fish catch both for the municipal and commercial fisheries, she added.

9 drug suspects nabbed in Bacolod NINE drug personalities were arrested in six separate operations by drug enforcement teams of Bacolod City Police Office in the past two days. Col. Manuel Placido, city police director, commended the operatives on Friday for their successful operations amid the coronavirus disease pandemic. On Thursday, Jerry Nombra was arrested by personnel of Police Station 8 during a buy-bust in Calong-Calong Zone 1, Barangay Singcang-Airport. At around 10 p.m., the 26-year-old suspect sold a sachet of suspected shabu worth P500 to an undercover policeman, and also yielded 3.5 grams of the same substance worth P25,000. An hour earlier, operatives of Police Station 2 collared two suspects in another buy-bust in Purok Kagaykay, Barangay 2. A poseur-buyer bought a sachet of shabu worth P500 from Romel Parafina, 22; and Jury Distajo, 56. Policemen also seized from the suspects 16 small sachets of shabu, weighing about three grams, with an estimated market value of P20,400. At around 8:30 p.m., John Ray Gomez was arrested during a buy-bust by operatives of the City Drug Enforcement Unit in Sitio Sibucao, Barangay Banago.

Gomez, 26, a high-value target, sold a sachet of the contraband for P500 to an undercover policeman. The suspect, who also yielded five small sachets of shabu worth P6,800, is now detained at Police Station 3. Earlier in the day, Bobby Galicia Jr., a street-level individual, was arrested during the serving of an alias warrant of arrest at around 10:30 a.m. in Purok Mabinuligon, Barangay Handumanan. Galicia, 34, the sixth most wanted person of Police Station 10, is facing a case for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 before the Regional Trial Court Branch 46. On Wednesday, three suspects were arrested by operatives of Police Station 7 in Purok Gaisano, Barangay Alijis. They were identified as Jason Peruelo, 29; John Leigh Peruelo, 32; and Norberto Peruelo, 54, all residing in the area. At around 9:30 p.m., an undercover police officer bought a sachet of shabu worth P500 from the suspects, who also yielded four 18 grams of the same prohibited substance valued at P117,000. On the same day, Errol Olorga was caught red-handed selling shabu worth P200 to a poseur-buyer at around 8:40 p.m. in Purok Calachuchi, Barangay 9.

HEAVY DAMAGE. Typhoon Ulysses caused major damage to crops which highland farmers in Benguet were hoping to sell for favorable wholesale market prices to tide them over the holiday season. Dave Leprozo

BPSU seeks revival of Bataan mango industry By Butch Gunio BALANGA CITY—The Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) is partnering with the office of Bataan 2nd district Rep. Joet Garcia for the revival of the mango industry in the province. BPSU Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training Services Dr. Hermogenes Paguia said the lawmaker

expressed high hopes that with the creation of the Mango Industry Development Council in the province, “Bataan mango” will establish its name in the local and global markets. The revival of mango industry, he said, will be a boost to the economy of the province. Paguia said the Provincial Tourism Office should be part of the technical work-

ing group of the proposed council, noting the potential of mango orchards for agrotourism. BPSU President Dr. Greg Rodis said the university has always supported sustainable innovations and researches. “The innovations and researches we are doing in BPSU will mean nothing if these do not reach end users,” Rodis said.

Persons of interest in Pangasinan newsman’s slay SOME persons of interest in the murder of Pangasinan newsman Virgilio Maganes are now under the custody of the Pangasinan Police for investigation. Provincial police director Col. Redrico Maranan said based on the evaluation of the investigators, the persons of interest might have something to do with the crime but were still being questioned.

“We are investigating all angles, including why he left his place of work or why he was removed from there, his personal dealings as he has libel cases,” Maranan said in an interview on Friday. He added they are also considering other angles, such as possible feud with family, friends, and colleagues, and other work-related issues. Meanwhile, Maranan said the suspect-

ed gunmen have been identified through CCTV camera footage near the crime scene. Maganes was shot six times at past 6:30 a.m. on November 10 upon his return to their compound after going to a nearby store. Police said the suspects were wearing black jackets and were on board a Yamaha NMAX scooter.

Opinion ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO ONE would think that after facing Ondoy, Yolanda, and a host of other super typhoons, the Philippines should already be a veteran in facing similar storms. It is not unreasonable to expect that government response should already be in place and ready to be implemented at a moment’s notice. We know that we would periodically face such storms. We have had a lot of practice but it seems that we have yet to learn our lessons.

The national government must be visible in addressing these problems. Most of us were unprepared when #UlyssesPH struck. Compared with typhoons Rolly or even Siony, prior information on Ulysses was unusually scanty. Those affected by the two previous storms have not even begun to pick their lives up before Ulysses wreaked more havoc on us. When Rolly and Siony spared Metro Manila and people, including myself and my family, we were relieved. We expected Rolly to batter the metropolis and thus, prepared for the eventuality. However, after Siony, we did not know that Ondoy 2 was coming at its heels, and that it would even be more devastating for many. My most horrific memory of typhoons was when I was perhaps five or six years old. I do not remember the storm’s name but I vividly recall the experience. We were living at the urban poor community very near the boundary of San Juan and Sta. Mesa. I still remember playing and crossing the gigantic tube (I do not know what this was for) that ran across the body of water between San Juan and Manila. When the typhoon struck, I remember seeing water everywhere. In hindsight, the river must have overflowed flooding nearby areas. Before we knew it, our small house was already flooded. Next thing I remember is my father carrying both me and my younger brother as he waded through the water onto a bigger house with an upper floor. When we reached the house, a male neighbor reached out from a window to get me and my brother. I remember seeing many of our neighbors’ kids in the only house nearby with a second floor. It became our safe haven. After the flood subsided, I remember being part of a poor community that was trying very hard to restart lives. I remember my father getting a very bad case of skin disease that looked like nasty wounds on his legs after the flooding. Soon after my father got better, our family left the area and transferred to the inner parts of San Juan. Perhaps my parents did not want to experience the same thing ever again. So I know the horrors of massive

flooding particularly to those living in poor communities. This experience was running through my mind as the howling and hissing winds and torrential rains of super typhoon #UlyssesPH ravaged Metro Manila and other areas. I no longer live in an area that is vulnerable to typhoons but like many, I was up almost the whole night. I was especially worried for Marikina because of the Ondoy catastrophe. While monitoring, I was online with friends. We were all scared as we updated each other about our situation. I was looking for news reports about what government was doing but all I could find were the responses of LGUs. During times like this, it is always good to see national leaders on top of the situation coordinating efforts to respond to the calamity. It is good to give people hope and assurance that adequate action is being undertaken. People need to know that government cares. Doing this is always good for the nation’s psyche. But it seemed that national government was absent. Were our officials as uninformed as we were? Trees were swishing and swaying as I have never seen them do. Very heavy rains were nonstop. I heard a nearby Meralco transformer explode. The pitch-black environs after—like the government’s invisibility at a most crucial time—did not help. We all saw the disaster that ensued. Lives, livelihood, and properties were lost. A friend and his family needed to be rescued. He lost his precious book and old documents collection. Another friend’s house was completely destroyed alongside everything in it. Images of drenched families with children, infants, and pregnant women on their roofs waiting for rescue flooded social media. People were PLEADING to be helped. The picture of a dead toddler cradled by his grieving mother was heartbreaking. This was sickening. Seeing the Filipino people virtually abandoned by the government was too painful. Ondoy, Yolanda, and Ulysses will surely happen again. The country is predisposed to strong typhoons. It is just a matter of time before the next one brings another disaster if we remain unprepared. We need better and long lasting, if not permanent solutions. For instance, we should remember that Marikina is a VALLEY. As such, flooding is expected. In developing solutions, this fact must be taken into account. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) MUST seriously work with stakeholders including those in flood-prone areas. They should come up with systems, mechanisms, structures, and effective measures to prepare for, and effectively address and manage natural calamities such as super typhoons. Citizens must be involved so they OWN the responses, become responsible, and follow protocols. Communication must be pro-active. Most importantly, the national government must be visible in addressing these problems. Never again should the Filipino people feel abandoned by their public servants. NEVER AGAIN. @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

Incompetence or negligence? NAKED THOUGHT CHARLIE V. MANALO ONE would think that more than a decade of service to a beloved institution would merit adulation, or at the very least, respect. But instead of gratitude and compensation, lawyer Ramon Maronilla, former president of the City of Malabon University (CMU) and a Malabonian himself, is now claiming he was given the runaround by the people he expected to protect his rights. Last February, two months after his early retirement, Maronilla says he wrote a letter to Malabon City Human Resources Chief Maria Caridad Soco to follow up on the payment of his final-month salary and accumulated leave credits. However, to his surprise, Maronilla says that in her response, Soco stated he

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

EDITORIAL

A people abandoned POWER POINT

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

is not entitled to any leave credits because the CMU Board of Regents never issued any resolution recognizing the latter’s entitlement to leave privileges. It took Soco seven months to reply to Maronilla’s letter. The City Legal Department then wrote a separate letter saying Maronilla is not entitled to accumulated leave credits because his appointment as CMU president was not endorsed by the City Government of Malabon to the CSC for the latter’s confirmation. Maronilla served as CMU president from 2008-2019 until his early retirement in early December. His appointment was issued by the Local Chief Executive of Malabon, and the same was duly ratified by the CMU BoR. In addition, the CMU Charter maintains that the CMU president is entitled to the emoluments equivalent to that of a member of the Sangguniang Panglungsod—this includes accumulated leave credits. How can the HR fail to endorse CMU’s appointment to CSC for confirmation?

Devastation

YPHOON Ulysses (international Vamco), the 21st to hit the Philippines this week, has left a still uncountable damage in infrastructure and agricultural produce—well on the heels of Typhoon Rolly (Goni), the strongest, with 215 kph sustained winds and gusts up to 265 kph, which brought violent winds and strong rains.

water, causing damage to its agricultural farms. Ulysses’ arrival—eight less than last year's 29 named storms including 17 typhoons and five super typhoons

Over the years, “resilience” has taken a fatalistic hue. —brought memories of Yolanda, the second deadliest to jab the Philippines with 6,300 deaths from November 7 to 8 in 2013, as it crashed against and uprooted some hardwood in the capital and elsewhere. The Philippines is prone to tropical cyclones due to its geographical location which generally induces heavy rains and flooding of large areas and also strong winds which result in heavy casualties to human life and destruction to crops and properties. The loss and devastation we saw in

Rolly, truth be told, is the most powerful storm recorded worldwide this year, which made landfall in the Philippines as the predominantly Catholic country of 110 million celebrated All Souls Day virtually because of the pandemic. But Ulysses had a different beat as it hit the national capital region and surrounding provinces, not the least the always storm-battered Bicol Peninsula and the Sierra Madre-shielded Cagayan Valley, which this week remained under

this most recent disaster are as heartbreaking as ever. The so-called resilience of Filipinos has been glorified far too many times. In the beginning, it was a testament to our collective strength and ability to transcend any hardship. In recent years, however, the word has assumed a fatalistic hue, because it laid down the expectation that we should accept whatever fate befalls us even if it is due to the sheer greed, ineptitude, apathy and lack of foresight of our leaders. There is no doubt that we will rebuild again. We will be able to do so not because we have calmly resigned ourselves to the situation—that we are a country frequently visited by disaster. It will instead be because we have taken a more active role in charting our future by active participation and the election of better officials: Those visibly working in times of tragedy, who craft strategies to mitigate the impact of disasters on communities, and who are accountable for their actions while in office.

