Manila Standard - 2020 December 7 - Monday

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UP team fears cases spiking OCTA Research sees 1,000 infections/day with easing of protocols

By Willie Casas, Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta

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HE number of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila could shoot up to 1,000 daily from its current 400 a day if minimum health standards set by the government are not observed during the holiday season, a researcher who has tracked the pandemic said Saturday.

No New Year street parties or public gatherings will be allowed and fireworks displays will be regulated to prevent a fresh surge in COVID-19 infections, according to Metro Manila Council chairman Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez.

In an interview on ABS-CBN's TeleRadyo, Dr. Guido David of the OCTA Research Team said Metro Manila showed a big improvement in terms of COVID-19 numbers, but these are not yet enough to further ease community quarantine restrictions.

“What we're preventing is an increase where we’ll go back to having 2,000 cases per day. We're anticipating a surge that may reach from 800 to Next page

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM DEC. 6)

439,834 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

1,768 22,646 VOL. XXXIV • NO. 277 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

NEW

ACTIVE

8,554

29

DEATHS

NEW

408,634 9,062 RECOVERIES

NEW

WORLD ROUNDUP

Food aid bribe taints Jakarta's social minister BIG STICK. Law enforcers have been authorized by the national task force on COVID-19 to carry rattan batons (yantok) to enforce discipline and make people abide by health protocols such as physical distancing and waring of face masks, a move that has prompted the human rights watchdog to issue a warning.

Human rights body thumbs down use of rattan batons

By Rio N. Araja and Willie Casas THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Sunday rejected the use of “yantok” or wooden batons to enforce health protocols.

“We recognize that the unknown na-

ture of the pandemic has pushed others, including the government, into devising different, novel ways in enforcing health safety protocols so as to prevent the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection among the population. However, the CHR has repeatedly stressed the importance of respecting the human rights and dignity of all as we address

this health crisis,” the commission's spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said.

On Dec. 4, the government task force on COVID-19 announced law enforcers would be deployed to enforce health safeguards, such as physical distancing, in public areas during the Christmas holidays.

The patrollers threatened to use “yantok” to hit people violating the health guidelines.

“We wish to caution the government against unnecessary use of force and actions that may lead to humiliation and trauma. Violence, even in its slightest suggestion, is not the best way to ad dress Next page

INDONESIA'S social affairs minister was arrested Sunday for allegedly taking $1.2 million in bribes linked to food aid for those hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

Juliari Batubara was named as a suspect after Indonesian anti-corruption agents seized suitcases, backpacks and envelopes stuffed with cash equivalent to $1.2 million in a sting operation on Saturday.

He turned himself in on Sunday at the anti-corruption agency's headquarters, becoming the second minister in President Joko Widodo's government to be arrested over alleged graft in recent weeks.

"That's the people's money... It's aid urgently needed to help during COVID-19 Next page

PH bet crowned Miss Eco Teen International

By Eton Concepcion THE Philippines’ Roberta Angela Tamondong edged out 34 other contestants from around the world to win the Miss Eco Teen International 2020 crown.

The finals, held on Sunday morning in Hurghada, a famous scuba-diving resort on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, also witnessed South Africa and the Netherlands finishing first and second runners-up, respectively, while Egypt was third and Paraguay fourth.

The Miss Eco Teen International pageant is the teen version of the Miss Eco International pageant won by the Philippines’ Cynthia Thomalla in 2018 and aims to empower the youth, create

self-awareness and make an impact all under an environmental theme.

As the winner, Tamondong will serve as the voice representing teenagers worldwide while promoting environmental responsibility.

The 18-year-old, 5-foot-9 Tamondong also bagged the Best Eco Dress award for her multi-colored modern Filipiniana dress made of recycled plastic bags, rice sacks and plastic beads. She was named second in the Miss Beach competition and third in the Talent Competition for her "Luzviminda" dance.

Tamondong, a student of San Beda University, Next page

Comelec sees flaw in delist party-list bid AMID an effort by the military to have leftist party-list groups barred from participating in elections, the spokesman of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said this can only be done if it is proven that the group espouses violence as a policy or a means of achieving its goals.

In an interview on Dobol B News TV, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said just one incident of violence is not enough to disqualify a party-list group.

“It must be proved that they espouse violence as a matter of policy and as a means of pursuing their goals,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

“That's the language of the law.”

Jimenez offered this comment as the vice chairman of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Next page

FRONTLINERS' MURAL. People walk past a mural dedicated to frontliners during a brief recognition ceremony held at the parking ground of SM Rosario in Cavite City, on Dec. 06, 2020. Launched in partnership with Boysen Philippines, the 60-meter exterior wall features the portraits of modern day heroes – a nurse, security guard, supermarket cashier, a jeepney rider and a police officer among other frontline workers. Norman Cruz

Online voters' listup gains steam

By Rio N. Araja

THE House of Representatives’ committee on suffrage and electoral reforms has approved a consolidated measure, including a bill by House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez requiring

Roberta Angela Tamondong is Miss Eco Teen International 2020.

the government to adopt an online system for voter registration amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Since the urgency of the online registration is something we really want to pass... [my] vote will be 'yes' Next page

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

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‘Biden likely to focus on As-Pac’ Speaking before the Pilipinas Conference 2020 organized by Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute, Ernie Bower, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Biden’s incoming administration would likely focus on security and socio-economic issues in the Philippines and the rest of the Asia-Pacific.

“Diplomacy is back. There’ll be more investment in process and understanding and diplomacy, and I think this’ll be a more productive process,”

said Bower who is also president and CEO of Bower Group Asia.

“You’ll see a return of middle management in US engagement in Asia, and what I mean by that is US departments in Asian agencies will have an assistant and undersecretaries, deputies, assistant secretaries empowered to focus on Asia, including the Philippines and ASEAN.” Bower said he expected that the Biden administration would be more careful in diplomatic policies on the is-

sue of the South China Sea. “I expect continuity and more careful diplomacy on the South China Sea. That doesn’t mean a diminishment of the US commitment to the Philippines’ free access or standing up to Chinese, what is seen by many as Chinese coercion in the South China Sea, but it will be strength with diplomacy rather than just strength and blunt words,” Bower said.

He said the Biden administration would also promote multilateral cooperation including on health issues.

“Think less transactional, more procedural. Chief among this area will be multilateral cooperation and coordination in the health care sector, specifically in the worldwide effort to manage the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Bower said.

Under the Biden administration, he said, there would be “more ASEAN cen-

UP...

The DOH also reported that 9,062 persons recovered recently, bringing total recoveries to 408,634, which is 92.9 percent of the total cases.

The DOH also reported 29 new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 8,554, which is 1.94 percent of the total cases.

There are 22,646 active cases, which is 5.1 percent of the total cases. Of the active cases, 84.2 percent are mild; 6.2 percent asymptomatic; 6.1 percent critical; 3.1 percent severe; and 0.34 percent moderate.

The heaviest hit provinces and cities are Quezon City, 112; Laguna, 94; Rizal, 90; Davao City, 71; and Benguet, 69.

Meanwhile, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel called for the listing of all private and public cold chain logistics solutions ahead of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. ““The vaccination of an initial batch of 35 million Filipinos is bound to call for the mobilization of a wide-range of cold storage assets – from temperaturecontrolled refrigerated trucking services to ample supplies of dry ice,” Pimentel, a COVID-19 survivor, he said.

“The logistical challenge is enormous, considering that everybody will need two shots of the vaccine at an interval of 19 to 42 days,” he added.

The most promising COVID-19 vaccine is reputed to be 95 percent effective, but has to be stored in ultra-low temperature packed in dry ice.

The American pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc., which jointly developed the vaccine with German biotech firm BioNTech SE, has designed distribution containers that could keep the shots at the required temperature of negative 70 degrees Celsius for 10 days if unopened.

The distribution containers could also be used for temporary storage in a vacci-

nation facility, such as a hospital, for up to 30 days as long as they are reloaded with dry ice every five days.

Once thawed, the vaccines could be stored in a refrigerator at two to eight degrees Celsius for up to five days.

On Dec. 2, the United Kingdom became the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for emergency use in a COVID-19 public inoculation program.

The US Food and Drug Administration is expected to consider on Dec. 10 the possible approval of the same vaccine for emergency use in America.

“This early, we would expect our interAgency Task Force of Emerging Infectious Diseases to make an inventory of all obtainable cold storage provisions, including those held by private firms, that can be harnessed to deliver the vaccines across the country without delay,” Pimentel said.

“We have to be geared up to cope, if we want to swiftly vaccinate millions of Filipinos, especially the most vulnerable ones such as our health care workers, those aged 65 years old and above and those with underlying ailments,” he added.

Currently, the Department of Health has only one bulk cold storage facility at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Muntinlupa City.

The DOH has a long-term plan to put up regional cold storage warehouses as part of its modern supply chain for temperature-sensitive medical supplies, but Pimentel expressed concern that the facilities may not be built in time for the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

“We may have to rely on cold chain solutions that are already available,” he said.

Also on Sunday, party-list Rep. Mike Defensor said the country's top 5,000 corporations are expected to come up with

plans to immunize 5 million of their workers against COVID-19 once a vaccine becomes available.

“As part of their business sustainability management, we are counting on our largest private firms to arrange and spend for the mass vaccination of their respective workforces,” he said.

Defensor is the House health committee vice chairperson.

“The direct participation of big private employers in the COVID-19 immunization campaign will lessen the financial and logistical burden on the government,” he said.

“This will allow our Department of Health to concentrate on vaccinating disadvantaged Filipinos, such as those in the informal economy. If private corporations can immunize their own employees, then the government will have 5 million Filipinos [fewer] to target for vaccination,” he added.

Senator Joel Villanueva, on the other hand, said the government should take the lead in restoring business confidence and create jobs by increasing spending on infrastructure such as public health facilities and health care services.

Villanueva, chairman of the Senate labor committee, issued the call in the wake of the unemployment report from the Philippine Statistics Authority saying joblessness in the country decreased to 8.7 percent in October, or about 3.8 million Filipinos, but largely because people stopped looking for work.

“We are bothered by the fact that the latest data clearly reflects how the pandemic is manifesting on the psyche of our workers, who decided to stop looking for work at all. We cannot afford to let the morale of our labor force to slump further.

That is why our government should intervene by increasing spending to restore business confidence.”

number of coronavirus cases in 24 hours for the third day running.

A tally by Johns Hopkins University showed the world's worst-hit country—which has seen a dramatic virus resurgence in recent weeks—reached nearly 230,000 new infections and 2,527 COVID-related deaths on Saturday alone.

For two weeks, the US has regularly topped 2,000 deaths per day, as it had in the spring at the height of the first wave of the country's outbreak.

US health officials warned of a surge after millions of Americans traveled to celebrate last week's Thanksgiving holiday despite pleas from authorities to stay home.

Vaccine for the queen In Britain, it was reported that the 94-year-old monarch will receive the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine within weeks after UK regulators granted emergency approval. The rollout of the vaccine will begin next week.

The queen and her 99-year-old husband Prince Philip are in line to get the jab early due to their age and will not receive preferential treatment, the Mail on Sunday reported.

The newspaper said Britain's most senior royals would reveal they have been given the inoculation "to encourage more people to take up the vital jab" amid fears so-called anti-vaxxers could dent enthusiasm for it.

Britain has pre-ordered 40 million doses of the vaccine in total, and is set to receive an initial batch of 800,000 to begin next week's rollout.

Sokor raises curbs amid fresh outbreak South Korea raised its coronavirus alert to the second-highest level in Seoul and surrounding areas Sunday after new infections jumped from around 100 a day to more than 500 in recent weeks.

By global standards the figure remains low, but the rise has alarmed authorities, who have tightened social distancing measures.

"We are facing the biggest crisis in our fight against COVID-19," Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said Sunday. AFP

red tagging is used by state forces to justify attacks against activists and any and all critics of the regime. The same fake witness also conjured up baseless and incredulous stories on ACT's supposed process of recruitment and support to the armed group, hence the imminence of dangers to our leaders and members. When the people are harassed, attacked, even killed by state forces for nothing else but the rightful exercise and defense of rights and liberties, the true terrorists are bared as no other than our very government.”

On Sunday, police reported the arrest of two ranking members of the NPA in separate locations in Quezon City and Laguna.

PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas on Sunday said Romeo Aytona, 45, was arrested by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) operatives led by Lt. Col. Hansel Marantan in a police operation along Edsa corner Kamias Road in Quezon City at 6:20 p.m.

Police teams from the towns of Sta. Teresita and Santo Niño, both in Cagayan, in coordination with Laguna Police Provincial Office served a warrant of arrest against Joenel Lazo alias Joenel “Ka Sendo” Gallardo at Olivarez Homes, Phase 3 in Barangay Sto. Tomas, Biñan City, Laguna at 5:10 p.m.

Both Aytona and Lazo are wanted for a string of criminal cases in Cagayan Valley, the PNP said.

Willie Casas

Online...

be pro-active and adopt innovative measures, such as online voters' registration, to facilitate voters' registration during the COVID-19 pandemic and for it to continually fulfill its mandate of protecting the Filipinos' right of suffrage," Romualdez said.

HB 7063 seeks to amend RA 8184 or the Voter’s Registration Act of 1996 to ensure an “enabling environment" for people to register as voters amid the pandemic crisis.

“By adopting a system for online voter’s registration, we do not just make our electoral system more resilient to unexpected calamities, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, but also create a system that provides the Filipino electorate and our government an efficient, convenient and cost-effective mechanism for voter’s registration in the long term,” Romualdez said.

"The application for registration shall contain three specimen signatures of the applicant, clear and legible rolled prints of his left and right thumbprints, with four identification size copies of his latest photograph, submitted personally or through electronic means, attached thereto to be taken at the expense of the commission,” the bill says.

By Rey E. Requejo

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HE team of President-elect Joe Biden of the United States is expected to give priority to the socioeconomic and security concerns in the Asia-Pacific region, according to a US-based think tank.

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1,000 cases per day in Metro Manila, but that is still manageable,” David said in Filipino.

David said they expect the number of cases to go up as the holiday season nears, with more people crowding malls and traditional shopping districts to buy gifts.

“Overcrowding is something we are watching out for,” he said.

He cited a recent study in India that showed minors have a big potential for spreading the virus.

“That’s why we want to limit the movement of minors and seniors. We're not telling them not to go out but only to limit it,” David said.

David said that many people are now feeling the pandemic fatigue, but urged the public to limit movement, avoid overcrowding and observe health protocols such as frequent hand washing and the wearing of face masks and face shields.

These were proven to curb the spread of the virus for the past three months, he said.

“The cases decrease when we follow protocols set by the government and the Department of Health. That’s why we're more relaxed now and can afford to go out because our hospitals are not as full as before,” he said.

The OCTA Research Group said that there might be a total of 500,000 cases by the end of the year.

“We expect an uptick but it will not be worse, we will not reach the critical level, and this will decrease by January,” he said.

The Philippines on Sunday logged 1,768 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 439,834, the Department of Health (DOH) said.

World...

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and for the national economic recovery," Widodo said after Batubara's arrest, vowing he would not protect any corrupt officials.

Indonesia's economy—Southeast Asia's biggest—has been hit hard by the pandemic, and the government has rolled out aid programs such as food packages to help those in need.

If found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of one billion rupiah ($70,000).

Record number of infections in US The United States notched a record

Comelec...

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Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, said there is enough evidence to seek disqualification of the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives before the Comelec.

Esperon's move came after President Rodrigo Duterte accused—without presenting any evidence—that the Makabayan bloc was a legal front for the Communist Party of the Philippines—an allegation that the leftist lawmakers denied.

Jimenez said that the party seeking the disqualification must prove that the party-list organization indeed violated the rules set under the law for valid and eligible party-list groups.

A member of the Makabayan bloc, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines on Sunday raised the alarm on looming attacks against its ranks with the arrest of peasant organizer Amanda Echanis and her month-old baby, barely two weeks after a “fake witness” branded her as a member of the New People's Army (NPA).

"We are enraged at the arrest of Anakpawis organizer Amanda Echanis along with her newborn in Cagayan Valley, less than two weeks since she was red tagged by a self-proclaimed former CPP-NPA-NDF member,” the group said. “This clearly shows how

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[to approving the substitute bill]," Negros Occidental Rep. Juliet Marie Ferrer said.

