Manila Standard - 2021 January 12 - Tuesday

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PH eyes 148m doses of vax Sets P82.5b budget, to close deals for 100m jabs next week

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

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HE government plans to buy 148 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines this year at a cost of P82.5 billion, and close deals for about 100 million of those doses next week, the country’s vaccine czar Carlito Galvez told the Senate Monday.

In testimony before the Senate Committee of the Whole, Galvez said if negotiations are successful, the government can close deals with Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca and Pfizer, with one manufacturer he declined to identify delivering vaccines as early as February.

These would be added to the 30 million doses of Covovax from the Serum Institute of India, which can still be increased to 40 million, he said. Covovax is the Indian version of the vaccine developed by the US company Novovax.

The government, in coordination with the Chinese government, has gained a commitment of 25 million doses from Sinovac, he added.

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VOL. XXXIV • NO. 308 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN THE SPOTLIGHT. Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. (left) shares a light moment with Health Secretary Francisco Duque III before the start of the Senate inquiry on the government’s COVID-19 vaccination program on Monday, but the lawmakers led by Senate President Vicente Sotto III (center, inset) grilled them on why the national government seemed to monopolize the distribution of the coronavirus cure. Senate PRIB

Palace confident holiday spike Senators: Give LGUs, private firms free hand in virus infections manageable Gov't shouldn't

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Willie Casas

MALACAÑANG said Monday the sudden spike in the number of COVID-19 infections after the twoweek holiday break was “manageable” as the country can still provide health care services to the patients.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said there appeared to have been a surge in the number of COVID 19 cases in the country based on the latest figures issued by the Department of Health.

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM JAN. 11)

489,736 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

2,052 22,114 NEW

ACTIVE

9,415

11

458,206

10

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

NEW

NEW

“We cannot deny that there is a holiday surge because we recorded 1,900 cases yesterday, the highest in three weeks if I’m not mistaken,” Roque said in a press briefing.

However, the Palace official said the government is ready as hospitals can still accommodate patients.

Meanwhile, Roque and Senate Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri clashed over the former saying Filipinos who will avail of the government’s free COVID-19 vaccinations cannot choose which vaccine will be used during the immunization campaign.

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Solon assures political move out of Cha-cha

By Maricel V. Cruz ALBAY Rep. Joey Salceda has given assurances the House of Representatives will not touch the political provisions in its revived efforts to amend the 1987 Constitution.

Salceda, chairperson of the House commitee on ways and means, said the discussion would only focus on the economic provisions, as proposed in Resolution of Both Houses filed by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.

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By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Willie Casas

SENATORS yesterday protested the national government's monopoly on the coronavirus vaccine and the regulatory policy of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in not allowing some local government units and the private sector to procure COVID-19 jabs from drug firms of their own choice.

During the Senate Committee of the Whole (COW) session, Senate President Vicente Sotto and Senators Ralph Recto, Franklin Drilon, Migz Zubiri, Cynthia

Villar, Francis Tolentino, Francis Pangilinan and Pia Cayetano demanded the FDA issue Certificates of Registration instead of just Emergency Use Authority (EUA) to drug manufacturers of the coronavirus vaccines chosen by some LGUs and the private sectors for their own

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Romualdez is Duterte's bet for VP—Cayetano

By Maricel V. Cruz FORMER Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday confirmed that House Majority Leader Martin G. Romualdez of Leyte is President Rodrigo Duterte’s preferred vice presidential bet in the 2022 presidential elections.

Cayetano, who represents Taguig City-Pateros in the House of Representatives, said he first heard of the President’s offer in one of their meetings during the speakership fight.

“That is what he said in our (Cayetano, Romualdez and Speaker Lord Allan Velasco) meeting,” Cayetano told reporters.

House Majority Leader Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

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NBI forensic results on Dacera out soon

By Rey E. Requejo

NAZARENE EXHIBIT. Amid the new normal, SM City Manila continues its tradition of bringing the passion of the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene inside the mall.

The 'Ray of Hope: Feast of the Black Nazarene 2021' aims to showcase stories of hope, resilience and optimism, as shoppers and devotees of the Nazarene admire the exhibit of photos -- which runs until Jan. 24 -- from local community photography groups including Canon Photographers PH.

corner vaccine supply, policy

constituents.

However, the Department of Interior and Local Government said all LGUs are included in the national government’s COVID-19 vaccination program, whether or not they have allocated funds for the procurement of their own supply of vaccines.

“We wish to assure our countrymen that whether or not your LGU is buying vaccines, you are included in the national vaccination program. We are going to get from as many suppliers as we can.

The only condition,

JUSTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Monday the National Bureau of Investigation is expected to come out with the results of its forensic examination on the death of Christine Dacera case within the week.

However, Guevarra said they would not be releasing additional information for the time being pending the completion of the NBI’s forensic examination of Dacera.

“The NBI will come out with the Next page

Nuezca dismissed from police force MASTER Sergeant Jonel Nuezca, the off-duty cop who was caught on video shooting to death Sonya Gregorio and her son Frank Anthony in Paniqui, Tarlac, last month, has been dismissed from the service, Philippine National Police Chief Debold Sinas said Monday.

“He is meted with administrative penalty of dismissal from service effective today. This was already implemented by the RD NCRPO (Regional Director, National Capital Region Police Office) Brig. Gen. Vic Danao,” Sinas told reporters in Camp Crame.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines on Monday praised the PNP for its deci-

sion to dismiss Nuezca.

IBP National President Domingo Egon Cayosa said the swift action by the PNP Internal Affairs Service, in dismissing Nuezca from the service, would go a long way in restoring the trust of the public in the PNP and the justice system.

"The swift action of the Internal Affairs Service of the PNP on the administrative case of Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca by recommending his dismissal from the service for shooting his neighbors Sonya and Frank Anthony Gregorio is welcome and commendable," Cayosa said in a statement.

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News

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Panel submits anti-drug report “Let’s give him (President Rodrigo Duterte) time to pore over it,” Guevarra said in a text message to reporters.

While he declined to give details of the initial report, Guevarra assured the review panel came out with what he described as

“very encouraging leads.”

“We have encouraging pieces of evidence. Believe me, believe me, you can see here if there were lapses in the first,” the Justice Secretary said.

Guevarra refused to categorically say

whether there were drug enforcers who would be criminally charged. “It’s too presumptuous to say,” he said.

“For us, we want to know what is really true? If there were violations committed, who are the offenders, who are the perpetrators who committed the violations and what they have violated. How did they commit it? What supporting evidence do we have?” Guevarra said.

“The initial report is only a partial one. Our efforts have been severely hampered by current restrictions on mobility and physical access to records. Much collaborative work remains to be done,” Guevarra said, when asked whether the

PH...

the priority areas for vaccination are the National Capital Region, the Cordillera Administration Region, Cebu City, Region XI and Region 4-A, areas with the highest cases of COVID-19.

The priority groups include frontline health workers, indigent senior citizens, the rest of the indigent population, and uniformed personnel.

Roque said the 50,000 vaccines are on top of the 15,000 doses used for Sinovac’s clinical trials in the Philippines.

He said there will be 950,000 doses of Sinovac vaccines coming in March, 1 million doses each in April and May, and 2 million doses in June.

Roque said Filipinos cannot choose which vaccine will be used during the immunization campaign, but said these would be administered free.

“Vaccination is not mandatory but those who intend to forego the opportunity will be required to sign a waiver,” he said.

“It’s true that we have the right to choose to protect our health but we should not be picky or choosy because there many Filipinos who need to be vaccinated,” he said.

He also emphasized that the Sinovac vaccine was safe and effective.

Roque said the results from late-stage clinical trials of the CoronaVac—Sinovac’s vaccine--in Turkey showed it was 91.25 percent effective. He added that neighboring countries such as Indonesia and Thailand have signed supply deals with Sinovac.

“There’s nothing spectacular about Sinovac other than it’s been proven safe and efficient,” Roque said.

The Palace spokesman said President Rodrigo Duterte is willing to be inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by China or Russia once it arrives in the country.

“The President is eager to get inoculated against the coronavirus using both vaccines made by China and Russia but he would have to choose only one,” Roque said.

Testifying at the same Senate hearing, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the country can achieve herd immunity against COVID-19 in 2021 if the supply of vaccines is sufficient.

He said this was “the best case scenario.”

Duque told the Senate that many aspects of the government’s vaccination plan “are already well underway,” and that the Department of Health (DOH) should be able to start vaccinations by February.

He noted that the government’s objective is to achieve safe, equitable and costeffective immunization for all Filipinos by 2023 or earlier, if there are enough vaccines.

Based on the government’s current negotiations, Duque said the country is on track to immunize 50 million to 70 million Filipinos this year.

At the hearing, Duque said the DOH is working with the Philippine Information Agency to come up with a social media campaign to convince the public of the efficacy and safety of the COVID-19 vaccines.

It would also seek the help of medical groups in their massive information campaign, Duque also cited the importance of

transparency on the inoculation program.

Senator Francis Pangilinan said aside from the logistics of acquiring the vaccines and implementing the vaccination program, he said the bulk of the work of the government involves the restoration of public confidence in the vaccination.

Pangilinan cited a Pulse Asia survey showing that nearly half or 47 percent of Filipinos do not want to get vaccinated.

He said the Senate hearings were a way to bring the conversation closer to the people to understand the importance of vaccination and to see that their leaders have a plan.

“Transparency in the process is the key if there is to be public trust in a vaccine rollout. Without public trust and support, a program of this magnitude will not succeed,” he said.

Also on Monday, Deputy Speaker and Mandaluyong Rep. Neptali Gonzales II said that while the country is waiting for the arrival of the vaccines, now is the right time for the Department of Health to launch a massive educational campaign drive on the COVID-19 vaccines.

The information campaign at this stage, he said is "to start enlightening the general public on the real facts and dispel whatever wrong information the public might have regarding the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines."

“All the billions of pesos appropriated by the government will simply go to waste if a substantial number of the people targeted by the vaccination program of the government will just refuse to be vaccinated, out of fear borne out of lack of information and understanding of the advantages of having it," Gonzales said.

“We already had the commitments of about 61 cities. And all together, that amounts to something like more than P10 billion. We feel that this is our chance to be contributory to the national effort to vaccinate all our people,” Leonardia said.

“That’s why we feel that this is a matter of teamwork, and we are doing our part,” the LCP chief added.

Cities in Metro Manila -- Makati, Quezon City, Taguig, Caloocan, Muntinlupa, Navotas and Mandaluyong among them -- are allocating as much as P1.1 billion per city to purchase vaccines under a tripartite agreement with the National Task Force on COVID-19 and their chosen drugmaker, primarily AstraZeneca.

With commercial authorization, the senators said there will be no more obstacles for drug firms to directly deal or sell the vaccines to LGUs and the private companies.

But Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and FDA Director General Eric Domingo asserted that the agency cannot issue complete authorization or commercial marketing authority because the efficacy and safety of the vaccines are not yet fully guaranteed.

They pointed out that a drug should finish Phase 3 of the clinical trials to be to be fully registered with the FDA, an attached agency of the Department of Health.

Because of this regulation, contained in an FDA circular dated December 14,

2020 which emanated from President Duterte's Executive Order on December 1, 2020, LGUs and the private sector are mandated to go through the national government before they can buy vaccines from drug firms.

Domingo also cited the need for the FDA to properly monitor Filipinos who got the coronavirus vaccines.

Recto and Drilon questioned Duque and Domingo about the downsize in not giving full authority to LGUs and the private sectors in the procurement of the vaccines.

Because the country needs 140 million doses, the Senate leaders insisted that the vaccine is considered an emergency use as it will be used by everybody.

otherwise provided by law.’ Based po sa need ng country,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the House of Representatives' Committee on Constitutional Amendments on Monday appealed to senators to keep an open mind on the proposed amendments to the "restrictive" economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution to open up the country to foreign investments.

The panel's chairman, Ako-Bicol party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. made the statement as his panel is set to deliberate Wednesday on the proposed economic Charter Change as contained in Resolution of Both Houses No. 2.

"For the first time in the 33-year history of our Constitution, we in the House see that economic Cha-cha can succeed, if only our counterparts in the Senate will keep an open mind on it and agree to consider relevant proposals from us and from their own colleagues," Garbin said.

Garbin also assured senators that amending the economic provisions in the Constitution would pave the way for political amendments as well, such as extending the term of office of incumbent elective officials and lifting of term limits.

"We are not proposing to open the basic law of the land to revisions. We want to limit ourselves to provisions relating to the economy and national patrimony.

We will not touch the political sections of the Charter,” he said.

Palace...

since 2,122 new cases were reported on Dec. 18.

The DOH reported 10 patients recently recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 458,206, which is 93.6 percent of the total number of cases.

The DOH also reported 11 new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 9,416, which is 1.92 percent of the total.

This left 22,114 active cases, which is 4.5 percent of the total cases. Of the active cases, 84.3 percent are mild; 5.6 percent are asymptomatic; 6.2 percent are critical; 3.4 percent are severe; and 0.58 percent are moderate.

In other developments: • A member of the technical working group of the DOH urged devotees who flocked to Quiapo Church for the Feast of the Black Nazarene to self-quarantine and avoid going to public places. Dr. Anna Ong-Lim expressed concern the mass gathering could become a potential superspreader event.

• The Department of the Interior and Local Government said Secretary Eduardo Año is on leave until the end of the month following the advice of his doctors. DILG spokesman Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said Año, a COVID-19 survivor, was advised by his physicians to "slow down and take a break from stressful activities." Malaya said Año's leave starts Monday, January 11.

the case.

Villamor expressed confidence they had a strong case to pin down Nuezca.

Sinas ordered Nuezca’s dismissal after he approved the recommendation of the Internal Affairs Service.

The IAS recommended the cop's dismissal due to the two counts of grave misconduct and two counts of conduct unbecoming of an officer, which is an administrative case.

From A1

By Rey E. Requejo

J

USTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Monday said the initial report of the inter-agency panel tasked to review the anti-drug police operations had just been submitted to the Office of the President.

From A1

Meanwhile, local government units and private companies have been able to pin down 13 million doses from AstraZeneca, which includes the first agreement for 2.5 million does. Another agreement could be signed with the company later in the week.

The Russian government has committed to shipping 25 million does of the Gamaleya vaccine, which could be deployed as early as February, Galvez said.

He said negotiations were still ongoing with the US company Moderna, which is allocating up to 20 million doses for the Philippines. Businessman Enrique Razon will help bring in the vaccine, Galvez added.

Galvez said the Philippines can expect 40 million doses from the Covax alliance, a World Health Organization initiative to ensure the supply of COVID-19 vaccines to developing countries.

Pfizer could add another 40 million doses, he said.

Galvez acknowledged that supply has been tight.

"The reality is that more than 80 percent of global supply has already been procured by rich countries," he said.

The government hopes to inoculate 50 million to 70 million Filipinos this year, he said.

The Palace on Monday said about 50,000 doses of China’s Sinovac vaccine will arrive by February, and another 3 million doses expected in the following months.

Palace spokesman Harry Roque said

Senators...

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of course, is that the Food and Drug Administration has issued it an emergency use authorization,” DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said to GMA News.

At least 61 cities in the country are aiming to buy COVID-19 vaccines for their constituents, said League of Cities of the Philippines president Mayor Evelio Leonardia of Bacolod City.

The league is talking to eight vaccine makers about the procurement, Leonardia said at a briefing, adding that the LCP is set to meet with government vaccine czar Carlito Galvez today (Tuesday).

Solon...

From A1

Salcesa said any move to amend the political provisions would be “dead on arrival.”

“If the discussion on Charter change involves politics, its a goodbye,” Salceda said.

Salceda explained that the suggestion to reform the party-list system would only need legislation and not Charter change.

He said there appeared to be a consensus in the House to review the economic provisions in the Constitution that prevented foreign ownership of land and businesses in the country, noting that the Philippines was one of the most restrictive economies in the world.

The Bicolano lawmaker agreed with Velasco that the Philippines needed foreign direct investments (FDIs) to offset the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said the country stood to gain an additional $5-7 billion annually in FDIs once the restrictions set by the Constitution on foreign ownership of businesses in the country has been lifted.

Salceda, however, stressed that the hearings on RBH 2 in the House of Representatives would focus only on adding the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” on Articles XII, XIV, and XVI of the 1987 Constitution.

“The position of the House is really just to amend to include the line ‘unless

Nuezca...

From A1

Nuezca has entered a plea of not guilty to the murder charges against him during the arraignment of the case on Jan. 7.

The Gregorio family’s counsel, Alfredo Villamor, said Nuezca’s not-guilty plea paved the way for the Paniqui RTC Branch 67 to conduct a full-blown trial of

From A1

Preventing Filipinos from getting the COVID-19 vaccine of their choice is unfair, Zubiri said Monday.