Derailing the exploration THE Philippines’ decision to unilaterally proceed with the joint exploration for gas and oil in the South China Sea may not appear as simple as Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi would propose. First, the decision to halt the exploration was a unilateral decision made by the previous administration. Second, events have been superseded by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on November 20, 2018 between China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Teodoro Locsin. The thing that complicates public understanding is the decision by Secretary Alfonso Cusi to include non-states. Officially, the deal is between China’s CNOOC and the Philippines PNOCEC to explore oil and gas in West Balabac in Northwest of Palawan and the area known as the Reed Bank or Recto Bank, as locally denominated. Although the unilateral decision by President Duterte to allow the resumption of exploration technically excludes a co-principal, the invitation made by Secretary Cusi to private oil companies could affect the agreement between the two sovereign states, the sharing of the parties in regard to service contract, and the overlapping claim of exclusive economic zone (EEZ) between sovereign states. Non-states or oil companies that have been awarded service contracts by the Department of Energy can claim prior right to explore, develop and utilize oil and gas in these areas. Service Contract 58 is located in West Balabac; Service Contract 72 covers Recto Bank, also known as Reed Bank; while Service Contract 75 is in Northwest Palawan. According to the US Energy Information Administration, Reed Bank is estimated to contain 5.4 billion barrels of oil and 55.1 trillion cubic feet Maronilla was CMU President from 20082019. That’s 11 years of service. Maronilla claims it would not be surprising if the appointment papers of many other city employees have not been endorsed by Soco to the CSC. Lastly, Maronilla is only asking for just compensation and benefits. Nothing more, nothing less.

This, after 11 years of service. Would it be difficult for those in power to grow a heart for an esteemed member of the Bar who has served them for more than a decade? Whose fault is it? But whoever’s fault is it, it is the height of incompetence and negligence resulting to grave injustice for Maronilla. Maybe the city Government of Malabon, or maybe even the Office of the Ombudsman should look into this matter. *** I recently came across an article written by a friend, Allan Encarnacion, in sister publication, People’s Journal. In his article, Allan enumerates the

BACKBENCHER

ROD P. KAPUNAN of natural gas. Reed Bank holds the world’s biggest natural gas deposit in the world. Among those oil companies buying to carry out exploration with PNOC-EC from the Philippine side are Pangilinan’s PXP Energy Corp., London-based Forum Ltd., and Dennis Uy’s Udenna Corp. Although it is PNOC-EC that takes

The oil and gas exploration with China may not be as simple as Secretary Cusi proposes. charge in the search for oil and gas, in truth the Philippines has never undertaken such exploration without having to enter into a service contract with foreign oil companies. The 2001 joint venture agreement to explore, develop, and utilize the country’s first locally extracted natural gas in Malampaya was an outrageously lamentable experience. The PNOC-EC awarded to Shell and Chevron the exploration and production of natural gas but woefully got the shorter end of the deal. Shell was accused of trying to bring down the tax it has to pay. Despite the hoot of economic independence, the country signed the contract that reduced PNOC-EC as mere overseer. The Department of Energy practically acted as tax collector to whatever amount the foreign two oil numerous complaints lodged against the management of S&R Membership Shopping particularly its branches in Commonwealth Avenue and in Pampanga. Foremost among them is the supposed policy of the S&R Management barring senior citizens and PWDs of bringing in companions inside the store, including those using aids such as crutches, wheelchairs, walking canes, etc. And the only way the seniors and the PWDs can bring in companions to assist them in their shopping, is for them to avail of membership themselves. The annual membership fee for a principal member is P700 and P400 for every extension member. In fairness to the S&R management, before the pandemic they used to allow any member to bring in companions up to how many they want. It was only when the government ordered the implementation of the community quarantine that they decided to limit the numbers of people getting inside their stores. However, the store management should also take into consideration these seniors and PWDs need assistance to go on shopping, thus the necessity for them to bring in their household help or drivers. If the real objective is to limit the numbers of people inside the store at any given time, then why allow these household help or

companies was willing to part as their share. We cannot complain because we were given our “freedom” and “democracy.” Section 2, Article XII of the ballyhooed Cory Aquino Constitution was made a toilet paper; that instead of a 6040 sharing on the basis that “all natural resources found therein are owned by the State,” the PNOC ended as “sharecropper.” Shell and Chevron each got a whopping share of 45 percent with the DOE actually getting less than 10 percent much that foreign oil concessionaires did not include the tax for their operations thereby netting the country something like 3 percent! The production of natural gas accorded foreign oil companies, power generation plant operators and the politicians their bonanza. They decided our energy policy on what was most profitable to them. To cite the basic structural changes initiated in the production of natural gas: First, power plant producers in the name of deregulation were allowed to sell their electricity to various distribution utilities. Since most of them also own the big distribution utilities, practically they sold what they produced thereby abolishing the standing policy of NAPOCOR as the sole generator of electricity. Second, in the name of the newly enacted Clean Air Act, the DOE ordered the dismantling of all diesel-powered generation plants in favor of natural gas generated plants. Underneath was the demand by oil concessionaires to capture bulk consumers. The Lopez-owned First Gas benefited in the shift to natural gas to assure concessionaires they will not suffer a shortfall in production. Full version at www.manilastandard.net

drivers entry once they avail of the store membership? So, is it really a matter of limiting the numbers of people inside the store or simply forcing these seniors and PWDs to shell out additional bucks for their companions? Full version at www.manilastandard.net

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China congratulates Biden on win

HINA congratulated US President-elect Joe Biden on Friday nearly a week after he was declared winner of the American election.

US-China ties have grown increasingly strained in recent years under the administration of incumbent Donald Trump, and relations are as icy as at any time since formal ties were established four decades ago. “We respect the choice of the American

people. We express our congratulations to Mr Biden and Ms Harris,” said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin at a regular press briefing, referring to incoming vice president Kamala Harris. Wang said China understands “the result of the US election will be de-

termined in accordance with US laws and procedures”. China was previously among a handful of major countries including Russia and Mexico that had not congratulated the president-elect, with Beijing commenting earlier this week simply that it had “noticed Mr Biden declared he is the winner”. Since US media called the presidential race, Trump has not conceded to Biden as is traditional practice

once a winner is projected. Trump’s four years in the White House have been marked by a costly trade war between the two powers, with Beijing and Washington also sparring over blame for the Covid-19 pandemic and China’s human rights record in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. Under his “America First” banner, Trump has portrayed China as the greatest threat to the United States and global democracy. AFP

Trump signs order banning Americans from investing in Chinese military US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has signed an executive order banning Americans from investing in Chinese firms deemed to be supplying or supporting Beijing’s military and security apparatus, earning a sharp rebuke from China. The order listed 31 companies Thursday it said China was using for the “increasing exploitation” of US investment capital to fund military and intelligence services, including the development and deployment of weapons of mass destruction. US-China relations have deteriorated sharply during Trump’s presidency, and this was the latest in a series of executive orders and regulatory actions that have targeted China’s economic and military expansion. On Friday, Beijing lashed out at the US for “abusing state power to arbitrarily oppress Chinese companies”, saying the move “severely undermines” trade and investment cooperation between both countries. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a regular press briefing that the US should “stop its wrong behaviour” and withdraw its decision. “This measure not only severely harms the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, it also hurts the interests of international investors including those from the US,” Wang said. Under his “America First” banner, Trump has portrayed China as the greatest threat to the United States and global democracy, pursued a trade war with it, harangued Chinese tech firms, and laid all the blame for the coronavirus pandemic at Beijing’s door. Thursday’s order prohibits US companies and individuals owning shares in any of the listed companies, which include major telecommunications, construction and technology firms such as China Mobile, China Telecom, video surveillance firm Hikvision, and China Railway Construction Corp. Current investors will have a year to divest from the Beijing-linked companies, according to the order. News of the move, which will come into effect on January 11, reverberated on the stock market in Hong Kong Friday. Shares in state-owned China Telecom dropped nearly eight percent, China Mobile fell five percent and China Railway Construction Corp lost more than four percent. Biden’s Beijing squeeze National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien said the order would prevent Americans from unknowingly providing Manila passive capital to Chinese companies— Standard listed on TODAY exchanges around the world—that support the improvement of Beijing’s army and spy agencies. He said the companies included on the list “routinely target American citizens and businesses through cyber operations”, as well as its economy and military. O’Brien also lashed out at Beijing over its removal of four pro-democracy lawmakers in Hong Kong this week, calling the city’s one country, two systems governance a “fig leaf” masking China’s increasingly authoritarian grip on the financial hub. AFP

US President Donald Trump leaves after placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on November 11, 2020. US President Donald Trump made his first official post-election appearance Wednesday for what should be a moment of national unity to mark Veteran’s Day, now marred by his refusal to acknowledge Joe Biden’s win. The president visited Arlington National Cemetery, four days after US media projected his Democratic rival would take the White House. AFP

Britain’s top chief adviser to Johnson quits post—BBC BRITISH Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s chief adviser Dominic Cummings is poised to quit by the end of the year, the BBC said, as a power struggle at the heart of government became public this week. Cummings, a controversial figure and one of the architects of the 2016 Brexit campaign, told the BBC late Thursday recent speculation that he was threatening to resign were “invented”. But he reiterated comments made in a blogpost in January that he planned to make himself “largely redundant” within a year. “My position hasn’t changed since my January blog,” Cummings told the British broadcaster. The BBC quoted a senior source in Johnson’s Downing Street office as saying the divisive top aide would leave his job by Christmas. Cummings’ reported imminent departure will coincide with the end of the Brexit transition period, with the country set to embark on life outside of

European Union rules and regulations on January 1. “He’ll be missed but then again, we’ll be moving into a different phase,” Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News on Friday. “In any government you require things to shake things up and come along with ideas, he’s actually been that person,” he added. “I’ve enjoyed working with him, we haven’t always agreed over everything, that’s how it should be.” The news comes just a day after the resignation of Johnson’s communications director Lee Cain, a close ally of Cummings who also worked on the “Leave” side of the 2016 referendum on EU membership. Backlash over trip Cain had been offered the post of Johnson’s chief of staff but a subsequent backlash among some Conservatives and within the prime minister’s inner circle instead led to him resigning.

Far less high-profile than Cummings, he will leave his post at the end of the year. Cummings is a highly controversial figure best known for a scandal earlier this year when he made a crosscountry journey during the coronavirus lockdown. His actions prompted a furious public and political backlash, with the government’s strict rules to curb the pandemic prohibiting leaving home except for exceptional reasons, but he refused to resign. The top aide, who suffered from Covid-19 symptoms at the time while his wife had contracted the virus, claimed he had needed to make the journey to ensure he had childcare options for his four-year-old son. An enigmatic figure with an unconventional dress style and combative approach to politics, Cummings has endeared himself to a segment of Britons who have developed a distaste for the ruling elite. AFP

MYANMAR’S VOTE. Supporters

of the National League for Democracy party wave flags in front of the party’s office in Mandalay on November 8, 2020, as ballots for the parliamentary elections are being counted after the polls closed. AFP

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(MS-NOV. 14, 2020)

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given to the public that a Deed of ExtraJudicial Settlement has been executed by the heirs of the late Spouses Custodio L. Baldonado and Luzviminda B. Baldonado, namely: Wilfredo B. Baldonado, Felino B. Baldonado, Custodio B. Baldonado, Jr., Israel B. Baldonado and Priscila B. Baldonado, all of legal age, over real properties, per deed executed on 03 August 2020 before Notary Public, ATTY. HENSON M. MONTALVO, per Doc. No. 260; Page No. 53; Book No. II; Series of 2020.

Notice is hereby given to the public that a Deed of Extra-Judicial Settlement has been executed by the heirs of the late Nimfa U. Sabacan, namely: Lea Mae S. Roa-Nacino and Edgar Allan S. Parungao, all of legal age, over personal and real properties, per deed executed on 13 October 2020 before Notary Public, ATTY. HENSON M. MONTALVO, per Doc. No. 504; Page No. 102; Book No. II; Series of 2020.

