Manila Standard - 2021 February 16 - Tuesday

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NEDA urges Rody to put whole PH under MGCQ THE National Economic Development Authority has proposed placing the entire country under the least stringent modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) starting March 1 after the economy suffered P1.04 trillion in losses in 2020 owing to business closures and job losses triggered by COVID-19.

Acting NEDA director general Karl Chua made the proposal in President Rodrigo Duterte’s televised briefing on Monday night.

The President thanked Chua for his presentation on the economy but did not react to

the proposal, which the acting socioeconomic planning secretary previously delivered to the Inter-Agency Task Force – which reports to Duterte -- on the coronavirus pandemic.

On January 29, the government said Metro Manila, the Cordillera Administrative Region, the provinces of Batangas, Davao del Norte, and Davao del Sur, and the cities of Tacloban, Davao City, and Iligan are under GCQ for the whole month of February, with the rest of the country under MGCQ. Chua said the whole country should shift to MGCQ starting next month to stem hun-

President Rodrigo Duterte

ger and to balance the economy with the control of the coronavirus.

He said the NEDA recommended this after seeing a “low spike” of coronavirus cases after the Christmas holidays, better than originally projected by health experts.

Loosening quarantine restrictions would allow those suffering from poverty and income loss, especially in Metro Manila, to recover faster, Chua said, as he enumerated other ways to allow the economy to move again.

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LGUs ready to pay for vaccine Cities’ league seeks Palace authority; House okays tax-free jab buy

By Jimbo Gulle and Maricel V. Cruz

T

HE League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) has asked President Rodrigo Duterte to issue an executive order allowing their local government units to make advance payments to drug manufacturers for the COVID-19 vaccines they contracted ahead of a Feb. 24 deadline.

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This developed as a panel in the House of Representatives approved the tax provision of a bill filed by

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League of Cities president Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia

Cinemas reopen in March, metro mayors balk at it

By Joel E. Zurbano, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Willie Casas THE Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has deferred the plan to reopen cinemas to March 1 after Metro Manila mayors opposed the move.

Paranaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez. head of the Metro Manila Council, said all the mayors were apprehensive about the recommendation to allow cinemas in general community quarantine (GCQ) areas to reopen because the matter did not go through “proper consultation.”

He pointed out that local government units in Metro Manila were consulted

SEEKING WARMTH.

A farmer’s family gathers around a fire after working in the fields of Cabuyao, Tuba, Benguet on Sunday. As the thermometers (inset) show, the temperature dipped to 5 degrees Celsius in nearby Atok, Benguet due to the northeast monsoon or ‘amihan’, the state weather bureau said.

Frost or ‘andap’ often forms on the vegetables during this time, harming the crops. Dave Leprozo

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Roque blasts extortion yarn over VFA issue, insists US must pay for it the President was only right to ask the or injury to the latter.

By Vito Barcelo, Rey E. Requejo to continue.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque US to pay because it is making the Phil“This is not extortion,” he said. “If a and Macon Ramos-Araneta also said the Philippines can get more PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte was than the $3.9 billion as “compensation” not extorting the United States when in exchange for the continued presence he said the US should “pay” if it wants of American troops in the Philippines.

In a virtual press briefing, Roque said the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA)

ippines a “valid military target.”

He cited the principle of state responsibility in international law that applies to the use by a state of another state’s territory and such use results in damage

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METRO Manila mayors are now willing to allow teenagers ages 15 to 17 to go out of their homes, the head of the Metro Manila Council said Monday.

MMC Chair Edwin Olivarez, also mayor of Paranaque, said the MMC had agreed to lower the age Next page

SC approves digital Bar exams

PRICE WATCH.

Department of Agriculture-Bantay Presyo Coordinator to local government units Jerry Pelayo (left) joins a local official in monitoring pork and fish prices at the Maypajo Public Market in Caloocan City on Monday.