Roque said vaccination is not mandatory, but those who intend to forego the opportunity will be required to sign a waiver.

“It's true, we all have a right to good health, but we can't be choosy (in getting a vaccine) because so many Filipinos need a jan,” the spokesman said at a press briefing.

In reply, Zubiri said: “That is not a fair assessment. We should give our people [the] choice [which brand of COVID-19 vaccine to get].”

Zubiri cited British firm AstraZeneca's vaccine, which is only worth P500 for two doses and has been proven at least 90% effective in human trials.

The AstraZeneca vaccine has also secured emergency use authorization (EUA) from the regulatory bodies of the United States and United Kingdom, among others.

The Philippines logged 2,052 new COVID-19 cases Monday, bringing the total to 489,736, as three laboratories failed to submit their data on time, the Department of Health (DOH) reported.

This marks the highest daily increase

NBI... forensic results in less than a week,” Guevarra said in a text message to reporters.

“More prudent to await further narrative accounts and the results of the NBI forensic examination.”

Meanwhile, an official of the Philippine Marine Corps said no military regulations were violated when some of its reservists helped carry the casket of

Commission on Human Rights would be included in the drug war full panel report.

The panel tasked to review the antidrug police operations was supposed to come up with its initial report last December.

The DOJ leads the review panel of several government agencies, including law enforcement units, in reviewing 5,655 anti-drug operations that resulted in deaths to determine whether to file charges against the police officers involved.

“We intend to engage with the CHR in this endeavor. As I said, the initial report is only a partial one,” Guevarra stressed.

Dacera, the 23-year-old flight attendant who died after a New Year's Eve party in Makati City, during her burial in General Santos City on Sunday.

"There was no military regulation or policy violated. This does not in any way demean anybody and I assure you that we are one with our investigating agencies in finding out the real truth behind her death," said PMC commandant Major Gen. Ariel Caculitan in a statement Sunday. He said the reservists were not prohibited from doing such task.

NBI files new complaint vs.

PhilHealth THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday filed a new criminal complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman against officials of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth over alleged irregularities in the state health insurer's Interim Reimbursement Mechanism (IRM).

Former PhilHealth chief Ricardo Morales, Executive Vice Presidents Arnel De Jesus and Renato Limsiaco, Senior Vice President Israel Francis Pargas, and 10 other PhilHealth officers face new complaints for graft and misappropriation of PhilHealth funds.

The NBI also filed administrative complaints against them for grave misconduct and gross negligence.

Officers of Taguig City-based B. Braun Avitum Philippines, Inc. were also named as respondents.

The NBI said the complaint is for the "irregular release and utilization" of the P33.8 million in IRM funds granted to B. Braun Avitum.

Investigators claimed the company received the IRM fund before the effectivity of a PhilHealth circular on the IRM, which the insurer defines as a "special privilege" for financial assistance to eligible health care institutions affected by "fortuitous events."

The NBI also alleged the P38 million was used for the reimbursement of claims for hemodialysis procedures even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Willie Casas

Aguirre, ex-DOJ chief, named to Napolcom PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has appointed former Justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II as commissioner of the National Police Commission (Napolcon), Malacañang said Monday, representing the private sector.

“Mr. Aguirre served as Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary during the early years of the Duterte administration. This bodes well in his new position to make the police service competent, effective, credible and responsive to our people's needs,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

A classmate and fraternity brother of President Duterte at the San Beda law school, Aguirre served as Justice secretary starting 2016. He was succeeded by Menardo Guevarra.

Aguirre resigned from the DOJ in April 2018 amid criticisms over the initial dismissal of charges against suspected drug personalities.

Duterte also recently appointed former Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. as Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman and former Pampanga governor Mark Lapid as Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority board member.

Romualdez...

From A1

Earlier, ACT-CIS Rep. Eric Yap, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, said that Duterte expressed his preference for Romualdez as the vice presidential candidate of the ruling coalition during the signing of the P4.5 trillion national budget for 2021 in Malacañang on December 28.

“That day we talked about the termsharing agreement, that vice presidential preference topic was not publicized but that is part of the agreement,” he said.

He quoted the President as saying he was impressed with Romualdez’s “sterling performance in steering the administration’s legislative agenda for the past two years despite the intramurals for speakership in the House of Representatives.”

“The President is a good judge of character, but it’s really up to the people and as you know, I worked well with Martin so I wish him well in his political career,” Cayetano added.

He also lauded the excellent work ethic of Romualdez that resulted in the passage of President Duterte’s legislative agenda and other priority measures that are vital to national survival amid coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Martin is a good person, very hardworking. He has great job in Congress and especially during the pandemic. He was never an absentee congressman, he is always present and very hands-on. So I wish him well in whatever undertaking.”

In the fight for the Speakership during the opening of the 18th Congress, Romualdez gave way to Cayetano and Velasco upon the prodding of Duterte who wanted him to be the Majority Leader under the so-called “Magellan Formula.”

News Customs bags P600k in ‘kush’ in Batangas raid

By Joel E. Zurbano CUSTOMS and anti-narcotics agents arrested two claimants of P600,000 worth of smuggled shipment of kush marijuana during a controlled delivery operation in Batangas over the weekend.

Joint operatives from the CustomsNinoy Aquino International Airport, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group arrested Van Joshua Magpantay and Johnyengle Hernandez in a vape shop in Lipa City.

Based on the cargo manifest, the shipment arrived at the Federal Express warehouse in Pasay City and was sent by a certain Nina Manual from California.

It was declared as “musical instruments” and consigned to a certain “Dimitria Escalona” of Batangas.

Customs airport examiners discovered the 500 grams of cannabis in two vacuum-sealed transparent plastics.

The Customs Port of NAIA immediately coordinated with PDEA and the Interdiction Task Force to conduct the controlled delivery operation that reached the City of Lipa, resulting in the arrest of the suspects and the seizure of the shipment.

The controlled delivery technic is used when a consignment of illicit drugs is detected and allowed to go forward under the control and surveillance of law enforcement officers in order to secure evidence.

This operation proved effective in identifying and bringing to justice the principals, organizers and financiers of the drug trade.

The seized items were tuned over to PDEA officials who will file criminal charges against the suspects.

Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero commended the Port of NAIA under the supervision of district collector Carmelita Talusan for their accomplishments in going after drug smugglers.

He also praised the men from PDEA and the Interdiction Task Force for successfully conducting the operation.

In 2020 Customs agents seized P1.73 billion worth of smuggled drugs at the airport.

The Port of NAIA assured the bureau it remains vigilant against the entry of prohibited drugs and other contraband at the airport.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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Flooding wrecks 9 roads, bridges in Negros Occidental BACOLOD CITY—At least nine roads and bridges in the cities of Silay and Talisay were either destroyed or damaged by the flooding that submerged several localities in northern Negros Occidental over the weekend.

A list of the affected infrastructures was included in the situational report of

the Provincial Disaster Management Program Division on Monday.

In Talisay, a riprap in Barangay Zone 3 and the Pala-Pala Road in Purok Sigay of the same village collapsed. The road was rendered impassable for vehicles.

The damage to portions of the roads was shown in photos posted by the Talisay

City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office on Facebook.

At noon on Monday, the damaged Bangga Dose Bridge going to neighboring Silay was closed to vehicles.

In Silay, Barangay Bagtic’s Hacienda Mariano Bridge was destroyed and became impassable while the Hacienda

Bagacay Bridge was damaged.

Barangay Guimbala-on’s Sangay Bridge was rendered partially impassable and its road barrier was damaged due to a landslide. Ripraps along Magikland to Sitio Cubay road were also destroyed.

The Sitio Marka Road was left partially impassable due to a landslide.

Fish kill destroys P20m in tilapia G

ENERAL SANTOS CITY— About PHP20 million worth of tilapia were destroyed in a fish kill in parts of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, an official said Monday.

NEW CASE. Officials of the National Bureau of Investigation load up the paperwork they filed in a new criminal complaint against officials of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and of a dialysis provider over alleged irregularities in the insurer’s Interim Reimbursement Mechanism (IRM) at the Office of the Ombudsman on Monday. Manny Palmero

Solon: Make life easier for online small businesses

By Maricel V. Cruz AN OFFICIAL on Monday called on the recently-formed government committee on regulatory relief to give priority to making online small business registration easier and to eliminate the registration fees charged by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Albay Rep. Jose Clemente Sarte Salceda made the call in response to the

activation of the government committee tasked to promote regulatory relief in compliance with Bayanihan 2.

Salceda, chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, is the author of the provisions of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act on regulatory relief for business.

Salceda, who is also the author of the proposed Online Small Business Support Services Act that provides on-

FDA WARNING. Actress Toni Gonzaga and vlogger Winnie Wong posing with their product, Pouf!

and a photo of the FDA advisory against the unauthorized cosmetic product issued last December 23.

FDA warns against cosmetic sold online THE Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public warning against a cosmetic product being sold online by the company of actress Toni Gonzaga and vlogger Winnie Wong.

In an advisory, the FDA said it is warning the public from purchasing and using the unauthorized POUF! Everyday Cologne Spray because post marketing surveillance shows the product has no valid Certificate of Product Notification.

“Potential hazards may come from ingredients that are not allowed to be part of a cosmetic product or from the contamination of heavy metals. The use of substandard and possibly adulterated cosmetic products may result in adverse reactions including, but not limited to, skin irritation, itchiness, anaphylactic shock and organ failure,” the FDA said in its Advisory No. 2020-2188.

It added: “All FDA Regional Field Offices and Regulatory Enforcement Units, in coordination with law enforcement agencies and Local Government Units, are requested to ensure that violative products are not sold or made available

in the market or areas of their jurisdiction.”

POUF! is a product line owned and marketed

by TGWW Everyday Lifestyle Studio, a company whose name comes from the initials of its owners Toni Gonzaga and Winnie Wong. The said company, whose office is on No. 7 North Park Kawayan Street, Forbes Park, Makati, was registered as a firm that is supposed to sell only bags, notebooks, and toiletries.

The product and the company are included in the list of brands being complained by consumer group Action for Consumerism and Transparency in Nation Building (Action), which said that cosmetic products are being peddled online without bothering to get licenses from the FDA. A check with online shopping site Shopee shows that Pouf! is still being sold on its popular platform.

FDA Director General Eric Domingo earlier said those who sell cosmetic products without government license and registration could be criminally charged for violation of Republic Act 9711, or the FDA Act of 2009.

line businesses loans, grants and skills training, says many small online businesses want to legitimize their operations as registered businesses, but are struggling with the processes in licensing agencies.

“Online businesses are the saviors of the Philippine economy in this pandemic. Many of them are home-based and are the only source of income for many families,” Salceda said.

Christopher Ofong, Lake Sebu municipal information officer, said the fish kill had so far affected 1,000 fish cages in the waters off Bacdulong, T’kunel and Poblacion.

He said some 250 fishermen and 45 fish cage operators from eight sitios of the three villages were directly affected based on the initial assessment conducted by the Municipal Agriculture Office.

Fish cage operators were forced to conduct emergency harvests over the weekend to avoid further losses, he said.

Ofong said they had not yet determined the true value of the fish kill but said it could have been around PHP20 million based on the fish’ average farm-gate price of PHP100 per kilo.

“That is just the partial damage report. The assessment is still ongoing in the affected areas,” Ofong told PNA in a phone interview.

On Monday morning, he said, Lake Sebu Mayor Floro Gandam called an emergency meeting to discuss the impact of the fish kill, which was initially reported on Friday and set the necessary interventions.

The meeting was joined by municipal officials and representatives from the South Cotabato Provincial Environment Management Office and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.

Ofong said the fish kill was triggered by the occurrence of the “kemohung” or “kamahong,” a phenomenon caused by the sudden rise in the water’s temperature.

“Kemohung,” which usually occurs during the rainy season, triggers the increase in sulfuric acid that eventually lowers the dissolved oxygen in the lakes’ waters.

In 2017 a series of major fish kills blamed on such phenomenon hit portions of the 254-hectare mountain lake, destroying some 1.4 million kilos of tilapia valued at around PHP126 million.

Ofong said the municipal government was consolidating available resources to help the affected fish cage operators and fishermen.

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

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021

QC increases jab allocation to 1.1m shots

FAKE PRODUCTS. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, and Manila Police District Director Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco lead the destruction of seized fake beauty products that were being sold illegally in Binondo district after the flagraising ceremony on Monday.

The confiscated products are considered hazardous to health.

Norman Cruz

By Rio N. Araja QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday disclosed that the city government would receive an initial 1.1 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The city government has signed a tripartite agreement with the national government through the Inter-agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Philippines.

“This is part of the plan of our Task Force Vax to Normal. Now that we have secured 1.1 million doses, we will continue talking to other pharmaceutical companies to secure more vaccines for QCitizens to complement the national government’s goal. When more QCitizens are vaccinated, we can soon achieve herd immunity,” Belmonte said.

The additional allocation of AstraZeneca vaccines to be expected by the third quarter of 2021 would definitely boost the city’s vaccination program and cater to more members of the priority sectors identified by the World Health Organization, she added.

From the first order of 750,000 doses for 375,000 individuals from priority sectors, the additional doses would increase the number of beneficiaries to 550,000 individuals.

The city council has approved a resolution authorizing Belmonte to enter into a tripartite agreement with the National Task Force Against COVID-19 and the AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Philippines for the advance purchase of a COVID-19 vaccine.

LGUs LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Makati buys 1m vax doses

By Joel E. Zurbano

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HE City of Makati has purchased one million doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay said on Monday.

This after the city chief executive signed a tripartite agreement with the British-Swedish biopharmaceutical company and the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Infectious Diseases through electronic means.

“We intend to vaccinate all Makatizens, including real property owners, business owners, and non-registered voters who reside in the city. We want them to be safe from the virus, and we

are aiming for 100% vaccination in the city,” said Binay.

Binay said the local government is set to launch an information campaign, together with medical experts on infectious diseases and vaccination, to ensure that all doubts, concerns, and questions on the COVID-19 vaccine will be answered.

She urged her constituents to take full advantage of the city’s free vaccination.

Makati will also launch an online

registration portal in the coming weeks.

Last week, the mayor announced that the city has allocated P1 billion to purchase the vaccines.

“This is our number one priority for 2021. I want each and every Makatizen to receive both doses of the coronavirus vaccine for free to protect them and their families against the virus,” said Binay.

“We’ve seen the damage it can do both to human lives and our economy.

After everything we’ve lost this year, we will do whatever it takes to protect our residents, employees, and our business community,” she added.

In December, the local government inoculated the last batch of residents to be vaccinated in its flu vaccination

Santa Rosa to spend P300m, Binan P150m for coronavirus cure SANTA ROSA, Laguna—Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas announced that the City Government of Santa Rosa has allocated an initial amount of P300 million for the procurement of the COVID-19 vaccine.

According to Mayor Arlene, she will be coordinating with National Task Force (NTF) for Coronavirus Disease-2019 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. on the roll-out of the LGU’s vaccination program.

“We will follow the guidelines of the NTF,” she said, adding that the city government has its own proposal that they will send to the national task force.

Binan City Mayor Arman Dimaguila also allocated up to P150 million for the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Ang vaccination program ng City of Biñan ay magkakaroon ng prioritization system na uunahin ang mga medical frontliners at iba pang mga grupo na high risk at mataas ang chance of exposure sa COVID-19,” Dimaguila said. Roy Tomandao Santa Rosa Mayor Arlene Arcillas and Binan Mayor Arman Dimaguila. Roy Tomandao

Navotas, Munti get 100k jabs

MOLECULAR LAB. In time for its 42nd anniversary celebration, Metrobank Foundation, Inc., in partnership with Ateneo de Davao University, turned over a molecular laboratory to Southern Philippines Medical Center on January 9 in Bajada, Davao City. The fully-equipped facility will be able to run 200 samples per day with a turn-around time of three operating days.

THE City Government of Navotas sealed an agreement with British pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca for the advance purchase of 100,000 doses of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine.

Mayor Toby Tiangco signed the multilateral agreement Sunday with AstraZeneca, National Task Force Against COVID-19, and Department of Health.

“The initial amount of vaccines we have ordered will enable us to inoculate the first batch of 50,000 Navoteños. We will give top priority to our health frontliners then our senior citizens. Others will follow as soon as we have secured the most vulnerable sectors in our community,” Tiangco said.

“We are also preparing for the purchase of more COVID vaccines. While we are still waiting for their arrival, please continue to be vigilant. Always practice the minimum safety protocols

Group eyes 900k measles shots for CL children

By Jess Malabanan CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—Relief International Philippines is targetting 900,000 children in Central Luzon for its Measles Rubella-Oral Polio Vaccine Supplememtal Immunization Activity (MR-OPV SIA 2021) slated next month in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan areas.