(MS-NOV. 7/14 & 21, 2020)

French anti-jihadist force kills Al-Qaeda leader in Mali TROOPS with France’s anti-jihadist force in Mali have killed the military commander of an Al-Qaeda-aligned group linked to attacks in the region, Defence Minister Florence Parly said Friday. Parly hailed the operation involving helicopters and ground troops that “neutralised” Ba Ag Moussa, the military commander of the Group to Support Islam and Muslims. Ag Moussa, alias ‘Bamoussa’,

is “believed to be responsible for several attacks against Malian and international forces,” she said in a statement. “He is considered one of the top military jihadists in Mali, in charge in particular of the training of new recruits.” in June, French forces in Mali killed Abdelmalek Droukdel, the leader of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), the rival jihadist group to GSIM.

IN BRIEF Afghan reporter killed by Taliban car bomb attack

THE Taliban had threatened an Afghan reporter who was killed in a car bomb attack this week for investigating their attacks, Human Rights Watch said. Radio Liberty reporter Aliyas Dayee, 33, was killed on Thursday when a sticky bomb attached to his car exploded in the southern city of Lashkar Gah, the scene of intense fighting in recent months. Dozens of other journalists had also been threatened by the group, the USbased rights group said in a statement late Thursday. Targeted killings of prominent figures, including journalists, clerics, politicians and rights activists, have become more common in recent months as violence surges in Afghanistan, despite ongoing peace talks between the government and the Taliban. No group has so far claimed the killing of Dayee. But Dayee recently told HRW that he had received death threats, warning him to stop his reporting on Taliban CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK military operations, it said. AFP

Be it known that below employee is no longer connected with

AUNG San Suu Kyi’s ruling party secured an absolute majority in Myanmar’s election, official results showed Friday, in a poll disputed by the military-aligned opposition and criticized by rights groups. Her National League for Democracy had already declared a landslide victory based on its own tallies, prompting street celebrations by supporters. But official figures were still being returned five days after the ballot, only the second such polls since the nation emerged from outright military rule in 2011. Results announced by the election commission on Friday showed the NLD had won 368 seats —- more than 50 percent of parliament, even taking into account the quarter of seats reserved for the military under the constitution. The party is on track to improve on its landslide win in 2015, despite widespread disillusionment in many ethnic minority areas. “People clearly realized the need for the NLD to get enough votes to form a government on their own,” NLD spokesman Myo Nyunt told AFP, adding this would help “minimize political conflict”. The military-aligned opposition Union Solidarity and Development Party has been trounced across the country, winning just 25 seats by Friday. The party alleges the vote was neither free nor fair and is demanding that the Union Election Commission step down and polls be re-run. Yangon-based analyst Khin Zaw Win warned the coming months will be messy, adding the situation was a consequence of the UEC being filled with “yes-men and incompetents”. Under the constitution, the government appoints all commission members. But even if some results were overturned, “the NLD landslide is so large that they wouldn’t alter the overall outcome”, said Richard Horsey from the International Crisis Group. AFP

France has more than 5,000 troops deployed in its anti-jihadist Barkhane force in the Sahel region. Mali is struggling to contain an Islamist insurgency that erupted in 2012 and has claimed thousands of military and civilian lives since. Despite the presence of thousands of French and UN troops, the conflict has engulfed the centre of the country and spread to neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger. AFP

Swiss fotog cleared of aiding attack on Chinese national A SWISS photographer who closed a door on a Chinese mainlander moments before he was assaulted during last year’s Hong Kong protests was on Friday found not guilty of aiding the attack. Marc Progin was cleared of “aiding and abetting public disorder” over the incident in which JP Morgan employee Lin Nan was punched, Magistrate Stephanie Tsui said at the city’s Eastern Magistrates’ courts. Footage of Progin closing the door moments before a masked man assaulted Lin went viral and caused widespread anger in mainland China. Prosecutors said Progin, 75, deliberately shut a door leading to JP Morgan’s regional headquarters as an argument broke out between Lin and a crowd of pro-democracy supporters last October. They argued his actions effectively enabled the assault on Lin and that Progin therefore took part in the unfolding public disorder. Defense lawyers said Progin was simply doing his job and that he closed the door to get a better angle to capture the argument through his lens.AFP

Business

SATURdAy, NOVEMBER 14, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market falls; Ayala issues climb T TOP GAINERS PSEi November 13, 2020

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CAT ALCPB MARC SGP MWIDE DAVIN KPPI ABA DFNN PHR

LAST PRICE 22.8 100.1 1.15 210 8.75 4.69 6.05 0.54 4.5 2.78

CHANGE 3.8 10.05 0.11 20 0.75 0.39 0.47 0.04 0.33 0.2

% CHANGE 20.00% 11.16% 10.58% 10.53% 9.38% 9.07% 8.42% 8.00% 7.91% 7.75%

TOP LOSERS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

GPH MJC TECB2 C PXP MEG ACEN VVT ATNB BPI

LAST PRICE 10.24 2.32 0.84 5.85 11.7 3.5 4.18 13.98 0.91 81.7

CHANGE -1.74 -0.18 -0.06 -0.23 -0.46 -0.13 -0.15 -0.5 -0.03 -2.65

% CHANGE -14.52% -7.20% -6.67% -3.78% -3.78% -3.58% -3.46% -3.45% -3.19% -3.14%

he stock market fell Friday as traders fear another wave of lockdown measures abroad will throw an already shaky economic recovery off course.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index shed 54.38 points, or 0.8 percent, to 6,969.88 on a value turnover of P10.8 billion. Gainers, however, beat losers, 119 to 85, with 54 issues unchanged. Conglomerate Ayala Corp. dropped 3 percent to P844, while energy unit AC Energy Philippines Inc. declined 3.5 percent to P4.18. Bank of the Philippine Islands, the third-biggest lender in terms of assets, was down 3.1 percent to P81.70, but major property developer Ayala Land Inc rose 3.1 percent to P39.50. A spike in coronavirus infections across the United States and Europe, meanwhile, hit Asian markets again Friday. The market rally fueled by excitement over a possible vaccine before 2021 and relief at Joe Biden’s US election win has

given way to the reality that while there is light at the end of the tunnel, the killer disease remains rampant. Several European economies including England and France have already been all but shut down to contain a fresh eruption, but they continue to record frighteningly high numbers of new cases—raising the possibility the measures could be extended. And major US cities including New York and Chicago are being forced to act as leaders worry that the northern hemisphere winter will be more deadly than spring. This all means economies that had started to see signs of life after a searingly bad first half of the year could stumble again, with some observers indicating the world will see a so-called W-shaped recovery. Top US health adviser Anthony Fauci said while he was confident vaccines would bring an end to the pandemic, it was crucial that people “hang on and continue to double down on the public health measures.” All three main indexes on Wall Street finished in the red, though the Nasdaq fared slightly better as tech firms benefit

from bets on people using gadgets while stuck at home. Those losses seeped into Asia, where profit-taking also played a role after a week-long rally. Tokyo, Sydney, Singapore and Mumbai were all in the red, though there were gains in Seoul, Taipei, Wellington and Jakarta. “Despite some truly remarkable news on the healthcare and vaccine front this week, which saw investors cheer it to the rafters... investors could not shake the sentiment-crushing aspects of the continually soaring Covid-19 cases and the unpleasantries of new economic restrictions,” said Axi strategist Stephen Innes. “It feels a bit deflated today as investors look to hunker down for what is bound to be a winter of discontent. The vaccine cannot get here quick enough as what should be a festive time of the year looks bound to be weeks of holiday gloom,” he added. Hong Kong and Shanghai were also hit by news that Donald Trump had signed an order banning Americans from investing in Chinese firms that could help the country’s military and security apparatus. With AFP

MOST ACTIVE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

BDO ALI BPI SM SMPH GLO ACEN AC GTCAP TEL

VOLUME 10,494,460 24,118,700 9,859,450 533,275 10,605,800 175,465 82,255,000 388,260 571,270 170,635

VALUE (PHP) 983,775,050.50 920,053,735.00 805,420,734.00 553,098,450.00 402,042,550.00 352,093,120.00 339,702,840.00 327,013,470.00 319,642,370.00 237,864,710.00

Closed. This photo taken on November 12, 2020, shows the closed Louis Vuitton luxury store on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, during a second national lockdown in France aimed at curbing the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus. AFP

Sony’s New PlayStation hits market as console battle with Xbox heats up TOKYO—Sony’s PlayStation 5 hit the shelves on Thursday, just two days after rival Microsoft released its newest Xbox, with the next-generation consoles vying for holiday season dominance as the pandemic boosts gaming demand. With pre-orders pointing to a record launch, market leader Sony is counting on big-ticket exclusive games like “Spider-Man: Miles Morales” to keep the edge over its US challenger. But with coronavirus cases rising in many countries, launch events are off the table, and crowds of eager customers out of the question. While the new Xbox hit shelves worldwide on Tuesday, the PS5 is available from Thursday in Australia, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, North America and South Korea, but gamers elsewhere will have to wait until November 19. In Sydney, just a handful of customers were collecting their pre-ordered consoles on Thursday morning.

“It’s Covid, so I guess not many people want to rush to a launch,” said Theo Pasialis as he collected his PlayStation. Jonathan De Botton, one customer, said the atmosphere was a world away from the PS4 launch, when lines of customers stretched into a shopping mall food court. Today was “completely different,” he told AFP. “It was a midnight launch... It was a good time,” he added. Today, by comparison, it was “a bit of a ghost town.”. The consoles go on sale with the pandemic creating a massive spike in demand for gaming from people stuck at home and looking for a distraction or a way to pass the time. Just how long that boom will last remains unclear, with news this week of progress on a virus vaccine prompting a gaming sector sell-off on stock markets, as investors anticipated a return to normal life. AFP

Brexit negotiations to extend to next week BRUSSELS, Belgium—Negotiations to secure an EU-UK trade deal will stretch to next week, officials said Thursday, with an EU leaders summit on November 19 perhaps the last chance to strike an accord. “We are working hard for a deal. Talks will continue in London over the weekend and will take place in Brussels next week,” EU spokesman Daniel Ferrie told AFP. Negotiations between London and Brussels have been snagged on the same issues for months, mainly fisheries and ensuring the “level playing field” to maintain fair competition between UK and EU firms. An EU diplomat closely following the talks said that despite their intensity, “nothing has changed” and that

the UK had even backtracked on earlier compromise positions. “The deal will have to be done in Brussels next week, otherwise there is no deal,” the diplomat warned, circling an EU video summit next Thursday as the deadline. Time is short since both the EU and UK parliaments must ratify the pact by January 1, when a post-Brexit transition period comes to a close. Any deal would have to go through detailed legal drafting in time for a vote of European Parliament on December 16, although this date could theoretically be delayed. “There needs to be something... or there will be nothing at all,” the diplomat insisted, but a European source said that “as of yet,” Brexit was not even on the summit agenda. AFP

Fed’s Powell says too soon to determine cure impact FRANKFURT, Germany—Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell said Thursday that it is “too soon to assess” the potential impact of a coronavirus vaccine on the economy in 2021, despite recent announcements that have stoked hopes. “This is certainly good and welcome news for the medium term,” Powell told a virtual conference organized by the European Central Bank. However, “significant challenges and uncertainty remain about timing, production, distribution and the efficacity for different groups” of a vaccine, he added. “It’s too soon to assess with any confidence the implications of the news for the path of the economy especially in the near term.” The appearance was Powell’s first in public since US pharma giant Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech announced promising results in trials of their potential vaccine showing efficacy of around 90 percent, prompting a rapturous response from financial markets. Playing down the immediate optimism, Powell warned that “with the virus spreading the next months could be challenging.” ECB President Christine Lagarde cautioned against “exuberant” hopes for the vaccine’s economic impact, also highlighting the likely logistical challenges. And Bank of England head Andrew Bailey said he hoped the positive news would reduce uncertainty over the economic outlook, but “we’re not there yet.” Even with a vaccine on the cards, the euro area’s economic recovery is likely to be “unsteady,” Lagarde had said as she opened the conference Wednesday, with support from central banks needed well into the foreseeable future. AFP

