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Health workers top priority DOH says 116,000 in Metro Manila enlist for first jab from Pfizer

By Willie Casas

COVID-19 PH

T LEAST 116,000 health workers in the National Capital Region (NCR) have signed up to get the COVID-19 vaccine, the Department of Health (DOH) said Friday. Dr. Razel Nikka Hao, deputy to the COVID-19 Surveillance and Quick Action Unit, said the number would rise as registration is still ongoing. “At this point, we are in the process of master listing for group A1 or all of the workers in frontline health care services. Since January this year, we have reached out to health care facilities and local governments to determine who will fit in the criteria, who are eligible... We are getting the numbers, which will guide our operational plans,” Hao said during an online briefing. Under the government’s COVID-19 vaccination program, workers in frontline health services are on top of the priority list. The limited COVID-19 vaccine supply, however, will trim this list based on the COVID-19 burden of the area, the local government unit’s capacity to store and distribute vaccines, and the exposure and mortality risk of individuals. Based on government records, the NCR remains the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country with 4,602 new COVID-19 cases recorded in

AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM FEBRUARY 5)

533,587 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

ACTIVE

11,058

488,274

397

RECOVERIES

NEW

‘Drop dead’, Roque snipes at detractors By Vito Barcelo

LOCAL ROUNDUP

Duque wants indemnity fund for vax victims By Willie Casas and Vito Barcelo

NEW

DEATHS

HEALTH Secretary Francisco Duque III on Friday urged for the swift creation of an indemnification fund law that seeks to compensate individuals who would suffer adverse effects from COVID-19 vaccines. Duque said since these vaccines against a novel disease are relatively new, the government must be equally prepared for any severe side effects it might bring. “Of course, we’re hoping none of this would occur but we must be ready to respond to such a possibility,” he said in Filipino.

1,894 34,255

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 333 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Health worker administers measles rubella-oral polio vaccine (MR-OPV) to children aged 0-59 months in Batangas City. Distribution of the MR-OPV vaccines has already begun as part of the supplemental immunization activity program of the Department of Health.

PALACE spokesman Harry Roque told critics of the administration to “drop dead” as he touted President Rodrigo Duterte’s achievements in building up the country’s infrastructure and for “beating COVID-19.” At the presentation of the first tunnel boring machine for the Metro Manila Subway Friday, Roque said the President would make another mark on Philippine history with the country’s first subway. “As we know the President has many critics and they will not stop until they regain power,” Roque said. “But presidents will come and go. But in the annals of Philippine history, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will be remembered for the renaissance of infrastructure, for beating COVID-19, and of course for all the social legislation that he so shepherded, including Universal Health Care and Free Tuition in State Colleges and Universities,” he said. “Let today’s event be recorded in Next page

Rody targets 2.8-m new jobs as labor force balloons amid pandemic By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Duterte administration aims to create 2.4 to 2.8 million jobs this year as part of an employment recovery strategy from the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country’s

labor market. The heads and representatives of the various offices of the government signed the Joint Memorandum Circular constituting the National Employment Recovery Strategy Task Force in a virtual ceremony Friday.

The departments of Labor and Employment, Trade and Industry, Transportation, Tourism, Budget and Management, Education, Interior and Local Government, Social Welfare and Development, Science and Technology as well as the Technical Education and

Skills Development Authority signed a joint memorandum circular Friday creating the National Employment Recovery Strategy Task Force. NERS is a medium-term plan geared towards creating employment opportunities Next page

NICA to Reds in gov’t: We know who you are By Joyce Pangco Pañares and Rey Requejo

ment workers, including those belonging to the COURAGE labor group, of being members or supporters of the THE National Intelligence Coordinat- Communist Party of the Philippines. In a radio interview, NICA direcing Agency has accused some govern-

tor-general Alex Monteagudo said government agencies have been infiltrated by the CPP. “We know who they are, that they are even party members, supporters of the CPP. But we also want them to know that we know,” Monteagudo said. “They know that we know, that the security forces know who they are and we are watching them,” he added. Bayan Muna Rep. Ferdinand Gaite, a former national president of the Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Next page

PRESSING ISSUES. Militant groups hold placards during a protest rally to press for the resolution of various issues that the country faces amid the pandemic such as mass testing for COVID-19, wage hike, ‘red-tagging’ and the opposition to the anti-terror law on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. Norman Cruz

Marcos rejects pork imports By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Imee Marcos warned that importation might kill the local pork industry faster than African Swine Fever as she asked the Department of Agriculture to start its probe of the hoarding of pork products. Marcos, who chairs the Senate committee on economic affairs, said the hoarding might be causing an artificial hike in market prices amid the spread of ASF, particularly in Luzon. She called on the government to pre-

vent pork importers from taking over local market supply and pushing Filipino producers out of business. Marcos’s Senate Resolution 619 calling the government’s consumer price arbiters to an inquiry will be taken up in a joint hearing of the committees on agriculture, food and agrarian reform and trade, commerce and entrepreneurship on Monday. She said importation amid the COVID-19 pandemic meant more local jobs would be lost and would be Next page

CHANGE OF COMMAND. President Rodrigo Duterte salutes incoming Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lieutenant Gen. Cirilito Sobejana during the AFP Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on February 4, 2021. Sobejana succeeds Gen. Gilbert Gapay who has reached retirement age. Robinson Niñal

Napoles convicted anew; Ligot wealth ill-gotten By Maricel V. Cruz BUSINESSWOMAN Janet Lim Napoles, former Cagayan de Oro Rep. Constantino Jaraula and three others were convicted of multiple counts of graft and malversation by the Sandiganbayan in connection with the P10billion pork barrel scam. The anti-graft court, in a 103-page decision, ruled that Napoles, Jaraula and three others committed three counts of graft and three counts malversation charges for pocketing at least P19.2 million of the lawmaker’s Priority Development Assistance Fund allo-

Napoles

Ligot

cation or pork barrel. ment (CARED) Foundation to siphon It said the accused used the state-run off government funds. Technology Resource Center (TRC) Napoles, Jaraula as well as TRC ofand the Napoles-owned Countrywide ficials Rosalinda Lacsamana, Belinda Next page Agri and Rural Economic Develop-

News

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Power lifeliners’ relief plan hailed By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s approval of the extension of the no-disconnection policy to “lifeliners” or the low income households gives a timely and much-needed relief following Senator Sherwin Gatchalian’s appeal to the Energy Regulatory Commission and distribution utilities.

bills after having been allowed to defer payment last year at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, He also asked Meralco to study the possibility of extending their no-disconnection policy for underprivileged consumers. Given the ongoing public health issue, Go also urged the government to look into the matter and prioritize the welfare of ordinary Filipinos by finding ways to avoid putting any additional burden on those who are already struggling to make ends meet. Meralco’s no-disconnection policy was supposed to end on December 31 last year, but was further extended until the end of January. Vice-President and Head of Corporate Communications at Meralco, Joe Zaldarriaga, said that households con-

suming 201 kilowatt-hours (kWh) or more were asked to settle their unpaid bills last month, while those consuming 200 kWh and below were allowed to pay until the end of January. Meanwhile, Assistant Majority Leader and Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas, senior vice chair of the House Committee on Energy, thanked Duterte for extending the “no power disconnection policy” for “lifeliners” until the end of February, saying that this would greatly help poor families who already have to cope with high food prices. “I wish to thank President Duterte for this concrete show of compassion towards poor Filipino families. This will be of great help to poor families having a hard time coping with the rising food prices,” Vargas said

He said the President’s order indicated that Malacañang found merit in considering the move for the benefit of the unprivileged consumers. “I do hope, however, that this policy will be maintained until the lifting of the general community quarantine,” said Gatchalian. The financial struggle of the lifeline consumers, he said, might not end even after the

public health crisis had been hurdled. “But we have somehow helped ease their burden by ensuring their continuous electricity supply,” said Gatchalian. Earlier, Senator Christopher Go has urged the utility company to show more compassion to their consumers following Meralco’s issuance of disconnection notices to some of its consumers who have not completely settled their

Local... From A1

WHO beset by issues on new COVID-19 variants

On Wednesday, the city government of Marikina announced that it has set aside a local indemnification fund to assist residents who would suffer from severe adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines.

Testing for UK variant slows down

The Department of Health said on Friday that funding problems are slowing down the country’s procurement of additional laboratory supplies and reagents needed to detect the UK variant of the coronavirus. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said funding for these supplies was not included in the DOH’s P203-billion budget for 2021 because the new coronavirus variant was not present here when the agency made the budget proposal in 2020. Vergeire had earlier said the Philippine Genome Center, the University of the Philippines National Institute of Health and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine would need a combined amount of P362 million. “Definitely, the government will procure these supplies. We are just looking for an appropriate source of funds,” she added.

1,894 new cases logged

The Philippines logged on Friday 1,894 new cases COVID-19, bringing the total to 533,587, as six laboratories failed to submit their data on time. There were 61 new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 11,058. On the other hand, 397 patients recovered from the disease, bringing the total recoveries to 488,274, which is 91.5 percent of the total. This left 34,255 active cases, which is 6.4 percent of the total number of cases. Of the active cases, 89 percent are mild; 6 percent are asymptomatic; 2.3 percent are critical; 2.2 percent are severe; and 0.51 percent are moderate.

Gov’t officials can leave without testing

Government officials and employees will be allowed to go abroad on official business without undergoing COVID-19 testing, the Palace said Friday. The new rule was approved during the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases’ (IATF-EID), presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.

Napoles... From A1 Concepcion and Mylene Incarnation have been sentenced from six to 10 years of imprisonment each of their respective graft convictions They were also sentenced 12 to 18 years for each count of malversation conviction. The anti-graft court also ordered Napoles, Jaraula and three to pay the government at least P56 million.

‘Drop... From A1 the annals of Philippine history as another first of the Duterte administration. And to his critics, I have only this to say: Manigas kayong lahat (Drop dead),” he added. Roque said having a subway means the Philippines has a modern transportation system and said President Duterte would be remembered for it. “The arrival of this equipment is significant because it contributes further to what I have described as the renaissance of Philippine infrastructure,” he said. The subway is expected to operate

A WORLD Health Organization chief appealed Friday for European nations and Big Pharma to unite in the struggle to accelerate coronavirus inoculations, expressing concern about the effectiveness of vaccines on virus variants. “We need to join up to speed up vaccinations,” WHO Europe director Hans Kluge told AFP in an interview. “Otherwise competing pharmaceutical companies (must) join efforts to drastically increase production capacity... that’s what we need.”

WORLD ROUNDUP

a cruel reminder that the virus still has the upper hand on the human being.”

J&J seeks authorization for single-shot vaccine

Senate to look into Comelec’s voter list-up bid By Macon Ramos-Araneta WITH less than eight months left before the September 30 deadline, the Senate can help the Commission on Elections craft guidelines for the conduct of the 2022 elections in COVID-19 pandemic time, Senator Francis Pangilinan said Friday. In Senate Resolution 639, Pangilinan asked that the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation conduct an inquiry into the slow progress of voters’ registration and the preparedness of Comelec to conduct the 2022 national and local elections during the pandemic. “While elections are in May 2022, many of the preparations like the voters’ registration are already happening. Because choosing leaders through elections is integral to democracy, we need to know the problems Comelec is encountering now,” Pangilinan said. In SR 639, Pangilinan pointed out the Comelec report was lagging behind its target of registering four million new voters. He joined Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon in encouraging everyone, especially the youth, to register. He also called for deactivated voters to participate again in the coming 2022 elections. Comelec deactivated around seven million voters due to non-participation in two consecutive elections. Out of the seven million voters, only around 700,000 individuals have reactivated their records at the Comelec. Quarantine restrictions, limited transportation, and the public’s fear of the COVID-19 virus have been major factors in the slow and low turnout in voters’ registration.

Asked whether the vaccines available since December would be effective against new virus variants, Kluge replied: “That’s the big question. I’m concerned.” “We have to be prepared” for new problematic mutations of the virus, he warned, calling on countries to expand their genomic sequencing capacity. “It’s

Pharma giant Johnson & Johnson asked US regulators for emergency authorization of its vaccine, which offers logistical advantages compared to the already approved Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna shots because it does not require two doses or super-cold storage. AFP

ready issued emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are administered in two doses. According to the government plan, the vaccines will first go to COVID-19 dedicated hospitals, then to COVID-19 referral hospitals, followed by Department of Health-owned hospitals, LGU hospitals, hospitals for uniformed personnel, and private hospitals. FDA Director General Eric Domingo said last month that interim data from the ongoing phase 3 trials showed that the Pfizer vaccine has an efficacy of 95 percent in the study population and at least 92 percent among all racial groups. The vaccine requires ultra cold storage. Earlier, the government said health workers and employees of Philippine General Hospital in Manila, the Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City, and the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium

(Tala Hospital) in Caloocan City will be among the first to be vaccinated. The Philippines will initially receive 117,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine through the COVAX Facility in mid-February. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was the first to secure an EUA from the FDA. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said master listing and data management are integral pre-implementation planning activities being done across hospitals and local government units, especially in the context of the upcoming COVID vaccine deployment across the country. “Because of the limited supply of COVID vaccines globally, we need to do prioritization,” she said. Master listing with demographics and health profiles will enable identification of eligible population groups to guide operational planning and create a central database needed for efficient post-vaccine monitoring, she added.

and improving employability of Filipinos while taking into consideration the changes in the labor market brought by the pandemic and the fast adoption of the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. “Let me convey my appreciation to all the agencies that contributed to our endeavor to generate more employment opportunities and to improve the employability of our workers through the NERS,” said DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III in his opening statement. “This JMC will fortify our collective undertaking as a Task Force working to develop a policy environment that encourages the generation of more employment opportunities, improves employability and productivity of workers, and supports existing and emerging

businesses,” the DOLE chief said. “This is in alignment with the overall economic recovery strategy espoused in the updated Philippine Development Plan 20172022 and the ReCharge PH,” he added. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, among those who signed the JMC, said that while gradual recovery was expected this year, “we are also cognizant that there will be a substantial increase in labor force in 2022 as the first batch of the K-12 program will be graduating from college and are expected to join the labor force.” “So there will be additional workers next year that will make our unemployment rate challenging so about 2.4 to 2.8 million jobs must be created this year,” Nograles said during the virtual signing event of the JMC. At the same time, Bello said they would continue to coordinate with stakeholders as they would both look forward to a better future.

“We, at the Department of Labor and Employment, are looking forward to our stronger engagement with our stakeholders from the private sector, labor and employer groups so that as one, we heal, recover, and enjoy the fruits of a recharged and reinvigorated labor market,” he added. Bello also reported that last week, the Philippine Statistics Authority released the full Gross Domestic Product output for 2020 showing a -9.5 percent contraction of the economy. He said the situation of the labor market was not far from this picture as we registered record-highs and lows in our key employment indicators last year. “Based on the Annual Estimates of the Labor Force Survey, the employment rate is at 89.8 percent, while the unemployment rate is at 10.2 percent - the lowest and highest, respectively, since 2005,” Bello added.

