Manila Standard - 2021 January 13 - Wednesday

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Sinovac only choice for vax

• At least until mid-year • Option to reject gov't free shot up to priority groups

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 309 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

By Vito Barcelo, Willie Casas and Macon Ramos-Araneta

T

HE COVID-19 vaccine from China’s Sinovac will be the only option until the middle of the year, the Palace said Tuesday.

SALIVA TEST. Philippine Red Cross Chairman Sen. Dick Gordon demonstrates saliva testing for the coronavirus at the PRC offices in Mandaluyong on Tuesday. Saliva testing or salivaomics is a diagnostic technique that involves laboratory analysis of saliva to identify markers of endocrine, immunologic, inflammatory, infectious, and other types of conditions. Arman Clemente

“Until the vaccines from Western drug makers arrive in June, there will be really no choice because only one vaccine will be available, and that’s the one from China,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in Filipino in an online briefing. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, however, said those on the government’s priority list for vaccination could turn down the shot by signing a waiver to say they understand the implications of forgoing the inoculation. Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, on the other hand, said the Pfizer vaccine might get here sooner because its rollout would be supervised by the Covax alliance, a global initiative that seeks to give developing countries equitable access to the drug. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said all vaccines authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would be on equal footing and would be safe and effective. Next page

China, 4 other countries now in travel ban list TRAVELERS from China and four other countries are not allowed to enter the Philippines starting Jan. 13 as a precautionary measure against the entry of a new coronavirus variant, Malacanang said Tuesday. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said under the new restrictions, all foreign travelers coming directly from or who have visited China in the last 14 days are not permitted to enter the Philippines. Filipino nationals and permanent resi-

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM JAN. 12)

491,258 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

1,524 23,532 NEW

ACTIVE

9,554

139

458,172

44

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

NEW

NEW

dents traveling from or through China, Hong Kong, or Macau within 14 days of arrival will be subject to quarantine. Aside from China, Pakistan, Jamaica, Luxembourg, and Oman have also been included in the temporary travel ban, Roque said. The travel restrictions list now covers over 30 countries or jurisdictions. – Vito Barcelo PAL to comply with restrictions Flag carrier Philippine Airlines an-

nounced on Tuesday it will comply with the latest travel restriction as the government came up with the additional list of countries affected by the new variant of COVID-19. The airline said in an advisory that foreign passengers from China, Pakistan, Jamaica, Luxembourg, and Oman are now covered by travel restrictions "for inbound travel to the Philippines, effective 12:01 a.m. Jan. 13 up to Jan. 15, 2021." Next page

Palace: LGUs free to buy vaccines By Maricel V. Cruz and Willie Casas MALACAÑANG said Tuesday the national government was not building any monopoly on the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines, after some lawmakers pushed for local governments and private firms to be allowed to deal directly with drug makers. Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said “Local governments can buy vaccines, but this is through entering what we call a multilateral agreement for the advanced purchase and this is for the AstraZeneca vaccine.”

Officials meanwhile said some 13 million Filipinos were scheduled to get COVID-19 vaccines from the private sector and local governments, with authorities prepared to launch its inoculation drive against the respiratory disease next month. The national government has allocated P75 billion to procure vaccines for 57 million people, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said quoting the Department of Finance. Another 13 million Filipinos “will be covered by various LGUs and private sector vaccination efforts,” he told reporters in an online briefing. Next page

Jab issues draw strong reactions Romualdez for VP By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Joel E. Zurbano, and Willie Casas

cinated for the coronavirus instead of scolding them for being reluctant to get jabs, especially with vaccines from China, former Vice President THE government should assure Jejomar Binay said Tuesday. Next page and encourage Filipinos to get vac-

excellent choice —political analyst By Maricel V. Cruz WHEN President Rodrigo Duterte expressed preference for House of Representatives Majority Leader Martin Romualdez as vice presidential bet of the administration coalition, the Chief Executive gave a

Bongbong, Isko strong bets for 2022—surveys (story on A2)

STILL ON SALE. Sto. Nino figurines are on display at a store in Tayuman, Sta. Cruz, Manila even as the feast and annual procession of the Child Jesus as celebrated by Catholics on Sunday was cancelled amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Norman Cruz

chance for the faster rebuilding of LakasNational Union of Christian DemocratsKampi, a political analyst said Tuesday. Political scientist Ramon Casiple said Romualdez, president of Lakas-NUCDNext page

BUSY PRESIDENT. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte presides over the 50th Cabinet Meeting at the Malacañang Palace on Monday night, on the same day he administers the oath of office to Mark Lapid as new member of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority Board of Directors (middle photo) and to Benjamin Abalos Jr. as the new chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. Presidential Photos

DOJ moves to rearrest 9 Jolo cops By Rey E. Requejo THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has released nine cops tagged in the killing of four soldiers in Jolo, Sulu in June last year, despite a Justice Department request that they hold them in custody, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said

Tuesday. “The nine police officers were released from custody despite requests of the DOJ with the PNP to hold them a while until the arrest warrants were issued,” Guevarra said in a text message sent to reporters. Next page

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

News

Speaker gets Cha-cha support L “There is a strong and united consensus among political leaders in the House to back Speaker Velasco’s initiative towards liberalizing the eco-

nomic provisions in the Constitution,” Deputy Speaker and Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera said after emerging from a hybrid meet-

ing called by Velasco on the proposed Charter amendments. Also physically present at the meeting were Deputy Speakers Mikee Romero (1-PACMAN Party-list), Kristine Singson Meehan (Ilocos Sur, 2nd District) and Wes Gatchalian (Valenzuela City, 1st District); and Reps. Mark Enverga (Quezon, 1st District), Kit Belmonte (Quezon City, 6th District), Francisco Benitez (Negros Occidental, 3rd District), and Alfredo Garbin Jr. (Ako Bicol Party-list). The lawmakers present via teleconferencing were Deputy Speakers Doy Leachon (Oriental Mindoro, 1st District), Roberto Puno (Antipolo City,

Sinovac...

Sinovac costs around P3,600 per dose and is the second most expensive on the list, after Moderna. Pfizer, which already has World Health Organization’s emergency use approval, costs about P2,400. “We are not giving preference to any one vaccines,” Vergeire said. “Whoever can provide us with the vaccines that we need, that is what we are pursuing.” Sinovac can still apply for an emergency use authorization (EUA) before their expected shipment arrives in February, Vergeire said. It takes about 21 days for the FDA to grant an EUA. She said the advance commitments are important to ensure that the country will have enough supply of vaccines. Malacanang on Tuesday admitted that the Dengvaxia scandal, in which an untested vaccine against dengue was administered several hundred thousand school children, may have led many Filipinos to be suspicious of COVID-19 vaccines.“We cannot deny that this had an influence,” he said in a press briefing. According to a survey by Pulse Asia, almost half of Filipinos are not inclined to get a COVID-19 vaccine mainly due to safety concerns. Only nearly a third of 2,400 Filipino adults polled said they are willing to be vaccinated, while 21 percent couldn’t say yet if they want to be inoculated. Of those who don’t want to get the vaccine, 84 percent said they are “not sure of its safety.” The Palace official assured Filipinos

that the government will only purchase vaccines that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration, as he called on the public not to listen to false reports being posted online. “Let us not listen to self-proclaimed experts. Because if a vaccine has been approved by FDA, especially for general use, and is being used worldwide, there is no reason for us to be scared about these vaccines,” Roque said. In late 2017, the Department of Health (DOH) stopped the government’s antidengue immunization program using Dengvaxia after its manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur said that patients who got vaccinated but had no prior exposure to the virus could suffer severe symptoms. About 800,000 children had already been vaccinated by the time the program was stopped. The government has expanded its priority list in its COVID-19 vaccination program to include essential workers, heeding the call of Senator Joel Villanueva who sought their inclusion as early as December last year due to their vital role in ensuring basic services are provided to the people. Villanueva also asked officials of the Inter-Agency Task Force to ensure that its priority targets are clearly identified so that there would be no overlaps in the selection of beneficiaries, thus maximizing the limited vaccine supply. He said essential workers include

jeepney and bus drivers, retail workers, security guards, hospital and laboratory personnel, waste collectors, and food and delivery riders. "They are responsible for keeping essential businesses continue operating, even while people are on lockdown and most are working from home," Villanueva said. On Monday, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the department will conduct a simulation of the process involved in its vaccination plan, but stop short of the actual administration of a vaccine. "We will subject the process to a stress test," he told a Senate hearing. Duque said the government identified 4,512 fixed COVID-19 vaccination points across the country. He explained that the model will be similar to election poll sites and that existing medical centers and rural health facilities will be used. Each site will have three vaccination teams, which will each administer the vaccine to 100 people a day. Those to be vaccinated will have to register, receive pre-vaccination education and counseling, and undergo screening and medical history review before being inoculated. Afterward, they will get an immunization card and be subject to post-vaccination monitoring and surveillance. The government aims to inoculate 50 million to 70 million people this year.

They urged the government to increase testing, scale up contact tracing, boost the capacity of the health care system to prepare for potential outbreaks, expedite the procurement of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines and efficiently roll out an immunization program. – Willie Casas Red Cross favors saliva test The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has proposed to the Department of Health (DOH) and Food and Drug Authority (FDA) the adoption of the saliva testing method as the most affordable way to determine the presence of COVID-19. “We are expanding our testing services with a more affordable testing which is faster and less invasive. Our proposal is based on sound studies conducted and approved in other countries. These results as well as findings on tests conducted locally by PRC were presented to the DOH and the FDA,” PRC chairman and CEO Senator Richard Gordon said. The test requires a saliva specimen, which eliminates the discomfort of swabbing. – Willie Casas 1,524 new cases reported The Philippines logged on Tuesday 1,524 new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), bringing the total to 491,258, as six laboratories failed to sub-

mit their data on time, the Department of Health (DOH reported. The DOH reported that 44 patients recently recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 458,172, which is 93.3 percent of the total cases. The DOH also reported 139 new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 9,554, which is 1.94 percent of the total. This left 23,532 active cases, which is 4.8 percent of the total cases. Of the active cases, 85.1 percent are mild; 5.5 percent are asymptomatic; 5.7 percent are critical; 3.2 percent are severe; and 0.54 percent are moderate. – Willie Casas DOH denies report on virus variant The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday denied that the UK variant of COVID-19 was detected in Metro Manila recently. “This is to clarify circulating reports on social media that the new SARS-COV-2 variant was detected in Metro Manila,” said the DOH in a statement. “The Department of Health and the Philippine Genome Center, to date, have not detected the UK variant, or any new variant of SARS-COV-2 in any of the positive samples tested. The DOH and PGC are closely working together in order to intensify on-going bio surveillance

efforts,” they said. “The department also calls on the public to refrain from disseminating unverified information which only serve to create panic and confusion,” the statement said. – Willie Casas Deal with spike ahead of vaccines, govt urged Senator Imee Marcos said the government must first deal with the imminent spike in Covid-19 cases that could reach 4,000 cases per day, as health experts have warned. “Mass vaccination is still months away and EUAs (emergency use approvals) are still pending," she said. But the first order of battle, she said, should be to prevent a runaway infection rate due to forthcoming fiestas and reduced hospital capacities amid staffing changes taking place in January. After the Feast of the Black Nazarene last Saturday, she noted that the observance of social distancing will be tested further by more crowd-drawing fiestas in coming days. These are the Ati-Atihan in Aklan, the Dinagyang in Iloilo, and the Sinulog in Cebu, as well as the Panagbenga in Baguio come February. Macon RamosAraneta

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.” Romualdez was lauded by Cayetano and several legislators for what they described as the Majority Leader's excellent work ethic, specifically at having secured the passage of Duterte’s legislative agenda and other priority measures vital to national survival amid coronavirus disease-19 pandemic. In the fight for 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.” It was in that meeting with Cayetano and Velasco that Duterte first broached the idea of supporting Romualdez as his chosen candidate for vice president in the 2021 elections. The President reiterated his choice for Romualdez to be the vice presidential candidate when Cayetano and Velasco sought a meeting with the Chief Executive to settle the speakership row last October. The President has repeatedly voiced out his preference for Romualdez as vice presidential bet in a series of private meetings with senators and congressmen, the latest of which took place during the signing of the 2021 General Appropriations Act in Malacanang last December 28.

Palace:...

cine and planned its distribution. He added: “It is clear that we do not ban, the national government has no monopoly on the purchase of vaccines.” Some local governments last year also signed a supply with the national government and AstraZeneca for 2.6 million doses of the UK drug group's coronavirus vaccine. The Philippines has also secured 25 million COVID-19 vaccine doses from China's Sinovac, and 30 million jabs from the Serum Institute of India, officials said. With about 489,000 confirmed COVID-19 infections, the Philippines has the second highest number of cases in Southeast Asia, after Indonesia. Meanwhile, a congressional leader on Tuesday urged the national government to allow local government units to directly procure their COVID-19 vaccine from manufacturers.

By Maricel V. Cruz

EADERS of various political groups and power blocs crossed party lines in the House of Representatives on Tuesday to back Speaker Lord Allan Velasco’s resolution giving Congress the flexibility to amend the restrictive economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution in order to attract more foreign investments.

From A1

“We do not need to choose the vaccine,” she said in Filipino. “Whatever will be first, let us accept that.” While millions of doses should be available later this year, nobody below 16 years old may get vaccinated because very few children have been part of clinical trials to date, Nograles said. The vaccines available in the market can only be administered to people aged 16 or older, based on the information from the manufacturers, he added. He said some 13 million Filipinos are set to get COVID-19 vaccines from the private sector and local governments as soon as the vaccines arrive in February. Vergeire, meanwhile, denied that the government is favoring the Chinese vaccine developer Sinovac, one day after the Palace announced it has secured 25 million doses of its vaccine. “The government is looking at a portfolio of vaccines, not just one or two,” Vergeire said in Filipino on ABS-CBN Teleradyo’s "On the Spot" program. Vergeire said the market price posted by vaccine developers is not exactly the price that the government would get. “This is through negotiation. You can lower down the prices,” she said. Data released by Senator Juan Edgardo Angara’s office last December showed

China... From A1

The latest inclusion brings to 33 the total number of countries covered by travel restrictions to the Philippines. Those countries have cases of infections from the new variant of the deadly disease. “Philippine Airlines will thus be unable to accept, on our flights to the Philippines, foreign passengers who originate from the above countries or who have travelled to any of these countries 14days prior to their scheduled arrival in Manila," PAL said. – Joel E. Zurbano Metro Manila surge seen The OCTA Research Team on Tuesday warned the government about the possibility of a "significant surge" in COVID-19 cases in the National Capital Region (NCR) in the next few weeks following increased social gatherings during the holidays. In their latest report, OCTA also said the likelihood that the new coronavirus variant from the United Kingdom may already be in the Philippines and "superspreader" events such as the Feast of the Black Nazarene may contribute to the surge.

Romualdez... From A1

Kampi, was ”an excellent choice” since “he will provide balance to Duterte’s Mindanao bailiwick,” explaining Romualdez comes from a politically potent family from Leyte in the Visayas in addition to having a mother who belongs to a prominent family in Pampanga. “That can be,” Casiple added, replying to a question when asked if Lakas-CMD could benefit from the virtual endorsement of the President for Romualdez as the administration coalition's vice presidential bet. Earlier, former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano confirmed that Romualdez was Duterte’s preferred vice presidential bet in the 2022 presidential elections. Cayetano, a congressman representing Taguig City-Pateros, 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. Cayetano earlier said after ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Eric Yap, chairman of the House committee on appropriations, confirmed that Duterte maintained his preference for Romualdez as his vice presidential candidate during the signing of the P4.5 trillion national budget for 2021 in Malacañang last December 28. “That day we talked about the term-sharing agreement, that vice presidential preference topic was not publicized but that is (sic) part of the

From A1

“A total 70 million Filipinos should be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The planned rollout of our vaccines is good news that impacts not only the health of our people, but the economic well-being of our country as well,” said Nograles. He said this information came up during a meeting of President Rodrigo Duterte's Cabinet on Monday. The Philippines has secured vaccine supply deals with China's SinoVAC for 25 million doses, and the Serum Institute of India for 30 million jabs. Roque told an online briefing the deal involved the national government and the health department, and said local governments would shoulder the cost of the vac-

Strong... From A1

This dovetailed with statements from Senator Panfilo Lacson and former government adviser Dr. Tony Leachon that noted FIlipinos had the right to choose a vaccine of their choice, and that it was not fair for the government to say Filipinos cannot choose their vaccines, at least from those to be made available by the Duterte administration. Binay said what the government should do was to allay the public’s fears with assurances - backed by scientific results - that these vaccines are

1st District), Munir Arbison (Sulu, 2nd District) and Eric Martinez (Valenzuela City, 2nd District); Majority Leader Ferdinand Martin Romualdez (Leyte, 1st District); Minority Leader Joseph Stephen Paduano (Abang Lingkod Partylist); and Reps. Mikey Arroyo (Pampanga, 2nd District), Isidro Ungab (Davao City, 3rd District), Robert Ace Barbers (Surigao del Norte, 2nd District), Michael John Duavit (Rizal, 1st District), Joet Garcia (Bataan, 2nd District), Rommel Angara (Aurora), Franz Alvarez (Palawan, 1st District), Eileen ErmitaBuhain (Batangas, 1st District), Sharon Garin (AAMBIS-OWA) and Stella Quimbo (Marikina City, 2nd District).

safe and effective. “It is wrong for Malacanang to equate the public's negative reception to vaccines from China with colonial mentality or being choosy. They simply want to be assured that these vaccines - and all other vaccines regardless of country of origin - are safe and effective,” Binay said. "They are careful, and it is the job of the government to allay their fears, not to scold them. Why is the tendency to always blame the people?" he added. Lacson said it's bad enough that the national government virtually controls which brands of vaccines to procure.