John Karlo Domingo, provincial focal person of RI-PH, said the activity will provide 5.1 million measles and rubella vaccines while 900,000 for oral polio vaccine in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, which are listed as priority provinces in Region 3 for the immunization campaign this year.

“We are aiming for a large number

because the more the kids we vaccinate in a community, the lesser is the chance for the disease to spread. This will be beneficial not only to the children who received the vaccine, but also to those kids who were not, especially those who are immunocompromised,” Domingo said.

Relief International serves as social mobilizers who educate parents on the importance of vaccines, and to eradicate the malice of diseases.

“With our observations last SPKP, some parents are really afraid for their children. Years have passed since the last vaccine issue and the fear is still there,” Domingo said.

Measles and rubella or German mea-

sles vaccine will be provided to children 9-59 months old, while oral polio vaccine will be given to children 0-59 months old.

RI emphasized that the vaccine is free, and the Department of Health ensures that it is safe and effective.

“The strategy for the supplemental immunization activity is not to do it on a house-to-house basis. There should be fixed posts provided such as barangay health centers or other places to be assigned by the health officers. There will be a staggered scheduling to be strictly followed,” Domingo added.

Vaccines to be given are only supplemental dosages and can be completed through routine immunization.

and keep yourselves healthy,” he added.

Tiangco noted that vaccination is voluntary. Navoteños 18 years old and above who are willing to be inoculated will be given two doses of the vaccine.

The vaccine is expected to be delivered on the second half of 2021.

On December 29, Navotas conducted an informal survey with 6,128 respondents to determine Navoteños’ preferences on COVID vaccines. The survey showed 18% of Navoteños wish to get vaccinated regardless of brand.

Meanwhile, 64.10% are willing to undergo vaccination depending on the brand. Of this, 3.8% want to get the AstraZeneca jab.

“We used the survey results as bases for our decision to buy vaccines. We hope we will also be able to secure other preferred brands within this year,” Tiangco said. Jun David

program aim to prevent hospitalizations and reduce complications of COVID-19.

The trivalent flu shots cover three influenza strains, namely, influenza A or H1N1, influenza A or H3N2, and influenza B. Aside from flu shots, residents and City Hall employees have also received free vaccination shots against pneumonia.

Mayor Binay reiterated her reminders to her constituents to wash their hands regularly with clean soap and water, wear face masks and face shields, avoid crowded places, observe coughing and sneezing etiquette, maintain a distance of at least one meter from other people, and avoid touching surfaces during the holiday season to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Taguig inks contract with AstraZeneca THE Taguig City government has signed a deal with biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccine.

Mayor Lino Edgardo Cayetano said the local government inked a deal with the British drug supplier, and is also in talks with other drug suppliers for the procurement of the vaccines.

But he clarified that they are expecting the first delivery from the national government and the local government procurement will only serve to complement the national government supply.

“The national government’s allotment will come first. We expect it during the first quarter but that will be for medical frontliners and the vulnerable sectors so we have already been preparing our vaccination sites and vaccination protocols,” said Cayetano.

“We want however all Taguigeños to have access to the COVID vaccine.

All LGU procurement of vaccines, we are told will come after the national government allotment and that will be sometime during the last quarter of 2021,” he said.

The city chief executive explained that health experts agree that immunizing people is key to ending this pandemic soonest.

“So far, we have ensured that our testing, disease surveillance and treatment services meet the highest standards. We certainly plan to continue leading as we approach the homestretch,” he said. Joel E. Zurbano

DepEd lauds Angeles mayor for public schools assistance ANGELES CITY—Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr.’s educational assistance to public schools and teachers amid the pandemic has received recognition from the Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Office III. “The pandemic has altered the lives of many, but we must continue to do the best for our children,” Lazatin said.

“Maraming salamat po sa DepEd, naging katuwang din po natin sila sa pagseguro ng mga programang nagsusulong sa edukasyon ng bawat isang kabataang Angeleño,” he added.

The award was conferred to Lazatin during the recent virtual recognition of Government and Community Stakeholders recognizing the topmost involvement and participation of various stakeholders in ensuring that education must continue amidst the threat of COVID-19 pandemic.

The Angeles mayor has allotted P209 million to purchase 61,200 computer tablets for 55,000 Grades 4 to 12 students and 3,000 school teachers in 53 public schools, and 3,200 scholars in the City College of Angeles (CCA). Butch Gunio

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Qataris stream into Saudi after reopening border QATARIS celebrated crossing their border with Saudi Arabia Sunday, calling the kingdom “our second country”, as Doha readied its strict coronavirus measures for Saudis to enter following a Gulf diplomatic thaw.

Drivers arrived at the Salwa border crossing in Saudi Arabia, 500 kilometres (310 miles) east of the capital Riyadh, from the Qatari land crossing at Abu Samrah for the second day following its re-opening, AFP correspondents reported.

Saudi Arabia shut its side of Qatar’s only land border in June 2017 as part of a package of sanctions it said was a response to Doha’s backing of radical Islamist groups and closeness to Iran.

Qatar always denied the charges.

Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt, all of which had also imposed embargoes on travel and trade, agreed to lift the restrictions at a Gulf Cooperation Council summit in the kingdom on Tuesday.

“Coming from Qatar is like coming to our second country, where there’s no difference between them and us in their traditions,” said Mohammed al-Marri, a Qatari who had travelled into Saudi Arabia. AFP Manila

Divers search Indonesian plane wreck

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AKARTA—Indonesian divers searched waters off Jakarta Monday for black boxes from a passenger jet that crashed at the weekend with 62 people aboard, as investigators took up the grim task of identifying victims’ remains.

Retrieving the boxes—cockpit voice and flight data recorders—will likely help explain why the Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737-500 plunged about 10,000 feet (3,000 metres) in less than a minute before slamming into the Java Sea. Investigators have so far been unable to say why the 26-year-old plane crashed just four minutes after takeoff from Jakarta, but they do know the location of the black boxes.

The plane’s captain, Afwan, a 54-yearold father of three, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, was a former air force pilot with decades of flying under his belt, according to local media.

Some of the 2,600 personnel working in the recovery effort involving dozens of boats and helicopters are hauling body parts, twisted piece of wreckage and pasRECOVERED. Members of a search and rescue team carry items from Sriwijaya Air flight SJ182 at Tanjung Priok port, north of Jakarta, sengers’ clothing from shallow waters on January 11, 2021, which were recovered during search operations off the coast for the Boeing 737-500 which crashed into the Java Sea about 23 metres (75 feet) deep. minutes after takeoff on January 9. AFP CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACKby IndoUnderwater photos supplied nesia’s navy showed a sea floor littered violence, personal assault or assassination for the success with wreckage. and predominance of one's ideas. I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy. I have not been Body bags filled with human remains convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. I am not are being taken to a police hospital where suffering from mental alienation or from any incurable contagious disease. The country of which I am a citizen investigators hope to identify victims by or subject is not at war with the Philippines and grants to matching DNA from their remains to livFilipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof. ing relatives. AFP

Show sense of responsibility, Pope Francis asks America

SCN FORM NO. 1 Standard (R.A. NO. 9139)

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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF SHERYL CHUA SO to be naturalized as Filipino citizen pursuant to Republic Act No. 9139.

SCN CASE NO. x------------------ ------- x

PETITION Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits a petition for naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and respectfully declares: 1. My full name is SHERYL CHUA SO, but I have also been known since childhood as SHERYL or I have been judicially N/A . authorized to use the alias name(s) 2. My present place of residence is Unit 2135 Cityland Pasong Tamo Tower Inc., 2210 Don Chino Roces Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City/Municipality of Makati Province of Metro Manila , and all my former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence) __2007-2017 Dian Street, Makati City___________ __childhood-2007 Tondo, Manila______________ 3. I was born on May 2, 1981 in Lucena, Quezon Philippines. I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or subject of Taiwan.

4. My father's name is Yuen Chek Ang So and he was born on March 21, 1950, in China. He is a citizen or subject of China. My mother's name is Rosita Yu Chua and she was born on Sept. 5, 1954 in Philippines. She is a citizen or subject of Taiwan.

5. My trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is Analyst / MIS Officer and from which I derive an average annual income of P760,000.00, inclusive of bonuses, commissions and allowances. My wife's/husband's trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which she derives an average annual income of N/A (Where the above does not apply): I am exempt from the requirement of lucrative trade or occupation and from submitting income tax returns for the past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) degree obtained: BS Commerce in Computer Data Management, (2) name of school: Chiang Kai Shek College and (3) years graduated: 2003 who cannot practice my profession (the practice of which requires a government licensure examination) by reason of my citizenship.

6. My civil status is Single, I was married on N/A My wife's/ husband's name is N/A and she/he was born on N/A. She/ he is a citizen or subject of N/A and presently resides N/A 7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A. (please indicate the particular court which granted the same). I am a widower/widow and my spouse died on N/A in N/A. 8. I have no child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and residences are as follows:

Name N/A

Date of Birth N/A

Place of Birth N/A

Residence

Chiang Kai Shek College

Place of School Tondo, Manila

Dates of Study 1999-2003

Highest Grade Completed College Graduate

Chiang Kai Shek College

Tondo, Manila

1994-1999

Chiang Kai Shek College

Tondo, Manila

1988-1994

Chiang Kai Shek College

Tondo, Manila

1986-1988

High School Graduate Elementary Graduate Kindergarden

10. I am able to read, write and speak Filipino and/or any of the following dialects of the Philippines:English.

11. I have enrolled my minor children of school age in the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philipine History, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality:

Name of Child N/A

Name and Place of School N/A

14. My character witnesses are Hershey Go Lim and Gina Louisse Lastimosa both Filipino citizens, of legal age, and residing at 724 Bulacan St., Tondo, Manila and 1586 Benitez St., Malate, Manila respectively, who have executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: (a) brief biographical data about themselves; (b) detailed statements on the dates they first came to know me, the circumstances of our initial acquaintance and the reasons and extent of our continuing familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other petitions for naturalization.

15. Attached hereto as annexes and made part of this petition are the duplicate originals or certified photocopies of the following documents (please check the appropriate box): [ ] a. Petitioner's birth certificate [ ] b. Petitioner's alien certificate of registration (ACR) [ ] c. Petitioner's native-born certificate of residence (NBCR) [ ] d. Petitioner's marriage certificate, if married [ ] e. Death certificate of his/her spouse, if widowed [ ] f. Court decree annulling his/her marriage or granting legal separation, if such was the fact [ ] g. Birth certificates of petitioner's minor children [ ] h. ACRs of petitioner's minor children [ ] i. NBCRs of petitioner's minor children [ ] j. Affidavits of financial capacity by the petitioner, duly supported by bank certifications, passbooks, stock certificates, or proof of ownership of other properties [ ] k. Affidavits of at least two (2) credible witnesses who must be Filipino citizens of good reputation in petitioner's place of residence [ ] l. Medical certificate from a government hospital stating that petitioner is not suffering from mental alienation or a user of prohibited drugs or otherwise a drug dependent and that he/she is not afflicted with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), or any incurable contagious disease. [ ] m. School diploma and transcript of records of the petitioner from the school/s he or she attended in the Philippines [ ] n. Certifications stating that petitioner's minor children are enrolled in public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the DECS, where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality [ ] o. Petitioner's income tax returns for the past three years [ ] p. Petitioner's receipts of payment of income tax for the past three years

POPE Francis on Sunday called on Americans to show their “sense of responsibility” and support for democratic values as he lamented the midweek storming of the Capitol in Washington.

Among five deaths during the incident was a US Capitol police officer who died of injuries sustained during clashes with a mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters who overran a session of Congress.

“I urge the State authorities and the entire population to maintain a high sense of responsibility in order to soothe tempers, promote national reconciliation, and protect the democratic values rooted in American society,” the pontiff said during Sunday prayers broadcast from the Vatican.

Francis said he was sending a “loving greeting” to the US people “shaken by the recent assault on Congress” and said he was praying in memory of the five people killed “in those dramatic moments”.

“I reiterate that violence is always self-destructive -- nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost,” the Argentinian pope concluded in his Angelus prayer.

Earlier, in an interview with Italian broadcaster Canale 5, the pontiff had said he was “amazed” by Wednesday’s assault on Congress.

Pope Francis made his comments with Trump facing a potential second impeachment attempt as he enters the final days of his presidency after losing November’s presidential election to Democrat Joe Biden.

The article of impeachment charges that Trump committed a criminal act by “willfully inciting violence against the Government of the United States” by repeatedly insisting he had defeated Biden.

He also addressed supporters and told them the election outcome was “an egregious assault on our democracy,” and urged them to “walk down to the Capitol” to show their displeasure at the result. AFP

Date of Enrollment N/A

12. I shall never be a public charge. I am of good moral character. I believe in the principles underlying the Philippine Constitution. I have conducted myself in a proper and irreproachable manner during the entire period of my residence in the Philippines in my relations with the constituted government as well as with the community in which I am living. I mingled socially with Filipinos and have evinced a sincere desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions and ideals of the Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under Republic Act No. 9139.

I am not opposed to organized government or affiliated with any association or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized governments. I am not defending or teaching the necessity or propriety of

Nokor’s Kim assumes late father’s mantle NORTH Korean leader Kim Jong Un has had his official party title changed, state media reported Monday, assuming a position previously held by his late father in what analysts said was a move to bolster his authority.

The North Korean economy is struggling in the face of self-imposed coronavirus isolation, and is subject to multiple sanctions over its banned nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

At the same time, nuclear talks with the United States have been deadlocked since the collapse of the Hanoi summit between Kim and President Donald Trump in February 2019.

The ruling Workers’ Party of Korea “unanimously adopted” a decision to elect Kim as general secretary at its congress on Sunday, the official KCNA news agency reported.

“All the delegates expressed full support with stormy applause in great excitement,” it said. AFP

IN BRIEF Jihadists’ ambush kill 13 soldiers in West Africa THIRTEEN soldiers have died in an ambush by jihadist fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province group in volatile northeastern Nigeria, two army sources told AFP on Monday.

Heavy gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades hit a military convoy in Gazagana village, 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Yobe state capital Damaturu on Saturday.

“We lost 13 soldiers in this ambush and several were injured,” an officer said.

The convoy was headed for a military base at Buni Yadi, another 20 kilometers from Damaturu, said the second army source, who gave the same death toll.

“It was a fierce battle and the terrorists also suffered casualties,” he said, without giving a figure.

The ISWAP group carries out regular attacks in Buni Yadi region on soldiers and travellers, with the violence spilling over into Borno state.

Since 2009, the jihadist campaign in northeast Nigeria has focused on Borno where the Boko Haram group is also active.

ISWAP split from Boko Haram in 2016 and rose to become a dominant group.

The violence has spread into neighboring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting a regional military coalition to fight the militants.

At least 36,000 people have been killed in the conflict, which has displaced about two million from their homes since 2009. AFP

16. Other documents submitted by the petitioner in support of his/her petition: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ PRAYER WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that petitioner be conferred Philippine citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No, 9139.

Dated at Makati City, Metro Manila, this 29 th day of September, 2020.

N/A

9. I received my primary and secondary education from the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality:

Name of School

13. It is my true and honest intention to become a citizen of the Philippines and to renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, and, particularly, to Taiwan of which at this time I am a citizen or subject. I will reside continuously in the Philippines from the date of the filing of this petition up to the time of my admission to Philippine citizenship.

SHERYL SO Name and Signature of Petitioner Address: Unit 2135 Cityland Pasong Tamo Tower Inc., 2210 Don Chino Roces Ave., Pio Del Pilar, Makati City Telephone Number: +639497751937

Petitioner's signature and right thumbmark

China threatens ‘counterstrike’ on US for lifting Taiwan ban

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF MAKATI) S.S.

CHINA on Monday threatened a “counterstrike” against a move by the United States to lift restrictions on official contacts with Taiwan as military tensions grow between Beijing and the self-ruled island.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Saturday Washington would lift “complex internal restrictions” on contacts with Taipei by diplomats, after a year of mounting US-Chinese friction on topics including human rights, trade and the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Beijing says Taiwan is an inviolable part of China to be reclaimed, by force if necessary, and opposes any diplomatic recognition of the democratic island.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Beijing “strongly condemns” the move and accused the United States of violating the terms of Washington’s diplomatic relations with Beijing.

“Any action that harms China’s core interests will receive a resolute counterstrike from China,” Zhao warned, urging Pompeo to retract the decision or face “severe punishment”.

