Manila Standard - 2020 December 19 - Saturday

Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circulation@manilastandard.net

Virus cases hit 3-week high Health officials urge vigilance amid growing risks of COVID transmission

By Willie Casas and Vito Barcelo

T

HE Philippines logged 2,122 new cases of COVID-19 Friday, bringing the total to 456,562 cases, even as four laboratories failed to submit their testing data on time, the Department of Health (DOH) said.

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 288 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘VICKY’S’ BANE. A Bislig City policeman carries a boy on his shoulders to wade through a flooded area with Tropical Depression Vicky causing heavy rains in Agusan del Sur and neighboring provinces on Friday, Dec. 18, 2020.

The towns of San Francisco and Rosario are also inundated with floodwaters that submerged residential areas. Bislig PNP, AFP, OCD

By Rio N. Araja TROPICAL depression “Vicky”—the 22nd to hit the country this year – traversed Monkayo, Davao de Oro in Mindanao while maintaining its strength, prompting the National Electrification Administration to alert all electric cooperatives to take all precautionary steps against the weather disturbance..

Tropical cyclone wind signal no. 1 was raised over the northern and central portion of Palawan, including Calamian, Cuyo and Cagayancillo Islands; the southern portion of Leyte; Southern Leyte; the central and southern portions of Cebu, including Camotes

This was the first time the country Davao City, 79. logged more than 2,000 cases in a day Health officials reported 25 new fasince Nov. 29. talities, bringing the death toll to 8,875, The top cities and provinces with new which is 1.94 percent of the total. cases are Quezon City, 160; Rizal ProvOn the other hand, 778 persons recovered Next page ince, 105; Bulacan, 91; Makati, 83; and

Storm ‘Vicky’ causes massive flooding in Mindanao

Next page

Two US firms offer to supply 25m vaccine doses to PH—envoy

COVID-19 PH

By Rey E. Requejo, Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

(AS OF 4 PM DECEMBER 18)

vaccines to the Philippines, Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez said Friday.

Romualdez said the vaccines will be TWO US pharmaceutical companies— available for shipping starting the third Moderna and Arcturus—are ready to quarter of next year, should the Philippine supply 4 million to 25 million of their government agree to their proposals.

“We are hoping our government will consider the promising candidates of Moderna and Arcturus for inclusion in our country’s pool of anti-COVID vaccines,” Romualdez said in a statement.

Romualdez noted that a US panel of experts has voted to recommend emer-

gency approval of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines, paving the way for 6 million doses to start shipping as early as this weekend.

The US Food and Drug Administration is now expected to grant an emergency Next page

456,562 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

2,122 27,021

US vows to be ‘more assertive’ in responding to sea violations THE US military warned Thursday (Friday in Manila) its warships would be “more assertive” in responding to violations of international law, citing in particular Beijing, which it said had expansionist ambitions in the South China Sea.

AT A GLANCE

NEW

ACTIVE

8,875

25

420,666

778

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

In a document setting objectives for the US Navy, Marines and Coast Guard for the coming years, the Pentagon stressed that several countries, notably Russia and China, “are contesting the balance of power in key regions

NEW

NEW

WORLD ROUNDUP

Next page

• Virus hotspot in Australia • Second wave AUSTRALIAN officials declared Sydney’s northern beaches a coronavirus hotspot Friday as a cluster of cases grew to 28 and triggered a return of domestic travel restrictions.

The outbreak follows a period of relative normality in the city after it proved a success in keeping a lid on the virus in recent months.

But on Friday hundreds of thousands of residents were urged to stay home as much as possible for three days and long queues formed outside

Next page

Aid will continue to flow, workers assured Congress submits P4.5-t national budget to Palace

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

WORKERS affected by disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to receive assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) next year as a result of the interventions made by Congress in the 2021 national budget, Senator Juan Edgardo Angara said.

Angara, Chairman of the Committee on Finance, said Congress members agreed the workers affected by the pandemic should continue to receive some form of assistance from the government in 2021 because many of them were still without jobs.

“Still many of our countrymen are having difficulties after losing their jobs due to the pandemic,” said Angara.

“So we added the funds of DOLE for the ‘Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged or Displaced Workers Program (TUPAD)’ and the Government Internship Program,” Angara said.

For the TUPAD and GIP, Angara said the budget was increased by close to 100 percent, from P9.93 billion under the National Expenditure Program Next page

By Maricel V. Cruz

he signed the final copy of the money measure which he described as the HOUSE Speaker Lord Allan Velasco “single-most powerful tool” to fight said Friday the P4.506-trillion national COVID-19 and help Filipinos and the budget for 2021 was now ready for the economy recover from the adverse imsignature of President Rodrigo Duterte. pacts of the pandemic.

Next page Velasco made the statement after

A2

News

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Anti-communist TF faces raps Citing Parlade’s statement on May 12, 2020 entitled “Reds free ride on ABSCBN issue,” Parlade tagged Altermidya, Bulatlat and Kodao as “long-time cohorts of the CPP in the media, creations of the CPP, and stooges of CPP founding chairperson Prof. Jose Maria Sison.”

They narrated how Capuyan presented organizational charts in a Senate hearing which listed Altermidya, Bulatlat, Kodao and Pinoy Weekly as part of the “national propaganda and cultural commission of the CPP.” Badoy accused Bulatlat and the Na-

tional Union of Journalists of the Philippines as “communist fronts and terrorist [organizations].”

“Red tagging complainants brought a chilling effect on the press, as well as on discourse and debate, stifling the free expression of dissent. Respondents, thus, served as witting instruments of tyranny and repression,” the complaint read.

“Needless to add, the said acts are contrary to law, good morals, good customs, public interest, and are a grievous departure from the democratic way of life and values,” it said.

is also higher than the national average, DOH said.

If the trend continues, the DOH expects a “sharp spike of cases” that could possibly overwhelm the country’s health system capacity, similar to the peak experienced in August in Metro Manila.

Duque said the DOH will continue its efforts to ensure that the high-density places in the country are following the health protocols, especially now that Christmas is approaching.

He said his team will also continue visiting areas such as supermarkets, transport stations, and malls to monitor their compliance.

The DOH said the ban on singing to prevent COVID-19 transmission, especially during the holiday season, includes church choirs.

“When we issue this protocol, it is not limited to karaoke because there are several other opportunities for us to sing in public places. There is evidence that when we sing, more viral particles are released from our body when we are sick,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in Filipino during an online forum.

“Choir members are not exempted.

We will be coordinating with the Catholic Church to enforce minimum public health standards now that a lot of people go to church during Simbang gabi,” Vergeire also said, referring to nine straight days of dawn masses that Catholics attend in preparation for Christmas Day. Despite calls to limit mobility, the government on Friday said 10 provincial point-to-point bus routes will begin operating on Dec. 21.

The routes include the following: Clark, Pampanga - SM North EDSA; Clark, Pampanga - NAIA Terminal (with limited Stop in Ortigas); Clark, Pampanga - Lubao, Pampanga (with special stops in San Fernando and Angeles City); Clark, Pampanga - Dagupan, Pangasinan (with special stops at Rosales and Urdaneta, Pangasinan); Clark, Pampanga - Subic, Zambales (with special stop at Dinalupihan, Bataan); NAIA/Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITx) - Baguio City; Batangas City – Ortigas; Batangas City – PITx; Lipa City, Batangas – Ortigas; and Lipa City, Batangas - PITx A total of 269 buses will be deployed and will be given unhampered passage through the different local government units en route to the destination, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said.

The move was approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

Meanwhile, IAFTF spokesman Harry Roque said foreigners with valid and existing visas who left the Philippines from Dec. 17 onwards may be permitted to return to the country as long as they comply with certain conditions.

The conditions include a valid and existing visa on the date of arrival, a pre-booked quarantine facility, and a pre-booked COVID-19 test at a laboratory operating at the airport, and they must be subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry.

received a jab in China after vaccine candidates were approved for “emergency use,” but so far they have been limited to priority groups such as state employees and international students.

China has five coronavirus vaccines in the final stages of development -but none has received official approval from authorities and the results of latestage trials have yet to be published.

A provincial health official told local media that vaccines will be provided to the general public in Sichuan after the Lunar New year holidays in February.

China plans to start opening its vaccination program to members of the Africa braces for 2nd wave public in southwestern Sichuan provAfter being relatively spared by the ince early next year, health officials said, despite the inoculations not yet coronavirus, Africa is bracing for the pandemic’s second wave, noting how receiving official approval.

At least 1 million people have already the coronavirus has once more cut a

swathe through rich countries in Europe and North Africa.

The continent’s most-hit nations are again having to contemplate stringent public health measures as they await the arrival of the vaccine cavalry.

In South Africa, the start of summer has triggered traffic jams on roads leading to coastal resorts.

But this year, there will be no long, lazy days spent on the beach.

In popular tourist destinations, the coronavirus is spreading at alarming speed. Authorities have ordered partial closures, limits on the size of gatherings and an extended curfew.

As the African country worst hit in the pandemic, with almost 900,000 documented cases, South Africa is tightening up health restrictions. AFP

percent in July and to 8.7 percent in October. The October unemployment rate is equivalent to 3.8 million Filipinos without jobs or livelihood.

Also receiving an increase in the budget under DOLE is the Adjustment Measures Program (AMP), from P391.61 million under the NEP to P491.62 million in the GAB. The DOLE-AMP is a nationwide safety net program that provides a package of assistance and other forms of interventions as a means of helping individuals/workers and companies, particularly the distressed, in coping with economic and social disruptions.

It gives priority to enhancing competitiveness and employability of workers and assisting companies, particularly the distressed ones, in adopting socially-responsible workforce restructuring policies and positive workforce adjustment measures geared at preventing and/or minimizing job losses.

Other DOLE programs that were

provided with budgetary support are the Integrated Livelihood Program, the Special Program for the Employment of Students, job search assistance programs, the child labor elimination program, and the national skills registry system.

To assist the overseas Filipino workers who are in distress or who lost their jobs in the countries where they are deployed and wish to return to the Philippines, Angara said the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration’s emergency repatriation fund was provided with an additional P200 million.

“We are optimistic that the economy will bounce back in 2021 as business operations and consumption start to normalize, especially with the COVID-19 vaccine on its way to mass distribution. But before more jobs become available again, the DOLE will be there to help the affected workers with its various programs that will be funded in the 2021 GAA,” Angara said.

Island; Bohol; Siquijor; Negros Oriental; Negros Occidental; Guimaras; the central and southern portions of Iloilo; Iloilo City; the southern portion of Antique; Dinagat Islands; Surigao del Norte; Surigao del Sur; Agusan del Norte; Agusan del Sur; Davao Oriental; Davao del Norte; Davao de Oro; Davao City; the northern portion of Davao del Sur; Camiguin; Bukidnon; Misamis Oriental; Misamis Occidental; Lanao del Norte; Lanao del Sur; Maguindanao; Cotabato City; North Cotabato; Zamboanga del Sur; Zamboanga Sibugay, and the northern portion of Zamboanga del Norte.

“Vicky” made landfall near Baganga, Davao Oriental Friday at 2 p.m.

It is forecast to move generally west-northwestward while over the landmass of Mindanao.

At 4 p.m. Friday, its center was estimated in the vicinity of Monkayo, Davao de Oro. It was moving west northwestward at 15 km/h packing maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 75 km/h.

The NEA Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department issued an advisory to 121 ECs to implement contingency measures to mitigate the possible impact of the weather disturbance on their electric services to consumers.

The agency also directed the power co-ops to activate their respective Emergency Response Organization when the need arises to implement without delay the appropriate emergency response plans.

All ECs were also advised to closely monitor the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration for updates on the weather disturbance, and report all significant outages to the NEA DRRMD.

US vows...

From A1

The Asian power claims almost all of the islands of the South China Sea, territorial claims disputed by other countries in the region including Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei.

To counter China, the US has been sending ships to the region more frequently to carry out what it calls “freedom of navigation” operations.

To maintain strategic advantage over the Chinese Navy whose “battle force has more than tripled in size in only two decades,” the US Navy plans to modernize with smaller, more agile and even remotely piloted ships.

US ships will also “accept calculated tactical risks and adopt a more assertive

posture in our day-to-day operations,” the statement said.

For Navy Rear Admiral Jay Bynum that means being “more responsive, more assertive.”

“In the past, our behavior was de-escalation. We would turn away and would minimize risk in those individual contacts,” he said, noting that the Navy “might be ceding ground” with the approach.

The Pentagon document specified that the US Navy will also be more visible in the Pacific, where it will “detect and document our rivals’ actions that violate international law, steal resources, and infringe upon the sovereignty of other nations.” AFP

By Rio N. Araja

A

LTERNATIVE media groups on Friday filed administrative and criminal complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against the government’s anti-communist task force for red tagging.

The complainants — Altermidya, Alipato Media Center, Kodao Productions, and Pinoy Media Center — impleaded officials of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, ex-

ecutive director Allen Capuyan and exofficio member Lorraine Badoy.

The complainants accused the three officials of linking them with the Communist Party of the Philippines “without sufficient basis.”

Two US...

From A1

Virus...

From A1

use authorization (EUA), which would make Moderna’s vaccine the second to be approved in the US. This development came amid allegations that Health Secretary Francisco Duque III botched the process of securing at least 10 million Pfizer vaccines by January 2021 by delaying the submission of a mandatory confidentiality agreement with the US firm.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. earlier said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo helped facilitate the supposed delivery of the vaccines to the Philippines by early 2021.

Without naming Duque, Locsin tweeted that someone “dropped the ball” on the Pfizer vaccine delivery.

Senator Panfilo Lacson later on exposed Duque as the one who made the mistake, causing the Philippines to miss the opportunity to secure the vaccine early.

“They could have secured the delivery of 10 million Pfizer vaccines as early as January next year, way ahead of Singapore but for the indifference of Secretary Duque who failed to work on the necessary documentary requirement, namely, the confidentiality disclosure agreement as he should have done,” Lacson said.

Duque denied the allegation.

Malacanang said President Roddrigo Duterte sees no major lapse on the part of the Health Secretary.

Some countries such as the United Kingdom, the US and Singapore have already approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for local use.

The Duterte administration, which cultivated warmer ties with China amid territorial disputes in the South China Sea, seeks to finalize negotiations with Chinese firm Sinovac Biotech to acquire 25 million doses of its vaccine by March 2021.

Philippine officials said the Chinamade vaccines are the country’s first choice while waiting for commitments from other pharmaceutical companies.

But a minority leader in the House of Representatives urged the administration to fully disclose how the Sinovac vaccine was chosen over other vaccines for COVID-19.

Assistant Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro asked what were the deals between other companies, who negotiated with them, who backed the pharmaceutical companies and what are the full terms and conditions of the deals including possible loans attached to these deals.

“Following reports of the latest updates on the Philippines’ procurement of COVID-19 vaccines, we dare the Duterte administration to fully disclose how the Sinovac vaccine was chosen over other available COVID-19 vaccines from other pharmaceutical companies,” Castro said.

She said the public has the right and should know how the government is spending the taxpayers’ money.

