Manila Standard - 2020 December 15 - Tuesday

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China's vaccine hops to FDA test ahead of ethics approval

By Vito Barcelo and Willie Casas

and Drug Administration (FDA) even if it has yet to be approved by the Ethics Review Board.

Health Undersecretary Maria THE Department of Health said the Rosario Vergeire said the evaluation was vaccine from the Chinese company aboveboard and preliminary, considering Sinovac is being evaluated by the Food Next page

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 284 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Trial face-to-face classes set Dry run only a month (January) in low-risk areas and on voluntary basis

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday approved the pilot implementation of faceto-face classes in selected schools in low-risk areas for the whole month of January next year.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte approved the recommendation of the Department of Education (DepEd) for such a plan.

Roque said the DepEd will coordinate with the country's COVID-19 National Task Force in implementing the dry run, which will follow strict health and safety measures.

"We need to emphasize that face-toface classes in schools where this may be allowed will not be compulsory, but rather voluntary on the part of the learner/ parents," Roque said.

"Having said this, a parent’s permit needs to be submitted for the student to participate in face-to-face classes."

In July, Duterte said he was prohibiting in-person classes until a COVID-19 vaccine became available in the country.

He said face-to-face classes may resume in January next year.

Classes in public schools in the country opened in October under a blended distance learning system due to the continuing threat of COVID-19.

Philippine cases top 450,000 The Philippines logged on Monday 1,339 new cases of coronavirus disease Next page

LIGHTING THE WAY. Neighbors and passersby marvel at the festive Christmas lights at a house in Barangay 683, Paco, Manila on Sunday as Filipinos decorate their homes for the Yuletide season in earnest. Norman Cruz

House extends 2020 budget to fund halted infra projects

By Vito Barcelo, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

VOTING 221-6, the House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading a bill extending the validity of the 2020 budget until end2021.

DOJ to file first corruption raps vs. gov’t officials

Make SALN public, solons urged Palace neutral

By Maricel V. Cruz SPEAKER Lord Allan Velasco was urged Monday to lead his fellow legislators in heeding mounting calls to make public the Statement of Assets Liabilities and Net worth (SALN) of key government officials.

Executive Director Ramon Casiple of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reform (IPER) issued the

call in an open letter to the House of Representatives following a resolution filed by Party-list Reps.

Mike Defensor of AnaKalusugan and Rodante Marcoleta of SAGIP seeking a congressional inquiry into the implementation of existing laws pertaining to the filing of statements of assets, liabilities and net worth by government officials and employees.

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Law against red-tagging ‘tall order’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Rio N. Araja and Maricel V. Cruz

proposals to make red-tagging a crime but believes he will not get a lot of support from his fellow senators.

“I took the inputs of at least two legal SEN. Panfilo Lacson on Monday guaranteed that passing a measure that luminaries, [lawyer and professor Tony would criminalize red-tagging will be a La Vina and Commission on Human Rights] Commissioner Karen Gomez“tall order” in the Senate.

Next page Lacson said he is seriously considering

on tollway row, won’t lift finger

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM DEC. 14)

450,733 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

By Rey E. Requejo READY FOR DAWN MASS. Saint Peter Church in Quezon City is ready for the start of Simbang Gabi which will start Dec. 16, as staff has separated the church pews with tape to ensure health protocols and proper distancing. Manny Palmero

The House in plenary session approved House Bill 6656, which intends to boost the economic stimulus efforts of the government amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

The bill proposes to extend the availability of the 2020 appropriations to December 31, 2021 to provide funding for infrastructure projects under the current fiscal year that have been subjected for Next page procurement.

THE Department of Justice-led Task Force Against Corruption will file before yearend its first formal complaint against government officials involved in corruption.

At the same time, the Department of Justice will start its preliminary investigation into the complaint filed against Mactan-Cebu International Next page

1,339 23,253 NEW

ACTIVE

8,757

24

418,723

41

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

NEW

NEW

By Vito Barcelo MALACAÑANG said Monday it would not meddle in an ongoing row between North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corp. and the Valenzuela City over the radio frequency identification (RFID) issue.

According to a report on GMA News TV's Balitanghali, heard nationwide, Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian, during a dialogue with NLEx management, stressed that RFID glitches caused serious traffic jams and troubled Valenzuela residents.

He said NLEX Corporation was inefficient during their shift to a digital Next page cashless system.

STILL SUSPENDED. Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian meets a flock of reporters who question him on his suspension order on the business permit of NLEX Corporation on Monday. NLEX Corp., which operates the Karuhatan toll gate, asked for more time to study the 'barriers-up solution' proposed by Gatchalian and its commitment to upgrade its system by January 30, 2021. Manny Palmero

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News

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PAO: 160th Dengvaxia ‘victim’ dies At a media briefing, Dr. Erwin Erfe, chief of the PAO’s forensi division, said Annabel Porcia of Barangay Mambugan, Antipolo City, Rizal province approached the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption to seek assistance from the

public attorney.

This was after her 15-year-old daughter, Crisa Mae, died at the East Avenue Medical Center due to pneumonia as stated on her death certificate.

“She is the 160th victim whose death

is linked to Dengvaxia vaccine,” Erfe told reporters.

Erfe, along with the other forensic laboratory experts, yesterday conducted an autopsy of the girl’s remains at the Heaven Gates Memorial Gardens in Barangay Mayamot.

“There is a pattern of severe internal bleeding and multiple organ enlargement,” he said.

The autopsy on the bodies of the 160 school children showed a pattern of the fatal side effects of the anti-dengue vaccine, including viscerotropism, neurotropism, severe dengue and anaphylactic reaction, he added.

Trial...

Hospital brace for surge Two COVID-19 referral hospitals in Metro Manila have prepared in advance for a possible surge in coronavirus cases following the holidays, their officials said Monday.

The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) has continued its coronavirus operations since it became a referral center last March 30, said spokesperson Jonas del Rosario.

“We're ready. The number of our COVID beds remain. The COVID operations of PGH continue,” he told ABS-CBN's Teleradyo.

The Lung Center of the Philippines, meantime, has 27 virus patients out of its 70-bed capacity for COVID, according to Antonio Ramos, head of its administrative services.

“That’s 37 percent occupancy rate for COVID so we can look at more non-COVID patients. But if needed, we can revert the beds back to COVID designation,” he said.

No drinking, singing please FILIPINOS should not dine or drink in large groups over the Christmas holidays to lower the risk of transmitting the coro-

navirus, a researcher said Monday.

The government also urged local officials to prohibit karaoke in their respective areas as singing loudly would also increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Filipinos are urged to limit gatherings to 10 people during Christmas celebrations, said University of the Philippines professor Guido David, also a member of OCTA Research Group.

David warned that a COVID-19 surge may happen in one to two months if the public does not observe minimum health standards during the holidays.

BI backs COVID-19 passport The Bureau of Immigration (BI) supported the proposals to introduce a COVID-19 passport for international travelers, saying it will speed up immigration processing at the airports and facilitate the revival of the tourism and travel industry in the country.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente expressed the bureau’s support for initiatives to create a global COVID-19 passport that, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT), would usher in the entry of more tour-

ists as it would streamline entry procedures.

Morente said current procedures requiring arriving international travelers to be tested at the airport could pose problems to the BI in the near future as the country reopens its borders to more foreigners, especially tourists.

20 arrested at baptism More than 20 persons who attended a baptism reception were arrested by authorities at the Manila North Cemetery on Saturday for holding a mass gathering amid the coronavirus pandemic.

According to a “24 Oras Weekend” report, the Manila Police District (MPD) rushed to the venue after being tipped off on the event.

What they found were groups of people singing karaoke and huddled together on tables, many of them not wearing masks.

A few children were also at the reception.

The parents of the child who was baptized were among those arrested.

A guest admitted knowing that mass gatherings were banned amid the pandemic. Willie Casas and Vito Barcelo

that the money can come from loans to get the P72.5 billion needed.

The government’s vaccine czar, Carlito Galvez Jr., said the Asian Development Bank (ADB) would be the fund manager and procurement agent for the country’s vaccine supply to ensure that the process is transparent and corruption-free.

He said the Philippines would use $1 billion from the ADB to borrow more funds from local state banks and corporations for advance market commitments for vaccines, which need to be closed by December and January.

Roque also played down concerns that China would use its vaccine to pressure the Philippines on geopolitical issues.

“What pressure would China apply to us? Our policy is to have friends and not enemies… we have independent foreign policy," he said.

Roque did not mention the ongoing territorial dispute over the West Philippine Sea. Bayanihan 2, or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, allows the President to realign funds to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also provides P8 billion for buying vaccines against the coronavirus, which would revert to the

National Treasury if it is not spent before the law expires.

Bayanihan 2 also allots P140 billion to help sectors affected by the pandemic and earmarks P25 billion in standby funds should the government need more money to finance COVID-19-related projects.

In a letter to House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco dated Dec. 14, the President said extending the validity of the two laws would ensure the continuous implementation of government programs aimed at addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic disruption that it caused.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the President certified as urgent a bill extending the validity of the two laws.

The budget heads of the Senate and the House of Representatives confirmed that Congress is planning to extend the validity of the two laws.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the Senate will do its best to pass the measures on Tuesday or Wednesday before Congress goes on a Christmas break on Dec. 19.

The Palace, meanwhile, said it has yet to receive copies of the P4.5 trillion

national budget for 2021 from Congress, saying the President needs enough time to review the spending plan.

The Palace official urged both chambers of Congress to transmit the budget proposal as soon as possible so that the President can sign it before the year ends.

Earlier, Roque assured the public that the President would exercise his veto authority if he sees any questionable items in the budget proposal.

Senator Christopher Go, meanwhile, called on concerned agencies to ensure their various programs are fully implemented and reminded them to immediately release financial aid to intended beneficiaries in accordance with the laws.

Go emphasized that as the fiscal year comes to an end and a new budget for 2021 has been prepared, agencies must ensure that the provisions in Bayanihan 2 and the 2020 budget are also properly implemented.

He added that government support through its various programs must reach the people, particularly those most in need, and that public funds must be spent properly with no amount wasted.

accessible to the public without having to debate about it.

“The concept of SALN being accessible to the public means that all government officials must be accountable to the people” said Casiple, adding that “the issue of making SALN public should no longer be up for debate in House Inquiry.”

“Government leaders who should be the first to make their SALN accessible to the public include President Duterte, Vice President Leni Robredo, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco at Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta,” Casiple said.

Elected officials, and those in government agencies and employees are mandated to submit their SALN every year. However, SALN records, including those in the House of Representatives are kept in highly secured vaults with CCTV. Under House Resolution 2467, getting access to SALN will require a final approval of the House Plenary. A deliberation is conducted in the House Committee on SALN Review and Compliance if a lawmaker is opposed to making his SALN public.

DOJ...

the preliminary investigation on the complaint was set for January.

Named respondents in the complaint included MCIAA General Manager Dicdican; GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation Filipino officers, namely Manuel Louie Ferrer, Edgar Saavedra, Oliver Tan, and JZ Dela Cruz.

The foreign nationals impleaded in the complaint were eight Indian nationals identified as Srivinas Bommidala, Vivek Singhai, Ravi Bhatnagar, Ravishankar Saravu, Sudarshan MD, Kumar Gaurav, Magesh Nambiar, and Rajesh Madan.

The other foreigners mentioned in the complaint were Singaporean national P. Sripathy, Ghananian Andrew AcquaahHarrison, and Irish national Michael Lenane.

The complaint was filed by the National Bureau of Investigation-Anti-Fraud Division (NBI-AFD) last Nov. 26 who found a basis to hold the 16 officials liable for violating the anti-dummy laws.

On Oct. 27, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the order creating the TFAC and immediately the Task Force started receiving complaints.

Minority Leader Carlos Isagani Zarate and Bayan Muna chairman Neri Colmenares said: "Red tagging is intended to stifle dissent and threaten the lives of the victims.”

The two Bayan Muna leaders, however, admitted that “it is a recognized legitimate option of the people under international humanitarian law to wage armed struggle against dictators and foreign invaders of their country. Attacking us for this belief is an attack against this constitutional right to political beliefs and should not be countenanced by anyone."

They said their failure to condemn armed struggle should not be used to redtag them “because they (armed rebels) have legitimate demands.”

Palace...

By Rio N. Araja

A

TEENAGE girl who received three doses of the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine died on Dec. 8 in a Quezon City hospital, the Public Attorney’s Office said Monday.

From A1

2019 (COVID-19) bringing the total to 450,733, the Department of Health (DOH) reported.

It was the 15th straight day that new COVID-19 cases counted fewer than 2,000, and the 3rd straight day below the 1,500-mark.

Top cities and provinces with new cases are Quezon City, 147; Davao City, 124; Rizal, 65; Laguna, 50; and Manila, 49.

The DOH reported 24 new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 8,757, which is 1.94 percent of the total.

The DOH also reported 41 patients who recently recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 418,723, which is 92.9 percent of the total.

The DOH also said there are 23,253 active cases in the country, which is 5.2 percent of the total.

Of the active cases, 85.1 percent are mild; 5.7 percent are asymptomatic; 5.9 percent are critical; 3 percent are severe; and 0.32 percent are moderate.

House...

From A1

It amends Republic Act 11465, or the General Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2020. A counterpart bill has also been filed at the Senate. Bayanihan 2 is set to expire on December 19 when Congress adjourns.

This was after President Rodrigo Duterte urged lawmakers to extend the validity of the 2020 budget and the Bayanihan 2 law to allow the government to roll out anti-COVID-19 measures that were delayed.

Meanwhile, The Palace said the Philippines can borrow to procure vaccines against COVID-19, after critics questioned the availability of funds for a massive vaccination drive next year.

“The election is still a long way off.

Stop politicking,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in Filipino.

He was referring to Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, who said that of the P72.5 billion allotted for vaccines in the 2021 national budget, only P2.5 billion was funded.

Roque said they have repeatedly said

Make...

From A1

The two legislators filed the resolution following a Supreme Court decision that junked a motion to compel Associate Justice Marvic Leonen to make his SALN public, which should cover his earnings since the time he served as faculty member of the University of the Philippines.

Both Defensor and Marcoleta argued that a congressional inquiry was needed to protect the public's right to information as in line with the government’s pledge for transparency.

"The filing of the SALN, as laid out in several cases decided by the Supreme Court, the latest of which were the Quo Warranto proceedings filed against then Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno, is a constitutional and statutory requirement that helps establish the integrity, or lack thereof of a public official," the resolution stated.

But Casiple asserted that the incumbent legislators led by Velasco should be the first to make their SALN

Law...

From A1

Dumpit,” said Lacson, chairman of the senate national defense committee who led a Senate inquiry into alleged redtagging by military officials on some personalities, including showbiz people, who sympathizes with the cause of militant organizations.

Meanwhile, leaders of militant party-list groups in the House of Representatives on Monday said the intensified red tagging of Makabayan Bloc Parties “because of their political beliefs, is not only a constitutional issue but a threat to our lives.”

In a statement, House Deputy

From A1

Airport Authority General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Steve Dicdican and 15 others, 11 of them are foreign nationals for alleged violation of antidummy laws.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra disclosed this Monday as the TFAC was nearing completion of its investigation of a “couple of formal charges” involving corrupt personnel or officials within this month.

“We may be able to file a couple of formal charges within the month,” Guevarra said, without divulging details on the nature of the corruption complaint and those being accused of irregularities in government.

“We will let you know the details, once it is (sic) already for filing,” he said.

As of Dec. 2, DOJ Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar said the TFAC had already received 98 reports of corruption.

National Prosecution Service Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento said

From A1

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the issue on the NLEX tollway’s cashless payment system had caused monstrous traffic jam along the North Expressway going to Valenzuela city, saying it would let the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) handle the issue.

“The Department of Interior and Local government already has already entered the fray and urged local governments and expressway operators to fix this issue,” he said.

Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian suspended the business permit of NLEX Corp. after severe traffic buildup allegedly

“Sanofi Pasteur Inc. concealed to the Philippines the four risks of its vaccine as early as Dec. 22, 2015,” Erfe said.

In February 2018, Dr. Anthony Leachon, a physician, and former government adviser, said Sanofi Pasteur was well-aware of the risks of its Dengvaxia vaccine in 2015 but did not inform the Philippine government.

