Manila Standard - 2021 January 1 - Friday

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A BLESSED AND BLISSFUL NEW YEAR TO ALL!

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 299 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

COVID-free New Zealand rings in 2021 with a fireworks display and light show on the famous Auckland Harbor Bridge, drawing thousands or revelers. It has managed to eliminate coronavirus after a seven-week lockdown. It becomes the second to greet the New Year, after the south pacific island of Samoa.

PH tightens up, bars 3 over new virus fears ‘They came from countries covered by travel ban’ COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM DECEMBER 31)

474,064 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

1,541 25,024 NEW

ACTIVE

9,244

14

439,796

296

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

By Vito Barcelo and Joel E. Zubano

T

HREE foreigners were barred from entering the country after they were found to have traveled to some countries where a more transmissible variant of the COVID-19 virus was detected, the Bureau of Immigration said Thursday.

The three passengers, who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Dec. 30, were immediately turned back to their port of origin, BI spokesperson Dana Sandival said in a radio interview.

The Philippines has imposed a travel ban from Dec. 30, 2020 to Jan. 15, 2021 on the

United Kingdom, Denmark, Ireland, Japan, Australia, Israel, The Netherlands, Hong Kong, Switzerland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Lebanon, Singapore, S we d e n , South Korea, South Africa, Next page

NEW

NEW

FDA asserts regulatory functions

By Willie Casas and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday asserted its authority to regulate vaccines after high government officials admitted that members of the President’s security detail got vaccinated against COVID-19 using an unauthorized vaccine.

“I think it’s really a lack of appreciation. They thought the FDA is like a rubber stamp. FDA... is an important unit of government because it deals with everything that we eat… processed food, household substances Next page

SAFE AND SOUND. Like a troika of trumpet musicians, three children blow colorful horns in a

barangay Kaligayahan in Novaliches, Quezon City on Thursday (Dec. 31, 2020, opting to make some noise safe and sound, without exploding pollutant firecrackers on New Year’s eve. While trumpets are an alternative for firecrackers in celebrating the New Year, the Department of Health discourages its use to prevent the possible transmission of Covid-19. Oliver Marquez

Gov’t upbeat on vaccine supply by 1st Q MALACAÑANG is optimistic that a vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) will become available in the Philippines by the first quarter of 2021, and that it will be a “year of healing.”

In his New Year’s Day message released on

Thursday, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the government has identified geographical and sectoral priorities for vaccination.

“Negotiations and discussions with vaccine manufacturers are ongoing and tripartite

‘Lockdown spurs baby boom’

By Willie Casas THE increase in babies born during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is expected to boom within the first six months of 2021, the chief of the Commission on Population and Development (Popcom) has said.

“I believe the [peak in] lockdown babies, we see it in the first six months of 2021. That will probably be the peak,” Popcom director Undersecretary Juan Perez said in a phone interview on ABS-CBN News.

He said lockdown pregnancies would

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Rody hopes 2021 ‘a year of healing’

By Vito Barcelo, Rio N. Araja and Rey E. Requejo MALACAÑANG expressed hope that 2021 would be a year of “healing, recovery, and bouncing back and assured the President Duterte public that the government is on track in its bid to vaccinate the population against COVID-19.

“We welcome 2021 with renewed hope, courage and inspiration as we bid farewell to 2020, bringing with us its valuable lessons and memories,” presidential spokesperson Harry Vice President Robredo Roque said in his New Year message.

Roque said for the coming 2021, the government is hoping “to see an end to the pandemic and continue the pursuit for a stronger and healthier Philippines, which would only be realized if the government and citizens Senate President Sotto would work together to achieve this goal.”

He also assured the Filipino people that negotiations and discussions with vaccine manufacturers are ongoing and tripartite agreements with the government, the private sector, and allied governSpeaker Velasco ments are now rolling.

“The earliest rollout of a vaccine is expected in the first quarter of next year (2021). We are indeed on track and this gives us a sense of optimism. We hope to see an end to the pandemic and continue the pursuit for a stronger and healthier Majority Leader Romualdez Philippines,” he said.

He added that these goals would be realized if the government and citizens would work together to achieve this goal.

The challenges we faced as a nation in 2020 were daunting but because of the resilient Filipino spirit, we fought and carried on,” Chief Justice Peralta he added.

2020 saw the nation gripped and pounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and calamities such as the eruption of Taal Volcano, earthquakes, and typhoons.

“Let us, therefore, make the Year 2021 as a year of healing, recovery, and bouncing back. Together and united, we will heal and recover as one,” Roque added.

‘Stay hopeful’ Vice President Leni Robredo urged the Filipino people to stay hopeful and look out for each other amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

In her New Year’s Eve message, Robredo said 2021

Inday Sara tops survey of 2022 Cooking gas price rises presidential bets by P45 per 11-kilo tank

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raise the number of births between January and September.

“So for the next six to nine months we will see the effects of COVID when it comes to birth increase. Increase in births or unwanted pregnancies. Hopefully (there will be a) normalized situation (on) 2nd quarter so it will not go beyond September,” he said.

Earlier Wednesday, the commission said the population was expected to swell at 111.1 million, which would affect the “under 1 age group” due to increased unplanned pregnan-

DAVAO City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio topped a survey of possible presidential candidates for 2022 conducted by Pulse Asia, released Thursday, followed by former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos who tied

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By Alena Mae S. Flores

total of P45.76 per 11-kilo tank effective January 1.

Petron Corp. raised the price THE country’s oil firms raised the price of cooking gas or liq- of its Gasul LPG b y P4.16 per uefied petroleum gas (LPG) by kilo (VAT inclusive) or P45.76 as much as P4.16 per kilo or a Next page

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News

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2021

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Rody’s line budget veto backed, nixed

By Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta

A

BANG Lingkod party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano on Thursday said the veto is a presidential power, while “override” is for Congress.

his assessment as he is in possession of information that, apparently, prompted him to make this decision.”

He, however, clarified that everything’s not lost for Congress, citing Article 6, Section 27 of the Constitution which provides for the procedure to override a veto.

“We may either agree or override the veto but as for me, national security is paramount vis a vis the reportorial requirement,” he said.

“In the end, we in Congress are duty-bound to pass upon the veto of the President as provided for in the Constitution” he noted.

Meanwhile, Senator Franklin Drilon said the vetoed provision on the use of

public funds for the Public Attorney’s Office forensic laboratory division is a replication of an existing provision in the 2020 General Appropriations Act. He said the forensic function is best left to experts in the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation.

“To allow PAO to conduct forensic examinations is a mere duplication and a total waste of public funds,” said Drilon.

He said that his proposed provision would have prevented not only duplication of functions but also a possible scenario wherein the forensic findings of PAO would differ from that of the NBI or the PNP.

He said the provision in the 2021 budget requiring quarterly reports on the utilization of intelligence funds, which was rejected by President Rodrigo Duterte, was in adherence to the principle of transparent and accountable governance.

In his veto message, Duterte said “all activities involving intelligence gathering that have a direct impact on national security and public safety

shall be reported directly to me,” adding that such information is deemed “confidential or classified.”

The vetoed provision requires the submission of quarterly reports on the use of intelligence funds to the House Speaker of the and Senate President.

Paduano said that “as Commander in Chief, the President has the ultimate responsibility on matters of national security, (and) we are bound to rely on

FDA...

From A1

70% of Pinoys rely on social media as source of news

that we have and the medicines that we put into our bodies,” FDA Director General Eric Domingo said in an interview on ANC’s Headstart.

Domingo said people working at the FDA are doing their jobs to protect the public and ensure a level of assurance that what people are using is safe and effective.

“Maybe people don’t understand that we’re here not to make things difficult but to make things safe and effective for everybody,” he said.

He said there is no authorized COVID-19 vaccine in the Philippines at this time. As such, the manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, offering for sale, distribution, transfer, non-consumer use, promotion, advertisement, or sponsorship of any unauthorized vaccine remains prohibited.

The PSG on Wednesday admitted that some members of President Rodrigo Duterte’s close-in security detail had been vaccinated against COVID-19 as early as September this year using a Chinese vaccine that has not been approved for use in the Philippines.

A Palace spokesman urged the public to “just accept” that some soldiers were vaccinated against the COVID-19 while Interior Secretary Eduardo Año also said there was nothing illegal in the PSG’s early inoculation.

But while Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the early and unauthorized inoculation of PSG members was justified, he acknowledged that the vaccines were considered to be smuggled into the country.

Domingo said outside of Pfizer, no other company has applied for emergency use authorization from the FDA. “We don’t have anything to approve. We are not delaying, if there is no company that is applying [for clearance],” he said.

He said they cannot force companies to give their papers or samples of their vaccines to be tested.

Domingo said their vaccine expert panel and regulators are now evaluating the Pfizer application for its emergency use authorization.

“The evaluation is going to take about two weeks. It was given to us right before Christmas. So I am giving evaluators up to the first week of January to do that. Of course, we have to consolidate the report,” he said.

The availability of the drug will not depend on the FDA, he said.

“It will depend on the ability of the company to manufacture and supply to us,” said Domingo.

Cooking...

From A1 per 11-kilo tan starting 12:01 am January 1 while Isla LPG raised the price of its Solane LPG brand by P3.73 per kilo (VAT inclusive) for a total of P41.03 per 11-kilo tank.

“Petron will implement a P4.16 per kg increase (VAT-inclusive) in LPG prices effective 12:01 am, Jan. 01. AutoLPG prices will

Inday...

From A1 at second spot with incumbent senator Grace Poe. But in Metro Manila, the top probable candidates of respondents for president were Marcos (20 percent), Manila mayor Francisco Domagoso (18 percent), Duterte (16 percent), Poe (12 percent), and senator Emmanuel Pacquiao (12 percent).

Tied with Poe in Luzon at 17 percent was Domagoso, followed by Marcos (16 percent), vice president Leni Robredo (13 percent), Duterte-Carpio (12 percent), and Pacquiao (9 percent).

SOCIAL media has displaced television as the top source of news with 70% of respondents found to be high rate consumers of SM news (vs ~58% of respondents found to be high rate consumers of television news). Print appears to continue its decline with almost 50% of respondents found to be low rate consumers of print media.

This is according to the PAHAYAG End-of-the-Year survey, an independent and non-commissioned poll done

by PUBLiCUS Asia Inc. covering the period of December 3-9, 2020.

It is a nationwide purposive sampling survey of 1,500 respondents drawn from a research panel of approximately 100K Filipinos maintained by a Singa-

pore-based firm. The survey research panel was restricted to registered voters. Parameters based on respondent age and location were also considered in the sample formulation in order for the resulting sample to conform more closely to the features of the voting population as defined by statistics from the COMELEC.

PH tightens...

From A1

ease about its inclusion in the travel ban.

Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) announced it will not accept foreign nationals who originated from, transited through, or visited within 14 days prior to arrival in the Philippines, any of the countries specified in the travel ban.

CEB said customers affected by the temporary travel ban may avail themselves of free rebooking within 90 days, a full refund, or add the value of their ticket to a travel fund valid for two years.

Sulu has requested from the national government additional watercraft to secure its borders when it implements a two-week lockdown in January to stop the spread of the more transmissible coronavirus variant from Sabah, Malaysia.

Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan told the ANC news channel that his province’s current water assets were not enough to monitor its sea borders with nearby Sabah in Malaysia, where the new COVID-19 variant was found.

Also on Thursday, the National Task Force on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (NTF-Covid-19) denied reports that it brought at least 100 foreigners and Filipinos to a dilapidated hotel in Batangas for the required 14-day mandatory quarantine for passengers arriving from abroad.

The statement came as some of the passengers complained that the hotel they were supposed to stay in had no running water and proper facilities for quarantine.

In a Laging Handa briefing, NTF Deputy Chief Implementer Vince Di-

zon identified the hotel as Canyon Woods in Batangas.

“While it is not a five-star hotel, it’s not unkempt and it’s decent because we’ve been using it as a quarantine facility for our overseas Filipino workers,” he said in Filipino.

Dizon also said the 14-day quarantine is not some form of “hostage-taking” but part of a stricter measure to prevent the new coronavirus variant from entering the country.

Dizon said foreigners and Filipinos arriving from abroad starting Dec. 30 are required to complete a 14-day mandatory quarantine in a government-accepted facility, regardless of a negative RT-PCR test.

The government would also shoulder the hotel fees.

He, however, said should the passenger opt to book their preferred hotels, the accommodation expense will be shouldered by them.

“This option was accepted by the other passengers that’s why last night, almost half of the 100 people brought to Canyon Woods were transported to their chosen hotels and the transportation was provided by us,” he said.

The NTF, Dizon said, had asked for understanding and patience in the wake of the incident.

Most of the passengers brought to Canyon Woods on Dec. 30 are returning overseas Filipinos, a few OFWs, and foreigners.

Political upheavals

dispelled by the light.”

“In the world, the mad race for the vaccine — it’s discovery, testing, and mass distribution — is nearing the finish line. I share the optimism of the scientists that, soon, we shall be able to live alongside this virus with less sorrow and fear,” he said.

Sotto vowed the Senate would continue to work towards helping the country return to normal.

Canada and Spain.

Foreigners who travel from or through any of these countries in the last 14 days will not be allowed to enter the country, Sandoval said.

BI officers in the airports were instructed to do a 100 percent passport inspection to make sure that the travel histories of arriving passengers are clear, she added.

Filipino nationals who travel from these countries are exempted from the ban but they will be referred to the onestop shop for testing and to strictly implement a 14-day quarantine.

Seafarers are only allowed to disembark in the Port of Manila, and will be transported by their shipping agents to the designated quarantine facility under strict monitoring of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Department of Transportation said.

Filipino seafarers will undergo their mandatory quarantine at facilities assigned by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and at the Athlete’s Village in New Clark City at the expense of the government.

Although the United States has also reported cases of the new coronavirus variant, the BI said it is still awaiting word from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Dis-

Rody...

From A1 was another chance to see the bright side of things in spite of the darkness, including deaths, in 2020.

In her message, all in Tagalog, Robredo said: “Many of us will welcome the New Year without our loved ones who have died, or affected by the loss of livelihood, and comparatively very minimal food on the New Year’s Eve dining table...many aspects of our lives have been altered – at home, in school, in the office and ties with kin and friends, aggravated by different levels of emotion: fear, anxiety and loneliness.”

Senate President Vicente Sotto III, for his part, said 2020 proved to be “an eventful and difficult year for Filipinos as crises battered the country one after another: A destructive volcanic eruption, a series of typhoons, and an outbreak of a virus that continues to infect thousands by the day.”

He said the crises kept the Senate busy for the year, its members allotting hours for discussions and also crossing party lines to come up with pieces of legislation that they believe would help respond to the people’s needs and address gaps in current policies.

While the end of the COVID-19 crisis remains to be seen, Sotto said he was hopeful that “the darkness will soon be

House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco himself issued a statement, saying despite the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the Filipino people must be thankful enough and have something to look forward to in 2021.

likewise increase by P2.33 per liter at the same time. These reflect the international contract price of LPG for the month of January,” Petron said in its advisory.

The oil firms adjust the price of LPG on a monthly basis but pump prices are adjusted weekly.

On December 29, the oil firms cut the price of kerosene by P0.25 per liter and diesel by P0.05 per liter but did not move gasoline pump prices.

World oil prices declined after several

consecutive weeks of oil price increases amid reports of a more contagious COVID-19 virus strain and concerns of fresh lockdowns in Europe that could dampen oil demand.

The new virus strain and new lockdowns overshadowed previous optimism of the rollout of vaccines that could put an end to the COVID-19 pandemic and pave the way for a global economic recovery.

On December 22, the oil firms raised

the price of gasoline by P0.75 per liter, diesel by P0.85 per liter and kerosene by P0.80 per liter effective to reflect movements in the international oil market.

The oil companies also increased the price of gasoline by P0.50 per liter, diesel by P0.60 per liter and kerosene by P0.55 per liter on December 15.

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

Duterte-Carpio led the top spot, with 26 percent of respondents picking her, followed by Marcos and Poe who were both tied at second place at 14 percent.

Pulse Asia said the nationwide survey, conducted on Nov. 23 to Dec. 23, asked 2,400 Filipino adults who they would vote for President, Vice President, and senators if the May 2022 elections were held today, and used faceto-face interviews and had a 2 percent error margin.

The survey has a ± 2% error margin at the 95 percent confidence level.

Subnational estimates for each of the geographic areas covered in the survey (i.e., Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao) have a ± 4 per-

‘Lockdown...

From A1 cies brought about by the pandemic.

However, as vaccine talks continue, and lockdown restrictions ease enough for people to seek family planning services, Perez said they expected the number of unplanned pregnancies to “normalize” within 2021.

“I hope that with the normalization, and increasing vaccination rates, women can avail of services again as they need and I hope by 2022 this phenomenon passes by,” Perez said.

Quarantine restrictions have been in place in the entire country since March,

Relevant laws

limiting movement and keeping families inside their homes in efforts to contain the virus.

Groups have previously projected an uptick in unplanned pregnancies.

The University of the Philippine Population Institute and the United Nations Population Fund estimated there will be some 2.5 million unplanned pregnancies in the country by the end of the year.

POPCOM is “hopeful” that the situation will normalize by the second or third quarter of the year. Otherwise, they project a “year-long phenomenon” and will start doing mitigating measures such as localizing their programs and continuing family planning commodities.

The Philippine population at the on-

Filipinos divided on what to expect in year of the ox

By Vito Barcelo ONLY 44 percent or less than half of the Philippine population thinks their quality of life will improve in the next 12 months, according to the latest Social Weather Stations survey.

The first to be done with face-toface interviews since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SWS survey found four in ten of adult Filipinos saying their quality of life will improve, with 36% saying it will stay the same and 9% saying it will worsen in the next 12 months.

The SWS said the net personal optimism score is “very high” at +35, which is 33 points up from the mediocre +2 in September 2020, and a continued recovery from historic lows of -19 in May 2020 and -10 in July 2020.

It noted that the survey question on the quality of life trend in the next 12 months has been fielded 139 times since April 1984.