The committee being led by Ferrer has endorsed for plenary action the substitute bill to House Bills 69, 578, 7063, 7411 and 7746 with the title "An Act strengthening the procedure for registration of voters and adopting a system of online registration, amending purpose certain sections of Republic Act 8189, otherwise known as the Voter’s Registration Act of 1996."

“COVID-19 has brought numerous obstacles over the efforts of the Commission on Elections to secure voters' registration.

Public health considerations and existing protocols have led to the Comelec's suspension of its physical voter registration efforts," Romualdez said.

He authored HB 7063 with the late Senior Citizens party-list Rep. Francisco Datol Jr. “With no immediate end for the COVID-19 pandemic in sight, it is believed that rather than wait for the pandemic to end, the Comelec should

trality, less America-first”, and “the US will look to build teams and coalitions, and cooperate and not pursue Americanonly strategies”.

Bower said a multinational effort to address climate change would also rank high on Biden’s agenda.

On trade policy, Bower said: “It will be more diplomatic, less focused on deficits, less transactional and more focused on workers’ rights, human rights, the environment and social issues”.

Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute president Dindo Manhit said the excessive focus placed on the strategic competition between the US and China had undermined the role of other states in the region.

“From a broader perspective, these are two powers within a regional system made up of middle to smaller powers whose stake and interests are just as substantial,” Manhit said.

US researchers dissect causes of PH drug war ATLANTA—Researchers at three U.S. universities have found new evidence that the conduct of the Philippines’ violent “War on Drugs” has been driven primarily by local political machinations rather than top-down pressure from Manila.

A recent study by political scientists at the University of California San Diego, Emory University, and Florida State University found that in places where mayors were from small or local political parties, the drug war was implemented much more aggressively, resulting in approximately 60 percent more drug-related police incidents and 40 percent more deaths at the hands of the Philippine National Police. These “outsider” mayors, who were locked out of many financial patronage schemes cornered by political insiders, sought to signal their loyalty and win favor from the Duterte regime.

To validate their findings, which are set to be published in the prestigious Journal of Politics, researchers Nico Ravanilla, Renard Sexton and Dotan Haim analyzed more than 1 million internal incident reports collected by the PNP, thousands of accounts of fatal incidents collected by the organization ACLED and thousands of public procurement records from the Philippine government.

Nico Ravanilla, a professor at UC San Diego and a Philippine native, explained that “when Duterte came to power, he was met with a substantial pushback from ‘establishment’ political networks controlled by lifelong politicians. These networks, associated with the outgoing Liberal Party, allowed insider mayors to maintain privileged access to public funds.” In fact, from 2016 to 2019 ‘insider’ mayors received nearly twice as much in public procurement funds than outsiders.

“Poorly connected mayors saw Duterte’s drug war as a once-in-lifetime opportunity to vault their way into a major political network,” said Renard Sexton, from Emory University. “They knew that with business as usual they would be marginalized from pork distribution and may struggle for re-election.”

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the pandemic. Rather, the government should continue to employ information dissemination to make the people understand the hazards of going out in the midst of a pandemic, as well as implement programs guided by the sound advice of science and health professionals. Government must equally invest and reinforce protection of health care workers who bear the brunt of curing an ailing population due to this virus,” De Guia said.

“We stress that the pandemic is not a peace and order issue, but a public health agenda. The public should also be equally reminded to follow these health protocols strictly. At this point, it is quite obvious that the virus has already affected the economy as well. It is true that different interests must be balanced, but human rights should never be compromised,” she added.

The human rights watchdog group Karapatan hit Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas for threatening to beat violators of distancing measures during the holiday season.

Employing physical violence in enforcing quarantine protocols is “not only utterly ineffective in curbing the pandemic but ultimately dangerous,” Karapatan said.

“We have said this time and time again: using militarist, punitive, and often violent measures to implement health protocols have only fomented more brutal human rights violations under the lockdown from the torture and violent arrests of alleged quarantine violators, dehumanizing penalties, and even death—and, clearly, these measures have failed in curbing the spread of the pandemic,” Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay said.

At a Laging Handa press briefing on Friday, Dec. 4, PNP Deputy Chief for Operations and Joint Task Force COVID Shield Commander Lt. Gen. Cesar Binag said policemen on “social distancing patrol” have been ordered by Sinas to use rattan sticks to hit violators of physical distancing measures. :We have what we call 'social distancing patrol' and because they have been ordered by our PNP chief General Sinas, they will hold one-meter rattan sticks to stop violators, as a measuring device, and it would be used to hit hard headed people,” said Palabay.

Previous to her international pageant, Tamondong reigned as Miss San Beda 2020, Bb. Quezon City 2019, From A1 CatWalk Philippines 2019, Mutya ng San Pablo 2019 and was the first runner-up in the Miss Bikini Philippines 2019.

Believing in her favorite motto "Be confident in showwas appointed by the Miss World Philippines organization on Nov. 18 to represent the Philippines, succeeding 2019’s ing off who you are," Tamondong has always dreamt of becoming a Victoria’s Secret Model.

Mary Daena Zaide.

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DOJ, UNHRC hold 3-day summit

By Rey E. Requejo

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HE Department of Justice has partnered with the United Nations Human Rights Council for the Philippines to hold a threeday human rights summit to strengthen measures against extra-judicial killings and other human rights abuses in the country.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the three-day summit will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center on December 7, 9 and 10. There would be no summit on Dec. 8 since it is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and a non-working holiday.

Guevarra said that the summit would be in compliance with the October 7 UNHRC resolution, which called for technical assistance and capacity-building to support the Philippines’ efforts to strengthen its human rights and accountability measures.

“This Human Rights Summit is one of several component projects proposed by the DOJ as part of the joint program on technical cooperation between the UN TURNOVER. The US Drug Enforcement Agency and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs officially turned over to the Bureau of Customs three units of and the Philippine government, pursuant handheld narcotics identification devices. Present during the handover of RIGAKU Raman Spectrometer were US Drug Enforcement Agency Attache, Mr. Christopher Adduci, Philippine Director for Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Ms. Kelia Cummins and other US DEA officials. BOC Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, together with the BOC to the latest resolution of the UN Human Rights Council adopted last June,” GueDeputy Commissioners, received the illegal drug detection devices. varra said in a text message.

Guevarra, who chairs the Administrative Order 35 Task Force, or the InterAgency Committee on Extra-Legal Killings, Enforced Disappearances, Torture and Grave Violations to the Rights to Life, Liberty and Security of Persons, He also warned toll road companies The senator took note of reports on de- ists of long queues and traffic congestion.

By Macon Ramos-Araneta that their concessions can be revoked. fective RFID sensors such as in the case He noted that in the Implementing said the summit would also be intended to and Rio N. Araja According to the senator, he will file a res- of those traversing the interchange in the Rules and Regulations signed by the TRB strengthen the Task Force.

According to the Justice Secretary, the olution within the week even as he slammed North Luzon Expressway leading to Va- board last October 5 on the Department of SENATOR Win Gatchalian on Sunday Transportation Order No. 2020-12 requir- summit was necessary because the DOJ’s called for areview of the concession agree- toll operators for failing to oversee some lenzuela City.

Gatchalian likewise did not spare the ing cashless or contactless transactions for guiding principle is “to uphold at all times ment between the government and toll malfunctioning RFID sensors in toll plazas prior to the implementation last December 1 Toll Regulatory Board, the agency that all vehicles travelling on toll expressways, the rule of law, including the protection operators over issues of non-performance of the cashless transaction program. regulates the operation and maintenance of says that toll operators are required to “en- of human rights, especially those of the and other possible violations committed in He said that this contributed to the heavy toll facilities, for failing to lift a finger in the sure at all times the efficient operation and vulnerable and marginalized sectors of the implementation of the Radio-Frequentraffic along expressways in the past few days. wake of numerous complaints from motor- maintenance of the toll collection facility.” society.” cy Identification program.

Senator seeks review of concession deal with toll operators

Leni raised P71-m for typhoon victims

By Rio N. Araja THE Office of the Vice-President and its partner ‘Kaya Natin’ have been able to raise P71 million for typhoon victims.

Vice President Leni Robredo said they have shifted its focus on the rehabilitation of devastated communities starting Dec. 11 in Guinobatan, Albay.

She said the shelter program is called “BAHAYanihan” for typhoon-stricken residents whose houses were submerged in lahar brought by typhoon “Rolly” last month.

“Pinaparamdam natin sa mga permanently nawalan ng bahay na hindi sila papabayaan. Pero pangalawa na tingin ko as important, pinaparamdam natin

doon sa mga tutulong iyong sense of community na hindi lang inaasikaso iyong sarili pero nagsasakripisyo para sa iba,” she said in her weekly radio show.

“Mas ine-encourage sana natin iyong mga local government unit kung makahanap sila ng relocation site, iyon-iyong ipa-prioritize natin sa tulong... Hindi tayo makakapagawa ng mas permanenteng bahay kung danger zone iyong area. So hopefully by Christmas mayroon nang makalipat,” she added.

In addition, Robredo said they would focus on extending livelihood for fishermen whose boats were destroyed after the series of storms that battered Luzon in October and November.

FINANCIAL AID. The Division of City Schools-Manila extended assistance to the victims of the calamities in Cagayan and Isabela. It also extended financial assistance (P10,000) to a rescuer who was electrocuted in the middle of search and rescue operations

COLORED PEDESTRIAN. People cross a rainbow colored pedestrian lane along Roxas Blvd. in Malate Manila in support for the LGBT community this Sunday. Norman Cruz

‘KUMAIN’consultations on hunger held THE Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger has concluded a series of consultations from Nov. 26 to Dec. 4 with stakeholders in government and the private sector on the National Food Policy which aims to address the priority concerns of hunger and poverty.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, who heads the task force, said the five-part consultation “KUMAIN” series sought for inputs, comments, and suggestions on the government’s NFP which was launched last Oct. 16.

KUMAIN stands for the Kasapatan at Ugnayan ng Mamamayan sa Akmang Pagkain At Nutrisyon.

The consultation series was divided into five segments, which were all attended by development partners and international organizations including the World Bank, Japan International Cooperation

Agency, World Food Program, Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations Children’s Fund, World Health Organization, and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.

Representatives from the academe, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, religious organizations and LGUs also participated.

Nograles said the initiative is intended to address hunger and poverty, improve nutrition among Filipino families, ensure food security, and establish a sustainable system of local agriculture.

“We conducted the KUMAIN consultations thoroughly with as many partners as possible because we wanted a comprehensive and doable set of solutions. We also wanted all stakeholders to actively participate in enforcing the NFP based on their own inputs,” he said in a statement. PNA

Stop‘brain drain’ of telco experts—Poe

Resume PRC board exams soon

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

ILIGAN City Rep. Frederick Siao on Sunday called for the resumption of the Professional Regulation Commission board exams “soon” in a bid to prevent manpower supply disruptions and to get more people working to revive the economy.

“One year of suspended board exams is understandable and would have minimal impact on the supply of licensed professionals. However, two years of having no board exams would have adverse impact on the workforce, companies and the economy,” he said.

The PRC suspended the licensure examinations this year, saying it could be looking at resumption of the board exams

SENATOR Grace Poe on Sunday raised alarm on the need for initiatives to stem brain drain that deprives the Filipinos quality and efficient telecommunications services.

Poe, who chairs the public services committee, raised the matter as the panel prepares to convene for a public hearing on Dec. 7, Monday to tackle measures granting the application for franchises of several telecommunications companies in the country.

Poe noted that many households have complained that telcos service providers could not seem to find a steady fix for the internet and signal problems of their subscribers.

“It seemed they’re lacking for good people because the problems kept on coming back. that is also the problem here in our so-called brain drain,” she said.

She said OFWs are happy because their capacity and talent are being recognized in other countries but our country has been losing the “good ones.”

The senator exhorted local businesses to open up quality opportunities to Filipinos, so they would not be forced to work abroad.

“Importante sana na magdagdag ng sapat na trabaho dito sa atin. Magbukas pa sana ng pwesto, kasi kulang sila ng teknikal na tao. Kapag nagkakaroon ng bagyo, kapag nagkakaroon ng kung anumang aberya, hindi rin nila maasikaso agad,” she said.

By Rio N. Araja

in the second half of 2021.

“We have manpower shortages and oversupply. The shortages are what I am worried about. All those build-build-build and housing backlogs need engineers, architects, master plumbers, and master electricians. Two years of no board exams for those professions will be felt at workplaces everywhere,” Siao said.

“I think board exams can resume safely in modified general community quarantine areas and in more spacious locations so that up to two meters of physical distancing can be followed, along with the use of face masks, face shields and other precautions. Campuses of the state universities and colleges would be suited for having safe board exams,” he added.

Fix online system glitches, BoC urged

By Rio N. Araja

PBA party-list Rep. Jericho Nograles on Sunday said the Bureau of Customs must immediately fix its online system glitches with alternative processes to protect importers from unnecessary storage and demurrage fees.

Nograles, a committee on ways and means chairperson, said importers and the business sector at large should not be punished with additional storage and demurrage fees because of BoC’s online system failure.

This stemmed following a BoC announcement that its online services bogged down, thus preventing containers and shipments from being released on time.

“While the online system has sped up

the processes in Customs, we have received numerous complaints that when the system bogs down, the unscrupulous fixers begin their trade,” Nograles said.

“Those who complained that when the online system fails, some officials dangle the additional storage and demurrage fees as a reason to force importers to pay grease money to prioritize release of shipments,” he added.

Such incident should serve as a lesson for the BoC and encourage the bureau to create new alternative systems within the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, he said.

“I see back-up protocols are in order to stop the corrupt practices of some scalawags,” he said.

LGUs

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor lgu@manilastandard.net editor.lgustandard@gmail.com

A4

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

‘No politics behind raps filed vs. mayor’ MARIVELES, Bataan—Members of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) here said the administrative complaint they lodged at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) against Mayor Jocelyn Castaneda is far from being politically motivated.

In an official statement, the municipal council members said that while they belong to different political parties from Mayor Castaneda, they do not want politics “from the very start to get in their way in serving the people of Mariveles.”

“We took our oath to serve the people of Mariveles, not the political party,” they said.

Castaneda ran under the Aksyon Demokratiko party, defeating administration bet Ace Jello Concepcion of PDP-Laban -- the party of Vice Mayor Lito Rubia and the councilors who filed the complaint. The mayor has yet to react to the complaint filed last week.

The councilors said they took legal recourse to protect the integrity of the SB as well the municipality from illegal wrongdoings.

“Naniniwala po kami sa legal na proseso dahil kami po sa Sangguniang Bayan ay tinitiyak na lahat na ang aming hakbang ay naaayon sa local government code. Kaya idinulog po namin ang aming reklamo sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan dahil ito po ang naaayon sa legal na proseso,” they said. Butch Gunio

Pampanga cop nabbed for pushing shabu

By Jess Malabanan

ANGELES CITY—A neophyte cop who was on the radar of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for his alleged involvement in the illegal drugs trade was arrested during a sting at Barangay Malabanias here late Saturday evening.

PDEA3 director Christian Frivaldo identified the suspects as Patrolman Jerick Daro Franciso, 30, alias James, a member of the Philippine National Police detailed at Bataan Provincial Police Office Mobile Force; and Eileen Guinto Perez, 34, of San Antonio, Mexico, Pampanga.

Frivaldo said the suspect was arrested after he handed 10 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu to a poseur buyer during a meet-up along Don Jueco Avenue, Clark View here past 11 p.m.

Franciso, a native of Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan, is allegedly responsible for illegal drugs distribution in Mexico, Pampanga, and Angeles and Mabalacat cities, said Frivaldo.

“Patrolman Francisco has been on PDEA Pampanga’s radar since October 2020. His area of operation was Mexico, City of San Fernando, and Angeles City,” he said.

The entrapment yielded two heatsealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance suspected as “shabu” weighing about 10 grams with a Dangerous Drugs Board value of 68,000.

PDEA operatives also seized a cellular phone, marked money used in the bust, the Glock 9 mm service pistol of the suspect, PNP identification card, and one Yamaha Mio sporty.