But Jaraula was the only accused who was convicted of three counts of direct bribery charges for receiving P2 million from Napoles. He was also asked by the court to return P6 million to the government or P2 million for each count of direct bribery conviction. Meanwhile, retired Lt. Gen. Jacinto Ligot, his wife Erlinda, their three children and two other members of his immediate family members were ordered to return P102 million of their ill-gotten assets to the government. In a 70-page ruling, the Sandigan-

bayan declared as “ill-gotten wealth” the P102 million of the Ligot’s family assets as these did not match his lawful income from 2001 to 2004 which only amounted to P2.8 million. “In 1982, General Ligot had a net worth of P105,000 based on his SALN (Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth). By 2003, he declared a net worth of P3.248 million. Yet, as the evidence shows, he was able to acquire the above listed properties with a total cost of P108,154,832.95 million which he did not declare in his SALNs for 1982

to 2003,” the anti-graft court said. Ligot was the AFP deputy chief of staff for comptrollership (J-6) from July 1999 to March 2001. The Ombudsman has filed several cases against Ligot and members of his family for allegedly amassing millions of pesos in unexplained wealth, including several hectares of land in Bukidnon and Rizal, high-end condominium units, houses and lots in the United States, motor vehicles, and millions of pesos in bank placements and deposits.

Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE), said the “baseless” accusation has a “chilling effect” for labor groups and unions of government employees. “This is not new. They’ve been making that false accusation since time immemorial, without any iota of evidence. COURAGE was established in 1986 and has remained at the forefront of pushing for the rights of government workers,” Gaite told Manila Standard in an interview. “This is tantamount to a witch hunt. As long as you are critical of the government or you have a position that is contrary to that of the government, you can be easily red-tagged,” he added. Monteagudo claimed communist supporters have been entrenched in various state agencies even before President Rodrigo Duterte took office in 2016. “Reds have already infiltrated the government with their 52 years of existence. Almost all government agencies have been infiltrated in those 52 years,” the NICA chief said. “Their primary function is to recruit more, to influence, to agitate and to indoctrinate and to act as eyes and ears of the CPP,” he added. Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra allayed fears over the perceived “vagueness” in the controversial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, saying this has been sufficiently addressed in the implementing rules and regulation crafted by the inter-agency group led by the DOJ. “Ambiguity in the law itself… has been given remedy by the IRR that was crafted by an inter-agency group led by the DOJ,” Guevarra said in a media briefing. “We are hoping that with the IRR, the vagueness in the provisions of the law have been somehow remedied. We will leave it to the SC (Supreme Court) to resolve if the alleged vagueness has actually been remedied by the IRR,” he added.

“Compare that to its market price of as much as P450 per kilo. Even if you add cold chain, storage and outlet delivery costs, the meat importer’s costs would only amount to about P153 per kilo,” Marcos said. Besides arresting hoarders and profiteers, Marcos said the government could also bring down meat prices by subsidizing the cost of transporting pork products to Luzon, which imports about 80 percent of its supply from the Visayas and Mindanao. The slaughter of local hog raisers, she said, would begin if the DA executed its plan to raise the minimum access volume of pork imports by as much as three times the present

54,000 metric tons. “The DA may be overcompensating in its rush to increase imports to reduce consumer prices,” she said. “It may deal the coup de grace to our pork industry before Vietnam could release a vaccine against African swine fever later this year,” Marcos added. Furthermore, Marcos pointed out that the DA got the single biggest item for emergency and stimulus funding under Bayanihan 2, amounting to P24 billion. “DA’s spending must be investigated, as well as the failure of the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) to implement its suggested retail prices,” Marcos said.

Health... From A1 the last two weeks. Manila Vice Mayor Honey LacunaPangan, a doctor, said at least 80,000 Manila city residents pre-registered for Manila’s COVID-19 vaccination program. Lacuna-Pangan said that the city has also prepared an alternate list in the event that those who are set to receive the COVID-19 back out at the last minute. The first batch of COVID-19 vaccines from the COVAX facility, which include that of Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca, is due to arrive within the first quarter and is expected to be deployed in COVID-19 referral hospitals in Metro Manila. The initial doses will include at least 117,000 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech and 5.5 million doses from AstraZeneca. Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccines, which were al-

Rody... From A1

partially by 2022 and fully operate by 2026. The total cost of the subway is estimated at P393 billion. The cutter head, which weighs about 74 tons, is the largest part of a tunnel boring machine, and can break, cut, and grind rocks and soil using its rotating 36-piece disc cutter. More tunneling equipment and materials are expected to arrive this month. A total of 25 tunnel boring machines will be used for the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP). The partial operability section of the MMSP’s first phase, including the construction of the depot and four stations from East Valenzuela to North Avenue in Quezon City began construction in 2019.

Marcos... From A1 surrendering the country’s food security to foreigners. She said many local hog raisers had shut down their business. Prices of pork imports from the United States, Canada, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Brazil suggested excessive profits were being made at the expense of consumers. Marcos said the import cost of a 40-foot container of frozen pork belly (liempo) from Spain was P117.87 per kilo, already including a 40 percent tariff.

NICA... From A1

BIÑAN CELEBRATES 11TH CITYHOOD ANNIVERSARY Text by Roy Tomandao Photos by Biñan City Information Office

IÑAN CITY, Laguna—Biñan City celebrates its 11th charter anniversary this week with civic activities to mark the occasion.

“As we celebrate our cityhood anniversary, we are also celebrating our milestone achievements that highlight and ignite the spirit of unity and pride for Biñan City,” Mayor Walfredo “Arman” R. Dimaguila Jr. said. This year’s celebration continues to bring opportunities, investment, employment, and livelihood, and recognize the roles and contributions of Biñanenses in the development and resilience of the city amid the pandemic. “For this year, one of the new activities is the ‘Pagkilala sa mga kuwentong Biñanense tungo sa paghilom at pagbangon,’ giving them an opportunity to recognize the significant roles of individuals in the community,” Dimaguila stressed. Other activities lined up are the Unveiling of the Plaza Development Plan, Paseo ng Banda, Online Konsiyerto, Thanksgiving Dinner for HOA Presidents, Pasasalamat sa mga Beteranong Biñanense, Film Viewing, Contemporary Dance Competition, National Choral Competition, Gabi ng Pagkilala, Unveiling of Local Historical Markers, Webinar on Biñan’s History, and Pagkilala sa Manggagawa ng Turismo.

Walfredo ‘Arman’ R. Dimaguila Jr. Biñan City Mayor

Angelo ‘Gel’ B. Alonte Biñan City Vice Mayor

Marlyn ‘Len’ Alonte-Naguiat Representative of Biñan City Lone District

Bryan Jayson T. Borja Head of Biñan City Culture History Arts and Tourism Office Mayor Arman R. Dimaguila and Vice Mayor Angelo Alonte and Sangguniang Panglunsod Members photo opportunity in Plaza Rizal

Mayor Arman Dimaguila and VicE Mayor Angelo Alonte at the unveiling of local historical markers held in celebration of the 274th Founding Anniversary of Biñan being a Barrio last February 4, 2021.

Biñan City Mayor Arman R. Dimaguila and Vice Mayor Angelo Alonte with Sanguniang Panglunsod Members City Mayor Arman Dimaguila and City Vice Mayor Angelo Alonte received a souvenir together with City information Officer Roman E. Carencia and City Information Office staff for photo opportunity after the Press Conference initiated by the CIO

Laguna Tourism Officers with Ms. Lourdes E. Dimaguila, Cong. Ruth Hernandez, Cong. Len AlonteNaguiat, Cong. Sol Aragones, Gov. Ramil Hernandez The 10 Biñanense were recognized in conjunction with the celebration of the 76th and Vice Mayor Gel Alonte together with tourism Anniversary of Biñan Independence. workers.

Battling COVID-19 highlights Biñan charter anniversary BIÑAN CITY, Laguna—Today, there is reason for Biñan City to celebrate three-fold: it’s the city’s 11th Cityhood Anniversary, 76th Liberation Anniversary, and 274th Foundation Anniversary. City officials have a lot of things lined up for the three-day long celebration amid the COVID-19 pandemic, aptly themed, “Araw ng Biñan 2021: Paghilom at Pagbangon” (Biñan Day 2021: Healing and Rising). On February 2, 2010, Biñan became a component city, the 4th city of the province of Laguna, and 139th in the Philippines by virtue of Republic Act 9740. It is a special non-working holiday for the city marked by various activities, including a Thanksgiving Mass, Paseo de Banda, press conference, online konsiyerto, heroes’ memorial, online film viewing, online dance competition, online choral festival, unveiling of local historical markers, online seminar (webinar), and recognition rites. At 11, Biñan City is one of the youngest cities in the Philippines. But it has already become a frontrunner in its class in terms of competitiveness and quality of life for its residents. Prior to its cityhood in 2010, Biñan was the richest municipality in the Philippines with an annual gross income of P677 million (US$14.383 million) and net income of P250 million (US$5.308 million), as of 2007 by the Commission on Audit. Biñan also known as Biniang, has become both a suburban residential community of Metro Manila and a location for some of the Philippines’ largest industrial estates and export processing zones. Then and today, Biñan City is known as the “Trading and Commerce Center of the South.” In recent years, Biñan City was adjudged the Most Business-Friendly City in the Philippines by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; among the Top 3 Most Competitive Highly Urbanized Cities in Government Efficiency by the National Competitive Council; and Most Child-Friendly City in the Calabarzon Region by the Regional Council for the Welfare of Children. On its 11th year of cityhood, Biñan City will unveil its Plaza Development Plan and other city project plans, with City Mayor Arman Dimaguila hoping that this flagship project will serve as an effective vehicle for instilling among residents a proper appreciation of Biñan’s past. “[Few] people know how important a role

Biñan [City] has played throughout history. Hindi nangangahulugan na dahil tayo lang ang nandito ay tayo lang ang nagdiriwang. Kasama natin ang ating mga magigiting na frontliners sa pagdiriwang ngayon bagamat wala sila rito,” Dimaguila told the audience during the opening rites. “Dahil sa pandemic, ibang klase ang celebration natin. Ang Araw ng Biñan ay araw ng pagkilala sa kontribusyon ng mga taga-Biñan with the theme, ‘Paghilom at Pagbangon’. Kinakailangang bumangon ng ating lungsod,” he added. “Ang Lungsod ng Biñan ay tinaguriang ‘City of Life.’ Pero dahil kasama ang komersyo na nag-suffer dahil sa sunodsunod na kaganapan noong nakaraang taon, ang Taal eruption, ang COVID-19 pandemic pati ang mga bagyo na nagdulot ng napakalaking problema sa ating kababayan. Ngunit sa kabila nito, ipinakita pa rin natin ang pagkakaisa,” the mayor said. “Babangon po tayo. Ang Araw ng Biñan ay di lang tungkol sa parada. Ang Araw ng Biñan ay ang pagdiriwang kahit hindi samasama,” the city mayor stressed. The Biñan City government has set aside traditional charter anniversary activities from Tuesday to Thursday as it concentrated on efforts to fight the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In his message for the city’s 11th Charter Anniversary, Vice Mayor Gel Alonte said that all activities in the city are geared toward ending the health crisis that has disrupted

Biñan’s economic activities in the past year. “Sa napakaraming pagsubok na pinagdaanan natin nitong nakalipas na taon, dapat lang na ating ipagpasalamat at ating ipagpatuloy ang ating kaligtasan at magandang pangangatawan,” Alonte said. “We are here gathering to witness the celebration of our 11th Cityhood, 76th Liberation and 274th Foundation Anniversaries with theme ‘Paghilom at Pagbangon.’ Tatlong araw na selebrasyon na mostly online, ngunit higit na mahalaga ang pagkilala sa mga natatanging mga Biñanense na tumulong at umagapay sa gitna ng mga pagsubok,” the vice mayor stressed. “Everyone knows that amid these kinds of situations, we did not lose hope and remained faithful. As we face the threats of (the) COVID-19 pandemic, I have a strong faith in God, and, with the unity of my fellow officials and Biñanenses, that we will survive this,” Alonte said. Biñan City Lone District Representative Len Alonte-Naguiat said that although they have to do away with activities that may cause mass gathering of people, some of them will continue. She thanked everyone who were part of making Biñan a city 11 years ago.“Una, gusto ko lang magpasalamat sa ating mga kasama 11 years ago na ipinaglaban maging city ang Biñan. Gusto kong samantalahin ang pagkakataon na kilalanin ang dalawang hero para sa akin: Mayor Arman at Vice Gel. Congratulations Mayor, mabuhay kayo. Thank you. Inaasahan ko po na itong

panahon ng ating paghilom, patuloy pa rin tayong magtutulungan at magkakahawak kamay,” Alonte-Naguiat said. TOURISM Biñan City Tourism and Cultural Officer Bryan Jayson Borja explained that the celebration will be held in three days but will be less extravagant, and Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) health protocols will be strictly adhered to. He said the city has opted to put less flair on the yearly celebration to focus on containing the spread of the disease and other priority activities in response to the health crisis. “Amidst the current crisis faced not just by our city, but of the whole world, may we find the deeper meaning of this significant milestone in the hearts of every people of Biñan, that we will rise from this challenge soon,” Borja told The Manila Standard. “Tuloy ang celebration pero ipapatupad natin ang IATF protocols tulad ng social distancing, pagsusuot ng face masks, ng face shields at pag-monitor ng temperatures ng lahat ng a-attend as live audience. Lahat ng events, hindi open for all. Selected lang ang maaaring mag-attend ng live audience, pero lahat ng naman ng events ay live sa ating social media accounts,” he added.

“Patuloy ang Pamahalaang Lungsod sa pagbibigay ng mga makabagong serbisyo sa ating mamamayan: health, education, livelihood, and others,” Borja said. “Nagpapasalamat din ang ating mga pamunuan sa pangunguna ni Mayor Dimaguila, Vice Mayor Gel Alonte, Congresswoman Len Alonte, mga konsehal ng bayan at mga kapitan sa lahat ng mga sumuporta sa makasining, makaturismo at makasaysayang gawain sa Biñan. Sa Biñan, mamamayan ay maaasahan,” he said. Biñan has installed multi-layered health screening devices along its commercial establishments and government buildings that allowed it to begin to gradually open its gates.

