Manila Standard - 2020 December 8 - Tuesday

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Palace whacks ‘yantok’ use Rattan sticks OK to measure social distancing, but not to beat violators

By Vito Barcelo

M

ALACAÑANG on Monday rejected the use of “yantok” or rattan sticks to beat those who violate COVID-19 physical distancing protocols during the holiday season, when shoppers are likely to crowd together in malls.

The police plan to use rattan sticks to enforce physical distancing came as President Rodrigo Duterte told a human rights summit organized by the Department of Justice that the Philippines is seriously committed to prioritizing human rights, and called for increased commitment to promoting a “healthy” human rights environment.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said he agreed with Foreign Affairs Next page

DUTERTE TO LET COPS CARRY RUBBER BATON PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte wants policemen to return to using batons to subdue criminals resisting arrest.

"When a person resists arrest and he becomes violent, the first impulse of police without a baton is to hold his gun. If the police have a baton, you can subdue a criminal. This should be the first line of defense of the police—a nonlethal weapon," he said in a televised public address Monday.

"Kung ibabalik ko ang baton, rubber Next page

‘CHRISTMASK TRAIN’. Juan F.

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 278 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Alfonso, Light Rail Manila Corp. President and CEO, presents the holiday themed ‘ChristMask Train’ of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 at the Baclaran station in Parañaque City. Designed with a giant face mask and face shield and images of frontliners, the train theme is a reminder to its passengers to follow minimum health protocols especially this Christmas season (see story on A3).

Norman Cruz

Leonen faces impeachment rap before House

By Maricel V. Cruz, Rey E. Requejo, Vito Barcelo and Rio N. Araja AN IMPEACHMENT complaint was filed Monday against Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen at the House of Representatives for alleged “betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution.”

Edwin Cordevilla, secretary general

of the Filipino League of Advocates For Good Government (FLAGG), filed the complaint at the office of the House Secretary General, with Larry Gadon as the group's legal counsel.

Ilocos Norte Rep. Angelo Marcos Barba, a cousin of former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., endorsed the complaint.

Marcos has been trying without success to have Leonen removed as justice in charge of his electoral complaint

Rody nixes ceasefire, peace talks

By Joyce Pangco Pañares PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said there will be no ceasefire with communist rebels—ot during this holiday season nor at any point during the remaining one and a half years of his administration.

"There will be no ceasefire ever again under my term as President. For all intents and purposes, the ceasefire is dead," Duterte said in a public address late Monday night.

The President also extinguished any hope at reviving the stalled peace negotiations between the government and the Communist Party of the PhilippinesNational Democratic Front.

He said peace talks will not prosper because communist rebels are seeking either a power-sharing coalition with his administration or a power grab by overthrowing the government.

"No stupid president will allow a coalition government. You will get impeached because you are not supposed to share power," the President said.

"All of you communists are conspiring to overthrow the government of the Republic of the Philippines. No one will allow you—not the government, not the military, and not the majority of the Filipino people," he added.

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against Vice President Leni Robredo, who beat him in the 2016 elections, but Barba did not refer to that case.

“Mang Ed Cordevilla came to me and as a constituent in my district, I entertained him, I heard his complaint and I believed in it. That's why I'm here as his congressman. I accompanied them, and that's it," Barba said.

Leonen said the complaint involved “false issues raised by some for clearly personal and vindictive reasons.” Next page

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM DEC. 7)

441,399 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

1,574 24,125 NEW

ACTIVE

8,572

18

408,702

80

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

NEW

NEW

COMPLAINT FILED. Lawyer Larry Gadon shows a copy of the impeachment complaint filed by his client, FLAGG Secretary General Edwin Cordevilla, against Supreme Court Associate Justice Mario Victor Leonen (left) at the House of Representatives during a press conference in Quezon City on Monday. Manny Palmero

24m Pinoys to get first crack at vaccine in initial gov't drive

By Vito Barcelo, Willie Casas and Maricel V. Cruz MORE than 24 million people, mostly poor, senior citizens and health workers, will get priority in the initial vaccination drive against COVID-19 which has already claimed the lives of more than 8,500 Filpinos, Malacanang said Monday.

Palace spokesman Harry Roque said

the government would give the vaccine free to the poor, police, the military, and front-liners.

Roque said the COVID-19 vaccine is estimated to cost $10 per dose, with two doses required per person.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr said the government is ready to purchase enough vaccines for 24.6 million people once the drugs become available next year.

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Valenzuela City Health workers protest over pay Casas, Vito Barcelo halts NLEX toll ByandWillie Macon Ramos Araneta fee collection

TOLLWAY MESS. In this aerial photo shared by Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian on Facebook, traffic stretches around Mindanao Ave. going to and from the North Luzon Expressway tollgate in the city. ‘These are shots taken by our people... now tell me if we should wait 15 days more to suspend your permit,’ the mayor told NLEX in a statement.

Rex Gatchalian FB

VALENZUELA City Mayor Rex Gatchalian on Monday served the local government’s suspension order to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) over the two-way radio-frequency identification (RFID) mess that caused heavy traffic in the city.

This, as Speaker Lord Allan Velasco appealed to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to further extend the deadline for installing RFID stickers on vehicles using the tollways until the first quarter of 2021.

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Oil prices up again, this time as high as P0.60/ltr 6am Tuesday to reflect the movement of prices at the international oil market.

The oil firms raised the price of keroTHE country’s oil firms raised pump prices by as much as P0.60 per liter effective sene by P0.60 per liter, diesel by P0.40

By Alena Mae S. Flores

per liter and gasoline by P0.20 per liter amid the continuing optimism over the rollout of the vaccine that will put an end to the coronavirus pandemic. Next page

HEALTH workers from various government hospitals in Manila staged a protest action in front of the Department of Health gate on Monday to underline their grievances against the COVID-19 Active Hazard Duty Pay.

They also protested the Special Risk Allowance under Bayanihan Law 2 and its subsequent Administrative Orders 35 and 36, and DBM-DOH Joint Circulars 1 and 2.

“We are disappointed with the provisions for health workers’ benefits under Republic Act 11494 or known as the Bayanihan 2 which is reiterated in Joint Circulars 1 and 2, series 2020 of the DOH Next page

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News

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Ulysses relief on fast track’ Thus said former Speaker and TaguigPateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano even as he urged local officials to take every effort to help their constituents who have been suffering the effects not just of the typhoon but also of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development continues to provide relief assistance to victims of Typhoon Ulysses.

In an update released on Monday, the agency’s Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center

reported it has so far poured a total of P199,436,373 to aid Filipinos who were affected by the recent calamity.

The amount came from the fund of the agency, local government units, nongovernment organizations, and other private sectors.

The aid came in the form of family food packs and non-food items such as sleeping kits, kitchen kits, and hygiene kits.

In a visit to the towns of Balayan and Laurel in Batangas and Paete in Laguna late last week, Cayetano emphasized the importance of collective action among the people and officials in order to help

Palace...

In a tweet on Monday, Locsin shared a photo of a nun holding a meter stick, with the caption: "This is the only ‘yantok' we will accept and only from someone in her uniform. Anyone else in any other uniform can go f*ck a duck."

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Sunday said the rattan sticks will only be used for measurement and not for hitting anyone.

Año said existing sanctions and penalties for violators like fines and imprisonment remain.

However, he said rattan sticks may also be used as self-defense if criminals attack the law enforcers.

The Commission on Human Rights earlier cautioned the government over

threats to use rattan sticks against violators, saying the use of force and actions that may lead to humiliation and trauma is unnecessary.

CHR spokesperson lawyer Jacqueline Ann de Guia said human rights and dignity must be respected at all times and situations including the enforcement of quarantine protocols.

In a taped message, President Duterte welcomed the Human Rights summit as “an effective platform for the international community to improve cooperation in protecting and promoting human rights.”

“I am proud that the Philippines is one of the few countries that signed many of the world’s core human rights treaties.

This affirms our serious commitment

in honoring and fulfilling our treaty obligations and prioritizing the human rights agenda as a means to achieve our country’s sustainable development goals,” he added.

Duterte, denounced by rights group for his bloody war on drugs, pulled the country out of the International Criminal Court in 2018, after it launched a preliminary inquiry into accusations that he and other Philippine officials committed mass murder and crimes against humanity in the course of the drug crackdown.

But Duterte said he did not care what human rights groups said about the killings and alleged human rights violations in his anti-drug campaign.

Leonen said his office has received information that an impeachment complaint was filed before the House of Representatives, but said he has not received a copy of it.

“Given the urgent and pressing needs of our people during this time of crises, we are confident that our leaders will do the right thing. Certainly, this may not be to attend to false issues raised by some for clearly personal or vindictive reasons,” Leonen said in a statement.

Gadon on Monday dismissed speculations that the Marcoses were behind the filing of the impeachment complaint.

At a Quezon City media briefing, Gadon said he and ex-senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have not talked about the planned impeachment complaint.

He said the senator, a defeated vice

presidential candidate in 2016, even before prevented him from pursuing the quo warranto petition against Leonen.

Malacanang on Monday denied any involvement in the impeachment case.

Palace spokesman Harry Roque said the President was not aware of the impeachment complaint, which was not endorsed by Duterte.

“We don’t even know who the proponents are,” Roque said.

Cordevilla alleged that Leonen betrayed public trust over his failure to file his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) during his tenure at the University of the Philippines.

In his complaint citing a "published article" as basis, Cordevilla claimed that Leonen spent 22 years in UP — from 1989 until 2011 and yet only filed his SALNs for the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, and 2011.

The "respondent completely ignored the law" on the filing of SALN when he refused to have it filed for 15 years,

Cordevilla said. He also alleged that Leonen failed to meet the requirements set by the Judicial and Bar Council when he "failed to file his SALN for four years," from 2002, 2003, 2008, and 2009.

"Since respondent failed to file his SALN for 15 years, it would be difficult for the investigating authorities to pin him down in the event that a corruption case is filed against him," the complaint read.

"If respondent wakes up one day and decides to build a castle for his retirement home, it would be next to impossible to examine his assets and net worth since these were never filed for 15 whole years," it added.

Cordevilla's complaint also denounced Leonen's alleged "track record of gross inefficiency as shown by the snail pace in which he resolves his cases casts doubts on his competency. No other sitting Justice has ever displayed the same inefficiency and incompetence."

Cordevilla cited Leonen's alleged failure to dispose of at least 37 cases

within 24 months as prescribed under Section 16, Article III of the Constitution which mandates the speedy disposition of cases, noting that the SC Associate Justice violated the Constitution for "arbitrarily, willfully, intentionally, [and] deliberately" delaying the resolution of cases pending before him as chairperson of the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET).

"Since the resolution of election controversies are a vital factor in our democracy, it is incumbent upon the chairperson to ensure that pending election cases before the HRET are timely resolved since clearly, these cases are imbued with public interest and are time sensitive," the complaint read.

“By failing to act on the cases pending before him both in the Supreme Court and the HRET, respondent has clearly betrayed public trust. His incompetence and inefficiency, has caused the erosion of the public’s faith in our judicial system," it added.

Valenzuela...

24m...

Health...

joy the said benefits, they said.

The DOH even went further in its press release on November 28, 2020: “As health workers, many of us in the DOH – including members of our Executive Committee- have experienced working on the ground, in our health facilities, which is why we understand the challenges in the frontlines -- being overworked, underpaid, demoralized, and in this pandemic, even more vulnerable.”

Bulanadi said: "We ask the DOH Secretary why he cannot defend and justify that all health workers reporting for duty within the premises of the hospital and health facilities deserve to get an equal COVID-19 Special Risk Allowance and Active Hazard Duty Pay. “Where is the DOH's concern for health workers during this difficult time of pandemic and health crisis, when one of our feet is already buried in the grave to help our government mitigate this virulent disease? We are not given with even a slightest benefit as a token recognition for the dangerous threat to our safety and lives.”

Income tax discount The House Committee on Ways and Means on Monday approved in principle the consolidated measure seeking to provide a 25 percent discount to the personal income taxes of COVID-19 medical frontliners.

During its meeting, the panel approved the unnumbered substitute bill consolidating House Bills 7351, 984, 2901, 3751, 7523, and 7978, which all sought to provide various forms of incentives to medical professionals providing services amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Maricel V. Cruz

T

HE Duterte administration is exerting all possible efforts to fast-track relief and rehabilitation measures in the aftermath of typhoon Ulysses which hit the country last month.

From A1

Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.’s tweet expressing opposition to the use of rattan sticks against physical distancing violators.

“I think Secretary Locsin is right here, this cannot be used as something to hit quarantine violators because that is not allowed under our laws and regulations of the Philippine National Police,” he said in Filipino.

While rattan sticks could be used to measure the one-meter physical distance requirement, he said these should not be used to harm anyone.

Leonen...

From A1

From A1

From A1

“At the rate things are going, I don’t think all 6.1 million registered vehicles in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and CALABARZON will be provided with RFID stickers by Jan. 11, 2021,” Velasco said.

Velasco said the DOTr should also consider that the coronavirus pandemic had constrained many vehicle owners from leaving their homes and applying for RFID stickers.

“It would be more practicable if the deadline is further extended to March 31, 2021 to give all our motorists enough time to secure the stickers for the cashless payment system given that we are still in a pandemic where movement of people is limited,” he said.

Luisito Santos’ report on Super Radyo dzBB said Gatchalian went to the Mindanao Avenue Toll Plaza to serve the order after NLEX failed to meet the 5 p.m. deadline to resolve issues hounding the cashless payment system.

Gatchalian earlier ordered the NLEX management to publicly apologize to those affected by what he called its faulty cashless payment system and to implement a toll holiday until concerns were resolved.

The Valenzuela government also rejected NLEX’s appeal for a 15-day window to solve RFID issues.

NLEX Senior Vice President for Communications Romulo Quimbo said they had sent their response to the Valenzuela government’s order.

Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Davao are the areas that would be given priority for the vaccination, Roque said.

From these areas, 24,668,128 "sectoral priorities" have been selected, that includes 12,911,193 for the indigent population; 1,762,994 frontline health workers; 3,789,874 indigent senior citizens; 5,678,544 remaining senior citizens and 525,523 uniformed personnel.

They all account for more than 22 percent of the country's projected population of 108.8 million, as of the third quarter this year.

Both Roque and Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III reported the same figures to the House of Representatives last month.

The list also includes teachers and school workers in the public and private sectors, government workers, essential workers in agriculture, the food industry, transportation and tourism, sociodemographic groups in significantly higher risk areas other than the senior citizens and indigent population (persons deprived of liberty, persons with disabilities, and Filipinos living in highdensity areas, overseas Filipino workers; other remaining workforce and students.

Roque said an estimated P20 billion will be spent to inoculate the priority demographics. He said this amount is already included in the proposed P4.5 trillion national budget for 2021.

He also added that $12 billion would be needed to inoculate 113 million Filipinos.

Duque said in a best-case scenario, vaccination could begin by the first quarter of 2021.

"We’ve done some scenario analysis under the leadership of Secretary Galvez and I think the best case scenario would be about the end of the first quarter of 2021 or about the start of the second quarter of next year," Duque told ANC's Headstart when asked when the inoculation may begin.

"A lot of factors will have to be taken into consideration to be able to more definitively set schedules for actual distribution, deployment, and inoculation of our people within our priority list," he said.

Duque conceded that the timeline for completing the COVID-19 vaccination is not yet certain.

“Of course, it will take time because the schedule would include distribution of vaccines [and] deployment of people for inoculation,” he said.

Rody...

From A1

Formal peace negotiations between the government and the CPP-NDF were terminated by Duterte in November 2017.

The commander-in-chief likewise signed a proclamation declaring the CPP and its armed wing, the New People's Army, as terrorist groups and directed the Department of Justice to begin a proscription case before the proper court.

Despite failure to revive formal talks, a 16-day truce was still declared in December 2019.

Last week, military spokesman Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said the Armed Forces will not recommend a truce with the rebel group.

Arevalo pointed out that the ceasefire period was just being used by the NPA to continue attacking and killing government troops and civilians.