“The people must know how the Duterte administration came to the conclusion that the Sinovac vaccine would be the best for the Filipino people despite it being more expensive and have yet to finish trials,” Castro added.

“Other COVID-19 vaccines already have a higher efficacy rate with Pfizer and Moderna both claiming to have 95 percnt efficacy rate, while the Sinovac vaccine has yet to finish their trials,” Castro said.

on the same day, bringing the total number of patients who have recovered from the disease since the pandemic began to 420,666, which is 92.1 percent of total cases.

That leaves 27,021 active cases, which is 5.9 percent of the total cases.

Of the active cases, 84 percent are mild; 8 percent are asymptomatic; 5.1 percent are critical; 2.5 percent are severe; and 0.31 percent are moderate.

The DOH on Friday called on the public to remain vigilant and on high alert as it cited the risk of increased transmission of COVID-19 over the holiday season.

“With increased mobility, there’s an increased contact rate and transmission so there’s the possibility the cases would rise,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said during a virtual conference with government media.

To prevent this, Duque said the public must understand the importance of cooperation by way of strict compliance with the minimum health and safety standard imposed by the government.

On Dec. 18 alone, the DOH recorded a spike in confirmed COVID-19 cases, recording some 2,122 new infections in a day.

Previously, the DOH revealed the “continuous growth of cases in Metro Manila, signaling the start of a surge.”

Nine cities are now at moderate risk compared to last month when all cities were at low risk. The average daily attack rate in all Metro Manila cities

Congress...

From A1 “This budget reflects the serious commitment of the Duterte government to defeat COVID-19 and bring the economy back on track,” Velasco said.

Velasco said next year’s government budget included a P70-billion allocation for the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines, including storage, transportation and distribution.

At the same time, the bill included several changes introduced by the House.

These are the P44.8 billion funding for the “Build, Build, Build” program under

Statistics body sets sights on 70m IDs

World...

From A1 COVID-19 clinics as health officials raced to contain the infection.

Despite most cases being linked to a venue in the suburb of Avalon on the city’s northeast peninsula, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said all of greater Sydney’s over five million residents should be on “high alert.”

Sichuan public to get shots

Aid...

From A1 to P19.036 billion in the final version of the General Appropriations Bill.

TUPAD is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed and seasonal workers, for a minimum period of 10 days, but not to exceed a maximum of 30 days, depending on the nature of work to be performed.

GIP, on the other hand, aims to provide opportunities and engage young workers to serve the general public in government agencies/entities projects and programs at the national and local level.

The economy is in the early stages of opening up again after months of little to no activity because of the restrictions imposed under the community quarantines.

Unemployment hit a peak of 17.6 percent in April before improving to 10 the Department of Public Works and Highways; and P2 billion for the procurement of personal protective equipment or PPE, P434.4 million for the Health Facilities Enhancement Program; P462 million for the Medical Health Assistance Program; and P100 million for the mental health program, all under the Department of Health.

Party-list Rep. Eric Yap, chairperson of the House committee on appropriations, also said the 2021 budget provides the P3.177 billion budget augmentation for the Department of Labor and Employment, mostly for the Office of the Secretary’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged or Displaced Workers Program, or Tupad.

and seeking to undermine the existing world order.”

“Our globally deployed naval forces interact with Chinese and Russian warships and aircraft daily,” the document said, noting their “growing aggressiveness” and calling China “the most pressing, long-term strategic threat.”

The latest incident between the US and China naval forces took place in late August, when Beijing said it had driven an American warship from the disputed Paracel archipelago.

THE Philippine Statistics Authority is eyeing to register 70 million Filipinos for the Philippine Identification System by the end of 2021.

“PhilSys will be working on a total of PHP11.6 billion budget for 2021.

This budget will enable the registration of 70 million individuals, including a special population, by the end of 2021 through PSA-operated registration and registration agent-operated,” PSA Assistant Secretary Rosalinda Bautista said in a virtual town hall meeting on Thursday.

Bautista announced the government has surpassed its year-end goal of collecting demographic data from targeted nine million low-income Filipinos.

As of Dec. 14, about 9,004,546 lowincome Filipinos have taken the first step of the registration phase.

“That’s 100.1 percent of our December 31 target which is nine million and we have already covered 4,429,288 households,” Bautista said.

She said the PSA conducts major preparatory activities for the second phase of registration which includes deployment of registration kits to the target provinces and the task force training for the Step 2 registration.

The PSA conducts an ongoing development of modules for the Philsys application (version 1) as well as the pre-registration and registration client modules.

PSA also continues to coordinate with the local government units of the 32 provinces identified for the initial pre-registration, to set up LGU-based registration centers.

As the PhilSys targets to facilitate the financial inclusion of the unbanked Filipinos, Bautista said about 89.3 percent of the registered individuals have remained unbanked.

Bautista said the PSA has recorded about 87.4 percent of registered individuals do have supporting identifications which can be used in the second step of the Philsys registration.

Storm...

From A1

News RFID payments system stopped indefinitely

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Grace Poe on Friday welcomed the declaration of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to indefinitely suspend the full cashless transactions at the toll plazas during the hearing of the Senate public services committee on the radio frequency identification system.

“This is a welcome development but it’s not enough. We must see to it that this will boil down to the convenience and safety of our motorists who shell out their hardearned money for such fees,” Poe said.

She said the officials responsible for the RFID mess were not yet off the hook.

“So what I did—open a window for the continued extension of the status quo... In effect, there is a mutual ‘pagpapalawig,’” Tugade told the senators “I assure you, I listened and I learned, and I promise you, Madam Chair, because I listened and I learned, I will act.”

In turn, Poe said “That’s a good Christmas gift to our countrymen.”

The head of the Senate committee on public services cited the Toll Regulatory Board for the traffic problems emanating from the poor implementation of the cashless toll collection system.

“The Toll Regulatory Board, as the primary regulator of toll operators, cannot escape the blame. It seems to me that the TRB has been content to do two things and nothing else: raise toll rates and collect fees,” Poe said.

In 2019, only 25 to 30 percent of the vehicles that regularly pass through NLEX were RFID users. The implementing rules and regulations for cashless transactions in tollways were released by the TRB in October, yet the toll operators and motorists needed to comply with it just one month after.

“Some policies require urgent implementation especially during a pandemic.

However, requiring a shift to 100-percent cashless toll collection system in a matter of three or four months is hasty and unrealistic,” Poe said.

Up to now, the TRB has no schedule of penalties for the poor performance of some toll operators and no sanctions have been imposed on NLEX Corp. amid the problems encountered at its toll plazas recently and other complaints that have been going on for years.

“The backlash in this implementation of the electronic toll collection system reminded those in public service about the importance of careful planning and thorough preparation. It also exposed the tendency of some government agencies to yield to what seems like ‘trial and error’ when it comes to implementing new policies,” Poe said.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

A3

January Feast of the Black Nazarene to be ‘localized’ THE celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene in January next year will be “localized”, a Quiapo Church official said Friday.

“There is no procession but the celebration will push through, but there will be big and many changes in commemorating the feast of the Black Nazarene,” Fr. Douglas Badong, parochial vicar of the

Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, said in a press conference.

He says the plan to localize the celebration means that they will bring the Black Nazarene to different places to discourage the public, particularly the devotees, from going to Manila to celebrate the feast.

“We will localize the celebration of Traslacion...we also urged parishes to cel-

ebrate the feast so that the people will celebrate in their areas,” Badong said.

The move comes as mass gatherings remain prohibited under the quarantine restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initial schedule of the Black Nazarene visits to different areas, particularly in Manila and nearby cities, will start on December 31 at the Hospicio de San Jose;

San Lazaro hospital on January 1, 2021; Manila Cathedral on January 2; Greenbelt Chapel in Makati City on January 3; Manila City Hall on January 4; Bureau of Fire Prevention NHQ, Quezon City on January 5; Manila Police District, January 6 and Barangay 394, January 7 and January 8 at the NCS-BEC’s Community, Sto. Domingo Shrine, Quezon City.

EU extends P380-m aid to PH

By Rey E. Requejo

T

HE European Union said Friday it had extended to the Philippines more than €6.456 million or P380 million worth of humanitarian assistance following the onslaught of Typhoons “Rolly” and “Ulysses” in November.

85th ANNIVERSARY. To commemorate the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 85th anniversary, Maj. Gen. Robert Dauz leads the wreathlaying ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio.

Customs confiscates P15 million in fake goods

By Vito Barcelo and Joel Zurbano THE Bureau of Customs has seized counterfeit goods worth more than P15 million in a warehouse in Meycauayan, Bulacan.

Customs authorities inspected a private warehouse in Pajo, Meycauayan, and discovered that the facility was storing imported alcoholic beverages.

The team also discovered suspected counterfeit products such as bags and food

items inside the warehouse with an estimated amount of P15 million.

The warehouse has been sealed and placed under customs custody as further inventory and investigation was conducted.

“Individuals involved may face charges for violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act as well as related Intellectual Property Laws for importing counterfeit products,” MICP District Collector Romeo Allan Rosales said.

He warned importers to refrain from importing fake and counterfeit goods and advised the public from patronizing fake goods, especially those sold for human consumption as those may have harmful effects on the body.

MICP, the country’s largest Port, remains committed in curbing smuggling and the entry of fake and counterfeit goods in line with the government’s drive to strengthen border protection in the country.

The EU said it provided shelter, food and livelihood assistance, health care and access to clean water, safe sanitation and good hygiene worth €2.350 million, while its member states donated more to the humanitarian institutions that responded to the calamities.

Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, Hungary, the Netherlands and Sweden contributed to the emergency funds of non-government organizations like the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, Caritas and Save the Children Philippines, among others.

“The EU and its Member States are known reliable partners of the Philippines at all times, especially in emergency situations,” the EU said.

The EU also praised the Philippine government for its typhoon response and recovery efforts.

“The world has again witnessed the compassion shown by the Filipino people in helping each other, and the Filipino ‘bayanihan’ spirit which is known worldwide,” the EU said.

The EU also employed the Copernicus Space Program, its Earth observation program, before, during and after the typhoons hit the Philippines.

Reports showed dozens of deaths and billions of pesos in agricultural damage after “Rolly” and “Ulysses” battered Luzon within weeks of each other, causing flooding in many areas.

SIPAG awards 22 cooperatives

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

NO PROCESSION. Church officials from the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene and with Philippine National Police officers discuss the new plan for the yearly Black Nazarene procession during a press conference held inside the Pope Benedict XVI building in Quiapo, Manila.

Norman Cruz

PNP acquires more Focus on real estate scammers bullet-proof vests By Rio N. Araja

PHILIPPINE National Police Chief Debold Sinas on Friday announced the acquisition of more bullet-proof vests for police officers in the conduct of anticrime operations.

“For years, we have been acquiring police equipment that would be used by our personnel in the field while fulfilling their duties as law enforcers. And this time we will acquire more bullet-proof vests to ensure the safety of our personnel whose lives are in peril in times of police operations,” Sinas said in a statement.

This came following an incident where a police officer wearing a bulletproof vest survived after being shot by suspected gun-for-hire suspects in an operation in Labo, Camarines Norte, this week.

Sinas said “armed criminals are prepared to confront for a shootout against our police operatives.

THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development on Friday urged all housing stakeholders, particularly local government units, to synchronize their efforts in going after real estate scammers.

Secretary Eduardo del Rosario said he had received a report that an ongoing massive development project in Baguio City had no permit from the local government and was not registered with the DHSUD in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

He said he immediately ordered an investigation into the project and warned of the issuance of cease-and-desist order, if necessary, against the developer of the property.

“We must report scammers. We must report illegal construction of any housing

project and we must report brokers and salespersons without license or permit to be brokers or salespersons,” he said.

“All we have to do is just look into a project’s accreditation from the DHSUD and if they have a license to sell. If none, the project is illegal.”

Illegal projects could pose many ill effects, such as having a sub-standard quality as well as fraudulent titles or documents, Del Rosario said.

“All we need is a partnership between the national and local governments for the implementation. If there is an accreditation to sell, they [developers] could not be building substandard projects,” he said.

He said the DHSUD had an ongoing intensified campaign against real estate scammers or the so-called “kolorums” to protect unsuspecting real-property buyers from being victimized.

THE Villar SIPAG (Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance) Institute has recognized 22 cooperatives for their contribution in improving the quality of life of Filipinos, especially from the countryside.

Former Senate President Manny Villar and Senator Cynthia Villar led the virtual handover ceremony to the cooperatives hailing from different parts of the country.

The event capped the birthday celebration of former Senate President Villar, the founding chairman of Villar SIPAG. The awardees each received Php250,000 in cash from Villar SIPAG. Three cooperatives, which received special citations, were granted Php100,000 each.

“Cooperatives play a significant role toward realizing the aspirations of our countrymen, especially those from the rural areas. They are the true epitome of Sipag at Tiyaga, values that have helped me succeed in my career as a businessman and a public servant,” former Senate President Villar said.

“Through this recognition, we hope to inspire and encourage cooperatives to continue with their work to uplift the lives of their communities,” added Senator

Cynthia Villar, director of Villar SIPAG. One of the awardees is the Golden Group Gabay Puhunan Brotherhood MPC from San Fernando City, Pampanga. The credit cooperative started in 1990 when a group of 15 market vendors pooled their resources to help each other improve their livelihoods through savings or “paluwagan” with low interest rates and cross patronage of their products and services.

It has now grown to more than 5,000 members composed of market vendors, farmers and fishermen, service providers and micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, with total assets amounting to P796 million. The cooperative has expanded to include real estate and solar power generation in its business.

Another awardee, the CAMSUR Multipurpose Cooperative from Pili, Camarines Sur, has been supporting its farmer and MSME members, who have grown to nearly 2,500 since its establishment in 2000. With assets amounting to P195 million, the cooperative is helping create jobs, promote business opportunities and sustain the farm production of its members. The group has taught its members entrepreneurial skills and financial literacy while advancing the production of organic fertilizers to improve soil condition.

CASUALTIES. Five New People’s Army terrorists were killed in a firefight when they engaged troops from the 2nd Infantry Division, Rizal Provincial Police Office and Regional Mobile Force Battalion who were serving an arrest warrant to a high-ranking NPA leader on Dec. 17, 2020 at Sitio Malalim in San Juan village in Baras, Rizal.

Opinion Christmas in the time of COVID-19 IT’S A week before Christmas but it is a very different holiday season that we are having. The COVID-19 pandemic is still very much around and the Philippines has breached the 450,000 cases mark. Government is expecting a spike in the numbers because of the season. Everybody must be on high alert to avoid getting the virus. This calls for creativity and means celebrating in very untraditional ways.

By now, it is natural to miss the people close to us. The Christmas season is for get-togethers, reunions, and parties. However, because of the virus, we need to forego physically seeing family and friends. Yes, we will miss eating and drinking together, the hugs, the games, dancing and singing together. But nothing is more important than making sure that we are not giving or receiving the virus. Remember, COVID-19 is not a gift.

This virus is not a gift.