“All visitors and travelers who plan to visit Biñan City should, however, expect strict health screening before entering for the safety and security of the community,” Borja said. Borja said everyone has to abide by the requirements of the “new normal.” “It’s everybody’s responsibility to adhere to the safety protocols set by the authorities as COVID-19 still lurks in places or individuals we never know,” the Tourism officer said. Although there were face-to-face Opening Rites at Plaza Rizal on Feb. 2, the people gathered were very few and far between, and most of the celebration was beamed online through the city’s official Facebook page. During the press conference, Mayor Dimaguila discussed the COVID-19 vaccine, as a handful of local officials sealed crucial deals for the jabs. He ensured that officials would check the effectiveness and cost of the vaccine. “Buo ang tiwala natin sa mga companies, pero kailangan balansehin ang efficacy sa pagiging mura. Kung mabigyan ng more effective at mas mura, ito ang common sense na pagbabatayan natin. March pa ang pagdating ng bakuna,” he said. The mayor said that in times of crisis, such as the coronavirus pandemic, it helps to be intentionally spiritual to bolster attitudes and actions in a God-honoring way. “While challenges remain, and a great deal of work lies ahead, all of this positive movement should fill us with optimism and energy as we celebrate Araw ng Biñan 2021,” Mayor Dimaguila said. Roy Tomandao

Opinion

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021 Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Lifeline FINALLY, after weeks of depressing news —from car seats with illogical height and age requirements to motor vehicle inspection scam, we get to hear some good ones. While I may not agree one hundred percent with the government’s pampering of the impoverished sector at the expense of the middle class, I would make an exemption for this as I believe this is a legitimate concern, especially in the midst of this pandemic. Earlier this week, the House of Representatives panel led by House Energy chair, Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel Arroyo and the Senate panel led by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, approved the reconciled version of the Extension of Lifeline Rates that seeks to extend the lifeline rate subsidy set to expire on June 26 this year. It could be recalled that Section 73 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act originally provided for a lifeline rate for the marginalized end-users that was set by the Energy Regulatory Commission, exempting them from the cross-subsidy phaseout, for a period of ten years, unless extended by law.

The extended subsidy ensures that poor Filipino families could continue to enjoy some relief from the high cost of electricity, especially during this time of pandemic. The proposed measure extends the implementation of the said subsidy mechanism for the benefit of the marginalized household consumers for another ten years, or until 2031. Arroyo underscored the pressing need to immediately extend the lifeline rate subsidy so that “poor Filipino families could continue to enjoy some relief from the high cost of electricity, especially during this time of pandemic.” The bill, Arroyo adds, also enhances the present lifeline rate subsidy mechanism to ensure the actual beneficiaries of the said subsidy are indeed marginalized consumers through modes of validation and prevention of leaks. The proposed law also mandates that aside from the level of consumption, other requirements should be simplified and reasonable so that poor households could really benefit from the said subsidy. Christmas may have long been over but this could still probably be the best gift the poor members of our society could have received especially in the midst of this fi-

EDITORIAL

nance-draining pandemic. *** Another piece of good news. The House Transportation Committee bared it will look into the mounting complaints over the implementation of the Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Inspection System project which was carried out despite the panel’s request for proper inspection before roll out. Committee chairman Samar Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento said that the growing public outrage over the premature implementation of the MVIS is not surprising because early on, the DoTr was already warned about its potential flaws. In fact, Sarmiento wrote a letter to DoTr Secretary Arthur Tugade on September 16, 2020 requesting him to defer the implementation of the MVIS project until after his panel conducts an inspection of a completed Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center. Sarmiento reminded Tugade of the motion which was raised and approved during the House Transportation Committee’s December 11,2019 hearing that touched on the issue about the MVIS. During the hearing where DoTr officials led by DoTr Undersecretary Mark De Leon and Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Edgar Galvante made a presentation about the MVIS project, several congressmen and transport leaders questioned the absence of stakeholders’ consultation before the crafting of the MVIS guidelines. Sarmiento said that during the same hearing, panel members expressed doubts on the readiness of the DoTr to simultaneously roll out the project at the projected time. Unsatisfied with the answer of Galvante on questions about the cost of putting up PMVIC facilities and how much a vehicle would pay for each motor vehicle inspection, Marikina Congressman and former Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando motioned to ask the DOTr and the LTO to hold in abeyance the implementation of the MVIS project. Upon the suggestion of Bukidnon Rep. Manuel Zubiri, Sarmiento said that his panel agreed to review the MVIS project before the LTO starts full implementation and this would include the opening of a pilot center which would be inspected by the transportation committee. The DoTr bypassed the request of Congress and rolled out the MVIS project. Thus, it is now generating protests among motorists who have been caught up by the new system of registering vehicles. For one, Sarmiento noted that apart from the fact that the cost of inspection in these PMVICs is questionable, there are also complaints that the system and its evaluation protocols are seriously flawed. There are even reports of vehicles that were damaged during the process of inspection because of system incompatibilities. Sarmiento added that it doesn’t make sense that even newly purchased private vehicles that are under five years old are being subjected to the MVIS but public utility vehicles which are obviously more prone to wear-and-tear are not required to go through the same process.

General Rizal

THIS is not about the prolific national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, who needs no introduction. This piece is about the other hero who also happened to be a Rizal and the older brother of the great author of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. This is about the little-known but equally patriotic General Paciano Rizal. While Dr. Rizal is considered by some as a reformist, or someone who wanted to have changes in Spain’s treatment of the Filipinos without necessarily fighting for independence, Gen. Paciano is seen as more radical. He was a revolutionary through and through. Paciano was the mentor of his younger brother Jose. In modern activist parlance, he was Jose’s political officer (PO). So much so that when Jose left for Europe, patriotism was already deeply ingrained in him. Paciano was Jose’s primary but quiet financier, supporter, and co-conspirator in the latter’s journey to greatness. He was perhaps the biggest influence in Jose’s life. While Jose operated aboveground and in a high profi le manner, Paciano chose to be unseen, like he was underground. This is not to say that the older Rizal was a passive hero. Born on March 9, 1851 in Calamba, Laguna, Paciano grew up witnessing the

grave abuses committed by Spanish friars against Filipinos. Eventually, he became a member of La Juventud Liberal, the youth wing of the Comite de Reformadores, the group that was working for secularization at a time when Spain had a new and more liberal Constitution. The group wanted such liberalization to also reach the Philippines. Filipino priests Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora (GomBurZa) were the leaders of the Comite de Reformadores. Paciano worked under Fr. Burgos who was also his teacher and friend. The execution of GomBurZa after being implicated in the Cavite Mutiny in 1872 had a deep and lasting impact on Paciano.

Our national hero’s older brother fought with arms. He joined and actively supported the propaganda movement. He supported the movement’s newspaper, Diariong Tagalog by soliciting and collecting funds for it. When the Katipunan was organized, Paciano became a Katipunero. In November, 1896 he was arrested by the Guardia Civil together with Manuel Hidalgo, his brother-in-law for being directors of the Katipunan and for involvement in revolutionary activities. On December 29, 1896, as the Cavite groups Magdiwang and Magdalo were

New woes for cancer patients O

NLY the other day, the Philippines joined other countries in marking World Cancer Day, the one singular initiative under which the entire earth can unite together in the ﬁght against the global cancer epidemic. We join the world in this initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control, and raise our voice, its echoes resonating from Tawi Tawi to Batanes, high in the hope we can contribute to worldwide awareness, improve education and catalyze personal, collective and government action, work together to re-imagine a world where millions of preventable cancer deaths are saved and access to life-saving cancer treatment and care is equal for all. Cancer ﬁgures, as far as latest available statistics would suggest, among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with about 14 million new cases and 8.2 million cancer-related deaths. With the coronavirus pandemic, cancer victims have now an added on apprehension, if reservation, in seeking treatment in hospitals. Cancer, one of four non-communicable diseases, has been described as “a silent

Cancer has been called the silent disaster. disaster” of massive proportion in this country of 110 million people. It is ravaging the Filipino population, killing 300,000 victims a year, 800 every day, and 33 every hour, with some health experts describing cancer toll on lives to “two 747 planes packed with passengers crashing every day.” Beyond doubt, coping with cancer in the face of the coronavirus, which has infected and killed millions worldwide, can bring up a wide range of feelings one is not used to dealing with. We have our minds on some cancer patients who might be at increased risk of serious infection in the coronavirus pandemic zone in general because their

immune systems can be weakened by cancer and its treatments. Then most people who were treated for cancer in the past—like it was just in recent years—are likely to have normal immune function, but each person is different from the next. When they share their rationale for refusing conventional treatment, they mention multiple reasons, like fear of adverse side effects of cancer treatment (particularly chemotherapy), uncertainty about treatment effectiveness, hopelessness, helplessness, loss of control, denial (about their illness), psychiatric attention and management. The most common reason patients decline recommended hospital care is because they lack information. In these cases, a physician’s ethical obligation is to ensure patients understand exactly what they are declining. What has aggravated the reluctance is the sight of hospitals attending to coronavirus patients: active infections, recovering patients, and some dead. Given their unguarded immune system, we can understand the strong reservation. This is where information must shift to higher gear.

The mothballing of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant Part II THIRD, EO No. 98 issued on December 18, 1986 modified EO No. 55. This order transferred to the national government the nuclear power plant, its equipment, materials, facilities, records and uranium fuel; and provided for the assumption of the remaining foreign loan obligation of the NPC guaranteed by the Republic of the Philippines and of the peso obligation incurred to finance the construction. Fourth, EO No. 358 issued on June 2, 1989 revoked the designation of the administrator of the Export Processing Zone as a member of the Presidential Committee on the Nuclear Power Plant. Even this insignificant aspect of representation was revoked, indicating a malicious intention to totally get rid of the BNPP. These executive orders issued by Mrs. Aquino were treated as permanent injunction to forbid the BNPP from operating the plant though no court issued an injunction to prevent it from operating on the basis of corruption and/or finding that the plant was defective, unsafe or constructed on an earthquake fault line, the same charges they labelled against the Marcos government. Instigating to cancel the contract could make a sweet vengeance against Marcos and cause the Filipino people to lose $2.3 billion worth of projects. Cesar Buenaventura, Rene Saguisag, Wigberto Tanada, Jovito Salonga and the remnants of today’s yellow-bearing opposition were citing allegations of defects in its construction, alleged use of substandard materials, that the site is located on an earthquake fault-line, having their first meeting for unification, Paciano arrived with Josephine Bracken. They informed the group that his brother Jose was sentenced by the Spanish authorities, and was to be executed the following morning at Bagumbayan. By then, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and Supremo Andres Bonifacio already knew this and have already made a plan to rescue the younger Rizal. However, Paciano said that Jose disapproved of such because it was doomed to fail stressing that there was no longer any Katipunan left in Manila. Katipuneros and those suspected to be sympathetic to the organization have been arrested left and right, while those who managed to evade arrest have fled Manila to escape. Paciano emphasized that Jose did not want for more to die, something that was sure to happen if Aguinaldo and Bonifacio were to attempt to rescue Jose. Thus, the plan was aborted. Paciano joined Gen. Aguinaldo’s revolutionary forces in January 1897, or right after Jose’s execution. He was appointed Brigadier General and elected Secretary of Finance in the Departmental Government of Central Luzon. Paciano was a veteran of several battles, never wavering in the struggle for the country’s independence.

etc., but never ﬁ led a complaint of their allegation to an independent arbiter to validate that BNPP pose danger to the safety of the Filipino people. It was Westinghouse International Project Corporation (WIPCO) that designed and implemented the plant. A valid judgment could have been the basis for the Philippines not to pay and/or conversely demand from Westinghouse payment for damages. Rather, Mrs. Aquino took all the arguments of those opposed to the project, which means she acted with malice to justify her raving hatred of Marcos. What Mrs. Aquino did was a case of economic sabotage, for clearly she and her cabal derailed the country’s goal to attaining energy self-sufﬁciency.

It was a criminal conspiracy. Whether it is graft and corruption or about the safety of the plant, these conditions must be proven. Worse, after Marcos was ousted, the yellows did not file a case against him based on their allegation that the contract was graft-ridden to send him and his alleged “cronies” to jail. Instead, the Aquino government continued paying the cost while ranting against it for fear that their foreign handler might slap them for badmouthing Westinghouse. The legacy of vengeance continues to this day even after the moronic Noynoy Aquino administration fully paid the amount. As founding Energy Minister, Geronimo Velasco observed: “… we had to pay the equivalent of $155,000 a day until 2018.” It was Alejandro Melchor, the then executive secretary of President Marcos who took charge and signed the contract for the government that prohibited us from acquiring even an ordinary screw from other suppliers except from WestWhen the Pact of Biak-na-Bato was fi nalized in December 1897 and Gen. Aguinaldo left for exile to Hong Kong with key leaders of the revolution, Gen. Paciano Rizal chose to be left behind, departed from Biak-na-Bato, and went back to Laguna to continue fighting the Spanish colonizers. There are accounts saying that at some point, Gen. Rizal also left for Hong Kong to meet with the other leaders. In May, 1898 when Gen. Aguinaldo returned to resume the revolution, Gen. Rizal rejoined his comrades and again went to command battles against the remaining Spanish forces. When the Philippine-American war broke out in February 1899, Gen. Rizal led the Filipino forces in Laguna. The warrior Rizal never stopped until he was captured by the Americans in 1900. After the revolution, Gen. Paciano Rizal led a quiet life and became a farmer in his home province, Laguna. He declined an offer of a government position by American Governor Howard Taft. Paciano was never married but had a daughter with Severina Decena. He passed away on April 13, 1930 in Los Baños, Laguna due to tuberculosis. He was 79 years old.

inghouse. If Mrs. Aquino honestly believed there was corruption, it was her duty to stop the project and order a stop payment or at the least demand a reasonable settlement and/or discount for the $2.3 billion project. Many could not understand why the US government spearheaded in questioning the safety of the plant when supposedly Westinghouse, an American company that guaranteed its safety. The insistence by the Cory Aquino government in paying to the last centavo is the fear the company might just blow the whistle that to discontinue payment or demand for damages must equally mean the government must prove corruption that resulting in the horrendous overpricing of the project or that there were serious defects in the construction and location of the plant. Alas, none of their allegations were proven except for their ranting as if they would be infected by some kind of skin disease if the plant is allowed to operate. The technical blueprint of the plant installed by Westinghouse indicates that it is not easy to produce an atom bomb as some demagogues in the opposition would hallucinate. The model sold by Westinghouse to NPC is one that could not easily be converted to enriching plutonium, the main ingredient in the production of atom bombs. But the US and their lapdog in the opposition never ran out of alibis in wanting to swindle the Filipino people. Their goal was to discredit Marcos by sowing fear that the plant is a ticking time bomb; that either it will explode like what happened in Chernobyl in 1986 or result in nuclear meltdown like that thriller movie “China Syndrome.” We were made to worry on our safety but not of the $2.3 billion that Mrs. Aquino flushed into the septic tank. Full version on www.manilastandard.net It has been said that Paciano never liked being photographed to the point that his only surviving picture was taken surreptitiously. Unlike his younger brother Jose whose image is readily recognized by Filipinos, Paciano’s face is largely unknown. In fact, General Paciano Rizal, the hero, is generally unknown especially to the younger generations of Filipinos. Many roads, big and small, in various places in the country are named after Jose. I have yet to find one named after Gen. Paciano. Virtually all plazas in all towns and cities have monuments or busts of Dr. Jose. I know only one of Gen. Paciano’s and this is in his home province. All references to Rizal, the hero, are meant for Jose, not his older brother. Hopefully, Gen. Paciano Rizal, the revolutionary and hero will also get the recognition, respect, and honor he very well deserves. All Filipinos should know who he was and what he did. We should all know that we have two great Rizals —doctor and author Jose, and the revolutionary General Paciano. The first fought with his pen, and the other, with arms. @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

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News

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Purchase of 15 choppers called too insensitive By Maricel V. Cruz

FRIDAY MASS. Devotees attend the first Friday mass for the month of February at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila. Norman Cruz

Bay cleanup seen being expedited By Rio N. Araja THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ anti-pollution task force has convened to expedite the rehabilitation of Manila Bay to stop its further pollution. Secretary Roy Cimatu said the Manila Bay Anti-Pollution Task Force had already started work to develop a comprehensive approach that would hasten the rehabilitation and restoration of the coastal and marine ecosystem of Manila Bay. “We have to get down to business and jumpstart the task force as we mark the second year of the Battle for Manila Bay,” he said. On Feb. 3, Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and Local Government Units Concerns Benny Antiporda, task force chief, had their first meeting. He emphasized the importance of the task force’s work to complement the actions taken by Cimatu as chairperson of the Manila Bay Task Force. “The issue of pollution is the core of the Battle for Manila Bay. We are here to provide support to the Secretary and the MBTF,” he said. “The main objective is to stop further pollution in the whole of the Manila Bay region. By hook or by crook, we will stop them (polluters). We can defy these environmental issues.” Antiporda directed the Pasig River Coordinating and Management Office to examine the riverbanks of the Pasig River for illegal drainage pipes and to trace their sources from the Laguna de Bay outlet in Napindan Channel all the way to Manila Bay. He tasked the River Basin Control Office to identify the rivers where trash traps could be installed to prevent solid waste from polluting the waterways further downstream. “I am optimistic that with the help of this task force, we can at least minimize pollution coming from the rivers and creeks,” he said.