From A1

and the Department of Budget and Management. The law is selective which deceives and divides our ranks. It does not show its recognition for health workers’ sacrifices for helping in the mitigation of COVID-19,” stated Robert Mendoza, AHW National President.

The pertained benefits of “Special Risk Allowance” is given to “health workers directly catering to or in contact with COVID-19 patients for every month that they are serving” while “Active Hazard Duty Pay” is given to temporary hired Human Resources for Health to augment the current health workforce.

Another is the benefits are prorated, meaning to be calculated on the actual number of days in a month of actual duty.

“As we enter the hospital gate, the threat of being infected due to COVID-19 is already there since this virus is aerosolborne. In a hospital setting, the virus does not select who and where to infect.

Some of our ranks in non-COVID-19 areas and wards are infected even if the patient has been screened before,” added Ernesto Bulanadi, President, Tondo Medical Center Employees AssociationAlliance of Health Workers.

Implementing guidelines The Administrative Order 35 and 36 -which serve as the implementing guidelines for the grant of Active Hazard Duty Pay and COVID-19 Special Risk Allowance respectively – further bring more confusion and false hope to all health workers that they will all receive and en-

Duterte...

From A1

siguro. Pero for the meantime, okay na muna yang yantok. We will look for the money next year for the rubber baton.

Gamitin ang baton, wag ang baril," he added.

Duterte said this after the Joint Task Force COVID shield clarified that police are only using rattan or "yantok" sticks for self-defense. "f you committed wrong, then you are supposed to surrender peacefully.

That is your duty. That is your responsibility," he told Filipinos.

"I'm not defending the police. I am just following what the law says. Kasi kung makipag-away ka sa pulis, pag

each other recover.

“The important thing is that we hurdle this challenge together," he said.

Cayetano reached out to more than 1,200 families in Balayan, Laurel, and Paete as part of his “Bayanihan Caravan” program aimed at organizing relief efforts through the support of private donors to help alleviate the condition of families affected by floods, typhoons, and other disasters.

In Paete, around 380 families and 220 front-liners received grocery packs from Cayetano’s group, who were welcomed by Rep. Benjamin Agarao Jr., Mayor Rojilyn Bagabaldo, and Vice Mayor Kid Parso.

sinuntok mo o inatake mo, you commit a crime of direct assault. Ikaw yung may kasalanan pag lumaban ka."

"In the meantime, the rattan will do.

Will look for the money next year, I'll buy you the baton. Gamitin yung baton, wag yung baril," the President said.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año had brought up the use of rattan sticks at the briefing, saying they measure one meter in length and were currently used by police "yantok patrollers" to measure distancing among the public.

Earlier in the day, presidential spokesman Harry Roque warned police against the use of “yantok” or rattan sticks, stressing that it is not allowed under the law and the regulations of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Jimbo Gulle

VP raises alarm over Laguna mayor’s killing

By Rio N. Araja VICE President Leni Robredo has raised the alarm over the killing of Los Baños, Laguna Mayor Caesar Perez inside the municipal hall compound, saying such criminality seems to have become normal nowadays.

In her weekly program "BISErbisyong Leni," she questioned the security lapses inside the municipal hall.

“The area should be a secure place since it is the seat of government. Based on reports, the police station is just a kilometer away. Why is this happening?” she asked.

“But what is more scary is that it was not just the first time. Even inside a hospitlal… That is too brazen. Even inside a court, one could get shot. Even a mayor, isn’t it that happened to him? As if those things… those killings were just normal,” she asked.

Robredo was referring to the late Tanauan City, Batangas Mayor Antonio Halili who was shot during a flag-raising ceremony.

“So my question is, why are we letting this happen? And after all those things, was there anyone who got punished?

Did anyone get punished? This is hard because when things like this happen and no one gets punished, then that could be the fault of the government not being able to protect its people,” she said.

"So I myself get more afraid. I am more afraid of impunity as a whole that everything seems to be very normal, just like what happened to the mayor, a judge, a lawyer, a mediaman who were all killed. Why is this so? Why let these to happen? Who could be responsible to go after these perpetrators? Because they are the ones accountable to give them justice for the peace of mind of not only the victims’ kin but also for the people,” she added.

Early Christmas for P265-m lotto solo winner CHRISTMAS came early for a lone bettor who bagged the P265-million jackpot prize on Sunday night's draw of the Super Lotto 6/49, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office said Monday.

PCSO General Manager Royina Garma said the lucky bettor guessed the winning combination 06-12-1820-32 41 with a jackpot of exactly P265,353,489.60.

She congratulated the new millionaire, saying Christmas will surely be merry for the winner.

The lucky ticket was purchased in the City of Manila.

To claim the cheque, the bettor must go to PCSO's main office in Mandaluyong City and present two IDs. Also, he/she should bring the winning ticket.

Some 53 bettors who guessed five correct numbers won second prize and will receive P50,000 each.

The 6/49 Super Lotto is drawn every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.

Garma urged the public to keep on patronizing the products of PCSO as a large chunk of its revenue goes to charity programs.

The PCSO serves as the principal government agency for raising and providing funds for health programs, medical assistance and services, and charities of national character.

One of its key programs is the Medical Access Program, which is designed to augment the medical needs of Filipinos nationwide, particularly hospital confinement, chemotherapy, dialysis, and post-transplant medicines.

Oil...

From A1

“Phoenix Petroleum Philippines will increase the prices of gasoline by P0.25 per liter and diesel by P0.40 per liter effective 6AM of 08 December 2020,” Phoenix said in its advisory.

Seaoil Philippines and PetroGazz also issued separate advisories of the latest oil price hike while other oil companies are expected to follow.

On December 1, the oil companies raised the price of gasoline by P1.15 per liter, and P1.10 per liter both for diesel and kerosene.

These resulted in the year-to-date adjustments to stand at a net decrease of P3.47 per liter for gasoline, P7.76 per liter for diesel and P11.19 per liter for kerosene.

According to the Department of Energy, the market has been closely watching the meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies last Nov. 30 to Dec. 1 regarding production cuts that could prop up the market.

Crude prices were further strengthened by reports of the vaccine rollout even though cases in the US continued to go up.

News

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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Solons raise Dito security issue in executive session

TRAFFIC EYE. Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso and Vice mayor Honey Lacuna lead the unveiling and inspection of the ‘No Contact Traffic Apprehension Program’ of the City of Manila at Quirino Avenue on Monday (see story on A4). Norman Cruz

‘No time to create OFWs’ dept’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

S

ENATE Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said Monday now is not the time to create a new department for migrant Filipino Workers, adding there is a more urgent need to buy vaccines for the COVID-10 pandemic.

And on Drilon’s motion, the Senate Committee on Labor led by Senator Joel Villanueva deferred the hearing on the proposed new department of migrant workers until the Senate has tackled Senate Bill 244, or the Rightsizing the National Government Act that will address the issue of a bloated

bureaucracy.

Earlier, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said he would want to see the passage of Senate Bill 244, which he authored, before the Senate further expands the bureaucracy.

Sotto made the statement after Drilon said during the budget deliberations that

the bureaucracy was getting bigger to the prejudice of more productive spending on infrastructure, transportation and connectivity programs as the government was spending more on personnel services than on capital outlays.

Drilon said the Philippines must pool its limited resources to buy COVID-19 vaccines.

But Senator Christopher Go said that while the government was financially constrained, this should not stop it from doing its job and looking for better ways to improve and address the plight of migrant workers.

He said migrant workers needed a more responsive mechanism from the

government to respond to their needs.

He cited the call of the President to enact a measure that would create a department focused on the ever-growing needs of Filipinos in foreign lands.

He said the President had been steadfast in his position that the Philippines needed a department to address the concerns of Filipinos abroad.

“This is so important to him that he has called for the creation of this department in the last two of his State-of-the-Nation Addresses,” Go said.

Villanueva said the challenge for the proposal was much greater now with the pandemic and the reservation of some of his colleagues in the Senate.

SENATOR Risa Hontiveros said Monday the China-owned Dito Telecommunity Corporation’s presence in the country raises more concerns when the Philippines appears to be unprepared to defend itself against cyber threats and attacks.

“The Chinese government has a 40-percent stake in Dito telco. Tapos hindi pala handa ang ating mga depensa laban sa cyberattacks. Dapat hindi nauunahan ng isang Chinese government, sa pamamagitan ng ChinaTel, ang pagpapatayo ng mga networks sa bansa kung may unresolved issues pa sa seguridad at depensa,” Hontiveros said.

This developed as Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan called for an executive session to discuss the national security concerns on Dito Telecommunity’s business connection with China Telecom.

Sen. Grace Poe, chairperson of the Committee on Public Services, presided over the virtual hearing Monday, looking into the renewal of a franchise granted to Dito Telecommunity, formerly Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company, Inc., and the granting of a franchise to a new applicant, Instant Data, Inc. During the Senate hearing on Dito telco’s franchise, Pierre Galla of Demoracy.net.ph said the country had not established a cyber defense doctrine to guide the Armed Forces and intelligence community in combating threats in the digital landscape, including those posed by statesponsored hacking groups.

“Kailangan magkaroon na nito bago pa magpapasok ng isang kumpanyang maaring gamiting Trojan horse. Alam naman natin na may pansariling interes ang Tsina sa ating bansa, kaya this so-called cyber defense doctrine should be established quickly,” the senator said.

During the hearing, Hontiveros said that a China-based hacking group, code name “Naikon,” had been quietly carrying out a five-year espionage campaign against Asia-Pacific governments, including the Philippines. Macon Ramos-Araneta

BI workers told to stop TikTok posts LRT ‘ChristMask’

By Vito Barcelo decor launched THE Bureau of Immigration has banned its employees from posting videos of themselves dancing, singing or performing other acts while wearing their official uniforms via the social networking service called Tiktok.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the prohibition was imposed to enforce the bureau’s regulations on the wearing of Immigrations uniforms whose integrity must be upheld at all times because it represented the institution of the Philippine immigration service.

“Our policy on the wearing of the BI uniform is clear. As public servants and supposed model Filipinos, employees must proudly wear their uniform at all times, present a professional image to the public and observe proper decorum and good taste in all their actions while they are on duty,” Morente said.

He says the posting of such videos on social media by Immigration employees

undermines the reputation of the bureau and creates a negative image of the agency’s personnel, especially the frontline immigration officers assigned in the ports of entry.

He says by taking such videos of themselves when they are at work, employees are violating a standing directive prohibiting the use of mobile phones and other electronic gadgets while they are on duty, as well as the bureau’s social media policy.

The agency’s Internal Social Media Policy says “BI personnel must adhere with the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees with respect to their actions online, and to desist from behaviors that would bring disrepute to public service.”

All employees are likewise ordered to “observe proper decorum on social media to protect the integrity of the agency”.

The order came after several videos of airport immigration officers on Tiktok surfaced online. Morente described the videos as “reckless.”

DOJ: Rights protected under IRR of ATA

By Rey E. Requejo JUSTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Monday civil and political rights were protected under the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the controversial Republic Act 11479, otherwise known as the “Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

In his speech before the three-day Human Rights Summit with the theme “Peace is the Work of Justice”, Guevarra said even the United Nations through its Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzales had offered technical assistance to ensure that the anti-terrorism rules complied with the tenets of human rights.

“The UN simply wants us to have a glimpse of best practices worldwide and tweak our own, if desired,” Guevarra said

in an interview when asked to clarify the reason for the UN’s offer.

He said swhile the ATA of 2020 was intended to quell terrorism and armed conflict, its IRR was designed to protect the people’s rights and liberties.

“It is our understanding that led us to amplify in the rules the protection accorded by the anti-terrorism law to the exercise of civil and political rights that do not endanger life or public safety,” Guevarra said.

“The law excluded such exercise from its definition of acts of terror.”

With the implementation of the IRR, Guevarra said, the burden to prove intent to endanger life or public safety was now on the prosecution to prevent possible abuse of the law.

EVERY year, the Light Rail Manila Corporation dresses up the LRT-1 trains to spread the holiday cheer for its passengers. This time, however, the holidaythemed train is having a special focus in light of the extraordinary situation the country has experienced with the COVID-19 pandemic.

LRMC launched Monday its special LRT-1 train designed with a giant mask and a face shield—a timely reminder to Filipino commuters to be responsible and to do their part in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

On each side of the train shows images of different frontliners from the medical field, security, and service sectors. This design is a tribute to the tireless dedication and efforts of the country’s brave workers to keep essential services running in the face of the pandemic. During the launch of the special LRT-1 Christmask themed train, safety kits were distributed to LRT-1 passengers at the Baclaran Station.

The themed train also bears the Ingat Angat Tayong Lahat campaign logo of the Taskforce T3 (Test, Trace, Treat), a multisectoral public-private consortium of companies and organizations including LRMC, which are working closely with government agencies to boost businesses while ensuring the consumers’ health and safety.

“LRMC always comes up with a meaningful theme for our seasonal themed trains project. The COVID-19 pandemic hit the country hard, and we know that this year’s Christmas celebration is going to be very different from what we’ve all been used to. But even COVID cannot take away the Christmas season and its meaning to all of us. We encourage everyone to celebrate safely, and may this season be more memorable to all of us in these challenging times. We want to express our gratitude to all the frontliners in our lives, as well as uplift the spirit of the public through this unique execution,” LRMC President and CEO Juan F. Alfonso said.

HELP WANTED. Calamity victims of Typhoon ‘Ulysses’ march to protest at the

Department of Environment and Natural Resources office in Quezon City to call for financial aid, rehabilitation efforts, and more government accountability for disaster response on Monday. Manny Palmero

MMDA opens River Ferry on Sundays

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has decided to open the Pasig River Ferry on Sundays during the holiday season.

MMDA chairman Danilo lim said his agency came up with the decision to serve ferry passengers to further serve its patrons, especially this peak month of December.

He said passengers may now enjoy the free ferry rides from Monday to Sunday, and from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Passengers will be served at the terminals in Pinagbuhatan and San Joaquin in Pasig City, Guadalupe in Makati City, Hulo in Mandaluyong City and Lambingan, Sta. Ana, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Escolta and Lawton, all

War vet recalls Dec. 8 Japanese invasion

By Ben Cal

BORACAY ROAD. Public Works Secretary Mark Villar speaks during the inauguration of

the completed Phase 1 and 2 road portions of the Boracay Circumferential Road Project on Monday. The roads were concreted, widened and constructed with a drainage system, wider sidewalks, streetlights, trees, and safety markings. Norman Cruz

MAX YOUNG, a 98-year-old former guerrilla fighter, on Monday recalled his ordeal and those of his comrades in World War II, particularly their escape from their Japanese captors on March 20, 1942.

Young, who hails from Cebu, recalled the 79th anniversary of the Japanese invasion of the Philippines on Dec. 8, 1941 that started the war in the Pacific.

Young is the only surviving Filipino war veteran who fought during the Second World War, the Korean War and the Vietnam War where he was a member of the Philippine Civic Action Group to Vietnam, but was not engaged in combat but in civic action work.

Despite his age, Young remembers to

the last detail all his combat experiences, particularly the Korean War where he was a tank commander who fought almost singlehandedly against the superior Chinese and North Korean forces in the battle of Yultong, where he was awarded the Taegeuk Medal, South Korea’s highest military medal for gallantry in combat.

Young still does calisthenics every day, doing 1,000 steps and walks on his own.

He said he was aboard a civilian ship where he was working, together with 160 soldiers and their families who were going to Manila from Cebu, “when we heard over the radio at 10 in the morning that Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and Clark Air Base in Pampanga were bombed by Japanese warplanes on that fateful day of 8 December 1941.

in Metro Manila.

The MMDA is requiring passengers to wear face masks and face shields and undergo temperature checks as part of the strict enforcement of health and safety protocols against the coronavirus disease.

Inside the ferry boat, passengers must stay “one seat apart” in compliance with the physical-distancing measures.

Passengers must fill up a manifest form and commuter information sheet before boarding.

The ferry now serves authorized persons outside residence, health workers and government employees who need to report for work free of charge while the general community quarantine status is being enforced in Metro Manila.