He and former Food and Drug Administration director general Nela Charade Puno both presented documents to prove their accusations against Sanofi Pasteur at the House of Representatives.

due to the faulty implementation of the toll regulator’s RFID payment system.

With the suspension order in place, toll fees in the city's borders are indefinitely waived until the "abysmal" state of the RFID system is fixed.

Vehicles can simply pass through the toll gates in Barangay Karuhatan, Lawang Bato, Paso de Blas and Ugong for now without charges.

The Palace official said the incident could turn off future investors in the Northern part of Luzon because of the issue, although he noted that local governments are entitled to issue or suspend business permits within their jurisdictions.

Gatchalian noted that after he suspended the business permit of the NLEX Corporation, the traffic jams were cleared.

Oil prices go up

by P0.50 to P0.60 on higher demand

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE country’s oil firms implemented another round of oil price hike of as much as P0.60 per liter effective 6am Tuesday to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market.

The oil firms raised the price of diesel

by P0.60 per liter, kerosene by P0.55 per liter and gasoline by P0.50 per liter.

Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Petron Corp., PTT Philippines, CleanFuel, PetroGazz and Seaoil Philippines issued separate advisories of the latest oil price increase.

However, Pilipinas Shell said “price freeze on kerosene will hold in areas under the state of calamity.”

Over the weekend, Unioil Philippines announced that oil prices will likely go up this week.

“Diesel should increase by P0.60 per liter. Gasoline should increase by P0.50 to P0.60 per liter,” Unioil Philippines said.

World oil prices trended higher last week buoyed by optimism of the vaccine rollout that could bring back economic recovery. Higher demand from Asia also boosted world oil prices.

On December 8, the oil firms also hiked pump prices by P0.25 per liter, diesel by P0.40 per liter and P0.60 per liter increase for kerosene.

These resulted to the year-to-date adjustments to stand at a net decrease of P3.22 per liter for gasoline, P7.36 per liter for diesel and P10.59 per liter for kerosene, according to the Department to Energy (DOE).

China’s...

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that Sinovac has already secured the approval of the Vaccine Experts Panel (VEP) under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

He said under an internal agreement among the FDA, the DOST and the DOH, can initially evaluate an applicant’s documents while awaiting approval by the Ethics Board.

The VEP under DOST reviews the Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials of the candidate vaccine, while the Ethics Board evaluates the selection of participants for human clinical trials.

The evaluation by the VEP and Ethics Board are done simultaneously.

Vergeire, however, stressed that Sinovac will not be approved by FDA without an approval from the Ethics Board.

Malacañang said last week Sinovac’s COVID-19 vaccine remains the country’s top pick for its immunization program despite bribery allegations hounding the Beijing-based firm.

Galvez said Philippine officials met with Sinovac representatives Friday and told them the Philippines wants 25 million doses next year.

Earlier this month, Indonesia received its first shipment of Sinovac’s COVID-19 vaccine as its government prepares a mass inoculation program.

Only COVID-19 vaccines made by American companies Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and British firm AstraZeneca have been proven to be at least 90 percent effective after human trials so far.

The United Kingdom started its national vaccination against COVID-19 last week with a vaccine PfizerBioNTech, while the United States and Canada are due to follow suit this week.

The Philippines, on the other hand, has secured only 2.6 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from AstraZeneca so far, courtesy of funding from the private sector.

AstraZeneca, however, has only secured Ethics Review Board approval thus far.

"We want to finalize this week, our final negotiations, so that we can firm up the… terms," he said in an online press briefing.

He said Sinovac was confident about an April delivery, but the Philippines would like the supply by March.

A molecular biologist revealed on Monday that he was studying the use of yeast as a means to administer the COVID-19 vaccine orally in the Philippines to avoid the need for cold storage.

Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, a professor of biology and theology at Providence Colleges in the US, cited as an example the polio vaccine which can be given orally.

"When you put it in milk, some people say you can put it in beer, and when you drink it, the yeast when it enters your body will be able to secrete and manufacture parts of the virus in a way that will trigger an immune response in you," Austriaco told ANC's Matters of Fact.

"It’s a crazy idea but if you look at the science, the foundations for this project working are already there. There are already laboratories that have used yeast to deliver other molecules, proteins that will generate an immune response in animals. Now we just have to try it with the COVID-19 particle itself,” he said.

News Poe: Dito must prove mettle as telco first

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Grace Poe said Monday Dito Telecommunity Corp. must first prove it is capable of fulfilling the terms of its obligations and meet end-user expectations before its franchise is renewed.

“They have not proven anything yet. Why would they be immediately given a franchise?” Poe said.

“Service first before franchise,” added Poe, the head of the Senate committee on public services who recently challenged the third telco to roll out its services in unserved and underserved areas.

Dito had previously committed to serving 7,435 villages on its first year of application with a minimum speed of 27 mbps.

“Titingnan at susuriin natin kung talagang nabigyan ba nila ng mabilis na internet ang mga lugar na dapat bigyan ng serbisyo. Hindi naman basta-basta nagbibigay lang ng prangkisa dahil nag-apply,” said Poe who proposed for Dito’s service to be also evaluated by the end-users themselves, aside from an independent auditor.

Dito’s franchise will not expire until 2023, but is getting a headstart as early as now, which Poe says is normal and understandable especially when it wants to welcome new investors and make current ones feel secure.

“I also want Dito to be successful.

But it is not the government’s role to bend to meet the telco halfway just so it could have the needed assurance early on. It’s a prerequisite for applicants to have the capital ready before making any promises of their service,” Poe said.

Dito’s partnership with China Telecommunications Corp. also had some members of the Senate worried about cybersecurity issues.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

BARMM poll postponement eyed A

By Maricel V. Cruz

LAWMAKER from Mindanao on Monday filed a bill postponing the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao elections from 2022 to 2025.

Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu of Maguindanao, head of the House’s Special Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, filed House Bill 8117 which, in effect, would extend the term of the BTA members for three years. The postponement of the elections was intended to give more time for the full transition

to the BARMM, he said.

The BTA is serving as the interim government of the BARMM. “This humble representation sincerely agrees with President [Rodrigo] Duterte, Secretary [Carlito] Galvez and the BARMM that the BTA needs a term extension. It is very unlikely that they

can put everything in place in a very short span of three years,” Mangudadatu said.

He said Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and Minority Leader Joseph Stephen Paduano of the Abang-Lingkod partylist group and several other legislators had signified their intention to co-author the bill.

“I am personally calling out our dear colleagues to join us and support the enactment of this proposed legislation,” Mangudadatu said.

“The achievement of the aspirations of peace, unity, genuine autonomy and development in the BARMM region is also the achievement of the whole nation.”

Group asks SC to stop Cebu co-op contract

VIRTUAL OATH TAKING. House Majority Leader and Lakas-CMD Party President Rep. Martin Romualdez (right) is assisted by Anakalusugan Party List Rep. Mike Defensor (2nd right) in administering the oath taking of Isabela 1st District Rep. Antonio ‘Tonypet’ Albano via virtual meeting. Albano is the 25th congressmen to join Lakas-CMD. Later, Romualdez delivered his message to the new officers of the Junior Chamber International led by its new National President Jude Acidre (inset) during the oath taking of the 2021 new JCI officers at Takara Hotel in San Pedro City, Laguna. Ver Noveno

High Court calls special session today before taking yearend break

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Supreme Court started on Monday its traditional year-end break for decision-writing and will resume sessions on Jan. 4 next year.

But Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta has called for a special full-court session today to deliberate on urgent administrative matters pending before the 15-member bench.

The ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law in 2019 paved the way for the creation of the BARMM, replacing the old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The BARMM includes Cotabato City, 63 villages in the municipalities of Aleosan, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pigkawayan and Pikit in North Cotabato. It has expanded land and water jurisdiction and fiscal autonomy and a higher share in national government resources, among other things Speaker Loren Legarda and Majority Leader Martin Romualdez have also filed House Bills 8116 and 8161, respectively, that call for the postponement of the BARMM elections to 2025.

The nature and the issues involved in the pending administrative cases set for deliberation were not disclosed.

Trial courts nationwide are open 10 hours daily from Monday to Friday, except on holidays, as a result of the adoption of a four-day work week for officials and employees on Dec. 1.

Under the four-day work week, 80 per cent of all court personnel are required to report for work Mondays to Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and the remaining

20 per cent will take a one-day leave.

The one-day leave during weekdays will be implemented alternately among court officials and employees so that each of them would be able to render the required 40 hours of work weekly.

The traditional practice of flexible time and overtime work for employees were cancelled starting Dec. 1.

In a circular dated Nov. 24, Peralta said the adoption of the four-day work week was in line with the directive is-

sued by the Civil Service Commission on Oct. 15 for implementation during the period of health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the start of COVID-19, the Supreme Court has issued various circulars to ensure that all courts are functioning.

Among these are the adoption of video conferencing for the hearings on civil and criminal cases, the online filing of petitions and other pleadings, and maintenance of a skeleton staff in all courts.

A GROUP has asked The Court of Appeals to stop the implementation of a power supply contract entered by an electric cooperative in Bantayan, Cebu, without subjecting it to the Competitive Selection Process.

In its petition, the United Filipino Consumers and Commuters Inc. told the court that allowing the power supply contracts without the CSP would prejudice all electricity end-users.

The UFCC, through its president Rodolfo Javellana, urged the appellate court to issue a writ of preliminary injunction to stop the Department of Energy, Energy Regulatory Commission, National Electrification Administration and National Power Corp. from approving the 15-megawatt, 15-year power supply contract agreement entered into by the respondents Bantayan Island Electric Cooperative, Consortium of Vivant Integrated Diesel Corporation, and Gigawatt Power Inc. through its subsidiary Isla Norte Energy Corp.

The UFCC said the CSP was a form of public bidding that must be observed in the purchase of electricity by distribution utilities to ensure a fair, reasonable and cost-effective generation charge for consumers.

“If the TRO and writ of preliminary injunction are not issued by the Honorable Court, grave injustice and irreparable injury would have already been incurred by petitioner, as end-consumers would be forced to pay for power supply at a rate obtained in violation of the principle of competitiveness, transparency and most affordable prices,” the petitioner said.

Javellana said the PSA awarded by Bantayan Island INEC did not meet the twobidder standard of CSP.

PH divided on opinion on vaccine

JEEPNEY PROTEST. Jeepney drivers and small operators launch a simultaneous protest caravan in different parts of Metro Manila, leading to a picket protest in front of the LTFRB Central Office. Caravans and protest rallies were also held at various points in Quezon City, Pasig, Pasay, and Caloocan. Manny Palmero

AS FILIPINOS deal with the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and adjust to the reopening of the economy, they are distracted by so-called alternative cures and public debates on the problems of the health sector as the health of everyone and their family remained the top concern during the period of global pandemic as shown by their social media engagements.

Big data analysis of close to 300 million posts by Filipinos in Facebook from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30 this year conducted by the political consultancy firm BluePrint.PH (www.blueprint.ph) and its Singapore-based Data Mining and Artificial Intelligence partner firm indicated that the government may have to work extra hard to convince people it is not wasting money and that people must get themselves vaccinated.

Eero Brillantes, BluePrint.PH chief executive and a veteran social and political issues management expert and author of the 2020 book “Campaign Management for Politics and Social Change”, says a free—wheeling dis-

cussion on the efficacy of the antiCOVID 19 vaccines being developed by pharmaceutical companies and concerns over corruption issues undercut the messaging that the government and private sector are working hard to produce a medical solution to solve the global pandemic.

Brillantes says despite their concern for their health during the pandemic, the Filipinos’ posts in Facebook indicated an “emerging undercurrent between Western treatment and natural treatment.”

On the issue of health, public support for the government’s plan to get as much as 70 percent of the population vaccinated against COVID-10 when the vaccines become available is hampered by counter-stories of natural cures or treatment, Brillantes said.

“The use of natural/ common treatment seems to undercut the COVID vaccine message. Most of the COVID treatment is being spun as motivation for hospitals to make money, reinforced by the PhilHealth implosion,” Brillantes said. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Solons want to prohibit food with trans-fatty acids TWO party-list lawmakers have pushed for the enactment of a bill prohibiting the manufacture, distribution and sale of food with high trans-fatty acids TFA that are considered the “tobacco of nutrition” due to their adverse effect on health.

Reps. Alfred Delos Santos and Ronnie Ong of Ang Probinsyano par-

ty-list group appealed to Congress to give priority to the passage of House Bill 7200 and House Bill 7202 that they have filed separately.

They made the remarks after the House committee on health led by Quezon Rep. Angelina Tan approved the consolidated bill on the proposed measure.

“We see the greater value of good

nutrition during this time of pandemic.

That we should be conscious of what we eat to boost our immune system and prevent getting sick or suffer from the deadly COVID 19 disease. As the saying goes: ‘health is wealth,”” said Delos Santos, a deputy majority leader as he lauded the measure’s passage at the committee level. Maricel V. Cruz

Sen. Go: ‘DOFil’ will help streamline OFW agencies

ESTABLISHING the Department of Overseas Filipinos (DOFil) will be aligned with goals of streamlining and rightsizing the bureaucracy to make it more responsive and efficient, stressed Sen. Bong Go. Go reiterated the need to establish DOFil, saying that the creation of said

department will contribute to the initiative of rightsizing the bureaucracy.

President Rodrigo Duterte has announced numerous times that this is one of the priority measures of the administration.

A version of the measure has already been passed in the House of Represent-

atives early this year.

However, deliberations on the proposed measure have not made much progress in the Senate as some senators cited the desire to prioritize ‘Rightsizing the National Government’ before creating new departments. Macon Ramos-Araneta

MANILA MURAL. Manila City Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Moreno Domagoso gestures during

the opening to the public of a mural dedicated to Covid-19 frontliners in Manila on Monday. In partnership with Boysen Paints and Converse Philippines, the Manila City Government lauded the murals that were painted using air-cleaning paint, as one square meter of painted mural helps clean the air equivalent to air cleaned by one mature tree. Norman Cruz

LGUs

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

A4

Go Manila app wins in Digital Governance tilt

By Willie Casas

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020

DRIVE-THRU TREATS.

A boy gets a balloon and a small bag of toys at a drive-thru mascot ‘meet and greet’ at SM City Masinag to give delight to families, especially children who are not allowed to go out yet. Mascots Gigi, Ellie, Leo, Betty, Robin, Patrick, Mike, and Penny of the ‘Zoocial Distancing Team’ entertain customers who drove thru to meet them and remind everyone to follow health protocols during the holidays.

Manny Palmero

32 fugitives collared by C. Luzon cops

By Jess Malabanan CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga—About 32 fugitives with standing criminal cases in various courts in Central Luzon were arrested by police trackers team in separate places in the region over the weekend, authorities here announced Monday.

Central Luzon police director Brig.

Gen. Valeriano De Leon said most of the arrested fugitives who went into hiding after posting bail are facing illegal drugs cases, gambling, theft, and other minor offenses.

De Leon said the fugitives were turned over to the courts that issued the warrants of arrest before sending them to different detention facilities in the region.

“The campaign against wanted persons will remain enforced during the holiday season as this is the perfect time to get them,” said De Leon.

Meanwhile, a suspected illegal drugs trafficker was gunned down by anti-narcotics operatives after he resisted arrest following a buy-bust operation at Villa Barosa, Barangay Dolores, City of San Fernando Saturday.

Den Wil Mallari succumbed to gunshot wounds in different parts of his body when he traded shots with lawmen, said De Leon in a statement.

Police Lt. Colonel John Lopez Clark, chief City of San Fernando police, said Mallari was placed under surveillance by the police for his alleged involvement in illegal drugs trade in Pampanga and nearby areas in Central Luzon.

P’que poised to ban single-use plastics

By Joel E. Zurbano

T

HE City of Parañaque is joining other local government units in Metro Manila in phasing out single-use plastics.

Beginning next month, the city government will impose a policy against the use of single-use plastics in all commercial establishments in the city.

Ordinance No. 18-40 regulating the use, provision and sale of Styrofoam, plastic bags and plastic for prepared food and beverage containers was supposed to be enforced in June this year but was cancelled due to coronavirus disease outbreak.

“This means that starting early next year, the city will no longer allow stores and restaurants to use plastic bags, and disposable straws and cutlery,” said May-

or Edwin Olivarez.