We need to be content with seeing those dear to us online, at least for now. This does not mean that we cannot have fun. Games and music can still be had, just plan ahead so everyone is ready for the event. We can still virtually share a meal and even have an e-numan session. I have been to online events that had performers and I still had fun. At least this will still give us the time to be together even if only virtually.

Such online parties will be hard to pull off among Filipinos who do not have the access to and know-how about gadgets and technology, and there are many among us. Seeing loved ones during this season is more challenging for them. Still, people should refrain from being in a crowd. And if one will see others, one has to make sure to always wear face mask and shield. Also, they should refrain from touching surfaces and frequently wash or sanitize hands. It is better to be safe than sorry.

This is also the time to reach out to friends who are living alone, those who are going through rough times, or those who have lost loved ones. Imagine how they are coping. Let us make them feel remembered and cared for. Often, it really does not take much. A phone call, a social media chat, or even an email can do wonders to the spirits

IN THESE extraordinary times of a global health pandemic, we are reminded how interconnected the world has become— our health, our food, and our economies are reliant on the safe, orderly, and regular movement of people. And, migrants— especially Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)—have been on the front lines in the fight against COVID 19.

While countries were locked down due to the pandemic, migrant workers continued to care for the sick and elderly, and kept essential goods and services moving. Sadly, many OFWS made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in the fight against COVID 19.

At the same time, OFWs that continue to brave the pandemic face economic and social difficulties brought by the health crisis.

Many of them have been laid off. Those who have kept their jobs as frontline workers endure psychological and emotional stresses.

As we celebrate International Migrants Day today, the United Nations (UN) in the Philippines wishes to honor the OFWs and all migrants for their invaluable contributions in the fight against COVID-19. The UN strongly advocates for a more inclusive response to the pandemic which doesn’t leave migrants behind, particularly now as countries around the world start massive vaccination programmes.

The Philippines has shown great leadership in the protection of OFWs, especially during these troubled times. The UN’s Migration Agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), appreciates the impressive actions of the Philippine Government as they have led by example and successfully repatriated more than 700,000 Filipinos—more than 300,000 of whom have been OFWs in this crisis.

The Philippines was a leader in the adop-

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020

B1

EDITORIAL

of those who are lonely and lost. Give them time, it is a precious gift.

And speaking of gifts, Christmas is traditionally a gift-giving season. Often, we spend a significant amount of money buying gifts. It is different this time. Life is harder across the board. Many have lost jobs and businesses have closed or are closing down. Those who are still employed have no assurance that they will be able to keep their livelihood. Tens of thousands of overseas workers have returned home, unemployed. Families and communities have been devastated by the recent calamities.

While times are difficult, this is no reason to not give meaningful gifts.

We should not expect expensive, or even material, gifts. Be grateful to friends and family members who remember us this Christmas.

Knowing that people care is in itself an important gift. And we should express our appreciation. It does not cost a centavo to say thank you. Gratitude is a good feeling.

Now, if we want to give gifts and we do not have money to spare, pre-loved items can do the trick. Perhaps a friend likes a book that you have and have already read, give it. You have a lot of nice trinkets? Send some to people you know will appreciate them. Ransack your cabinets and bring out those nice things that you may have forgotten you have, or have not really used. Others will have use for them. Those gifts you received and are just gathering dust in your drawers can make others happy. Wrap them nicely and with a sweet note, send them to those you know need, or like them.

Those among us who can still afford to buy things should not forget those who have been hit by the recent calamities. Send food to families who do not have the means to enjoy a noche buena this Christmas Eve. It is also a good idea to give gifts to patients.

Just drop these off and let the hospital take care of distributing them. Plan a gift-giving event in a poor community that will observe all the COVID-19 protocols. Children should be made happy, no matter what. In return, you will receive a precious gift— joy, in the knowledge that you made people smile and happy, even for just a while. It is a different high.

Gift-giving this season should be more meaningful. Give a little bit of ourselves, of what we already have, and what we can afford to give. These will go a long way.

Lastly, not exposing others to COVID-19 is a gift in itself. Taking all precautions to not get it is a most precious gift we can give to ourselves and our families.

Have a COVID-19-free Christmas!

Cheers! @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

Reimagining human mobility

By Gustavo Gonzalez and Kristin Dadey

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

tion of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), and two years later, the Philippines continues to lead in the implementation of this historic compact. This was recently recognized when the Philippines accepted the invitation of IOM’s Director General, Antonio Vitorino to be a “Global Champion for the GCM”—one of only 15 countries globally to have that designation.

The pandemic has had massive disruptive effects on labor migration in the Philippines where the normal flow of OFWs was brought to a virtual standstill. Against this backdrop of declines in deployment and mass repatriations, we are faced with the uncertainty of how to navigate foreign labor markets as some countries begin to re-open and others go through subsequent waves of COVID-19.

We honor the OFWs and all migrants for their invaluable contributions in the fight against COVID-19.

A broad range of factors will affect the characteristics and scale of migration in the future.

Today, the number of international migrants is estimated to be almost 272 million globally, or 3.5 percent of the world’s population, and nearly two-thirds of these are labor migrants.

This estimated number and proportion of international migrants already surpasses some projections made for the year 2050, which were in the order of 2.6 per cent or 230 million.

The decisions we make in the face of today’s unparalleled challenge to global mobility, and people on the move, will affect the global social and economic landscape

W

Duque’s consistency

E LEARNED this week that the Philippines would have had the opportunity to get our hands on 10 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19 as early as next month, if only the Health Secretary acted with urgency on the administrative requirements of the arrangement with the United States government.

nothing in all our documents.”

He said Pfizer had sent its document on August 11, not July, that he had problems with who the signatories were supposed to be, and that he was given instructions to sign the document by the Executive Secretary on September 25. It took Duque three weeks to sign the document—and by October, it was too late.

The Secretary must realize his lucky streak would not last.

Senator Panfilo Lacson revealed that Health Secretary Francisco Duque III “dropped the ball” by failing to submit a confidentiality agreement. The vaccines eventually went to Singapore.

The negotiations between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. began as early as July, but Duque’s indifference caused these talks to fall apart.

The senator said that our envoy to the United States, Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, informed him that the Pfizer representative was even following up on the submission of said document.

Mr. Duque however denied there was any firm commitment for the 10 million doses. “Everything was indicative,” he said in an interview with ABS-CBN. “There is no such thing as I did not act quick enough. You go through a process... No deadline was set by Pfizer,

These clearly conflicting sentiments are a cause for concern. If the people in charge of our health cannot even get their stories and timelines straight, how can we even entrust them with doses that could save our lives?

Then again, this is not the first time Mr. Duque has failed us, and spectacularly.

Remember he was initially against banning flights from China in the early days of COVID because it might affect diplomatic ties with our giant neighbor.

He told us to drink lots of water and keep our throats moist to ward off the virus.

He insisted that the Philippines was one of the first to impose preventive measures to contain the spread of the virus and had

one of the lowest infection rates in the world. His choices for COVID-related procurement were questionable. He dismissed findings of erroneous data from the DOH. He claimed asymptomatic patients were not contagious. He also said we experienced a second wave of infections months ago, with the first wave consisting of the cases of the Chinese tourists from Wuhan.

Of course, there is the case of the P15 billion mess at PhilHeath.

And now this.

Duque has been lucky. Despite these scandalous blunders, the President has extended superhuman compassion toward and confidence in him, and has kept him at his post. We have little reason to expect that Mr. Duterte’s affections for Duque would be diminished by this latest revelation. Perhaps he had known this all along.

But there would be time for accountability later. Duque and all those who cheer him would be foolhardy to believe there would be no reckoning for all these sins.

For now, talks have been renewed for the Pfizer vaccines involving another, smaller set. Romualdez also said two other US firms—Moderna and Arcturus —have expressed readiness to supply 4 million to 25 million doses of vaccines to us by the second half of next year.

These are matters of life and death.

We’re watching closely what authorities would, or would not, do.

Analyzing our trade with China the Laurel-Langley Agreement reduced the country to a colonial economy wholly dependent on the export of one crop.

Their generation is represented today by the notorious and corrupt politicians in the country.

The sugar barons became so influential that they practically control the economic as well as political policies of the country.

It was not until President Marcos opted not to renew the Laurel-Langley agreement beyond 1974 that brought about economic changes for the country.

First, it allowed the country to break

PHILIPPINE trade with China is the greatest insecurity of the US in its relations to this country. Knowing this, the US must by now concede that its dominance has been lost forever. Losing that advantage is to lose its economic and political influence in this part of the world.

Since the opening of trade and diplomatic relations with China, the US has slowly been on a downward slope. China today stands as the country’s number one trading partner surpassing countries once thought as impregnable business partners.

China has surpassed Japan, and is now fighting to keep its lead over South Korea and the Asean.

Philippine trade with the US took a steep decline after the country decided not to renew the colonial ties known as the Laurel-Langley Agreement in 1974.

The Agreement was a carryover of the much discredited “parity rights” or Bell Trade Act of 1946 which our politicians grudgingly ratified with the thought the US would hasten to grant to us our political independence.

That agreement extended to the Americans the same rights to do business in this country. The agreement was renewed in 1954 under the name of Laurel-Langley Agreement. It was also called preferential trade because it accorded preference to our sugar export under the quota system.

The lure of sugar quota hastened the consolidation of lands to sugar plantations known as the “haciendas” and aggravated the local insurgency alongside with the rise of the ultra rich landlords known as the sugar barons. The era of

from the bondage of colonial enslavement rejecting the view that should the US abandon our agricultural exports the country will economically sink deeper into the morass of poverty. The US purposely deceived us about their demand for our sugar when in truth it was the result of the embargo they imposed on Cuban after Castro won the revolution in the early 50s.

Second, the loss of the sugar quota gave the country the opportunity to diversify its exports, and the landlords grudgingly have to give up their landholdings. In less than three years after the loss of our main export, Japan easily dislodged the US as our leading trading partner. That speeded up the land reform and convinced the

for years to come.

Adopted two years ago by over 150 States, including the Philippines, the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) presents an opportunity to reimagine human mobility for the benefit of all. The GCM is an effective tool for States, the United Nations and Civil Society to discuss how best to address challenges to human mobility posed by crises like COVID-19 without compromising the human rights of people and states’ sovereignty. The actions we take today to support migrants will ensure we are better placed to respond to the challenges of tomorrow.

Recently, the Government and the UN jointly inaugurated the Bridging Recruitment to Reintegration Migration Governance (BRIDGE) programme which will work to safeguard the rights and welfare of Filipino migrants throughout the migration cycle. Implemented by IOM, ILO, UN Women, the Department of Foreign

Affairs DFA and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the BRIDGE programme will support the Government in promoting fair and ethical recruitment, and in ensuring that returning OFWs are able to successfully reintegrate through an approach that puts them at the center, addresses challenges to women in particular, and is inclusive of all groups, including the OFW community and civil society organization.

The global recovery from the pandemic provides an opportunity to reimagine human mobility and build more inclusive and resilient societies, where well-managed migration migration shaped through an all of society approach harnesses the expertise and drive of migrants to reignite economies at home and abroad.

Gustavo Gonzalez is the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines.

Kristin Dadey is the Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration in the Philippines.

China is looking forward to seeing this country attain a degree of economic self-sufficiency, development and prosperity.

government that export of manufactured goods is our key to industrialization.

Third, the decoupling of the dollar from the gold standard in 1973 lessened the value of our agricultural exports and we cannot substitute their loss with manufactured products since we barely have such industries. Our continued dependence on sugar for our export stalked poverty to our people with the contractual plantation workers known as sacadas becoming pry to communist recruitment.

Our opening of trade and diplomatic relations with China provided the country the opportunity to resolve the nagging problem of insurgency that festered us through decades of poverty and underdevelopment.

Our decision to cut the umbilical chain of colonialism was a significant event in the country’s quest for economic liberation. It was a historical coincidence for while some have their misgivings to give up our main source of foreign exchange earnings, the opening of diplomatic ties with China on June 6, 1975 came as a timely saving grace.

Since then, the country took the multiple approach of diversifying our exports and by joining economic trade blocs that promote free trade among members.

According to Ambassador Huang Xilian, Philippine exports to China leaped by 43.3 percent or $1.22 billion making that country the largest accounting to nearly 20 percent of our total export. For the first time, the monthly growth rate of Philippine exports shifted from negative to positive. Over the first three quarters, China remained the country’s largest trading partner and largest source of imports. For this year China became the second largest export market of Philippines products.

Full version at www.manilastandard.net

MORE OPINION ONLINE

(www.manilastandard.net)

The ‘yes’ of Mary and Joseph

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandard.net

ONLINE

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

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

Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua

Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor Opinion Editor

Emil P. Jurado

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

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

B2

World

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Ex- Mexican mayor linked to journalist’s slay nabbed A FORMER mayor from northern Mexico’s Chihuahua state was arrested Thursday for “complicity” in the 2017 murder of journalist Miroslava Breach, authorities said.

A Chihuahua court “has succeeded in establishing the probable responsibility” of Hugo Amed Shultz, former mayor of Chinipas, for having “sought and provided information to an organized crime group which ordered and carried out the murder,” the prosecutor’s office said in a statement without providing further details.

Mexico is regularly rated by journalism watchdog Reporters Without Borders as one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists.

Breach, who covered the country’s drug war, was one of 11 journalists murdered in 2017.

More than 100 have been killed since 2000, but 90 percent of the murders remain unresolved.

Breach’s murder was the rare media killing in Mexico to lead to a conviction.

Juan Carlos Moreno, also known as “El Larry,” was convicted of being the “intellectual author” of the murder and sentenced in August to 50 years imprisonment.

During Moreno’s trial, testimony revealed that politicians recorded telephone conversations with Breach, a correspondent for La Jornada and Norte de Juarez, then turned them over to Shultz, a member of the conservative National Action Party.

The former Chinipas mayor, “with the support of former PAN leaders in Chihuahua state, pressured Miroslava Breach to reveal her sources regarding a report which indicated members of various criminal organizations... were running for elected office,” La Jornada said Thursday after Shultz’s arrest. AFP

Biden backs son in tax case

D

URING his unsuccessful re-election campaign, President Donald Trump launched repeated accusations against Hunter and said the Bidens were a “corrupt” family and a “criminal enterprise.”

“We have great confidence in our son,” Biden said, sitting next to his wife Jill, in an interview on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” which aired Thursday on CBS. “I am not concerned about any ac-

cusations that have been made against him. It used to get to me. I think it’s kind of foul play but... as long as he’s good, we’re good,” he said in his first full remarks on the issue since the tax probe became public.

Trump and his allies have regularly assailed Hunter for his business dealings in Ukraine and China.

From 2014 to 2019, while his father was vice president, Hunter, a lawyer and lobbyist, served on the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company.

Trump has accused Biden of seeking the removal of Ukraine’s top prosecutor to protect Burisma —and his son—from a corruption investigation.

Hunter, 50, now an artist based in Los Angeles, has admitted to dis-

playing “poor judgment” in some of his business dealings, but denied any wrongdoing.

Colbert asked Biden if there was anything he could “sincerely” thank Trump for accomplishing during his time in the White House.

After a short pause, Biden responded: “There are some things...