Manila

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Standard

TODAY COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENT President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has submitted to the Commission on Appointments (CA) for its consent on the nominations of the following senior officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), namely: 1. RAMIL ROBERTO B. ENRIQUEZ

to the rank of Vice Admiral

2. EUGENIO V. HERNANDEZ

to the rank of Major General

3. TORIBIO D. ADACI JR.

to the rank of Rear Admiral

The public may submit any information, written report, or sworn/ notarized complaints or oppositions in thirty - two (32) copies on the above nominations to the CA Secretariat, 6th Floor, PNB Financial Center, D. Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City, Metro Manila.

For the schedule of the public hearings, the CA Secretariat can be reached through telephone numbers 8834-2713, 88311824, 8831-0527, 8832-9830, 8834-2706 and 8551-1989.

7 December 2020.

HECTOR A. VILLACORTA Secretary (MS-DEC. 8 2020)

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor

A4

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020 lgu@manilastandard.net editor.lgustandard@gmail.com

LGUs LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Manila unveils NCAP traffic tack

By Willie Casas

A

‘NO CONTACT apprehension’ program (NCAP) of traffic violators was launched by Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan on Monday, to do away with arguments, accidents and accusations arising from face-toface apprehensions between traffic enforcers and motorists and to limit interaction as a measure against COVID transmission.

HONORARY DEGREE. San Beda University will confer an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa upon Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso at its virtual 2020 Commencement Exercises on December 12. SBU’s Trustee and Dean of its Graduate School of Business Dr. Ramon Ricardo A. Roque, CESO I, Diplomate (right) presents the award to Mayor Domagoso for his dynamic and excellent leadership of the Philippine capital. AFP

Joy updates routes of QC bus augmentation program

By Rio N. Araja QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday rolled out the updated routes of the city’s bus augmentation program.

She identified eight updated bus routes, pick-up and drop-off points for the convenience of the commuters.

“We have thoroughly studied the routes and pick-up points,” the mayor said.

Earlier, Belmonte entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board to help provide ad-

ditional transportation for the riding public.

“We are expecting that the program could significantly ease the shortage of public transportation and safely transport the commuters to their point of destination,” she said.

Under the partnership, the LTFRB shall grant provisional authority for public utility buses to be selected from bidders or bus operators to ply throughout the city’s eight routes.

The updated routes included Quezon City hall-Cubao, Quezon City hallLitex/IBP Road, Welcome RotondaAurora Boulevard/Katipunan, Quezon

T

HE challenges and restrictions brought about by the pandemic have paralyzed many aspects of our lives, both personally and collectively as a nation. These have been further compounded by the natural calamities that have devastated homes and displaced individuals.

Restarting and rebuilding at any scale are formidable tasks, and Coca-Cola recognizes the value of each and every contribution to these efforts. This is aligned with a core Coca-Cola principle where it has always strived to be a prominent presence in communities— not just during celebrations and milestones, but most especially during times that help is most needed.

AN ENDURING PRESENCE IN THE LIVES OF COMMUNITIES In the aftermath of Typhoons Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses, which left thousands of Filipino families displaced during an already fraught time, Coca-Cola immediately extended help by providing almost 100,000 liters of Wilkins water to affected communities in Quezon, Bicol, Cagayan, Rizal, and Pampanga to name a few. Additional deliveries of safe drinking water are underway to even more communities in Catanduanes, Bulacan, and Metro Manila.

Together ith the Save The Children organization, Coca-Cola was also able to provide water filtration and household care kits to 100 families in Catanduanes.

“We always go to where we are needed the most. No matter the barrier or the situation, we try to respond and find ways to help people in need quickly, especially during times like this. It is our commitment to be of service to Filipinos and be there for them all the time,” said Cecile Alcantara, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines President.

With many communities also driven to hunger due to the pandemic and other disasters, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines also worked with various groups—among them, PBSP, NASSA Caritas, ABSCBN Foundation, and Tanging Yaman Foundation—to provide more than 18,000 families with food packs, including hot meals and rice packs.

“This year, as we’ve surveyed the toll of

City Hall-General Luis, Quezon City Hall-Mindanao Avenue/Quirino, Quezon City hall-Gilmore, Quezon City hall-C5/Ortigas Avenue Extension and Quezon City hall-Muñoz.

City administrator Michael Alimurung said the program is open to the public during its initial run, but it would eventually require passengers to present the “soon-to-be-released” QCitizen ID card.

He allayed fears that the program would contribute to traffic congestion, saying buses would only stop on designated pick-up and drop-off points along their routes.

Domagoso said that the new scheme would mean that 24 hours a day, seven days a week, there will be ‘enforcers’ monitoring traffic violations only, these would be via technology using cameras.

“We appeal to those passing by roads in Manila to cooperate fully because beginning today, these NCAP cameras will be at work,” Domagoso said, citing a test-run done which showed about 700 motorists violating rules in a matter of 24 hours only.

During the launch of the scheme held Monday morning along Quirino Avenue in Malate where he was joined by Lacuna-Pangan and Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau chief Dennis Viaje, it was learned that initially, 36 NCAP cameras have been installed in different areas in the city.

Eventually, Domagoso said that all areas will be covered by the said scheme, saying the discretion will no longer lie on the mayor or any city official for that matter since videos will not lie.

The mayor explained that under the scheme, human interaction will be limited as the cameras installed in strategic locations will capture the violation and then send a bill to the motorist who will have to settle his dues or face them once their vehicle registration or license is due for renewal.

“Anytime you pass by Manila, isipin nýo lagi me nakabantay na pamahalaan. Itong sistemang ito, maiiwasan ang aksidente sa pamamagitan ng kusang disiplina. Para mawala na din ang korapsyong nagaganap kung meron man, maiwasan ang pagtatalo,” he stressed.

IN BRIEF Pasay launches app for business permits THE Pasay City government on Monday launched an online service for the application and processing of business permits.

Dubbed as Pasay E-Business Go Live, the system enables contactless processing to lessen face-to-face transactions of city hall employees to residents processing their permits, which are potential means of spreading the coronavirus disease.

Mayor Imelda Rubiano said the new system will also minimize the number of people coming to city hall as the renewal of the business permit can already be accomplished by using a computer with internet connection.

She said the use of the app is also geared to make the permit renewal process more efficient and faster.

“This is one of our various measures to assist the business sector in our city recover from the effects of the pandemic.

And we are doing all of these while ensuring that minimum health and safety standards are followed,” Rubiano said.

“With this system, processing of business permits will be more convenient, easier and faster,” she added.

The E-Business app and system will be primarily administered by the Business Permits and Licensing Office of the City Treasurer’s Office. Joel E. Zurbano

Dizon hikes reward for info on slay try ANGELES CITY—A businessman has increased the cash reward from P3 million to P3.2 million for any person who can give information that will point and lead to the arrest of the mastermind and gunman in the failed attempt of his life last February.

Jeffrey Dizon, 48, of Saint Catherine Homes, Barangay Pandan here, is the eldest among siblings of the deceased real estate magnate Tomas Dizon. He is among the incorporators of the familyrun real estate business.

Dizon earlier claimed that a powerful group is plotting against him. He declined to identify them but hinted that what he knew was his involvement in a dispute with the family-run business.

Dizon survived the first attempt of his life sometime in February when he was shot several times by a suspected sniper while he was at his residential compound in Barangay Pandan.

He added that the bullets instead hit the concrete wall of his residence. Probers pointed to the family’s ancestral home based on the bullet marks and trajectory.

“I have no suspects now and the only possible dispute I’m involved with is our family business, the St. Catherine Realty Development Corporation,” said Dizon.

Jess Malabanan

Amid a challenging 2020, Coca-Cola remains a purposeful presence for Filipinos with every bottle

As part of its relief efforts, Coca-Cola has been able to provide almost 100,000 liters of Wilkins water to communities affected by the recent typhoons in Quezon Province, Bicol, Marikina, to name a few.

Coca-Cola continues to be actively present not only during celebrations—but most especially during times that help is most needed. the pandemic and other calamities, we’ve been continuously engaging with different communities and households, helping provide for their needs, and communicating with them on how we can provide assistance,” said Jonah de Lumen Pernia, Public Affairs and Sustainability Director of Coca-Cola Philippines.

“We’re assuring Filipinos that we will always be here to not only provide immediate relief, but to help facilitate sustainable programs to help these communities bounce back,” Pernia added.

HELPING MSMES RECOVER AND REBUILD WITH BANGON PINAS Already bearing the effects of the pandemic, Filipino communities have had to weather the

numerous devastations of several consecutive typhoons. In addition to mobilizing its resources and fleet to provide aid and relief to affected localities, Coca-Cola has instituted programs that seek to provide long-term aid and solutions to those whose livelihoods have been jeopardized.

The latest among these initiatives is Bangon Pinas, launched by local bottling arm Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI). Following the calamities, CCBPI immediately got in touch with its partners to assess the damage—which amounted to millions—and pursued actionable assistance programs.

Through Bangon Pinas, the Company aims to help its delivery partners and

Through the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines and in partnership with NASSA/Caritas PH, the company donated Php 1.5 million worth of rice packs to more than 10,000 families in Cagayan. The sacks of rice were purchased from local farmers in Nueva Ecija affected by the pandemic. wholesalers restart their businesses as soiled glass bottles, for new stocks following the onslaught of the recent replenishing lost inventory. typhoons by providing over P3.2 million “We have been hard at work to make sure worth of support to help over 330 partners that we continue taking care of our people— in NCR, Cagayan, Bicol Province and our associates and their families— and every Quezon Province. Coca-Cola hopes single one in our value chain, including local that through this program, these small communities and our delivery partners who businesses will be able to recover their make sure that Coca-Cola products reach livelihoods on steadier feet. our kababayans wherever they may be,” “The communities where we operate Tañada added. and serve are very important to us, and As a company that prides itself in this especially includes SME-partners in producing beverages that bring happiness our value chain. For Bangon Pinas, our and refreshment to Filipinos for the past Commercial Team—who have always had hundred years, Coca-Cola knows that its close connections on the ground, within commitment to deliver is not limited only communities— ensures that any support to moments of celebration—on the contrary, given by the Company to our partners are this extends even to moments where this impactful initiatives. As smaller enterprises, spirit can serve as a source of hope during they need all the support to recover and the most difficult of times. Whether it’s to restart their livelihood,” said Atty. Juan cross boundaries in the midst of imposed Lorenzo Tañada, Corporate and Regulatory lockdowns to reach out to those in need, or Affairs Director. to mobilize its resources and fleet to provide The support covers subsidies for aid and relief to underserved communities warehouse repairs, based on damage and those stricken by calamities, the sustained by property, and for the recovery Company constantly delivers on being a of products—which includes a system significant presence to Filipinos in its every to return old or damaged products, such bottle.

Coca-Cola ensures that safe drinking water is immediately available to communities affected by typhoons and calamities.

Opinion Criminalizing red-tagging LAST Tuesday, I was a resource person of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation. Senator Panfilo Lacson presided over a hearing on Senate Resolution No. 559, which directed the Senate Committee to exercise its oversight authority over the defense sector on the issue of redtagging/ red-baiting of certain celebrities, personalities, institutions, and organizations.

I want to commend Senator Lacson for his good and fair stewardship of the hearings.

He gave the concerned authorities time to air their accusations while also allowing people and organizations who have been red-tagged an opportunity to rebut the allegations, successfully in my view.

This is not really about the communist insurgency but a suppression of dissent to avoid accountability.

The best definition of red-tagging is the one proposed by Justice Marvic Leonen in Zarate v. Aquino: “The act of labelling, branding, naming and accusing individuals and/or organizations of being left-leaning, subversives, communists or terrorists (used as) a strategy...by State agents, particularly law enforcement agencies and the military, against those perceived to be ‘threats’ or ‘enemies of the State’.”

As counsel of the Kabataan Party List and other youth organizations as well as Lumad youth from Mindanao who have been unfairly accused, this much was clear to me. Red-tagging is not only wrong; it is dangerous and as I proposed to the Senate, it must be criminalized when done by government officials and people allied with the organizations.

I do not make this proposal lightly as I am a strong advocate of the great freedoms, of speech, expression, press, assembly, and association. But as I have taught generations of law students, the test on prior restraint and subsequent punishment of speech is clear and present danger.

Justice Oliver Wendell Homes’ statement of the clear and present danger test in Schenck v. United States (1919) is classic and applies to red-tagging: “The question in every case is whether the words used are used in such circumstances and are of such a nature as to create a clear and present danger that they will bring about the substantive evils that Congress has a right to prevent. It is a question of proximity and degree.”

Red-tagging produces such a clear and

present danger that the state must absolutely prevent, the worst kind of danger as redtagging has fatal consequences. For example, prior to the killing of activists and peace consultants Zara Alvarez, Randall Echanis, and Randy Malayao, their names were included in the proscription petition filed with the Department of Justice in 2018, where over 600 individuals were identified with the CPP and NPA, and sought to be legally declared as terrorists. They were also redtagged to both online and offline publics; in the provinces, there would be posters would be put up bearing their names and faces and calling them terrorists.

My friend and fellow human rights lawyer, Ben Ramos, was also red-tagged in Negros island before he was assassinated in 2018. His wife and my fellow Jesuit Volunteer Clarise Ramos was also red-tagged and had to take asylum in Europe so she would not suffer the same fate as her husband.

When public funds are used by the government officials to red-tag individuals and organizations, it becomes even more condemnable. Indeed, if red-tagging is criminalized, such use of funds should be considered aggravating and a higher penalty should be imposed. And if death results from such accusations, the highest penalty of reclusion perpetua should be considered.

According to Representative Sarah Elago, in a complaint she filed against several government officials with the Office of the Ombudsman yesterday: “The consequences of red-tagging are grave: ranging from the chilling of speech (as individuals will now be extra wary of expressing legitimate dissent in fear of being red-tagged) to concerns regarding life, liberty, and security (as it has been shown that many individuals who have been red-tagged by the Philippine government have been killed), three rights which are fundamental in every human being and are enshrined in the Philippine Constitution.”

Elago has been included in posters and hand-outs that red-tag her and others as communist-terrorist and that has caused increasing anxiety over her security every time she is attacked by state officials no less, and portrayed to the public as an “enemy” of the state. The sole basis of the attacks against is her being the representative of the Kabataan PartyList. But, as she correctly points out, neither fighting for the advancement of the welfare of the youth, nor dissenting against policies that further marginalize those she represent makes her a member, much less a recruiter, of the CPP-NDF-NPA. According to her: “I may be critical of government, but the KPL mandate is to help build this nation, not destroy it.”

Next Tuesday, I will write more broadly about the red-tagging attacks against the Makabayan bloc, other organizations, and even on a popular mayor like Isko Moreno.

It will be clear that this is not really about the communist insurgency but a suppression of dissent to avoid accountability.

Website: tonylavina.com Facebook: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs

Curbing corruption

What did then-Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, running in 2016 as presidential bet, promise the Filipino electorate?

He said he would eliminate the drug menace and pervasive corruption within three to six months after taking office.

The administration claims success in neutralizing more than 6,000 suspected drug suspects who police insist fought back rather than surrendered during legitimate law enforcement operations.

But it’s doubtful whether the drug menace has actually been significantly eliminated.

Almost daily, we read newspaper reports about drug buy-bust operations resulting in more arrests. This shows that the illegal trade is a lucrative enterprise that does not deter many from engaging in it despite the very real danger of losing their lives or getting caught and spending time in our already overcrowded jails. It’s in the other aspect of this administration’s pre-election vow to stop corruption dead in its tracks where the failure rate grossly exceeds claimed success in ferreting out those intent on emptying the public coffers.

In fact, according to the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) of Transparency International (TI) for 2019, the Philippines fell 14 notches to 113th spot, or a decline from its previous rank at 99 in 2018. The Philippines tied with five other countries, including El Salvador, Kazakhstan, and Zambia.

The global index uses a scale of zero to 100, where zero is “highly corrupt” and 100 is “very clean.” The index ranks 180

countries “by their perceived levels of public sector corruption.”