Andrew Rabulan

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Supreme Court has approved what it called “digitalized, localized, and proctored” modality for the Bar Examinations, held over four Sundays of November this year.

In a Bar Bulletin 18 released on Monday, Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, chairperson of the Court’s

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM FEBRUARY 15)

550,860 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

1,685 27,588 NEW

ACTIVE

11,517

2

DEATHS

NEW

511,755

14

RECOVERIES

war breaks out, the American troops are here in the Philippines. What will their enemies do then? Do you think they will show us mercy?”

Hizzoners want more teens out

NEW

2020/21 Bar Examinations, said the SC had issued a resolution dated February 8, 2021 approving the digital Bar exams following the success of the pilot/mock Bar examinations on January 31, 2021 in Metro Manila, Baguio, Cebu and Davao.

Leonen said a total 80 students divided in these four areas took two Next page

Frozen meat sold in wet markets

By Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta

ing of frozen pork in wet markets.

The group lamented that an increase in the importation of agricultural proSAMAHANG Industriya ng Agri- duce had slowly killed the industry.

Meanwhile, as the price cap on pork kultura (SINAG) is urging the Department of Agriculture to arrest the dumpNext page

New oil price hike: P1.25 per liter

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE country’s oil firms raised pump prices anew effective 6am Tuesday by as much as P1.25 per liter to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market.

The oil firms raised the price of diesel by P1.25 per liter, kerosene by P1.10 per liter and gasoline by P0.75 per liter, triggering the third consecutive weekly oil price hike for gasoline the month of February.

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ANNUAL REPORT. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade (center) hand over to House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez (right) and Ilocos Norte Rep. Angelo Barba the copy of THE DOTR 2020 annual report during the pre-implementation conference for the department at the House of Representatives on Monday. Ver Noveno

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News

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021

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Binay: Stop all gov’t fee increases

By Joel E. Zurbano

F

ORMER Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday urged the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte to issue a moratorium on all increases in government fees, charges, or penalties during the coronavirus pandemic.

“The government should seriously consider imposing a moratorium on all increases in government fees, charges, or penalties until the pandemic is over,” said Binay in a statement.

Binay said the government should also suspend the implementation of new laws and policies that would result in additional expense or added financial burden on our people.

“It is wrong for other government agencies to take care of how their income will increase while our countrymen are suffering due to the pandemic,” the former vice president said.

“This is the least they could do, especially when no additional cash aid or economic relief is being considered this year. There is no more aid, so what they should do is to reduce the suffering of

Cinemas...

From A1

LGUs...

From A1

by IATF regarding other matters but not the reopening of cinemas.

Olivarez learned that Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro would issue an executive order prohibiting the reopening of cinemas in the city if the IATF did not defer the implementation.

Olivarez said most of the mayors agreed not to reopen cinemas because this would put people in an enclosed, air-conditioned space for longer than 30 minutes, increasing the risks of COVID-19 transmission.

Olivarez said the MMC, composed of the 17 mayors in the National Capital Region, supports the opening up of the economy but it “could not sacrifice” health protocols.

The MMC chairman also said that mayors are worried about reopening video and inter-active arcades.

Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. supported the mayors’ decision, saying the economy should be reopened gradually.

“Let’s see, let’s take it slow. If there’s no spike in cases. What’s scary is if there will be a spike. It would be difficult to go back. The vaccine is almost here.,” Abalos said.

Pasay City Mayor Imelda Rubiano said while they support the decision of IATF to open some tourism-related businesses to help revive the economy, they believe that it is not yet the time for theaters to reopen.

Rubiano suggested that cinemas be reopened after the nationwide immunization campaign is through and that the vaccines are proven effective in containing the virus.

The mayors’ decision was supported by the OCTA Research Group which called the reopening of traditional cinemas, arcades and amusement partsk “risky.”

Interviewed on GMA News TV’s “Balitanghali,” OCTA’s Ranjit Rye said the government should be more cautious about loosening restrictions after finding 44 cases of the more transmissible UK variant of the coronavirus here.

