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Labor creates emergency jobs for 28K workers By Maricel V. Cruz, Joel E. Zurbano and Jess Malabanan MORE than 28,000 informal sector workers affected by recent typhoons in the National Capital Region (NCR) have benefited from the emergency employment assistance by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). “In the NCR, some 28,505 workers were given emergency employment under TUPAD. Our target beneficiaries are 128,000 workers,” Undersecretary Anna Dione said in a Laging Handa briefing on Thursday. TUPAD is the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program. Aside from the emergency employment assistance, Dione said DOLE would also provide livelihood assistance to residents affected by Super

STYLISH RESCUERS. One of several swan boats from Baguio City reaches Amulung town of Cagayan, which is among the flood-stricken areas in Region II. Boat owner Vivian Celso through the Baguio City Police Office has deployed four of such boats to Cagayan as her contribution to the rescue effort in flood-affected communities.The swan boats are now being used to transport residents of Amulung barangays Anquiray and Abollo. PNP-Cordillera FB Page

Early vaccine payments OKd Rody earmarks P2.5b for drug buy; 12 groups top priority By Maricel V. Cruz, Vito Barcelo and Willie Casas

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has approved the use of P2.5 billion to vaccinate some 22 million Filipinos against COVID-19 and is willing to make early payments to vaccine manufacturers to ensure that the country can get enough doses.

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 259 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

ANTI-VIRUS VACCINE.

Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech could secure emergency U.S. and European authorization for their COVID-19 vaccine next month after final trial results showed it had a 95% success rate and no serious side effects, the drugmakers said. AFP

At a meeting of the House committee on people’s participation, Dr. Aleli Annie Grace Sudiacal from the Department of Health’s Bureau of International Health Cooperation said the President has approved the inclusion of P2.5 billion in the

2021 national budget for the purchase of vaccines through the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (Covax) facility. Covax is a global sharing mechanism for pooled procurement and equitable

LOCAL ROUNDUP

COVID-19 PH

• ICU data glitch • Saliva test • PhilHealth mess By Willie Casas and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Philippines logged on Thursday 1,337 new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, bringing the total to 413,430, as 11 laboratories failed to submit their data and an error cited in one of its earlier reports, the Department of Health said. “The sudden increase in ICU bed Next page

Duterte-Robredo feud : Proxies carry on the ‘word war’ By Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta

A PALACE spokesman said Thursday it was unlikely that President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo could work together, given their

political history. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque offered this assessment after the President wrongly accused Robredo of asking where he was at the height of Typhoon “Ulysses” in a 20-minute rant on national television.

Roque said despite the opportunities to work together, Robredo “listened to her advisers” and acted as a member of the opposition, if not an obstructionist. He said, however, that relations between the two might improve, now that the President had got the matter off his

chest. A spokesman for Robredo, meanwhile, asked why the President was so insecure about the vice president, given his high approval rating. “Why be insecure if you have a 91 Next page

Housing loans restructured PAG-IBIG Fund is offering a loan restructuring program to allow housing loan borrowers to defer their payments until March 2021 and lower their monthly payments, its top executives announced. Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, who serves as Chairman of the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees and

OPERATION TULONG.

SM Foundation, represented by its Executive Director for Health and Wellness programs Connie Angeles, donated P10 million to Philippine Red Cross, represented by Senator and PRC Chairman Richard Gordon, for the benefit of families affected by Typhoon Ulysses.

head of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, said Wednesday the agency was ready to grant home loan borrowers with lower monthly payments, up to six months of payment relief, and waived penalties on unpaid monthly amortizations under its Special Next page

NAVAL DRILL. Filipino soldiers from the 9th Marine Battalion and Force Reconnaissance Group participate in the Exercise Pagbubuklod 2020 held in Ternate, Cavite on November 18, 2020. #AFPyoucanTRUST

WORLD ROUNDUP

• Japan situation: Maximum alert • Russia: 2m cases JAPAN is on “maximum alert” after logging a record number of daily coronavirus infections, its prime minister said Thursday, though no immediate Next page

AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM NOVEMBER 19)

413,430 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

1,337 30,493 NEW

ACTIVE

7,998

374,939

286

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

NEW

‘Terror’ group’s assets frozen on court’s order By Willie Casas, Rey E. Requejo and Maricel V. Cruz A MANILA Regional Trial Court (RTC) has ordered freezing the assets of a progressive religious group for alleged terrorism financing, in what the group says is a test case of charges to be filed under the anti-terrorism law. The Manila RTC last month issued an asset preservation order (APO) against the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines’ (RMP) bank accounts, which the government says were allegedly used to fund activities of the New People’s Army (NPA). The government has initiated a civil forfeiture case against the RMP. The RMP is one of several organizations asking that the anti-terrorism Next page

Filipino DH take HK cricket by storm AFTER a long week cooking and cleaning in the cramped households of Hong Kong, a group of Filipino domestic helpers are using their Sunday off for an unlikely hobby: cricket. Next page

News

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Corruption complaints surge as there has been a sudden surge in complaints this week,” she stressed. Last Monday, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra admitted that 20 complaints were filed with the task force, many of them involving the DPWH. Meanwhile, Guevarra said Malacañang had no order to investigate the Office of the Vice President in particular. However, Guevarra said the task force would look into the OVP if a complaint accusing it of corruption would be filed. President Rodrigo Duterte called Vice President Leni Robredo “a dishon-

est person” last Tuesday, accusing her of starting the hashtag #NasaanAngPangulo, which trended when netizens demanded answers as to where to the President was when a series of typhoons battered Luzon. Robredo had coordinated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines the OVP’s rescue efforts in Cagayan province, which was hit by widespread flooding. “It was completely out of order that she misinformed the people, the nation, as if she was the one in charge of relief efforts. She was not,” Palace spokesperson Harry Roque said of Robredo’s action.

guidelines issued by the WHO. These are frontline health workers, senior citizens, the poor and uniformed personnel. Other priorities are teachers and school workers from public and private institutions, government workers, essential workers in agriculture, the food industry, transportation and tourism, socio-demographic groups at significantly higher risk like prisoners, people with disability and Filipinos living in high-density areas, overseas Filipino workers, other workers and students. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, meanwhile, said the President has accepted the proposal of vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. to enter into advance market commitments with private foreign developers and provide advance payments to ensure the Philippines can secure vaccine doses once these are cleared for widespread use. “We already agreed... because if we don’t agree to advance payments, we will be left out as other countries secure vaccines,” Roque said. Duterte previously rejected the idea, but Roque said the President changed his mind upon seeing how other countries were handling the early procurement. The President criticized pharmaceutical companies, particularly those from Western countries, for asking for advance payment for their COVID-19 vaccines that are still under development. “If we need to sell government prop-

erties, he would do it,” Roque added. Only recently, Duterte announced that the Philippine government might borrow $300 million (at least P14.5 billion) to purchase COVID-19 vaccines. Duterte made the announcement after American pharmaceutical firm Pfizer and German partner BioNTech reported that their COVID-19 vaccine is 90 percent effective based on their analysis. Roque said the President reaffirmed his promise to have all Filipinos vaccinated, with priority given to the poor. The government has been pinning its hopes on a COVID-19 vaccine to end the pandemicm which has already afflicted more than 412,000 people nationwide. The manufacturers of at least five potential COVID-19 vaccine products have expressed interest in conducting clinical trials in the Philippines, according to the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). In a press briefing Thursday, FDA Director General and Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo, cited the advantage of conducting clinical trials in the Philippines. “Those who will conduct clinical trials here will have some advantages because we can really see what effect this vaccine will have on our situation and on the Filipinos themselves,” Domingo said in Filipino. According to Domingo, one of these potential vaccines, Sinovac, has already been cleared by the vaccine expert pan-

that she was behind the #NasaanAngPangulo that went viral on social media, after Duterte’s absence at the height of Ulysses was noted. “Instead of talking about what needs to be done in order to rebuild the lives of all those affected by the typhoon, all those affected by flooding, here we are spending so much time talking about hashtags, talking about who said what, talking about all these things, and to be very clear, we are not interested in this,” he said. Duterte’s former aide, Senator Christopher Go, said the President remains focused on delivering public service despite recent criticism that he was not visible during the height of the latest typhoon. Co said Duterte has always been busy

working and leading the country amid the challenges brought about by natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. “President Duterte was closely monitoring and giving directives to respond to the immediate needs of Filipinos while still being able to fulfill his obligations as head of state in the 37th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit of Leaders,” Go said. “’Others were just focused on criticisms while we were working. We are always prioritizing your welfare and the lives of the Filipinos,” he added. At the same time, he called for unity as he urged critics to help their fellow Filipinos instead, and cooperate with the government to uplift the lives of those affected by the crises.

And they’re proving rather good at it. Despite no background in the game, scant coaching and very little time, the SCC Divas have made a startling impact, winning Hong Kong’s development league twice in their first two seasons and going unbeaten since stepping

up to the main divisions this year. Along the way, they’ve inspired the Philippines’ first national women’s cricket team, providing seven of its players, while shaking up Hong Kong’s sleepy cricket scene, a remnant of British colonialism. “We are all domestic helpers. Some are new players, having their first time holding a cricket ball,” said Josie Arimas, 52, captain and founder of the

SCC Divas. The satisfying clunk of bat on ball, at the scenic Po Kong Village Cricket Ground overlooked by green hills and tower blocks, is a world away from daily life for the Divas. Many of them work from 6am till midnight, six days a week, scrubbing, shopping and looking after kids, to support their own children and families left behind in the Philippines. AFP

are offering this program to help ease their financial burden and provide them enough time to recover. “We want to let them know that the special loan restructuring program is available to our housing loan borrowers who have unpaid monthly amortizations of up to 12 months as of August 2020. “We are doing this in support of the government’s efforts, led by President Duterte,

in helping Filipinos who are going through financial difficulties caused by COVID-19.” He added in his statement: “If they apply now, they get the chance to resume payment of their restructured loans by as late as March 2021. “This gives them at least four months of payment relief. Since we started offering the program in September, we have already received nearly 45,000 applica-

tions, but I would like to encourage more borrowers to avail. We will be receiving applications until December 15.” Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Acmad Rizaldy Moti, meanwhile, said borrowers might apply for the loan restructuring program online, as the agency continues to move transactions to its Virtual Pag-IBIG facility to promote better safety and convenience for members.

By Rey E. Requejo

HE Department of Justice’s Task Force Against Corruption has received more than 60 complaints, most of them involving alleged irregularities in the implementation of public works projects outside Metro Manila.

Justice Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar said there was “sudden surge” in the numbers of complaints received this week by the DOJ Action, a lot of them involved alleged anomalies in the construction projects of the Department of Public Works and Highway

in the provinces. Villar said the task force’s Operations Center Secretariat was consolidating the complaints. “The Operations Center Secretariat is still consolidating the complaints they received and those received by DOJAC

Labor... From A1

Early vaccine... From A1

Typhoon Rolly and Typhoon Ulysses. “We are conducting (an) assessment on the areas affected on how we will be able to provide them with livelihood programs,” she said, adding that they would coordinate with local government units regarding the livelihood assistance. DOLE is also looking to provide emergency employment to some 40,000 workers in Bicol who were displaced by the successive typhoons that hit the region. It said it has allocated nearly P500 million for the six provinces that have been badly affected by “Rolly” and “Ulysses” – Albay, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Masbate, and Sorsogon. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III visited Legazpi, Albay last weekend and ordered expedited profiling and payment of some 40,000 worker-beneficiaries across Bicol. Under TUPAD, beneficiaries were given emergency employment and were paid the minimum wage in their respective areas. Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte on Thursday welcomed Malacañang’s creation of an expanded, special inter-agency task force to take charge of rehabilitating Bicol and other places across Luzon affected by the three devastating typhoons. Villafuerte had earlier called on the two chambers of the Congress to set aside a bigger calamity fund in the proposed 2021 national budget. The House resumed session this week following the month-long congressional break. Villafuerte said that even before the onslaught of the latest tropical depressions, the calamity funds of the LGUs in badly-hit places were probably depleted already, having been used for their respective localities’ Covid-19 efforts. “Camasines Sur, for one, and other Bicol provinces have suffered the fourfold blow by the lingering COVID-19 outbreak, super typhoons Quinta and Rolly two weeks ago, and, just last week, storm Ulysses that pummeled the province and other places in Luzon, including Metro Manila,” Villafuerte said. “The affected LGUs are in dire need of calamity fund augmentation so they could attend to the immediate food and shelter needs of their respective constituents, especially those who have lost their homes partially or completely, and who now remain stuck in evacuation centers with nowhere else to go,” he said. On Thursday, the Southern Police District started deploying police per-

distribution of COVID-19 vaccines once they are licensed and approved. The program, under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO), is expected to provide vaccination for 3 to 20 percent of the population or 3.2 million to 22 million Filipinos. Sudiacal said the Philippines is eligible under the COVAX system because it is a low middle income country which signified its intention to be part of the system. However, the country needs to pay $1.60 to $2 per dose to be able to take part in it. “As you all know we have RA 9184 or the Procurement Act which prohibits advance payment for something that is still not there. That is why we had to seek the intervention of the President and it’s very good news that the President has approved the use of the P2.5 billion allotted for the purchase of vaccines for the Philippines to have access to the COVAX facility,” she told the committee. Under this setup, the country may get access for about 20 percent of the population once a vaccine or several vaccines become available. She said funding will come from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. Sudiacal said the Inter-Agency Task Force on Covid-19 has already identified 12 priority vulnerable groups that will be given the vaccine based on the

Housing... From A1 Housing Loan Restructuring Program to help them better cope with the economic challenges brought by the pandemic. Del Rosario said: “We understand the needs of our members especially during these trying times, that is why we

‘Terror’... From A1 law be struck down. They feared it would be used by the state to go after its critics by tagging them as communist rebels or fronts. The RMP along with its co-petitioners in the religious sector told the Supreme Court of the APO in a manifestation filed Monday, in compliance with the court’s order for the parties to inform it of developments relevant to the case. They said the “unprecedented filing of a case against a known progressive religious organization” relied largely on the testimonies of two supposed former CPP-NPA members who surrendered to the government.

Duterte-Robredo... From A1 percent approval rating?” Robredo’s spokesman Barry Gutierrez said. “Come on, the President is complaining about the hashtag when for four years, the vice president has been continuously blasted by a never-ending barrage of fake news, of online abuse,” he told the ANC’s “Matters of Fact.” “Her daughters have been subjected to rape threats. The baseless insinuations, completely false of course, about her personal life have been made. And you know, she just shuts it off. It’s something that comes with the territory,” he added. He echoed the Vice President’s denial

Filipino... From A1

“Supporting their statements linking the funds to the CPP-NPA were voluminous pages of bank documents which merely show legitimate financial transactions of an organization on their administrative and operational expenses,” the petitioners said. “Thus, it is most deplorable that an APO was issued on October 7, 2020 in this test-case preluding the cases to be filed under the Anti-Terrorism Law,” they added. The RMP has challenged the APO before the Manila RTC. But even while that is pending, the RMP said intelligence and anti-communist insurgency officials had “maliciously and publicly maligned” their group “as a terrorist organization or a supporter of a terrorist organization.”

World... From A1 restrictions are planned. The comments came as Tokyo raised its alert level to the top of its four-tier system, with local media saying the capital would report a record number of infections for a second day running. “We are now in a situation of maximum alert,” Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told reporters. “I ask you, the Japanese people, to fully implement principles such as wearing masks,” Suga added, urging people to wear them even while talking during meals in restaurants.

Russia surges past 2m cases

Russia’s total coronavirus case-

load surpassed two million on Thursday as officials registered record increases in new infections and virus-related deaths. The country has witnessed a surge in cases over recent weeks but authorities have stopped short of reintroducing stringent lockdown measures like several European countries. Health officials reported 23,610 new infections Thursday and 463 virus-related deaths, both record highs since the beginning of Russia’s outbreak. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the outbreak as “very worrying” and said it was President Vladimir Putin’s “top priority.” Total infections stood at 2.02 million – the fifth-highest caseload in the world – while deaths reached 34,850 in the country of 145 million.