The Asia-Pacific region, where the Philippines belongs, has an average score of 45, Transparency International said. It pointed out that the Asia-Pacific region “performs only marginally better than the global average” despite it being often seen as “an engine of the global economy, in terms of political integrity and governance.”

“Many countries see economic openness as a way forward, however, governments across the region, from China to Cambodia to Vietnam, continue to restrict participation in public affairs, silence dissenting voices and keep decision-making out of public scrutiny,” the watchdog said.

“Given these issues, it comes as no surprise that vibrant economic powers like China (41), Indonesia (40), Vietnam (37), the Philippines (34) and others continue to struggle to tackle corruption,” it added.

Transparency International defines corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain.

According to Transparency International, its latest index revealed that “a staggering number of countries are showing little to no improvement in tackling corruption.”

“Our analysis also suggests that reducing big money in politics and promoting inclusive political decision-making are essential to curb corruption,” it added.

Transparency International defines corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain.

It believes “corruption erodes trust,

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020

B1

EDITORIAL

P

Falling back on violence

EOPLE crowding into malls to do Christmas shopping might forget about keeping a safe distance from each other despite the COVID-19 pandemic, but we hardly believe they need a whack from a rattan cane to be reminded.

Yet this seems to be the best idea the Philippine National Police (PNP) has to make sure people comply with health protocols during the holiday season.

At a press briefing on 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 PNP chief Debold Sinas to use rattan sticks or “yantok” to hit “hardheaded people” who violate 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 carry one-meter rattan sticks to stop violators, as a measuring device, and it would be used to hit hardheaded individuals,” Palabay said.

Predictably, this plan has provoked concern, anger and even ridicule.

“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 address the pandemic,” a spokesperson for the Commission on Human Rights said.

This plan has provoked concern, anger and even ridicule.

The human rights group Karapatan hit the police for threatening to beat violators of distancing measures.

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,” the group said.

Fortunately, the Palace is on the same page on this issue.

While rattan sticks could be used to measure the one-meter physical distance requirement, these should not be used to harm anyone, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.

Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. had a more colorful way of rejecting the “yantok” approach.

He suggested we do “what the superior races do”--impose heavy fines on those who violate health protocols.

Clearly, the police need to stop falling back on violence as a solution to every problem. Do they think, for example, that it would be okay to break up an unauthorized birthday party where quarantine restrictions were blatantly violated, by beating the guests and the birthday celebrant with rattan sticks?

We think not.

In the shadow of the virus MIDWAY through the five-day webinar series on manufacturing in the “new normal” that’s being run by the Center for Strategy, Enterprise and Intelligence (CenSEI), it’s become clear to me that the virus continues to cast a long and foreboding shadow over our economy, and especially the manufacturing sector.

It’s in our workplaces, not our homes, where the virus is taking a huge toll, forcing businesses to look for new ways to redo pretty much everything. *** On the first day of the CenSEI webinar series last Wednesday, Mon Agustines, the USeducated head of URC’s flexible packaging business, shared the many adjustments that the Gokongwei-owned company has had to put in place. Among his advice: Immediately set up a crisis management team, including a wellness officer and a CSR and government liaison to stay on top of regulatory compliance.

Productivity tips: On the job training toward multi-skilling as operating capacities are driven down by the lockdown. URC invested in isolation, quarantine, and dormitory facilities to get around transportation as well as health-at-work issues.

The company even managed to relocate some of its manufacturing processes outside the plant. Making medical masks and cleaning resins, it turns out, can be done just as well at home.

Undersecretary Ruth Castelo of DTI issued this admonition to her listeners: “Buy local,” if we want to provide the consumer demand that is what will ultimately keep our manufacturing industry afloat.

KPMG’s chief operating officer Noel Bonoan took a different tack, looking at the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in our country. In light of concerns about our BPO’s losing ground to AI adoption by foreign clients, Noel suggested that BPO’s could turn a risk into an opportunity by offering AI development as an additional outsourced service. *** The second webinar day last Friday opened with Eckie Gonzales, the Harvardeducated chairman of The Medical City, the country’s largest single-brand healthcare netweakens democracy, hampers economic development and further exacerbates inequality, poverty, social division and the environmental crisis.”

Corruption, TI explains, can take many forms, such as politicians misusing public money or granting public jobs or contracts to their sponsors, friends and families, and corporations bribing officials to get lucrative deals.

Corruption can happen anywhere: in business, government, the courts, the media, and in civil society, as well as across all sectors from health and education to infrastructure and sports.

In the concrete Philippine context, corruption can involve billions of pesos allegedly skimmed by officials of PhilHealth amid the COVID-19 pandemic to the lack of public bidding and/or overpricing in the procurement of goods and services, as well as small-time acts such as extortion by traffic enforcers for even minor traffic violations.

Apparently frustrated that he has done

work. The hospital has enjoyed zero COVID cases among its medical staff, not surprising in view of the numerous cautionary protocols they’ve installed. Like other speakers, Eckie believes things are starting to improve, but people should remain cautious.

Tugade’s projects help businesses with doing over.

DOLE Assistant Secretary Dr. Teresita Cucueco shared the numerous circulars that her agency has issued on workplace safety.

Dr. Francisco Cruz, a public vaccination expert, reminded us that we’ll need a lot more time to make sure of both a vaccine’s protective strength and any adverse effects. His unsettling prediction: another pandemic in five to seven years. *** Day Three yesterday was fittingly opened by Secretary Art Tugade, the country’s transportation czar, who updated us on the four major sectors he covers: airports, seaports, roads and railways. Among his good news: This month will see the completion of the Bicol International Airport and the ground-breaking for an even bigger project, the Bulacan airport proposed by San Miguel’s Ramon Ang. Completion of the Cagayan de Oro seaport—the country’s biggest—as well as the Cavite gateway terminal, our first-ever barge terminal.

Half a dozen rail programs will be partly or substantially completed before Duterte steps down, including three stations of the Mega Manila subway (Valenzuela, North Avenue, and East Avenue) and the long-delayed MRT common station.

Sec Art was followed by two senior Ayala executives to provide the perspective of one of the country’s most respected business groups.

From IMI Electronics, the sixth largest automotive EMS in the world, chairman Art Tan shared some of their COVID-coping changes: cutting the workforce by half, onsite living and sleeping arrangements for up to a thousand people in their plant, and, of course, strict control over people movements. little to curb corruption in the past four and half years of his term, Mr. Duterte has ordered the creation of a mega-task force from various agencies led by the Department of Justice to help ferret out corrupt bureaucrats in several agencies, including the Department of Public Works and Highways, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Customs, Land Registration Authority, and Philippine Health Insurance System or PhilHealth.

This is certainly a step in the right direction, and Filipinos ought to support this initiative by reporting actual cases of corruption to the Mega Task Force.

I distinctly recall that not too long ago, the World Bank said corruption in the country accounts for no less one-fourth of the total annual national budget. If the proposed budget for 2021 is P4.5 trillion, does this mean that more than P1 trillion will be stolen by the crooks in government this year?

From another Ayala affiliate, KTM Motorcycles, which exports most of its production to other countries including China, chief operating officer Dino Santos paid tribute to the bayanihan spirit displayed by his officemates and even competitors during the lockdown. *** IFC expert Jin-Chang Lai noted an adoption rate of only 1 percent for non-recourse supply chain financing in the Philippines.

This can be improved with future modernization of logistics and warehousing services, as well as wider digitization of both supply chain finance and management.

Harvard-trained lawyer Hans Latta, who used to run a trucking business back in the States, explored the logistical implications of the transportation network being built by Sec Art. Among them: E-commerce and cashless transactions made necessary by COVID will increase warehouse sizes and reduce retail outlet sizes.

Trucks will become bigger, moving away from box to trailer configuration, in order to increase loads and minimize service failures.

The trucking industry will modernize and become more specialized. Manufacturers will thus also have to redesign their plants: tractortrailer loading systems, taller buildings with racking, palletized inventory handling. *** Tomorrow’s webinar will focus on upgrading data infrastructure to enable “new normal” manufacturing. Readers interested to attend may simply click on either link below: https://forms.gle/rw7qXtAMBfHFKR7y8 https://zoom.us/j/97306533399

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Biden plans to nominate more Latinos in Cabinet

J

OE BIDEN plans to nominate California attorney general Xavier Becerra for secretary of health and human services, which would add another Latino member to the president-elect’s increasingly diverse cabinet, US media reported Sunday.

VIRTUAL MESSAGE. US President-elect Joe Biden speaks virtually to the National Association of Counties Board of Directors at the Queen theater in Wilmington, Delaware. AFP

IN BRIEF 23 miners die in China coal mine; one rescued TWENTY-THREE miners have been confirmed dead after an accident at a coal mine in southern China, state media reported, with only one person rescued.

A carbon monoxide leak on Friday evening at the Diaoshuidong mine in the city of Chongqing left 18 miners confirmed dead the next day as rescue efforts continued.

But state media said Sunday that the toll had risen to 23 with only one survivor.

The accident occurred while workers were dismantling underground mining equipment following the mine’s closure two months ago, state news agency Xinhua said.

Xinhua added that investigators were working to determine the cause of the tragedy.

Mining accidents are common in China, where the industry has a poor safety record and regulations are often weakly enforced.

An earlier accident at the same mine claimed the lives of three people in 2013, according to Xinhua.

Sixteen workers were killed at another mine on the outskirts of Chongqing in September after a conveyor belt caught fire and the blaze produced dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. AFP

Danish start-up company proudces ‘vertical farms’ A PURPLE glow illuminates stacked boxes where lettuce, herbs and kale will soon be sprouting at one of Europe’s biggest “vertical farms” which has just opened in a warehouse in an industrial zone in Copenhagen.

Fourteen layers of racks soar from floor to ceiling in this massive, 7,000-squaremetre (75,350-square-foot) hangar used by Danish start-up Nordic Harvest.

The produce grown here will be harvested 15 times a year, despite never seeing soil or daylight. It is lit up around the clock by 20,000 specialised LED lightbulbs.

In this futuristic farm, little robots deliver trays of seeds from aisle to aisle.

The large aluminium boxes are mostly empty for now, but lettuce and other leafy greens will soon be growing.

Some 200 tons of produce are due to be harvested in the first quarter of 2021, and almost 1,000 tonnes annually when the farm is running at full capacity by the end of 2021, explains Anders Riemann, founder and chief executive of Nordic Harvest.

That would make the Taastrup warehouse one of Europe’s biggest vertical farms.

These urban facilities have unsurprisingly received a cool welcome from rural farmers, who have questioned their ability to feed the planet and criticised their electricity consumption.

But Riemann stresses the environmental benefits of his farm, with produce grown close to consumers and its use of green electricity. AFP Manila

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NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the intestate of the late Romulo B. Mangahas, who died intestate and without any will or testament and without any outstanding debts in favor of any person or entity has been settled by way of self-adjudication by heirs Bienvenida V. Mangahas, Editha Amista Mangahas, Reji Benedict Amista Mangahas and Hannah Andrea Amista Mangahas of legal age as per Doc. No. 369 page No. 75, Book No. X. Series of 2020, before Notary Public at Malolos, Bulacan.

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HK police arrest 3 more for chanting banned slogans HONG KONG police arrested three people on Monday for chanting banned slogans at a university campus last month, accusing them of violating a draconian national security law imposed by China.

The arrests illustrate how Beijing’s new law has created a host of new speech crimes as it moves to crush dissent in the international finance hub following months of huge and often violent pro-democracy protests last year.

Li Kwai-wah, a senior officer in Hong Kong’s new national security unit, said the three had been arrested for unlawful assembly and “inciting secession”, a

crime under the national security law.

“They were spotted waving flags and chanting slogans advocating Hong Kong’s independence,” he told reporters.

Five others were also arrested for unlawful assembly, added Li, who is among a group of senior Hong Kong and Chinese officials who have been sanctioned by the United States.

Beijing imposed its new security law in June, keeping its contents secret until the hour before its enactment.

It targets four crimes: subversion, secession, terrorism and colluding with foreign forces.

Beijing says the law was needed to re-

store stability.

Critics say its broad wording criminalises dissent and eviscerates the freedoms and autonomy Hong Kong was promised ahead of its return to China by Britain.

Protests have been largely stamped out in Hong Kong this year. Monday’s arrests were linked to a small unofficial graduation rally at the Chinese University of Hong Kong last month.

Masked students waved banners and chanted pro-democracy slogans, including “Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our times” and “Hong Kong independence, the only way out”. AFP

During Becerra’s 12 terms in the US Congress representing Los Angeles, he was an outspoken advocate of Latino rights and a vigorous defender of former president Barack Obama’s signature health care program -- a policy that has been much attacked by President Donald Trump and Republicans.

NBC, The New York Times and several other news organizations reported on the plan to nominate Becerra, citing anonymous sources close to the president-elect.

Becerra, 62, was elected as California attorney general in 2016, succeeding Vice President-elect Kamala Harris after she was elected to the US Senate. Becerra was the first Latino to hold that office.

While in office, he also defended the immigrant rights program DACA in front of the Supreme Court.

According to the Times, Becerra’s nomination comes after complaints from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus about a lack of Latinos in the incoming cabinet.

Biden has announced Cuban-born Alejandro Mayorkas as his pick to head the Department of Homeland Security.

If confirmed, Becerra would be tasked with leading the health department amid the coronavirus pandemic that has killed over 282,000 in the US. Biden has also picked Rochelle Walensky to head the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the government’s health protection agency, the Wall Street Journal and New York Times reported.

Walensky is chief of the infectious diseases division at Massachusetts General Hospital and is also a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. AFP

17-M people to vote in Ghana elections MORE than 17 million people are eligible to vote in presidential and parliamentary elections in Ghana on Monday with the race for the top job expected to be a close-run fight between incumbent Nana Akufo-Addo and longtime opponent John Mahama.

Nestled along the Gulf of Guinea, Ghana -- long a beacon of democracy and stability in west Africa -- has ensured peaceful transfers of power on seven occasions since it returned to democracy nearly 30 years ago.

The two major parties have always accepted electoral outcomes and pursued any grievances through the courts.

To ensure its continued tradition of peaceful polls, Akufo-Addo, 76, and Mahama, 62, on Friday signed a symbolic peace pact.

They are among 12 candidates, including three women, who are running.

“In view of the happenings on the continent, and, indeed in West Africa, the entire world is looking up to us to maintain our status as a beacon of democracy, peace and stability,” Akufo-Addo said in a televised address on Sunday evening.

Voters will cast their ballots for a new president and members of parliament for 275 constituencies between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm at 38,000 polling stations across the nation.

Key issues include unemployment, infrastructure, education and health.

Ghana has made giant strides over the past two decades, becoming the world’s second-largest cocoa-producing country, but many still live in extreme poverty with scarce access to clean water or electricity.

Hit hard by the pandemic, growth in the nation of 30 million people is expected to fall this year to its lowest in three decades, to 0.9 percent according to the International Monetary Fund, a steep decline from 6.5 percent growth in 2019. AFP

POWER GRIP. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro gestures while delivering a press conference at a polling station in the Simon

Rodriguez school in Fuerte Tiuna, Caracas, on December 6, 2020 during Venezuela’s legislative elections. Polls opened early December 6 in legislative elections set to tighten Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s grip on power and weaken his US-backed rival, who is leading a boycott of the polls he calls a fraud. Maduro and his allies are set to dominate the legislative elections, which victory will give them control of the National Assembly, the only institution not yet in its hands. AFP

Thousands of India’s farmers protest Former NYC Mayor

Maduro seizes control of Venezuela after sweeping win PRESIDENT Nicolas Maduro seized total control of Venezuela’s political institutions on Sunday with a sweeping victory in legislative elections that were boycotted by the main opposition parties.

Maduro and his left-wing allies had 67.7 percent of the vote with over 80 percent of ballots counted,

while the opposition bloc which broke the boycott had 18 percent, National Electoral Council president Indira Alfonzo said.