“The 33-point recovery in the national net personal optimism score is due to increases in all areas from September 2020: 48 points in Mindanao, 39 points in the Visayas, 27 points in Balance Luzon, and 25 points in Metro Manila,” SWS said .

The pollster said in November 2020, Mindanao recorded the highest net personal optimism at +40, followed by Balance Luzon at +39, Metro Manila at +30, and the Visayas at +25.

The survey also found out that net personal optimism is higher among those “gainers” or those whose lives got better last year with +52, than among those “losers” or those whose quality of lives declined a year ago with +32.

It also noted that net personal optimism is very high at +36 among adults who belong to families who consider themselves as “not poor.”

Gov’t...

From A1 agreements with the government, the private sector, and allied governments are now rolling,” he said.

Citing the Philippine National Vaccine Roadmap, he said the earliest rollout of a vaccine is expected in the first quarter of next year.

“We are indeed on track and this gives us a sense of optimism. We hope to see an end to the pandemic and continue the pursuit for a stronger and healthier Philippines,” he said. – PNA

1,541 new cases logged

AS the year drew to a close, the Philippines logged 1,541 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases to 474,064, even as three laboratories failed to submit their data on time, the Department of Health (DOH) reported.

The DOH said the decrease in cases over the holiday season was to be expected given the closure of many private laboratories and the decrease in patients seen by those who remained open.

The DOH reported 296 persons recovered recently, bringing the total recoveries to 439,796, which is 92.8 percent of the total cases.

The DOH also reported 14 new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 9,244, which is 1.95 percent of the total cases.

That left 25,024 active cases, which is 5.3 percent of the total number of cases. Of the active cases, 80.8 percent are mild cases; 10.4 percent are asymptomatic; 5.5 percent are critical; 2.9 percent are severe; and 0.46 percent are moderate. – Willie Casas

Referral system boosts recovery

A proper referral process through the government’s “One Hospital Command” system has contributed to the increase of the recovery rate among coronavirus patients, Department of Health Undersecretary Dr. Leopoldo Vega said on Wednesday. set of 2021 is expected to increase to 110.8 million, POPCOM said.

The Philippines is however expecting a slower population growth rate by the onset of 2021, with Perez noting a trend of families keeping their numbers small.

“Women are opting for lower fertility, and smaller families. So that’s not just a Filipino trend and the Philippines was rather late in catching up so we’re latecomers to the international phenomenons,” Perez said.

“We are down to 2.5 million children for the 5-year period in the next 5 year period (2021-2025 our number of children per family expected 2.3 to 2.2 (million). That’s why we’re saying the trend is now for smaller families. [It’s a] continuing trend that I hope to see in 2025,” Perez added.

News

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

A3

Measure to defer higher Philhealth premiums planned

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Imee Marcos said Thursday she will file a bill to amend the Universal Health Care Act or RA 11223 to provide a legal basis for the deferment of Philhealth’s higher premiums.

She acknowledged that Philhealth’s premiums are in the UHC law, but she is studying if, on its own, Philhealth could defer imposing the higher premiums under both Bayanihan 1 & 2.

In any case, Marcos said, she was already drafting an amending bill to defer the increase in Philhealth’s premiums that its members could ill afford in these difficult times.

Former Senator JV Ejercito, the principal author and sponsor of UHC, said it seemed like Philhealth once again failed to grasp the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to the Filipino people.

While the government was now trying its best to help everyone to recover from their economic loss due to the pandemic, Philhealth once again would like to implement an increase in the contribution of its members in disregard of the economic realities.

“We acknowledge the urgent need of funds to fully implement the targeted milestones of the Universal Health Care Law,” Ejercito said However, he says, the same law does not limit the sources of funding for its implementation from the contributions of its members.

Philhealth, together with the Health department, should have asked Congress for supplemental funding to ensure the objectives of the UHC law were met.

Instead, he said, Philhealth would just like to rely on its struggling members for funding.

Moreover, he says, the UHC law says Philhealth should provide a corresponding increase in benefits for every increase in rate of contribution.

“What then is the additional benefits that Philhealth would provide for its members for next year?” Ejercito said.

“I appeal to Philhealth to suspend the implementation of the increased rate of contribution. The last thing our people need is another burden.”

TIPPED OVER. An ambulance lies on its side along Laon Laan Road in Manila on Wednesday night after it was hit by a taxi, according to a report on Super Radyo dzBB. The patient who was inside the ambulance was immediately brought to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). DZBB via Twitter

Muntinlupa gangs dismantled

By Rey E. Requejo

T

HE BUREAU of Corrections has started dismantling the gangs inside the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa to stop the riots that earlier resulted in the death of 13 inmates and the injury to almost 100 others.

In a report to the Department of Justice, the bureau also recommended the transfer to other camps of the inmates involved in the two riots that took place in October and November.

The agency is also processing the purchase of equipment anti-riot gear to help prison guards maintain peace and

order in the penitentiary.

The gradual abolition of gang culture will be implemented under “Oplan Bura Tatak” or the removal of gang tattoos.

“For the first incident of the riot, what triggered it was a perceived personal conflict that got out of hand and unfortunately involved others. For the

second incident, it was triggered by the desire of one group to exact revenge,” the report said.

“The suspension of privileges definitely was a factor affecting the temperament of PDLs [persons deprived of liberty],” BuCor spokesman Gabriel Chaclag said when asked if the nine-month suspension of visitation rights could have been one of the factors for the riots.

The agency also reported that none of its personnel should be held liable for the deadly gang wars.

In fact, Chaclag said, it recommended to the department that the prison personnel who were on duty at the time of the riots should be given recognition for

their “exemplary” actions during and after the riots.

“No negligence on the part of the personnel was noted. All actions of personnel who were on duty and those who responded were found to be in accordance with established security protocols.

Their sound judgment on the ground was commendable,” Chaclag said.

He said the bureau had implemented other measures, such as the enhanced patrol operations of its Special Weapons and Tactics team, to keep order.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra earlier asked the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a parallel investigation into the two incidents.

SSS asked to suspend increase in contributions SENATOR Richard Gordon on Thursday called on the Social Security System to submit to the Senate proposals on how to suspend the implementation of the 2021 contribution increase without shortening the fund’s life.

“While there is a need and the law mandates an increase in SSS contributions in 2021, we see that this is untimely, especially at a time when businesses are down,” Gordon said in a statement.

“When RA 11199 was enacted, our lawmakers did not have an inkling that a pandemic would occur and greatly affect

‘Funds to assist workers enough’ DOUSED. Around P160,000 worth of confiscated pyrotechnics are soaked in water to

make them unusable by P/Col. Marlon Santos, Cavite Police provincial director, at Camp Pantaleon Garcia in Imus on Thursday as the entire province declared a total ban on firecrackers ahead of the New Year celebrations. JR Josue

Group: 9 killed in Capiz not Reds but IPs

By Willie Casas and Rio N. Araja A GROUP on Thursday said the nine fatalities in the previous day’s military operations in Tapaz, Capiz, were members of an indigenous people’s group, contrary to the claim of government forces that they were communist rebels.

In a Facebook post, Pamanggas said the nine were Tumandok IPs and not New People’s Army (NPA) rebels. They were “unarmed” and “non-combatant”, Pamanggas said.

The group identified eight of the slain individuals as: Eliseo Gayas, Jr. of Barangay Aglinab, a TUMANDUK Council; Mauro Diaz of Barangay Tacayan; Arcelito Katipunan of Barangay Acuña; Mario Aguirre of Barangay Lahug, a Barangay Council Member; Roy Giganto of Barangay Lahug, a Barangay Council Member,

former Barangay Captain, and the current TUMANDUK Chairperson; Jomer Vidal of Barangay Daan Sur; Dalson Catamin of Barangay Nayawan, a Barangay Captain and Reynaldo Katipunan of Barangay Lahug, a Barangay Council Member.

The group said Gaas was “tortured before being killed.”

According to Pamanggas, the family members of Gayas were ordered to go out of their house before armed operatives came in and shot him four times.

“Mario Aguirre’s and Roy Giganto’s houses, meanwhile were forcibly entered and operatives shot them dead inside while lying down asleep, in the presence of their families,” it added.

Meanwhile, 17 IP members were arrested in the same operation from different Barangays in Calinog, Iloilo and Tapaz, Capiz.

THE Department of Foreign Affairs said Thursday there are enough funds to help migrant Filipino workers affected by the COVID-2019 pandemic.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Sarah Arriola said while the COVID-19 pandemic had depleted the P1-billion allocation to help distressed migrant workers, the department still had a substantial amount left from the Bayanihan to Recover As One Act to allow them to help the workers.

Foreign Affairs was also allocated P200 million for the legal assistance fund, Arriola said.

“We were granted P820 million and there’s still a substantial amount that’s still with us for COVID response that is in Bayanihan 2. And since Bayanihan 2 will be extended, we have the resources to respond to COVID,” Arriola said in a virtual press conference in Bahrain.

“So we have resources to care for our people. They just really have to reach out to our post, or even to DFA through [Facebook]. And anyone who needs help, we are willing to give help.”

Arriola, along with Presidential Assistant for Foreign Affairs Robert E.A. Borje, the special envoy of President Rodrigo Duterte, are in Bahrain for an official visit until Dec. 31.

Nigerian shot dead in buy-bust operation in Tarlac A NIGERIAN national was killed in a buy-bust operation that yielded P13.6 million worth of shabu in Tarlac on New Year’s Eve, officials said.

Philippine National Police-Drug Enforcement Group Director Ronald Lee identified the fatality as Gabriel Onyechefula, a member of the West African Syndicate who, he said, had been luring Filipi-

nos to become drug mules for them.

The operation was conducted around 10 a.m. on Thursday at a parking lot in Jefmin village in Concepcion.

The suspect pulled out his firearm upon sensing he was dealing with a police officer who had acted as a poseur-buyer.

That prompted the officer to fire at the suspect to defend himself.

Onyechefula succumbed to a gunshot wound in his abdomen. Recovered from him were three transparent plastic bags containing around two kilos of shabu, buy-bust money, a caliber 9mm machine pistol and ammunition and two genuine thousand-peso bills placed on top of 14 bundles of boodle money. Jess Malabanan

our economy,” said Gordon, chairman of the Senate Committee on Government Corporations and Public Enterprises.

He noted that data from the National Economic and Development Authority show that SSS’s sales losses reached PHP5.2 trillion in the first half of the year alone.

“It’s only halfway through the year and this is already higher than the 2021 budget of PHP4.5 trillion. We need to balance the interest of the people who are greatly affected by the pandemic, as well and the interest to protect the funds of the SSS),”

Gordon said.

But he acknowledged the difficulty of stopping the 2021 contribution increase, saying a new law may be needed as the increase was specifically mandated in RA 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018, which also had no provision that empowered the SSS to stop it.

“We will discuss this at the committee and if necessary, we will craft a new law to make it easy for the people to get through the pandemic while continuing to pay their SSS contributions,” Gordon said.

Garchitorena-Goloy, poet, writer and journalist, 93 GLORIA Garchitorena-Goloy, poet, short story writer and journalist, passed on December 28 at the age of 93.

She is survived by daughters Angelina, Matilde, and Elizabeth; son-in-law Ric Cortez Jr.; grandchildren Giselle, Erica and Alfred Araullo, Fredric and Eunice, Carlo, Paolo, Luis, Nico; and great-grandchildren Bea, Samantha, Allison, Sofia, Ariela and Audrey.

A graduate of UST Faculty of Philosophy and Letters (Litt. B in Journalism), she was associate editor of the pre-martial law Sunday Times Magazine and supplements editor of The Manila Times. She later contributed articles to Express Sports Weekly, Sunburst Magazine, among other publications.

She also edited the Paco Parish Sentinel, the newsletter of the Parish of San Fernando de Dilao of Paco, during the stewardship of parish priest, Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani Jr. Goloy authored four books, Adams and Eves and Other Poems (1969), A Housewife in the World of Sports (1997), At the Crossroads (2007), and Two Voices (2013). Her poems are included in several anthologies, among them, Philippine Contemporary Literature (Maramba, 1978), Philippine Literature (De La Salle University Press, 1990-1995), A Native Clearing (Abad, 1993), Songs of Ourselves (Manlapaz, 1994).

Among the awards she received are: Golden Owl Award for excellence in poetry (UST Philets Foundation), Parangal Hagbong (UST Varsitarian Gawad Ustetika ), Certificate of Recognition in Journalism (UST Alumni Association, Inc.), Gawad Kalinangan Award (Rotary Club of Manila), Lifetime Achievement Award (Philippine Sportswriters Association), San Lorenzo Ruiz Award (San Fernando

de Dilao Parish), Noblesse Oblige Service Award (Paco Catholic School), She co-founded the Greater Manila Duckpin Bowling Association, Inc., subsequently the National Duckpin Bowling Association, Inc. Goloy is more popularly remembered for chronicling the triumph of her namesake, Gloria Diaz, as the country’s first Miss Universe in 1969. Goloy was Diaz’s official journalist-chaperone.

In 2012, Goloy fractured her right hip and underwent partial hip replacement surgery. Despite continuing physical therapy, she had since been in a wheelchair.

She described her life then in a message to the Philippine PEN at the launch of Two Voices in 2013.

“I am like a soldier confined to barracks.

Besides medical check-ups, I can count with the fingers of one hand my outings in the last year…Whenever I need to go somewhere, my daughters hire a van, with a pahinante, so I can be loaded on to the vehicle and then unloaded--in my wheelchair.

On Sundays, a lay minister comes to the house to give me Holy Communion and to share readings from the Mass.

“This wheelchair, which I may have to put up with for the rest of my life, is constricting my lifestyle. However, it isn’t constricting my mental activities! I’m still playing with words -- in solving puzzles, this time, and it is giving me a different kind of triumphant joy!

“Working with puzzles is a lot like creating a poem, or a short story. It gives me a sense of one-upmanship. Puzzles certainly keep the mind in a creative mode, though the triumph is meagre compared with stringing words in a poem.

“Besides, putting up with this…er, puzzling situation, is a valiant way of telling our Lord, Thy will be done.”

LGUs

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor

A4

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2021 lgu@manilastandard.net editor.lgustandard@gmail.com

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

COP SANTAS. Police officers from the 1st Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company trade their uniforms for Santa Claus costumes as they brought gifts and food packs to poor and remote communities in Leyte, Southern Leyte and Samar.

P’que earmarks P250m for cure

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Paranaque City government is shelling out P250 million to buy COVID-19 vaccines when available to protect its residents from the deadly disease.

Mayor Edwin Olivarez assured that around 300,000 bonafide residents of Paranaque will receive the vaccine. He said they will prioritize the health workers, essential service workers, security and traffic personnel, and senior citizens, numbering to about 59,000 from the city’s 16 barangays.

He disclosed that the local government will directly negotiate with the pharmaceutical company to purchase the Food and Drug Administration’s approved vaccine once it is available in the country anytime this year.

“Our funds are ready in case a vaccine for the dreaded disease is already in the country anytime soon,” the city chief executive explained.

However, Olivarez pointed out that the city government will not purchase the vaccines not approved by local regulators.

“Unsanctioned or unregistered vaccines? No way! Baka masisi pa tayo ng mga tao sa bandang huli,” he said.

Olivarez said they will request and seek audience with Belgium’s Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc., the first company to conduct clinical trials for its COVID-19 vaccine in the country, to permit them to purchase their approved vaccines.

EV police bring gifts to indigents

By Ronald O. Reyes TACLOBAN CITY—For several days, police officers traded their uniforms for Santa Claus costumes as they brought gifts and food packs to poor and remote communities in Eastern Visayas in this year’s Christmas celebration.

“This is a great opportunity of giving back to the community by sharing the blessings received to the target recipients who need it most,” said Brigadier General Ronaldo De Jesus, police director, as he led the gift-giving activities in the region.

“This Yuletide Season let us spread love and positivity amid the pandemic we are facing,” he added.

In Sitio Cabarasan, Barangay Sungi, Dulag, Leyte alone, at least 100 residents received a bundle containing food packs, other necessities, and cash from the police.

Acoustic band from the police regional command also sang Christmas carols and brought a short entertainment program to the recipients.

“We are very thankful for their Christmas gifts,” said Beverly Devaras, whose family members received holiday treats from the police.

Under its “Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko” program, police in Northern Samar brought gifts to the indigent residents in Barangay Jose Abad Santos in Catarman “to share the spirit of the season.”

Colonel Arnel Apud, director of Northern Samar Police Provincial Office, personally delivered his gifts to the identified poor families.

“Our gift-giving activity initiatives are our way of letting the families in impoverished rural communities feel that they are special and loved. It was a beautiful thing to witness—the family members receiving their gifts and their faces lighting up as they received their presents,” said Captain Gilfran Gaffud, chief of San Ricardo Municipal Police Station in Southern Leyte.

LCP forms Vaccine Availment body T

O ENSURE early access of cities to the COVID-19 vaccines, League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) national president Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia of Bacolod City created on Dec. 23 the LCP Committee on Vaccine Availment.

“We need to strategize our efforts to ensure that our constituents have early access to quality and affordable vaccines, but we need to gather as much information as possible to guide our decisions,”

Leonardia said.

The primary function of the Committee is to coordinate with the COVID-19 National Inter-Agency Task Force (NIATF) for the Management of Emerging

and Infectious Diseases, the Department of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Budget and Management, and other concerned agencies to determine and recommend the most appropriate courses of action to facilitate the availment of the COVID-19 vaccines for cities.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, a former LCP president, was appointed by Leonardia as chairperson of the Committee.

The other members are national vice

chairman and General Santos City Mayor Ronnel Rivera; vice president for Luzon and Balanga City Mayor Francis Anthony Garcia; Region 9 representative and Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco, focal mayor for Health; and Candon City Mayor Ericson Singson.

The Committee is expected to submit their recommendations to Leonardia on or before January 8.

“Proper coordination with concerned agencies is a must. This is, after all, a top priority for all of us,” Leonardia stressed.