Villar declines House deputy speaker post By Maricel V. Cruz LAS PINAS Rep. Camille Villar has declined the post of House Deputy Speaker just hours after she was elected last Wednesday. “It’s an opportune time to work with my fellow congressmen and the leaders of the House of Representatives on policy measures that would give and personal economic relief to our kababayans amid the past disasters and the pandemic,” Villar said in her letter dated Nov. 18 to the House Speaker Lord Velasco. “But the greater tact is adherent responsibility to our constituents, the adroit loyalty to our allies and friends, and the constant affinity to the leadership and nation,” she added. Velasco’s office nor the Office of the Speaker has yet to make a comment on Villar’s letter as of press time. Nevertheless, Villar said “rest assured that I am committed to your goals as a partner in development and will support your legislative agenda in the formation of a Congress of the people. My sincere gratitude and appreciation.” Villar, a member of the Nacionalista Party, the party of the ousted Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano whom Velasco replaced, replaced one of the deputy speakers identified with Cayetano who lost their posts Wednesday night. Villar is the only daughter of real estate tycoon Manuel Villar and incumbent Senator Cynthia Villar. Aside from Villar, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, and Buhay Partylist Rep. Jose Atienza were elected as new deputy speakers, replacing Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro, Laguna Rep, Dan Fernandez and Batangas Rep. Raneo Abu.

Local... From A1 occupancy (53 percent) in the November 17 Case Bulletin was due to a data entry error from one facility,” the DOH also admitted. The entry has been corrected for November 18, thereby reflecting a more accurate ICU bed occupancy (42 percent), the DOH said. The DOH also reported that they have 30,493 active cases, which is 7.4 percent of the total number of cases. Of the active cases, 84.5 percent are mild; 8 percent are asymptomatic; 4.7 percent are critical; 2.5 percent are severe; and 0.21 percent are moderate. Top cities and provinces with new cases are Davao City, 110; Laguna, 74; Quezon City, 66; Batangas, 54; and Manila, 53.

Saliva test

The Philippine Red Cross is still waiting for government approval for the use of its saliva COVID-19 test, Sen. Richard Gordon said Thursday. Gordon said they coordinated with the University of Illinois, where the test was made, and the UP College of Medicine in conducting a validation study on the new coronavirus test, Gordon said. The saliva test, he said, was cheaper compared with the swab test, and the result could be obtained faster. Gordon said the saliva test was already being done in other countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and even Japan.

New expenses

The Philippine Red Cross has so far received a total P800 million from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) as payment for the latter’s outstanding balance of P1.1 billion for COVID-19 tests, Gordon said.

US death toll

US coronavirus deaths passed a quarter of a million people Wednesday as New York announced it would close schools to battle a rise in infections. America has now registered 250,426 fatalities, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University, by far the highest reported national death toll. US states and cities were imposing a raft of new restrictions, including home confinement, the closure of indoor dining and a limit on gatherings as cases soar across the country, with more than 157,950 new infections recorded over the past 24 hours on Wednesday. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city’s 1,800 public schools would revert to remote learning beginning Thursday after the Big Apple recorded a seven-day average positivity rate of three percent. AFP

News

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Only P10 billion received to help Marawi recovery ONLY P10.7 billion of the estimated P350 billion in foreign donations pledged for the rehabilitation of war-torn Marawi City were channeled through the national government, according to Housing Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, head of Task Force Bangon Marawi. Appearing before the Commission on Appointments for the fourth time for his confirmation as housing chief, Del Rosario was questioned on the help pledged by other countries for the rehabilitation of Marawi City. Del Rosario said they received P10.7 billion from the Asian Development Bank, China and Japan. “For the donations pledged by other counties, they are usually channeled through non-governmental groups that will then undertake programs,” Del Rosario said. “Most countries will just announce that they are pledging or giving support in this amount, but with regard to the project implementation, they go directly on the ground and mostly for early intervention activities,” added Del Rosario whose ad interim appointment as secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development was finally approved by the commission. His confirmation hearing was suspended three times for several reasons, including lack of time to accommodate lawmakers’ questions. In an earlier committee meeting, Senator Panfilo Lacson asked Del Rosario on the DHUSD’s plan for the resettlement of the families affected by the recent typhoons. Del Rosario said the agency had now identified the locations for the resettlement, and that they would then submit the requirements to the Office of the President for funding. Meanwhile, the commission also confirmed the promotion and nominations of 60 senior members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, including deputy chief of staff Vice Admiral Erick Kagaoan. Before the commission’s session, its Committee on National Defense recommended the approval of the promotions and nominations of the senior military officials. Macon Ramos-Araneta

NEW SECRETARY GENERAL. House Speaker Lord Alan Velasco, left, assisted by House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez (2nd left), Deputy Speaker Michael Romero

(3rd left) and Ako Bicol Party List Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. (right partly hidden), administers the oathtaking of Mark Leandro Mendoza (2nd right) as the new Secretary General of the House of Representatives Wednesday night. Mendoza replaces Josella Bighani-Sipin who had resigned. Ver Noveno

SC dumps dolomite petition Rey E. Requejo

HE Supreme Court has denied the petition filed by the Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party seeking to intervene in the Manila Bay case, pleading with the tribunal to cite the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in contempt for dumping dolomite sand on Manila Bay. The group claims dolomite is hazardous to health and the environment. In a resolution on Nov. 17, 2020, the high court ruled that the Manila Bay case had been rendered final and that its jurisdiction was limited to the full implementation of the decision. The high court says it finds no violation of the continuing mandamus that it issued more than 10 years ago mandating 13 concerned government agencies to re-

habilitate Manila Bay. The high court said it had not yet found any violation of the continuing mandamus amid the quarterly reports submitted by concerned agencies and the on-site inspection conducted by the Manila Bay Advisory Committee led by Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta. “The specific directive to the DENR and the concerned agencies and departments is simply to clean the waters of the

bay and perform maintenance measures to keep it within the legal standards of cleanliness fit for recreation,” the high court said in a statement released by its Public Information Office. “The contention is bred only when the alleged hazardous potential of the component dolomite enters the picture, whereby it becomes clear that the bone of contention all along is not the project per se but the material used to carry it out.” The high court said the petition by Akbayan dwelt on the propriety of the use of dolomite for the project, “which is a factual issue not ordinarily entertained by the Court.” “It is a challenge that properly lies in the realm of political questions which the Court may not venture into even incidentally in a contempt proceeding under the given circumstances.”

Besides, the high court said, Anakbayan could no longer intervene in the Manila Bay case since it had long been concluded with finality and was now on execution, although it was under judicial supervision as a consequence of the standing mandamus. In 2008, the Supreme Court ordered the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and other government agencies to restore Manila Bay to a condition suitable for public bathing and swimming and for breeding milkfish and similar fish species. To ensure compliance with its ruling, the high court even issued a continuing mandamus: an order that compels the agencies of the government to perform acts that the laws specifically require them to do or to comply with as duties emanating from the nature and mandate of their offices.

USAID in P870-m water project SYMBOLIC MARKING.

In celebration of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, the PNP-HPG held a symbolic marking of the bicycle lane along Quezon Avenue. Orange cones were also placed to ensure the bikers’ safety.

Pinoys’ English proficiency dips THE Filipinos’ English proficiency has slipped seven spots in the global rankings by the international language training company Education First. The Philippines, which placed 20th last year, ranked 27th in the 2020 English Proficiency Index, scoring 562 out of 700. The Netherlands secured the top spot with a 652 output. Meanwhile, the Philippines’ English competence was rated second in Asia. Singapore, which ranked 10th on the global index, took the top spot in Asia with 611 points. From 2016 to 2018, the Philippines remained in the top 15 of the global index,

placing 13th, 15th and 14th, respectively. Moreover, the Philippines’ proficiency band was at a “high,” the report said. According to Education First, those with a high-proficiency band can do the following: make a presentation at work; understand TV shows; and read a newspaper. The index was based on the surveys conducted in the form of an online quiz with the participation of more than 2.2-million individuals from 100 countries and territories. Of that number, 54 percent were female and 46 percent were male. The median age of those who took the survey was 26.

World Toilet Day celebration cited By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Cynthia Villar has been joining the celebration of World Toilet Day every Nov. 19, citing the importance of sanitation in people’s lives and the economy. “We should be clean at all times to maintain good health. A dirty environment poses dangers to our health because it causes many diseases,” said Villar, head of the Senate committee on the environment. “We all know the health hazards, among others, that poor sanitation and lack of toilet facilities bring to an individual, families and entire communities,

especially now that we are facing a health crisis due to COVID-19,” Villar said. Quoting data from the World Health Organization, Villar said “For every one dollar invested in basic sanitation in urban areas, an average of $2.5 is returned in saved medical costs and increased productivity. In rural areas, an average of $5 is returned for every $1 invested. Loss of productivity and sanitation-related diseases cost many countries up to 5 percent of GDP.” In supporting proper sanitation, Villar has embarked on the construction of toilets and septic tanks especially in Metro Manila.

THE United States government will finance the implementation of a five-year, P870-million “Safe Water” project in Palawan, Negros Occidental and Sarangani to address the recurring water shortages in those areas. This became known after the US Agency for International Development signed a memorandum of agreement with the three provinces on the project. USAID Acting Mission Director Patrick Wesner led the signing ceremony together with representatives from the Philippine government and the private sector, including National Economic and Development Authority Assistant Director General Roderick Planta, Palawan Gov. Jose Chaves Alvarez, Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Sarangani Gov.

Steve Chiongbian Solon. “The US government is proud to support the efforts of Palawan, Negros Occidental and Sarangani to achieve water security. USAID will work with partners to maximize the use of data and sound analytics to guide informed decision-making, identify lasting solutions and prioritizing investments,” Wesner said. “Palawan, Negros Occidental and Sarangani all face recurring water shortages amid rising water demand, degraded watersheds, and inadequate access to water supply and sanitation services,” Wesner said. Through its five-year, P869-million Safe Water project, USAID said it will provide technical assistance to help the communities in these provinces gain reliable access to clean water. Rey Requejo

Leaves banned by Immigration By Vito Barcelo IMMIGRATION personnel assigned to the international airports nationwide are banned from going on leave starting next month to ensure that enough immigration officers are on duty to serve the traveling public during the holiday season. Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said no applications for vacation leave by port personnel will be approved starting Dec. 1 up to Jan. 15 next year. “We have to make sure that our immigration booths at the airports are adequately manned in anticipation of an increase in the number of international travelers who will enter and exit the country during that period,” Morente said. But he says that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, his agency expects only a slight to moderate rise in the number of passengers who will depart or arrive from abroad. He says many countries, including the Philippines, have not yet lifted the travel restrictions that were imposed after the COVID-19 pandemic started last March. “Thus, we are confident that the number of immigration officers currently deployed at the ports are enough to facilitate the efficient conduct of immigration formalities for arriving and departing passengers,” Morente said.

SERVICE INTERRUPTION. Maynilad customers will experience a water service interruption that will last until Nov. 24. Photo shows a man waiting for water along Mel Lopez Boulevard in Tondo, Manila. Norman Cruz

Warning against disease outbreaks By Willie Casas THE Department of Health has warned the public against the possible outbreak of waterborne and foodborne illnesses, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis and dengue diseases following the recent typhoons that struck the country. The department also repeated its call on the precautionary measures against the spread of COVID-19 among the displaced population. Typhoons “Rolly” and “Ulysses” caused widespread flooding and destruction that prompted evacuation in several parts of Luzon. Recognizing the health hazards in the

affected areas, the department has alerted its Centers for Health Development to continuously monitor the possible spread of W.I.L.D. diseases together with concerned Local Government Units and their respective communities. “We are very wary of a possible outbreak of communicable, waterborne and vector-borne diseases after disasters, lalo pa ngayong may pandemiya na maaring magdulot ng complex situation. Kaya po bago pa lang pumasok ang rainy season ay naglabas na po kami ng guidelines para sa mga regional offices ng DOH upang makapaghanda ng contingency measures laban sa mga sakit ng kung tawagin namin ay W.I.L.D.,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.

LGUs

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020 lgu@manilastandard.net editor.lgustandard@gmail.com

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

‘OPTE’ FOR BACOOR. Elderly residents of Barangay BARS, Habay 1 in Bacoor, Cavite receive Kalinga Packs from SM City Bacoor through the SM Foundation’s Operation Tulong Express (OPTE). A total of 500 packs were turned over to the barangay officials as assistance in the wake of Typhoon ‘Ulysses.’ Norman Cruz

Bataan farmers held sans warrant of arrest—NBI By Jess Malabanan MORONG, Bataan—Farmers cultivating portions of the Bataan National Park have been arrested by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation without warrant of arrest or any court order following a raid Tuesday at the residential areas in Barangay Mabayo here. The raiding team, accompanied by personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Central Office, bodily removed occupants of houses on allegations that they unlawfully occupied government lots. Farmers Marlon Good, Darwin Cojeda, Fely Robles, Edgar Rino and Francisco Lovilla, Jr., have been cultivating the lots awarded to them by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) for more than 30 years. Lovilla has secured certification from PENRO allowing his farming venture inside the idle lot of the former Bataan Technopark. Robles said her bag, carrying P40,000 cash and some jewelry, have been taken by a man claiming to be an NBI agent. The bag was missing when they arrived at the NBI Headquarters in Manila. DENR3 Executive Director Paquito Moreno said the raiding team, with some personnel of the Biodiversity Management Bureau, coordinated with his office before they proceed to the Bataan National Park.

Summit highlights anti-HPV advances WHILE the coronavirus threat remains globally pervasive, there are also other important health problems that seek immediate and continuous attention in terms of awareness, prevention, and treatment. In the Philippines, cervical cancer ranks second as the leading prevalent type of cancer among women. Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes most cases of cervical cancers and precancerous cervical lesions. Genital HPV is a common virus spread mainly by skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity which may have no visible signs or symptoms. At least 14 types of HPV have been found to be cancer-causing. These HPV-related cancers and diseases are cervical cancer, vaginal and vulvar cancers, penile cancer, anal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and genital warts. The pandemic proves toxic to household care for members who are stricken with health conditions such as cancer. Issues in financial turmoil, delays or discontinuity of care, and other problems arise. Last November 4, the third virtual session of the 9th HPV Summit discussed how the country’s health care policies cover aspects of the continuum of care for cervical cancer and HPV— from screening to prevention, to treatment and access. The theme of the of virtual event was “Advancing health care policy towards HPV-free Philippines” with live public broadcast via the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society’s (POGS) Facebook page.

River Drive work to ease flooding, LP traffic—Villar By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Cynthia Villar, the proponent of the Las Piñas Zapote River Drive project, is confident that its completion is preventing flooding and solving the traffic problem in Las Piñas City. So far, 24 kilometers have been completed for the last 9 years starting in 2012 until 2020 and five (5) kms more is slated to be built in the next two years (2021 & 2022). “The project is being completed in phases and we have seen the improvements so far in terms of flood prevention and traffic flow in the river drive areas. So, we will continue to extend the coverage of the project to 29 kilometers in next two years,” (2021-2022) said Villar. Villar said Zapote and Las Pinas River Drive, as well as the Molino River Drive, do not just ease flooding and traffic woes. “With the river drive, we also closely maintain the cleanliness of the river, which can be considered as the ‘artery’ of the city and nearby areas too. The people living along the river cannot throw their wastes anymore into the rivers because there is a road and the houses are fenced,” she said. Villar has spent decades since 2001 ensuring the cleaning, maintenance, and rehabilitation of the Las Piñas Zapote River, which used to be clogged with garbage impeding the flow of water that cause massive flooding.

No masks lead to shabu grab By Joel E. Zurbano

OLICE seized more than P700,000 worth of shabu from two Makati City residents who they initially caught for violating the curfew hours and for not wearing face masks.

Arrested were Roy Laurence Bonbon, 41, a resident of Block 106 Lot 09 T.M. Kalaw Street, and John Kenneth Balong, 20, of Block 58 Lot 6 Macopa Street, both of Barangay Rizal. Reports from the Southern Police District showed that members of the Makati City Police Sub-Station 9 were

conducting their routine patrol operation around 3:30 a.m. Thursday when they saw Bonbon and Balong along T.M. Kalaw street. The police officers alighted from their mobile cars and approached the suspects, but the two ran off, trying to elude arrest. The authorities chased and arrested them.

The police said they initially accosted the suspects for violating safety protocols imposed by the government while Metro Manila is placed under the general community quarantine status amid the coronavirus disease pandemic. But when the lawmen searched the suspects’ belongings, they found the prohibited substance worth P749,000 and drug paraphernalia. Seized from the suspects include nine plastic sachets containing shabu, two disposable lighters, one bundle of empty plastic sachets, one pair of scissors, a Nike sling bag, a drug weighing scale, and a mobile phone, among others. SPD director Brig. Gen. Emma-

nuel Peralta commended his men from Makati Police for their latest accomplishment. “I commend Makati City Police Station for another big achievement for us. Confiscating P749,000 worth of shabu will greatly contribute to our campaign of eliminating illegal drugs in Southern Metro,” he said. The suspects, now detained at the Makati Custodial Facility, will be charged with violation of Sections 11 and 12 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and City Ordinance 25 (Curfew Hours and Non-wearing of Face Mask). The seized illegal drugs will be turned over to SPD Crime Laboratory Office.