Turnout was low with 69 percent abstaining.

Sunday’s predictable triumph gives Maduro’s ruling Socialist Party control of an expanded 227-

Guiliano infected

Ludhiana district in northern Punjab state -- a major agrarian region -- told AFP. “This (blockade) is the Berlin Wall DONALD Trump said Sunday his perbut even if we have to protest for a year sonal lawyer Rudy Giuliani has tested or two or have to face bullets, we won’t positive for Covid-19, the latest member leave this site until the laws are repealed.” of the president’s inner circle—where At the heart of the dispute are new mask wearing is rare—to contract the laws that the government says will overdisease. haul the flailing sector by deregulating agThe 76-year-old former New York riculture and removing state middlemen.

City mayor’s age puts him in a highBut farmers believe the changes could risk group, and the New York Times instead tilt the power balance towards large and ABC reported he was hospitalcorporations. Both sides have refused to ized on Sunday in Washington as the budge despite several rounds of talks.

US faces a record surge in coronavirus “We do not trust the government at all. cases.

Every law they have brought previously has Giuliani’s diagnosis comes after he turned to be a disaster... They want to disemhad been crisscrossing country, leadYELLOW the BLACK power farmers and hand over our landCYAN and MAGENTA ing the president’s defiant—and unsuclives to big companies,” Singh said. AFP cessful—effort to undo Joe Biden’s victory in the November 3 presidential election.

During his travels, Giuliani has been seen frequently without a mask: on Wednesday, he was at the Michigan seat National Assembly, the only racks that it was time to end the state assembly in Lansing with his face official body held by the opposi- opposition’s domination of an asuncovered for a hearing that lasted more sembly responsible, he said, for “the tion.

It further weakened US-backed plague of sanctions, cruelty, pain than four hours. opposition leader Juan Guaido, who and suffering.”

On Thursday, CNN showed footUS Secretary of State Mike led the boycott after calling the vote age of him in Atlanta walking maskless Pompeo denounced the polls as “a “a fraud”. down a hall chatting with several other Maduro told reporters after vot- fraud and a sham” engineered by people whose faces were uncovered. ing in Caracas’ main military bar- Maduro. AFP AFP

BEHIND concertina wire and trucks blockading a major highway into India’s capital, tens of thousands of farmers are camping out in the bitter winter cold as they protest against agriculture reforms they fear could destroy their livelihood.

Layers of hay, mattresses and blankets are used as bedding inside the tractors and trucks, and on the road, while six months’ worth of food is piled up in trailers -- signs that the farmers are resolute about maintaining the blockade until Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government reverses course.

Pro-farmers slogans blare out from speakers at the blockade, with some protesters standing on tractors brandishing swords and spears.

“These laws are death warrants for the farmers,” Sandeep Singh, a farmer from

Business

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Brexit talks reach crisis; outcome uncertain

PSEi December 7, 2020

TOP GAINERS 1 2

DFNN AR

LAST PRICE 6.35 0.0015

% CHANGE CHANGE 1.86 41.43% 0.0004 36.36%

3

PBC

22.9

3

15.08%

4 5 6

DITO ACEX DMW

7.61 10 6.78

0.69 0.8 0.49

9.97% 8.70% 7.79%

7

SUN

1.85

0.12

6.94%

8 9 10

CYBR APL C

0.345 0.058 5.79

0.02 0.003 0.28

6.15% 5.45% 5.08%

TOP LOSERS 1 2

PTC MAB

LAST PRICE 95 0.01

% CHANGE CHANGE -11 -10.38% -0.001 -9.09%

3

OPM

0.01

-0.001

-9.09%

4 5 6

BMM IPM FPI

71.35 4.51 0.205

-4.95 -0.29 -0.013

-6.49% -6.04% -5.96%

7 8 9 10

LSC AEV I MWIDE

0.96 44.75 1.32 8.89

-0.06 -2.75 -0.07 -0.4

-5.88% -5.79% -5.04% -4.31%

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

DITO MBT AC ALI BDO SMPH SM ICT TEL BPI

VOLUME 130417000 10184050 559280 11488000 3882970 10097400 366925 3056130 217820 3170520

VALUE (PHP) 965289378 517329757 479720695 456368175 422702668 389244335 383726780 380739973 289491935 263126807.5

EU Foreign minister Josep Borrell (left) speaks with Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya (center), ahead of a meeting of European Union’s permanent representatives committee on December 7, 2020 in Brussels. EU and UK post-Brexit trade talks reached crisis point on December 7, 2020 with the outcome highly uncertain and the risk of a damaging “no-deal” still alive. AFP

Stocks resume rally; ICTSI, Alliance Global lead gainers

T

HE stock market rose Monday over prospects of a strong recovery in 2021, the rollout of vaccines in the UK and the first expected drug approval in the US this week.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index climbed 69.11 points, or 1 percent, to 7,203.67 on a value turnover of P9.6 billion. Gainers beat losers, 122 to 114, with 37 issues unchanged.

Dito CME Holdings Corp., the third major major mobile phone company, jumped 10 percent to P7.61, while Alliance Global Group Inc. of tycoon Andrew Tan advanced 4.6 percent to P10.56.

International Container Terminal Services Inc., the biggest port operator and owned by tycoon Enrique Razon Jr., rose 4.1 percent to P126, while SM

Prime Holdings Inc. of the Sy Group added 2.9 percent to P38.70.

The rest of Asian equity markets were mixed Monday following last week’s rally as investors prepare for a big week that could see the vaccine rollout begin in earnest and US lawmakers agree a new stimulus, while post-Brexit trade talks remain on a knife-edge.

Hong Kong fell more than one percent and Shanghai sank 0.8 percent, with traders unmoved by data showing Chinese exports expanded in November at their fastest pace in almost three years. Tokyo slipped 0.8 percent.

But there were gains in Seoul, Sydney, Mumbai, Taipei, Singapore, Jakarta and Wellington.

But while the general consensus is for a strong recovery in 2021 as billions are inoculated, the surge in virus cases around the world and ongoing ChinaUS tensions continue to keep a lid on sentiment.

Regional traders struggled to build on last week’s advances, despite all three

Wall Street indexes chalking up records Friday thanks to signs of movement in US stimulus talks and hopes for the vaccine.

Optimism US lawmakers will agree a rescue package was boosted Friday with data showing the world’s top economy created far fewer jobs than forecast in November as the country is battered by a jump in infections that is forcing leaders to impose containment measures.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have revived efforts to hash out a deal for more aid, with both recognizing the need for help for Americans as Christmas approaches.

Senators and their teams worked all weekend on a detailed bill, which “will probably come out early this week,” Republican Senator Bill Cassidy told “Fox News Sunday.”

Pelosi has agreed to make the proposal the basis for negotiations on a final text. With AFP

China exports surged by 21% in November

German industrial production jumped in October—data FRANKFURT, Germany—German industrial output beat expectations in October, official data showed Monday, reflecting a continuing rebound in Europe’s largest economy before the latest restrictions to control the pandemic were imposed.

Industrial production rose 3.2 percent month-on-month, federal statistics agency Destatis said, driven by a strong performance in Germany’s key car industry.

It was the sixth month in a row that production increased, and beat expectations of a 1.5-percent rise from analysts surveyed by FactSet. However, output remains below prepandemic levels, with the October figure 3.0 percent below the same month in 2019.

Output in Germany’s key auto industry rose by 9.9 percent in October compared with September, although it is six percent down on the pre-pandemic levels seen in February 2020, Destatis said.

Hoping to curb a second coronavirus wave, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government introduced new measures for November targeting hospitality, culture and leisure services, which have since been extended to January 10.

But with factories staying open, manufacturing is not expected to be severely impacted.

“The backbone of the German economy is proving its stability in this particular situation,” said Jens-Oliver Niklasch, economist at LBBW bank.

“The October figures also help to relieve the main concerns about another sharp economic slump in the final quarter,” he added.

Last week, industrial orders data— pointing to future activity—topped pre-pandemic levels for the first time since the start of the health crisis.

Germany’s economy expanded by a record 8.5 percent in the third quarter after tough measures were lifted and shops and factories reopened.

But a decline in economic output may be on the cards for the last three months of the year, as restrictions hurt the services sector and consumer demand falls. AFP

BRUSSELS, Belgium—Post-Brexit trade talks between the EU and UK reached a decisive point Monday, with the outcome highly uncertain and the threat of a wrenching “no-deal” divorce mounting by the hour.

Brussels’ chief negotiator Michel Barnier briefed ambassadors from EU member states at a pre-dawn crisis meeting, after talks with his UK counterpart David Frost broke up overnight.

Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheal Martin warned the chances for a deal were only “50-50,” while sources close to the talks said Sunday’s horse trading was slow and expectations were low.

Britain left the EU on January 31 but will exit the EU’s single market at year’s end, following a transition period originally intended to give time to shape future ties.

The goal of the negotiations is to establish a trade relationship with zero tariffs and zero quotas in hopes of avoiding major disruptions come January 1.

Barnier and Frost are expected to resume face-to-face talks later Monday before reporting back to their respective bosses, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The two leaders will speak by phone later in the day, a call that might now effectively be an end to the dialogue.

All eyes are on an EU summit on Thursday, when the outline of any deal—or an admission of the failure to find one—will be put to the bloc’s 27 leaders.

A source close to the talks said the situation was “very difficult” and that negotiations were in their “last useful days.”

“We are on a very narrow path and it is impossible to predict the outcome,” the source explained.

Several sources said the hardest issue was how to guarantee fair trade in future ties and establish a quick penalty mechanism if either side were to backtrack on, for example, environmental or health standards. AFP

A man rides a bicycle past Christmas illuminations in Barcelona on December 5, 2020. AFP

Without tourists, some Barcelona hotels get creative to survive

By DANIEL BOSQUE BARCELONA, Spain―Sergi Pino recently moved to Barcelona, but rather than renting a flat, he’s staying at a hotel which has been forced to get creative to compensate for the absence of tourists.

Hugely popular with international visitors, the city has seen most of its hotels close as the pandemic has kept tourists away, and the few that remain open have had to repurpose themselves to stay afloat.

Some have adapted their premises to suit telecommuters, while others have dropped the price for long-term stays in order to compete with the traditional rental market.

Still others are offering a deluxe experience to residents who, unable to travel, get to play the tourist in their own city.

At his new “home” in the Gallery Hotel, Pino not only has his room, but enjoys the use of the gym, the pool, the spa and an open space for teleworking all for 900 euros ($1,080) a month.

“There’s more space, I’m happy and focused on my work,” he says, sitting in front of a screen in the shared working space wearing a grey suit and white trainers. “Nothing bothers me.”

More affordable than a flat

A former basketball player who is two meters (six foot, five inches) tall, Pino used to commute from his home 70 kilometers (43 miles) away.

But when he looked for a flat, he realized that staying in a hotel would be more affordable.

And he’s not alone: among other long-term “guests” at the hotel are couples whose homes are being renovated and people who were going to move abroad but found their relocation put on hold because of the pandemic.

“We have eight people living with us and we’re about to take in another 24 reservations,” says Marta Golobardes, director general of the Gallery group, which includes hotels in the southern resort of Malaga and Mallorca in the Balearic Isles.

Shuttered by the pandemic in March, the hotel reopened in October after being refitted for distance working with shared working spaces and rooms converted into offices with a desk instead of a bed for those who cannot concentrate at home.

Although they are making just a fraction of what they would have done in a normal year, the income goes some way to compensating for the losses incurred by the pandemic, “providing the

staff with jobs, and meaning less money lost,” Golobardes says.

Several hotels have taken a similar approach, offering rooms for as little as 600 euros ($730) a month, which is cheaper than renting a studio in Barcelona.

Others are offering a taste of luxury, with one hotel, the Ohla, promising a free overnight stay for those paying to have dinner in its Michelin-starred restaurant.

The Detroit effect?

The pandemic has caused “tragedy” in a city that last year welcomed 9.5 million visitors, says Jordi Mestre, head of the Gremio de Hoteles representing the hotel and tourist accommodation sector in the Barcelona area.

More than 75 percent of hotels remain closed and the few that are open barely manage an occupancy rate of 10 percent, leaving many on the verge of bankruptcy and attracting vulture funds.

This year, only 1.5 million visitors have stayed in hotels in the city, 12 percent of whose wealth normally relies on tourism.

In the local press, some are already speaking of Barcelona as “the Detroit of tourism,” referring to the fate of what was once among America’s wealthiest cities as the capital of its car industry. AFP

BEIJING, China—China’s exports rose in November at their fastest pace in almost three years, official figures showed Monday, as a surge in demand in key markets ahead of the festive period also helped the country post a record trade surplus.

The reading is the latest spot of good news out of the world’s number two economy, which has been enjoying a bounce-back from virus-induced lockdowns that sent it into a rare contraction earlier in the year.

Overseas shipments grew 21.1 percent on-year last month to $268 billion thanks to strong demand for medical goods and electronics.

The figures—the best since February 2018—surpassed the 12 percent tipped in a Bloomberg poll of analysts and was much better than the 11.4 percent seen in October. The reading also marked the sixth straight month of growth.

However, imports expanded 4.5 percent, weaker than the 7.0 percent estimated and slightly worse than the previous month.

In the first 11 months of the year, customs figures showed exports of textiles, including masks, surged 33 percent as governments put in place virus containment measures.

The data also showed China’s surplus with the rest of the world hit $75.42 billion in November, up from $58.44 billion in October and the largest on record dating back to 1990, according to Bloomberg News.

Iris Pang, chief economist for Greater China at ING, told AFP the latest trade figures were likely the result of “urgent export deliveries before Thanksgiving and Christmas,” with importers from western economies worried about lockdowns ahead of the year-end holidays.

But Louis Kuijs, head of Asia economics at Oxford Economics, cautioned: “Many COVID-related purchases won’t happen again and we eventually expect a global rotation from goods to services consumption as vaccine availability reduces the need for social distancing.”AFP

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

B4

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020

IN BRIEF BDO declares cash dividend of P0.30

BDO Unibank Inc., the country’s largest lender controlled by the Sy family, on Monday announced the declaration of a regular cash dividend of P0.30 per common share in the fourth quarter.

BDO said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its board of directors approved the declaration of cash dividends in a meeting held on Dec. 5. The cash dividends would be payable on Dec. 29, 2020 to all stockholders of record as of Dec. 22, 2020.

It said the source of dividend payment would be the “surplus profits of the bank as of December 2019 [net of previously issued dividends less capital adjustments per relevant regulations].”

BDO posted a record net income of P44.2 billion last year on the back of strong core income sources. Net income in the first nine months of 2020, however, declined 48 percent to P16.6 billion from P32.1 billion a year ago because of the upfront provisions amounting to P23.8 billion in anticipation of potential delinquencies amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Julito G. Rada

LRT-1 launches ‘Christmask’ train

LIGHT Rail Manila Corp. on Monday unveiled a unique LRT-1 Christmask-themed train to spread the holiday cheer to its passengers.

LRMC said its special LRT-1 train designed with a giant mask and face shield is a timely reminder for Filipino commuters to be responsible and do their part in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Each side of the train shows images of different frontliners from the medical field, security and service sectors. The design is a tribute to the tireless dedication and efforts of the country’s brave workers to keep essential services running in the face of the pandemic.

Safety kits were distributed to LRT-1 passengers at the Baclaran Station during the launch of the special LRT-1 Christmask themed train.

The themed train also bears the Ingat Angat Tayong Lahat campaign logo of the Taskforce T3 (Test, Trace, Treat), a multisectoral public-private consortium of companies and organizations including LRMC which are working closely with government agencies to boost businesses while ensuring consumers’ health and safety.

Darwin G. Amojelar

NGCP finally energizes San Jose-Quezon line

TRANSMISSION operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines said Monday it successfully energized its San Jose-Quezon 230-kiloVolt Line 3 and is ramping up its transmission services in anticipation of increasing power supply and demand in the coming years.

The project is part of the P1.644-billion program approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission, which includes the transmission line and the upgrade and expansion of NGCP’s San Jose and Quezon 230-kV substations.

