Issuu

Sinovac first to deliver vaccines By Joyce Pangco Pañares, Willie Casas and Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE bulk of the COVID-19 vaccines procured by the government will arrive in the country by the third quarter of 2021, National Task Force chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. said Wednesday evening.

He said the government is getting around 60 million doses from Sinovac, Pfizer, Astrazeneca, J&J, Gamaleya and Novavax. Galvez, the country’s vaccine czar, said Chinese pharmaceutical firm Sinovac will be the first to deliver supplies by March next year. “There will be a mini roll-out by the

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Duque junks ‘drop ball’ talk Insists bid for Pfizer vaccine ongoing, points to Galvez to give lowdown By Willie Casas and Rey E. Requejo

EALTH Secretary Francisco Duque II denied claims of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Senator Panfilo Lacson that the Philippines’ bid to secure 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer was bungled, saying negotiations with the American pharmaceutical company are still ongoing.

VACCINE OPTIONS. President Rodrigo Duterte (inset) addresses the public on Wednesday night as his Cabinet discusses how the country will obtain around 60 million doses of the

COVID-19 vaccine by March next year. The options include Pfizer’s coronavirus cure (main photo) and versions from (inset, from top left) AstraZeneca, Moderna, Sinovac, Sinopharm, and the Russian-made Sputnik. AFP

“There is no such thing as dropping the ball,” Duque said, responding to Locsin’s comments that somebody failed to secure a supply of vaccines that was supposed to be shipped to the Philippines by January 2021. Locsin said these vaccines were bankrolled by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). “Negotiations are ongoing, they are continuing,” Duque said in a mix of Filipino and English. In a Twitter post on Tuesday, Locsin said somebody committed a mistake Next page

No face shield Duterte blames TRB for tollway mess, warns execs of dismissal won’t get one arrested by cop By Jimbo Gulle and Darwin G Amojelar

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday blasted officials of the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) for the massive inconvenience caused by the shift to cashless transactions at the North Luzon

By Willie Casas THE Philippine National Police on Wednesday said law enforcement officers would not necessarily arrest people who would leave their homes without face shields and face masks, as they might instead supply these to the violators instead. PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana said the PNP received donations of face masks and shields and the cops would use these as they enforce guidelines issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force against COVID-19. Usana told ANC’s Headstart: “During the press conference, our Chief PNP, Gen. Debold Sinas, said we don’t have to impose sanctions right away. It’s possible that if the police officers have face shields or masks for our citizens, they can give away these personal protective equipment.”

Expressway (NLEX) and other toll roads. “I don’t think you know what a regulator is. That’s the problem,” Duterte said in the presence of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, the chairman of the TRB. He threatened to fire all officials and personnel of the regulatory board, say-

COVID-19 PH

stand outside the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros on Wednesday to join the first of the nine ‘Simbang Gabi’ dawn masses in the leadup to Christmas Day. At St. Paul Catholic Church in Dasmarinas, Cavite, a sign prominently states the schedule of the following masses (inset). Norman Cruz and JR Josue

(AS OF 4 PM DECEMBER 16)

452,988 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

1,156 24,873 NEW

ACTIVE

8,833

419,282

425

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

NEW

Naguib Sinarimbo, Ano’s counterpart in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the documents marking the historic turnover of Cotabato City’s supervision from the national government to the region. The turnover is witnessed by (from right) BARMM Minister Mohagher Iqbal, Chief Minister Ahod Murad Ebrahim, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, OPAPP Usec. David Diciano, DILG Usec. Marjorie Jalosjos, PNP Chief Gen. Debold Sinas, and AFP Western Mindanao commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr in Cotabato City. Mark Navales

18 cities, 1 province opt-out from in-person classes By Maricel V. Cruz, Mcon Ramos-Araneta, and Willie Casas

runs of face-to-face classes in January 2021, the Department of Education said Wednesday. The Metro Manila Council, consistMETRO Manila, Davao City and Co- ing of the 17 mayors in the National tabato have begged off from the pilot Capital Region earlier said the area will

House ensures enough funds for virus jabs, relief

Rep. Martin Romualdez said Wednes- tion programs under the 2021 national day the House leadership had secured government budget. sufficient funding for coronavirus disIn the Senate, President Pro Tempore HOUSE Majority Leader and Leyte ease vaccination and social amelioraNext page

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

Story on A2

“Your failure will reflect on us (national leaders). Your problem is you don’t take the time to think about the people who are paying you,” he said. Tugade then apologized to tollway users and local governments affected by the shift to payments via radio frequency

DAWN MASSES START. Observing social distancing, Catholic faithful

AT A GLANCE

COTABATO TO BARMM. Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano (left) hands over to Minister

ICC ‘playing politics’ with PH drug war inquiry—Palace

ing: “Another fiasco, alis na kayo lahat. Ilagay ko na lang sa isang tao.” The President also said toll road operators “introduced an innovative system pero hindi nila pinag-aralan (they did not study it)” and that the TRB should not have allowed the cashless system to proceed without a trial period.

Rody adds P3.52b to ‘21 funding of Nat’l ID system Story on A2

6.2 earthquake jolts Sarangani; 4.1 hits Catanduanes Story on A3

not participate in the January dry run. NCR is still under a general community quarantine (GCQ), eliminating it from the areas under consideration that should be under a modified GCQ. Next page

News

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

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Petition vs. Leonen gains steam By Rey E. Requejo

ORE than 200 citizens have voluntarily signed up an online petition expressing support for the impeachment complaint filed against Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen before the House of Representatives.

ernment employee when he failed to file his SALN for 15 years while serving as law professor at the University of the Philippines College of Law, argued Edwin Cordevilla, secretary-general of the League of the Filipino Advocates for Good Governance-Maharlika (FLAG – Maharlika) Cordevilla filed the impeachment complaint against Leonen before the House of Representatives on December 7. Meanwhile, former Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban said on Wednesday that the impeachment complaint filed against Leonen is unlikely to pass because its grounds are “wobbly.” “I think it will have difficulty passing because the grounds therefore are

wobbly, in my opinion,” he told ANC’s “Matters of Fact”. “First, he says that Marvic Leonen, as a justice of the Supreme Court, have been delayed in the resolution of the cases assigned to him. He has not produced evidence to that in the first place.” Panganiban also said the complainant had no conclusive proof that Leonen did not file his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth while he was teaching at the University of the Philippines. Change.org is an online platform where any individual or organization can get a public support through online petition on issues they strongly believe to have an utmost importance.

As of December 16, some 228 ordinary citizens made their voice clear as they affixed their signatures on the petition to “Impeach Justice Marvic for failure to file 15 years of SALN and having most backlog cases” posted on the change.org. Four days ago, the number was less than 200. The petition seeks to get 500 signatures from cross sections of the society in an apparent display to Leonen that a

substantial number of ordinary people from various sectors is interested about the charges levelled against him. SALN refers to the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth, the filing of which is an obligation by every government official and employee as pointed out in the Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Official and Employees. Associate Justice Leonen was a gov-

Sinovac... From A1

‘ICC playing politics with inquiry on PH drug war’

first quarter,” he said. “But the bulk of the vaccines will arrive by the end of the second quarter or the start of the third quarter.” This developed as Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea appealed to critics of the government’s moves to buy the vaccines to “just wait” and rely on Galvez, a former military general, to deliver the cure to the coronavirus. “Gusto ko lang umapela sa mga bumabatikos sa pag-aaral natin sa pagbili ng vaccine. Maghintay naman po sana sila. Atin na po nating nasubukan si Sec. Galvez,” Medialdea said. He said the country is “on top” with one of the best systems in the world to fight the pandemic, and that the country would soon see victory over COVID-19 with the vaccine roll-out A COVID-19 vaccine must have 60 percent to 70 percent effective to secure approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the agency’s director general, Eric Domingo, said earlier Wednesday. “Most vaccines pass if they have a 60 percent to 70 percent efficacy rate. But of course, the higher [the efficacy rate], the better,” Domingo said in an interview on the ANC news channel. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the public should trust the screening process of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) when asked about his thoughts on Sinovac’s COVID-19 vaccine. “We have a process, and it should be followed. We should also respect DOST and its vaccine panel because they screen all the scientific evidence to prove that these vaccines are safe, of quality and it could be implemented,” Duque said. He said that after DOST’s evaluation, the vaccine would need approval from the Single Joint Research Ethics Board and the FDA. “FDA will head the regulatory and technical evaluation. The vaccine would also undergo the screening of HTAC,” Duque said. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire echoed Duque, saying that no Filipino will be inoculated by an unsafe coronavirus vaccine. “It has to go through the regulatory process… And only those who would pass the regulatory process would be made available and given to the recipients of the population,” said Vergeire. President Rodrigo Duterte has already issued an executive order allowing FDA to issue emergency use authorization for COVID-19 vaccines that it finds safe and effective. Only COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca-Oxford have been proven at least 80 percent effective after human trials. Only the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech has secured

No face shield... From A1 “What we understand is it is the local government unit that will be issuing appropriate sanctions with regard to the compliance to the guidelines of the IATF.” The PNP expects an influx of people outside their homes during this Christmastime, and underscores that this may lead to a rise in COVID-19 infections. Usana said the police force hoped these individuals would comply with the policies and discipline themselves.

Higher attack rate

At least 12 cities in Metro Manila have registered a COVID-19 daily attack rate and reproduction rate of more

clear that Bensouda and her office are against humanity were committed unBy Vito Barcelo, Rio N. Araja, Maricel V. Cruz and Willie Casas playing politics in an attempt to be- der the Duterte administration. smirch the popularity and reputation of President Duterte. “The Philippine government does not sponsor any unlawful act that may result in any killing or violent activity. Nor does it allow any widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population,” he said. Panelo took exception to a report from Bensouda’s office that crimes

Bensouda said in her 2020 Report on Preliminary Examination Activities that her office may ask for authorization to conduct an investigation on the Philippines justice system. Panelo reminded the ICC to observe the principle of complementarity and not meddle in the affairs of the Philippines, a country that does not observe the Rome Statute.

chest based on the Asian Development Bank’s COVID-19 Policy Database, as of November 30. Indonesia has the largest COVID-19 response package at $116.33 billion, followed by Singapore with a total package of $89.14 billion. Vaccines developed by Pfizer together with BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca have been proven at least 90 percent effective after human trials. Only the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech, however, has secured emergency use authorization by regulatory agencies in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada so far. The Philippines has secured 2.6 million COVID-19 vaccine doses from AstraZeneca, a supply good for 1 million people. These are being bankrolled by private companies as a donation to the government. Locsin on Wednesday declined to identify the government official who dropped the ball on the purported delivery of 10 million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, despite egging from Lacson during a Commission on Appointment deliberation on interim appointments of three officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs. Locsin said he lost his temper because

he and the Philippine ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez “worked really hard” and he didn’t want to see the efforts go to waste. “But never mind, I don’t want to lose my temper on Zoom,” Locsin said. But Lacson said he had an exchange of texts with the ambassador and that he knew who dropped the ball—but would not say. ““I think you can figure that out. As I said, he’s the captain ball. He keeps dropping the ball but he stays in the game. The coach refuses to replace him. Wonder of wonders!” In the past, Lacson and other senators called for Duque’s resignation over mistakes in the handling of the pandemic, but President Rodrigo Duterte has consistently defended the Health secretary. After posting on Twitter that “somebody dropped the ball,” Locsin said Galvez Jr. was now ordering the COVID-19 vaccines for the country. “General Galvez is ordering. He is our savior. Note that he is a general. The generals are getting things done,” Locsin said. Romualdez said the deal has not been scrapped despite mistakes that put the agreement in peril.

identification (RFID) tags. This developed as the local government of Valenzuela City on Wednesday lifted its toll holiday in the city after NLEX Corp. agreed to the conditions set by Mayor Rex Gatchalian on solving the traffic woes around its toll roads and plazas leading to NLEX. Duterte said: “Sa RFID system, nagkabuhol-buhol. Hindi ako nakialam muna because the traffic rules and regulations, and enforcement sa mayor ‘yan. Hindi sa amin (national government).” The President said that as a former mayor, he understood the stance taken by Gatchalian. “Ginagawa lahat ng mayors ‘yan. If you do not comply, your non-compliance will result to, it has adverse effects on the lives of people,” he said. Earlier in the day, the House of Representatives on Wednesday adopted a resolution calling for the deferment of cashless payments at expressways until a better system is developed.

Two days earlier, the Senate called for the suspension of the RFID implementation that the Department of Transportation (DoTr) had sought to fast-track to limit personal contact amid the coronavirus pandemic. Tugade said the DoTr, TRB, Land Transportation Office and Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board are trying their best to achieve tollway system interoperability. But he said: “If it is a problem of the system, why should you make the travellers and the public suffer?” “There will be day-to-day curing moments considering what is happening now in what we called as a birthing experience. Aayusin namin yan (we will fix it),” Tugade added. He admitted that he wanted the full operation of the cashless toll system, saying: “270 of our toll operators, nagka-COVID yan. Sila nagbibilang ng pera. Kaya sabi ko, tigilan na yan at mag-cashless na tayo.” J. Luigi Bautista, president and general manager of NLEX, said his company will comply with Valenzuela City’s conditions to upgrade its system for real

time loading, improve its apps to make it friendly for accounts management, have better accounts management and streamline registrations by January 30 next year. Bautista also agreed to implement barriers from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. to significantly improve the traffic situation along NLEX toll plazas within the jurisdiction of Valenzuela City. The toll plazas in Valenzuela includes the Karuhatan-Mindanao Avenue, Karuhatan-Harbor Link, Karuhatan Harbor Link MacArthur Highway Exit, Mindanao Avenue Toll Plaza, Paso de Blas toll Plaza and Lawang Bato Northbound. “NLEX shall adopt all means and methods to prevent the occurrence of the circumstances tantamount to the violation of the conditions of the Mayor’s permit, waiver and undertaking in the Business Permits and other local and national laws, rules and regulations,” he added. Bautista added that it will regularly evaluate and assess NLEX traffic situation improvements and upgrade initiatives within the jurisdiction of Valenzuela City.

than 1, prompting authorities to place them under strict monitoring, the Department of Health said Wednesday. “These cities in Metro Manila are showing more than 1 average daily attack rate and reproduction rate that’s why we are monitoring them,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said during an online press forum. “But that is not to say that we are not monitoring the whole Metro Manila because we have seen plateauing of cases in other cities, meaning it did not continue to go down,” Vergeire added. With no decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases in sight, authorities have been placed on high alert, she said. “This is a warning signal for us to start focusing and [conduct] strict monitoring of all cities in Metro Manila,” Vergeire said. The OCTA Research Team on

Monday said there had been an uptrend in the reproduction rate of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila, and this was expected to continue in the coming days. OCTA previously said that a value higher than one indicated the pandemic was spreading. From 0.90 on December 1, NCR’s reproduction number hit 0.94 on December 5, then reached 0.96 on December 10. On Dec. 11, the reproduction number in the region was at 0.99. It was 0.88 last November, Dr. Guido David of OCTA Research Team said. Based on DOH data, Metro Manila remains the region with the most number of active COVID-19 cases recorded in the last two weeks with 4,399. Region 4A or Calabarzon is a far second with 2,702 cases, followed by Region 3 which has 1,587.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s chief legal counsel on Wednesday accused International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda of playing politics with her inquiry into alleged extrajudicial killings of suspected drug pushers in the war on drugs. In a statement, Duterte’s legal counsel Salvador Panelo said it was

Duque... From A1 that apparently affected the shipping of Pfizer vaccines to the country. Locsin refused to name who it was that “dropped the ball” on the shipment of vaccines. Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday said it was a Cabinet secretary that dropped the ball, leaving the country behind its neighbors in vaccine acquisition. Duque said vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez was best positioned to speak about the negotiations with drug companies. He added that the DOH and Galvez had signed non-disclosure agreements with Pfizer in October and December. Duque said that Galvez will discuss the list of COVID-19 vaccine supply deals that the Philippine government is working on securing during a media forum with the Health Department on Friday. Previously, Duque admitted the Philippines is behind its peers in Southeast Asia in the overall budget for the COVID-19 response. The Philippines was sixth with a $21.64 billion total coronavirus war

Duterte blames... From A1

House... From A1 Ralph Recto filed Senate Bill 1953 or “Bayanihan to Rebuild as One Act” or Bayanihan 3, which followed Bayanihan 1 or “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act” and Bayanihan 2 or “Bayanihan to Recover as One Act.” In the measure, Recto asked for P485 billion in funds for Bayanihan 3, wherein P55 billion will be used to purchase COVID-19 vaccines. Romualdez, chairman of the House Committee on Rules, told a weekly media forum: “Now we are actually one with the President in achieving and providing the proper, appropriate and timely legislation to make the COVID pandemic and the portion of that obviously the national budget.”

P3.52b added to budget for Nat’l ID system By Vito Barcelo and Maricel V. Cruz PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte and his Cabinet approved an additional P3.52 billion for the implementation of the National ID system for next year, Malacanang said Wednesday. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the additional funds will be used to register 20 million more individuals to the Philippine Identification System by the end of 2021. “This is on top of the 50 million target registration,” Roque said. In 2018, Duterte signed into law the PhilSys Act that mandated the government to create a single official identification card for all citizens and foreign residents that would serve as a de facto national identification number. The ID aims to boost efficient public service delivery, enhance administrative governance, reduce corruption, curtail bureaucratic red tape, promote ease of doing business, and strengthen financial inclusion. The Philippine Statistics Authority started the registration to the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), giving priority to low-income families. As this developed, a leader of the House of Representatives on Wednesday welcomed the statement of the National Economic and Development Authority on the government’s use of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) or national ID for a more targeted distribution of COVID-19 vaccine to priority groups. Rep. Rida Robes of San Jose del Monte in Bulacan, chairperson of the House committee on people’s participation, stressed the need for the government to immediately implement the national ID system in time for its COVID-19 vaccination program expected next year.