Commonwealth zipper lane set

By Rio N. Araja

BRINGING BACK NILAD. Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu (left) and Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) Director Henry Adornado (beside Cimatu) lead the planting of the nilad mangrove (inset) during the launch of the “Nilad for Maynila” project at BASECO lagoon on Dec. 29. The project, in partnership with the Manila City government, is in line with the rehabilitation of Manila Bay and the re-greening of the city’s coast through the planting of nilad, which used to thrive in the city that took its name. Rio N. Araja

Pyrotechnics abandoned in Cabanatuan

Isko vows to arrest Manilans lighting firecrackers

By Jess Malabanan

By Willie Casas

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga—A large quantity of pyrotechnics was abandoned by its owner, apparently to avoid arrest as police set up roadblocks along major thoroughfares in different areas in Central Luzon, authorities here said Thursday.

BGen. Valeriano De Leon, director of the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), said the fireworks and similar devices were found by policemen on foot patrol abandoned beside a supermarket in downtown Cabanatuan City.

De Leon said the assorted pyrotechnics were neatly concealed in a large box left by its owner along Paco Roman Street. Different kinds of fireworks surfaced when checked by patrolling cops.

Policemen brought the items—which include 28 pieces of big and small fountains, 3,180 pcs of Lucis and other pyrotechnics—to the local station. No one came forward to claim the fireworks, the police report stated.

“The owner might have abandoned the firecrackers to avoid arrest,” said De Leon, as he reiterated his earlier warning on the use of firecrackers during the New Years’ Eve revelry.

A jail term awaits violators of the firecrackers ban, he added.

PEOPLE in Manila who will be caught lighting firecrackers or fireworks, including inside their homes, will be arrested by authorities, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso warned on Thursday.

“We are always certain about our rules.

We’re trying to be diplomatic as much as possible by asking or encouraging, but if you violate, there are a lot of policemen

deployed across Manila, and there’s a lot of possibility that you will be caught because they will really arrest you,” Domagoso said at a Laging Handa briefing.

Domagoso said that as much as possible, the City of Manila should celebrate the New Year “peacefully.”

“But then again, we will. We’re going to have to do it. There’s a lot of police, don’t try anymore. There’s no prosecutor today, ‘when you’re caught by police in violation of the laws, my God, during

your first week of the year, you will be in jail,” he warned.

Domagoso also said authorities have not yet found any establishment either selling unauthorized COVID-19 vaccines or conducting illegal vaccination in the capital city.

“So far we have no actual or particular establishment being monitored). But rest assured that these things are not going to be allowed in the city of Manila,” Domagoso said at the same briefing.

FROM Dec. 31 until Jan. 3 between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m., the Quezon City government, along with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, is implementing a dry run of a zipper land and road diversion to ease the heavy traffic flow along Commonwealth Avenue.

With the ongoing “Build Build Build” projects of the national government, including the Metro Rail Transit line 7 partly along Commonwealth Avenue, traffic build-up is usually experienced from the Don Antonio area up to Quezon Memorial Circle westbound during rush hours.

To address the traffic woes, the city government has decided to open a zipper or counterflow lane in these areas.

“Since the MRT-7 construction in the Elliptical Road-North Avenue interchange will be extended for another two months, we will have to devise ways to ease up the flow of traffic especially after the holiday season,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

The city government piloted a dry run for a proposed zipper lane to be opened from the Luzon Avenue-Tandang Sora Avenue area, while on Jan. 2, another entrance would be opened in front of the University of the Philippines-Ayala Technohub.

The zipper lane will end at the corner of Commonwealth Avenue eastbound and University Avenue leading to UP– Diliman.

Samar town gets new police station

NEW STATION. Brigadier General Ronaldo De Jesus (second from left) unveils the marker for the new police station in Motiong, Samar as he thanked Mayor Renato Cabael and other local officials for their “partnership” in the building’s construction.

TACLOBAN CITY—Eastern Visayas police director Brigadier General Ronaldo De Jesus led the inauguration of the new P5.4 million police station in Motiong, Samar, boosting the administrative and operational capabilities of the law enforcers in the town.

“The relationship between infrastructure development and organizational growth has not gone unnoticed. We cannot claim to have improvement in our level if we fail to address inadequate and dilapidated infrastructures,” said De Jesus during the turnover ceremony on Tuesday.

“The implementation of this project has complemented the envisioned mod-

ernization of the Philippine National Police facilities,” he added.

The improvement of structures and facilities “is to enable the personnel on the ground to deliver high standard of service to the public and to enhance its offensive strategies by acquiring advantageous position against the enemies,” the general said.

Meanwhile, De Jesus thanked Motiong Mayor Renato Cabael and other local officials for their partnership in the construction of the police station.

The new police building, located at Barangay Poblacion 1A, has a lot area of 400 square meters and a floor area of 288 square meters. Ronald O. Reyes

Opinion Healthcare, Philippine style services (Section 6.1, Implementing Rules and Regulations [IRR]of RA 11223). The Department of Health (DOH) and local government units (LGUs) shall endeavor to provide a health care delivery system that shall afford every Filipino a primary care provider (Section 6.4, IRR).

The primary care provider shall act as IT IS The dream of every Filipino to enjoy the navigator, initial and continuing point a government-subsidized healthcare pro- of contact in the health care delivery system gram that will help him pay for his medical (Section 6.5, IRR). It is mandated that every expenses. He hopes that his lifetime savings Filipino shall register with a public or private will not be depleted or used up to cover his primary care provider of choice with due medical needs. This risk is brought about by consideration to proximity and ease of travel the reality that all of us, at some point in our of those seeking care (Section 6.6, IRR). life, will have to suffer physical deterioration The membership into the Program was brought about by years of toil and old age. simplified into two (2) types, direct and inThe general health condition of the popu- direct. Both types include the following as lation in a country determines the life expec- qualified dependents: (a) legal spouse who tancy at birth. Life expectancy is the measure is not an active member; (b) unmarried and of how long a person is expected to live. This unemployed legitimate, illegitimate children, may vary worldwide depending on factors and legally adopted or stepchildren below 21 like diet, gender, and environment. The life years of age; (c) foster children as defined expectancy has also in RA 10165 (Foster improved over the Care Act of 2012); years due to the inand (d) parents who troduction of severare 60 years old and We should al vaccines (https:// above who are not enwww.statista.com/ rolled members (Seclearn to take care statistics/274507/ tion 8.1, IRR). of our health so life-expectancy-in-inThe “direct condustrial-and-developtributors” includthat more Filipinos ing-countries/). ing their qualified and mostly those The current life dependents are: (a) expectancy for the employees with forin need can access Philippines in 2020 is mal employment the benefits.

71.28 years, which is characterized by the a 0.18% increase from existence of an em2019. It has improved ployer-employee refrom the 68.73 year lationship, which inlife expectancy 20 years ago (https://www. clude workers in the government and private macrotrends.net/countries/PHL/philippines/ sector; (b) kasambahays, as defined in RA life-expectancy). Based on the United Na- 10361 (Domestic Workers Act); and (c) all tions Development Program report, the life other workers who are not covered by forexpectancy for male Filipinos is 67.1 years mal contracts or agreements or who have no while it is 75.4 years for female Filipinos employee-employer relationship and whose (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_coun- premium contributions are self-paid such as tries_by_life_expectancy). the self-earning individuals, and professional Developed countries like the United practitioners (Section 8.2, IRR).

States, have life expectancies of 81.4 years Other direct contributors are: (a) Overfor its female and 76.3 years for its male seas Filipino Workers, as defined in RA citizens. For Germany, another developed 10022 (Migrant Workers Act) and RA 10801 country, the life expectancy is 83.6 years for (OWWA Act) such as sea-based Filipino females and 78.8 years for males. Japan has workers or seafarers, and land-based overa life expectancy of 87.5 years for females seas Filipino workers; (b) Filipinos living and 81.1 years for males, while South Korea abroad; (c) Filipinos with dual citizenship; has 85.8 years for females and 79.7 years for (d) lifetime members as defined in RA 10606 males (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_ (National Health Insurance Act); and (e) all of_countries_by_life_expectancy).

Filipinos aged 21 years and above who have With the primary objective of “providing the capacity to pay premiums (Section 8.2, all Filipinos equitable access to quality and IRR). The direct contributors shall register affordable health care goods and services, and/or update their records upon the effectivand protection against financial risk,” Re- ity of the IRR (Section 8.3, IRR). public Act No. 11223 otherwise known as On the other hand, indirect contributors, the “Universal Health Care Act” was signed including their qualified dependents include into law on February 20, 2019. It echoed the the following: (a) indigents identified by the policy of the State to protect and promote DSWD; (b) beneficiaries of the Pantawid the right to health of all Filipinos and instill Pamilyang Filipino Program/Modified Conhealth consciousness among them (Section ditional Cash Transfer (4Ps/MCCT); (c) Se2, RA 11223). nior citizens who are not currently covered Every Filipino shall be granted imme- by the Program; and (d) persons with disdiate eligibility and access to preventive, ability (PWD), as defined in RA 10754 (An promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and pal- Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of liative care for medical, dental, mental, and Persons with Disability). emergency health services, delivered as population-based or individual-based health full version at www.manilastandard.net

The next president THE next president of the Philippines is another Duterte – Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio. She is the feisty daughter of the incumbent, Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

The company that discovered that Sara is the frontrunner for president of the Philippines in 2022 is Pulse Asia, which conducted a November 2020 survey, 18 months before the May 2022 presidential elections.

If you recall, Pulse Asia is the same survey company that reported in September 2020 that President Duterte had a job approval and trust rating of a whopping 91 percent. In September 2020, COVID-19 had sickened 286,715 and killed 5,000. By January 2021, 500,000 Filipinos would fall ill to COVID with 10,000 of them dying. And you cannot blame Duterte, judging by Pulse Asia’s trends.

The 91-percent stupendous rating made Digong Duterte the most popular and most trusted leader of a major nation on earth, and in all of history, except for Adolf Hitler, Saddam Hussein, and Muammar Khadaffy during their time in power.

In the United States, the most popular postWar president was John F. Kennedy (19611963). JFK had a job approval rating of just 70.1 percent, 20 points lower than Duterte’s peak rating.

JFK promised to send a man to the moon in ten years. Duterte promised to finish all the drug lords in ten months. NASA kept JFK’s promise. PDEA or PNP, or whoever was in

charge with the drug killings, did not keep Duterte’s promise. Still, after the president’s 51 months in office, Filipinos, according to Pulse Asia, gave Duterte a 91 percent job approval and trust rating. Could it be that Pulse Asia was wrong?

Wrong or not, Pulse Asia is glorifying another Duterte, Sara.

If the presidential elections were held in November 2020, the runaway winner would be Sara. She would garner 26 percent of the votes cast.

Poor second are former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and incumbent Senator Grace Poe, with identical 14 percent share of the vote. A respectable third is Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso, 12 percent, followed by boxing champion, Senator Manny Pacquiao, 10 percent. Vice President Leonor “Leni” Robredo is a distant sixth, with 8 percent, followed by an even more distant Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, 4 percent.

There is no mention of my favorite candidate and tycoon, Ramon S. Ang, the top honcho of San Miguel Corporation, the nation’s largest company, which has more retail outlets, over one million sari-sari stores, than any other Philippine company.

About this time or 18 months before the May 2016 presidential elections, Rodrigo Duterte also had zero rating in the survey.

Nobody knew coarse-talking Digong, per the Pulse Asia survey of November 2014.

Yet, the candidate rated zero in 2014 went on to win the election of 2016. Duterte bagged 39.01 percent of the vote. He defeated Mar Roxas who had 23.45 percent (he was No. 6 in the 2014 survey with 6 percent); and Grace Poe, 21.39 percent.

She was No. 2 in the 2014 survey, with 18 percent. The frontrunner in the 2014 survey

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2021

B1

EDITORIAL

F

Year of the vaccine

ILIPINOS will welcome the new year, or the year of the vaccine, with much hope and relief after a disastrous 2020 that saw many lives, jobs and livelihoods lost because of the once-in-a-century pandemic.

Sinopharm and Russia’s Sputnik V will not be readily available until the second quarter of the year at the earliest.

The successful testing and approval process of vaccines take quite some time. The shipment period is another

The successful administration of the vaccines is key to the full reopening of the economy.

Year 2021 should be a welcome respite from the COVID-19 disaster that forever changed the way Filipinos live and left millions separated from their loved ones in the provinces. There is much hope to look for in 2021, but pending the arrival of vaccines, the Philippines is not out of the woods yet.

This means Filipinos and the rest of the world have no reason to lower their guard yet. Jabs from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Oxford-AstraZeneca, China’s

consideration because some of the vaccines require delicate handling. Eventually distributing the vaccines and inoculating the Filipino population will also be a big challenge.

For one, the Philippines has a poor immunization record.

Childhood

immunization coverage, alone, has dropped in recent years from 87 per cent in 2014 to 68 per cent in 2019.

The World Health Organization has noted the Philippines’ persistent low immunization coverage over the past few years. The first dose of measles vaccine, according to the WHO, had a coverage of above 80 percent in 2008 and decreased to below 70 percent in 2017. The body estimates that some 2.6 million Filipino children under the age of 5 years are not protected from measles.

The Philippines hopefully will address the challenges in the local healthcare sector after the Department of Health received a big boost from the 2021 budget. The pandemic has highlighted the critical gaps in the sector.

The vaccines against COVID-19, meanwhile, will test the resolve of the government to do away with distribution red tape that could imperil the health of the nation. The successful administration of the vaccines is key to the full reopening of the economy.

The real score on China’s COVID-19 vaccines AT A time when the COVID-19 pandemic shows no sign of easing up worldwide, with the coronavirus said to have mutated into another strain in a number of countries, perhaps it would be prudent for us to keep ourselves fully informed on the real score on the development of vaccines intended to keep the deadly disease in check.

Take the case of the vaccine from the Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac that the Philippine government intends to import soon. When news reports said that this particular vaccine had an efficacy rate of “only” 50 percent, two legislators reacted at once and called on authorities to rethink the deal with China.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said vaccines against COVID-19 that have only a 50-percent efficacy rate is “totally unacceptable and a total waste of our funds and resources. That means there’s a 50/50 chance of you getting COVID-19 even after being vaccinated is a joke!”

The lawmaker said he would appeal to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to look at vaccines that have a high efficacy rate instead of considering “political or geopolitical reasons.”

“Safety of our people should come first, not the feelings of our neighboring friends,” Zubiri said. “Safety, efficacy, pricing, and ease of distribution and implementation should be the factors to be considered in providing Filipinos a vaccine that would protect them against Covid-19.”

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon also cautioned the government against obtaining COVID-19 vaccines from China.

“We emphasize the urgency of procuring Covid-19 vaccines. We understand that the government may be trying to balance cost, efficacy, availability, and logistics complexity in determining which vaccines to bring in. But safety and efficacy should be first and foremost. We should not sacrifice safety and efficacy. Otherwise, we run the risk of people refusing a COVID-19 vaccine out of

Filipinos will look forward to a new kind of leader –decent, competent, pro-poor and pro-inclusion and one who can handle the two major crises of our lifetime. with a commanding 26 percent, Jojo Binay, ended up No. 4 with a humiliating 12.73 percent share of the vote.

It is still anybody’s game in the 2022 presidential elections. By the first half of 2021, people would have been so fed up and tired with Rodrigo Duterte’s antics and the colossal incompetence of his Cabinet and his beloved generals amid the greatest existential

fear,” Drilon said.

“While 50-percent efficacy meets the minimum requirement for vaccines, Sinovac’s reported 50-percent efficacy clearly pales in comparison with Pfizer and Moderna, and even AstraZeneca. I do not see how 50-percent efficacy can build public trust and confidence in vaccines,” he added.

Manufacturers like Pfizer and AstraZeneca, the lawmaker pointed out, have higher efficacy rates and different cold storage requirements.

The Philippines expects a shipment of the Sinovac vaccine to arrive by March 2021.

Here’s what’s really happening.

Phase 3 trial data showed the COVID-19 vaccine of Pfizer and BioNTech had an efficacy rate of 95 percent while the counterpart

by Moderna rated 94.1 percent. AstraZeneca’s vaccine, developed with researchers from Oxford University, scored 70 percent in efficacy.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which will determine whether a vaccine is up to standard, has said that Covid-19 vaccines need to be at least 60 to 70 percent effective to get approval. “Generally, that is the minimum requirement,” according to FDA Director General Eric Domingo. But of course, the higher [percentage of efficacy rate], the better,” he said. The World Health Organization (WHO) says the same thing.

Other countries are confident that the Chinese vaccines will help control the spread of the contagion.

Interim data from tests by Indonesia’s state-owned pharmaceutical company Bio Farma showed that the vaccine developed

by Sinovac is up to 97 percent effective.

The Malaysian government is now in final negotiations with China-based manufacturers Sinovac and CanSino to secure doses of the vaccine to cover more of its population.

Bahrain has already approved the vaccine developed by China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) and launched online registration for the vaccine for citizens and residents.

Meantime, Turkey has already received crisis in the lives of Filipinos in 100 years, they would not want another Duterte to succeed him.

Denied a confidence-inspiring vaccine and denied a credible long-term plan to cope with the pandemic and the worst economic crisis in three generations, Filipinos will be looking forward to a new kind of leader –decent, competent, pro-poor and pro-inclusion and one who can handle the two major crises of our lifetime. Also, it has never happened in Philippine history that an incumbent president, no matter how good, was succeeded immediately by his own son or daughter.

It took Gloria Macapagal Arroyo 36 years before she could succeed her own father as president. Diosdado Macapagal was president from 1961 to 1965.

Now, can Ramon Ang maneuver a zero to 30 percent rating in 18 months? Maybe Pulse Asia can work wonders with its numbers. After all, it has made Duterte a saint, in a pantheon, a rung below the angels and the best in class.

its first shipment of China’s Sinovac vaccines as preliminary domestic tests showed it was 91 percent effective and no major side-effects were seen during trials, becoming the latest country to welcome Chinese scientific medical breakthroughs.