“NGCP is proud to report that we were able to energize the line despite the setbacks encountered due to the COVID-19 outbreak. We recognize the importance of ensuring reliable power transmission services at all times, especially at the height of a global health threat where hospitals and other critical facilities require uninterrupted delivery of power,” NGCP said in a statement.

The 19-kilometer San Jose-Quezon Line 3 traverses the cities of Quezon, Caloocan, Valenzuela and San Jose del Monte and widens the power transmission corridor, allowing any and all available and incoming supply from power plants to transmit to the country’s load center. Alena Mae S. Flores

Business Petron to shut down Bataan oil refinery in January—Ang

By Alena Mae S. Flores

P

ETRON Corp., the country’s lone refiner, will push through with shutdown of its Bataan facility by January amid the challenging market environment, a top executive said Monday.

“Yes, January for economic shutdown,” Petron president Ramon Ang, said when asked about the timeline of the company’s announcement to close the refinery because of the “difficult” environment brought about by the coronavirus pandemic and uneven playing field.

Ang said under the economic shutdown, the Bataan refinery with a capacity of 180,000 barrels a day, might still re-

open once the market situation improved.

Petron’s refinery employs around 1,000 workers and deals with thousands of third-party suppliers.

The Petron refinery went on maintenance shutdown in May before moving to an economic shutdown to preserve cash amid the deteriorating refining margins.

Petron eventually reopened the refinery in September but a month later, Ang announced plans to close the refinery amid the uneven playing field compounded by low demand.

Petron reported a net loss of P12.6 billion in the first nine months, a turnaround from a net income of P3.6 billion in the same period in 2019 because of the 40-percent drop in domestic volume and the P13-billion inventory losses in the first four months of the lockdown.

Consolidated sales volume from Petron’s Philippines and Malaysian busi-

nesses contracted 24 percent in the first nine months to 59.5 million barrels from 78.7 million barrels a year ago.

Petron’s consolidated revenues also declined 43 percent to P216.4 billion from last year’s P381.7 billion.

Ang earlier said Petron, the only remaining refiner in the country, also faced arduous taxation not encountered by fuel importers, aside from operating under a volatile business climate.

“We have several tax-related concerns which we have already raised with the government. Under the current regime, refiners are faced with the burden of paying so much more taxes than importers making it more difficult for us to preserve the viability of operating a refinery in the country. Of course, we want to keep our refinery running and hopefully with the government’s support, we will be able to do this more efficiently,” Ang said.

CITEM FEAT. The Philippines generates over $462 million worth of onsite export sales from food products in its hybrid participation in the third China International Import Expo at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. The delegation under the FOODPhilippines banner is led by the Department of Trade and Industry through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions. Attending the event are (from left) Warren Palacio, deputy tourism attaché in Shanghai; John Paul Iñigo, Philippine International Trading Corp. Guangzhou vice consul; Glenn Peñaranda, PTIC Beijing Commercial Counselor; Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana; China Ministry of Commerce Deputy Director General Yang Weiqun; agriculture counselor Ana Abejuela; acting head of Post Consul in Shanghai Marlowe Miranda; Mario Tani of PITC Shanghai; and Ireneo Reyes of DTI Shanghai.

PSALM asks Olongapo City to pay P6.7b in electricity bills

By Julito G. Rada POWER Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. chaired by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III sent a final demand letter to the Olongapo City government to pay long-overdue obligations amounting to P6.713 billion in electricity bills and other charges over a 12-year period.

PSALM president and chief executive Irene Besido Garcia and acting vice president for finance Manuel Marcos Villalon II gave Olongapo City in a letter seven calendar days to pay the arrears or face legal action.

PSALM addressed its formal and final demand letter to Olongapo City Mayor

Rolen Paulino for obligations of the city’s Public Utilities Department amounting to P6.713 billion as of July 31, 2020.

Garcia and Villalon told Paulino that PSALM would be constrained “to avail of all appropriate legal remedies to protect PSALM and the government’s interests, including the filing of criminal, civil and administrative cases” against him and other local government officials of the city, if the Olongapo City government fails to pay the “demanded overdue amount within the prescribed period.”

Copies of the final demand letter were furnished Dominguez, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi and DILG Secretary Eduardo Año.

PSALM said the local government

unit incurred the following long-due obligations: power bills with interest and value-added tax amounting to P5.66 billion; default wholesale supplier arrangement charges with interest and VAT, P813.77 million; deferred accounting adjustment charges with interest and VAT, P230.71 million; and VAT on the automatic cost recovery mechanism true up, P8.72 million.

PSALM first sent a final demand letter to the city government in May 2019, with the arrears then amounting to P6.18 billion, which remained unpaid for more than nine years. The LGU responded by remitting P20 million in July and December last year, leaving a still substantial amount of arrears unpaid.

Toll operators sign agreement to test harmonization of Autosweep, Easytrip

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE country’s toll operators agreed to conduct testing for the interoperability of their systems for fast, efficient and seamless travel of motorists, the Department of Transportation said Monday.

SMC TPLEX Corp., Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. and NLEX Corp. signed the memorandum of agreement to jointly test the use of AutoSweep and EasyTrip radio frequency identification cashless toll payments for North Luzon Expressway, Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway and Subic-ClarkTarlac Expressway and determine the read rate percentage.

SMCTC, a subsidiary of the San Miguel Holdings Corp. and the concessionaire and the operator of TPLEX, uses the AutoSweep RFID tag.

MPTC, the investment holding company of NLEX Corp. uses the EasyTrip RFID tag for its electronic toll collection.

The test is part of the ongoing campaign by the DOTr, through the Toll Regulatory Board, to implement a policy of toll interoperability for the fast, efficient and seamless travel of motorists along various toll roads as

the country continues to recover from the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade expressed appreciation to the toll operators and concessionaires for their willingness to fast-track the necessary measures to fully implement the toll interoperability policy for the benefit of motorists and commuters, especially now that measures, such as strict physical distancing and cashless transactions, are being enforced to contain the spread of COVID-19.

“We are grateful to our private partners who have demonstrated their unparalleled support in this project. We need their assistance to fast-track the necessary measures to fully implement toll interoperability,” Tugade said.

Under the agreement, a steering committee will be created to implement and monitor the parties’ compliance with the agreement. An AutoSweep RFID sticker will be activated using an EasyTrip account, and an EasyTrip RFID sticker will be activated using an AutoSweep account. The test will involve 45 vehicles, composed equally of the different vehicle classifications.

The interoperability testing will be conducted for 14 consecutive days.

PSE INDEX

Monday, December 7, 2020

69.11 PTS. 7,203.67

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

45,271,122,182 209,553 9,555,044,393.27 122 114 37

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.033

Japan

Yen

0.009609

0.4615

UK

Pound

1.341

64.4123

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129027

6.1976

Switzerland

Franc

1.122712

53.9272

Canada

Dollar

0.782595

37.5904

Singapore

Dollar

0.748951

35.9744

Australia

Dollar

0.743

35.6885

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652661

127.4153

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266624

12.8068

Brunei

Dollar

0.746157

35.8402

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000071

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.033167

1.5931

UAE

Dirham

0.272264

13.0777

Euro

Euro

1.2134

58.2832

Korea

Won

0.01355

0.6508

China

Yuan

0.246427

11.8366

India

Rupee

0.7041

33.82

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.035447

1.7026

New Zealand

Dollar

0.700500

33.6955

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035089

1.6879 Source: BSP

PH Resorts tops off two towers of Cebu casino project

By Jenniffer B. Austria LISTED gaming company PH Resorts Group Holdings Inc. said Monday the construction of its flagship integrated casino and hotel project in Mactan, Cebu remains on track following the topping off of two towers.

PH Resorts said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it recently conducted a topping off ceremony on towers A and B of Emerald Bay amid difficulties due to the pandemic.

“Despite a very challenging year caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to achieve many project and company milestones. The topping off of the two towers in Emerald Bay represent a very major tangible and visible milestone in its construction,” PH Resorts chairman Dennis Uy said.

“Our timetables make the scheduled completion of the first phase of Emerald Bay ready by the time we anticipate a marked recovery in the country’s tourism and gaming sector,” Uy said.

The topping off of towers A and B came after the company’s follow-on offering of primary common shares that enabled it to raise P756 million in proceeds.

“The topping off of towers A and B represent a significant milestone in the on-going construction of Emerald Bay. Going forward one will see more construction accomplishment on the façade as well as in the interiors. We are very much excited to be on the road to open Emerald Bay on spec, on time and on budget,” PH Resorts chief operating officer José Angel Sueiro said.

Under the plan, Emerald Bay will be constructed in two phases, with the targeted completion of the first phase by the second quarter of 2022.

Upon completion of the first phase, Emerald Bay will feature 122 gaming tables for mass, premium mass and junkets, 600 electronic gaming machines and 270 hotel room bays.

SAFE SHOPPING. Strict COVID-19 guidelines and open format make Christmas shopping safer at ‘The Outlets at Lipa’ in Batangas and ‘The Outlets at Pueblo Verde’ in Cebu. The Outlets’ outdoor mall format allows for social distancing to be properly implemented so visitors can better appreciate the fresh air, surrounding green parks and landscapes and al fresco dining spaces. Both mall complexes are thoughtfully integrated in the master planned Aboitiz Integrated Economic Centers where they are located.

Solons file resolution urging FDA to return funds from foreign groups A RESOLUTION filed by ranking members of the House of Representatives urged the Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies to stop accepting money and return all the funds they received from foreign private groups such as The Union and Bloomberg Initiative in exchange of predefined policies, which ignore the rights and welfare of consumers.

Deputy House Speaker Deogracias Victor Savellano, representing Ilocos Sur’s First District and Nueva Ecija First District Rep. Estrellita Suansing, filed the resolution directing the House Committee on Good Government and Public Ac-

countability to conduct an inquiry on the alleged “questionable” receipt of private funding by the FDA and other government agencies and institutions.

The agencies receive the funding in exchange for the issuance of specific and predefined policies against a legitimate industry under Philippine laws, and in complete disregard of the rights and welfare of consumers.

“Until such time as the investigation by the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability is concluded, Congress calls on the FDA and other recipient-government agencies and institutions to cease, with im-

mediate effect, all contact with all aforementioned foreign groups and to return any foreign monies the agencies have received,” the two lawmakers said in the resolution.

The inquiry stemmed from the admission by FDA officials, during a public hearing on October 8 for the drafting of the general guidelines on the regulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems (e-cigarettes) and heated tobacco products, that they received funding from The Union and Bloomberg Initiative which are international private groups that advocate against all forms of tobacco products, including ENDS and HTPs.

2-time PBA Grand Slam winner Crispa eyes return THE legendary Crispa Redmanizers, who lorded it over Philippine basketball’s landscape in the 1950s up to the 80s, are coming back.

At least in the t-shirt market. For now.

Allessandro Lorenzo “Enzo” Floro Herbosa, third of four sons of Dra. Valerie Floro Herbosa, youngest daughter of the late Redmanizers’ owner Danny Floro, announced that the family is reviving Crispa’s main product in the market.

Herbosa added that if plans do not miscarry, the company’s basketball team, which dominated the country’s cage scene in both the amateur and pros for three decades, will likewise, be reintroduced to preserve the legacy left by his grandfather in sports.

“Yes, why not?” the young Herbosa said in a separate phone interview. “We realize naman that the Crispa t-shirt became famous because of our basketball team.”

“For a start, though, let us—my brothers Angelo, Valerio and Regino, our cousins and friends—first reintroduce the Crispa brand in the market, as a quality t-shirt brand proudly made in the Philippines,” said Herbosa. “‘Yung basketball team, susunod na.”

T he for mal lau nch of Cr ispa t-shi r t’s revival is scheduled today via social media, Herbosa’s mother Dra. Valerie, said.

Herbosa, only 23 and a lawyer, whose birthday, May 16, coincides with Danny’s, said he’s just starting his career in marketing. He and his group want to present Crispa again in the market “as a shirt that’s quality made and proudly made by Filipinos for Filipinos.”

“Behind the two-time PBA Grand Slam winning team, the Crispa Redmanizers, was the Crispa t-shirt. A fun fact is that the team got its name from the “Redmanized” process, which made the shirts resilient to shrinking,“ he said by way of explaining the quality of the product.

“In short, the shirts were shrunkto-fit, as label tags on the shirt would suggest. To this day, we still use our Crispa shirts, some of which are decades old. This is a true testament to the quality of material put into a Crispa t-shirt” he attested.

“The brand still remains popular in the older generation. However, the challenge is the awareness of the Crispa brand in my generation.

The t-shirt still stays true to 100% pure cotton, just like the Crispa 400 shirts of the past,” he assured.

Eddie Alinea

Sports

MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020

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Eumir Felix Marcial (left) captured the gold—his third overall—at the 30th Southeast Asian Games in December, as well as the silver medal in last year’s World Boxing Championships.

Marcial makes pro debut vs Idaho boxer on Dec. 16 M

IDDLEWEIGHT standout and 2021 Philippine Olympic team member Eumir Felix Marcial makes his professional debut on Dec. 16 (Dec. 17, Manila time) against power-punching Andrew Whitfield (3-1, 2 KOs), from Lewiston, Idaho in a four-round bout at Live’s Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

The fight, part of a Premier Boxing Champions event, will be televised live on FS1.

Marcial, who is signed with PBC and Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, is following the Pacman’s footsteps by training under Freddie Roach at his Hollywoodbased Wild Card Boxing Club.

Wild Card is where the eight-division world champion Pacquiao trained for his greatest ring performances. Professional fighters are now allowed to compete in the Olympics and Wild Card is serving as a “one-stop shop” for Marcial’s preparations for professional and Olympic glory.

“Turning professional is an important step in my journey to the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. A lot of the fighters I may face in the Olympics have already turned pro, so my professional training with Freddie will keep me at their level of experience when we battle in the Olympics,” said Marcial, who hails from Zamboanga City.

“But my ultimate goal has always been to make my father’s dream a reality, a dream he has had since my first amateur fight, to win an Olympic gold medal. That is the prize I have in my eyes. I want to be the first to bring Olympic gold back to Philippines. When I enter the ring for my pro debut I will not be alone,” he said.

“I am grateful for the support from a lot of people, including MP Promotions’ President Sean Gibbons and Senator Manny Pacquiao for having faith in my ability and signing me, and allowing me to follow in the footsteps of Manny, an idol of mine for as long as I can remember.

Like Manny, I have been blessed to travel to Hollywood and train under the guidance of a great teacher in Freddie Roach. I know what Manny and Freddie have accomplished together. I think of that every day and wake up inspired to do better than the day before. It is hard work, but is has been good work,” Marcial continued.

Marcial also thanked for the support in his journey, the Philippine Air Force, his

coaches on the Philippines boxing team, namely Ronald Chavez and Don Abnett, Philippines Sports Commission chairman William Ramirez and Association of Boxing Alliances president Ricky Vargas and secretary general Ed Picson.

“On behalf of MP Promotions and Filipinos in our country and around the world, I’d like to say how proud we are of Eumir,” Pacquiao said. “I still remember how excited I was to begin my journey with Freddie and I know they will make a remarkable team. This isn’t just a debut for a professional boxing career, it is the beginning of a historic quest. God bless Eumir Marcial.”

Gibbons, for his part, said: “I am very excited to see Eumir turn professional because it is an important step in gaining valuable experience for his Olympic campaign. It’s an essential preparation to compete at the highest level for the 2021 summer games in Tokyo.”

“If all goes well, Eumir will have one or two more pro fights to continue his preparation for next year’s Olympics. I would also like to join Eumir in thanking the PSC and its chairman William Ramirez for their support, as well Ricky Vargas and Ed Picson, the respective President and Secretary General of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines, and Dennis Principe for his help and guidance,” Gibbons added. AFP

Mayweather to stage exhibition bout vs YouTuber Logan Paul LOS ANGELES—Floyd Mayweather announced Sunday he is set for an exhibition boxing match against popular YouTube personality Logan Paul at an undetermined venue early next year.