Officials urged: Quit over motorbike deaths By Macon Ramos-Araneta

ENATOR Richard Gordon on Friday demanded the resignation of Land Transportation Office officials and employees for the delay in the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act implementation following the 9,000 killings by assassins riding in motorcycles from 2010 to 2020,

Gordon made the call during the first Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the delay in implementing the law. That law intends to prevent criminals from using motorcycles as get-away vehicles after committing a crime. The law imposed a bigger, readable and color-coded number plates to facilitate the tracing of motorcycles used in the commission of crimes. “Enough is enough. We can no lon-

Vehicle inspection scrutinized By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives’ Committee on Transportation will look into the mounting complaints over the implementation of the Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Inspection System project. Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento, the panel’s chairperson, said he was not surprised over the growing public outrage over the MVIS’ ‘premature’ implementation. Early on, he said, legislators warned about its potential flaws. In fact, Sarmiento wrote a letter to DoTr Secretary Arthur Tugade on Sep-

tember 16, 2020, requesting him to defer the implementation of the MVIS project until after his panel had conducted an inspection of a completed Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center. Sarmiento also lamented that the DoTr bypassed the request of Congress and rolled out the MVIS project. Thus, it is now generating protests among motorists who have been caught up by the new system of registering vehicles, he said. Sarmiento reminded Tugade of the motion which was raised and approved during the House Transportation Committee’s December 11, 2019 hearing that touched on the issue about the MVIS.

Deaths in other areas face probe

AT WORK. Telecom workers are seen at work while the tower is under construction in barangay Kalsadang Bago in Imus, Cavite, on Friday to boost its signal. JR Josue

By Rey E. Requejo

Century gives aid to fire victims AROUND 3:30 pm on February 4, 2021, a fire incident affected a portion of a property owned by Century Limitless Corporation in Barangay Barangka, Mandaluyong. The Mandaluyong Bureau of Fire Protection and its volunteers promptly responded to the incident upon the alert of the CLC security team on site. The fire out was declared around 4:40 pm. No casualties or injuries have been

ger tolerate the situation where nothing is happening except people are being killed without the protection of the law,” Gordon said. “If they cannot do that, then I demand the resignation of all the people of LTO who are responsible for it. It’s no joke that people are dying, people are losing their motorcycles to thieves, people are losing their bags, their cellphones because you are doing nothing.”

In the same hearing, Senator Imee Marcos asked the LTO for updates on the agency’s production of new motorcycle plates, particularly the number of plates the LTO had already produced. LTO Chief Edgar Galvante told the committee that as of January 31, 2021, the agency’s plate-making plant had already produced 1,276,149 motorcycle plates and 5,965,374 blank plates to cover motorcycles that were registered from 2018 to 2020. Meanwhile, records from the Philippine National Police showed that 36,848 people had been victimized by criminals in motorbikes from 2010 to 2020, of which 8,805 were killings. Gordon noted that a dispute between two suppliers of number plates had caused the ballooning of the LTO’s backlog in the production of number plates.

AN OPPOSITION lawmaker on Friday slammed President Duterte’s order to acquire 15 Black Hawk helicopters which, she said, “will cost the Filipino people billions amid the pandemic and worst economic crisis.” Assistant Leader and Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas said “Buying pricey Black Hawk helicopters to supposedly augment the military’s air power when Filipinos continue to reel from the economic recession and pandemic is sky-high insensitivity.” Brosas said each Black Hawk helicopter (Sikorsky UH-60} costs at least P283 million, making the total chopper shopping price tag equal to at least P4.245 billion. “P4.245 billion could be enough to ensure the vaccination of at least 1.169 million Filipinos pegged at the costly price of Sinovac, the preferred vaccine of the Duterte administration,” she said. This amount, she added, was also higher than the P2.5 billion fixed funding for COVID-19 vaccines under the 2021 General Appropriations Act. “The billions of pesos to be used to acquire 15 Black Hawk helicopters will also be enough to provide P10,000 subsidy to some 424,000 victims of crisis, pandemic and calamities,” she said. Last year, the Philippine Air Force received six of the 16 Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters from the Polish company Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze Sp.z.o.o for a total contract price of US$241 million or around P11.57 billion. Brosas said under the 2021 national budget, the AFP was endowed with a P33-billion funding for its Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program, aside from the P5 billion in unprogrammed funds for the same purpose.

reported from the incident. Based on initial information, the fire came from a lot that was expropriated for the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge construction. The fire had quickly spread to the CLC property which was adjacent to this lot. CLC has extended some relief assistance for those affected by the incident through the local government of Mandaluyong.

THE Department of Justice-led panel reviewing the drug war operations of the government will also investigate the deaths arising from narcotics operations in the Visayas and Mindanao. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra made the disclosure even as he admitted that the DOJ-led inter-agency panel reviewing the deaths as a result of the campaign against illegal drugs made a “not so flattering” findings in its initial report. The initial report, which covered incidents in Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog and some cities, had been forwarded to the Office of the President and the Philippine National Police. “We provided a copy of the report where we made certain findings, not so flattering against certain police enforcement officers involved in drug operations and we gave the PNP sufficient time to comment on these findings,” he told reporters. “But be assured that this report, at least the findings and the highlights of this report, will be made public at the proper time.” Guevarra also announced that the panel will also inquire into the deaths from the drug war operations in the Visayas and Mindanao. “We do not want to make it appear na iyong findings namin in certain pilot areas like Region III, Region IV and certain major cities ay truly representative of what is happening throughout the country,” he said.

PASSBOOK. National Policy Against COVID-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (right) and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez show the Vaccine Information Passbook during the COVID-19 vaccine Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic Team visit at the Parañaque City Hall on Friday.

Lower fees urged for Skyway 3 By Maricel V. Cruz A PARTY-LIST lawmaker on Friday appealed to the Toll Regulatory Board to cut the proposed toll fees for the 18-kilometer Skyway Stage 3 linking North Luzon Expressway and the South Luzon Expressway. Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor said he finds the proposed rates “too excessive for this road link from Buendia Avenue in Makati to the Balintawak area before a traveler enters NLEX.” He said the operator’s proposed end-toend or Buendia-Balintawak fee is P274, or an average of P15.22 per kilometer. “However, the shorter Buendia-Quezon Ave or Quezon Avenue-Buendia stretch will cost the same. This means that a Quezon City resident who wants to avoid Edsa traffic in going to Makati will have to pay P274 one way or P548 roundtrip using Skyway-3,” he said. Defensor added that only the rich would be able to afford P548 per trip from Quezon City to Makati and back. Skyway-3 is an elevated expressway that links NLEX, SLEX and the toll road

network around the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. These four road systems have their own separate sets of toll fees. While the proposed end-to-end toll in Skyway-3 is P274, shorter distances would cost P110 or P133. These fees are only for class 1 (cars, pick-ups) vehicles. The TRB is now in the process of studying the rates the operator is seeking. “These already excessive rates are just for cars. Imagine the cost for trucks ferrying goods like rice and vegetables, or raw materials. It could be P1,000 or more. And since tolls can be pass-on charges, the result would be higher consumer prices,” Defensor said. He said a P274-fee would discourage travelers from Quezon City, Caloocan, Valenzuela and other areas in the north to patronize Skyway-3, though he admitted that the Quezon Avenue-Buendia trip takes 30-40 minutes only. “Employees living in northern Metro Manila but working in Makati definitely will not be able to afford such a steep fee. The minimum wage is not even enough for the roundtrip cost,” he said.

LGUs

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

318 in QC finish vaccination course

Pasay goes OT to ensure virus vaccine success

By Rio N. Araja

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Pasay City government is working overtime to ensure the success of its citywide COVID-19 vaccination campaign. In a presentation, Mayor Imelda Rubiano detailed every step they have been taking to prepare for the campaign, which she described as one of the biggest undertakings her administration has embarked on so far. To ensure their success, Rubiano formed a task force dubbed “VACC to the Future” to spearhead all the activities relative to the vaccination program. Aside from engaging in a massive information campaign that highlights the importance of vaccination, the local government also drew up a comprehensive plan and roadmap designed before, during, and after the inoculation campaign. The city government identified the priority groups that must be vaccinated, vaccination sites, the teams that will conduct the vaccination, and specific deployments of each team. While still waiting for the arrival of the vaccines, city officials are busy in their intervention and prevention initiatives with the “Let’s do the EMI Habit” campaign, which specifically calls the public to ensure the washing of hands, wearing of masks, and implementation of physical distancing. The local government is also active in detection and contact tracing, which explains why the city has one of the lowest numbers of active and new cases among the major cities in Metro Manila. Several legislated local laws were also designed to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.

Taguig trains 41 health workers THE city government of Taguig continues to reinforce its vaccination program by conducting another COVID-19 Vaccination Training to 41 health workers last Thursday. Taguig - National Immunization Program coordinator Dr. Jennifer Lou De Guzman and City Health Office chief Dr. Norena Osano led the program held at the Vaccination Hub, Lakeshore Mega Complex. Dr. De Guzman conducted a lecture about the city’s vaccination process and guided the health workers a tour at the Vaccination Hub. Attendees from private hospitals include Medical Center Taguig, Recuenco General Hospital, Sabili General Hospital, and Taguig Doctors Hospital. Midwives from various private lyingins, clinics, and a few frontliners from TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) Fort Bonifacio were also present. According to Dr. Osano, the city government continues to empower and support frontliners from private hospitals, clinics, and lying-ins because they will also serve as catalysts in the vaccination process. Mayor Lino Edgardo Cayetano said Taguig has over 700 experienced vaccinators, all with Cold Chain Accreditation (CCA). He added that at least 378 special vaccine teams, with five members each, will administer the vaccines in at least 42 vaccination centers. Joel E. Zurbano

ORE than 300 health-care workers in Quezon City have already completed the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination training.

Mayor Joy Belmonte said 318 healthcare workers went through the comprehensive training on the deployment and management of COVID-19 vaccine led by the national government. “We are grateful for the Department of Health for working closely with us in the city. Our collective goal is to make sure

volunteer as vaccinators would also be screened and trained by the City Health Department. “All volunteers are welcome as we need more hands on deck. They may express their interest and contact us via the official Facebook page of the city health for this purpose,” Arias said. The city government is ready to kick off its vaccination program once the allocated vaccine for the city has arrived, particularly the 5.6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines through the World Health Organization-led COVAX facility. Arias said the vaccines are expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2021.

JET ‘BUBBLE’. Under the bubble concept, business jets may come into Subic International Airport for maintenance work without the limiting restrictions currently being implemented at other local airports.

Subic develops corporate jet maintenance ‘bubble’ SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—Intending to capitalize on Subic’s health safety record as an international gateway, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has developed an end-to-end platform that will deliver corporate jet maintenance service despite the continuing Covid-19 pandemic. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the “Corporate Jet Maintenance Bubble” (CJMB) will be located at the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA), which also houses a crew-change hub for mariners that is being operated by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

“The corporate jet maintenance bubble works with roughly the same concept—it will be a complete process that precludes any third-party engagement because the accommodations, amenities and services are all in one place, and everything stays isolated,” Eisma explained. She said the SBMA recognized the financial pressure faced by the aviation industry and had developed the CJMB to provide a safe, seamless, and efficient mechanism that will enable business jet operators in the Asia-Pacific region to meet their maintenance needs here in the

Philippines despite the Covid-19 crisis. Eisma said the CJMB was developed in accordance with Resolution No. 84 of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), which authorized the SBMA to set up a corporate jet flight maintenance and crew layover hub at the Subic Freeport under a strict “bubble” concept, as recommended by the DOTr and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). “With this project, we can also generate income for the Subic airport and once more push its potential as a regional avia-

tion hub,” Eisma added. Under the bubble concept, business jets may come into Subic for maintenance work without the limiting restrictions currently being implemented at other local airports. The end-to-end process was carefully tailored to ensure a level of safety that would meet existing guidelines from regulatory agencies like CAAP, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Air Transport Association (IATA), as well as the World Health Organization (WHO), Department of Health (DOH), and the IATF.