Bongbong, Isko strong bets for 2022—surveys By Rey E. Requejo and Willie Casas FORMER Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will be a strong contender for the next presidential election in 2022 based on the latest survey conducted by Octa Research. In the survey conducted by Octa Research in Metro Manila from December 9 to 13 last year, Marcos was the second most favored candidate to become the next president when President Rodrigo Duterte bows down in power in 2022. The survey showed that Marcos remains strong in the National Capital Region with 14-percent preference votes, next to Manila Mayor Isko Moreno who got 19%. Earlier, Marcos also emerged as the next most favored president compared to Vice President Leni Robredo in the Pulse Asia survey conducted from November 23 to December 2, 2020. Of the 2,400 respondents in the survey, Marcos came in second with a score of 14 percent, followed by President Rodrigo Duterte's daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio with a score of 26%. Robredo is sixth with only eight percent. But in Metro Manila, Marcos took the lead with 20 points followed by Moreno with 18 percent.

Dacera’s mom insists daughter was raped By Rio N. Araja CHRISTINE Dacera’s mother Sharon on Tuesday insisted that her daughter was raped and her friends could have done more to prevent her passing. The elder oif Dacera, a flight attendant, questioned the medico legal report that said that her daughter died of aneurysm as she was "healthy." "Para sa'kin ni-rape po ang anak ko. 'Pag nakita mo yung katawan ni Christine, if you are the mother you will surely feel the pain suffered by Christine from them but my daughter cannot speak anymore because she died," she said. (For me, my daughter was raped. If you can see the body of Christine, if you are the mother you will surely feel the pain suffered by Christine from them but my daughter cannot speak anymore because she died.) "Doon sa medico legal ma’am kita ko yung laceration ng anak ko, bruises ba't di nilagay doon? Di ko to tanggap itong autopsy na ginawa nila." (I say the laceration and bruises of my daughter, why did they not put these in the medico legal report? I don't accept the autopsy they conducted.)

DOJ... From A1

A day earlier, PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas announced that the nine policemen have been dismissed from service and were released from the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame “sometime last week.” Under the law, suspects may be detained without charge for up to 36 hours. Sinas said the PNP had been coordinating with the DOJ to avoid being accused of arbitrary detention. Guevarra said the DOJ is anticipating the issuance of the arrest warrants soon but that the lockdown in Sulu got in the way. “The DOJ prosecutors filed the criminal information against the 9 police officers last Jan. 4. The court was supposed to issue the warrants of arrest thereafter, but apparently failed to do so because of the current lockdown in Sulu,” he said. Guevarra on Tuesday directed the prosecutors handling the case to file a motion before the Jolo, Sulu regional trial court to immediately issue a hold departure order while waiting for the RTC to order the arrest of the accused policemen. Prosecution attorney Honey Delgado, spokesperson of the Office of the Prosecutor General, said the criminal information against the policemen were filed on January 4. But Delgado said the delay in the issuance of the arrest warrants was due to the lockdown in Sulu province, which was imposed to prevent the entry of a new, more transmissible variant of the COVID-19 virus from Sabah, Malaysia. Charged in the killings were Police S/MS. Abdelzhimar Pajiri, M/S. Hanie Badirri, S/Sgts. Iskandar Susulan, Ernisar Sappal and Almudzrin Hadjaruddin, Cpl. Sulki Andaki and Patrolmen Muhammad Nur Pasani, Rajiv Putalan and Alkajal Mandangan.

News President halts Tawi-Tawi mining over ‘devastation’ PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ordered a halt to the mining operations in Tumbagaan Island in Tawi-Tawi after expressing concern over the devastation caused on the environment, a Malacanang official said Tuesday. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles said Duterte issued the order during Monday night’s full Cabinet meeting following reports that the island had been devastated as a result of mining operations. He said government agencies had also been ordered to step up forestation and other rehabilitation programs of the island, citing the importance of protecting the environment. “The island has, at this point, been mined out. And while rehabilitation efforts are underway, the President is issuing a directive to stop any and all mining in Tumbagaan Island and to step up the rehabilitation of the area by planting more trees and other efforts of rehabilitation,” Nograles said. “While rehabilitation efforts are underway, more actions will be considered as more light is shed on the state of the island and the conduct of mining operations in the area. “His commitment to preserve the environment was evident when he ordered the closure and rehabilitation of Boracay and in his directives that mining companies comply with laws, rules and regulations that govern their operations. “Since the beginning of his administration, the President has repeatedly stressed the importance of protecting our environment and strictly implementing environmental laws.” Vito Barcelo

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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‘Respect Rody’s exclusive call’ By Vito Barcelo

M

ALACAÑANG said Tuesday the appointment of officials to the government is an “exclusive” call of President Rodrigo Duterte after senator Leila de Lima criticized the return of former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II to government service.

VEGETABLE WALL. Navotas City Rep. John Rey Tiangco helps the Boy Scouts and Good Greens harvest lettuce at the Urban Vertical Garden in NavotaAs Home 2, Tanza, in Navotas City. Andrew Rabulan

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after Aguirre’s appointment was criticized by Duterte’s critics, including the jailed senator De Lima, saying nobody could ever question Duterte’s appointments. “Presidential appointments are the sole and exclusive prerogative of the President. Nobody can ever question those kinds of appointments,” Roque said. The President appointed Aguirre as a commissioner of the National Police Commission. He resigned two years ago for bungling several controversial cases, including the dismissal of the drug charges against Cebu-based businessman Peter Lim and his co-accused Erwin Espinosa. According to Roque, appointing people in government is a right granted to a President by the Constitution and he does not have to explain his decision to anyone. “The President does not need to justify his appointments. That is his sole, exclusive prerogative,” he said. “Senator De Lima should wait to become President so she could appoint who she wants.” Duterte and Aguirre both studied at the San Beda College of Law. The two were fraternity brothers at the Lex Taleonis Fraternitas. Aguirre lawyered for Duterte in the late 2000s when then Commission on Human Rights head Leila de Lima wanted an investigation into the Davao Death Squad.

Gaerlan named new Clark Dev’t head Ombudsman drops By Jess Malabanan

CLARK FREEPORT—Retired Police Brig. Gen. Manuel Gaerlan on Tuesday joined the growing list of former police and military generals occupying sensitive positions in the government following his appointment as president and CEO of Clark Development Corporation. Gaerlan, who served the Philippine National Police ably before joining the corporate world, received his appointment papers on Jan 11. “President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the nomination of [Director Manuel R]. Gaerlan as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Clark Development Corporation.” said Noel Tulabot, head of the CDC-Media Affairs Department. Malacanang announced the appointment

in a letter signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. The letter was addressed to the members of the CDC board. The CDC board, executives and staff regard the appointment as a welcome development. Mariza Mandocdoc, OfficerIn-Charge of the Office of the CDC President, said she was thankful that President Duterte appointed a new President and CEO from the members of the CDC board. “Director Gaerlan is very much aware of the opportunities and challenges that Clark faces. With his inspiring leadership, CDC will be able to accomplish much much more for Clark and its stakeholders,” Mandocdoc said. Gaerlan will take his Oath as CDC president and CEO on Jan. 14 during a special organizational meeting of the CDC board.

PRESENTATION. Police Maj. Ronaldo Lumactod of the Philippine National Police Anti

Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) present John Paolo Gonzales and Rachel Erica Gonzales, suspects in a kidnapping case in Leyte, and Panfilo Vidal and former policeman Leonardo Soberano, who are wanted for several cases in Iloilo, in a press conference Tuesday in Camp Crame in Quezon City. Manny Palmero

More agri, fishery students sought By Maricel V. Cruz A PARTY-LIST lawmaker on Tuesday pushed for the enactment of a bill to attract incoming college students to choose and complete a course in agriculture and fisheries. AAMBIS-OWA Rep. Sharon Garin stressed the need for Congress to prioritize the passage of the Young Farmers and Fisherfolk Challenge Program as she voiced concern over the dwindling number of agriculture graduates. “The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the crucial role of the agriculture sector in achieving food security. We must dispel the notion among our young people that

farming is tedious, unsustainable and unglamorous,” Garin said. “Agricultural courses in line with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) are opportunities most of them fail to consider.” As the country enters the fourth agricultural revolution, Garin says scientific developments in agricultural production are being cemented in Philippine history. Efforts to bring new breeding techniques, sustainable farming designs and climate-smart crop varieties to small farmers are also ongoing nationwide to help the sector adapt to the changes brought about by the pandemic.

MRT case vs. Abaya

By Rio N. Araja THE Office of the Ombudsman has reversed its June 28 decision indicting exDepartment of Transportation and Communications chief Joseph Emilio Abaya and his personnel for graft complaints in connection with the Metro Rail Transit line 3’s P4.5-billion maintenance deal with the South Korean firm Busan Universal Rail Inc. In a 51-page resolution, the Ombudsman absolved Abaya; ex-undersecretaries Edwin Lopez, Rene Limcaoco and Catherine Jennifer Gonzales; ex-MRT3 general manager Roman Buenafe; ex-assistant secretary Camille Alcaraz; ex-MRT3 bids and awards committee vice chairperson Ofelia Astrera; lawyer Charissa Eloisa Opulencia; ex-engineering division chief Oscar Bongon, and engineer Jose Rodante Sabayle. Also cleared were private respondents Eldonn Ferdinand Uy of Edison Development and Construction; Elizabeth Velasco of Tramat Mercantile Inc.; Belinda Tan of TMI Corp.Inc.; Brian Velasco of Castan Corp., and Antonio Borromeo, Jun Ho Hwang and Elpidio Uy of BURI. The anti-graft court said Busanra JV/ BURI had already been penalized for the problems arising from the project implementation through the deduction in their payments under the contract and subsequently, pre-termination of the contract. “The problems hounding the MRT-3 operations appear to be in the implementation stage of the long term maintenance contract, involving issues that were not present during the screening, negotiation and bidding process thereof,” the decision read. “Considering the scope of the allegations in the complaints focused only on respondents’ acts during the procurement process for the MRT-3 long term maintenance contract which appears to be above board, this Office has no recourse except to reconsider its finding of probable cause against said respondents and dismiss the complaints against them.”

ROTARY DONATION. Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) Immediate past president Jackie Rodriquez (in white shirt) and son Rotarian Archie Rodriquez join Isabela provincial government officials led by Gov. Rodolfo Albano (2nd from left), Rep. Tonypet Albano, and Mayor Jojo Miro (left) of San Pablo, Isabela as they visit seven towns destroyed by Typhoon Rolly. The group distributed relief goods and cash donations to the victims on behalf of RCM president Bobby Lim Joseph and the Rotary Club of Cebu president Edward Gaisano.

‘PH healthcare needs other measures’ By Willie Casas THE government should not only focus on the implementation of the Universal Health Care Law but also on other measures that will ensure the efficiency of the law, such as the automation of hospital transactions, according to health experts. In a forum, The Medical City president and chief executive Eugenio Ramos suggested a system involving infrastructure, calculation of payments and automation “There has to be some interconnected approach to this in terms of the infrastructure, how payments are measured... and digital technology,” Ramos said. “Some degree of automation that would be a little more sophisticated will have an impact.” Ramos said the culture of corruption could spoil the success of the UHC law’s

implementation. “Culture is part of this. ‘Yung culture of palusot: ‘Puwede tayong makakuha dyan ng some more even if we don’t deserve it.’ These are the things that are marring the success of UHC,” he said. The principal author of the UHC Law, former senator JV Ejercito, seconded the suggestion of Ramos. “Sa processes, ‘yung binanggit ni Doc maganda ho ‘yun. ‘Yun pong involving information technology or computerization para maiwasan din ‘yung magic-magic,” Ejercito said. Aside from this, Gene Nisperos of the University of the Philippines Manila said the government should also look into the deficiency of the law due to some presumptions. “Sa usapin ng UHC, ang presumption niya po ay ‘yung infrastructure can actually account ‘yung implementation ng UHC,” Nisperos said.

Customs nabs package of 20 tarantulas, 8 scorpions THE Bureau of Customs intercepted a package containing 20 endangered tarantula spiders and eight scorpions illegally smuggled through the Central Mail Exchange Center. Customs district collector Carmelita Talusan said 28 plastic containers individually housing the tarantulas and scorpions were found. “The package from Samut Parakain, Thailand, was declared as “Teaching

equipment” and imported without the necessary import permits,” she said. Both tarantulas and scorpions were immediately turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Wildlife Traffic Monitoring Unit for rehabilitation and care. The BOC-NAIA also intercepted 119 tarantulas from Poland concealed in a pair of rubber shoes in October 2020. The illegal importation, collection and

trading endangered wildlife is punishable by imprisonment of six years and a fine of P200,000. On the other hand, the unlawful importation of goods with an appraised value of more than P250,000 is penalized by imprisonment of not less than 30 days and one day but not more than six months or a fine of not less than P25,000 but not more than P75,000. Vito Barcelo

LGUs

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

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

MARRIED IN ‘LOVE CITY’.

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas officiates the wedding of 14 couples in Iloilo City, which is also known as “The City of Love,” while practicing proper COVID-19 protocols on Tuesday. Arnold Almacen/Iloilo City Mayor’s Office

1,023 guerillas lay down arms in 2020 in CL By Jess Malabanan CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga—Some 1,023 suspected communist guerillas, mostly supporters and some holding sensitive positions in the underground movement, have returned to the fold of the law in separate occasions in Central Luzon from January to December last year, the Police Regional Office 3 announced Tuesday. This developed as PRO3 director BGen Valeriano De Leon appealed to families of New People’s Army (NPA) members to encourage their relatives to surrender and embrace the government through the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ALCAC) programs. De Leon said the government is calling on both active and former members of the NPA to surrender and start a new life. “I’m appealing to the families of NPA rebels to encourage their relatives to lay down their arms and start their lives anew this New Year. Our government has several programs to retool you so that you could all become even more productive members of our society,” said De Leon in a statement. On Monday, four communist guerillas surrendered to authorities in Aurora province bringing to 12 the number of NPA rebels who returned to the fold in a span of two weeks, the Public Information Office (PIO) stated. The rebels were identified thru their aliases Edwin, Edith, Marvin and Tony, all members of Militiang Bayan and residents of Dipaculao, Aurora. Last week, a seven-man team of guerillas operating in Tarlac- Zambales areas voluntarily submitted themselves to the local police in Mayantoc, Tarlac. They were processed and took their oath of allegiance before they were released and sent home. De Leon said the RT-ELCAC is gaining headway with the huge number of supporters and guerillas who have availed of the government offer to achieve lasting peace as envisioned in the program.

QC gives out 8,791 Wi-Fi modems, sims

By Rio N. Araja

I

N ITS firm resolve to support distance learning for its students, the Quezon City government has turned over 8,791 units of Wi-Fi modems and prepaid sim cards with P1,000 monthly load to public elementary school teachers and photocopier machines to all its public schools.

“We want to make sure that all of our public-school teachers are wellequipped to educate our youth and that all of their teaching needs are met,” Mayor Belmonte said. Recognizing the crucial role of teachers in educating school children, the

city has continuously prioritized its support for teachers, she added. She disclosed that in the coming weeks, 3,210 laptops would be distributed for the use of teachers in preparing for their remote classes. Public high school teachers shall also

receive Wi-Fi modems and prepaid sim cards with P1,000 monthly load. Dr. Jenilyn Rose Corpuz, city schools division superintendent, lauded the city government for providing learning tools to teachers, students and public schools. “The continued assistance will surely help our schools especially our teachers, and we extend our gratitude to the city government, through the leadership of Mayor Belmonte for their all-out support to our education system,” she said. Belmonte earlier provided tablets with data allocation, school materials, modules, and hygiene kits to public school students.

UNSANITARY LANDFILL. In these pictures supplied by the Environmental Management Bureau, a canal at Residual Cell 1 at the Hermosa Sanitary Landfill Facility in Bataan is filled with stormwater, leachate and solid waste, while a local government inspection team notices the inadequate soil cover over the same site.