18 cities... From A1 Earlier, the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations said schools were not prepared to conduct face-to-face classes this school year. Still, Education Secretary Leonor Briones, citing what she called was a report by the United Children’s Fund (NICEF), said Wednesday students were more likely to contract COVID-19 at home than in school as the government prepares for the pilot of face-to-face classes in January. Briones made the comment at the televised Laging Handa briefing, in reply to a question whether the test rehearsal could put students at risk of infection. A total 1,114 schools have been recommended to take part in the pilot run, but the number could still go down after the evaluation, Briones said. On Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte approved DepEd’s proposal to conduct face-to-face classes in areas with low COVID-19 risk in January 2021, his spokesperson Harry Roque said. Early this month, UNICEF urged governments to “prioritize reopening schools and take all actions possible to make them as safe as possible” since a recent global study using data from 191 countries “showed no association between school status and COVID-19 infection rates in the community.” Select schools in areas with low risk for COVID-19 transmission will hold face-to-face classes from January 11 to 23, 2021. The dry run will be monitored by the DepEd and the COVID-19 National Task Force. He said the House leadership “made all the requisite adjustments,” and that “congressmen have made all the sacrifices to prioritize the vital needs of the nation, in terms of medical concerns like vaccines and social amelioration program.” “We are one with the President and one with you and the nation to defeat this COVID pandemic and help us recover economically,” Romualdez, also President of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), added. Despite the pandemic, Romualdez also assured that the Speaker Lord Allan Velasco had been working hard to pass vital legislations to help the country recover from the blows of COVID-19. “The Speaker is very focused on this and he is providing the efficiencies and better performance of this Congress,” Romualdez said.

News DFA, UN partner to help OFWs deal with COVID

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EO on passenger info signed By Vito Barcelo

By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Foreign Affairs has partnered with the United Nations in implementing a program aimed at addressing the impact of the COVID-10 pandemic on migrant Filipino workers, an official said Wednesday. In his speech during the virtual launch of the Bridging Recruitment to Reintegration in Migration Governance or BRIDGE, UN Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez said BRIDGE was intended to equip and strengthen the approach by government and civil society “towards effective reintegration frameworks and services that are tailored to the COVID-19 context, mindful of its particular impacts on women and men migrants.” Gonzales, noting the impact of the pandemic on migrant workers, said largescale job losses had led to the mass return of Filipino migrant workers to the Philippines. The Department of Foreign Affairs said that as of Dec. 11, more than 300,000 Filipinos abroad had been repatriated since the pandemic started. Gonzales says the BRIDGE program will support the government in promoting fair and ethical recruitment, and in ensuring that returning migrant workers are able to successfully reintegrate through an approach that puts migrants at the center, addresses challenges to women, in particular, mobilizes all government actors and is inclusive of all stakeholders. “It will also reinforce the government’s programs to ensure that evidence and good practice pertaining to all aspects of migration is at the heart of migration policy,” Gonzales said. Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. vowed to support the program because migration governance “remains a work in progress” in the Philippines.

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed Executive Order 122, which allows the government to adopt and implement the advance passenger information or API system to enhance the Philippines’ border security.

FIRE SCRAMBLE. Residents of houses along Burgos Zamora in Paco, Manila scramble to put out a fire that reached the fourth alarm on Wednesday. Norman Cruz

6.2 quake jolts Sarangani; 4.1 rocks Catanduanes By Rio N. Araja A MAGNITUDE 6.2 earthquake jolted Mindanao Wednesday morning, striking 86 kilometers southeast of Sarangani City at 7:21 a.m., the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said. The tremor was of tectonic origin and it occurred at a shallow depth of 16 kilometers, the weather bureau said. Intensity 5 was felt in General Santos City in South Cotabato, while intensity 4 was experienced in Kiamba, Alabel,

Maasim, Glan, Malungon and Malapatan in Saranggani; Lebak in Sultan Kudarat; Datu Blah Sinsuat in Maguindanao; and Koronadal City, Polomolok, Tampakan and Tupi inSouth Cotabato. Intensity 3 was felt in Maitum, Sarangani; Cotabato City, Maguindanao; Davao City; Kidapawan City, North Cotabato; Tantangan and Santo Niño in South Cotabato. Intensity 2 was felt in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat; Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat and Magpet in North Cotabato. Intensity 1

was felt in Zamboanga City. Meanwhile, a magnitude 4.1 earthquake struck off Catanduanes at 8 a.m. 21 kilometers southeast of Bato town on Wednesday morning, the weather bureau said. The earthquake was tectonic in origin and had a depth of 11 kilometers. The quake was not expected to cause damage or aftershocks, weathermen said. A “slightly felt” tremor at Intensity II was recorded in Legazpi City, Albay, while a magnitude 6.2 quake struck off Davao Occidental earlier on Wednesday.

He designated the Bureau of Immigration as the sole government agency to receive or manage the API containing information on the passengers and crew and non-crew members prior to their arrival or departure and made available at the port of entry. The information includes flight details, name, date of birth, gender, citizenship and travel document data of the individual passengers orcrew/non-crew members. “The API shall serve as initial security vetting of passengers, crew and non-crew members to effectively facilitate and expedite the arrival and departure process of legitimate travelers during primary inspection,” the EO says. “Philippine border control must be enhanced through the strict and intensified enforcement of Philippine immigration laws and upgrading of screening capacity to enhance border integrity, manage international traffic flow amidst dramatic growth in passenger numbers, and ensure public safety and security.” The captain, master or agency or owner of a commercial carrier that fails to provide API to the BI or to include a passenger, crew or non-crew members in the API will face fines and charges if warranted. Crew or non-crew members not included in the API will be dealt with in accordance with immigration protocols. Passengers may be similarly treated if it can be shown that they were complicit in the omission of their names and other data from the API.

Senate surprised with bill conditions SOME Senate leaders on Wednesday were surprised by the way Malacañang has certified a bill as urgent with specific conditions. Senate Bill No. 1945 or a measure seeking to amend the Anti-Money Laundering Act was being tackled on the floor when Senator Panfilo Lacson pointed out that the certification comes with conditionalities. A certification of urgency from the Palace allows legislators to bypass the threeday rule on approving bills on second and third readings. However, the one issued by the executive branch for Senate Bill No. 1945 particularly states that it is subject to the following proposals, which were described as “absolutely essential:” Reduction of the threshold for tax crimes to P20 million

Retention of the prevailing reporting threshold for tax estate transactions Grant of the requested additional investigative powers to the Anti-Money Laundering Council The said provisions were reflected in House Bill No. 7904, which has been approved in the lower chamber, the certification read. “This is the first time I have seen a certification with conditions and possible amendments. It’s the first time. I’ve been a legislator since 1998,” Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said. Senator Grace Poe, sponsor of the bill which is seen to prevent the Philippines from being “grey-listed” by the Financial Action Task Force, said the certification from the Palace is almost bordering on telling the lawmakers what provisions to approve.

‘BEST CONGRESS’. House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez (right) and Speaker Lord Allan Velasco tell media during the Ugnayan sa Batasan news forum they are working to make the current Congress ‘the best Congress ever in history’ in terms of legislation. Later, Romualdez joins officers of his party in congratulating Lakas-CMD member Cavite Rep. Strike Revilla (4th from left) and his wife Chaye CabalRevilla (center) for being sworn in as new Deputy Speaker by Velasco. Others are (from left) Rep. Wilter Sharky Palma, Rep. Yasser Alonto, Rep. Crispin Boying Remulla, Rep. Mikey Arroyo, Rep. Munir Arbison, and Rep. Xavier Jesus Romualdo. Ver Noveno

Support 7.6m hungry farmer households, DA urged By Willie Casas

EXTORTION SUSPECT. Louie Miranda, a suspect in a robbery extortion case where he allegedly used former Philippine National Police Chief Camilo Cascolan’s name, goes through inquest procedures at the National Bureau of Investigation after he was arrested by NBI SAU and Bureau of Customs Intelligence Investigation Services personnel led by CIIS Chief Alvin Enciso. According to the BOC, Miranda was trying to extort P1 million from brokers ahead of Cascolan’s imminent transfer to the Customs bureau.

ORGANIZERS and supporters of the Bayanihan sa Agrikultura, a united group of farmers and civil society organizations, on Wednesday urged the Department of Agriculture to further boost local agriculture beyond the P8.5-billion assistance it earlier extended to farmers and fishermen, as it said hunger was ravaging 7.6 million households. “If we want to address hunger, the DA must act fast in its delivery of assistance, especially since the recent typhoons have devastated the agri-fishery sector,” said Hazel Tanchuling of Rice Watch Action

Network Inc., a leading member of Bayanihan. “While DA committed to provide assistance in the form of seeds, inputs, machinery, livestock, fingerlings, boats, insurance and cash aid to the tune of P8.5 billion, it will be for naught if these will come in too late.” Delays in assistance puts greater burden on women, said Elisa Lozada, 46, of Alimbuyog village in Milaor, Camarines Sur. “Being a woman farmer is difficult. Instead of buying inputs/fertilizers for our farm, we need to use part of our capital to pay for the farm workers. In addition, we lost more due to the pandemic and the recent

Slay of Sancelan couple condemned SSS refunds P253m in loan payments

THE Kabataan Party-list has condemned the murder of Mary Rose Sancelan and her husband Edwin Sancelan who were shot dead by men on a motorcycle in Barangay Calamba in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. Rose Sancelan, a doctor, was the head of the COVID IATF in Guihulngan City, the Kabataan Party-list said in a statement. The group claimed that Sancelan was “red-tagged in 2017 and was put on top of a hit list written by Kawsa Guihulnganon Batok Komunista or KAGUBAK, an anticommunist armed vigilante group. “The same list was presented in 2019 to the Senate for an inquiry on the spate of killings in Negros Island. Also on the list she appeared in was Atty. Anthony Trinidad, who

was also shot dead by a riding-in-tandem in Guihulngan City on July 23, 2019,” the Kabataan Party-list said in the statement. An initial police investigation showed the couple were on their way home when the suspects shot them in Barangay Poblacion and then escaped. Police said the victims were rushed to Guihulngan Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician. Recovered from the crime scene were 15 bullets from a.45-caliber gun. A police investigation into the incident in ongoing. Meanwhile, the human rights organization Karapatan-Negros Island said the doctor was the head of IATF Guihulngan City. Willie Casas

THE Social Security System said it refunded the April and May 2020 loan payments of pensioners who borrowed from its Pension Loan Program starting Dec. 9, 2020. SSS President and Chief Executive Aurora C. Ignacio said the pension fund refunded P253,584,557.76 worth of pension loan payments to 56,750 pensionerborrowers. She said those entitled to the refunds were pensioners whose monthly pensions for April and May were deducted under the PLP and were currently amortizing as of the implementation date. She said the pensioners who paid their loan amortizations for April and May 2020 received a two-month refund. Those who only started paying their loan

amortizations in May 2020 only got a one-month refund. “We want to advise our pensioners that they no longer have to visit SSS to apply for the said refund. Starting December 9 and 10, we automatically credited the refunds to qualified pensioners through their respective Union Bank QuickCard savings accounts where the proceeds of their pension loans were also credited,” Ignacio said. She said the SSS would also extend a pensioner’s loan payment term by one or two months without any additional interest or penalty. Suppose a pensioner’s loan payment term was until April 2021 and he or she received a two-month refund, the SSS will extend their payment terms until June 2021 without any interest or penalties.

series of typhoons. If before we were able to earn sufficiently from our farming, now, we farmers are at the losing end due to the low quality of the rice harvested, while the prices of fertilizers are increasing,” she said. Bayanihan sa Agrikultura member farmers say hunger has worsened. Current data support their claim. Recently, Social Weather Stations released the findings of its September 2020 survey showing that nearly one-third of families did not have enough food to eat at least once in the previous three months. Among them were 2.2 million families experiencing “severe hunger”, the highest ever, reversing the 2012 downward trend. Manila

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Standard

TODAY COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCEMENT

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has submitted to the Commission on Appointments (CA) for its consent on the nominations of the following senior officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), namely: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

FERDINAND M. CARTUJANO LOWELL R. TAN DONN ANTHONY L. MIRAFLOR EDGAR P. NIGOS JOSEPH FERROUS S. CUISON

to the rank of Lieutenant General to the rank of Brigadier General to the rank of Commodore to the rank of Brigadier General to the rank of Brigadier General

The public may submit any information, written report, or sworn/notarized complaints or oppositions in thirty-two (32) copies on the above nominations to the CA Secretariat, 6th Floor, PNB Financial Center, D. Macapagal Boulevard, Pasay City, Metro Manila. For the schedule of the public hearings, the CA Secretariat can be reached through telephone numbers 8834-2713, 8831-1824, 8831-0527, 8832-9830, 8834-2706 and 8551-1989. 16 December 2020. HECTOR A. VILLACORTA Secretary (MS-DEC. 17, 2020)

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 lgu@manilastandard.net editor.lgustandard@gmail.com

LGUs LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

QC braces for virus X’mas surge By Rio N. Araja

UEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Wednesday expressed alarm over the reported surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Metro Manila before the Christmas holiday.

Belmonte noted the latest report of the OCTA Research team that said the National Capital Region’s reproductive rate is now at 1.06. Given that Quezon City is the biggest city in the NCR, the city’s reproductive rate also went beyond the 1.00 threshold, as it reached 1.15, the mayor said. Health experts also reported an upward trend in new cases, especially as quarantine protocols relax. OCTA warned that if this continues, there would be more infections in the coming days. Based on the Department of Health data, the positivity rate of Quezon City is now at 6 percent with an average of 80 cases per day from Dec. 7-13. To help stem the tide of the coronavirus, Belmonte announced a ban on holding funeral wakes at home in Quezon City. The city government reiterated that holding wakes or “burol” at home is still prohibited and must only be held in funeral parlors. Belmonte warned barangay officials and funeral homes personnel who allow wakes at home that they could be penalized with fines or imprisonment for violating the ordinance.

IN BRIEF P3.5m shabu seized, 9 arrested in sting CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga—About P3.5 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride also known as shabu were seized while nine alleged ‘personalities’ in the illegal drug trade have been arrested in separate sting operations at City of San Fernando and Mabalacat City Tuesday. Police BGen Valeriano De Leon, Director of the Central Luzon PNP, said P3.4 million worth of shabu was seized at Barangay San Jose in City of San Fernando and another P102,000.00 confiscated from a drug den along 7th Street Dapdap Resettlement Area in Mabalacat City. De Leon identified the suspects as Crispin San Pedro, 28, of Bgy Talang, Candaba town; Roldan Escajille, 23, of Tondo Manila; Jover Quijano, 28, of Tondo Manila; Randy V. Sevilla, 29; Wilfredo M Montaray,57; Riza S. Dizon, 35; Virgilio V. Ortega, 40; Daniel C. Catanghal, 19, and Eduardo C. Mercado, male, 47, of Mabalacat City. Police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives seized more than 500 grams of shabu during buy bust at Bgy San Jose and another 15 grams following raid at a drug den believed being used as transshipment point of shabu in Pampanga. Jess Malabana

Dumagats cry foul over ‘false’ land grabbing raps

SPORTS COMPLEX. Bataan Gov. Abet Garcia (left) and Brgy. Alion Captain Al Balan cut the ribbon for the formal opening of Barangay Alion Sports Complex in Mariveles, Bataan. The governor said the construction of the infrastructure is in sync with the provincial government’s efforts to promote physical health among residents, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic. Butch Gunio

SM ’Pasayahin Buyummyhan’ to help food workers By Joel E. Zurbano THE Pasay City government has launched an outdoor food market project to help restaurant owners and provide job opportunity to their workers affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The project dubbed “Pasayahin Buyummyhan”, which is situated at the North Fountain in SM Mall of Asia - By the Bay, is in collaboration with SM Supermalls and the Restaurant Owners of the Philippines. The food market features more than 30 merchants including popular SM By the Bay restaurants, home-based and online

Pasay entrepreneurs and members of the Pasay City cooperative who lost their jobs during the pandemic. Some of the stalls were also operated and owned by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), cruise ship workers and food and beverage industry employees. The project is part of the city’s various programs initiated by Mayor Imelda Rubiano in line with the city’s 157th anniversary. SM Supermalls President Steven Tan said they came up with the project as recognition to the need to slowly restart and rebuild the economy, and especially understands the plight of Small and Me-

dium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). “With that, we are more than happy to have these safe and socially-distanced activities, that remind everyone of the joy of the season, as well as bring hope during these unprecedented times,” he said. Mayor Rubiano reminded marketgoers that as the city celebrates its 157th founding anniversary, they must remain vigilant against the spread of the coronavirus disease while dining outdoors. She said residents must also follow health protocol. The Pasayahin, Buyummyhan outdoor food market is open daily from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

TRIBAL leaders of the Kaksaan Ne Dumaget De Antipolo, Inc. on Tuesday lambasted the officials of the Masungi Georeserve headed by Benjamin Dumaliang, President of the Blue Star Construction and Development Corp. and operator of Masungi, for accusing them as land grabbers, squatters and illegal loggers who caused the flood in Marikina recently. “Masungi is lying. They are the ones, together with the military, who forcefully intruded into our property and fenced it off as part of the Masungi last October 2020. And if it were not for the help of Retired Gen. Luizo Ticman since the early 1990’s, we would have lost by force most of our ancestral homeland,” stressed tribal chieftain Ernesto Doroteo, a Bayaning Filipino Awardee in 2006. Enrico Vertudez, Kaksaan president; Alex Bendaña, chieftain; and the security guards of the Dumagats corroborated this, as they showed the map of their ancestral domain and the areas intruded and fenced off by Masungi, which includes their Sacred Grounds. Doroteo said that the Dumagats and Ticman have long been partners and harmoniously working together to conserve and protect the environment of their homeland through livelihood projects since the 1990’s, and now, through the leadership and assistance of the latter’s daughter, Loise Ticman.