Getting the vaccine moving has been positive, but by and large, he has been a president who’s decided that the way he succeeds is by dividing us.” AFP

Myanmar gang-rape victim in rare victory over the military AFTER being gang-raped by soldiers, steely-eyed Thein Nu went up against Myanmar’s powerful military in a months-long fight for justice—a fight that paid off with a rare legal victory.

Her three rapists were jailed for 20 years with hard labor, a sentence she hopes will give other survivors the courage to speak up and challenge the military’s impunity.

Lodging a legal complaint pitted the 36-year-old mother of four against Myanmar’s most powerful institution, whose soldiers have long been accused by rights groups of using rape as a weapon of war in the country’s conflict zones.

The crime was committed in June in northern Rakhine state— the site of a nearly two-year battle between the military and the Ara-

kan Army, which is fighting for more autonomy for the ethnic Rakhine population.

“Many women like me have already endured the same thing,” Thein Nu—who has been given a pseudonym to protect her identity—told AFP. “If I didn’t reveal this, it could lead to many more in Rakhine (being abused).”

Her victory comes after an initial denial from the military, which said she made up the allegations, and she still faces the glare of widespread social stigma, including from her husband who refuses to speak to her.

“I am both happy and sad,” she said, still in disbelief that the military tribunal ruled in her favour.

AFP

Manila Manila

Business Standard Standard

B3

TODAY TODAY

BOJ keeps rate, extends emergency lending plan TOKYO―The Bank of Japan extended an emergency virus-related lending program but kept its monetary easing policy unchanged Friday, as the country faces a record spike in new COVID-19 cases.

In May, the central bank launched a new lending scheme aiming to channel funds to small and mediumsized businesses suffering from the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.

At a two-day policy meeting, the Bank of Japan (BoJ) extended the enddate for those measures by six months to September 2021.

It made no change to its ultra-loose monetary policy, however―keeping the key interest rate at minus 0.1 percent and the 10-year government bond yield target at 0.0 percent.

“Japan’s economy has picked up, but the pace of improvement is expected to be only moderate while vigilance against the novel coronavirus continues,” the central bank said.

“Financing, mainly of firms, is likely to remain under stress for the time being,” it added, referring to the extension of the lending program.

Speaking later, bank boss Haruhiko Kuroda emphasized its commitment to its longstanding policies, including the still-distant goal of two percent inflation.

“We’re not going to revise the two percent inflation goal,” he told reporters.

“In regard to the interest rate level, it is expected to hover at the level of the current long and short-term rates or lower.

“We don’t plan on revising the negative interest rate either,” he said, apparently quashing speculation that the long-standing position could soon be up for discussion.

The pandemic has wrought global economic carnage, with Japan only just exiting recession, and many countries have announced massive cash injections.

Japan has seen a relatively small coronavirus outbreak overall, but the nation has reported record numbers of new infections in recent weeks. AFP

UK, EU leaders struggle to close post-Brexit deal BRUSSELS, Belgium―EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson failed to find a breakthrough in post-Brexit trade talks Thursday despite a crisis call.

With the European Parliament insisting it must see a text of any trade deal within three days if it is to ratify it, the leaders picked up the phone to seek a way through.

Afterwards, von der Leyen was pessimistic.

“We welcomed substantial progress on many issues, yet big differences remain to be bridged, in particular on fisheries,” she said.

“Bridging them will be very challenging. Negotiations will continue tomorrow.”

Officials had publicly played down the significance of the “stock taking” call, but a European source close to the negotiations said they were seeking to “clear a blockage, because we’re very blocked.”

Another European official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP: It’s very complicated on the fish. That’s what the deal hangs on. We’re still a long way off on fish.”

In London, a Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister underlined that the negotiations were now in a serious situation, time was very short and it now looked very likely that agreement would not be reached unless the EU position changed substantially.”

The call came after the main political groups in the European Parliament warned that if they do not see the text of a deal by Sunday they will not be able to ratify it before Britain leaves the EU single market on December 31.

Brussels’ chief negotiator Michel Barnier told MEPs a deal could come as early as Friday, but admitted this would be “difficult,” with fisheries still a sticking point.

Senior UK minister Michael Gove, speaking after video talks with EU Vice President Maros Sefkovic, was more gloomy, putting the odds of a breakthrough at “less than 50 percent.”

But both sides seem to be maneuvering to manage public expectations and to secure last minute advantages, even as the outlines of a hard-won agreement begin to fall into place. AFP

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks fall; JG Summit and Globe lead gainers S HARE prices slipped Friday in mild profittaking in step with the rest of Asian markets, as investors tracked US stimulus talks with lawmakers appearing to finally be closing on a deal.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index fell 25.22 points, or 0.4 percent, to 7,272.80 on a value turnover of P11.9 billion. Gainers and losers were even at 110 each, with 50 issues unchanged.

SM Investments Corp. of the Sy Group declined 2.6 percent to P1,065, while unit BDO Unibank Inc., the biggest lender in terms of assets, dropped 2.5 percent to P112.

JG Summit Holdings Inc. of the Gokongwei Group climbed 3.4 percent to P73.45, while Globe Telecom Inc., the second-largest telecommunications firm, advanced 2.9 percent to P2,100.

The rest of Asian markets struggled Friday to build on the previous day’s rally and a record lead from Wall Street.

After last month’s surge across equity markets, traders in December have been unable to kick on as vaccine optimism and signs of a breakthrough in Washington, as well as in Brexit negotiations, has been offset by frighteningly high coronavirus infection and death rates around the world.

On Capitol Hill, top-level politicians remain locked in discussions for a rescue package they hope to get passed before the end of the year when crucial support measures for Americans run out.

The two sides, in a stalemate for months, were inching towards a deal after a bipartisan group of lawmakers put together a proposal that appeared attractive to each of them.

“I am heartened by our discussions and our progress. I believe all sides are working in good faith toward our shared goal of getting an outcome,” Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement, noting the package would include direct payments to people.

“We are going to stay right here until we are finished, even if that means working into or through the weekend.”

PSEi December 18, 2020

TOP GAINERS

President Donald Trump also sounded a note of hope, tweeting that “stimulus talks looking very good.”

But top Democratic senator Chuck Schumer remained cautious, saying an agreement was near but adding that “a few final issues must be hammered out.”

All three major US indices ended at record highs, as long-term economic hope overshadowed data showing an unexpected jump in jobless numbers, which followed a report earlier in the week revealing a drop in retail sales.

But Asia was unable to take the cue, with most markets in the red.

Sydney fell more than one percent on concerns about a possible fresh outbreak in the city, while Wellington also dropped more than one percent.

There were losses in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Shanghai, Mumbai and Singapore, while Seoul was marginally up.

“With trading rooms’ punch clocks getting sounded for the last time this year, a little bit of profit-taking and de-risking ahead of a weekend that might be filled with ‘what ifs’, is not to be unexpected,” said Stephen Innes at Axi. With AFP

LAST PRICE

% CHANGE CHANGE

1 2

IPM OPMB

5.9 0.014

1.02 0.002

20.90% 16.67%

3

SPM

2.16

0.21

10.77%

4

FJP

3.6

0.33

10.09%

5 6

MAB OV

0.012 0.012

0.001 0.001

9.09% 9.09%

7

NOW

5.07

0.38

8.10%

8 9

TBGI ACEN

0.36 6.6

0.025 0.44

7.46% 7.14%

10

CEB

57.3

3.3

6.11%

TOP LOSERS LAST PRICE

% CHANGE CHANGE

1 2

SFIP I

1.53 2

-0.37 -0.4

-19.47% -16.67%

3

MA

0.01

-0.001

-9.09%

4 5

MG PHA

0.224 1.01

-0.018 -0.07

-7.44% -6.48%

6

KEP

3.69

-0.24

-6.11%

7

SGI

1.2

-0.07

-5.51%

8 9 10

AB VVT HOUSE

8.5 14.02 8.36

-0.48 -0.78 -0.46

-5.35% -5.27% -5.22%

MOST ACTIVE

READY FOR BREXIT? The Dover Traffic Access Protocol (TAP) scheme on the A20 is seen in action as freight lorries queue on

the main route into the port of Dover on the south coast of England on December 17, 2020. Questions were asked in the House of Lords on the government’s state of preparedness for Brexit. UK importers are suffering from delays at Felixstowe and Southampton and there are fears of major delays at Dover from the new year. AFP

1

SMPH

VOLUME 36,566,700

VALUE (PHP) 1,385,226,955.00

2 3

AC SM

990,900 523,810

823,526,010.00 556,885,755.00

4 5

ALI BDO

11,216,000 3,980,600

465,441,235.00 449,285,562.00

6 7

MBT GLO

8,599,100 198,105

424,758,280.00 411,059,210.00

8 9

TEL ICT

290,555 2,564,100

396,044,870.00 318,916,059.00

10

DITO

39,078,500

309,232,853.00

New virus restrictions threaten Hong Kong’s last true junk boat ally,” she said. afloat by switching to local tourists and Junks date back to the Han Dynasty schoolchildren.

(221–206 BC) and were traditionally used They readjusted routes and switched for fishing and transport.

English commentary to Cantonese.

Built in 1955 in neighboring Macau, the “The locals are hearing more about us Dukling is the only authentic junk left―the this year because with no tourists, we have other remaining vessels are modern repli- more time and money to spend on promocas. tion in Hong Kong itself,” Li said before It was owned for 20 years by a Hong Kong the new restrictions came on. AFP fisherman Manila Manila who lived on- Standard OF THE PHILIPPINES Standard REPUBLIC Department of Finance board with his TODAY TODAY SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION family before Secretariat Building, PICC Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay, 1307 it became a tourist attracMARKETS MARKETSAND ANDSECURITIES SECURITIESREGULATION REGULATIONDEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT tion.

Before the THEMATTER MATTEROF OF : : latest restric- ININTHE : : tions were CENTURY CENTURY PROPERTIES PROPERTIES GROUP, GROUP, INC. INC. : : REGISTRATION REGISTRATIONOF OFSECURITIES SECURITIES enforced, the (Registrant) (Registrant) : : (Unsecured (UnsecuredFixed-Rate Fixed-RatePeso Peso : : Denominated DenominatedRetail RetailBonds) Bonds) Dukling man: : aged to stay In this picture taken on November 27, 2020, people take photos of a traditional wooden tourist junk (left) boat “Dukling” sailing in the waters of Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, which was built in 1955 in neighboring Macau and is the city’s only authentic junk left—with the other remaining vessels being modern replicas. The wooden ship has been docked after new measures to stem a fourth wave of the coronavirus were introduced earlier this month, threatening the city’s last remaining antique junk. AFP

By Celia Cazale HONG KONG―The red sails of the “Dukling” junk boat have glided across Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour for more than six decades.

But the wooden ship has been docked after new measures to stem a fourth wave of the coronavirus were introduced earlier this month, threatening the city’s last remaining antique junk.

Strict social distancing rules were brought back after daily cases repeatedly spiked to more than 100, their highest levels since July.

Authorities also vowed to ramp up policing of gatherings at private properties and on boats, setting up a dedicated hotline for the public to report any breaches.

“In the near future, it is very difficult for us to stay alive,” Charlotte Li, Dukling Limited’s director of business development, told AFP. The boat requires at least four workers to operate on the water but two resigned during the pandemic over slashed wages, leaving the Dukling short on numbers.

“We have to follow and obey the law. But how can we maintain the staff and their families?” Li said.

Li said she felt authorities showed a “lack of caring” for small private companies after excluding attractions like the Dukling boat from public coronavirus subsidies handed out to travel agencies, tour guides and big parks.

Ocean Park, an ageing theme park that was making losses even before the pandemic struck, has received billions from a government bailout.

“I know the government can’t help everyone, but in the tourism industry they need to think more glob-

NOTICE NOTICE

NNOOTTI ICCEE Notice Notice is is hereby hereby given given that that WAWAJVCO WAWAJVCO INC INC with with office office address address atat 16F 16F Three Three E-Com E-Com Center, Center, Bayshore, Bayshore, corner cornerOcean OceanDrive, Drive,Block Block21, 21,Mall Mallofof Asia Asiais isapplying applying forforregistration registrationwith withthe theBoard BoardofofInvestments Investments(BOI) (BOI) asasNew NewOperator OperatorofofBulk BulkWater WaterSupply Supplyunder underthe the Preferred PreferredList List- Infrastructure - Infrastructureand andLogistics Logisticsincluding including LGU LGUPPPs PPPs- Bulk - BulkWater WaterSupply Supply(Wawa (WawaBulk BulkWater Water Supply SupplyProject Project- -Tayabasan TayabasanMulti·Basin Multi·BasinSystem) System) with witha acapacity capacityofof8080MLD MLDonona aPioneer Pioneerstatus, status,with with project project site site located located atat Barangay Barangay Calawis, Calawis, Antipolo Antipolo City, City, Rizal.

Rizal.

Any Anyperson personwith withvalid validobjection/s objection/s onon the the aboveabovementioned mentionedproject projectmay mayfilefilehis/her his/herobjection objectionininwriting, writing, under under oath, oath, with with the the BOI BOI within within three three (3)(3) days days from from the the date date ofof this this publication. publication.

(SGD.) (SGD.) ANGELITA ANGELITA F.F. ARCELLANA ARCELLANA Director Director Infrastructure Infrastructure and and Services Services Industries Industries Service Service (MS-DEC. (MS-DEC. 19,19, 2020) 2020)

Notice Noticeis ishereby herebygiven giventhat, that,ononDecember December16, 16,2020, 2020,a asworn swornRegistration Registration Statement Statement(“RS”) (“RS”)has hasfiled filedwith withthe theSecurities Securitiesand andExchange ExchangeCommission Commissiononon behalf behalfofofCENTURY CENTURY PROPERTIES PROPERTIESGROUP GROUP INC. INC.forforthe theregistration registrationofofUnsecured Unsecured Fixed-Rate Fixed-RatePeso PesoDenominated DenominatedRetail RetailBonds Bondsininthe theaggregate aggregateprincipal principalamount amountofof ₱2,000,000,000, ₱2,000,000,000,with withananOversubscription OversubscriptionOption Optionofofupuptoto₱1,000,000,000, ₱1,000,000,000,atatanan issue issueprice priceofof100% 100%ofofthe theface facevalue: value: According Accordingtotothe thedocuments documentspresented, presented,the thefollowing followingpersons personsare arethe thedirectors directors and andofficers officersofofthe theCorporation: Corporation: Name Name ofof Director Director

Position Position

Amb. Amb. Jose Jose E.B. E.B. Antonio Antonio

Chairman Chairman ofof the the Board, Board,

John John Victor Victor R.R. Antonio Antonio

Vice Vice Chairman Chairman and and Director Director

Jose Jose Marco Marco R.R. Antonio Antonio

President President and and CEO CEO and and Director Director

Jose Jose Roberto Roberto R.R. Antonio Antonio

Co-Managing Co-Managing Director Director

Jose Jose Carlo Carlo R.R. Antonio Antonio

Co-Managing Co-Managing Director Director

Ricardo Ricardo Cuerva Cuerva

Non-Executive Non-Executive Director Director

Rafael Rafael G.G. Yaptinchay Yaptinchay

Co-Managing Co-Managing Director Director

Hilda Hilda R.R. Antonio Antonio

Non-Executive Non-Executive Director Director

Amb. Amb. Jose Jose L. L. Cuisa, Cuisa, Jr.Jr.