IN BRIEF SM blood donation run nets over 1,000 bags

BOOST TO BAGUIO. To support Baguio City’s ongoing efforts to fight COVID-19, the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) recently turned over a complete COVID-19 testing set to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC). These include one unit of Maccura Allsheng Auto-Pure 32A Extraction Machine, 192 units of Automatic RNA Extraction & PCR Test Kits, 192 test Consumables for RNA Extraction and PCR Testing and 192 units of Viral Transport Media (Nasopharyngeal Swab, Oropharyngeal Swab, Inactivated Preservation Medium). The donation is intended to bolster the capacity of the City of Baguio for COVID-19 testing to help contain the pandemic. In photo are (from left) Baguio City Councilors Vladimir Cayabas and Betty Lourdes Tabanda, City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, PLDT Enterprise CRB North Luzon Business Head Ronaldo B. David, Baguio Rep. Mark Go, and Chief of Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center Dr. Ricardo Runez Jr.

Caltex, Rock Ed push safer service stations 4th Likhandula CALTEX, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), recently partnered with volunteer group Rock Ed Philippines to supply select Caltex service stations with liquid hand soaps and surface cleaners to provide a safe and healthy environment to the motoring public. The liquid hand soaps provided by Rock Ed were formulated with an allnatural composition in partnership with a local organic soap distillery. The liquid soap provided to Caltex is mild enough not to dry the hands to encourage frequent handwashing but strong enough to keep microbes at bay. These soaps are available at the following Caltex service stations where public

handwashing areas are located: EDSA corner Scout Borromeo, Quezon City, Km. 62 South Bound, San Felipe, San Fernando City, SLEX, South Antonio, San Pedro, Laguna and Poblacion, San Pascual, Batangas. Providing free handwashing areas at the stations for customers and staff is another health and safety measure put in place by Caltex and Rock Ed. Hygiene standards, regular temperature checks, observance of social distancing, and frequent sanitation of areas with high human touchpoints are also implemented in the stations. Customers are also encouraged to use contactless payment methods.

TEST KIT DONATION. A total of 5,000 SD Biosensor antigen test kits were turned over to evacuation centers in typhoon-stricken areas in Marikina and Rizal province through the office of Presidential Spokesman Roque (2nd from left), who is joined by (from left) Rodriguez town Councilor Arnold Rivera, SD Biosensor representative Madeline Pajarillo, and Marikina Councilors Donna Carlo Favis and Angel Nunez.

fest goes online EXPECT meaningful collaborative performances and more from artists around the world as Likhandula goes online in its fourth year. The Arts Research and Training Institute in Southern Tagalog, Incorporated (Artist, Inc.), one of the new regional partners of Cultural Center of the Philippines, in partnership with the Japan Foundation and Linang Arts and Culture Network, is bringing the annual Likhandula festival via online platforms on Nov. 25-29, 2020. Likhandula International Arts Exchange and Collaboration is a gathering of artists, cultural workers, performers, cultural collectives, performing ensembles, theater companies, arts managers, and cultural organizers from the Philippines and countries such as Japan, South Korea, Thailand, India, and the USA. Locally grown arts groups such as Tanghalang Pilipino, Sining Banwa, and Ang Grupong Pendong will also join the festival. With this year’s theme of Collab: Imagined Spaces and Multiple Voices, delegates engage in the production of contemporary art genres and come up with creative outputs that speak of their various cultural and artistic backgrounds and experiences.

THE need for blood transfusion did not stop even during the lockdown mandated by the government. Blood supplies were running low in blood banks and requests for blood were in demand for patients’ emergency needs. While the COVID-19 pandemic put on hold some scheduled blood-letting activities of SM Foundation, the social good arm of the SM Group still managed to collect 1,115 bags of blood as of October 12, which will benefit 3,345 patients -- one bag benefitting three patients when processed. Usually executed in SMDC Residences and in SM Mall branches, the social responsibility program is done in close collaboration with the Department of HealthPhilippine Blood Center (DOH-PBC) and the Philippine Red Cross. The social good arm of the SM group untiringly reminds its employees and stakeholders that each blood donation drive stretches beyond blood donation. That by donating blood, they become an extension, not only just for themselves but for others. Since the inception of the program in 2011, stakeholders especially those in grassroot communities have benefitted from the SM Group’s Virtual Blood Bank. SM is the first organization to establish a Virtual Blood Bank. What made it more special is that most of the blood are donated by SM Employees. Butch Gunio

Tesda urged to include mango bagging BALANGA CITY, Bataan—Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) officials want mango bagging to be included among the courses being offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda). Dr. Hermogenes Paguia, BPSU Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training Services, said he suggested during the recent virtual meeting for the creation of Bataan Mango Development Council to include mango bagging among the Tesda training courses for agricultural production. He added NC2 was proposed for the training, which will address the lack of mango baggers in the province as well as professionalize the skills. Paguia said teaching and improving mango bagging skill of Luzon farm workers is needed in boosting the mango industry in the island. Skilled mango baggers are in Visayas and Mindanao. Butch Gunio

Opinion Perks and woes of membership in homeowners’ associations 9904). The existence of associations previously registered with the Home Insurance Guarantee Corporation or the SEC shall be respected when they register with the HLURB after the effectivity of the Magna Carta for Homeowners or Homeowners’ Association (Section 4, Chapter LIVING in a subdivision, village or gov- I, Republic Act 9904). The association member has the right ernment socialized housing comes with both benefits and troubles. There are to enjoy the basic community services neighbors who disagree with each oth- and facilities so long as he or she pays er, while there are others who blatantly the necessary fees and other pertinent violate the deeds of restriction on such charges (Section 5, Republic Act 9904). things as the height of the house, color, The homeowner also has the right to indesign, distance from the perimeter, and spect association books; to be provided, floor area requirements, among others. upon request, with annual reports, includThere are those who refuse or neglect to ing financial statements; to participate pay association dues but nonetheless like in association meetings, elections and to enjoy the common services and facili- referenda; and to vote and be voted or ties like 24-hour security, garbage collec- be appointed to any office in the association (Section 7, Chapter II, Republic Act tion, and use of the 9904). clubhouse and sports The Board of the facilities. association shall There are also These have the following associations which organizations duties and responsiprevent homeowners bilities: (a) to mainfrom inspecting the should be reminded tain an accounting association books to promote system, and keep and records. They books of accounts, can also impose exharmony, not which shall be open cessive fines, charges discord. for inspection to and sanctions without any homeowner observing due proand duly authorized cess. Sometimes, the representatives of association fails to provide basic community services and omit government agencies; (b) to collect the the maintenance, repair, replacement, and fees, dues and assessments; (c) to charge reasonable fines for late payments and improvement of facilities. The homeowners’ association is a for violation of the bylaws, and rules non-stock, non-profit corporation reg- and regulations of the association; (d) to istered with the Housing and Land Use propose measures to raise funds and the Regulatory Board (HLURB), or one pre- utilization of such funds; and (e) to unviously registered with the Home Insur- dergo a free orientation by the HLURB ance Guarantee Corporation (now Home or any other competent agency deputized Guaranty Corporation) or the Securities by it within thirty (30) days after election and Exchange Commission (SEC). It is or appointment (Section 12, Chapter III, composed of (a) owners or purchasers Republic Act 9904). The association, in behalf of its memof a lot in a subdivision/village or other residential real property; or (b) awardees, bers may institute, defend and intervene usufructuaries, legal occupants and/or in the litigation and/or administrative lessees of a housing unit and/or lot in proceeding affecting its welfare and the a government socialized or economic association and the subdivision/village housing (Section 3(b), Chapter I, Repub- as a whole (Section 10, Chapter III, Republic Act 9904). In case of disputes or lic Act 9904). The underprivileged and homeless controversies arising out of the corporate citizens, defined under existing laws as relation between and among members of being in the process of accreditation as the homeowners association, or between usufructuaries or awardees of ownership any or all of them and the homeowners rights under the Community Mortgage association of which they are members, Program (CMP), Land Tenure Assistance the action or suit shall be instituted in Program (LTAP) and other similar pro- the HLURB (Section 2, Rule 1, Revised grams of the national government or the Rules of Procedure of the HLURB). Disputes of this nature may include LGU, may also form associations (Section 3(b), Chapter I, Republic Act 9904). election contests, inspections of books This contradicts the notion that only the and records of the homeowners associaprivileged who live in affluent subdivi- tion and/or requests to be furnished with sions and villages can form a homeown- the financial statements, dissolutions of the Board of the association, and removers’ association. Every association of homeowners shall als of the trustee or director, non-complibe required to register with the Housing ance with association by-laws and reguLand Use Regulatory Board (HLURB). lations, collections of association dues This registration shall serve to grant ju- and fees for the use of open spaces. The ridical personality to all such associations most controversial dispute, to my mind, that have not previously acquired the is an election contest. same by operation of the General CorFull version at www.manilastanporation Law or by any other general law (Section 4, Chapter I, Republic Act dard.net

Salute the unsung heroes LET’S take a moment to salute the unsung heroes of the devastation of recent typhoons, particularly the widespread flooding in the Cagayan Valley region wrought by Ulysses. Hundreds of lives were saved with the help of uniformed personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) major services, namely Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Navy (PN), and Philippine Air Force (PAF). Rescue teams during the onslaught of typhoons Quinta, Rolly and Ulysses also included those from Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police

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Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020

EDITORIAL

Rising jobless numbers

E MAY Not have to wait for the release of the next official data of the Philippine Statistics Office on the employment situation in the Philippines to confirm the rising numbers of jobless people. The sight of shuttered fast-food restaurants and retail outlets, near-empty malls and deserted financial centers tells us the real story.

by the government. The data means 4.6 million Filipinos who were 15 years old and above were unemployed, or up by 2.1 million compared to the same period a year ago and lower by 2.7 million from three months ago.

Opportunities are narrowing.

The number of unemployed Filipinos is not expected to improve anytime soon. Online hiring portal Jobstreet.com has noted that the number of jobseekers increased five-fold in recent months to as many as 300 to 400 per opening, as available positions and salary offers fell by nearly half amid the pandemic and quarantine restrictions that limited the capacity of many companies. The trend clearly suggests that the number of job placements or opportunities as advertised is narrowing―a

The latest unemployment rate for July released by the PSA stood at 10 percent, up from 5.4 percent in the same month in 2019 but lower than the record high of 17.7 percent in April this year, just two months into the severe enhanced community quarantine rules imposed

reflection of a contracting domestic economy. Jobstreet.com observed that while the number of jobseekers increased greatly in recent months, job postings on its site fell 50 percent during the lockdown period. The online job portal used to process at least 100,000 postings daily before COVID-19. Jobstreet.com has noted that companies started posting new job opportunities in the last three months with the easing of the quarantine restrictions. But the employment outlook is far from rosy. Companies are offering 30-percent to 50-percent less than the salary they used to provide before the pandemic, citing operational survival as the primary reason. And many jobseekers agreed to the pay cut rather than not landing a job, at all. Reducing the unemployment rate in the Philippines, of course, will depend on how fast we reopen the economy. It will also hinge on restoring the confidence of consumers quickly despite the presence of the coronavirus.

Meltdown LONG STORY SHORT ADELLE CHUA THE President of the United States only has a few weeks remaining in office. He knows it, the people around him know it, the whole world knows it. He lost the elections, fair and square. Yet he continues to stand his ground insisting he was cheated. He takes to Twitter, with his all-caps messages and exclamation points, to say he concedes nothing, that he will prevail in the end. Why, his Secretary of State even had the gall to mention a smooth transition into a second term! It is not at all difficult to imagine the leader of the free world as a toddler who refuses to leave the playground even when it is clearly time to go. He throws a tantrum and takes steps to bring down the institution any way he can. This, in itself, is a tragedy, a very clear assault on democracy. That it is happening during a raging pandemic makes it doubly so. *** More and more, it is becoming apparent that whatever is happening is no longer just in the sphere of politics, but psychology. What exactly is the president’s state of mind? Does he honestly believe that he could get what he wants through a display of defiance and petulance? Aside from his last, disastrous appearance where he declared that cheating was going on – the US networks had not yet called the contest for his opponent then – Mr. Trump has mostly shied

(PNP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). In complete darkness, rescuers found families stranded atop their roofs when flood water engulfed their areas in the wee hours last Friday the 13th. This was after the reckless release of massive water from Magat Dam by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). It would have been horribly more disastrous if it were not for the heroic efforts of those men in uniform. Search, rescue and retrieval (SRR) teams scoured the areas in complete darkness, responding to shouts and cries for help. Putting their own lives in danger, soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines, policemen and firemen braved heavy rains and floods to save Filipino civilians in distress, including small children and senior citizens. AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay

assured the Armed Forces will work with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) to save more lives. Now the people’s agony continues eight months since President Duterte has ordered the entire Luzon placed under lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak. He has declared a state of calamity covering the entire island. More than 100,000 people have remained in evacuation centers as over 200 barangays in Cagayan, Isabela, Pampanga and Bulacan provinces were still flooded this week. Ulysses also left some P2.5 billion in

Palafox on Marikina flooding

Ongpin’s place in history

away from public appearances, venting his desperation on the golf course and, of course, on social media. This was when many networks decided to stop airing his speeches because they were so full of lies and nonsense. Now we hear he has given specific instructions to his underlings not to cooperate with the transition team of the President-elect.

It’s less politics and more psychology these days. Is it just an obstinate refusal to accept defeat? Or is it a basic pathological inability to comprehend the demands of being a statesman, or at least a decent human being? Sometimes I think about the president’s lawyers. I am sure they had ambitions when they first set foot in law school, ambitions that were loftier and more honorable than defending the indefensible. I wonder how they feel about subverting the law that they swore to protect and uphold. I wonder, too, why the people around him—other government officials, his aides—stand by and enable the deranged behavior? If the person in question is hopeless, shouldn’t those other people who claim to be public servants know better? *** From Mr. Trump’s words and actions, it is easy to see parallels. The spectacle that is US politics reminds us, even

They put their own lives in danger. damaged crops, farms and agricultural infrastructure, the Department of Agriculture said. The AFP has deployed SRR teams nationwide with land, air and water assets to help local government units (LGUs) in their disaster response efforts. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, NDRRMC head, directed the state weather service Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to

DFA checks abusive practices against migrants

from halfway across the world, that: Leadership is determined by consistent deeds. You are not a good leader just because you say so, or because many people are afraid of you, or because you are good at insulting others whom you feel are a threat to you. Leadership is service. When you make even small things about you, make excuses for your inaction, and when you lift yourself by bringing other people down, that is not leadership. That is narcissism. Leadership is respecting institutions instead of bamboozling them to do your bidding. Government lawyers are not your lawyers. The military or police force is not yours, and neither are public funds. Coherent speech is a sign of a coherent mind. The opposite is self-explanatory. The loudest, most venomous people are often the most insecure. In this case, “tough on the outside, fragile on the inside” is not cute. When the interest of the nation is at stake, we need just the opposite: A strong, determined, undeterred person with a lot of humanity and compassion. Appearances mostly hide a sinister truth. Those who obsess about appearances are all too often afraid that, once these appearances—of toughness, of being in control, of being loved and adored by millions of trolls, er, people —are gone, then everything will start to crumble. No wonder their knees quiver even as they make their voices louder and their insults more vile. adellechua@gmail.com strengthen its warnings about approaching storms. The NDRRMC will convene a technical working group to assess the current management of dams in the light of extensive flooding in Cagayan and Isabela provinces blamed on the spilling of water from Magat Dam. PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas on Saturday also came to Cagayan Valley to personally oversee the relief and rescue efforts of police personnel in the province. Policemen were also instrumental in rescue operations in Metro Manila, particularly in Marikina where 6,000 families were evacuated. To salute and honor the uniformed men for their heroism during calamities is in order.