It was not clear what the change means in practice, with Pompeo saying executive branch communications with Taiwan will be handled by the American Institute in Taiwan, which is owned by the US government and serves as the de facto embassy. AFP

I, SHERYL CHUA SO of legal age and a resident of Unit 2135 Cityland Pasong Tamo Tower Inc., 2210 Don Chino Roces Ave., Pio Del Pilar, Makati City after being duly sworn, depose and say that I am the petitioner herein, that I have read the foregoing petition and know the foregoing petition and known the contents thereof, and that the same is true of my own knowledge.

SHERYL CHUA SO Name and Signature of Petitioner SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me at MAKATI CITY, CITY this 29 SEPT 2020.

(MS-DEC. 29, 2020/ JAN. 5 & 12,2021 2020)

(MStandard-Dec. 23, 2020 / Jan 12 & 18, 2021)

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RESOLUTION

Stock market extends rally; PLDT, Jollibee lead gainers

S

TOCKS rose for the third straight day Monday, lifted by a report that the Philippines secured 30 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccine developed by US drug maker Novavax.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 14.91 points, or 0.2 percent, to 7,304.79 on a value turnover of P11.5 billion. Gainers beat losers, 129 to 94, with 46 issues unchanged.

Jollibee Foods Corp., the biggest fast-food chain, advanced 3.4 percent to P199.10, while PLDT Inc., the largest telecommunications firm, climbed 2.5 percent to P1,460.

Apollo Global Capital Inc. surged 29.4 percent to P0.26, while Premiere Horizon Alliance Corp. jumped 26.7 percent to P2.09.

The rest of Asian markets were mixed Monday as traders struggled to track another record performance on Wall Street, though investors remain broadly upbeat on the prospect of a further massive stimulus for the US economy, with President-elect Joe Biden calling for a spending spree in the trillions of dollars.

With vaccines being rolled out around the world and key risk events including the US election, Georgia senate runoffs and Brexit now out of the way, observers said focus is now on the expected global recovery from last year’s economic catastrophe.

The need for more financial help for the world’s top economy was laid out Friday with data showing 140,000 people lost their jobs in December—the first fall since April—as virus infections and deaths surged across the country.

Biden, who will be sworn in as president on January 20, said he would press for a new rescue package that includes $2,000 direct payments to taxpayers and help for small businesses.

“The price tag will be high,” he warned as he promised to lay out

his proposals Thursday. “It will be in the trillions of dollars.”

He added: “If we don’t act now, things are going to get much worse and harder to get out of a hole later.”

Investors welcomed the prospect of another spending splurge that will provide a huge boost to the economy, coupled with Federal Reserve financial support and record low rates for the foreseeable future.

The dollar extended gains across the board, and was sitting at a three-week peak against the yen.

Wall Street’s three main indexes all finished last week at all-time highs, but Asia struggled to push on.

Hong Kong, Mumbai, Taipei, Jakarta and Bangkok were all up but Shanghai, Sydney, Singapore and Wellington fell, while Seoul was also lower despite a rally in market heavyweight Samsung that was fueled by reports it is in talks with US giant Intel over making some of its best chips. With AFP Republic of the Philippines COMMISSION ON AUDIT

: ____2020-034______ : _December 02, 2020_

Authority of COA Auditors to Access Information and Communication Systems, Electronic Data Messages and Source Documents of the Audited Entities Relevant to the Conduct of Audit

WHEREAS, the 1987 Philippine Constitution vests the Commission on Audit (COA) the power, authority, and duty to examine, audit, and settle all accounts, as well as the exclusive authority to define the scope of its audit and examinations, and establish auditing techniques and methods required thereof among others; WHEREAS, Chapter 2, Section 25(4) of the Presidential Decree No. 1445, or the Government Auditing Code of the Philippines, likewise mandates COA to promulgate auditing and accounting rules and regulations; WHEREAS, COA recognizes the inevitable use and dependence of audited entities on computerized systems to perform their operations, the need to ensure that appropriate controls are existing and effective in such system as deterrent to commission of fraud and irregularities, and the need to establish specialized audit techniques and methodologies for the conduct of audit and examination of the same; WHEREAS, to effectively discharge the mandated responsibility of COA in safeguarding the government assets and to effectively perform audit procedure in this age of 4th Industrial Revolution, the Information Technology Audit Office, created under COA Resolution No. 2015-018 dated April 17, 2015, was primarily tasked to conduct information systems audit on government entities with computerized environment, as well as assist in the formulation of policies, standards, and guidelines on the performance of Information Technology Audit; WHEREAS, with the passage of the Republic Act No. 10173 dated August 15, 2012, otherwise known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012, there were instances when COA auditors were precluded by its auditees to access and perform the evaluation of the systems and its databases, especially those whose system development projects were contracted out; WHEREAS, there is a need to develop guidelines on access of COA auditors to computerized systems and electronic documents of audited entities, with adherence to the existing laws, rules and regulations; NOW, THEREFORE, the Commission Proper RESOLVES, AS IT DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, to affirm the authority of COA auditors to access information and communication systems, electronic data messages and source documents of the audited entities as far as necessary to achieve the identified audit objectives.

RESOLVED FURTHER, the implementing guidelines shall be issued within 30 days from the effectivity of this Resolution.

This Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines

Adopted this _2nd__ 2nd__ __ day of __December__ __December December__ __ 2020, at Quezon City, Philippines.

CIRCULAR No. : ___2020-010____________

MICHAEL G. AGUINALDO Chairperson

Date: __December 02,2020_____

To

:

Subject

1.0

All Heads of Departments, Agencies, Bureaus, Offices and Instrumentalities of the National Government; Local Chief Executives; Managing Heads of Government-Owned and/or Controlled Corporations; Heads of Finance, Accounting and Treasury Units; Commission on Audit (COA) Assistant Commissioners, Directors, and Auditors; and All Others Concerned

:

Therefore, consistent with the mandate of COA to promote good governance through transparency and accountability, this Circular is hereby promulgated to implement COA Resolution No. _2020-034_ dated __December 2,2020_ and provide guidelines relative to the authority of COA Auditors to access information and communications systems and electronic documents of audited entities, with adherence to the general data privacy principles of the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

COVERAGE This Circular shall apply to all audited entities that intend to use or which have been using information and communications systems in processing their functions and mandates regardless whether the system is developed in-house or outsourced.

3.0

DEFINITION OF TERMS The following words and phrases are defined as follows: 3.1 Audited Entity refers to any department, bureau or office of the national government, or any of its branches and instrumentalities, or any political subdivision or local government units as well as any government-owned or controlled corporation, including its subsidiaries, or other self-governing board or commission of the government, which are subject to audit. These include other entities placed under the jurisdiction of COA by specific provisions of law or jurisprudence.

AIR TRAVEL BACK. Passengers wait to check-in at Qatar’s Hamad International Airport, on January 11, 2021, to take the first commercial flight to Saudi Arabia in three and a half years following a Gulf diplomatic thaw. Air travel between Qatar and Saudi Arabia has been resumed according to the countries’ airlines, a major landmark as Doha’s former Gulf rivals normalize ties under a landmark agreement. AFP

(MS-JAN. 12, 2021)

Republic of the Philippines COMMISSION ON AUDIT

Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines

BACKGROUND

With the passage of the Republic Act No. 10173 otherwise known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012, there were instances when COA auditors were precluded by its auditees to access and perform the evaluation of the systems and their databases, especially those outsource-developed system due to data privacy issues.

2.0

ROLAND C. PONDOC Commissioner

Guidelines implementing COA Resolution No. 2020-034___ relative to the Authority of COA Auditors to Access Information and Communications Systems, Electronic Data Messages and Source Documents of the Audited Entities Relevant to the Conduct of Audit

To effectively discharge the mandate of COA in safeguarding the government assets and to effectively perform audit procedure in this age of 4th Industrial Revolution, COA shall conduct information systems audit on government entities with computerized environment.

3.2 Electronic Data Message refers to information generated, sent, received or stored through electronic, optical or similar means.

3.3 Electronic Document refers to information or the representation of information, data, figures, symbols or other modes of written expression, described or however represented, by which a right is established or an obligation is extinguished, or by which a fact may be proved and affirmed, which is received, recorded, transmitted, stored, processed, retrieved or produced electronically.

3.4 Data Protection Officer refers to an individual/s who is accountable for ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations for the protection of data privacy and security.

Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia launches $500-b car-free city

3.5 Information and Communications System refers to a system intended for and capable of generating, sending, receiving, storing or otherwise processing electronic data messages or electronic documents and includes the computer system or other similar device by or in which data is recorded, transmitted or stored and any procedures related to the recording, transmission or storage of electronic data message or electronic document.

RIYADH—Saudi Arabia, the world’s top crude exporter, announced Sunday the launch of an eco-city “with zero cars, zero streets and zero carbon emissions” at its futuristic NEOM mega development.

The $500-billion NEOM project, set to be built from scratch along the kingdom’s picturesque Red Sea coast, is billed as a development evocative of a sci-fi blockbuster.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveiled plans for a city, dubbed “THE LINE,” in a presentation broadcast on state TV. It consists of “a city of a million residents with a length of 170 kilometers (105 miles) that preserves 95 percent of nature within NEOM, with zero cars, zero streets and zero carbon emissions,” he said.

“We need to transform the concept of a conventional city into that of a futuristic one,” added the de facto leader of the Arab world’s leading economy, regularly ranked among the world’s most polluting countries.

Prince Mohammed showed computer-generated images of “THE LINE” as well as landscapes of pristine deserts and blue seas.

The pedestrian city will have services such as schools, health centers and green spaces, as well as high-speed public transportation, with no journey expected to take more than 20 minutes, according to a NEOM statement.

Artificial Intelligence will play a key role in the city, the statement said, adding that “it will be powered by 100 percent clean energy, providing pollution-free, healthier and more sustainable environments for residents.”

Construction of the city will begin in the first quarter of this year, with funding from the Public Investment Fund, the main vehicle through which the kingdom is diversifying its economy beyond oil.

The project is slated to create 380,000 jobs and contribute 180 billion riyals ($48 billion) to the kingdom’s GDP by 2030, the NEOM statement said. AFP

3.7 Outsource-Developed System is a system developed by a third-party provider.

3.6 In-house Developed System refers to the system developed and implemented by the organization, the audited entity, using its own resources.

3.8 Source Document refers to any document which serves as a basis for recording business transactions (invoice, official receipt, delivery receipt, disbursement voucher, etc.). This also includes technical documentation such as system architecture, manuals, design decisions, and program source code, among others.

3.9 Third-Party Provider refers to a provider of – (i)

RESOLUTION No. : _2020-035__ Date: _December 16,2020_ SUBJECT

WHEREAS, the General Provisions of the General Appropriations Acts2 mandate all government agencies to: (i) plan and implement programs and projects, taking into consideration measures for climate change adaptation and mitigation, and disaster risk reduction; and (ii) undertake efforts to integrate environmental sustainability in their daily activities, systems, processes, and operations, and accelerate the greening of their organizational culture and behavior towards reducing their carbon footprints, through saving on paper and printing, minimizing the use of plastics and food waste, switching to renewable energy reducing energy and water consumption, holding meetings online, and reducing travel emissions, among others.

WHEREAS, Section 3 of the Philippine Green Building Code3 lays down its objectives which include setting the minimum standards for compliance to improve the efficiency of building performance through a framework of acceptable set of standards that will enhance sound environmental and resource management; and counter the harmful gases responsible for the adverse effects of climate change throughout the building’s life cycle including efficient use of resources, site selection, planning, design, construction, use, occupancy, operation and maintenance, without significant increase in cost.

WHEREAS, Goal 13 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2016-2030 mandates urgent action to combat climate change and its impact, among others, by: (i) strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate change hazards and natural disasters in all countries; and (ii) integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

WHEREAS, the SDGs 2016-2030, the Beijing Platform for Action of 19954 and the Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development (PPGD) 1995-2025 are visionary agenda and binding documents on political and socio-economic developments, especially on gender equality and women empowerment (GEWE) which have been considered in crafting the GEWE Plan 2019-2025 and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022.

WHEREAS, the Commission on Audit (COA) fully adheres to the foregoing declaration of State policies, mandates and plans on climate change, disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), and GEWE; and adopts relevant green plans and programs, activities and projects (PAPs) that will promote and achieve the integration of the environment sustainability, and strengthening of a balanced and healthful ecology. .

WHEREAS, COA takes paramount consideration on the safety and well-being of all its human resources and the security and preservation of its public properties in the Central Office (CO), all Regional Offices (ROs) and Sub-Regional Office (SRO) in the institutionalization of relevant green plans and PAPs on climate change, DRRM and GEWE, particularly in greening these offices and premises.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Commission Proper resolves, as it does hereby resolve, to institutionalize the Green Office Policy5 in the CO, all ROs and SRO through the promotion, adoption and acceleration of a green organizational culture and behavior towards reducing the carbon footprints.

RESOLVED, FURTHER, the Commission Proper authorizes the creation of the following Committees and its Secretariat:

application systems and computer services necessary in the performance of government functions;

GUIDELINES 4.1 COA auditors shall transmit a written request to the audited entities for a read/ view, extract, and print access rights to the information and communications systems, electronic data messages and source documents with adherence to the general data privacy principles of transparency, legitimate purpose and proportionality. The request shall state the purpose and the specific data which are necessary to be accessed to meet its audit objectives.

4.3 Every contract/agreement shall be subject to COA audit. The auditability clause shall be provided in the contract pursuant to Section 39 of Presidential Decree No. 1445. The failure to provide the auditability clause in the contract with the third-party provider does not preclude COA from conducting the audit.

4.4 COA auditors shall treat all information gathered with appropriate level of confidentiality pursuant to existing laws, rules, and regulations, particularly those concerning data security and personal data protection. The Data Protection Officer of the audited entity should be informed before collection of pertinent personal data.

4.5 COA shall implement appropriate organizational, physical and technical security measures to protect the electronic data messages and documents obtained in carrying out their mandated functions.

5.0

COA shall capacitate its auditors to carry out their duties and responsibilities.

PENALTY CLAUSE Failure or negligence of the officials or employees of audited entities to discharge their duties and responsibilities provided herein shall be a basis for appropriate administrative sanctions.

6.0

SEPARABILITY CLAUSE In the event that any of the provision of this Circular is declared invalid or unconstitutional, all the provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and with legal effect.

8.0

Central Committee on Green Office (CCGO) in the CO to be chaired by a Commissioner, with its members to be designated in accordance with the regular functions of the concerned offices tasked to implement the green plans and PAPs, or their involvement in related committees, working groups or teams;

2.

Regional Committee on Green Office (RCGO) to be chaired by the Regional Director (RD), with its members to be designated in accordance with the regular functions of the region tasked to implement the regional green plans and PAPs, or their involvement in related committees, working groups or teams;

3.

Sub-Regional Committee on Green Office (SRCGO) to be chaired by the designated head of the SRO, with its members to be designated in accordance with the regular functions of the sub-region tasked to implement the subregional green plans and PAPs, or their involvement in related committees, working groups or teams; and

4.

The Director of the General Services Office shall be the Head of the Secretariat of the CCGO, the Assistant Regional Directors for the RCGOs and the Head of the Administrative Services for the SRCGO.

1.

The CCGO shall be the central repository of all the existing and future green plans and PAPs of the CO, all the RCGOs and the SRCGO. The CCGO shall provide a uniform format of the registry of green plans and PAPs to the RCGOs and the SRCGO.

2.

The CCGO shall be the recommendatory body to the Commission Proper (CP) or the COA Chairperson as regards the proposal and implementation of green plans and PAPs of the CO, RCGOs and SRCGO.

3.

The Chair of the CCGO shall be the focal person for all inter-agency coordinations, linkages, partnerships and institutional arrangements pertaining to green plans and PAPs of the COA at the national level; and the Chair of the RCGO and designated head of the SRCGO for the regional and sub-regional counterparts.

4.

The CCGO, RCGOs and SRCGO shall make an inventory of their respective existing green plans and PAPs which shall be recorded in their respective registry. A copy of the initial inventory recorded in the registry shall be submitted to the CCGO for consolidation, monitoring and reporting purposes.

5.

The RCGOs and the SRCGO shall submit on or before January 31 of the ensuing year the annual report on the status of their existing green plans and PAPs recorded in the registry, as certified by the concerned RDs and the designated head of the SRO. The CCGO shall submit to the CP or the COA Chairperson on or before March 31 of the ensuing year the annual consolidated report on the status of the existing green plans and PAPs of the COA.

6.

The CCGO, RCGOs and SRCGO shall use their respective registry of existing and future green plans and PAPs in planning and programing the annual procurement plans of the CO, ROs and SRO.

7.

The CCGO, RCGOs and SRCGO shall actively initiate awareness campaign, briefing, seminar or training on topics pertaining to climate change, DRRM and GEWE with focus on greening the office for their personnel, in coordination with the national or regional offices of the concerned government agencies.