Not only is Styrofoam bad for the environment, but it may also cause harm to humans and animals.

Polystyrene Styrofoam containers are usually used for drinks and food.

It is a petroleum-based plastic with insulation properties.

Manufacturing Styrofoam pollutes the air and creates large amounts of solid and

liquid waste. In 1986, it was reported to be the fifth largest creator of hazardous waste, according to a US Environmental Protection Agency report.

As early as 2011, the city council has already prohibited the use of plastic bags on dry goods and Styrofoam on food items, according to the city councilors.

However, city councilors amended the ordinance after experiencing terrible flash floods in the city during rainy seasons due to disposed plastic bags and other non-biodegradable containers clogging the canals, creeks, rivers, and other waterways.

Under the ordinance, the ban also plastic spoons and forks, cups, and stirrers as well as polystyrene plates, cups, bowls and serving trays.

‘MERCADO-ON-WHEELS’ RECOGNIZED.

The municipality of Odiongan in Romblon province has been recognized by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for initiating several measures and programs for residents amid the coronavirus pandemic since March.

Odiongan Mayor Trina FirmaloFabic (center) and Vice Mayor Diven Dimaala (left) receive a plaque of recognition from Frederic Gumabol (right), DILG provincial director, for the local government’s ‘Mercado (market) on Wheels’ project, which visited all 25 barangays and sold locally sourced vegetables and other food products at competitive prices, which started in the early months of the pandemic.

Navotas gives teachers cash, Mayor Joy hands out gift packs to QCPD personnel computer sets

By Rio N. Araja

By Jun David IN CELEBRATION of Navotas Teachers’ Day, the City Government of Navotas turned over computers and gave away P200,000 worth of cash prizes to public and private school teachers.

Some 123 master teachers received laptop computers and 24 public elementary and high schools got one desktop unit each.

The Navotas Science High School also received 24 desktop computers for their computer laboratory.

Mayor Toby Tiangco expressed his appreciation to Navotas teachers and other school personnel.

“We are fortunate to have educators who go beyond their duty to ensure that our youth get the best education, whatever the circumstances are. Indeed, they are our modern-day heroes,” he said.

“Though we cannot be with them personally, we hope this online celebration will make them feel how much we appreciate them,” he added.

Meanwhile, Rep. John Rey Tiangco also lauded the city’s educators for their perseverance and hard work in designing and implementing the NavoSchool blended learning model.

QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday spearheaded the distribution of gift packs to all QC Police District personnel dubbed “Pamaskong Handog sa Panahong ng Pandemya” at its headquarters in Camp Karingal, Sikatuna Village.

Brig. Gen. Danilo Maceren, QCPD

director, said the gift packs contained a “noche buena” meal and five kilos of rice.

Maceren said he also received a cheque to be given later to the police personnel.

In her message, Belmonte reiterated her full support to the Philippine National Police, particularly to the men and women of QCPD especially in this time of the coronavirus disease

Petron workers beg LGU to keep refinery open LIMAY, Bataan—Employees of the Petron oil refinery here sought help from the local government to avert the impending closure of the country’s largest and only remaining oil refiner and save their jobs, following reports that it would be closing in January for economic reasons.

Thom De Villa, a shift superintendent, led some 50 Petron Refinery employees in formally calling on Limay, Bataan Mayor Nelson David’s help to save the flagging refinery, which has been in operation for the last 60 years.

“Sama-sama kaming humihingi ng tulong sa lokal na pamahalaan ng Limay na tulungan ang Petron. Naniniwala kami na malaki ang magagawa ng pamahalaan para hindi tuluyang magsara ang refinery. Kung magtulungan sila at ang pamunuan ng kompanya, may paraan pa para maisalba ang refinery. Saksi ang bawat Bataeno sa naging kontribusyon ng Petron sa bayan ng Limay at sa buong Bataan. Bahagi na ng Bataan ang Petron Refinery,” De Villa and his group said. Butch Gunio

2019 pandemic.

“As your local government unit, it is only imperative that we show our support to you by giving these simple gifts para may maiuwi kayo sa pamilya ninyo para may maihanda kayo sa darating na Kapaskuhan. It is our way of showing our love to you as frontliners who have been battling this pandemic,” she said.

HONORED GUEST. Arnold Jose Punla

Tamayo, former director of security and safety of the University of Perpetual Help System and current officer in charge for real estate management of the school, receives a plaque of recognition from Laguna Police Provincial Director PCol. Serafin Petalio II (left) after delivering a lecture to leaders of private sector and security agencies (inset) on ‘Empowering Security Agencies Through Project: PNP Sinas - Pito Ni Petalio, Silbato NA Sa Saklolo’ at Camp Paciano Rizal in Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Roy Tomandao

THE Manila city government’s Go Manila mobile and desktop application has been recognized for being among the “Best in Customer Empowerment” and “Best in Government Internal Processes” during the Digital Governance Awards (DGA) 2020.

The DGA 2020 is organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines.

The awards were bestowed on Friday, December 11, in recognition of the city’s efforts to minimize human interaction in both medical and government services using the Go Manila app.

Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso also announced on Sunday that the city-run Sta. Ana Hospital headed by its director Dr. Grace Padilla, was recognized as one of the top awardees of the “Gawad Bayaning Kalusugan” in line with the consistent, efficient medical services being given by its officers, doctors, and frontline staff amid the pandemic.

Domagoso expressed gratitude to Padilla and all the medical frontliners for earning the recognition for the hospital in the sixth district of Manila.

He also thanked the award-giving body composed of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), together with the Association of Allied Health Organizations of the Nation (AAHON) and the Health Educationalist, Advocates and Leaders Philippines (HEAL Phils).

Domagoso said the Go Manila app was originally made to gradually prevent corruption inside the government offices.

“Thank you to our judges in your appreciation in our own little effort to really, one way or another, stop corruption with lesser human intervention in government services,” Domagoso said, as Manila placed second in both categories.

Taguig shortens curfew hours for businesses TAGUIG City on Monday enforced a new curfew policy to allow commercial establishments to operate much longer hours amid the coronavirus disease outbreak.

Mayor Lino Edgardo Cayetano signed Executive Order 17 stating that all dispensable travels and mobility within the city will be temporarily restricted from 12 midnight until 3 a.m.

The new curfew period, according to Cayetano, has been shortened (from the initial 12 midnight to 4 a.m.) to give residents enough time to buy essential commodities, and to help boost the economy.

Last Friday, city officials led by Mayor Cayetano and his brother Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano visited some commercial establishments at the Bonifacio Global City High Street to ensure the safety of the shoppers, most especially this peak buying holiday season.

The city chief executive reiterated his reminder to residents to follow minimum health standards and health protocols to avoid the surge of COVID-19 infection in the city during the yuletide season.

Taguig City has one of the lowest numbers of active cases in the National Capital Region, monitoring only 72 active COVID-19 cases as of Dec. 11.

It also has the lowest number of active cases per 100,000 population in the NCR with only seven active cases.

“With our achievements, Taguig City vows to continue its aggressive fight against COVID-19 to finally recover and be officially open for business,” said Mayor Cayetano. Joel E. Zurbano

Opinion The problem with vaccines WITH no less than five vaccines available to Filipinos next year, we are now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

But the problem which remains in the minds of all Filipinos is, when will this pandemic end? Will 2021 be another year in lockdown? Will we still need to wear face masks and face shields and practice social distancing wherever we go?

Santa Banana, my wife and I have not even gone out of our house since this pandemic began, except for the time I had to consult my doctor at Makati Med. With the pandemic worsening, I am sure that the World Health Organization will say that it is far from over.

Insofar as the availability of vaccines is concerned, another problem is which among the vaccines would be best to use? And what if one has a history of allergy? Frankly, I would not take a vaccine unless my doctor advises it!

Then again, not everybody has a family doctor or even access to a doctor. This is a problem which our health experts must prepare for.

There is one way to ease the people’s concern about the vaccines. Provide them adequate information! This is a job for the Palace’s communications office.

Another concern is the availability of the Chinese Sinovac, given that many Filipinos are prejudiced against Chinese products. Will the people accept this?

All these concerns must be addressed

soon. This pandemic has been with us for too long that many Filipinos are having sleepless nights wondering when it would end.

As I said in the beginning, Mr. Duterte can choose from five vaccines – Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Sinovac and Sputnik V. I am wondering whether these could have different effects on Filipinos. I think the best choice would be PfizerBioNTech since Filipinos are already familiar with the brand. Still, I hope

Which one will the government choose? that whatever the government chooses would be good and safe for Filipinos! *** The Senate is sitting on two Houseapproved bills – the establishment of the Department of OFWs and the Department of Disaster Resilience.

The lower chamber has done its job – these departments are important.

Some senators have objected to the creation of more layers in the bureaucracy since that would require more funds. But these agencies are crucial. As for the funding, there are many other agencies that can be placed under these new departments. *** Would you believe that despite the scandal caused by the so-called pastillas scam, the practice of providing visas upon arrival to Chinese tourists continues?

My gulay, this is unbelievable! It appears the Bureau of Immigration does not learn its lesson. And why is the Justice Department allowing it?

No to red-tagging, yes to peace process

IN HER complaint for malfeasance and misconduct against government officials who have red-tagged her, Sarah Elago points out how red-tagging or red-baiting, has long been part of the government’s strategy against critics. Indeed, as Nymia Pimentel Simbulan stated in a paper published in 2011, historically, red-baiting in the Philippines has taken many forms including – “the naming of specific ‘leftist’ NGOs, POs, trade unions, party-list groups, and individuals believed to be affiliated with the underground movement in public presentations made by the military in urban and rural poor communities, factories, and mass media, as part of its counterinsurgency activities.”

Definitely for indigenous peoples, red-tagging is an excuse for commercial interests to exploit the natural resources in ancestral lands and domains. Development aggression, for example, is behind these attacks against the Lumad in Mindanao and is now being raised in Central Luzon and Southern Luzon as Aetas and Dumagat tribes protest government projects that displace them.

One does not even have to belong to the left to be red-tagged. As one colleague from the University of the Philippines has, for example, pointed out, even Mayor Isko Moreno has been branded by trolls. According to this colleague, “A quick survey of headline YouTube videos reveals that two wellfunded online prop machineries have united to target Manila Mayor Isko Moreno. The military wants to “out” Moreno as a “red sympathizer” for his ordering the removal of posters unwelcoming the CPP-NDF in Manila.”

The worst red-tagger of course is President Rodrigo Duterte. He has declared that members of the Makabayan bloc are part of a “grand conspiracy” to overthrow the government and even singled out fellow Mindanawon and Bayan Muna

Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate.

In an interview wirth Mindanews, I pointed out how dangerous this is as it can be interpreted by rogue military or police elements as open season on Congressman Zarate, a person I would absolutely vouch for and whom the President also knows personally.

I told MindaNews that Duterte’s statements do not have any judicial or legal value as they are not based on evidence but from a practical point of view, it is a prejudgment by your chief enforcement official and so a violation of due process, The Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM) has weighed in also on this attack against Zarate:

We won’t achieve our goals by calling each other names.

“The insistent red tagging officially done by no less than the President poses a clear and present danger on the lives of Zarate and all human rights lawyers and defenders. We must always be warned of those red tagged and eventually murdered like Atty.

Benjamin Ramos and Atty. Anthony Trinidad, who were among the 53 lawyers, prosecutors and judges killed under the Duterte administration since 2016.

A threat on Zarate is a grave threat on all legislators who are fulfilling their mandate and on all human rights defenders who remain true to their lawyers’ oath. These threats are glaring violations of rights under our Philippine Constitution and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

We salute and respect the professionalism of Zarate by focusing on and not diverting from the legitimate issues that should be discussed by legislators. We are even more inspired by the uncompromising principles of human rights defenders and legislators who continue to work even harder always within the framework of the Constitution and the laws.”

In a powerful statement, prominent lawyers from Davao City, all former Presidents of the Integrated Bar of the

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020

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EDITORIAL

A

The best gift of all

TEAM of researchers tracking the COVID-19 pandemic notes that the reproduction rate of the novel coronavirus continues to go up in Metro Manila.

This is cause for concern because the reproduction rate is the average number of people who can be infected by one person in a susceptible population, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). A value higher than 1.0 indicates that the pandemic is spreading.

As of Dec. 11, the reproduction rate was at 0.99, the University of the Philippines-OCTA Research Team says.

This was up from 0.88 in November, 0.90 on Dec. 1, 0.94 on Dec. 5 and 0.96 on Dec. 10. It is almost certain to breach 1.0 in the following days.

The OCTA team suggests the increase in the coronavirus reproduction rate can be attributed to the fact that more people are going outside their homes.

“It looks like this is the increase due to the holiday mobility. The upward trend is real but it is not necessarily permanent and this trend is reversible,”

We should think very carefully about our holiday plans. said Guido David, a member of the team.

Any visit to a mall quickly confirms this observation, as shoppers ignore social distancing, wear their face shields like visors, pour into crowded stores, all in the name of the tradition of gift-giving during the holiday season.

And while the government has warned time and again against Christmas and New Year’s parties for fear of a resurgence of COVID-19, chances are there will be many who ignore such warnings, driven by lockdown fatigue and the desire to

socialize.

But those among us who plan to celebrate with people outside their households should take to heart the warning from WHO, that Christmas celebrations could turn to tears if people fail to keep up their guard against COVID-19 during the festive season.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says the number of deaths in the coronavirus pandemic was surging and urged people to think very carefully about their holiday season plans.

“The festive season is a time to relax and celebrate but... celebration can very quickly turn to sadness if we fail to take the right precautions,” he told a press conference.

“As you prepare to celebrate over the coming weeks, please, please consider your plans carefully. If you live in an area with high transmission, please take every precaution to keep yourselves and others safe.

“That could be the best gift you could give - the gift of health.”

Emerging from the shadow of the virus Don’t be shy about seeking help.

DAY Four of CenSEI’s webinar series on manufacturing in the “new normal” opened last Wednesday with Peter Maquera, the California-educated head of Globe Telecom’s enterprise business.

Like other speakers, he encouraged companies to “go digital” and take advantage of software service platforms and off-the-shelf software packages.

Working from home will require, obviously, faster connectivity (25 mbps is the high-speed standard), “virtual desktops”, and cybersecurity protections.

On the floor, new solutions will combine 5-G (a technology where China’s Huawei is 18 months ahead of its competitors) with WiFi-6, the latest wireless standard, to handle demanding tasks like telemetry for process and quality controls.

DICT Assistant Secretary Manny Caintic reported his agency’s key achievements to date: building additional submarine cable landing stations in Baler and Quezon, and completing Phase 1 of converting the national power grid’s unused fiber optic cables to carry the country’s digital backbone. This project will add 1.5 terabits of bandwidth and save over P4 billion in Internet utilization costs.

Cellphone users will be glad to hear that the time it takes to build a new cell tower has been shortened, from 200 days to only 16 days. The DICT is also sticking by its ambitious target to roll out 100,000 free WiFi sites by the time Duterte steps down. But telcos will have to bear the added responsibility for cyber-hygiene all the way to the customer’s access device.

De la Salle Professor Franco Domingo, a defense consultant on cybersecurity, amplified on cyber-hygiene by reminding companies to formulate a security plan that they can stick to. Don’t be shy about coordinating with third parties to address difficult problems. As for the entire country, don’t think that it’s only China we have to worry about.

Cyberthreats can come from basically everybody and everything else out there.

Philippines, said that “Making derisive public accusations without filing any case will never result to getting any justice. The truly guilty will not be punished and the unjustly accused will not have any hope of being cleared . . .

We are still a democracy and the rule of law shall prevail.”

In the Senate hearing, I proposed that the solution to insurgency is not the approach proposed by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) as that will only lead to more killings and violations of human rights. It will actually strengthen the insurgency, as it did during the Marcos dictatorship, as many young people might see that they have no option but to join the armed struggle. Red-tagging in this sense

*** The last webinar day last Friday opened with BOI’s compliance director, Atty. Elyjean Porteza, who ran through the CREATE bill nearing approval in Congress. The biggest reform is of course lowering the corporate income tax rate from 30 percent to 25 percent, and even lower to 20 percent for smaller enterprises.