More happy reunions for OFWs this Christmas

through OFW Rise Program OVERSEAS Filipino Workers or OFWs— they are called modern-day heroes, contributing over 10% to the domestic economy through the remittances they send to their families back home. Last year, total remittances by overseas Filipinos reached a record-high of $33.5 billion. Their personal sacrifice not only provides for a better future for their family but has also helped keep the Philippine economy robust through the years. However, the global pandemic has already affected many of our OFWs who have been forced to go home because they have lost job opportunities overseas. Hundreds of thousands of land and sea-based Filipino workers have already started coming home, facing a bleak and uncertain future with no clear means of supporting their families. Building and supporting our OFWs dreams With the mission of making Christmas a happy celebration for many balikbayanis like Junalyn Breguera, Coca-Cola has partnered with government agencies—Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), to help these returning OFWs bounce back from the crisis by enabling them to rebuild their lives here. Under the OFW Re-Integration through Skills and Entrepreneurship Program or OFW RISE, Coca-Cola and partner government agencies shall jointly develop and implement the program that focuses on the economic integration of OFW returnees, empowering them to become entrepreneurs. “Our balikbayanis› coming home”, as shared by OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac, “is an opportunity for them to recover from this year›s crisis and to still continue fulfilling their dreams for their family.” OFW RISE thus aims to empower 10,000 qualified balikbayanis through web-based training on basic entrepreneurship and business idea development. This is supported by practical business coaching as well as establishing linkages to livelihood assistance and other microfinancing programs. Take for example the story of Breguera, a mom who worked as a housekeeper in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Following an unpleasant, almost traumatising experience with her employer— leaving her gaunt and almost unrecognizable— she decided to come home immediately even without a concrete plan. Breguera became more determined to make things and her dreams happen. “Ginawa ko talagang motivation ang pamilya ko, para may pangtustos ako sa anak ko, nanay ko at

Coca-Cola’s OFW RISE Program helps fulfill our balikbayanis’ dream of starting their own businesses. Through training and financial support, they are empowered to pitch their own business idea like Rhoda Te, who is now an owner of the Agri-supplies Vending store.

Like Junalyn Breguera, more returning OFWs can now celebrate a more meaningful Christmas together with their families as Coca-Cola’s OFW RISE program provides them with more business opportunities.

Returning overseas Filipinos, like Marie Zepagan, have an opportunity to become CocaCola partners as distributors, wholesalers, or resellers of its beverage products under the OFW RISE program’s complementary project, Balik Pinas.

Coca-Cola, together with government agencies Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), help our balikbayanis rebuild their lives in the Philippines through OFW Re-Integration through Skills and Entrepreneurship Program or OFW RISE. Educational and financial support will be provided to help empower 10,000 balikbayanis. kapatid ko (I used my family as a motivation so I can have enough money for our everyday needs), “ she said. “Many families have had to spend their Christmases apart because one or both parents are working overseas. With OFW RISE, we hope to keep more families together this holiday season and beyond. By empowering them to be entrepreneurs, our balikbayanis can be our partners in building the economy with new enterprises that have been built through skills training and support,” says Coca-Cola Philippines Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Director Jonah de Lumen-Pernia. Breguera—utilizing the 20-thousand-peso loan that the program provided—set up her

own business selling fish, salad, and ice candy. The training she received from the program according to her helped her a lot to succeed, “Yung mga modules kung paano magnegosyo, paano tumubo ng maayos, malaking tulong talaga (The modules on how to run a business, how to earn properly— these were really a big help),” she says. Enabling financial empowerment to more OFWs This teacher from Davao del Sur is another success story of the OFW RISE Program. Rhoda Te tried her luck in the Netherlands in 2007 and was forced to leave her husband and two kids—then only 9 and 11 years old—to spend and work eight long years in a faraway European country.

“Noong una, mahirap. Siyempre ‘yung lamig at masyado rin akong na-homesick. Nakakapanibago talaga. Mabuti na lang andoon yung mga pinsan ko at natulungan ako (At first it was tough—I wasn’t used to the cold climate and I began to feel homesick. I really had to adjust but thankfully, my cousins were there to help me,), she says. When she had saved enough to be able to acquire a house and some livestock back in the Philippines, Rhoda decided to return home in 2015 to be with her family. Apart from teaching again, she thought of venturing into the agricultural supply business, which has benefited from the support of the Women REACH under the OFW RISE Program. “Maliban sa financial support, naka-attend din ako ng mga seminars tungkol sa meat processing, financial literacy at kung paanong mag-start ng negosyo (Aside from financial support, I was also able to attend seminars on meat processing, financial literacy, and how to start a business),” she says. While the pandemic has put a damper on her business, Rhoda remains hopeful that by next year, things will improve. Providing tools and resources for OFWs to succeed Positively looking towards building a better future, Marie Zepagan, an OFW who previously worked in Pakistan, the UAE, and Dubai, is now a Coca-Cola Community Reseller through the OFW RISE’s complementary project - Balik Pinas. After 5 years abroad, Zepagan felt it was time to come home for good. “Mahirap para sa isang nanay na mawalay sa anak (It’s hard for a mother to be separated from her children

for very long),” she says. It was then that she got word of the Balik Pinas project, which gave her the impetus to start her own business. The Balik Pinas Project provides opportunities for returning overseas Filipinos to become part in the distribution and reselling of Coca-Cola. “Kahit magsimula ng maliit, hopefully unti-unting mapapalaki mo din, basta tuloy-tuloy,” she says. “Malaking tulong talaga yung binigay ng Coca-Cola at kahit papaano mapaglalabanan ang hirap dulot ng pandemic. (You can start small and hopefully; you can make your business grow as long as you keep at it. The assistance that Coca-Cola provided has really been a big help. Somehow, I am able to survive this pandemic)” Clearly, a common trait that these former OWFs share is that they have always kept the faith, that family has always been their priority, and that perseverance can truly go a long way— timeless wisdom from which we can all learn from. And as Christmas time approaches, each one of them realizes that hope does spring eternal, and that the future need not to be so bleak for many OFWs and their families. And this message of hope is what OFW RISE aims to impart to returning overseas Pinoys. With these OFW RISE program, Coca Cola and its partners can help more balikbayanis to start afresh and have a meaningful celebration at home, with a brighter future for their family in sight. For more information about OFW RISE, visit the facebook.com/ofwrise or contact Coca-Cola via OFWRISEprogram@gmail. com or 09772638213. Every balikbayani can also register to OFW RISE Program via https:// cokeurl.com/ofwrise.

Opinion In memoriam, 2020: Celebrities who enriched us raspy voice and his EVERY year that handsome, middle-aged passes has its share features propelled Kenof deaths of famous ny Rogers to success, persons who made especially among lovers this world a better of country music. Inplace through their deed, it was said that at exemplary achieveone point, Kenny Rogments in their chosen fields of endeavor, be it public ers was one of only three singers who service, culture and the arts, sports and could command a price of $2,000 per entertainment, religion or business. I beg ticket for a Las Vegas concert (the other the indulgence of this column’s readers two being Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streitoday because I am going to write not sand). His personal success went beyond about economic policies or taxes or gross the concert stage; his Kenny Rogers fastdomestic product but about several celeb- food chain has become one of the leaders rities – decedents in 2020. They enriched in the field. With his guitar, Kenny Rogand made more pleasurable my stay in ers is probably still singing “Lady” and “A Love Song” in his inimitable style, Up this vale of tears that we call Earth. The avid followers of the television There. Then there is the passing of the Argenprogram “Jeopardy” plunged into gloom Argen tine football star Diwhen its longtime ego Maradona. Mr. host Alex Trebek announced in 2019 Alex Trebek, John le Maradona has come to be referred to althat he had been Carre, Kenny Rogers, ways as a legend diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Diego Maradona, Sean and an icon; those things he certainly Knowing what a Connery was. One does not killer this type of have to be a footcancer is, the faithball – the Americans ful followers of “Jeopardy” – myself included – knew continue to say soccer – fanatic in order that Mr. Trebek had just received a death to be won over by Diego Maradona. All sentence and that his passing was just one has to do is watch tapes of the Argena matter of time. And so it was: Last tinian player’s finest matches, especially month, the genial and highly competent the 1986 World Cup final. What the feet host of the one-of-a-kind show went to of Diego Maradona – and his Brazilian The Great Beyond. I readily admit that contemporary Pele – did to the ball can much of what I knew about the pres- be described only as pure artistry. When ent and the past of this planet I owe to the government declares a three-day periwatching “Jeopardy” for several decades. od of mourning for you – as Argentina’s Many others are probably prepared to government did – you must have brought great honor and pride to your country. make the same admission. Only a few days ago was the an- Descance en paz, Diego Maradona. This list of passed-in-2020 celebrinouncement made of the death of English novelist John le Carre. Some books are ties who brought measures of joy and described as being of the kind that can’t enrichment to the world would not be be put down once one has started read- complete without the name of undoubting them. Le Carre’s spy novels “The edly the best-loved of the nearly-dozen Spy Who Came In From The Cold” and actors who have played Agent 007 in the “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” certainly fit James Bond movie series. I refer to Britthat characterization. Like his fellow spy ish actor Sean Connery, who created the novelist, John le Carre knew whereof he role in the 1961 movie “Dr. No.” Sean wrote. He wrote about Cold War spy op- Connery typified author Ian Fleming’s erations with the competence and confi- Her Britannic Majesty’s spy – handsome, dence of someone who had been, or had well-mannered, suave, resourceful and, mingled with, someone actually involved above all, tough. Many Agent 007s have in such operations. John Le Carre was a come and gone including Roger Moore joy to read; that joy will be hard to re- and Pierce Brosnan, but moviegoers who grew up with Sean Connery are bound to place. The passing of Kenny Rogers was a think that there has not been any Agent source of sadness for lovers of contem- 007 to match him. Films like “From Rusporary music in general and of American sia With love” and “Goldfinger” are there country music in particular. His folksy, to support this judgment. Well done, 007.

Paying dues: Rehabilitate the coconut industry islators have finally approved the much awaited bill on the establishment of the Coconut Levy Trust Fund. The Senate has earlier passed on third and final reading its own version of the bill. We are most thankful as the bill, which was authored by Rep. Aleta Suarez among THE Quezon Province is undeniably others, and also advocated by yours truly one of the top contributors to the devel- during the last Congress, is finally getting opment of the coconut industry. Even closer again to enactment. Through this bill, I fervently hope that before the declaration of Philippine independence, the province has been one the coconut industry in Quezon province of the biggest producers of coconut and would be given the necessary support it deserves. We coconut products cannot deny that in the country. The Quezon coconut coconut has been farmers have a deeply embedded What we have here significant, if not in the province’s is a monumental piece the largest, share historical and in the coconut cultural heritage. of legislation that is levy fund. Hence, The Niyogyugan going to change the it is only right that Festival is estabour local farmers lished and annuallives of many of our benefit from their ly celebrated since coconut farmers and hard-earned tax 2012 to laud and contributions. We their families. promote the provneed to modernize ince’s flourishing coconut farming coconut industry. and rehabilitate coA vast majority of Quezon’s land area is devoted to coco- conut plantations in the province in order nut farming. However, strong typhoons to revive the livelihood of these farmers. in the past years greatly affected many of Aging coconut trees must be replaced, these plantations. Up to now, not all co- and while farmers are awaiting the matuconut plantations have recovered. Other rity of these coconuts, we need to provide challenges that posed threats to the indus- them with alternatives. We need to develtry were the cocolisap infestation from op resilient and high-value crops for our 2010 to 2015 where around 2 million to 3 farmers so they can have continuous and million coconut trees were attacked, and supplemental sources of livelihood that the inevitable aging of many of our co- survive rainy seasons. At present, many conut trees. Thus, there is a dire need for of our local farmers have started exploring these alternatives, but we need to support to our ailing industry. At the most opportune time, our leg- provide them with proper assistance and

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

EDITORIAL

Mind the gap

the country’s efforts to buy the millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines we need as they become available. Worldwide, rich countries representing just 14 percent of the world’s population have bought up For the families of the almost 53 percent of all the most promising 9,000 Filipinos who have died since COVID-19 vaccines, the People’s the pandemic began, the gap has Vaccine Alliance says. been devastating. For the millions who have lost their livelihood or jobs, the gap can be a matter of surWealthier nations vival. Emergency assistance from have bought up the government can help, but it cannot last. enough doses to There have been gaps in the govvaccinate their entire ernment response to the pandemic populations nearly as well. In the initial months, the rethree times over by lease of assistance to medical frontliners and the general public was the end of 2021. delayed. As late as October, President Rodrigo Duterte warned local officials that they could be suspended over delays in the distribution of The alliance, which includes Amcash aid to low-income families in nesty International, Frontline AIDS, their jurisdictions. Global Justice Now and Oxfam, There has also been a credibility notes that nearly 70 poor countries gap in the way health protocols are will only be able to vaccinate one in enforced. This week, we were treat- 10 people against COVID-19 next ed to the spectacle of the top police year unless urgent action is taken by official, who was widely criticized governments and the pharmaceufor violating quarantine restrictions tical industry to make sure enough in May during his birthday party, doses are produced. warning the public that people who By contrast, wealthier nations have attend Christmas parties over the bought up enough doses to vaccinate holidays will be arrested. their entire populations nearly three But an even more serious gap be- times over by the end of 2021. Cantween supply and demand may hurt ada tops the chart with enough vac-

IVING under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic for eight months has created gaps in people’s lives.

cines to vaccinate each Canadian five times, the alliance says. Against this backdrop, the government’s goal of eventually immunizing 60 percent to 70 percent of the population—that’s about 60 million to 70 million Filipinos— will likely run up against a worldwide supply gap. There is serious funding gap as well. Of the P72.5 billion earmarked for the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines in the 2021 national budget, only P2.5 billion is funded. One opposition senator says this is like issuing a check without adequate funding and hoping it will not bounce. The government dismisses such concerns, saying it can always borrow the rest—but the lack of funds in a tight supply situation does not bode well for our worthy—but ambitious--vaccination targets. Clearly, then, there will be a gap between the time we want to vaccinate 60 million people and the time the vaccine doses become widely available and we can afford them. It is during this gap that it become crucial that we keep our guard up and take the only measures we can, at the moment, to keep the pandemic from spreading. Through all the quarantine fatigue, we must still observe the three Ws for COVID safety—wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance.

Deteriorating educational standards OUT of 58 countries that participated in the 2019 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study whose results were just released Tuesday of last week, fourth grade Filipino students came in last in both Mathematics and Science. This is hardly surprising and not the only bad news. Our English proficiency which is the only advantage that Filipinos have in competing for international jobs has also significantly deteriorated over the years. In another study in reading, out of 79 countries, our country was also last. We are graduating so many people, many of whom are mediocre and cannot compete in the international job market. There was a time that we Filipinos were very proud of the quality of our public education from grade school all the way up to college. Unfortunately, not anymore. This is the reason why there are so many private schools that have sprouted all over the country because parents would rather spend money to send their children to these private schools instead of the free public schools. The TIMSS report did not say whether private school 4th graders took part. If they did, it would be doubly embarrassing for us for then, both our public and private schools are really below par. The deterioration of our educational standards did not happen overnight. It has been sliding slowly for many years. This first started during the Martial Law period when the defense budget took precedence because of the Mindanao uprising in the early 1970s. The education budget which traditionally got the lion’s share of the national budget had to be sacrificed for a few years because of national security requirements. When Martial Law was over, the game of catch up took over which we are still doing up to now. But only this time, many other problems were added to the mix. For intraining to stimulate and jumpstart these initiatives for the long-term. The bill provides for many other types of assistance to coconut farmers and their families. I am hopeful and eager that these programs will help uplift the living conditions and economic capabilities of our Quezon coconut farmers. Once this bill is passed, I request for the swift implementation of this law as

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

If we add the many days wasted because the schools are being used as evacuation centers every time there is a natural disaster, then we can begin to understand why the quality of education has gone down. We are not even talking about the quality of our education leaders. Those people who are supposed to be leading, managing and administering a supposedly 21st century education. What kind of educational leaders do we have? The Department of Education is one of the largest if not the largest bureaucracy in government. It is in the field of education where the future of our nation depends. It is for this reason therefore, that it has the largest slice of the national budget.