EMB fines Hermosa landfill firm for violating ECC THE Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (EMB-DENR) has ordered Econest Waste Management Corporation (Econest WMC), the operator of the Hermosa Sanitary Landfill Facility in Bataan, to pay a penalty for violating its ECC (Environmental Compliance Certificate) and to cause the immediate rehabilitation of the area. In a 17-page EMB Resolution issued by OIC Director, Engr. William Cunado, Econest is ordered to pay the pen-

alty amounting to P150,000 as assessed and computed by the EMB for violation of its ECC conditions. Engr. Cunado also mentioned that EMB is requiring Econest to cause the immediate rehabilitation of the landfill and removal of hazardous wastes for proper treatment and disposal, and the proper handling and disposal of the electrical and electronics wiring rubber insulators found stockpiled in the project site. On February 20 last year, Hermosa Mayor Jopet Inton personally served the cease-and-desist order from the lo-

cal government ordering the temporary stoppage of operation of the Hermosa Sanitary Landfill Facility (Hermosa SLF) operated by Econest WMC. Before its closure. Hermosa LGU and the EMB-DENR issued separate notices of violations to Econest WMC citing its operation “without a valid Discharge Permit and Hazardous Waste Generator Registration Certificate, some of its treatment units on their leachate treatment facilities have no protective lining which may cause groundwater contamination due to leachate seepage.”

Malabon village chief shot dead in own backyard By Jun David A BARANGAY chairman was gunned down by unidentified armed men inside his backyard Monday evening in Malabon City. Anthony “Tune” Velasquez, 41 was cleaning his backyard at No. 3 Florante St. Brgy. Hulong Duhat when two of the four suspects forcibly barged inside from the back gate of the compound at around 3:50 p.m. and shot him repeatedly in the body. The four suspects immediately fled on board two single motorcycles while the victim was rushed by his family to MCU hospital where he succumbed to bullet wounds at around 5:05 p.m. while undergoing medical treatment. A total of eight persons were killed by gun-wielding assailants in a span of two weeks in Malabon prompting Northern Police District Director (NPD) P/BGen. Eliseo Cruz to deploy additional 100 policemen to augment the existing more than 400 Malabon police force. Two days earlier, a 39-year-old Sonny Boy Pardillo walking along P. Aquino St. in Tonsuya and a 34-yearold Valentino Espinosa just sleeping in his shanty in P. Concepcion in Tugatog was respectively shot dead by two unidentified gunmen. Another two days before, Marlon Santiago was fired upon by two attackers leaving him dead in his home in Plata St., Tugatog on the afternoon of January 8, while a 37-year-old Ace Bade was murdered in a billiard joint also in Tonsuya, 9:55 p.m. of January 7. Rodolfo Carpentero, 46, was also shot by unidentified criminals, point blank along Kagitingan St., in Bgy. Muzon, killing him on 4:40 p.m. of January 5.

Las Pinas virus cases down to just 85 persons By Joel E. Zurbano THE number of individuals infected with coronavirus disease continued to drop in Las Pinas City with only 85 active cases as of Tuesday. Latest data from city’s Health Office also showed that Las Pinas already has 5,323 recoveries out of the 5,612 persons tested positive for the deadly COVID-19. Most of those recovered patients came from Barangay Pulanglupa Uno, Barangay Manuyo Dos, Talon Dos, Almanza Uno, Almanza Dos, CAA, Daniel Fajardo, Manuyo Uno, Pamplona Tres, Pilar, Elias Aldana, Pulanglupa Dos, and Talon Kuwatro. But Mayor Imelda Aguilar reminded her people not to relax and asked them to still follow strict health protocols, including the wearing of face masks, face shields, temperature checks, and hand disinfections. She announced on Monday that she signed an agreement with British drugmaker AstraZeneca for the supply of about 300,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine for city residents. The local government is expecting the AstraZeneca vaccine will arrive in the city this July. Aguilar said the city’s vaccination program will prioritize the frontliners, medical and health care workers, police, senior citizens, and vulnerable citizens. She added the city government will initially spend P200 million for the vaccines. “The city government is ready to allocate additional funds to buy COVID-19 vaccines and we are continuously coordinating with the pharmaceutical company so that we can immediately acquire the vaccines once it is approved by the InterAgency Task Force and the Food and Drug Administration,” Aguilar said.

Valenzuela honors ex-OSCA head 9th HPV Summit highlights fight vs. cervical cancer IN RECOGNITION of the life and legacy of former Council Member and Office of Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA) Head Dr. Pablo Marcelo, all Philippine flags in Valenzuela City are to be flown at half-mast today, January 11, 2021. Dr. Marcelo joined the Creator on January 9 at 86 years old. Dr. Marcelo served the City as a Councilor of District II from 1995 to 2004 while concurrently functioning as Chairman of the OSCA. Upon finishing three terms as Councilor, he was appointed as OSCA Head, a position he held until May 2017. A dentist by profession, the late Dr. Marcelo spent his first few years in private practice until he was called to be the Municipality Dentist of Valenzuela. He served as a “Dentista ng Bayan” for more than 10 years. Later, he joined the Philippine Constabulary (PC), where he continued his dental practice. His service with PC lasted until the declaration of Martial Law in 1972. His foray into politics began when he was elected as barangay captain of Baran-

gay Maysan in 1982. Under his leadership, he was able to build a school in Sitio Malabo in partnership with the Wellex Group of Companies. His street lighting project, in cooperation with the government, was able to illuminate the whole barangay. As a member of the City Council, among the most notable ordinances authored by Dr. Marcelo were the putting of “Timbangang Bayan” in all private and public markets in the city, the setting up of rules and regulations for the application of franchise to operate motorized tricycles for hire, and the creation of new positions in the City Health and City Agriculture Offices. He also coauthored the amendment of certain sections of The Market Code of Valenzuela. During his term as councilor and OSCA Chairman, he authored an ordinance requiring all punong barangays of the City to designate an officer-in-charge to act as facilitator of the Barangay Senior Citizen Affairs, who will serve the needs of the senior citizens in their respective communities. Jun David

CERVICAL cancer is a grave threat to women’s health and lives, and globally, one woman dies of cervical cancer every two minutes. This suffering is unacceptable, particularly as cervical cancer is largely preventable. The highest mortality rate for the disease is also recorded in developing countries, and in the Philippines, where cervical cancer ranks second as the leading prevalent type of cancer among women, the disease is almost exclusively attributable to the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. In recognizing the rising burden of the disease and acknowledging HPV as the major cause of cervical cancer, the fourth and culminating session of the 9th HPV Summit pushes for stronger initiatives for vaccination, screening, and treatment to save girls and women from cervical cancer deaths and prevent 74 million cases within the next 100 years. The Summit, led by Cervical Cancer Prevention Network of the Philippines (CECAP) in partnership with the Asia & Oceania Fed-

HPV SUMMIT. HPV vaccine co-inventor and University of Queensland professor Ian

Frazer, DOH National Immunization Program Manager Dr. Maria Wilda Silva, and Dr. Pherdes Galbo, vice president of the POGS-Cebu Chapter, discuss how in the Philippines, cervical cancer is almost exclusively attributable to the human papillomavirus infection.

eration of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AOFOG), Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS), and the Department

of Health (DOH), is aligned with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global strategy towards eliminating cervical cancer by 2030.

Opinion Throwing the baby out with the bathwater with the position of lawmaker. Many of the party-list representatives now sitting in Congress do not look like they’re from the urban poor, fisherfolk, or indigenous peoples. As far as we can tell, many of them are dyed-in-the wool politicians who have managed to wriggle themselves into the corridors of power because they have the money, and the connections in high places to get them back into power. The party-list system, in short, has been so thoroughly bastardized because no less than the Supreme Court ruled that the partylist system should not be limited to the marginalized and underrepresented groups but should be open to practically every Filipino. If the party-list system has become an abomination—it has actually excluded those really belonging to the really marginalized and underrepresented groups from political participation that was the letter and spirit of the constitutional provision—it is because the court of last resort decided to open the floodgates for traditional politicians and the elite to monopolize political power. If many politicians have made a mockery of the party-list system, what should be done is not to make the party-list groups ex extinct, but to reform the whole system so that it remains faithful to what the framers of the Constitution had it mind, which was to ex expand the limits of political participation by marginalized sectors. To junk the entire party-list system because a handful out of 61 party-list groups at present are alleged to be communists or communist sympathizers is tantamount to throwing the baby out with the bathwater. In other words, the move to junk the party-list system wants to eliminate something good when trying to get rid of something bad. We believe that the party-list system should instead be reformed so that it effectively shuts out politicians of all stripes, especially those whose integrity, track record and competence are highly suspect. This should go hand in hand with a renewed effort to ban political dynasties, which is another good provision in our fundamental law. The framers of the 1987 Constitution saw it fit to include the provision to prohibit political dynasties, no doubt because of the disturbing pattern over the decades of monopoly of political power by big landowners, businessmen and members of their families. If you want to see the extent of control of Philippine politics by the same political clans, you need not go far. With a click of the mouse in your computer, check out Wikipedia, which has an updated list of the political dynasties in the various regions and provinces. The takeover of the party-list system by members of the same entrenched political dynasties reflects the clear need for political and electoral reforms in the country so that the State shall “guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service,” as what the Constitution clearly stipulates.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte wants to change the 1987 Constitution because he wants to scrap the provision on the party-list system as it has been infiltrated by alleged communists, particularly those belonging to the Makabayan bloc. If we recall, the party-list system was created by the framers of the 1987 Constitution to give proper representation to the marginalized and underrepresented sectors in Philippine society, including farmers, fisherfolk, workers, women, indigenous peoples, OFWs, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, among others.

The party-list system should instead be reformed so that it effectively shuts out politicians of all stripes politi The basic rationale was that the political system was controlled to a large extent by the economic elite and the powerful clans who have been able to capture political power because of the three Gs—guns, goons and gold. In short, it was aimed mainly at giving full play to participatory democracy in this country. Good intentions, however, do not necessarily produce good results. Over the years, the party-list system became a convenient way for various sectors and subsectors to join the fray and try to enter Congress through the backdoor by the simple expedient of putting up party-list groups whose names started with the number “1” or letter “A” as in 1Utak, or ATeacher, because the Comelec listed them ahead of the rest. Even drunkards got into the picture and put up a party-list group they called Alak. Thankfully, the avowed alcoholics did not make to the august halls of the House of Representatives, maybe because they failed to secure proper accreditation from the Comelec, or if they did, they were roundly repudiated by sober-minded citizens. Today, apart from the six-member Makabayan bloc consisting of Bayan Muna (broad coalition of various sectors), ACT (teachers), Gabriela (women), and Kabataan (youth), the other party-list groups are represented by those with vested interests, longstanding political dynasties, and has-been politicians eager to enjoy once again the power, privilege and pelf that go

ernhil@yahoo.com

Shattered

TO SAY that America was shaken to the core, as our paper’s headline bannered last Friday, is a classic understatement. That disastrous and utterly condemnable siege on Capitol Hill by a group of Trump supporters which left four people dead and scores wounded has all but shattered America’s image as the shining city on a hill, as US President Ronald Reagan described it at the end of the Cold War. The beacon of democracy, the enlightened leader of the “Free World,” as it has come to be known, is on its way to the abyss. No doubt that Wednesday’s assault has engendered a continuing chorus of world leaders expressing concern over the fate of American democracy and, of course, the country’s standing in the community of nations. Given the highly toxic and decidedly divided environment now engulfing the entire country it will take time, if ever, for the incoming Biden administration to rein in the forces now threatening to unhinge the entire country and bring it to the brink. While most leaders on both sides of the divide have called for restraint and healing, it is clear that the same will not happen anytime soon. Instead, demonization and blame throwing dominate. For some reason, no less than House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has added fuel to the fire by heaping all blame on President Trump, calling him unhinged and undeserving of staying in office any minute longer. She has even asked Vice President Pence to call out President Trump to resign or else face being booted using the US Constitution’s 25th amendment declaring him as “unfit to serve.” Adding salt to the wounds, she even called

on the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff cautioning him to prevent Trump from having his fingers on the highly secure nuclear button. Worse, despite pleas for calm from more sober headed leaders of her own party, she has gone ahead with the House cavalry pushing for the passage of Trump’s second impeachment just a few days before he officially gets out of the White House. To be fair, there is every reason to bring Trump to answer for his questionable behavior and incendiary tweets after his moves to overturn the results of the polls went unheeded. But after a good number of Republican legislators have come forward to precisely object to the results of the election in the key states which he had earlier targeted as rigged and fraudulent, Trump should have stepped back, calmed down and let Congress do its job. Instead, he continued to whine and called for his followers to take his case directly to Congress, a call which fellow Republican and Florida Senator Marco Rubio said may have led for some Trump supporters to “get caught up in the moment.”

In the US, demonization and blame throwing dominate. Even as he condemned the violence, Rubio noted that “ninety nine percent of the people that went to Washington DC to protest and have their voices heard did not barge into the Capitol.. but 1 percent of thousands of people is still a lot of people...some of whom unfortunately were adherents to a conspiracy theory and others got caught up in the moment...the result was a national embarrassment.” While he himself did not object to the results he noted that the senators who filed it were making it plain that the same should be reviewed and audited if only to show that there was a way to channel and resolve

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

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EDITORIAL

Saving the day

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LAWMAKER this week called on the new 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. The call, at a time the economy tries to open its doors to people that they may get their services back under the pandemic, responds to the activation of the government committee tasked to promote regulatory relief in compliance with Bayanhian 2. Rep. Joey Salceda, chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, has weight in making the call, being the author of the provisions of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act on regulatory relief for business. The author of the proposed Online Small Business Support Services Act that provides online businesses loans, grants and skills training, also stressed that many small online businesses want to legitimize their operations as registered businesses, but are struggling with the processes in licensing agencies. Salceda’s says online businesses are the saviors of the Philippine economy in this pandemic, and that many of them are home-

Small online businesses need to be encouraged and helped. based and are the only source of income for many families. “They want to register as formal businesses so they can avail (themselves) of government loans, grants and other services. They want to register with online payment systems, but it’s not easy to register a business right now.” He has noted that under current processes, an applicant has to face 10 agencies to register a business, and it takes 33 days at the minimum to complete these processes, and one has to pay a registration fee with the

BIR to pay taxes. We agree with the Albay congressman, who urged the BIR to relax the rules on in-person registration for taxpayer identification number, that the barrier to paying taxes is pretty much absurd. His paper, “Recommendations To Eliminate Red Tape: A Focus On Business Registration” is a guide for the regulatory relief efforts of the government pursuant to Bayanihan 2, which maps out a strategy to make single-day business registration possible. Salceda, who heads the House tax committee, also urged the BIR to abolish the taxpayer registration fee of P500, imposed as an annual fee by the agency. “It’s absurd to impose a fee to allow people to pay taxes. It is the State who benefits from taxpayer compliance. Paying taxes is not a privilege that people will apply for. It’s a government rule we are happy to see people follow. So, we should not impose barriers to paying taxes.” We have seen how small online businesses have kept families afloat amid massive layoffs and business closures as we grappled with restrictions during the pandemic. They need to be encouraged and assisted. It is the least the government could do.

Reviving health and the economy a population of 110 million, is No. 30th in the world in number of COVID cases, at 489,736 and 9,416 deaths. Sweden, which has a population of just 10.13 million, is No. 31st, with 489,471 cases and 9,433 deaths. For every one million Filipinos, only 85 die from COVID. For every one million Swedes, 931 die from COVID. That’s almost 11x the death ratio of PH. Starting February, COVID vaccines will arrive in the Philippines. The government has the money to buy the vaccine—from the budget and from borrowings. Figures on how much vaccine has been purchased vary but they are up to 140 million doses—good for 70 million Filipinos.