HIGHLY URBANIZED CITY. President Rodrigo Duterte has proclaimed the City of San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan as a highly urbanized city, announced Saturday by City Rep. Florida “Rida” Robes (left), during the inauguration of the City of San Jose Del Monte Convention Center in Brgy. Sapang Palay. The President, through Proclamation No. 1057, declared ‘SJDM’ as a highly urbanized city subject to ratification in a plebiscite by qualified voters in the city. Manny Palmero

BARMM execs eye extension of term

By Nash B. Maulana

C

OTABATO CITY — Officials of the new autonomous regional government are seeking a term extension on the three-year transitional governing body, saying this was distinct from the office tenure of its presidential appointeeParliament members.

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, spokesperson of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), explained over the weekend that extending the lifespan of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) is being acted on in Congress, separately from the presidential appointments of 80 BTA Parliament members.

As this developed, Maguindanao Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu said he has filed House Bill 8117 to amend Repub-

lic Act 11054, the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which sets the election of BARMM officials three years after its ratification in February 2019.

Sinarimbo, also BARMM Minister of the Interior and Local Governments, said President Rodrigo Duterte saw the extension proposal being essentially reasonable and necessary, when presented by Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Al-Hadj Murad Ebrahim during their meeting last week.

He said it is the three-year transition period that is sought to be “extended” and not an election day, fixed by regular laws, that is being “postponed” in this case.

BTA is BARMM’s interim governing body during its first three years of developing and establishing an autonomous bureaucracy, concurrently with the national government in the framework of “intergovernmental relations (IGR) bodies,” Sinarimbo said.

The Mindanao People’s Caucus (MPC), a forum of peace advocates’ groups, has said the three-year transition should not be reckoned from 2019 when BARMM started operating, albeit on funds and programs drafted and partly implemented by its forerunner, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), prior to the ratification of RA 11054.

SOME 1,056 registered fisherfolk in Navotas have received cash and food subsidy from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

The city’s first batch of beneficiaries brought home P3,000 cash vouchers to be claimed at MLhuillier and P2,000 worth of food items, including 25 kilos of rice, two frozen chickens, and two trays of eggs.

“We are grateful to the Department of Agriculture and BFAR for extending help to our fisherfolk. Navotas is the first local government in Metro Manila to receive such assistance,” Mayor Toby Tiangco said.

Navotas logged 8,811 registered fisherfolk as of August 2020. Of this number, 7,291 qualified for the BFAR subsidy after the agency conducted crossmatching with other government assistance programs.

Qualified beneficiaries included fishing crew, fish vendors and traders, fish porters, fish farmers, and other fish workers.

BFAR also offered up to P25,000 in loans with no collateral and interest. A total of 577 Navoteño fisherfolk have applied for the program. Jun David

Samsung helps Marikina folk do their laundry HARIBON AWARD. Rotarian Dr. Jack Bautista (2nd from right) chairman of Sight Savings Committee 1996 to present, receiving in a simple ceremony the prestigious Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) Presidential Haribon Award for Excellence from RCM president Bobby Joseph (2nd from left) for establishing the Rotary Club of Manila Eye Center at the Hospital of Infant Jesus and the Ospital ng Tondo, in cooperation with the City of Manila. With them in photo are RCM Immediate Past President Jack Rodriquez and Vice President Thad Liamson.

OTOP products in Angeles 12-day Christmas sale

ANGELES CITY ---- The city government is holding 12 days Christmas sale for the city’s One Town, One Product (OTOP) products.

The event, dubbed “12.12. PasalOne Na Po: Angeles City One Town One Product 12-day Christmas Sale” runs from December 1 to 12.

Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel

said the initiative is in line with the city government’s “Gawang Angeleno” campaign promoting local OTOP products.

She said products up for sale include miniature ships from Adto Ship; metal plant stands by BG Metals; water bonsais of the JJBMS Blooming Greens; plant baskets from Cutud Weavers; recycled bags by Ellen’s Handbags; kitch-

en organizers from Flores Handicrafts; and bayong bags of Tamayuq.

Other items are painted home decorations made by Tabak’s Artworks; fashion accessories of K’s creations; wooden kitchenware from WoodCraft

by Madison; capiz home decorations from Chilona Fabrica; and hair accessories of Stitched by Raj. Butch Gunio

SM Foundation, Pasay City ink pact for tech-voc education TO COMPLEMENT the efforts of local governments to provide education for gainful employment, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. together with SM Foundation, Don Bosco One TVET Phils.

Inc and the City of Pasay launched the SM-Pasay Tech-voc Scholarship Program in line with the celebration of Pasay Day on December 2.

Present during the event were Pasay City Mayor Imelda G. CalixtoRubiano; Siegfred Ramon B. Mison, Senior Vice President for Special Projects of SM Prime; Eleanor Lansang, Assistant Vice President–Scholarship Program of SM Foundation; and Carlo Sigua, External Relations Officer of Don Bosco Technical Institute.

1,056 Navotas fishermen gain aid from BFAR

PASAY-SM PACT. Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano (left) chats with SM Prime SVP for Special Projects Siegfred Ramon Mison

before they meet with (inset, from left) Pasay City Public Information Office Head Eduardo Burgos Jr., Protocol Officer Adrian Martinez, SM Foundation AVP for Scholarship Program Eleanor Lansang; and Don Bosco External Relations Officer Carlo Sigua during the symbolic turnover of technical-vocational scholarship grants for Pasay City residents.

SAMSUNG Philippines has extended its help through free services to the residents of Marikina City affected by Typhoon “Ulysses.”

The typhoon, which made landfall on November 11, triggered massive flooding and heavy damage in many parts of Luzon, especially in Rizal Province, Marikina City, and Cagayan Valley.

Thirteen washing machines were deployed to offer free laundry services for families and residents at the Jesus Dela Peña Barangay Hall in Marikina City.

An entertainment system with smart television and a sound tower speaker was also installed to provide entertainment while they wait.

A product check-up booth was also set up to offer free evaluation and discounts for restorations on any Samsung appliances.

The campaign ran from November 19 to December 2, where Samsung was able to help over 1,000 residents, processed almost 7,000 kilograms of laundry, and performed over 70 free check-ups on different appliances.

“Our hearts go to those affected by Typhoon Ulysses. We, at Samsung, believe that this initiative coupled with our industry-leading technology can help families rebuild their lives,” says Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation President James Jung.

“We hope that we can contribute to their health and safety by giving them access to clean clothes and functioning appliances because Samsung cares, even after customers have purchased our products.”

Opinion Food

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

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EDITORIAL

LAST week, MECO and TECO signed a memorandum of understanding that would jumpstart a program for young Filipino farmers to learn more about farm management and agricultural technologies through an internship program where they study and work at the same time.

We thank Secretary William Dar and the Department of Agriculture for supporting this initiative under Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy. In the virtual meeting where topics on agricultural cooperation were discussed, including business-to-business inter-action, DA Usec Rodolfo Vicerra led the Philippine panel. The presentation’s of Filipino businessmen, particularly Mr. Toto Barcelona on Taiwan-Philippine farming cooperation assisted by MECO and TECO, and a novel urban vegetable farming using vertical agri-technology by Mr. Simon Villalon were the highlights of the B2B afternoon session.

In my opening statement during the conference at the Council of Agriculture office in Taipei, I noted that the “disruption that COVID-19 brought has distracted us from equally urgent tasks, among these, food sufficiency and food security.”

We hope that young Filipinos will discover not only that farming and fishing are profitable, but that they could also be challenging, exciting and “sexy.”

In truth, food will be the next problem, as agricultural productivity all over the world has likewise been disrupted by the over-arching concern over the pandemic.

Thus, food inflation would be a problem in many parts of the world next year.

In the Philippines, food prices have already spiked after we had been visited by several destructive typhoons one after the other. The African Swine Fever has also had deleterious effects of on our hog-raising industry. I keep my fingers crossed on the price of rice and meat next year as well.

All over the world, the agricultural sector is faced with several problems, and I enumerated some – the negative impact of climate change, the increasing demand for food to feed growing populations while in many countries farm productivity has remained stagnant, the lack of water to irrigate farms, and the lack of interest among young people to engage themselves in farm and fishery work.

The Taiwanese have taken good care of their agricultural sector, optimizing the use of scarce land resources by harnessing modern technology and continued research and innovation. It is this modernizing ethic that we hope young Filipinos can imbibe when they come to Taiwan for farm internship.

With the program that will be started by the MECO-TECO signed MOU, we hope that young Filipinos will discover not only that farming and fishing are profitable, but that they could also be challenging, exciting and “sexy.” *** Still on the topic of food, a lighter side is about the “fight” between Ukraine and Russia about “borscht” – that famous soup of beets and cabbage known worldwide. (My first taste of it was in a bistro near the Carnegie Center in Manhattan in the eighties,

and though it was quite an experience, my taste buds still favor the relatively similar Italian minestrone).

Ukrainian chef and Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School trained Ievgen Klopotenko decries the description worldwide of borscht as “a Russian soup”, and asked Ukraine’s culture ministry to submit an application to UNESCO classifying borscht as an intangible part of the country’s cultural heritage. *** Meanwhile, Korean netizens are bristling at China’s winning an ISO certification for Szechuan’s “pao chai” as an “international standard for the kimchi industry.”

“It’s total nonsense, what a thief stealing our culture”, a South Korean netizen wrote, triggering an avalanche of protests on social media.

Not having tasted Szechuan’s pickled vegetables, I asked around about pao chai, and found the Taiwanese version to be quite different from the Korean kimchi that most Filipinos are familiar with.

Ah, food! These trivia may be on the less serious side, but worry we should about forthcoming food shortages that could trigger water wars in many parts of the world. *** Next, expect China and Japan comparing their noodle dishes, the “ramen” versus the “mee”.

(Our familiar “mami” is actually an abbreviation of “mi” or noodles and “ma” or “bah” which is generic for meat).

Here in Taipei, there are different varieties of noodle shops, from a 50,000 NT$ per bowl (would you pay82,000 pesos for the “President’s beef noodle” concoction?) to the more plebeian but excellent clear-broth beef noodles that I frequent in the outskirts of pricey Xinyi district which costs 180 NT$ (about 300 pesos).

But one of the best ramen experiences here in Taipei is a hole-in-the-wall shop in an alley off Linsen St. in Zhongshan, which is hands-down better than the ramen chains with branches all over, even in Metro Manila. It is run by a middle-aged Yokohama native whose broth is simply divine!

Still, as far as noodles are concerned, my most unforgettable experience is at Honke Owariya, with a 500-year old history serving buckwheat soba in ancient Kyoto. The “rikyu soba” and a serving of prawn tempura on the side was so very, very good. *** During President Duterte’s first visit to Japan in 2017, a group of us savored shabu-shabu like no other in a restaurant owned by world-acclaimed Japanese film director Akira Kurosawa, and in the conversation, we talked about Filipino taste buds and the seeming lack of appreciation among young people about authentic native culinary delights.

“Corrupted by Western fast food influences ang taste buds ng mga kabataan,” the businesswoman wife of a Philippine ambassador rued as we dipped Matsuzaka beef slices in ponzu or ground sesame seed sauces. Indeed!

One of my must-try projects that I have not yet accomplished is a travel book about the best native and regional dishes, and where in our 7,000 islands we could savor these. Sadly, many have already closed shop, unable to withstand the competition from fast food outlets that have “killed” even the mom-and-pop restaurants and carinderias even in the provinces.

Still, I find myself fortunate to have been born after the war, and tasted native as well as Hispanicized and Sinicized Filipino cuisine that younger generations are no longer able to savor.

Kawawang kabataan!

Lessons of ‘friend leadership’

HISTORY does repeat itself. Stretched across 70 years, an organization of passionate young leaders, espousing a vision of “active citizenship,” find themselves once again in an almost analogous conundrum.

The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippines was born from the ashes of the Second World War, with its pioneering members undertaking the task of clearing Manila’s streets of the rubble left by the war. Their steadfast idealism was not easily dampened by long-out-drawn post-war reconstruction, but instead it fueled in them an even more passionate spirit for service.

More than 70 years after, the current leadership of JCI Philippines had to face the proverbial series of unfortunate events, as the nation continues to grapple with crisis after crisis - from the Taal volcano eruption to the coronavirus pandemic to the succession of typhoons and floods.

Pursuing leadership responsibilities in the face of such adversity must have been a daunting proposition—but not for the incumbent national president of JCI Philippines, Mark Joseph David.

Many are in fact proud to consider Mark as a friend, a mentor and a leader. He spent more than a quarter of his life being part of

the largest global network of young active citizens, pruning and priming his leadership skills as he ascended the leadership ladder of JCI Philippines.

One could say that for years Mark prepared for the highest national position in our organization, only for his plans to be frustrated as nature took its course.

Where others would have given up, Mark continued to steadily steer the organization during this time of crisis. He has proven himself not only as a leader in a time of need but as a leader indeed and in deed.

While several national programs could not be implemented this year, he focused the organization’s energies and resources for the widest mobilization of its disaster response program, Oplan Kaagapay, furthering support to communities affected not only by natural calamities but even those under quarantine measures due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Among many leadership models, such as “servant leadership” and “effective leadership” there is one that seldom gets the attention from theorists and practitioners – that is, the model of “friend leadership”.

Such is the leadership lesson that Mark will leave JCI Philippines with as he winds up his one year to lead this week.

“Friend leadership” is built upon the principle that leadership is first and foremost a relationship among people who together learn, own and fulfill a vision that they share and affirm.

A “friend leader” therefore attributes his capacity to lead to his own humanity—in his attentiveness, availability

Big name, strong message

T

HE social affairs minister of Indonesia, Juliari Baturaba, was arrested Sunday, for allegedly taking $1.2 million in bribes linked to food aid for those hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Agence France-Presse reports.

Baturaba became the subject of a sting operation where anti-corruption agents seized suitcases, backpacks and envelopes stuffed with cash. Two contractors supplying basic food packages to those affected by the pandemic supposedly gave 10,000 rupiah—$0.71 – for each package.

“That’s the people’s money... it’s aid urgently needed to help during COVID-19 and for the national economic recovery,” said President Joko Widodo, who vowed he would not protect corrupt officials.

If found guilty, the minister faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of one billion rupiah ($70,000).

Here at home, we remember how less than two months ago President Rodrigo Duterte announced a government-wide crackdown on corruption, even forming a “Mega Task Force” composed of repre-

sentatives from various agencies to look into allegations of corruption in government and file appropriate cases in court.

As is characteristic of him, Mr. Duterte had tough words for the corrupt in government, promising them that they would get what is due them. Of course they should be punished for enriching themselves at the expense of the taxpayers who finance the government and of the citizens who need help and services the most.

That they are doing so at a time of emergency and hardship aggravates the crime.

But this part is easy. Nobody will argue that the corrupt and the greedy should be punished. The difficult part is how exactly this would be accomplished in the current dynamics of this administration.

Justice Secretary Menardo

Guevarra has been tasked to head the team. He has promised that there would be no sacred cows in the sweeping investigation into all agencies of the government, even as they are supposed to do this in the middle of a pandemic and the consequent economic recession.

We wonder—how far has the task force gone in its job? Who are the people who would be charged with graft and corruption? How high up do the corrupt acts go and will these top officials be investigated or spared? Will there be no sacred cows, indeed, or will the fortunate ones be exonerated on the say-so of the powers-that be?

We’ve seen examples of gross incompetence, arrogance, entitlement and impunity among our government officials. We hope we can at least hear about a big name getting indicted for corruption. It’s about time we showed these criminals, masquerading as honorable public servants, something that would deter them: Shame, downfall, and the rest of their lives in jail.

Crises and corruption BEFORE the weekend, news broke out that the country’s government debt has reached P10.03 trillion and based on data from the Department of Budget Management is anticipated to hit a mind-blowing P10.16 trillion before the new year.

The Department of Finance assures us that these huge government loans will boost the needed cash supply to facilitate the implementation of response measures to fight COVID-19 and will be kept below 50 percent of the country’s economy.

According to World Bank senior economist Rong Qian, a 50-percent debt-to-GDP ratio may still be healthy, if the money is spent properly because eventually, the burden of paying for all these loans will be shouldered by the taxpayers. That is a big “If.” To ordinary Filipino consumers, that’s all of us who directly pay taxes and indirectly with the 12-percent expanded value added tax on everything we purchase, these giant anti-pandemic loans makes you ask some very valid questions: Why can’t the country’s biggest testing facility under the Philippine Red Cross be paid on time so that its services can go uninterrupted?