Rome hotels swapping tourists for coronavirus patients

A medical staff wearing a protective suit stands next to an hotel employee in the lobby of the Rome’s Sheraton Parco de Medici hotel on November 9, 2020. Covid-19 patients in “protected discharge” were transferred from two Rome’s Covid centers, Umberto and Columbus, to the hotel rooms of a wing of the Sheraton Parco de Medici, equipped with oxygen cylinders, medical devices and devices for the care of patients in the various stages of the coronavirus infection. AFP

By Giuliana Ricozzi ROME, Italy—The plush hotel lobby is normally bustling with business travelers and tourists, but now medics in protective gear welcome patients from hospitals struggling with Italy’s surge in coronavirus cases. The Sheraton Parco de’Medici is one of more than 15 hotels being used to house Covid-19 patients in Rome, providing a total of 800 beds—half of which are already occupied, according to the Lazio regional government. “Medical beds have been lacking in the last few days, leading to a blockade of ambulances at the entrance of emer-

gency rooms,” said Dr. Simona Amato, the director of one of Rome’s local health agencies. The Sheraton, equipped with a swimming pool and located next to a golf course in the south of Rome, has made 169 rooms available for patients, with 49 of them also equipped for those who need oxygen. It can house patients who are asymptomatic but need a place to isolate, patients in the process of recovery and those from the hospitals who are not in serious condition but still need treatment. Italy, the first European country hit by coronavirus earlier this year, has

recorded a surge in cases in recent weeks, with more than 30,000 infections and more than 600 deaths reported on Wednesday alone. With health services under strain and many hotels standing empty due to the lack of tourists, Regional Affairs Minister Francesco Boccia says the government has arranged for 15,000 beds to be used for Covid-19 patients. Not every region uses them but this week Boccia promised a further strengthening of the network “to relieve the pressure on emergency rooms and on family doctors.” Christian, a 23-year-old nurse, took up residence at the Sheraton after he began suffering mild symptoms. He lives with his parents, and was afraid of infecting them. “We are visited twice a day, the medical staff is here 24 hours a day. The room has all the comforts and was equipped with an oxygen tank because during the first few days I had difficulty breathing,” he said. “The days are very long, I spend my time watching movies on the computer and studying.” Antonella De Gregorio, manager of the Urban Garden Hotel across town, has made available 50 rooms for asymptomatic coronavirus patients who need to isolate, just as she did when the outbreak first hit Italy. Each room costs 30 euros per day, paid by the regional authorities. Medical assistance is on hand, although hotel staff do not come into contact with patients, instead focusing on administrative tasks. “We offer a service and at the same time we are able to pay some expenses and save jobs,” De Gregorio said. AFP

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

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

Business

PSE INDEX

Friday, NOVEMBER 13, 2020

-54.38 PTS. 6,969.88

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

1,797,185,692 186,162 10,772,681,365.14 119 85 54

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.2910

Japan

Yen

0.009513

0.4594

Pound

1.311800

63.3481

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128962

6.2277

Switzerland

Franc

1.093135

52.7886

Canada

Dollar

0.761093

36.7539

Singapore

Dollar

0.741180

35.7923

Australia

Dollar

0.723100

34.9192

Bahrain

Dinar

2.657525

128.3345

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266638

12.8762

Brunei

Dollar

0.738443

35.6602

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000071

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.033080

1.5975

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.1483

Euro

1.180800

57.0220

Korea

Won

0.000897

0.0433

China

Yuan

0.151252

7.3041

India

Rupee

0.013390

0.6466

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.242248

11.6984

New Zealand

Dollar

0.683800

33.0214

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035075

1.6938 Source: BSP

PEZA okayed P72.6-b worth of investments in ten months By Othel V. Campos THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority said Friday it approved P72.64 billion worth of investments in the first 10 months, down by 26.86 percent from P99.32 billion in the same period last year. PEZA said this was due to the 45.37-percent decline in newly committed projects this year. “Despite the pandemic, PEZA continuously received intents for expansions and new investments. In fact, export figure comparing 2019 and 2020 increased by 0.63 percent. The semiconductor and electronics sector continues to contribute the biggest export income, despite them being affected by the pandemic,” PEZA director-general Charito Plaza said during the virtual 4th general membership and CEO forum of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industry of the Philippines Inc. Data showed that as of end-September, exports from PEZA-registered companies grew by less than 1 percent to $40.79 billion from $40.54 billion in the same period in 2019. The pandemic also streamlined the workforce inside economic zones by 2.4 percent to 1,532,889 workers from 1,570,535 workers in the same last year. Plaza said about 87 percent of locator-companies, or about 2,629 companies, were now operating after the different stages of lockdown, “while companies that have stopped operating comprise 13 percent of the total which is about 387 companies.” About 84 percent of IT-BPO companies continued to operate, while 89 percent of PEZA companies in the manufacturing sector were operating, she said. Investments in the semiconductor and electronics industry went down by 24.72 percent to P8.58 billion as of October from P11.76 a year ago, while employment also declined by 3.18 percent to 371,138 as of September from 383,311 a year earlier. SEIPI president Dan Lachica said that despite the expected decline in overall exports in 2020, electronics exports reached $3.9 billion in September, up by 14.32 percent from August. Lachica said the increase in exports and the required imported raw materials were due to the gradual easing of the material supply chain disruption and the ramping-up of operations amid the pandemic.

Megawide registers net loss of P917m MEGAWIDE Construction Corp. said Friday it posted a net loss in the first nine months because of the impact of the COVID-19 on the economy. Megawide said net loss amounted to P917.81 million from January to September, a reversal of the P835.16-million net income in the same period last year. Net loss in the third quarter reached P468.47 million, compared to last year’s net income of P104.22 million. Revenues fell to P9.03 billion in the first nine months from last year’s P13.69 billion. Construction contributed 82 percent of the total revenues, or P7.41 billion, followed by the combined airport operations and merchandising at P1.07 billion, and landport at P552 million. “The loosening of lockdown restrictions across the Philippines has enabled a limited degree of widespread economic activity to begin after several months of standstill. This enabled Megawide to restart active development, especially for the construction segment and it’s significant multiplier effect to serve as catalyst for growth,” said Megawide chairman and chief executive Edgar Saavedra. Darwin G. Amojelar

Filinvest Land earned P2.63b in nine months

NEW PASAY TOWER. Property developer I-Land (ISOC Land) tops off its maiden mixed-use office development I-Land Bay Plaza along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. The 12-story, 24,000-square-meter premium office tower is designed as an energy-efficient ‘green’ building developed to meet global standards of excellence with LEED-certified design and features. Leading the ceremonial topping-off are (from left) ASYA project architect Alex Balean, I-Land and ISOC president Jesus Chua, I-Land and ISOC chairman Michael Cosiquien, I-Land vice president and business unit head May Lopez and Whiteport project manager Leonides Hadjirul.

Gross international reserves soared to $103.8b in October By Julito G. Rada

HE country’s gross international reserves soared to a record $103.8 billion as of endOctober, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said Friday. Diokno said in a message to reporters the October level was higher than the end-September figure of $100.443 billion. Higher prices of gold in the international market helped push the GIR this year. The BSP had gold holdings of $11.650 billion in October, up from $11.594 billion in September.

Diokno said in a previous briefing an increase in gold prices would also boost the reserves, which serve as the country’s buffer against external volatilities. Gold holdings account for around 12.8 percent of the country’s reserves. Diokno said the BSP would actively engage in gold trading to seize the opportunity presented by the increasing price of the precious metal in the global market. He said the shift to active gold trading—from passive trading previously done before he became BSP governor— would be good to managing the international reserves. Diokno noted that the price of gold surged from around $1.400/FTO (fine troy ounce) in the previous year to about $2.000/FTO this year. The BSP’s gold purchases from small miners became more attractive under its gold buying program. The bank pur-

chases refined gold in Philippine peso at the prevailing international gold buying price and prevailing foreign exchange rate set by the BSP Treasury Department on a daily basis. Data showed that from $3.2 billion in 1980, the Philippines’ GIR rose steadily over the last 40 years, but it was only in September this year that it breached the $100-million mark. Aside from gold holdings, the GIR consisted of BSP’s foreign investments, foreign exchange, special drawing rights and reserve position in the International Monetary Fund. Like most central banks, the BSP holds international reserves to provide a standby supply of foreign exchange for instances when FX holdings of domestic commercial banks temporarily fall short of the demand from the private sector and the national government.

SAFE CONSTRUCTION. To

keep COVID-19 infection at bay, Aboitiz Construction team members observe physical distancing and wear face masks outside an Aboitiz Construction Inc.’s site in Batangas City. Local government units and private companies commended Aboitiz Construction for strict compliance with COVID-19 safety guidelines, open communication and close coordination as it continues its business operations while ensuring a healthy and safe working environment for construction workers, regular employees and stakeholders under a ‘new normal.’

JG Summit, Alliance Global, LT Group posted better Q3 profits By Jenniffer B. Austria MAJOR conglomerates on Friday reported improved profits in the third quarter from the second quarter as the government eased mobility and quarantine restrictions to help the economy recover from the impact of the pandemic. JG Summit Holdings Inc. of the Gokongwei Group said third-quarter earnings reached P844 million, a turnaround from the P720-million net loss it booked in the first two quarters of the year. Alliance Global Group Inc. of tycoon Andrew Tan reported a net income of P2.2 billion in the third quarter, a 14fold increase from the P156-million profit in the second quarter.

Meanwhile, LT Group Inc. of tycoon Lucio Tan became the first conglomerate to register higher profit this year from 2019. LT Group registered a net income of P16.1 billion in the first nine months, up 9 percent from P14.72 billion in the same period last year on strong results from tobacco and liquor businesses. JG Summit said the higher third-quarter profit was due to improving contributions from petrochemical and real estate businesses coupled with reduced losses from air transport. “The business continues to face challenges brought about by COVID, but I am encouraged by our results in the third quarter. With the easing of restrictions, economic activity has

slowly returned and our different business units showed some quarter on quarter recovery but I also note that these results are far from ideal and still showed steep declines versus a year ago. Weaker consumer sentiment will continue to affect demand for products and services in the near term thus we remain cautiously optimistic,” JG Summit president and chief executive Lance Gokongwei said. “We will, however, focus on execution to build on and continue the momentum that has started in Q3. The prospects of a vaccine likewise give us hope that this will unlock further acceleration and recovery towards the latter part of 2021,” Gokongwei said.

Security Bank booked P6.7-b net income in 9 months; PSBank’s earnings hit P1.33b SECURITY Bank Corp., the seventhlargest lender in terms of assets, said Friday net income declined 13 percent in the first nine months to P6.7 billion from P7.7 billion in the same period last year, as it increased provisions for credit losses amid the global health crisis. Security Bank said in a statement the net profit from January to September was driven by increases in net interest income and trading gains. Total revenues climbed 66 percent to

IN BRIEF

P40.2 billion from the same period last year. Excluding trading gains, total revenues grew 22 percent to P27.9 billion. It said net interest income grew 24 percent to P23.4 billion from a year earlier. Securities trading gains reached P12.4 billion, up from P1.4 billion a year ago. Service charges, fees and commissions amounted to P2.6 billion, down by 10 percent. The cost-to-income ratio improved to 38.4 percent from 53.3 percent a year

earlier. “While revenues, margins, and capital are resilient, the bank has maintained proactive credit provisioning given economic challenges arising from the pandemic. We are prudently supporting our clients, continuing vigilance in managing risks, and investing in initiatives to fortify our services,” Security Bank president and chief executive Sanjiv Vohra said. Meanwhile, Philippine Savings

Bank, the thrift-banking arm of the Metrobank Group, said it booked net income of P1.33 billion in the first nine months. Gross revenues improved 23.9 percent to P13.3 billion, while net interest income increased by 27.6 percent to P10.4 billion. Operating income, inclusive of net service fees and commission income, went up 11.9 percent to P2.8 billion on the back of higher trading and securities gains.Julito G. Rada

FILINVEST Land Inc., the real estate subsidiary of the Gotianun family, said Friday nine-month net income declined 40 percent to P2.63 billion from P4.27 billion in the same period last year as residential and leasing businesses slowly recovered from the effects of the health crisis. FLI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange nine-month gross revenues declined 32 percent to P12.54 billion from P18.43 billion in 2019. It said residential revenues in the third quarter jumped 45 percent to P2.12 billion, a sharp recovery from the second quarter when sales were heavily affected by the quarantine restrictions implemented to curb the pandemic. “We have seen a V-shaped recovery and a very healthy rebound in residential reservation sales when we transitioned to the general community quarantine period in June and July, and beginning September. Real estate revenues recovered in the third quarter as buyer amortization payments started to normalize and construction capacities increased,” FLI president and chief executive Josephine Gotianun Yap said. Jenniffer B. Austria

SYKES implements work-at-home setup TOP business process outsourcing player SYKES Cebu has beaten all challenges to deploy its more than 6,000-strong workforce to work at home until the health crisis eases. Henry Pavo Anora Jr., a BPO employee, said SYKES Cebu was the perfect embodiment of the adage, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” Anora said he was grateful to the company for making these difficult times easier for him and his colleagues, a sentiment shared by fellow employee Janice Revillas, who commended SYKES for going above and beyond expectations to help employees cope. “Thank you, SYKES, for helping me rise against all the blues during this pandemic, making things possible for me, helping me raise my little one, and giving me more hope to continue striving by giving me a job opportunity amidst this pandemic,” she said.