8.

The CCGO, RCGOs, SRCGO and their respective Secretariat shall perform such other duties and responsibilities as may be necessary for the greening of their respective offices and premises.

REPEALING CLAUSE All circulars, memoranda, and other issuances or any parts thereof inconsistent with this Circular are hereby revoked, amended or modified accordingly.

7.0

1.

These Committees shall have the following functions:

4.2 Within five (5) working days after the receipt of the request, the audited entities shall provide COA auditors a unique user account to establish accountability in accessing information and communications system and electronic data. The audited entity may also share the electronic data electronically or provide the same through back up files created in the entity’s environment and shared on a removable media with COA Auditors. The user account profile should have a read, view, print, and/or download capability.

4.6

RESOLVED FINALLY, that a Commissioner of the COA be designated to oversee the institutionalization and operationalization of the Green Office Policy, who shall immediately recommend to the COA Chairperson the creation of the CCGO, RCGOs and SRCGO and their respective Secretariat, as well as the appropriate funding therefor.

This Resolution shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

Quezon City, Philippines

EFFECTIVITY This Circular shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from publication in newspaper of general circulation.

MICHAEL G. AGUINALDO Chairperson

MICHAEL G. AGUINALDO Chairperson

ROLAND C. PONDOC Commissioner 1 2

ROLAND C. PONDOC Commissioner (MS-JAN. 12, 2021)

Institutionalization of the Green Office Policy in the Central Office, all Regional Offices and Sub-Regional Office of the Commission on Audit and the Adoption of Plans, Programs, Activities and Projects for Greening the Offices and Premises

WHEREAS, Section 2 of the Climate Change Act of 20091, as amended, declares the policy of the State to: (i) systematically integrate the concept of climate change in various phases of policy formulation, development plans, poverty reduction strategies and other development tools and techniques by all agencies and instrumentalities of the government; (ii) incorporate a gendersensitive perspective in all climate change and renewable energy efforts, plans and programs; and (iii) strengthen, integrate, consolidate and institutionalize government initiatives to achieve coordination in the implementation of plans and programs to address climate change in the context of sustainable development.

(iii) necessary technical means by which electronic documents of an originator may be stored and made accessible to a designated or undesignated recipient party.

4.0

:

WHEREAS, Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Constitution declares the policy of the State to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

(ii) on-line services or network access, or the operator of facilities thereof, including entities offering the transmission, routing, or providing of connections for online communications, digital or otherwise, between or among points specified by a user, of electronic documents of the user’s choosing; and

China consumer prices bounce back BEIJING—China’s consumer prices rebounded in December, official data showed Monday, as food prices picked up due to weather difficulties and rising demand ahead of the Lunar New Year festival.

In December, the consumer price index (CPI) rose more than expected at 0.2 percent on-year, said the National Bureau of Statistics, with prices increasing for fresh produce and meats such as pork, beef and mutton ahead of next month’s nationwide holiday.

“Due to continued low temperatures, the production, storage and transportation costs of fresh vegetables and fruit increased,” said NBS senior statistician Dong Lijuan.

The index is a key gauge of retail inflation, and the rebound follows the first negative reading in over a decade the month before as food costs fell.

On Monday, Dong said that consumer demand was picking up due to New Year’s Day and the upcoming Lunar New Year, bumping up prices of other food items.

But pork prices, which rocketed previously after an African swine fever outbreak ravaged pig stocks, continued to drop by 1.3 percent onyear last month as supplies of the staple meat recovered.

For the full year of 2020, consumer prices rose 2.5 percent on-year.

“Consumer prices may slip back into deflation over the next couple of months due to a jump in pork prices a year ago, but this should prove temporary,” said Capital Economics’ senior China economist Julian Evans-Pritchard. AFP

SUBJECT :

No. Date

3 4 5

Republic Act (RA) No. 9729 approved on October 23, 2009, as amended by RA No. 10174 approved on August 16, 2012.

Section 37, General Provisions (GP), 2019 General Appropriations Act (GAA); Section 36, General Provisions, 2020 General Appropriations Act. Referral Code of the National Building Code of the Philippines under Presidential Decree No. 1096.

Outcome of the Fourth World Conference of Women held in Beijing, China in 1995.

Green Office Policy is a statement of intent, a set of ideas or principle to increase the environmental sustainability in the workplaces, create a healthy environment for the human resources, and reduce the environmental impacts of office work.

(MS-JAN. 12, 2021)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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

B4

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021

Megawide allots P5.5b to rebuild Carbon market

By Jenniffer B. Austria MEGAWIDE Construction Corp. said Monday it teamed up with the local government of Cebu City for the P5.5-billion modernization of the Cebu Carbon market.

Megawide said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it signed a joint venture agreement for the construction, development and operation of mixed-use assets within the Cebu Carbon market.

The joint venture agreement with have a term of 50 years that can be extended for another 25 years upon mutual agreement of the parties.

Megawide will invest P5.5 billion in the joint venture project while Cebu will contribute the exclusive use and possession of the project site.

Phase one of the project will cost P3 billion involving the construction a new public market, including night market, other commercial establishments, transport and ferry terminals, new Sto. Nino Park and a chapel.

Phase 2 involves potential mixeduse development, including hotel, retail and convention center.

The Carbon market redevelopment will be Megawide’s second major project in Cebu.

Megawide, in partnership with GMR Infrastructure of India, is in charge of the redevelopment and maintenance of Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Megawide reported in November plans to build more integrated land transport terminal in various parts of the country.

Megawide chairman and chief executive Edgar Saavedra earlier said the company was in talks with various local government units to replicate in other cities the transport terminal it constructed in Metro Manila.

One of the projects that the group is looking at is the proposed southbound terminal project of the local government of Baguio City that would connect to the company’s multi-modal Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange.

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Business

PSE INDEX

Monday, January 11, 2021

14.91 PTS. 7,304.79

ITCH Ratings said Monday it affirmed the Philippines’ investment grade score of “BBB” with a stable outlook, citing the country’s resilience amid the global pandemic and strong growth outlook that may hit around 6.9 percent in 2021 and 8 percent in 2022.

F

“The affirmation of the Philippines’ ‘BBB’ rating and ‘stable’ outlook balances modest government debt levels relative to peers, robust external buffers and still-strong medium-term growth prospects, notwithstanding the deep pandemic-induced economic contraction, against relatively low per capita income levels and indicators of governance and human development compared to peers,” Fitch said.

It said the economic impact of the pandemic for the Philippines in 2020

was more significant than it had previously expected because of the domestic infection rate and government policy measures to curb the spread of the virus.

Fitch said efforts to contain the virus severely affected private consumption and investment, resulting in real GDP contracting by 10 percent year-on-year in the first nine months of 2020. It said full-year GDP likely contracted by 8.5 percent in 2020, after accounting for an improvement in activity indicators in the fourth quarter.

19,976,550,578 232,398 11,520,227,170.59 129 94 46

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021

Fitch affirms ‘BBB’ rating with ‘stable’ outlook on PH

By Julito G. Rada

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

Fitch said economic activity might continue to recover in the coming quarters. It projected GDP to expand by 6.9 percent and 8.0 percent in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

“We estimate the general government deficit to have widened to 6.9 percent of GDP in 2020 from 1.2 percent of GDP in 2019. We project the deficit to widen further to 7.7 percent in 2021, before narrowing to 6.6 percent in 2022.

Underlying the projections for 2021 are a central government deficit of 8.7 percent of GDP, up from an estimated 7.5 percent of GDP in 2020, as government expenditure aimed at supporting economic recovery is likely to remain high,” it said.

The wider deficits, it said, reflected the authorities’ policy response to COVID-19 under their four-pillar socioeconomic strategy.

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.0790

Japan

Yen

0.009626

0.4628

UK

Pound

1.357000

65.2432

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128927

6.1987

Switzerland

Franc

1.129305

54.2959

Canada

Dollar

0.787154

37.8456

Singapore

Dollar

0.754774

36.2888

Australia

Dollar

0.775400

37.2805

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655549

127.6761

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266574

12.8166

Brunei

Dollar

0.751936

36.1523

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000072

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.033289

1.6005

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.0906

Euro

Euro

1.222000

58.7525

Korea

Won

0.000915

0.0440

China

Yuan

0.154416

7.4242

India

Rupee

0.013637

0.6557

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.248139

11.9303

New Zealand

Dollar

0.723100

34.7659

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035699

1.7164 Source: BSP

IN BRIEF

BIR, Customs exceed 2020 collection targets

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Customs said Monday they surpassed their respective collection targets set by the Development Budget Coordination Committee for 2020.

A report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III showed the two agencies collected a combined P2.43 trillion last year despite the severe economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. This was P246.39 billion or 11.27 percent over the P2.187 trillion revised target set by the DBCC on July 23.

Finance Assistant Secretary Dakila Elteen Napao said the BIR collected P1.899 trillion in 2020, while the BOC raised P533.88 billion. Napao said the BIR’s 2020 collection was P213.84 billion or 12.68 percent in excess of the revised DBCC target of P1.685 trillion for the year The BOC’s collection, meanwhile, was over P32.55 billion or 6.49 percent more than the revised DBCC goal of P501.33 billion, he said.

The original combined collection target for the two agencies was P3.255 trillion for 2020 that was set by the DBCC in December 2019. Julito G. Rada

BDO’s sustainable finance gets support

MPIC ALLIANCES. Metro Pacific Investments Corp.’s sustainability team headed by chief finance officer and chief sustainability officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla (upper row, left) meets with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board membership and engagement team. MPIC confirms its participation in the United Nations Global Compact—the largest corporate sustainability initiative aimed to align strategies and operations with universal principles on good governance and ethical business practices. It is also joining the Sustainable Accounting Board Alliance—a program for organizations and individuals that support the need for more decision-useful, CYAN cost-effective sustainability disclosure.

DOE issues advisory clarifying moratorium on new coal projects

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Department of Energy on Monday issued an advisory to clarify the moratorium on the processing of applications of greenfield coal-fired power plants, including exemptions to address the concerns of power stakeholders.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said in a memorandum to power stakeholders dated Dec. 22 but posted on Jan. 11 that operational coal-fired power generation facilities and any of the same in the parameters listed by the DOE would not be affected by the advisory.

These include committed coal-fired power projects and operating complexes which already have firm expansions plans and land site provision.

Indicative power projects with substantial accomplishments, including signed and notarized acquisition of land or lease agreement for the project and with approved permits or resolutions from LGUs (city/municipality, province) and the Regional Development Council where the power plants will be located are also exempted from the moratorium.

The DOE issued the moratorium of endorsement of the application and development of new coal-fired power projects to support and effectively implement its policies with the aim of improving energy sustainability, reliability and flexibility by increasing the renewable energy share in the energy mix, promoting new technologies, increasing system flexibility and adhering to higher environmental standards.

BDO Unibank Inc.’s Sustainable Finance Framework was endorsed by Sustainalytics, a leading independent environmental, social and governance research and ratings provider based in New York.

Sustainalytics said in its opinion “BDO’s Sustainable Finance Framework is credible and impactful, and aligns with the Sustainability Bond Guidelines in 2018, Green Loan Principles 2020 and the MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK ASEAN Sustainability Bond Standards 2018.”

The bank’s sustainable finance initiatives began with the establishment of the Social and Environmental Management Systems policy in 2010 with the assistance of the International Finance Corp.

The SEMS guidelines cover social and environmental impact assessment and risk categorization of borrowers.

BDO also set up a sustainable finance desk that initially focused on financing renewable energy projects and expanded the scope to include all forms of sustainable practices including energy efficiency, climate-smart agriculture, green infrastructure and clean transportation.

Salceda backs purely economic Cha-cha

ALBAY Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda supported behind purely economic amendments in the proposed Charter Change, especially provisions designed to ease up the overly restrictive foreign ownership provisions of the 1987 Constitution to help pave the way for political and economic stability in the country.

He was referring to recent moves in the 18th Congress geared at liberalizing the economic provisions of the 1987 Charter particularly those under Article XII which “prohibits foreign investors from owning more than 40 percent of firms in certain industries, and totally restricting them from public utilities, owning any company in the media industry, and exploiting natural resources.”

Salceda, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, said certain restrictions in the 1987 Constitution have long held back the Philippines from pursuing the same kind of aggressive national development that its neighbors, such as Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia embarked on and were successful in.

Electronics sector expects export recovery this year

By Othel V. Campos

(MS-JAN. 11 & 12, 2021)

AN INDUSTRY group said Monday semiconductor and electronics exports are expected to rebound this year from a 5-percent contraction in 2020 on improving global demand.

The Semiconductor and Electronics Industry of the Philippines Inc. said exports likely declined 5 percent in 2020 to $40.26 billion from $43.3 billion in 2019. The group aims to at least match the 2019 sales this year.

“I think, by and large, demand has recovered. It’s probably increasing to address the needs of the times. For example, the need for distance learning or working from home [would lead to] a lot of the data hardware and cybersecurity. And of course, [there is demand for] automotive especially for e-

vehicles, as well as medical electronics. The demand has always been there. It’s slowed down a bit, but it’s starting to recover,” said SEIPI president Dan Lachica.

Lachica said the shortage in semiconductor and electronics supply was triggered by factory “shut down, if not the impairment of the supply chain early in March to April.”

“But since then, we’re starting to recover.

In fact, the recovery, at one point in March, we were looking at 20-percent contraction in our orders. But we’re starting to recover. We may be looking at 10 percent-or even 5-percent contraction fueled by certain sectors, and automotive electronics is one of them,” he said.

Data showed that industry exports reached $35.8 billion as of end-November, with 70 percent of them semiconductors.

Sports

Lakers thump Rockets, 120-102

LOS ANGELES—Anthony Davis scored a game-high 27 points as the Los Angeles Lakers delivered a dominating all-around performance on Sunday with a crushing 120-102 defeat of the Houston Rockets in Texas.

The Lakers finally hit their stride in the new NBA season, running the Rockets ragged on offense and bottling up their top scorers on defense, especially three-time league scoring champion James Harden, who was held to 20 points and committed seven turnovers.

LeBron James scored 18 points as he and fellow all-star Davis had plenty of help from the bench. Talen HortonTucker (17 points), Montrezl Harrell (16) and Kyle Kuzma (13) all came off the bench to reach double figures for the Lakers, who are now a perfect 5-0 on the road to start the season.

The defending NBA champions scored a whopping 32 fast break points and 62 points in the paint, finally looking like the juggernaut team that many had envisioned at the start of the season. But where they really excelled Sunday was on defense, grabbing 39 defensive rebounds and forcing 13 steals.

“We’ve got to be a team who lead games with defense,” said Davis, who returned to the lineup Sunday after sitting out with a sore groin. “Tonight we made shots, but there are going to be nights when we don’t make shots and we can’t control that.

“What we can control is how we play defense. The coach came in at halftime and said our defensive effort was off the charts.”

With both James (ankle) and Davis nursing nagging injuries, getting 54 points from their bench and holding the Rockets to just 46 points in the first half is good sign for the future.

Davis also had three blocks.

“Our goal is to be the No. 1 defensive team in the league,” said James.

“We came in with the mindset to get stops and get out and do what we do on offense. We able to those things on both sides.

Christian Wood paced the Rockets with 23 points while Harden also had nine assists. Houston shot just 12 for 41 from behind the arc.

Elsewhere, Kawhi Leonard scored a team high 35 points and surpassed 10,000 career points as the Los Angeles Clippers rallied to edge the Chicago Bulls 130-127.

Leonard earned the bulk of his points during an explosive third quarter in which he scored 21, a career high for one quarter.

He finished with seven three-pointers in the game, including one in the third period that allowed him to reach the milestone. AFP

Athletes’ bubble training delayed

By Peter Atencio

P

HYSICAL training under a bubble in Calamba, Laguna will be delayed and has been rescheduled for another weekend.

Commissioner Ramon Fernandez of the Philippine Sports Commission said this after the agency called off a 90-day training stint last weekend at the Inspire Sports Academy.

Numerous members of the national squad still need help in securing travel passes from their respective provinces.

“May iba-ibang restrictions kasi sa mga localities na pinanggalingan nila. Hopefully, matuloy na,” said Fernandez.

Athletes from boxing, taekwondo and karatedo are supposed to be the first ones to go into a bubble type of training.

But the Philippine Amateur Baseball Association has asked the PSC

to include the national women’s baseball team.

PABA president Chito Loyzaga said the nationals need to return to physical training within the month.

That’s because the coming Women’s Baseball World Cup is around the corner and is set to commence this March.

The PABA is now confirming if organizers will still push through with their plans.

The World Cup was originally set for November last year has been ten-

OLYMPIAN Hidilyn Diaz is continuously refining her techniques in Malacca City in Southwestern Malaysia.