But if the country keeps on getting very low and embarrassing results in international assessment studies, then the future of our country is bleak. Perhaps it is time for drastic changes. As one Senator said, our educational system is in crisis. The Department is currently headed by Secretary Leonor Briones who will be 81 years old next year. She is an academician and has held senior government positions in previous administrations. Her government service record has been impeccable and distinguished. She is however, advancing in years. We do not know how much longer she would like to stay on her job or whether she is still up to it considering the stress and huge responsibility of managing such a large agency which could task even a much younger and healthier person to the limit. Watching her on TV during conferences and information coming from some reliable sources, she does not only look her age but is also acting it already. Maybe she should consider retiring to give a chance to a much younger qualified and dynamic person and take her well deserved retirement and rest. The job ahead to reform and improve our educational system will not be easy and will take time. It will also need a sustained and determined effort which should be more than the common platitudes that we often hear from our government leaders every time we have problems like this. We need better pay for our teachers, better schools, better curriculum, better educational leaders, less political interference and the government not using school teachers for election duties anymore. It will take years before we can see the fruits of educational reform. But whether the government realizes the dire situation of education and embarks on a much-needed reform is another matter.

many farmers are in need of assistance in this COVID-19 pandemic. The passage of this law may perhaps be one of the best things that could turn things around this year. What we have here is a monumental piece of legislation that is going to change the lives of many of our coconut farmers and their families who have been waiting for decades for the return of their invest-

ment. I call on the President to heed the appeal of our hardworking coconut farmers and swiftly approve the bill. Five decades already passed, it is only just that we give them what is rightfully due them. After all, these coconut farmers brought the country into the spotlight as the second leading coconut producers and exporter in the world. For Quezon farmers, the coconut has brought them life.

stance, all our classes are overcrowded with more than 50 pupils to a class. It is also undeniable that the overall quality of teachers has deteriorated because we are not attracting the best candidate teachers due to poor pay. Many schools in the country especially in the rural areas lack the equipment to help enhance learning. School children also have so many vacations and holidays that are becoming disruptive to the learning process.

It will take years before we can see the fruits of educational reform.

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua

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Emil P. Jurado

Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

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World

TODAY DECEMBER 17, 2020 THURSDAY, mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EU chief says next days ‘decisive’ for Brexit B RITISH and European negotiators have made progress towards agreeing fair trade rules but are still far apart on access to fishing, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday.

“The next days are going to be deci- intense talks on a post-Brexit trade deal sive,” the president of the European Com- continued nearby in Brussels. mission told the European Parliament, as “The good news is that we have found Manila

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Republic of the Philippines National Capital Judicial RegionTODAY REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Branch 84, Quezon City IN RE: PETITION FOR NATURALIZATION OF EMILY ROSE FAST, Petitioner. x--------------------------------------------x SP. PROC. NO. R-QZN-19-18790-SP

ORDER and NOTICE OF HEARING On December 18, 2019 Petitioner through counsel, filed this verified Petition praying that after due notice, publication and hearing, an order be issued granting the Petition by declaring that petitioner has all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications for acquisition of Philippine citizenship thru naturalization under C.A. 473; and issuing an order that a Naturalization Certificate be issued and that said Naturalization Certificate be registered in the appropriate civil registry. Brieftly, the petitioner alleged that she is a Canadian Citizen, of legal age, single, born in Langley,Canada on 3 September 1996 and presently residing at No. 85B Pingkian 1, Brgy. Pasong Tamo, Tandang Sora, Quezon City; that the petitioner was a resident of 8835-213 Street, Langley, British Columbia, Canada; that she is a daughter of Pastor Michael John Fast and Eva Rose Wiebe who are residing in the Philippines for more than 23 years doing missionary works with the Baptist Conference in the Philippines; that at the age of 3, Petitioner and her family came to reside in the Philippines. They arrived in the Philippines on September 8, 1999 together with her parents who came here in pursuit of their missionary works. They landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on board Japan Airlines with Flight No. JL745 and Petitioner was carrying Passport No. VG891161 issued by the Government of Canada. Such fact is shown at the Certification issued by the Bureau of Immigration; that petitioner holds an Alien Certificate of Registration No. G1906013876TV with SSRN No. 1410EF1209234726 issued by the Philippine Government which is valid until June 25, 2020 and a holder of Canadian Passport No. HM689374 valid until November 15, 2026; that petitioner holds an Alien Certificate of Registration No. G1906013876TV with SRRN No. 1410EF4209234726 issued by the Philippine Government which is valid until June 25, 2020; that having resided in the Philippines at an early age, Petitioner started and completed her schooling in the country and which is detailed as follows: Pre-school – SEATS Preschool – 670 Edsa, Brgy. E. Rodriguez, Cubao, Quezon City; Primary – Gospel Light Christian Academy – Matahimik St., cor. V. Luna, Brgy. Malaya, Quezon City; Secondary – Gospel Light Christian Academy – Matahimik St., cor. V. Luna, Brgy. Malaya, Quezon City; Tertiary – University of the Philippines Diliman – Bachelor of Arts in Film – Magna Cum Laude (2013-2018); that presently, Petitioner is a freelance photographer, videographer and film maker. She is also is the official film maker for the Baptist General Conference of Canada and was assigned in the Philippines to assist the South East Asian Theology Schools, Inc. in filming lecture videos; that in pursuit of her missionary works, Petitioner teaches in Pingkian Kid’s Net (2013 to present). This is a weekly values class for local children from the ages of 3 up to 12 years old. Together with 9 other missionary workers, Petitioner teaches lessons, prepares the activities and cooks snacks for the kids of Pingkian 1 Central, Brgy. Pasong Tamo, Tandang Sora, Quezon City; that she is also a Leader of the Pingkian Youth Ministry (2014-present). This is a weekly gathering wherein around 30 youth of the community come together to discuss the Bible in Pingkian 1, Central, Brgy. Pasong Tamo, Tandang Sora, Quezon City; that she acts as the Secretary of Pingkian 1 Neighbor Youth Association (PINYA) (2013-present) in Pingkian 1 Central, Brgy. Pasong Tamo, Tandang Sora, Quezon City. This is a government-recognized association that promotes community service and involvement of the youth in local events. As a member of PINYA, she is involved in different activities like organizing Christmas presentations, holding workshops, setting up garage sales, street-sweeping, and other community activities; that petitioner likewise, is a Sunday School Teacher of the Metro Manila Bible Community (MMBC) (215-present) in 19 Col. Salgado St., Brgy. West Kamias, Quezon City. This involves teaching Bible stories and values lessons to children every Sunday; that petitioner was a member of the University of the Philippines Cinema Arts Society (UP CAST) (2013-2017) and served as Secretary; that all of the foregoing activities and membership in different organizations establishes the strong tie of the Petitioner with the Filipinos and through such constant association, she can fluently speak in Pilipino/Tagalog, learned to love and embrace the Filipino culture, customs and traditions; and that she has been residing in the Philippines for more than 20 years particularly at the address stated above and has been a law-abiding resident of Barangay Pasong Tamo, Quezon City; that petitioner seeks to acquire Philippine Citizenship thru naturalization under Commonwealth Act No. 473 (C.A. 473) otherwise known as “ An Act to Provide for the Acquisition of Philippine Citizenship by Naturalization; that petitioner has complied with all the other formal and substantial requirements under C.A. 473 for the acquisition of Philippine Citizenship thru naturalization including age and years of residence in the Philippines; that she possesses all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications set forth in C.A. 473; that in the 20 years of petitioner’s stay in the Philippines, she was able to establish and maintain a good reputation among her students, peers, religious group, classmates and within the community; that petitioner has never directly or indirectly disobeyed the Philippine Constitution since she believes in the underlying principles thereof; that neither did she transgressed any laws and regulations for the period of her stay in the Philippines; that since 2013, petitioner serves as the Secretary of Pingkian I Neighbor Youth Association (PINYA) in Pingkian 1 Central, Brgy. Pasong Tamo, Tandang Sora, Quezon City; that not only moderate knowledge of conversational Pilipino Tagalog, Petitioner can speak Pilipino/Tagalog fluently having been raised and lived in the Philippines since age of 3. In fact, her accent and the way she pronounces Tagalog words will let one think or believe that one speaking is Filipina – not a foreign national. She is likewise fluent in English; that she does not defend or teach necessity of violence, personal assault or assassination for the predominance of ideas that she is not a polygamist or believer in the practice of polygamy; that petitioner have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude; that petitioner is not suffering from mental alienation or any incurable contagious disease; that petitioner has socially mingled with Filipinos. Her various missionary activities and membership is different organizations establishes the strong tie of the Petitioner with the Filipinos and through such constant association, she learned to love and embrace the culture, customs, traditions and ideals of Filipinos; that petitioner is a national of Canada which country grants Filipinos the right to become a naturalized citizen or subject thereof; that she believes in the underlying principles of the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and undertakes to preserve and protect the same; that petitioner will continue to reside in the Philippines from the date of filing of this petition up to the time of her acquisition of Philippine Citizenship; and that upon being admitted as Filipino citizen, petitioner will renounce her allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, protectorate, state or sovereignty and particularly to Canada of which she is a citizen at present. NOTICE is hereby given that the instant petition will be heard before this Court sitting at Room 105, Hall of Justice Building, Quezon City on JUNE 7, 2021 at 8:30 in the morning (in-court hearing) at which date and time, all persons interested and concerned may appear and show cause, if any, why the petition should not be granted. Let this Order be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation to be chosen by raffle, the last publication of which shall be at least more than four (4) months before the date of hearing. Petitioner is ordered to serve a copy of the Petition upon the Office of the Solicitor General and the respondents, and to submit proof of service thereof at least ten (10) days prior to the date of scheduled hearing. The respondents and/or any interested person may file opposition thereto within fifteen (15) days from notice of this Order or from the last date of publication of this Order.

a way forward on most issues,” she said, adding that she and EU negotiator Michel Barnier can now see a “narrow path to an agreement”. “But this is now a case of us being so close, and yet being so far away from each other, because two issues still remain outstanding, you know them: a level playing field and the fisheries.”

Manila

Biden seeks firm control of Senate; woos Georgia TODAY

PRESIDENT-ELECT Joe Biden threw his weight behind the Democratic battle for control of the US Senate on Tuesday, as his White House win was finally acknowledged by top Republicans and holdout foreign leaders. Biden flew into Georgia—a southern state he won in an upset against President Donald Trump—to host a rally for two Democratic candidates in runoff races that will determine the Senate’s balance of power. “Honk for your next United States senators Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock,” Biden told the crowd at the drive-in event in Atlanta as he urged voters to turn out in force on January 5. “Send me these two men, and we will control the Senate!” One day after the Electoral College affirmed Biden’s victory, attention shifted to the looming Senate battle—and to the shape of the incoming administration, as Biden also announced he had nominated Pete Buttigieg, a former mayor and presidential rival, as secretary of transportation.

Buttigieg would be the first openly gay person confirmed by the Senate to a presidential cabinet post—in line with Biden’s pledge to usher in the most diverse cabinet ever when he takes office on January 20. And while Trump still refuses to concede—continuing to tweet baseless allegations of mass fraud that have been rejected in dozens of lawsuits—top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell finally broke his silence with a message to the president: it’s over. “The Electoral College has spoken. So today I want to congratulate President-elect Joe Biden,” McConnell said on the Senate floor, adding Americans can also “take pride” that they will have their first female vice president in Kamala Harris. Biden told reporters before flying to Georgia that he had a “good” phone conversation with McConnell, a longtime Senate colleague. “I told him that while we dis- NO MASK. US President-elect Joe Biden removes his facemask as he arrives to deliver remarks on the Electoral college certification at the Queen Theatre in Wilmington, Delaware on December 14, agree on a lot of things, there are 2020. AFP things we can work together on,” Biden said. AFP

HK civil servants told to swear allegiance to gov’t

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given to the public that Cadbury Marketing Services Pty Ltd under the business name Cadbury Confectionery– Philippine Branch has ceased all its business operations on 13 November 2019 per the Board Resolution of its Head Office and has officially begun its winding up procedures. This notice is in compliance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission. (MS-DEC 16, 17, 18,21, 23, 25,28, 29 & 31, 2020)

(MStandard - Dec. 10, 17 & 24, 2020)

HONG KONG civil servants swore a new pledge of allegiance to the government Wednesday in the first ceremony overseen by the city’s leader to enforce greater loyalty in the governing class after last year’s huge democracy protests.

Chief executive Carrie Lam stood before a group of senior officials at a closed-door ceremony for the pledge, which all the finance hub’s 180,000 civil servants will be expected to make in the coming weeks. Those taking the oath

promise to uphold Hong Kong’s mini-constitution and “bear allegiance” to the city and its government. A government spokesperson said the oath-taking would “strengthen the public’s confidence in politicalappointed officials”.

Revised on: July 28, 2004

INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID The Local Government Unit of Catanauan, Quezon, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites suppliers/manufacturers/distributors/ contractors to apply for eligibility and to bid for the hereunder project; NAME OF PROJECT

APPROVED BUDGET FOR THE CONTRACT

SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF BRAND NEW HEAVYEQUIPMENT (BULDOZER) OF LGU CATANAUAN, QUEZON (negotiated procurement)

P 14,500,000.00

LOCATION : CATANAUAN, QUEZON Brief Description: HEAVY EQUIPMENT Source of Fund: SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET NO.3 GENERAL FUND –CAPITAL OUTLAY THE PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS SHOULD BE IN THE INDUSTRY FOR ATLEST THIRTY (30) YEARS PRIOR TO THE BID OPENING. THE BRAND AND MAKE BEING OFFERED BY THE BIDDERS MUST BE IN THE PHILIPPINE MARKET FOR ATLEAST TWENTY FIVE (25) YEARS.

PPA ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 12 - 2020 TO

SUBJECT

BIDDERS OFFERED MACHINE OR EQUIPMENT SHOULD HAVE BUILT IN KOMTRAX.

The Port Managers PMO NCR South PMO-Batangas Concerned Terminal Operators Shipping Line Companies Shippers/Consignees/Customs Brokers Importers/Exporters Others Concerned Prescribed Empty Container Handling Fees for Foreign Empty Containers at the Manila South Harbor, Manila International Container Terminal, and Batangas Port

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) hereby prescribes the empty container handling fees for foreign empty containers at the Manila South Harbor (SH), Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), and Batangas Port. 1.

The complete schedule of activities is listed, as follows:

Article IV, Section 6 b), (ix) of Presidential Decree No. 857, as amended or the Revised Charter of Philippine Ports Authority

PPA Administrative Order No. 11-2020

PPA Board Resolution No. 2986

Activities 1. Publication 2. Submission of Letter of Intent and Issuance of Bid Document 3. Opening of Bids

PRESCRIBED EMPTY CONTAINER HANDLING FEES FOR FOREIGN EMPTY CONTAINERS AT MANILA SH, MICT AND BATANGAS PORT

Container Size

Empty Container Handling Fees (PhP) Import

Export

20-footer

1,400.00

40-footer

2,800.00

45-footer

3,150.00

4. Bid Evaluation & Post-Qualification 5. Notice of Award

Schedule 12 December 2020 14- 21 December 2020 8:00am to 5:00pm 21 December 2020, 1:00pm, Conference Room, Mun. Bldg. 22 December 2020 23 December 2020

Bid Documents will be available only to prospective bidders upon payment of a non-refundable amount in form of cash at the Office of Municipal Treasurer of Catanauan, Quezon. The cost of bidding Documents shall correspond to the ABC range as indicated in the table below. This shall be the maximum amount of fee that procuring entities can set for the acquisition of bidding documents Approved Budget for the Contract

Maximum Cost of Bidding Documents 500,00 1,000.00 5,000.00 10,000.00 25,000.00 50,000.00 75,000.00

EFFECTIVITY

500,000.00 and below More than 500,000 up to 1 Million More than 1 Million up to 5 Million More than 5 Million up to 10 Million More than 10 Million up to 50 Million More than 50 Million up to 500 Million More than 500 Million

This Order shall take effect after 15 calendar days following the completion of its publication in a newspaper of general circulation and a copy submitted to the UP Law Center.

The Local Government Unit of Catanauan, Quezon assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of the bid.

REPEALING CLAUSE All PPA orders, circulars, and other issuances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

ALL PARTICULARS RELATIVE TO ELIGIBILITY STATEMENT AND SCREENING, BID SECURITY, PERFORMANCE SECURITY, PRE-BIDDING CONFERENCE/S, EVALUATION OF BIDS, POST QUALIFICATION AND AWARD OF CONTRACT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE PERTINENT PROVISIONS OF R.A. 9184 AND ITS IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS (IRR).