Maguindanao gov rallies BTA support COTABATO CITY—Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam Sangki Mangudadatu has asked lawmakers to prioritize passage of the proposed measure seeking to extend the term of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA). Mangudadatu on Friday said the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) needed more time at its infancy to make up for unprecedented changes caused by the onslaught of the covid19 pandemic. The lady governor said lawmakers will understand that deadlines set by Republic Act 11054, the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) prior to the pandemic, could no longer be doable under the present situation. Maguindanao Congressman Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu said as the author of House Bill 8116, seeking to amend the BOL and extend BTA term to three more years, he was optimistic that his dialogue with fellow lawmakers could generate support for the timely passage of the measure. BARMM Interior and local governments

Manila

Standard

TODAY

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES TARIFF COMMISSION IN THE MATTER OF THE FORMAL INVESTIGATION ON THE IMPOSITION OF SAFEGUARD MEASURE AGAINST IMPORTATIONS OF MOTOR VEHICLES (PASSENGER CARS AND LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES) FROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES (AHTN 2017 Headings 87.03 and 87.04) FOR: SAFEGUARD MEASURE TCI (SG) No. SG-2021-0C-Motor Vehicles ___________________________________

NOTICE OF FORMAL INVESTIGATION AND PRELIMINARY CONFERENCE Pursuant to Section 9 of Republic Act (RA) No. 8800 (Safeguard Measures Act), notice is hereby given that the Tariff Commission (TC) commenced on 5 February 2021 its Formal Investigation on the merits of imposing a definitive safeguard duty against importations of Motor Vehicles (Passenger Cars and Light Commercial Vehicles under AHTN 2017 Headings 87.03 and 87.04, respectively) from various countries, following receipt of a request from the Secretary of Trade and industry and the complete case records. All interested parties, including those on record in the preliminary investigation by the Department of Trade and Industry, are required to appear at a Preliminary Conference which will be held on 17 February 2021 at 10:00 a.m. (via Videoconferencing through Microsoft Teams). Matters for discussion include the timelines, nature of investigation, appearance of counsel and parties, number of witnesses, notification, accessibility of documents and public file, confidentiality of documents, submission of position paper/s and memoranda, adjustment plan, conduct of inspection and verification of data, schedules of public hearings and other activities, and other topics that may aid in the prompt disposition of the case. Interested parties are required to register their participation to the preliminary conference from 8-16 February 2021 using the registration link posted on the Commission’s website http://tariffcommission.gov.ph/. For inquiries, please contact Director Ma. Lourdes M. Saluta, Head of the TC Task Force for this case, at email address TC.Assist@mail.tariffcommission.gov.ph . Issued this 5th day of February 2021 , at Quezon City, Metro Manila.

MARILOU P. MENDOZA Chairperson (MS-FEB. 6, 2021)

that the city is fully ready once the vaccines arrive, and that we will have a seamless vaccine deployment to avoid any untoward incident and vaccine wastage,” she said. The training covers the basics of vaccines, storage, and handling and monitoring of patients for any adverse events

following immunization, setting up vaccination sites and communicating with communities, among others. Dr. Esperanza Arias, city health officer, said the city government would in turn provide similar training for health-care professionals from the city’s 48 private hospitals. “All health workers who were identified as potential vaccinators, such as doctors and nurses, from these hospitals will receive training and assistance from us. Each batch will undergo 2 days of training to cover all areas of our vaccine deployment plan,” she said. Any individual who is interested to

Minister Naguib Sinarimbo said when he attended a recent meeting with lawmakers in Manila, the mood in the Senate concerning the BARMM-BTA extension was cordial, adding that the proposed measures may eventually be forwarded to appropriate levels, including Committee on Local Governments chaired by Senator Francis Tolentino. Also, lawmakers from the two Lanao provinces—Rep. Ansaruddin Alonto Adiong (First District Lanao Sur), Rep. Yasser Alonto Balindong (Second District Lanao Sur) and First District of Lanao del Norte Rep. Khalid Dimaporo— also have expressed or even committed to support the House Bills seeking for BTA term extension, Sinarimbo said. On Thursday, Mayor Victor Samama of Datu Piang, Maguindanao said that old town’s Municipal Council also “has passed resolution expressing support for the extension of the term of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority to three years, in order to give it more time to put in place programs on Moral Governance.” Nash B. Maulana

SAF 44 TRIBUTE.

Former Laguna Governor ER Ejercito (third from right) stands with Producer Louie Ceniza (3rd left), Director Enzo Williams CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK (2nd left), Kuya Phil Marcelo (2nd right), Kuya Herbert Martinez (right) and relatives of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) Troopers following a film viewing for ‘Truth and Justice For The Gallant SAF 44 Commando Heroes’ at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City. Ejercito later stands with PNP Chief Gen. Debold Sinas (inset) following the viewing. Roy Tomandao

Dinalupihan unwraps 40-bed COVID facility DINALUPIHAN, Bataan—Mayor Gila Garcia led the inauguration of the municipality’s 40-bed Covid-19 Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facility on Tuesday. The facility is in the municipal grounds and consists of 20 rooms for COVID-19 positive cases and 20 others for suspected cases. “We are just waiting for the go signal from DOH for us to finally operate. They have already done the check listing and the inspection, anyway the design of the facility came from them, what should be found inside the room, as well as the needed manpower. We have addressed all their concerns,” Garcia said. The rooms are air-conditioned with bed, comfort room, table, chair, and blood pressure monitoring set. For the safety of the health workers, it has a separate triage area. Municipal officials, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Rosanna Buccahan, representative of DOH Provincial Health Team Leader Dr. Noel Reyes, and Dinalupihan District Hospital Head Dr. Gene Abara attended the blessing and inauguration. The municipality secured a loan from Land Bank of the Philippines to build the facility. Butch Gunio

Gen. Tinio U-turn in Caloocan reopened By Jun David THE Gen. Tinio U-turn slot in Caloocan City will be re-opened, a day after Mayor Oscar “Oca” Malapitan wrote to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos requesting to reopen it to reduce the weight of traffic on EDSA’s northern end. Together with Caloocan Rep. Dale “Along” Malapitan, Mayor Oca personally expressed his gratitude to Chairman Abalos following their inspection of the U-turn slot. “We do not want motorists to experience heavy traffic, so we wrote

to MMDA. We are very grateful to Chairman Abalos for responding quickly to our letter,” said Mayor Oca. At the same time, the mayor promised to place city traffic enforcers in the U-turn slot who will be on duty from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., in response to the MMDA’s request for manpower assistance. “We thank Mayor Oca and Cong. Along for their help with us. It’s just a matter of helping each other,” MMDA Chairman Abalos replied. In a statement, Abalos said the MMDA plans to install an elevated bus ramp at the U-turn slot to help with traffic flow.

World

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

Beijing warns off US warship in SCS Myanmar military widens coup dragnet SEVERAL hundred teachers and students protested at a Myanmar university Friday as the military widened a dragnet against officials ousted in a coup that has drawn global condemnation and the threat of new sanctions. The rally took place after the arrest of Win Htein, a key aide to de facto leader Aung Sang Suu Kyi, who has not been seen in public since being detained along with president Win Myint early Monday. A representative of Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy said Friday she was being held at her residence in Naypyidaw, the country’s capital, and was “in good health.” “As far as I know, she’s under house arrest and has not been taken to another place yet,” NLD press officer Kyi Toe told AFP. Monday’s putsch ended the

country’s 10-year dalliance with democracy that followed decades of oppressive junta rule, and sparked outrage and calls by US President Joe Biden for the generals to relinquish power. On Friday, around 200 teachers and students at Yangon’s Dagon University staged a rally where they displayed a three-finger salute borrowed from Thailand’s democracy movements, and sang a popular evolution song. “We have to resist this dictatorship,” lecturer Win Win Maw told AFP. “If all civil servants participate in this movement, it’s not easy to operate this government system.” Students chanted “Long live Mother Suu” and carried red flags, the colour of Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) party. AFP

Manila

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Republic of the Philippines COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS Intramuros, Manila

HINA on Friday warned off a US warship sailing near contested islands in the South China Sea, Beijing said, the first such encounter made public since the inauguration of President Joe Biden. The USS John S. McCain “broke into China’s Xisha territorial waters without the permission of the Chinese government,” Beijing’s military said in a statement, using its name for the disputed Paracel Islands. The People’s Liberation Army “organized naval and air forces to track, monitor and warn off ” the warship, the Chinese military said, blasting the US for “seriously violating China’s sovereignty” and “harming regional peace.” The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer on Thursday also conducted a routine transit through the waterway separating the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, which Beijing says constitutes part of its territory.

Washington has argued that such exercises are in line with international law and help defend right of passage through the region amid competing claims by China and other governments. China lays claim to nearly all of the South China Sea, including the Paracel Islands. Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all also claim parts of the region, believed to hold valuable oil and gas deposits.

Navalny goes on trial for slander KREMLIN critic Alexei Navalny he says were politically motivated. went on trial Friday on charges of On Friday, Navalny was facing defdefaming a World War II veteran, amation charges for describing people days after being handed a nearly – including the 95-year-old veteran – three-year prison term that sparked who appeared in a pro-Kremlin video an international outcry. as “the shame of the country” and An AFP journalist said the 44-year“traitors”YELLOW in a June tweet. CYAN MAGENTA BLACK old anti-corruption campaigner was The charge carries a maximum present in the courtroom, standing in- penalty of two years in prison and side a glass case for defendants. the court was not expected to proLegal pressure has been mounting nounce a verdict Friday. on Navalny and his allies since he Navalny’s detention on his return returned in mid-January to Russia to Moscow sparked mass demonfrom Germany, where he had been strations across the country that saw recovering from a poisoning attack police arrest 10,000 protesters. with the nerve agent Novichok. On Thursday he called on his supHe was ordered by a Moscow porters to fight fear and liberate court this week to serve two years Russia from a leadership he deand eight months in prison for vio- scribed as a “handful of thieves” while lating the terms of a 2014 suspended his aides said more protests were sentence on embezzlement charges planned for later this year. AFP

LOCKDOWN.

A man walks down an empty street in Nantes, France as the sun sets during the nationwide overnight curfew restrictions taken to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic on Feb. 4, 2021. AFP

IN RE: CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION AND DELISTING OF PARTY-LIST GROUPS, ORGANIZATIONS OR COALITIONS UNDER THE PARTY-LIST SYSTEM. x-------------------------------------------------x

NOTICE Pursuant to Section 3, Rule 2 of Comelec Resolution No. 93661 in relation to Section 2(i), Rule 2 of the aforementioned Resolution; in relation further to Section 6(8) of Republic Act No. 7941 or the “Party-List System Act,” the Commission may, motu proprio or upon verified complaint of any interested party, remove or cancel, after due notice and hearing, the registration of any party-list group organization or coalition for its failure to participate in the last two (2) preceding elections or fails to obtain at least two per centum (2%) of votes cast under the party-list system in the two (2) preceding elections for the constituency in which it has registered. In performance of this mandate, we are notifying the following party-list organizations that their respective registrations are being considered for removal or cancellation by the Commission. The following party-list organizations are as follows: A. For party-list groups, organizations and coalitions that failed to participate in the last two-preceding elections:

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

PROPOSED SCHEME OF REFUND/COLLECT CY-2017, 2018 & 2019

ERC CASE NO. 2020-059 CF PANGASINAN III ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (PANELCO III), Applicant. x---------------------------------------------------------------x

Promulgated: January 21. 2021

430,027.23

0.0131

(660,158.47)

(0.0361)

Transmission Rate (Tour) LV

(316,881.29)

(0.0388)

Transmission Rate (Tour) HV

(184,119.76)

System Loss Rate (Slour)

1,087,628.58

0.0313

Lifeline Subsidy (Lour)

230,501.47

0.0067 0.0180

Senior Citizen (Srdsour)

616,425.96

TOTAL MONTHLY RECOVERIES

1,203,423.73

B. For party-list groups, organizations and coalitions that failed to obtain at least two percent of the votes cast for the party-list system and failed to obtain a seat in the second round of seat allocation for the party-list system in the last two preceding elections:

Other relief/s just and equitable in the premises are likewise prayed for. The Commission hereby sets the instant Application for the determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and presentation of evidence on the following dates and platform, pursuant to Resolution No. 9, Series of 20204 dated 24 September 2020, to wit:

Herein applicant is the exclusive franchise holder issued by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to operate an electric light and power services in the municipalities of Municipalities of Asingan, Balungao, Binalonan, Laoac, Mapandan, Natividad, Pozorrubio, Rosales, San Manuel, San Nicolas, San Quintin, Sta. Maria, Sto. T omas, T ayug, Umingan, Villasis; One (1) city namely; Urdaneta City and Barangay Inamotan of Manaoag all in the Province of Pangasinan; That pursuant to ERC Resolution No. 16 Series of 2009, as amended by Resolution No. 21, Series of 2010, and ERC Resolution No. 23, Series of 2010, Luzon Distribution Utilities (DUs) and Electric Cooperatives (ECs) are required to file their respective consolidated application for the approval of their confirmation filing on the Calculation of the Over or Under recovery in the implementation of various adjustment calculations covering the period from January 2017 to December 2019, as follows: Folder 1 - APPLICATION

Platform

Activity

18 February 2021 (Thursday) 2:00 P.M.

Date and Time

Microsoft Teams

Jurisdictional Compliance and Expository Presentation

24 February 2021 (Wednesday) 2:00 P.M.

Microsoft Teams

Pre-Trial Conference and Presentation of Evidence

Any interested stakeholders may submit their comments and/or clarifications at least one (1) calendar day prior to the scheduled virtual hearing, via electronic mail (e-mail) at docket@erc.ph, copy furnish the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph. The Commission shall give priority to the stakeholders who have duly submitted their respective comments and/or clarifications, to discuss the same and propound questions during the course of the expository presentation. Moreover, all persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission via e-mail at docket@erc.ph, copy furnish the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph, a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) calendar days prior to the date of the initial virtual hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following:

Application Supp. and Trans. Data Sheet for the year Statistical Data Sheet for the year URR Addendum/DSL Data for the year Actual Implemented Rates Sheet for the year Lifeline Discount Sheet for the year Senior Citizen Discount Sheet for the year Summary of Over/Under Recoveries Computation Proposed Refund/Collect Scheme

The petitioner’s name, mailing address, and e-mail address;

The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and

A statement of the relief desired.

Folder 2 - SUPPLIER AND TRANSMISSION DATA a. b.

Power Bills from Suppliers ( Power bill - Proof of payment Adjusted bill/Debit or Credit Memo, if any) NGCP

Likewise, all other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may likewise file through e-mail at docket@erc.ph, copy furnish the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph, their Opposition or Comment thereon at least five (5) calendar days prior to the initial virtual hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following:

Folder 3 - STATISTICAL DATA a. b. c. d.

Summary of Pilferage Cost Recoveries/Manifestation if N/A Summary of Implemented Orders/Decisions* MFSR - Sections B & E Demand (KW) Sales Summary Report

Folder 4 - ACTUAL IMPLEMENTED RATES DATA a. b. c.

Two (2) consumer bills per customer class (non-lifeliner) One (1) consumer bill per Lifeline Bracket (Lifeliner) One (1) senior citizen consumer bill

Folder 5 - OTHER DOCUMENTS a. b. c. d. e. 4.

City of Manila, 05 February 2021.