Dominguez: Q3 data show worst is over for economy THE “worst is over” for the Philippines as the gross domestic product gradually recovered from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III told American businessmen in a virtual forum hosted by the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. on Friday. Dominguez cited the gross domestic product contraction of 11.5 percent in the third quarter, smaller than the 16.9-percent decline in the second quarter. He said additional improvements were expected in the months ahead as the Duterte administration progressively reopened businesses and transportation to clear the way for a strong bounce back in 2021. He said with the Philippine economy “back in business despite the pandemic, we see many areas for cooperation between the US and the Philippines” in assorted opportunities for American investments such as in digital technology, agriculture, manufacturing and medical research. “As we gradually reopen the economy with health interventions, our GDP performed much better. We had a smaller GDP contraction of 11.5 percent in the third quarter from a decline of 16.9 percent in the second quarter of this year,” he said. “This [smaller GDP contraction] indicates that the Philippine economy is on the mend,” he said. “This is also a strong signal that the worst seems to be over for the country. The path is clearer to a strong bounce back in 2021,” he said. Attending the online gathering were Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, Presidential Adviser on Flagship Programs and Projects Vivencio Dizon and American business leaders led by Charles Freeman, who is the senior vice president for Asia of the US Chamber of Commerce. Julito G. Rada

Sports

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

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

Organizers may ban cheering at Olympics Meralco Bolts’ guard Chris Newsome (with ball) drives past San Miguel Beer defenders Moala Tautuaa (33) and Marcio Lassiter. The Bolts beat the Beermen, 78-71, to arrange a sudden death match in their Semifinal playoff. PBA

NCAA open to special GAB license VOLLEYBALL players playing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association need not worry when they join club teams in the Premier Volleyball League when it turns professional next year. That’s because they will be first group of athletes who will benefit from a special guest license that they need to be part of a play for pay squad. The NCAA is opening its doors to the idea of its student-athletes getting a permit from the Games and Amusement Board. “We have to revisit our rules, the NCAA as an organization. We have to adopt to the spirit of the times,” said management committee chairman Fr. Vic Calvo of season 96 NCAA host Colegio de San Juan de Letran. Fr. Calvo discussed the NCAA’s stand during a Zoom meeting with officials of the Games and Amusements Board. Peter Atencio

Bolts stun Beermen to set death match

By Reuel Vidal

HE Meralco Bolts almost lost a big lead but hung tough in the end to beat defending champion San Miguel Beermen, 78-71, yesterday, Friday, November 13, 2020 at the Angeles University Foundation Sports Arena & Cultural Center Powered by Smart 5G. The Bolts got a big lift from Aaron Black to erase the twice-to-beat advantage of the Beermen and arrange a sudden-death match to determine which team advances to the Semifinals of the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup. SMB’s Paul Zamar drove into the lane then scored with a floater to cut the Meralco lead to just 4 points, 71-67, with 4:51 to play in the game. Neither side could score for the next 2 minutes. Reynel Hugnatan broke that scoreless spell with a jumper from top of the free throw circle to hike the Meralco lead to six points, 73-67. The Beermen could not score at the other end. Chris Newsome penetrated inside then

dished off to an open Black who drilled the three pointer from the left corner to extend that Meralco lead even further, 7667, with just 1:57 left to play. Arwind Santos followed up a Marcio Lassiter miss to cut the Meralco advantage to just 7 points, 76-69. Baser Amer and Chris Ross traded field goals to finalize the count, 78-71. Black drilled crucial baskets late in the game and finished with 14 points and 3 rebounds to win the Player of the Game honors. “First of all, credit to our coaches. They gave us a good game plan and we executed well to get the win. They (San Miguel Beermen) gave us a scare but we adjusted well,”

said Black in the post-game interview. “It’s a confidence booster for us. These guys won the last 5 championships. We know they will come out strong on Sunday and we have to be prepared. This is only halftime. We only won one game and we have to be ready on Sunday.” Hugnatan scored a game-high 16 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and had 2 assists. Baser Amer and Chris Newsome were the other double-digit scorers for Meralco with 12 and 11 points, respectively. Moala Tautuaa had a double-double for the Beermen with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Hugnatan converted back-to-back outside shoots at the start of the third period to push the Bolts to a 15-point, 46-31, advantage. Tautuaa countered for the Beermen. He made two free throws then powered inside to make two field goals against Hugnatan himself to cut the Meralco advantage to nine points, 48-39, with 8 minutes to go in the third.

TOKYO—Fans may be asked not to cheer at the Tokyo Olympics to avoid the risk of spreading the coronavirus, a top official said on Thursday. The comments follow a gymnastics test event in Tokyo on Sunday where mask-wearing spectators, urged not to shout or cheer, confined themselves to polite applause and murmurs of approval. Tokyo 2020 chief executive Toshiro Muto said fans arriving in Japan may be spared a mandatory two-week quarantine, saying it would be too hard to enforce. But he said officials were also considering urging fans not to shout or talk loudly, to minimise the risk of COVID-19 infections at the postponed 2020 Games. “There’s a possibility that we might ask the (Olympic) spectators to refrain from shouting or talking in a loud voice,” Muto said after a committee meeting. “When we think of the impact, we believe it is an item for consideration, to reduce the risk of airborne droplets.” However, Muto added that the “practicality and feasibility” of clamping down on cheering needed to be considered. While sports competitions around the world have resumed after shutting down for the pandemic, most are taking place behind closed doors. Fans are allowed at sports events in Japan, usually in limited numbers, but they are advised not to shout and cheer. International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach, who will visit next week, on Wednesday said he was increasingly confident that a “reasonable number” of fans will be allowed at the Games. Muto said officials were considering waiving quarantine for arriving fans and replacing it with a series of tests and health checks. Athletes’ and officials’ movements will be heavily restricted for two weeks after they enter the country, but this is difficult to implement for fans, he said. AFP

Nadal drawn with Tsitsipas, Tiger in hunt, but Casey leads Masters with best major start Thiem at finals LONDON—Rafael Nadal was on Thursday drawn in the same group as defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas and US Open winner Dominic Thiem for the ATP Finals in London. World number one Novak Djokovic will face Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev and Diego Schwartzman in the group stages of the final addition of the tournament in London before it moves to Turin next year. The 50th anniversary of the first staging of the event has been marked with the naming of two round-robin groups, Tokyo 1970 and London 2020. Nadal appears to have the harder route to the semi-finals with Andrey Rublev completing the Tokyo 1970 group alongside Tsitsipas and the winners of the last two Grand Slams. The tournament, which starts on Sunday, will be held behind closed doors at the O2 arena.

AUGUSTA—Paul Casey seized the clubhouse lead in the darkness-halted opening round of the Masters on Thursday at rain-softened Augusta National while defending champion Tiger Woods showed the form to threaten for a 16th major title. Casey, a 43-year-old Englishman chasing his first major title, fired a bogey-free seven-under par 65 -- matching his career-low from 218 major rounds. “I’ve put a lot of work in to play this golf course and it has paid off,” Casey said. “It was a great round. I’m very happy with my 65.” Woods took full advantage of attackable conditions after three-quarters of an inch of rain and a storm delay of nearly three hours. He produced his first bogey-free Masters round since 2008 to share fourth in the clubhouse on 68. “I did everything well today,” Woods said. “The greens were soft. You have to seize your opportunities out there and take advantage.” Seventh-ranked Webb Simpson, the 2012 US Open champion, fired a 67 to share second with fellow American Xander Schauffele. American Justin Thomas was also on five-under after 10 holes when sunset struck, leaving him among 44 players to finish their opening round Friday. Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama closed with back-to-back birdies to shoot 68 and share fourth with Woods, England’s Lee Westwood, South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen

Paul Casey of England gives a thumbs up as he walks off a green during the first round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. AFP

and American Patrick Reed. Casey, whose best start in 13 prior Masters appearances was a 69, was a runner-up at the PGA Championship in August for his best major finish. “I’ve not played particularly great golf since this pandemic hit,” Casey said. “I’ve been so excited to get here.” World number 22 Casey, whose other prior major 65 was in the last round of the 2018 Masters, opened with a

birdie at the 10th hole, added more at the par-5 13th and 15th and another at the par-3 16th. He eagled the par-5 second to seize the lead alone and stretched it with a birdie at the par-3 sixth then parred in, thrilled despite the lack of spectators due to Covid-19. “There’s this vibe, the aura that Augusta National has, something you can’t measure that it’s exciting to play on this golf course,” Casey said. Woods, who turns 45 next month, matched his best career Masters start from 2010 as he tries to match Jack Nicklaus with a record sixth green jacket -- and move two shy of Nicklaus’s all-time major win mark. “It’s just experience,” Woods said. “I just know how to play this golf course. There’s a sense of ease when I come here, because I understand how to play here.” Woods, ranked 33rd, birdied the par-5 13th and 15th plus the par-3 16th and added another at the first hole. “I put a lot of it together,” Woods said. “It was good all around.” A win would give him 83 US PGA Tour titles, breaking the record he shares with Sam Snead. US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau never approached the power-hitting success he enjoyed in overwhelming Winged Foot for his first major victory, closing with back-to-back birdies to settle for 70. “Fortunate enough to be two-under,” DeChambeau said. “It was a little risky out there. I’m OK with that. I just didn’t execute some of my shots. AFP

Hamilton ready to race next year ISTANBUL—Eleven days after hinting that he may retire, an enigmatic Lewis Hamilton on Thursday declared he was planning to carry on leading Mercedes’ assault on the Formula One record books next year. But, he added, almost teasingly, that “nothing is set in stone.” Hamilton was speaking on the eve of opening practice for this weekend’s Turkish Grand Prix in which he can draw level with Michael Schumacher as a seven-time world champion. While sending a clear message that he loves his job, his sport and his team, he retained a caveat that ensures he has a strong position in the long-delayed negotiations about his future, if and when they happen. “I think it’s something we’ll do,” he told reporters at a virtual news conference. “If not after the job is done, then particularly at the end of the year, but nothing is set in stone. “I think it’s just about talking about it and, at the moment, I don’t feel like I’m finished. I think there’s

always areas to improve. “I love racing, I love the challenge and I don’t think that’s going to change any time soon.” To many observers, or listeners, it appeared that he wanted to make clear he will begin talks once his seventh drivers’ title is wrapped up—but, at the same time, he wished to keep alive the idea that he might leave F1. “I believe I have the best contract that there is, in terms of how it’s structured and in terms of time-management,” Hamilton explained. “With the team that’s put around me, I think it’s been great.” Unconfirmed reports have claimed that Mercedes are poised to offer Hamilton a three-year deal worth £40 million ($52.5 million) a year, but the Englishman —a seasoned expert at both the negotiations and the mind games around them—swerved clear of rumour and instead sent a message of hope about equality and

diversity in his sport in the future. Records ‘mean more from outside’ Asked about the significance to him of equalling Schumacher’s record of seven titles, he said it was a question he is asked “all the time”. “And, naturally, I think the numbers and the figures and the titles and all that stuff—it perhaps appears to mean more from the outside. I remember watching the TV and watching Michael get the seventh and being like, ‘Wow!’ But when you’re in it, it’s different. “Matching an icon like Michael, I’d be incredibly proud of that, but I think it’s more the message that it sends, hopefully, to people. “Not just kids, but hopefully mostly kids—because they’re the future—that you have to dream bigger than you think you can dream—and don’t let anyone tell you you can’t go for that.” As the sport’s first black race winner and champion, from a modest family background, he has be-

Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton gives a press conference ahead of the Formula One Turkish Grand Prix at the Intercity Istanbul Park in Tuzla, near Istanbul. AFP

come a symbol of hope. “We’re going to continue to fight for more championships,” he added. AFP

Tech & Gadgets

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

HMD Global continues leadership in Android updates CONTINUING its leadership in Android OS upgrades, HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, today unveils a set of milestones further solidifying its ongoing commitment to always providing pure, secure and up-to-date Android fans can trust. Nokia smartphones remain at the forefront of both security updates and Android OS upgrades, as recognised by research from Counterpoint. According to their data, 94% of the Nokia smartphone portfolio updated to the latest Android version within a year of new Android release. This made it the fastest brand to reach this level. This week, the Android 10 rollout completes with the update of the Nokia 3.1 and the Nokia 5.1. Juho Sarvikas, Chief Product Officer, HMD Global, said: “Upgrading the operating system of a phone is an intricate process involving multiple partners and a variety of tests. We are hugely proud of the industry-leading process we have in place for Nokia smartphones and continue to make it a key priority of ours to ensure our customers benefit from the latest Android innovation ahead of competition in every price point.” In just over 3 years, Nokia smartphones have collectively been updated 1,000 times—a significant milestone proving the company’s unwavering commitment to ensuring its fans are always using the most upto-date features in the most secure environment. Committed to full transparency, HMD Global today releases its timeline for upgrading its Android 11-ready portfolio to the latest Android OS. The rollout is planned to commence in Q4 2020 with the newly-available Nokia 8.3 5G and the Nokia 5.3. Proving the company’s commitment to providing equal support to smartphones across the portfolio regardless of price points and launch dates, owners of the Nokia 2.2 and Nokia 8.1 will also be among the first to experience Android 11 this year. Nokia smartphones’ pure Android 11 software is easy to use and gets to what is important, with a streamlined interface and no bloatware: Manage your conversations: Stay in touch with those—who matter by managing conversations across multiple messaging apps all in one place on your Nokia smartphone. “Hey Google, show me my day”: Using the dedicated Google Assistant button or just your voice, get a full snapshot of your day, and when you need to focus or unwind, use the Digital Wellbeing tools like Focus mode and Bedtime mode.

6 ways 5G elevates modern smartphone experience

‘5

G’ has recently become “the talk of the town” globally, with governments in many technologically-driven countries racing to become the first nation to fully adopt 5G technology—going as far as setting up dedicated taskforces to ensure a timely roll-out of the technology. In the Philippines, top telecommunication networks have also been racing to ensure that their subscribers will be among the first to use 5G in highly populated areas in the country— later on, nationwide. However, one prevailing question from consumers remains: “what exactly is 5G and how will it benefit me?” To answer this, we must first understand what 5G is. Functionally, 5G is the fifth generation of mobile wireless communications that promises three major benefits—faster speeds, higher bandwidth and lower latency—over its predecessor, 4G. But how does this benefit our daily lives? For starters, 5G is more than just internet speed. It has the ability to transform “user experience” and improve the way we live and use our smartphones. With technological advancements brought on by 5G, users will experience reduced lags and delays, which will enable an ultra-smooth and fast digital experience. Here are some examples of what 5G enables us to do: Send and receive information in an instant With 5G designed to reduce latency, this generation of wireless technology enables faster transmission of data compared to the currently widespread 4G, allowing users to send and receive text messages faster, make video calls to their loved ones smoothly, and transfer and download big files with almost no waiting time. Buffer-free streaming In a world where we have grown accustomed to binge watching our favorite series on our smartphones anywhere and anytime we want, it’s frustrating when what we’re watching stops abruptly to continue loading. This happens commonly in crowded spaces with a high volume of people. With too many devices trying to connect to a single network, users are stuck with slower data speeds and lags in video playback. Through the capabilities of 5G technology, buffering time could almost cease to exist as low latency and higher bandwidth capacities will easily allow users to stream

V20 Pro

high quality videos, even in crowded spaces. Through its much larger bandwidth capacity, users will no longer fall victim to ‘the spinning wheel of death’ and can seamlessly load any video with ease, even with low-quality connection. Lag-free gaming Ask any gamer and they’ll tell you that the biggest frustration they face when gaming with mobile data is experiencing lags during an intense mobile match. This is again due to latency in the network, causing an unwanted delay which impacts users’ game reaction time. Thanks to the low latency of 5G, this will be a thing of the past. Gamers will enjoy a more immersive and interactive mobile gaming experience through new innovations such as remote real-time gaming, online multiplayer mobile gaming, as well as cloud-based gaming. Increase Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices The speed, bandwidth and low latency offered by 5G will make it possible to manage large numbers of IoT devices more effectively. With this, users can

expect to see a slew of innovative new devices, giving users the power to be more connected than ever before. This benefits users in many ways. For example, when it comes to smart home devices, users can expect increased speeds and reduced lags which will improve how fast connected devices send and receive data and notifications. Besides smart home devices, users can expect almost every IoT device to benefit from increased speeds and connectivity. Benefit from safe and reliable usage With 5G still in its initial stages of implementation in many countries, there may be concerns among users on its safety and reliability, with the biggest concern being whether 5G could cause certain health issues due to radiation. The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) reiterates that 5G does not pose a health risk to users. Plus, when put together, the speed, low latency and high bandwidth capacity that comes together with 5G, mobile users will have a reliable network like never before. Get our hands on affordable 5Gequipped devices soon With the host of benefits that comes with 5G, some users worry that 5G devices might cost a fortune. With the vivo V20 Pro, however, users can get their hands on a 5G-equipped device at a reasonable price. vivo has also expertly packaged its industry-leading technology into a thin, sleek design for its stylish owners, not to mention that the vivo V20 Pro is the thinnest 5G-capable smartphone in the market today. The V20 Pro will feature a 7nm octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G which supports 5G networks. This advanced optimization will help users enjoy low latency connections even in “cellular dead zone” areas, like elevators and underground parking in malls. The future holds nothing but exciting new opportunities brought on by the power and capabilities of 5G technology. Coupled with vivo’s strength, experience, and world-class technological expertise—with a top 4 global ranking in the global 5G smartphone production and market share in 2020—users will definitely get the technological performance they need to capture the best moments in life as they stay in the centerstage of keeping up with the latest trends, no matter where they are in the world. The 5G-capable vivo V20 Pro is available in Lazada, Shopee, and all vivo concept stores and kiosks nationwide. For more information, visit vivoglobal.ph.

How digital payments unlocks new growth corridors in SEA ioral shift to digital across multiple transaction decisions—from food deliveries to grocery shopping to bill payments. In the Philippines, the result of PayPal’s recent 2020 PH Consumer Survey IT IS easy to understate the impact of revealed that 87 percent of Filipinos have COVID-19 to the future of business. For increased their usage of digital payment certain industries, like retail, it is difﬁcult platforms during the pandemic, with 9 in to simplify just how big a change the pan- 10 preferring to pay digitally instead of demic has ignited. with cash during this time. The crisis has accelerated digital payThese trends are palpable across numerments adoption at a rapid pace. What ex- ous countries in SEA. According to a report, perts previously predicted to happen in nearly half of Malaysian consumers have inyears is now on track to being embraced creased their online shopping activities. The in months. same report also cited that Malaysia leads Driven by social distancing protocols, other countries in SEA when it comes to usshoppers across Southeast Asia have gone ing e-wallets at 40 percent, ahead of the Philfrom wandering aisles to browsing web- ippines (36 percent), Thailand (27 percent) sites. It is equally important to note that and Singapore (26 percent). these new consumer habits are taking root Mobile commerce drives digital and will likely persist, as online shopping payments across SEA becomes the norm even after lockdown A common trend across SEA is that momeasures are lifted. bile is fast becoming the preferred chanWhile there are many countries in SEA nel for e-commerce, especially amongst where cash remains the preferred method of younger shoppers. And their use of mobile payment, what we’re seeing now is a behav- apps and e-wallets is driving demand for in-

By Rajkishore Agrawal, Senior Director, Head of Sales, Southeast Asia at PayPal

ATM deployer ENCASH marks 13th year ENCASH INC., the Philippines ﬁrst Independent ATM deployer, marks its 13th year of operations this Nov. 16. On the company’s anniversary, ENCASH continues deployments of the SuperPOS, ENCASH’s latest ﬂagship device. The launch of the SuperPOS earlier this year achieved pioneering strides in providing ATM functions to various communities all over the country via the mobile POS format. The SuperPOS has currently been deployed to a wide variety of commercial establishments, ranging from sari-sari stores to groceries and general merchandise. ENCASH president Mike Mapa says, “The SuperPOS is like a mobile ATM. As long as you have an internet connection, you can transact anywhere—making any establishment, whether private or public, a possible partner.” Moreover, partners of ENCASH’s SuperPOS are promised a di-

rect line to ENCASH agents for any follow-up servicing concerns. “We make sure that our partners don’t have to wait in line to get a response from us. We understand the urgency of concerns in our field, and so we hope to give all our stakeholders the service they need as soon as possible,” adds Mapa. Through the successful rollout of the SuperPOS thus far, ENCASH continues to live up to its mission of providing financial access to Filipinos and ultimately lending to the overall growth and development of unbanked and underserved communities. With over 420 municipalities served, over 200 ATM terminals deployed, and 1600 POS devices managed, ENCASH continues to grow its network of financial inclusion that aims to help address the cash needs of citizens living in the rural areas. ENCASH is a proud member of BancNet and remains to be the country’s largest non-bank privately owned ATM network.

app payment solutions. In the Philippines, there were 173.2 million mobile connections in January 2020, an increase of 28 percent from January 2019 and equivalent to 159 percent of the total population. This makes it one of the fastest growing e-commerce markets in Asia. From necessity to trust Across Southeast Asia, digital payments are fast gaining currency as people ditch cash to avoid physical contact on worries over catching COVID-19, but continuous use will always be anchored on the fundamental principles of trust and security. Consumers need to be able to trust financial services providers to secure their money. In the Philippines, the PayPal 2020 PH Consumer Survey also shows that almost half (49 percent) identified security as the topmost consideration when choosing which digital payment platforms to use. And this rings true for many online consumers from other countries as well. At PayPal, our mission is to give our 325 million active account holders across the globe the confidence to connect and transact whether

they are online, on mobile, in an app, or even in person. Our goal is to offer people better ways to manage and move money, across 200 markets and in different currencies. Trust is foundational to our business— making security a top priority for our organization. PayPal uses 24/7 transaction monitoring, anti-fraud technologies, and Buyer Protection, enabling users to transact with peace of mind. A new world of global opportunities There’s now an unparalleled urgency for merchants to be proactive in the usage of digital payments, and this unlocks a new world of global opportunities. At the same time, digital payments also open the door for more choices for consumers, as cross-border shopping becomes a seamless experience. Now more than ever, individuals and businesses need to stay connected to the online economy as the pandemic leads to a digital shift in our way of life. For us at PayPal, this means doubling down on our commitment to make payment experiences as frictionless and secure as possible.