In Africa, Egypt received the first batch of the Chinese coronavirus vaccine on Dec 11 to help fight the COVID-19 epidemic.

Over in Brazil, the state-run Butantan Institute said recently the CoronaVac vaccine developed by China’s Sinovac achieved levels of efficacy against the coronavirus required by the World Health Organization in trials with 13,000 Brazilian volunteers. The data corroborated that the vaccine is “the safest on the market” and has achieved the superiority in efficacy required by the WHO and Brazil’s Health Regulatory Agency.

Mexico’s health regulator is now reviewing the coronavirus vaccine developed by China’s CanSino Biologics prior to approval of its application.

Lawmaker disputes corruption allegations ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Eric Yap, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, who was named by President Duterte among nine lawmakers involved in corruption included in a list furnished by the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission, has clarified that Duterte himself said that there was no solid evidence linking them to corruption nor were cases filed against them.

The lawmaker also vehemently denied allegations of corruption by PACC Commissioner Greco Belgica, who had alleged that he had taken undue interest in the bidding of public works projects in Benguet and intervened in the case of Ifugao District Engineer Lorna Ricardo before the Ombudsman.

The party-list lawmaker said be believes Belgica hurled corruption charges against him and other congressmen after employees of Duty-Free Philippines Corp. (DFPC) filed administrative and criminal complaints against the PACC official.; Yap said he would ask Congress to look closely at alleged anomalies in DFPC to educate Belgica how to conduct a proper and fair investigation. ernhil@yahoo.com

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The vaccine mystery

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TODAY FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

HK pro-democracy media tycoon Lai ordered back to jail HONG KONG pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai was ordered back to jail Thursday as the city’s highest court granted prosecutors an appeal against his bail.

Lai, a vocal Beijing critic, is one of the highest-profile figures charged under a sweeping security law that China imposed on the financial hub in late June in a bid to stamp out dissent.

The 73-year-old served 20 days in custody before being granted bail last Wednesday on stringent conditions including a HK$10 million (US$1.3 million) bond and a surrender of all travel documents.

He was placed under house arrest and banned from speaking publicly, including on Twitter.

But the Court of Final Appeal on Thursday granted the prosecution leave to appeal the bail decision, after they said a lower judge may “have erred in his construction or application” of Article 42 in the new legislation.

That article states that bail should not be granted unless the judge sees sufficient grounds to believe the defendant will not commit the alleged offence again.

“We have held that it is reasonably arguable that the Judge’s decision was erroneous and that his order admitting the respondent to bail was invalid,” a determination handed down by the Court of Final Appeal read.

It also granted the prosecution’s application for Lai to be held in custody pending the appeal, to be heard on February 1.

LEGAL NOTICE Lai is accused of colluding with foreign Notice is hereby given that the countries on overseas governments estate of the by late calling FLORANTE SANTOS wasHong extrajudicially toT.settled sanction Kong and China in response among his heirs Acknowledgement toasanper:ongoing crackdown on pro-democracy dated 1 Oct. 2016 of Notary activism in Givens the city.

Yolanda Nicole & Doc. No. AUT-16-10315, S. 2016 MoreNo.than of his tweets and a num(Service 23967)1,000 of Consul Katrina ber of Isabelle mediaBorja-Martin, interviews he gave have been Washington DC USA; and Acknowledgement dated 3 examined by the prosecution.

Oct. 2016 of Notary Balvinder Lai was defendant charged under the Kumar & Doc.the No. first 10378-16, S. 2016 (Service No. 24490) security to be granted bail, but prosecutors of Dep. law Consul General Jesusa to Susana V. Paez, rushed the top court for an urgent hearing Toronto, Ontario, Canada. applying for leave to appeal the decision. AFP

Britain’s destiny now in our own hands—Johnson BRITAIN’S destiny “now resides firmly in our hands,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Thursday, as the hours ticked down on nearly half a century of often turbulent ties with its European neighbours.

The UK’s tortuous departure from the European Union takes full effect when Big Ben strikes 11:00 pm (2300 GMT) in central London, just as most of the European mainland ushers in 2021 at midnight.

Brexit has dominated British politics since the country’s narrow vote to leave the bloc in June 2016, opening deep political and social wounds which remain raw.

Legally, Britain left on January 31 but has been in a standstill transition period during fractious talks to secure a freetrade agreement with Brussels, which was finally clinched on Christmas Eve. Once the transition ends, EU rules will no longer apply, with the immediate con-

sequence being an end to the free movement of more than 500 million people between Britain and the 27 EU states.

Customs border checks will be back for the first time in decades, and despite the free-trade deal, queues and disruption from additional paperwork are expected.

Symbolic departure MPs finally approved the deal in the early hours of Thursday, leading Johnson to herald “a new beginning in our country’s history and a new relationship with

US death toll from virus highest-ever T HE US logged its highest ever daily death toll from the coronavirus Wednesday as the world prepares to turn the page on a grim year defined by the pandemic, with much of the globe united in one hope for 2021: that a slew of new vaccines will stamp out Covid-19.

(MS-DEC. 11,18 & 25, 2020)

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF HOME CARE TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT CENTER, INC. Notice is hereby given that on a Board Resolution of Home Care Training and Assessment Center, Inc., the company is thereby dissolving its registration with Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) effective December 17, 2020.

All person having claims against the corporation are requested to contact the Corp. Secretary at Blk 11-A Lot 3, NTRA Taugtog, Botolan, Zambales for immediate settlement.

This announcement will serve as a notice to all parties concerned of the legal dissolution of the said corporation.

Manila, Philippines, 17 December 2020.

(Sgd) Dina D. Cruzado Corp. Secretary (MS-DEC. 18,25 & JAN. 1, 2021)

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region Branch 223, Quezon City IN THE MATTER OF THE CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF JOHNMARK NAZARIO VILLANUEVA, Petitioner, -versus-

SPEC. PRO. CASE NO. R-QZN-19-14018-SP

LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF QUEZON CITY; THE CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL; NEMESIO R. VILLANUEVA, JR. AND JOAN SOLDEVILLA HAMMOND (MARIE JOAN C. NAZARIO), Respondents. x---------------------------------------------------x

MASS VACCINATION. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, at left, and US Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams, far right, watch as Dr. Sheetal Sheth, center left, OB-GYN and Medical Director for Labor and Delivery at George Washington University Hospital, is vaccinated for COVID-19 by nurse Lillian Wirpsza, December 14, 2020, in Washington, DC. The United States kicked off a mass vaccination drive Monday hoping to turn the tide on the world’s biggest coronavirus outbreak, as the country’s death toll neared a staggering 300,000. AFP

Germany’s virus crisis to extend in 2021—Merkel GERMANY’S “historic” coronavirus crisis will extend into 2021 even if the vaccines bring some hope, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Thursday in her New Year’s greetings.

And Merkel denounced the conspiracy theories advanced by virus sceptics as not just “false and dangerous” but “cynical and cruel” towards those who had suffered during the pandemic.

“These days and these weeks... are difficult times for our country,” Merkel warned. “And that is going to last for a

good while yet.”

Speaking in what will be her final New Year’s address as chancellor after four terms in office, Merkel’s message was characteristically sober.

“Winter remains difficult,” she said.

“The challenges that the pandemic pose remain immense.”

Merkel thanked what she said was the vast majority of Germans who had abided by the safety restrictions imposed by the authorities to try to check the spread of the virus.

But she had harsh words for the virus

sceptics, many of whom have taken their protests to the streets, some of them ignoring safety measures such as wearing masks.

“I can only imagine the bitterness felt by those who are mourning a loved one because of the coronavirus, or those who are still suffering its after-effects, when the existence of the virus is disputed or denied by some,” she said.

“The conspiracy theories are not only false and dangerous, they are also cynical and cruel towards these people,” she added. AFP

AMENDED ORDER This is a verified petition for Correction of Entries in the Certificate of Liver Birth of Johnmark Nazario Villanueva dated September 13, 2019, filed by the petitioner through counsel.

The petition alleges that the Respondents Spouses Nemesio R. Villanueva Jr., and Joan Soldevilla Hammond (Marie Joan C. Nazario) are the parents of the petitioner, Johnmark Nazario Villanueva; that he was born on July 19, 1999 with the name “Johnmark Nazario Villanueva” but his middle name was erroneously entered as “Nazario”; that the fact of his birth was reported, recorded, and registered at the Local Civil Registrar of Manila; that on May 30, 1997, his parents Nemesio R. Villanueva Jr. and Joan Soldevilla Hammond (Marie Joan C. Nazario) were married at Quezon City Hall; that his mother was born on April 3, 1968 to Alfred Milton Hammond and Evangeline Soldevilla Hammond; that since the birth of his mother, she was reared and taken cared of by Betty C. Nazario; that her mother was made to believe that she was legally adopted by Betty C. Nazario, hence since childhood she has been using the name Marie Joan C. Nazario in her school records from grade school to college; that when his mother, Joan Soldevilla Hammond (Marie Joan C. Nazario) was about to get married, she found out that she was not legally adopted by Betty C. Nazario; that she had no birth certificate in the name of Marie Joan C. Nazario, hence she applied and was issued a late registered Certificate of Live Birth in the name Marie Joan (First Name) Sta. Cruz (Middle Name) Nazario (Last Name) on June 27, 1996; that when she got married she used the name Marie Joan C. Nazario; that since childhood up to the present, petitioner Johmark Nazario Villanueva has been using his middle name as Nazario, believing that his mother was legally adopted with the name Marie Joan C. Nazario; that the filing of this Petition will not unduly prejudice the State or any third person because the same could only reflect the true facts and other personal circumstances concerning the Petitioner.

Petitioner also prays of this Honorable Court that after due notice, publication, and hearing, judgment be rendered directing the respondents to correct the following entries appearing in the Petitioner’s Certificate of Live Birth, to wit: i. j.

Item no. 1 – middle name of the petitioner should be “Hammond,” and Item no. 6 – middle name of the mother should be “Soldevilla” and the last name should be “Hammond,”

WHEREFORE, finding the verified petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is set for hearing on January 15, 2021 at 8:30 in the morning, Session Hall of Branch 223 of this Court, at which date and time, petitioner and counsel are directed to appear to substantiate the allegations of the petition and for any interested persons may appear and show cause why the petition should not be granted.

Let a copy of this Amended Order be published at the expense of the petitioner in a newspaper of general circulation to be selected by raffle pursuant to Presidential Decree No. PD 1079, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks prior to the date of hearing.

Let a copy of this Amended Order together with copies of the Petition and its annexes be furnished on the Office of the Solicitor General; and the Civil Registrar of Quezon City; and the Registrar General, Philippine Statistics Authority (formerly National Statistics Office), who are directed to file their opposition to the petition within fifteen (15) days from the last date of publication of this Order.

Parties and counsels are directed to submit within five (5) days from receipt of this Order, their contact numbers and e-mail addresses where the Court may send notices, Orders, and other court processes. They are likewise directed to manifest their willingness to conduct the presentation of the evidence in chief through video conferencing using the Microsoft Teams Application.

SO ORDERED. Given in Chambers.

Quezon City, Philippines, October 19, 2020.

(Sgd.) HON. CARIDAD M. WALSE-LUTERO Presiding Judge (MStandard - Dec. 18, 25 & Jan. 1, 2020)

the EU as their biggest ally.”

“The destiny of this great country now resides firmly in our hands,” he said in a statement released by his Downing Street office.

“This moment is finally upon us and now is the time to seize it.”

Opposition Labor leader Keir Starmer, a fierce opponent of Brexit, said his party would now push for “greater prosperity, fairness and opportunity,” with the country “forging a new path” in the world. AFP

Argentine activists celebrate landmark abortion bill PRO-CHOICE activists celebrated on the streets on Wednesday as Argentina joined a handful of South American nations to legalize abortion, a landmark decision in a country where the Catholic Church has long held sway.

Senate president Cristina Kirchner confirmed the vote after more than twelve hours of debate that began Tuesday, sparking scenes of jubilation in the capital Buenos Aires.

“Safe, legal and free abortion is law ... Now we’re a better society that is increasing women’s rights and safeguarding public health,” President Alberto Fernandez, who sponsored the original bill, wrote on Twitter.

Hundreds of thousands of illegal terminations are carried out every year in Argentina with at least 3,000 women dying after backstreet abortions since the 1980s, said Fernandez, who is Catholic.

Before the vote he said the law was necessary “to legislate for everyone.”

“After so many attempts and years of struggle that cost us blood and lives, today we finally made history,” protester Sandra Lujan, a 41-year-old psychologist, said after the vote in the pre-dawn hours of Wednesday.

“Today we leave a better place for our sons and daughters.”

The bill in the country of 44 million succeeded despite strong opposition from Evangelical Christians and traditional Roman Catholics -with Pope Francis tweeting his tacit disapproval of change ahead of the vote. AFP

New Year’s Eve marks one year since the World Health Organization first mentioned a mysterious pneumonia in China later identified as Covid-19, which went on in 2020 to kill more than 1.79 million people and devastate the global economy in unprecedented ways.

In the world’s worst-hit country, the US, the numbers keep climbing: On Wednesday more than 3,900 people died of Covid-19, a new record, bringing the toll since the pandemic began to more than 19.7 million infections and 341,000 lives lost.

And experts believe the worst is yet to come, as US healthcare workers brace for a surge in cases after major holiday gatherings.

But international efforts helped develop vaccines in record time. On Wednesday Britain approved a lower-cost vaccine developed by the University of Oxford and drug firm AstraZeneca, making it the third jab to win approval in the Western world, after the PfizerBioNTech and Moderna vaccines.

Britain, hard hit by a worrisome new strain of the virus and now divorced from the European Union due to Brexit, will “move to vaccinate as many people as quickly as possible,” tweeted British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Unlike the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, the one from AstraZeneca and Oxford does not need to be stored at very low temperatures. AFP

IN BRIEF Colombia tops own record for eradicating cocoa crops COLOMBIA beat its record for eradicating coca crops for the second year in a row, the government said Wednesday, although the country still remains the world’s leading producer of cocaine.

“We have achieved the highest level of manual coca eradication ever recorded

by Colombia: 130,000 hectares (321,000 acres),” President Ivan Duque said in a statement to the press.

That area, roughly the same size as the city of Los Angeles, exceeds the last record set in 2019, when the government got rid of 94,000 hectares of coca, the main ingredient of cocaine.

In 2019, 1,137 tons of cocaine were produced in Colombia, a number slightly higher than the previous year, the UN reported. Figures for 2020 are still not available.

Duque said his country also set other “historic records” in 2020, such as 498 tons of cocaine seized and 5,447 laboratories destroyed. AFP

MOB ATTACK. Members of Pakistan Hindu Council hold placards during a protest

against a mob attack to a Hindu temple in a remote village in Karak district, in Karachi on December 31, 2020. Hundreds of Muslims attacked and set fire to a Hindu temple in northwest Pakistan on December 30, police and witnesses said. AFP

Algeria to roll out Russian Covid-19 vaccine ALGERIA will begin rolling out the contentious Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine developed by Russia in January, the government said late Wednesday.

The country had signed a “mutual agreement with a Russian laboratory for acquisition of the coronavirus vaccine from January”, said Communications Minister Ammar Belhimer.

Authorities will receive an initial shipment of 500,000 doses, finance ministry director general Abdelaziz Fayed told local broadcaster Echorouk.

The announcement came a day after the elderly president of the North African nation, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, returned home following a two-month absence in Germany where he was treated for a coronavirus infection.

Moscow announced the registration of Sputnik V back in August after it had completed just the second phase of trials on under 100 volunteers.

It has raised concerns from scientists at home and abroad who said the decision was premature without wider clinical trials and the publication of scientific results.

Russia began its own vaccination campaign on December 5, beginning with atrisk workers.

Some analysts have viewed the fasttrack registration and the early launch of mass vaccination as a bid by Russia to bolster geopolitical influence.

Algeria has recorded nearly 100,000 Covid-19 infections and more than 2,750 deaths from the disease, according to the health ministry. AFP

Muslim clerics detained by rioting mob in Pakistan AT LEAST two dozen people, including several Muslim clerics, were detained Thursday after a mob attacked and set fire to a Hindu temple in northwest Pakistan, police said.

Around 1,500 Muslims on Wednesday descended on the temple -- which was destroyed in similar circumstances in 1997 -- after staging a protest against renovations at an adjoining building owned by Hindus.

The temple is located in a remote village in Karak district, some 160 kilometres (100 miles) southeast of Peshawar.

“We have arrested 26 people including local clerics for destroying a place of worship and inciting people to riot”, local police official Fazal Sher told AFP. He added police were looking for a further 50 people identified from videos of the attack.

Discrimination and violence against religious minorities are commonplace in Pakistan, where Muslims make up 97 percent of the population and Hindus around two percent. AFP

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US restricts Brexit trade imports deal getsfrom EU palm giant greenoil light Sime Darby

BRUSSELS, Belgium—The European Union gave the green light on MonKUALA day to its LUMPUR, post-Brexit Malaysia—The trade deal with United States has banned imports the UK, clearing the way for itoilto come from a Malaysian palm giant into effect in the New Year. whose products are found in numerous The British parliament will have to household goods over concerns that its workers face a litany ratify later this week of theabuse. deal to cushagainst Sime PlanionThe themove economic shock of Darby the divorce. tation, one of the world’s biggest proBrussels will apply it on a provisional ducers, marks the second time the US basis until European has blocked shipmentslawmakers from a palmconoil sider the agreement in the coming company in the Southeast Asian nation months. in recent months.

Palm oil isand a common ingredient in Customs regulatory controls items ranging fromcommerce processed will foodsstill to on cross-Channel cosmetics, and 1neighcome into with effectMalaysia on January after boring Indonesia producing 85 percent Britain leaves the EU single market. of the world’s supply.

But there willhave be no reBut activists longimmediate claimed that turn to a regime and quotas low-paid workersofontariffs plantations face abuse, and also the industry for that could haveblame disrupted trade after driving destruction of rainforests Britain’s decision to quit the club. to make way forFischer, plantations.