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TODAY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Virus must be fought without vaccines: WHO T HE World Health Organization’s emergencies director warned Wednesday that vaccines would not arrive in time to defeat the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I think it’s at least four to six months before we have significant levels of vaccination going on anywhere,” he said, during a public question and answer session live on social media. Despite recent promising announceThe WHO’s Michael Ryan said vac- resurgence of the virus would once again ments from final-phase candidate vaccine cines should not be seen as a “unicorn” have to “climb this mountain” without trials, “We’re not there with vaccines yet,” said Ryan. magic solution -- and countries battling a them. “Many countries are going Manila through this wave, and they’re Standard going to go through this wave, TODAY and continue through this wave, without vaccines. “We need to understand and internalize that, and realize: we have got to climb this Department Administrative Order No. 20-08 mountain this time, without Series of 2020 vaccines.” Pfizer said Wednesday that IN THE MATTER OF THE DEFINITIVE a completed study of its exGENERAL SAFEGUARD MEASURES perimental vaccine showed it

ON THE IMPORTATION OF CEMENT FROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES (AHTN Codes 2523.90.00)

2523.29.90

was 95 percent effective, while fellow US emerged in China last December, the novel firm Moderna said this week that its own coronavirus has killed more than 1.3 million candidate was 94.5 percent effective. Rus- people around the globe, according to a tally sia claims its candidate is more than 90 from official sources compiled by AFP. percent effective. Ryan voiced concerns about how the Ryan warned against slackening off in- pandemic has left many bereaved grandchildividual vigilance against the virus in the dren who have been unable to go through the mistaken belief that vaccines would now normal grieving process due to the restricsolve the problem instead. tions imposed to combat the virus. CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK “Some people think a vaccine will be, in “A lot of kids in this have lost grandpara sense, the solution: the unicorn we’ve all ents,” he said. been chasing. It’s not,” the Irishman said. “There’s quite a bit of trauma out there “If we add vaccines and forget the other amongst kids. things, Covid does not go to zero.” “The grieving process for kids -- it’s Grieving grandchildren tough, because you don’t have all the natuThe number of new Covid-19 cases ral things: the funeral situation, you don’t in Europe declined last week for the first get to say goodbye, you don’t have the time in over three months, but deaths in gatherings, so it’s grieving interrupted. the region continued to climb, WHO data “I am concerned if the child’s need to showed Wednesday. grieve the loss of a grandparent has been While at least 55.6 million cases world- interrupted, because that has a lifelong imwide have been registered since the outbreak pact.” AFP

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Australia’s special forces unlawfully killed 39 Afghans

SEC Memorandum Circular No. 32 Series of 2020

ORDER On 27 August 2019, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued DTI Administrative Order (DAO) No. 19-13 imposing a definitive general safeguard duty on imported cement under AHTN Codes 2523.29.90 and 2523.90.00, effective for an initial period of three (3) years. Under the subject DTI-DAO the amount of the safeguard duty to be imposed for the first year shall be P250.00/MT or P10.00 per 40kg bag, for the second year - P225.00/MT or P9.00 per 40kg bag, and for the third year - P200.00/MT or P8.00 per 40kg bag. Further, it provides that the said amount shall be subject to regular review, to give DTI the opportunity to modify the same if necessary. The DTI-DAO took effect upon issuance by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) of Customs Memorandum Circular (CMC) No. 239-2019 on October 22, 2019. Thus, the first year of the implementing period will end on 22 October 2020. On 28 July 2020, the Cement Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) wrote to the DTI Secretary requesting for the postponement of the reduction of the current Php10/bag imposed on imported cement and appealed instead for DTI to consider adding Php2/bag or increasing the duty to Php12/bag, equivalent to the provisional safeguards duty and within the recommendation of the Tariff Commission. CeMAP stated that while the implementation of the safeguard measure had slowed down on cement arrivals and has helped the industry to level the playing field during the second half of 2019, it was observed that cement imports seem to be bouncing back in the first half of 2020 due to the following: a) Higher surplus from countries like Viet Nam, b) lower prices i.e., value of cement and clinker exports per MT declined about 15% during the 2nd quarter of 2020, c) lower freight cost because of lower demand of maritime transport, and d) Viet Nam did not impose any hard lockdown or ECQ. Viet Nam cement manufacturing continued their operation during the pandemic period, unlike the Philippines where Luzon and Davao plants ceased to operate during the ECQ period. Due to the onslaught of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the country’s economy sank into deep recession in Q2 of 2020. At the forefront of this decline are the Manufacturing, Mining, Quarrying, and the Construction Sectors. Accordingly, the DTI conducted further review on the increased in imports of cement. Prior to the imposition of the provisional and definitive safeguard measures, imports from 2013 to 2018 significantly increased. Annual growth per year has been dramatically increasing i.e. 7,248% in 2015, 491% in 2016, 77% in 2017 and 51% in 2018. In 2019, with the imposition of the safeguard measure on cement, imports increased by 12%. According to CeMAP, in anticipation of the safeguard measure, the high volume in the 1H of 2019 of cement importation can be attributed to the traders increasing their inventories. In 2020 (January to August), imports was already 73% of 2019 despite the pandemic. Annualized 2020 cement imports is to increase by 9%. There are indications that the significant increase in the volume of imports of cement affected the performance of the local industry. The condition of competition shows that the market share of locally produced cement was displaced even with the imposition of the definitive safeguard duty of P250/MT or P10/40 kg bag as the shares of imports in the Philippine market significantly increased resulting to domestic industry’s increased inventory, reduced capacity utilization and incurred declined in profitability. The pandemic aggravated the overall operation of the cement industry for the first half of 2020 which resulted to the closure and slowdown of operations due to the quarantine measures and low market demand. The scheduled adjustment plan by the cement industry in 2020 is delayed as the cement industry was unable to quickly resume and complete the necessary investments due to the business disruptions resulting from the quarantine measures implemented to fight the pandemic. WHEREFORE, in view of the foregoing, and pursuant to Section 13 of RA 8800, the following are hereby issued: For the second year of the three (3) year implementing period, a definitive safeguard duty shall be imposed on imported cement from various countries amounting to P245/MT or P9.80/40 kg bag covering the period 22 October 2020 to 21 October 2021. The duty shall be applied to cement classified under AHTN Codes 2523.29.90 and 2523.90.00. All other terms and provisions of DTI DAO No. 19-13 shall remain in full force and effect. Let this Order be published in two (2) newspapers of general circulation and let individual notices be sent to all interested parties including the country members concerned. This Order shall take effect upon the issuance of the relevant Customs Memorandum Order or fifteen (15) days after the publication of the Order in two (2) newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes earlier. The DTI Order can be accessed at the DTI website: http://bit. ly/2yrSGimportcement.

: ALL BSP SUPERVISED FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS (BSFIs)

SUBJECT : BASIS OF PREPARATION OF AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR BSFIs WHEREAS, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) issued a Memorandum to all Banks1 allowing regulatory relief measures, as follows: a) b) c) d)

Staggered booking of allowance for credit losses over a maximum period of five years; Reclassification of debt securities measured at fair value to amortized cost category; Exclusion of eligible loans from past due and non-performing classification until 31 December 2021; and Any other regulatory relief that will be issued for prudential reporting due to COVID-19 pandemic;

WHEREAS, the above regulatory reliefs, once adopted and recorded for financial reporting purposes, are not considered in accordance with Philippine Financial Reporting Standards (PFRS); WHEREAS, the BSP requested that the SEC allow Audited Financial Statements of BSFIs to be prepared in accordance with Philippine Financial Reporting Standards (PFRS), as modified by the application of the above financial reporting reliefs, for the duration and terms allowed by the BSP, in response to the request of the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) addressed to both the SEC and BSP; WHEREAS, the SEC agrees that the prudential accounting relief measures, as well as the other regulatory reliefs issued by the BSP, fully complement government plans and measures to counter the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the operations of BSFIs. Specifically, these reliefs were intended to reduce the impact of losses that BSFIs may incur due to exposure to borrowers, industries and sectors severely affected by COVID-19 and the mark-to-market (MTM) losses that may be sustained due to volatilities in the financial markets brought about by the pandemic; WHEREAS, these relief measures aim to strengthen the ability of BSFIs to continue to operate and service the financing requirements of the general public; WHEREAS, under Philippine Accounting Standard (PAS) 1, an entity shall not describe financial statements as complying with PFRSs unless they comply with all the requirements of PFRSs; WHEREAS, the Revised SRC Rule 68 prescribes that the financial statements that shall be prepared and filed by entities covered by the Rule should be in accordance with the financial reporting framework, i.e., PFRS, PFRS for Small and Medium Enterprises and PFRS for Small Entities, as appropriate; WHEREAS, the SEC has the authority, subject to prior consultation with concerned parties, to prescribe the most appropriate requirement that shall form part of the applicable financial reporting framework of corporations covered by the Rule. In prescribing the applicable financial reporting framework for a particular class or sub-class of entities covered by the Rule, the Commission shall consider the pronouncements and interpretations of the Philippine Financial Reporting Standards Council. However, a financial reporting framework other than the PFRSs that complies with the regulatory reportorial requirements of the concerned regulatory agency such as the BSP or the IC may be allowed by the Commission; NOW THEREFORE, the Commission En Banc, in its meeting held on 17 November 2020, in consideration of the government’s initiative to provide relief to industries impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, approved the adoption of an industry-specific framework, to be referred to as the PFRS, as modified by the application of the financial reporting reliefs issued by the BSP and approved by the SEC. Accordingly, BSFIs have the option to prepare their financial statements using said industry-specific framework or full PFRS for the duration and terms allowed by the BSP. BSFIs, which opt to adopt the industry-specific framework, should specify in the “Basis of Preparation of the Financial Statements” section of the financial statements the reliefs availed of and indicate that the availment thereof covers only current-year transactions. For consistency of presentation, BSFIs should comply with the following prescribed wordings: “The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Philippine Financial Reporting Standards, as modified by the application of the following financial reporting reliefs issued by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: (enumerate reliefs availed of). The reliefs cover only current-year transactions/ events and do not impact the comparative period/s.” To ensure transparency in financial reporting, a qualitative disclosure of the impact of the reliefs availed of should be disclosed. The following information should likewise be provided in tabular format in the Note to Financial Statements that contains the “Basis for Preparation of the Financial Statements”: 1.

For staggered booking of allowance for credit losses: a) Impact on the affected financial statement line items if the allowance was measured and recorded in accordance with PFRS (loans and receivables, allowance for credit losses, provision for credit losses, retained earnings, deferred tax asset and expense, earnings per share [for listed BSFIs], etc.) b) Amount of allowance recognized/amortized for the period c) Balance of unrecognized (unamortized) allowance

For reclassification of debt securities measured at fair value to amortized cost category, a disclosure of the impact on the affected financial statement line items had the reclassification not been made (financial assets at FVPL, financial assets at FVOCI, investment securities at amortized cost, other comprehensive income, gain or loss from fair value changes, provision for credit losses, deferred tax asset and expense, earnings per share, etc.).

Entities have the option to take either the full retrospective or the modified retrospective approach in doing the above adjustments when it reverts to full PFRS after the period of relief. The PFRS, as modified by the application of the financial reporting reliefs issued by the BSP and approved by the SEC, shall form part of the applicable financial reporting framework for the purpose of preparing and filing general-purpose financial statements with the Commission pursuant to the Revised SRC Rule 682. BSFIs, which may avail of these reliefs but the impact on the financial statements is deemed not material, may still represent in the notes that the financial statements are presented in full compliance with PFRS. Under such circumstance, the disclosure requirements for such reliefs are not mandatory. Where the external auditor has been engaged to perform an audit engagement in accordance with PSA on these annual financial statements, which have been prepared using PFRS, as modified by the application of the financial reporting reliefs issued by the BSP and approved by the SEC, the external auditor shall reflect in the opinion paragraph that the financial statements are prepared in accordance with the compliance framework described in the notes to the financial statements. In addition, the external auditor shall include an Emphasis of Matter paragraph in the auditor’s report to draw attention to the basis of accounting that has been used in the preparation of the financial statements. Issued this 17th day of November 2020 in Pasay City, Philippines.

SO ORDERED.

For the Commission

26 October 2020.

EMILIO B. AQUINO Chairperson

RAMON M. LOPEZ Secretary

(MS-NOV. 20, 2020)

BSP Memoranda Nos. M-2020-008 dated 14 March 2020, as amended by M-2020-0032 dated 27 April 2020, and M-2020-0022 dated 8 April 2020 Part I paragraph 2

AUSTRALIA’S elite special forces “unlawfully killed” 39 Afghan civilians and prisoners, including summary executions as part of initiation rituals, according to evidence in a searing military inquiry now being referred to a special war crimes prosecutor. A years-long internal investigation into military misconduct was released Thursday, prompting the Chief of the Australian Defence Force to admit a “destructive” culture of impunity among special forces leading to a string of alleged murders and cover-ups spanning years. “Some patrols took the law into their own hands, rules were broken, stories concocted, lies told and prisoners killed,” General Angus Campbell said, apologizing “sincerely and unreservedly” to the people of Afghanistan. “This shameful record includes alleged instances in which new patrol members were coerced to shoot a prisoner in order to achieve that soldier’s first kill, in an appalling practice known as ‘blooding’.” The report also reported evidence that troops were engaged in “body count competitions”, and covered up unlawful killings by staging skirmishes, planting weapons and adding names to target lists retrospectively. The military’s own inspector general produced the harrowing 465-page official inquiry into events between 2005 and 2016 that detailed dozens of killings “outside the heat of battle”. AFP

US drops charges vs former Mexican defense minister US AUTHORITIES have dropped drug trafficking and money laundering charges against a former Mexican defense minister who was sent back to face a criminal probe in his home country. Salvador Cienfuegos was accused of conspiring to produce and distribute “thousands of kilograms” of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana in the US over a period of more than a year. The retired general denied the charges -which date to when he was a key figure in President Enrique Pena Nieto’s 2012-2018 administration -- but faced a possible life sentence if convicted. Court authorities in New York said the 72-year-old arrived back in Mexico hours after a judge approved a Justice Department request to release him from US custody. “I have no reason to doubt the government’s determination that the Mexican prosecuting authorities sincerely wish to pursue an investigation and possible prosecution,” said Judge Carol Avon in granting the request. During the brief US hearing, the judge asked the 72-year-old Cienfuegos whether he accepted the agreement that he be escorted by US marshals to Mexico, where he currently faces no charges. AFP

Thai PM orders crackdown vs pro-democracy protesters THAI Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered security agencies on Thursday to crack down on pro-democracy protesters, days after police used tear gas and water cannon at a Bangkok rally. The country has been rocked since July by youth-led protests demanding a new constitution, unprecedented calls to reform the untouchable monarchy, and for Prayut to resign. Clashes outside parliament Tuesday between pro-democracy protesters and hardline royalists marked a steep rise in violence, with six people shot. A day later, some 20,000 people massed in Bangkok’s main shopping district, and protesters daubed anti-royal graffiti outside the Thai National Police headquarters. Prayut, who seized power in a 2014 coup, issued a statement Thursday warning protesters will be hit with the full force of the law. “The situation is still not resolved in any good direction and is likely to develop into more conflict leading to more violence,” he said. “If this is left... it may damage the nation and the most beloved institution,” he added, referring to the monarchy. He said the government and security agencies need to “intensify their practices”, and enforce all sections of all laws. AFP

(MS-NOV. 20, 2020)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN CYANMAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOWBLACK BLACK Manila Manila

Standard Standard

Business

TODAY TODAY

China’s huge economy is base of global free trade—Xi KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia— President Xi Jinping hailed China as the pivot point for global free trade Thursday, vowing to keep its “supersized” economy open for business and warning against protectionism as the world battles the Covid-19 pandemic. Buoyed by the signing of the world’s largest trade pact over the weekend, Xi said the Asia-Pacific is the “forerunner driving global growth” in a world hit by “multiple challenges.” He vowed “openness” to trade and rejected any possibility of the “decoupling” of China’s economy, in his only nod to the hostile trade policy of US President Donald Trump’s administration, which has battered China with tariffs and tech restrictions. Xi was speaking at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, held online this year because of the pandemic, which brings together 21 Pacific Rim countries, accounting for about 60 percent of global GDP. It was not immediately clear if Trump, wounded by his election loss to Joe Biden, would take part in the two-day gathering or send a highlevel delegate in his place. In a speech that veered into triumphalism over China’s economic “resilience and vitality” in bouncing back from the virus, which first emerged in the central city of Wuhan, Xi warned countries who insist on trade barriers would suffer selfinflicted wounds. “Openness enables a country to move forward while seclusion holds it back,” he said. “China will actively cooperate with all countries, regions and enterprises that want to do so. We will continue to hold high the banner of openness and co-operation.” But Xi’s rhetoric may raise eyebrows in capitals where China has either restricted trade or used its giant economy as a bargaining chip in wider geopolitical disputes. AFP