For services rendered on foreign empty containers within the terminal at the Manila SH, MICT, and Batangas Port, the following empty container handling fees shall be collected:

PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS SHOULD HAVE EXPERIENCE IN UNDERTAKING A SIMILAR PROJECT WITHIN THE LAST 2 YEARS, WITH AN AMOUNT OF AT LEAST 50% OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT FOR BIDDING. THE ELIGIBILITY CHECK/SCREENING AS WELL AS THE PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF BIDS SHALL USE NONDISCRETIONARY “PASS/FAIL” CRITERIA. POST-QUALIFICATION OF THE LOWEST CALCULATED BID SHALL BE CONDUCTED

LEGAL BASES

SO ORDERED.

cc: Atty. LELAND R. LOPEZ Counsel for the Petitioner Block 5, Lot 14, Sampaguita St., Palmera Homes Phase II, Brgy. Sta. Monica, Novaliches, Quezon City EMILY ROSE FAST Petitioner No. 85B Pingkian I, Brgy. Pasong Tamo, Tandang Sora, Quezon City Office of the Solicitor General No. 134 Amorsolo Street Legaspi Village, Makati City Local Civil Registrar Quezon City National Statistics Office East Avenue, Quezon City City Prosecutor’s Office 4th Floor, Quezon City Hall of Justice Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION and DEPORTATION Port Area, Intramuros, Manila

sume full control over access to its waters. EU member states are holding out to preserve quotas for their crews fishing in UK waters and they want a long-term arrangement to provide stability. Britain has so far only offered reduced access and annual quota renegotiations. “On fisheries, the discussion is still very difficult,” von der Leyen said. AFP

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The Court further orders counsel and petitioner to submit their email addresses within 15 calendar days from receipt hereof and/or send in advance to the official email of the courtindicated below. Given this 23rd day of September 2020 at Quezon City, Metro Manila. (Sgd.) HON. LUISITO G. CORTEZ Presiding Judge

Von der Leyen said that Barnier and his UK counterpart David Frost had made progress towards resolving rules for state aid to businesses and that the ways the deal will be governed “by now are largely being resolved.” But she was pessimistic on fish. Britain is insisting that when it leaves the EU single market at the end of the year it will re-

Approved by: Sgd. JOVINIANO OJI P. DE LA CRUZ MPDCO BAC Chairman

JAY DANIEL R. SANTIAGO General Manager (MS-DEC. 17, 2020)

(MS-DEC. 17, 2020)

Civil servants were one of the groups that took to the streets in large numbers last year calling for greater democracy and police accountability. Tens of thousands joined one rally that was expressly organized by civil servants -- some of whom posted anonymized ID cards online as a way to signal their support for the movement -- a move that infuriated Beijing. China’s authoritarian leaders dismissed the protests and have overseen a widespread crackdown on dissent in the city this year. It imposed a sweeping security law on the territory in June and has called for patriotism and loyalty to be installed across Hong Kong society. The pledges are part of that drive. The city’s civil service minister has warned those who refused to take an oath of loyalty or sign similar declarations could lose their jobs. Authorities argue civil servants have to abide by political neutrality rules and should not have joined last year’s protests. Local media reported other ranks of civil servants will be asked to sign declarations of loyalty and the whole process is expected to be completed next month. All new hires within the civil service already have to sign a mandatory loyalty pledge. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

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Business

TODAY

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market rallies; URC, Metro Pacific advance T TOP GAINERS PSEi December 16, 2020

KEP

LAST PRICE 3.98

% CHANGE CHANGE 0.92 30.07%

2 3 4

ION I MAB

1.43 1.6 0.012

0.28 0.29 0.002

24.35% 22.14% 20.00%

5 6 7

PHA BSC BMM

1.17 0.435 79

0.18 0.05 8.6

18.18% 12.99% 12.22%

8 9 10

KPH PA FPHPC

5.5 3.85 550

0.55 0.36 50

11.11% 10.32% 10.00%

HE stock market rose Wednesday on strong remittance earnings that will fuel household spending, and record level of gross international reserves.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index jumped 71.97 points, or 1 percent, to 7,299.70 on a value turnover P9.3 billion. Gainers beat losers, 133 to 90, with 47 issues unchanged. Money sent home by Filipinos working overseas increased 2.9 percent in October to $2.747 billion from $2.671 billion a year ago, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said

Tuesday. The country’s gross international reserves, meanwhile, added $710 million in November to a record $104.51 billion from $103.80 billion in October. Universal Robina Corp., the biggest snack food maker, climbed 2.9 percent to P158.50, while conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp. advanced 2.6 percent to P4.40. SM Investments Corp. of the Sy Group rose 2.4 percent to P1,075, but Megawide Construction Corp. fell 4.3 percent to P8.70 after it and foreign partner GMR Infrastructure Limited of India lost its original proponent status to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The rest of Asian markets, meanwhile, rose on Wednesday thanks to

US stimulus talks, Brexit hopes and COVID-19 vaccine rollouts, but a surge in virus cases and lockdown measures continued to cause a tug-ofwar between long-term optimism and near-term pain. After months of stuttering talks between lawmakers in Washington, there appear to be signs of progress on a new rescue package for the world’s top economy as they discuss a bipartisan package. High-level politicians from both sides remain locked in talks to resolve their differences before the end of the year, when millions of Americans could lose crucial support. The lawmakers are working on a plan that strips out two contentious issues that had kept Democrats and Re-

publicans from making a deal, while they are also looking to tie any new package in the passage of a so-called omnibus bill to keep the government funded. “We’re making significant progress and I’m optimistic that we’re gonna be able to complete an understanding sometime soon,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said after late-night talks Tuesday. “Everybody wants to get a final agreement as soon as possible.” Hopes for a breakthrough helped fire a rally on Wall Street on Tuesday, with all three main indexes ending more than one percent higher. That helped Asia to post healthy gains, helping pare losses following a weak start to the week. With AFP

TOP LOSERS 1

TFC

LAST PRICE 40.15

% CHANGE CHANGE -4.35 -9.78%

2 3 4

AB OPM OPMB

9.01 0.013 0.013

-0.82 -0.001 -0.001

-8.34% -7.14% -7.14%

5 6 7 8 9 10

AR MB PTC FAF HI V

0.0028 0.435 97.1 0.61 4.23 1.04

-0.0002 -0.03 -6.6 -0.04 -0.25 -0.06

-6.67% -6.45% -6.36% -6.15% -5.58% -5.45%

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

BDO SM PHA SMPH AR TEL MBT ICT RLC JFC

VOLUME 5,080,120 359,920 307,708,000 8,773,800 109,812,000,000 240,680 6,432,800 1,835,310 10,294,000 1,027,020

VALUE (PHP) 580,478,540.00 382,006,920.00 342,114,800.00 336,907,430.00 330,159,900.00 323,722,670.00 322,647,675.00 227,631,378.00 219,647,065.00 212,770,478.00

Lab-grown meat to make historic Singapore debut SINGAPORE—Lab-grown chicken meat will make its debut at a Singapore restaurant in a culinary first this weekend after the company behind the product announced its inaugural sale Wednesday. US start-up Eat Just said earlier this month that its product had been approved for sale in the city-state as an ingredient in chicken nuggets after Singapore became the first country to allow meat created without slaughtering any animals to be sold. Consumption of animals is an environmental threat as cattle produce potent greenhouse gas methane, while logging to create pastures destroys natural barriers against climate change. On Wednesday, the company said it had made its first commercial sale of the product to 1880, a restaurant in Robertson Quay, a posh riverside entertainment center. Eat Just chief executive Josh Tetrick said the news “moves us closer to a world where the majority of meat we eat will not require tearing down a single forest, displacing a single animal’s habitat or using a single drop of antibiotics.” The restaurant will start serving it from Saturday, the company said. Three cultured chicken dishes will be served, “each bite influenced by a top chickenproducing country in the world: China, Brazil and the United States”, the statement added. “This is a very exciting collaboration for me,” said Colin Buchan, the restaurant’s executive chef who used to cook for footballer David Beckham. “I think people are going to love it.” Demand for sustainable meat alternatives is rising due to growing pressure from consumers about the environment and animal welfare, but other products in the market are plant-based. Meat consumption is projected to increase more than 70 percent by 2050, and lab-grown alternatives have a role to play in ensuring a secure food supply, the company said. There were concerns that lab-grown varieties would be too expensive, but a spokesman for Eat Just said the company had made “considerable progress” in lowering the cost. Singapore, the high-tech city-state, has become a hub for the development of sustainable foods, with start-ups producing goods ranging from lab-grown “seafood” to dumplings made with tropical fruit instead of pork. AFP

PPA ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 13 - 2020

LAST DAY OF SHOPPING. People crowd the main shopping street “Zeil” in the city center of Frankfurt am Main on December 15, 2020, on the last day of shopping before a partial lockdown to curb the spread of the ongoing novel COVID-19 pandemic. Germany will go into a partial lockdown from December 16 with non-essential shops and schools to close, as Europe’s biggest economy battles to halt an “exponential growth” in coronavirus infections. The new curbs will apply until January 10, 2021, with companies also urged to allow employees to work from home or offer extended company holidays, under the new measures agreed by Chancellor Merkel with regional leaders of Germany’s 16 states on December 13. AFP

All Port Managers Terminal Operators Cargo Handling Operators Shipping Lines Companies Shippers/Consignees/Customs Brokers Importers/Exporters Others Concerned

SUBJECT

Prescribed Storage Fees for Out-of-Gauge Containers at the Manila South Harbor, Manila International Container Terminal, and Batangas Port

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) hereby prescribes the storage fees for Out-of-Gauge (OOG) containers at the Manila South Harbor (SH), Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), and Batangas Port 1.

LEGAL BASES a)

Article IV, Section 6 b), (ix) of Presidential Decree No. 857, as amended or the Revised Charter of Philippine Ports Authority. PPA Board Resolution No. 2984

b) 2.

OBJECTIVE To prescribe storage fees for OOG containers at the Manila SH, MICT, and Batangas Port.

COVERAGE This Order shall cover the OOG containers stored at the Manila SH, MICT, and Batangas Port.

PPA ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 11 - 2020 TO

SUBJECT

For purposes of this Order, the following terms shall be understood to mean, as indicated:

All Port Managers Terminal Operators Cargo Handling Operators Shipping Lines Companies Shippers/Consignees/Customs Brokers Importers/Exporters Others Concerned Guidelines in Handling Foreign Empty Containers in the Terminals at the Manila South Harbor, Manila International Container Terminal, and Batangas Port

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) hereby prescribes the guidelines in handling foreign empty containers in the terminals at the Manila South Harbor (SH), Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), and Batangas Port. 1.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Article IV, Section 6 a), (iii) of Presidential Decree No. 857, as amended or the Revised Charter of Philippine Ports Authority.

PPA Board Resolution No. 2985.

Out-of-Gauge (OOG) Container – refers to either a flatrack or open top container laden with a cargo that exceed the dimensions of a standard ISO container by height, width or length and thus cannot be shipped using a closed ISO container.

Storage – the storing of containers, bulk, and break bulk cargoes in all storage areas at the port.

Storage Fee – is the amount assessed for storing containers, bulk, and break-bulk cargoes in all storage areas at the port.

PRESCRIBED STORAGE FEES FOR OOG CONTAINERS The following storage fees shall be charged to OOG containers:

LEGAL BASES a)

Commencing January 1, 2021 1.

OBJECTIVES a)

To prescribe fees for handling foreign empty containers in the abovementioned terminals.

To provide compensation for services rendered by the terminal/cargo handling operators in handling foreign empty containers in the abovementioned terminals.

Imported OOG 20-footer 40-footer

COVERAGE This Order shall cover the handling of foreign empty containers in the terminals at the Manila SH, MICT, and Batangas Port.

For purposes of this Order, the following terms shall be understood to mean, as indicated: a) b)

Cargo – goods, merchandise, equipment, assets, or items loaded on board a ship to be carried to a certain port using cargo-handling equipment. Container – also known as ISO container that is manufactured per specifications of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and used for intermodal transport of freight. Containers are generally of either 20 or 40/45 feet in standard length, closed on all six (6) sides and are handled in the port either as laden (with load) or empty containers.

Empty Container – a container that has no payload nor contents handled in a port using cargo-handling equipment.

Empty Container Handling – refers to movement of empty containers within the terminal, except stevedoring services.

Empty Container Handling Fee – a charge for handling empty containers within the terminal.

Stevedoring – refers to all work performed on all cargoes (including containers) on board a vessel.

Terminal – refers to quay, yards, warehouses, gates, other structures, equipment, and facilities for storage of cargo or containers.

1,925.20

2,117.72

1,155.12 2,310.24

26th–30th day

(In PhP) 1,251.38

1,347.64

2,502.76

20-footer

120.30

240.60

264.66

40-footer

240.60

481.20

529.32

16th-20th day

26th– 30th day

31st day & Beyond

288.72

312.78

336.84

360.90

577.44

625.56

673.68

721.80

(In PhP)

Commencing January 1, 2022 Onwards 1.

Storage Fees for Imported OOG Containers after the FSP of Five (5) Days

6th-10th day

11th–15th day

16th-20th day

20-footer

1,443.90

1,588.29

1,732.68

40-footer

2,887.80

3,176.58

3,465.36

Imported OOG

2. Exported OOG

21st -25th day

26th–30th day

31st day & Beyond

(In PhP) 1,877.07

2,021.46

2,165.85

3,754.14

4,042.92

4,331.70

Storage Fees for Exported OOG Containers after the FSP of Four (4) Days

5th - 6th day

6th10th day

11th– 15th day

16th20th day (In PhP)

21st -25th day

26th– 30th day

31st day & Beyond

505.26

541.35

1,010.52

1,082.70

180.45

360.90

396.99

433.08

469.17

40-footer

360.90

721.80

793.98

866.16

938.34

JAY DANIEL R. SANTIAGO General Manager

ADJUSTMENT OF STORAGE FEES FOR OOG CONTAINERS Any adjustment of the storage fees for OOG containers shall follow the adjustment methodology and formula prescribed by the PPA.

REPEALING AND SEPARABILITY CLAUSE

REPEALING AND SEPARABILITY CLAUSE All issuances thereof inconsistent herewith are deemed repealed or modified accordingly. If any part of this Order is declared unconstitutional or invalid by competent judicial authority, the other parts of this Order shall not be affected and shall continue to be in full force and effect.

This Order shall take effect after 15 calendar days following the completion of its publication in a newspaper of general circulation and a copy submitted to the UP Law Center.

2,887.80

21st -25th day

20-footer

EFFECTIVITY

1,443.90

2,695.28

FEES FOR HANDLING FOREIGN EMPTY CONTAINERS IN THE TERMINAL

ADJUSTMENT OF FEES FOR HANDLING FOREIGN EMPTY CONTAINERS IN THE TERMINAL

31st day & Beyond

Storage Fees for Exported OOG Containers after the FSP of Four (4) Days 11th–15th day

All issuances thereof inconsistent herewith are deemed repealed or modified accordingly. If any part of this Order is declared unconstitutional or invalid by competent judicial authority, the other parts of this Order shall not be affected and shall continue to be in full force and effect. 9.

1,058.86

21st -25th day

The handling of empty containers in the terminal includes the receiving, handling, and stowing of empty containers from container yards outside the terminal or a direct return from the consignee warehouse and moving empty containers from storage areas within the terminal.

Any adjustment of fees for handling empty containers in the terminal shall follow the adjustment methodology and formula of the PPA. 8.

962.60

16th-20th day

6th-10th day

HANDLING OF FOREIGN EMPTY CONTAINERS IN THE TERMINAL

For purposes of the terminal services rendered in handling foreign empty containers, the PPA shall prescribe the fees thereof in a separate Administrative Order. 7.

11th–15th day

5th - 6th day

Exported OOG

Container Handling – includes handling of containers, either laden or empty, loaded unto or discharged from a ship; received and stored in designated cargo laydown areas, warehouses, or yards.

6th-10th day

APPLICABLE TERMS

Storage Fees for Imported OOG Containers after Free Storage Period (FSP) of Five (5) Days

EFFECTIVITY This Order shall take effect after 15 calendar days following the completion of its publication in a newspaper of general circulation and a copy submitted to the UP Law Center.

JAY DANIEL R. SANTIAGO General Manager (MS-DEC. 17, 2020)

(MS-DEC. 17, 2020)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

PSE INDEX CLOSING

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 71.97 PTS. 7,299.70

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

117,642,793,500 164,083 9,314,159,198.05 133 90 47

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.0590

Japan

Yen

0.009647

0.4636

Pound

1.346400

64.7066

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129007

6.1999

Switzerland

Franc

1.129178

54.2672

Canada

Dollar

0.787588

37.8507

Singapore

Dollar

0.750694

36.0776

Australia

Dollar

0.755700

36.3182

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655055

127.5993

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266581

12.8116

Brunei

Dollar

0.747887

35.9427

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000071

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.033289

1.5998

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.0851

Euro

1.215500

58.4157

Korea

Won

0.000918

0.0441

China

Yuan

0.152929

7.3496

India

Rupee

0.013595

0.6534

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.246792

11.8606

New Zealand

Dollar

0.708700

34.0594

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035556

1.7088 Source: BSP

Ayala Corp. announces key organizational changes in 2021

Business ADB commits $9.4b in loans to PH in the next three years By Julito G. Rada

HE Asian Development Bank said Wednesday it will scale up lending support to more than $9 billion for the Philippines’ infrastructure, health and job recovery from 2021 to 2023.