But the bill also includes various adjustments to COVID, such as VAT exceptions and a lower minimum income tax for health care and other companies working around the COVID problem.

Importantly, previous biases toward export activity and Filipino ownership have been removed, expanding the range of investors who may avail of incentives.

SEC’s Commissioner Kelvin Lee shared how his agency is also responding to COVID. The financial impact of the virus now has to be included in a company’s usual SEC reports. But the agency also lengthened its notice period for stockholder meetings (from two to three weeks) as well as waiving fines for late filing or non-filing of reports up to year-end. Online services were also improved, with adjusted deadlines and alternative filing modes.

Outside of COVID, the SEC has approved the formation of closedend investment companies to invest in corporate debts, thereby allowing companies to deleverage if performance remains weak. On crypto-currency, the commissioner is preparing to issue guidances next year on the offering and exchange of digital assets.

The last speaker for the day was BPI SVP Eric Luchangco, whose group focuses on small and medium enterprises. His clients are typically disadvantaged by lack of financial buffers and market power. In evaluating them for credit extension and renewal, Eric will be looking not only for cost reductions, but also for a credible recovery plan that ideally includes some form of innovation, e.g. the ongoing

is a strategy for our leaders to escape accountability for their failure to solve the country’s biggest problems.

The alternative to NTF-ELCAC is a true whole-of-nation approach that brings us all together to address our common challenges – to survive this pandemic and combat climate change, and in the long term to defeat poverty, inequality, and injustice. A permanent political settlement that brings to the table all political forces is a precondition for that. And we won’t get there by calling each other names.

No to red-tagging and yes to the peace process is the only way forward for the Philippines.

Website: tonylavina.com Facebook: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs

transformation of restaurants to takeout mode. *** The final speaker in the series was CenSEI’s own president, former Civil Service Commission chair Ric Saludo, who spoke on the very timely topic of crisis preparation and risk management. This has to be built into the organization’s culture and way of thinking, as well as its planning and operating systems. If our reader agrees, you might want to heed Professor Domingo’s earlier advice: Don’t be shy about seeking help from knowledgeable third parties—such as CenSEI. *** Today’s Mass readings remind us to heed the Lord. In the first one, the minor prophet Zephaniah (Zep 3: 1-2, 9-13) calls out the city that “hears no voice, accepts no correction; in the Lord she has not trusted, to her God she has not drawn near.”

But if and how we heed the Lord may change in the distance between mouth and hand. In the Gospel (Mt 21: 2832), Jesus talks about two sons, one of whom told his father he would not work in the vineyard—but later changed his mind—while the other promised to do so, but did not go. It ought to be clear which son “truly did his father’s will” This Advent season asks us to renew, and hold on to, our confirmational promises. In our actions, not just our words.

Readers can write gbolivar1952@yahoo.com.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Critics slam Brazil’s vaccine plan PRESIDENT Jair Bolsonaro faced scathing criticism Sunday over his government’s plan—or lack thereof, opponents said—to vaccinate the population against Covid-19 in Brazil, the country with the second-highest death toll worldwide.

Brazil published its vaccination plan Saturday with notable holes, including a start date and details of how to reach its target of 70 percent of the population.

That prompted a new salvo of criticism of the far-right president, who has persistently defied expert advice on containing the pandemic and recently declared he did not plan to be vaccinated.

“Enough shenanigans with the vaccine!” leading newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo said in a front-page editorial.

“President Jair Bolsonaro’s murderous stupidity in the face of the coronavirus pandemic has surpassed all limits.”

Rival daily Estado de Sao Paulo condemned the government’s “lethal incompetence.”

“Faced with the worst health crisis of our era, this government’s response will be remembered as disastrous in every

sense... right up to its vaccination plan,” it said.

The plan, which the Supreme Court required the government to present, gives a rough sketch of the target populations and vaccines to be used in Brazil’s initial immunization drive.

It envisions four phases targeting sensitive groups, including health workers, the elderly, indigenous Brazilians and teachers, for a total of 51.6 million people, or 24 percent of the population of 212 million.

The plan says the optimal target is to vaccinate more than 70 percent of the population but provides no details on how to reach that figure.

Experts said details on the timeline, logistics and sources of vaccines were also lacking.

Court Justice Ricardo Lewandowski ordered the government to set the start date for the vaccination drive within 48 hours.

“It would be irresponsible to give a specific date... because it depends on the registration” at Brazil’s regulatory agency, deputy health minister Elcio Franco responded in a video message. AFP

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N OTICE Notice is hereby given that CHRISTERTON PROPERTIES, INC. DOING BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME AND STYLE OF BAYFRONT HOTEL CEBU AND BAYFRONT HOTEL EXPRESS with office address at Kaohsiung Street, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as a New Operator of Tourist Accommodation Facility under the Special Laws – Tourism – Hotel (Bayfront Hotel Cebu - Capitol Site) with a capacity of 168 rooms on a Non-Pioneer status, with project site located at M.Y. Yap corner F. Ramos Extension Streets, Capitol Site, Cebu City.

Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(SGD.) ANGELITA F. ARCELLANA Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service (MS-DEC. 15, 2020)

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region Branch 5-FC, Mandaluyong City ORLANDO M. UMIPIG, JR., Petitioner, -versusCivil Case No. R-MND-20-00888-CV For: Declaration Nullity of Marriage CINDY YONG FONG LING, Respondent. x---------------------------------------x

PROTECTION. A woman wearing a face mask to protect against the coronavirus disease rides in a metro train in Moscow on December CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK 9, 2020. Russia confirmed 26,190 new Covid-19 cases on December 9. AFP

Washington debates on Covid-19 aid

T

ALKS on new economic relief for millions of Americans hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic are set to continue Monday in Washington between the White House and Congress, with less than two weeks to go before a previous plan expires.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi spoke on the phone for a half-hour on Sunday, according to a tweet by the top Democrat’s spokesman Drew Hammill, and plan to speak again on Monday.

Democrats and Republicans have been locked in negotiations since July on plans for supplementary financial

aid to households, businesses and local communities suffering from the country’s worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

Aid to the unemployed as part of a massive recovery plan of $2.2 trillion adopted in the spring expires on Boxing Day, when millions of Americans will find themselves without income.

Disagreements on a new plan hinge on two key issues.

Democrats want to ensure that a substantial amount of aid is granted to local and state governments, which their opponents fear would represent a politicallytargeted bailout of “blue states”.

The White House and Republicans in Congress are insisting on legal protection for businesses, universities and schools against potential lawsuits in the event that an employee or student contracts Covid-19.

Pelosi on Sunday argued that “the need for state and local funding is even more important, especially given the states’ responsibility for distributing and administering the vaccine,” her spokesman tweeted.

“Health care workers and first responders... are at the risk of losing their jobs without state and local support,” the top

Nigeria steps up rescue efforts of adbucted children

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION WHEREAS, as per Order dated October 27, 2020, it was DIRECTED that Summons be issued and be served upon the person of respondent Cindy Yong Fong Ling by publication, in a newspaper of general circulation.

WHEREAS, notice of the following is hereby given: That “Petitioner alleges that he and the respondent met sometime in year 2000 while he was a medical staff of a hospital in Singapore. The friendly and sweet respondent was befriended by the Petitioner and the two became intimate. The parties were blessed with two (2) sons. They later stayed in the Philippines after petitioner’s employment contract in Singapore ended. Upon the request of respondent’s parents, the parties got married on November 9, 2002 in Cauayan City, Isabela. A few days after their marriage, respondent and their children returned to Singapore without the petitioner as he was banned from the country. The couple would see each other where the petitioner worked but their relationship was no longer cordial and would involve a lot of fighting and bickering. Not knowing what to do with respondent’s stubbornness and abuse, petitioner turned to alcohol and ended their relationship. He later found out that she was having an affair with a man before their marriage. At present, their common children are in the care of respondent’s parents.”

That “Petitioner maintains that his marriage to the respondent is void ab initio as they are both psychologically incapacitated, and he prays that after trial judgment be rendered, to wit: “WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is most respectfully prayed to this Honorable Court that after hearing, judgment be rendered as follows: • That the record of marriage between the Petitioner and the Respondent be declared null and void; • That the Philippine Statistics Authority and the Local Civil Registry Office of the Cauayan City, Isabela be directed and to record the Decision for the nullity of the marriage of the petitioner and respondent.

Xxx Other relief and remedies just and equitable under the premises are likewise prayed for.”

WHEREFORE, Respondent Cindy Yong Fong Ling is hereby DIRECTED, within thirty (30) days from the last issue of the publication of the Summons, to file with this Court and serve on the petitioner and his counsel, her answer to the Petition, which must be verified by herself and not by counsel or attorney-in-fact.”

She is reminded of the provision in IBP-OCA Memorandum on Policy Guidelines dated March 12, 2002 to observe restraint in filing a motion to dismiss and instead allege the grounds thereof as defenses in the answer. If she fails to answer within the time fixed, the Court shall order the prosecuting attorney to investigate whether or not collusion between the parties exists and, if there is no collusion, to intervene for the State in order to see to it that the evidence submitted is not fabricated.

October 27, 2020, Mandaluyong City.

(Sgd.) ATTY. ALAIN KRIS C. CONCEPCION Branch Clerk of Court

CHRISTMAS IN BAGHDAD. This picture taken on December 8, 2020 shows a view inside the Chaldean Catholic Church of the

Assumption of Mary in Iraq’s capital Baghdad. The Vatican announced on December 7 that the 83-year-old Pope Francis would make the first-ever papal visit to Iraq in early March. The itinerary consists of trips to Baghdad, the southern city of Ur—where Abraham is said to have been born. AFP

(MStandard - Dec. 15 & 22, 2020)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 106, QUEZONCITY JENNIFER M. CARBONELL, Petitioner, -versus-

Civil Case No. R-QZN-18-13399 CV For: Declaration of Nullity of Marriage

NOEL F. CARBONELL, Respondent. x------------------------------------------x

ORDER OF SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION In a verified Petition for Declaration of Nullity of Marriage filed on October 16, 2018, petitioner prays that, after due hearing, her marriage to the respondent which was solemnized on October 20, 2006, by Hon. Rogelio M. Pizarro, Judge, Regional Trial Court, Quezon City be declared NULL AND VOID, AB INITIO, for being a Bigamous Marriage.

Summons was issued on November 23, 2018. The Sheriff’s Return dated May 14, 2019 states that as per information of Ms. Salvacion L. Marquez, respondent’s aunt, the respondent is already in Dubai for almost five (5) years now but visits the Philippines from time to time.

On February 18, 2020, petitioner filed a “Motion for Leave of Court to Serve Summons by Publication.” On March 2, 2020, the court issued an Order granting the issuance of an Order of Summons by Publication.

NOW THEREFORE, respondent NOEL F. CARBONELL, whose last known address is at #5D Peso Street, Jem 10 Subdivision, Barangay Tandang Sora, Quezon City, is hereby summoned and required to file with the Regional Trial Court, Branch 106, Quezon City, National Capital Judicial Region, Bulwagan ng Katarungan, Quezon City, his answer to the Petition in the instant case within THIRTY (30) DAYS from the last date of publication of this summons in the event of failure to do so, this court shall direct the Public Prosecutor to conduct an investigation to determine whether or not collusion exists between the parties in the filing of the instant petition; and if it is determined that there is no such collusion, the petitioner shall be allowed to present her evidence in support of the petition.

Let this Order be published once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in the “The Manila Standard”, a newspaper of general circulation, pursuant to P.D. No. 1079, at the expense of the petitioner.

Likewise, let a copy of the summons as well as a copy of the petition be deposited in the Post Office, postage pre-paid and sent by registered mail to the respondent at his last known address also at the expense of the petitioner. Petitioner is enjoined to submit to this court proof of compliance herewith.

SO ORDERED. Quezon City, July 20, 2020.

(Sgd.) CLETO R. VILLACORTA III Acting Presiding Judge

CRV/trc Cc: OSG,Atty. Calugay, Petitioner, Respondent.

(MStandard - Dec. 15, & 22, 2020)

Democrat reportedly told Mnuchin.

On the issue of legal responsibility, she said, “a compromise on the liability issue should be found that does not jeopardize workers’ safety.”

A group of Democratic and Republican lawmakers have proposed a bailout of $908 billion, which has served as the base for negotiations.

The Trump administration on Tuesday proposed an increased bailout of $916 billion, but it was later rejected by Democrats, who refused to accept its inclusion of a cut to unemployment benefits.

Whatever is agreed on will likely be eclipsed by the massive bailout plan that President-elect Joe Biden has promised to adopt after his inauguration on January 20.

AFP

French jihadist Organizers postpone Europe-Iran forum caught in Turkey A FRENCH jihadist wanted on an Interpol “red notice” has been caught by Turkish security forces trying to enter Turkey from Syria, the Turkish defense ministry said Monday.

The individual known by the initials C.G. was detained while trying to reach the Turkish border town of Reyhanli, the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said the individual is believed to be part of the Firqatul Ghuraba group of foreign jihadists in Syria and recruited by Omar Omsen.

Omsen, also known as Omar Diaby, is a French national of Senegalese descent suspected of funnelling francophone fighters to Syria.

He was captured in August in Syria by a group linked to Al-Qaeda. AFP

ORGANIZERS have postponed a major forum on business between Iran and Europe due to begin Monday in the wake of an outcry over the execution at the weekend of opposition figure Ruhollah Zam. The three-day Europe-Iran Business Forum had been due to kick off with keynote remarks by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, followed by a panel with EU ambassadors.

But the holding of the event caused controversy coming two days after the execution of Zam, who ran a social media channel popular during 2017 protests.

The hashtag #BoycottEuropeIranBusinessForum trended on Twitter and several activists spoke out against the online event taking place.

“The organising committee of the Europe-Iran Business Forum has decided to take the exceptional step of postponing the conference,” the organisers said in a

statement late Sunday.

“The European and Iranian business communities continue to see significant potential and value in commercial exchanges,” they added, expressing hope the conference would take place in the near future.

The French foreign ministry had said on its Twitter account that following the “barbaric and unacceptable execution” of Zam its ambassador to Tehran, as well as those of Germany, Austria and Italy, were cancelling their participation in the forum. “#nobusinessasusual,” it said in a hashtag.

Christian Buck, the German foreign ministry’s director for the Middle East, also confirmed on Twitter that EU member states’ envoys would not take part.

Zam was hanged on Saturday after Iran’s supreme court upheld his death sentence passed in June over his role in protests during the winter of 2017-18, among other charges. AFP

NIGERIAN authorities on Sunday stepped up efforts to rescue students abducted by armed men who raided their hostels.

UN children’s agency UNICEF condemned the assault on the school in Katsina, the home state of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Gunmen on motorcycles stormed the Government Science School at Kankara late on Friday and engaged security forces in a fierce gun battle, forcing hundreds of students to flee and hide in surrounding bushes and forest.

State governor Aminu Bello Masari, who visited the school on Saturday, said soldiers were working to locate and free the hostages.

“Soldiers are currently in the bushes fighting the bandits. We will do all we can to ensure all the abducted children are reclaimed,” he said.

National police spokesman Frank Mbas said “additional operational and investigative assets to support the ongoing search and rescue operations in Kankara” had been deployed.

Masari said it was still not clear how many students were “in the hands of the bandits” and how many had managed to escape.

“The school has a population of 839 and so far, we are yet to account for 333 students,” Masari told a federal government delegation in his office on Sunday.

“We are still counting because more are still coming out of the forest,” said the governor.

“Up till this moment, no one can give a precise figure of the children abducted,” he said, adding that students who escaped confirmed some of their peers were taken.

Masari directed the school to take a headcount of the students to determine those who went back home.

Osama Aminu Maale was one of the students who escaped the abductors and returned to his parents. AFP

Explosion rocks Singapore-flagged oil tanker off Saudi port AN EXPLOSION rocked a Singaporeflagged oil tanker off the Saudi port city of Jeddah Monday, the vessel’s owner said, in the latest apparent strike on energy sector targets in the kingdom.

All 22 sailors aboard the tanker BW Rhine escaped unhurt after the blast struck just after midnight, Singapore-based shipping company Hafnia said, but it did not exclude the possibility of an oil spill.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the alleged attack, but it comes as Iran-backed Huthi rebels in neighbouring Yemen step up cross-border strikes against Saudi targets in retaliation for a five-year military campaign led by Riyadh.