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Profit taking weighs down stocks; BPI, GT Capital rise

HE stock market retreated Thursday on profit taking as the global rally fueled by vaccine optimism petered owing to the brutal reality of surging infections that are forcing fresh lockdowns and threatening to shock the global economy again. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index fell 54.16 points, or 0.8 percent, to 6,997.62on a value turnover of P11.1 billion. Gainers, however, beat losers, 114 to 99, with 60 issues unchanged. SM Investments Corp. of the Sy Group declined 2.3 percent to P1,005, while Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which is into toll roads, water and electricity distribution, hospitals and infrastructure, dropped 2.4 percent to P4.15. GT Capital Holdings Inc. of the Ty Group, however, rose 2.8 percent to P560, while Bank of the Philippine Is-

lands, the third-biggest lender in terms of assets, climbed 2.7 percent to P86.70. Meanwhile, stocks were mixed in Asia on Thursday. While the broad consensus is that 2021 will see a healthy recovery across the world as people are gradually inoculated, traders are focusing on the immediate crisis as the US and Europe suffer a second wave of the killer disease. Profit-taking and virus worries weighed on some markets with Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Wellington and Taipei all down. However, others rebounded from earlier losses. Shanghai, Sydney, Seoul, Mumbai, Bangkok and Jakarta all rose. World markets have enjoyed an impressive run in November thanks to Joe Biden’s US election victory and then news that two vaccine candidates had shown to be more than 90 percent effective in late trials. The announcements lifted hopes that the planet can begin to get back to some form of normality soon. However, New York’s three main indexes took a decisive turn lower in

late trade Wednesday when the city’s Mayor Bill de Blasio said he would shut schools because of rising infections. The news realized fears among investors that the soaring number of new cases around the US—the country has registered more than 100,000 every day for two weeks—would force lockdowns similar to those that battered the economy earlier this year. Key European economies including France, Germany and Britain have already imposed new or partial lockdowns, while other countries around the world including Japan and South Korea have been forced to take new containment action. “Once again, rising infection rates and lockdown concerns are the market’s primary focus,” said Axi strategist Stephen Innes. “Predictably, the US stock market has reacted extremely negatively as traders cut and trim while hedging against this necessary health care move that could be the trigger that sends both the market and the economy back on the Covid-19 doom loop.” With AFP

PSEi November 19, 2020

TOP GAINERS LAST PRICE

% CHANGE CHANGE

1 2

PHA REG

0.77 2.98

0.19 0.46

32.76% 18.25%

MRC

0.54

0.07

13.68%

4 5

FJPB MJC

3.83 2.47

0.43 0.27

12.65% 12.27%

6 7

TBGI ACE

0.305 1.55

0.03 0.15

10.91% 10.71%

8 9

FFI MED

7.49 0.335

0.61 0.025

8.87% 8.06%

RLT

0.275

0.02

7.84%

TOP LOSERS LAST PRICE

% CHANGE CHANGE

1 2

CAT SGP

17.8 280

-2.6 -33.6

-12.75% -10.71%

MAB

0.01

-0.001

-9.09%

4 5

OPMB IPM

0.01 3.56

-0.001 -0.2

-9.09% -5.32%

6 7

LFM PX

59.5 4.91

-3 -0.23

-4.80% -4.47%

8 9 10

SFI APX SOC

0.112 1.85 0.71

-0.005 -0.08 -0.03

-4.27% -4.15% -4.05%

MOST ACTIVE

Members of the public speak to a workman taking part in a project to repair the 133-year-old Hammersmith Bridge over the River Thames in west London on November 11, 2020. Hammersmith Bridge opened to the public 133 years ago during the reign of queen Victoria and was originally designed to carry horse-drawn carts. AFP

1 2

BDO BPI

VOLUME 12,045,930 7,000,690

VALUE (PHP) 1,196,984,877.00 605,209,667.00

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

ALI SM PHA SECB SMPH DD MBT

12,962,400 486,255 629,010,000 3,562,440 9,494,600 22,079,700 7,159,100

508,845,135.00 488,553,137.50 460,334,050.00 381,608,277.00 360,480,360.00 329,215,498.00 327,580,890.00

ICT

2,176,750

273,915,803.00

Bridging funding gaps prove tricky for Britain’s infrastructure overhaul By Callum Paton LONDON—Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged an “infrastructure revolution” as part of plans to boost the country’s economy after the impact of both the coronavirus outbreak and departure from the European Union. But already the promises have hit a snag: how to repair and upgrade Victorian-era engineering achievements such as bridges for the demands of the 21st century—and more importantly, who pays? Hammersmith Bridge in southwest London is a case in point. Its closure to traffic in April 2019, and to pedestrians and cyclists in August, has made everyday travel a daily nightmare. Toby Gordon-Smith can look across to the north side of the River Thames from his home in Barnes but getting there—or further afield—has become frustrating and time-consuming. “It can take 45 minutes to get to the office instead of 10 minutes across the bridge in my wheelchair,” he told AFP. “I was in the office last week. It took two hours to get back.” Hammersmith Bridge opened to the public 133 years ago during the reign of Queen Victoria and was originally designed to carry horse-drawn carts. For John Kelsey, an assistant professor of engineering at University College London, it’s a symptom of a wider problem. “A lot of infrastructure has already gone past its sell-by date,” he said. In August, London’s landmark cantilever Tower Bridge, opened in 1894, was closed for two days after a malfunction left it stuck open. Vauxhall Bridge, which dates from 1906, and London Bridge, a more recent crossing from 1973, have also faced lengthy closures for repairs. Hammersmith Bridge was closed on safety grounds because of fractures in its cast-iron structure. River traffic has even been banned from passing underneath due to fears of a sudden collapse. But costs for the repairs to Hammersmith Bridge have been estimated at more than £160 million ($210 million, 178 million euros). Maintaining it to its current state has already cost the local Hammersmith and Fulham Council that owns the structure £2.7 million ($3.5 million, 3 million euros) alone

this year. But a potential completion date allowing it to reopen to traffic in 2027 threatens to stretch further into the future. ‘A bit of a mess’ The plans are caught in a standoff between at least seven local and national government bodies and agencies. The wrangling over funds has been made even more acute by the financial demands of responding to the coronavirus outbreak. Greg Hands, a Conservative MP whose constituency of Chelsea and Fulham has been swamped by traffic following the bridge closure, called the issue “a bit of a mess.” “You’ve got national government, you’ve got London City Hall, you’ve got Transport for London, you’ve got two London boroughs, at least, and they are all run by different political parties,” he said. AFP

CYAN CYANM

Manila Manila

REPUBLIC REPUBLICOFTHE OFTHEPHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES Standard Standard Department DepartmentofofFinance Finance

TODAY TODAY

SECURITIES SECURITIESAND ANDEXCHANGE EXCHANGECOMMISSION COMMISSION Secretariat SecretariatBuilding, Building,PICC PICCComplex, Complex,Roxas RoxasBoulevard, Boulevard,Pasay PasayCity, City,1307 1307 MARKETS MARKETSAND ANDSECURITIES SECURITIESREGULATION REGULATIONDEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT

ININTHE THEMATTER MATTEROFOF CITYLAND, CITYLAND,INC. INC. x-----------------------------x x-----------------------------x

REGISTRATION REGISTRATIONOFOF COMMERCIAL COMMERCIALPAPERS PAPERS

NNOOTTI C I CEE Notice Noticeisishereby herebygiven giventhat thatonon5 5November November2020, 2020,a asworn swornRegistration RegistrationStatement Statementwas was filed filedwith withthetheSecurities Securitiesand andExchange ExchangeCommission Commissionononbehalf behalfofofCITYLAND, CITYLAND,INC. INC.forfor thetheregistration registrationofofEight EightHundred HundredFifteen FifteenMillion MillionPesos Pesos(P(P815,000,000.00) 815,000,000.00)worth worthofof Commercial CommercialPapers. Papers. According Accordingtotothethepapers paperspresented, presented,thethefollowing followingpersons personsare arethethedirector/officers director/officersofof thethecorporation: corporation: Name Name Stephen StephenC.C.Roxas Roxas Dr.Dr.Andrew AndrewI. I.Liuson Liuson Grace GraceC.C.Liuson Liuson Josef JosefC.C.Gohoc Gohoc Peter PeterS.S.Dee Dee Anastasia AnastasiaY.Y.DyDy Helen HelenC.C.Roxas Roxas Benjamin BenjaminI. I.Liuson Liuson Emma EmmaA.A.Choa Choa Rudy RudyGoGo

Position Position Director/Chairman Director/ChairmanofofthetheBoard Board Director/Vice Director/ViceChairman ChairmanofofthetheBoard Board Director/Deputy Director/DeputyVice ViceChairman ChairmanofofthetheBoard Board Director/President Director/President Independent IndependentDirector Director Independent IndependentDirector Director Director Director Director Director Executive ExecutiveVice VicePresident/Treasurer President/Treasurer Senior SeniorVice VicePresident/Chief President/ChiefFinancial Financial Officer/Compliance Officer/ComplianceOfficer Officer& &Corporate Corporate Information InformationOfficer/Data Officer/DataProtection ProtectionOfficer Officer Melita MelitaM.M.Revuelta Revuelta Vice VicePresident/Assistant President/AssistantCorporate Corporate Secretary/Alternate Secretary/AlternateCompliance Compliance& &Corporate Corporate Information InformationOfficer Officer Atty. Atty.Emma EmmaG.G.Jularbal Jularbal Vice VicePresident-Legal President-LegalAffairs/Corporate Affairs/Corporate Secretary Secretary Melita MelitaL.L.Tan Tan Vice VicePresident President Romeo RomeoE.E.NgNg Vice VicePresident President Rosario RosarioD.D.Perez Perez Vice VicePresident-Executive President-ExecutiveAffairs Affairs Winefreda WinefredaR.R.GoGo Vice VicePresidentPresident-Purchasing PurchasingDepartment Department Dorothy DorothyU.U.SoSo Assistant AssistantVice VicePresident-Head President-HeadofofInternal InternalAudit Audit Department Department InInorder ordertotoimplement implementnecessary necessaryhealth healthprotocols protocolsconsistent consistentwith withthethedirectives directivesand and guidelines guidelinesofofthetheDepartment DepartmentofofHealth Healthforforthetheprotection protectionofofitsitsemployees employeesand andthethe investing investingpublic, public,thetheCommission Commissionhereby herebysuspends suspendsthethephysical physicalinspection inspectionofofthetheRSRS and andother otherpapers/documents papers/documentsattached attachedthereto thereto(collectively (collectivelyreferred referredtotoasas“Documents”) “Documents”) asaswell wellasas(ii.)(ii.)providing providingphysical physicalcopies copiesthereof thereoftotointerested interestedparties, parties,until untilfurther further Notice. Notice.InInlieu lieuthereof, thereof,thetheCommission Commissionhas hasadopted adoptedananalternative alternativemode modeofofviewing viewing and/or and/ordownloading downloadingthethesaid saidDocuments Documentsand andany anysubsequent subsequentamendments amendmentsthereto thereto bybyenabling enablinginterested interestedparties partiestotoaccess accessthethesame samethrough throughthetheMSRD MSRDcorner cornerofofthethe Securities Securitiesand andExchange ExchangeCommission’s Commission’swebsite website(www.sec.gov.ph) (www.sec.gov.ph)ororthetheCompany’s Company’s website websitewww.cityland.net. www.cityland.net. (SGD) (SGD)VICENTE VICENTEGRACIANO GRACIANOP.P.FELIZMENIO, FELIZMENIO,JR. JR. Director Director

(MS-NOV. (MS-NOV. 2020 & 23, & 23, 2020) 2020)

CYAN CYANMAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOWBLACK BLACK

Business

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

B4 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020

IN BRIEF Atencio buying 13% stake in Ovialand BUSINESSMAN Januario Jesus Atencio said Thursday he is acquiring a 13-percent stake in Laguna-based house-and-lot developer Ovialand Inc. Atencio said in a virtual press briefing his holding firm Januarius Holdings Inc. would purchase the 13-percent stake in Ovialand with an option to increase it to 20 percent within three years. This is Atencio’s first major investment in the real estate sector after he retired as the president of listed 8990 Holdings Inc. Atencio said he agreed to invest in Ovialand because of its great potential to grow. “It is a great company with huge potential because it is serving a growing market, so the upside to this investment in very promising,” he said. Ovialand president Pammy Olivares-Vital said the company was turning out 400 to 600 house-and-lot units annually. These are priced between P2.2 million and P2.8 million. Most of the projects are located in San Pablo, Laguna and Candelaria, Quezon. Jenniffer B. Austria

BSP cuts borrowing rate to record-low 2% The new cut brought the total reduction in policy rates this year to 200 basis points. BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno, who is also the board chairman, said in an online briefing the rate cut would be effective on Nov. 20. The interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were also reduced to 1.5 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively. “Latest baseline forecasts continue to indicate a benign inflation environment over the policy horizon, with inflation expectations remaining firmly anchored within the target range of 2 to 4 percent. Average inflation is seen to settle within the lower half of the target band for 2020 up to 2022, reflecting slower domestic economic activity, lower global crude oil prices, and the recent appreciation of the peso,” Diokno said.

By Julito G. Rada

HE Monetary Board, the policy-making body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, on Thursday reduced the overnight borrowing rate by 25 basis points to a record-low 2 percent as support measure to boost the economy amid the lingering global health crisis.

Manila

Standard

TODAY

He said the balance of risks to the inflation outlook also remained tilted toward the downside, owing to potential disruptions to domestic and global economic activity amid the pandemic. “Meanwhile, uncertainty remains elevated amid the resurgence of COVID-19 cases globally. However, the Monetary Board also observed that global economic prospects have moderated in recent weeks,” he said. Diokno said the Monetary Board noted that while domestic output contracted at a slower pace in the Tarlac Electric eyes third quarter by 11.5 percent from the deeper 16.9-perCYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK P603.7m from IPO cent decline in the second quarter, muted business and TARLAC Electric Inc., a power distribution household sentiment and the impact of recent natural utility firm serving the requirements of Tarcalamities could pose strong headwinds to the recovlac City, is raising up to P603.7 million from ery of the economy in the coming months. an initial public offering. TEI said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission it would sell 1.75 million primary shares at a price of P345 apiece. It said the public offering was pursuant to Republic Act No. 10795, or TEI’s Franchise, which requires the company to publicly offer 30 percent of its outstanding capital stock to Filipino citizens on or before the fifith year of operations. The company hired Penta Capital & Investments Corp. as the sole underwriter for the offering. Net proceeds from the offering will be used to fund expansion projects, retire short-term obligations and finance working capital. The company is constructing a threestory headquarters and is building various network projects including the rehabilitation and upgrading of its 69kV line from National Grid Corporation of the Philippines Concepcion which has already been approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission. Jenniffer B. Austria

HEAD OFFICE: PBCOM Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, 1226 Makati City Customer Care: (02) 8777-2266 or 1-800-10-777-2266 (Domestic Toll Free) *Email: customercare@pbcom.com.ph*Website: www.pbcom.com.ph

BALANCE SHEET (Head Office and Branches) As of September 30, 2020

As of June 30, 2020

ASSETS Cash and Cash Items Due from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Due from Other Banks Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Available-for-Sale Financial Assets - Net Held-to-Maturity (HTM) Financial Assets - Net Loans and Receivables - Net Loans and Receivables - Others Loans and Receivables Arising from RA/CA/PR/SLB General Loan Loss Provision Other Financial Assets Equity Investment in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures - Net Bank Premises, Furniture, Fixture & Equipment - Net Real and Other Properties Acquired - Net Other Assets - Net

1,684,313,612.50 22,663,136,378.29 2,057,944,834.36 1,362,552,136.02 4,266,173,662.88 3,188,436,790.19 62,764,575,476.00 57,000,402,495.77 6,359,153,154.00 594,980,173.77 370,642,128.78 20,203,353.35 1,554,997,640.86 547,824,400.53 5,500,677,912.75

P 1,532,166,168.58 18,882,845,703.72 2,307,528,493.25 3,123,049,613.15 3,445,850,430.62 3,343,739,694.40 62,331,854,621.40 58,046,132,431.40 4,877,672,556.00 591,950,366.00 451,805,207.64 20,152,714.54 1,313,533,942.38 529,119,689.60 5,539,326,853.90