Submitted Monthly URR Submitted Monthly URR Addendum Single Line Diagram Submitted Monthly Reports as per ERC Resolution 10, Series of 2018 Computation on how the pass-through charges were derived (if not implementing URR and URR Addendum computed rates)

That in applying the various formulae in the determination of the adjustments and the recovery or refund of Over or Under Recoveries herein applicant hereby adopts the respective formula as provided for in ERC Resolution No. 16 Series of 2009, as amended by Resolution No. 21 S. 2010, and ERC Resolution No. 23, Series of 2010 together with the specific definitions and sub-formula for each item thereof; That in support of this application has hereby submitted and attached to this application the other requirements, as follows: RESULT OF THE OVER-ALL OVER/UNDER RECOVERY CY - 2017, 2018 & 2019 PARTICULARS

Generation Rate (Gour)

Rules and Regu lations Govern ing The: 1) Filing of Petitions for Registration; 2) Filing of Manifestation of Intent to Participate; 3) Submission of Names of Nominees; and 4) Filing of Disqualification Cases Against Nominees of Party-List Groups or Organizations Participating Under the PartyList System of Representation in Connection with the May 13, 2013 National Local Elections, and Subsequent Elections Thereafter, promulgated on Februa ry 21, 2012. (MS-FEB. 6, 2021)

AMOUNT RECOVERED

(OVER) / UNDER

5,565,295.170.20

5,549,814,190.09

15,480,980.11

565,158,984.91

588,924,689.93

(23,765,705.02)

Transmission Rate (Tour) LV

271,280,783.96

282,688,510.39

(11,407,726.43)

Transmission Rate (Tour) HV

157,624,173.80

164,252,484.98

(6,628,311.18)

System Loss Rate (Slour)

613,078,948.75

573,924,319.69

39,154,629.06

Lifeline Subsidy (Lour)

65,297,323.10

56,999,270.12

8,298,052.98

Senior Citizen (Srdsour)

22,433,660.72

2 1

ALLOWABLE RECOVERIES

Transmission Rate (Tour) RES

(7.2930)

PRAYER

That applicant is an electric cooperative duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Philippines, with the principal office at Mc Arthur Hi-way, Brgy. Nancayasan, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan where it may be served with summons and other legal processes, represented in this instance by its General Manager, Engr. Allan G. Casern, of legal age, Filipino, married and with office address also located at Mc Arthur Hi- way, Brgy. Nancayasan, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan;

a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i.

PhP/KW

WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is respectfully prayed of this Honorable Commission that the submitted calculations and computations prepared by applicant be approved; That the System Loss Charge, which is only a pass through but only recently submitted (March 2, 2020) IN VIEW OF THE FACT THAT HEREIN APPLICANT ONLY ACQUIRED THE SEGREGATION SOFTWARE, IT MOST RESPECTFULLY REQUESTS THAT APPLICANT BE ALLOWED TO REVISE AND/OR RECOMPUTE THE SYSTEM LOSS CHARGE USING THE NEWLY ACQUIRED SEGREGATION SOFTWARE WHICH WAS ACQUIRED ONLY ON JANUARY 2020 EVEN AFTER THE APPROVAL OF THE FILING OF THIS APPLICATION.

The pertinent portions of the said Application are hereunder quoted as follows:

PhP/kWh

Generation Rate (Gour)

NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING

Php

Transmission Rate (Tour) RES

Notice is hereby given that on 02 December 2020, Pangasinan III Electric Cooperative, Inc. (PANELCO III) filed an Application dated 25 August 2020 (Application), seeking the Commission’s confirmation and approval of calculations of over or under recoveries in the implementation of automatic cost adjustments and true-up mechanisms for the period 2017 to 2019, pursuant to Commission issued Resolution No. 16, Series of 20091, as amended by Resolution No. 21, Series of 20102 and Resolution No. 23, Series of 201033.

ATTY. GENESIS M. GATDULA Clerk of the Commission

Number of Months

PARTICULARS IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR CONFIRMATION AND APPROVAL OF CALCULATIONS OF OVER OR UNDER RECOVERIES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AUTOMATIC COST ADJUSTMENTS AND TRUEUP MECHANISMS FOR THE PERIOD 2017 TO 2019, PURSUANT TO ERC RESOLUTION NO. 16, SERIES OF 2009 AS AMENDED BY RESOLUTION NO. 21, SERIES OF 2010 AND ERC RESOLUTION NO. 23, SERIES OF 2010,

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:

FOR THE COMMISSION:

Further angering those countries, and the US, Beijing has moved to build reefs into artificial islands capable of hosting military planes. The US navy in late January sent an aircraft carrier group into the South China Sea on a so-called “freedom of navigation exercise,” its first routine operation in the region under the Biden administration. China has stepped up military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan since the 2016 election of President Tsai Ing-wen, who refuses to accept Beijing’s stance that the island is part of “one China.” The new US administration has said its commitment to Taiwan is “rock-solid,” with officials in Washington signalling that they will not tolerate any expansionist moves by Beijing. AFP

242,326.03

22,191,334.69

NET RECOVERIES

43,323,254.22

A Resolution Adopting the Rules Governing the Automatic Cost Adjustment and True-up Mechanisms and Corresponding Confirmation Process for Distribution Utilities; A Resolution Amending Section 4 of Article 4 and Section 1 of Article 5 of the Rules Governing the Automatic Cost Adjustment and True-up Mechanisms and Corresponding Confirmation Process for Distribution Utilities; A Resolution Adopting the Rules Implementing the Discounts to Qualified Senior Citizen End-Users and Subsidy from the Subsidizing End-Users on Electricity Consumption Under Section 4 & 5 of Republic Act No. 9994;

The name, mailing address, and e-mail address of such person;

A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and

The grounds relied upon.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application may request from PANELCO III that they be furnished with the same prior to the date of the initial hearing. PANELCO III is hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Application and its attachments, through any of the available modes of service, upon their agreement, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the Application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the standard office hours. In the alternative, those persons who wish to have an electronic copy of the Application may request the Commission for the e-mail addresses of PANELCO III by sending an e-mail to docket@erc.ph copy furnish the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph. Nonetheless, any person may also access the Application as posted by the Commission in its official website at www.erc.gov.ph. Finally, all interested persons may be allowed to join the scheduled initial virtual hearing by providing the Commission, thru legal.virtualhearings@erc.ph, with their respective e-mail addresses and indicating therein the case number of the instant Application. The Commission will send the access link/s to the aforementioned hearing platform within five (5) working days prior to the scheduled hearing. WITNESS, the Honorable Commissioners ALEXIS M. LUMBATAN, CATHERINE P. MACEDA, FLORESINDA G. BALDO-DIGAL and MARKO ROMEO L. FUENTES, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 8th day of January 2021 in Pasig City.

AGNES VST DEVANADERA Chairperson and CEO

A Resolution Adopting the Guidelines Governing Electronic Applications, Filing and Virtual Hearings Before the Energy Regulatory Commission M. Standard – Feb. 6, 2021

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

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

sports@manilastandard.netsports_mstandard@yahoo.com

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers scores on a layup past Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets during the first half at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. AFP

Lean PH team to SEA Games By Peter Atencio

HE Philippines will reduce its participation in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam.While the games will feature 40 sports and more than 520 events, the Philippines won’t be joining all of them. Philippine chef de mission commissioner Ramon Fernandez of the Philippine Sports Commission said this on Friday following a meeting with Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino. The national delegation will be seeing action in just 38 sports disciplines. “Instead of 40 sports, we will be playing 38. And we will be sending all the medallists in the last SEA Games,” said Fernandez.

The PSC commissioner said discussions with the national sports associations on the Philippines’ medal chances will be tackled in the coming days. The Philippines’ preparation for the biennial meet has been slowed down by restrictions imposed to control the spread of the coronavirus pandemics. But Vietnam’s efforts to host the games and the preparations of other member nations have also been

PSC commissioner Ramon Fernandez

affected, too. While the venues involved are scheduled to be completed by September 30, 2021, many countries like the Philippines and Malaysia are making adjustments with their training programs. Filipino athletes are preparing for the games virtually, while waiting for the green light from the InterAgency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases to go into physical training. According to reports, Malaysian athletes have found venues to train in while undergoing quarantine. Vietnamese organizers are fixing 41 sites nationwide to host events. There are 23 venues are in Hanoi, 15 of which are under the city’s management.

Lakers rally to turn back Nuggets; Blazers win LOS ANGELES—LeBron James had a triple double of 27 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a double digit halftime deficit to pull away in the second half for a 114-93 victory over the Denver Nuggets. James recorded his second triple double of the season and 96th of his career as the Lakers opened their five-game homestand with an impressive comefrom-behind win. Dennis Schroder scored 21 points, Talen Horton-Tucker had 17 for the defending NBA champions who improved to 17-6 on the season. Anthony Davis said the Lakers had to make some adjustments at halftime, especially with their defence. “We were not getting any stops. We knew we could score at will but we needed to get some stops. Guys talked in locker room and we were able to come out in that third quarter and hold them to 13 points,” said Davis. With his third basket in the third quarter, James surpassed Wilt Chamberlain (12,681) for number three on career field goals made list. Canadian Jamal Murray scored 20 points and Monte Morris added 16 for the Nuggets, who suffered their second loss in eight games. Nikola Jokic, who was coming off a 47-point performance in his previous game, struggled to just 13 points and 10 rebounds. This was the first meeting between the teams since the Lakers captured the conference finals 4-1 over the Nuggets last season. The Nuggets looked out of sorts coming off a surprise four day break after Monday’s contest at home against the Detroit Pistons was postponed because Detroit did not have the required eight players available due to Covid-19 protocols. In Philadelphia, Carmelo Anthony delivered a throwback performance by scoring 22 points as the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers stunned the Eastern Conference juggernaut Philadelphia 76ers 121-105. The depleted Blazers won despite an array of injuries that got worse earlier Thursday with the announcement that marquee player Damian Lillard was ruled out of the contest with an abdominal strain that had been hampering him for several games. Portland only had nine players available. They were was also missing Jusuf Nurkic (broken wrist), CJ McCollum (broken foot) and Derrick Jones (sprained foot), among others. AFP

Eala makes quarterfinals of W15 Manacor 3rd leg ALEX Eala matched the intensity of German top seed Silvia Ambrosio to pull off a 7-6 (7-3), 1-6, 6-3, yesterday in the third round of the third and final leg of the International Tennis Federation’s W15 Manacor, in Mallorca, Spain. The left-handed Eala needed two hours and 48 minutes to get past the 24-year-old Ambrosio, who recovered from a first-set set loss by racing to a 5-0 lead in the next set. The 15-year-old Eala held her ground in the third set and matched Ambrosio’s energetic pace with her attacks. Eala, ranked 942nd in the world, Alex Eala came rushing to the net in the last stages of every game in the second and moved ahead, 4-0, with her aggressive stance before letting the Spaniard to score a game point twice Then, Eala’s steady game at the baseline allowed her to take the last two game points. It was Eala’s first win in her first head-to-head encounter with Ambrosio, who could only connect with 43 points out of 70 successful first serves. This put Eala up against Oksana Selekhmeteva of Russia in the quarterfinals. The no. 611 WTA-ranked Selekhmeteva advanced to a clash with Eala after a 6-4, 7-5 win over Danish netter Olga Helml. Eala advanced to the second round when she repulsed Ana Lantigua De La Nuez of Spain, 6-0, 6-2, on Wednesday night, in the opener. Peter Atencio

Serena: I’m still the best MELBOURNE—Serena Williams insisted Friday that she still sets the standards for women’s tennis ahead of a semi-final showdown with world number one Ashleigh Barty before the Australian Open. The 39-year-old has been in ominous form but needed to overcome a mid-match wobble to oust fellow American Danielle Collins 6-2, 4-6, 10-6 in 96 minutes at the Yarra Valley Classic. Williams has looked sharp having worked her way back from an Achilles injury suffered at last year’s US Open, which then led to a withdrawal from the French Open before the second round. Asked whether she was still the best in the world when on top form, Williams was unequivocal. “I absolutely wouldn’t be playing if I didn’t think that,” said the American, who is aiming for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title.

Her unwavering belief further fuels a mouth-watering contest Saturday against home favourite Barty, who will be attempting to break her country’s 43-year curse in singles at the first Grand Slam of the year. Williams has won both their contests but they haven’t met since the 2018 French Open one year before Barty’s breakthrough Roland Garros title en route to the top ranking. “I think it’s definitely a good opportunity to see where I’m going against the current number one,” Williams said. “I think that’s really important for me. “Obviously I think for her, as well, to see where she’s going against my game. “I think I’m a pretty big player just on all surfaces. I think all around it’s a really good opportunity for us both.” Barty has yet to rediscover her best, having dropped sets to Marie Bouzkova and Shelby Rogers, in her first tournament in 11 months. AFP

Business PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, February 5, 2021

115.43 PTS. 7,019.18

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

19,758,854,674 150,019 9,205,889,152.11 123 76 56

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.0650

Japan

Yen

0.009475

0.4554

Pound

1.367400

65.7241

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128987

6.1998

Switzerland

Franc

1.105828

53.1516

Canada

Dollar

0.779727

37.4776

Singapore

Dollar

0.748055

35.9553

Australia

Dollar

0.759900

36.5246

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655408

127.6322

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266603

12.8143

Brunei

Dollar

0.745268

35.8213

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000071

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.033289

1.6000

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.0868

Euro

1.196300

57.5002

Korea

Won

0.000893

0.0429

China

Yuan

0.154512

7.4266

India

Rupee

0.013708

0.6589

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.246488

11.8474

New Zealand

Dollar

0.715300

34.3809

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035749

1.7183 Source: BSP

SM Prime raises P10b from issuance of fixed-rate bonds

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

Inflation climbed to a two-year high of 4.2% in January—PSA

By Julito G. Rada

NFLATION in January accelerated to a two-year high of 4.2 percent from 3.5 percent in December 2020 due to the uptick in food prices and transport costs, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed Friday.

The January figure breached the inflation target band of 2 percent to 4 percent set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for the year. It was the fastest inflation rate in two years since it settled at 4.4 percent in January 2019. The PSA said in a statement the overall inflation was pushed up by the higher annual increment of the heavily-weighted food and non-alcoholic beverages at 6.2 percent in January, up from 4.8 percent in December 2020. “Also contributing to the uptrend in the country’s inflation were the higher annual increases in the indices of transport at 8.6 percent, and restaurant and miscellaneous goods and services at 3.0 percent,” the PSA said. BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said despite the uptick in consumer prices, it was still consistent with the BSP’s assessment of a transitory increase in inflation in the first half. “Average inflation is still seen to settle within the 2 percent to 4 percent target range over the policy horizon,” Diokno

said in a statement. He said the uptrend in inflation was seen as temporary. “The Monetary Board will consider recent price developments, particularly in global commodity markets, along with the fourth quarter 2020 GDP outturn in its assessment of the monetary policy stance in its meeting on Feb. 11, 2020,” Diokno said. He said the BSP remained ready to deploy its full arsenal of instruments as needed to fulfill its mandate to maintain price and financial stability. Meanwhile, inflation decelerated in the indices of alcoholic beverages and tobacco at 11.7 percent, and furnishing, household equipment and routine maintenance of the house at 2.9 percent. The rest of the commodity groups retained their previous month’s annual rates, except for recreation and culture whose annual rate decreased further by 0.7 percent during the month. Excluding selected food and energy items, core inflation picked up 3.4 percent in January 2021. Core inflation in December 2020 and in January 2020 was both registered at 3.3 percent. Inflation for food index at the national level jumped to 6.6 percent in January from 4.9 percent in December 2020. In January 2020, inflation for food stood at 2.1 percent. The indices of meat and vegetables both registered doubledigit annual increments of 17.1 percent and 21.2 percent, respectively.