Why is our testing not aggressive enough so that we really have a grasp on who, where, and how many really have the COVID-19 virus? Most of the daily test reports are coming from the National Capital Region where the testing facilities are concentrated while very few tests are being made in other regions. Why? Why are 16,764 medical frontliners protesting because they are not being compensated?

The biggest job of government is to manage the disbursement of government funds for the maximum benefit of the people. That’s for the benefit of all our citizens, and not for a few, which brings

You can’t lead others if you can’t lead yourself. and ability to listen actively and with empathy. He is generous with his strengths but he is not shy about his limitations.

Therefore, he allows others to learn and be inspired from even his own shortcomings.

That is exactly what Mark did. He did not present himself as an all-knowing, tall and mighty leader as what others commonly do.

Instead, he proved himself to be a learneron-the-job, painstakingly analyzing the problems with the team rather than instantaneously conjuring solutions from his sleeve.

Those who worked alongside him saw and heard Mark express his frustrations, or even share his anxieties about the uncertainty that the crisis has brought not only to JCI Philippines but to society as whole. But when all things were considered, he took the first step of leading JCI Philippines to where in a mo-

us to the theme of corruption and how in these times of crisis is a serious risk.

Well, for the corrupt, it is an opportunity to steal big time.

The dimensions of this sad reality was expertly presented by Chairperson of International Anti-Corruption Conference Council and Former Chairperson of Transparency International Huguette Labelle during the fourth session of the Pilipinas Conference on “Opportunities Within the COVID-Crisis: Towards Transparent and

We must demand transparency and accountability.

Accountable Governance” by the Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute.

Labelle said, “We know too well how in crisis situations, the need to act promptly on several fronts is vital but can become multiple opportunities for corruption and loss of needed resources through all kinds of things, especially money laundering.”

She cited an interesting case in Mexico where an independent group had oversight powers over major government projects, auditing everything from the specifications until the final turn-over of the projects.

Tens of millions of dollars were saved by this program and as a result, the government gained more trust from the citizens.

Senior Global Advisor, Legal International Foundation for Electoral Systems Katherine Ellena presented the political dimensions and anti-corruption recommendations based on the findings of their paper on “Preventing Government Corruption in Crises.”

She said, “The pandemic has required a large amount of government spending and very rapid response to around $9 trillion globally. At the same time, there was a loss of transparency and accountability whether that was from emergency procurement proment of crisis it should be—on the frontlines.

Truly, you can’t lead others if you can’t lead yourself.

Service to humanity is not served by leadership in a moment of convenience, but it is rather shaped in a time of challenges. In his one year to lead, Mark inspired our members with an even more invigorated confidence in themselves, and instilled in our organization a renewed understanding of its role in the larger society.

As national president, Mark best exemplified what it means to be a true “friend leader” —with his altruism, honesty, trust, reciprocity and compassion.

Altruism. Like friendship, true leadership involves selflessness and concern for the well-being of others. In leading JCI Philippines, Mark was always willing to put the needs of others ahead of himself, looking out for members who might have been affected whether by the natural calamities or the COVID-19 pandemic. But more than that, he never failed to pay attention to the minutest needs of our members—ways wanting to bring the best in those he led.

Full version at www.manilastandard.net

cedures, interruption to access to information processes, various social distancing requirements and lockdowns.”

The paper explored four areas of corruption, covering the exploitation of procurement processes, the use of public relief funds for particularly political gain, the heightened risk of abuse of state resources as emergency periods end, and the opportunities for corruption within the judiciary when prosecuting corrupt officials.

Four very familiar scenarios.

On public procurement she illustrated a case in Slovenia where the government signed a deal worth around 80 million euro for masks and other equipment, but the majority of funds actually went to a casino gaming company that had no experience of supplying medical equipment.

And then on the contract officer side, obviously, the potential for kickbacks and conflicts of interest in the selection process.

Quite relevant is her point on the abuse of state resources for electoral advantage as governments handle large sums of relief and economic funds. For countries that have upcoming elections, like the Philippines, she rightly pointed out that voters will find it difficult to tell the difference between necessary spending or if it’s meant to influence their vote. Most of the time it’s the latter.

The anti-corruption advocates of the Pilipinas Conference were unanimous in calling on government to work with independent civil service organizations in a participative all of society strategy to effect deterrent measures to protect what is to date over P10 trillion in government loans that all of us will be burdened for many administrations.

We must demand transparency and accountability to assure our people that these borrowed resources, enough to fund more than two years of government spending, are not lost to the corrupt few.

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Pandemic sends hunger rising in America B EFORE the pandemic closed her middle school and US immigration agents deported her father to El Salvador, Kimberly Orellana did not fear going hungry.

But with her mother now alone and cleaning houses for pay that isn’t enough to reliably feed Orellana and her two younger sisters, the 14-yearold is left to trek to a nearby school for a handout of groceries organized by a non-profit.

“Everyone in our family eats. Sometimes we need a little bit of groceries to keep our fridge full,” Orellana said as she ran the errand north of Baltimore on a cold and rainy morning during a break from classes, which are now held online.

Increasing numbers of children are going hungry in the United States as it weathers the world’s worst coronavirus outbreak, which has killed around 280,000 people and caused a once-in-ageneration economic crisis.

Nearly 12 percent of adults said they lived in a household where there was not enough to eat “sometimes” or “often” last month, according to the Commerce Department.

Ten percent of mothers reported their children under the age of five went hungry to some degree in October and November, a Brookings Institution survey found.

Non-profit Feeding America estimates over 50 million people will be considered food insecure this year, including about one in four children, reversing gains made in recent years that had brought hunger among children to its lowest level in at least two decades.

“We feel pretty confident in saying food insecurity right now is the highest on record in the modern era,” Lauren Bauer, an economic studies fellow at Brookings, told AFP. The numbers are jarring for a country that has the world’s largest economy and is a major donor of food aid worldwide.

They have propelled a political tussle over President-elect Joe Biden’s choice

for agriculture secretary, who will be tasked with fighting hunger.

“Food and agriculture is about 20 percent of the US economy and 100 percent of people are eaters,” said Chloe Waterman, a program manager for advocacy group Friends of the Earth.

‘Quite disastrous’ The pandemic’s March arrival and the business shutdowns that followed brought soaring unemployment and a sharp contraction in economic growth.

President Donald Trump’s downplaying of the virus and US states’ uneven response set the stage for the ongoing surge in cases and deaths.

Schools also shut down, making it complicated for poorer children to get free meals provided there, and Bauer said runs on grocery stores created a shortage of basic goods that put lowincome parents further behind.

“The pressure on families to pay for some of those things that the public pro- Schools provide meals to poorer students, and their closure due to the pandemic as well as widespread unemployment has forced more and more families to rely on charities like the Baltimore Hunger Project. AFP vides was quite disastrous,” she said.

Congress responded by allowing states to give families whose children would normally get school meals benefit cards equal to their value, while PRESIDENT Donald Trump made clear tionwide, there were few masks in the in US history. many school districts also continued Saturday he had no intention of relin- crowd and many ignored social-distancHis stance has raised the question of providing food that students could eat quishing his baseless claims that last ing rules. how he will react when Biden’s January at home. month’s election was stolen from him, In a nearly two-hour speech Trump, 20 swearing-in date arrives.

But there are holes in this safety net, telling a raucous crowd at his first post- 74, declared he would not concede, at “The swing states that we’re all fightBauer said, particularly for parents who poll rally he would somehow still win. times sticking to his script but regularly ing over now, I won them all by a lot,” can’t get to where schools are distribIn a speech remarkable for its twist- going off-the-cuff for his more incendi- Trump said, falsely. uting their meals, perhaps because they ing of reality more than a month after ary claims.

“And I have to say, if I lost, I’d be a have jobs as essential workers. the November 3 election, the outgoing “We’re winning this election,” Trump very gracious loser. If I lost, I would say, There is also a gap for parents with president launched into another litany of told the rally, which was similar to his I lost, and I’d go to Florida and I’d take children too young to attend school -allegations that the polls won handily by many gatherings prior to the election, it easy and I’d go around and I’d say I the age at which poor nutrition can have Democrat Joe Biden were rigged. down to the soaring country song “God did a good job. But you can’t ever aclife-long consequences.

The crowd in Valdosta, Georgia for Bless the USA” played as he took the cept when they steal and rig and rob.”

And the government’s main program what was nominally a rally in support stage with First Lady Melania Trump.

- Huge stakes to provide needy families with food, the of two Republican Senate candidates “It’s rigged. It’s a fixed deal.”

Trump has barely left the White Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Profacing a hugely consequential runoff It was yet another example of Trump House since Biden was projected wingram (SNAP), doesn’t pay enough to election roared in support, at one point breaking democratic norms, engaging ner of the election on November 7, live off of, shifting the burden of surgchanting “fight for Trump.” in conspiracy-mongering and present- though he has made a number of trips to ing unemployment onto charities, WaEven with Covid-19 cases surging na- ing falsehoods in ways unprecedented his nearby golf course.AFP terman said. AFP

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 230, QUEZON CITY ARISTEO G. PUYAT, Plaintiff, -versusCASE NO. R-QZN-19-16891-CV

For: Specific Performance HOMERO TANPINCO, JR. & FEVI L. TANPINCO, Defendants. x-------------------------------------x

SUMMONS To:

HOMERO TANPINCO, JR AND FEVI L. TANPINCO Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A.

GREETINGS: You are required within fifteen (15) days after service of this summons upon to file with this Court and serve on the plaintiff your answer to the complaint, copy of which is attached, together with the annexes. You are reminded of the provision in the IBPOCA Memorandum on Policy Guidelines dated 12 March 2002, to observe restraint in filing a motion to dismiss and instead allege the grounds thereof as defenses in the answer. If you fail to file answer within the time fixed, the plaintiff will take judgment by default and may be granted the reliefs applied for in the complaint.

WITNESS my hand under the seal of the Court , this 1st October 2020.

(Sgd.) ATTY. GENELOU L. SAMPAGA Branch Clerk of Court

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 230, QUEZON CITY ARISTEO G. PUYAT, Plaintiff, -versus-

CIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-19-16891-CV For: SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE

HOMERO TANPINCO JR. AND FEVI L. TANPINCO, Defendants. x--------------------------------------x

ORDER On record is the plaintiff’s Motion for reconsideration, filed on 10 March 2020, seeking for the reconsideration of the Court’s Order, dated 6 February 2020.

On 10 March 2020 plaintiff filed a Motion for Reconsideration of the Court’s Order, dated 6 February 2020, denying his Motion for Leave to Serve Summons by Publication upon defendants Homero Tanpinco, Jr., and Fevi L. Tanpinco on the ground of the plaintiff’s failure to attach thereto the required supporting affidavit of the plaintiff.

Together with the said Motion for Reconsideration was an affidavit executed by plaintiff Aristeo G. Puyat.

With the submission of the required affidavit and finding the same to be well taken, the same is hereby admitted. The plaintiff’s Motion for Reconsideration is hereby GRANTED and the Order denying his motion for leave to serve summons by publication for resolution is hereby reconsidered and set aside.

Going now to the plaintiff’s Motion for Leave to Serve Summons

by Publication upon defendants Homero Tanpinco, Jr. and Feve L. Tanpinco.

In his Motion, plaintiff Puyat avers that defendants Homero Tanpinco, Jr. and Fevi L. Tanpinco do not reside and are not found in the Philippines. Their present exact whereabouts are unknown to the plaintiff and that the subject of the action is property located within the Philippines.

Summons is a writ by which the defendant is notified of the action brought against him. Service of such writ is the means by which the court acquires jurisdiction over his person. Section 14 Rule 14 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure provides: Section 14. Service upon defendant whose identity or whereabouts are unknown. – In any action where the defendant is designated as an unknown owner, or the like, or whenever his whereabouts are unknown and cannot be ascertained by diligent inquiry, service may, by leave of court, be effected upon him by publication in a newspaper of general circulation and in such places and for such time as the court may order. (16a) Perusal of the records would show, particularly the Complaint, Motion for Leave to Serve Summons as well as his affidavit that defendants Homero Tanpinco, Jr and Fevi L. Tanpinco do not reside and are not found in the Philippines, being residents of Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A. and their present exact whereabouts are unknown to plaintiff Puyat. That the defendants are the registered owners of two parcels of land both located at 31 Sct. Bayoran St., South Triangle, Quezon City, which are the subject of the action.

Applying the aforesaid rule, plaintiff’s Motion for Leave to Serve Summons by Publication upon defendants Homero Tanpinco, Jr., and Fevi L. Tanpinco is hereby GRANTED. Let Summons be issued upon defendants Homero Tanpinco, Jr. and Fevi L. Tanpinco and seved upon them by way of publication in a newspaper of general circulation once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks.

SO ORDERED. Quezon City, Philippines, 30 March 2020.

Cc:

(Sgd.) MARIA GILDA T. LOJA-PANGILINAN Presiding Judge

MAÑACOP LAW OFFICE ATTY. JOSE F. MAÑACOP Counsel for the Plaintiff Mission Garden Condominium 59 Scout Ybardoloza Street South Triangle, Quezon City

ARISTEO G. PUYAT REP BY: ATTORNEY-IN-FACT- POMPEYO PINEDA Plaintiff 31 Sct. Bayoran St., South Triangle, Quezon City (MStandard-Dec. 7, 14 & Dec. 21, 2020)

Trump shows no surrender in first post-election rally

Insect invaders threaten Rome’s iconic pine trees

Taliban peace will help in fighting IS— Afghan official A SUCCESSFUL peace process with the Taliban will allow the government to focus its resources on countering the Islamic State group and its attacks on soft targets, Afghanistan’s national security adviser said Saturday.

Afghanistan is grappling with a surge in violence that has worsened despite landmark peace talks with the Taliban which began in September in Qatar.

The Islamic State jihadist group has claimed a series of assaults on vulnerable targets, including a November attack on Kabul university which saw gunmen detonate grenades and spray automatic fire across the campus.

Hamdullah Mohib, Afghanistan’s national security adviser, said that although IS had been dislodged from the territory it controlled and its funding sources disrupted, the group maintained a “network of terror”.

“Of course those attacks by themselves are quite damaging, they bring a lot of fear to our people, and we are working very hard to prevent them from attacking our cities,” he told AFP. “We do face a lot of threats... so our resources are stretched,” he said on the sidelines of a security conference in Bahrain’s capital.

“One of the reasons we’re focused on this peace process with the Taliban is that if we were to achieve peace with the Taliban, our security forces will be able to divert their capabilities onto terrorist groups like Daesh (IS) and then we can contain them much easier.”

The Doha talks have made headway in recent days, setting out a code of conduct that will allow the process to move to the next stage of setting out the agenda for negotiations.

“It has been a long conflict, four decades -- to end that conflict there are, of course, a lot of grievances that need to be addressed,” Mohib said.

“Everyone’s tired. The demand of the Afghan people is to end this conflict, but there are a lot of differences,” he said. “But I think in good spirit, we will be able to achieve peace.” AFP

Protesters, surrounded by smoke of tear gas, clashed with police near the Paris Place de la Republique

Paris rocked by new protest against gov’t security law VIOLENCE erupted in Paris on Saturday for the second consecutive weekend at a mass protest against a new security law, with demonstrators clashing with police, vehicles set alight and shop windows smashed.

The weekly nationwide protests are becoming a major headache for President Emmanuel Macron’s government, with tensions intensified by the beating of a black music producer by police last month.

However, the numbers were less than half this Saturday with the nationwide figure at 52,350 against 133,000 a week earlier, the interior ministry said.

Around 5,000 people demonstrated in Paris against 46,000 last week, it added.

Members of the so-called yellow vests movement, which shook Macron with protests against a lack of equality in France over the winter of 20182019, were also prominent in the rally.

Windows of a supermarket, property agency and bank were broken while several cars were in flames along Avenue Gambetta as thousands of demonstrators marched towards the central Place de la Republique, AFP reporters said.

Objects were also thrown at police who responded by using tear gas, in a repeat of the violent scenes from the protests last weekend against the security law that would restrict publication of pictures showing the faces of police.