Globe network performance pulls up in Opensignal report WORKING from home, homeschooling, and by large, the effect of staying at home during the pandemic has resulted in an increase in mobile apps and mobile games usage among Filipinos. This amounts to more time spent online and on mobile devices, thus increasing demand for telcos to deliver consistent network improvements. Globe has been working in parallel to meet the needs of its customers. According to the Philippines Mobile Network Experience November 2020 report by Opensignal, Globe leads the market in Voice App Experience, also jointly winning in Games Experience. Overall, Globe has been consistently improving data experience since 2017. The telco has also pushed past the 80% 4G availability score, improving by 14.5 percentage points. According to the report, customers in Metro Manila spend almost 90% of their time connected to 4G services, and have reported their highest average overall download speeds at 10.3 Mbps. Given the difﬁcult circumstances and the operator’s impressive long-term progress this

indeed only serves to highlight the resilience of Globe users’ mobile network experience, according to Opensignal. In Voice App Experience, Globe bests its competitor with a score of 62.3, of which 65 is attributed to 4G, and 51.9 to 3G. When it comes to the quality of experience for essential mobile voice apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, and Facebook Messenger, the telco outperformed its competitor in connectivity experience including overall voice call quality. In terms of Games Experience, Globe jointly won in this category when playing real-time multiplayer mobile games on mobile devices with a score of 34.4 points, with the 4G experience scoring 36.1 points. The national study considers multiple genres of multiplayer mobile games to measure the average sensitivity to network conditions. “We continue to improve our network to provide our customers with better mobile and data experience. Creating positive impact through a world-class network is our top priority,” said Gil B. Genio, Globe Chief Technology and Information Ofﬁcer.

Tech & Gadgets Ghimob: New banking malware targets mobile users worldwide WHEN monitoring a Windows campaign from Guildma banking malware, Kaspersky researchers found URLs distributing not only a malicious .ZIP file for Windows, but also a malicious file that appeared to be a downloader to install Ghimob – a new banking Trojan. Upon infiltrating Accessibility Mode, Ghimob can gain persistence and disable manual uninstallation, capture data, manipulate screen content and provide full remote control to the actors behind it. According to experts, the developers of this very typical mobile Remote Access Trojan (RAT) are heavily focused on users in Brazil but have big plans to expand across the globe. The campaign is still active. Guildma, a threat actor part of the infamous Tétrade series, known for its scalable malicious activities both in Latin America and other parts of the world, has been working actively on new techniques, developing malware and targeting fresh victims. Its new creation - the Ghimob banking Trojan - lures victims into installing the malicious file through an email which suggests that the person receiving it has some kind of debt. The email also includes a link for the victim to click on so they can find out more information. Once the RAT is installed, the malware sends a message about the successful infection to its server. The message includes the phone model, whether it has lock screen security and a list of all installed apps that the malware can target. In total, Ghimob can spy on 153 mobile apps, mainly from banks, fintech companies, cryptocurrencies, and exchanges. When it comes to functions, Ghimob is a spy in the victim’s pocket. Developers can remotely access the infected device, completing fraud using the owner’s smartphone in order to avoid machine identification and security measures implemented by financial institutions and all of their anti-fraud behavioral systems. Even if the user uses a lock screen pattern, Ghimob is able to record it and replay it to unlock the device. When the developers are ready to perform a fraudulent transaction, they can insert a black or black screen overlay or open some websites in full screen. Then, while the user looks at that screen, the developers perform the fraudulent transaction in the background, using the already opened or logged-in financial app running on the device. Kaspersky products detect the new family as Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS. Ghimob. To stay safe from RAT and banking threats, Kaspersky recommends taking the following security measures: Provide your SOC team with access to the latest threat intelligence (TI). The Kaspersky Threat Intelligence Portal grants access to the company’s TI, providing cyberattack data and insights gathered by Kaspersky for more than 20 years. Educate your customers on the possible tricks that malefactors may use. Regularly send them information on how to identify fraud and behave in this situation. Implement an anti-fraud solution, such as Kaspersky Fraud Prevention. It can protect the mobile channel from occurrences when attackers use remote control to perform a fraudulent transaction. For protection, the solution can both detect RAT malware on the device and identify signs of remote control via legal software.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

Pfizer vaccine year’s best science news G ENEVA—Data indicating that a vaccine being developed against COVID-19 is highly effective is the “best science news of the year,” a pharmaceutical industry association chief said, voicing hope that other vaccine candidates would show equally good results.

"A vaccine that has 90 percent efficacy and is pretty safe, that is a historic breakthrough," the head of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), Thomas Cueni, said. American pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech announced Monday that their vaccine had proven 90 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 infections in ongoing Phase 3 trials involving more than 40,000 people. "This was the best science news of the year," IFPMA's director general told AFP in an interview. Hopes are also high that one or several of the vaccines under development will also help rein in the Covid-19 pandemic, which has killed nearly 1.3 million people out of the over 51.5 million infected. There are currently more than 40 candidate vaccines against COVID-19 being tested on humans, with a handful in the most advanced Phase 3 trials. Cueni acknowledged that more data was needed on the Pfizer and BioNTech candidate, which is based on an innovative technology that has never been approved for use before. The companies based their announcement on interim results from the last step in their clinical trial before officially applying for approval. 'Reason for optimism' Cueni voiced confidence that any major safety concerns with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine would have been known. "We still need to see the (full) efficacy and the safety data," Cueni said, but stressed: "There is now genuine reason for optimism that these vaccines are basically considered safe." He said there is still a long list of unknowns about the vaccine's protection, including whether it will be equally effective in all age groups and how long the protection might last.

People walk by the Pfizer world headquarters in New York. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla sold $5.6 million of his stock in the US pharmaceutical company on the same day it announced promising results for its COVID-19 vaccine candidate, filings showed. The company, however, has reportedly said the sale was part of a pre-arranged periodic divestment plan when the stock reaches a certain price. AFP

Another pressing question is whether it will not only protect a person from Covid-19 infection but also prevent that person from transmitting the virus. But Cueni said the data so far indicated the vaccine candidate was far more effective in preventing Covid-19 infections than the 50-percent efﬁcacy threshold required by some regulators before considering authorisation. This was "big news", he said, particularly "since I think there is reason to hope it won't be the only one." "We will see more good results." Cueni said safety and efﬁcacy data on at least four other vaccine candidates, being developed by Moderna, AstraZeneca, Novavax and Johnson & Johnson, would be known within the next few months. Vaccine hesitancy He was optimistic that enough data would soon be available to win approval for using one or more of the Covid-19 vaccines.

And the large developers had already scaled up their manufacturing capacities, and were each in a position to produce upwards of a billion doses next year, he said. But Cueni acknowledged there were numerous logistical challenges to actually inoculating the huge numbers of people it would take to bring the pandemic to a halt. And he voiced concern about high levels of vaccine hesitancy in many countries. Pharmaceutical companies were taking that challenge particularly seriously, he said, insisting they were going "way above and beyond the normal regulatory requirements" in terms transparency and data-sharing from trials. The industry understood the importance of ensuring any authorised vaccine is trusted, he said. "This is not only about Covid-19." Without trust, "the negative spillover on vaccination overall would be disastrous." AFP

MVP Group, UP hail partnership FOR the past ﬁve years, the companies under the leadership of Manuel V Pangilinan have provided 14 professorial chairs and four teaching and research grants to the University of the Philippines College of Engineering to aid in their research studies on innovative and tech developments for the country. Through the Metro Paciﬁc Investments Corporation, Pangilinan also committed to donate another professorial chair to the College of Engineering. The MVP Group also provided two more professorial chairs to the UP College of Science. Pangilinan recognizes the efforts of UP to forge ahead in broadening its expertise in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education by becoming the country’s premiere engineering school. “PLDT and Smart have been sourcing IT talent. In the future, this is very important because we ourselves are looking forward to the future mode of development. Given our heavy capex for 5G, our existing business model needs people who are IT-focused and are really IT- and science-trained,” Pangilinan said. “You have given us this rare opportunity to be helpful to the College of Engineering and UP in general. We now have a wider relationship with the school and it is very important for the country that we orient our schools towards the sciences,” Pangilinan added. UP Engineering R&D Foundation, Inc. (UPERDFI) President Ferdinand de la Cruz shared the foundation’s monumental project for the UP College of Engineering, which is the building of

the high-performance computing facility. The project aims to provide highspeed computer facilities to PhD students who are doing researches in various simulations, including landslide, transport and typhoon. According to de la Cruz, there is an increasing use of computational models and simulations, but because of the lack of high-speed computing facilities, most opt to use models that require less computing power. Thus, capping what these PhDs and research students can do. Phase 1 of the project aims to have a modest number of over 1,000 cores by the second quarter of 2021 with a target funding of P20-million. Pangilinan offered a more extensive discussion of the PLDT Group and the UPERDFI on the project to target at least 5,000 to 10,000 cores for its exclusive

Taiwan Excellence winners King Slide, Sheh Kai, Tronco, Sheh Fung showcase innovative products THE Taiwan External Trade Development Council, Taiwan’s foremost trade promotion organization, recently hosted a successful “Taiwan Excellence Building Material and Fastener” webinar in Taipei, Taiwan, where it unveiled the latest industry innovations in the building material and fastener industries. The live-streamed event transcended travel limitations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It also provided global participants composed of more than 200 buyers and media from around the world a closer look at Taiwan’s top brands and their innovative building material and fastener products that help improve user quality and safety. These brands included King Slide Works Co., Ltd., TRONCO Electric Machinery, Inc., Sheh Kai Precision Co., Ltd. and Sheh Fung Screw Co., Ltd. After presentations by respective company executives who effectively showcased their products—all winners of the Taiwan Excellence Award due to their highest quality and innovation— the webinar concluded with business match-making sessions for participants to further interact with brand representatives. Simon Wang, executive vice president of TAITRA, said the brands are all ramping up production and actively seeking global, collaborative opportunities with buyers as well as other product manufacturers. Attendees were impressed by the presentation of stellar products offered by the four top industry brands: 1) King Slide Works Co., Ltd., a building material products manufacturer specializing in slide tracks, presented three revolutionary safety designs for home furniture. The company

Photo shows (from left) Barry Tsai, Sales Manager, Sheh Kai Precision Co., Ltd.; Simon Wang, executive vice president, TAITRA; and Kevin Wang, International Sales representative, TRONCO Electric Machinery is the second-largest server rail brand in the world and holds more than 1,000 product patents. King Slide recently made a large investment in R&D to inﬁltrate the kitchen and furniture slide rail markets. King Slide pioneered three innovative designs, such as“Ever-Active Push-Open Design,”“Vibration

high-performance computing facility for the UP College of Engineering. “Thank you once again, Chairman MVP for your generosity for all these years. Being relatively new in the foundation, I didn’t realize how invested you are in supporting the Iskolars ng Bayan. Your quiet and meaningful support speaks volumes. Maraming, maraming salamat po. I believe the investment in Filipino engineers is well worth it dahil ito po ay para sa bayan (Thank you once again, Chairman MVP for your generosity for all these years. Being relatively new in the foundation, I didn’t realize how invested you are in supporting the Iskolars ng Bayan. Your quiet and meaningful support speaks volumes. Thank you very much. I believe the investment in Filipino engineers is well worth it because this is for our nation),” de la Cruz said.