DEPARTMENT of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez spoke yesterday before the Management Association of the Philippines which has a new president, Aurelio “Gigi” Montinola III, the former president of the Bank of PI and of the Bankers Association of the Philippines and today, the chair of the family-owned Far Eastern University (FEU), the second-largest private university and with its vast real estate holdings, one of the richest. Dominguez tackled four issues: One, people are sick and want vaccine against COVID-19; two, the economy is sick and needs to reopen soonest; three, incentives for business amid the severest recession in 100 years; and four, government finances. A former banker and entrepreneur, Sonny Dominguez is worried about what is called contingent liabilities of government corporations, meaning possible losses or government liabilities that the national government is now aware of now, mainly because of bad accounting and bad management. The DOF chief singled out three major corporations: the state-run private pension fund Social Security System, the state-run government pension fund Government Service Insurance System, and the staterun but badly managed and corrupt private health insurance plan, PhilHealth. Dominguez winces that SSS and GSIS treat their premium collections as revenues (they are not; they are trust funds) and do not seem to provide for future cash outlays for members like benefits and pension. Hence, a strict audit would show these GOCCs are technically bankrupt. To cover up their deficits, they keep on increasing members’ contributions without a corresponding improvement in service. SSS, for instance, is one of the most complained about government agencies. The deficits, by the way, will have to be financed by taxpayers, thur more taxes and impositions, and by government, thru more borrowings. Now for those sick with COVID. Dominguez does not seem that much alarmed. Only nine out of the 100,000 Filipinos who get sick die. In Sweden, he pointed out, it is 90 out of 100,000. Per Worldometers, the Philippines, with President Trump’s challenges and the people’s grievances about the conduct of the elections peaceably short of taking the law in their own hands. Those who stood up to challenge the results made it clear from the start that they were doing so precisely to give vent to the people’s anger over the machinations, real or imagined, which attended the conduct of the elections in the battleground states. It was a way, as Republican Senators Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley correctly noted, to bring to the fore and straighten the attendant election related issues identified by the Trump campaign in the course of the challenges they brought before the courts and the states ’electoral institutions. As Rubio advised, overturning the results would just have been a bonus, if ever. “It was,” he noted, “the practice of states going to court to friendly judges, changing the laws

Your move, private sector. Whether by design or by incompetence, government seems in no hurry to deploy the vaccines. Anyway, notes Dominguez, per survey 47 percent of Filipinos don’t want to be inoculated. That’s more than 51 million Filipinos or more than half of the 70-million target for vaccination. Anyway, exulted Dominguez: “We have managed to keep our COVID-19 infections moderate. We do not expect the sort of surges we now see in many countries.” Meanwhile, reviving the health of the economy, requires some brinkmanship or boldness. “When the pandemic struck, the Philippine government prioritized the health and safety of its people above everything else,” Dominguez told the MAP. That meant closing down up to 75 percent of the economy. Growth rate collapsed, by 11 percent in 2020 from a hefty 6 percent gain in 2019. Unemployment tripled to 17.7 percent before steadying at 8.7 percent by October 2020. Government borrowings rose from 39.6 percent of GDP in 2019 to 53.5 percent in 2020. The government can no longer afford those setbacks. “The depth of the pandemic’s economic impact must be matched by bold initiatives of our enterprises and the government,” Dominguez said. As it turns out, it will be mostly boldness by government which went on to spend up to P2.66 trillion or 14.7 percent of GDP to cope with COVID, under four pillars:1) P506.08 billion in emergency support to vulnerable groups; 2) P57.73 billion in so they can get an advantage for Democrats and circumventing the legislature to inject new rules that needed to be questioned and resolved.” That such issues and concerns by a sitting President could not even be resolved with some amount of transparency and certainty Trump channelled to this disastrous end. He had succeeded in channelling this sense of hopelessness, of inability to redress grievances of being left out on his way to the White House in the 2016 elections. Coming in as an outsider, he and his supporters charged the Washington Establishment with that “Draining the Swamp” call which successfully propelled him to the presidency. Sadly, that same incendiary charge has now put him and his legacy to near ruin. But that is another story. Full version at www.manilastandard.net

resources to fight COVID; 3) P1.3 trillion in monetary action to keep the economy afloat; and 4) P7891.61 billion in economic recovery program to create jobs and sustain growth. To finance that, the government raised P2.63 trillion in gross financing, 2.57x the P1.02 trillion it raised in 2019. Despite being overborrowed, the Philippines kept its awesome debt ratings—like BBB by Fitch. Fitch downgraded the credit ratings of 33 sovereigns (government debts), including Mexico, Colombia, and Italy, countries that used to have the same good ratings as the Philippines. The Philippines’ growth prospect is strong, according to Fitch, 6.9 percent growth in 2021 and 8 percent in 2022. Good credit ratings mean the Philippines can borrow pa more. It also means government can spend more. The 2021 budget is a record P4.5 trillion of which P1.7 trillion will go to social services (education and health), and P5 trillion in 2022. Notable: The Philippines has record $104 billion in reserves, which can buy 11 months of imports; the peso strengthened by 5 percent in 2020. With little production and with plenty of money, inflation of course has risen to 3.5 percent for 2020 from 2.5 percent in 2019. Private business is hurting. So Congress is considering lowering corporate income taxes – currently the highest in ASEAN, to as low as 20 percent, from 30 percent, and to 1 percent, from 10 percent, for non-profits like schools. This is the CREATE Bill. Congress also has passed a company that will absorb the bad loan assets of the banks and another bill that enables government to rescue ailing companies thru equity infusions or joint ventures. (Attention: PAL). This is the GUIDE bill. As for cha-cha, Dominguez said the government wants to open up most areas of the economy, except land ownership by foreigners. As to some politicians inserting political charter amendments to keep themselves in power, the finance chief seems to imply that is up to the people to reject. Dominguez wonders why private is always asking for incentives before investing or taking action. “I used to be in bananas, banking, and copper,” recalled the finance chief, “I didn’t wait for government incentives before we invested. We didn’t need any extra boost.” Your move, private sector. biznewsasia@gmail.com

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The leader we need in 2022

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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TODAY WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

EU backs Biden on Iran nuke deal T HE EU said Monday it looks forward to working soon with US President-elect Joe Biden on resurrecting the Iran nuclear deal, and rejected Tehran’s accusations it had aligned with Washington’s sanctions.

“We welcome President-elect Biden’s positive statements on the JCPOA, and look forward to working with the incoming US administration,” European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement on behalf of the bloc, using the official initials for the deal. The EU supported “intensive diplomacy with the goal of facilitating a US return to the JCPOA and Iran’s re-

turn to full JCPOA implementation,” he said. Biden, who takes office on January 20, has suggested the United States return to the Iran deal, which it withdrew from in 2018 under President Donald Trump, who reinstated and increased US sanctions. Iran from 2019 has increasingly breached its own commitments under the deal, arguing it had the right to do

so under its terms because the US was no longer abiding by it. Most problematically, last week it started again enriching uranium to 20 percent, a step just below what is needed to produce material for nuclear weapons. It has also accused the European signatories -- EU members France and Germany and former EU member Britain -- of going along with the US sanctions, even as their governments defied Trump to keep the deal alive. Borrell rejected that, saying that “the EU has upheld its JCPOA commitments, including regarding sanctions,” adding: “Despite the severe challenges to the JCPOA, the EU has continued to

work hard to preserve it.” The EU warned Tehran, however, that its 20 percent enrichment was “a very serious development” with “potentially severe proliferation implications”. “We urge Iran to refrain from further escalation and reverse this course of action without delay. Continued full and timely cooperation with the (UN nuclear watchdog) IAEA remains critical,” the statement said. In a likely sign of Biden’s intention to quickly address the Iran nuclear deal, the US president-elect on Monday tapped William Burns, a retired diplomat, to be his CIA chief. Burns helped lead secret talks with Tehran that set the stage for the 2015 accord with Iran. AFP

Chinese city seals off 5 million people to quash infection CHINESE authorities sealed off a city of almost five million people and imposed strict travel restrictions on several others on Tuesday as they worked to quash a number of Covid-19 clusters near Beijing. The country had largely curbed the spread of the coronavirus, which first emerged in Wuhan in late 2019, with small outbreaks swiftly snuffed out using mass testing, local lockdowns and travel restrictions. But Hebei province in northern China has reported 560 new cases in recent weeks -- 234 of which are asymptomatic -- sparking a raft of new lockdowns and restrictions. Residents of Langfang, a manufacturing hub around 55 kilometres south of Beijing, have been banned from leaving the city for seven days unless absolutely necessary. “All family gatherings should be cancelled...all marriages postponed and funerals simplified until the epidemic situation has subsided,” the Langfang city government said in a statement. Officials will now rush to test all 4.9 million residents in two days, the local health bureau said, after one case was discovered in Langfang’s Gu’an county. AFP

DEFIANT. US President Donald Trump arrives to speak to supporters from The Ellipse near the White House on January 6, 2021, in

Washington, DC. Thousands of Trump supporters, fueled by his spurious claims of voter fraud, are flooding the nation’s capital protesting the expected certification of Joe Biden’s White House victory by the US Congress. AFP

THE International Monetary Fund’s executive board announced Monday it had approved the disbursement of $487.5 million to Angola, which is suffering from low oil prices due to the coronavi-

WHEREAS, the Commission issued Memorandum Circular No. 24, Series of 2019, otherwise known as the Code of Corporate Governance for Public Companies and Registered Issuers (CG Code for PCs and RIs) on 19 December 2019 to promote the development of a strong and transparent corporate governance culture among public companies and registered issuers; WHEREAS, Recommendation 8.4 of the CG Code for PCs and RIs provides that “the company should disclose all relevant information on its corporate governance policies and practices in the Annual Corporate Governance Report (ACGR), which should be submitted to the Commission, and continuously updated and posted on the company’s website”;

WHEREAS, Section 4 of R.A. No. 11494 enumerates COVID-19 response and recovery interventions. Paragraph ddd thereof provides:

SEC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 36 Series of 2020 :

SUBJECT :

PUBLIC COMPANIES AND REGISTERED ISSUERS 2020 COMPLIANCE OFFICER’S CERTIFICATION

WHEREAS, the Commission had extended several reportorial deadlines due to the pandemic, which included the extension of the deadline for the submission of the Manual on Corporate Governance (MCG) for PCs and RIs to 30 September 20201 from the original deadline of 12 July 2020; WHEREAS, the Commission recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose challenges in terms of regulatory compliance and intends to make reporting less complex during these difficult times; NOW, THEREFORE, the Commission, pursuant to its regulatory power under Section 179(d) of Republic Act No. 11232, otherwise known as the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines, resolved to issue the following rules: I.

Compliance Officer’s Certification (CG Form-2020)

PCs and RIs shall be required to submit a Compliance Officer’s Certification, in lieu of the ACGR, certifying that the company has substantially adopted in its Manual on Corporate Governance all of the recommendations under the CG Code for PCs and RIs. When applicable, the Certification shall also identify and explain any deviation to the recommendations provided under the CG Code for PCs and RIs. II.

Signatories

The Compliance Officer’s Certification shall be signed under oath by the company’s Compliance Officer and countersigned by its President or Chief Executive Officer.

Act, was signed into law on 11 September 2020 to accelerate the recovery and bolster the resilience of the Philippine economy through measures grounded on economic inclusivity and collective growth through fiscal sustainability, among others;

(ddd) Encouraging BSP and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to adopt measures, including the relaxation of regulatory and statutory restrictions and requirements for a period of not more than one (1) year from their date of effectivity to encourage the banking industry and other financial institutions to extend loans and other forms of financial accommodation to help business recover from the economic effects of the COVID-19 crisis and to enable the banking industry to manage appropriately its risks and potential losses. The BSP and the SEC are likewise hereby authorized to grant reporting relief to its supervised entities by allowing staggered booking of allowance for credit losses for all types of credit accommodations extended to individuals and business entities affected by COVID-19 WHEREFORE, in view of the foregoing, and pursuant to the Commission’s powers under R.A. No. 8556, or the Financing Company Act of 1998 (FCA), R.A. No. 9474, or the Lending Company Regulation Act of 2007 (LCRA), Section 5.1(g) and (n) of R.A. No. 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code (SRC), and Section 179 (p) of R.A. No. 11232, or the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines (RCC), the Commission hereby provides the following regulatory reliefs to financing companies (FCs) and lending companies (LCs) and the corresponding guidelines to help the covered entities manage the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and to implement the above-quoted provision: SECTION. 1. Regulatory Reliefs for FCs and LCs. – The following regulatory reliefs are available to duly registered and licensed FCs and LCs:

III. Due Date and Manner of Submission

A.

Three (3) copies of a duly accomplished, signed and notarized CG Form-2020 shall be submitted to the Commission on or before 29 January 2021. The said form shall cover all relevant information for the covered year 2020.

Relaxation of the required maintaining net worth of FCs under Section 11 of the FCA Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR);

B.

Relaxation of the required investment in financing and lending activities under Section 9(b) of the FCA IRR, and Rule 3(f) of the LCRA IRR, respectively, subject to theevaluation of the Commission; and

IV. Penalties VIOLATION Non/Late Submission Disclosure(s) a. Incomplete (i.e. no explanation provided) b. Misrepresentation/Misinformation Signatory(ies) a. Incomplete b. Incorrect

Php10,000.00

MONTHLY PENALTY Php1,000.00

Php5,000.00

Php500.00

Php15,000.00

Php1,500.00

Php5,000.00

Php500.00

BASIC PENALTY

C.

The monthly penalty shall continue to accrue until the company has fully complied with the requirement. Coverage

PCs and RIs that are listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange are excluded from the coverage of this Memorandum Circular. Publicly-listed PCs and RIs shall continue to submit an Integrated Annual Corporate Governance Report in accordance with SEC Memorandum Circular No. 15, Series of 2017. VI. Repealing Clause PCs and RIs shall no longer be required to comply with Sections 15 and 16 of SEC Memorandum Circular No. 3, Series of 2007. Orders, issuances and circulars which are inconsistent with the provisions of the proposed circular are hereby repealed accordingly. VII. Effectivity This Memorandum Circular shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Relaxation of the period of commencement of financing and lending operations under Sections 5(b) and 6(d) of the FCA IRR, and Rule 3(e) of the LCRA IRR, respectively.

SEC. 2. Application for Regulatory Reliefs. – FCs and LCs that intend to avail of the regulatory reliefs enumerated herein are required to submit the following: A.

The letter-notification shall be signed by the company’s President or, in his absence or unavailability, the company’s officer of equivalent rank. B.

Resolution of the Board of Directors authorizing the company to avail of the regulatory reliefs.

SEC. 3. Evaluation of the Application. – The company’s application to avail of the regulatory reliefs shall be subject to the Commission’s evaluation, which shall be on a case-tocase basis. The Commission shall then communicate its decision on the application to the company. FCs and LCs shall ensure that the regulatory reliefs to be availed of are suitable to their operations, situation, and condition. SEC. 4. Period of Effectivity of the Regulatory Reliefs. – The regulatory reliefs enumerated herein shall be effective for one (1) year from the effectivity of this Circular. SEC. 5. Effectivity. – This Circular shall take effect immediately. Pasay City, Philippines. 22 December 2020.

Pasay City, Philippines, 22 December 2020.

(MS-JAN. 13, 2021)

The product coverage of the PHV is shown below: AHTN 2017 Code 1005.90.90; 1006.30.99;1507.90.90; 2103.90.29;2106.90.30

Description Maize (corn); semi-milled or wholly milled rice; soyabean oil and its fractions; mixed condiments and mixed seasonings; non-dairy creamer

2523.21.00;2710.19.43; 2922.42.20;3004.90.99; 3304.99.30;3305.10/90; 3306.10.90;3901.20.00; 3921.90.30;3924.90.30; 4011.10.00;4011.20.10; 4016.99.54

White cement; lubricating oils; monosodium glutamate; medicaments; face or skin creams and lotions; preparations for use on the hair; dentifrices; polyethylene; plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip of plastics of chemical derivatives of natural rubber; supplementary feeding system for babies, of plastics; new pneumatic lyres, of rubber; rubber grommets and rubber covers for automotive wiring harnesses Boards, sheets, panels, tiles and similar articles of plaster or of compositions based on plaster, not ornamented; semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel; wire of refined copper; air conditioning machines incorporating a refrigerating unit; combined refrigerator-freezers; combine harvester-th reshers; parts and accessories suitable for use solely or principally with the machines of heading 8471; parts of machines and mechanical appliances having individual functions, not elsewhere specified; ball or roller bearings; electric motors of an output˂ 37.5W; electronic integrated circuits, other than processors and controllers, memories, and amplifiers; parts of electronic integrated circuits; shielded wire of a kind used in the manufacture of automotive wiring harnesses, not fitted with connectors Agricultural tractors; motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons (other than those of heading 87.02); motor vehicles for the transport of goods; fuel tanks and other parts and accessories of motor vehicles; parts and accessories of motorcycles (including moped)

6809.19.90;7207.11.00; 7408.11.10;8415.82; 8418.10.19; 8433.51.00; 8473.30.90; 8479.90; 8482.10.00; 8482.80.00; 8501.10; 8542.39.00; 8542.90.00; 8544.49.21

8701 .92.10; 87.03; 87.04; 8708.99.21; 8708.99.99; 8714.10

The PHV will be held on 27 January 2021, at 10:00 a.m., using Microsoft Teams. Interested parties are required to register their participation from 20-26 January 2021 using the registration link posted on the Commission’s website https://tariffcommission. gov.ph/. If a presentation will be made at the PHV, parties are required to submit their presentation slides to the Commission by 26 January 2021 at the latest. Interested parties are also encouraged to submit position papers using the position paper template provided on the Commission’s website. Online submissions are encouraged. For inquiries and other details, Director Elvira C. Ignacio, Head of the Task Force for this investigation, may be reached at the following email addresses: TC.Assist@ mail.tariffcommission.gov.ph or ecignacio@mail.tariffcommission.gov.ph. Issued this 12th day of January 2021 in Quezon City, Metro Manila . Digitally signed

MARILOU P. MENDOZA Chairperson

EMILIO B. AQUINO Chairperson

EMILIO B. AQUINO Chairperson SEC Memorandum Circular No. 19, Series of 2020.

Pursuant to Sections 1608/1609 of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modemization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and in relation to Sections 1603(b) and 1603(h) of same, the Tariff Commission (Commission) will conduct a Public Hearing via Videoconferencing (PHV) on the proposed list of products for suspension of concessions in relation to the dispute case Thailand - Customs and Fiscal Measures on Cigarettes from the Philippines (or DS371) [TCI ryvS) No. FTA2021-DS371-Various Products].

For the Commission

For the Commission

1

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

a detailed explanation of the debt relief measures provided by the company to its borrowers; and

(ii) a statement that the company is in good standing with the Commission.

prove governance, and diversify the economy to promote sustainable, private sector-led economic growth,” the IMF said in a statement. The Washington-based lender noted that the economic shock brought on by the coronavirus pandemic “continues to negatively impact Angola’s economy and population. “Oil production and prices remain weak, and the health and social impacts of the pandemic continue to be felt,” the group said. After a fourth review of Angola’s economy under the three-year program, the IMF said that despite this difficult environment, “the authorities... remain resolutely committed to the program. AFP

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES TARIFF COMMISSION

Letter-notification stating the company’s intention to avail of the regulatory reliefs, the specific regulatory relief to be availed, and the reason therefor. The letternotification shall include the following: (i)

Non-compliance with the above requirement shall subject erring companies to the following penalties:

V.