Some demonstrators used objects left in the streets to create impromptu barricades that they then set on fire. A bank was ranscaked by protesters who broke inside and brought out papers that they burned in the street.

Protesters, some letting off smoke bombs and firecrackers, shouted slogans including “Everyone hates the police”.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on Twitter that police in Paris were facing “very violent individuals”.

“The thugs are breaking down the Republic,” he said.

Sixty-four people were detained across the country, Darmanin said, adding that eight police were injured.

It was one of almost 100 protests planned throughout France against the new security law with thousands gathering in cities includling Montpellier, Marseille and Nantes, where two police were wounded by a Molotov cocktail.

French police had been deployed in force to avert trouble after the violent clashes erupted during the demonstration in Paris a week ago that saw dozens wounded.

Media freedom and human rights groups have led protests for weeks to have the government scrap or revise a bill that would restrict the filming of police, saying it would make it harder to prosecute cases of abuse. AFP

“If we do nothing, the pines of Rome will be destroyed by the thousands,” warned agronomist Franco Milito, who estimates there are around 60,000 such trees in the city’s public areas and another 30,000 on private land.

“And they are really the trees of Rome, which shape the views. We must look after them.”

The insects, originally from North America, can kill trees already weakened by the urban environment within just two or three years, experts told AFP. “It’s very serious,” said Patrizio Zucca, head of the association of agronomists in Rome. “Urgent action is needed.”

- Little vampire Toumeyella parvicornis, to give it its Latin name, is about three millimetres long, and its reddish-brown oval shell resembles a tortoise.

It was unknown in Italy until five years ago, but after ravaging the stone pines of Naples in the south, it has moved up the coast.

The insect operates like a little vampire, sucking with its syringe-like mouth the sap from both the tree’s needles and its bark.

It produces a sweet white excrement, on which thick black mould develops, covering the tree and blocking the process of photosynthesis.

- Massacre in Naples In Campania, the southern region that includes Naples, although many pines succumbed, others resisted.

“The scales act like agents of natural selection,” said Antonio Pietro Garonna, professor of entomology at Naples Federico II university.

He suspects that high temperatures, over 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), can cause them to disperse.

“If, with climate change, temperatures rise in the summer, the scales will suffer a lot,” he said.

But until then, “it’s a massacre”, laments Vincenzo Topa, an agronomist living in Posillipo, a coastal district of Naples.

The area once boasted a glorious park of 1,200 pines, opened in 1931 by the Fascist leader Benito Mussolini.

Business PSEi December 4, 2020

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

KEP SFIP AR OPM FRUIT ALCO AXLM HI SLF FPI

LAST PRICE 3.3 1.8 0.0011 0.011 1.66 0.71 3.74 4.2 2020 0.218

CHANGE 0.39 0.2 0.0001 0.001 0.13 0.05 0.26 0.28 131 0.014

% CHANGE 13.40% 12.50% 10.00% 10.00% 8.50% 7.58% 7.47% 7.14% 6.93% 6.86%

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

LFM ATNB ATN TECB2 BSC MED ACEX IPM ZHI MG

LAST PRICE 58.1 0.98 0.98 0.8 0.315 0.34 9.2 4.8 0.171 0.172

CHANGE -4.9 -0.07 -0.05 -0.04 -0.015 -0.015 -0.4 -0.2 -0.007 -0.007

% CHANGE -7.78% -6.67% -4.85% -4.76% -4.55% -4.23% -4.17% -4.00% -3.93% -3.91%

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

BDO SMPH ALI AC BPI MBT SM DITO SECB ICT

VOLUME 6,711,880 10,922,800 9,974,100 454,520 4,062,800 6,237,210 299,540 42,192,000 2,066,480 2,143,040

VALUE (PHP) 724,055,141.00 413,917,480.00 394,215,510.00 390,925,800.00 340,839,154.00 318,510,483.00 307,477,350.00 292,258,092.00 276,646,890.00 259,643,393.00

EU and Britain scrambling for breakthrough

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier, wearing a protective face mask, arrives at Brussels Midi station, December 5, 2020 after the last round of Brexit talks in London. With just a month until Britain’s post-Brexit future begins and trade talks with the European Union still deadlocked, the UK government has urged firms to prepare as it scrambles to finish essential infrastructure.

AFP

Analysts see stock market staying above 7,000 points

By Jenniffer B. Austria

T

RADING at the Philippine Stock Exchange is expected to stay above 7,000 points this shortened trading week on investor optimism following the latest developments on COVID-19 vaccine candidates.

Financial markets will be closed on Tuesday to commemorate the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

“The PSEi bouncing back strongly to the 7,000 territory communicates optimism over the 2021 recovery and the much stronger 2022 back to normal scenario,” 2TradeAsia.com said.

The brokerage company, however, cautioned investors to temper their optimism with vigilance as developments on vaccine and government’s stimulus programs would continue to weigh on the market.

The vaccines, although available soon, cannot not be deployed yet until the second half of next year. The late de-

Lasallian in the Time of Corona LET me be the first to say that after today, life will never be the same. I’m sure all of us would have wanted our ‘moment’ in the Philippine International Convention Center. I share what you feel. I would rather face all of you in person in PICC, yet here I am, broadcasting from a separate location, and like you, taking part in the united effort to stay apart. I, too, share in the anxiety most of you feel about the uncertainty of graduating in this way and at this time.

However, despite our current circumstances, we still have the privilege of celebrating our journey to this moment as graduates. For some, you may be the first to graduate in your family; for others, you may be another addition to a family with a long history of Lasallians.

But whatever your story may be, or in whatever way we hold these commencement exercises, we have now graduated.

For this, I send my warmest congratulations to each one of you because no effort toward finishing your degree, especially at this time, should go unnoticed.

Finishing my degree, however, is one experience that actually started from another degree, yet the step-backs, before I moved forward with my current degree, did not happen just once, but twice. In this case, I had to take two steps back to move forward.

Coming into De La Salle University as an accountancy student, I felt the pressure of maintaining the golden reputation that Lasallian accountants held high. For someone like me, who is not inherently gifted in that field, I had to invest so much in textbooks, columnar sheets, and reviewers just so that studying would be easier. I had to invest time and endure commuting in the morning, at times even being groped in LRT1, just to arrive before my 7:30 a.m. accounting class, commute back home to study after finishing other subjects until 6:00 p.m., and sometimes falling asleep in a packed jeepney. Despite all these trials that I had to endure, in my very first basic accounting course, when I was hoping for at least an 83 to pass, the first words from my professor during grade consultation day were ‘I’m sorry.’ Seeing my grade miss by a few decimal points―it was disheartening, for sure, because I had to retake the subject. I thought that, yeah,

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

I’m always up for round two, but not for that. I even had blockmates opting to shift out as early as then because they did not want to go through the pain and shame of retaking a course. Some were even egging me to do the same.

This was my first step backward.

When you ‘trip’ in the first round, it would definitely make you question yourself. Somehow, I was still convinced to push through. I took the nearmiss as a sign to change my study habits and to work harder, and because of that, I chose to retake the course.

After that first burn, I hustled harder.

This time, I attended all seminars our professor needed us to go to. Waking up way earlier than usual became a routine just so there would be extra time for me to prepare before my 7:30 a.m. classes.

I would even set the alarm for me to go home early, so reviewing at home would start earlier. I bought a new calculator and even upgraded my glasses’ prescription because my astigmatism had worsened from my having to read fine-print test papers. All these eventually led me to pass the subsequent courses, pass the qualifying examination in one take, and finally reach my modular courses. Yet, even with a promising performance, I found myself needing to retake some modular courses, and I even asked myself, “Should I have reviewed my tests thrice and not just… twice?” Well, for me, it was fine because my state of mind at that time felt that, oh, nothing’s wrong with retaking; I’ve done it before. That step back was nothing new to me. So, after retaking that modular course, everything seemed to be fine–until I saw my raw average and by the irony of things, I missed by a few decimal points once again. And because retaking the subject is permitted only once, my time in the program was over this time. That was as far as one could go. I did not know what to do because I had already spent two solid years in the program, and I couldn’t blame the rules. That was when it dawned on me that this was my second step backward.

It was hard for me to come to terms with the reality that the path I had chosen for myself did not come to fruition.

College felt like an environment wherein mere survival was encouraged. I also

livery could prompt the government to keep current quarantine restrictions in the country.

The inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee has projected deeper economic contraction in 2020 due to the effects of the pandemic.

It now expects the gross domestic product to contract by 8.5 percent to 9.5 percent this 2020, worse than the July estimate of 4.5 percent to 6.6 percent.

The DBCC expects the economy to recover in 2021, with GDP expanding 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent. The GDP in 2022 is expected to grow at a much faster rate of 8 percent to 10 percent.

Meanwhile, investors are anticipating another Monetary Board meeting this month. After a surprise rate cut in November, analysts said another 25-basispoint reduction in policy rates would boost business confidence and revive the domestic economy.

If another rate cut is implemented, analysts are expecting the market to further rally to the 7,300-to-7,500-point mark.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index last week surged 5 percent, or 343 points, to 7,134 on hopes the vaccine for coronavirus would be available in the country by next year.

All sectoral indices ended in the green

CECIL AUSTIN R. SAYAROT

Green LiGht fell into the trap of doing what others before me had done, applying to every degree program with no qualifying process just to survive and get through college. But I knew a mindset for surviving is one short term, but a mindset for living is one long term.

Surviving is merely overcoming a possible end, but living emphasizes life. And when you choose life, you choose to grow.

I chose to grow that day. Long-term growth was more important, and I didn’t want to simply survive college; I wanted to live it. This is why I chose to apply to the Applied Corporate Management program.

It was intriguing because back then, whenever there were students in class from that program, they were always participative in class and professional in demeanor. Giving the application process a try was important because part of me hoped to become like them. For me, it was empowering to be unapologetic about trying to become whole again. My friends asked if this would make me happy because I was shifting alone, and I was also risking getting delayed again.

But I told them that when you get used to rejection, you feel as if nothing can hurt you anymore. My step-backs up to that point had taken away some of my fears.

And I wouldn’t have had the courage to do something that crucial without the experience of having missed retention grades and of being shifted out.

I took a leap of faith despite my doubts about whether I was the competent, agile, high-caliber, and top-of-his-game ACM student the Management and Organization Department was looking for. This energy inside of me made me want to work thrice as hard to be even half as good as one, and I praise God because the Department never saw me as unaccomplished. I found a new home.

To be continued...

The author delivered this speech as the response on behalf of the graduates during the 188th Commencement Exercises of De La Salle University last November 7, 2020.

The views expressed above are those of the author’s. They do not necessarily reflect the position of De La Salle University, its faculty, and its administrators.

led by holding firms (+6.25 percent), property (+4.83 percent) and financials (+3.74 percent).

The average daily value traded dropped to P9.73 billion, while average net foreign selling eased to P590 million.

Meanwhile, investors pushed stock markets higher Friday with US equities ending at all-time highs as continued optimism over vaccines and signs of progress on new US stimulus offset worries about rising coronavirus cases.

All three major US stock indices finished at fresh records after European bourses also posted gains.

Oil prices also climbed to nine-month highs following the latest production agreement by petroleum exporters.

The rally on Wall Street came even following government data showing the jobs recovery stalled, as US employers added just 245,000 new jobs in November.

And though the unemployment rate dipped to 6.7 percent from 6.9 percent, the lowest since the pandemic struck, that was due to Americans leaving the workforce.

Noting that new COVID-19 cases are “raging” in the US, FHN Financial’s Chris Low warned that “job growth will be sluggish for the next three or four months, minimum.” With AFP

BRUSSELS, Belgium—British and EU negotiators embark on probably their final two-day scramble to secure a post-Brexit trade deal Sunday, after failing to reach agreement for eight months.

Michel Barnier and his UK counterpart David Frost will resume talks in Brussels where they broke off on Friday, calling a pause after a fruitless week of late-night wrangling in London.

“We will see if there is a way forward,” Barnier tweeted.

Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will reportedly lobby European leaders, after a call with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday ended with the sides still facing “significant differences” on the key issues.

The pair’s next call will be on Monday evening and then the 27 EU leaders will gather in Brussels on Thursday for a two-day summit planned to tackle their own budget dispute, but which will now once again be clouded

by Brexit worries.

Johnson and von der Leyen’s issued a downbeat joint statement after their call.

“Whilst recognizing the seriousness of these differences, we agreed that a further effort should be undertaken by our negotiating teams to assess whether they can be resolved,” they said.

While much has been agreed, the sides cannot close out the thorniest debates over fishing rights, fair trade rules and an enforcement mechanism to govern any deal.

Britain formally left the EU in January, nearly four years after a referendum on membership that split the nation down the middle and two months after Johnson won an election touting what he claimed was an “oven ready” Brexit deal.

The UK is bound to the EU’s tarifffree single market until a post-Brexit transition period expires the end of the year—an immovable deadline by which time the two sides must try to agree on the exact nature of their future relationship.

“Anything is possible. The three open issues are linked by Britain’s intent to keep sovereignty a priority and Europe’s fear of UK freeloading,” a source with close knowledge of the talks told AFP. AFP

Indonesia turns to thrash-tracking satellites to address marine waste

This picture taken on October 20, 2020 shows elderly people collecting recycled plastic cups on a boat near Teluk Naga, Tangerang, Banten province. Scientists are turning to satellite technology to trace this mountain of waste and figure out how the world’s second-biggest marine waste contributor—second only to China—can tackle the mess. AFP

By Lucie Godeau JAKARTA—Every year, pounding rains wash away mountains of plastic waste from the streets of Jakarta, with some of it ending up as far away as Bali’s beaches. So scientists are turning to satellites to trace the rubbish and figure out how to tackle the problem.

Indonesia allows more waste to enter the ocean than any other country apart from China.

The archipelago of nearly 270 million people dumps a whopping 620,000 tons of plastic into its waterways annually, a figure the government says it wants to cut by two-thirds over the next five years.

Scientists hope following the waste’s movement will help them understand the full extent of the problem and decide how best to collect it based on seasonal, wind and water current patterns.

The World Bank-backed project is a collaboration between a team from Indonesia’s maritime affairs ministry and CLS, a subsidiary of France’s space agency.

It is an indication of the issue’s global importance—today, there is an estimated 150 million tons of plastic circulating in the world’s oceans, with more being dumped every minute, according to US-based Ocean Conservancy.

‘Still in the ocean’ Since February, the team have deployed satellite beacons at the mouths of rivers around Jakarta, Bandung in Central Java and Palembang on Sumatra island.

“Today we’re launching GPS beacons to learn how the plastic debris gets into the sea,” says CLS tracking manager Ery Ragaputra, as he tosses a yellow device wrapped in a waterproof cover into the Cisadane river, which empties into the Java Sea near Jakarta.

“These trackers will follow where the trash gathers and where it lands.”

Data collected by the beacons, which have a one-year battery life, are transmitted hourly to a satellite that pings the information to CLS headquarters in France, and then back to screens at Indonesia’s maritime affairs ministry. AFP

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

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

Business

PSE INDEX

Friday, Dece,ber 4, 2020

-59.57 PTS. 7,134.56

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

12,607,429,136 144,024 8,474,921,633.33 121 103 49

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.0460

Japan

Yen

0.009631

0.4627

UK

Pound

1.345600

64.6507

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129017

6.1988

Switzerland

Franc

1.122460

53.9297

Canada

Dollar

0.777605

37.3608

Singapore

Dollar

0.749738

36.0219

Australia

Dollar

0.743800

35.7366

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652238

127.4294

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266610

12.8095

Brunei

Dollar

0.746938

35.8874

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000071

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.033135

1.5920

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.0816

Euro

Euro

1.214400

58.3471

Korea

Won

0.000916

0.0440

China

Yuan

0.152863

7.3445

India

Rupee

0.013539

0.6505

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.245519

11.7962

New Zealand

Dollar

0.707300

33.9829

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035196

1.6910 Source: BSP

DITO starts initial video, phone call tests—Uy

By Darwin G. Amojelar DITO Telecommunity Corp., a joint venture of businessman Dennis Uy and China Telecom Corp., said over the weekend it started the first wave of friendly user test program in preparation for the launch of its services

by March 2021.

“We wish to confirm that we have now in fact expanded our friendly user test for our employees and selected partners only for the first wave,” DITO chief administrative officer Adel Tamano said.