Sebastian spokesman for Announcing the ban late Wednesthe German presidency the EU, said: day, US Customs and of Border Protec“EU ambassadors have unanimously tion (CBP) said there was evidence approved theworkers provisional Sime Darby face application abuses including sexual Trade and physical violence, of the EU-UK and Cooperation withholding of wages and restrictions Agreement.” onUnder movement.

EU procedure, the decision The ban “demonstrates how essenby ambassadors from the 27 member tial it is for Americans to research the states to endorse the plan will takethat eforigins of the everyday products fect 3 pm (1400 GMT) Tuesday. theyatpurchase,” said CBPon acting commissioner Morgan. that any But thereMark is noA.expectation decision, which force EUThe members will now came slow into the adopWednesday, means that all Sime tion of the trade deal, the fruit of aDartorby palm oil and palm oil products from tuous 10-month negotiation.

Malaysia are banned from entering US Germany holds the rotating EU ports. presidency and which Chancellor The company, suppliesAngela major firms like spokeswoman Nestle and Unilever, Merkel’s Ulrike runs Dem-a network mer said of thesprawling coalition plantations, government and has employs migrant no objection to theworkers text. from countries including Indonesia and Bangla“Germany can accept the negotiated desh. accord,” In Paris, President Earlier she thissaid. year, anti-trafficking Emmanuel Macron’s group Liberty Sharedoffice had announced petitioned the CBP to ban imports frombacked Sime that his government had also Darby the deal.over concerns about labor abuse.

“The accord will come into force on In October, the US banned imports January 1. From the firstpalm day, oil France from another Malaysian prowill be FGV vigilantHoldings, that it is following put in placea ducer, correctly,” thethat French lengthy probe found government indications its workerssaid. faced abuse. statement Sime DarbyBritain’s did not Prime respond to reSeparately, Minister quests for comment.

On its website, Boris Johnson spoke by telephone with the company says it believes “we have the president of to therespect, European Council, a responsibility support and Charles Michel.

AFP uphold fundamental human rights.”

AFP

B3 B3

Asian stoc Asian markets Market closesclose yearmixed down TOP GAINERS H WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2020 || FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2021 || extrastory2000@gmail.com extrastory2000@gmail.com

PSEi December 29, 2020

to end volatile trading year 7.8%; peso up 5.2% vs. $

H S

ONG KONG—The TOCKS slightly pound rose extended Tuesday in cautious gains against the dollartrading Thursday as traders in as some cheered the authorization investors took profits ahead of the another and of new vaccine year after a final ratification of thelead Brexit record-breaking from trade deal, while Asian Wall Street. markets were mixed as a The Philippine Stock Exchange Inpainful year drew to a close. dex added 17.46 points, or 0.2 percent,

While the world economy has been

to close theby year 7,139.71 onand a value devastated theatcoronavirus lockturnover billion.

Thehave benchdowns it of hasP11.1 caused, markets enjoyed index a broadly healthy thanks to mark slipped 0.8 year percent from governments and central banks stumpthe first day of trading this year. Losers ing up gainers, mind-boggling monedged 122 to amounts 199, withof36 isey to prevent a depression. sues unchanged.

After falling off a cliff in the first The peso, meanwhile, closedincredible the year quarter, equities have seen at 48.023 against the US troughs—some dollar Tuesday, gains from their March up percent from 50.685 at the start to 5.2 record highs—as the promise of ultra-low of 2020. interest rates, financial backstops cashHoldings injectionsCorp., to people and Ditoand CME the third businesses reassured investors. major mobile phone company, surged 11.1 percent to P10.90, while AC Energy Philippines Inc., a unit of conglomerate Ayala Corp. jumped 12.2 percent to P9.

Nickel Asia Corp., the biggest nickel

The election of Joe Biden as US president inadvanced November—lifting for a miner, 8.1 percenthopes to P5.60, more calm leadership—and the approvwhile BDO Unibank Inc. of the Sy al of vaccines spurred Group, the largest lenderanother in termsstrong of asrally last month. sets, climbed 2.2 percent to P106.80.

And this week saw more good news Thetherestpassage of Asian mostly with of a markets new, $900-bilrose Tuesday following record-breaklion US stimulus and an aagreement on a post-Brexit trade deal. ing lead from Wall Street as investors While the a surge in infections cheered passage of a hugeand US reimstimposition of lockdowns in recent ulus bill which has helped temperweeks fears has given traders a jolt, infections. expectations about surging coronavirus that 2021 will see a return to some form President Donald Trump finally of With normality has provided much-needed signing off and on the $900-billion rescue reassurance support. package and a post-Brexit tradejust dealabout now “Miraculously, we have made it the over the year-end linea agreed, mood on tradingfinishing floors was in one piece.

Eveninto though USyear. stocks little lighter heading the new areNews notching record could highs,beI that year-end more vaccines suspect everyone is more than happy rolled out soon also provided a lift, even to slam the door shut on a devastating as governments the world were 2020 and hide it around in our deepest memory forced to impose lockdowns other recesses,” said Axi strategistand Stephen strict, Innes. economically painful measures to Still, Thursday marked one year since contain surging COVID-19 cases. the“Where WorldweHealth first are rightOrganization now in the equity mentioned a mysterious pneumonia in market is somewhat of a sweet spot,” MiChina later identified as COVID-19.

chael Cuggino, at Permanent Portfolio Family of Funds, told Bloomberg TV. “We’ve got stimulus, likely more on the way.

“You’ve got great comps on earnings going into next year with respect to eq-

The coronavirus that causes it has infected thanhave 82 million people and uities, more and you a pent-up demand killed more than 1.79 million. situation as the economy both in the US New weapon against and globally comes out virus of COVID.” The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine Trump had held off signing the stimubecame the latest to be approved by lus packageon forWednesday, almost a week saying ita authorities providing did not weapon provide in enough cashagainst to Americrucial the battle the virus it canfor be stored, transported and cans, as calling handouts to be jacked handled at normal refrigerated condiup to $2,000 from the $600 offered in tions. the initial bill.

It is cheaper and easier to adminisDemocrats agreed more was needed ter than the rival Pfizer-BioNTech and and on Monday the House of RepresenModerna jabs, which require freezing tatives approved a motion to increase storage. the“The payments, thoughvaccine it will likely meet AstraZeneca is a potential game-changing accelerator the resistance from Republicans in theinSenCOVID-19 battle, being producible rapate. idly in massive amounts, and storable at President-elect Joe Biden, asked by room temperatures, instead of environa reporter Monday if he favored raising ments that mimic the South Pole in the the payouts to $2,000, “Yes.” middle of winter,” saidreplied: OANDA’s JefAllHalley. three main indexes on Wall Street frey ended at was record highs, as did Germany’s There more good news for Britain Wednesday when parliament DAX,onand most of Asia followed suit. gave the led nod the to Boris Johnson’s Tokyo way, soaring 2.7trade perdeal thea 30-year European after cent towith end at high,Union while Welyears of tortuous negotiations. AFP

lington was up more than one percent.

There were also healthy gains in Hong Kong, Sydney, Seoul, Mumbai and Singapore. However, Shanghai, Taipei, Jakarta and Bangkok all fell. With AFP

TIER 4 LOCKDOWN.

Pedestrians walk past a chestnut seller on the south bank as the mist covers buildings in the City of London on the bank holiday, December 28, 2020, as Londoners continue to live under Tier 4 lockdown restrictions.

Business breathed a sigh of relief this week after a post-Brexit trade deal was agreed, but many issues remain unresolved, notably the place of financial services, which represent 80 per cent of the British economy, as the newly inked deal European focusesCommission on trade in President Ursula von der Leyen (left) and European Council President Charles Michel pose in Brussels, on December 30, 2020 as they show the signed Brexit trade agreement due to come into force on January 1, 2021. the EU goods. leaders signed onAFP December 30, 2020 the post-Brexit trade deal agreed with Britain in a brief ceremony. The texts were then to be flown to London in an RAF jet for the signature of British Prime Minister, on the eve of Britain’s departure from the EU single market. AFP

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120 9 10.9 2.6 12.8 1.81 3.74 1.1 0.225

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Cambodia hailsborders extractiontoof divide ‘first dropEuropean of oil’ Chinagenerates factory Post-Brexit Union, BritishZEITGEIST citizens2020 Wind

activity more thanslowed half ofinUKDecember electricity

THIS year-ender’s traditional title, Zeitgeist derives and Megan Markle, announced their intention to take a less PHNOM PENH, Cambodia—Cambodian of the reserves Europeans led retain Chevron’s their rightsdiscovery under a Withdrawal entering Britain can use However, for from otherthe UK business travBy Marc Burleigh (zeit) and spirit elers, or ghostincluding (geist). It is loose-workers active role royal affairs. premier Hun Sen announced Tuesday that the kingdom as the region’sa next Agreement struckto in be latefeted 2019. national German ID cardwords untiltime October, after posted and inthe ly used to reference the spirit that drives a historical period.

At the 2020 BRUSSELS, 1 of potential petro-state, the kingdom Belgium—From had extracted itsJanuary first drop Tourists with the government which only passports will be accepted, self-employed, a visa and/or a work per- Oscars, Parasite, a 2019 Korean dark comif we to describe the spirit mit or ghost 2020, edy with about each the interactions between two families from oppoBritish and EU citizens will be confrontTourists will see some immediate for stays up to sixhad months. maythat be moved imposed in line crude oil from its waters, a long-awaited estimating hundreds of millions of barrels of ofAnd it would unquestionably a truly much like laws. site sides of the economic divide walked away with the most ed with thefor reality of Southeast Brexit as the tran-poorchanges—apart from the fluctuating EU passport holders will be be able to disturbing individualghost, EU country’s milestone one of Asia’s crude were beneath its waters.

BEIJING, China—Factory activity in that other word with German roots, poltergeist. awards sition period ends and borders that were coronavirus restrictions already crimpcontinue using British e-gates under There will also be tax and socialincluding secu- Best Picture and Best Director. It was the est nations.

KrisEnergy currently holds a 95-percent China slightlyBest in December, More than any year in recent memory, this has been a year first foreign language film slowed to be named by data the done decadesboasts ago return. ing travel—but have rity considerations.

LONDON―Wind power Picture accounted Theaway Gulfwith of Thailand significant oil stake of theboth blocksides where theagreed oil wascurrent taken guidance. showed Thursday, though it continued of unprecedented pain and challenge, of questions and uncerAcademy.

Although a deal has been struck to per- that travel will be visa-free, as long as Those with criminal records may be Certain services or company ownership for more than half of Britain’s daily deposits, with Chevron first finding proven from, while the government holds the rest. to grow as the world’s second-largest of death andfamily loss. mem- in those countries may be off-limits The Pentagon released videos of unidentified flymit tariff-free trade across the Channel, the other side keeps it that way. banned andtainty, non-European to officially generated electricity on Saturday in reserves off Cambodia in 2005.

Kelvin Tang, the CEO of KrisEnergy’s economy stays on track to recover from fiery debeginning objects. from that date, Britons will be treated by The EU will, however, stop British bers of a European may need aAvisa, non-EU citizens or residentsing or those lackthethe wake of Storm Bella, according tothe stallednationals. as the government Cambodia there haspending been on nationality. coronavirus crisis.

On 31st December 2019, the China office licenses, of the World PopedeclaraFrancis named Luis Antonio Tagle Carinal-Bishop, theBut EUproduction as “third country” passports beingoperations, used in itssaid automated ing national and customs energy giant Drax. and the US failed to reachfreedom a revenuea “steep learning curve” to launch While the restChurch. of thePope world has They willgiant no longer enjoy Health Organization of a may worrying clusterforofgoods highest title of in the Catholic Frances e-gates, potentially meaning longer the field Business travelers was informedtions be needed brought in.a cardinal struggled tochildren overcome the loves deadly vipercentage of wind power in the sharing agreement, leading the firm to sell its production during a global pandemic. The EU-UK of movement to work, study or retire pneumonia in Wuhan province, all uncertain advised parentsThe of LGBTQ that God their queues at manned passport booths. deal cases reached Thursday Inwith Britain, EUcauses. citizensalso with a job rus, China has bounced back from stake tothe Singapore’s 2014. Britons “The cross-border logistics of mobilizing across European KrisEnergy Union and in Britain energy record 50.67 the beginning for of what waswill to become the story must hold passports still valid has set outWhile the this visawasrequirements offer be required to prove Englishchildren and camecountry’s out in support of mix samehit sexa civil unions. a rareonexpired. contraction the firstsaid in Hun turn will at its of for atpersonnel least six and months and will lim- this business details of which skills and atheminimum salary, percent Sen process hailed EU the nationals first extraction equipment to be execute de- travelers, that wouldthe define the year, it was notlanguage the story that gripped The ABS-CBN franchise Filipinos witnessed athree rare Saturday, theincompany months of the year and is expected borders does achievement other non-UK ited velopment to EU stayssafely of 90 during days inthis a rolling yet to be made public. depending on whether the position is over headlines in January of 2020. annular solar eclipse and an even rarer crude asas“ait new forpassCambotime of are COVthe weekend, beating the previous to port begreat the only majorinofeconomy to Saturn, avoid a 180-day period.

In the EU,The Britons conferskilled (26,500 pounds, equivalent to record story attending that gripped the global conjunction Jupiter and dia’sholders. economy.”

ID-19 would not have been possible without of 50 percent August.

EU citizens proving residence in BritThey will also need to show travel inences or meetings likely will be exempt 29,600 euros or $35,000) or a shortage recession this year. headlines in January concerned the a once-in-800 years event believed by “The first drop of oil has been produced.” [government support],” he said.

“For theclosely first time ever Purchasing (on Saturday), ain, or Britons already living in a Eurosurance coverage, sufficient funds and a from visas where they do not receive occupation (20,480 pounds, 22,800 The watched ManAustralian bush fires that had begun in some to have been the same event that “The year 2021 is coming... and we have The company expects a peak production amid #StormBella, more than pean Union country, will theoretically return ticket on request. payment orDecember provide services. euros). AFP agers’ Index (PMI)—a key half gaugeof of and continued in January, guided toe wise men to Bethlehem. received a huge gift for our nation—the first rate of 7,500 barrels a day once the drilling Great Britain’s electricity was generated turning skies orange as far as New ZeaJoe Biden was declared presidentmanufacturing activity in China–-dipped oil production in our territory,” he said in a program is completed in February 2021—a by to the wind,” tweeted. land. The fires would eventually burn elect offrom theDrax United which the makes 51.9 52.1Group inStates, November, NaFacebook post. modest amount compared with Cambodia’s 47 million acres, kill at least 43 people, Kamala Harris first first female viceever Ittional added: “Thisofthe is Statistics the time Bureau said.

Itpreswas The crude was taken from an area off the oil-producing neighbors Vietnam and Thaiand displace thousands. ident ofsupplied the lower country. also slightly than the 52.0offorecast wind has the majority the southwestern coast of Sihanoukville. land. AFP A scant two weeks later, on the 12th In 2020, lost Kobe Bryant,ofRuth by analysts. country’s powerweover the course a of January, Taal Volcano began spewBader Ginsburg, Boseman, The dip came asChadwick demand for Chinese Gateshead, northeast England. whole day.”

By Joe Jackson ing ash through Metro Manila, Calabarzon and as far north fewer as Alex Jeopardy), Rivera. exports wasand hit Naya by fresh lockdowns In this file photo He predicted making tripsTrebek to Eu- (host ofThe encouraging news comes ahead ofand the Ilocos region. The ashfall wasrope so severe that the air was A hopeful ending taken on February strict containment measures in key marcompared to the 15-20 they have typiCOP26, the UN’s climate change LONDON—Vets, pet owners and others deemed dangerous to breathe and masks became necessary for years, Asand thewith year draws to aincluding close, we global look back at athe year and 28, 2000, Daisy is cally made annually in recent kets Europe and United summit, which will be held in Glasgow carried by owner in Britain are bracing for new and poanyone who needed to be outdoors.fewer Schools many offices world ravaged by States. probably the worst epidemic in modern of hisand dogs in tow to saveamoney. tentially costly bureaucracy from Friday, Charlotte Usher nextthis, year.

Pearson, who voted against BrexitAsinI write were closed. history. the NBS Philippines has reported over Still, statistician Zhao Qinghe when the UK ends participation in the EU after arriving at 2016, is irked change COVID-19 for On 30th January, the Philippines confirmed its the firstrules COV-will470,000 cases and over 9100 deaths.

The global The British government wants said the country’s economic recovery passport scheme for cats and dogs.

Folkstone through British-based thatisthemuch UK higher, ID-19 case, a Chinese national. After a month pet withowners, no newbut toll over wind 81.2 strong.” million andone over 1.77 offshore farms tocases provide third “remained Britain will be in a new category— the Channel Tunnel. government opted to maintain the status cases, the country confirmed its first local transmission on 7 million deaths. of the “The overall manufacturing sector country’s electricity by 2030, known as Part 2 listed status—under quoemergency for Europeans bringing in their pets. we also end the year with the promise of the availDaisy was one of March. On 9 March, a public health was declared However, a steadytorecovery, European Union pet travel rules, and no as maintained part of its strategy reach netwith zerothe He sees the imbalance as nonsensical sixteen dogs and and by 16 March, the entire country was Britain placed under a state ability while of multiple pace vaccines COVID-19.

The for speed longer able to utilize passports which had at aagainst relatively highto level the given is free from rabies a cat to cross the carbon emissions by 2050 help meet of calamity and the entire island some of Luzon was placed on aarewith vaccines were developed and became compermitted seamless continental feline and European countries not.which these its year,” Zhao said.

Channel into Britain commitments under the Paris climate 2-week full lockdown (enhanced community quarantine).

Of a mercially available hasThe beenmanufacturing unprecedented and reflective ofto canine journeys.