DONALD Trump and his deputy Mike Pence met Monday evening in the Oval Office, a senior official said, signaling a common front as Democrats press the vice president to have the president removed from office as unfit. “The two had a good conversation,” the administration official said of the meeting, their first since last week’s assault on the US Capitol. According to the official, Trump has no intention of resigning his office before his term comes to an end on January 20. The official likewise indicated that Pence has no intention of invoking the 25th Amendment of the Constitution to remove Trump as unfit to discharge his duties -- as Democrats are demanding. Trump and Pence “reiterated that those who broke the law and stormed the Capitol last week do not represent the America first movement backed by 75 million Americans,” the official said. The pair “pledged to continue the work on behalf of the country for the remainder of their term,” they added. The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote Tuesday evening on a resolution calling for Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, and Pelosi will give him 24 hours to respond. After that, she said, Democrats would move forward with the process of impeaching Trump for “incitement of insurrection” over his role in Wednesday’s storming of the US Capitol by his supporters. In an angry speech before the assault, Trump urged his supporters to march to the Capitol and demand that Pence, who was leading a joint session of Congress on certifying Joe Biden’s victory, must intervene to reverse his election defeat. AFP

IMF board approves disbursement of $487.5-M to Angola rus pandemic. Extended Fund Facility. The financial aid is part of a threeThe EFF provides for longer IMF year agreement for about $3.7 billion support for a program, as well as longer (the value at the time) that was approved repayment terms for loans. on December 7, 2018 under the IMF’s Monday’s disbursement brings the IMF to a total of nearly $3 billion granted in aid to the southwestern African country, which has significant oil and SEC Memorandum Circular No. 37 mineral wealth, but a Series of 2020 large part of its popuTO : ALL FINANCING AND LENDING COMPANIES lation lives in poverty. SUBJECT : REGULATORY RELIEF MEASURES TO MANAGE THE EFFECTS OF The three-year THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC plan “aims to restore DATE : 22 December 2020 external and fiscal sustainability, imWHEREAS, Republic Act (R.A.) No. 11494, or the Bayanihan to Recover As One

TO

Trump, Pence signal common front with Oval office meeting

(MS-JAN. 13, 2021)

(MS-JAN. 13, 2021)

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Famed boulevard to be turned into new Paris garden PARIS—Paris’ famed Champs-Elysees avenue is to be given a green makeover to transform it into what the mayor says will be an “extraordinary garden.” The French often call it “the most beautiful avenue in the world” but the decision follows years of campaigning by activists who complain that traffic and mass retail have turned it into a noisy and bland district shunned by Parisians. The greening will take place in stages. First the car-clogged Place de la Concorde square at the bottom of the thoroughfare—scheduled to be completed before the Paris Olympic Games in 2024—and then the whole of the avenue. It’s going to be another extraordinary garden,” Mayor Anne Hidalgo told the Journal du Dimanche newspaper. The plan is in keeping with other efforts by the Socialist city leader to create green spaces in the densely populated French capital, where elegant squares and tree-lined boulevards are often overwhelmed by vehicles. A Champs-Elysees lobby group pushing for the project said it was “delighted with this announcement and welcomes the decision by the mayor’s office which appears to want to make the makeover of the Champs-Elysees one its main urban projects of this decade.” Hidalgo has led efforts to reduce traffic in the city, which has seen the closure of two main road arteries that ran along the river Seine and the building of new infrastructure for bikes and electric scooters. In 2019, American landscape architect Kathryn Gustafson was put in charge of a makeover for the Eiffel Tower area, where roads will also be turned into lawns and trees. The Champs-Elysees was first laid out in 1670 but was given a revamp by Baron Haussmann, the architect behind the transformation of Paris under Napoleon III in the mid-19th century. Over the centuries, Paris has been the stage for the high and low moments in French history, hosting celebrations and commemorations as well as protests. AFP

PSEi January 12, 2021 DEFIANT.

Customers are seen eating inside an Argentine restaurant called Quebracho in Mexico City on January 11, 2021. A group of restaurant owners decided to open their businesses despite being banned by the city government in an effort to lower COVID-19 infections. AFP

Profit taking pulls down market; AC Energy drops S TOCKS fell Tuesday on profit taking as frighteningly high new COVID-19 case numbers and deaths around the world—and the resulting lockdowns—kept a cap on buying.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index shed 46.68 points, or 0.6 percent, to 7,258.11 on a value turnover of P9.7 billion. Losers beat gainers, 144 to 86, with 40 issues unchanged. AC Energy Philippines Inc. slumped 10 percent to P6.50 after the price adjusted following a stock rights offering, while Merry Mart Consumers Corp. dropped 5.7 percent to P7.27. Dito CME Holdings Corp., the third major mobile phone firm, declined 5.7 percent to P11.96, while Metropolitan Bak & Trust Co., the second-biggest lender in terms of assets, fell 5 percent to P47.50.

The rest of Asian markets fluctuated Tuesday as hopes for the rollout of coronavirus vaccines and a new stimulus out of Washington competed with fears over surging infections, new lockdowns and brewing political and social unrest in the United States. Analysts’ long-term outlook, however, remained positive as more people are inoculated and life returns to normal. Wall Street’s three main indexes fell Monday, having ended last week at record highs, and Asian markets were mixed. Tokyo, Hong Kong, Mumbai, and Jakarta all rose, while Shanghai finished at a five-year high, but Sydney, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei and Wellington fell. Germany’s BioNTech provided some good news as it said it expected to produce two billion doses of its vaccine this year, up from the previous forecast of 1.3 billion, lifting hopes that more people could get the jab earlier. That came as seven mass vaccination sites were opened across England, where a new strain of the disease is

putting huge pressure on the National Health Service and forced leaders to ramp up economically painful containment measures. The main focus of attention for traders is Washington, where Democrats are pushing ahead with a historic second impeachment of Donald Trump as they accuse him of inciting Wednesday’s storming of the Capitol Building that delayed lawmakers’ certification of Joe Biden’s election win. Observers said the chances of Trump being convicted were slim but there was a concern that the latest moves could foment more unrest, with some reports saying the president’s supporters were planning fresh demonstrations at the weekend and during Biden’s inauguration next week. There is a worry that the move by the Democrats could distract from their plans for a new, bigger stimulus bill to fight off the effects of the rampaging virus with some warning the row could overshadow the new president’s first few months in office. With AFP

TOP GAINERS LAST PRICE

% CHANGE CHANGE

1 2

MAH MG

2.91 0.435

0.97 0.145

50.00% 50.00%

3

MAHB

2.72

0.9

49.45%

4

MHC

0.66

0.13

24.53%

5 6

EURO BHI

2.76 0.052

0.43 0.008

18.45% 18.18%

7

ALCO

0.73

0.08

12.31%

8 9

WPI FPI

0.66 0.228

0.07 0.023

11.86% 11.22%

10

CEI

0.16

0.016

11.11%

TOP LOSERS LAST PRICE

% CHANGE CHANGE

1 2

JOH IS

4.4 0.18

-0.8 -0.021

-15.38% -10.45%

3

ACEN

6.5

-0.72

-9.97%

4 5

SGP OV

336 0.01

-34 -0.001

-9.19% -9.09%

6

ION

1.28

-0.11

-7.91%

7

ORE

1.19

-0.09

-7.03%

8 9 10

PHR SFIP AR

3.13 1.68 0.0033

-0.22 -0.11 -0.0002

-6.57% -6.15% -5.71%

MOST ACTIVE 1

APL

VOLUME VALUE (PHP) 3,940,900,000 1,026,681,010.00

2 3

ACEN DITO

109,264,900 53,666,100

723,017,137.00 645,350,698.00

4 5

MRC PHA

693,455,000 199,860,000

536,231,670.00 418,308,050.00

6 7

SMPH BDO

9,966,300 2,971,630

397,098,980.00 325,604,924.00

8 9

SM ALI

263,010 6,519,600

280,988,850.00 268,840,305.00

10

MM

34,064,500

249,929,528.00

COCOON

A WEEK ago, on 6 January, supporters of US President Donald Trump marched on Capitol Hill to stop the formalization of Joe Biden’s election as the next president of the United States. The incident has left five people dead and resulted in a social media firestorm. Also on January 6, website Worldometers showed daily new COVID-19 cases breaching 800,000 for the first time. This second wave which started in October of 2020 has shown no signs of peaking, with total cases at over 91 million and total deaths at over 1.9 million worldwide. In the Philippines, Philippine vaccine czar, Carlito Galvez announced at a Senate hearing that vaccine rollout may begin as early as February but the bulk of vaccinations will occur in the second half of 2021. Health Secretary Francisco Duque also announced that the government plans to purchase 148 million doses of vaccine in 2021, enough to inoculate about half of the Philippine population. The expectation is that the entire population will be fully inoculated by 2023. As we monitor the reactions of social media giants to the Capitol Hill riot and wait for the rollout of the vaccine, we continue in our cocoons. Waves The second wave of COVID-19 is believed to have been caused by a new strain that first came to light in Europe. The USA, the worst performing country by far in terms of COVID-19 control, has logged over 23 million total cases (about 7 percent of the population) and over 385,000 deaths. Most recent daily cases for the US stood at 385,000 with California alone logging over 30,000 new cases in one day. In the Philippines, daily new COVID-19 cases peaked in August of 2020 following a gradual reopening of the economy. Since November of 2020, daily new cases have fluctuated from a little below 1,000 to a little above 2,000. The Worldometers site shows total cumulative Philippine cases at about 489,000 (about 0.44 percent of the population) and total deaths at 9,416. Current estimates place total cumulative COVID-19 cases worldwide at about 1.2 percent of the global population (without accounting for reinfections). Clearly the US’ 7 percent number is far worse than global experience. Many critics point to ineffective government response and especially confus-

ing messages from the White House as a significant contributor to the problem. But the US has also had a year of unrest and this recent riot is only one among the many that the country has had to deal with since the pandemic began. Bubble In most of the Philippines, we have been in some form of quarantine since the middle of March. While we itch to go out into the world, it seems clear that the greater good is achieved by continuing to exist in our personal bubbles, contributing to control of the disease and reaching out to the world primarily through virtual channels. It is this bubble of virtuality, though, that analysts feel contributed to the schism in the United States. It has been called an echo chamber, that bubble we unintentionally end up building around ourselves as we interact with the algorithms that select the content that seem to engage us the most and deselect material we don’t seem interested in. The ability of social media to both amplify specific messages and dampen others means that developing a balanced view of the world requires an explicit search for facts and a much more mature and nuanced use of social media, something that unfortunately very few people tend to be worrying about when they click through their mobile phones. In fact, it is this bubble of virtuality that results in widespread disinformation and avoidable harm. From groups that celebrate anorexia to those that preach against vaccination, there is a lot of harmful content on the internet. Of course, none of this is new. There has been disinformation and harmful content available even before the internet. And the algorithms that social media giants use to increase consumer engagement is nothing but wildly successful marketing, with, of course, much more sophisticated tools such as machine learning and big data. What has changed is the efficiency of the tools that are used and the vast power and reach of the giants that own and control these social media platforms. The power of the platforms come not just from their size but also from their reach, which is partly a function of the sheer accessibility of these platforms. Your mobile phone is literally always an arms-length away. In many countries, you can access mobile data in many public places such as town plazas, coffee shops or museums. In the Philippines, you get Facebook for free even if you don’t have a data plan. Cocoon What seems to be clear is that while being

in our physical bubbles protects as from the virus, our virtual bubbles can end up trapping us in a reality that we construct from our own biases. What happened last week in the United States reminded us how badly people can behave when incited. It was certainly far from the first time social media has been used to incite people to riot but it is probably the first time so many social media platforms have unilaterally acted against a sitting president of one of the most powerful countries on the planet. On 7 January, Facebook announced a block on all of President trump’s accounts on all of its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram at least to the end of his term. On 8 January, after having lifted a temporary ban, Twitter posted a notice permanently suspending the account @realDonaldTrump. Many other platforms followed with either outright bans or some other restrictions. Amid these reactions, a few analysts pointed out that much of this comes as too little, too late and point out that the situation that allowed this to happen continues to exist. In fact, this is a matter that I have had discussions both around the dinner table and in MBA classrooms. Corporate management need to balance their social responsibility with the profit imperative which is necessary if they are to stay afloat and preserve jobs. Likewise, these same platforms have also made it possible for many oppressed people and their advocates to find a voice and to make their stories heard outside of their nations. The global reach and accessibility of these social media giants have also created much good. Government regulators have a responsibility to protect the public but there is not yet consensus on how. In the meantime, it falls to us to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Education continues to be our most powerful tool. As we huddle in the protection of our homes, let us try to continue to reach out, not simply for entertainment, but for facts and news. And let us continue to build bridges not walls. Happy Wednesday, everyone. For a list of the platforms that have banned or restricted US president Trump, please check https://www.axios.com/platformssocial-media-ban-restrict-trump-d9e44f3c8366-4ba9-a8a1-7f3114f920f1.html Readers can email Maya at integrations_manila@yahoo.com. Or visit her site at http://integrations.tumblr.com.

This December 15, 2020, handout image courtesy of RoboEatz, shows the robotics startup’s food serving robot, part of its its artificial intelligence-powered autonomous robotic kitchen system that prepares, cooks and serves an array of hot and cold food dishes from soups to salads to meal bowls. AFP

Pandemic’s robot ‘heroes’ tout their value at tech show

By Rob Lever With Julie Jammot in San Francisco WASHINGTON—Robots that helped people survive and stay safe over the past year are touting their value at the tech industry’s annual extravaganza amid a pandemic which has given fresh momentum to the robotics sector. The Consumer Electronics Show, which is being held online this year due to the global crisis, includes robots that have become “heroes” for many during the coronavirus pandemic. Among those taking the virtual stage at CES are robot companions, concierges, cooks, delivery drones, medical assistants and those handling the perilous tasks of sanitizing workplaces and medical facilities. Robot companions saw surging demand in recent months as pandemic lockdowns intensified problems of isolation, especially for people in senior living homes. Amid a strict virus lockdown in France, the companion robot Cutii became a star in senior facilities. “The pandemic completely changed our business model,” said Antoine Bataille, chief executive of Cutii. “We had envisioned Cutii at people’s homes. But today we are dealing with isolation on a collective level.” The startup based in the northern French city Roubaix delivered 30 robots for free to senior facilities during the lockdowns and used the experience to improve the technology and train its teams. “Everything worked well. Every two weeks we would deliver software updates, which had to be done remotely. It’s like what Tesla does.” Cutii, which combines elements of a telepresence robot with a smart digital assistant, will be part of the show this year following its commercial launch in France and a marketing push in the United States. Cutii’s head of US operations, Richard Marshall, said the crisis has shown people need more than a smart assistant such as Google or Amazon Alexa. AFP

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

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

Business

Shell revives investment plan in LNG

companies—Atlantic Gulf & Pacific Company of Manila Inc. and Vires Energy Corp.—also filed NTPs with the HE Shell Group department. revived plans to “We had a pre-application conference with Vires Energy which plans to bring join the Philippine in FSRU and also with AG&P which has liquefied natural gas an initial agreement with San Miguel, industry after filing a notice and they also intend to bring in FSRU. Another is a subsidiary of Royal Dutch to proceed with a floating Shell Co., which also intends to bring in storage re-gasification FSRU,” Pulido said. The department is reviewing the NTP unit, an official of the applications of AG&P, Vires Energy Department of Energy said Corp and Shell Energy Philippines to Tuesday. build LNG terminal projects, according Energy Assistant Secretary Leonido to Pulido. Pulido III said during the Senate comThe Shell Group announced in 2013 mittee energy hearing that two other its decision to proceed to front-end en-

By Alena Mae S. Flores

T

gineering and design for an LNG import facility in Batangas. Five years later, it decided to push for more oil and gas exploration to find another Malampaya gas field, instead of putting up an LNG terminal. Meanwhile, AG&P plans to put up an LNG import facility in Batangas City that will supply re-gasified LNG to the 1,200-megawatt Ilijan natural gas power plant. The project with an estimated budget of $315 million will be adjacent to the Ilijan power plant, which secures natural gas from the Malampaya gas field whose supply contract will expire in June 2022. SMC Global Power Corp., the independent power producer administrator

of the Ilijan power plant, said last year it was in advanced talks with AG&P to provide LNG receiving, storage and regasification services to the Ilijan power plant and its expansion unit. A Brown Company Inc., which bought 99.995 percent of the outstanding capital of VEC, is putting up an integrated floating LNG storage and regasification terminal and a 506-megawatt floating natural gas-fired power plant in Barangay Simlong, Batangas City. VEC will build the necessary infrastructure to allow the importation of LNG as early as 2022. Pulido said two companies—First Gen Corp. and Excelerate Energy LP— were on advanced stage of development of LNG projects.