Independent Independent Director Director

Stephen Stephen T. T. CuUnjieng CuUnjieng

Independent Independent Director Director

Carlos Carlos C.C. Ejercito Ejercito

Independent Independent Director Director

Atty.

Atty.

Danny Danny EE Bunyi Bunyi

Corporate Corporate Secretary Secretary

Domie Domie S.S. Eduvane Eduvane

Senior Senior Vice Vice President President forfor Legal Legal and and Corporate Corporate Affairs Affairs

Carlos Carlos Benedict Benedict K.K. Rivilla, Rivilla, IVIV Vice VicePresident PresidentforforCorporate CorporateAffairs Affairsand andAssistant Assistant Corporate Corporate Secretary Secretary

NNOOTTI ICCEE Notice Notice is is hereby hereby given given that that WAWAJVCO WAWAJVCO INC INC with with office office address address atat 16F 16F Three Three E-Com E-Com Center, Center, Bayshore, Bayshore, corner cornerOcean OceanDrive, Drive,Block Block21, 21,Mall Mallofof Asia Asiais isapplying applying forforregistration registrationwith withthe theBoard BoardofofInvestments Investments(BOI) (BOI) asasNew NewOperator OperatorofofBulk BulkWater WaterSupply Supplyunder underthe the Preferred PreferredList List- Infrastructure - Infrastructureand andLogistics Logisticsincluding including LGU LGUPPPs PPPs- Bulk - BulkWater WaterSupply Supply(Wawa (WawaBulk BulkWater Water Supply SupplyProject Project- Upper - UpperWawa WawaDam) Dam)with witha acapacity capacity ofof428 428MLD MLDonona aPioneer Pioneerstatus, status,with withproject projectsite site located located atat Barangay Barangay San San Rafael, Rafael, Rodriguez, Rodriguez, Rizal.

Rizal.

Any Anyperson personwith withvalid validobjection/s objection/s onon the the aboveabovementioned mentionedproject projectmay mayfilefilehis/her his/herobjection objectionininwriting, writing, under under oath, oath, with with the the BOI BOI within within three three (3)(3) days days from from the the date date ofof this this publication. publication.

Ponciano Ponciano S.S. Carreon Carreon Atty.

Atty.

Isabelita Isabelita Ching Ching Sales Sales

Chief Chief Information Information Officer Officer and and Compliance Compliance Officer Officer

Ritchelle Ritchelle T. T. Cordero Cordero

Head Head forfor Human Human Resources Resources and and Administration Administration

InInorder ordertotoimplement implementnecessary necessaryhealth healthprotocols protocolsconsistent consistentwith withthe thedirectives directives and andguidelines guidelinesofofthe theDepartment DepartmentofofHealth Healthforforthe theprotection protectionofofitsitsemployees employeesand and the theinvesting investingpublic, public,the theCommission Commissionhereby herebysuspends suspendsthe thephysical physicalinspection inspectionofof the theRS RSand andother otherpapers/documents papers/documentsattached attachedthereto thereto(collectively (collectivelyreferred referredtotoasas “Documents”) “Documents”) asas well well asas (ii.) (ii.) providing providing physical physical copies copies thereof thereof toto interested interested parties, parties, until untilfurther furthernotice. notice.InInlieu lieuthereof, thereof,the theCommission Commissionhas hasadopted adoptedananalternative alternative mode modeofofviewing viewingand/or and/ordownloading downloadingthe thesaid saidDocuments Documentsand andany anysubsequent subsequent amendments amendments thereto thereto byby enabling enabling interested interested parties parties toto access access the the same same through through the the MSRD MSRDcorner cornerofofthe theSecurities Securitiesand andExchange ExchangeCommission’s Commission’swebsite website(w(www.sec. ww.sec. gov.ph) gov.ph)ororthe theCompany’s Company’swebsite website(http://www.centuryproperties.com.). (http://www.centuryproperties.com.).

(SGD.) (SGD.) ANGELITA ANGELITA F.F. ARCELLANA ARCELLANA Director Director Infrastructure Infrastructure and and Services Services Industries Industries Service Service (MS-DEC. (MS-DEC. 19,19, 2020) 2020)

Chief Chief Financial Financial Officer Officer and and Investor Investor Relations Relations Head Head

Maria Maria Theresa Theresa Fucanan Fucanan – Yu – Yu Vice Vice President President forfor Corporate Corporate Communications Communications

signed signed VICENTE VICENTEGRACIANO GRACIANOP.P.FELIZMENIO, FELIZMENIO,JR. JR. Director Director (DEC. (DEC. 19 19 & 21, & 21, 2020) 2020)

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

B4

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020

Business

PSE INDEX CLOSING

Wednesday, December 18, 2020 -25.22 PTS. 7,272.80

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

23,554,431,428 157,738 11,875,086,799.17 110 110 50

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.0590

Japan

Yen

0.009699

0.4661

UK

Pound

1.358600

65.2930

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128999

6.1996

Switzerland

Franc

1.130838

54.3469

Canada

Dollar

0.786225

37.7852

Singapore

Dollar

0.754546

36.2627

Australia

Dollar

0.762100

36.6258

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652520

127.4775

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266560

12.8106

Brunei

Dollar

0.751710

36.1264

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000071

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.033523

1.6111

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.0851

Euro

Euro

1.227000

58.9684

Korea

Won

0.000915

0.0440

China

Yuan

0.153022

7.3541

India

Rupee

0.013602

0.6537

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.247954

11.9164

New Zealand

Dollar

0.714800

34.3526

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035529

1.7075 Source: BSP

LRMC, LRTA agree to link info system LIGHT Rail Manila Corp. said Friday it teamed up with Light Rail Transit Authority to share its technology for the benefit of LRT-2 passengers.

LRMC said the integration of LRT2 train information would go live on the ikotMNL app in the first quarter of 2021.

The ikotMNL mobile app, which was launched by LRMC in November 2019, is the first railway and tourism app in the Philippines. It equips LRT1 passengers with information so they can plan their commutes ahead.

The app’s core features include real-time train arrivals and departures, fare information, station crowd monitoring, tourism content, safety reminders, passenger advisories, news and announcements, a chat box for customer service assistance and a feedback form to help improve train service and passenger experience.

Under the technology partnership agreement, LRMC will develop and modify the existing ikotMNL app to integrate LRT-2 train information; provide necessary equipment for the data gathering of the app; acknowledge receipt and endorse all customer feedback or reports received on LRT2 related concerns to LRTA. LRTA will allow LRMC to be a non-exclusive partner in providing LRT-2 information; assign a point person to oversee program on their side for operations and maintenance of hardware and system in coordination with LRMC; comply with the training guidelines and app user roles to ensure accuracy and reliability of data for LRT-2; and promote the use of app.

“The Filipino commuters have always been at the heart of our business. Our commitment to ensuring they have a safe and convenient journey does not only cover their actual LRT-1 ride, but even beyond. Our vision of integrated mobility is a future where the commuter will have seamless travel between his first, next and last rides,” said LRMC president and chief executive Juan Alfonso.

“We are very excited over this partnership because we are also able to be of service to LRT-2 passengers,” he said.

LRTA administrator Reynaldo Berroya said the features provided by the app would help make navigation easier for the general commuters.

Darwin G. Amojelar

ALSONS DONATION. Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco -Salazar (second from left) receives a check for P16 million from Western Mindanao Power Corp. plant manager Jose Marie Torrejon (second from right). The Alsons Power Group’s WMPC turned over the amount to Zamboanga City for the campaign against COVID-19. WMPC operates a 100-mega-watt diesel power plant that provides electricity to Zamboanga City. The funds were set aside by WMPC under Department of Energy Energy Regulation 1-94 that mandates power generators to allot P0.0025 per kilowatt-hour of total electricity sales to help fund the health, electrification and environmental projects of host communities and local government units.

Bangko Sentral expects peso to remain stable and resilient

By Julito G. Rada

B

ANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said Friday the peso is resilient and stable amid the COVID-19 pandemic and will remain strong in the near-term period.

Diokno said in an online briefing the peso appreciated 5.4 percent against the US dollar as of Dec. 10 this year relative to its end-December 2019 level. The peso closed at 48.085 against the greenback Friday.

“The local currency has also performed better compared to other Southeast Asian currencies and appreciated vis-à-vis the US dollar along with the Chinese yuan, Taiwanese dollar, South Korean won and the Japanese yen, year-to-date,” Diokno said.

He cited analysts’ expectation that the peso would remain strong in the near term and maintain its resiliency as one of Asia’s top-performing currencies.

“The peso’s strength can be attributed to sound macroeconomic fundamentals characterized by a benign inflation environment,

a strong and resilient banking system, prudent fiscal position and a sufficient level of international reserve buffer,” said Diokno.

“The peso should continue to reflect emerging demand and supply conditions in the foreign exchange market as well as the continued soundness in the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals over the near term,” he said.

Diokno said the impact of expected weaker inflows such as the decline in exports and tourism receipts should be offset by favorable investor sentiment over the strong position of the economy including in terms of sound debt management and adequate FX cover.

He said the peso and other financial markets should benefit from the gradual reopening of the economy amid the decline in COVID-19 cases and ample policy support coming from both monetary and fiscal authorities.

“Moving forward, risks could emanate from uncertainty arising from potential resurgence of COVID-19 cases and its impact on the domestic and global economy. This may include the negative impact of the pandemic and the subsequent policies on travel restrictions on overseas Filipino deployment and tourist arrivals,” Diokno said.

He said the weak market sentiment might persist if the availability and deployment of safe and effective vaccine was delayed.

ERC issues parameters to govern power plant maintenance, outages

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Energy Regulatory Commission said Friday it issued the rules governing power plant outages to ensure reliability, security and affordability of power supply in the country.

“The ERC, as the regulatory body of the electricity sector, needs to ensure that generating plants are well-maintained and perform within the benchmark/standard per technology for all generating units.

This will not only ensure reliable supply but will also stabilize the price of electricity due to less or non-exposure to the volatile prices in the spot market,” ERC chairperson Agnes Devanadera said in a statement.

It issued the “Rules for the Interim Reliability Performance Indices and Equivalent Outage Days Per Year of Generating Units” which specify the planned and unplanned outage allowances in days per year.

The rules aim to ensure reliability, security and affordability of the supply of electric power while it promotes account-

ability of the generation companies, the system operator and the transmission network provider for greater economic efficiency.

The rules provide for an interim benchmark which will apply to generation companies with conventional and non-variable renewable energy generating plants that are connected to the grid, including embedded generating plants with an aggregated or combined capacity of 5 megawatts and more.

“By setting and giving specific parameters on the standard planned and unplanned outages, the generation companies are obligated to ensure that the generating plants are properly maintained and, thus, lessen the unplanned outages,” Devanadera said.

The regulator said the standard unplanned outages for the generating plants would be strictly observed. It said this would not only ensure that the generating plants are properly maintained, but would also result in les incidents and occurrences of unplanned outages.

LONGER OPERATING HOURS. SM Markets,

SM’s food retail business, is extending opening hours in select branches from as early as 6 a.m. to as late as 11 p.m. to provide customers the option to shop at off-peak hours.

These branches are SM Supermarket Mega Mall A & B, Makati, Cubao, North Edsa, SM Hypermarket Mall of Asia, Bicutan, North Edsa, Monumento, Cubao, Savemore Market Acacia, Amang Rodriguez, Anonas, Free Choice Mart, Laong Laan, Light, Nagtahan, Novaliches, Shoe Ave, Sta Ana Manila and Visayas.

SM Prime eyes P10b from new bond offering

By Jenniffer B. Austria PROPERTY developer SM Prime Holdings Inc. said Friday it plans to issue another P10 billion worth of fixed-rate bonds with tenors of 2.5 and 5 years.

SM Prime said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a permit to sell for P5 billion worth of fixed-rate bonds with an oversubscription option for another P5 billion.

The bond offering represents the second tranche from the company’s P100-billion bond-shelf registration program approved by the SEC in February.

The latest bond offering received a rating of PRS Aaa from Philippine Ratings Services Corp. PRS Aaa is the highest assigned by Philratings, denoting that such obligations are of highest quality with minimum credit risk and that the issuing company’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligations is extremely strong.

The rating for the property firm’s outstanding bonds amounting to P99.96 billion was also maintained at PRS Aaa. SM Prime issued in March P15 billion as first tranche of the P100-billion bond-shelf registration program. The bonds, with tenors of 5 years and 7 years, carry an interest rates of 4.8643 percent and 5.0583 percent per annum, respectively.

SM Prime operates 76 malls in the Philippines and eight malls in China.

Net income declined by 48 percent in the first three quarters to P14.4 billion as the mall business was affected by the quarantine restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.

Nine-month consolidated sales reached P60.7 billion, down 29 percent from P85 billion in the same period in 2019.

San Miguel seeks to run Manila airport for 10 years

By Darwin G. Amojelar SAN Miguel Corp. said Friday its proposal for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is for 10-year operations and maintenance to ensure that it operates better and more efficiently until the P740-billion Manila International Airport project in Bulacan province is completed.

San Miguel’s proposal came after the Manila International Airport Authority revoked the original proponent status for NAIA previously given to construction firm Megawide Corp.

“Our interest in NAIA does not intend to replicate what Megawide had in mind for NAIA. Our proposal is brought on only by the need to have it running effectively and safely for the Filipino people, until our Bulacan airport project is up. And until our airport is ready, that task needs to be done. We are also leaving it up to the government to decide on what to do with the NAIA in the future,” SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said.

“Unlike all the proposals that required a share in the revenues of the NAIA—including passenger fees and lease rentals—we are not interested in the revenues. We want to improve NAIA for the passengers. We want it to be run more efficiently, for service levels to be improved, until the new airport is operational. All revenues will go MIAA,” he said.

Ang said this was actually a part of the original proposal for the Bulacan airport development. He said while developing the airport project, it could spend for the improvement and operation of NAIA, at no cost to government, and with no share in revenues.

The Department of Transportation earlier asked to remove this portion of the proposal for the Bulacan airport project.

A consortium of the country’s largest corporations earlier secured an approval to rehabilitate and operate the aging NAIA, which was operating above its capacity for many years. This did not materialize and the original proponent status was later on given to Megawide.

IN BRIEF

ASEAN vehicle sales fell 33% in 10 months

AUTOMOTIVE sales in the ASEAN region dropped 33.9 percent in the first 10 months from a year ago, with the Philippines ranking as the second country with the steepest downturn, according to the ASEAN Automotive Federation.

Indonesia posted 50.5-percent drop in sales to 421,089 units in the first 10 months from 851,222 units a year ago, while the Philippines posted a 42.7-decrease to 173,035 units from 301,761 units.

Singapore followed with 41.4-percent downturn to 45,506 from 77,601 units, while Thailand saw a 27.4-percent drop to 608,880 units from 838,968 units.