The 29-year-old Diaz said she is currently working on her approach, focusing on the hang snatch.

This is a variation of the snatch which is favored among Olympic weightlifters.

The program, made by her coach Julius Naranjo, is expected to help increase the rate of force development at the hips, adding to the explosiveness of Diaz’s lift.

“I might not like the hang snatch (below the knee) programmed by coach Julius, but this is one of my weaknesses that I need to address for the Olympics.

I don’t like the hang snatch (BTK) because I feel like it takes too long to ex-

tatively rescheduled for March 1 in Tijuana, Mexico.

Loyzaga said he is in talks with Commissioner Charles Maxey on their proposal to have the national squad join the physical practices.

Back in 2019, the Philippine women clouters beat China, 11-1, in five innings to claim a historic bronze medal in the 2019 Baseball Federation of Asia Women’s Cup held at the Panda Stadium in Guangdong, China.

This earned the Philippines a seat to the 2020 Women’s Baseball World Cup following wins over China, Korea and Hong Kong.

The sports agency has made arrangements for a bubble-type of setup that will enable national athletes who are preparing for international meets to sharpen their skills after spending almost a year in lockdowns due to the coronavirus pandemic.

ecute the snatch,” said Diaz in her message on Instagram.

Diaz is seeking to officially qualify for her fourth Olympics.

She will have a chance to do so again when she joins in the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Uzbekistan this March.

This time, Diaz does not need to win a medal. A podium finish is also not needed for Diaz in the tournament to qualify for the Olympics.

This is because Diaz is currently ranked second in the world in the women’s 55kg category.

The top eight athletes in the world for each of the weight classes are already qualified for the Olympics, on the condition that they join in at least six International Weightlifting

Dissatisfaction and the death of duty FREE THROW SHOOTER NATHANIEL DELA CRUZ WHEN Anthony Davis made it known that he wanted to be traded, New Orleans gave him limited minutes if only to avoid sanctions from the NBA, which warned the team that the league is not amenable to New Orleans benching the All Star player.

I understand the NBA. This is still a professional enterprise and it is important for teams to play their superstars because this is what brings fans to the stadium or in front of the television.

I also understand New Orleans if they would rather play someone else in the four or five spot in place of Anthony Davis. While this is a professional sport where paying audience is an important consideration, the main goal of a basketball team is to win. And it is hard to win with a player, who wants to play for a different team.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021

C1

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers goes up for a basket ahead of Christian Wood of the Houston Rockets during the first quarter of a game at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. AFP

Diaz to formalize Olympic stint by joining Uzbekistan lift meet

Hidilyn Diaz eyes 4th Olympic stint.

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

I did not presume to know Anthony Davis’ game agenda every time he enters the court during the time New Orleans started the process of shipping him out as much as I will not presume to know James Harden’s personal agenda playing for the Houston Rockets despite making it known he wants out. That this prolific offensive monster hasn’t been the top scorer for Houston in the team’s last five matches could be by design, and I don’t want to color it with intrigue or malice.

The truth is, there is no upside to playing a player who wants out. This is why it remains a real head-scratcher that the league supports this farcical exercise.

If you are a teammate to someone who wants out, you could start second-guessing his every decision. Every time he passes or shoots the ball, you’d wonder if it came with a commitment to winning, or just simply going through the motions of basketball and running out the game clock because he was obligated as per his contract.

Someone else should decide the fate of the team—why should someone who doesn’t want to be part of the team gets to influence the game’s outcome? The paranoia gets worse

with every turnover. In the past, you rationalize turnovers as part of the game. Professional basketball players make mistakes.

You let it slide, even the most outrageous, mind-numbing blunder (and the Shaqtin’ A Fool YouTube archive is proof NBA players are not invulnerable to this tendency), simply because you know for a fact that this player is committed to winning with the team, and there is no reason to be deliberate in committing errors that would cost the team.

How do you think teammates will process the turnovers made by a teammate who does not like playing with the team anymore? How do you see that one teammate who wants to be in a different jersey even before the regular season began when he is open and asking for the ball? If you are the coach, how do you design offensive plays if the desire to win and competitive spirit of your primary scorer and ball distributor is suspect and no longer reliable? How do you trust someone who does not want to be there with you? And without trust, how real is the prospect of winning for teams waist-deep in this quagmire?

I am not suggesting that Davis or Harden will go out of their way to sabotage the game just to force the team to trade them as soon as

Federation-sanctioned tournaments.

The Uzbekistan tournament will be her sixth.

Since March, Diaz remained productive while stranded in Kuala Lumpur.

She is currently in Malaysia with her support team, unable to go home since the country imposed its own lockdown last March 18.

Diaz decided to go deep into training in Malaysia last year after she and her support group called off their trip to Cali, Colombia to see action in the 2020 Ibero-America Open and Open Senior Weightlifting Championships.

This was after Colombia closed its borders in response to the coronavirus threat. Peter Atencio

possible or sit them out. All I am saying is that this is a dysfunctional relationship. This is bad basketball.

Even without bad intentions, it is hard for dissatisfied or disgruntled players to play their best game for a team they want no part of. The power of commitment is the promise to give it all. This is the core of the many Cinderella stories in team sports. This is why average players and average teams become extraordinary and achieve great things.

But the moment you wanted out, the first thing that is extinguished is your desire to win for the team you want to leave. It is natural and normal. The primary goal you are pursuing is influenced by the state you are in. Motivated players happy in the organization they are in want to win. Demotivated players want to leave.

I remember the James Harden-era Houston Rockets basketball. Many were skeptical about the success of Houston’s 3-and-D, small ball identity. It wasn’t formidable enough to win the Western Conference let alone the NBA, but regardless of all the bad things we can say about that identity of Houston Rockets basketball, one thing I love is watching them play gritty win or lose. You can see the team feeding off of the energy of James Harden like how soldiers follow their leaders to battle without doubt or apprehension. And you can see how James

English wins playoff to take PGA Tourney of Champions LOS ANGELES—Harris English sank a six-foot birdie putt on Sunday’s first playoff hole to defeat Chile’s Joaquin Niemann and win the US PGA Tournament of Champions, snapping an eightyear title drought.

The 31-year-old American collected his third career PGA Tour title after 2013 victories at the Mayakoba Classic and St. Jude Classic and will jump to 17th in the world golf rankings.

“It’s incredible,” English said. “A lot of hard work over the years. You never think you’re going to get here again. It’s hard to win out here.

“I had a good chance this week. I felt good about my game. You’ve just got to get it done.”

English fired a four-under par 69 on a windy final day to join Niemann on 25-under 267 after 72 holes over the par-73 Plantation course at Kapalua, Hawaii.

World number 43 Niemann, 22, birdied six of the first nine holes on his way to a 64 but was foiled in a bid for his second PGA trophy after 2019 at Greenbrier.

“It is what it is, but, yeah, pretty happy,” Niemann said. “I played awesome the whole week, especially today. One of my best rounds.”

English only qualified for the event because of a special one-year invitation to players who reached the 2020 Tour Championship because last season was shortened by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“There have been ups and downs but it makes what happened today that much sweeter,” English said. “It’s awesome to get some validation.”

English needed back-to-back birdies on the 668-yard, par-5 18th to win the title, the first coming at the 72nd hole to force the playoff.

In the playoff, English rolled a long eagle attempt beyond the hole while Niemann, in the rough on a greenside slope, punched out to the fringe and missed an 18-foot birdie putt before English closed out the drama.

“It was not an easy lie,” Niemann said. “I was under the gun and it was a lot of grass behind and very thick. I gave myself a chance, but I just didn’t do it.” AFP

Harden has embraced his role and responsibilities as Houston’s franchise player.

There is no doubt, only duty. And it is exciting basketball to watch.

Now, we watch the dynamics of James Harden’s relationship with his teammates in a different context and realize how fast the lens we use to look at things changes. We could be right—and if we are right, it is simply because it is hard to accept what is counterintuitive— or we could be wrong and we will never know, because the only way to find out is if players themselves confess their sentiments, and that won’t happen (at least not until there is a documentary about this in the future and players are free to openly talk about it without endangering gainful employment and the threat of sanctions or penalties). Suspicion is purgatory many will suffer.

I hope that one day, the NBA will institute a “freezer” rule wherein coaches have the prerogative to bench players, who publicly admit eagerness to leave, regardless of whether this is acceptable to the fans or not. Let teams win or lose by the hands of players, who still want to play for the team.

Let’s give the coaches, players, and the fans the satisfaction that the outcome of the game —won or lost—was not influenced by the quality of work put in by someone who could be playing half-heartedly.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

Republic of the Philippines TODAY COMMISSION ON AUDIT

such as Land, Land Improvements, Infrastructure Assets, Buildings and Other Structures, Machinery and Equipment, Transportation Equipment, Furniture, Fixtures and Books, etc. For ease of reconciliation, the Inventory Count Form for each PPE category/type shall be subdivided by PPE General Ledger account, e.g., Machinery and Equipment may be subdivided into Machinery, Office Equipment, Information and Communications Technology Equipment, etc. The description of accounts provided in the Chart of Accounts prescribed under the Accounting Manuals of the respective Sectors, shall be used as basis in determining the proper classification of a PPE item.

Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines

CIRCULAR TO

NO : ____2020-006___ DATE: _January 31,2020_

:

All Heads of Departments, Agencies, Bureaus, Commissions, Boards and Offices of the National Government; State Universities and Colleges; Local Government Units; Heads of GovernmentOwned or Controlled Corporations; Commission on Audit Directors, Supervising Auditors and Audit Team Leaders of the National and Local Government Sectors; and All Others Concerned

SUBJECT:

1.0

Guidelines and Procedures in the Conduct of Physical Count of Property, Plant and Equipment (PPE), Recognition of PPE Items Found at Station, and Disposition for Non-existing/Missing PPE Items, for the One-Time Cleansing of PPE Account Balances of Government Agencies

RATIONALE

6.2.5

All PPE items counted shall be tagged with new property stickers containing the information provided under Paragraph 5.7 of this Circular.

6.2.6

The Inventory Committee shall state clearly in the ICF the condition of the PPEs, such as: in good condition, needing repair, unserviceable, obsolete, no longer needed, not used since purchase, etc.

6.2.7

PPEs found at station or items not included in the inventory working papers, but there is reasonable basis to consider the same as owned by the agency, shall likewise be included in the physical count and tagged with property stickers. These items shall be described as “found at station” which shall be indicated under the “Remarks” column of the ICF.

6.2.8

PPEs included in the inventory working papers but are not found during the physical count shall be considered as non-existing/ missing PPEs per physical count. These items shall be described as “non-existing” or “missing” which shall be indicated under the “Remarks” column of the ICF.

6.2.9

Other relevant information on each PPE item shall also be stated under the “Remarks” column of the ICF.

Property, Plant and Equipment (PPE) generally constitute a significant portion of the total assets of the government, usually comprising more than fifty percent thereof.

The existence of enormous amounts of discrepancies in PPE account balances of government agencies has become a perennial issue and caused the non-establishment of the accuracy of the PPE balances presented in the financial statements. Such condition, if not properly addressed would always cause an exception in the fairness of presentation of the financial position of government agencies and will deprive the government of reliable and useful information in decision-making and accountability for these assets.

6.2.10 Upon completion of the physical count, the Inventory Committee shall prepare the RPCPPE, using the prescribed format under the Accounting Manuals of the respective Sectors.

a.

PURPOSE This Circular prescribes the guidelines and procedures on inventory taking, recognition of those found at station and disposition for non-existing/ missing PPE items for the one-time cleansing of PPE accounts of government agencies to establish PPE balances that are verifiable as to existence, condition and accountability.

4.0

c. d. e. f.

4.2

b. c. d. e.

4.3

5.2

it is probable that the future economic benefits or service potential associated with the item will flow to the entity; the cost or fair value of the item can be measured reliably; beneficial ownership and control clearly rest with the government; the asset is used to achieve government objectives; and it meets the capitalization threshold of P15,000.

The carrying amount of an item of PPE shall be derecognized on disposal or when no future economic benefits or service potential is expected from its use or disposal.

5.4

The entire inventory taking shall be witnessed by the Commission on Audit (COA) Auditor. The Audit Team Leader and/or any of his/her audit team members may be assigned for the purpose.

5.5

The Head of the Agency may also require a representative from the agency’s Internal Audit Service/Unit to witness the inventory taking.

5.6

Each government agency shall adopt a uniform property identification system for PPE wherein a unique Property Number shall be assigned for each PPE item, using the following numbering system:

6.3

6.3.1

6.3.2

For easy identification, the Property Number shall be prominently shown in the property sticker, in addition to the following vital information on the PPE item: Description of the property Model Number Serial Number Acquisition Date/Cost Person Accountable Space for the validation/signature of the Inventory Committee

5.8

The Inventory Committee shall be responsible for the actual count to ascertain the existence, completeness and condition of all PPEs owned by the government agency.

5.9

In coordination with the Property Division/Unit, the Inventory Committee shall plan/strategize on how to conduct and complete the physical inventory within the prescribed period. It shall prepare a Physical Inventory Plan (PIP) containing, at the least, the specific assignments/duties of the Committee members, the cut-off date and a schedule specifying the dates and locations of the inventory taking activities from start up to the targeted completion of the physical inventory.

PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES 6.1

6.1.2

6.2

7.0

Ensure that the PCs are updated by posting all unrecorded acquisition/receipt, issue/transfer and disposal of PPE, if any;

b.

Prepare a List of PPEs Found at Station for those items described as “found at station” in the RPCPPE, using the format in Annex B of this Circular, and submit to the Accounting Unit for recording in the books of accounts;

c.

Prepare PCs for items of PPEs found at station;

d.

Prepare a List of Non-Existing/Missing PPEs for items described as “non-existing” or “missing” in the RPCPPE as well as for those with PCs and Property Acknowledgement Receipts (PARs) on file but not included in the RPCPPE, following the format in Annex C of this Circular;

e.

Follow the procedures for the disposition of non-existing/ missing PPEs provided under Paragraph 7 of this Circular;

f.

Work together with the Accounting Unit to reconcile the PCs with the PPELCs maintained by the Accounting Unit;

g.

Renew all PARs; and

h.

Prepare Inventory and Inspection Report of Unserviceable Property (IIRUP) using the format prescribed under the Accounting Manuals of the respective Sectors for all PPEs found unserviceable, obsolete and/or no longer needed.

Take up the necessary accounting entries to recognize PPEs found at station and prepare/maintain corresponding PPELCs based on the List of PPEs Found at Station;

b.

Take up the necessary accounting entries to recognize loss of PPE and to set up the corresponding receivables from the concerned accountable officer/personnel, pursuant to Paragraphs 7.8 and 7.9 of this Circular;

c.

Work together with the Property Unit in reconciling the PPELCs/SLs with the PCs maintained by the Property Unit;

d.

Update the PPELCs as necessary in the course of reconciliation;

e.

Take up the necessary accounting entries to write-off/ drop from the books of accounts the remaining balances as of December 31, _____ of amounts lumped under the “Unreconciled SL”, “Reconciling SL” for PPEs, and the like, which were created to facilitate the conversion of accounts from the Old Government Accounting System to the New Government Accounting System (NGAS) and/or from the manual accounting system to the Electronic New Government Accounting System (eNGAS); and

7.1

The Accounting Unit shall update its record of acquisition/disposal/ transfer of PPEs in the PPE Ledger Cards (PPELCs) and ensure that the total balance of PPELCs tally with the balances of controlling PPE accounts in the General Ledger.

6.1.3

The Property and Accounting Units shall compare the latest Report on the RPCPPE/Inventory Report with the PPELCs.

6.1.4

The Property Unit shall prepare a list of PPE items which are recorded in the PPELCs but not included in the RPCPPE/Physical Inventory Report as well as PPE items which are included in the RPCPPE but not recorded in the PPELCs.

6.1.5

Both lists and the latest RPCPPE/Physical Inventory Report shall be submitted to the Inventory Committee. These documents shall be considered as inventory working papers and shall be used by the Inventory Committee as basis in preparing the PIP.

6.2.2

6.2.3

6.2.4

The Head of the Inventory Committee shall ensure that the inventory taking activities are executed in accordance with the approved PIP. In case there are planned activities/procedures that cannot be efficiently performed, he/she shall keep record of the alternative activities/procedures undertaken and the reasons for the deviation from the PIP. The Inventory Committee shall use the inventory working papers provided by the Property Unit as basis for inventory taking activities, taking into consideration the capitalization threshold of P15,000.

The physical count shall be recorded/documented daily in a standard Inventory Count Form (ICF), using the format in Annex A of this Circular, which shall be used as the basis in the preparation of the RPCPPE after the physical count.