“This program has been in place in controlled environments since March of this year when DITO made its first phone and video calls two months ahead of schedule that signified that the core network is in place and has since expanded when the series of 5G phone and video calls were made last October 2020,” he said.

Tamano said the friendly user test, as mandated in its certificate of public convenience and necessity, was running in selected areas of the National Capital Region, the Visayas and Mindanao.

“We have been receiving requests from people very much interested to be part of the test. However, in as much as we are excited to make the much-awaited DITO service available to everyone, the qualified participants of the first wave of the test have long been preselected based on a number of criteria and are now tasked to run the network through its paces,” he said.

“We in DITO know fully well that during this period, there will still be issues that need to be fixed and adjustments to be made. With this exercise, we hope to ensure that come March 2021, we will be as close as we can to make real our commitment of providing world-class connectivity that Filipinos truly deserve,” Tamano said.

DITO completed the construction of 1,532 base stations as of Oct. 2, which the company said was more than enough to satisfy the minimum 37-percent population coverage that the company needed to meet for technical audit by January.

DITO was expecting to complete more than 2,000 base stations by end2020.

The company spent over P150 billion for the initial rollout of its infrastructure and other operating expenses as part of its commitment to invest P250 billion over a five-year period to achieve 55 mbps of internet speed, covering 84 percent of the population.

THE bank secrecy laws and the lack of power of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to supervise parent companies and their affiliate banks continue to present a hindrance to its effective supervision of financial institutions, according to a report by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

But the Bangko Sentral received affirmative assessment following the publication of the Detailed Assessment

Ayala backs digitized business operations

THE Ayala Group sees a huge opportunity in digitizing its businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic, its top executive said in a recent forum.

“We realized that there were tremendous number of products and services that we’re going to have to ride obviously on a digital infrastructure,” Ayala Corp. chairman and chief executive Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala said during the online Pilipinas Conference organized by Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute.

“When the pandemic hit, there was absolutely no choice. Customers, if you’re focused on them, were thinking about keeping themselves safe and were accessing services and products in completely different ways.

That transformation just moved up to a whole other degree,” he said.

Zobel de Ayala said it was unheard of before in the real estate sector that companies could close a sale without the customer actually visiting the lot and actually signing any physical paper.

“We are now able to close a transaction on a piece of property, looking at it visually, exchanging notes virtually, and then signing documents electronically. This whole cycle can be done without someone visiting a site and has been an extraordinary transformation in what has been traditionally a brickand-mortar oriented company,” said Zobel de Ayala. Darwin G. Amojelar

SEC warns public vs. 2 investment firms

PH-HUNGARY TIES. The second session of the Philippine-Hungarian Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation takes place in Makati City. The Philippine delegation was headed by Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo, while the Hungarian delegation was led by István Joó, Deputy State Secretary for Export Development of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary. The bilateral relations have improved largely since the reopening of the Embassy of Hungary in Manila. Both sides agreed to hold the third session of in Budapest.

DTI jacks up safeguard duty on imported cement by 8.8%

By Othel V. Campos

T

HE Department of Trade and Industry said over the weekend it raised the general safeguard duty on imported cement by 8.8 percent over a 12-month period ending Oct. 21, 2021 to protect the local industry from cheap imports amid the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Department Administrative Order No. 20-08 amended DAO 19-13 to impose a safeguard duty of P9.80 per 40-kilogram bag of imported cement, instead of the scheduled rate of P9 per bag in the second year of the three-year tariff protection given to the local industry.

The safeguard duty on cement was supposed to drop from P10 per bag in the first year of the implementation of the safeguard duty to P9 in the second year beginning Oct. 22, 2020 and P8 per bag in the third year. The Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines sought a postponement of the

reduction in the tariff rate on reports of higher shipment of imports in the second half of 2020 to the prejudice of the local industry.

“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 per 40-kg bag as the shares of imports in the Philippine market significantly increased, resulting in domestic

industry’s increased inventory, reduced capacity utilization and incurred decline in profitability,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said in his latest order.

“The pandemic aggravated the overall operation of the cement industry for the first half of 2020 which resulted in 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,” Lopez said.

“Wherefore, in view of the foregoing, and pursuant to Section 13 of Republic 8800, for the second year of the threeyear implementing period, a definitive safeguard duty shall be imposed on imported cement from various countries amounting to P245/MT or P9.80 per 40-kg bag covering the period Oct. 22, 2020 to Oct 21, 2021,” he said.

DONATION TO FRONT-LINERS.

GermanLanguage. ph Llc, the German language school based in the Philippines, and Landbase Human Resources Company, donate face masks, face shields, eco bags and food packs and other paraphernalia to the front-liners of Region I Medical Center in Dagupan City, Pangasinan in a project dubbed ‘Charity Donation to Frontliners’. This is the second mission conducted by the German language school.

Meralco rates likely lower in December on sluggish demand

By Alena Mae S. Flores POWER rates in the franchise area of Manila Electric Co. may decrease in December because of lower demand caused by the typhoons last month, an executive said over the weekend.

“Initial data suggests slightly lower generation costs for December due to a decrease in demand,” Meralco vice president Joe Zaldarriaga said. A large swathe of Luzon experienced blackout after a series of typhoons toppled power lines and caused flooding in November.

Zaldarriaga said Typhoons Quinta, Rolly and Ulysses induced transmission lines and several large plants to go on forced outage which led to prices at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market

reaching P20 per kilowatt-hour and P22/ kWh on Oct. 27 and 28, respectively.

The WESM serves as the country’s trading floor of electricity. Meralco secures its power from the WESM, independent producers and supply agreements.

The Energy Regulatory Commission suspended the operations of WESM from Nov. 12 to 13 because of Typhoon Ulysses.

Zaldarriaga said with the market suspension, WESM prices were not be affected by the increase in plant outages also due to the typhoons.

He said demand from the Luzon Grid in November decreased because of the weather disturbances. November peak demand dropped to 9,886 megawatts

from October’s peak demand of 10,344 MW. “In sum, the effect of more plant outages seems to be offset by a decrease in demand, so generation costs appear on a downward trajectory,” Zaldarriaga said.

He said the overall power rate decrease since the start of 2020 was still more than P1 per kWh. “We still expect the power rates this year to be significantly lower than that of the previous year, especially given the projected flattish or even lower rate movement in December,” Zaldarriaga said.

Meralco said rates went down by P0.0395 per kWh in November to P8.5105 per kWh from P8.55 per kWh in October.

Bangko Sentral receives positive assessment on 27 out of 29 Basel core principles

By Julito G. Rada

IN BRIEF

Report on the Observance of the Basel Core Principles or Effective Banking Supervision, except for some legislative gaps.

“This is an encouraging news amid the pandemic,” BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said over the weekend.

The BCP assessment is a core component of the joint IMF and World Bank Financial Sector Assessment Program mission to the Philippines conducted from June 2019 to October 2020.

The IMF and World Bank mission

team lauded the BSP for the reasonably good compliance with the BCPs. As a result, the BSP is rated either “compliant” or “largely compliant” in 27 core principles and “materially non-compliant” in two CPs. The two remaining MNCs are mainly due to identified legislative gaps. This is a significant improvement in terms of enhancing the regulatory framework and supervisory approach of the BSP compared to the 2002 full FSAP assessment where 11 MNCs and one non-

compliant ratings were noted.

“The BSP’s regulatory framework is broadly effective for the size and complexity of the Philippine banking system, but legislative gaps continue to hinder effective supervision of banks,” the report said.

It said the BSP has a well-resourced, experienced and highly-committed staffing complement, but there was an ongoing need to develop and maintain adequate expertise in certain complex areas such as risk modeling.

THE Securities and Exchange Commission issued an advisory over the weekend to warn the public against investing in Extremebot Corp. and Greenlift Wellness Products Trading which were not reportedly authorized to sell investment contracts.

The SEC said in an advisory posted on its website while Extrembot was registered as a company primarily engaged in online and retail selling of beauty products, it was not authorized to solicit investments and had not secured license to sell securities from the SEC as required by the Securities Regulation Code.

Extremebot is reportedly offering investments to the public in the guise of membership fee ranging from P135 to P160. Members can earn through various ways including direct and indirect referral.

The SEC said Greenlift was also enticing the public to invest their money in the company with the promise of monetary rewards or profits. It said Greenlift was not a registered corporation although it was issued a certificate of business name by the Department of Trade and Industry.

Jenniffer B. Austria

JDVC, Lao to engage in magnetite mining

JDVC Resources Corp. teamed up with food entrepreneur Frank Lao of the Choi Garden Restaurant group for the country’s first offshore magnetite iron mining project in Cagayan.

JDVC is a majority-owned subsidiary of listed company Apollo Global Capital Ltd. while Lao owns Gloria Maris in Greenhills, San Juan.

Lao confirmed the joint venture for the magnetite mining project, which involves an estimated 512 million metric tons and mining life of 47 years. The project is expected to start in January.

Under a mine consortium agreement with JDVC, Lao acquired two deep-sea mining vessels with a net capacity of 10,000 tons per day.

“Building an offshore boat will cost around $20 million,” Lao said when asked for comment over the weekend.

The ships are expected to arrive in January, joining another vessel already deployed

by JDVC. Alena Mae S. Flores

SN Aboitiz inclined to construct 67-MW floating solar plant SN ABOITIZ Power Corp. is mulling over the construction of a 67-megawatt floating solar power project after the pilot 200-kilowatt facility over the Magat reservoir in Isabela province showed positive results.

“The pilot project and the initial prefeasibility study conducted by SNAP on the floating solar have shown positive results. We are now conducting a feasibility study to validate the initial results and confirm the viability of a commercial-scale project which may have a capacity of 67 MW or higher to be placed also on the Magat reservoir,” SNAP president and chief executive Joseph Yu said.

SNAP, a joint venture of SN Power of Norway and Aboitiz Power Corp., switched on the pilot project in June last year. It was the first non-hydro renewable project of SNAP, which was also looking at other renewables and complementary technologies to expand its portfolio.

“The FS phase is expected to run for about 10 to 12 months. We have no firm numbers yet on costs that we can disclose at this stage,” Yu said.

SNAP invested nearly P24 million in the floating solar facility on a 2,500-square meter area over the Magat reservoir.

The project supplies most of the internal household load of the Magat facility such as the control room, lights and air-conditioning.

The circular floating solar installation—whose design was inspired by the Amazon water lily—is made up of 720 solar panels held in place by four mooring systems.

SNAP tapped Ocean Sun, a Norwegian floating solar technology provider, for the pilot project.

Yu earlier said SNAP might also look at other locations for the floating solar project because “it is a good, fast, economical and sustainable way to bring capacity on.”

Alena Mae S. Flores

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

Kobe, Hubert Davis inspire Duke player

Errol Spence (right) connects with a right hand straight to the chest of Danny Garcia during their WBC & IBF World Welterweight Championship fight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. AFP

Spectators boo Millwall booters who take knee LONDON, United Kingdom – Fans of English Championship club Millwall booed as players took a knee in support of the fight against racial injustice on Saturday (Sunday Philippine time).

In footage seen on social media, booing from the stands at the London-based club is heard after referee Darren England blew his whistle for the players to make the gesture.

Players at Premier League and English Football League games have been taking a knee since football restarted in June following the coronavirus shutdown.

Only 2,000 spectators were allowed inside the ground for Saturday’s second-tier match between Millwall and Derby due to Covid-19 restrictions.

“Today’s game, to me now, has become irrelevant,” Millwall defender Mahlon Romeo told the South London Press. “The fans have been let back in, which the whole team was looking forward to, but in society there is a problem – and that problem is racism.

“The fans who have been let in today have personally disrespected not just me but the football club. And what the football club and the community stand for. What they’ve done is booed and condemned a peaceful gesture which was put in place to highlight, combat and stop any discriminatory behaviour and racism.”

Fans of Millwall, who in the past gained a reputation for violence, revel in their unpopularity.

Former Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney is in temporary charge of Derby and expressed his shock at the incident.

“Obviously I heard it and I was very surprised,” said Rooney. “It’s a sad thing to happen. All I can say is everyone at Derby County Football Club has fully backed taking a knee.

We’ll continue to do so.”

‘Purely about tackling discrimination’ Ahead of the game, the topic of players taking a knee was discussed on Millwall’s fans forum and the first-team squad said in a statement on the club’s website that they supported efforts to end discrimination. AFP

Unbeaten Spence returns from crash, defeats Garcia W ASHINGTON, United States—Errol Spence overpowered challenger Danny Garcia in his first fight since surviving a near-fatal rollover car accident to retain his World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation welterweight titles on Saturday (Sunday Philippine time).

The 30-year-old Spence put on a virtuoso performance winning almost every round in a 147-pound homecoming fight at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

The undefeated Spence, who suffered serious injuries after being thrown from his car in the drunk-driving smash, won by a unanimous decision proving he is still the same boxer as before the accident in October 2019.

“The moment is surreal especially coming back from my accident year ago,” Spence said. “Be patient with me. This was a comeback fight for me and I had to shake off some cobwebs.”

After the fighters felt each other out during the first few rounds, Spence seized control in the middle rounds to win on all

three scorecards by scores of 116-112, 116-112 and 117-111.

Spence improved to 27-0 with 21 knockouts while Garcia fell to 36-3, with 21 KOs. Spence, a southpaw, monopolized Garcia with his jab and relentless pressure, not allowing the challenger to make use of his pre-fight game plan.

“He was breaking him down and taking the fight out of him. His jab is the key to everything,” said Spence’s trainer Derrick James.

Garcia had one of his best rounds in the second. They got into a heated exchange at the end of the round when Garcia hit Spence after the bell.

Spence hurt Garcia with a couple of

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punches in the third and by the fourth he was controlling the tempo.

“In training camp I knew I was going to be good. I am back,” said Spence.

The 32-year-old Garcia had been hoping to carry some momentum over from his previous two straight wins and become champion again for the first time since 2017.

“He was just a better man tonight. No excuses,” said Garcia. “I fought a hard, tough fight. He had a good jab and that was the key to the fight.”

Garcia, a counter-puncher, was too conservative to do any serious damage.

He spent the majority of fight on the defensive, blocking combinations and stepping sideways to avoid any huge shots.

By the eighth round Garcia was retreating to the ropes desperately trying to land any punches while Spence just kept up the attack.

Garcia’s corner told him to go for the big punch but he seemed preoccupied with trying to just stay on his feet and preserve his record of never having been knocked down in his career. AFP

GILAS women’s prospect Vanessa de Jesus draws inspiration from the games of National Basketball Association stars Kobe Bryant and Hubert Davis.

Their games during their time in the NBA has inspired how she plays for the Duke University Blue Devils.

The 18-year-old de Jesus said this after the Blue Devils pulled off a 72-47 victory over East Carolina triumph on Saturday at the Cameron Indoor Stadium.

“Hubert Davis is a guard and he’s got amazing passing skills. And he’s someone I really look up to. And then, there’s Kobe Bryant. It’s his mentality as a player. It’s something I’ve never seen in a player. He inspires me to keep my love for basketball,” said de Jesus.

In the Blue Devils’ third straight triumph, de Jesus struck with seven points, two rebounds and four assists.

This time, Miela Goodchild towed four Duke players in double figures, coming away with six three-point field goals while knocking down eight of 12 from the field for a game-high 24 points.

Jaida Patrick had 11, while teammates Mikayla Boykin and Jade Williams had 10 apiece.

The Pirates fell behind to 1-3.

Duke shot exceptionally well,and made 27 of 54 attempts from the field. This made up for 23 turnovers.

The Blue Devils opened the game on a 15-0 run over the first 5:42 of the contest. They limited ECU to four points on 2-of-15 shooting (13.3 percent) in the first quarter.

“I thought it was a solid win for us in some respects.

Clearly the first half was a high level for us on offense and defense,” said Blue coach Kara Lawson in a statement.

Peter Atencio

Can Pringle take Barangay Ginebra all the way to the top?

By Reuel Vidal

Barangay Ginebra guard Stanley Pringle glides to the hoop between two TNT Tropang Giga defenders Poy Erram (7) and Bobby Ray Parks. PBA

HOW far Barangay Ginebra goes in the 2020 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup Finals against the TNT Tropang Giga will be determined by how far Stanley Pringle can take them.