“BW Rhine has been hit from an external source whilst discharging at Jeddah... causing an explosion and sub-

sequent fire onboard,” Hafnia said in a statement, without specifying what struck the vessel.

“The crew have extinguished the fire with assistance from the shore fire brigade and tug boats, and all 22 seafarers have been accounted for with no injuries,” it added.

Saudi authorities did not immediately confirm the blast off Jeddah, a key Red

Sea port and distribution centre for oil giant Saudi Aramco.

Hafnia reported “hull damage” in the blast.

“It is possible that some oil has escaped from the vessel, but this has not been confirmed and instrumentation currently indicates that oil levels on board are at the same level as before the incident,” Hafnia said. AFP

Business

B3

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

UK and EU extend Brexit negotiations

PSEi December 14, 2020

TOP GAINERS 1 2

BSC TBGI

LAST PRICE 0.405 0.37

% CHANGE CHANGE 0.1 32.79% 0.065 21.31%

3

NRCP

0.77

0.12

18.46%

4 5 6

DELM PBB MARC

7.95 11.44 1.48

1 1.4 0.17

14.39% 13.94% 12.98%

7

MG

0.238

0.023

10.70%

8 9 10

OPM LRW APC

0.012 1.08 0.45

0.001 0.09 0.035

9.09% 9.09% 8.43%

TOP LOSERS 1 2

FEU PTC

LAST PRICE 558 95

% CHANGE CHANGE -88 -13.62% -9.6 -9.18%

3

FERRO

4.75

-0.36

-7.05%

4 5 6

JOH PA FAF

5 3.6 0.65

-0.3 -0.18 -0.03

-5.66% -4.76% -4.41%

7 8 9 10

SGP ROX SSP WLCON

253.6 1.8 1.55 17.1

-11.4 -0.08 -0.06 -0.6

-4.30% -4.26% -3.73% -3.39%

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

SMPH MBT SECB ALI BDO PHA DITO GTCAP BPI MEG

VOLUME 17,303,800 10,306,500 2,900,850 9,649,800 3,291,000 326,180,000 42,637,800 373,400 2,858,570 56,790,000

VALUE (PHP) 667,147,000.00 527,315,529.00 422,719,318.00 400,561,615.00 371,568,682.00 346,802,870.00 329,116,703.00 240,960,295.00 235,416,561.50 233,513,750.00

ROME SHOPPING. People enjoy a four-seater bicycle cart ride as people gather on the Via del Corso main street on December 13, 2020 in downtown Rome, as they do their Christmas shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus.

AFP

Stock market climbs; BDO, Security Bank lead gainers

T

HE stock market rose slightly Monday on continued vaccine optimism and slowing COVID-19 infection rate, with some investors opting to buy select issues.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 35.19 points, or 0.5 percent to 7,281.35 on a value turnover of P8.9 billion. Gainers overwhelmed losers, 134 to 75, with 58 issues unchanged.

Security Bank Corp., the seventh biggest lender in terms of assets, surged 7.8 percent to P148.80, while BDO Unibank Inc. of the Sy Group, the largest bank, climbed 3.1 percent to P113.50.

Universal Robina Corp. of the Gokongwei Group, the biggest snack food maker, advanced 4.6 percent to P157, while sister unit Robinsons Land Corp. rose 6.6 percent to P21.85.

The sterling, meanwhile, rallied Monday

after Britain and the European Union agreed to extend talks on a post-Brexit trade deal past a self-imposed deadline, while Asian markets were mixed as surging coronavirus infections tempered vaccine optimism.

Tokyo, Shanghai, Sydney, Mumbai, Jakarta and Singapore all enjoyed gains but Hong Kong, Seoul, Bangkok, Taipei and Wellington dipped.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said after a crisis call that they would “go the extra mile” to find common ground in longrunning talks.

“Our negotiating teams have been working day and night over recent days,” said von der Leyen, reading a joint statement agreed with Johnson as their Sunday deadline passed, with sticking points on issues including fishing rights and fair trade regulations.

“We have accordingly mandated our negotiators to continue the talks and to see whether an agreement can even at this late stage be reached.”

The news gave the pound a boost

against the dollar and euro, though Johnson warned a deal was far from sure with less than three weeks until Britain leaves the single market on December 31.

“I’m afraid we’re still very far apart on some key things, but where there’s life there’s hope,” he said.

Both the EU and Britain were “now said to be showing flexibility,” said Axi strategist Stephen Innes.

“The view remains that Johnson will bet he can find a sufficient compromise to appease the Brexiteers rather than risk the political fallout from a no-deal exit while simultaneously facing the ongoing COVID crisis and likely lockdown scenarios” heading into the first quarter of 2021, Innes added.

And OANDA’s Craig Erlam said: “It does seem like some progress is being made and with neither side willing to be the ones to call off the talks, a minute to midnight compromise looks likely.

This is a negotiation after all and there’s nothing to be gained by showing your hand at this point.” With AFP Manila

Standard

TODAY

Japan business confidence rising after steep drop TOKYO—Confidence among major Japanese manufacturers has recovered further after plunging on pandemic woes to its worst level since the global financial crisis, a key survey showed Monday.

The Bank of Japan’s December Tankan business survey—a quarterly poll of about 10,000 companies— showed a reading of minus 10 among big manufacturers, after recording minus 27 in the previous survey and minus 34 in the June survey.

The latest figure compared with a market consensus estimate of minus 15.

The June figure was the lowest since June 2009 when worldwide financial shocks hammered the planet’s thirdlargest economy.

The short-term business sentiment survey reports the difference between the percentage of firms that are upbeat and those that see conditions as unfavorable.

A negative reading means more companies are pessimistic than optimistic. It is considered to be the broadest indicator of how Japan Inc. is faring.

The latest reading comes after the government last week approved more than $700 billion in fresh stimulus to fund projects from anti-coronavirus measures to green tech, the country’s third such package this financial year.

“The sharp rebound in the Q4 Tankan supports our view that Japan’s economy will rebound relatively swiftly from the dislocation caused by the pandemic,” said Tom Learmouth, Economist at Capital Economics in a commentary.

Japan officially exited recession last month after three quarters of contraction, but the world’s third-largest economy now faces a spike in Covid-19 infections, with record numbers of new cases reported in recent weeks.

The latest survey also comes ahead of the Bank of Japan’s two-day monetary policy meeting from Thursday, which is widely expected to keep the current monetary easing tools but also likely to extend its special measures in response to COVID-19. AFP

BRUSSELS, Belgium―The European Union and Britain will return to the negotiating table on Monday after agreeing to abandon a supposed makeor-break deadline for a post-Brexit trade pact.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Boris Johnson had said last week they would decide whether an agreement was possible by the end of Sunday, but agreed in a crisis call to “go the extra mile.”

“Our negotiating teams have been working day and night over recent days,” von der Leyen said in a video message, reading out a joint statement agreed with Johnson.

“We have accordingly mandated our negotiators to continue the talks and to see whether an agreement can even at this late stage be reached,” the leaders said.

They did not offer a new deadline but Conservative Party lawmaker Mark Harper suggested the extended talks could go right to the wire, with less than three weeks until Britain leaves the single market at the end of the month.

“Many of us are fully anticipating it’s entirely possible we might be returning to Parliament between Christmas and new year to scrutinize this and vote it through if a deal is done,” he told the Press Association.

EU negotiator Michel Barnier and Britain’s David Frost held talks late on Saturday and early on Sunday. They have been alternating between the capitals but a European official said that, for the moment, they would remain in Brussels.

Barnier will brief European ambassadors on Monday morning about the current state of negotiations, EU Council spokesman Sebastian Fischer said.

Johnson insisted that an agreement was far from sure.

“I’m afraid we’re still very far apart on some key things, but where there’s life there’s hope,” he said at Downing Street after briefing his cabinet about the call.

“The UK certainly won’t be walking away from the talks. I still think there’s a deal to be done if our partners want to do it,” he added. AFP

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING DEAR STOCKHOLDERS: Please be informed that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center- Tacloban, Inc. (“ACEMC-Tacloban”) will be held on December 29, 2020 (Tuesday) at 9:00 o’clock in the morning, via Zoom Webinar, in light of the COVID pandemic.

For the conduct of the Webinar, please register on or before December 21, 2020, through the following link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_toJABeFzQ_iWdAfR8HpEgQ Once you have successfully registered, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about the webinar meeting.

Co-founders of the Stork Club distillery Steffen Lohr (left) and Bastian Heuser are pictured on November 12, 2020 at the distillery in Schlepzig. From being roped in by pharmacies to distil alcohol to transforming restaurant meals into cook-at-home kits, Germany’s food and drinks sector has been forced to get creative to deal with the coronavirus shutdowns. AFP

‘Rain checks’: Germany’s F&B sector in virus curbs survival mode

By Isabel Guigui

BERLIN, Germany—From distilling alcohol for pharmacies to printing takeaway bags and delivering order-in cocktails, Germany’s food and beverage sector has been forced to get creative to keep their companies going through coronavirus shutdowns.

Three businesses tell AFP about their battle to survive: Distilling for pharmacies Bastian Heuser and his partners have been learning on the job since they stumbled into the whiskey business without any experience in the trade.

But since March, the three Berliners have been forced to further improvise as their distillery was forced shut during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We had to react very quickly because we had invested a lot over the past three and a half years, and didn’t have a big cash reserve,” said Heuser, co-founder and marketing manager at the Stork Club.

As factories and shops were ordered closed in March to curb transmissions of COVID-19, the distillery lost all of its sales.

But the pandemic offered an opportunity: with demand soaring for hand sanitizers, pharmacies in the area contacted the Stork Club to distill its alcohol to help cover regional shortages.

The company also sold some whiskey barrels to make ends meet, Heuser said.

They also moved their bar from a street side shop into a courtyard—a timely investment, as the region benefited from a marked increase in

domestic tourism after restrictions eased.

Guided tours, tastings and even weddings kept the distillery busy all summer. Heuser said the Stork Club “had up to 50 percent more turnover than in the preceding year, which more or less undid the springtime losses.”

Although income has once again plunged since in-house dining was banned in the latest round of shutdowns that began in November, Heuser said the distillery can weather the storm.

“With the new vaccine ... I hope that by May, June a certain normalcy will return to our business,” Heuser said.

‘Rain checks’, cocktails to go Katja Hiendlmayer, co-owner of cocktail bar Buerkner Eck, admitted that she would have “thought about doing something else” if she had known in March that her business would have to stay shut for much of the year.

“We could have acted. Right now we’re only reacting,” she said.

Along with her partner Olaf Matthey, a barman by profession, Hiendlmayer opened the bar in Berlin in October 2017.

During Germany’s spring shutdown Buerkner Eck made “at most 30 percent” of the turnover from the same period in 2019, she said.

“Many bars aren’t doing anything,” she said, explaining that a November government aid program that reimburses up to 75 percent of a bar’s turnover from the previous year meant some preferred to just stay shut.

Nevertheless, she said, “we’d rather work for little than do nothing,” adding: “We want to keep our people employed.” AFP

The link will provide you the process for the registration. You will receive a confirmation email once you have successfully registered in the platform, including the details and procedures in the conduct of the meeting. Voting will be done via the online tool which you can access once you have logged in to the Webinar; voting in the election of directors may also be done in absentia through the above link.

The meeting shall be recorded (visual and audio) for future reference.

The Agenda: I. II. III. IV. V.

Call to Order Invocation Determination of Quorum Welcome Message Reading and Approval of the Minutes of the Y2019 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting VI. Audited Financial Report 2019 VII. President’s Report VIII. Ratification of the Acts and Proceedings of the Board of Directors, Officers, and Management of the Corporation IX. Amendments of the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws 1.

2.

3.

4.

Section 6, Article II of the by-laws (Tele/Video Conference) Section 6, Article III (Tele/Video Conference) Section 7, Article II (Manner of voting and Submission of Proxies) Section 8, Article II (Closing of Transfer of Books or Fixing of Record Date) 5. Section 1, Article II (Date of Annual Stockholders’ Meeting) X. Election of the Board of Directors 2020-2021 XI. Appointment of External Auditor for the year 2020 XII. Other Matters XIII. Adjournment Only stockholders of record at the close of business on December 9, 2020, Wednesday, shall be entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. If you cannot personally attend the meeting, you may opt to send your proxy to attend in your behalf. Kindly submit your duly executed proxy form with the undersigned, via email, at acemctacloban2015@gmail.comnot later than 5:00 p.m. on December 28, 2020, but preferably, on December 21, 2020, to enable your proxy to register in the Zoom Webinar. Attached is a sample proxy form for your reference. [NOTE: Management is not soliciting proxies.]

The Information Statement and Management Report and SEC Form 17-A are available at the Corporation’s website athttps://acemctacloban.com You may contact the undersigned via email at acemctacloban2015@gmail. comthroughmobile number09178178394if you have inquiries/concerns regarding the meeting.

Very truly yours, LA RHAINE G. VIERNES Corporate Secretary

(MS-DEC. 15 & 16, 2020)

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

B4

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020

IN BRIEF SEC scores victory vs. investment scam

THE Securities and Exchange Commission said Monday it gained a legal victory against an investment scam after a Quezon City regional trial court penalized three persons for illegally soliciting investments from the public.

The Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 90, in a decision dated Nov. 27, found guilty beyond reasonable doubt Rolando Pascua Jr., Celia Pascua and Mary Jane Recto for violations of Section 8 of Republic Act No. 8799, also known as the Securities Regulation Code. They were fined P2 million.

“Winning cases against perpetrators of fraudulent investment schemes affirm the Commission’s commitment to holding them accountable for their actions against our fellow Filipinos,” SEC chairman Emilio Aquino said.

“The SEC will remain steadfast in its mission to protect investors and educate the public about these types of scams, so that moving forward, no more Filipinos would be duped of their hard-earned money,” he said. Jenniffer B. Austria

Skyway mishap victims get P20-m aid from Ang

SAN Miguel Corp. president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang extended cash assistance of P20 million for the victims of the lone fatality and eight injured during the recent accident at the Skyway Extension project site in Cupang, Muntinlupa City.

The amount is on top of the medical and other expenses shouldered by Skyway project contractor EEI Corp.

“I’ve been deeply affected by the pain this has caused them and have been assessing different ways to assist the victims of this unfortunate accident, apart from what our contractor EEI has been providing them.

I hope this amount would be a step towards helping them rebuild their lives. With the right support, we can all overcome adversity and lead full lives,” Ang said.

Ang himself issued a public apology and promised to provide for the needs of the victims following the mishap—which involved an EEI subcontractor’s crane losing balance and hitting a steel girder, causing it to fall on vehicles.

Ang said a significant portion of the package would go towards long-term support for the family of the deceased, Edison Paquibot. Ang committed to take care of all of the family’s needs, including shouldering the education of the victim’s four-year old daughter.

Cebu Pacific extends ‘unlimited rebooking’

CEBU Pacific said it extended its flexible options for every Juan traveling until March 31, 2021. These options include “unlimited rebooking” and a travel fund valid for two years.

“We will continue to monitor the operating environment and listen to the concerns of our passengers. We are encouraged by the reopening of domestic tourism and we will do our part in ensuring that our passengers travel with peace of mind. We understand that it may take time before trust and confidence in air travel is restored, that is why we have decided to extend our flexible booking options until the first quarter of 2021,” said Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing and customer experience.

Passengers traveling until March 31, 2021 may rebook their flights as many times as they want, or put the full cost of their ticket into a travel fund valid for two years, with rebooking and cancellation fees waived. A minimal fare difference may apply for rebooking of flights.

The two-year travel fund may be used not only to book new flights, but also to purchase add-ons, such as baggage allowance, preferred seats, pre-ordered meals, hygiene kits and travel insurance. Joel E. Zurbano

Business

ADB approves $123-m loan for EDSA covered walkways

By Julito G. Rada

T

HE Asian Development Bank said Monday it approved a $123-million (about P5.9 billion) loan to help the government build safe, wide, well-lit and disaster-resilient elevated walkways for pedestrians along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue.

It said in a statement the EDSA Greenways Project would help the government construct five kilometers of covered walkways, which would be linked to mass transit stations along EDSA, at Balintawak, Cubao, Guadalupe and Taft stations.