By Jenniffer B. Austria PROPERTY developer SM Prime Holdings Inc. said Friday it raised P10 billion from the issuance of fixed-rate bonds on strong demand from retail and institutional investors. The offering of P5 billion fixedrate bonds with an oversubscription option for another P5 billion was eight times oversubscribed, it said. It was the second issuance from the company’s P100-billion debt securities program under shelf registration approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission last year. SM Prime said it raised P7.5 billion from the issuance of Series M bonds with an yearly interest rate of 2.4565 percent due 2023 and P2.5 billion from Series N which carry an interest rate of 3.8547 percent per annum. SM Prime said it would use the net proceeds to finance the expansion of the mall and residential businesses. SM Prime chief finance officer John Nai Peng Ong and Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. president and chief executive Antonio Nakpil led the first bond listing for the year on Friday through a virtual ceremonial event. BDO Capital & Investment Corp. and China Bank Capital Corp. are the joint issue managers. They are also the joint lead underwriters, along with BPI Capital, First Metro Investment Corp. and SB Capital Investment Corp. SM Prime earlier said net income declined 48 percent in the first nine months of 2020 to P14.4 billion from P27.6 billion in the same period in 2019. Consolidated revenues reached P60.7 billion in the nine-month period, down 29 percent from P85.0 billion a year ago. The property developer ended 2020 with 76 shopping malls in the country and seven malls in China.

COURTESY CALL. Clark

Development Corp. president and chief executive Manuel Gaerlan (right) pays a courtesy call to Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. The partnership between Gaerlan and Lazatin is expected to bring in more improvements and developments in Clark and Angeles City.

AC Energy acquires 50% of Pampanga solar project By Alena Mae S. Flores AC ENERGY Corp. and unit ACE Endevor Inc. have taken a 50-percent stake in the project company developing a 50-megawatt solar power plant in Arayat and Mexico, Pampanga. ACEN, a unit of conglomerate Ayala Corp., disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Friday the company and Endevor signed a shareholders’ agreement with Citicore Solar Energy Corp.and Greencore Power Solutions 3 Inc. to develop, build and operate the solar project scheduled to start operations in November. Under the agreement, ACEN and Endevor will hold 45 percent and 5 percent interest, respectively, while CSEC will own 50 percent of the shares in Greencore, the special purpose vehicle of the project. ACEN will provide a term loan facility amounting to P2.675 billion to finance the construction, operation and maintenance of the solar plant. The company said the joint venture supports the company’s strategic objective to be the growth platform of the AC Energy Group in the country. “The company will have the opportunity to develop a greenfield standalone solar farm, which will provide daytime power to the Luzon grid, in partnership with CSEC,” ACEN said. The joint venture will also allow ACEN the opportunity to earn stable dividend income from the operations of the solar project. ACEN signed an agreement with Greencore to subscribe 2.25 million common shares with a par value of P1 apiece for a 45-percent stake, to be issued out of the unissued authorized capital stock of Greencore. ACEN said assuming the Securities and Exchange Commission’s approval of the increase of Greencore’s authorized capital stock, Greencore will have a total subscribed capital of approximately P832.1 million

IN BRIEF Roxas’ quarterly loss increases to P240m

The Department of Transportation unveils the gigantic engineering marvel cutter head of ‘Kaunlaran,’ the first among the six tunnel boring machines that will be used for the partial operability section of the Metro Manila subway. The cutter head is the most substantial part of the TBM, weighing 74 tons. Its main purpose is to break, cut and grind rocks and soil by rotating its 36-piece disc cutter.

74-ton cutter head of tunnel boring tool Fitch unit expects arrives to start work on subway project automotive sales to rev up this year

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Transportation said Friday it received the 74-ton cutter head of the first of the six tunnel boring machines from Japan that will be used for the construction of the Metro Manila Subway Project. Funded by the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Metro Manila Subway Project will harness the power of 700-ton TBMs, measuring seven meters in diameter and 95 meters in length, to dig underground and lay tunnels for the 27-kilometer project. The cutter head is the largest and heaviest part of the TBM, weighing 74 tons. Its main purpose is to break, cut and grind rocks and soil by rotating its 36-piece disc cutter, composed of 15 pieces of single and 21 pieces of twin roller cutter. The first TBM will be named “Kaunlaran.” “This tunnel boring machine symbol-

izes its name ‘Kaunlaran ‘. Today, as we applaud the coming of Kaunlaran, I ask you, join us in riding the TBM, and in riding the first Metro Subway because this is a journey towards progress” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said. “The Metro Manila Subway is one of the answers of DOTR in answering your clarion call of making the Filipino life comfortable. This TBM, and the five more that are coming, so that we achieve partial operability by December of this year, is our way of saying this morning,” he said. DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan said that to fasttrack the roll out of the MMSP, a fleet of 25 Japan-made TBMs would be utilized. “To accelerate the construction of the Metro Manila Subway Project and to minimize road interference during construction, we will be using not just 1 but a fleet of 25 Japanese-made TBMs,” Batan said.

By Othel V. Campos THE local automotive industry is poised for double-digit growth this year as demand gets back on track, according to a report published by Fitch Solutions Country Risk and Industry Research. It said car sales in the Philippines were expected to expand by 21.5 percent from a low base last year on demand recovery and the introduction of new models and variants. Fitch Solutions also referred to the assessment of data from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Automotive Federation. It said local commercial vehicle sales would likely increase by 23 percent in 2021 and 2022, while passenger vehicle sales would grow by 18 percent on the back of the government’s infrastructure program and the roll out of roads and bridges. The Car Manufacturers Association of the Philippines and the Truck Manufacturers Association earlier reported that vehicle sales fell 39.5 percent in 2020 and came up 7-percent below industry target for the year at 240,000 units. Broken down, commercial vehicle sales in the country posted a contraction of 40.9 percent while passenger car sales showed a decline of 36.2 percent last year. Meanwhile, imported vehicle sales posted a 41 percent contraction, according to the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors. Imported light commercial vehicle sales saw a 37.6-percent decrease while imported passenger car sales registered a 46-percent decline. An insurance company said that despite the rosy outlook for car sales this year, car owners should watch out for the risks involved with owning a vehicle. Stronger and more frequent typhoons, destructive floods, auto theft or road accidents should be taken into account if one has a car or is planning to own one, it said.

ROXAS Holdings Inc., a sugar milling company, widened its net loss to P240 million in the first quarter ending December last year from a loss of P36 million year-on-year. RHI chairman Pedro Roxas in a disclosure to the stock exchange the first-quarter operations of other business units of the group incurred a loss due to limited transactions given the seasonal nature of the business. “We started the distillery operations of our San Carlos Bioenergy Inc. in October 2020, while milling in Central Azucarera Don Pedro Inc. began in mid-December 2020, after completing the off-season repairs and maintenance activities of these plants,” Roxas said. “This is the inherent seasonality in the group’s operations which coincides with the availability of sugarcanes,” he said. Despite the company’s weak first quarter performance, RHI president and chief executive Celso Dimarucut said the group was optimistic operations of the remaining businesses of the group would perform better than the previous year. Jenniffer B. Austria

DTI launches national employment strategy

THE Department of Trade and Industry launched Friday the National Employment Recovery Strategy Task Force to fortify the efforts of various government agencies in improving the availability of jobs to Filipinos. “For this reason, we are drafting NERS as an expanded medium-term Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan blueprint for decent employment and entrepreneurship in the ‘new normal’ so that we can achieve a ‘Better Normal’ for our country,” said Trade secretary and chairman of Task Force NERS Ramon Lopez. The employment plan aims to enhance the effectiveness of each of the policies and programs, and to more efficiently achieve the strategic national objectives, he said. The strategy brings together various measures, programs and institutions that influence the demand and supply of labor, as well as the functioning of labor markets. These, Lopez said, will restart economic activities, restore business confidence, upgrade and retool the workforce, and facilitate access to labor markets. Othel V. Campos

LandBank allocates P153m for ID system

STATE-RUN Land Bank of the Philippines has allotted over P153 million for the hiring of over 1,000 service contract workers now being deployed to several locations across the country to assist in the opening of transaction accounts for unbanked national ID registrants. Bank president and chief executive Cecilia Borromeo said Friday facilitating the opening of bank accounts for registrants to the Philippine Identification System would help ensure the speedy and efficient delivery of future government assistance programs to unbanked national ID holders. Under the setup, the service contract workers, who will augment LandBank’s existing manpower, would co-locate with the Philippine Statistics Authority in national ID registration centers not served by the bank’s agent banking partners, Borromeo said. The PSA is the lead agency in the nationwide registration of PhilSys applicants. Julito G. Rada

Manila

Standard SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021 B2 TODAY

Tech & Gadgets

Globe localizes digital care for customers via Viber Communities GLOBE recognizes the growing needs of its customers in the new normal. As many Filipinos build more online communities, and transact and communicate even more on social media and messaging platforms, Globe has innovated localized Viber Communities to deliver a targeted and more focused servicing. This includes addressing queries, recommending selfservice channels, and offering products that are relevant to the community. According to the latest data from Hootsuite and WeAreSocial, 80.7% of the Philippine population are on social media*, with 65.4% using it to learn more about and communicate with brands. Viber is one of the instant messaging platforms popularly utilized by consumers. Now, Globe has made itself more pervasive and present in Viber Communities to address the demand swell among its 78.2 million mobile subscribers and over 3.4 million broadband customers**— for school, work and business, staying abreast of current events, and keeping connected with their loved ones. Globe and its customers can now reach out to each other more instantly through these Viber Communities: Globe At Home Postpaid and Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi These communities provide broadband customers with useful information such as troubleshooting guide, steps on how to update an account, newest promos, among others. Both communities have already been veriﬁed by Viber and have a total of almost 8,000 members as of January 2020. Residential Communities Globe has also partnered with residential groups in Metro Manila to address customers’ needs through twoway communications. One of these communities is the Valenzuela City group, which aims to support 16,000 Globe At Home customers in the city. The communities provide real-time agent support from 8 AM to 6 PM daily. Outside these hours, customers may still report their concerns via an online form and a Globe representative will get in touch with them. Globe now manages 32 communities with a total of about 18,000 members. “It is important that we are where our customers are, and Viber is among these channels. By creating Viber Communities, we are able to focus on the needs of specific groups of customers and show our care in a personalized manner,” said Beck Eclipse, Globe's Chief Customer Experience Officer. Globe will roll out more Viber communities in the coming months and introduce new features that will enhance customers’ experience with the channel. Now with an active presence in Viber Communities, Globe enriches the customer service experience via this digital care channel and can reach out to more customers directly than ever before. For more information, visit www. globe.com.ph.

Nearly 2-of-10 in SEA share news on socmed before verifying if it’s true

EWS consumption from mainstream media and online sources have received a huge uptick globally, including countries in Southeast Asia, with the public forced to stay at home last year. It is also notable that online citizens from the region consume most of their news through social media. This is proven by a recent Kaspersky research which revealed that majority (76%) of users in SEA get their news updates from platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more. The percentage is higher for Gen Z at 83%, followed by Millennials at 81%, Baby Boomers at 70%, and Gen X at 62%. This, however, does not mean absolute trust in information published on these platforms. As online misinformation remains a concern online, the same survey conducted last November 2020 unmasked that almost 2-in10 (18%) respondents admitted to sharing news before verifying if they are true. Such is highest among Gen Z (28%), followed by Gen X (21), and Boomers (19%). Millennials logged the lowest in this aspect at 16%. According to Beverly Leow, a psychologist at Mind What Matters, a reason for the low veriﬁcation rates when it comes to sharing news online could be attributed to the self-presentation theory, where the individual desires to present him/herself in a certain way. Hence, when users are sharing information without giving it any thought, it is quite likely that they are motivated by the prospect of presenting themselves as updated and well-informed netizens. “Social media presents us many different types of narratives. Sometimes a particular incident or event may have several conﬂicting narratives or versions, and verifying the truth of the matter or the validity of the information presented may be more time consuming and require more effort than hitting the “share” or “repost button,” Leow explains. The study, done among 1,240 respon-

ed on social media before clicking “Share”. Boomers also lead the pack in confronting friends or family members who share fake news, based on their judgments, at 41%. They are followed by Millennials (27%) and Gen X (23%). Gen Z appears to be more polite at 19%. Blocking is another way of users in SEA to protect themselves from misinformation. More than a quarter of the respondents admitted blocking contacts who share articles they deem as inaccurate. The percentage of silencing online friends is highest with Gen Z at 46%, followed by Boomers, Millennials, and Gen X with 33%, 32%, and 30%, respectively. To help users protect themselves against cunning social engineering attacks on social media, Kaspersky experts suggest the following tips: Check the source. Take a moment to think about where the communication is coming from; don't trust it blindly. Check the links. Check the spelling. If in doubt,

Kaspersky survey shows “Boomers” from the region most likely to confront family members and friends who share fake news article.

dents with 831 from SEA, also found out that only 5-in-10 respondents across all generations said they read the full article before sharing it on their own account. “Southeast Asia internet users are approximately at 400 million with an additional 40 million people who were ﬁrst-time internet users in 2020. The region is also known for being among the most active social media users. In fact, our survey showed 36% of users in SEA spend 1-2 hours more on these online platforms post-lockdown, 28% added 2-4 hours, and some 17% with 4-6 hours more being spent on socializing online,” says Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky. “From a cybersecurity perspective, false information is a form of social engineering on a bigger scale being used by cybercriminals to effectively and easily victimize people and organizations. 2020 was plagued with phishing emails, scams, and fake domains piggy backing on COVID-19 and now, even vaccines. This is why both individuals and businesses, with the current work-from-

Table 1: Percent of social media users in Southeast Asia who said they share news/articles on social media before verifying if it's true

home format, should not take misinformation on social media lightly. With this pandemic being far from over, vigilance on information and links that we share is more than necessary,” Yeo added. Awareness about misinformation online is, however, showing signs of growth in the region with 6-in-10 respondents across all generations saying that they do check the sources of information or news being circulat-

look for ofﬁcial news websites or company websites. Break the loop. Social engineering often depends on a sense of urgency. Attackers hope their targets will not think too hard about what's going on. So just taking a moment to think can deter these attacks or show them for what they are—fakes. Research and read thoroughly before sharing information on social media.