Just like Justin Brownlee, who led the Gin Kings to four PBA crowns, it will be up to Pringle to lift Ginebra to its first PBA Philippine Cup title in 13 years. The last time Ginebra won the Philippine Cup was during the 2006-2007 PBA season.

TNT is well aware that to beat Ginebra, they will have to shut down or at least limit the production of Pringle whose production is like night and day between Ginebra’s two wins and its loss in the Finals.

In Game 3 won by TNT Pringle was held to just 11 points. He also had four rebounds, two assists and two steals.

This is in sharp contrast to his earlier games won by Ginebra.

Pringle was spectacular in his team’s Game 2 victory when he had 34 points, 8 assists, six rebound and one steal. He was equally productive in Game 1 when he had

24 points, 7 assists, 7 rebounds and 2 steals.

TNT relied on their scrambling defense to contain Ginebra. The Gin Kings were limited to just 67 points in Game 3 after averaging 96 points in the Games 1 and 2. And Pringle had the biggest drop off.

TNT’s Simon Enciso was assigned to Pringle almost all game long. He stuck close to Pringle and when Enciso was brushed off by screens a teammate was quick to pick up Pringle if he dribbled the ball or close out if he took a shot.

The Tropang Giga did not just clamp down on Pringle they also forced Ginebra to commit 23 turnovers which were converted to 17 points.

Finally, TNT relied almost exclusively on just triples and drives or post ups on their offense. The Tropang Giga scored 39 points (converting 13 of 43 triple attempts) from three pointers compared to just 18 points (6 of 18) by Ginebra.

TNT shot poorly from three-point distance but they had so many attempts it more than made up for the poor percentage.

Ginebra and TNT were playing Game 4 of the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup Finals as we went to press.

Fil-Am Clarkson signs four-year contract with Utah

By Peter Atencio FIL-AMERICAN Jordan Clarkson’s deep relationship with members of the Utah Jazz has allowed him to stay on with the team.

The 28-year-old Clarkson, who re-signed with the Jazz for a four-year contract, said this after meeting with the squad early last week.

The deal, which is a $51.52-million contract, will have Clarkson seeing action for the Jazz in the National Basketball Association for the next four years.

“We got each other’s back. So, when you have a group of guys who are together tight, it’s a formula to win,” said the 6’5” Clarkson, who plays for the Gilas Pilipinas national

men’s basketball team when called to do so.

Clarkson, who was traded by the Cleveland Cavaliers for Dante Exum in 2019, talked about his recent decision to suit up for the Jazz during a web conference interview provided by NBA Philippines.

The Tampa, Florida-born Clarkson is set to have an annual average salary of $12,880,000 with the Jazz after leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Members of the Jazz have easily formed a bond with him around, according to Clarkson.

Teammates like Royce O’Neal, Andy Gobert and Joe Ingles have grown closer in the days after he came aboard.

“We’ve grown tight. And this makes a lot of things easier on the court,” said Clarkson, who initially joined the Jazz in 2019.

Clarkson averaged 15.6 points on 46.2 percent shooting last season with the Jazz.

The Jazz is expected to be competitive in the coming season, with the addition of big man Derrick Favors and with a healthy Bojan Bogdanovic returning to action as well.

“We know we’re going to have to face adversity this year, just the stuff that’s going to happen throughout the year. But with this team at full strength, I think we can really make some noise,” said Clarkson.

Clarkson last saw action for Gilas in the 2018 Asian Games.

Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) drives strong to the hoop against a Detroit Pistons defender in this file photo of the two teams’ March 7, 2020 game at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. AFP

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Sports

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

Fans kept PBA going, says Marcial

By Arman Carandang ONE big reason why the Philippine Basketball Association can’t seem to cancel the Season 45 totally during the pandemic are the fans, the lifeblood of the league.

And there’s no reason, too, why the league can’t hold even just one conference, knowing full well that there’s already a model after which the league can pattern its own plan to hold a tournament in the so-called ‘bubble.’

And so, through an elaborately planned ‘bubble,’ the pro-league launched the Philippine Cup in Angeles City, Pampanga in an audacious attempt to bring hope and joy to millions of fans during pandemic.

And look! the league is nearing to complete the Philippine Cup, with the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings and the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Giga figuring in exciting battle in the best-of-7 series which is expected to reach to at least Game 5 after the latter stopped the former in Game 3.

“Itong bubble, itong hirap ng mga players, coaches at ng PBA family, ay para sa mga fans talaga, para mabigyan natin ng konting pag-asa at konting saya,” said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial as he paid tribute to the fans who continue to support the pro league through thick and thin.

The concept bubble is simple.

As long as all the players, coaches and team/league personnel could be herded under one location, where they are tested every now and then to assure none has been infected with the dreaded virus, there is an excellent promise of health and safety for all involved.

That worked in the NBA, and probably in the PBA as well, with the success of the Philippine Cup just around the corner.

Sports, leagues, and all forms of entertainment have been put on hold since the World Health Organization’s declaration of a pandemic, the domino effect of which saw countries of the world implementing lockdowns in their territories. AFP

HAVING CHEATED DEATH

Grosjean gets behind wheel of car again

M

ANAMA—Romain Grosjean sat in a Haas Formula One car again on Saturday for the first time since escaping from a fiery crash with just burns to his hands during the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Just six days after the 34-yearold Frenchman extricated himself from the blaze that engulfed him on the opening lap of last Sunday’s race, he was back in the paddock again.

He later posted a photo of himself in his car on social media, adding the message: “Not my usual racing gloves on, but sitting back in @ haasfeteam felt really good. I was so happy.”

Grosjean’s car split in half in a 245 kph impact with the barriers in one of the most dramatic incidents in the recent history of Formula One. The guardrail ruptured in the crash and left him trapped in the front half of his wrecked car while the rear half broke away and stopped close by.

He has said he “saw death too closely” in the crash, telling AFP in an interview on Wednesday: “I

thought: ‘It can’t end like this, not now’. I tried to get out again, but I couldn’t, so I sat down and I saw death, not close up, but from too close ... It’s a feeling that I wish on no-one.”

The drivers are competing in Bahrain for the second week in a row with the Sakhir Grand Prix to take place in the kingdom on Sunday.

Valtteri Bottas pipped stand-in Mercedes team-mate George Russell to take pole position with already-crowned world champion Lewis Hamilton sitting out the race after testing positive for Covid-19.

Meanwhile, Pietro Fittipaldi is set to start his Formula One career

Protect your motorcycle from theft, vandalism

Haas F1’s French driver Romain Grosjean spins out of track during the first practice session ahead of the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in the city of Sakhir. AFP

Pros brace for tough grind at Langer WHILE emphasis is on shotmaking and putting, most pros believe it will also be a question of staying power as they gear up for a gruelling duel for top honors in the last of two bubble tournaments in the Philippine Golf Tour restart beginning Tuesday (Dec. 8) at the Riviera Golf and Country Club in Silang, Cavite.

The par-71 Langer course has been spruced up to championship condition in time for the ICTSI Riviera Championship and unlike in the ICTSI Riviera Invitational Challenge at Couples three weeks ago, the upcoming 72-hole event promises to be a test of will and character given the layout’s length which measures up to more than 7,000 yards and hazards that come into play in most holes.

There are also the terrors lurking on the sleek putting surface to consider and conquer.

“Tony (Lascuña) can be beaten. At Langer, it’s more of a question of endurance since it a long course,” said multi-titled Jhonnel Ababa, who struggled with a wrist injury and tied for 19th the first time out, in Filipino.

“But I’m good and I expect to be in the mix this time,” he added.

Lascuña ran away with a four-shot victory over Ira Alido and Rupert Zaragosa at Couples but the seasoned campaigner

from the back row of the grid after collecting penalties when his Haas team used new electronic components in third practice at the Sakhir Grand Prix.

The Brazilian driver, making his debut as substitute for Grosjean, who is recovering from his injuries sustained in escaping after a fireball crash in last Sunday’s Bahrain race, picked up two 10-place grid penalties.

Fittipaldi is the 32nd Brazilian and fourth member of his family to race in F1, but the first since Felipe Massa retired three years ago.

He was 19th in Saturday’s final practice session. AFP

believes scoring a sweep (of the twin titles) would take a lot of hard work and luck.

“I expect a tougher challenge as Langer is a long course and there are so many tests to consider and overcome along the way. Every shot counts and one also has to be a sort of lucky to win,” said Lascuña. “Besides, there are just too many strong players ready and raring to win.”

The young Alido, for one, is due for a breakthrough after a number of close stabs at a first victory with the 19-year-old hoping to ride on her closing 69 at Couples that earned him a joint second effort with Zaragosa, whose game many believe suits best at the tight Langer layout.

“My expectations remain the same before I compete in every tournament – with a mindset that I can win,” said Alido.

But the likes of Miguel Tabuena and Angelo Que are still tipped to bank on their power as they seek to make up for their fourth place and tied for seventh finishes, respectively, at Couples.

Tabuena, who has vastly improved on his length during the long break, is likely to settle down and produce the kind of game expected of him while Que is raring to stamp his class over a field that features Justin Quiban, Fidel Concepcion, Jay Bayron, Michael Bibat, Albin Engino, Rico Depilo and Dutch Guido Van der Valk.

SINCE the start of community quarantines and lockdowns, motorcycles became even more valuable since these serve as the perfect vehicle amid today’s “new normal.” Consequently, however, because of its size, it is a vehicle that is easy to steal.

Despite a drop in crime rates due to the pandemic, riders can never be too complacent, especially when guidelines become more relaxed. Since bikes represent an important investment for its owners, Honda Philippines Inc. (HPI), the No.1 motorcycle manufacturer in the country, shares some simple tips on how owners can better protect their investment.

Use Motorcycle Locks. There are several locking systems available for your motorcycle. Some are more likely to deter thieves, such as handlebar, throttle, U-locks, or disc locks, while others, such as chain and padlock combinations may be more effective in preventing the more determined thief from making off with your bike.

Equip your ride with Anti-theft Alarms. There is no shortage of technology to keep your bike protected.

Motorcycles can be equipped with such alarm systems to immediately warn people of any attempt at theft. One thing is for sure, you will always have options on the equipment available out there to keep your motorcycle safe.

Get a Motorcycle Cover. One of the best reasons you own a motorcycle is because you like to ride in style and show off to other motorists. However, this same factor can be the same reason it gets stolen or vandalized. Putting a cover on it when parked can help it keep off other people’s sights and not give it too much attention.

Know Where to park it. Where your motorcycle is parked can be a factor in keeping it safe. Leaving it in the wideopen will make it more susceptible to damages and other forms of harm.

Ensure that the area you are traveling to has indoor parking, which helps put attention away from it, or if you do not have a choice but to park outside, make sure that they are is well-lit and crowded enough to put adequate attention on it for thieves and vandals to leave it alone.

Jhonnel Ababa: Tony Lascuña can be beaten.

Power Mac center, volleyball star ‘Pay It Forward’ with 139 free bicycles THE Filipino bayanihan spirit came alive at the Eastwood Mall Open Park as premier Apple partner Power Mac Center and TV personality and former volleyball star Gretchen Ho’s Woman In Action initiative gave away free bicycles to people who find it difficult to commute to work because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Power Mac Center customers, through its “Pay It Forward” campaign, helped acquire the bicycles through proceeds from participating products during its anniversary week sale.

Launched in August as part of the company’s 26th anniversary, Pay It Forward served as a way to help workers and front liners under Gretchen Ho’s #DonateABikeSaveAJob project. It was able to raise P488,834, which was used to purchase a total of 139 bicycles,as well as biking gear.

During the event, Gretchen and Wom-

an In Action turned over 80 bicycles, while the other 59 were given in advance to victims of Typhoon Ulysses and residents of Brgy. Payatas in Quezon City.

Beneficiaries have been pre-scheduled to avoid crowding. Also invited to the event was Life Cycles PH, a group that pairs institutions in need with generous bike donors,who taught the beneficiaries basics on road safety while biking.

“At this time when unity and selfless service are called for, we’ve seen modern heroes rise up. We thank Ms. Gretchen Ho and all our customers who generously supported our Pay It Forward campaign and helped us provide 139 deserving individuals with a means to reach their destination. This year has been difficult for everyone, and Power Mac Center salutes those who strive to push forward amid challenges,” said Joey Alvarez, Power Mac Center Direc-

tor for Product Management, Marketing and Space Planning.

“It was truly amazing to have raised this much in a short span of time. Thank you, Power Mac Center, for choosing to donate it to our project as we help more people have access to work and livelihood during the pandemic. We are looking forward to more fruitful partnerships in the future,” said Gretchen Ho. Pay It Forward is among Power Mac Center’s projects focusing on the Filipino bayanihan spirit amid the ongoing pandemic. Participating partner brands include 59S, Adam Elements, Beats, Before Anything Else, Belkin, Bondir, Laut, Microsoft, Panzer Glass, Riva case, SanDisk, Sonix, Sudio, Tech21, and UV Care. Another project, “Uptrade to Uplift,” previously gave away devices donated by Power Mac Center customers to students in need of online

Keeping the spirit of Filipino bayanihan alive, Power Mac Center and Woman In Action herself, Gretchen Ho, donate a total of 139 bicycles to beneficiaries to help them in their daily commute. Power Mac Center held its ‘Pay It Forward’ campaign with the goal of helping provide bikes to deserving individuals by creating opportunities for customers to contribute through their purchases. Each participating product bought had a corresponding donation to the cause.

learning resources.

More details about Power Mac Center’s anniversary projects can be found at thewebsite and online store<powermaccenter.com> or the

official Facebook page<fb.com/PowerMacCenter>. You can also read the inspiring stories of the Pay It Forward beneficiaries by visiting <womaninaction.ph>.

Entertainment LITO ATIENZA

on Christmas, COVID-19 and Manny Pacquiao VERY WANG

A

NICKIE WANG

S A proud grandfather to 19 and great grandfather to one, Deputy Speaker and Representative Lito Atienza of Buhay Party-List wanted to still celebrate Christmas properly.

“We are a big family. Of course, there will be a gathering but it’s going to be a more spiritual celebration,” Atienza told Manila Standard Entertainment over lunch last week.

“Christmas is going to be a lot different. Christmas is almost upon us but a lot of people still can’t feel it because of the situation we are in. Sometimes when I feel the cold wind, the soft wind blowing naiisip ko malapit na nga pala ang pasko,” the 79-year-old politician and television host said.

Amid the pandemic and economic instability, Atienza still believes that 2021 would be a better year.

He wishes that more people would feel relaxed as we start to learn to live with the COVID-19 virus.

“In 2021, I wanted to see a more relaxed way of life. One, we are learning to accept that COVID-19 as part of our lives. We are not going to solve this, like the way we were unable to solve AIDS and cancer. Viruses will always be there. We just have to be more careful and more alert and with the vaccine coming, that will really give many, a great majority immunity,” Atienza shared.

Speaking in a relaxed tone and usual jovial demeanor, the former Manila mayor looks forward to spending more time with his family, friends, and acquaintances. As he becomes octogenarian in August next year, he wanted to focus on other matters outside politics.

In fact, he shared with Manila Standard that he is not eyeing any political post in the 2022 elections.

“I'd like to enjoy and spend more

As Rep. Lito Atienza celebrates his five decades in politics, he plans to lead a more relaxed life by focusing on things that make him happy.

time with you guys,” referring to the members of the entertainment press that he loves spending time with.

“I'll probably organize a coffee shop where I can invite people then we can continue the dialogue about any issues. Or maybe a talk show with Kuya Kim. What I really wanted to say, I wanted to extricate myself. In 2022, I'd be celebrating my 50th year in politics, I’ve seen and experienced enough,” he confessed.

Atienza started his political career in 1968 when he organized the Democratic Youth Movement. He was one of those who survived the Plaza Miranda bombing in 1971.

During Martial Law, Atienza was arrested twice for exposing human rights abuses under the dictatorship regime of President Ferdinand Marcos at that time.

“The Plaza Miranda bombing was really my introduction to politics. For the past 48 years, I've been fighting for causes, I've been fighting against the evils in the executive, City Hall, local government, Congress, national government, medyo pagod na din ako so I am considering retiring. And

enjoy life more,” he said.