PSE INDEX CLOSING Tuesday, January 12, 2021

-46.68 PTS. 7,258.11

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES

41,520,351,772 209,701

TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES

9,741,344,399.40 86

DECLINES UNCHANGED

144 40

Foreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.0910

Japan

Yen

0.009593

0.4613

UK

Pound

1.351700

65.0046

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128947

6.2012

Switzerland

Franc

1.123343

54.0227

Canada

Dollar

0.782289

37.6211

Singapore

Dollar

0.751484

36.1396

Australia

Dollar

0.769500

37.0060

Bahrain

Dinar

2.658019

127.8268

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266546

12.8185

Brunei

Dollar

0.748671

36.0043

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000071

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.033201

1.5967

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.0938

Euro

Euro

1.215300

58.4450

Korea

Won

0.000911

0.0438

China

Yuan

0.154338

7.4223

India

Rupee

0.013614

0.6547

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.246914

11.8743

New Zealand

Dollar

0.716000

34.4332

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035691

1.7164 Source: BSP

THE Philippine Metalworkers Alliance, a member of labor group Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa, said Tuesday the additional tariffs on imported cars and vehicles will help automotive workers remain employed during the pandemic. PMA supported the government’s decision to protect local manufacturers and workers, starting with the auto parts and auto assembly sectors. “We note that throughout history, nations which eventually became industrialized had protected their manufacture, service-provider and agricultural sectors,” the group said. It said the safeguard measure imposed

CLARK BRIEFING. Former president and now Presidential Adviser on Clark Flagship Programs Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (center) and Pampanga Vice Governor Lilia Pineda (left) listen intently to a presentation led by retired Gen. Aaron Aquino, president of Clark International Airport Corp., on the agency’s upcoming master plan to develop the remaining leasable government land at the Clark Civil Aviation Complex managed by CIAC.

by the Department of Trade and Industry “pales in comparison to the various protection measures that rich countries had provided before and continue to provide to their agriculture and industries.” The DTI earlier imposed provisional safeguard duties of P70,000 for a passenger car and P110,000 for a light commercial vehicle, on top of regular tariffs. “We are thus surprised by the statement of the Chamber of Automobile Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. claiming that the provisional safeguard measures against imported vehicles ‘is yet another blow to the automotive industry,’” PMA said. The group said the safeguard measure was issued to protect the Philippine industry which CAMPI and its workers repre-

sent, which made it difficult to understand the position of CAMPI on the safeguard issue. The workers’ group said it was also surprised by CAMPI’s contention that there was risk in the short- and medium-term disruption in regional production and supply and that it would further slow down regional economic growth because of a chain reaction to other industrial sectors. As mentioned by the DTI, the safeguard measure was designed to stop the disruption in local production and supply created by the surge in imported cars, a situation exacerbated by the economic downturn amid the pandemic that impacted sales of the local automotive industry. PMA said importation of vehicles hurt local employment and that unless security

measure was imposed, local production would continue to be outrun by imports. PMA said the DTI was simply enforcing Republic Act 8800 or the Safeguard Measures Act which is consistent with the country’s commitment to the World Trade Organization. Consequently, any retaliation against the Philippines would be illegal, it said. “What is needed now is a clear way forward for the local automobile industry. Specifically, the PMA would like to see the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy program earnestly implemented, including the third tranche. Likewise, new incentives for automotive companies who have been manufacturing in the Philippines for the longest period of time should also be developed,” the group said.

SN Aboitiz-Benguet raises P18b from two banks to refinance debt SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet Inc. said Tuesday it raised P18 billion from BDO Unibank Inc. and Bank of the Philippine Islands to refinance debt and support other corporate requirements. Aboitiz Power Corp., the parent firm, said in a disclosure to the stock exchange SNAP-Benguet used the proceeds from the unsecured notes to prepay in full US dollar- and peso-denominated senior project loans to International Finance Corp., Nordic Investment Bank, BDO and BPI. SNAP-Benguet, a joint venture of Aboitiz Power and SN Power AS of Norway, acquired the 175-megawatt Ambuklao-Binga hydro power plant for $325 million through a bidding conducted by Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. in November 2007. “The remaining proceeds after prepayment will be used to fund the general corporate requirements of SN Aboitiz PowerBenguet Inc,” Aboitiz Power said. SNAP-Benguet refinanced the peso

loan component of the 2008 credit facility in September 2015 amounting to $375 million obtained from a consortium of domestic and international lenders. The proceeds of the 2015 refinancing was used to partially fund the rehabilitation of the 105-MW Ambuklao hydro power plant and the refurbishment of the 140-MW Binga hydro power plant, repay loans or advances and for other general corporate purposes. SNAP, which owns and operates the 388-MW Magat hydro on the borders of Isabela and Ifugao; the 8.5-MW Maris hydro in Isabela; and the Ambuklao and Binga hydro power plants, is also developing floating solar and other hydro projects. It is studying the development of a 67MW floating solar power project after the initial results of the pilot 200-kilowatt floating solar project over the Magat reservoir in Isabela showed positive results. Alena Mae S. Flores

OPERATION SMILE. Security Bank Corp. and Operation Smile hold a virtual signing ceremony to seal their partnership to build awareness and launch education initiatives for children born with cleft lip and palate. Leading the ceremony are (from top left) Security Bank president and chief executive Sanjiv Vohra and Operation Smile International associate director for executive projects Frederick Brindopke, along with (bottom, from left) Operation Smile Philippines country director for development Roberto Manzano, executive director Emiliano Romano and president Wigbert Dennis Funtanilla.

Dominguez: Economy likely performed better in Q4 as quarantine restrictions eased By Julito G. Rada FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Tuesday the economy likely improved in the fourth quarter of 2020 following the easing of quarantine restrictions. Dominguez said in an online event organized by the Management Association of the Philippines the restrictions in the second quarter of 2020 caused the gross domestic product to decline 16.9 percent and the unemployment rate to reach 17.7 percent.

Shopee to address concerns of riders ONLINE seller Shopee said Tuesday it will investigate concerns raised by partner riders on allegations of delays in receiving their salaries and incentive payments. “We are investigating the situation and coordinating closely with the relevant service agencies to ensure that our partner riders’ concerns are resolved promptly. We are also reviewing our engagement with our service agencies to ensure that they adhere to local labor and employment laws,” Shopee said in a statement. The company said it learned that some Shopee Xpress partner riders were preparing to file a complaint to the Department of Labor and Employment regarding the said delays in salaries and incentives. “We understand their frustration especially during these difficult times. Our partner riders play an important role in our operations, and we are extremely grateful for their hard work and the support they provide our company,” it said. SPX, one of the integrated delivery partners of Shopee, works with a number of service agencies to help source riders. Alena Mae S. Flores

Moody’s sees high jobless rate in Asia GLOBAL debt watcher Moody’s Investors Service said Tuesday the restrictions on cross-border travels implemented to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic will have a negative impact on employment situations in Asia-Pacific countries, including the Philippines. Moody’s said in a report unemployment would remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, constraining domestic consumption. “Most APAC sovereigns ended 2020 with multiyear highs in unemployment, although still generally low by global standards, despite some evidence of job market recovery as reported in India and the Philippines,” Moody’s said. It said that over the course of 2020, government measures such as wage support and extraordinary financing for vulnerable businesses avoided a more material increase in unemployment rates. Julito G. Rada

Cebu Landmasters bares P17-b projects

Safeguard duties on imported vehicles to preserve local jobs, says group By Othel V. Campos

IN BRIEF

He added the strict community quarantine measures cost the National Capital Region and its adjacent provinces some P2.1 billion in lost wages every day. “We expect to see additional improvements in the last quarter of 2020 as we have been progressively reopening businesses and accessibility to mass transportation,” Dominguez said. The GDP contracted by a slower 11.5 percent in the third quarter. On a quarteron-quarter basis, the economy actually grew by 8 percent, while unemployment

rate eased to 8.7 percent. “Nevertheless, we were still losing P700 million in wages each day in the NCR and nearby provinces due to the general community quarantine,” Dominguez said. He said the depth of the pandemic’s economic impact should be matched with bold initiatives on the part of enterprises and the government. “We need to reinvent ourselves in order to recover. Be assured that we will continue to consult and engage with you as we move to boldly reopen the economy as safely as we can,”

he said. The government’s direct response to the pandemic amounted to P2.66 trillion or 14.7 percent of GDP, including the largest social protection program in history that provided emergency cash grants to lowincome families and wage subsidies to workers in small businesses, he said. Dominguez urged banks to share the incentives granted to them by providing more loans to home buyers at lower rates. He said this should help create jobs in the construction sector.

PROPERTY Cebu Landmasters Inc. said Tuesday it plans to launch 8,000 residential units this year with total sales value of P17 billion amid strong demand despite the pandemic. CLI executive vice president and chief operating officer Franco Soberano said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the company was positive about 2021 as the global and local economies start to recover from the impact of the pandemic. “Despite the many challenges posed by the pandemic in 2020, our sales figures indicate strong revenue streams ahead and an upward growth trajectory. We found many opportunities amidst the crisis that contributed to our performance,” Soberano said. CLI launched nine projects last year worth P11.4 billion accounting for 4,300 units in fresh inventory. CLI will use properties in its landbank for new projects in 2021. “We will launch the projects as soon as external factors allow and hope to further contribute to the shared goal of economic recovery,” Soberano said. Jenniffer B. Austria

Cirtek announces program to expand production by 20% By Jenniffer B. Austria CIRTEK Holdings Philippines Corp. said Monday unit Cirtek Electronics Corp. will expand production capacity in the first quarter to boost revenues. CHPC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it would increase production of two major semiconductor customers to raise the group’s total output by 20 percent. It said the first capacity expansion was for a new product called Quad Flat No Leads Package, which is widely used for high-volume products like smart phones, PC and laptops, wireless communication and consumer electronics. These devices are seen as major factors that will boost the global semiconductor industry growth for 2021. The second major capacity expansion involves a global semiconductor company based in California which focuses on gallium nitride high-power transistors and modules for high-voltage power conversion applications. The product is for intelligent power modules that will increase efficiency and reliability in energy power system, electric chargers for electric vehicles, power adapters and inverters. CHPC said unit Cirtek Advanced Technology and Solutions Inc. would also roll out its 5G chipset for mass production. CATSI, in the middle of 2020, finalized a multi-million project with a Texas-based company for the manufacture of signal processing units and indoor radio frequency units that will be part of the system infrastructure to be used for communication services for public safety, government, utilities and industrial customers. The solution will allow for the transport of mission critical voice, data and video reliably, efficiently and securely.

Sports

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

C1

MVP Giannis propels Bucks past Magic; Hornets win

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket during the game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. AFP

Asian Beach Games, Indoor Martial Arts called off THE Philippines will no longer be preparing for two international meets this year. Organizers of the sixth Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games and the Asian Beach Games have cancelled the staging of the two events due to continuing concerns on the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. They have informed the Philippine Olympic Committee of the status of the Pan-Asian multi-sport event on indoor and martial arts sports, and this was discussed during yesterday’s executive board meeting of the POC. The AIMAG was supposed to be held from May 21 to 30 in the Thai capital city, Bangkok and the province of Chonburi. The execom also met on the status of the Asian Beach Games in the Chinese city of Sanya. It was the second time that the Asian Beach Games has been scrubbed, after the April 2020 schedule was also scratched. The event in Thailand is supposed to be the first Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, co-hosted by two cities/provinces. If it pushed through, it could have been the first edition to include badminton, BMX cycling, cheerleading, floorball, indoor rowing, netball, shooting and volleyball. Meanwhile, more than 2,000 athletes from more than 40 countries were expected to show up in Sanya. Peter Atencio

PH baseball ready for hectic schedule

T

HE Philippine Amateur Baseball Association is looking at a very hectic schedule this year, including a string of international tournaments that were affected or derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Boy Tingzon, PABA vice president, told the online version of the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday they’re gearing up for the Women’s Baseball World Cup scheduled March 1 to 9 in Tijuana, Mexico. Barring any further delay or postponement, the Philippine under-23 team is hoping to figure well in the prestigious event and improve on its world ranking of No. 15. “This is the best time for us to move up in the standings in the world. We can even break into the top 10,” said Tingzon, who was joined in the forum by PABA secretary-general Pepe Munoz. Tingzon said PABA is waiting for the go-signal from the Philippine Sports Commission for the team to plunge into

bubble training in Laguna – either in Los Banos or Calamba. He said the players are committed to do bubble training until they leave for Mexico to face powerhouse teams like Japan and Chinese-Taipei, and Canada, Mexico, United States, France, Australia, Dominican Republic and the Netherlands. “This is a world event,” added Tingzon in the webcast presented by San Miguel Corp., Go For Gold, MILO, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. Munoz said PABA is also ready to field teams to the men’s Asian Baseball Championship in October and the men’s youth 12-under, 15-under and 18-under

CONCLUDING the 7-Eleven Christmas Virtual Run for a Cause 2020 is the donation of 40,000 care packages to various local government units all over the Philippines. Each care package contained grocery items worth P500, which amounted to a total value of P20M. During the last two weeks of December 2020, 7-Eleven sent the care packages to the first batch of LGUs. The leading LGUs were Cebu City with 7,200 packages, Davao City with 6,600, Marikina City with 4,000, and Manila City with 3,000. The LGU of Tagum City in Davao del Norte has also already accepted 1,000 care packages. The remaining care packages will be sent to the following LGUs of the Province of Albay, Province of Cagayan, Province of Isabela, Province of Cavite, Quezon City, Rodriguez in Rizal, Montalban in Rizal, Muntinlupa City, Batangas City, Taguig City, Antipolo City, Makati City, Pasay City, Parañaque City, Iloilo City, and Bacolod City. The LGU beneficiaries were based on the virtual run’s participants’ votes, which can be viewed at https:// run711.com/leaderboard#/. The 7-Eleven Christmas Virtual Run for a Cause 2020 was held in partnership with PLDT, Smart, One Sports, TV 5, Cignal, Radyo 5 92.3 News FM, Gulp, Cornetto, Pocari Sweat, Del Monte Philippines, Gatorade, Summit Natural Drinking Water, Coca-Cola, C2, Nature’s Spring, San Miguel, Kopiko 78, Del Monte Fit ‘n Right, Selecta, Le Minerale, Re Fresh Mineral Water, Aquafina, Pepsi, Nutri Boost, B’lue, Wilkins, Safeguard, Zesto Fresh Pick, Mogu Mogu, Nestle Bear Brand Adult Plus, Cobra Energy Drink, Absolute, Sip Purified Water, and Under Armour.

tournaments. The 12-under and 18-under events were originally scheduled in 2020 but were moved due to the deadly pandemic. “Now, they (international federation) are slating everything this year. But it will still depend on the progress of the vaccine. Unfortunately, there is no baseball in this year’s SEA Games. But even without the SEA Games we’re going to be quite busy,” Munoz told the forum powered by SMART and has Upstream as webcast partner. “But our primary concern is the women’s team to the World Cup,” added Munoz of the team that includes players who are jumping from softball to baseball. “They don’t have enough (baseball) experience but if they perform well, we can be a contender. We’re happy that we’re in the World Cup. Korea, which is number seven (world) and Hong Kong, at number 10, will not be playing,” he said. But there are worries that some participating countries won’t show up in coming World Cup. Peter Atencio

LOS ANGELES—Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo shook off foul trouble to score 13 of his 22 points in the second half Monday as the Bucks pulled away for a 121-99 NBA victory over the Magic in Orlando. Antetokounmpo, the two-time defending NBA Most Valuable Player, showed no sign of the back spasms that forced him out of the Bucks win over Cleveland on Saturday, adding six rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots. Khris Middleton scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds and Bobby Portis chipped in 20 points off the bench as the Bucks notched their fifth win in six games. Orlando’s Nikola Vucevic led all scorers with 28 points and 13 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough in the first meeting between the teams since Milwaukee ousted Orlando in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs in August. Orlando forward Aaron Gordon threw down a dunk over Antetokounmpo early in the fourth to pull the Magic within 88-86. Antetokounmpo responded with a three-pointer and assisted on Portis’s shot from beyond the arc as the Bucks rebuilt their lead. After Gordon’s dunk, the Bucks scored 22 of the next 24 points as they put the game out of reach. “He’s growing in all ways and it was just two huge plays, because the momentum could’ve swung on the dunk,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said of Antetokounmpo’s late-game effort. In Charlotte, Gordon Hayward scored 28 of his game-high 34 points in the first quarter to fuel the Hornets’ 109-88 victory over the New York Knicks. The Hornets notched their fourth straight victory -- longer than any streak they put together last season. They got off to a brisk start, leading by as many as 17 points in the first half and never trailing in the second. The Washington Wizards notched their first home win of the season, downing the Phoenix Suns 128-107. With star guard Russell Westbrook absent with a quadriceps injury, Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 34 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. AFP

7-Eleven Christmas Virtual Run aids LGUs

Shown here are (from left) Vice Mayor Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan; Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso; Israelita Ferrer-Laquin, PhilSeven Foundation Agency Head; and Liezl Mingoa, PhilSeven Foundation Administrative Officer.