Malaysia sales also went down by 19.9 percent to 398,159 units from 396,855 units while Vietnam sales dipped 18.1 percent to 212,409 units. Myanmar posted 10.4-percent decline in sales to 15,145 units. Brunei was the only ASEAN country with positive sales growth of 13.6 percent to 11,220 units.

Vehicle production in ASEAN also slowed down by 36.8 percent to 2.22 million from 3.51 units. Philippine production decreased by 29.8 percent to 54,894 from 78,211 units.

Othel V. Campos

Assets managed

by BPI exceed P1t

BANK of the Philippine Islands, the third-largest lender in terms of assets, said Friday assets under its management reached P1 trillion as more Filipinos seek out investment opportunities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

BPI said it exceeded the P1-trillion milestone by mid-November this year with a 14-percent year-to-date growth in combined AUM for BPI Asset Management and Trust Corp. with P832 billion and for BPI Investment Management Inc. with P190 billion.

BPI chief finance officer Maria Theresa Marcial said several factors contributed to this growth. “We were able to grow our AUM in the trust and investment management businesses both organically and through new accounts and fund management acquisitions. We are grateful for the trust that the investing public has put in BPI, and in our fund management arms, BPI AMTC and BIMI,” she said.

“In return, our clients have our assurance that we will continue to provide them with excellent financial services that have stood the test of time and trials such as the ongoing pandemic,” she said. Julito G. Rada

CEB offers antigen tests for only P700

CEBU Pacific said Friday it commercially launched its Test Before Boarding process for passengers flying from Manila, after its successful pilot run with the local government of General Santos.

The uses an antigen test taken just hours before the scheduled time of departure, with results released within 30 minutes.

Cebu Pacific said it offers the antigen test for P700, the lowest rate in the industry. The TBB testing facility at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 is now open for walk-ins from 2 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. CEB passengers will only have to register onsite and pay the fee directly to CEB’s diagnostic partner, Philippine Airport Diagnostic Laboratory.

It said that throughout the pilot run, it tested 1,143 passengers, three of whom tested positive and were not allowed to proceed with their flight. Only those who tested negative were allowed to board the aircraft.

Data provided by the local government of GenSan showed that CEB passengers were retested after their 7-day quarantine and results were still negative, showing consistency with the earlier results of the TBB process.

Sports

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020

Harold Banario: The man behind Lakay’s Mural

The portrait is about nine feet in height and 24 feet wide, with Team Lakay lynchpin Mark Sangiao on top and seven of his prized pupils who have captured intricatelycrafted belts in MMA below him.

Smart, FIBA announce global partnership for World Cup 2023 LEADING mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is proud to announce its global partnership with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) ahead of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

Under this four-year partnership, Smart is granted exclusivity in the category of telecommunications worldwide. The agreement also provides key commercial rights across all FIBA competitions, including the men’s and women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, FIBA Continental Cups for both men and women, FIBA Youth World Cups, the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 and FIBA’s pinnacle event, the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2023.

With 5G technology, Smart will play an essential role in the activities going into and during the muchawaited global basketball event. For the first time, the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 is set to take place across three nations: the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan, from August 25 to September 10, 2023. The Group Phase will be held across all three host countries, with the Final Phase to follow in Manila, Philippines.

FIBA and Smart will work together to create a wide array of exciting experiences for both athletes and fans around the world.

Smart is also supporting FIBA’s “Don’t Miss A Beat Challenge” with athletes from Gilas Pilipinas, TNT Tropang Giga, NLEX Road Warriors, Ateneo Blue Eagles, San Beda Red Lions, and other celebrities, as well as and other exciting activities leading up to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

This historic alliance comes after the strong finish of Gilas Pilipinas in Manama, Bahrain, resulting to the Philippines holding the top spot in Group A. “I hope all of us will take pride and joy in not only seeing the World Cup logo but in hosting the World Cup. With Christmas just around the corner, and the pandemic still looming over us, it’s great to have good news that will lift our spirits,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, PLDT Chairman and SBP Chairman Emeritus.

Condemnation as Russia doping ban cut to 2 years L

AUSANNE—Russia’s ban from international sport was halved to two years on Thursday and its athletes were cleared to compete as neutrals, drawing condemnation from athletes and anti-doping advocates.

The Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport cut the initial four-year ban imposed by the World Anti-Doping Agency, citing “matters of proportionality” and the “need to effect cultural change and encourage the next generation of Russian athletes”.

“The consequences which the Panel has decided to impose are not as extensive as those sought by WADA,” a CAS statement said.

“This should not, however, be read as any validation of the conduct of RUSADA (Russia’s anti-doping watchdog) or the Russian authorities.”

The CAS judgement comes after WADA hit Russia with the four-year ban last year for doping non-compliance after finding data handed over from its tainted Moscow laboratory had been manipulated.

The saga first erupted in 2016 when Grigory Rodchenkov, the laboratory’s former head, blew the whistle over state-

backed doping at the 2014 Winter Olympics in the Russian resort of Sochi.

The shortened ban imposed by CAS runs until December 16, 2022, encompassing the Tokyo Olympics, Beijing Winter Games and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which ends two days later.

Russia’s flag is forbidden, but its athletes will be allowed to compete in a uniform bearing the word “Russia”, as long as it also says “neutral athlete”, the court said.

Government representatives including President Vladimir Putin are barred, but they may still attend if invited by the host country’s head of state, CAS added.

WADA president Witold Banka said he was “disappointed” that the four-year ban was cut, but still called the ruling “an important moment for clean sport”.

“WADA is pleased to have won this landmark case,” Banka said, adding that the verdict “clearly upheld our findings that the

C1

Russian authorities brazenly and illegally manipulated the Moscow laboratory data in an effort to cover up an institutionalised doping scheme”.

‘Devastating decision’ But there was strong condemnation elsewhere. US Anti-Doping Agency chief executive officer Travis Tygart, who played a key role in exposing cycling’s Lance Armstrong doping scandal, called it a “devastating decision”.

“At this stage in this sordid Russian state-sponsored doping affair, now spanning close to a decade, there is no consolation in this weak, watered-down outcome,” Tygart said.

He called it “a catastrophic blow to clean athletes, the integrity of sport, and the rule of law” and, in an interview with AFP, said the ruling was a “tragedy” for the global fight against drug cheats.

British Olympic gold medal-winning cyclist Callum Skinner tweeted, “The biggest doping scandal in history goes unpunished,” and Global Athlete, which advocates for sportspeople, called the ruling “farcical”. AFP

THE iconic Baguio Athletic Bowl is one of the city’s most famous sites, but for Team Lakay, it has been the annex of its training facility since the stable’s inception in 2003.

From past to present, each member has spent countless hours on the tracks of the seven-hectare sports complex, doing various high-intensity running exercises to nurture the group’s seemingly infinite reservoir of stamina inside the cage.

After producing seven world champions in mixed martial arts, Team Lakay will forever be etched on the ivory-clad walls of the stadium through a sponsored mural project dubbed “Heroes,” which honors the Cordillera region’s homegrown talents who triumphantly represented the Philippines on the international sporting stage.

The portrait is about nine feet in height and 24 feet wide, with Team Lakay lynchpin Mark Sangiao on top and seven of his prized pupils who have captured intricately-crafted belts in MMA below him.

Tapped to do the artwork is none other than Team Lakay’s very own Harold Banario, a bantamweight competitor in BRAVE Combat Federation with a professional record of 5-2. He is also the younger brother of former featherweight world titleholder Honorio Banario.

It came as no surprise that Sangiao personally handpicked Banario, who has participated in several local art exhibits and designs houses on the side.

“I’ve been doing art since I was a child.

You can call it inborn talent since four of my siblings are also good at it,” the fighter shared. “I think it was way back when I was in elementary, particularly in my first grade, where I drew random things and submitted it to my teacher. I was awarded for it.”

His inclination to painting got much deeper when he suffered his first career defeat in June 2015, using it as a coping mechanism and an outlet for self-expression.

Banario even went viral on social media in 2017 for his “Beauty and the Beast” masterpiece which featured Hollywood actress Emma Watson as his subject.

“All of my paintings are allegorical paintings or symbolism, and it’s more on human figures and drama,” he said.

He couldn’t help but feel really flattered when the project was offered to him by Sangiao.

“I can say it’s an obvious choice since they’re my teammates and coaches, but perhaps they trust me and believe in my talent. I’m very delighted since this is my first time doing a mural this big. It’s an amazing feeling being chosen to do this monumental painting,” he stated.

Sangiao was the brains behind the mural’s concept, but the headmaster gave Banario the freedom to incorporate his artistic take.

Vogel: LeBron looked great in pre-season game

LeBron James impresses coach Frank Vogel.

LOS ANGELES—Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel liked what he saw from LeBron James in the NBA superstar’s brief appearance in a pre-season victory over the Phoenix Suns.

Vogel had said he wanted to give James and Davis a chance to “get their feet wet” in their first on-court action since leading the Lakers to the NBA title in the quarantine bubble in Orlando barely two months ago.

James missed his first four shots but finished with 11 points, two rebounds and two assists in 15 first-half minutes in Phoenix.

“He anticipated feeling a little bit rusty on the first stretch,” said Vogel, whose team improved to 3-0 in preseason exhibition play with the 112-107 win. “I thought that played out. And once he got his second wind, I think he settled in and looked great again.”

Davis added 10 points with four rebounds in 18 minutes and like James sat out the second half.

“I felt great, honestly,” Davis said. “Coming in, I thought I was going to feel a little winded. You can try to get in shape all you want, but there’s nothing like getting in basketball shape, game shape.

“I was kind of hesitant about that, but I felt fine. I could have played more, and probably will play more Friday.

But I felt physically fine.”

The quick turnaround from the end of the NBA Finals in the pandemic-disrupted 2019-20 season to the start of the 2020-21 campaign on Tuesday has prompted speculation that James and Davis will be played sparingly in the early going.

But Vogel said last week that when the Lakers tip off against the Los Angeles Clippers on opening night the star duo will be “ready to go.”

“We’ve been trying to strike that balance of easing them in enough while at the same time making sure they’re working to be ready for the beginning of the season,” Vogel said.

Meanwhile the Lakers have used the pre-season to get a good look at other players, including new acquisition Marc Gasol of Spain, and Kyle Kuzma, who has averaged 21.5 points per pre-season game.

It remains unclear just what Kuzma’s role will be once James and Davis are at full strength.

“Whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, is still to be determined,” Vogel said.

In fact, Vogel said after Wednesday’s win that he still hadn’t settled on a starting rotation.

“There’s a lot of different ways we could do, but nothing really solidified for me tonight,” he said. “It’s just going to take time.” AFP

Underdog Smith hoping size matters vs Alvarez LOS ANGELES—Britain’s Callum Smith will be out to prove that size does matter on Saturday when he defends his World Boxing Association super-middleweight crown against pound-for-pound king Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in Texas.

The unbeaten Smith (27-0, 19 knockouts) will take sizeable height and reach advantages into the ring at the Alamodome in San Antonio against the naturally smaller Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KOs).

Alvarez, who has not fought since he jumped up to light-heavyweight to score an 11th round knockout of Sergey Kovalev in November 2019, starts as favourite for Saturday’s bout where he will once again move up in class.

The 30-year-old Mexican superstar faced off against Smith this week where the striking height difference between the two men—Smith is 6ft 3in, Alvarez 5ft 8in —was plain to see.

Throw in the fact that Smith is a more natural 168-pound fighter, while Alvarez’s preferred habitat is the 160-pound middleweight division, and the raw stats appear to tilt in the Liverpudlian’s favour.

“I knew he was short but it was just nice to see him physically up close for the first time,” Smith said of his face-to-face with Alvarez.

“I’ve always said the best version of me can beat anyone in the world, and as long as the best version of me steps through those ropes, I can use my strengths to take away his strengths.”

Smith said that while Alvarez has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to move up in weight classes before, the Mexican’s skills may not be enough to offset his physical disadvantages against a bigger opponent.

Alvarez unfazed “His ability has always made up for his lack in size and he’s gone through the weights before,” Smith said.

“But there’s only so much size your ability can make up for and there comes a point where you can’t physically fight to your strengths because the other lad is just too big. And I’m not just a big lump with no ability.

“I’m 100% that if the best version of me is in the ring I’ll win this fight.”

For his part, Alvarez is unfazed by the size difference.

“Yes, Smith does have that advantage obviously, but I’m a boxer with experience so it doesn’t really worry me,” Alvarez said.

“I’ve fought against taller people, shorter people, so it doesn’t really concern me.”

Smith is expected to fight from longrange, using his eight-inch reach advantage to pick off Alvarez without allowing the hard-hitting Mexican star to attack his body. The question will be whether Smith is able to keep Alvarez at bay as energy levels drop in the later rounds.

Canelo Alvarez is unfazed.

“A fighter as good as Canelo Alvarez obviously isn’t going to let me just jab and move and stand off me,” Smith said.

“The fight’s not going to be that easy.”

The fight also offers Smith the oppor-

tunity to avenge the defeat suffered by elder brother Liam against Alvarez in 2016.

Callum was at his brother’s side to watch that stoppage via body-shot knockout in Arlington, Texas. AFP

C2

Tech & Gadgets

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020

rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

vivo still top smartphone brand in pandemic year V

IVO remains to be the most preferred smartphone of choice after reporting a steady quarterly growth throughout the year. It even ranked as the number one handset in the Philippines from April to June 2020.

The global smartphone market saw a sharp decline of shipments in 2020 due to the pandemic. Even with the 14%1 decline on the volume of handset shipments during the first half of the year, vivo remained aggressive on digital innovations to emerge with consistent sales growth throughout the year. vivo is one of the only two smartphone brands that showed growth in Q1. To top it off, it became the number one handset brand in the Philippines in Q2 after recording the biggest market share. The strong showing continued in Q3 with 66.7% yearon-year growth. vivo is one of the only two leading smartphone brands that survived the drop in shipments. Globally, 24.8 million vivo units were shipped from January to March 2020 according to the Interna-

tional Data Corporation (IDC) Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. vivo started the 2020 posting the biggest year-onyear growth among handset manufacturers at 7%. It even beat Samsung to become the second-biggest handset brand in India.

During the second quarter, vivo became the number one smartphone vendor in the Philippines.

This is a huge feat for a young smartphone brand which recorded 21% market share according to analyst firm, Canalys.

After an impressive showing of 159% brand growth by end of 2019, vivo remained aggressive even during the lockdown period by successfully launching its mid-range devices, the V19 and V19 Neo. Leaning on digital innovation, the brand posted a huge 18% year-on-year growth even when the nationwide quarantine was on its strictest from April to June 2020.

The consistent growth continued in the third quarter when vivo posted a 14.3% market share according to the IDC3. This ranks the brand as the second-best performing handset brand in the Philippines. Its market share is even bigger in the Canalys

Cebuana Lhuillier’s Micro Savings Account amped

vivo remains the most preferred smartphone of choice after reporting a steady quarterly growth throughout the year. It even ranked as the number one handset in the Philippines from April to June 2020.

report which is recorded at 21%.

BBK Electronics, the same conglomerate that also owns realme, OPPO, and OnePlus, had the Vivo Y11 as its bestselling smartphone. Even with its launch a year ago, the same unit has been a consistent top-notcher.