TOTAL ASSETS

P 105,981,478,326.51

P 102,820,973,133.18

Deposit Liabilities Bills Payable: Other Deposit Substitutes Other Financial Liabilities Other Liabilities

85,477,546,661.61 2,332,174,154.23 2,332,174,154.23 1,305,197,142.93 2,511,360,374.79

P 83,589,022,986.78 2,548,257,870.16 2,548,257,870.16 519,243,269.74 2,358,788,185.64

TOTAL LIABILITIES

91,626,278,333.56

P 89,015,312,312.32

LIABILITIES

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Capital Stock Other Capital Accounts Retained Earnings

14,278,374,781.56 2,678,510,210.14 -2,601,684,998.75

P 14,278,374,781.56 2,122,894,196.84 -2,595,608,157.54

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

14,355,199,992.95

P 13,805,660,820.86

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

P 105,981,478,326.51

P 102,820,973,133.18

1,098,230,722.02 487,390,640.86 209,191,497.93 2,695,738,278.52 7,555,055,242.86 1,622,444,026.80 5,932,611,216.06 38,853,872.77

TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS

12,084,460,254.96

P 11,973,230,216.91

1,232,426,386.58 972,270,505.88 109,378,234.52 1,598,600,727.16 7,794,335,784.14 1,551,848,368.67 6,242,487,415.47 266,218,578.63

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Gross total loan portfolio (TLP) 64,738,398,964.33 Specific allowance for credit losses on the TLP 1,378,843,314.56 Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) a. Gross NPLs 2,053,357,055.28 b. Ratio of gross NPLs to gross TLP (%) 3.17% c. Net NPLs 1,084,087,235.92 d. Ratio of Net NPLs to gross TLP (%) 1.67% e. Ratio of total allowance for credit losses to gross NPLs (%) 96.13% f. Ratio of specific allowance for credit losses on the gross TLP to gross NPLs (%) 67.15% 9,537,747,436.03 Classified Loans & Other Risk Assets, gross of allowance for credit losses DOSRI Loans and receivables, gross allowance of credit losses 3,228,108.75 Ratio of DOSRI loans and receivables, gross of allowance for credit losses, to gross TLP (%) 0.00% Gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables Ratio of gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables to TLP (%) 0.00% Percent Compliance with Magna Carta (%) a. 8% for Micro and Small Enterprises 3.00% 6.44% b. 2% for Medium Enterprises Return on Equity (ROE) (%) 10.30% Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) on Solo Basis, as prescribed under existing regulations a. Total CAR (%) 18.05% b. Tier 1 Ratio (%) 15.24% c. Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio (%) 1/ 15.24%

64,551,836,214.92 1,628,031,227.52

2,319,628,810.55 3.59% 946,390,716.13 1.47% 95.70% 70.18% 9,263,899,917.95 3,469,361.81

Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio (%) is only applicable to all Universal and Commercial Banks and their subsidiary banks.

0.01% 0.00%

2.11% 6.41% 7.83% 17.29% 14.49% 14.49%

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) City of Makati )S.S. We, Arlene M. Datu and Patricia May T. Siy, of the above-mentioned bank do solemnly swear that all matters set forth in the above balance sheet are true and correct to the best of our knowledge and belief. (SGD.) ARLENE M. DATU Controller, SVP

(SGD.) PATRICIA MAY T. SIY President & CEO

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this November 9, 2020 at City of Makati, affiants exhibiting their SSS nos. 0356633451 and 0373099955, respectively.

Doc. No. 201 Page No. 42 Book No. XXVI Series of 2020.

Meralco unit forms broadband company By Darwin G. Amojelar

CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS Financial Standby Letters of Credit Commercial Letters of Credit Trade Related Guarantees Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts Trust Department Accounts Trust and Other Fiduciary Accounts Agency Accounts Others

Cignal TV and Radius Telecoms, a unit of Manila Electric Co., are establishing RED Broadband to bring to every Filipino home the latest unlimited fiber broadband and pay TV service. Signing of a memorandum of agreement are (from left) Radius Telecoms chief operating officer Jenevi Dela Paz, Meralco president and chief executive Ray Espinosa, Radius Telecoms president and chief executive Exequiel Delgado, Cignal TV president and chief executive Robert Galang and Cignal TV chief finance officer John Andal.

(SGD.) ATTY. GERVACIO B. ORTIZ JR. NOTARY PUBLIC City of Makati until December 31, 2020 IBP no. 05729 - Lifetime Member MCLE Compliance No. VI - 0024312 Appointment no. M-183 -(2019-2020) PTR no. 8116014 Jan. 2, 2020 Makati City Roll no. 40091 101 Urban Ave., Campos Rueda Bldg. Brgy. Pio del Pilar, Makati City Member: Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation Maximum Deposit Insurance for each Deposit P500,000.00

RADIUS Telecoms Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manila Electric Co., teamed up with Cignal TV Inc. to form RED Broadband that will provide unlimited fiber broadband and pay television service, competing with Sky Cable Corp. of the Lopez Group. Radius Telecoms said it established RED Broadband because more people were spending time online amid the pandemic and that there was a need for faster and more reliable internet access for online education and work-fromhome needs. The telecom company said it was responding to a nationwide clamor with RED Broadband, the country’s newest and most reliable broadband internet player. Cignal TV’s partnership with Radius Telecoms would bring to every Filipino home the best fiber broadband and pay TV service

designed for every household budget, it said. Cignal TV transmits 121 channels including free-to-air, SD and HD channels to household and commercial venues nationwide. It also offers a mix of 12 audio channels and ondemand service through pay-per-view channels. Radius Telecoms said RED Broadband would offer unlimited fiber internet plus Pay TV plan for as low as P1,299 a month. With more than 5,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable deployed, Radius Telecoms extends across the Mega Manila area, Clark. It with plans to expand in other major cities in the Visayas and Mindanao by 2021. Radius Telecoms said it is also present in all major telco nodes and data centers. It is one of the preferred connectivity providers offering dedicated internet access, global networking, managed and cloud services including SD-WAN and zero trust networking solutions.

All BDO branches 100% operational ALL branches of BDO Unibank Inc. and BDO Network Bank are now open to serve more clients amid the general community quarantine or enhanced community quarantine guidelines. BDO said it tried to keep as many of branches open when the ECQ was declared, while observing health and safety measures. In Luzon, about 130 stayed open in March. The number more than doubled to 500 in April and reached 800 in May. By June, as more cities were placed in GCQ, 1,000 or nearly all of its Luzon branches were serving clients. It said all branches remained open in the Visayas and Mindanao, “We understand the value of having financial access during this challenging time, be it for paying for utilities, loans, or everyday essentials to survive the day. Today, we are operating at 100-percent nationwide, thanks to the commitment and resilience of BDO’s 38,000-strong workforce, a true testament to our ‘We Find Ways’ service philosophy,” said BDO president and chief executive Nestor Tan. While many establishments are still operating on shortened business hours, BDO and BDO Network Bank branches are open until 4 p.m. and ready to accommodate banking needs.

IKEA hiring 496 more workers for its world’s biggest outlet in PH By Othel V. Campos SWEDISH furniture manufacturer and distributor IKEA plans to hire another 496 employees for the opening of its world’s largest store in Pasay City. IKEA Philippines will be the company’s largest outlet in the world, with a super-sized warehouse and call center operations to support e-commerce functions. The online store will open before the opening of the physical store in the second quarter of 2021. “The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Creating meaningful, stable jobs and great workplaces is just one way that we fulfil this vision—

more important than ever during these challenging times,” said IKEA managing director for Southeast Asia and Mexico Christian Rojkjaer. IKEA Southeast Asia owns IKEA stores in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Mexico. Rojkjaer said the company was looking to fill a wide range of vacancies, including sales associates, recovery associates, food assistants and customer service associates . It is also opening posts for part-time employees. New hires will join a team of 73 people already working for IKEA in its Makati office and a project office at the Pasay construction

site. As part of the recruitment drive, IKEA will bring home 20 overseas Filipinos from IKEA stores abroad—primarily from the Middle East. The company will continue filling local positions until June 2021. IKEA Philippines store manager and market development manager Georg Platzer said the IKEA culture and values made it different from other retailers where co-workers at all levels are encouraged to lead, ask questions, share ideas and drive the business. “Part-timers are treated like full-time members of the family, with all the same benefits as full-timers on a prorated basis—including health insurance, annual leave, subsidized meals and IKEA discounts,” he said.

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020

PBA pros will sit out Asia Cup Qualifiers

Barangay Ginebra guard Scottie Thompson (7) tries to dribble past Meralco Bolts defender Aaron Black. Ginebra and Meralco continue their playoff in the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup today, Friday. PBA

OJ Reyes faces CJ Cabatian at Blitz Chess OSHRIE Jhames “OJ” Reyes says he is ready for war when he goes up against Clark Jemuel “CJ” Cabatian in the Bayanihan Chess Club Chess Blitz Online Face Off Series 5 p.m. today, Friday, November 20, 2020, at lichess.org. “I trained hard for this fight so I can give a good show for chess fans,” said nine-year-old Pinoy chess prodigy Reyes, who hails from Dila-Dila, Santa Rita, Pampanga. “It’s also an excellent training for me for the coming local, national and international tournaments before the year ends,” said Reyes, who is scheduled to represent the country in the upcoming FIDE Online World Cadets & Youth Rapid Chess Championships on November 27 to December 13, 2020. Reyes, then a grade 4 pupil of EZEE School in Guagua, Pampanga won three silver medals in the boys under 8 division of the 9-day 20th ASEAN Age Group Chess Championships 2019 held from June 10 to 18, 2019 at the Golden Mandalay Hotel and Hotel Hazel in Mandaly City, Myanmar. Cabatian is a grade five pupil of Bienvenido R. Fojas Memorial Elementary School. He is one of the top players of General Trias City chess team under the guidance of coach Ederwin Estavillo. He defeated Thunpisit Pa-In of Thailand in the final round to win the nine-round tournament, under-8 category of the Thailand Pattaya Youth Chess Championship held in Bay Beach Resort Pattaya, Banglamung, Chin Buried in Pattaya, Thailand October 20 to 24, 2018. “I feel honored to be invited to play against one the country’s best kiddy player and I promise to play my best,” said the 10-year-old Cabatian. “It’s a very interesting match,” said Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia based Jimmy Reyes, father/ coach of OJ Reyes. A race-to-5, 3 minutes plus 2 seconds increment, the Match Up Series is set to give Philippine chess another milestone thru online games. The event is sponsored General Trias City Chess Club.

Ginebra Gin Kings seek 2-0 lead over Meralco By Peter Atencio

EMORIES of their semifinal series against the Magnolia Hotshots came to mind after a well-rested Barangay Ginebra Ging Kings took Game 1 last Wednesday. This is something Gin Kings coach Tim Cone will think about when the team comes into Game 2 of their bestof-five semifinal series against the Meralco Bolts. Cone said this as they brace for their encounter against the Bolts 3:45 p.m., today, Friday, November 20, 2020 at the Angeles University Foundation Sports Arena & Cultural Center Powered by Smart 5G. “And so, they went on the play San Miguel in the finals. And that is still fresh in our minds,” said Cone on Zoom Wednesday evening. He said they can’t afford to relax even if they had a one-game lead

against the Bolts. “This game was nice to get. But, we’ve been in this situation before,” said Cone. Cone recalled their situation in 2018 when they won Game 1 in the semifinals, only to be swept by Magnolia in their next three games. After that, Hotshots went into the finals against the San Miguel Beermen. The Gin Kings lead their 2020 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup semifinal series against Meralco after an easy 96-79 win. They will seek to take the next two games to claim a three-game sweep of their best-of-five semifinal series.

A day’s rest feels like having their momentum interrupted, according to Cone. “Our team is on a mission. After having been interrupted for a day, hopefully, we can continue,” said Cone. In Game 1, Stanley Pringle got a lift from five teammates who knocked in double digit outputs. Pringle showed the way with 19 points and seven rebounds. Scottie Thompson almost finished with a triple-double when he scored 13 points, grabbed nine rebounds and issued eight assists. Rookie Arvin Tolentino chipped in 13 while Aljon Mariano and LA Tenorio added 10. Prince Caperal also made 10 off the bench for the Gin Kings. Ginebra outworked Meralco and grabbed more rebounds, 53-36. The TNT Tropang Giga, which won their opener with the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, 95-92, will play Game 2 on Friday at 6:30 p.m.

PROFESSIONAL players from the Philippine Basketball Association will sit it out the coming FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers at the end of the month in Manama, Bahrain. Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio said this following the decision of the national coaching staff to field a young group of players after trimming the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s team pool from 16 to 15. “It’s our decision to make them rest and prepare for the next window,” said Panlilio on Zoom yesterday. Panlilio talked about their choice of the members of Gilas with SBP chairman emeritus Manny Pangilinan and newly appointed head coach Jong Uichico. Players who saw action in the PBA Philippine Cup won’t be fielded at this time, event they have made themselves available, according Panlilio. That’s because the concerned players may be tired after having played under a bubble in Clark, Pampanga for so long. “The PBA and the players themselves have sacrificed by being in the bubble for six weeks,” explained Panlilio. The national squad, which will be trimmed further to 12, is led by Kobe Paras, Justine Baltazar and Juan Gomez de Liano. The rest of the all-cadets squad which will leave on Sunday will also have Isaac Go, Rey Suerte, Allyn Bulanadi, twins Matt and Mike Nieto, Ateneo’s Dwight Ramos and Will Navarro and Dave Ildefonso. San Beda’s Calvin Oftana and Kemark Carino, and University of the Philippines’ Javi Gomez de Liano also made the cut. The pool has been working out inside a training bubble at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna since Friday. Also listed are Jaydee Tungcab and naturalization prospect Angelo Kouame. The coaching staff is made up of program head Tab Baldwin, Boyet Fernandez, Alton Lister, Sandro Soriano and Andrei Tolentino. Peter Atencio

Lakay’s Adiwang vows to return inside ONE Circle a better fighter TEAM Lakay phenom Lito Adiwang earned the nickname “Thunder Kid” because of his explosive, lightning quick finishes. The 27-year-old is no doubt one of the most exciting martial arts talents in the world. Last week at ONE: Inside the Matrix III, however, Adiwang’s meteoric rise through the ranks met an abrupt end. Adiwang lost to Japan’s Hiroba Minowa via close split decision. With Adiwang now back in Baguio City, “Thunder Kid” has had time to process his most recent performance, and feels the experience of defeat will only serve to make him a better martial artist. “I learned a lot from that fight alone. I will come back from this a much better fighter. I think this loss is actually a blessing I can look back on. I know I can’t leave the decision in the judges’ hands. Lesson learned,” said Adiwang. “It’s still a setback. Honestly, I didn’t see it coming. I fully expected to win. But looking at the big picture, it’s a positive thing. It’s valuable experience to be better.” After a blistering first round with Adiwang nearly finishing his Japanese foe both on the feet and on the mat, Minowa battled back in the second and third

Team Lakay’s Lito Adiwang (left) applies an armlock on Hiroba Minowa. Minowa eventually managed to wiggle free and then went on to beat Adiwang by decision. ONE Championship

rounds to make it a contest. There was a little controversy surrounding the first round, however, as Minowa appeared to briefly and inconspicuously tap to a deep Kimura armlock that Adiwang had zeroed in. Adiwang maintains there’s nothing he can do about

it now, and that he respects the referee’s position in the Circle. “A lot of fans told me they noticed he tapped in the first round. I’m not going to say anything except that I am asking for a rematch so we can close the case. The best way to end the speculation is by

having a rematch,” said Adiwang. “I respect him a lot. He has the skill and the talent. But he’s not the strongest fighter I have faced. I just made some key mistakes that led to an undesirable result.” Looking back at his performance, Adiwang has no regrets going to the ground against a grappling ace. “For me, I love BJJ. I did try to finish him on the feet like I always do, but he wanted to go to the ground. He was determined. So I went to the ground with him,” said Adiwang. “Honestly, in the first round, I had that submission locked in. I had his arm trapped, and I left a slight opening for him so he could tap. Everything just happened so fast. All I know is that the armlock was deep.” Adiwang was riding a seven-bout winning streak heading into the matchup. He burst onto the scene in ONE Championship as part of Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series in 2018. After three thrilling victories on the hit reality show, Adiwang earned a six-figure contract and soon made his ONE main roster debut. Adiwang dazzled, finishing both Senzo Ikeda and Pongsiri Mitsatit with his impressive grappling in his first two bouts for the promotion.