Separate ICF shall be used for each PPE sub-major account group

Submit to the Accounting Unit the original copies of the IIRUP and PTRs for disposed and transferred PPE items, for recording in the books of accounts.

7.2

The Accounting Unit shall take up the necessary accounting entries to derecognize disposed or transferred PPEs based on original copies of the IIRUP and PTR.

7.3

The Head of the Property Unit shall be responsible in determining the person/s accountable for non-existing/missing PPEs not otherwise disposed or transferred. The accountability shall be verified from the Property Unit’s file/copy of the PARs, PCs and other available property records.

7.4

If there is a pending Request for Relief for any of the non-existing/missing PPEs, such fact shall be indicated under the “Remarks” column of the list.

7.5

The Property Unit shall inform the Head of the Agency of the non-existing/ missing PPEs without pending Request for Relief and shall prepare letters addressed to each concerned accountable officer/personnel demanding the production of the PPE he/she is accountable for. The accountable officer/ personnel shall be given five (5) calendar days to respond to the demand letter.

7.6

The demand letters shall be signed by the Head of the Agency or designated representative and immediately issued by the Property Unit to the concerned accountable officers/personnel.

7.7

If the accountable officer/personnel was able to produce the PPE item demanded from him/her, the Property Unit shall indicate under the “Remarks” column of the List of Non-Existing PPEs that the item was “produced/ presented upon demand” and, subsequently, inform the Inventory Committee of such changes in order to amend the RPCPPE.

Inventory taking 6.2.1

b.

7.8

If the accountable officer/personnel was not able to produce the PPE item, such fact shall be indicated under the “Remarks” column of the List of NonExisting PPEs.

7.9

After gathering all the necessary information by performing the preceding procedures, the Property Unit shall submit to the Accounting Unit the List of Non-Existing/Missing PPEs, with complete information on which PPEs could not be produced upon demand and those which have pending Requests for Relief, as well as the corresponding accountable officers/personnel.

7.10 The Accounting Unit shall take up the necessary accounting entries to recognize in the books of accounts the loss of PPE and to set up the corresponding receivables from concerned accountable officers/personnel for

a.

List of Non-Existing/Missing PPEs and their carrying values certified by the Heads of the Property Unit and the Accounting Unit and approved by the Head of the Agency;

b.

Certification by the Head of the Accounting Unit that the non-existing/ missing PPEs had already exceeded their estimated useful lives; and

c.

Certified copy of the report of investigation conducted pursuant to Paragraph 7.9 of this Circular.

8.4

Upon receipt of the request, the ATL and the SA shall assign a reference number, verify and validate the submitted documents and decide on the requests for authority to derecognize non-existing PPEs for amounts not exceeding P100,000.00 per PPE item within fifteen (15) working days from receipt thereof.

8.5

In case the basis for denial of the request by the ATL and the SA is failure to comply with the conditions and requirements under Paragraphs 8.1 and 8.2, the Head of the Agency may refile the request for derecognition before the ATL and the SA provided that the basis for denial has been satisfactorily complied. The ATL and the SA shall decide on the request within fifteen (15) working days from receipt thereof.

8.6

The Head of the Agency may appeal from the decision of the ATL and the SA to the COA Cluster Director (CD)/Regional Director (RD) who has jurisdiction over the government agency under audit within fifteen (15) working days from receipt of the decision. The CD/RD shall decide on the appeal within fifteen (15) working days from receipt thereof. The decision of the CD/RD on the appealed request is final and non-appealable.

8.7

For amounts exceeding P100,000.00 per PPE item, the ATL and the SA shall forward the request and the entire records to the CD/RD, together with their comments and recommendations, within fifteen (15) working days from receipt thereof.

8.8

The CD/RD shall review the entire records of the requests and shall decide on amounts involving more than P100,000.00 but not exceeding P1,000,000.00 per PPE item within fifteen (15) working days from receipt thereof.

8.9

In case the basis for denial of the request for derecognition by the CD/ RD is failure to comply with the conditions and requirements under Paragraphs 8.1 and 8.2, the Head of the Agency may refile the request for derecognition before the CD/RD provided that the basis for denial has been satisfactorily complied. The CD/RD shall decide on the request within fifteen (15) working days from receipt thereof.

8.13 In case the basis for denial of the request for derecognition by the AC of the Sector is failure to comply with the conditions and requirements under Paragraphs 8.1 and 8.2, the Head of the Agency may refile the request for derecognition before the AC provided that the basis for denial has been satisfactorily complied. The AC shall decide on the request within fifteen (15) working days from receipt thereof.

8.14 The Head of the Agency may appeal from the decision of the AC of the Sector to the Commission Proper (CP) within fifteen (15) working days from receipt of the decision. Filing fee is required at the rate prescribed under the 2009 Revised Rules of Procedures of the COA. The decision of the CP is final and non-appealable.

8.15 The Accountant shall:

9.0

a.

Prepare a Journal Entry Voucher within fifteen (15) working days upon receipt of the decision granting the authority to derecognize PPEs, for approval of the Head of the Agency, effect the necessary accounting entries in the books of accounts, and enter the acquisition cost of the derecognized PPEs and their carrying values in the Registry of Derecognized PPEs (RDPPE), using the format in Annex D of this Circular;

b.

Submit the JEV to the COA ATL, supported with the certified copies of the approved request for derecognition including the records/ documents pertaining thereto;

c.

Keep as permanent file, the RDPPE as well as the copy of the approved request for derecognition including the records/documents pertaining thereto; and

d.

Provide appropriate disclosure on the derecognized PPEs in the Notes to the Financial Statements.

ACCOUNTING ENTRIES AND DISCLOSURE IN THE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 9.1

The illustrative accounting entries for the recognition of PPEs found at station, recognition of loss of PPEs, writing-off/dropping from the books of accounts the remaining balances amounts lumped under the unreconciled SLs of PPEs, and derecognition of non-existing/missing PPEs are shown in Annex E.

9.2

Disclosures on PPE in the Notes to the Financial Statements shall include information on:

For the non-existing/missing PPEs, the Property Unit shall: Verify if the PPE items were already disposed with supporting IIRUP or transferred/donated to other government agencies with supporting Property Transfer Report (PTR); and

The request shall be supported with the following documents:

8.12 The AC of the Sector shall review the entire records of the requests and shall decide on amounts exceeding P1,000,000.00 per PPE item within fifteen (15) working days from receipt thereof.

Ensure that the total balance of PPELCs/SLs tally with the balances of controlling PPE accounts in the General Ledger.

a.

Accountability/responsibility over the missing PPE could not be pinpointed after the conduct of investigation for the purpose.

8.11 For amounts exceeding P1,000,000.00 per PPE item, the CD/RD shall forward the request and the entire records together with his/her recommendation to the AC of the Sector within fifteen (15) working days from receipt thereof.

The Accounting Unit shall: a.

The PPE has already exceeded its estimated useful life, hence, its carrying value is equivalent to its residual value.

8.10 The Head of the Agency may appeal from the decision of the CD/RD to the Assistant Commissioner (AC) of the Sector within fifteen (15) working days from receipt of the decision. The AC shall decide on the appeal within fifteen (15) working days from receipt thereof. The decision of the AC on the appealed request is final and non-appealable.

DISPOSITION PROCEDURES FOR NON-EXISTING/MISSING PPEs

The Property Unit shall obtain the latest Report on Physical Count of PPE (RPCPPE)/Physical Inventory Report.

In the absence of the latest RPCPPE/Physical Inventory Report or if the same is determine to be undependable/unreliable, a standard form (Annex A) on the list of existing PPE shall be filled up by each office and submitted to the Property Unit for verification prior to the conduct of the actual inventory by the Inventory Committee.

If accountability/responsibility over the missing PPE could not be pinpointed after investigation, authority for derecognition thereof from the books of accounts may be requested from the COA, in accordance with Paragraph 8 of this Circular. Pending the grant of authority by the COA, the said PPEs shall remain in the books of accounts.

The Head of the Agency shall file the request for authority to derecognize non-existing/missing PPEs to the COA Audit Team Leader (ATL) and/or Supervising Auditor (SA), if the following conditions are met:

After completing the above reconciliation procedures, the total of the reconciled balances for each PPE account shall be established as the correct balance of PPE of the government agency as of December 31, ____.

Preliminary activities prior to the conduct of inventory taking 6.1.1

- COA Auditor - Accounting Division/Unit - Property Division/Unit - Inventory Committee

a.

f.

5.11 The Inventory Committee shall submit the approved PIP to the COA Audit Team at least ten (10) calendar days before the scheduled start of inventory taking activities.

6.0

d.

8.2

8.3

The Property Unit shall:

5.10 The PIP shall be approved by the Head of the Agency.

5.12 Property records shall be updated based on the results of the physical inventory and reconciled with accounting records to come up with the reconciled balances of PPE accounts to be considered as the correct balance of the agency’s PPEs.

The Accounting Unit shall be furnished the certified copy of the investigation report and demand letter to be used as basis to recognize loss of PPE and to set up the corresponding receivables from the concerned accountable officer/personnel; and

b.

The Property and Accounting Units shall undertake collaborative procedures to ensure that all PPEs included in the RPCPPE are duly recorded in their respective records and that the Property Cards (PCs) maintained by the Property Unit and the PPELCs maintained by the Accounting Unit are reconciled. The reconciliation shall be completed within ten (10) days from rendition of the RPCPPE by the Inventory Committee. The following procedures shall be observed:

Additional digits may be used for serial number and location/office, as necessary.

a. b. c. d. e. f.

c.

The estimated useful life of PPEs shall refer to the estimation made by the government agency on its PPEs, if any, as disclosed in its Notes to Financial Statements for the immediately preceding year, otherwise, to use the Estimated Useful Life of PPE by classification provided under COA Circular No. 2003-007 dated December 11, 2003; and

Reconciliation of inventory count per RPCPPE with property and accounting records

The codes for the PPE sub-major account group and General Ledger account correspond to those provided in the Revised Chart of Accounts prescribed under the Accounting Manuals of the respective Sectors (National, Local and Corporate).

5.7

If accountability/responsibility over the missing PPE was pinpointed after investigation, demand shall be made from the accountable personnel to produce the item or pay the depreciated replacement cost thereof;

Non-existing/missing PPEs without available record of accountability shall be derecognized from the books of accounts only upon the grant of specific authority by the COA.

If there are items for which market/fair value could not be easily determined by the Inventory Committee, their fair value shall be determined by appraisal.

Original Copy 2 Copy 3 Copy 4

The Head of the Agency shall create an Inventory Committee composed of adequate number of members to be able to complete the physical inventory in three months or less. The Inventory Committee shall have at least one member each from the Accounting and Property Divisions/Units of the agency.

The members of the Inventory Committee shall be temporarily relieved of all their regular duties to devote their full time in the conduct of the physical inventory taking until the same is completed.

b.

8.1

6.2.13 The RPCPPE shall be prepared in four (4) copies to be distributed as follows:

Each government agency shall conduct physical count of all its PPE, whether acquired through purchase or donation, including those constructed by administration and found at station.

5.3

The Head of the Agency shall cause the conduct of an investigation to determine the last known location/office where the missing PPE items were issued/installed, person accountable, circumstances of the loss, and the persons responsible for the loss, among others;

a.

If no evidence is available to determine the market value in an active and liquid market of an item of property, the fair value of the item may be established by reference to other items with similar characteristics, in similar circumstances and location. In the case of specialized buildings and other man-made structures, fair value may be estimated using depreciated replacement cost, or the restoration cost or service unit approaches. In many cases, the depreciated replacement cost of an asset can be established by reference to the buying price of a similar asset with similar remaining service potential in an active and liquid market. In some cases, an asset’s reproduction cost will be the best indicator of its replacement cost.

GENERAL GUIDELINES 5.1

a.

PROCEDURES IN THE DERECOGNITION OF NON-EXISTING/MISSING PPEs WITHOUT AVAILABLE RECORD OF ACCOUNTABILITY

Cost/value may be assigned by the Inventory Committee based on the market/fair value of the item. The cost/value of a similar item in the RPCPPE may also be used by the Inventory Committee.

An appraisal of the value of an asset is normally undertaken by a member of the valuation profession who holds a recognized and relevant professional qualification. For many assets, the fair value will be readily ascertainable by reference to quoted prices in an active and liquid market. For example, current market prices can be obtained for land, non-specialized buildings, motor vehicles, and many types of plant and equipment.

purchased, constructed, developed or otherwise acquired; held for use in the production or supply of goods or services or to produce program outputs; for rental to others (other than investment property); for administrative purposes; expected to be used during more than one reporting period; and not intended for resale in the ordinary course of operations.

The cost of an item of PPE shall be recognized as asset if, and only if: a.

5.0

b.

PPE are tangible items that are: a. b.

8.0

If there are non-existing/missing PPEs for which accountability could not be established despite exhaustion of all diligent efforts, the following procedures shall be followed:

The market/fair value is the estimated amount for which an asset could be exchanged on the date of valuation, between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm’s length transaction; and

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ON PPE 4.1

7.11

6.2.12 In case no such information could be found in both accounting and property records such as for PPE items found at station, the unit cost/ value shall be established, as follows:

COVERAGE This Circular shall cover National Government Agencies, Local Government Units, and Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations.

3.0

The amount to be set up as receivables over the loss of depreciable assets shall be based on depreciated replacement cost, which is replacement cost (current market price) less accumulated depreciation calculated on the basis of replacement cost.

6.2.11 The unit value of articles/items counted shall be taken from PPELCs/ Subsidiary Ledgers (SLs) or, if not available, from Property Cards or other property records.

Thus, there is a need to provide guidelines and procedures to assist government agencies in coming up with reliable PPE balances that are verifiable as to existence, condition and accountability.

2.0

the non-existing/missing PPEs that could not be produced upon demand.

It shall likewise check if appropriate accounting entries were already taken up recognizing the loss of PPE and setting up of accountability for those with pending Requests for Relief; otherwise, it shall effect the necessary accounting entries.

a.

b.

10.0

The total amount of non-existing/missing PPEs included in the PPE balance, supported with breakdown as to sub-major PPE account group, together with the following additional information, as applicable: i.

A request for authority for derecognition has been filed and still pending with the COA stating the date of filing thereof, or, still to be filed; and/or

ii.

The amount and breakdown of derecognized PPEs which were transferred to the RDPPE based on the authority of derecognition granted by COA; and

PPEs found at station which are still needing appraisal, supported with breakdown as to sub-major PPE account group.

SUNSET PROVISIONS After the cut-off date set by the Inventory Committee in the PIP, the Accounting and Property Units of government agencies shall ensure that the proper accounting and reporting procedures for all acquisition/receipt/issue/ transfer/disposal of PPEs pursuant to the Accounting Manuals of respective Sectors, and other relevant laws, rules and regulations are strictly followed. This Circular is issued for one-time cleansing of PPE account balances; thus, in no case shall the herein procedures be used to further derecognize non-existing/ missing PPEs and/or cleanse subsequent discrepancies or unreconciled balances in PPE accounts.

11.0

EFFECTIVITY This Circular shall take effect immediately.

MICHAEL G. AGUINALDO Chairperson

JOSE A. FABIA Commissioner

ROLAND C. PONDOC Commissioner

Note: Annexes of the Circular may be accessed in the COA website @ www.coa.gov.ph (MS-JAN. 12, 2021)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021

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Bong Revilla says ‘yes’ to ABS-CBN franchise; teases fans with ‘Agimat Ng Agila’

Castro who is new president of Philippine Movie Press Club, Inc. (PMPC) for 2021.

The PMPC is a group of professional and active entertainment journalists of newspapers, magazines, and tabloids, bloggers/vloggers, online influencers, and radio/ TV/ online reporters in the country. It functions as an independent award-giving body through the PMPC Star Awards for Movies, PMPC Star Awards for Television, and PMPC Star Awards for Music. The group is known for honoring Filipino artists for nearly 40 years and its annual Star Awards ceremonies are highly anticipated in showbiz industry.

Apart from Castro elected were Fernan de Guzman as Vice President, Mell Navarro as Secretary, and Mildred Bacud as Assistant Secretary.

Boy Romero remained as Treasurer while Lourdes Fabian was chosen as Assistant Treasurer. John Fontanilla is Auditor while Rodel Fernando and Leony Garcia retained their posts as PROs. The 2021 Board of Directors are composed of immediate past presidents Sandy Mariano and Joe Barrameda, Eric Borromeo, Timmy Basil, Rommel Placente, and Francis Simeon.

I

N AN intimate lunch with some members of the entertainment press, Senator Bong Revilla shared a few details about his upcoming series on GMA. Entitled Agimat Ng Agila, the weekly series is set to hit the small screen in the summer.

“It will air either in March or April,” the actor-politician, accompanied by his wife Bacoor Mayor Lani Mercado, stated.