But before he retires, Atienza said he and the organization he is representing have a few plans for 2021. One of them is “Pilipino Milyonaryo” or House Bill 1107 granting senior citizens who reach 101 years old P1 million.

“I want every Filipino to become a millionaire but you have to stay healthy. Presently, when someone turns 100 years old, the person receives P100,000 from the government. Now, the person needs another year to become a millionaire. So, you have to take care of your elders,” he said in jest.

While he was vocal about his exit in politics, he mentioned that 2022 will be a tough year for people who would ambition to become president.

“The field now is limited to three people—Manny Pacquiao, Sarah Duterte, and Isko Moreno. This is my opinion, okay. I like the three of them. But Manny is really close to my heart. He already told me that he’s running for president. I told him to consider it once, twice, ten times more before he makes any decision,” Atienza divulged.

What makes ‘PBB Connect’ different from other seasons PINOY Big Brother’s new season carries a the theme “Let’s stay connected, no matter what.” It’s a fitting mantra for the reality show that premiere on different platforms on Sunday.

Apart from the Kapamilya Channel, PBB Connect also airs on Kapamilya Online Live, iWantTFC, and Kumu.

Even as the pandemic has forced people to stay indoors, PBB Connect hopes to inspire Filipinos to continue striving for their dreams just like the 14 official housemates chosen to be part of the longest and biggest reality show in the Philippines.

‘PBB Connect’ hosts (from left) Toni Gonzaga, Bianca Gonzalez, Robi Domingo, Kim Chiu, Melai Cantiveros, Enchong Dee, and Richard Juan.

Hosted by Toni Gonzaga, Bianca Gonzalez, Robi Domingo, Kim Chiu, Melai Cantiveros, Enchong Dee, and Richard Juan, PBB Connect has revealed the identities of its 14 housemates chosen from over 177,000 who auditioned from around the world via Kumu.

They include Andrea Abaya (Ang Cheerdance Sweetheart ng Parañaque), Justin Dizon (Ang Courageous Cabalen ng Pampanga), Jie-Ann Armero (Ang Kwelang Fangirl ng Sarangani), Kobie Brown (Ang Charming Striker ng Parañaque), Chico Alicaya (Ang Striving

Footballer ng Cebu), Mika Pajares (Ang Single Momshie-kap ng Bataan), Ella Cayabyab (Ang Ra-kweentera ng Quezon), and Kyron Aguilera (Ang Shy Biker Boy ng Butuan).

In a few days, the public will also meet the individuals behind the monikers “Alluring Accountant ng Australia,” “Bunsong Boksingero ng General Santos City,” “Miss Malakas ng Misamis Oriental,” “Military Son ng Palawan,” “Makatang Marikit ng Pangasinan,” and “Dong Diskarte ng Zamboanga Del Sur” via Kumu, It’s Showtime,, and TV Patrol.

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

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Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit brings vengeance back to TV anew

GMA Network brings back the well-loved TV adaptation of the 1989 award-winning blockbuster movie by Regal Films Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit on the Afternoon Prime block beginning today.

After several months of hiatus, the star-studded cast offer their loyal fans a recap of the heartwarming series that they have consistently followed since its pilot airing. Meanwhile, its much-awaited all-new episodes are set to air starting January.

The drama series is top-billed

by Nora Aunor as Mercedes THREE GENERATIONS. Superstar Nora Aunor with drama gems Mylene Dizon and Kyline Alcantara.

“Cedes” dela Cruz. Playing equally important roles are Mylene Dizon “This new way of doing things is really as Magnolia “Nolie” dela Cruz and Kyline challenging. The entire script was given Alcantara as Maggie dela Cruz. to us and we had to study it. But this Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit follows experience made us cast members much the story of Cedes, Nolie, and Maggie – closer to one another and we’re able to three generations of women who will take help each other out,” Kyline adds. on a quest to pursue their dreams and to Meanwhile, Zoren feels fortunate and avenge the indignities they suffered from at ease to have worked in a safe location, those who have wronged them.

“Even before the pandemic, I’m very Completing the powerhouse cast are careful in following health protocols.

Zoren Legaspi as Anselmo, Gabby This time, everyone on the set had their Eigenmann as Arthur, Ina Feleo as swab test. For me, it’s a safe environment Margaux, Yasser Marta as Jun, Divina but we still have to be cautious.

Valencia as Editha, Candy Pangilinan Gabby, in turn, teases viewers on what as Connie, and Isabel Rivas as Martina. to expect in the new episodes, “Abangan Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit also nila kung maitutuloy ba nina Nolie at features the special participation of Ricky Arturo ang planong pabagsakin ang Davao as Damian, calm and charitable mga Santos o lalambot ba ang puso ni husband of Cedes; and Dante Rivero as Nolie dahil mahal pa rin niya si Ansel.

Ramon, Martina’s successful husband.

Malalaman na ba nina Maggie at Jun As the series airs anew, the cast ang totoong pagkatao nila?” members expressed what they think about Yasser also reveals having to study returning on air, how they feel about their script religiously every day, “The working in the new normal, and what’s scenes now are more challenging, thanks in store for the Kapuso viewers in the to our director. Everyday bago matulog coming episodes. at paggising nag-aaral po talaga kami ng In a virtual interview with Manila script.”

Standard Entertainment Mylene shares On the one hand, Candy is elated for what she appreciates most about working viewers to witness the continuation of in the new normal, “We’re in a lock-in the story, “Excited to share what we all taping and woking together everyday, worked for. Excited to know how people so it’s easier to stay in character. And will respond to our hard work, the fruit of we’re able to finish our task in a given our teamwork.” timeframe. And this new normal taping Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit is gave us, the cast, more time to bond.” directed by Laurice Guillen.

Acting prince cometh A FEW months ago, Lino Brocka’s Macho Dancer was part of the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) Series billed as “Show Me Love: International Teen Cinema.”

Critic Richard Brody of newyork.com describes the 32-year-old motion picture as “Brocka builds scenes with incisive clarity, unfolding the intrepid maneuvers that make the difference between survival and disaster; the inevitable recourse to violence is tinged with a revolutionary defiance.”

The interest in the Brocka masterpiece throb even more with the arrival of its sequel, Anak ng Macho Dancer, which is set to sizzle in cinemas soon.

Joel Lamangan (who was a cast of the original film) directs, with its screenplay penned by Henry King Quitain.

Godfather Productions bankrolls the film project with acting prince on the rise Sean de Guzman as its lead.

The Clique V member shares his thoughts on bagging the plum role: “Until now I cannot believe what is happening.

You know, all I do now are baby steps, dahan-dahan lang.

Careful as I inch my way to this new career of becoming an actor. All the surprises I get because of this break, I embrace and welcome. Ang daming natutunan. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam.”

“A part of me is a little awkward with all the attention but at the same time I am very happy,” Sean declares. “Thank you very much to director Joel Lamagan and my producers for the trust.”

This is his second film project with director Lamangan,

the first being Lockdown where he played support.

“That is why I always come to the set prepared ALWIN because I have already IGNACIO worked with direk Joel. I know he is a perfectionist.

Professional and gusto niya talaga attentive ka, sa instructions, sa blockings at dapat, he always reminded me na damhin ko sa puso ko ang pinagdadaanan ni Inno.”

Inno is the son of Pol, Allan Paule’s character in the Brocka classic.

“Inno, as a young man, does not deviate from my own personality. We are somewhat similar in being a risk taker. When we have a goal, we dedicate our energies to the goal or cause and focused on it until I it comes to fruition,” Sean says.

Giving life to a macho dancer is an eye opening experience for the young man.

“Not all of us are blessed with the opportunities that come our way so we have no right to dismiss or judge someone because of their choices.

No, these macho dancers are not saints but the reason they do it, they are fighting for their life and loved ones,” he relates.

“They all have a story that we should understand and respect. When you hear their stories, if people only take their time to really listen, it will hit you big time. For others, they already made a conclusion that their choice is easy,” he carries on.

Anak ng Macho Dancer might have a special screening this December. Commercial run happens next year in cinemas nationwide.

ARIAS

Showbiz newbie Sean de Guzman bags the title role in the Joel Lamangan film ‘Anak Ng Macho Dancer,’ a sequel to the iconic sexy drama helmed by Lino Brocka.

Life

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

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FOOD

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

Sardines and tuna for Christmas?

Why not?

Give back

By Bernadette Lunas

C

Mega Global’s canned tuna brand boasts big flakes with no extenders.

ANNED sardines and tuna are quick and easy fix that can be ready without much fuss except perhaps spending a second or two opening a can—which has become easier too, thanks to pull-tabs.

But canned sardines and tuna are not top of mind when it comes to holiday feast. Their being convenient and fuss-free are not as exciting as, say, much more complex meals that burst with flavors. But a brand of canned goods begs to disagree.

Mega Global, the maker of Mega Sardines, Mega Tuna, Mega Creations, and Mega Prime, celebrates the holiday season with recipe suggestions featuring, of course, its canned products; and a corporate social responsibility initiative that lets consumers give back by buying sardines online.

Holiday canned seafood recipes

Sarsa Kitchen’s Chef JP Anglo, also Mega Tuna’s ambassador, shows how a canned tuna can have multiple layers of textures and flavors—an exciting treat in every bite—with his recipes.

His exclusive Christmas recipes using the canned tuna’s four variants include Mega Tuna

Arroz Caldo (using Spanish Style Tuna) and Mega Tuna Soba Noodles (Sweet and Spicy Tuna), both of which are undoubtedly great to serve all year round.

Other Chef Jayps’ recipes are Spicy Tuna Salad (Hot and Spicy) and Tuna Egg Sandwich (Flakes in Oil).

“With big flakes and rich flavors, Mega Tuna is the delicious ingredient to healthy homecooked meals,” enthused Adelle Catalla, Mega Tuna’s brand manager, adding, “Since it is also packed with pure goodness, Mega Tuna promises to create delightful Christmas dishes that are delicious yet guilt-free at the same time.”

For those looking to put a spin on their canned sardines, Mega Global vice president of sales and marketing Marvin Tiu-Lim suggests, aside from the popular Sardines Misua, other dishes featuring the versatile fish, such as Sardines Lumpia, Sardines Sisig, and Sardines Spaghetti.

Chef JP Anglo of Sarsa Kitchen demonstrates via Zoom how to cook Tuna Arroz Caldo using Mega Tuna Spanish Style.

On National Sardines Day on Nov. 24, Mega Global launched a CSR initiative that aims to give back to the communities and those in need, and announced the groundbreaking of its new facility in Batangas.

“Mega Global wants to reinforce the culture of ‘malasakit’,” said Marvin Tiu-Lim. William Tiu-Lim, Mega Global president and chief executive, seconded, “That’s why we wanted this year’s National Sardines Day to be more meaningful by scaling up our CSR program to reach more Filipinos and breaking ground on our newest manufacturing plant which will be fully operational by February 2022.”

The manufacturing plant, the company’s second, located in Sto. Tomas Batangas is intended to be a state-of-the-art, multi-line food manufacturing facility that will implement Mega Global’s meticulous and sustainable practices in all its operations, and will run on energy-efficient light source to minimize its carbon footprint.

“We are confident we can keep the ‘bayanihan’ spirit alive in good times and in bad,” said the Mega Global chief. According to William Tiu-Lim, the plant is expected to “provide thousands of jobs for the local community of Batangas and contribute to the province’s economy.”

Speaking of “bayanihan,” the company also launched the Mega Bigay Sustansya sa Pasko Program, a 30-day meal planning and distribution program that aims to feed 100,000 nutritious meals to Filipino families and communities all over the country.

Enjoining the public to help with the program, Mega offers the National Sardines Day Bundle at its official stores on Shopee and Lazada, which consumers can order. For every purchase of the bundle, P100 will be donated to Reach Out Feed Philippines beneficiaries, Mega Global’s partner in its feeding initiative.

NEW EATS

Tuna Arroz Caldo Ingredients: 350g red rice or brown rice 150g chicharon 20g fresh garlic 50g fresh ginger 30g fried garlic 30g spring onion 5g pepper 20ml patis 4 pcs. calamansi 4 tbsp. cooking oil Procedure: 1. In a pot, add some oil, then add the oil of the tuna, sauté onions, ginger, and garlic (last is garlic).

2. Add about a liter of water and then add cooked rice and half of tuna, and bring to a boil. Keep stirring pot and cook for 20-30 min. Add the fish sauce.

3. To plate, pour arroz caldo in bowl, add tuna on top, sprinkle with spring onions, fried garlic, chicharon, and black pepper. Add hard-boiled egg (optional).

Tuna Soba Noodles Ingredients: 500g 30ml 20g 60ml 5g 3 pcs.

soba noodles sesame oil sesame seed oyster sauce salt fried egg Chili garlic (optional)

Procedure: 1. Cook soba noodles in hot water. Make sure not to overcook noodles.

2. Toss all ingredients with the noodles. Add only half of the tuna and some of the oil to add flavor to the noodles.

3. To plate, top with the remaining tuna, fried garlic, spring onions, and fried egg.

Lemon Cheesecake

Grilled Tenderloin

Morcilla and Foie

Paella Negra and Duck Paella

Barbecue, sisig, and more from a convenience store

7-Eleven’s new HottaUlam viands

CONVENIENCE store food choices just got more varied with 7-Eleven’s new HottaUlam viands.

HottaUlam are single-serve, readyto-heat dishes suitable for those looking for a quick but filling meal.

New viands start at P55 and include Chicken BBQ, Pork BBQ, Fried Bangus. Ginataang Langka, Pinakbet, Pork Laing, Rico’s Lechon Binagoongan, and Rico’s Lechon Sisig.

Marking the launch of new HottaUlam dishes, 7-Eleven has an ongoing COMBUSOG promo that gives customers one free rice whey they buy two viands. The promo runs until Dec. 15.

Fast food chain offers ready-to-cook garlic pepper chicken IN ANOTHER news on readyto-cook offerings, fast food giant Jollibee has recently launched its “restaurant-quality” garlic pepper marinated chicken.

The ready-to-cook dish is marinated in garlic pepper sauce, and can be served after baking in oven at 200-degree Celsius for 25 to 30 minutes (or until cooked), or panfried for around 15 minutes.

It’s now available for delivery, takeout, and drive-thru in select Jollibee Metro Manila stores for P250, and will be coming soon in provincial Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Jollibee’s Ready to Cook Garlic Pepper Chicken

The 70-seater BCN By Las Flores restaurant is the latest food concept of Bistro Group.

Best of Barcelona at BGC TAPAS, paellas, pastas, and more are served at the newly opened Spanish restaurant at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

BCN by Las Flores is a new concept

by Bistro Group, a spin-off of the popular Las Flores restaurant, which features Spanish dishes. It opened on Nov. 26.

The 70-seater restaurant boasts an extensive menu and wine collection. Appetizers include Mixto Platter (selection of quesos and embutidos); Croquettes; Salmon Tartar; Chipirones (deep-fried baby squid); and bite-size pintxos (Morcilla and Foie, Octopus and Confit Potato, Patata Brava 2.0, and Tuna Tartar and Avocado Cone).

Carb choices include Paella Negra; Duck, Crab and Uni; and Seafood Fideua. Other rice dishes and pastas are Wild Mushroom Risotto, Linguine Vongole, Spaghetti Carbonara, and Spaghetti Nero.

Mains consist of meat and seafood dishes such as Bacallao with Callos Stew, Grilled Tuna Belly, Grilled Tenderloin, Iberian Pork Ribs, USDA Prime Ribeye, Crispy Pork Belly, Roasted Chicken, and Grilled Lamb Chops.

Assorted soups and sandwiches, meanwhile, are ideal for lighter meals.

BCN also serves Lunch Selections such as Callos Stew with Garlic Rice, Sea-

food Pasta with Green Salad, Grilled Tuna Loin, Grilled Salmon, or Roasted Chicken with vegetables and garlic rice.

Dessert choices include Torrija, Lemon Cheesecake, and more.

To mark its opening, the restaurant has buy one, get one deals on select items and 40 percent off on all wines, cocktails, and beers.

BCN by Las Flores is located at Ground Level, Tower 1, High Street Corporate Plaza, 9th Avenue corner 26th Street, BGC, Taguig. The restaurant is open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Call 0927-118-1030 for inquiries.