Medvedev beats Djokovic in straight sets at ATP Finals

Russia’s Daniil Medvedev returns to Serbia’s Novak Djokovic during their men’s singles round-robin match on day four of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London. AFP

LONDON, United Kingdom—Daniil Medvedev shocked Novak Djokovic in straight sets to book a place in the last four at the ATP Finals on Wednesday (Thursday Philippine time) as former champion Alexander Zverev got his campaign up and running. The Russian fourth seed went toe to toe with the world number one, winning 6-3, 6-3 in an absorbing, energy-sapping contest at London’s empty O2 Arena. Earlier, German fifth seed Zverev beat Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, bouncing back from defeat to Medvedev in his opening Group Tokyo 1970 match. Top seed Djokovic is seeking to match the record of six-time winner Roger Federer, who is absent from the season-ending tournament with an injury. But Medvedev, who won the Paris Masters last week, beat Djokovic at his own game, grinding him down in a near-flawless defensive display.

The giant Russian earned a clutch of early break points and eventually made one count in the seventh game, which lasted 11 grueling minutes. The 24-year-old held serve easily in the next game and seized the opening set 6-3 when a rattled Djokovic double-faulted. An increasingly confident Medvedev broke the 17-time Grand Slam champion again at the start of the second set to win his sixth game in a row in the round-robin match. Djokovic stopped the rot on his own serve but was able to force just one break point, which he could not convert. The victory takes Medvedev through to the semifinals but five-time winner Djokovic still has a chance to progress in a shootout with Zverev on Friday. “Always I like to pay Novak, first of all because he’s

one of the greatest champions in the history of our sport and when I was eight years old I was already watching him on TV winning Grand Slams,” said Medvedev. “He was still young—so it was always a dream come true to play against him.” “I was serving good and playing safe enough in the most important moments and that’s why I got the win,” added the Russian, who lost all three of his matches on his debut last year. Zverev win Zverev, the 2018 champion, looked out of sorts in his straight-sets defeat against Medvedev on Monday and again struggled to find early rhythm in the early match in London. The big-serving German was broken by Schwartzman in the third game but turned the tables with two breaks of his own to take the set. AFP

Sports

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Wolves make Edwards no. 1 NBA pick L

Aspiring taekwondo champs join online meet

OS ANGELES—The Minnesota Timberwolves made University of Georgia standout Anthony Edwards the ﬁrst overall selection in the pandemic-delayed 2020 NBA draft on Wednesday. The Timberwolves, who finished 19-45 in the coronavirus-disrupted 2020 season, opted for Edwards, who averaged 19 points per game as a freshman, to bolster a roster that includes young stars Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell. “I feel like I’m going to fit perfect with those guys because Russell likes to play off the ball sometimes, and I can play on the ball,” Edwards said in a virtual press conference from his home in Georgia. “When he wants to play on the rock, I can play off the ball. And KAT is the best three-point shooting big man in the league. So I feel we can’t go wrong with that, a lot of pick-andpops, pick-and-rolls and such.” The Golden State Warriors took center James Wiseman with the second overall pick and the Charlotte Hornets—owned by NBA icon Michael Jordan—made guard LaMelo Ball the third selection. Edwards, a 6-foot-5, 220-pound guard from Atlanta who spent his lone collegiate

ALMOST 2,000 young athletes will put their taekwondo skills to the test as the Philippine Taekwondo Association and MILO Philippines stage the PTA-MILO National Online Taekwondo Championships on November 21 and 22. The digital arena is set where young jins from across the country will showcase their athletic prowess amidst the restrictions brought about by the pandemic. Coach Rocky Samson, Secretary General of PTA, said that while the sporting world is still trying to navigate the new normal, the PTA has remained dedicated in providing athletes tools and platforms to help continue their sporting journey. “Through this competition, we are able to give our young taekwondo players the exposure to compete with their contemporaries, which is an important aspect to build their experience as athletes,” he added. PTA-MILO National Online Taekwondo Championships will see over 1,100 athletes go head-to-head in the Speed Kicking division, while more than 800 kicksters will conquer the Poomsae division. This year’s championships will be broadcasted live on the PTA’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, and website. Video submissions of registered participants in both Poomsae and Speed Kicking divisions will serve as their official entries to the competition, where it will be judged and scored real time. The top winners of the both divisions will each receive a MILO electronic medal, certificate and electronic voucher. “The PTA has been our indispensable partner in inspiring the youth to engage in sports and nurturing them to become future champions,” said Lester P. Castillo, Assistant Vice President, Nestlé Philippines – MILO. “We look forward seeing our athletes exhibit their sporting excellence and may this motivate them to continue their champion journey and aspire for greatness.” PTA and MILO have shared a longstanding commitment to accelerate the sport of taekwondo in the Philippines. Driven to help young athletes to remain active and excel in sports, the two partners have pivoted their sports programs to digital as the main platform in response to the needs of the current health situation.

season at Georgia, joins a young Timberwolves core led by star center Karl-Anthony Towns and point guard D’Angelo Russell. Edwards led all Division I freshmen with 19.1 points per game and was the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year. The 2020 draft comes five months after it was originally scheduled in June and barely four weeks after LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers clinched the NBA Finals after a virus-disrupted season. And it comes just five weeks before the 2020-21 campaign tips off on December 22. That means the NBA’s newest top recruits face being thrown in at the deep end after an unprecedented last leg of their journey to the league. “It makes for a lot of unknowns,” said Golden State general manager Bob Myers of a year that saw the influential “March Madness” collegiate tournament cancelled and chances for NBA hopefuls to show-

case their talent curtailed. The Warriors, who finished last in the Western Conference after a season marred by injuries to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, got another injury scare hours before the draft with what they called a leg injury to Thompson in training, the severity of which was not immediately known. In Wiseman they get a player who hasn’t played organized basketball in more than a year. He played just three games for the University of Memphis to aim at the NBA draft. “This draft process has been the longest for me, so I’ve just been working on my game,” said the 7ft 1in (2.16m) center who is an imposing presence at the rim. “I’ve actually been playing pickup games with pros already, so I’ve been getting a lot of experience. But really just focusing on myself. I’m truly ready to play with these great guys.” Ball goes third Ball, the youngest of three basketball-playing brothers who already have their own reality TV show, was touted as a potential top selection. But erratic shooting ability may have weighed against the 6ft 7in 19-year-old

The number one overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards poses for a photo with his draft hat during the 2020 NBA Draft. AFP

Superal cruises to 5-shot romp in ladies’ golf return PRINCESS Superal shrugged off rookie Abby Arevalo’s early threat stymied by the latter’s own undoing as she got back to the podium in the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour return in new normal with a five-shot victory on a closing 70 in the ICTSI Riviera Invitational Challenge at the Couples course in Silang, Cavite yesterday. Bracing for a cruise after staying on top by five through 36 holes Wednesday, the reigning Order of Merit champion saw Arevalo pull within three with back-toback opening hole birdies which the latter, however, squandered with a double-bogey mishap on No. 3. That all but settled the outcome of the 54-hole championship, the first of two bubble tournaments put up by ICTSI to mark pro golf’s resumption after an eight-month hiatus due to pandemic, as Superal birdied No. 6 and matched Arevalo’s birdie on the ninth to go 6-up again at the turn. The multi-titled Superal, whose victories included last year’s romp at John Hay where she also reigned as an amateur in the LPGT inaugurals in 2013, then switched

off the attack mode at the back, settling for a one-birdie, one-bogey game for a 3436. She wound up with a seven-under 209 worth P72,000, spiking her bid with a brilliant eagle-aided opening 67 that propelled her to a six-shot lead over Arevalo. It was cruise control from there for the 2014 US Girls’ Junior champ as nobody from the compact field could mount any serious challenge with Arevalo ending up matching Superal’s final round output of 35-35 for a 214 for second, marking her maiden campaign with P52,000 in earnings. Pauline del Rosario, who dominated her rookie season in 2017 with four victories on her way to clinching the OOM diadem, blew a two-under card at the front with three bogeys in the last nine holes, ending up with a 73 for third at 221 while Chanelle Avaricio, the other rookie in the fold, rammed in three straight birdies from No. 3 but dropped a stroke on the par-5 11th and finished with a 70 for fourth at 222. Chihiro Ikeda, the OOM winner in 2016, limped with a second 76 in three days and wound up fifth at 227 followed

Princess Superal wound up with a seven-under 209 worth P72,000, spiking her bid with a brilliant eagle-aided opening 67 for a sixshot win.

by Marvi Monsalve, who pooled a 229 after a 75, three-time OOM titlist Cyna Rodriguez (75-233) and Gretchen Villacencio (75-237). Superal, who missed out on her cam-

paign in the Japan Step-Up Tour due to travel restrictions and quarantine procedures, seeks to sweep the next LPGT event slated Dec. 8-11 at the adjacent Langer course.

from California whose path to the NBA included stints playing professionally in Lithuania and Australia. He averaged 17 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.8 assists in 31.2 minutes over 12 games for the Illawarra Hawks in Australia’s National Basketball League this past season. The Chicago Bulls took Patrick Williams with the fourth pick, Isaac Okoro went fifth to the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Atlanta Hawks took Onyeka Okongwu sixth overall. French point guard Killian Hayes, who has been playing with ratiopharm Ulm in Germany, went seventh overall to the Detroit Pistons —the highest overseas player taken this year. Hayes, 19, averaged 11.6 points and 5.3 assists per game in 2019-20 in Germany’s top league and is expected to combine well with last year’s first-round pick, Sekou Doumbouya, who is also from France. AFP

BEST Center is lone PH member in UN Basketball THE BEST Center (Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training Center), founded by the late national coach Nicanor “Nic” Jorge in 1978, has been designated by the United Nations of Basketball as the only member nation representing the Philippines. The UNB was launched in 2020 with the aim of developing the world’s future basketball stars while encouraging peace by bringing people and nations together through basketball. It aims to become the largest global basketball development network, outside of the International Basketball Federation. As the exclusive representative of the country, the BEST Center can network and cross-promote with similar organizations around the world, and compete in regional and global UNB championships vs. other member nations. “This latest development is a welcome leap for the BEST Center, which has taken the lead in youth basketball and volleyball development since it pioneered the scientific approach to young basketball development in the country,” BEST Center Executive Vice President Monica Jorge said. The BEST Center has produced many of the country’s biggest names in professional and amateur basketball, as well as contribute to the development of young players who have played in the various national squads. The Center will also send players and coaches to take part in the UNB General Assembly International Basketball Camp Experience: 5-day camp, NCAA exposure tournament, and the NBA Summer League. The UNB’s Coaches Without Borders program will also work with BEST Center players and coaches, who will also get the chance to join the Basketball Ambassadors program in the US, and participate in the UNB Residential Academies education program, among others. UNB is led by Secretary-General Alan Walls—an American international basketball coach and administrator with over 25 years of experience on the youth, high school, NCAA, professional and national team levels in 16 countries on five continents.

Olympic champion turns delivery rider to make ends meet LODZ, Poland—With a large delivery bag on his back Venezuelan Olympic champion fencer Ruben Limardo is out cycling around his adopted hometown in Poland, making ends meet in a strange but heartwarming tale from this time of pandemic. The 35-year-old London Olympics foil gold medallist will go for glory again at the Tokyo Olympics next year, but stunned his fans last week when he made a tweet revealing the nature of his new job. “You have to earn your way and this is a job like any other,” he told AFP as he went about a typical day of training and making food deliveries for Uber Eats. And he is not the only one—20 other members of Venezuela’s na-

tional fencing team live the same improbable existence in the town of Lodz in Poland. “We are all delivery riders,” said Limardo, speaking in fluent Polish. He won his Olympic title eight years ago—the first fencer from Latin America to do so since Cuba’s Ramon Fonst in 1904. He also became only the second Venezuelan gold medallist, 44 years after boxer Francisco Rodriguez. ‘Pandemic turned everything around’ Five mornings a week, the young Venezuelan fencers gather in a former workshop on a largely abandoned industrial site in Lodz to cross swords. Their white uniforms clash with the yellow, blue and red of their na-

tional flag which dominate the decor. At the entrance, a pile of bikes and green cool-bags await the stroke of 1:00pm when each of the fencers finish their training, has a quick shower and then sets off for deliveries in the chill of a Polish autumn. “We get very little money from Venezuela because of the crisis there. And the pandemic has turned everything around. There are no competitions, the Tokyo Olympics were delayed for a year and the sponsors are saying they will start paying again in the new year. “That’s why we have to make money on the road,” said Limardo, who does around 50 kilometres (31 miles) per day on his bike, earning around 100 euros a week. “It works well with our training. We could even say it is an extension

of the training,” said the married father of two “It allows us to live, finish our studies. We help each other out with training, paying rents. Everyone works to finance the others in the group,” he said. ‘The dream is still there’ Ruben Limardo has lived in Poland for 19 years. He was encouraged to move there by an uncle who wanted to create a centre for Venezuelan fencers in this economically thriving country with relatively low overheads compared to western Europe. Since moving to Poland, he has created a foundation for Venezuelan fencers as well as a club for taking part in local tournaments and a fencing school for children. AFP

Venezuelan high-performance epee fencer and London Olympics golden medalist Ruben Limardo Gascon looks at his phone as he works as UberEats food delivery courier in Lodz, central Poland. With a big cool bag on his back, Venezuelan Olympic fencing champion Ruben Limardo is out making deliveries in his adopted hometown in Poland, a way for him and his teammates of making ends meet in pandemic times. AFP

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino streams cinematic gems from GMA Films SEVEN movies from GMA Network will once again work their magic on screen in this year’s much anticipated Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) Festival happening from today until Dec. 13. Organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the online film festival’s “Main Feature Film Showcase” comprises 90 full-length features under 12 categories: Premium, Classics, Documentary, Romance, Youth and Family, Genre, From the Regions, Pang-Oscars, Tribute, Bahaghari, PPP Retro, and Special Feature. Under Romance, catch the enchanting story of Moments of Love wherein time curved for two people—Marco (Dingdong Dantes) and Divina (Iza Calzado)—to meet and part. Marco’s yearning leads to a telephone conversation with Divina, who is the daughter of a haciendero. They find solace in each other even though Divina lives in the past (1957) while Marco lives in the present (2006). Multi-awarded comedian Michael V.’s labor of love and directorial debut Family History, which gained rave from

viewers when it premiered last year, will air under the Youth and Family category. It features the life of Alex Dela Cruz (Michael V.), a happily married man who finds himself at a crossroad when a life-changing disease challenges his marriage to his wife, May (Dawn Zulueta). This family drama movie also stars Miguel Tanfelix, Bianca Umali, John Estrada, Paolo Contis, Ina Feleo, Kakai Bautista, and Nonie Buencamino. Relive the historic journey of Philippine hero Jose Rizal, starring Cesar Montano, Joel Torre, Jaime Fabrigas, Gloria Diaz, and Gardo Versoza, under the Genre category. Witness the significant turn of events as Dr. Jose P. Rizal awaits his trial and builds his defense prior to his incarceration. Meanwhile, award-winning film Saranggola starring Ricky Davao makes a comeback under Pang-Oscars, following the heartwarming story of widowed ex-cop Homer and his ten-year old son Rex. As they separately wrestle with their consciences over a shared

incident involving crime, the neighbors find out and chaos soon ensues. In the same category is Sa Pusod ng Dagat, which returns to share the journey of Pepito, growing up in a remote fishing village in the Philippines and is destined to become the successor of his mother: the only midwife in the whole district, a job given from generation to generation. The film stars Jomari Yllana and Elizabeth Oropesa. In the category Tribute, viewers will find the Filipino melodrama Deathrow, which gained numerous awards, including Best Actor for the late Eddie Garcia who played the character of the old-school gangster Lolo Sinat. Thrown into lockup among hardened lifers, terrified 16-yearold Sonny (Cogie Domingo) finds himself at the mercy of various strong-arm cliques on death row after being wrongfully convicted. Also part of Tribute is the film Muroami starring Cesar Montano as Fredo, a fisherman who has endured more than his share of hardship in life; his wife and child both perished in a boating accident, and today approaches each trip to the sea

A scene from the drama 'Family History' with Michael V and Dawn Zulueta.

with the angry determination of a man out for revenge. These movies are offered by PPP to paid subscribers through their scheduled livestream screenings in four virtual

cinemas in the FDCP Channel online. To register and secure a slot, visit FDCP Channel’s website: https://fdcpchannel. ph/ and check GMA Network’s social media pages for updates.