The 5-meter-wide structures, equipped with elevators and monitoring systems, will be easily accessible for pedestrians, including the elderly, pregnant women, young children, and people with disabilities.

“The EDSA Greenways Project is an

integral part of the government’s transport strategy to make Metro Manila a better place to live, work, and visit,” ADB’s Southeast Asia transport and communications director Hiroaki Yamaguchi said.

“This project is an important part of our contribution to helping make that vision a reality for Filipinos,” Yamaguchi said.

The project is part of the government’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure development program aimed at boosting public spending on infrastruc-

ture to attract investments, provide improved connectivity and spur economic growth.

ADB senior transport specialist for Southeast Asia Shuji Kimura said the project would encourage more Filipinos to switch from private vehicles to public transport, which is being strengthened with the North–South Commuter railway, the Metro Manila subway, and the upgraded Light Rail/Metro Rail Transit systems.

“The project, to be built with cuttingedge technology for cantilever overhead walkways, will provide safe, inclusive and equitable access for commuters while lowering CO2 [carbon dioxide] emissions,” Kimura said.

Metro Manila is considered the most congested city in Asia in terms of population, land area and length of road networks, based on ADB’s 2019 Asian Development Outlook.

SECURITY BANK’S DONATION. Security Bank Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Security Bank Corp., donates printing equipment and supplies to Usocan Elementary School, a far-flung public school in the municipality of Plaridel, Misamis Occidental in Mindanao to support the education of its kinder to Grade 6 pupils who can only rely on modules for learning due to unavailability of gadgets. Leading the donation activity are (from left) Security Bank Dipolog Branch channel manager Gina Bel Senining, business manager Leslie Te, Usocan Elementary School principal Maria Erica Ligason, financial solution consultant Ina Radaza and sales associate Jeff Steven Lampinez.

Supply of Christmas hams stable despite higher pork prices

By Othel V. Campos THE Department of Trade and Industry assured prices and supply of Christmas hams are stable this month despite the higher prices of pork in the local market following the resurgence of the African Swine Fever.

Most retail establishments have different types of hams lined up at the freezer section.

The Consumer Protection Group of the DTI said there was sufficient supply of hams in the market as manufacturers prepared ahead of the holiday festivities.

“Yes, Christmas hams are included in the Noche Buena SRP [suggested retail

price],” said Trade Undersecretary for CPG Ruth Castelo.

Castelo said manufacturers were advised by the DTI to carry over the 2019 prices of Noche Buena list to 2020.

“This means that hams should be sold at the same prices they were sold last year. This should be in effect from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31, 2020,” she said.

Pork Producers Association of the Philippines president Edwin Chen said there should be enough supply of pork for the traditional Christmas hams.

“I think there is enough supply of hams in the coming holiday season.

Manufacturers prepared for this since this is an annual tradition and they have been preparing, curing the hams months

ahead,” he said.

Chen said that prices may be a bit higher because of the cost of pork increased following the resurgence of the ASF. Christmas hams in major groceries and supermarkets sell from a range of P530 to P580 per kilogram for premium hams. Other ham products cost P470 to P500/kg while yuletide pear hams are priced from P170 to P195 apiece.

Latest data showed 406,899 pigs have already been killed since the outbreak started in August 2019. ASF is now present in 11 regions, 34 provinces, 392 municipalities and 2,061 barangays in the country.

PCCI expects GDP to fall 10% in 2020 before bouncing back by 4% next year THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry sees the economy falling deeper into recession to about 10 percent this year, but expects a recovery of 2 percent to 4 percent by 2021, slower than the government’s projection.

PCCI president Benedicto Yujuico said local businesses, while optimistic at the prospect of an economic rebound next year, were still wary of the gloom pervading the local setting.

Yujuico said economic improvements were not enough to sustain faster recovery even with the expected increase in consumer spending in the Christmas season.

The PCCI, however, noted the strong showing of the Philippine peso, which was expected to end at 48.20 against the US dollar this year.

“The Philippine peso has been rallying strong against the US dollar in the past few months despite the pandemic. It is one of the strongest in Asia now,” Yujuico said.

He said many businesses were

complaining about the strong peso, especially exporters because a stronger currency would render Philippine exports more expensive, thereby affecting the competitiveness of exports.

Yujuico said the group’s conservative growth target of 2 percent to 4 percent in 2021 would be commensurate to the small economic stimulus that the government would provide the economy.

“Although we see the light at the end of the tunnel, we are not yet out of the COVID problem,” he said.

He said the group was relying on President Rodrigo Duterte to sign the 2021 budget to ensure the continued implementation of different projects.

The group also expects the president to sign the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises and Fiscal Institutions Strategic Transfer bills into laws.

Yujuico said the measures would help the economy recover faster in the first semester of 2021.

Othel V. Campos

PSE INDEX

Monday, December 14, 2020

35.19 PTS. 7,281.35

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

46,021,134,146 144,223 8,931,386,674.47 134 75 58

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2020

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.0720

Japan

Yen

0.009615

0.4622

UK

Pound

1.336900

64.2675

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129012

6.2019

Switzerland

Franc

1.125999

54.1290

Canada

Dollar

0.784068

37.6917

Singapore

Dollar

0.748447

35.9793

Australia

Dollar

0.754600

36.2751

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655196

127.6406

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266631

12.8175

Brunei

Dollar

0.745657

35.8452

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000071

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.033278

1.5997

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.0887

Euro

Euro

1.214000

58.3594

Korea

Won

0.000916

0.0440

China

Yuan

0.152758

7.3434

India

Rupee

0.013562

0.6520

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.246914

11.8696

New Zealand

Dollar

0.710000

34.1311

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035490

1.7061 Source: BSP

ICTSI sells P4.7b worth of treasury shares on strong investor demand

By Darwin G. Amojelar INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. said Monday it raised P4.7 billion from the sale of treasury shares to partly fund capital expenditures.

The port terminal operator led by businessman Enrique Razon said it sold 40 million treasury shares at P117 apiece, representing a 3.9-percent discount to the closing share price.

The offering, which was well-received and oversubscribed by highquality foreign and local institutional investors, marked ICTSI’s first equity follow-on offering since 2013.

It said the proceeds of the share sale would be used to fund general corporate purposes, including committed capital expenditures and acquisitions.

“This opportunistic reissuance of our treasury shares culminates the execution of the capital management strategy that we conveyed to investors in early April,” said ICTSI senior vice president and chief financial officer Rafael Consing Jr. “With $800 million raised in senior debt, hybrid equity and common shares from both existing and new stakeholders, ICTSI enters 2021 focused on a five-year horizon through the same lens of achieving growth organically and through value-accretive acquisitions,” he said.

ICTSI earlier unveiled a capex plan of $160 million, which would be used mainly to complete expansion projects.

The company reported a net income of $182.6 million in the first nine months, down by 1 percent from $184.9 million in the same period last year.

Gross revenues from port operations in the nine-month period reached $1.104 billion, nearly unchanged from $1.107 billion in the same period in 2019 on generally lower trade activities globally mainly as a result of the lockdown restrictions imposed by most governments to try to address the rising infection rate of the COVID-19 virus.

JOLLIBEE IN LEICESTER.

Jollibee Foods Corp. opens a store in Leicestery City its third in the United Kingdom. Known for being home to the Leicester City Football Club, a Premier Leaguewinning football team and one of the UK’s oldest cities, the Leicester City opening is Jollibee’s second in the UK in a span of just two months.

Physical distancing and other strict safety protocols are enforced to ensure the wellbeing of the customers and the store team.

BANELCO vows to supply electricity to whole of Bantayan by 2022

By Alena Mae S. Flores BANTAYAN Island Electric Cooperative Inc. on Monday said it will energize its entire franchise area by 2022 in support of the government’s electrification agenda.

“While Bantayan Island was dubbed as the next major tourist destination in the country, our main objective is total electrification of every households in our franchise area by the year 2022 consistent with the national government’s strategy,” BANELCO

general manager Lee Rivera said.

BANELCO said it was preparing its distribution system to meet the surge in demand after Bantayan Island was opened for domestic tourism.

“As a tourist destination, reliable power supply is a vital factor to address the consequent growth in power demand and to sustain the economic development of Bantayan Island,” Rivera said.

“BANELCO have upgraded its distribution system especially the backbone lines in anticipation to the increase in load demand,” he said.

“Adequate and reliable power supply is also part of Banelco’s preparation,” Rivera said.

BANELCO tapped power supplier Isla Norte Energy Corp., the joint venture of Vivant Energy Corp. and Gigawatt Power Inc., to provide additional source amid the shortage experienced in the past months.

The supply deficit resulted in rotational brownouts “to the dismay of our member consumer owners and with the failure of our existing power supplier to provide additional power source.”

Sports

PBA thanks Clark for successful bubble event CLARK FREEPORT—As the Philippine Basketball Association 45th season came to an end, the league along with its players and coaches from various teams recently expressed thanks to Clark executives and personnel for hosting a successful bubble event in this Freeport.

In a video greeting, PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial extended his gratitude to Clark Development Corporation, Bases Conversion and Development Authority and all of Freeport’s stakeholders for their efforts and support throughout the duration of the PBA bubble.

Marcial likewise mentioned the suitability of this Freeport as the ideal choice for conducting the bubble set-up.

“Maraming Salamat kay Secretary Vince Dizon, sa CDC, sa Quest para sa mga suportang ginawa nyo, at sa mga tulong at pag asikaso sa amin ng mabuti. Maraming maraming salamat po, at tama po, na ito ang pinili namin. Kaya kung may irerekomenda ako, ito pong Clark ang tama para sa bubble sa kahit anong sports,” he said.

Marcial also shared how they are well taken care of during their stay here. He also cited the standard safety protocols and procedures that they follow to keep them safe.

“Tama na pinili ng PBA ang Clark kasi ‘yung testing nila and mga protocols nila, security na tatlong layers bago ka makarating sa hotel . ‘Yung mga testing ng mga empleyado ng hotels and bus drivers at kung may mangyayari alam nila ang gagawin nila. Malaking tulong ang CDC at si Secretary Vince Dizon sa ginawa nating bubble na ito. ‘Yung kung may magpapasok ng gamit dinidisinfect ‘yung mga pagkain talagang safe lahat dito sa Clark. Maganda rin ang environment ng Clark, puwede kang mag ikot ikot, puwede kang mag jogging kase ang ganda ng environment at ang babait ng mga staff ng hotel at inaasikaso talaga tayo. Ang ganda, parang at home ka,” said Marcial.

For his part, NLEX Road Warriors Coach Joseller “Yeng” Guiao expressed his delight as he also took pride in all the potentials of this Freeport.

“As a Kapampangan and a committed advocate for the development of Clark Freeport Zone and its environs, I am delighted and proud in the conduct and successful hosting of the recently concluded Clark PBA Bubble. I express my gratitude and appreciation to the tireless and competent service of all the personnel and staff of the CDC, Quest Hotel, AUF, and the local government of Angeles City. They have been like family for the PBA players, staff, media and the rest of the support crew for the last 2 months,” he added.

Guiao also acknowledged the initiatives of BCDA President and CEO and CDC Officer-in-Charge for the Office the Chairperson Vivencio Dizon and former CDC President and CEO Noel F. Manankil in making the PBA bubble event possible.

Kevin Durant (right) of the Brooklyn Nets drives to the basket against Washington Wizards’ Rui Hachimura during a preseason game at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. AFP

Scoring machine Durant shines in Brooklyn debut L

OS ANGELES—Kevin Durant scored 15 points Sunday on his unofficial Brooklyn Nets’ debut, 552 days since his last appearance on a court when he tore his Achilles tendon.

Durant, arguably the best player in the NBA at the time of his injury, spent his downtime in rehabilitation watching Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo claim two most valuable player awards and LeBron James capture his fourth NBA championship.

The Nets are Durant’s new team, and soon New York will be his city. But before Durant can rejoin the conversation about who is the best, he needs to show he can lead the Nets to the top rung of the NBA ladder.

On Sunday, Durant played the first half as the Nets beat the Washington Wizards 119-114 in their opening preseason game at Barclays Center arena.

“It’s definitely good to get back

into the flow of things and it’s definitely giving me some confidence,” said Durant. “So it’s a good step, and I’m trying to build on it.”

It was Durant’s first game since tearing his Achilles while playing for Golden State Warriors in the 2019 NBA finals. Following surgery, he signed a four-year deal with Brooklyn.

The Nets made the playoffs last season with Durant and Kyrie Irving out, and then they hired Canadian Steve Nash as head coach.

Durant knows what his expected role is with the Nets. He has been on championship teams, he guided clubs through long playoff runs and game sevens so his leadership skills are crucial.

His injury should not be a major

hurdle, because Durant relies on his excellent shooting skills instead of speed in getting to the basket.

New coach Nash is planning to go with a smaller line-up and even have Durant split time between centre and point guard which will give opposing defences plenty of headaches.

Starting alongside Irving on Sunday, Durant scored his 15 points on five-of-12 shooting while collecting a three assists in 24 minutes.

“It’s a good first step,” said Durant. “I want to play at an elite level late in the season -- playoffs that’s when I want to play my best basketball. I’m working towards that point.

Every single day is just keep working, man, and getting used to it.”

Irving tied Wizards’ second-year player Rui Hachimura for a gamehigh 18 points.

Hachimura’s best moment in Sunday’s game came when the 6ft 8in Japanese standout dunked over Durant early in the contest. AFP

Federer in race against time to play in Australian Open GENEVA—Swiss tennis great Roger Federer said he was in a “race against time” to be fit for the Australian Open as his recovery from two rounds of knee surgery takes longer than expected.

The 39-year-old has been out of action since February, when he underwent keyhole surgery on his right knee. In June, Federer revealed a follow-up operation and called off his 2020 season.

But despite months of rehabilitation, the 20-time Grand Slam champion said he was still not “100 percent” for the Australian Open, which looks likely to be delayed from January to February over coronavirus restrictions.

“It’s a race against time. Of course it would help if I had a little bit more time.

But it’s going to be close,” Federer said at an awards ceremony in Switzerland, according to Swiss media.

“I would have hoped that I’d be at a 100 percent already in October. But I’m not at this level even today. It will be a close call for the Australian Open,” he added.

Federer even set off speculation about his future when he said: “I hope there is still something to see of me in the new year. We will see.”

It’s been a frustrating year for Federer, who had to watch from afar as his frequent nemesis, Rafael Nadal, matched his record haul of 20 Grand Slam titles with his 13th victory at the French Open.

He has given few updates on his progress, but in early November he tweeted, “Back to work” with a picture of him practising on court.

On Sunday, he posted an ATP promotional video with the message, “Excited for what’s to come.”

Federer said the coming months were “immensely important” as he contemplates a busy 2021 including the Tokyo Olympics, where he is targeting a first singles gold medal.

“I wish I’d made more progress, but I’m nevertheless satisfied with where I am,” he said.

“My second knee surgery was a huge

Roger Federer has been out of action since February, when he underwent keyhole surgery on his right knee. In June, Federer revealed a follow-up operation and called off his 2020 season. AFP

setback, but in the past months things have gone steadily forward.

“We’re taking our time, but the next two, three months will become immensely important for me.”

Federer, known for his elegant style of play, has got off lightly with injuries

during a career in which he has won 103 singles titles, including all four majors.

He previously had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee -- the first operation of his career -- in early 2016, after suffering a freak injury while running a bath for his daughters. AFP

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020

SEAG, UAAP veterans lead women’s cage league hopefuls FIFTY-FOUR applicants showed up in the second and final day of the WNBL Draft Combine at the Victoria Sports Tower in Quezon City on Sunday.

Southeast Asian Games gold winner Khate Castillo, UAAP Season 82 finals MVP Monique Del Carmen, and former University of the Philippines standout Fille Claudine Cainglet headline the list of players that attended the event.

It was the turn of the guards to showcase their skills on Sunday while also undergoing agility tests, and biometrics in the lead-up to the actual draft set this month.

A total of 115 players came to the two-day event supported by Victoria Sports, Chris Sports, Phenom, Tanita, Chooks-to-Go, Uling Roasters, and GIG Sportswear with 61 forwards and centers also attending the affair which was held under strict health and safety protocols supervised by the Games and Amusements Board.