Mariwasa to mark 55 years as top home building solutions provider MARIWASA, a pioneer in the construction industry, will be marking its 55th year in the business this June with the theme “Moving Forward” and the vision to be a complete home building solutions provider by highlighting the products launched last year and products to watch out for this year. Established in 1966 by the brothers Emerson and Edison Coseteng, the company was founded to produce products and services that would meet world standards for beauty and durability, achieved by harnessing the skills, discipline, and creativity of the Filipino artisan. “For 55 years, Mariwasa has been a living proof to the world-class Filipino craftsmanship and ingenuity. Each of our products reﬂects the founders’ vision of excellence, and the ability to stand proudly among the world’s ﬁnest,” said Jakkrit Suwansilp, Mariwasa President. Last year, Mariwasa did not let the COVID-19 pandemic stop the company from releasing various products that showcase the Filipino artistry in making tiles and products that solve many home-related problems. In addition to its Ecoway Tile Collection, the company also produced bathroom

Smart helps online learners in Student Circle Program MOBILE services provider Smart Communications is helping students deal with the challenges of distance learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic as it rolls out its Student Circle Program. Through this program, Smart teams up with select schools across the country to select deserving students who may beneﬁt from data subsidy so they may go online and participate in their virtual classes. Select students receive data subsidy in the form of GIGA Study 399 per month for three consecutive months. GIGA Study 399 offers 6 GB to access vital study apps, such as the G Suite for Education, Microsoft 365, and Canvas for 30 days. The subsidy has helped many students push through with their studies amid the quarantine. “I had to set aside some budget to buy load for my online class, and those were the times that were difﬁcult. I came to the point where I wanted to give up studying, but I realized I was so close to my dreams,” said Saramie Ortiz Flores, a BS Business Administration Student from the City of Malabon University. “When I learned that I would be one of those students to be given a load subsidy [via the Smart Student Circle Program], I was happy because my problems would

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

be lessened. It’s a huge help because we will have more budget for more important things,” she added. “[The assistance from the Smart Student Circle Program] is surely a great help to students like me who have financial problems, but are eager to learn and finish their studies,” said Marie Rose Barte, a BS Education Social Studies major from Biliran Province State University. “We at Smart recognize the value of pursuing education amid our challenging times. We are glad to be able to partner with schools across the country to assist students in their distance learning needs. We look forward to reach and help even more students so that no one gets left behind,” said Melvin Nubla, VP, Head Go-to-market and Subs Management. Introduced last August, GIGA Study makes it simpler and easier for students to access a selection of learning apps and productivity tools especially at a time when schools have resorted to online classes. Smart subscribers may register to GIGA Study via the GigaLife App or by dialing *123#. Giga Study is powered by Smart LTE, the country’s fastest mobile network, as certified by third-party mobile analytics firms such as Ookla and Opensignal.

Shown here are (from left) Ekaluck Praemoung (VP for Corporate HR), Piyarat Promtong (VP for Manufacturing), Jakkrit Suwansilp (VP for Sales & Marketing, President), and Emilie Maramag (VP for Finance & Admin).

cabinets that mix aesthetics and efﬁcient plumbing. Without missing a beat, Mariwasa also came up with its own tile adhesives to help homeowners complete their purchase and be able to install tiles easily. The Mariwasa Tile Adhesive, which comes in two variants

(regular and heavy-duty), compliment Mariwasa tiles best for better result of installation. The past year also saw the production of the Mariwasa Skim Coat which can help homeowners save more from the usual cost of materials and labor when having

walls ﬁnished off. This product can work for surfaces both indoors and outdoors so that homeowners don’t have to burn holes in their pockets just to purchase separate materials. Aside from its available products, Mariwasa also offers installation services to help Filipino homeowners build their dream homes, with its set of professional construction workers ensuring high-quality workmanship. Mariwasa’s manufacturing arm has also adapted an auto packing machine and a new sorting line for better work efﬁciency at their manufacturing plant in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. The auto packing machine has a capacity of 9,000sqm/day per machine and will allow cost reduction in terms of manpower, maintenance, and energy. Simultaneously, the new sorting line will increase manpower productivity from 353sqm/head to 1,125sqm/head due to its automation process, and will allow the company to save at least PHP 29M per year. In addition to this, the company is looking forward to launching new products to add to its line-up – Mariwasa Premium Quality Vinyl Flooring, with LVT Dry Back and SPC

Barkero Developers offers premium digital experience Vincent Hermosura, CEO and Founder of Barkero Developers

FROM its humble beginnings, Barkero Developers, a premium digital agency based in Manila, is now one of the country's fastest rising tech ﬁrms focused on creating high-quality websites, mobile apps and automated quality tests. Vincent Hermosura, CEO and Founder of Barkero Developers, said their goal is to create a premium digital experience for premium clients. "We take pride in the fact that we offer high quality digital services to our satisﬁed clientele," said Hermosura. Among its client base include business and brands such as STS Logistics, a logistics company that ships items from Korea to the Philippines; Cannella Roastery, a company that serves premium roasted coffee beans to established coffee business in the Philippines; and Appcentric PH which implements SAP products to the top 500 corporates in the Philippines In less than two years' time, Barkero was able to acquire international clients based in the Philippines, Singapore, Australia, and Switzerland.

These companies have fulfilled the requirements of: ● More than 4 years of operation ● In the expansion or marketing phase ● Have an existing website ● Have established a process that wants to infuse technology into their systems such as automating emails, and having a lead generation Hermosura said that as part of his future plans, he is targeting to hit 100M valuation by 2030 and to grow the company size to at least 10 developers and designers by 2022. Hermosura is also a young millionaire before the age of 30. “It takes a lot of hard work, patience, and believing in yourself. When I was starting, only a few of my friends would listen to what my vision is. This forced me to find mentors and friends outside my circle. Luckily, I found them. Being a millionaire even makes me "kuripot". When I reached my first million. I called all of my mentors and asked them what they did on their first million. Most of them told me they just kept on saving, working, protecting the money. So, I also followed suit,” he said. For more information, check out Barkero Developers at https://barkero. com/, orr their Facebook account at fb.com/ barkerodevelopers.

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6 , 2021

Motoring

Ready for the upgrade? Ford EcoSport beckons OVER the years, Filipinos have developed a penchant towards SUVs for a lot of reasons – versatility, capability, and space. Not to mention that modern-day SUVs have been equipped with technological features that enable a more interactive and safer driving experience. Since it was first launched in the Philippines in 2014, the Ford EcoSport has become a familiar sight on city streets across the country. This year, Ford is bringing the Ford EcoSport closer to Filipino drivers, particularly value-seeking customers who are looking to have an SUV as their first vehicle or those who are planning to upgrade from a sedan to an SUV. Here are seven reasons why the Ford EcoSport will

give you the most bang for your buck: • It is a globally-renowned SUV. The EcoSport is sold in many countries and regions around the world, including the United States, Europe, Middle East and Asia, and are enjoyed by customers for its versatility, fun-to-drive qualities, and efficiency. • It offers the right balance of power and efficiency. Equipped on EcoSport variants are either a 1.0L EcoBoost engine or a 1.5L engine, each offering the right balance of power and efficiency. The 1.0L EcoBoost engine has been a consistent ‘International Engine of the Year’ award recipient for many years. The Ford EcoSport also comes in the new 6-speed automatic or

5-speed manual transmission, offering an enhanced driving experience with a faster and smoother acceleration. • It commands presence on the road with its high ground clearance. • It allows you to park safely with the rearview camera Parking has never been made easier with the EcoSport’s built-in rearview camera which automatically activates when shifting into reverse gear. • It keeps you connected while staying safe on the road. The enhanced SYNC 3 system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto capability on the Ford EcoSport allows you to stay connected while your hands stay on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Use

SNEAK PREVIEW: LEXUS NEW CONCEPT T HIS year, Lexus will take a new step forward in aiming to make the diversified lifestyles of luxury customers more rewarding. This March, Lexus has announced that it will unveil the luxury brand’s new vision, along with a new concept, which illustrates its intentions for the future and marking the beginning of the next generation of Lexus.

Lexus International President & Chief Branding Officer Koji Sato said in a statement – “Furthermore, we will launch the first model under our new vision within this year, and we will continue to introduce new models next year and beyond. From here on as well, by being considerate of our customers around the world and engaging in car-making that exceeds their expectations, we will continue to take up the challenge of delivering happiness to all people who come into contact with Lexus. I look forward to sharing more with you soon.”

Isuzu soon to open Bacoor dealership IN A SIMPLe ceremony last January 29, Isuzu Philippines Corporation and the Isuzu Automotive Dealership Inc. have signed a contract for the soon-to-open Isuzu Bacoor dealership. The signing was held at the IPC headquarters at Biñan, Laguna. IPC was represented by its President Hajime Koso, and IPC Executive Vice President Shojiro Sakoda, while IADI executives Chief Operating Officer Alex Paguio and Isuzu Bacoor Branch Head, Valance Mauricio were also on hand. Isuzu Bacoor is scheduled to formally open and commence operations next month. By then, it would become AC Motors’ 11th dealership in Isuzu Philippines’ dealer net-

work that spans the entire country. The new Isuzu Bacoor dealership also extends AC Motors’ reign as the number one dealer group in Isuzu Philippines’ dealer network— a recognition it earned in 2020. In his remarks during the signing ceremony, Koso lauded IADI for its perseverance, particularly during the most challenging stretches in 2020. “We are all aware that it was not an easy road leading to this day, given the challenges we all experienced in 2020. But in the end, we can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. We are almost done. We are one step closer and we cannot wait for the grand opening of this newest addition to the Isuzu network.”

“I would like to thank IADI for supporting our expansion project and complying with our Isuzu Outlet Standardization or IOS. Rest assured that Isuzu will continue the years with the same spirit of achieving great success,” Koso added. Isuzu Bacoor located at Lot 4652-B along Molino Boulevard, Brgy. Bayanan, Bacoor City, Cavite covers a total land area of over 5,000 sqm. Upon its ning this March, the sprawling dealership will showcase Isuzu’s latest IOS showroom design, highlighted by a very spacious showroom that can display two light commercial vehicles, two commercial vehicles and a service shop that can cater from small vehicles to big tractor head trucks.

simple voice commands to make calls, listen to text messages, and play your favorite music. • It is an interactive SUV with a touchscreen display The EcoSport is smarter than ever with its touchscreen display that allows you to access vehicle controls and settings while driving with the simple touch of your finger.

•It’s now made more affordable with the same amount of great features. The Ford EcoSport is now available at a starting price of P799,000 or P23,000 all-in low downpayment. With the new starting price, the EcoSport is now one of the best value-for-money SUVs in the market today, as well as a better option for customers looking for a sedan because of its new price point.

Geely poised to hike vehicle prices MORE and more automakers and importers are raising their prices following a move by the Trade department imposing additional taxes on imported vehicles. This time, Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP), the importer and distributor of Geely vehicles in the country, is following suit. It will jack up the prices of the Coolray, Azkarra, and Okavango. SGAP said it has yet to announce the adjustmented rates on its vehicles. The Bureau of Customs has issued Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) acting on the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) directive to add safeguard tariff on the majority of imported vehicles. Despite SGAP’s vehicle price hike announcement, the implementation of the increase will not be immediately applied. SGAP President & CEO Mikihisa Takayama said “the new safeguard tariff will eventually raise prices of Geely vehicles for new shipments which will arrive this month. The good news, however, is that our customers can still enjoy the current prices since we, the distributor and our dealers still have enough inventory.” Recently, the DTI decided to further tax most of the imported vehicles, which according to Secretary Ramon Lopez, “will provide a breathing space to the domestic

industry.” Under Republic Act 8800, or the Safeguard Measures Act, the DTI shall impose “a provisional safeguard measure in the form of a cash bond amounting to Php 70,000/unit for passenger cars/vehicles under AHTN Code 8703 and Php 110,000/ unit for light commercial vehicles under AHTN Codes 8704.21.19 and 8704.21.29.” Furthermore, DTI said the provisional safeguard measure will run “while the case is under formal investigation by the Tariff Commission for a period of 200 days” from the day of the issuance of the BoC’s CMO. The DTI’s move to slap additional safeguard duties on most of the imported vehicles was done in response to the petition submitted by the Philippine Metalworkers’ Alliance that sought to save local vehicle assembly operations. Takayama said “It is unfortunate that such policy was decided to be implemented at a time when the auto industry is expected to recover from the huge drop in sales volume last year due to the pandemic. In spite of this, SGAP is still optimistic that the auto sales for this year will make a rebound. We also hope that the market can adjust to the new higher prices this policy will bring,” Takayama said.

FAST LANE Toyota introduces fleet connected service MARKET leader Toyota Motor Philippines continues to make great strides toward the future of mobility as the first automotive company to introduce an innovative solution in fleet management. Toyota’s Fleet Connected Service is the first automotive GPS system designed specifically for Toyota vehicles that aims to assist business owners and operators in managing vehicle assets and optimizing manpower productivity. With a connected device that tracks realtime data of fleet vehicles, companies are able to maximize efficiency and ultimately aid in improving business profitability. This service provides the most recent vehicle information such as current location, trip monitoring, vehicle mileage, and even recognizes unusual driver behavior. It also records each time when a vehicle enters and exits a virtual boundary through the geo-

fencing function; and reports device disconnection and tampering through its unplug detection feature. All these data are instantly transmitted from the device to Toyota’s GFleet System, allowing businesses to have a full view of their fleet, anytime, anywhere.

Get your business booming with Reina

From Left : Shojiro Sakoda, Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC), Executive Vice President; Hajime Koso, Isuzu Philippines Corp. President; Alex Paguio, IADI Chief Operating Officer; Valance Mauricio, Isuzu Bacoor Branch Head

WHEN faced with difficult situations, Filipinos are quick to adapt by starting their own businesses to make up for lost income. With the digital economy booming, entrepreneurs have taken to social media to meet customer demand. From fresh farm produce to home-cooked specialties, from house plants to flower arrangements, from tutorial services to used books—you can get almost everything online these days. The Department of Trade and Industry reports nearly 840,000 business registrations in the first 10 months of 2020, or a 32% increase from FY 2019. Of these, more than 10% were online enterprises. To get ahead and be more productive, entrepreneurs need an everyday vehicle that they can use for work and for play and which gives them more bang for their buck.

This is why the Hyundai REINA is counted among the country’s top vehicle choices well below the million-peso price tag that doesn’t compromise on style, space, safety, and power. Under the hood is a 1.4L gasoline engine with dynamic power of 95ps for quicker maneuverability in and around the city. It’s mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission, offering a more versatile and convenient driving experience.