Online tête-à-tête with John Lloyd, Boy Abunda

Phenomenal boy group SB19 —with members Sejun, Still, Josh, Justin, and Ken —caught the attention of the public when their music video, showcasing their killer dance moves, went viral.

A virtual rendezvous with SB19

EAVESDROP on an exciting conversation as John Lloyd Cruz appears as a special guest in the upcoming episode of Boy Abunda’s The Best Talk, streaming live this Saturday (Nov. 21), 9:00 p.m. on livestreaming app Kumu. The award-winning television and film actor will be the one to throw interesting questions to the King of Talk while the two engage in a lighthearted tête-à-tête online. Dubbed ‘a show for a cause,’ Boy will again be donating all his virtual gift earnings from the upcoming The Best Talk episode to charity. Last Saturday, the Kapamilya host had a fun chat with guests Kakai Bautista, Sky Quizon, KD Estrada, and Elmo Magalona. The episode’s gift earnings

will be turned over to Kabataan sa Kartilya ng Katipunan (KKK) for the benefit of families devastated by typhoon Ulysses. Launched just last October, the online show also featured Kisses Delavin, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Darren Espanto, Jayda, and Ryan Bang in previous episodes. It is one of the must-see shows under FYE Channel, which streams various entertainment and lifestyle programs featuring Kapamilya streamers on Kumu daily. Boy’s live chat with John Lloyd this Saturday streams on the FYE Channel (@ fyechannel) with simulcast on Cinema One’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

VERY WANG

NICKIE WANG

HENOMENAL boy group SB19, in collaboration with Global Live, is having its firstever virtual concert happening tomorrow.

SB19 held its first major concert last year, selling 3,500 seats at the Cuneta Astrodome in just 3 minutes.

The boys will be performing their original songs from their 1st album Get in the Zone along with other special performances. “It’s our way to connect with our fans who have been supporting our career since our launch two years ago. The concert will feature explosive performances, which took a few months for us to prepare. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the victims of Typhoon Ulysses, too. So, this makes this concert both exciting and memorable for us,” a member of the group said during a virtual interview with the press on Monday. SB19 is the first-ever Filipino boy group trained under ShowBT, the members are all-around performers who can sing and dance a wide variety of genres, compose their own music, and create their own choreography. The group consists of five members namely Sejun, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin, each with their own individual parts and strengths. Yet, despite their differences, they can perform seamlessly onstage and produce

quality performances. The “SB” in SB19 stands for “Sound Break”, meaning they will break into the Philippine Music Scene with their fresh style and unique brand of music. “19” on the other hand, represents the bridge between South Korean (area code 82) and the Philippines (area code 63). SB19 has been the forefront of P-pop Music and has been the Filipino representative in the international music scene topping numerous international music charts and gaining fans worldwide. They are the first Filipino act to land on Billboard’s Social 50 list and Next Big Sound Chart and has become a mainstay act ever since. The group won numerous awards from prestigious award-giving bodies such as Awit Awards, MYX Awards, and Wish Music Awards, to name a few. The quintet has released five singles starting from their debut, “Tilaluha.” It was followed by the breakthrough single “Go Up” which catapulted them to fame, then “Wag Mong Ikuno ang ‘Yong Noo”, “Alab”, “Love Goes” and the most recent,

EXTRA INTERNATIONAL

The sequel to 2017's $800-million-grossing ‘Wonder Woman’ will see Gadot reprise the title role as one of the comic book universe's biggest female superheroes.

“Hanggang sa Huli.” The group released its album Get in the Zone under Sony Music in July. It features the six singles as well as the EDM version of “Love Goes” and the instrumental versions of the two ballads “Tilaluha” and “Hanggang sa Huli.” The group has also released music videos for its singles namely, “Hanggang sa Huli,” “Tilaluha”, “Go Up”, and “Alab” with the last two garnering more than eight million views each on YouTube. During the height of the pandemic in April, SB19 managed to release a song entitled, “Ikako,” aiming to inspire everyone to be hopeful in these trying times. “Ikako” is also dedicated to the heroes during this pandemic – our frontliners. The livestream concert of SB19 will be available globally except in Indonesia and China. Tickets can be bought via Global Live's payment platforms such as Paypal, and recently through TicketNet. Global Live is an Australian online concert platform that is available globally.

‘Wonder Woman’ sequel to launch on HBO Max streaming, theaters

THE much-delayed Warner Bros. superhero sequel Wonder Woman 1984 will premiere on HBO Max and in theaters simultaneously from Christmas Day in the United States, the studio announced Wednesday. The decision to release the eagerly awaited movie on the company's own recently launched streaming platform represents a gamble for a film that cost a reported $200 million and comes as Hollywood scrambles to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. "It wasn't an easy decision and we never thought we'd have to hold onto the release for such a long time but COVID rocked all of our worlds," wrote star Gal Gadot on her social media accounts. She added: "You can watch it in theaters(they're doing an amazing job keeping it safe) and you can also watch it on HBOMAX from your homes. Sending you my love. Please keep safe and wear a mask." The movie, which was originally due to launch in June, will hit theaters in other countries a week earlier starting on Dec. 16. Before the pandemic, blockbuster movies

ran only on the big screen for a theatrical window of 90 days, but with theaters closed in many parts of the US, including New York and Los Angeles, distributors have been forced to innovate. The move comes after Disney released Mulan on Disney+ in September, but unlike that launch Wonder Woman 1984 will be offered at no extra cost to subscribers of Warner's rival streaming platform for one month. "As we navigate these unprecedented times, we've had to be innovative in keeping our businesses moving forward while continuing to super-serve our fans," said WarnerMedia studios and networks chairwoman Ann Sarnoff. The sequel to 2017's $800-million-grossing Wonder Woman will see Gadot reprise the title role as one of the comic book universe's biggest female superheroes. Chris Pine also returns for the sequel, which is set in the 1980s, decades after the World War I-set first movie. Patty Jenkins returns to direct. AFP

John Lloyd Cruz and Boy Abunda will reverse their roles in the next episode of the digital show (inset) ‘The Best Talk.’

Big prizes await winners of UFC Reel Life short film contest Deadline looms for filmmakers interested in joining the UFC Reel Life: Nagsasama-samang Sarap Short Film Competition. A highlight of UFC’s 50th anniversary celebration, the ongoing competition serves to shine a light on the prodigious talents of local filmmakers known for creating inspiring and meaningful stories that Filipinos can relate to. Filmmakers from all over the country only have two weeks to turn in their entries as the competition closes on Nov. 25. From all the entries received, 30 finalists will be announced on Dec. 3 and winners will be awarded on Dec. 7. All entries must creatively depict the above-mentioned values of optimism and positivity that Filipinos of all ages manifest in times of difficulty. These should also portray the integral role of UFC products in empowering Filipinos to create nagsasama-samang sarap moments every day. Thus, all submitted videos should use at least one UFC product as an organic part of the narrative. UFC products include: UFC Tamis Anghang Banana Catsup, UFC Sweet Chili Sauce, UFC Tomato Sauce, UFC Gravy, UFC Hot and Spicy Banana Catsup, UFC Hot Sauce, UFC Spaghetti Sauce, UFC Ready Recipes, and UFC Fresh Selections. The festival is open to all filmmakers in the Philippines. Entries must have a maximum length of five minutes, including the opening and closing credits. All videos submitted should be recorded in horizontal format, and edited in not less than 720 HD format. Using 1080 HD, however, is highly recommended. Submissions will be screened by a panel of judges, which will determine the finalists and winners through a deliberation. Thirty finalists will be chosen based on the following criteria: Thematic Storytelling (40 percent), Creativity and

Originality (40 percent), and Technical Execution (20 percent). The results will be final and irrevocable. Each of the 30 finalists will automatically receive a gift pack from UFC. Likewise, they will be eligible for the following prizes: 1st Prize (P100,000); 2nd Prize (P50,000); 3rd Prize (P20,000); Best Actor (P5,000); Best Actress (P5,000); Best Cinematography (P5,000); Best Screenplay (P5,000); Best Editing (P5,000); Best Director (P15,000); and People’s Choice Award (P15,000). All entries must be emailed to ufcreellife@gmail.com and must include your name, title of the film, contact number, names of cast and crew, and a photo of the director. For larger files, you may use wetransfer.com to create a shareable link that you can include in your email. No film entry shall be an imitation or plagiarized version of any copyrighted work. UFCine Presents: Nagsasamasamang Sarap Short Film Competition and its organizers will not be responsible for any copyright infringement committed by the participants. The organizers reserve the right to post all entries on their various social media accounts, namely Sarap UFC, Sarap Pinoy, NutriAsia, and its agency, Insight 360 Consultancy Services, Inc.

This competition celebrates filmmakers whose stories highlight the positivity and hope that UFC has provided for the last 50 years.

Life

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

TRAVEL & LEISURE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020

By Bernadette Lunas

TTENDING events— large and small—and meetings for about almost anything seems like a memory from a distant past.

Thanks to technology, people can still gather, albeit virtually, and discuss important topics or witness a milestone, bridging the gap of communication in the time of limited gatherings. Those who prefer face-to-face interactions or want to level up the sometimes dreary experience of looking at and speaking to our computer monitors are beginning to look for ways to conduct their affairs in the way they did before the pandemic. Bringing another innovative service that caters to the evolving needs of the public, Hilton launches in the Philippines the Hilton EventReady with CleanStay. Hilton EventReady with CleanStay is an industry-leading cleanliness program specific to meetings and events. EventReady is line with the chain’s CleanStay global program, launched in April of this year, which features high standard housekeeping and hygiene practices and upgraded protocols to provide guests with assurance and peace of mind. “Now, more than ever, safety has emerged as the top concern for travel-

A seal on the door signifies that the room has been cleaned and disinfected per EventReady with CleanStay guidelines. (© Hilton 2020)

Meetings and events reinvented

EVENT-READY. Hilton’s new global program Hilton EventReady with CleanStay is a way to assure meeting and event guests of safety with heightened cleaning and hygiene practices and upgraded protocols (© Hilton 2020) ers as consumers become more conscious about the need for heightened cleaning and hygiene practices,” Paul Hutton, vice president of operations at Southeast Asia Hilton, said in a pre-recorded video at the Manila launch which was simultaneously held at Hilton properties across Southeast Asia. “Given that meetings and events are a core part of our business, it is vital that we are ready to meet the needs of our partners and clients who choose to hold events at our hotels,” added Hutton. As part of the hotel chain’s brands, Pasay-based Conrad Manila implements the program, which begins from guests’ prearrival through checkout. A Hilton EventReady with CleanStay inspection is performed in the venue to enOnly one person will be seated at every six-foot sure that the room’s touchpoints have been properly set and cleaned per CleanStay table.

standards. The said checklist, which is also available in digital format, includes door pulls, thermostat controls, lighting controls, phones, stationary room furniture, sanitizing station, tables, chairs, podium, stage items, window shades and drape controls, audio visual equipment, physical distancing guidelines, third party vendor compliance, team member PE, and food and beverage. Each room will be disinfected using hospital-grade cleaning products and UVC light. As an added assurance, each cleaned and disinfected room will be sealed with a sticker on the door. Following the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases guidelines on gatherings, Conrad Manila at the moment can only ac-

commodate a maximum of 10 persons per meeting or event. With distancing protocols in place, only one person will be seated per a six-foot table, which post-pandemic sits three persons. To make cleaning and sanitizing easier and much efficient, Conrad will not put linens on tables and chairs. “The new standards in cleanliness are part of the ‘new normal’ that we will all have to navigate as an industry, and being customers ourselves, we know that we could expect nothing less,” said Conrad Manila’s incoming general manager Linda Pecoraro. To book meetings and events, contact events director Mayeth Gopez at mayeth. gopez@conradhotels.com. Customers may book for within-the-day or next-day events, depending on availability.

Olongapo is ready for MICE

ism industry? First, it has no seasonality, which means that, even during the low tourist season, MICE events are still taking place. Second, because of its financial advantages, the country is encouraged to develop better tourism infrastructure. MICE travelers always spend more THE national tourism organizations of than the regular tourist because they usucountries all over the world spend a lot ally are on company account. Since their of money attracting the MICE (meetings, transportation and accommodations are incentives, conferences, exhibitions) secpaid for by the business enterprise or ortor of the tourism industry to their shores, ganization they work for, they don’t mind as these bring in the desired revenues. Aleither extending their stay and spend though the main purpose of MICE travel more, or avail of more expensive services is business, and it brings in large groups to and items during their travel. a destination, it almost always involves a leisure component. Another reason why MICE travelers are sought after by a What exactly are the benefits of MICE to a country’s tourcountry’s tourism industry is that they usually are accompanied by family. Or, more often than not, they return with family or friends to the country they visited, to have more time to enjoy what it offers. Small wonder why even Olongapo City has decided to put its best foot forward to get their share of this lucrative sector and make itself MICE-ready with the newly opened Convention Center, the first managed venue in the North and the seventh among the SMX Convention Centers in the country. The massive Olongapo City Convention Center has 2,130 square meters of leasable space and is located on the fourth The newly opened SM City Olongapo Central, where the floor of the newly opened SM City Olongapo Central, a oneOlongapo City Convention Center is located. hour-fifteen-minute drive from Clark International Airport. Although it can hold a maximum of 2,400 guests, the “new reality” set-up limits its capacity to only 1,900 guests. It has five flexible function rooms, seven meeting rooms, six kitchens or preparation facilities, one car lift, two freight lifts, and one passenger lift. All of the meeting rooms and function rooms are fully carpeted, Wi-Fi ready, and have provisions for the Differently Abled. They also have CCTV security cameras, back-up emergency power, and an automated fire alarm system. For those requiring emergency treatment, a medical clinic is available. The Clark International Airport is only an hour-and-a-half SMX Convention Center vice president and general manager away from the new MICE venue. Agnes Pacis declares that customers and employees’ safety, security, and well-being are her utmost priority and concern. That is why face masks and face shields are required at all times. Foot bath, temperature checks, and hand sanitizers are posted at all entrances. The venue’s staff is assigned to see to it that there is frequent sanitation of high-contact surfaces and physical distancing in all areas, including restrooms, elevators, and escalators. Even their accredited caterers, contractors, and event organizers are required to follow these stringent measures before entering the building. I’m glad that we now have this new venue in the North because it has further bolstered our country’s capability to cater to the lucrative MICE events. With the dependable SMX qualThe famous Olongapo landmark. ity and brand of service as its trademark, this new facility will certainly be a big help to our tourism industry in regaining its pre-COVID standing as a major contributor to our country’s coffers. Olongapo City Convention Center—nice for MICE! YOUR WEEKEND CHUCKLE Christmas will no longer be complete this year. The Three Kings will be required to go through 14 days of quarantine! An artist’s illustration of the humongous main hall of the new Convention Center.

For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com.

Czech Embassy Economic and Trade Counsellor Benjamin Ziga and Consular Attache Martina Matulikova.

HAPPENINGS

Cine Europa opens at SM MOA drive-in cinema THIS year’s edition of film festival Cine Europa was celebrated in an onground launch at the Mall of Asia’s drive-in cinema. A joint project of the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, the EU Member States and cultural institutions, and the Embassy of Switzerland, together with SM Cinema, the event was led by EU Delegation First Counsellor Rafael de Bustamante and German Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel who were joined by members of diplomatic corps and media. Other Ambassadors of the EU Member States, meanwhile, sent their virtual greetings and toasts. During the event, guests were treated to a special screening of the

German comic thriller, Sweethearts, directed by renowned German actress Karoline Herfurth. The film festival, ongoing until Nov. 29, features a lineup of movies from 20 countries, showcasing Europe’s filmmaking excellence and vibrant culture. Viewers simply need to register at www.cineeuropaph.com to watch romance, comedy, and thrillers such as Commes de Garcons (Let the Girls Play) from France, Ženy v běhu (Women on the Run) from the Czech Republic, And Then We Danced from Sweden, Buñuel en el Laberinto de Las Totugas from Spain, King of the Belgians from Belgium, and Bad Poems from Hungary, among other films.

From left: First Counsellor Rafael de Bustamante, Bella Fernandez, program manager Willy Hick, and information officer Robert Leon. German Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel and Instituto Cervantes director Javier Galvan (2nd and 3rd from left) with SM SVP for marketing Millie Dizon.