‘Thunder Kid’ returns to action at ONE: UNBREAKABLE

Lito Adiwang

TEAM Lakay mixed martial arts star Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang makes his fourth main-stage ONE Championship appearance at ONE: UNBREAKABLE on Friday, January 22. The ONE Warrior Series contract winner is set for an epic three-round strawweight mixed martial arts contest against China’s Hexigetu “Wolf Of The Grasslands” at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Adiwang, a two-time Philippine National Wushu Champion, had a fine start to his career in The Home Of Martial Arts, picking up two memorable first-

round finishes against more experienced contenders. The Filipino warrior’s heroics in the Circle pushed him to the fifth-ranked spot in the strawweight division of the ONE Athlete Rankings. However, a narrow defeat to Hiroba Minowa at ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX III sent him slightly down the pecking order. He is now ready to turn in his best performance against an opponent who enters this clash fresh off a split decision win against former ONE Strawweight World Champion Dejdamrong Sor. Am-

nuaysirichoke. Additionally, ONE’s first show of 2021 will be headlined by a monumental clash between ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Alaverdi “Babyface Killer” Ramazanov and #2-ranked contender Capitan Petchyindee Academy. Ramazanov hasn’t competed since winning the inaugural belt against “Muay Thai Boy” Zhang Chenglong at ONE: MARK OF GREATNESS in December 2019, while his opposite number enters the contest after making history. At ONE: A NEW BREED III, Capi-

tan knocked out six-time Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion Petchtanong Petchfergus in six seconds, the fastest-ever victory in ONE Super Series. In the co-main event, two grappling specialists meet in a three-round lightweight confrontation as former ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki battles American ace James Nakashima, who makes his debut in the weight class. Download the ONE Super App to catch all the action at ONE: UNBREAKABLE on January 22.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

British Olympian Pinsent calls for Tokyo games to be scrapped LONDON—British rowing great Matthew Pinsent says this year’s Tokyo Olympics should be cancelled because of the coronavirus, and the Japanese capital should then replace Paris as the host city for the 2024 Games. The four-time Olympic gold medallist tweeted that it would be “ludicrous” to host an event with thousands of people flying in from around the world. The Tokyo Games were meant to take place last year but were postponed after global sport came to a halt as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Organizers say the Games will go ahead in 2021 despite a state of emergency declared in the greater Tokyo area after a surge in virus cases. But Pinsent said the International Olympic Committee (IOC) needed to take the lead. “Once again the IOC need courageous leadership,” he tweeted. “The idea of Olympic athletes/officials/ delegations getting vaccine priority is antithetical. “The risks of an event with 000s (thousands) of people flying round the world to gather unvaccinated is ludicrous.” The 50-year-old rower, who won gold at successive Olympics from 1992 to 2004, added: “My own view is that the Summer Olympic queue should be asked to shift. Tokyo given the option of delaying until 2024, Paris move to 28 and LA (Los Angeles) 32. The athletes lose an Olympics but that’s looking likelier by the day.” Pinsent made his comments in response to a survey showing support for the postponed Games had hit a new low in Japan. Just over 80 percent of those asked by the Kyodo news agency said the Olympics should be cancelled or postponed again -- a jump from around 60 percent in a December survey by the same outlet. AFP

Sports

Olympic organizers: Cancellation fake news T OKYO—Tokyo Olympics organisers played down a poll showing plunging support for the Games on Tuesday and said a report claiming cancellation could be discussed next month was “fake news”. The comments, less than 200 days before the postponed Games start in July, come with greater Tokyo under a state of emergency over a spike in coronavirus cases and with countries around the world battling outbreaks. In a New Year’s address to staff, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto put a positive spin on a Kyodo news poll published Sunday showing 45 percent want the 2020 Games delayed again, with 35 percent favouring out-

right cancellation. “The number of people calling for it to be cancelled has only risen by about five percent,” Muto said. “The number of people calling for it to be postponed has risen a lot, but that means those people still want it to be held,” he added. “Of course, for it to be held, we have to guarantee that we hold a safe Games with anti-virus measures. If you think of it in those terms, I firm-

ly believe people will get more and more behind it.” British rowing great Matthew Pinsent has called for the Games to be cancelled and Tokyo to host the event in 2024 instead, replacing Paris. Muto also dismissed as “fake news” a Japanese media report claiming the International Olympic Committee and Tokyo 2020 organisers would debate the fate of the Games in February. “When these types of reports surface, some people might feel anxious about them,” said Muto. “I want to say that we are not thinking that way at all, and that these reports are wrong.” AFP

Olympic Rings are seen near the National Stadium, the main venue for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, in Tokyo on January 8, 2021, as Tokyo Olympics organisers insisted that the coronavirus-postponed Games will still go ahead despite Japan declaring a state of emergency less than 200 days before the opening ceremony. AFP

UP’s support dogs get boost from TopBreed, Maroons NINETEEN dogs from the Emotional Support Animals Program of the University of the Philippines Diliman received a Holiday treat from the UP Fighting Maroons Basketball Team and its newest sponsor TopBreed, the leading Philippine-made dog food brand in the country. TopBreed provided the dogs with 900 kilograms of high-quality dog food and essentials like TopB+ vitamins and ShamPooch dog shampoo. The canines underwent general check-up and deworming, and were given anti-rabies vaccines administered by the TopBreed veterinarians. TopBreed provided pet supplies to ESA handlers from the different UPD colleges and units for dogs under their supervision. Efforts were coordinated with the Friends of Campus Animals, the first campus-based animal welfare volunteer group that helps with the ESA program. UPD’s Balay Kaibigan houses the emotional support animals that also includes cats. The project became a reality when TopBreed and the UPMBT reached out to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs in early

A miracle for Denis LONG-TIME PBA fans who knew Denis Abbatuan would remember his reputation more than his name. He’s tough, fearless and won’t hesitate defending a teammate at all cost. Several times in his career, he figured in an altercation, two of them involving two of the greatest power forwards in PBA history -- Philip Cezar and Abe King -- and against the league’s most popular team, Añejo Rhum 65, then the brand being carried by Ginebra San Miguel. While driving for a layup, Cezar re-

December and volunteered to help out UP Diliman’s Emotional Support Animals Program. The program, which was launched in 2019 by then UPD Chancellor Michael Tan, provides psychosocial support for students and university staff that may experience stress, depression or anxiety. The program manages, trains and utilizes campus animals to render emotional and therapeutic support to those who need them. “The University recognizes the ability of animals to help people destress. Therapy dogs are already being tapped in universities abroad to help students deal with academic stress. But even the ESA’s were not spared from the hardships of the pandemic,” said UP Diliman Vice-Chancellor for Community Affairs Dr. Aleli Bawagan. “We appreciate the efforts of Top Breed to vaccinate and deworm UPD’s emotional support dogs and donate dog food. We look forward to more collaborations with them in the future.” Universal Robina Corporation’s Agro-Industrial Group (URC-AIG) managing director Vincent Henry Go meanwhile said “TopBreed is thrilled ceived a WWE-like clothesline tackle from Añejo import Tommy Davis, as he fell hard to the canvass. The former PBA MVP and first batch of the league’s Hall of Fame awardee, charged onto Davis, but was interrupted by the import’s partner, Jumping Joe Ward. The Scholar turned to Ward and expressed his frustration on the so-called Minister, but what happened next was a full blown riot which escalated right at Presto’s bench. Players from both squads joined in the fray in what was considered as one of the worst brawls in league history. Admittedly, Abbatuan was one of them. He was one among those who fought against the imports when all hell broke loose. “Sumugod kasi ‘yung dalawang imports. Pati si Atoy Co, naka-civilian nadamay,” Abbatuan told The Link Podcast. “Sumugod sina (Coach Sonny) Jaworski doon sa bench namin. Nangyari, ‘yung gulo sa bench namin. Siyempre, team yan, hindi mo puwedeng pabayaan ‘yung kasama mo. Pero ganu’n pa man, ‘yung rumble na ‘yun, sa game lang ‘yun. Tapos na ‘yun doon.” The other serious brawl where Abbatuan also took part of was during the altercation between King and Dante Gonzalgo of Añejo. “‘Yung isa naman, si Abe King, sinuntok

to take part in the UP Doggo Day. We are very happy to be given a chance to express our brand’s mission of providing top care to pets specially to these dogs who have provided comfort and emotional support to those in need. We

would like to commend UP for coming up with this brilliant program that benefits both animals and humans alike. We salute the University for this endeavor and for taking good care of our fur friends, the emotional support dogs.”

The canines underwent general check-up and deworming, and were given anti-rabies vaccines administered by the TopBreed veterinarians.

niya si Dante Gonzalgo,” added Abbatuan. “Pasugod si Dante sa bench namin, pinasalubungan ni Abe ng suntok.” It cost Abbatuan not just a fine and penalty, but also a scar brought about by the pelting coins coming from the Añejo fans. “Naalala mo yung malalaking piso nu’ng araw? Tinamaan ako sa ulo noon. Dumugo ulo ko noon, tinamaan ako ng piso,” added Abbatuan. A tough guy inside the court, but has a soft spot for people with needs, Abbatuan’s unforgettable story didn’t happen inside the playing court. It happened during his rookie year when he was still scrounging to make a living playing professional ball as a member of the Tanduay Rhum Makers in 1984. On the night he scored a career-high 51 points, Abbatuan shared the story behind that amazing performance, one that was guided via Divine Intervention. Molded as a tough player, the bruising forward’s faith was reinvigorated hours before the scheduled battle for third against guest team Northern Consolidated. Abbatuan was not fit to play during that day, owing to a bum stomach, but something happened in between that not only rejuvenated his body but also renewed his faith.

“Hindi ako dapat maglalaro noon dahil masakit talaga tiyan ko. I was having LBM mula gabi hanggang umaga. Umaga pa lang tumawag na ako kay Coach Sonny Reyes. Habang nasa labas ako ng bahay, may nakita akong bata. Parang batang grasa, mga nine to 10 years old. Umuupa ako noon sa Alabang malapit sa station ng train. Nu’ng nakita ko ‘yung bata, gusto ko siyang paliguan, linisan, kasi nga ang dungis niya,” recalled Abbatuan. “Nilapitan ko siya, tanong ko, gusto mo paliguan kita? Tumango lang siya. Habang pinapaliguan ko siya, walang imik. Nu’ng nabihisan ko na siya, tinanong ko siya, ‘gusto mo bang pera, may pangkain ka ba’? Umiling lang siya. Tapos umalis na siya. Simula noon, hindi ko na nakita ‘yung bata na ‘yun.” As fate would have it, Abbatuan felt renewed, re-energized hours later and decided to go to the game and play in Tanduay’s game. It was during that game where he had a breakout performance, the most points scored by a rookie during that time. “Bawat hitsa ko ng bola pasok,” added Abbatuan. “Ang lakas ko nu’ng game na ‘yun kahit sina (Tonichi) Yturri, (Yves) Dignadice, kinukuhaan ko ng rebound. Nagulat ako sa performance ko na gumawa ako ng 51 points. Gumawa pa ako sa isang quarter

Strict quarantine awaits world’s top tennis stars in Australian Open MELBOURNE—Tennis’ top stars face the threat of sanctions if they breach stringent Covid-19 protocols when they arrive this week for an Australian Open deemed by its top boss as needing a “small miracle” to go off without a hitch. The calendar’s first Grand Slam normally starts in the third week of January but planning for this year’s tournament has been a logistical nightmare for beleaguered organisers. Tennis Australia initially wanted players arriving in Melbourne by midDecember. But restrictions on international arrivals to the state of Victoria pushed back the tournament start date to February 8, with a series of WTA and ATP events being played at Melbourne the week before to ensure players are up to speed. Melbourne was the epicentre of Australia’s largest second wave outbreak of coronavirus, which prompted strict lockdown measures for four months. This grim backdrop fuelled tense negotiations between government officials, organisers and players to iron out an agreeable health security protocol for the Australian Open. The sticking point had been over allowing players to practise during the compulsory 14-day quarantine period but eventually authorities gave the green light and granted daily five-hour blocks for training and treatment. Players, however, face stricter measures compared to last year’s US and French Opens held in cities stricken by the virus and will be required to spend 19 hours daily during quarantine confined to their hotel rooms. Defending Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin admitted it was “not the most ideal situation”. “It is what it is. The rules are quite harsh, but it’s for everyone,” she said. There is also the threat of sanctions, including hefty fines, spending additional time in quarantine or deportation, if the rules are broken. Ukrainian world number five Elina Svitolina hired a mental coach in an effort to cope with the stress and uncertainty. “I think during the difficult time right now, mentally it’s very important to stay strong, to stay fresh,” she said. - ‘Just crazy’ Six-time Australian Open champion Roger Federer’s decision to withdraw -breaking his record streak of 21 straight singles appearances in Melbourne -affects the pulling power of the tournament, which was left reeling after suggestions he skipped because of the quarantine rules. The 39-year-old had two rounds of knee surgery last year and has not played since his semi-final defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open 12 months ago. “The problem is that Mirka (Federer’s wife) and their children couldn’t leave the room,” Tennis Australia’s head of player liaisons Andre Sa told Brazilian media. “They would have to stay 14 days in the room. The exception is only for players.” Just days ahead of players arriving organisers were forced into a scramble to find more accommodation after a luxury Melbourne hotel due to host them pulled out. In a late twist, it was revealed Saturday that a contingent of up to 50—including top stars Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka— would quarantine instead in Adelaide with an exhibition tournament held there prior to the Australian Open. AFP ng 26 points. Pero ‘yung nangyari sa akin doon sa bata, kapag ikinuwento ko sa mga matatanda, ang sabi nila Sto. Niño daw ‘yung pinaliguan ko. Minsan nga kapag ikinukuwento ko ‘yung storya ko kinikilabutan sila. Biruin mo nu’ng araw na ‘yun, ang hina ng katawan ko, tatlo o apat na beses akong pumupunta sa CR, tapos biglang lumakas ako nu’ng pinaliguan ko ‘yung bata.” His breakout performance may have gone in the record books as one of the all-time best single-game performances, but on that day, when he showed his great humanitarian gesture from someone in need, it was truly life changing. This is Denis Abbatuan, a stark contrast from the tough guy that we knew. The former PBA enforcer is now living a good life as a family man and they’re now based in the United Kingdom. “Talagang mabait ang Diyos sa akin,” he added. “Lahat ng hiniling ko, ibinigay niya. Ang misis ko, doctor siya dito. ‘Yung panganay na anak ko naman, abogado siya dito sa London, tapos ‘yung isang anak ko naman, manager siya ng isang company. ‘Yung bunso ko naman, artist naman siya. Nagtatrabaho siya sa University of Brighton, tapos painter din siya. So all in all, maayos ang naging buhay namin.”

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

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Viva, TV5 revive singing reality search ‘Born To Be A Star’ FIVE years ago, Viva Entertainment partnered with TV5 for a reality-singing competition where amazing voices gathered to prove themselves worthy to be called “born to be a star.” This show gave birth to the singing career of Janine Teñoso who is now hailed as the OST Princess. This month, Born To Be A Star returns to open up a new opportunity for talented individuals who want a shot at stardom. Viva is reviving this show, in cooperation with TV5, Sari-Sari, and Cignal, to remind everyone to keep reaching for their dreams no matter the circumstance. Born To Be A Star is hosted by Jowable star and singer, Kim Molina, and actor-host Matteo Guidicelli who have just worked together as judge detectives in the recently concluded Masked Singer Pilipinas. The show follows the journey of the contestants starting from audition where they are screened by Star Judges. Joining Janine Teñoso as a Star Judge is Teacher G

(Georcelly Sy), rap icon Andrew E, who was P1 million in cash and a recording and also among the judges in the 2016 show. The management contract under Viva. other two Star Judges are singer-actor Sam Born To Be A Star premieres on Jan. 30 Concepcion and singer Katrina Velarde. at 7:00 p.m. on TV5. Only 18 from the 40 successful auditionees will move on to boot camp where they will be trained by Star Mentors Thyro, Wency Cornejo, and Mark Bautista. Star Judge Teacher G also mentors in the aspect of movement and stage presence. Once the singing battle begins, elimination is not far behind. But the show will see to it that no one will leave the competition without bringing home new learnings that will empower them. While the ultimate goal is to find that one exceptional artist to win the title Born To Be A Star, the process of doing so will give each contestant a moment to own that stage, show all that they’ve got, and share their story why they are a star in their own right in their family, workplace, or Star Judges Georcelly Sy, Sam community. Concepcion, Janine Teñoso, Andrew E, The grand champion will be awarded and Katrina Velarde.

‘Born To Be A Star’ is hosted by Viva artists Matteo Guidicelli and Kim Molina.

A year of non-stop ‘Serbisyong Totoo’ for GMA Network Mrs. Queen of Hearts Philippines titleholders gathered for their 2nd anniversary Christmas caravan.