“It seems more like punishment on the first day of PMIis collapsed course, in March, we were all stillfrom hoping thisbecause variant of what can be done accord. when people and countries work together.after At Among the changes, pet owners in thethat EU, it doesn’t make the pet passport a record low of 35.7 in February SARS could be conquered as swiftly as the firstrestrictions one, with the The UK has also placed nuclear power twothat vaccines have received emergency approval by mulmainland Britain will now have to get an sense to put on a least country scheme which althe virus brought much of China to a animal health certificate (AHC) no more summer months signaling an end toisthe spread of the rolled out the endenergy of 2020. rabies-free,” he virus. told AFP. tiple countries andatare thebeing heart of economic its before low-carbon lows animals into standstill but recovery helped than 10 days before travel to the EU and “I guess something had to change We were wrong.

Muchwith of the good news for 2020 comes from the field of sciBritain without policy. it bounce back to a three-year high Northern Ireland. but I’m disappointed.”ence and technology, not just with the COVID-19 vaccine butin Fire, pestilence Brexit and rain quarantine regu“Britain has experienced a renewables November.

Although the new regime is less oner‘More onerous’ lations. Vets, pet AsCOVID-19 continued to unleash nastier surprises, 2020 with such things as advances in sustainable energy that could revolution over the last decadeFund withexThe International Monetary ous than if the UK had not been granted Vets have also greeted the new criteria owners and others continued with a litany of unhappy news. avert our worsening global climate situation. so-called listed status, it has left owners warily, according to representative bodies. pects the Chinese economy to expand by the growth of biomass, wind and solar in Britain are bracAn African Swine Flu outbreak led to a state of calamity in The more important part of the good news is in how we all and others involved in pet travel unimThey noted an AHC will be required ev1.9 percent this year. ing for new and power,” said.a boost from the enforced Davao Occidental. changed.

All things virtualDrax received pressed. ery time owners travel with their pets from China’s non-manufacturing PMI–a potentially costly Added to the brightening picture, In the United States, a series ofBritain, killingsand involving police lockdown.

Many people are now much more comfortable with “This health certificate is a new thing expect an overall increase in bureaucracy from gauge of sentiment in the services secsparked a series of demonstrations thatand spread toformultiple technology. The boost to e-commerce, e-payments, e-banking National Grid’s Electricity System and obviously added bureaucracy,” said hassle costs all concerned.

January 1, 2021, tor–fell to 55.7 in December from 56.4 countries.

In local news, Philippine Fashion Week which had and other online services are unlikely to unwind post the criStuart Pearson, who with his wife Car“These new certificates and requireOperator (NGESO) division declared when the UK ends inour November. ole has eight dogs—five Dalmatians and run a campaign based on #blacklivesmatter roundly criti-thansis. rediscovered communities.

We spent moreyear time ments arewas more onerous theWe current Tuesday thathas thislargely year was a historic participation in China curbed theand spread of three Bracco Italianos—that regularly pet passports and so there will need to cized for being tone-deaf to issues closer to home. together and alone.

We rediscovered old passions spent the EU passport forthe UKvirus renewables. but afriendships series of local outbreaks compete in shows in Europe. be more forward planning... more trips In August, the west coast of the United States erupted in more time on our health.

We rebuilt across miles as scheme for cats and “2020 the greenest yearhave on record “That is going to add to the expense of to the vet,” said Daniella Santos, se- the magic in cities including Beijing reduced flames and while California is no stranger to wildfires, five ofDoswe discovered ofwas electronic hangouts. dogs. AFP going abroad... pet travel’s not the cheapnior vice-president at the British Veterifor Britain’s electricity system, with the number visiting restaurants, cinemas the six worst fires in the state’s history occurred in 2020.

Most of all, we discovered what things are truly important. est anyway,” added the 42-year-old, from nary Association (BVA). AFPWe explored the boundaries and other venues. average carbon intensity―the On 4 August, a fire in a Beirut warehouse with improperly of public the human spiritAFP and measure found that of CO2 emissions per unit of electricity stored ammonium nitrate caused an explosion that leveled the they were vast. We discovered our own resilience and marcity’s port and was felt in Turkey, Syria, Israel, Palestine and veled at the graceconsumed―reaching and generosity of thoseawilling help in new to low,” parts of Europe. The explosion claimed at least 190 people and times of difficulty.NGESO said in a statement.

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UK pet owners have bone to pick with post-Brexit travel rules COCA-COLA BEVERAGES PHILIPPINES, INC. NOTICE

Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (“CCBP”), in accordance with the approval granted by its Board of Directors and stockholders owning or representing at least two thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital stock of CCBPI at the meeting held on December 28, 2020 at the 27F Six/NEO, 5th Avenue corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission an application for the decrease of its capital stock from (a) Php28,871,013,366.00 divided into 14,435,456,683 Class A Common Shares with a par value of P2.00 per share and 100,000 Class B Common Shares with a par value of P1.00 per share to (b) Php11,896,013,366.00 divided into 5,947,956,683 Class A Common

injured about 6,500. The blast was detected as a magnitude

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2021

Business

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By Jenniffer B. Austria

DOTR: PNR Clark rail project on track to be operational

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Transportation said Thursday the Philippine National Railways Clark Phase 1 is on track to be operational by December this year.

It said PNR Clark Phase 1, or the Tutuban-Malolos line, had a 40.48-percent completion rate as of end-2020 and was scheduled to be partially operational by December 2021.

Phase 1 is a 38-kilometer rail line that will connect Tutuban, Manila to Malolos, Bulacan.. It is projected to reduce travel time from about 1 hour and 30 minutes to just 35 minutes.

The department said the construction of stations and viaducts were ongoing for Phase 1. Also ongoing is the installation of pre-cast segment of the girder.

The procedure includes molding and pre-stressing of segments on the fabrication yard, transport and lifting of precast segments, segment stitching and post-tensioning. This is carried out using a launching girder, winch system, span jack and prestressing jack and other heavy equipment.

The pre-cast segment, one of the main components of the rail line construction, is an engineering masterpiece designed and patterned after international railway construction guidelines.

The PNR Clark Phase 2 project, on the other hand, is a 53-km northern segment of the 147-km North-South Commuter Railway System, which will run from Clark in Pampanga to Calamba, Laguna.

The NSCR will have 37 stations, spanning 26 local government units and connecting three regions. The project will feature the country’s first airport express service, which will reduce slash travel time between Clark International Airport in Pampanga and Makati City from more than two hours by car to just under one hour.

The project is expected to be completed by 2024.

The civil works will help the Philippines’ economic revival as it will create about 24,000 local construction jobs in the next three years and 14,000 more jobs related to the railway system’s operations.

LAGUNA WATER DONATION. More than 200 medical front liners and 600 typhoon-affected families in Laguna province receive food, personal protective equipment and disinfectant solutions as Laguna Water holds its annual gift-giving activity, Daloy ng Saya. The company this year brought its program to the municipalities and cities of Pakil, Luisiana and Biñan. Laguna Water is a piped water service provider owned by Manila Water Philippine Ventures, a unit of Manila Water Co. Inc., and the province of Laguna.

New travel restrictions delay power transmission projects

By Alena Mae S. Flores

N

ATIONAL Grid Corp. of the Philippines on Thursday raised concerns over the delays on the completion of critical projects aimed at improving the power grid amid travel restrictions to prevent the entry of the new COVID-19 strain.

NGCP said in a statement the submarine cable laying activity in the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project was facing delays, with the vessel carrying the transmission equipment unable to enter the country because of the travel ban.

NGCP said it sought the government’s consideration to allow suppliers and the shipments of essential transmission equipment to enter the country, while observing all safety protocols and strict compliance to health standards.

“NGCP understands the need to control the virus and prevent the new strain from affecting our people, but there must also be creative ways in place to balance health concerns with the need to keep the economy afloat,” the company said.

“NGCP’s critical projects cannot face any further delays as this may have an implication on the stability and reliability

of power transmission services, especially with the growing demand for power. We hope this will also be taken into consideration,” said NGCP. NGCP asked for government support as it faced numerous hurdles in ramping up construction activities of vital transmission projects affected by the quarantine restrictions in several parts of the country.

It earlier assured stakeholders it was exerting all efforts to push vital projects forward “and avert all avoidable delays.”

“We are again asking for further support, especially as regards the entry of foreign consultants and the rationalization of quarantine restrictions for critical personnel, to further mitigate delays,” NGCP said.

It said that despite being declared part of essential services, it continued to encounter issues including testing and quarantine variations among local government units, contractor and supplier delivery problems, inability of foreign experts to conduct necessary inspections due to travel clearance requirements, slowdown of manufacturing of equipment and materials from other COVID-19 affected countries and other limitations.

The company said the staggered relaxation of quarantine regulations, even those related to essential industries and construction, had not yet allowed the company to fully “return to work” for construction projects. It said the restrictions were eased, but not fully removed.

Customs collection from oil, petroleum products jump 54%

By Julito G. Rada THE Bureau of Customs said Thursday revenue collection from petroleum products jumped 54.1 percent in November to P12.83 billion from P8.33 billion in the same month last year as a result of the surge in imports of diesel and gasoline.

Customs said in a report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III the increase in revenues was driven by the corresponding spike in excise tax collections from petroleum products.

Data showed excise taxes collected by the bureau from fuel imports from Nov. 1 to 30 reached P8.97 billion, or 88.7 percent higher than last year’s collection of P4.76 billion.

Fuel imports also increased by 32.1 percent in November to 1.1 billion kilograms from 829.4 million kg brought into the country in the same period in 2019.

Crude oil imports declined 51.8 percent in November to 381.8 million kg from 792.7 million kg a year ago, the Customs said during a recent Department of Finance executive committee meeting.

Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. shut down its refinery in Batangas in August and announced it would convert the site into an import terminal.

Oil refiners in Asia, North America and Europe alsothe permanently shut down Aurora Ignacio, contribution rate willtheir rise facilities to 13 percent in January fromin following the decline 12 percent this year. global fuel demand by 30 percent amid “We understand the plight of our covglobal economic slump but resulting eredthe employers and members, it is our from duty the to ensure the longevity COVID-19 pandemic of the SSS fund entrusted to us, to allow the The volume of diesel imports continuous delivery of meaningful soto 698.8 million in Nocial amounted security protection to ourkgcurrent and vember, future members, as wellfrom as their up by 60 percent 436.9 beneficiaries,” Ignacio said. million kg imported in the same peThe SSS said for employed members, riod lastoverseas year. The Filipino volume ofworkers gasoline including in countries withclimbed bilateral55.7 labor agree-to imports also percent ments with the kg Philippines and sea259.2 million from 166.4 million kg, based OFW members, the additional 1 the BOC data showed. percent would be divided equally be-

FOOD PANDA JOBS. Clark Development Corp. officer-in-charge for the Office of the President Mariza Mandocdoc (fourth from left), along with CDC assistant vice president for external affairs Rommel Narciso, (third from right) lead the signing of the memorandum of agreement with executives of Food Panda Philippines Inc. to provide job opportunities to displaced workers in the Clark Freeport Zone.

Salceda expects tax on e-bets, ‘sabong’ to raise P1.25b in 1st year A BILL that seeks to tax offsite betting, “The bill taxes an existing indusparticularly on the popular cockfighting try that is not yet being taxed, without game ‘sabong’, is expected to raise at causing any economic harm, as wagerleast P1.25 billion in its first full year ing is an activity that is in-elastic nonof implementation, or 90 times over the essential,” he SAID, noting that the opcurrent government collection of P13.7 erations of online Sabong betting were million from cockpits, the main propo- authorized by local ordinances. nent of the measure said Thursday.

“Because of the digital shift, there are Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, now electronic betting operations on House Ways and Means Committee such games, but the electronic aspect of chair, principally authored the bill and it is a gray area, even though the airhelped steer its approval by the House waves is national property. Because of with a vote of 215 affirmative, one this ambiguity, we are unable to levy negative and no abstention, on third and national taxes on these activities. By finalthem reading Dec. 15. clarifying thisthat graypursuant area in my proposal, tween and on their employers, bringThe SSS said to the Soing the contribution rate breakdown to cialwe Security Act of multiples 2018, themore minimum Salceda said HB 8065 would impose hope to raise in rev8.5 percent for employers and 4.5 per- monthly salary credit would be adjusted to new on offsite betting on locally-P3,000 enuesfrom thanP2,000, the Bureau offor Internal Revcent for taxes employees. except kasambaThe SSS said those who are under the and collection OFW members minimum licensed games, including electronic bet-hayenue from whose cockpits of P13.7 P10,000 monthly salary credit would MSC would remain at P1,000 and P8,000, on ‘sabong’ and relatedofuntaxed million in 2019,” Salceda said. MSC payting a monthly contribution P1,300andrespectively, while the maximum starting January,activities, or P100 and higher be raised to P25,000 officials, from P20,000. non-essential helpthan boostwouldKey administration under The MSC to be considered for the P1,200 in 2020. government revenues to fund COVID-19 pressure to explore various possible “Suppose the member is employed, computation of benefits under the regurecovery measures. to raiseprogram necessary funds, atexan response OFW in and a country with a BLA with lar means social security is capped the Philippines sea-based OFW,activiin P20,000. per“Simply put,orit afocuses on untaxed pressedHowever, optimism contributions that the bill’s apthat case, the P100 additional contribu- taining to the MSC in excess of P20,000 ties where taxes will not harm the economy. proval would help revive the pandemtion will be divided as P50 from their would go to the Workers’ Investment and employers for a is total employer provident fund that The conclusion obvious on the share revenueSavings ic-hit Program—a economy, which contracted at a of P850 and P50 from them for a total will yield additional pension income for aspect.

Let’s make better use of the industry, slower rate of 11.5 percent in the third member share of P450,” it said. members contributing under it. while regulating it,” he said. quarter.

Business

in 2021 will likely be driven by mid-income to luxury projects. As of third quarter 2020, Colliers Philippines data showed that projects in these segments due to be completed from 2021 to 2022 have sold an estimated 86 percent of

AREIT Inc., the real estate investment trust firm owned by Ayala Land Inc., said Thursday it will continue to acquire income-producing commercial properties to enhance returns to investors and increase potential opportunities for income and capital growth.

The three-year investment strategy of AREIT Fund Managers Inc., the fund manager of AREIT, showed calls for the acquisition of high-quality commercial assets in prime locations, including freehold and logistics/industrial properties.

It said among the criteria for acquisition were properties with stable income and cash-flow derived from solid tenant mix of top multinational and local business process outsourcing and traditional headquarter office locators.

The planned acquisitions will enable the company to achieve 10-percent to 12-percent total shareholder returns while also expanding asset portfolio.

It is expected to maintain AREIT’s leadership in the Philippine REIT sector in terms of asset size and market capitalization.

“Overall, AREIT intends to fund future acquisitions through a combination of debt and equity. At zero leverage during initial public offering, AREIT has the opportunity to borrow up to 35 percent of its deposited property value and fund its 2021 acquisitions through debt,” AREIT said.

“The company is also looking at a second equity offer in 2022, and a combination of debt and equity funding in 2023 to maintain an overall gearing level of between 30-35 percent of its deposited property value as it further increases its asset portfolio,” it said.

AREIT’s company’s portfolio, as of end-2020, consisted of four commercial properties including Solaris One, Ayala North Exchange, McKinley Exchange and Teleperfomance Cebu.

IN BRIEF FIT on run-of-river projects extended

THE Department of Energy said Thursday it approved the extension of the feed-in tariff system for run-of-river hydro projects until the full subscription of the 250-megawatt installation target is achieved.

The department said the balance of the 250MW installation target for run-of-river hydro remained significant at 103.887 MW. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi also acted on the request of the National Renewable Energy Board, endorsing the extension of the deadline for the FIT eligibility of run-of-river hydro projects from Dec. 31, 2019 to such date as the installation target is achieved.

“Despite the extension of the FIT deadline for ROR hydropower, the 250-MW installation target remains undersubscribed. On the other hand, a substantial number of hydropower plant project which are in various stages of construction and vying for FIT eligibility were not able to meet the 31 December 2019,” Cusi said. Alena Mae S. Flores

DTI launches MSME mentoring program

nforce 13% contribution rate

r

AREIT bares 3-year plan to buy more properties

PSE INDEX CLOSING Tuesday, December 29, 2020 17.46 PTS. 7,139.71

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE

95,975,334,126 188,528 11,111,420,745.74

ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

119 122 36

Foreign e xchange r ate

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2020 Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.0360

Japan

Yen

0.009636

0.4629

UK

Pound

1.345300

64.6228

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128934

6.1935

Switzerland

Franc

1.125619

54.0702

Canada

Dollar

0.778513

37.3967

Singapore

Dollar

0.751936

36.1200

Australia

Dollar

0.757700

36.3969

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655267

127.5484

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266482

12.8007

Brunei

Dollar

0.749120

35.9847

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000071

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.033156

1.5927

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.0789

Euro

Euro

1.221800

58.6904

Korea

Won

0.000913

0.0439

China

Yuan

0.152945

7.3469

India

Rupee

0.013597

0.6531

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.247066

11.8681

New Zealand

Dollar

0.709800

34.0960

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035564

1.7084 Source: BSP

THE Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine Trade Training Center launched the “Building an Entrepreneurial Society of Tomorrow Bootcamp: Accept, Adapt and Act,” or BEST Bootcamp: 3A program, to provide business mentoring and entrepreneurial training to workers displaced by the pandemic and those who wanted to start their own business.

“This entrepreneurship program is part of DTI’s 7Ms Framework for Successful Entrepreneurship, which covers Mindset, Mastery, Mentoring, Market, Money, Machines, and Models of Negosyo. The 7Ms are essential components for micro, small and medium enterprise development and will provide our people the needed entrepreneurial skills and knowledge,” said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

“All participants of the program will gain knowledge on the best practices for a successful entrepreneurship journey, coming from the experiences of our mentors and experts who have specialized in their fields of business,” he said.

The 3A program conducts an integrated approach using lectures, case studies, business pitching workshop, mentoring, recital and drillmaster sessions. It is designed specifically for employees of MSMEs, private school teachers and other retrenched workers affected during the pandemic. Othel V. Campos

Managing risks key to recovery in 2021 THE management of risks presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and other headwinds will be the key to economic recovery in 2021, acting Economic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said in his yearend statement.