For the third successive quarter in a very challenging year, vivo recorded a positive quarterly growth of 2.6%. In the same period, vivo also registered an annual report of 66.7 which sealed further its position as a top-performing handset brand.

For more details, visit vivoglobal. ph, like @vivo.philippines on Facebook and follow @vivo_phil on Twitter and @vivo_philippines on Instagram.

The no. 1 smartphone brand

Rediscover more about your officemates at home THERE is no doubt the pandemic has affected individuals and families in a myriad of ways. While some Filipinos were lucky enough to keep their jobs during the pandemic, there are those who had to unfortunately face and accept unemployment, thereby losing their sources of income in a time of doubt and uncertainty.

But it is during these tough circumstances that Filipinos have proven themselves to be resilient and resourceful as they discover new and creative ways to earn at home for their families.

With the internet becoming an indispensable tool to upskill oneself and do self-improvement, learning to find work and have work online has never been easier and simpler.

PLDT Home’s newest video recognizes and celebrates Filipino families who have turned their passions and hobbies into online home-based work and study opportunities. The video, called ‘Working from Home—Discovering from Home’, showcases a fun and loving family that spends time over breakfast together. Much

PLDT Home’s latest video shows creative ways to work from home with the family

like a typical family, there is banter and funny exchanges, especially over the son’s affinity for being online and hooked to a gadget. But the scene suddenly shifts gears when the parents prep for work and the whole family transforms into online-savvy entrepreneurs!

The son starts the ball rolling by conversing with a classmate online through a wired headset about a school activity based around a video game! The game looks crisp and clear on the handheld tablet. Things escalate when the mom politely tells them that she is off to work carrying a tall

Pandemic accelerates fintech adoption; BSP nods new e-wallet THE global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has accelerated the adoption of fintech solutions across a wide swath of industries as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas granted its initial endorsement Smart Asset Managers to proceed with the registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other government agencies for amenabilities.

The SAM Digital E-wallet is a subscription-based platform, shares and provides economic opportunity that has recently expanded its operations to the Philippines. SAM Digital Technologies is the parent entity of SAM and it’s registered as digital currency exchanger in Australia under AUSTRAC. SAM is into digital and conventional businesses.

Rommel Santos, SAM founder said he “wants to widen the company base in the country to help his fellowmen,” as he sees how financial technology or fintech is slowly becoming more inRommel clusive in recent years.

Santos Santos said he has a vibrant outlook for e-commerce in the Philippines, specifically for online businesses, which is expected to grow approximately five times from US$1.1 billion in 2015 to US$4.6 billion by 2025. Subscribers from Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan and other southeast Asian countries along with those in Europe and Saudi Arabia, have active participation in SAM. Santos, a Philippine-born New Zealander based in Australia says that with a minimum subscription of $20 or P1k, a subscriber gets to be rewarded daily as SAM’s appreciation for subscribing. The reward is up to 15% monthly from one’s subscription.

SAM’s aim is to reverse the conventional method of entrepreneurial journey through economy sharing in which a subscriber can directly engage in conventional business if he so desires.

Under SAMPD, other SAM businesses include SAM Ride, SAM Delivery, Remjon Petroleum, SAM Remittance, among others.

basket of fruits. She then transforms into a lively and eye-catching online seller complete with dance moves and antics! The mom fondly shouts ‘mine, mine, mine’ signaling clients to claim their orders!

You would think that was the highlight of the video, until an audio chime from the father’s laptop rings out and the dad quickly stands up to put on his formal coat. After a few tucks and folds, he asks the son for help to join in on an online meeting. With a touch of a button, the father transforms and dons a snazzy Australian accent to present at a meeting! The mom and the son are happily shocked. As we all are!

The video rolls on to show the son holding up a chart helping out with a presentation, and the whole family sharing dance moves for a Christmasthemed sale! Together, the family has reimagined the home into a casual yet productive online work experience.

Be inspired and rediscover new ways to earn through home business by watching the full video in this link.

AS A champion for financial inclusion, Cebuana Lhuillier recently launched additional features to their existing Micro Savings Account, a product of Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank, to help more Filipinos become financially mobile, especially during the onset of the new normal.

When the Micro Savings was introduced last year, in 2019, to be exact, it provided unbanked and underbanked Filipinos with easy access to basic savings, regardless of who and where they are. It further empowered the vast majority to jumpstart their savings and directly steer their lives towards a better future. But when the pandemic hit, the progress of the program, along with everything else, was literally brought to a standstill.

Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank (CLRB) saw this as an opportunity to make sure that account holders or “Iponaryos” as they’re called, continue to still have full access to their hardearned money, at their convenience.

CLRB president Dennis Valdes said that, “The many challenges and limitations in access, presented by the pandemic to our clients and countless Filipinos, made us look even harder for more opportunities in bringing Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings to the next level; pushing our myriad of services farther ahead to immediately answer the needs of our clients.”

And the challenge has been met successfully. The Micro Savings Account now has four (4) new features: Partnerships with two giant financial institutions; BancNet and UnionPay, a link to the eCebuana App, as well as, the addition of QR Technology, for added security.

‘Iponaryos’ now have access to the latest functions transforming their Micro Savings account from just a basic cash deposit account to an even more powerful and reliable, full-service savings account. By partnering with BancNet, they now have unrivalled easy access to their finances beyond CLRB's cash agent, Cebuana Lhuillier’s more than 2,500 branches nationwide, using BancNet's roster of 21,000 ATMs, and 114 member banks.

A tie-up with UnionPay further allows account holders to make debit payments through over 350,000 POS terminals, as well as partner merchants nationwide. ‘Iponaryos’ can now get the benefit of an enhanced payment security with UnionPay chip cards’ quick payment process with just a tap, using UnionPay Contactless technology, plus the convenience of not having to carry cash and coins.

Full online access is likewise afforded to Ka-Cebuanas with the more efficient and more powerful eCebuana app allowing money transfers via Instapay, bills and utility payments, eLoad feature, insurance purchase, and coming soon are pawning ticket renewal and jewelry purchases. All these are made even more convenient since the adoption of online sign ups, now being allowed in the eCebuana app.

Win exciting prizes with Intel INTEL is starting this holiday season with a promo! With every single purchase of the 10th Gen Core i3/i5 Processors, you are qualified to win exciting prizes such as P100,000 of PayMaya credits, Sodexo vouchers, gadgets, and many more!

Participating products in the promo are Intel Core i3-10100, Intel Core i3-10100F, Intel Core i5-10400, Intel Core i5-10400F, Intel Core i510500, Intel Core i5-10600, Intel Core i5-10600KF, and Intel Core i510600KA. Any single purchase of any of these products from November 27 to December 25, 2020, entitles the buyer to a raffle entry.

This promo can be availed at all participating Intel resellers nationwide.

The array of prizes includes P100,000 of PayMaya credits for the grand prize, 15 P3,000 Sodexo vouchers, 10 HyperX Gaming Headsets, 10 Intel Core i5 NUC Mini-PCs, and five Intel 512GB M.2 SSDs. The first draw will be on December 11, 2020 (the deadline for submission of entries is on December 9, 2020, at 11:59 pm). There will be five winners of P3,000 Sodexo vouchers and five winners of Intel 512GB M.2 SSDs.

The second raffle draw will be on January 6, 2021 (the deadline for submission of entries is on December 25, 2020, at 11:59 pm).

For the second draw, there will be 10 winners of P3,000 Sodexo vouchers, 10 winners of Hyperx Gaming Headsets, 10 winners of Intel Core i5 NUC Mini-PCs, and one winner of P100,000 of PayMaya credits.

Qualified customers are required to fill and submit an entry form by accessing: https:// intel2020.typeform.com/to/IdytzZbx. Their complete name, age, home address, email address, contact number, date of purchase, store name, and a clear photo of the invoice/receipt.

Please note that name on entries should be in the buyer's legal name and/or their name in government IDs. A person can only win once. If a name is drawn more than once, they will get the prize of higher value.

Tech & Gadgets

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020

Long-shot idea led to COVID-19 vaccine H UNGARIAN-BORN scientist Katalin Kariko's obsession with researching a substance called mRNA to fight disease once cost her a faculty position at a prestigious US university, which dismissed the idea as a dead end.

Now, her pioneering work—which paved the way for the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines—could be what saves the world from a 100-year pandemic.

"This is just kind of unbelievable," she told AFP in a video call from her home in Philadelphia, adding she was unused to the attention after toiling for years in obscurity.

It shows why "it's important science should be supported on many levels."

Kariko, 65, spent much of the 1990s writing grant applications to fund her investigations into "messenger ribonucleic acid"—genetic molecules that tell cells what proteins to make, essential to keeping our bodies alive and healthy.

She believed mRNA held the key to treating diseases where having more of the right kind of protein can help—like repairing the brain after a stroke.

But the University of Pennsylvania, where Kariko was on track for a professorship, decided to pull the plug after the grant rejections piled up.

"I was up for promotion, and then they just demoted me and expected that I would walk out the door," she said.

Kariko didn't yet have a green card and needed a job to renew her visa. She also knew she wouldn't be able to put her daughter through college without the hefty staff discount.

She decided to persist as a lower-rung researcher, scraping by on a meager salary.

It was a low point in her life and career, but "I just thought...you know, the (lab) bench is here, I just have to do better experiments," she said.

The experience shaped her philosophy for dealing with adversity in every aspect of life.

"Think through and then at the end of it, you have to say 'What can I do?'

"Because then you don't waste your life."

The determination runs in the family—her daughter Susan Francia did go to Penn, where she earned a Master's degree, and won gold medals with the US Olympic rowing team in 2008 and 2012.

Twin breakthroughs

Inside the body, mRNA delivers to cells the instructions stored in DNA, the molecules that carry all our genetic code.

By the late 1980s, much of the scientific community was focused on using DNA to deliver gene therapy, but Kariko believed that mRNA was also promising since most diseases are not hereditary and don't need solutions that permanently alter our genetics.

First though, she had to overcome a major prob-

Vials of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are prepared to be administered to front-line health care workers under an emergency use authorization at a drive up vaccination site from Renown Health in Reno, Nevada. Inset shows scientist Katalin Kariko. AFP

lem: in animal experiments, synthetic mRNA was causing a massive inflammatory response as the immune system sensed an invader and rushed to fight it.

Kariko, together with her main collaborator Drew Weissman, discovered that one of the four building blocks of the synthetic mRNA was at fault—and they could overcome the problem by swapping it out with a modified version.

They published a paper on the breakthrough in 2005.

Then, in 2015, they found a new way to deliver mRNA into mice, using a fatty coating called "lipid nanoparticles" that prevent the mRNA from degrading, and help place it inside the right part of cells.

Both these innovations were key to the COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech, where Kariko is now a senior vice president, as well as the shots produced by Moderna.

Both work by giving human cells the instructions to make a surface protein of the coronavirus, which simulates an infection and trains the immune system for when it encounters the real virus.

New treatments

The mRNA quickly degrades and the instructions it gives the body aren't permanent, making the technology an ideal platform for a variety of applications, said Kariko.

These could range from new vaccines for influenza, faster to develop and more effective than the current generation, to new disease treatments.

For example, AstraZeneca is currently working on an mRNA treatment for heart failure patients, which

delivers signaling proteins that stimulate the production of new blood vessels.

Though she does not want to make too much of it, as a foreign-born woman in a male-dominated field, she occasionally felt under-estimated—saying people would approach after lectures and ask "Who's your supervisor?"

"They were always thinking, 'That woman with the accent, there must be somebody behind her who is smarter or something,'" she said.

Now, should everything go well with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, it is not hard to imagine the Nobel Prize committee rewarding Kariko and fellow mRNA researchers.

That would be bittersweet for Kariko, whose late mother would call her every year after the announcements to ask why she hadn't been chosen. "'I never in my life get (federal) grants, I am nobody, not even faculty'" she would laugh. To which her mother would reply: "But you work so hard!" AFP

AEON’s newest mobile app makes levelling up as easy as phone-to-home IF there’s one thing these unprecedented times have made us realize, it’s that even if the world physically stops because of, say, a global pandemic, the digital world goes on and on. People have adapted to technology almost completely overnight with the desire to stay afloat amid the economic changes brought about by COVID-19. Some people have also realized that it’s time for an upgrade from that old, outdated gadget or appliance to one that better suits a life best lived from the comforts of one’s home.

AEON Credit Service Philippines (ACSP), is a subsidiary of AFS Corporation Co., Ltd., wholly-owned by AEON Financial Service Co. Ltd. (AFS) and a member of the AEON Group. As a Fortune 500 listed corporation, the AEON Group ranks 115 in 2020.

AEON understands the need to level up, especially in a world that’s getting so used to working, studying, and living life from home.

With the re-launch of its mobile application, the AEON Philippines Mobile App users can easily get an appliance, furniture, or gadget loan from the comforts and safety of one’s abode. The app showcases ease and convenience brought about by a more intuitive, straightforward, and user-friendly interface, thus encouraging more people to upgrade that old laptop into a shiny,

The AEON Philippines Mobile App allows virtually anyone with access to a mobile phone the possibility of levelling up

new work-from-home-friendly workstation.

The AEON Philippines Mobile App allows virtually anyone with access to a mobile phone the possibility of levelling up. Once the application has been installed or updated, users can tap ‘Apply Loan’, fill out the form, and provide 2 valid IDs. They’ll then be asked for some Know

Your Customer (KYC) steps such as face recognition, mobile OTP confirmation, and a Captcha verification step for extra security of the loan applicant’s information.

After approval, users can then select the electronics and gadgets, appliances, cameras, and even furniture and hardware items that are new-normal and work-and-study-from-homeready! Just fill out the pre-claim form, decide on your preferred store where you can pick up your item, and -- congratulations! -- you’re now the proud new owner of a levelled-up gadget!

As an added convenience feature, users can also find their account details, payment history, account balance, and loan application status for easier tracking even when on the go.

With low interest rates and up to 24 months to pay, plus low-down payment installment plans, AEON readily encourages more people to easily ‘level app’ (level up) from phone to home. Additionally, their ‘no credit card required’ loan feature is also expected to make users feel more confident with pursuing their well-deserved home upgrades, proving that when it comes to the desire to level up, AEON can be consumers’ support system that they can lean on.

Apart from making loan applications and installment plans easy and convenient, AEON also makes sure that loan payment is a breeze.

C3

New malicious files detected daily increases by 5.2% to 360k IN 2020, an average of 360,000 new malicious files were detected by Kaspersky per day—an increase of 5.2% when compared to the previous year. This was influenced mostly by a large growth in the number of Trojans (malicious files capable of a range of actions, including deleting data and spying) and backdoors (a specific type of Trojan that gives attackers remote control over the infected device): a 40.5% and 23% increase respectively. These were the trends found by the Kaspersky Security Bulletin: Statistics of the Year Report.

Kaspersky’s detection systems discovered an average of 360,000 new malicious files every day over the past 12 months—18,000 more than the previous year (a 5.2% increase) and up from 346,000 in 2018. 60.2% of those malicious files were non-specific Trojans. In general, the percent of Trojans detected increased by 40.5% when compared to the previous year.