It said in a statement sovereign lending to the Philippines was expected to reach $9.4 billion (about P451.2 billion) between 2021 and 2023, with at least two-thirds going to infrastructure, health and employment recovery to help the government revitalize the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Philippines’ Country Operations Business Plan 20212023 will support government programs and policies designed to repair damage to the business sector and labor market, accelerate economic recovery and expand access to public health services, it said. “We have designed our new Country Operations Business Plan to help the Philippines overcome the socioeconomic impact of the pandemic. We are focusing on infrastructure projects that have large employment multipliers and support long-term economic growth through improved connectivity,” ADB vice president Ahmed Saeed said. “Our Country Operations Business Plan is taking an inte-

grated approach to business and employment recovery over the next three years through a combination of programs and projects supporting structural reforms to the business sector, facilitating youth employment and upgrading skills development in the workplace,” said ADB country director for the Philippines Kelly Bird. More than 52 percent of the sovereign lending will support transportation projects such as railways, roads and bridges. About 12 percent of ADB’s financing will help the government expand the public health system through the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act. The rest of ADB’s lending will support environmentally sustainable urban development projects in Palawan province, which is located in the Philippines’ southwest; expand social protection; and boost agriculture competitiveness, public sector management, and capital market development. Nearly half of ADB’s lending program in 2021, or $1.75 billion, will fund the first tranche of the South Commuter Railway Project, which is part of the North-South Commuter Railway system—the biggest infrastructure project under the Philippine government’s “Build, Build, Build” program. Once completed, the 53-kilometer South Commuter Railway will connect Metro Manila with areas south of the capital, such as Calamba in Laguna province.

By Jenniffer B. Austria AYALA Corp., the country’s oldest conglomerate, announced Wednesday key organizational changes within the group that will take effect next year. The conglomerate said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its board of directors approved the nomination of Jose Teodoro Limcaoco to succeed Cezar Consing as president and chief executive of banking unit Bank of the Philippine Islands. Limcaoco will succeed Consing after the BPI stockholders’ meeting set for April 22, 2021. “The Ayala group of companies is very fortunate to have a deep bench and succession pathways for colleagues who epitomize our values and exhibit potential beyond their current roles,” Ayala Corp. chairman and chief executive Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala said. “TG is an outstanding and valued leader in our group. His deep background in banking and finance, innovation and digitalization, risk management and ESG and the strong alliances he has forged have been indispensable to Ayala Corp. in the last few years and especially during the crisis of 2020. Going forward, these strengths of TG will be invaluable in ensuring continued success for BPI as the country and the world transition from crisis to recovery,” Zobel de Ayala said. Limcaoco is the chief finance officer, chief risk officer and chief sustainability officer of Ayala Corp. He will be succeeded by Alberto de Larrazabal effective April 23, 2021. De Larrazabal joined Globe Telecom Inc., the telecom unit of Ayala group, in June 2006 as head of its treasury division overseeing treasury, tax and insurance operations. He was promoted to the role of chief financial officer and treasurer in 2010 and did exceptionally well as CFO. He was elevated to a newly created role of chief commercial officer in November 2015 to oversee all customer facing units and growing revenues across all products and service groups. Ayala Corp. said de Larrazabal brings to the company a wealth of expertise in finance, treasury, risk and commercial operations at the holding company level. Prior to joining Globe in 2006, he was chief finance officer of San Miguel Corp., capping over 18 years across all major finance functions at SMC. “We are excited at the prospect of having Albert move from Globe to join Ayala Corp. in April 2021. His proven business acumen, leadership and ability to navigate in a complex conglomerate setting will be crucial as we steer through and beyond the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead,” Zobel de Ayala said. With Darwin G. Amojelar

November auto sales down 33% to 24,162 units By Othel V. Campos VEHICLE sales fell by a third in November from a year ago on lingering impact of the pandemic and the flooding caused by successive typhoons in Luzon last month. The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association said in a joint report some 24,162 vehicles were sold in November, down from 34,465 units delivered in the same month last year. Passenger car sales dropped 18.4 percent in November to 7,790 units from 9,551 units a year ago, while commercial vehicles dropped 38.3 percent to 15,372 units from 24,914 units. Sales in the 11-month period also plunged 41.6 percent to 196,197 units from 336,226 units. Demand for passenger cars slumped 39.1 percent to 60,957 units from 99,951 units, while commercial vehicle sales retreated 41.7 percent to 135,349 units from 235,275 units. CAMPI president Rommel Gutierrez said month-on-month vehicle sales also went down by 7.4 percent from 25,053 units sold in October. Gutierrez said the downturn was partly due to the consecutive typhoons that affected the regions of Bicol, Central Luzon and National Capital Region which reversed the recovery trend of the industry. Cumulative sales from these regions declined by 8.3 percent in November from the previous month. “We remain optimistic in sustaining this level of sales performance for this month, which is critical for the industry to achieve its sales forecast,” Gutierrez said. Month-on-month sales of passenger cars went down by 13.33 percent to 7,790 units from 8,988 units while commercial vehicle sales declined by 4.1 percent to 15,372 from 16,035 units.

IN BRIEF SMC Global issues $350-m securities

INAUGURAL CALL. Pakistan International Container Terminal, a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Inc., welcomes the inaugural call of the China India West Coast X-PRESS service at the Port of Karachi. Operated by Xpress Feeders, KMTC and T.S. Lines, the fixed-day weekly service made its first call at PICT on Nov. 18 with the arrival of the 5,470-TEU MV Barbara –one of the six vessels deployed to the service. The CWX service offers a fast and direct connection between Central China and India West Coast/Pakistan.

Agriculture lifts temporary ban on poultry imports from Brazil after rules compliance THE Department of Agriculture said Wednesday it lifted the temporary ban on imported poultry products from Brazil after documents provided by the Brazilian government provided sufficient evidence needed to resume exports to the Philippines. Based on a memorandum order issued Dec. 14, 2020, the Philippines nullified Memorandum Order No. 39 Series of 2020 that subjected all Brazilian poultry exports to the Philippines to temporary ban. Agriculture Secretary William Dar ordered the resumption of poultry imports from Brazil, in accordance with existing rules and regulations of the DA and the Bureau of Animal Industry. Dar said Brazil proved that safety protocols adopted by the different accredited Brazilian foreign meat establishments were equivalent to the guidelines established by the Philippines relative to the mitigating measures against COVID-19 in local meat establishments.

SECURITY BANK AWARD. Asiamoney,

one of the world’s most trusted financial publications, recognizes Security Bank Corp. for championing women in the workplace. Security Bank ranked highest among Asian banks and Philippine banks in terms of the number of women in senior management positions, with 58 percent of women employees holding senior positions. Security Bank also ranked second in the country and fifth in Asia, with 68 percent of the total workforce being women. SBC executive vice president and head of retail banking segment Maki Tingson (shown above) says the bank values diversity and inclusivity in the organization.

“Based on the relevant information submitted by Brazil, there is satisfactory evidence to show that food safety measures in compliance to good manufacturing practices are primarily considered in the daily operation of FMEs,” Dar said. Brazil earlier warned that it would file a trade complaint before the World Trade Organization over the Philippines’ “unjustified” restriction on poultry imports from the said country. The Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil questioned the two memorandum orders issued by the Department of Agriculture restricting poultry imports from Brazil. “Since such an unjustified and undue barrier has not been lifted so far, Brazil is determined to resort to the appropriate multilateral fora, including the filing of ‘Specific Trade Concerns’ to the detriment of the Philippines at the WTO, anchored by the guidelines recommended by that organization,” the Brazilian Embassy said in the letter. Othel V. Campos

WESM sees power rates declining until January next year By Alena Mae S. Flores PRICES at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, the country’s trading floor of electricity, are expected to continue their downtrend until January, executives said Wednesday. John Paul Grayda, manager for pricing validation and analysis of the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines, said market prices settled below P2 per kilowatthour in the past two months. IEMOP is the operator of the WESM where prices continued to drop in December as ample generation supply and colder weather persisted and the government extended the community quarantine. “For January, we expect the trend to continue,” Grayda said. He said WESM prices, which move depending on market demand, would also be affected by the availability of the vaccine and the expected relaxation of quarantine protocols next year. “It will have an impact on the level of supply and demand. It will have an impact on prices,” Grayda said. IEMOP data showed that the price downtrend began in October despite the forced and planned outages caused by Typhoon Quinta on Oct. 27 to 28. The consecutive typhoons in November had a significant impact on the market results including the decline in demand and supply on Nov. 1 to 3 caused by the passage of Typhoon Rolly. This was succeeded by the declaration of market intervention, followed by the imposition of market suspension on Nov. 12 to 13 because of Typhoon Ulysses. IEMOP said it administered prices in Luzon for the affected intervals. Aside from this, system demand dipped during the celebration of Bonifacio Day on Nov. 30.

SMC Global Power Holdings Corp., the power unit of San Miguel Corp., issued $350 million of senior perpetual capital securities with an initial yearly rate of seven percent. SMC Global disclosed to Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. the securities issued on December 15, obtained an approval in-principle from Securities Exchange Securities Trading Ltd. to list the additional securities. The securities are expected to be admitted to the official list of the SGX-ST on December 16. “The net proceeds of the additional securities will be used and applied by the corporation primarily for the repurchase, refinancing and/ or redemption of existing undated subordinated capital securities, for investments in liquefied natural gas facilities and related assets or for general corporate purposes,” the company said. Early this month, the board of SMC Global approved the issuance of additional undated senior perpetual capital securities of at least $300 million, with the the amount dependent on other factors, subject to prevailing market conditions. Alena Mae S. Flores

HARI chief Agudo backs digital solutions

HYUNDAI Asia Resources, Inc. president and chief executive officer Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said the Korean automotive firm will continue to embrace digital solutions to stay close to customers. Agudo during the opening of Manila International Auto Show Wired 2020 (MIAS Wired 2020) on Wednesday stressed Hyundai’s value offerings to help customers and the nation in their mobility needs, be it personal or business. “Despite this unprecedented times, Hyundai has gone all out to give its customers, safe and better journeys, as they navigate the challenges of the new normal,” she said. Hyundai during the four-day auto show, with the theme CONNEXT, will showcase its proud portfolio of vehicles. “The theme CONNEXT is only fitting because Hyundai has forged deep ties with Filipino consumers through its impressive line-up of vehicles and services. I am proud to say that thousands of Filipinos start their daily journeys with a Hyundai. Also, the theme underscores the digital revolution happening in HARI and the entire industry. Through MIAS WIRED 2020, we will be able to reach out to more customers despite the distance and physical barriers. Our journey continues,” Agudo said. Othel B. Campos

Fruitas sells 25 million shares to big investor

FRUITAS Holdings Inc., the listed food and beverage kiosk operator, said it sold 25 million shares to a high-net worth investor at a premium price of P2 per share. Fruitas in a disclosure to the stock exchange said Jefferson Ngo, belonging to the family behind Solanda Enterprises which also owns the JT Centrale community mall in Sta. Cruz, Manila, acquired 25 million shares in the company for P50 million. The P2 per share acquisition price is a 20.5-percent premium to the closing price on December 15. Fruitas president and chief executive Lester Yu, through his controlled company Lush Properties Inc., sold 25 million shares to Ngo. Following the disclosure, Fruitas on Wednesday rose 5.4 percent to close at P1.75 apiece. Ngo has been a stock investor for quite some time, especially in the US markets where he invests in blue chips stocks. Fruitas is the first Philippine company where he will take a significant position. Jenniffer B. Austria

Sports

Sotto, Ignite teammates learn lesson from veterans

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

By Peter Atencio FILIPINO center Kai Sotto and his teammates learned great lessons after he chipped in five points and five rebounds during Team Ignite’s scrimmage against a group of National Basketball Association GLeague veterans. Coach Brian Shaw said this after Team Ignite lost to the veterans, who came away with a 113-107 victory on Tuesday afternoon in Walnut Creek, California. “We concentrated on making these guys trust each other, and that they don’t have to do it all by themselves. They’re doing a great job at that,” said Shaw on Zoom during a post-scrimmage huddle with scribes, made possible by NBA Philippines. The 7’2” Sotto added two blocks to his stat line, along with two turnovers to the game, which saw London Perrantes and DJ Hoggs leading the vets with 18 points apiece. “I would say Kai Sotto made some great plays on the defensive end,” said Shaw. The squad composed of top prospects for the coming or future rookie drafts of the NBA, got big plays from Jonathan Kuminga and Jalen Green. Kuminga, a 6’8” forward from Congo and among the top 10 rookie draft prospects, had 26 points, making 11 of his 15 shots, to go with eight rebounds. Green, a Fil-American guard seen as one of the hottest recruits in the NBA Draft 2021, added 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting, to go with seven boards. In this game, Shaw explained that the coaching staff did not focus on the ball handlers. “We tried to make things equal since there are five players on the floor, and with only one having the ball at a time. That means, the other four have to be playing 80 percent of the time without the ball. That’s what we’re concentrating on. That 80 percent, who don’t have the ball,” added Shaw. The players were taught to set teammates up for screens and make the right moves afterwards. Shaw said Green and Kuminga played well in this game, as well as Sotto in defense, and Isaiah Todd, who brought energy to their plays. Team Ignite went on to practice with NBA veterans, that included Jeremy Lin.

Eumir Felix Marcial (right) and MP Promotions’ president hold the Philippine flag.

Marcial plunges into 1 pro fight, but goal’s still Olympics st

UMIR Felix Marcial admitted he is feeling some pressure a day before he makes his highlyanticipated ring return. But the thought of winning his upcoming fight as a birthday gift to his promoter Manny Pacquiao is helping Marcial loosen up a bit. The Zamboanga-native Marcial will face American Andrew Whitfield in a four-round battle Thursday morning (Manila time), which will be the Filipino’s first official professional bout to be held at the Shrine Exposition Center in Los Angeles, California. “Dagdag motivation din ito kasi sakto pa na birthday ni senator Manny dyan sa Pilipinas habang lumalaban ako dito. Ito na muna siguro ang

magandang regalo ko kay senator habang nandito ako sa US,” said Marcial, who is training under Freddie Roach as a preparation for the Tokyo Olympics next year. Pacquiao will be tur ning 42 on Thursday, December 17. Last July, Marcial signed a promotional deal with Pacquiao’s MP Promotions after giving his assurance to the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines and the Philippine Sports Commission that he will still pursue his Olympic campaign no matter what. The Olympics already opened its doors to professional boxers starting in the 2016 Rio Games. Marcial qualified to the Tokyo Games after winning the gold medal during the Asia-Oceania Olympic Qualifying Tournament last March in Amman, Jordan. He has since been idle until he

decided to sign up with MP Promotions, which immediately gave him a chance to train with Roach starting last October. “Lahat ng ito, preparation para sa Olympics. Kahit na professional na itong laban ko, lahat ng kasama ko ngayon, si coach Freddie, coach Marvin (Somodio), coach Justin (Fortune), Sir (MPP President) Sean (Gibbons), ang nasa isip namin lahat Olympics,” said Marcial. During the weigh-in one day before the fight, Marcial registered 162.4lbs, while Whitfield came in at 165.8lbs. The contracted weight is 163lbs. “The real key is to focus on the Olympics, but to get an experience by having a couple of four rounders, six rounders under his belt because all of the guys he is going to compete against (in the Olympics) are fighting in tournaments or turning pro,” Gibbons said.

Kim: US Open golf’s masked marauder HONG KONG—In this coronavirus-ravaged sporting year, it was somehow fitting that golf’s final major champion of 2020 holed the winning putt wearing a mask as well as, we assume, a smile. That everyone watching could see Kim A-lim’s eyes light up after a remarkable run of three straight birdies to win the US Women’s Open was just as well because the rest of her face was covered, as it had been all week. While golfers in masks have become a familiar sight on the Korean LPGA Tour, where the 25-yearold plies her trade, it was a more arresting image in the bio-secure ‘bubble’ of a major, where most players choose not to don face coverings. Kim, in her maiden appearance in a US Open, explained afterwards that she just wanted to protect herself and others. “I’m kind of used to it,” Kim told reporters through an interpreter. “I’m OK to get positive tests for Covid-19, but I don’t want to affect other people, players, a caddie that’s playing within the group, so that’s the reason I wear the mask throughout the round.” Most of the few players who did wear masks were from Asia, including fellow Korean and defending champion, Lee6 Jeong-eun. Kim did remove her mask for pictures with the trophy, finally revealing the beaming grin that everyone wanted to see from a first-time major champion. Lee to Ryder again? After Lee Westwood rolled back the years to win

the Race to Dubai on Sunday, two decades on from first being crowned the European Tour’s number one, the 47-year-old set his sights making the Ryder Cup team for an 11th time. Being able to defy a creaking back, lack of practice and a Covid-affected season have all whetted the appetite of the popular Westwood for another crack at the Americans as part of Padraig Harrington’s European team at Whistling Straits in September. Westwood was a vice-captain to Thomas Bjorn in France in 2018 but it was clear—after finishing runnerup to Matt Fitzpatrick at the DP World Tour Championship to win his third European crown —that he wants to be back inside the ropes next year. “I’d love to play the Ryder Cup again obviously,” said Westwood, who is still a regular winner on tour and continues to feature near the top of the leaderboard in majors. “It beats watching. There’s obviously a lot less pressure watching the lads being vice-captain,” said Westwood, who won the Abu Dhabi Championship against a world-class international field in January, finished 13th in this year’s US Open and tied fourth in last year’s British Open. “I can still turn up to the biggest tournaments and compete as I proved at the start of the year in Abu Dhabi and at the US Open, where I bogeyed the last two holes and if I hadn’t, I’d have finished fifth. “If I qualify for the team, then I’m clearly good enough, and that’s the way I’m going to play it.”