“In 2021, the key to our recovery is to continue managing risks, not to avoid them completely. This way, we can bring back jobs and income sources to enable the far majority of people to also address their non-COVID-19 sicknesses and hunger,” Chua said.

“All economic indicators reveal that with the safe relaxation of community quarantines, incomes and jobs come back,” he said.

Chua, who is also the director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority also recognized the need to recalibrate strategies in response to the emergence of the new COVID-19 variant and implored the public to continue upholding the minimum health standards and to take the necessary precautions to prevent the transmission of the virus.

“What is clear from our experience this year is that we need to continue working together if we want a better 2021. The losses have been huge and a reversal to stricter community quarantines in 2021 is not an option,” Chua said.

Julito G. Rada

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2021

C1

NBA players negative for COVID-19 in past week

Giannis Antetokounmpo (left) of the Milwaukee Bucks and Andre Iguodala of the Miami Heat fight for rebounding position during the NBA game at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. AFP

NCAA open to bubble setup in 96th season

By Peter Atencio ORGANIZERS are still keen on pursuing their plans to start the 96th season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association once a coronavirus vaccine is available.

But this could still change once studies on how a bubble type of setup can succeed in the collegiate level.

Management committee chairman Fr. Vic Calvo of season 96 host Colegio de San Juan de Letran said this as they evaluate the findings of committees formed to do their research.

“It remains the same because we have to follow the IATF protocols and the DepEd guidelines,” said Fr. Calvo.

Studies have been forwarded on how a bubble concept can be done in the Intramuros area, involving schools like Lyceum Philippines University and Mapua University, which are in close proximity.

Schools like Arellano University, San Beda University and San Sebastian College can also do a bubble type of activity since their campuses are near each other.

“They can do the bubble principle together. More or less, that’s the idea,” added Fr. Calvo.

Season 96 is expected to start in the second quarter of 2021 with a new broadcast partner.

With GMA 7 as its new broadcast partner, games of the coming season could be limited to just the four disciplines of basketball, volleyball, swimming and athletes.

A committee is studying if esports can be added, and what other games are possible.

The very popular basketball games are also now expected to be held during the weekend, with GMA 7 making plans to have a separate channel for sports.

The NCAA did not have weekend games when it had ABS-CBN as broadcast partner back then.

Heat rebound from sorry loss to Bucks L

OS ANGELES —The Miami Heat rebounded from an embarrassing 47-point loss to Milwaukee with a 119108 NBA victory over the Bucks on Wednesday.

The Heat didn’t have to wait long for revenge as they hosted the Bucks for the second straight night.

Goran Dragic came off the bench to lead Miami with 26 points, Bam Adebayo added 22 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists and Tyler Herro scored 21 points with a career-best 15 rebounds as the Heat rallied to stave off another home defeat.

The Bucks had dominated on Tuesday with an NBA-record 29 threepointers in their 144-97 triumph.

The Bucks, fueled by a triple-double of 26 points 13 rebounds and 10 assists from two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo, looked like making it two wins in a row when they led by 14 in the third quarter.

Donte DiVincenzo scored 15 points

and Jrue Holiday added 13 for the Bucks, but the Heat rallied despite missing Jimmy Butler for the second straight game.

Herro’s three-pointer to end the third quarter pulled Miami within three points.

Dragic tied it with another three pointer and Miami seized the lead for good when they went ahead 96-93 on Kelly Olynyk’s three-pointer with 9:04 remaining.

“You want to constantly develop some grit and toughness during the course of a long season, and our guys responded in an appropriate fashion,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

Before the game, Spoelstra said there was “a lot of anger and frustration” within the Heat.

“As well there should have been,” he said. “And then today was just about getting to work and preparing and doing what we need to do to have a better version.”

In other early games, Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving scored 17 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter and Kevin Durant added 33 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists as the Nets dealt the Atlanta Hawks their first defeat of the young season, 145-141.

Irving missed all seven of his threepoint attempts in the first three quarters—when he was just three-of-16 from the field—but finally got untracked with three baskets from beyond the arc in the final period.

Trae Young scored 30 points with 11 assists for the Hawks and John Collins added 30 points and 10 rebounds.

Atlanta led for much of the first three quarters, but couldn’t extend their 3-0 start to the season as seven Nets players scored in double figures. AFP

NEW YORK—No new NBA players from among 495 tested since last Thursday have returned positive COVID-19 results, the league announced Wednesday.

Any players returning a confirmed positive result would be isolated until they are cleared to return to team activities under Covid-19 safety guidelines agreed upon by the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association.

Last week, the NBA announced two players from among 558 tested had returned positive COVID-19 tests.

The Houston Rockets were forced to postpone their season opener last Wednesday against Oklahoma City when they could not field a minimum eight players against the visiting Thunder.

The Rockets had seven players unable to take the court due to COVID-19 issues, either positive or inconclusive tests plus contact tracing.

Houston did manage to begin the 2020-21 campaign with losses at Portland and Denver. The Rockets are scheduled to finally play their home opener on Thursday against Sacramento.

Meanwhile, Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie will have surgery next week on a partially torn right knee ligament, the NBA club announced Monday.

Dinwiddie suffered the injury to his anterior cruciate ligament in the third quarter of Sunday’s 106-104 loss at Charlotte. He had five points, four rebounds and three assists in 15 minutes on the court.

The Nets plan to update his status following the operation, which has been scheduled for next week, a club statement said.

Dinwiddie has averaged 6.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists a game starting alongside Kyrie Irving in the backcourt for the Nets, who are off to a 2-1 start in the week-old campaign.

The Nets figure to turn to their top reserve, swingman Caris LeVert, or guard Landry Shamet to replace Dinwiddie in the starting lineup.

Dinwiddie, 27, has averaged 12.9 points and 5.8 assists a game in six prior NBA seasons, the first two with Detroit before joining the Nets in 2016. AFP

Adiwang looks forward to ’21 AFTER a tough close to the year for Team Lakay’s “Thunder Kid,” Baguio City native Lito Adiwang wants nothing more than to get right back into the ONE Circle and resume his ascent towards the ONE World Title.

Adiwang dropped a close split decision to Japan’s Hiroba Minowa back in November, and as a result, lost his #5 ranking in the ONE Championship men’s strawweight division. It was the first loss for Adiwang since he joined the promotion, which also snapped a 7-fight winning streak.

Still, the Team Lakay thunderclap is extra motivated to make a triumphant return to action once 2021 rolls in, and promises to showcase all of the hard lessons he learned throughout the year in his next performance.

“2020 has taught me a lot of lessons, some good, some bad. Nevertheless, I consider it all worthwhile experiences. It has definitely been a challenging and colorful year for me,” said Adiwang.

“The biggest lesson I learned was to be prepared for any and all situations. I practiced a lot, hoping for a lot of positive things. However, the opposite happened and I was unprepared. It was a bit hard

for me to handle.”

Adiwang has a lot of ways to go from here. “Thunder Kid” also argued that it was better for him to lose now, than to do so when he’s at the top. The higher you are, the harder you fall, he exclaimed. Team Lakay has always advocated for defeats as blessings in disguise, because it allows them to learn from their mistakes.

Adiwang still has a bevvy of top strawweight opponents to face in the Circle next year. The biggest names include former ONE World Title challenger and fellow Filipino, Rene Catalan. Former ONE World Champions Alex Silva, Yoshitaka Naito, and Yosuke Saruta, and so forth.

For Adiwang, however, it hardly matters who he’s in the Circle with, because he plans on taking his game to the next level.

“Thunder Kid” promises fans they can expect a more mature fighter in 2021, one that has rededicated himself to reaching his ultimate goal of becoming champion.

“Fans should watch out for my next fight. I plan to bounce back with an impressive win, and remind everyone why they should keep an eye on me. Expect a better, stronger, and wiser Thunder Kid next time. Definitely, sur-

Lito Adiwang, shown here in control of his opponent, wants to be more active in 2021.

viving and learning from all the challenges and setbacks that came my way, both in and out of the Circle, has made me a better person, a better fighter,” said Adiwang.

“I want to be more active in 2021. I

want to have as many fights as possible, and I want to get back in there again quickly. My goal will always be to become a world champion. That has never been more clear to me than now.”

Hamilton knighted in UK Honors’ list

F1 champion Lewis Hamilton

LONDON—Lewis Hamilton has been knighted in Britain’s traditional New Year Honors list after equalling Michael Schumacher’s record of seven Formula One world titles.

The list recognizes outstanding achievements in various fields including showbusiness, sport and politics, as well as the contributions of a larger number of everyday citizens.

There are many awards this year for those seeking solutions to the problems posed by coronavirus as the pandemic drags on.

Hamilton, 35, surpassed Schumacher’s record number of career race wins during a stellar season in 2020 that was shortened due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A group of British lawmakers last month called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to recommend the driver for a knighthood.

Hamilton, who lives in Monaco, has faced

scrutiny in the past over his tax arrangements but has insisted he pays a substantial amount of tax in Britain.

The Mercedes driver has become an outspoken supporter of equality, diversity and the environment this year and made several strong human rights statements related to democracy and racism.

Former Leeds Rhinos rugby league player Rob Burrow has been made an Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Burrow, 38, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in December last year. His MBE is in recognition of services to his sport but also for raising MND awareness.

Burrow said: “(The year) 2020 has taught us all to appreciate the gifts we have and it is my honour and privilege to accept this award on behalf of all the MND community.

“I hope it gives people hope that we are not ignored and the drive for more research and support to end MND will not stop.”

Also included in the list are former footballers Jimmy Greaves and Ron Flowers, who are the last surviving members of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad to be honoured. They have been made MBEs. Bob Champion, who won the 1981 Grand National on Aldaniti while recovering from cancer, has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his charitable work at the Bob Champion Cancer Trust.

Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter, whose team completed a domestic-European double last season, has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, while the team’s captain, Joe Simmonds, is made an MBE. AFP

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Sports

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2021

ATP penalizes Querrey with ban, $20k fine for virus flight

Padres land Darvish from Cubs to boost MLB title hopes

MIAMI—American Sam Querrey was given six months probation and a suspended $20,000 fine Wednesday by the ATP Tour for violating Covid-19 safety protocols at the 2020 St. Petersburg Open.

The tour said it had completed an investigation into world number 53 Querrey’s actions last October, when he departed Russia on a private plane rather than remaining in quarantine after testing positive for Covid-19.

The ATP “concluded Mr. Querrey’s conduct to be contrary to the integrity of the game under the Player Major Offense provision in the ATP Code of Conduct.”

That prompted the tour to issue the fine to Querrey but he can avoid paying the punishment by avoiding more violations during his probation period.

“Taking into consideration Mr. Querrey’s many years of otherwise good standing with the ATP and other mitigating factors, the fine is suspended and will be lifted subject to Mr. Querrey committing no further breaches of health and safety protocols related to COVID-19 within a probationary six-month period,” the tour said.

Querrey, 33, has five days to appeal the ruling.

He departed St. Petersburg with his wife Abby and nine-month-old son Ford after being removed from the event after an October 11 positive test four days after he had tested negative.

Querrey had been told to isolate in his hotel room while plans were being made to move him into a private apartment, but tounament officials said he would not open the door to his hotel room, then f led in the early morning hours of October 13, hotel security cameras capturing his escape.

Querrey told ATP representatives he had flown out of Russia on a private jet and they in turn informed the tournament.

Having won the most recent of his 10 ATP titles at the 2017 Los Cabos Open, Querrey made first-round exits at this year’s US and French Opens in his major appearances after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. AFP

LOS ANGELES—Japanese star pitcher Yu Darvish was obtained by San Diego from the Chicago Cubs in a Major League Baseball deal to help make the Padres an immediate championship contender.

The Padres and Cubs completed a seven-player deal that sent 34-yearold right-hander Darvish, who went 8-3 last season to lead the National League in wins, to San Diego along with catcher Victor Caratini, behind the plate for most Darvish starts.

“It’s as good a combination of power, finesse, multiple pitches as anybody in the game,” Padres general manager A.J. Preller said of Darvish.

“His last season and a half has been as productive as anybody in the game.

He’s a force.”

Together with a trade for Tampa Bay star pitcher Blake Snell, the Padres have assembled a formidable starting rotation.

“We’ve got a chance to win a World Series right away and you’ve got to love being a part of that,” Snell said.

“This team is lights-out. It’s time for us to put the work in and make this happen, because we have the team to do it.”

Darvish had a 2.01 earned-run average over 76 innings last season with Caratini calling what pitches he should throw, having caught 196 1/3 innings for Darvish, the most of any catcher in his career.

“He became part of the deal, in part, because of his great relationship with Yu,” new Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said.

“His ability to sort of potentially smooth Yu’s transition to San Diego, I think, was a big part of the allure... that was something that the Padres were pretty insistent upon during the deal.”

The Padres talent on the mound should be among the best in baseball.

“You can never have enough true front-of-the-rotation-type major league starters,” Preller said. “We feel like we have a bunch now.

“Everybody in the organization is fired up, from top to bottom.”

The Padres found a willing partner in the Cubs, who were looking for young prospects.

Chicago reached the playoffs in five of the past six seasons, including a 2016 World Series victory over the Cleveland Indians for the Cubs’ first MLB crown since 1908.

But the team hasn’t won a playoff game since 2017 and concern about an aging roster and the potential to lose top free agent talent in 2021 put the Cubs at a crossroads to try and revamp without rebuilding. AFP

Atletico Madrid’s Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez reacts during the Spanish League football match between Atletico Madrid and Getafe at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid. AFP

Suarez ensures Atletico tops La Liga at year’s end

M

ADRID—Luis Suarez made sure that Atletico Madrid will end 2020 top of La Liga after scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Getafe on Wednesday.

Suarez struck in the 20th minute with a superb header from Yannick Carrasco’s cross to take Diego Simeone’s side three points ahead of Real Madrid, who are in action at lowly Elche later on Wednesday.

Real Sociedad, Sevilla and Villarreal are all a further six points back, with Barcelona 10 points behind Atletico in sixth after their 1-1 draw with Eibar on Tuesday.

Even if Madrid win in the late kickoff they will stay behind Atletico thanks to their significantly inferior goal difference, which currently separates teams locked on the same points.

Atletico will have also played two fewer matches than their local rivals come the end of the day’s fixtures after a win emblematic of Simeone’s reign on his 500th match as coach of the club.

Thomas Lemar almost opened the scoring in the 15th minute when he crashed a shot off the near post from a tight angle.

Suarez gave the hosts the lead with a beautifully placed header that was all the more impressive for the way Carrasco’s cross was flashed into a crowded area from midfield.

The Uruguayan’s eighth goal of the season was a good as it got for Atletico, who despite a fielding a full-strength line-up did not impress in a match of little incident at the Wanda Metropolitano.

They failed to take the game by the scruff of the neck against a Getafe team that have scored just 12 times in 15 matches and are 14th, two points above the relegation zone.

However Atletico’s third win in a row ensures they remain top of the pile after a fraught last few days in which Diego Costa was allowed to leave and Kieran Trippier was banned until the end of February for betting breaches.

Granada in Euro hunt Earlier Granada moved to within two points of the Champions League places after beating Valencia 2-1 in a fiesty match where three players were sent off

in six second-half minutes.

Jorge Molina’s powerful header two minutes from time keeps Granada in seventh place on 24 points, two behind fourth-placed Sevilla.

Granada, who levelled through Kenedy on the stroke of half-time after Kevin Gameiro had opened for Valencia in the 36th minute, are also one point away from Barcelona.

Valencia’s seventh league defeat of the season leaves them level on 15 points with Real Valladolid, who are third-from-bottom in the relegation zone and earned a point at Cadiz on Tuesday.

Javi Gracia’s side haven’t won a La Liga match in their last seven attempts and had their task made harder when Jason and Goncalo Guedes were sent off within three minutes of each other midway through the second half.

Granada’s Domingos Duarte was then shown a straight red card three minutes later after he cynically hacked down Manu Vallejo as he attempted to burst through on goal with the scores still level.

Molina punished the beleaguered away side by thumping home Alberto Soro’s cross. AFP

Mayer streaks to Bormio World Cup downhill win

Austria’s Matthias Mayer competes in the FIS Alpine Ski Men’s Downhill World Cup event in Bormio. AFP

BORMIO—Matthias Mayer streaked to victory in the men’s World Cup downhill in the Italian resort of Bormio on Wednesday, the Austrian admitting that anyone could have won given how tight the results were.

Mayer, gold medallist in downhill at the 2014 Sochi Olympics and in the super-G in Pyeongchang in 2018, topped speeds of 135km/h (84mph) to clock 1min 57.32sec down the famed Stelvio piste with the following 12 racers all finishing within a second.

It was Mayer’s 10th World Cup victory, six coming in the downhill, and follows on from his impressive form last year when he racked up four wins before the season was brought to a halt by the coronavirus pandemic.

“It was a very challenging race today and a very close one,” said the 30-year-old Mayer.

“From start to finish you had to give it everything. You can’t say that this curve was better or that curve made the difference. When the race is so close anyone can win.”

Mayer’s teammate Vincent Kriechmayr was edged into second by 0.04sec, with Switzerland’s Urs Kryenbuehl just two-hundredths

adrift to round out the podium.

Italian Dominik Paris, a five-time winner in Bormio, was fourth (+0.13) as he makes a welcome return to the slopes after recovering from ruptured knee ligaments in Kitzbuehel in January.

In-form American Ryan Cochran-Siegle, who won Tuesday’s super-G on the same Stelvio piste, came in seventh, one place off reigning World Cup overall champion Aleksander Aamodt Kilde of Norway.

Kilde’s sixth-placed finish saw him leapfrog France’s Alexis Pinturault by three points into top spot of the general classification.

Technical expert Pinturault elected not to race this downhill, having picked up some valuable points by finishing 12th in the super-G. The speed specialists now have a chance to catch their breath before they are back on duty in mid-January for the famed Lauberhorn downhill in the Swiss resort of Wengen.

Until then, the tech racers will be in the spotlight with stops in Zagreb and Adelboden, Switzerland. AFP

Virus-hit Browns try again to end NFL playoff drought WASHINGTON—The Cleveland Browns, struck by COVID-19 as they try to snap a 17-season NFL playoff drought, closed their training facility Wednesday after two more positive virus tests.