There was also a noticeable increase in the number of backdoors detected, as well as worms (malicious programs that selfreplicate on your system), written in the VisualBasicScript language and usually belonging to the Dinihou malware family.

On the decline is adware (programs that bombard you with advertisements), which experienced a 35% decrease when compared to 2019.

The vast majority of malicious files detected (89.80%) occurred via Windows PE files—a file format specific to Windows operating systems. At the same time, the number of new malware related to Android operating systems declined by 13.7%.

Given that many people were working and studying from home, most likely on computers and laptops, attackers appear to have shifted their focus to these devices. There was also a 27% increase in the number of different scripts—sent via malicious email campaigns or encountered on infected websites, which could, once again, reflect the fact that people spent more time on the Internet and attackers attempted to capitalize on that fact.

“Over the past year, our detection systems discovered far more new malicious objects than they did in 2019. Due to the pandemic, users from around the world were forced to spend more time on their devices and online,” comments Denis Staforkin, security expert at Kaspersky.

Allianz, Maxicare seal partnership ALLIANZ PNB Life and Maxicare Healthcare Corporation have come together as long term strategic partners to help address the health protection gap in the Philippines.

“We, at Allianz, are excited about this partnership to offer a health protection solution considered to be a first of its kind in the industry.

Maxicare is a trusted name and a pioneer in health and wellness, and our combined strengths will be truly beneficial to Filipinos who deserve the best quality health care protection,” said Alexander Grenz, President & CEO, Allianz PNB Life.

Globally, Allianz has ranked as the world’s top insurance brand, according to the latest Interbrand Global Brand Rankings. It is also one of the world’s most sustainable insurers, according to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Allianz’ presence in the Philippines is backed by its strong bancassurance partnership with the Philippine National Bank (PNB) and a regional partnership with the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Limited Philippines.

For its part, Sean Argos, President & CEO of Maxicare, said, “We share the excitement of Allianz about this partnership. There is a need for a stronger collaboration among health and insurance players in the country to better serve the needs of Filipinos.”

Maxicare Healthcare Corporation is the number 1 health maintenance organization (HMO) in the industry and has successfully pioneered several health solutions to ad-dress the health protection gap in the country. It currently services over 1.5 million members across the country from corporate segment, small and medium-sized enterprises to families and individuals. Maxicare has more than 56,000 affiliated doctors and specialists, more than 1,000 hospitals and clinics and a growing number of primary and customer care centers in key cities nationwide.

OtterBox launches new lineup of cases, antimicrobial feature for Apple iPhone 12 ALL THE new Apple iPhone 12 phones sport brilliant OLED displays, cutting-edge cameras.

OtterBox, being the No. 1-selling smartphone case brand in the US, launches a new line up of protective cases to support your new device, now with an antimicrobial feature. Adding to that, you can now get to donate to a non-

OtterBox EXO EDGE for your Apple iWatch

profit organization with each case purchase!

“Apple continues to innovate in ways that connects us all, and OtterBox is here to protect and enable that connection,” said OtterBox CEO Jim Parke. “Not only is OtterBox dedicated to developing premium cases for Apple devices, we are also committed to giving back to our communities.

Each OtterBox case purchased represents an opportunity to support one of our partner organizations that are focused on bringing innovative education to people around the world.”

The OtterBox collection of cases for iPhone 12 models has something for everyone: - Symmetry Series is a slim, stylish cases available in clear and colorful options. Symmetry Series solid colours are also now made with antimicrobial technology to defend the case exterior from many common bacteria.

- Award-winning Otter + Pop is now available in clear!

Otter+Pop features an integrated PopTop for added fun and versatility. Otter+Pop Symmetry Series is available in glitter, clear, color and graphic options with a swapable PopTop that expresses your style.

- The tried-and-true Defender Series is ready for any rugged adventure from parenting toddlers and teenagers to climbing mountains with multi-layer defense against everyday drops.

OtterBox Symmetry Series - Commuter Series offers two layers of protection for life on the go. From bedroom to living room or home to office, Commuter Series protects iPhone 12 models from everyday scrapes and bumps and features port covers to keep dust and dirt out. Commuter Series is also now made with antimicrobial technology to defend the case exterior from many common bacteria.

- Strada Series is a luxurious leather folio with a built-in card holder for the most essential cards and cash. The folio

acts as a kickstand for on-the-go viewing or can be used to cover the brilliant displays on iPhone 12 models.

- Add 360-degree protection to your device with Amplify for iPhone 12 models. Amplify Glass incorporates the first EPA-registered antimicrobial glass and will help keep your screen safe from damage with 5X anti-scratch and shatter resistance. OtterBox Alpha Glass is available with privacy option.

And now, you can get a case and give a buck! OtterBox and the OtterCares Foundation have supported kids in learning to be entrepreneurs, philanthropists, makers, doers and givers for more than a decade. New this fall, OtterBox invites you to join in this mission by purchasing a case then selecting one of its partner non-profits to support with a donation from OtterBox. To learn more about the OtterBox giving back program and how you can donate a dollar when you purchase a case, visit otterbox.asia/giving-back.

Pricing and Availability: Commuter Series retails at P1,990 and is available in OtterBox kiosks, PowerMac Stores and *Selected Rustan’s Stores Symmetry Series retails at Php 2,600 and is available in OtterBox kiosks, PowerMac Stores and *Selected Rustan’s Stores

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

C4

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020

Motoring

Four reasons to take your vehicle for a

check-up

T

HE holiday season has set in. People are now drawing up plans for a road trip during the long break. Aside from keeping safety protocols in check, there is a need to assess your vehicle’s condition before you go on a long drive for your and your family’s safety.

Ford Philippines shares four reasons why you need to have your vehicle checked at your authorized car dealership.

You’ve missed out on your vehicle’s scheduled checkup.

With the lockdown restrictions, it’s likely that you haven’t gotten the chance to take your vehicle for its scheduled check-up and maintenance. As best ownership practice, car manufacturers highly recommend that you take your vehicle for regular check-ups to ensure that it delivers the desired performance.

For Ford vehicle owners, it is en-

couraged that you follow your Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS) schedule, offered by your authorized Ford dealer.

During these checks, Ford quality-standard lubricant, fluids, and service parts are used by Ford technicians.

Select new vehicles come with a Ford Scheduled Service Plan (SSP), which covers the PMS of your vehicle for up to 5 years. SSP protects Ford owners from possible price increases on parts and labor and eliminates the need to constantly pay for their maintenance visits.

Furthermore, Ford recommends that you have your vehicle checked by an

authorized Ford dealer to ensure the quality of service and only genuine Ford parts are used.

Your vehicle was inactive for months.

Travel restrictions and work-at-home arrangements due to the pandemic have caused many Filipinos to stay at home, along with their vehicles. For those who have not used their vehicle for months, Ford highly recommends having your vehicle checked before resuming regular usage.

To ensure that your Ford vehicle performs its best now and in the long run, Ford offers Premium Extended Warranty Service (EW), the most comprehensive service plan backed by the automotive manufacturer. EWS covers parts and labor required to repair key components including engine, transmission, steering, brakes, front suspensions, and electrical parts for up to 5 years or 150,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. That gives you long years of vehicle warranty and worry-free ownership.

Your vehicle was affected by the recent typhoons and flooding.

If you’re among the many Filipinos whose vehicles have been damaged by the recent wave of typhoons and flooding, now would be the perfect time to take it to your nearest authorized dealer for a checkup. Doing this sooner than later helps reverse any related damage that would otherwise cause problems for your vehicle in the future.

If you’re a Ford owner and your vehicle was affected by the recent typhoon and flooding, you may schedule an appointment with your Ford dealer for a thorough diagnosis and repair. Service teams are more than equipped with the necessary resources to ensure your Ford vehicle will remain in good condition.

You’re heading out during the long holiday break Taking your vehicle for a checkup helps ensure that it is in the right condition for a long drive, as well as to prevent any malfunctions or breakdowns on the road.

In any case of a breakdown during your trip, Ford offers a 24/7 Emergency Roadside Assistance Program exclusive to Ford

owners, providing quick and reliable assistance on the road. Eligible customers can contact the hotline at 8459-4723 or visit their Ford dealer to avail of the service.

Taking your vehicle for a checkup can

Fever-detecting camera developed FOR viral infections, fever is one of the first and most frequent symptom. And this has been one of the first signs doctors look out for when the pandemic Covid-19 broke out this year. Covid-19 is known to cause an increase in body temperature.

According to the German Robert Koch Institute, almost 90% of infected people in China have been diagnosed with fever.

This focus on fever screening as a preventive measure to contain the current pandemic is one of the hallmarks of WHO’s basic steps.

To help in the effort to identify and contain the pandemic, German technology company Dermalog has developed a cam-

Toyota spreads cheer with P10-m ‘Blowout

Laus group upgrades flagship showroom A FRESH automotive retail experience is ready to welcome customers as the Laus Auto Group, the flagship arm of Pampanga-based conglomerate Laus Group of Companies, unveils the upgraded showroom and new services of its Carworld Pampanga dealership.

Carworld Pampanga is a leading dealership of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines, with over four decades of repute as a trusted brand in automotive sales in Central Luzon. The upgraded showroom demonstrates Carworld Pampanga’s consistent adherence to Mitsubishi’s top showroom standards while introducing new services such as car disinfections, easier installation of accessories, and bulletproofing for added protection. The upgraded branch in the City of San Fernando complements these services with more expanse and new store visuals to reassert LausGroup’s corporate identity, built on raising customer satisfaction through better car shopping experiences.

This effort is both a strategic and symbolic move for the LausGroup, whose bullish outlook on business amid the pandemic is showcased in the continuous improvement and expansion of its services. It also signifies the company’s

Petron rings in Xmas with ‘12 days of merry’

era, which measures body temperature with outstanding accuracy and speed to make a significant contribution to the fight against pandemics.

With its Fever Detection Camera, Dermalog has developed a solution that provides fast and precise measurement results and reduces significantly the risk of infection spreading in many areas of daily life.

No, Dermalog GmbH is not a skin care clinic but a German technology company that has been in the Philippines developing the Land Transportation Management System for the LTO. The word Dermalog comes from the words “derma” or skin and “log’ or to journal.

FASTLANE

commitment to its stakeholders, as it continues to provide support for the operational continuity and resilience of its partner businesses and customers.

“The refreshed look and new services in Carworld Pampanga’s showroom is our way of boosting economic activity in the region, and reflecting our optimism for new opportunities for the automobile industry that are yet to come despite the year that has been. This is our way of telling our customers that we are ready to work together to revitalize the economy and that we continue to be their partners as they ride towards growth again,” remarks Paul Laus, President of the Laus Group of Companies.

The newly renovated Carworld showroom serves as an addition to several renovations that the LausGroup has applied to their main establishment to close the year.

Recently, the Company has also adorned the entire boulevard of its headquarters in Jose Abad Santos Avenue in San Fernando with lights installations and Christmas decorations to spread holiday cheer, while supporting the livelihood of Kapampangan craftsmen. They have also mounted new LEDs on the walls of their Mini Showroom within the Laus Group complex.

make a world of a difference in ensuring that it is ready for anything. A well-performing vehicle has been proven to be a true lifesaver for many Filipinos during the most testing of times and will continue to do so in the future.

IT’S THE season of thanksgiving and as a way of expressing gratitude to customers, Toyota Motor Philippines raffled-off P10M to 100 lucky winners of their Christmas Promo.

Customers who made reservations on participating models from December 4 to 13, 2020 were given a chance to win P100,000 cash rebate which can be used to purchase their reserved vehicle on top of other existing promo offers.

With 10 winners each for 10 days, TMP gave a total of P10,000,000 in rebates to 100 lucky Toyota customers.

The raffle was concluded this week with regular announcement of winners on TMP’s official Facebook page.

Aside from these lucky winners, TMP also extended the Live Life on the Safe Side deals, giving aspiring Toyota customers a wide selection of flexible financing or discounts and freebies on well-loved Toyota models.

Purchase your own New Vios for as low as P6,225 per month, or a New

Wigo for as low as P6,023 per month.

You may also get as much as P65,000 savings on a brand new Innova, or P90,000 on a previous gen Hiace Commuter. Savings on selected variants, or Pay Low (all-in packages) or Pay Light (low monthly plans) financing deals are also available for the Corolla Altis, Avanza, Rush, current gen Hiace, and Yaris.

Get free Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS) up to 20,000KMs, free 1 year comprehensive insurance, or both for selected variants of Vios, Wigo, Corolla Altis, Rush, Innova, Avanza, Fortuner, Hilux, and Hiace.

Vios G, E, and XLE customers get both PMS up to 20K KM and 1 year comprehensive insurance on top of 5-year extended warranty. Trade-in rebates as much as P40,000 are also available for customers who want to replace their old vehicles with a new Toyota. These can be used on top of existing promos or to buy accessories.

INDUSTRY leader Petron Corporation is celebrating the Christmas season with its 12 DAYS OF MERRY promo, as a grand gesture to show its appreciation for its loyal customers. For the 12 days leading up to Christmas Day, there will be daily promotional offers with 12 major prizes at stake for lucky Petron loyalty card holders.

From December 14 to December 25, and exclusively for registered Petron Value Card and Super Driver Card members, qualifying customers can enter the online raffle for a chance to be one of 12 daily winners of the following prizes: December 14—MOTORCYCLE. For a minimum 1-liter single fuel receipt purchase of any Petron Lubes (except Petron Sprint 4T) product.

December 15—GAS RANGE WITH 1-YEAR FREE GASUL REFILL. For a minimum of one 11-kg Gasul purchase. Customer must send a copy of the official receipt together with a personal holiday recipe via the Petron microsite.

December 16—PERSONAL LAPTOP. For a minimum Php 500 single receipt purchae of Petron XCS. December 17—eSCOOTER WITH HELMET. For a minimum P500 single receipt purchase of Petron Turbo Diesel or Petron Blaze 100.

December 18—50% OFF ON FUEL. For a minimum of 1-liter purchase of any Petron fuel, 200 customers at each of the Petron participating stations nationwide will qualify for a 50% discount on their fuel purchase during the period 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. December 19—NINTENDO SWITCH GAME CONSOLE. For a minimum Php 500 single receipt purchase of any Petron fuel.

December 20—GOPRO HERO 8 ACTION CAMERA. For a minimum 1-liter single receipt purchase of any Petron Lubes (except Petron Sprint 4T).

December 21—MOUNTAIN BIKE. For a minimum Php 500 single receipt purchase of Petron XCS. December 22—100 PVC POINTS. For a minimum 1-liter purchase of any Petron fuel at selected participating stations for the period 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, customer will get an additonal Php 100 Petron Value Card points.

December 23—APPLE IPAD. For a minimum 500 single receipt purchase of any Petron fuel.

December 24—GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR Php 12,000 WORTH OF GROCERIES. For a minimum of one 11-kg Gasul purchase.

December 25—ONE YEAR OF FREE FUEL WORTH UP TO Php 88,000. For a minimum Php 500 single receipt purchase of any Petron fuel.