Senator Francis Pangilinan said he too believed it was not the right time to reopen cinemas.

“We should listen to the experts and those on the ground,” he said.

“All of us want to go back to normal, to be with our loved ones, to celebrate birthdays, to go to moviehouses and arcades, to go to churches,” he said.

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco authorizing LGUs to directly purchase vaccines against the coronavirus from manufacturers without having to go through the long process of a public bidding.

In a resolution passed on Feb. 4 but released to the media on Monday, the LCP appealed to the President to authorize their members to pay for the vaccines they ordered from drugmakers, particularly AstraZeneca, under the government’s “A Dose of Hope” Program last Jan. 14.

The advance payments for these orders, signed by 24 LCP member-cities under a tripartite agreement with the National Task Force for COVID-19, is due on Feb. 24, the group said.

They noted that according to Presidential Decree 1445 issued by Duterte, cities need the express authorization of the President to allow them to procure jabs and pay the vaccine manufacturers, including any advances.

“The LCP members seek the urgent action of the Office of the President to issue the necessary Executive Order at the soonest possible time,” added the resolution attested by the group’s president, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia.

The resolution came after the League’s Special General Assembly on Jan. 12, attended by mayors of 114 cities. Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco moved for the resolution seconded by Pagadian

Hizzoners...

From A1 of those who would be allowed to go out, noting that the Philippines was the only country to allow the 18-65 age bracket to go out.

He said allowing more teens outside would help stimulate the economy provided that they continued to follow COVID-19 protocols. He noted that it was “contradictory” to have gaming arcades open in malls but not allow teens to go there.

The MMC earlier opposed a government coronavirus task force’s decision to allow those between 15 to 17 years old to go out, citing the continuing threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

New...

From A1 “Petron will implement the following price increases effective 6 a.m. on Feb. 16: P0.75/li for gasoline; P1.25/li for diesel; and P1.10/li for kerosene.

These reflect movements in the international oil market,” Petron Corp. said in its advisory.

Aside from Petron, other oil firms also raised pump prices such as Seaoil Philippines, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Chevron Philippines, PTT Philippines, PetroGazz. among many others.

Over the weekend, Unioil Philippines said pump prices would likely increase this week.

“Diesel should increase by P1.20 to P1.30 per liter. Gasoline should increase

by P0.70 to P0.80 per liter,” Unioil Philippines said.

On February 9, the oil firms raised the price of gasoline by P0.85 per liter, diesel by P1.10 per liter and kerosene by P1 per liter.

On February 2, the oil firms raised the price of gasoline by P0.25 per liter but cut the price of kerosene by P0.25 per liter. The oil firms did not move diesel prices.

Roque...

From A1 “They won’t spare us because we allowed the presence of American troops and equipment in the Philippines,” Roque added.

Senator Panfilo Lacson had earlier said the President’s call for the US to

SC...

From A1 examinations through a computer software, while being proctored in the testing rooms.

“This proved that a more equitable and inclusive Bar Examinations can be done, more so amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” Leonen stressed.

The SC slated the Bar exams on November 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2021.

Leonen clarified that while the modality had been digitalized, the Bar exams would not be taken remotely.

“Examinees will still walk into testing rooms and will be proctored while taking the exams,” the magistrate said, adding that surveillance cameras would also be installed in

the masses,” he added.

Fees and charges are levies imposed by government agencies and its owned or controlled corporations on the direct recipients of public goods and services they render in the exercise of their mandated regulatory and service delivery functions. They are also known as user charges.

Common examples of fees collected are permits, licenses, registration/accreditation fees, clearance, and certification fees, as well as fees collected for specific services such as medical and laboratory examinations.

The government imposes fees and charges for efficient resource management to downsize the government’s spending, and yet maintain its obliga-

tion of providing efficient services to the public, and for cost recovery principle to relieve the government of its funding burden, Binay noted.