The Browns, who were missing four wide receivers and two linebackers in a loss Sunday due to COVID-19 safety precautions, said an unidentified coach and practice squad player were the latest to test positive for the deadly virus.

The team shut down workouts until contact

tracing could be conducted ahead of Sunday’s regular-season finale against the playoff-bound Pittsburgh Steelers (12-3).

“We’re working through that right now with the league,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said.

“The number one thing throughout this whole year has been player safety.”

The Browns are level with Tennessee, Baltimore, Miami and Indianapolis at 10-5 for the final four AFC playoff berths, needing only a victory to reach the post-season for the first

time since the 2002 campaign.

“We’re well aware of what’s at stake,” Stefanski said. “The guys are excited about the opportunity.”

The Browns, who need a win or Indianapolis loss to Jacksonville (1-14) to advance, have had to juggle their worst Covid-19 issues of the season with the long-sought playoff berth within their grasp.

“That’s 2020,” Stefanski said. “We’re all prepared to adapt as necessary and make sure we’re

getting our work in.”

The Browns’ roster was depleted last week after linebacker B.J. Goodson tested positive for Covid-19 and forced five teammates into isolation, contributing to a 23-16 loss to the New York Jets (2-13).

Last week’s close-contact quarantines—Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins, Donovan PeoplesJones, KhaDarel Hodge and Jacob Phillips— could return Thursday if they continue to test negative, Stefanski said.

Entertainment New year, NEW BEGINNINGS VERY WANG

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NICKIE WANG

ITH every new year comes a clean slate and for most of us, it’s an opportunity to have a fresh start.

For actor Richard Yap, he is welcoming the new year with a literally different environment and a new set of people to join him in his journey as an actor.

“Generally, I’ve been good. We’re so blessed that we are still alive and healthy.

But of course, our businesses had suffered for a while especially during the lockdown.

Slowly our businesses are recovering, so the past few months have been a bit easy for us,” Richard told Manila Standard Entertainment in a virtual interview.

Two weeks ago, the 53-year-old actor and entrepreneur signed a management contract with GMA Artist Center (GMAAC). It was a decision he had carefully considered.

Present during the contract signing were GMA big bosses Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Simoun Ferrer, and Joy Marcelo.

“It was a warm welcome. They made me feel so special. I’m actually quite overwhelmed as I never thought this would come about. Now that it’s finally here, I am just so happy and so thankful to become a part of the Kapuso family,” Richard, who popularized the character Sir Chief, admitted.

“GMA has been there for a long time.

They’ve been doing a lot of shows for a long time. Of course, I would choose a more established network. That’s the main reason why I chose GMA,” he added.

With his fans already anticipating his

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2021

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Actor Richard Yap begins 2021 as a talent of the Kapuso Network.

Sen. Bong Revilla (right) joined by his son Vice-Gov. Jolo Revilla (center) and comedian Benjie Paras in the virtual event.

Bong Revilla’s ‘amazing’ new way to celebrate the holidays

return to the limelight, he promised the audience that they can expect a lot from him in his new home.

“In terms of work, I haven't been able to

One of his projects with Kapuso stars is a movie with Rita Daniela and Ken Chan.

How Pinoys enjoyed regifting WITH the pandemic quarantine limiting shopping in person and the warning not to congregate in crowded places like malls and stores, Carousell (formerly OLX), one of the leading online marketplaces in the country and in Southeast Asia offers good buys and the widest choices if you are looking for quality and pre-loved items ranging from fashion, food, autos, tech, toys, and even properties -- while empowering consumers to spend meaningfully during this festive season and in the safety of one’s home.

In a recent research powered by the Kantar Profiles Network, it shows 80 percent of Filipinos are open to giving and receiving preloved gifts during the holidays. In the Philippines, top searches include marked-off mobile devices (iPhone and Samsung), tophit video consoles (Nintendo Switch and PS4), and lifestyle brands from luxe to high street (Louis Vuitton and Zara), laptops (Apple and Asus) and secondhand automobiles (BMW and Toyota).

Times may be tough for many of us but that shouldn’t prevent us from celebrating Christmas in the way that we are accustomed to: with expressions of gratitude and sharing of love and fellowship to those around us and those who matter most in our lives. With the virus still in our midst, people have become wary of impulse buying and have turned to more economic and practical buys that focus on value for money in order to find the best deals at the most affordable prices. And with the holidays, everyone’s on the lookout for a more meaningful way to celebrate and shop and avoid any unnecessary extravagance or excess.

Throughout the year, Carousell initiated various campaigns to support consumers, frontliners, and business owners: #ChooseToCare Fundraising Drive, a fundraising campaign to provide assistance for medical workers who have been proactively fighting the virus, with the proceeds given to the Lung Center of the Philippines and their chosen beneficiary; “The Great Property Sale” which offered a wide variety of selection in house and lots and condominiums with thousands of fresh listings, various discounts, and promos for users to be able to find suitable homes even with the financial limitations imposed by the

do much work because the industry also did slow down because of the pandemic.

But with me joining GMA, I’m doing a movie with RitKen. I guess you can expect me to try and experiment into other genres other than the ones that I’ve done before,” Richard shared.

According to the actor, the movie is entitled My First, Your Last, and it’s a touching love story.

“I had a lot of fun working with them.

They’re very professional. And this project helped me experience a different way of moviemaking,” he noted.

Richard added that he is eager to work with various Kapuso stars including Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista, Solenn Heusaff, Andrea Torres, his good friend Jean Garcia, and Michael V. “I’m excited to do a lot of things with the Kapuso network. They are opening numerous avenues and with that, we’re looking at exploring other genres. I'm looking forward to doing new shows, doing them with people that I haven’t had the chance to work with before,” he ended.

pandemic; Relief options for automobile dealerships through free coins and waived payment for Carousell transactions instigated to help jumpstart the automotive industry that has been badly affected by the pandemic—all a testament to the company’s goal of extending aid, relieving the financial burden, and empowering Filipinos.

As the decade comes to a close, Carousell continues to encourage consumers to make mindful purchases that promote both economic and environmental sustainability.

Raffy Montemayor, General Manager, Carousell Philippines shared “We understand the need for Filipinos to imbibe the spirit of gift-giving during this season. While the current situation dictates for us to be more mindful with our spending, we want to support Filipinos’ natural generosity during the holidays by giving them an online avenue to purchase thoughtful and practical gifts.”

Being the top classified marketplace, Carousell offers a variety of high quality, preloved products that would fit into every budget. Looking for great holiday gift ideas during the festive season does not have to be difficult for our pockets, visit Carousell at www.carousell.ph and download the app on Google Play or App Store to find the best gift that you can give to your family and friends!

SENATOR Ramon "Bong" Revilla's “Amazing Ang Pasko Christmas Giveaway” two weekends ago (Dec.19 to 20) made a number of Filipinos happy after the actor-politician distributed cash prizes and livelihood packages.

Earlier, Revilla distributed thousands of gadgets to students for online learning set by the Department of Education (DepEd).

Thousands of teachers also received the much-needed laptops and cellphones for this new normal in carrying out education in the midst of crises- a tribute to their relentless dedication to educating the youth.

Since then, requests for continuing support have poured into Sen. Bong's office, to include other sectors who have been displaced due to COVID-19.

Thus, Revilla didn't only give away gadgets but also Noche Buena packages and Kap’s Pangkabuhayan (Livelihood) Packages to get started with small sustainable businesses.

The "Amazing Ang Pasko Christmas Giveaway" lasted almost four hours and was witnessed by thousands of netizens.

On its first day (Dec. 19), the virtual event registered 1,471,445 people reach, 1,309,015 engagements, 79,000 shares, 83,400 Comments, 34,000 reactions, and 36,500 Views.

On Dec. 20, it had 1,754,482 people

reach, 1,407,186 engagement, 663 thousand comments, 153,810 shares, 561 thousand views, and 53 thousand likes.

The P2 million jackpot entailed a simple game, in which a number of tearful participants won P100,000 each.

Sen. Revilla wished to give away these cash and goodies, deeply touched by the emotional outpouring shown by the participants.

The "Wheel of Fortune Game" revealed sad stories of home viewers in dire need of hospitalization money.

Apart from the cash prizes (P50,000, P40,000, and P30,000) in the "Wheel of Fortune Game," Sen. Revilla pledged to also pay for the hospital bills of winners' sick relatives.

Intheportioncalled"Nochebuenamizer," the first 1000 viewers to write down on comment section #AmazingAngPasko won P1000 each.

This Christmas thanksgiving was part of Revilla's gratitude for his upcoming teleserye Agimat Ng Agila on GMA 7, his first-ever since he was re-elected as a senator.

The "Amazing Ang Pasko Christmas Giveaway" seen live on Facebook and YouTube was hosted by Revilla himself, with wife Bacoor Mayor Lani MercadoRevilla, son Cavite Vice-Governor Jolo Revilla, Moymoy Palaboy, and Benjie Paras.

Defensil Isopropyl Alcohol welcomes Richard Gutierrez, Sarah Lahbati, and kids as brand ambassadors.

Richard and Sarah’s new ally WHILE being stuck at home was an opportunity for them to spend more time together as a family—planting, painting and playing all sorts of games —Richard Gutierrez, Sarah Lahbati, and their children also needed to go through a lot of adjustments as a family.

Celebrating the holidays was different for the Gutierrez family this year. For Richard and Sarah, social distancing was something that they’re keeping in mind as they celebrate the holiday season, along with making sure that everyone sanitizes and disinfects using their new sanitation ally, Defensil Isopropyl Alcohol.

With this, Sarah shares three simple tips to fellow parents on how to keep their family safe from germs during the holiday season.

“First, social distancing is a must.

Second, always wear a mask. It is important for parents to teach their kids the importance of wearing masks, which help to prevent the transmission of the virus. And, lastly, always disinfect with alcohol that makes sure you and the family are well-defended,” Sarah says.

With their quarantine life, the couple

and their children are aware that the threat of the virus still continuing up until now.

“We believe in innovative products.

Not only does Defensil come from a company we trust, but the product is also recommended by experts,” adds Sarah.

“And since we use alcohol more frequently to sanitize, I also like how it not only kills germs and bacteria but also has moisturizer to not dry our skin,” she noted.

One way to prevent the spread of germs is regular disinfection of hands and high touch surfaces using rubbing alcohol. To provide a higher level of defense against germs in the new normal, the Philippine Society for Microbiology is recommending Defensil 70% Solution Isopropyl Alcohol.

Created by Beauty Elements Ventures Inc, the product kills 99.9 percent of germs to give Richard and Sarah’s family the peace of mind that they are well-defended. It starts to kill germs on contact and upon constant use, provides up to 12-hour protection.

Life

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

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TRAVEL & LIESURE

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2021

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ARK Inn by Radisson North Edsa is one of the new properties of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, and features 238 contemporary, well-designed guestrooms catering to business travelers, staycation families, and long-staying guests.

It has a range of modern facilities, including three dining options, two outdoor swimming pools, a 24-hour fitness center, and flexible function rooms that can cater to groups of all sizes.

Its main advantage over its nearby competitors is its being directly connected to the SM City North Edsa, the biggest shopping complex in the area.

The hotel has successfully completed the Disinfection Monitored and Cleaning Checked mark by SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing, and certification company. This confirms that the property has met the highest cleanliness, disinfection, and safety measures based on an independent, comprehensive testing by SGS. It further ensures that the hotel has implemented all the health protocols as outlined in the comprehensive and very detailed Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol.

The Radisson Hotel Group has more than 1,400 hotels in operation and under development, in 120 countries, which make it one of the world’s largest hotel groups. The hotels in this global chain take pride in being 100 percent carbon neutral.

A few weeks ago, I heard that the hotel has joined the “all-you-can-eat-Ko-

Starting the year right… at Park Inn WHAT’S COOKIN’? Park Inn by Radisson North Edsa has successfully completed the Disinfection Monitored and Cleaning Checked mark by inspection and certification company SGS.

The array of condiments and sauces, to further enhance the flavor of the meal.

rean-barbecue” craze that has, of late, rocked foodies and hungry citizens of the metro. I have seen how my friends and other acquaintances patiently stand in kilometric queues just to have their share of this culinary phenomenon. So, when I got all the details of their new dining promo, I was curious to find out what made their menu better than those offered in the many Korean restaurants around town.

Nils Rothbarth, myself, and Meegee Yap stand in front of Dash, the hotel’s clever offering for guests on the go.

EVENTS

Dining guests may have a choice of pork, chicken, or beef, or have all three, like what I did.

Coming from my residence in Manila, it took me almost two hours to navigate the Christmas traffic all the way to the far side of town, North Edsa, just to have my fill of Korean barbecue for lunch. Good thing Meegee Yap, the hotel’s director of sales and marketing, was nice enough to have reserved a table for me, so I didn’t have to stand in line together with dozens of others queuing up outside the restaurant.

Served on my table at the hotel’s CASA Restaurant, were sizable portions of marinated and cooked pork, chicken, and beef, together with more-than-adozen condiments and sauces to further enhance the taste of the meat. But, as far as I’m concerned, I didn’t need any of those to further heighten the flavor of what I already enjoyed eating as is. In fact, I told Nils Rothbarth, the hotel’s amiable general manager who sat with us at the table, that the meat must have been marinated by angels because they tasted heavenly, every single morsel of it!

So, there I was, just like the other diners in the resto, enjoying my several rounds of the delectable meat spread, good source of protein and vitamin B complex, which are much needed by “mature” individuals like me. I could

have gone on and on and on, which is the sought-after benefit of a Korean barbecue meal, but prudence dictated… that I leave room for dessert. To me, it is always the most important part of my meal!

Good thing I did because their Korean ice cream is just as heavenly! I had a choice of Taro, Mango, and Banana. I opted for the last two and found them to be the felicitous conclusion to a hearty culinary experience.

The sumptuous repast and my enjoyable repartee with Nils and Meegee certainly made the circuitous expedition from my residence well worth it.

What puts Park Inn’s Korean Barbecue Promo ahead of similar offerings from the many other Korean restaurants around town? The meat’s quality and the marinade they use spell the big difference. Also, the prompt and efficient service made me feel that I was the only customer, even if the restaurant was full, based on the Inter-Agency Task Force standards and protocols. The frozen delights that capped the hearty meal made me crave for them all over again, long after I’ve gone home!

I also noticed something uniquely peculiar about the restaurant.

It has a nook called Dash, by the entrance. It offers a variety of savory treats and sweets wrapped in environmentally friendly packaging, and drinks. This ingenious facility is perfect for hotel guests arriving late from a long meeting, or those waking up early to catch a flight, or those who just go for something very light and don’t want to spend time being seated in the restaurant. Even if the main restaurant operates only from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily, this nice little corner is open 24 hours. I have to say that the hotel deserves plaudits for coming up with this clever offering.

It was a well-spent lunchtime odyssey for me…and I definitely recommend it!

Park Inn’s Korean Barbecue is certainly a good way to start the New Year! HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone!

YOUR WEEKEND CHUCKLE: When a wife says to her inquiring husband “Nothing,” she really means “it’s something” and he needs to be very worried!

For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ gmail.com.

FRONT DESK

Beverage mounts immersive virtual launch WITH the pandemic and ensuing restrictions on gatherings, events, since middle of last year, have moved to the virtual realm—launching products via livestream or video conferencing, for instance.

Asahi Beverages’ Goodday Cultured Milk turned virtual launches up a notch as it mounted on Dec. 9 an immersive virtual event via Moot.

Utilizing the platform, guests were made to create their custom avatars.

Once ready, they were all sent to intricately designed virtual worlds such as a spacious airport terminal, an outdoor themed conference hall where the main program was held, a Q&A session in an intimate Zen Garden, and later to a

The hotel’s low-key executive chef Neil Ledesma, in my book, is a culinary wizard with his delectable marinade.

Scandinavian-inspired hotel opens in Tagaytay

Japanese-inspired town where they got to freely explore while dancing to the performances of Autotelic and UDD. Each bottle of Goodday Cultured Milk contains a specially formulated strain of Paraprobiotics—a proud development of Japanese technology in partnership with major dairy conglomerate Morinaga Milk Japan, according to Hemalatha Ragavan, chief executive officer of Asahi Beverages Philippines.

“This special strain is clinically proven to help improve intestinal health and natural resistance,” said Ragavan.

It comes in three flavors (original, mango, strawberry) and available in 80ml and 350ml bottles at 7-Eleven stores and leading supermarkets nationwide.

Goodday Cultured Milk officially launches in the Philippines via Moot, an immersive virtual events platform, where guests, using their custom avatars, experience the virtual world, visiting different places within the platform.

Tagaytay’s newly opened Hotel Casiana features an elegant Scandinavian-inspired design, from the lobby to its 100 deluxe rooms.

AS TOURIST destinations gradually reopen and regain foothold amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a hotel began welcoming guests before 2020 ended to its 10-story building located along Tagaytay-Nasugbu main highway.

The 100-room Hotel Casiana had a soft opening on Dec. 18.

It features an elegant Scandinavian-inspired design— uncluttered, gracefully simplistic, functional, and harmonious—which can be seen from the lobby to the rooms available for occupancy.

During the day, natural light comes in through fullheight mirror walls, while at night, golden glow envelopes the welcome area courtesy of sleek warm lighting.

In light of the current situation, Hotel Casiana strictly adheres to IATF guidelines and the local government’s strict implementation for both the hotel team and guests, such as wearing face masks and face shields, enforcing physical distancing, imposing age restrictions, monitoring of body temperature, and strategically placing rubbing alcohol in common areas.

The hotel’s soon-to-open leisure and business amenities and services will include a full-service restaurant, a café, and a bar; a fully-equipped gym and spa; and a completely finished ready-to-use heated pool. But due to safety protocols, the pool is not ready to serve guests.

Call (046) 423-7473, 0916-501-6060, or 0968-4121333 or email reservations@hotelcasiana.com for inquiries and reservations.