With IATF nod, training camp for athletics set

Kim A-Lim of Korea celebrates after making a birdie on the 18th green during the continuation of the final round of the 75th US Women’s Open Championship at Champions Golf Club Cypress Creek Course in Houston, Texas. AFP

A quip off the old block Charlie Woods may only be 11 years old, but according to world number three Justin Thomas he’s as good as his illustrious father, Tiger, when it comes to trash talking on the course. Justin and his father will lock horns with Tiger and son at this weekend’s PNC Championship over 36 holes in Florida, where top pros team up with a family member. AFP

Pangilinan hailed as Sports Tourism Personality of Year MANUEL V. Pangilinan’s moniker as MVP was made all the more accurate during the 4th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards after being recognized as the private sector’s Sports Tourism Personality of the Year for 2019. The award cited MVP’s immense contributions to the sports tourism sector in the country. After serving as the first-ever president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Pangilinan went on to found the MVP Sports Foundation which provided a good cross section of sports with the proper funding and training to produce world-class athletes. Under his leadership, the country’s largest integrated telco PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) were also able to deploy fixed and wireless networks in New Clark City as part of preparations for the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Aside from rolling out fiber infrastructure and cell sites, Smart also augmented its capacity and coverage in key areas around the NCC in anticipation of the heavy influx of crowds during the competition. PLDT and Smart were also the official telecom

sion in upholding sports as a major pillar in Philippine tourism “The unquantifiable benefits alone make strong case for investing in sports. But today, we are recognizing a more direct and tangible benefit—how sports could encourage tourism, and how it might eventually serve as a catalyst for economies, both local and national’ said Mr. Pangilinan. While the absence of sports activities this year has left a dent on the sports tourism sector, various international sporting events in the country are already planned and laid out for the near future; with the goal of reigniting the spirit of sports and ramping up tourism. One such event is the highly anticipated FIBA World Cup. The Philippines, through the initiatives of Mr. Pangilinan will be hosting the international comSBP chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan, with Ricky Var- petition in 2023 alongside Japan and Indonesia. And, gas, Al Panlilio and SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios following the successful stint of Gilas Pilipinas in Bahrain last November, FIBA has recently announced that Clark in the Philippines will be one the host cities partners of the 2019 SEA Games. In his acceptance speech presented by SBP Executive for the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, with Doha in Director Sonny Barrios, MVP reflected the PSTA mis- Qatar, Tokyo in Japan, and Manama in Bahrain.

AFTER three months of waiting, the Ayala Philippine Athletics Championships can finally stage a training camp under a bubble setup. Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association president Philip Ella Juico said this after the Interagency Task Force for Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases finally gave their approval, allowing athletes to train. The IATF on Tuesday gave clearance for the restart of training for national athletes preparing for the Tokyo Olympics and those seeking qualification as well. “We welcome this move. We can now concentrate on our preparations,” said Juico. The IATF’s nod came some three months after the PATAFA and many national sports associations, in coordination with the Philippine Sports Commission, initially sought approval for the resumption of physical training. PATAFA’s annual athletics meet is planned to be staged from March 19 to 21, 2021 at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac. This was made possible following talks between Juico and Bases Conversion Development Authority President and CEO Vince Dizon. The meet will serve as a qualifier for local athletes seeking an Olympic berth The PATAFA also plans to have a two-month training camp for the national athletics team in January. Since the lockdowns took place, members of the national team have left their billeting areas at the Philsports complex andgone back to their respective hometowns in the provinces. The Philsports complex, along with the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, have since been used as quarantine facilities for COVID-19 patients. Peter Atencio

Sports

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

Antetokounmpo agrees to record 5-year deal with Milwaukee Bucks

Golovkin warns De La Hoya over comeback talk LOS ANGELES—Gennady Golovkin issued a deadly warning to Oscar De La Hoya on Tuesday after the US boxing legend said he wanted to fight the middleweight world champion when he makes his improbable return to boxing. The 47-year-old De Le Hoya, who announced in August he plans to come out of retirement after a 12-year absence from the ring, said recently he wants to fight IBF world champion Golovkin on his return. “You know how easy GGG would be for me? Oh, my gosh,” De La Hoya told the Boxing Scene website last month. “I always took a good shot and I always took apart fighters like him. In my mind it would be that easy.” But Golovkin, who is preparing for a mandatory defense of his title against Poland’s unbeaten Kamil Szeremeta in Florida on Friday, brushed off De La Hoya’s trash talk. “You know Oscar, you know how dirty his mouth is,” Golovkin, 38, told AFP through a translator when asked if he took De La Hoya’s challenge seriously. “Everything involving Gennady Golovkin for him is a nightmare. He can say whatever. But let me put it this way—If I got an opportunity to legally kill a person in the ring, I might seize it.” De La Hoya has not fought since being dismantled by Manny Pacquiao in eight one-sided rounds in 2008. However, De La Hoya is adamant that he is serious about a comeback, telling ESPN in August he was ready to fight “any top guy” available. De La Hoya ventured into promotion after his fighting career and was heavily involved in the acrimonious build-up to Golovkin’s two fights with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in 2017 and 2018. Golovkin, meanwhile, told AFP on Tuesday he was relishing returning to fight on Friday more than a year after his last ring outing, a unanimous decision win over Sergiy Derevyanchenko. “It was a long pause,” Golovkin said. “There was enough time to miss boxing and forget certain things. The training was good. I went through my standard training and it went well and I’m ready.” Golovkin added that he had little immediate interest in pursuing lucrative fights against YouTube personalities such as Logan Paul. “Right now I’m in my professional boxing career and I don’t see the need for that myself. But in future if there is a demand and an interest, then why not?” he said. AFP

People watch the light illumination event “Ballpark Fantasia Vega Luminique” at Yokohama Stadium, the baseball and softball venue for the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics scheduled to be held next year, in Yokohama. AFP

Masked, muted Olympics to dominate sports in 2021 P ARIS—The rescheduled Tokyo Olympics will be the centrepiece of a crammed sporting year in 2021 as sports administrators who had their calendars wiped away by the coronavirus pandemic try to ﬁll the gaps even as a second wave hits.

While the Games will still be called the 2020 Olympics, they have been changed by Covid-19. Tokyo organizers and the Japanese government are struggling with increased costs and, despite the growing possibility of vaccination, whether to allow foreign visitors and what safeguards and restrictions will apply to spectators and participants. In early December, organizers said the delayed Games will cost at least an extra $2.4 billion as the unprecedented peacetime postponement and a raft of pandemic health measures inflate a budget that was already over $13 billion. Enthusiasm appears to have waned in Japan. A poll in July showed that just one in four people wanted to see the Games held in 2021 -- and a majority backed either further delay or cancellation. “Whether it’s seen as too much or that we have done well to contain the costs, I think it depends on how you look at it,” said Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto. Organizers have reduced the number

of free tickets, scaled down the opening ceremony and made savings on mascots, banners and meals, but so far have cut just $280 million. “It will be simple rather than festive, but I hope it will be something moving that encourages people through the power of sport,” he said. The organizers are determined to go ahead next year, even if the pandemic has not receded. They want to welcome foreign spectators and plan to waive quarantine requirements. They plan to require fans to wear masks, to refrain from cheering and keep their ticket stubs for contact tracing. Athletes will be asked to arrive late and leave early, minimize their time in the Olympic village, refrain from speaking loudly, avoid physical contact and wear masks when not competing or training. They will be screened on arrival and undergo tests every four to five days. “I think the Games will go off,” World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said this

month. “What nobody is clearly across at the moment, is... whether we are going to have a stadium populated by good, noisy, passionate fans.” The challenge for the organizers is considerable, since the Games bring together 11,000 athletes from 206 countries, accompanied by at least 5,000 officials and coaches, 20,000 media representatives and 60,000 volunteers. - Lost time Meanwhile, other sports, desperate to make up for lost time are, for the most part, maneuvering to minimize overlaps between their revamped schedules and the Olympic behemoth. The National Basketball Association, which only finished its coronavirus-hit 2019-20 season on October 12, agreed with its players union to start the new season on December 22, cut the regular season by 10 games and end it on May 16. This was partly to allow players to compete in Tokyo, although since the playoffs are scheduled to continue until July 22, the day before the Games start, some of the biggest stars could still miss Tokyo. One event that has not, so far, publicly rethought its plans is the other marquee casualty from the summer’s sporting wipeout: the European football championships. AFP

LOS ANGELES—Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo ended speculation about his future on Tuesday after agreeing a new longterm deal reported to be the biggest in NBA history. Antetokounmpo, who would have been able to enter free agency next year, said in a statement on Twitter he had agreed a five-year deal with the Bucks. “This is my home, this is my city,” the 26-year-old two-time NBA MVP said. “I’m blessed to be able to be a part of the Milwaukee Bucks for the next 5 years. Let’s make these years count. The show goes on, let’s get it.” ESPN reported that Antetokounmpo’s contract extension was worth $228 million. The deal allows an opt out after four years. ESPN reported that the contract was the biggest in NBA history, eclipsing the $206.8 million five-year deal agreed between Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2017. The deal will also see Antetokounmpo pocket the highest average annual salary in the NBA over the length of the contract, ESPN reported. Antetokounmpo will earn an average $45.6 million a year. LeBron James earns $44.5 million a season with the Los Angeles Lakers. The eye-watering contract marks the latest chapter in the rise of Antetokounmpo, who was born in Athens to Nigerian immigrants and once earned money hawking watches, bags and sunglasses as a street vendor. After taking up basketball as a youth, he was eventually spotted by NBA scouts and drafted with the 15th overall pick by the Bucks in 2013. He made his league debut as an 18-year-old later that year. Antetokounmpo has dominated the NBA in recent seasons, winning the season MVP honors this year as well as the defensive player of the year award, averaging 29.5 points and 13.6 rebounds per game. However Antetokounmpo’s dominance has not translated into championship success for the Bucks, who were eliminated in the Eastern Conference finals by Toronto last year before falling to Miami in the early rounds of this year’s playoffs. The Bucks continued failure to reach the NBA Finals had led to speculation linking Antetokounmpo with a move to a proven championship contender. The Golden State Warriors have consistently been linked with Antetokounmpo, while the Lakers were also reported to be circling. However, Antetokounmpo had consistently said he would be open to staying in Milwaukee provided the franchise was in a position to challenge for championships. AFP

Sangiao reflects on tough year for Team Lakay, hopeful for 2021 FILIPINO mixed martial arts pioneer and Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao looks back on what has been a difficult year, not just for his Baguio Citybased martial arts outfit, Team Lakay, but also for all Filipinos in the country who suffered through the effects of COVID-19. The 41-year-old who many consider a father and a brother has had to lead his team through hardship and defeat, while navigating a world filled with uncertainty. “The year has been tough, good, and terrible at the same time. It’s been a mix of all things. On the positive side, we were able to spend more time with family and bond. Nature got to heal itself, and I’m sure we’ve all noticed how beautiful nature has flourished,” said Sangiao. “On the negative side, of course our economy took a huge hit. A lot of people lost their jobs. At the same time, we’re happy that ONE Championship is back and we’re able to work.” Team Lakay suffered a series of painful setbacks over the course of the past 12 months. Former ONE

THE BOTTOM LINE LITO CINCO WHEN I had my one-on-one interview with Philippine Racing Commission’s Reli de Leon, he was still one of its commissioners. By the time this comes out, he is already the Philracom Chairman, which he intimated during our talk on the possibility. And so it has come to pass that a one-time vendor of dividendazos when he was young, became a horse race owner and now the commission chairman. It was a long talk we had at The Elk’s Club in Makati. It was a long time, too, since we saw each other and he shared a lot of things, including the fact that his mother and grandmother were both race track tellers, while he was out selling race tips programs. When we met a long time ago, he was

Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang, former ONE Bantamweight World Champion Kevin Belingon, and rising star Lito Adiwang all fell in their respective matchups. It’s not the first time the team has had to deal with a string of losses, and Sangiao is confident they can bounce back yet again. “Of course, we have to make a few adjustments here and there. We’re very fortunate that we can train in Baguio City, one of the most beautiful places in the world, especially for martial arts training. We had to deal with some lockdowns which made it difficult to train, but we made the necessary adjustments,” said Sangiao. “I can’t guarantee the result of next year, but I can promise you we will try our best always. Every athlete wants to win, even our opponents, but there will always be two sides. We’ll try our best to get back on the winning side and stay there.” Team Lakay’s motto is “we either win or we learn,” and Sangiao was quick to point out the biggest lessons they learned in 2020, more importantly, outside of the

Mark Sangiao

cage. Sangiao was also proud of Team Lakay spearheading a series of donation and help drives to assist those who were affected by both the pandemic and calamities surrounding Baguio City. “The biggest lesson we learned this year is to cherish our loved ones. We have to show each other our love, because life is fleeting. We are never guaranteed tomorrow. Health is very important, and we have to take care of our bodies so we are healthy. COVID feasts on the weak, so we have to be strong. Lastly, we have to trust in God and have faith,” said Sangiao. “I think our biggest accomplishment this year has been to help our Filipino people suffering through this pandemic in our own little way. Team Lakay has been able to give back to our people, and I think that’s really important.” As always, Sangiao will continue to lead the Philippines’ premiere martial arts team into the new year. “Next year, it’s all about going back to work and getting back to the win column. This game is hard, but I have complete trust that we can get back to our winning ways,” Sangiao concluded.

Light at end of tunnel for horse racing? already a marketing management guy with adidas, then with Accel, and later on, consultant with Converse and even with Manny Pacquiao at the time the boxer was still unknown. He got Manny his first endorsement money from No Fear at P50,000 and that the Filipino ring icon could not even encash it as he had no bank account yet. But his employment could not allow him to buy race horses. What happened was that in the late 1990s, on March 20, 1999, to be exact, he made a P512 winner-take-all bet and won more than one million pesos, part of which he bought his first race horse. Then, proving that lightning does strike twice, he repeated the feat eight years later, winning over P2 million from his P864 bet. Ironically, when he accepted the job as a Philracom commissioner last year, he decided to sell all his seven horses to ensure his objectivity in doing his job with this government agency tasked to guide the horse racing

industry, something that definitely needs a boost with sales decreasing every year. If you remember earlier, I did a piece on former Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos, a very fine horse breeder and owner of super horses Ibarra, Hagdang, Bato and Heneral Kalentong, and now with a group of other horse owners who took over the Metroturf franchise. Benhur enumerated what ails the horse racing industry, topped by overtaxation, illegal bookies, the perception that horse racing is pure gambling and a diminishing base of bettors. And so, it is good to know that his friend Reli, has been working and will still be working on solutions to these concerns. On the overtaxation angle, Reli said the Philracom has been working on the exclusion of the industry from the TRAIN Law. He is confident that by next year, things will already change, even as he admitted the big-

gest hurdle will be convincing the government to amend the law. He mentioned some legislators, who are helping on the matter, including Rep. Mikey Arroyo. Regarding the continued operations of illegal bookies, the commission is working through the Department of Interior and Local Government, on making barangay captains responsible for bookies in their respective areas, adding that they are also working with the Games and Amusement Board on related matters. Reli also cited the imbalance in the sharing of revenues, with Off Track Betting operators. These people, he said, account for 70 % to 80% of bets, but get very little in return as commissions. What he mentioned as a possible solution is to meet both parties and work out a better deal for OTB operators. Reli is one with Benhur in trying to change people’s perception on horse racing as a form of gambling. What he proposes is to develop

it into sports tourism that can attract foreign bettors to come here, which in turn can help advertisers enter the picture as sponsors. He realizes, too, that the younger generation has to be taught to appreciate horse racing, convincing them to look at it as an opportunity to win millions as he did in his winner-take-all bets. He also wants to develop the online betting segment of fans. A mall caravan tour, he added, is part of the marketing plan Philracom will develop and implement. For all of these plans, the bottom line he says is for all stakeholders, led by Philracom, to stay focused on their plans, working out the nuts and bolts of each program, and in the end, for the agency to live up to its vision and mission. Here, Benhur is on the same page, and is looking at developing rivalries between super horses to make the events more exciting for both foreigners and local fans.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

VERY WANG

NICKIE WANG

VEN before Boys Love (BL) became a dominant content online—specifically on popular video streaming sites —in terms of the interest people have shown in the genre, cameras had already started rolling for The Boy Foretold By The Stars. Needless to say, the people behind this Metro Manila Film Festival 2020 entry had a vision and saw something special about the story that deserved to be heard by a wider audience. The movie is written and directed by Dolly Dulu. It is based on a play Ang Hangal that Dolly wrote in college. “The story is based on my personal experience back in high school. It’s a very personal story that I wanted to share with

THE BOY FORETOLD BY THE STARS A tale like any other love

The film stars Adrian Lindayag (left) and Keann Johnson as high school students Dominic and Luke.

the audience. It’s not just a passion project, it’s a material that carries a very important message specifically for the members of the LGBTQ+ community,” the director told Manila Standard Entertainment in a virtual interview. Indeed, The Boy Foretold By The Stars is not just a story about two boys discovering the thrill of young romance,

The rom-com is one of the ten entries to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2020 happening online through Upstream starting Dec. 25.