It also imposes an increase in fees and charges for the concept of comparability of service to other government agencies, length of time the fee or charge has not been revised, some social services remain exempt from requirement to hike fees and charges, and balance between cost recovery and socio-economic impact of new/revised rates to stakeholders.

The government imposed a lockdown in March 2020 following the spread of the coronavirus disease worldwide. The lockdown resulted in widespread unemployment and shutdown of businesses.

City Mayor Sammy Co and certified by Calapan City Mayor Arnan Panaligan, the LCP’s Secretary General.

Meanwhile, The House Committee on Ways and Means, chaired by Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, said Section 6 of House Bill 8648, or the proposed Emergency Vaccine Procurement Act of 2021, provides tax exemptions for the procurement, importation, storage, transport, distribution, and administration of COVID-19 vaccines by LGUs. These vaccines will be exempted from customs duties, value-added tax, excise tax, and other fees provided that the shots to be acquired by LGUs “shall only be used for their residents and constituents, and not for commercial distribution,” Salceda said.

HB 8648 provides exemptions to compliance by LGUs with the procurement requirements under Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act in the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines and other much-needed supplies during the pandemic.

As an additional exemption to the guidelines of RA 9184, concerned LGUs are authorized to engage in an advance payment mechanism for purposes of procuring COVID19 vaccines from foreign manufacturers.

The bill allows provinces, cities, and municipalities to make advance payments not exceeding 50 percent of the contract amount for the procurement of COVID-19 drugs and vaccines, unless otherwise directed by the President.

Under the bill, the LGUs may only

purchase vaccines that are registered with the Food and Drug Administration or issued with an emergency use authorization (EUA) status.

The deployment of vaccines in every province, city and municipality must be in accordance with the national guidelines implemented by the Department of Health and the National Task Force Against COVID-19.

Last Thursday, the House Committee on Appropriations, chaired by Rep. Eric Yap of ACT-CIS, also approved HB 8648, which seeks to expedite the purchase and administration of COVID-19 vaccines by allowing LGUs to directly purchase the life-saving shots from foreign manufacturers.

Speaker Velasco said this mechanism would ensure that COVID-19 vaccines are “procured and administered in an expeditious, effective, efficient and equitable manner.”

“The next crucible in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is the speedy procurement and effective administration of vaccines against the deadly disease,” Velasco said.

“Time is of the essence. Each day of delay is very costly for the government and leaves many of our vulnerable countrymen exposed to the dangers of this disease,” he added.

According to Velasco, the LGUs play an important role in ensuring “people are protected, lives are saved, economic losses are stemmed and mitigated, and public trust and confidence in our institutions is restored.”

According to the Department of Energy (DOE), world oil prices continued to complied due to the commitment of producers to hold back crude supply and positive signs of economic growth in the United States.

Oil prices was also given a boost as coronavirus infection rates were seen easing in several countries, helped along by the rollout of vaccines, and fuelling positive demand sentiment.

At the same time, DOE said the oil market is bullish amid signs the pandemic was starting to ease globally, spurring confidence among investors about the macroeconomic climate.

Meanwhile, Senate Bill No. 1955 or the proposed LPG Act, a bill streamlining existing laws and regulating the domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry to ensure consumer welfare against the rampant industry malpractices and provide consumer choice has been approved on third and final reading in the Senate, said Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.

Gatchalian noted the lack of any existing regulatory framework to oversee the domestic LPG industry even in the wake of LPG-related accidents that resulted in the loss of lives, limbs and properties as shown in the explosion that occurred in the Serendra

condominium complex in Taguig City in 2013, in a water refilling station in Sampaloc in 2019 and the most recent, in a Makati restaurant.

The Energy Committee Chairman emphasized that safety is crucial because LPG is a highly flammable and an explosive fuel that poses a major fire hazard if not stored or handled properly.