No details were released about the former boxing champion’s latest exhibition, other than it would be held on February 20.

The 43-year-old Mayweather has not had a serious boxing match since fighting Andre Berto in 2015, the same year he battled Filipino champion Manny Pacquiao.

In 2017, Mayweather stopped mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor, who had never boxed professionally before. The one-sided fight allowed Mayweather an easy way to close his overall boxing record at 50-0.

A year later, Mayweather staged

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

another widely ridiculed exhibition against kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa on New Year’s Eve that reportedly netted him $9 million.

The 25-year-old Paul’s lone boxing match was against his YouTube rival, KSI, back in November 2019.

Paul triggered widespread criticism with his YouTube portfolio in 2017 when he posted a video showing the body of an apparent suicide victim in Japan. The video, shot in the Aokigahara forest, caused YouTube to cut some business ties with Paul.

Last month, Mayweather shared a video on Instagram teasing an upcoming fight but without any details.

Mayweather will be giving up six inches in height to the sixfoot-two Paul. Tickets are priced between $25 and $70. AFP

Lascuña, Superal go for sweep PRO golf wraps up its two-tournament bubble swing in new normal beginning today (Tuesday, Dec. 8) at Riviera’s Langer course with a tight start and a tighter finish seen in both the Philippine Golf Tour and Ladies PGT championships.

Tony Lascuña and Princess Superal exude confidence coming off a pair of emphatic victories in the ICTSI Riviera Invitational Challenge at the adjacent Couples layout three weeks ago. But the rest of the compact field in both sides likewise do, aware of their fair chances for a stab at glory in the P2.5 million ICTSI Riviera Championship on a tricky, exacting course that has ruined and stymied many a title bid in the past.

Though at least six players, including five in the PGT side, opted to bring in personal caddies under strict health and safety protocols, majority are setting out for the 72-hold event on their own, thus also putting premium on endurance and patience through all four days of the championship.

“Langer is a lot longer and tougher and for as long as my knees hold up, I think I have a chance,” said the multititled Lascuña, who will turn 50 on Dec. 26. “There’s a lot of young, strong players but experience-wise, I believe we (veterans) still have the edge.”

Ira Alido and Rupert Zaragosa, who finished tied behind Lascuña the first time out, represent the bumper crop of young turks ready to take over but they will be as much tested this week as the rest of the seasoned campaigners, including Angelo Que, Miguel Tabuena, Jay Bayron, Jhonnel Ababa, Jerson Balasabas, Michael Bibat, and Dutch Guido Van der Valk.

Lloyd Go, who topped the PGT Q-School in 2018, beefs up the rising stars roster with the former national champion tapping sister and SEA Games team gold medalist LK as caddie in pursuit of the top P350,000 purse.

Others playing with bag-toters are Tabuena, with Artemio Murakami; Justin Quiban, with Christopher Popp; Zaragosa with father-coach Boyet; and Korean Lee Sangun with Jessie Tacujan.

Like Lascuña, Superal is bracing for a challenging week with the likes of Abby Arevalo, Pauline del Rosario, Chanelle Avaricio, Daniella Uy, Cyna Rodriguez and Chihiro Ikeda all fired up to foil her and fuel their respective drive for the top P72,000 purse in the 54-hole LPGT championship.

“I’m excited for the chance (to go for a sweep),” said Superal, who beat Arevalo by five at Couples. “I’m ready and I feel good—game-wise and on the mental side. Besides I always give my best shot in every tournament.”

Floyd Mayweather visits Manny Pacquiao in one of his fights.

Fully-rested Gin Kings deliver best game yet

By Arman Carandang

Stanley Pringle in attack mode

DO your best and the best will come back to you.

Barangay Ginebra’s Gin Kings have probably done their best last Sunday and the result was a Game 4 win that moved them to within a win shy of winning it all on Wednesday.

“This is our best game of the series by far and, I think, the best game of the conference,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.

Cone was referring to the 98-88 spanking of Talk ‘N Text’s Tropang Giga in Game 4 of their best-of-7 showdown for the PBA Philippine Cup at the AUF Sports Arena and Cultural Center.

“We hit big shots all night, we made plays,

we made defensive plays, held the lead for the most part and then they made their big run. But I felt we played well tonight,” said Cone, visibly impressed with the way the Gin Kings handled the Tropang Giga all night-long, after a well-deserved rest on Saturday.

The Gin Kings were coming off an 88-67 loss in Game 3 two days earlier.

As a result of the Gin Kings’ 21-point blowout loss, a series sweep which everybody had been anticipating quickly vanished, and the Tropang Giga at the same time avoided falling into a 0-3 hole.

As fatigue could be a tough enemy for anyone, more so if you’re playing inside a ‘bubble,’ the Gin Kings opted not to hold any practice sessions on Saturday after the

stinging loss Friday.

The main reason cited by the Ginebra coaching staff was to afford the Gin Kings a rest longer than usual, thereby revitalizing their weary legs. They only held light workouts in the morning of Sunday, putting their plays and strategies in motion during practice. The game, after all, was happening on the evening.

The approach has apparently worked well for the Gin Kings.

“I just felt we played well in the first quarter and then we looked tired going into the second and tired for the rest of the game,” said Cone in explaining the decision to give the Gin Kings a full rest day on Saturday.

“We just decided to give them an extra time off.”

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Sports

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020

LeBron, Osaka, Mahomes, 2 others among SI ‘20 Sportspersons of Year N

EW YORK—NBA champion LeBron James, Super Bowl winner Patrick Mahomes and Japan’s Naomi Osaka were among five athletes honored Sunday by Sports Illustrated magazine for their off-field activism.

conduct social protests.

Duvernay-Tardif, the starting right offensive guard for the Chiefs but also a doctor, gave up his NFL uniform for doctor’s protective personal equipment when the Covid-19 pandemic struck, joining the front line of a battle for people’s lives.

Stewart supported Black Lives Matter from the start of the Women’s NBA bubble to the finish, when she helped the Seattle Storm claim a fourth title and winning WNBA Finals MVP honors after recovering from an Achilles injury.

“If there is brightness in this dark year, it’s the leadership—and sorely needed optimism—shown by some of our nation’s top athletes in facing down our many challenges,” SI wrote in announcing the winners.

“The issues and challenges of 2020 will no doubt still be there in 2021 and beyond. But our Sportspersons of the Year set an example of how to face and one day fix them.

With principle. With passion. And with an athlete’s optimism—the belief that no matter the obstacles, better days are ahead.” AFP

SI’s annual Sportsperson of the masks during her US Open run, each Year was The Activist Athlete and with the name of an African-Ameripaid tribute to off-field activities by can killed by police.

Super Bowl Most Valuable Player James, Osaka, Mahomes and his NFL teammate Laurent Duvernay-Tardif Mahomes sparked the Kansas City and Women’s NBA champion Breanna Chiefs to the Super Bowl crown, pushed the NFL to recognize the Stewart.

The magazine cited “five men Black Lives Matter movement and and women who in 2020 were cham- backed the right of NFL players to pions in every sense of the word: champions on the field, champions for others off it.”

James sparked the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA title, capturing the fourth of his career, and became the first three-time winner of the SI sportsperson award after 2012 and 2016, having previously matched the two Sportsperson awards given golfer Tiger Woods in 1996 and 2000.

“With his efforts for racial justice, education reform and Black community empowerment as well as his voting rights campaign and varied charitable work, there is no doubt that he sets the standard for the modern socially conscious athlete,” SI said of James, who was also awarded the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award for his career dedication to public service.

James spoke out on police brutality, racial inequality and championed a voter registration program, More Than A Vote, that helped sign up more than 10,000 poll workers as well as register voters in combating voter suppression.

Osaka won her third Grand Slam tennis title at this year’s US Open.

She took part in Black Lives Matter Patrick Mahomes (15) of the Kansas City Chiefs, shown here throwing under pressure from Alijah Holder of the Denver Broncos protests this year following the death during the fourth quarter of a game at Arrowhead Stadium, is one of five athletes honored Sunday by Sports Illustrated magazine for of George Floyd and wore black their off-field activism. AFP

Messi, Ronaldo set to renew rivalry MADRID—Lionel Messi’s rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo has enthralled football for the better part of a decade, and the pair will duel for potentially the final time when Barcelona host Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The two titans of the modern game, who split ownership of the Ballon d’Or between 2008-2017, were the talismans of Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid until Ronaldo left the Spanish capital for Juventus in 2018.

After the Portuguese forward arrived from Manchester United in 2009, El Clasico became synonymous with his rivalry with Barcelona captain Messi.

Since Ronaldo’s departure, the fixture has lost some of its glamour, leaving the football world eager for the pair to be pitted against each other again.

Those hopes were frustrated earlier in the group phase, with Ronaldo missing Barcelona’s 2-0 win in Turin after test- Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Lionel Messi are in the latter phases of their careers, at 35 and ing positive for Covid-19. Messi scored 33 respectively, but both retain their elite status. with a penalty. They are poised to meet spectively, but both retain their elite status. him with a commemorative shirt on Satagain this week.

Messi has six Ballons d’Or to his urday to recognise his 750th career goal, Both sides have already qualified for the last 16 from Group G but Juventus name and is the current holder, while ahead of a 2-1 win over neighbours Torino.

“Ronaldo is the top player for can overtake Barcelona if they win at Ronaldo finished third in the 2019 mentality,” his former Juventus Camp Nou by three goals or more, or by awards, boasting five.

Ronaldo thriving coach Massimiliano Allegri told any two-goal margin other than 2-0.

He is thriving in Italy, having quickly The Times.

Ronaldo and Messi are in the latter “Ronaldo has a different head to phases of their careers, at 35 and 33 re- become key for Juventus, who presented

everyone. He’s won five Ballons d’Or, five Champions Leagues and one European Championship for Portugal, and that is so difficult, and it’s always him making the difference. Every year he has a new objective.”

Ronaldo netted 21 goals in his debut season for Allegri to take Juventus to the title, followed by 31 last season under Maurizio Sarri as they lifted the Scudetto for the 36th time.

With eight goals i n si x ap pearances this season for Andrea Pirlo, Ronaldo is showing no signs of slowing down. By contrast, Messi is struggling in Spain.

The Barcelona forward tried to escape this summer but his club refused to let him leave and Messi appears an uncomfortable fit in new coach Ronald Koeman’s tactical plans, and far from his decisive best.

Barcelona are enduring their worst start to a league season for 33 years and Messi’s inconsistency is part of the problem, with four goals in 10 appearances and two of those from the penalty spot.

Carles Tusquets, president of the managing board in charge before club elections in January, said he would have sold Messi in the summer, economically speaking.

“Financially, him leaving would been good for the club,” Tusquets told Catalunya Radio. “We’d be better off because we said that his salary is the highest in the world. Nothing could be truer.” AFP

Doing the devil’s work NOBODY was minding Manchester United a month ago; if ever there was someone taking notice other than Old Trafford loyalists (who, at the time, were also temporarily disgruntled), these are those who came bearing shovels offering to help dig Manchester United’s grave.

The afterlife awaits, they say, and that is relegation. They openly sniggered at Manchester United’s misfortunes.

Fifteenth at the table with three losses and a draw after six matches to start the 2020-21 English Premier League season, who is to say that the insults were undeserved?

Now, the same lot who (prematurely) dismissed Manchester United as an empty threat must’ve felt blindsided and stung.

Everton, West Bromwich Albion, Southampton, and West Ham United could’ve all sworn: Manchester United has been the devil’s work as of late.

The Red Devils have returned from hell.

For a while there, Manchester United

looked like they lost their footing and sense of direction. They finished third-best in the previous season and went undefeated in their last 14 Premier League matches, never conceding a match beginning the first day of February until the tournament ended in late July.

That is why it was surprising and frustrating seeing the Reds amble about to start the 2020-21 Premier League season. A lone goal and terrible defense against Crystal Palace and Tottenham would’ve sent fan morale plunging en route to a fiery crash if not for the reprieve and feeling of hope winning 3-2 against Brighton and 4-1 against Newcastle.

Slumped as far back as 16th place in the table, the Red Devils, all of a sudden, are at 4th. As of this writing, they are the only club in the Premier League sporting a four-match winning streak. And oddly enough, they’ve won all five away matches, seemingly enjoying playing in enemy territory where they are relaxed and lethal, scoring three or more goals four out of five away matches.

A lot of things can change in one month.

One man can change a lot of things.

If we want to imagine where Manchester United is headed from this point forward,

we have to examine the team in the context of its recent fruitful player acquisition dealings. First, it was Bruno Miguel Borges Fernandes in January. The attacking midfielder has been a steady presence. The pricey Portuguese acquisition is consistent in his scoring and playmaking chores. He is one of the major reasons why Manchester United escaped a bottom half slot at the table and managed to finish third last season. One man led Manchester United to a gallant final stand and a decent finish.

In October, another esteemed player bolstered the Red Devils roster: Edinson Cavani.

Manchester United’s scoring potential resting on the shoulders of its youthful scorers has never been in question. I think what was lacking was maturity that is resolute, leadership that is deliberate and felt, and grit that is palpable, from men possessing skill, experience, gravitas, and battle scars.

Fernandes appeared settled in. Cavani, without a doubt, will reach the same comfort level and cohesion with teammates soon. Cavani and Fernandes are what youngsters Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood need if Manchester United wants to truly unleash the feral beasts caged inside these sometimes

unsure and unconfident Red Devils. They will flourish and evolve into next-level coldblooded assassins in the company of men that can provide stability.

This is important especially for Rashford, Greenwood, and Fernandes, especially in the coming days. They will need all the momentum and inspiration from a 4-match domestic streak if they want to keep Manchester United’s run unbroken and become legitimate contenders once again. A lot hangs in the balance considering the recent injury to Cavani and Martial during the match with West Ham. Where they are physically in the days to come will influence the tactical move of Reds manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and possibly, the state of confidence of the Red Devils.

Fernandes and Rashford, by and large, are both reliable. Paul Pogba should feel inspired after scoring against West Ham. And hopefully, this is Greenwood resurrected after a considerable slump.

After all, it is not an interesting prospect - to march to the site of dug earth and be handed the shovel once again, tasked to finish digging the grave where relegationbound clubs are buried.

Moraes’ title showdown with Johnson set in February AFTER nearly a year of waiting, the titanic showdown between reigning ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes and ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson finally has a date.

The pair of f lyweights will go for all the marbles on 24 February next year, easily the biggest mixed martial arts match announced for early 2021.

It’s a match that’s nearly a year in the making as the two were initially slated to tangle in the second week of April of this year, but the COVID-19 pandemic halted all sporting events.

Moraes has faced and conquered all challengers in his division, earning wins over the likes of #2-ranked Danny “The King” Kingad, #3-ranked Kairat “The Kazakh” Akhmetov, and for mer ON E Fly weight World Champion Geje “G ravit y” Eustaquio.

However, Johnson is a different beast altogether.

Even before coming to The Home Of Martial Arts, Johnson’s career had already been made, and what’s impressive is that at 34, “Mighty Mouse” keeps on getting better.

In his debut, he finished #4-ranked flyweight contender Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu before going on to beat DEEP Flyweight Champion Tatsumitsu “The Sweeper” Wada in the semis of the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix.

He faced Kingad in the finals of the Grand Prix, where he earned a dominant unanimous decision win and the right to face Moraes in the future.

A win for Moraes over the legend would make him the winningest flyweight in the promotion, as he co-holds the record at the moment with nine.

He also has the greatest number of submission victories in the division with six, and the greatest number of Flyweight World Title wins with six as well.

A victory for Johnson, on the other hand, would only further cement his status as the greatest to ever do it in the world of mixed martial arts.

In the meantime, catch the previously recorded ONE: BIG BANG this Friday, 11 December, by downloading the ONE Super App.

3-part sports forum today A THREE-PART session is in the offing in Tuesday’s webcast edition of the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.

The launching of the PRURide Virtual Challenge, the Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation and the recent 2nd Professional Sports Summit hosted by the Games and Amusement Board will be tackled in the 10 a.m. session.