Safety Design (VSD)” and “Switchable Push-Open Design,” from which the product “SIMLEAD Safety Drawer System with Push Open, Soft-Closing and VSD” was selected as the Taiwan Excellence Silver Award in 2019. 2) Sheh Kai Precision Co., Ltd. specializes in high-end construction fasteners such as bi-metal screws, and ultimate performance bi-metal and carbon steel screw anchors. Sheh Kai presented a comparison between screw anchors and expansion anchors, demonstrating the high-quality of their products available to buyers. Its concrete screw anchor won the Taiwan Excellence Award 2017 and features high ductility within the load bearing area of the fastener, and lowers the sensitivity of a fastener to be damaged by becoming brittle due to hydrogen as well as corrosion. 3) TRONCO Electric Machinery, Inc., presented an intelligent automatic door system that marries systematic integration and mechanical design. With a reputation for expertise in high-performance motor applications, TRONCO’sdoor systems assure customers of safe and secure operation within a variety of settings. The SW30 series of Automatic Swing Door System incorporates microprocessor servo controllers that bring the benefit of precision door position control and smooth noise-free operation. It is also a green electric system with highefficiency power supply units. Its stand-by power consumption goes below 0.5W, offering a superior energy, cost-effective automatic door solution.The built-in obstruction detection feature reacts to the lightest touch on the doors when closing to prevent accidents. 4) Sheh Fung Screw Co. is an affiliated enterprise to Sheh Kai, and a fastener brand that is synonymous with quality and safety for the user. Sheh Fung has developed an exclusive, superior corrosion-resistant coating for its fasteners and offers customization for different uses. Sheh Fung’s Timber Construction Screws has the characteristic and function for easier user handling and saves more time with their patent design that helps reduce screw torque and the risk of splitting wood.

Lenovo named top monitor brand GLOBAL tech innovator Lenovo was recently cited by market intelligence firm IDC as the number one PC monitor brand in the Philippines. It emerged on top during the third quarter of 2020 with 66,082 shipments, equivalent to 22% of the total PC monitor market share locally. Lenovo’s strong performance in the period saw its share in the market grow by 6% from the previous quarter where it made 26,882 shipments. This development also showed a Year-over-Year (YOY) growth of 8%, signifying a highly successful year for the company’s everexpanding PC monitor portfolio. The company owes its success to the many innovations it made to better serve customers facing the “new normal” brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our success in the PC monitor segment solidifies our drive for constant innovation in our products as we strive to deliver smarter technology for all. This time, we heavily focused on improving the ability of our PC monitors in extending the productivity of our customers in the comfort of their own homes by including cutting-edge technology known in Lenovo devices. We made our screens bigger, more color accurate, portable, and in the case of gamers, come out with more resolution and high refresh rates for complete immersion. Our monitors also include added connectivity and viewing options to unlock new opportunities whether for work, online school, entertainment, or gaming,” said Michael Ngan, Lenovo Philippines President and General Manager. Under its arsenal of product offerings, Lenovo currently has a total of seven PC monitor lines available catering to different types of users and segments: ThinkVision - Employees; ThinkVision M – Mobile workforce; Q Series – Content creators; Y/Legion Series – Hardcore gamers; G Series – Mainstream gamers; L Series – Monitors for mainstream or everyday use; D Series – Value-for-money monitors Lenovo’s entire PC monitor lineup contains many features useful in any setting. Some of them include coloraccurate display panels with 99% sRGB and 72% NTSC or higher for better color accuracy, thin bezels for larger screen viewing, and high refresh rates for smoother visuals in action-packed movies and fast-paced games.To protect the user’s eyes, Lenovo made its monitors TÜV Rheinland Eye Comfort-certified to reduce the harmful effects of blue light. Lenovo’s monitors also have both VGA and HDMI ports, and their VESA mount compatibility adds more freedom upon use.

Motoring

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

HARI activates

calamity-response team

YUNDAI Asia Resources, Inc., the official distributor of Hyundai Passenger Cars, has activated its Hyundai Fast & Immediate, Rescue Service Teams (F.I.R.S.T) calamity assistance program at participating dealerships in Metro Manila and Provincial Luzon.

Participating dealerships will offer a 20% discount on Labor and Parts (electrical and mechanical components affected by the typhoon) for the whole month of November 2020. If necessary, towing services will also be dispatched and provided for by the dealership. The Hyundai’s F.I.R.S.T. program, launched in 2013, is open to all Hyundai vehicle owners (within warranty coverage and out of warranty) affected by the recent typhoons. “We have always gone the extra mile to ensure our customers get the best possible assistance and convenience, especially during times of calamity. This is our way of helping customers get back on their

feet quickly since mobility is essential in our everyday lives. We can confidently assure our customers that we are more than ready to help them,” HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said.

Isuzu turns over 84 fire trucks in support of BFP upgrade plan ISUZU Philippines Corporation (IPC) turned over a total of 84 fire trucks and emergency rescue vehicles to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) at the LapuLapu Grandstand in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City last October 15.

The ceremony was attended by officials and representatives of IPC, BFP officials headed by Director Jose Embang Jr, Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government Eduardo Año, from JROG Marketing, and guest of honor Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go. This is the second turnover that IPC conducted with BFP, the first held last February 11 where IPC delivered 74 firefighting and rescue vehicles. These represent bulk of fire trucks and

During the pandemic, HARI rolled out pioneering programs to strongly support its patrons in getting the best care for their vehicles. These include the 6-step contactless Hyundai A.R.M.O.R. After-Sales rescue vehicles which the BFP requires for its project. The turnover comprised of 76 FVR 1,000-gallon fire trucks, 3 FVR rescue vehicles, and 5 CYZ52 2,500-gallon fire trucks with aerial ladders. The ever dependable and reliable vehicles form an integral part of the BFP’s modernization plans, which include providing durability, safety and comfort to hundreds of local government units that either have no vehicles or still use old trucks in their fire stations. IPC President Hajime Koso remarked during the turnover ceremonies, “IPC continues in its mission to contribute to society and be the Filipino people’s responsible partner by providing the most durable, reliable trucks. With the Bureau of Fire Protection modernizing its equipment and vehicles, IPC and the Isuzu brand can help the BFP attain its objectives to protect and serve the country in the best way possible against fire and other calamities.” IPC gave its assurance that the BFP will have full support wherever the trucks may be deployed in the country. Its 43 locations nationwide offer excellent after sales support and guaranteed parts availability.

At Lexus, customer satisfaction desired GOOD enough just won’t do. To be truly satisfied, you need to drive a vehicle that exceeds your expectations. When behind the wheel of Lexus, you will know immediately that you are in a conveyance that was built to the highest and most exacting standards. When master craftsmen and engineers construct a car with you as the focal point, you will be the recipient of ‘omotenashi’--Lexus’s commitment to ensuring its customers enjoy an experience like no other. Lexus wants to bring that experience closer to you, thus, it has crafted these special deals. Read on about these exceptional offers from Lexus and the participating models this November. The Lexus RX 350 (SRP P4,378,000) is known as the pioneer of the luxury SUV segmenent and its loyal fanbase is growing. It isn’t hard to see why. Under its hood is a 3.5-liter V6 direct-injection engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Key features are a drive-mode selector; Adaptive Variable Suspension; and 10 sensor-controlled SRS airbags. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity allow you to use dedicated smartphone functions via the dashboard touchscreen display as well.

The Lexus RX 350 F Sport (SRP P4,938,000) sets itself apart from its sibling with its sporty interior and trim pieces that are unique to the F Sport variant, such as the 20-inch twin-spoke aluminum wheels in dark metallic paint; F Sport dials with full-length illuminated needles; dimpled leather with an exclusive perforated finish on the steering wheel and shift knob; and aluminum pedals exclusive to F Sport models. The Lexus NX 300 (SRP P3,208,000) has class-leading legroom. The distance between the front and rear seats is a very impressive 962mm. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder direct-injection engine which delivers 235hp and 350Nm of torque to all four wheels via a six-

FASTLANE

LTO data leak traced to old IT provider

Galvante

speed automatic transmission. The Lexus NX 300h (SRP P3,678,000) gives drivers the ability to cruise at low speeds using the electric motor. But when the need calls for it, its Hybrid Drive can draw power from both electric motors and a petrol engine, resulting in instant torque and rapid acceleration. That’s guilt-free fun from a 2.5-liter inline-4 combined with a pair of electric motors. The NX also offers a massive outer-sliding moon roof that features a one-touch auto close function, while fins and lips on the deflector reduce wind noise.

THE Land Transportation Office has denied that the data leak, which the National Privacy Commission is investigating, comes from the current web portal the agency is using for its Land Transportation Management System or LTMS. The transportation agency said lawyer Romeo Vera Cruz, the concurrent Executive Director and Data Privacy

service, the ProMiSe to Right Care campaign which offered discounts and vehicle disinfection, and the Dealer to Your Door (D2D) PMS home service. “The challenges brought about by the pan-

demic and these calamities only strengthen our resolve to reinvent and upgrade our After-Sales services to give the best and relevant care to our patrons. At Hyundai, you are always FIRST,” Agudo said.

In a virtual press conference, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and Nissan in the Philippines President and Managing Director Atsushi Najima forge their Safe Trips campaign partnership to aid the recovery of the tourism industry in the country. Joining them at the virtual contract signing ceremony are Nissan Philippines Assistant General Manager for Communications Dax Avenido and Tourism Assistant Secretary for Branding and Marketing Communications Howard Lance Uyking.

Safe trips campaign NISSAN in the Philippines is taking a step further in its commitment to enrich Filipino lives by partnering with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to promote safe and responsible land travel to boost local tourism. Nissan Philippines President and Managing Director Atsushi Najima joined Tourism Secretary Bernadette RomuloPuyat in a virtual press conference and contract signing last November 5 to kick off the Safe Trips campaign. Under the campaign, Nissan and the DOT will develop educational and promotional content for social media and publicity on how to safely and responsibly travel to local tourist destinations. These include tips for land travel in the new normal, social distancing guides, health protocols for visiting specific destinations, and updates on the latest spots that have reopened for visitors. “The DOT is committed to reviving the country’s tourism industry from the harsh impacts of the pandemic. We thank Nissan Philippines for being a partner in tourism recovery by promoting health and safety protocols for road trips. It is a timely effort as we have reopened Baguio City and Ilocos Norte to Luzon residents, both of which can be accessed by land travel,” says Romulo-Puyat. “We hope that this campaign will encourage all Filipinos to practice safe and responsible travel as they return to local

Officer of the LTO reported the data breach to the National Privacy Commission on November 10, 2020. LTO Director Asst. Secretary Edgar Galvante said the website LTO currently using for the LTMS is portal.lto.gov.ph, with “.gov.ph” as the standard domain suffix the Philippines uses for all government agencies. The website involved in the

tourist spots and enjoy the beauty of our country,” she added. “Nissan’s vision is to enrich people’s lives by making their journeys safe, smart, and fun. We want to promote safe and responsible travels with our innovative and dependable vehicles, so that our customers can enjoy adventures with family and friends. Tourism has become a passion for Nissan in the Philippines over the years, which is why we are truly excited to partner with the Department of Tourism to promote the tourism sector towards its recovery,” says Najima. “We thank Sec. Bernadette RomuloPuyat for taking on the challenge to revive the tourism sector. Your daring spirit to overcome the odds through perseverance and passion are values that Nissan shares and admires,” he added. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism industries all over the world have been heavily affected, as stricter travel restrictions were implemented to deter the spread of the virus. In countries such as the Philippines, the tourism industry contributed 13% to the economy in 2019. In a survey conducted by the DOT, results showed that domestic leisure travel will be the main driver in the recovery of the tourism industry in the Philippines. With health and safety as the top priority of travelers, road trips via private vehicles were found to be the best way for domestic travel.

data breach is “lto.net.ph.” A quick search on the internet revealed that the person who registered the domain name “lto.net.ph” is a certain Jefferson E. Trono and the registered company is Stradcom Corporation. LTO is using two parallel systems at the moment; Stradcom (lto.net.ph), the IT company that handled the data

of the LTO in the past and operating on a monthly basis because of an expired contract, and a new IT service provider operating the LTMS at portal.lto.gov.ph. LTO has yet to clarify why Stradcom is still in operation and why they are allowed to be in the official website of the LTO. The Stradcom domain is the one connected to the current data breach.