The Proposed National Energy Policy and Regulatory Framework for the Philippine LPG Industry seeks the establishment of the LPG Cylinder Improvement Program to ensure that unsafe cylinders will be immediately taken out of circulation and replaced with new ones to significantly decrease LPG-related explosions and fires.

Likewise, the measure intends to institutionalize the Cylinder Exchange and Swapping Program, allowing consumers to shift to another brand of LPG by bringing any empty LPG cylinder to any retail outlet.

Several versions of the bill has been introduced as early as 2004 in hope of instituting a national energy policy and regulatory framework to govern the importation, refining, refilling, transportation, conveyance, distribution and marketing of LPG as well as the manufacture, requalification, exchange and swapping of LPG pressure vessels.

pay sounded like extortion.

Roque, citing a report by the Washington-based think tank Stimson Center,said the Philippines received a total of $3.9 billion from 2002 to 2017 for counterterrorism efforts while Pakistan got $16.4 billion.

“America is giving Pakistan at least four times more than what it is giving the Philippines. “That’s chump change

compared to what they are giving to other countries. For instance, Pakistan.

When did they become allies?” he said.

“We think we should get something similar or close to that amount. But definitely, not the amount we are currently getting,” Roque said.

The Philippines’ diplomatic ties with the US started in 1946 while the US’ diplomatic ties with Pakistan started in 1947.

all testing rooms.

“Examinees will be assigned in testing centers in a locality closest to their residence or the school they graduated from, or for any other consideration. This determination shall depend on the final list of schools that would qualify as local testing sites,” he said.

While the examinations shall be digitalized, Leonen admitted that the traditional mode of handwritten examinations would still be allowed, but only in very exceptional cases where it could be adequately proven that the examinee was suffering from a physical disability that would not permit the person to take the examinations through a computer.

“Proper hygiene protocols will be observed during the Bar Examinations, which will include COVID-19 testing and proper physical

distancing inside the testing rooms,” he said.

The High Court will explore arrangements for a predominantly Saliva RT-PCR testing modality in each of the testing sites.

On the examination days, the computer hardware will be be thoroughly checked by Court personnel.

Examinees will also be asked to sign the Honor Code.

Leonen pointed out that the examiners will also grade the Bar examinations digitally.

“For questions and other clarifications, a hotline and dedicated email will be made available by the end of February. No other information other than those contained in Bar Bulletins is authorized. Those concerned should be compassionate enough not to create or spread false and unverified information,” he said.

Rody now willing to take virus jab in public—Palace PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in public in a bid to boost confidence in vaccines, Palace spokesman Harry Roque said Monday.

Roque confirmed that Duterte will get the vaccine jab publicly after announcing his preference to have it done in private.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Duterte agreed to be vaccinated in public if there is a “public clamor” for him to do so.

He added that Duterte and other top officials would be vaccinated early to boost public confidence in the vaccine, and not because they are VIPs. In the government’s priority list, senior citizens aged 60 and above fall under the “A2” cluster or second in line to receive Covid-19 vaccines. Willie Casas

UK variant case linked to MRT worker

One of the 19 new UK coronavirus variant cases is linked to an employee of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3, the Department of Health (DOH) revealed on Monday.

During a virtual briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire described the person as a 46-year-old female Pasay City resident whose son is an MRT-3 employee.

The woman tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Jan. 25 and is currently under home quarantine.

The DOH’s Metro Manila office is conducting further investigation into the case. Willie Casas

Stiffer penalties sought for fake test results

A congressional leader has filed a bill imposing stiffer penalties for people found falsifying COVID-19 test results.

“Falsification per se is not the issue here, but the corresponding risks it poses for public safety,” Deputy Speaker and Valenzuela Rep. Wes Gatchalian said.

“Though falsification of COVID-19 test results may seem like a trivial procedural matter to some it may actually and recklessly endanger the lives of the people these offenders may interact or come into contact with,” he added.

Frozen...