Queen of Hearts Foundation marks 2nd year

Cruz, former director of THE MMG Queen the Philippine National of Hearts Foundation, Police Academy (PNPA) Inc., producer of the and regarded as the Mrs. Queen of Hearts father of ‘Gwapulis’ Philippines pageant, ETON personalities, continues recently marked CONCEPCION to show why he is called its second ‘White by many ‘a true public Christmas’ Anniversary servant.’ celebration. Well-liked by the media since his time The MMG Foundation, Inc., headed by founder and CEO Mitzie Go-Gil, canceled as director of the PNP Police Community its anniversary event at the City Club Relations Group (PCRG) now Police Alphaland in response to the government’s Community Affairs and Development call prohibiting parties this holiday season Group (PCDAG), Cruz has embarked on but proceeded with its scheduled Christmas boosting effectivity of the government’s programs and policies in its war against Gift-Giving Caravan. On Christmas eve, the Queen of Hearts drugs barely a month after he was caravan visited various areas in Manila and appointed by the president as permanent distributed gift packs to poor families and member of the Dangerous Drugs Board street children. The anniversary celebration (DDB). Recent DBB actions include also gave a fifty thousand pesos donation for the turnover of financial assistance to the benefit of the Dumagat Tribe housing the Municipalities of Lukban, Quezon; project in Sierra Madre, Rizal Province, Candon, Ilocos Sur; Kalibo, Aklan; implemented by the Inner Wheel Club Pagadian City; and Ilocos Norte for the construction of a Community-Based Metro Premier District 381. Celebrating two fruitful years of Treatment and Rehabilitation Facility. It will be recalled that during his time as mounting humanitarian and charity outreach programs, the Queen of Hearts Foundation director of PCRG, Cruz initiated the popular has conducted 62 missions, including Tatay Digong & Da Adiks puppet show for “Dugtong Buhay,” a project providing his anti-drug education campaign in schools, lifeline to children with serious illnesses, and which featured mascots made in the likeness “Brigada Eskwela,” a program providing of President Rodrigo Duterte and then schools with supplies and books as well as PNP Chief Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa. face masks, alcohol and vitamins. This COVID-19 crisis has given the foundation’s platform a chance to be used to provide a glimmer of hope to the people burdened by the impact of the pandemic. “The frontline personnel are a special group of people. Their heroism humbles me. I wish I could have done more for them. Let’s donate and help COVID-19 frontliners,” Go-Gil said launching a campaign and initiated distribution of PPEs, face masks, face shields, alcohols, and medicines to the frontliners and several hospitals when the Usec. P/MGen. Gilberto ‘Gilbert’ DC. Cruz community lockdown started. A man of unquestionable principles and Go-Gil is assisted by the Queen of Hearts Philippines queens Mrs. Asia Pacific Global integrity, Cruz is a loving husband and 2019 Grand Winner Avon Morales, Mrs. father to (mother-daughter beauty queens) Worldwide 2019 2nd runner-up Llena Tan- Jennifer and Patricia Angela Mindanao Arcenas, Mrs. Asia Pacific Philippines Cruz. Jennifer, aka Ina Alegre, former Cosmopolitan 2019 Mary Chris Abacahin- actress and now mayor of Pola, Oriental Camacho, Mrs. Intercontinental Philippines Mindoro who had recently established the Gynes Olbes, Mrs. All Nations Philippines first Pola Community College, was 2015 Jennifer Siabug-las, Mrs. Philippines Asia Mrs. Universe Philippines. Daughter Patricia Pacific Tourism 2019 Marjorie Barillo Angela was crowned Miss Philippine Youth Orito, and Mrs. Global Universe Philippines 2020. A member of PNPA Tagapagtanggol 2020 Rosenda Casaje. With the 2020 queens Annette Supan Mendoza of Pampanga, Mrs. Class ’86, Cruz was once hailed by then Worldwide Philippines, Louise Suzanne PNP chief Nicanor Bartolome, to be highly Alba-Lopez of Quezon City, Mrs. Asia Pacific qualified to be the ‘first non-PMAer” to Global Philippines, Darling Topacio Esralin become Chief PNP with his impressive of Misamis Oriental, Mrs. Asia Pacific All talents and abilities. From creating a vastly-improved PNP Nations, Sarima Paglas of Maguindanao, Mrs. Asia Pacific Cosmopolitan Philippines, Academy facilities in just a short span of Glovel Tasico of Batangas, Mrs. Asia Pacific time and accomplishing a ‘zero coronavirus Intercontinental Philippines, and Joanna case’ among the PNPA cadets and personnel La Madrid of Iligan City, Mrs. Asia Pacific before his retirement from the service, the bemedaled and highly-esteemed Tourism Philippines. police officer is bringing his expertise and *** exemplary accomplishments at PNP to his ‘Gwapulis’ Gilbert DC. Cruz takes new position at DDB to help eradicate the action at DDB Usec. P/MGen. Gilberto ‘Gilbert’ DC. persisting drug problem in the country.

PAGEANT CONCEPT

As the year 2020 proved to be by far one of the toughest – with all the different crises brought about by the pandemic as well as natural and man-made calamities that tested the Filipino spirit.

I

N 2020, GMA Network soldiered on to deliver Serbisyong Totoo as it remained as the Filipinos’ top news and free entertainment source. Based on Nielsen Phils. TV Audience Measurement’s Total Philippines data for 2020 (from Jan. 1 to Dec. 26), GMA reached over 98.5 percent of TV households with an estimated 84.1 million viewers nationwide. GMA was also the most-watched channel in Total Philippines for the said period with 48.3 percent people audience share. In both Total Luzon and Total Visayas, GMA’s net reach was similarly at 98.6 percent of TV households, while posting 49.8 and 47.7 percent people audience shares, respectively. In Total Mindanao, GMA was able to reach 97.9 percent of TV households with 42.2 percent people audience share. The Kapuso Network started strong in 2020. For the period January to May 5, GMA was already ahead of ABS-CBN in terms of both reach and viewership before the latter went off air in May. GMA registered over 95 percent household reach and was also on top with its 33.1 percent people audience share during the said period. Primetime newscast 24 Oras, which emerged as the country’s top news program for 2020, headlines the Network’s News

and Public Affairs line-up that consistently serves as one of GMA’s main thrusts. In terms of total broadcast hours, GMA and GMA News TV devoted a combined average of 18 hours daily – from January to December 2020 – for various news and public affairs programs. GMA allotted almost 25 percent of its actual airtime to news and public affairs shows, which was equivalent to around 4.5 hours daily; while these accounted for 75 percent of GMA News TV’s programming or 13.5 hours daily on average. For radio, GMA’s flagship stations were no. 1 in both Mega Manila’s AM and FM lists. According to Nielsen’s Radio Audience Measurement, Super Radyo DZBB recorded 41.9 percent audience share among AM stations and reach of over 2.3 million listeners while Barangay LS 97.1 scored 29.5 percent audience share among FM stations and reach of 4.8 million listeners as of December 2020. Super Radyo DYSS 999 similarly took the number one spot in Cebu’s AM list with a whopping 74.6 percent audience share, while Barangay FM 107.1 bested other FM stations in Bacolod with 55.4 percent audience share as of Q4 2020. Further, DZBB delivered special coverages to provide up-to-the-minute updates on the different events that happened in the country via the Bantay COVID-19 Special Coverage, Bantay Bulkan, as well as Bantay Bagyo, Bantay Baha, Baha and now Bantay Bakuna which also aired on Dobol B sa News TV. On digital platforms, GMA News and

Public Affairs had a banner year as it led to video viewership and engagement. According to Tubular Labs data, GMA News was the most viewed news media organization in the Philippines on both YouTube and Facebook for the year. It peaked in May 2020 at the 5th spot worldwide at the height of the Luzon lockdown. GMA News was also the frontrunner for all Philippine news pages on Facebook in total engagement, based on CrowdTangle data. In addition, GMA Public Affairs reached 10 million subscribers on YouTube in April 2020, making GMA Network the first Philippine media organization with two Diamond Creator Awards from the streaming site. With 2020 being an eventful year, GMA Network faces 2021 with optimism as it recently unveiled this year’s new lineup of offerings. Kapuso viewers are set to witness the launch of its mobile digital TV receiver GMA Now following the highly-successful GMA Affordabox—which, despite the pandemic—sold almost 1 million units in only six months last year. The Kapuso Network likewise offers viewers a variety of content through its digital channels Heart of Asia and Hallypop; as well as DepEd TV that provides Filipino learners free access to DepEd’s blended learning program across the country. GMA is also set to broadcast the NCAA games on GMA-7, GMA News TV, GMA Pinoy TV, and via online streaming on the GMA portal. Viewers can expect more exciting projects from GMA as 2021 unfolds.

The boys of ‘Magandang Dilag’ FORMER “Tawag ng Tanghalan” contender JM Bales and rising OPM act KVN are thrilled at the success of their TikTok-trending song collaboration “Magandang Dilag,” which was first released in 2020 under Star Pop. JM and KVN are equally proud to have brought the song to life, which now has 1.8 million streams on Spotify, as it opened doors for them as performers. “I really prayed to have a hit song and it’s just overwhelming because this song took away my anxieties. I’m so happy and thankful,” JM shared. KVN on the other hand said he already expected the song to be a hit upon hearing its demo. “It opened a lot of opportunities for me as a singer and as a newcomer, so I’m happy that ‘Magandang Dilag’ is now enjoying a well-deserved recognition.” The viral Star Pop hit, composed by multi-awarded singer-songwriter Kiko Salazar and first heard on the swimsuit

competition of the inaugural Miss Universe Philippines pageant last year, spawned a viral TikTok dance challenge which Kiko described as a ‘dream come true’ for him as a songwriter. “I'd like to give credit to Mama J [Jonas Gaffud] because the whole idea of this song really came from him. He said, ‘This time, I want a pop song so that the girls won’t be tensed when they walk, so it has to be a bubbly pop song,’” the “Akin Ka Na Lang” hitmaker told Manila Standard Entertainment in a virtual interview. “When I was writing the song, I took half a day to listen to old Kundimans to capture the sound of ‘harana.’ Lyrically you can feel that it’s like a poem because I wanted to glorify the Filipina beauty,” he added. Aside from “Magandang Dilag,” Kiko has also produced the song “Over The Universe” sung by Jessica Sanchez and “Kalawakan” interpreted by KVN for last year’s Miss Universe PH pageant. In November, he released his After Dark Final Hour EP in celebration of his 10th anniversary in the music industry.

Life

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

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Backless two-tie strap top

FASHION AND BEAUTY

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

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BODY TALK.

Ygriega offers sizzling body con style pieces that emphasize the figure of wearers.

They are elegant and give the right amount of sexy that exudes confidence.

ts

Show off

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a r yo u

Bodycon spaghetti strap bodysuit

Eurasian beauty sizzles in her bodycon brand By Ayunan G. Gunting

S

TART-UP entrepreneur Monika Koudròglou Truong is reviving bodycon fashion as the epitome of sophistication.

Short for body conscious, bodycon is a style that uses stretchy fabric to show off an exquisite figure. Her online brand, Ygriega, offers sizzling styles that have been attracting women from all walks of life. Part Greek, Filipina, and Vietnamese, Monika was born and raised in Athens, Greece, studied business management and entrepreneurship and graduated from University of Chester in the United Kingdom. Her multicultural background and exposure to international jobs as a sales executive and journalist for Global Media, a company based in Hong Kong, was a catalyst in creating her own business. Interviewing CEOs and gov-

ernment officials, and traveling for assignments gave her the perks toward understanding the business realm and ignited her passion for communication. Her experience in modelling first opened her eyes to the world of fashion. With her striking Eurasian features, Monika was spotted and caught the attention of a Greek agent when she was 16. But she decided to put her education first, while keeping her mind open for modelling, which she then pursued at 18. Standing at 5’4”—which is petite for a model—she strutted in several fashion shows, appeared in TV commercials and print ads, and hosted special events. Monika combines her experience in fashion and her business savvy by

putting up Ygriega (Greek letter “I”). Ygriega was inspired by her roots and the hot summers in Greece and the Philippines. Monika’s debut collection Basics consists of lightweight, breathable, and stretchable spaghetti strap crop tops, one-shoulder strap crop tops, backless two-tie strap tops, mini dresses, and bodysuits in basic colors that can be worn with anything you fancy. “You would want to wear something lightweight and versatile, especially in a hot country. My bodycon outfits are stretch blends. I made tops that are breathable and silky on the skin. They are elegant and give the right amount of sexy that exudes confidence,” explains Monika. Bodycon clothes are not for the selfconscious. Ygriega’s philosophy is all about unleashing a woman’s confidence by showing off her assets. Asymmetric and halter outfits expose the beautiful

Monika Koudroglou Truong wants women of all sizes to celebrate the skin they’re in with her clothing label.

shoulders. Backless dresses reveal the cuts of the trapezius. Thigh-high dresses bare toned legs. Yet the styles don’t parade too much skin and the fabrics are thick enough to be modest. The brand’s pricing is affordable—sat-

bodyiny crop tops from P699 to P900, body suits for P850-P1,250, mini dresses on sale at P1,400-P1,500 from P2,000. To sustain its success, Monika realized promotions are important in boosting Ygriega’s visibility. “The sales depend on how often I post and the networking I do,” she shares. Asked if her market is limited, Monika explains that Ygriega doesn’t bodydiscriminate. Wearing Ygriega’s body con styles is all about appreciating the uniqueness of one’s figure, she adds. “My brand is for every body type. womThe Basics collection is for every wom an,” she emphasizes. Monika envisions her next collection to be resort-like, maybe even with a flare of athleisure. “It will be influenced by what I wear, where I travel, and what I see.” Ygriega is a brand to look out for, with its upcoming surprise collections and its plans to expand with worldwide shipping in the future.

VANITY CORNER Clean and glowing

EB Lip and Cheek Stain

Ever Bilena Eyeshadow Palette

The effects of stress and pollution, in the form of dullness and other signs of aging, are visible on the face. Using the power of Hokkaido rose extracts, a rich source of antioxidants, Nivea offers a foam cleanser that removes impurities and brightens and restores the natural radiance of the skin. The Nivea Fair and Glow Hokkaido Rose Whip Foam helps bring healthy, natural glow sans alcohol. A pea-sized amount per use goes a long way. The foam cleanser is available in leading supermarkets and drugstores and on Shopee and Lazada. The North Face x Gucci Collection consists of ready-to-wear, soft accessories, luggage and shoes, and tents and sleeping bags.

Let your color show

Even if it’s just your eyes—and a little bit of cheeks—that come in full display in this mask-wearing time, does not mean you can’t add some color and make your face shine. Local cosmetics label Ever Bilena offers a range of affordable makeup products, including its Pink Eyeshadow Palette and Brown Eyeshadow Palette, for creating fun and neutral eye makeup looks, respectively. Meanwhile the Pro Eye Color lets users create dramatic cat eye or edgy graphic liners. Multifunctional products, meanwhile, like the EB Lip and Cheek Stain is perfect for easily adding a pop of color to cheeks, lips, as well as eyes. The aforementioned products are available at leading retailers and on Shopee and Lazada.

The North Face collaborates

with a luxury label

Nivea Fair and Glow Hokkaido Rose Whip Foam.

SB19 joins Lazada Philippines E-COMMERCE giant Lazada Philippines kicks off the year by welcoming today’s hottest Filipino boy band SB19 into its star-studded roster of brand ambassadors. “With their vibrant, encouraging, and unique individual personalities, SB19 definitely lends their energetic and fresh youth to our already dynamic roster of Lazada ambassadors in the Philippines,” says Neil Trinidad, Lazada Philippines’ chief marketing officer. Sejun (John Paulo Nase), Stell (Stellvester Ajero), Josh (Josh Cullen Santos), Justin (Justin De Dios), and Ken (Felip Jhon Suson) will be part of the #NasaLazadaYan campaign, which highlights the platform’s role in helping consumers find what they need. SB19, together with Mimiyuuuh, will be featured in the #NasaLazadaYan music video to be launched on Jan. 20. “We are very honored and happy to now be part of the Lazada family. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to represent the brand we truly admire,” says SB19. Buyers can now shop conveniently for the best products,

SB19 joins Lazada Philippines’ star-studded roster of brand ambassadors.

price points, brands, and sellers through Lazada’s “smart ranking” where suggested products are ranked based on the preference and experiences of millions of shoppers, as well as Lazada’s personalization technology where relevant products are recommended based on the shopper’s search behavior.

AMERICAN outdoor sports gear is in line with the commitment of both brand The North Face injects luxury brands to eco-sustainable activities. into every adventure The luggage contains with its collaboraECONYL— a nylon tion with Italian lafabric sourced from bel Gucci. regenerated mateTo promote this rials such as fish new partnership, Gunets, carpets, and cci’s creative director other scraps. Alessandro Michele Meanwhile, the has conceived a camgarment and carpaign shot by Daniel rier bags, boxes, and Shea, set in the Alps. pouches have been In stills and video, designed to reduce as well as through the environmental content created for impact at every step TikTok, the audience of creation. Larger is led through a trip items come in shopto the great outdoors ping bags and cotton with a group of Guccovers without boxes. ci-clad hikers campAdditionally, the ing by the lakes. color palette was The special cross- The color palette of the collection inspired by the ‘70s was inspired by the ‘70s. category collection for and curated from men and women conThe North Face masists of ready-to-wear, terials library. Arsoft accessories, luggage and shoes, as chival fabrics have been partially well as tents and sleeping bags. incorporated into the collection to The North Face x Gucci Collection give them a new life.