Also taking part in the event on Sunday are Mariel Campasa, Krista Mae Bongon, Klarisse Bascon, Loraine Jastine Capilit, Cherylane Cuyom, Nicole Delos Reyes, Ma. Ferlynn Decapia, Regina Tanya Dela Merced, Jean Liezl Delos Reyes, Katrina Rose Domino, Marika Daphne Esplana, Micah Joy Figuracion, Nicole Anne Garcia, Marie Elisa Gepilano, and Franchesca Gomendoza.

Fionna Mikee Gonato, Ericka Mae Hortaleza, Ayra Nil Hufanda, Anna Marika Iida, Christine Iriss Isip, Denyse Mariel Jimenez, Mary Rose Labrador, Shanna Mae Latoza, Danice Ysai Llosala, Sunny Gen Lucanas, Krystine Cloe Timtim, Leodine Mari Madrid, Nicole Mendina, Julie Ann Montilla, Junila Rose Petilla, Lourdes Pocallan, Jinnelle Ponce, and Quenee Roan Ragual were also present in the final day.

Camille Ramos, Karen Anne Salapong, Vanessa Jane Santos, Ma. Katrina Servillon, Ma. Princess Ray Sulit, Jacqueline Tanaman, Irene Torregosa, Ma. Michaela Bianca Sunga, Krizanne Claudine Ty, Jade Valenzuela, Eliezza Dianne Ventura, Loraine Ventura, Francesca Isabel Young, Jaimee Marie Chan, Hazelle Irysh Habon, Mary Krista Joanne Roberto, Cheng Garcera, and Loraine Gonzalo also showed up last Sunday.

Pacio’s unfinished business with Saruta in 2021 LIKE everyone else, reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio of the Philippines has had a rough 2020, having to deal with many complications arising from the advent of COVID-19 in the country.

His day-to-day routine changed drastically from being able to train at full speed everyday, to staying at home and socially distancing from his friends, family, and teammates at Team Lakay. The 24-year-old recently spoke about those challenges, and how it has helped make him a better fighter.

“It has certainly been a challenging year for everyone, especially in the Philippines where the people had to deal with more than just the pandemic. We certainly learned a lot of hard lessons.

This has been one of the toughest years ever, but

I’m confident we will come out of this stronger than ever,” said Pacio.

“Adversity is the key to becoming better in anything because it forces us outside of our comfort zone. It forces us to discover things about ourselves. I think because of these complications, we’ve been very creative in trying to adapt our training. If anything, we’re probably mentally stronger now than ever before.”

Pacio was last seen in the Circle in a close split decision win against former champion Alex Silva in January. It was a performance that showcased Pacio’s maturity as a fighter.

But even though he’s already reached the pinnacle of his division, having defended his title twice successfully, Pacio feels he is continuing

C1

to get better with each outing. Over the next 12 months, Pacio wants to showcase his improvements in every fight.

“I’m happy I got to defend my title last January. That has been my biggest achievement this year. The rest of the year was dedicated to continuous learning, even during the lockdowns. I think I’ve improved myself both physically and mentally this year. And I’m continuing to upgrade my techniques. The journey never ends, and I feel compelled to keep moving forward,” said Pacio.

“My goal in 2021 is to continue to defend my belt and my throne. I want to showcase improvement in every fight. What you saw from me last January has to be different from what you see Joshua Pacio (left) gets instructions from Mark Sangiao. next time. You have to see something better.”

C2

Sports

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020

Storm postpones US Open finish L

OS ANGELES—Dangerous weather halted play for the day in Sunday’s final round of the 75th US Women’s Open before leaders could even tee off, setting up a Monday finish to the year’s last major golf championship.

Japan’s Hinako Shibuno, the 2019 Women’s British Open champion, led on four-under par 209 after three rounds with American Amy Olson one stroke back at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas.

US Golf Association officials stopped play 25 minutes before Shibuno was set to tee off in the final group and called off play for the day about 3 1/2 hours

later “due to course conditions and anticipated inclement weather.”

The course has received .73 of an inch of rain in the past 24 hours, said USGA senior managing director of championships John Bodenhamer.

“We want to ensure course conditions are worthy of crowning a major champion,” Bodenhamer said.

Golfers were in threesomes and tee

times had been moved up to try and finish by sunset, but the final three groups off the first and 10th tees never began.

Play is set to resume at 8 a.m. local time (1400 GMT) with 18 players yet to start.

The event was rescheduled from June due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which also kept spectators from attending.

Shibuno, 22, is trying to win her US Women’s Open debut as she did her major debut last year. The “Smiling Cinderella” won four times last year on the Japan LPGA Tour.

Olson, seeking her first LPGA title after 147 starts, would be the first player to make the US Women’s Open her first LPGA title since Hilary Lunke in 2003.

Thailand’s Moriya Jutanugarn and

South Korea’s Kim2 Ji-yeong were the only other players under par after 54 holes, each on 212.

Moriya, whose only LPGA title came at the 2018 Los Angeles Open, could join her sister Ariya as a US Women’s Open champion, becoming the first siblings to each capture the crown.

Kim2 made the cut on the number and fired a bogey-free 67 on Saturday to charge into contention.

Ariya Jutanugarn, a two-time major winner, joined a pack on level par by opening with a birdie just before play was halted.

Also on level par yet to tee off were New Zealand’s Lydia Ko and Americans Yealimi Noh, Megan Khang and Kaitlyn Papp. AFP

Yuka Saso of the Philippines plays her shot from the sixth tee during the final round of the 75th U.S. Women’s Open Championship at Champions Golf Club Cypress Creek Course.

Saso is tied for 32nd in the field, while fellow Filipina Bianca Pagdanganan failed to make the cut. AFP

Hasbro strikes deal with WTF for ‘Get Active with PJ Masks’ HASBRO proudly announced a multiterritory partnership that will see its popular animated super hero property, PJ Masks, joining forces with the World Taekwondo Federation for a new partnership designed to engage children around the world in taekwondo through an exciting collaborative campaign.

Get Active with the PJ Masks will span multiple markets and feature 12 World Taekwondo top athletes, including the Philippines’ two-time Southeast Asian Games gold medallist and Asian Games bronze medallist, Pauline Lopez.

The campaign aims to combine the global appeal of the popular animated series with the fun and accessibility of taekwondo to encourage children to take part in the sport. A unique digital tutorial series and an interactive website have been created to help young fans of World Taekwondo and PJ Masks get active, have fun and master their own taekwondo-inspired superpowers.

Loaded gun PLAY. We don’t want to disappoint the fans.

I may have oversimplified it, but this is, in my opinion, the core message of the effort to resist and push back the practice of load management. If you are a fan, you like this. You’d think “the league puts my best interest at heart.”

Until you -- a fan -- realized it was actually a slap in the face.

This argument against load management -- that fans disapprove and dislike the practice of having players sit games to minimize the risk of injury -is an insult to fans. Why? Because the implication is fans are short-sighted and that they are unable to comprehend and appreciate the wisdom and the science that connects rest and longevity and planning long-term.

“There couldn’t be a better time to get kids active and excited about sport and movement,” said eOne’s Rebecca Harvey, EVP Global Marketing, Family & Brands. “Action, heroism and integrity are central to the PJ Masks brand and these values are perfectly aligned with the World Taekwondo Federation’s mission to teach taekwondo to kids around the world and channel their youthful energy into skills that will build strength and resilience.”

Taekwondo heroes from 12 countries have been selected as ‘Get Active’ hero ambassadors to create 12 Let’s Get Active taekwondo movements that will encourage children to try and recreate them at home. They are Bianca Walkden (Great Britain), Dae-hoon Lee (Korea), Hatice Kubra Ilgun (Turkey), Jingyu Wu (China), Joel Gonzalez (Spain), Magda Wiet Henin (France), Maria Espinoza (Mexico), Milena Titoneli (Brazil), Panipak Wongpat-

This argument is an insult to fans because the implication is fans are superficial and selfish, that they want to watch basketball games because they want to be entertained and they want nothing less than the amusement provided by the strongest, the fastest, the craftiest, most talented players both teams can offer, that it is only worth their time and money if every marque player comes out for a showcase to serve at the pleasure of fans.

I’m not saying that league officials are deliberately trying to insult the fans. I’m just wondering if it crossed their mind that this line of thinking insulting.

In How much is too much? International Olympic Committee consensus statement on load in sport and risk of illness, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2016, researchers explained that “there is also some evidence that increased training load, competition load and psychosocial stress together with international travel, as part of a congested sports calendar, may all be risk factors for illness in the elite modernday professional athlete.”

In Monitoring Athlete Load: Data Collection Methods and Practical Recommendations, published in Strength and Conditioning Journal in 2018, author Chris Wing wrote: “Accurate load management enables players

Get Active launch with PJ Masks and World Taekwondo

tanakit (Thailand), Pauline Lopez (Philippines), Tahir Guelec (Germany) and Vito Dell’Aquilla (Italy).

One by one, the Get Active ambassadors will share their created movements on World Taekwondo ‘s social media accounts (IG: worldtaekwondo.pr / FB: WorldTaekwondo1 / Twitter: worldtae-

to be physically prepared for the demands of training and competition, as well as reducing the occurrence of both injury and illness.”

I am a fan – of sports, science, and common sense. If science tells me that periodical resting during the regular season puts the athlete in peak condition during playoffs and common sense tells me that peak performance in the playoffs improves the chances of qualifying (and potentially winning) the championship, then why go against what appears to be a very intelligent approach to winning? And more importantly, how can those who refuse to see the value of load management to athletes, to their health and well-being first and foremost still have the temerity to call themselves fans?

I think the three basic requirements to become a real fan are (1) to be supportive, (2) to root for the team’s success, and (3) to see basketball players as competitors first and foremost and not mere entertainers.

It behooves me then how those who qualify with the abovementioned criteria and thus deserving of the title “fan” are ill-served by load management, just as I struggle to make sense of how encroaching on a team’s supposed independence to develop a winning strategy is to the benefit of the fans.

Load management is not the enemy. The true enemy is the (unfounded, unwarranted,

kwondo1 / YouTube: worldtaekwondo), as well as their own.

The partnership aims to amplify the reach of both brands and increase participation of the sport in the 3-8 year old age group through a reward-focused syllabus that teaches coordination and discipline skills.

and perhaps misguided) fear of losing or disappointing fans as a result of load management. Michael Jordan left basketball to play baseball and when he returned two years later, his fans were still there. I don’t think being absent for two, five, or even ten games in one season will drive fans away from basketball. The NBA had a lockout four times, and in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the temporary suspension of NBA games. But when the games resumed on both occasions (and despite some players opting not to play because of the threat of COVID-19), there was nothing but excitement from the fans.

Fans love basketball. Load management is not enough to kill this love affair - give fans due credit for being steadfast and resolute.

The real enemy is losing sight of the essence of playing competitive basketball, which is to become a champion. And the most formidable enemy of all is resisting the inevitable (and constant) transformation of professional sports -- load management was unheard of in the past, it does not mean it does not have real merit and does not deserve a place in modern professional sports.

That is why we have sports science, so that how we play sports -- and more importantly, how we think -- evolves.

Let teams do their load management, and let the chips fall where they may.

PLDT-Smart, SBP boost PH hosting of FIBA Asia qualifiers PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc., together with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, are proud to support the country’s hosting of the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers on February 18 to 22, 2021.

The FIBA Regional Office in Asia has confirmed the venues for the last window of the international tournament.

In this round, Tokyo, Japan; Manama, Bahrain; Doha, Qatar, and Clark, Philippines will host the games of the region’s top players vying for a spot in the much-awaited 2021 FIBA Asia Cup. Representatives from South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Guam, and Hong Kong, and the country’s very own Gilas Pilipinas will stay in an organized and protected bubble tournament in Clark, Pampanga to ensure the health and safety of all participants. This, after the successful bubble in Manama in November, where Gilas swept the series against Thailand.

“This is a major milestone for Philippine sports, and it’s one that we have been working toward for quite some time. We are ready to provide our region’s top players a place to play basketball at the highest level, and we’re also getting a chance to show the world our heart for the game,” said PLDT Chairman Manny V Pangilinan, who also serves as SBP’s Chairman Emeritus. “This is a great opportunity to rally the entire nation to support our athletes and their dreams of succeeding at the world stage, para sa bayan,” he added.

“We are honored to be chosen by FIBA as one of the hosts for its 2021 Asia Cup Qualifiers. We will do our best to provide a safe venue for our athletes, and contribute to the overall success of the international event. This is an opportunity for the Philippines to raise its profile as a sports event destination in the world,” said Sonny Barrios, SBP Executive Director.

Powering sports with technology PLDT and Smart, together with the MVP Sports Foundation, have always been at the forefront of sports development in the country. This pandemic has served as the proving ground for a lot of relatively new technology, especially for sports worldwide. Here in the Philippines, Smart has powered the recently-concluded PBA Philippine Cup Bubble with 5G technology.

To support this level of performance, PLDT and Smart are further ramping up their 5G, LTE and fiber roll out.

Smart is upgrading its base stations in key areas across the country to 5G to augment data capacity, alongside deploying additional LTE base stations nationwide.

Smart pioneered the use of wireless 360 cameras powered by 5G to help capture the on-court action efficiently. A 94-foot-wide LED screen was placed beside the court so that the players could also see their spectators.

PSA Forum tackles GAB, tennis ban THE impact of the International Tennis Federation’s suspension on the Philippine Tennis Association will be discussed in the weekly webcast edition of the Philippine Sportswriters Association on Tuesday.

To talk about the issue are Philta President Atty. Antonio Cablitas and Vice President Martin Misa, who are both going to tackle, too, the plans and programs of the federation for 2021.

The 10 a.m. sessions is presented

by San Miguel Corp., Go For Golf, MILO, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

GAB chairman Abraham ‘Baham’ Mitra makes up the other half of the public sports program powered by Smart and Upstream Media as official webcast partner. He will discuss about the recent 2nd Professional Sports Summit conducted by his office.

The Forum is livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and also shared by Radyo Pilipinas 2 Facebook page.

Entertainment Angel Locsin

Vice Ganda

Bea Alonzo

Daniel Padilla

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020

Kathryn Bernardo

Philippines’ most influential stars A BS-CBN personalities continue to receive recognition for using their influence and platform for social good. A total of eight Kapamilya stars were recently named by the 10th EdukCircle Awards as Most Influential Celebrities of The Decade.

Leading the list is Iba ‘Yan host Angel Locsin. It can be recalled that Angel led fundraising projects to help the country’s COVID-19 response, as well as relief efforts in successive calamities this year. In her acceptance speech, Angel highlighted that everyone has the responsibility to influence one another to do good.

“I believe we all have the

Coco Martin

SHTICKS JOSEPH PETER GONZALES IN A recent interview, Alden Richards announced that he sees himself growing old with mother studio GMA-7. He said that he will be a solid Kapuso “until the end.”

“There was never a point in my career that I considered switching networks.

Why should I in the first place? GMA has always been supportive of me, especially during my low points,” he started.

“Every time a problem arises in my acting profession, I simply reflect with myself why I always opted to stay with GMA. They’ve always believed in my capabilities no matter how I do in the ‘biz.

Even if there were times when the results of my projects didn’t turn out as expected, they’re consistent in giving me their allout and unwavering support,” he carried on.

It’s good that amid all his current success, the be-dimpled lad remains humble, something that his followers love about him.

“I don’t put it in my head. Perhaps, it’s about staying true to yourself in spite of all the accomplishments you have. I don’t want to leave the Alden Richards before when I was just starting out in the business.

I’ve witnessed a lot of things in those ten years and had unforgettable experiences,” he said.

“But I guess, your true self will always surface no matter what. You just can’t pretend. Maybe, that’s one thing I always keep in mind---don’t pretend to be someone that you’re not. That’s the most likely reason why I remain the same after all these times. My feet are firmly planted on the ground,” he added.

responsibility to influence one another—to do what is right, to lift each other up, to create awareness about important matters, and to use our voice for the voiceless,” the actress noted.

EdukCircle also named It’s Showtime host Anne Curtis and actress Bea Alonzo who both promised to continue setting good examples for the public, especially the youth.

FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano star Coco Martin, The House Arrest of Us stars Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo, pop queen Sarah

Geronimo, and the TV host Vice Ganda all thanked EdukCircle for the trust and recognition.

Meanwhile, Kapamilya stars also shined at the inaugural Fobes Asia’s 100 Digital Stars. The list, which aims to recognize the most influential personalities in the Asia-Pacific region, named Angel, Anne, Kathryn, Sarah, and Vice as most influential Filipino stars.

Forbes Asia took notice of Kim Chiu who is included on the list after she made something positive out of her viral video gaffe earlier this year. Kim sold “Bawal Lumabas” t-shirts to help those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. She also published a song inspired by the viral statement that raked in over nine million views on YouTube.

Alden’s reality Looking back, it’s been a fruitful journey for Alden career-wise. People started to take notice of him in 2011 when he was tapped to be the male lead in the hit afternoon soap Alakdana. From there, he had made one hit project after another and became a household by-word. *** In a recent virtual media conference, Joshua Garcia revealed that he plans to celebrate Christmas with his kin.

“I want to spend time with my family.

It will be a different scenario now though because of the pandemic. I’ll just be with my dad, sister, and niece, and whoever wants to join us. I won’t be seeing many of my relatives in Batangas,” he shared.

Will it be a warm or cold holidays for him?

“Well, I guess it’s the latter. I don’t deny anyway that I’m single at present.”

Meanwhile, the 23-year-old actor admitted he felt as if starting all over again when he faced the cameras for the latest episode of the popular drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya.

“It was hard at first. You very well know that it’s been a while since I last had a regular soap and this was The Killer Bride, which ended at the beginning of this year. I also did the film Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan, which shooting also wrapped up in the earlier part of the year and is yet to be shown

commercially,” he said.

“When we were just starting the taping for MMK, I had difficulties.

Our director (Nuel Naval) felt it at once. I guess it’s understandable since I was stuck up in the house for so long.

I needed to warm-up like a machine,” he continued.

“I’m very thankful to Direk because he helped me adjust and guided me along the way. My gratitude goes to my co-actors, Mr. Nonie and Shamaine Buencamino as well. They’re good performers and I got their support. Everything turned out well,” Joshua ended.

Alden Richards celebrated his 10th year in the business via a virtual show built exclusively for his fans.

large gatherings including holding dawn masses, nothing should shake the fundamental pillar of the Catholic faithful and hinder the Filipino traditions.

In this trying time, the CCP has taken a different course to conform to the emerging normal. Like its other programs, the CCP Simbang Gabi 2020 migrates to the digital platform.

Through the online platform, the CCP seizes the opportunity to ambitiously

Sarah Geronimo

Anne Curtiz

A dreamy fantasy special for Filipino families at home THE Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC), together with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Viva International Pictures, Smart and Smart K-Life, has put together four highly-rated films about family and fantasy for the Filipinos to enjoy for free during the holidays.

Dream: A Family Fantasy Special is KCC’s final offering for 2020. Similar to the previous film events, the Dream screening will stream for free for viewers in the Philippines via the KCC website http://phil.korean-culture.org/ from Dec. 19 to 25.

Movie fans can watch the following as many times as they like during the screening period: Luck Key starring Yu Hae-Jin and Lee Joon, Wonderful Nightmare starring Uhm Jung-Hwa and Song Seung-Heon, Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds featuring Cha Tae-Hyun, Ha Jung-Woo, and Ju Ji-Hoon, and Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days headlining Kim Dong-Wook, Ha Jung-Woo, and Ju Ji-Hoon.

Still part of "Korea at Home" campaign, which aims to bring unique and accessible Korean culture and content to the Filipinos even while at the comforts of their own home, Dream: A Family Fantasy Special is the final online film screening organized by KCC this 2020.

Royce Cabrera, Jak Roberto: certified Kapuso hunks

CCP Simbang Gabi goes digital IN THE last 15 years, it has been a tradition at the Cultural Center of the Philippines to hold Simbang Gabi when the Christmas season comes. For CCP, holding the novena (nine) masses is no ordinary program—it’s a special event that needs careful and meticulous planning.

In partnership with the Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Pasay City and several business establishments around the CCP Complex, the dawn masses held at the CCP Main Ramp gathers a daily audience averaging close to a thousand mass-goers, while the Misa de Aguinaldo (Christmas Eve Mass) at the Main Theater draws a full-theater capacity, which spills over to the Main Theater Lobby.

The CCP Christmas Eve Mass is traditionally led by performances from the resident companies such as Tanghalang Pilipino Actors’ Company, the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, and the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and participation of various performers including 100-Voice Chorale, among others with no less than the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in full force.

While this year has been shrouded with concerns over safety and fears of contracting the COVID-19 virus, which has upended many traditions that draw

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celebrate Simbang Gabi across the archipelago, and lift up the spirits of a number of communities devastated by the recent typhoons. It also allows us to reach out to Filipinos and other Catholics from around the world through this timehonored tradition.

The virtual Simbang Gabi will start on Dec. 15 to 23, 9:00 p.m. (anticipated masses), and Dec. 16 to 24, 5:00 a.m. (dawn masses), and will be streamed via the official CCP Facebook page and YouTube Channel. It will also be broadcasted on CNN Philippines Channel.

On Dec. 24, 9:00 p.m., the Misa de Aguinaldo will be celebrated from St. Gregory the Great Cathedral Parish (also known as the Albay Cathedral) in Legazpi City with rector/pastor Rev. Msgr. Noe Thomas.

The CCP Simbang Gabi will culminate with a special Christmas Day Mass (Dec. 25, 10:00 a.m.) with Cardinal Luis Tagle celebrating all the way from Rome, Italy.

As a pre-mass event, there will be a 10 to 15-minute video clip of the past Simbang Gabi activities (i.e. performances of the Philippine Madrigal Singers and other groups, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Tanghalang Pilipino, Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, among others).

BREAKOUT star Royce Cabrera and television actor Jak Roberto inked a management contract with GMA Artist Center (GMAAC) in separate events on Friday, Dec. 11.

Present during the contract signing for Jak, who renewed his ties with the talent management agency, were GMAAC Assistant Vice President and Head for Talent Imaging and Marketing Unit Simoun Ferrer, GMAAC Senior Talent Manager Tracy Garcia, and Jak's comanager Frank Mallari.

“I’m proud to be Kapuso, it’s a great feeling to be part of a network that provides not only entertainment to the public and relief during trying times,” Jak said while reaffirming his commitment to GMAAC. He also expressed his appreciation to the people who supported him from day one and teased his fans about his upcoming projects next year.

“I’d also like to thank my fans for their unparalleled support. Marami po silang aabangan mula sa akin sa darating na taon kaya sana abangan po nila,” he said.

The 27-year-old actor, who started his career as a co-host and performer in Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman, also brings joy to his fans by sharing his captured moments from his travel, his love for motorbikes, and bonding with his loved ones on his YouTube channel which has now over two million subscribers.

Meanwhile, 24-year-old Royce became the new hunk on the Kapuso block when he was welcomed by GMAAC as the latest addition to its roster of talents.

Present during his contract signing were

Kapuso hunks Royce Cabrera (left) and Jak Roberto promise to make your heart skip a beat in their upcoming projects rolling after they signed their respective contract.

GMA top guns Simoun Ferrer and Tracy Garcia, and Royce's co-manager Ernesto Unay.

“I feel happy and excited because of their warm welcome. I look forward to doing more projects with the network where I can showcase my talent in acting,” Royce said as looks forward to an exciting career as a Kapuso.

When asked about the Kapuso stars he wishes to work with, Royce listed Dennis Trillo and Sanya Lopez as the actors that he would like to share the screen with.

Royce will soon star in one of the installments of the upcoming GMA Public Affairs drama anthology My Fantastic Pag-ibig, which will feature a series of compelling love stories set in present times, infused with exciting and dynamic plots.

He has previously appeared in a number of independent films in the past, including Fuccbois and Lola Igna. He was also part of the Magpakailanman episode “Fishergays.

Life

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

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HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020

Healthy ingredients for the holidays

By Teddy Manansala

I

T’S the time of family gettogethers and gatherings with friends, which means filling our stomachs with different kinds of food.

As we celebrate this merry season partaking of sumptuous treats, here are ingredients ideal to be incorporated in our festive feasts.

Spices such as cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, garlic, chili, and cayenne facilitate digestion, lower blood lipid, and control blood sugar. They also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and may prevent some forms of cancer.

Herbs, to include parsley, dill, and coriander, as well as mint, basil, marjoram, oregano, sage, thyme, and rosemary enhance the effects of other ingredients. For instance, if a dressing contains marjoram, the antioxidant capacity is increased by 200 percent.

Other options include onion, chives, bay leaf, lemongrass, and tarragon.

Coconut milk may be used as an animal milk substitute for soup, curry, cereal, and oatmeal. It contains lauric acid which boosts the immune system. It has anti-microbial effects and may inhibit cancer formation.

Whole grains such as rye, oats, barley, spelt, brown rice, buckwheat, wheat, corn, millet, and quinoa are rich in antioxidants, trace minerals, and compounds linked to disease prevention. They escape digestion in the small intestine and offer immune protection.

Fruits and vegetables’ plant pigments offer a wide array of benefits.

Greens detoxify the body, restore energy, and boost the immune system; while blues and purples are antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and help prevent cancer. Whites and browns keep the bones strong and are good for the heart, while reds reduce the risk

DINE RIGHT. A registered nutritionist

and dietitian recommends incorporating good-for-the-health ingredients such as honey, fruits and vegetables, and spices in our holiday feasts to reap their benefits while indulging.

Opt for olive oil for dishes such as salads and pastas to help prevent bad cholesterol from being oxidized.

of diabetes and heart disease and improve skin quality. Oranges and yellows reduce risk of heart disease, improve immune function, and are good for the eyes.

Mushrooms contain protein, dietary fiber, vitamin D, and mineral selenium that lower cholesterol, and maintain normal blood pressure and circulation and digestive function.

GOING GREEN

SM Cares offers tips for celebrating Christmas without hurting the environment.

Eco-conscious Christmas celebration CHRISTMAS brings cheer as much as it generates garbage. Disposable shopping bags, packaging paraphernalia, gift wrappers, and takeout trays are just some of the resulting waste of the season of giving and get-togethers.

But this is a problem that can be managed by observing and shifting to eco-conscious practices.

To help lessen waste especially those that end up in the oceans, SM Cares, through its #aweSMseas campaign, encourages everyone to celebrate an #aweSMChristmas by following these tips:

Always bring reusable shopping bags

Always bring reusable shopping bags when shopping outside. At SM City Bacolod, SM Cares, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation, Inc., is giving away free reusable shopping bags to the first 1,000 shoppers to visit the #aweSMseas booth. Each bag has a unique QR code to track its usage.

ucts such as food, reusable cutlery, food containers, and homemade items to give this year. Give plants or plant-care essentials to “plantitos” and “plantitas” on your list, or pick up reusable food containers or tumblers for those who always go out and have to eat in their office or at restaurants.

Choose sustainable gift wrappers

Gift-giving does not have to be bad for the planet. Instead of buying gift wrappers that will just be tossed immediately, consider tote bags that can be reused or use recycled paper and ribbons or other natural strings.

Opt for reusable food containers, cutleries

Too many parties often mean too many disposables—single-use plastics that will go to trash bins after use. Instead of using paper plates and plastic cutleries and cups, choose reusable food containers and tumblers instead. Best to have one with you that you can use at get-toGive green gethers to help lessen waste and risk Check out Earth-friendly prod- of transmitting viruses.

Conserve these nutrients by short cooking time or grilling to increase antioxidant properties.

Nuts and seeds are high in protein, phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals. Its vitamin E has anti-aging and antioxidant effects. It contains unsaturated fat for cardiovascular defense and dietary fiber that flushes toxins in the gut. It promotes healthy bowel move-

cers, and reinforces vision and memory.

Olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated fat, antioxidants, and vitamins E and K. It contains the antiinflammatory Oleocanthal and helps prevent bad cholesterol from being oxidized to avoid heart disease. Phenols from olive oil boost gut health and immune function.

Honey contains micronutrients.

Sweeten your holidays by adding a few drops to vinaigrette; combine with equal parts of mustard and mayo for a honey-mustard sauce; honey and ginger to glaze salmon; or mix with yogurt and fruit for smoothies. To use honey in baking, add 1/2 cup honey to substitute for 2/3 cup white sugar. Reduce liquid in recipe by 1/4 cup for every 1 cup sugar replaced. But for every 1/2 cup added ment with high-water intake and fer- honey, add 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda and reduce oven temperature by 25 dementable carbohydrate for gut health.

Oily fish such as the body tissues and grees Fahrenheit to not overbrown.

Do have happy, healthy feasts! belly of salmon, trout, sardines, herring, mackerel, tuna, pilchards, kippers, eels, and whitebait are rich in omega 3 The author is a registered nutritionistfatty acids. These provide cardiovascu- dietitian and a full-time assistant prolar health benefits, lowers rheumatoid fessor at the School of Hotel, Restauarthritis risk, may save from dementia, rant and Institution Management of De mouth, skin, breast, and prostate can- La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

Boxed water brand wins CSR award THE country’s first carton-packed drinking water was recognized by a global award-giving body for its positive impact to society and environment.

Together with Tetra Pak, HOPE launched Hope in a Box in 2018 to offer consumers an environment-friendly drinking water option. The carton packaging for Hope in a Box is composed of 75 percent renewable resources and carries the FSC label, ensuring that the paperboard is sourced from responsibly managed forests and other controlled sources.

HOPE’s water carton recently bagged the Best CSR Initiative award in the prestigious Global Water Drinks Award 2020 by Zenith Global. The award recognizes corporate responsibility campaigns and initiatives that bring positive impact to society, communities, and the environment, whether on an international or local scale.

Submitted entries were judged on their innovation, sincerity to the commitment, and effectiveness of the campaign.

“We are grateful and humbled to have a Philippine initiative be recognized as the Best CSR for 2020 at the Global Water Drinks Award. We hope to continue to deliver on our mission to not only positively impact education in the poorest communities through the building of public school classrooms, but to safeguard the environment as well through packaging innovations like Tetra Pak’s carton for water,” said Nanette MedvedPo, chairperson and founder of HOPE. HOPE donates 100 percent of its profits towards building classrooms and other nation-building initiatives. It has also extended support to coconut farming communities by providing increased market access, farmer training, and replanting and intercropping initiatives through the Hope in a Coconut project.

Hope in a Box water brand wins the Best CSR Initiative award in the Global Water Drinks Award 2020 for its positive impact to society and environment. (Photo from HOPE/Facebook)

Ampalaya supplement launches TikTok challenge for a cause STUDENTS and individuals with at least gadgets for online teaching.

1,000 followers on social media are invitIndividuals with more than 1,000 foled to join a TikTok dance challenge where lowers are welcome to join on behalf of they can showcase their moves and get a their chosen beneficiaries. chance to win educational tools.

To join, participants must upload a Nattural Qualdance video of themselves together with family memity Corporation, the mem bers on TikTok, makers of Filipino performing the herbal dietary supofficial AMP UP plement Ampalaya dance steps. ComPlus, launches Com plete the entry AMP UP Dance Chal- Natural dietary supplement Ampalaya Plus harnesses with the capcap tion and hashtag lenge (ampup. the power of ampalaya, banaba, and turmeric. #AmpalayaPlusampalayaplus. com) in partnership with Radio Veritas. DanceUp and the name of their school.

Ampalaya Plus will be giving away The group representative must also send learning tablets to 10 entries with top a copy of the entry via direct message to the social media engagement. Schools that Ampalaya Plus Facebook page to qualify. encourage their students to take on the “The AMP UP Dance Challenge challenge will also be rewarded with hopes to raise awareness among the youth

Ten students with the best moves will win tablets in the AMP UP Dance Challenge on TikTok.

about their vulnerability to diseases, particularly diabetes, through an engaging and collaborative activity for them and the older members of the household,” said Benson Sian, founder and chief executive of Nattural Quality Corporation.

Tagged as “Nature’s Wonder Superfood for Diabetes,” Ampalaya Plus claims to help manage high blood sugar levels naturally. In addition to bitter gourd or ampalaya, the natural dietary food supplement also has Lagerstroemia speciosa (banaba) and turmeric (luyang dilaw).