From A1 products goes on its second week, Senator Francis Pangilinan urged the DA to focus its initiatives to overcome the effects of the African swine flu (ASF) on backyard hog-raisers.

“We welcome DA’s P500 million worth of interest-free loans payable in three to five years, initially set aside by its Agricultural Credit and Policy Council (ACPC) for backyard hograisers,” said the former Presidential Assistant on Food Security and Agricultural Modernization.

DA seemed to be reluctant to go after importers dumping frozen pork into wet markets, amid the implementation of a price cap per kilogram of P270 for kasim and pigue, and P300 for liempo.

Retailers are forced to stop selling, or are with no option but to sell frozen meat.

SINAG, in a statement, slammed Agiculture Secretary William Dar’s leadership for the reduction of pork and rice tariffs, and the opening of the minimum access volume (MAV) allocation for pork imports and the flooding of frozen meat in wet markets.

However, the US’ military relations with Pakistan has been referred to as “America’s most allied ally in Asia” due to shared interests in security and stability in South Asia, Central Asia, as well as in regions covering Eastern Europe.

“Pakistan got $16 billion. We think we should get something similar or close to that amount but definitely not the amount we’re currently getting,” he said.

NEDA...

From A1 NEDA proposed easing public transport restrictions to 75 percent of passenger capacity from 50 percent, to support more “active transport” such as bicycle lanes, and to allow more inter-province buses to operate.

Chua also said the government should expand the age range of persons allowed to go out of their homes in increments of five years until it reaches the 5 to 70 age range, from the current 15 to 65 range.

He also proposed that face-to-face classes be resumed in pilot areas, a move Duterte had suspended in January.

“Mataas na po ang hunger lalo na sa NCR (National Capital Region),” Chua told Duterte, adding the loosened rules would allow more Filipinos to work and get a job while still observing health protocols. Jimbo Gulle

News

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SSS buffer enough to forego rate increase

By Maricel V. Cruz

T

HE Social Security System has enough buffer to forego the increase in the monthly contribution of its members, a congressional hearing revealed Monday.

NEW MACHINE. Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Domagoso (center) on Monday inspects the new GE X-Ray machine added by the city government to Sta. Ana Hospital with Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna Pangan (right) and Sta Ana Hospital director Dra. Grace Padilla. It aims to strengthen the capacity of the city hospital to meet the health needs of Manila children during the pandemic.

Overseas Filipinos department gains Senate, Executive allies

By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE creation of the Department of Filipinos Overseas, certified as urgent by the administration, got support from senators and members of the Executive Department on Monday.

Senator Joel Villanueva, chair of the Senate labor committee, said DOFil could be mandated to only look after OFWs worldwide, and consolidate the mandates

of smaller government offices under the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

He said DOFil would ensure the welfare and needs of overseas Filipinos and migrant workers who experience hardships in other countries and from being away from their families.

Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri branded as “high time” the creation of

DOFil. He authored Senate Bill 1323 or the bill creating DOFil to provide a more effective and efficient delivery of services to OFWs by streamlining all functions currently being carried out by various government agencies such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.

Zubiri said it saddens him that the government is not doing enough to protect OFWs.

“It’s not because our consulates and embassies are not doing enough, but there are simply more of our people out there than what our offices can handle,” he said.

Senator Christopher Go said this would benefit the 10 million OFWs. Senator Imee Marcos said the creation of a separate department will be costly for the government. She recommended to come up with an Executive Order extending the authority of POEA.

In the hearing conducted by the House of Representatives’ committee on public accounts led by Rep. Jose Singson Jr. of the Probinsyano Ako party-list group, SSS officials led by their president and CEO Aurora Ignacio told lawmakers the state-owned pension fund had a reserve fund worth P540 billion and was collecting an average of P240 billion a year from its members.

“We will not collapse if the scheduled hike in contribution of our members is not implemented or is deferred,” Ignacio said.

But Ignacio admitted the postponement would “bring more difficult times” for the agency.