The 13-episode adventure series directed by Rico Gutierrez includes Sanya Lopez, Michelle Dee, Sheryl Cruz, Benjie Paras, and Allen Dizon in the cast.

“We finished it in a lock-in taping.

That’s the first season,” Bong, who corrected himself a few times for saying that the project was a movie, shared.

“It’s a weekly series but I keep on saying that it’s a movie because the quality of the project and even the technology that we used for shooting it were the same as the ones we use for a big-screen project. Para talaga siyang pelikula,” he told the showbiz scribes adding that they can actually do a compressed version of the series and it can pass as a full length feature.

Meanwhile, more members of the senate are supporting Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto’s Senate Bill No. 1967, which seeks to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN that expired last year in May. Bong, despite having a personal grudge against the network’s news department, has expressed his support for moves to grant ABS-CBN a new franchise.

Sen. Bong Revilla, Jr., with wife Bacoor Mayor Lani Mercado, posed for a photo op during an intimate gathering with some select members of the entertainment press.

“Yes, I am for the renewal. Kahit may sama ng loob ako sa kanila. I’m talking about the News & Public Affairs and not the entertainment department. Yung sa entertainment, kaibigan ko lahat yun. Sila Ma’am Charo (Santos), Malou Santos, Olive Lamasan...remember, I'm the first actor of Star Cinema. Adan Ronquillo, kami ni Sheryl Cruz,” the 54-year-old actor-politician stressed.

“I’m all for the renewal even before and

up to now, I support the ABS-CBN franchise. It has been my stand. If they had committed anything, I think they have suffered enough for it. Since the shutdown, the employees have been jobless and it’s time we help them get their jobs back,” he ended. ***

Roldan Castro, new president of PMPC

Extending my congratulations to Abante Tonite showbiz editor Roldan

PMPC’s new batch of officers led by its president Roldan Castro of Abante Tonite.

How Carla Abellana adjusted to living in lockdown IN A recent virtual interview, Carla Abellana expressed her gratefulness that her soap opera Love of My Life already came back after tapings were put on hold because of the pandemic.

“We started airing again two weeks ago. Admittedly, this COVID-19 virus has caused anxiety and fear on my part but despite that, I still have a lot to be thankful for a lot of things,” she told some select members of the entertainment press.

“First is that I still have work to come back to. We were able to go back and finish the show. We are grateful to GMA and

everyone else behind the soap. It was indeed one good way to end 2020,” she added.

The be-dimpled actress recalled the times when she had to make some adjustments because of the pandemic.

“These past months have been busy, but the entire year practically started off well.

But because of the pandemic, I had to adjust. It was very difficult at first since I was alone at home. I have to do the household chores by myself like washing, cleaning, cooking, and even taking care of the dogs.”

Interestingly, it was also during these trying times when she got to know her beau Tom Rodriguez better.

“2020 was the year that Tom and I spent most of the time together. Thankfully, right before the lockdown, he moved in to my place.

Actually, we’re used to the set-up that when he’s busy with a show, I’m the one who’s resting or vice-versa,” she shared.

“But this time, it was a challenge for us.

I’m happy though because I had an extra hand of help when he came. We take turns in washing the dishes, sweeping the floor, mopping, cooking, and bathing the dogs. I’m not embarrassed to admit that we really had lots of arguments along the way which I think are just normal for any couple. For me, it was an acid test. I’ve learned so much about Tom and I would say that our relationship became stronger,” she carried on.

Carla also revealed that she and Tom Actress ‘Love of My Life’ star Carla Abellana

learned to do new things because of the pandemic.

“Yes, like vlogging. It was challenging because we have to do everything at home.

There are no crew members. We didn’t have a cameraman or a lighting director.

We didn’t have our own equipment. We had to upgrade and do everything ourselves.

We found it challenging although you will miss the crew, the support. We really had to compromise. It was difficult because not everything was easily accepted,” she said.

Speaking of Tom, the lovely star excitedly informed that his deceased character in Love of My Life will come back.

“Yes, as Stefano. We’re grateful that Tom was able to tape for a day or two. Who would have thought that because his character is already dead in the story, he won’t be able to tape anymore? The viewers should watch out for it,” ended Carla. *** It was recently learned that Yassi Pressman will be leaving Ang Probinsyano where she plays the love interest of main lead Coco Martin.

For sure, the show’s loyal followers will miss her character Alyana Arevalo, a TV news reporter who eventually became the wife of Coco’s popular role Cardo Dalisay.

Yassi has been part of the long-running Kapamilya series since 2016 and has endeared herself to the viewers. In turn, the pretty star will do projects for mother studio Viva Films this 2021.

Meanwhile, Jane de Leon is the latest cast member of Ang Probinsyano and will most probably become Coco’s new love interest. She will play breathe life to the character of Police Captain Natalia Mante. Her participation in the show is what will keep her busy before she starts taping for Darna.

Asked about this new development in her career, the appealing star admitted that she didn’t expect to become part of Ang Probinsyano, but is very glad and proud that she was included in the highly-successful program.

R&B artist Bugoy Drilon (right) drops a single, a joint project with DJ and record producer Moophs.

Bugoy and Moophs connect in collab single ‘Tied’

R&B and reggae artist Bugoy Drilon pairs up for the first time with island pop producer Moophs for a venture into the lovers rock genre with the song “Tied.”

The sunny reggae track, newly released under Tarsier Records, depicts a one-sided love that is left with hope for a new day fused with an infectious melody. “‘Tied’ was inspired by an online love story of two people apart. Sadly, the relationship didn’t work out as expected,” Bugoy shared.

“Being ‘tied’ describes exactly how it feels when someone you made memories and shared moments with suddenly becomes a stranger. You feel tied to those memories but you have to respect the distance they need,” he added.

Meanwhile, Moophs revealed that the song, which he refers to as having a ‘healing energy,’ was inspired by his recent collaboration with two-time Grammy nominee reggae producer, Leslie “Bimwala” Ludiazo.

The music producer also shared his excitement in working with Bugoy for the first time.

“Working with Bugoy Drilon was amazing. I'm such a fan. He's one of the most talented singers to ever step into my studio,” he said.

A futuristic “Tied” music video about love that cannot be is also coming soon on Tarsier Records’ YouTube channel.

Bugoy has previously lent his voice to hit OPM love songs “Paano Na Kaya”, “Muli”, and “Hindi Na Bale.” His cover of Matisyahu’s “One Day” now has over 114M plays on YouTube and is loved by fans across the world.

Moophs recently produced Tarsier Records’ biggest international collaboration release to date, “Rise,” with Eric Bellinger, Inigo Pascual, Sam Concepcion, Zee Avi, and Vince Nantes in 2020. His collab with Inigo Pascual, the dancehall-afrobeat-inspired pop track “Always,” has made it to Apple Music's "The 100 Best Songs of 2020."

K-pop band SuperM leads ‘We DO Well Together’ campaign

Prudential Corporation Asia collaborates with K-pop band SuperM to launch a new campaign focused on health, wellness.

PRUDENTIAL Corporation Asia (Prudential), the regional headquarter of Pru Life UK, is collaborating with Korean pop (Kpop) supergroup SuperM to launch a new campaign—“We DO Well Together”—to encourage people across Asia to stay well and healthy, and have fun doing it.

Prudential is excited to be the first regional life insurer to announce a partnership with Kpop phenomena. Formed in 2019 by SM Entertainment and Capitol Music Group, SuperM brings together seven members from top Kpop groups and is beloved by millions of fans around the world. Their positive and energetic

approach to music and performance embodies Prudential’s “We DO” spirit which celebrates the drive and optimism in today’s generation.

Prudential Corporation Asia Chief Executive Nic Nicandrou said, “Prudential and SuperM share a common goal. We want to promote the importance of staying fit and healthy, especially during these times. Together, we want to motivate people to attain wellness in a positive, proactive, and fun way.”

In a statement, the band said, “As the world experiences challenging times due to the pandemic, it is our ambition to spread positive energy and help as many people as possible to

achieve not just good physical health, but mental wellbeing as well. Through ‘We DO Well Together’, we call on everybody to put in the same energy and spirit as ‘We DO’ to achieve our life goals together.”

Throughout 2021, Prudential and SuperM will hold a series of events to motivate people to lead healthier lives and achieve better wellness. The campaign will be rolled out across 11 markets in Asia, including the Philippines. Pru Life UK officially announced the partnership with SuperM at its 2021 Agency Sales Kickoff event today, and will share more details of the activities in the next few months.

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

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021

Life

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

Experts debunk pregnancy and baby care myths A

FACT OR FICTION. The Filipino culture is replete with myths and superstitions about

PREGNANT woman’s tummy shape can determine the gender of the baby, an expectant mother cannot eat sushi and sashimi, a stranger’s saliva pressed onto the forehead or stomach of the baby can “cure” the latter’s sudden mysterious illness.

pregnancy and baby care, but experts strongly advise to veer towards science to ensure the mother and the baby’s well-being.

These are just some of the many superstitions several generations of Filipinos have told pregnant women and new mothers about taking care of themselves and their newborn. But obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Sybil Bravo and pediatrician Dr. Benjamin Co set the record straight.

MYTH – Pregnant women are not allowed to exercise

An obstetrician-gynecologist says low-impact aerobics can help avoid blood clots as well as improve posture and lessen back pains.

Celebrity mom Iya Villania-Arellano is one of the examples of this being not true.

According to Dr. Bravo, pregnant women can do certain exercises to avoid blood clots, such as 30 minutes per day or three times a week of light swimming, brisk walking, stationary cycling, dancing, and low-impact aerobics. Exercising can also help improve posture and lessen back pains and tiredness, but the OBGYN advises seeking doctor’s advice before engaging in any physical activities.

to protect both the mom and the baby against diseases—especially since pregnant women, the OB-GYN says, are considered a vulnerable group.

“Sa pagbabakuna ng mga buntis, ang kanilang baby ay mabibigyan din ng protection laban sa mga infections dahil nagkakaroon ng placental transfer ang maternal antibodies from maternal immunization (When you vaccinate pregnant women, their babies also receive protection against infections because of placental transfer of maternal antibodies),” says Dr. Bravo.

Vaccines like hepatitis A and B vaccines, flu shot, tetanus toxoid, tetanusdiphtheria-pertussis, and anti-pneumonia are safe for pregnant women, but they should always consult their doctor before getting vaccinated. Vaccination, according to pediatrician and pharmacology expert Dr. Co, is also necessary for babies.

MYTH – Feeding babies with eggs will induce measles

FACT – Expectant moms can use skin care and beauty products but not all

Dr. Bravo clarifies that while pregnant women can still do their regular skin care and makeup routine, products According to an expert, pregnant women can still eat raw food so long as they are that contain retinoid, vitamin A deriva- thoroughly cleaned, and apply makeup and skincare products except those with ingredients tives, and salicylic acid should be avoid- that can cause harm to the baby. ed as they can cause harm to the baby. milk) should be thoroughly cleaned before tummy shape, skin condition, and glow Hair color should also be avoided. consumption. She also dismissed the belief and aura do not accurately determine that the food a pregnant woman eats has the gender of the baby in the womb. The MYTH – Pregnant women a certain effect on the baby in her womb, best way to determine the baby’s gender should not eat raw food Women who love to eat sushi and like eating twin bananas will result in twin is to have an ultrasound. sashimi are strongly advised to avoid babies. “Twins are mostly associated with FACT – Pregnant women can their favorites once they get pregnant, genes,” points out Dr. Bravo. get vaccinated but Dr. Bravo says they can still eat raw Pregnant women need not be afraid MYTH – Tummy shape can food such as the aforementioned so long tell the gender of the baby of vaccination as Dr. Bravo says getting as they are thoroughly cleaned. vaccinated with the suitable vaccine in the womb Likewise, vegetables like malunggay Dr. Bravo maintains that a woman’s increases the body’s natural defenses (which can aid in the production of breast

anything else to irritate the skin,” emphasizes the pediatrician, as he says coriander may worsen the condition.

MYTH – You cannot feed a child when they are experiencing diarrhea

According to Dr. Co, a child should be fed and rehydrated during bouts of diarrhea and/or vomiting. Small, frequent feeding of a simple diet and lots of water and child-safe rehydration solutions are recommended.

“Probiotics help a lot in most viral enteritis infections. Several studies have shown that prebiotics and probiotics shorten the period of diarrhea and patients quickly recover. [Usually], diarrhea and vomiting are self-limited, and patients will recover quickly.” Mothers are also advised to visit their child’s pediatrician during these episodes to determine the cause of the diarrhea.

MYTH – Asking a person to

Dr. Co asserts that exanthematous rashlick their thumb and press es appear on skin because of viral infecit onto baby’s forehead or tions, and allergy to eggs has no relation to stomach will cure a sudden them. “When your baby has viral rashes, mysterious illness or ‘usog’ always seek medical help and ask about Dr. Co debunks this popular supervaccination against measles. Avoid self- stition that many adults still believe diagnosing and self-medicating,” he says. today, emphasizing that the mouth is considered the dirtiest part of the MYTH – Bathing babies with human body, and a stranger’s saliva coriander helps heal chicken “will not do any magic.”

“Getting sick is part of the child’s repox faster An old wives’ tale that Dr. Co says sponse to everything they are exposed has no scientific basis as this herb does to in their environment. Saliva has no not have anti-viral and antipruritic prop- medical purpose in life except to lubrierties to counter the effects of chicken cate the food we eat so that it is more pox, a viral infection. “We don’t need easily digestible,” he adds.

From left: Smart School-in-a-Bag program head Mary Jane Francisco, Protect Wildlife deputy chief of party Joey Manfredo, Smart AVP for community partnerships Stephanie V. Orlino, and Protect Wildlife chief of party Rebecca Paz at the turnover of 20 portable digital classrooms for USAID’s Protect Wildlife learning communities.

School-in-a-bag promotes biodiversity conservation

Miss Sorsogon Maria Isabela Galeria

Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo

Miss Universe PH 2020 third runner-up Pauline Amelinckx

The reusable face mask beauty queens wear FOLLOWING the successful launch of the nanosilver face mask developed and designed by Albert Andrada in August last year, Aerian Essentials has released a new collection, designed by another renowned fashion designer and worn by Miss Universe Philippines 2020 herself.

The Randy Ortiz x Aerian face masks feature the same high quality, waterproof, and washable microfiber with unique patterns and adjustable ear bands for a comfortable fit.

Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo was recently seen wearing the

collection’s fatigue maroon and white designs, while third runner-up Pauline Amelinckx posted her selfie in Randy Ortiz’s fatigue green Aerian mask.

First runner-up Ysabella Ysmael and Miss Sorsogon Maria Galeria both like their nanosilver face mask in blue.

Completing the Ortiz-designed collection are black, fatigue white, and off white face masks.

The new collection of the reusable face mask has a filter slot that holds the Aerian nCamM Layer, a patented nanosilver material that kills viruses and

bacteria upon contact. The technology was developed by Singaporean chemist Dr. Liu Hongjun, who first used it in water filtration systems for disasterstricken areas.

The Randy Ortiz x Aerian Collection retails at P499 each, while the Aerian Classic is available for P299 and the Aerian Premium for P799. With proper care, each mask can last up to four months. The Aerian nCamM Layer (P199) can also be bought separately and inserted into any face masks. Check product availability at www.aerianessentials.com.

SMART Communications and Protect Wildlife jointly funded 20 portable digital classrooms, dubbed as School-in-a-Bag, in a bid to educate off-grid localities on wildlife and biodiversity conservation.

School-in-a-Bag is part of the partnership between Protect Wildlife, a project funded by the United States Agency for International Development, and Smart’s parent company PLDT, Inc. Together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Protect Wildlife project aims to reduce threats to biodiversity and illegal trade of wildlife in ecologically significant areas in Palawan, Region 3, Region 9, and Region 12, while also promoting social and economic development in local communities.

Each water-resistant backpack contains a laptop, tablet, and DVD player for the teacher, as well as 10 tablets for students that are all pre-loaded with interactive, multimedia content acces-

sible offline.

The portable digital classrooms to be deployed will also include educational materials on wildlife and biodiversity conservation, such as flash cards, worksheets, and storybooks. Since the bags will be going to off-grid learning communities, solar panels and battery charging units are also included in the package.

Teachers of School-in-a-Bag beneficiary communities are also trained on the CVIFDynamic Learning Program (CVIF-DLP), a pandemic-resilient strategy that supports distance learning and works in both online and offline delivery modalities.

Supported by Smart and PLDT-Smart Foundation for over a decade, CVIFDLP is one of only three supplemental learning materials endorsed by the Department of Education for school year 2020-2021. Ready-to-use Junior and Senior High School Learning Activity Sheets can be downloaded for free at www.commons.deped.gov.ph.