Dance for fun

DIGITAL MEDIA CHRISTMAS truly is a time for giving, sharing, and spreading the holiday cheer. To make the season even more special, PICK.A.ROO, your everything app, is ready to sleigh the hoROOdays with exciting Christmas happenings. For the gift that keeps on giving, the eGift Card store is now up on the app, which will allow PICK.A.ROO users to purchase gift vouchers for their friends and family to use on the app. Voucher amounts range from P100 to as much as P10,000, can be used to shop from all the stores on PICK.A.ROO. Once these vouchers have been purchased, buyers will receive a special code, which can then be sent out and gifted! Each voucher can only be used once, but customers can buy as many of these Christmas codes as they desire. With more than 500 curated brands available on PICK.A.ROO, customers are definitely spoiled for choice. Since launching, the top brands that PICK.A.ROO users love are: Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, 8Cuts, Din Tai Fung, Farmers

Manila Standard Entertainment in an exclusive interview. “I’m glad that Adrian was chosen to play the character for a specific reason. And I'm glad that it’s one of the first BL movies here in the country. We want to make sure that this movie will leave a lasting impression, that the story will be memorable. We wanted to make sure that this movie would showcase the characters the way we really wanted them to be seen by the audience,” Keann said echoing the statement of his co-star. Playing the pivotal character of the fortuneteller is Iyah Mina, star of the acclaimed Cinema One Originals film Mamu: And A Mother Too. For her moving performance as an aging transgender sex worker who adopts her sister’s transgender daughter, Iyah won Cinema One Originals’ 2018 Best Actress. She is the first transgender actress to receive this distinction in the Philippines. In her acceptance speech, Iyah dedicated her win to the trans community and to promoting equality among genders. Iyah thus sees her role in The Boy

Foretold By The Stars as part of raising awareness about the lives of LGBTQs. Adrian joins Iyah in the advocacy, as he would like viewers to see gays as real people and not simply characters who deliver comic relief. In a previous interview, the former mainstay of German Moreno’s iconic Walang Tulugan TV show and stage performer said that his mission as an actor is to elevate the honor and dignity of gays. So when The Boy Foretold By The Stars made history as the first Filipino BL movie and the first BL rom-com to be part of the Metro Manila Film Festival, Adrian was ecstatic. He posted on Facebook, “Lord, grabe ka po! Salamat!” Writer-director Dolly Dulu underscores that their film is for all lovers, regardless of age, gender, or persuasion. “Be a friend and watch naman kayo,” Dolly posted on Facebook. Catch The Boy Foretold By The Stars, streaming on Upstream PH beginning Dec. 25, 2020. For details and updates, like and follow The Boy Foretold By The Stars on Facebook.

Blogger fulfills dream to release own record

with Sarah G

STAYING at home during holidays could be relevant. It could provide us an opportunity to create more fulfilling and meaningful bonding moments with our family and loved ones. In this light, has launched the “G na G Dance” challenge with Sarah Geronimo. You can dance your heart out to her latest music video for Hanabishi Appliances and get the chance to win awesome appliances and souvenir items signed by the acclaimed singeractress. “All you have to do is post your dance video based on Sarah’s Praktikal na Kapartner MV on any one or all of your social media accounts such as Facebook, IG, or Tiktok and use #GnaGHanabishi. Tag Hanabishi’s official Facebook page when you post,” said Cherish OngChua, Vice President for Finance and Marketing of Hanabishi Philippines. The contest is open to individuals, couples, and groups. The video length should be at least 30 seconds, but not more than 60 seconds. Participants may follow the choreography in the video or they can be creative in their execution. “We thought for this holidays we can come up with something fun for our customers and their families. Dancing to Sarah G’s Hanabishi jingle video

but a movie that celebrates the reality that love is destined for each and everyone. This rom-com is a collaboration of three production outfits: The Dolly Collection, Brainstormers Lab and Clever Minds, Inc. of which one of the executive producers is actress Jodi Sta. Maria. It stars Adrian Lindayag as Dominic, and Keann Johnson as Luke, who are students in an exclusive school. Dominic and Luke belong to different worlds as they move into separate campus cliques. That situation is about to change, thanks to a fortuneteller who correctly predicts that the two high school seniors would be joining a school retreat. What follows is a bittersweet journey of growing up and finding one’s identity. “It’s part of the biggest festival in the country, and it came at the most perfect time. We made a quality film, I’m sure of that. It features an effeminate lead that we don’t get to see on mainstream media. Thus, representation matters. It’s a movie for all the little gay boys. It’s a film that represents them, I believe it’s something first on mainstream media,” Adrian told

‘The Boy Foretold by the Stars,’ directed by Dolly Dulu (center), is a romantic comedy movie about two senior high school boys, who through the help of a fortune teller, find each other at an optional school retreat.

YUGEL LOSORATA

At her core, as an empowered woman and a homemaker, Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli strikes a balance between performing domestic chores and fulfilling her showbiz commitments.

can lighten up the mood,” Ong-Chua said, adding that, “Activities such as this make us feel connected even if the current health situation encourages us to be physically distant from each other.” Winning entries will bring home a 3.3 cubic double door refrigerator (1st prize), twin tub washing machine (2nd prize), and air cooler (3rd prize). Five consolation prizes will be given away during its run until Dec. 28. Winners will be announced on Dec. 30. To learn more about the contest, visit Hanabishi’s Official Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/MyHanabishi

THE craving for liturgical songs in this difficult year and the urge to do something great under the sorry situation we’re in is a good mix in accomplishing stuff both laudable and inspiring. I found out that a blogger-friend, Jenny Pagalilauan, recorded songs that appeared in a 46-minute Christian music album released in digital stores. That caught my attention not just because she does have a good voice and the music is sincere. She also had a dream she was chasing all along. “It’s surreal seeing my name as a singer on the album,” she wrote in her blog. The 10-song package is called Be Still, with the title track sung by Jenny herself. The number is also a standout given its strong chorus recall and the heartfelt interpretation she delivered. Listening to it, I found it quite amusing that the impassioned singing and the bubbly personality I met at a lunch table during a presser are one and the same. Jenny is behind the blog mommshies. com that carries the tagline “Make Mommas Shine.” She certainly did on

Mommy blogger Jenny Pagalilauan fulfilled her dream to become a recording artist through the gospel digital album “Be Still” spearheaded by her former bandmate Maria Chew, aunt of singer Nilki Gil.

this one. It took a former bandmate, Maria Gil-Chew, who is singer Nikki Gil’s aunt, for Jenny to get her recording break. Maria, who also sang on the album, is apparently on top of the gospel album project. She was pulled in along with two more singers. Their friendship dated back to when they were gigging together many years ago. They met at Yamaha School of Music. At one point, Jenny also enrolled at a Center for Pop Music helmed by Butch Albarracin. Apart from “Be Still,” she also vocally interpreted “Lord of My Life,” and another moving piece called “Wonderful

Savior.” Maria took care of the opening track “A Song of Praise,” while another lady singer, Faith Rose Purificacion, interpreted “He Restores My Soul” and “Touch My Heart.” The album’s lone male voice is that of Zaldy Reblora who expressed inspiring messages in the songs “I Pray In Jesus’ Name” and “Through a Heart of Faith.” The rest of the tracks featured various vocal combinations of all four singers. “Creating this album has been a lifelong dream for Maria,” shared the singing blogger, “Things started to fall into place and everyone’s schedules matched.” Somewhere along the way, Jenny and Nenette (Maria’s nickname) parted ways and it took years for them to meet again. It’s not as if Jenny didn’t try enough to get into the recording scene. She had to wait for the right opportunity to knock. Going through the “Be Still” songs, it brought me back to the moment I won the weekly round of ASOP (A Song of Praise) Songwriting Festival back in 2013, with my composition “Ang Tanging Pag-Asa.” The piece was interpreted by Jerome Abalos of “Larawang Kupas” fame during a taped performance later aired on UNTV August of that year. Somehow, it’s the link between talent and spirituality that really makes things possible. Mommshie Jenny is likely to agree.

Sleigh the holidays with PICK.A.ROO Market, Fresh Options, Hawker Chan, Kam's Roast, Locavore, Manam, Milking Bombs, Mo' Cookies, Mothercare, Ooma, Paradise Dynasty, Robinsons Supermarket, S&R, S&R Pizza, Tim Ho Wan, Via Mare, Wild Flour Café + Bakery, Zagana and Gourdo’s. New to the roster of shops are Dyson, Bizu, Cibo, Mary Grace, Landers Central Pizza, MedExpress, Ace Hardware, and True Value, and there are still many exciting new brands on the way. For those that aren’t sure where to start on their Christmas shopping, ROOdolph is around to save the day! Customers can start up the live chat on the app, or send @pickaroo a message on Twitter, then drop a line for ROOdolph, in order to get a tailor-made set of gift suggestions. A week’s worth of groceries? We got it. Dyson you’ve always wanted? Got that, too! Whether shopping for mom, dad, Lolo, Lola, or kids of different ages, PICK.A.ROO

is guaranteed to have something for everyone. Just ask ROOdolph to guide your shopping sleigh tonight. PICK.A.ROO even has the new iPhone 12 lined up for pre-order in partnership

with Beyond the Box, for a hassle-free delivery experience. Those interested better hurry in ordering as only limited stocks are available. Ordering is made easy without having to line up or fill a long form. You can pre-order it on the app from December 16–17 and will be able to receive the device from Dec. 18–21. For those abroad that can’t make it home for the holidays, PICK.A.ROO makes celebrating and sending gifts out to loved ones a piece of cake. They can simply shop on the app, pin a delivery address in any PICK.A.ROO-serviceable area, and leave the rest to us. Presents sent out will be delivered to their doorsteps in as quick as just an hour. Our constantly growing list of serviceable areas now also includes Bacoor, Imus, Lipa, and Nuvali. Once you’ve made your shopping list, and checked on it twice, it’s now time to think about all the Christmas feasts to be had. There are holiday sets from Marriott,

Sinfully at Home, K by Cunanan, Cibo, Oori, and more. Plus, whole roasts from General’s Whole Lechon, to really get the party going. The Celebrations category on the app lists down restaurants and specialty brands that will definitely make the season merry. Customers can even go a step further with the dinner planning, by scheduling deliveries as early as three days in advance. As an added treat, customers can use the code HOHOHO to get P200 off orders of at least P1,000, one-time use only, valid until Jan. 31, 2021. A free ROOdolph greeting card also comes with minimum spend purchases of P500 on all stores in the Gift Shop category, and free PICK.A.ROO ribbon with a minimum spend of P1,000 on select stores and store branches in the Gift Shop category. From Christmas shopping to planning those family feasts, PICK.A.ROO is the one app you can count on to find all your holiday needs and have them all delivered in just one hour.

Life

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

HOUSEHOLD

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

SHOP AND DINE. Citi Philippines treats its credit card holders to exciting dining and shopping deals.

Citi Philippines rolls out dining and shopping deals

By Angelica Villanueva

HE risk of exposure to the coronavirus disease has made people opt for food delivery and online shopping. But after several months into this still ongoing lockdown, many are now eager to engage in pre-pandemic activities like dining out or shopping physically in stores. With the easing of protocols and the Christmas season, Filipinos are slowly doing the activities they used to enjoy before the pandemic. In support of the reopening of the economy, Citi Philippines treats its credit card customers to dining and shopping deals, which in turn aims to help the hard-hit retail and restaurant industries. “Since March, when the country faced the challenges of COVID-19, Citi Philippines has worked hard to support its clients, employees, and the community. We want to assist Citi credit card holders in every aspect of their life, whether that’s dining in their favorite restaurants safely or shopping online,” said Citi Philippines consumer business head Manoj Varma. Divided into three categories, the Fine, Finer, and Finest deals and experiences include discounts up to 50 percent, as well as other promotions, some

The Fine Delights offer up to 30 percent discount at casual dining establishments, while the Finer Dining Experiences include curated promotions at up to 50 percent off at upscale establishments.

of which are available until next year. “We have over 100 dining partners with over 500 outlets nationwide. We know that our customers will not always eat out, but many would still like to enjoy eating from the safety of their homes so these promotions are open for take-out on top of dine-in op-

tions,” shared Citi Philippines cards and loans director Mukul Sukhani. Citi customers may enjoy Fine Delights which include up to 30 percent discount at casual dining restaurants in Makati, Taguig, Ortigas (Mandaluyong, San Juan, and Pasig), Quezon City, Pasay, and Alabang. The

Bonding activities for the busy mom and kids

Holidays in the Highlands THE nippy breeze and the scent of pine trees bring a truly Christmassy feeling to a mountain resort in Tagaytay. More than a picturesque vista of the Taal Lake and lush mountains serving as a relaxing backdrop for families enjoying their breakfast on a chilly December morning, Tagaytay Highlands offers members and their guests a memorable, comfortable, and safe holiday experience. On Dec. 5, the estate had its traditional Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Holy Family Chapel Garden Area. Beginning Dec. 15 until Dec. 23, Simbang Gabi masses are held for members and their guests at the Holy Family Chapel, at 5:00 p.m.

Children can spend their holiday break playing at the mountain resort’s outdoor playgrounds.

SHOPPING

Golfing on Christmas? Tagaytay Highlands has two world-class championship golf courses, the Highlands International Golf Club and Midlands Golf Club.

On Dec. 31, as part of Tagaytay Highlands’ New Year’s Eve Celebration, specialty restaurants of the complex will be open until 8:00 p.m. for residents, members, and their guests. And come 9:30 p.m., after the last Eucharistic celebration ends at the chapel, families can watch the grand pyrotechnics display at the Highlands China Palace lower parking level. Members and their guests are assured of safety as the complex ensures all facilities and personnel follow strict adherence to sanitation procedures and government-mandated safety protocols, including frequent hand washing, wearing of face masks and face shields, and social distancing.

Convenience store offers groceries at affordable prices

7-Eleven makes grocery shopping easier as it now offers a wide range of personal and home essentials at competitive prices.

By Steph Llarena CONVENIENCE often comes with a price. But as the pandemic and the behaviors of consumers lead to changes in shopping patterns, which favor accessibility and value for money, businesses are shifting to practices the public demands. Anchored by its reputation as a re-

discount can be availed at Bo’s Coffee, Yellow Cab, Pancake House, Hap Chan, Tim Ho Wan, and more. Finer Dining Experiences, meanwhile, include curated dining promotions at up to 50 percent off at upscale establishments such as Makati Shangri-La’s Circles and Shang Palace,

Edsa Shangri-La’s Heat, Sheraton’s Oori and S Kitchen, and Melo’s. Finally, the Finest Deal, which started in 2019 and is set to continue until March 27, 2021, offers 50 percent off every Saturday at any The Bistro Group restaurant for a minimum bill of P2,000 and a maximum of P5,000. On the other hand, cardholders looking for delivery deals on weekends can get 10 percent off on foodpanda once every Friday to Sunday until Dec. 20 for a minimum spend of P800, with a maximum discount of P250. “We also partnered with foodpanda which delivers from over 30,000 restaurants in the country. No other bank is able to provide the same exclusive and real-time access to so many merchants, with highly competitive promos and offers,” said Sukhani. In addition to dining discounts, Citi’s Online Weekend Offers give cardholders access to the “most rewarding online deals” on major ecommerce companies such as Lazada, Metromart, and Zalora. A variety of deals are offered across several categories like grocery and essential goods, household items, clothing, small appliances and gadgets.

liable source of essentials and quick meals, leading convenience store in the country, 7-Eleven now offers home and personal items at much more competitive prices. Through its Bayanihan Savings and Selections (#711Bayanihan) campaign, 7-Eleven advocates easier and more affordable grocery shopping for everyone. Depending on availability, branches of

the brand carry a wide range of products including cooking essentials, skin and hair care, oral hygiene, cleaning and laundry needs, baby products, canned meat, ready-to-eat meals, and more. “Our Bayanihan Savings and Selections initiative comes at a time when convenience and affordability are crucial to our customers,” shares Philippine Seven Corporation president and chief executive Jose Victor Paterno. Paterno continues, “This is our way of reinforcing our commitment to being an accessible source of essentials that are easy on the budget and quick to reach, especially during this pandemic, when customers are looking for better value and a safer shopping experience.” The initiative first rolled out in Metro Manila on Dec. 14, and will go nationwide soon. Face mask and face shield are required when entering the stores. Contactless payment methods CLiQQ and GCash are available.

HOW can moms who are juggling work, their kids’ distance learning needs, and household responsibilities, among other things find the time to bond with their children? Mommy bloggers and “influencers” show how. Engage kids in household chores Rowena Wendy Lei (@animetric) and Janice Lim (@mommyplannerista) believe engaging kids in household chores like cooking will not only keep them busy at home, but also create lasting memories they can take as they grow older. “I figure that even if juggling life as a work-at-home mom is hard especially in the new normal, I can still show them how much I love them by spending quality time with them. Cooking together is a great activity that not only teaches them a useful skill but also allows us to have some bonding time,” shares Mommy Janice.

Mekeni Picnic Hotdog makes for an exciting afternoon snack.

should be getting at least an hour of physical activities every day, in addition to an hour of bone-strengthening and muscle-strengthening exercises three times a week. Moms recommend to make exercising a home activity with their kids even more fun by changing the routine from time to time. Stimulate their minds with board games Peachy (@thepeachkitchen) says moms can help stimulate their kids’ minds through various activities like playing board games. “Kahit gaano tayo ka-busy, dapat may bonding moments pa rin. Bukod sa panonood ng movies, hilig namin ni Ykaie at Twinkle maglaro ng board games.”

Do some light exercises Schedule a family movie night with them Speaking of watching movies, According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, kids these moms advise to schedule a movie night with the whole family. Take turns in choosing the movie of the week and then snuggle up to watch it on a weekend night. Serve snacks, like hotdog sandwiches made with Mekeni Picnic Hotdog.

Moms can engage their kids in household chores like cooking.

Learn a new skill or pick up a new hobby Even while at home, kids need to develop hobbies or learn new skills to keep them busy. May it be singing, dancing, playing instruments, or creative writing, there are a lot of online classes moms can take with them that will hone their skills and pique their interest.