First on deck are Pru Life UK Chief Customer Marketing Officer Allan Tumbaga, Pru Life UK Assistant VP for Brand and Advertising Kahlil Robles and a special Pru Life ambassador, who will all talk about the coming PRURide Virtual Challenge on PULSE. POSF president Atty. Al Agra on the other hand, is going to discuss about the federation’s programs that were put in place and into action during the pandemic in the public sports program presented by San Miguel Corp., Go For Gold, MILO, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

Presented by Smart and Upstream Media as the official webcast partner, the Forum is livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page f b.com/ PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and also shared by Radyo Pilipinas 2 Facebook page.

Entertainment I

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020

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Immersive concert experience built exclusively for Alden Richards’ fans

F THERE’S one word that Paolo Valenciano would like to use to describe Alden Richards’ virtual concert, “immersive” is the perfect adjective to encapsulate the experience a fan would get from watching it.

Speaking to Manila Standard Entertainment, Valenciano made the promise that the online show is going to be an intimate affair, something we haven’t seen or experienced before with a local concept performer.

“Pitching the idea, Christian Bautista called me up and shared an idea about improving online shows. We really wanted something effective or something that would really immerse the audience. This is almost an alternative entertainment since you can’t go out of the house,” Valenciano stated.

“Since everyone can’t really go out, we wanted to ease that struggle,” he added.

Valenciano, who is directing the first virtual reality concert in the Philippines, thought the proposal to do a concert like this wouldn’t get the green light.

“The idea is so out there and out of the box. So when we were presenting it, I thought it wouldn’t get approved. The goal really is to give the audience an immersive experience, not the regular virtual concert where you just sit down and watch on the screen,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Alden Richards considers the online show a huge milestone to celebrate his 10th year in show business.

He was once an aspiring artist who made it big without losing his faith and genuine demeanor, making him wellloved on and off-camera.

Though his early years in the industry were tough, Alden refuses to lose sight of how he started 10 years ago, pointing out that his struggles served as the driving force behind his success.

“When I was starting, I had a lot of dreams, there were a lot of things that I wanted to happen in my life.

As I go along the 10 years that I’ve been here, unti-unti siyang natutupad because of the support of the people,” the multimedia artist recalled.

“My struggles pushed me to work hard to get where I am at right now.

That’s what keeps my feet on the ground. If not for those hardships and struggles, hindi ko mararating kung

ano ‘yung narating ko ngayon. So, I really owe it to those moments. I don’t regret any of those moments that happened to me in the past,” the 28-yearold actor added.

Ten years later, Alden Richards remains on top of his game in fulfilling his dreams. He is now one of the country’s premier actors, a top celebrity endorser, a highly talented host, an award-winning performer, a char t-topping recording artist, a recordbreaking box o f f i c e star, and yes, even a successf ul businessman.

To celebrate a decade of breakthroughs in his career and to pay tribute to his fans’ unwavering love and support, Alden banners the countr y’s

‘Alden’s Reality’ is a global event that takes fans and the audience into Alden Richards’ world.

In 10 years, Alden was able to establish himself as one of the country’s premier actors, a top celebrity endorser, a highly talented host, an award-winning performer, a chart-topping recording artist, a record-breaking box office star, and a successful businessman.

The concert—which utilizes the cutting-edge technology of virtual reality to bring Alden closer to his fans -- celebrates Alden’s 10th anniversary in the entertainment industry.

first-ever virtual reality concert – Alden’s Reality – happening today.

A musical treat from the Kapuso star also awaits his fans as he is set to debut his latest single during his highly-anticipated concert.

The song is titled ”Goin’ Crazy” and is a collaboration between Alden, GMA Music, and FlipMusic Productions. It was composed

by Pow Chavez and was arranged

by Rap Sanchez. It was also produced by Pow and Rap, with Kedy Sanchez as supervising producer.

The single will be available on YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and across all other digital platforms worldwide beginning tomorrow, Dec. 9.

“I’ve done a few singles in the past but this is one of my favorites. I’ll be launching the single and performance on the day of the concert. It’s very timely, especially because we’re

all in community quarantine right now. Sobrang chill lang and I enjoyed recording it,” explained Alden.

Reaching 10 years in the entertainment industry is a big feat. Alden attributes his success to the trust of his home network and his legions of fans who have been with him since day one and which continue to grow as he ventures into new projects.

“I owe it to GMA and to the people who have been supporting me throughout my career. I’m really grateful to them because I would never reach 10 years without these people,” he said.

Produced by Synergy: A GMA Collaboration, Alden’s Reality is also GMA Network’s treat to loyal Kapuso as the country’s leading broadcast company marks its 70th anniversary. Joining Alden as special guests are brothers Rodjun and Rayver Cruz as well as OPM band December Avenue.

To be part of Alden’s Reality, visit http://www.gmanetwork.com/synergy.

New season, more ‘Grateful Tuesdays’

Young superstar Kathryn Bernardo is a certified dog lover.

The actress has been championing several causes concerning our furry friends.

Kathryn praises SMC

for rescue of stray dogs in Bulacan Airport site AS A fur mom to 11 dogs, actress Kathryn Bernardo is elated that San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is now taking care of the stray dogs that were stranded in the town of Bulakan.

“I’m proud of the San Miguel family for taking care of the dogs that were stranded in Bulacan,”said Bernardo, who aside from being a brand ambassador of the company’s own Nutrichunks brand of dog food, is also an endorser of well-known San Miguel Corporation brands San Miguel Foods’ Magnolia Ice Cream and San Mig Coffee Crema White.

“I’m happy that these dogs were rescued and, hopefully, will be adopted by loving homes.

Thank you, San Miguel,” she added.

After learning that these dogs were left behind, SMC initially sent Nutrichunks dog food to feed the estimated 70 dogs scattered all around at Barangay Taliptip, future site of SMC’s Manila International Airport project.

With the help of Animal Kingdom Foundation, a total of 53 dogs have been rescued since Nov. 16 and transferred to the AKF facility in Capas, Tarlac. Around 20 dogs are set to be rescued in

the coming days.

The dogs that were brought to the AKF facility in Tarlac will undergo spaying, neutering, and veterinary treatment before AKF and SMC will start finding new homes for them.

Bernardo earlier thanked SMC, headed by its president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang for helping create jobs and business opportunities in Central Luzon, including her home province Nueva Ecija with the construction of the Manila International Airport and the Bulacan Airport City Freeport Zone.

She said that jobs are important as many Filipinos have love lost their livelihood due to uncertain local and global economic conditions caused by COVID-19 pandemic.

Apart from the relocation of the former residents of Barangay Taliptip to better and safer homes, SMC has prepared Bulacan residents for eventual employment in the airport project construction through and livelihood and skills development program under the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA).

HOSTED by chemist Pinky Tobiano and music artist Yeng Constantino, Grateful Tuesdays is now back on the CSTV screen and all set to give another season “full of blessings and inspiring stories.”

Last Nov. 24, the show aired its first comeback episode where it highlighted the relief efforts spearheaded by Tobiano. Along with other friends and artists, Tobiano led the Care and Share Program of Grateful Tuesdays in the highly-affected communities of Typhoon Ulysses namely Cagayan, Marikina, and Rizal making a total of 7,000 families being reached by the program.

With the help of Mayor Chavit Singson, the team was able to reach Cagayan Valley. Three planes loaded with relief goods were distributed in Tuguegarao City and nearby municipalities. Tobiano was accompanied

by Ruffa Gutierrez and KC Concepcion in that operation.

“Everyone has his or her struggles, but if there’s a way for us to ease someone’s struggle, why not do it? When you are blessed, it’s natural for you to reach out to other people, and if you do it

In one of the episodes, pop princess Zephanie rendered a heartwarming performance while sharing inspiring messages to all the victims of the typhoon.

without any political motives, then that’s when people appreciate your effort more,” Tobiano told Manila Standard Entertainment in a virtual interview.

In Marikina, long lines of evacuees welcomed the team and made sure that every resident in that area was handed with relief goods. The same goes with Rizal where Constan-

Yeng Constantino (center) and Pinky Tobiano (right) with their special guest Alex Diaz.

tino got emotional. Montalban is where the pop-rock star grew up and to be able to help her kababayan really touched her heart.

The show was also visited by jazz crooner Markki Stroem and this pop princess Zephanie where they both gave heartwarming performances and inspiring messages to all the victims of the typhoon.

Later on the show, it was announced that 10 full college scholarships will be given out to deserving students who have high grades. The show will also be choosing Sari-Jeepney stores recipients and starter packages for budding entrepreneurs.

This brand-new season of Grateful Tuesdays adheres to what Christmas is all about, which is giving, and will continue to stick to its tagline, “A grateful heart is a magnet of grace and miracles.”

Grateful Tuesdays airs every Tuesday, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., live on CSTV Facebook Page, Tobiano’s Facebook Page, and CSTV Kumu Account.

Life

Bernadette Lunas, Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

@MStandardLIFE

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020

Common cancers affecting teenagers

TAKING CARE OF TEENS. Although they are much less at risk of getting cancer than older folks, an oncology doctor from a leading healthcare institution in the Philippines shares the types of cancer that commonly affect teenagers.

By Steph Llarena

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ANCER is common in older people, often manifesting in patients over 50.

A study by the Cancer Research UK reveals 89 out of 100 people diagnosed with cancer will be 50 years old and up, 10 will be within the 25-49 range, and only one will be 24 years old or under.

In a bid to fully understand this disease, figuring out the people who are at risk of getting it, oncologists from a leading healthcare institution in the Philippines share which types of cancer commonly affect teenagers.

Leukemia

“Leukemia is the most common cancer among children under 15,” reveals Ma. Ysabel Lesaca-Medina, MD of Makati Medical Center’s Section of Oncology. “It’s a cancer that has several types, but in young people, the most common forms are acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia.”

Some of the most common symptoms of this cancer that affect the blood cells include fatigue, bruising easily, breathlessness, and pain in the joints and bones.

cancer complain of headaches, especially in the morning. She adds that they also tend to report vomiting, nausea, seizures, and problems in sight, balance, speech, and hearing.

“Parents should also look out for unusual mood swings and behavioral changes,” she says. “Drowsiness and a shift in their energy levels should also be a cause for concern.”

Lymphoma

Dr. Lesaca-Medina says the two main types of this cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, can both manifest in very young patients.

“We can usually tell a child has Hodgkin lymphoma when they exhibit swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, weight loss, and fever,” she explains, adding, “Those with non-Hodgkin lymphoma usually complain about breathing difficulty and swollen lymph nodes.”

Thyroid cancer

“Papillary thyroid cancer occurs often in teens. It can spread to the lymph nodes Brain cancer in the neck and the lungs,” explains Dr. Following leukemia as the most com- Lesaca-Medina. She says symptoms of mon cancer among young individuals, Dr. papillary thyroid cancer include feeling Lesaca-Medina says patients with brain a lump or swelling in the neck, prob-

lems with breathing and swallowing, and hoarseness in the voice.

“The silver lining here is that treatment for thyroid cancer has a high success rate, so people shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help as early as possible,” she emphasizes.

Ovarian cancer

Teenage girls are at risk of getting ovarian cancer whose symptoms are similar to those of menstruation’s. Dr. Lesaca-Medina, however, notes that those symptoms—pain, swelling, or lump in the abdomen—can happen even if a person does not have their period.

“Teenage girls with ovarian cancer will also go through puberty earlier than usual, and have painful menstrual periods. They also tend to miss some of their periods,” she adds.

Testicular cancer

Teenage boys are at higher risk for testicular cancer if they have a father or brother who have been diagnosed with it, according to Dr. Lesaca-Medina.

“Boys with testicular cancer will go through puberty early, feel a painless lump in the testicles, or show enlarged breasts that can feel tender. An ultrasound, physical exam, or blood test are usually some of the things doctors will do to diagnose this cancer.”

Melanoma

Sunlight exposure, unusual moles,

Watsons Card introduces Elite membership tier WELLNESS and beauty brand Watsons launches the Elite membership tier of its Watsons Card, which recently celebrated its 2nd anniversary.

Launched in 2018, Watsons Card allows members to earn and redeem points, and get access to membersonly events and exclusive perks and discounts when they shop. According to Watsons, its loyalty membership program currently has more than 3 million members nationwide.

Watsons Card members who accumulated at least P35,000 annual spend is entitled for Watsons Elite membership.

On top of the Watsons Card benefits, Elite members get to enjoy priority service, free delivery at Watsons online or Call to Deliver, access to Elite concierge by having a personal Wellness and beauty store Watsons treats shopper and an assigned store officer, members to exclusive perks and discounts. exclusive Elite discounts, a birthday treat (earn 10x points on first transac- Watsons Brand products, and access to tion during birth month), 5x bonus on Elite member events.

Watsons pharmacist Luis Maximo de Guzman and Hershey Neri during the Grand Member Sale Shop Live on Watsons Facebook page.

Leukemia is the most common cancer among children under 15 years old.

“Patients with osteosarcoma will feel swelling over their bones, often accompanied by joint pain. They can easily break their bones than normal people,” exlpains Dr. Lesaca-Medina. “On the other hand, people with Ewing sarcoma will feel a painful lump in the arms, legs, chest, back, or pelvis. This lump may feel soft and warm.

Patients will also get fever and break their bones for no discernible reason.”

MakatiMed encourages parents to Bone and soft tissue cancer schedule an appointment with a doctor The oncologist says, osteosarcoma if they or their children are experiencand Ewing sarcoma, the most common ing any of the aforementioned sympforms of bone cancer, are highly preva- toms. Call (02) 8888-8999 or email mmc@makatimed.net.ph. lent in young adults. and health history of the child can increase the risk of melanoma.

Dr. Lesaca-Medina says the first sign of skin cancer is usually a new spot on the skin or even in other pigmented tissues like the eye or intestines, or a change in the appearance of an existing mole. “These moles will change shape or color, have irregular edges or borders, and even excrete fluids,” she adds.

PHARMACY NEWS Dyna Drug brings Recogen supplement to PH Physically active individuals taking collagen are said to build more muscle mass.

Watsons Card members with P35,000 accumulated purchases within a calendar year are eligible for an Elite membership.

Meanwhile, the 2nd anniversary celebration of Watsons Card kicked off with a Grand Member Sale, during which members got up to 50 percent off on more than a thousand health and beauty products. Watsons also went live on Facebook hosted by Hershey Neri, together with Watsons pharmacist Luis Maximo de Guzman and brand ambassador Marissa Cabas.

Members can shop at Watsons store, online at www.watsons.com. ph, or try the Call to Deliver service or download the Watsons App on Google Play Store, App Store, or Huawei App Gallery.

LOCAL distributor Dyna Drug Corpo- tion and rebuilding of their muscle mass. ration brings to the country Recogen, a Recogen is high in nutrients and nutritional supplement for joints. amino acids (glycine and proline) that Recogen is made with 100 percent enhance muscle strength and give uspure Bioactive Collagen Peptides from ers boost of energy. Glycine helps Germany which help repair and regen- stimulate muscle growth, while proline erate cartilage. is used by the body to produce differBioactive Collagen Peptide is easily ent proteins including collagen. absorbed by the body due to its shorter According to Dyna Drug, the supchains of amino acids. It plement also prevents is hydrolyzed, meaning arthritis and other jointit’s broken down with warelated conditions as it ter, which makes it easily aids the regeneration absorbed by the bloodof cartilage. A joint stream upon digestion. clinical trial carried Citing multiple studout by Harvard Mediies, Dyna Drug says, cal School and Tufts when taken with regular Medical Center in 2011 exercise, collagen supshowed Recogen can plements help build more improve cartilage tissue muscle mass versus exin 48 weeks, helping ercising alone. Taking prevent joint conditions collagen supplements is such as osteoarthritis.

Recogen supplement is said to help athletes and made with 100 percent pure The supplement is physically active individ- Bioactive Collagen Peptides currently available at uals with joint and muscle goodwill.market for which help repair and pain, and in the regeneraP2,610 per 30 sachets. regenerate cartilage.