“The position of the SSS is not to conform to the requested or the proposed deferment simply because it is going to be a threat to the solvency of the unfunded liabilities of SSS,” Ignacio said.

“This will, more or less, weaken the position of SSS rather than strengthening the fund for the members. At the outset, it will bring more difficult times for SSS as regards the threatened solvency on the unfunded liabilities.”

The lower chamber earlier approved on third and final reading the twin bills filed by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco seeking to grant President Rodrigo Duterte the power to suspend the scheduled increases in member contributions to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and SSS “in times of national emergencies” such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The SSS has expressed opposition to the proposed deferment, saying it would considerably strain the already dire financial position of the pension fund.

Hataman to Rody: Pardon all rebels Yap: Competitive 3rd telco needed

DEPUTY Speaker Mujiv Hataman on Monday expressed support to the efforts of President Rodrigo Duterte to attract rebels to rejoin mainstream society through a comprehensive amnesty program for their reintegration into normal civilian life.

Hataman, however, appealed to the Chief Executive to take the peace process a step further and implement a general amnesty program, not limiting the amnesty proclamations to members of some rebel groups but to all those who wish to lay down their arms and surrender.

“I welcome the amnesty proclamations of the President. The opening of the doors of society to the rebels who wish to return to civilian life is key toward lasting peace.

We proved that in Basilan. But my question is: Do we include all those who have laid or want to lay down their arms in the amnesty proclamations?”

Hataman added: “Are the Abu Sayyaf and BIFF included? I ask this because there are many ASG and BIFF members who want to return to normal life. Can’t

we give them a peaceful option now?”

Hataman, former governor of the nowdefunct ARMM, introduced and successfully implemented the Program Against Violent Extremism in Basilan.

Duterte reportedly approved several Presidential Proclamations, which will take effect upon concurrence by Congress, to carry out the objectives of the amnesty program. In fact, an executive order was issued creating the National Amnesty Commission to facilitate and administer the amnesty.

But according to a statement by Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., the National Amnesty Commission will cover the applications for amnesty of members of all rebel groups including the MILF, MNLF, CPP-NPA-NDF, Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People’s Liberation Army and the Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade-Tabara Paduano Group or KAPATIRAN.

RESCUE TRAINING. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District in Northeastern Mindanao conducts a six-day water search and rescue (WASAR) training for 21 aspiring lifeguards at Barangay Sto. Nino, Magallanes, Agusan del Norte. The participants performed rescue techniques such as water entries and exits, underwater swimming, various swimming strokes, underwater knot tying, bottom sampling at 15 feet, and one-mile endurance swim.

BI nabs Polish wanted for sex offenses

By Vito Barcelo OPERATIVES of the Bureau of Immigration arrested a 52-year-old Polish national wanted in his homeland for sexual offenses against minors.

According to BI Fugitive Search Unit member Bobby Raquepo, Dariusz Zygmunt Ziolkowski was arrested in coordination with the Siquijor Police Provincial Office and Siquijor MPS in Barangay Candanay Sur, Siquijor, Siquijor.

“We have received official communication from Polish authorities informing

us of his standing warrant of arrest,” said Raquepo.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente, on learning of Ziolkowski’s crimes, immediately issued a Mission Order to effect the arrest.

“Predators targeting the vulnerabilities of our children are not welcome in this country,” said Morente.

“We are in close coordination with international law enforcement agencies and foreign counterparts in our active search for these criminals, so we may weed them out from our land,” he added.

THE chairman of the House Committee on Information and Communications Technology is concerned if the third telco player will be able to perform its job of competing against the leading giant network firms in the country.

Tarlac 2nd District Rep. Victor Yap lauded the statement of Globe Telecom Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Ernes Cu about the company being ready for the entry of the China-backed DITO Telecommunity Corp.

For this reason, the House panel chair is observing if the consortium owned by businessman Dennis Uy and China Telecommunications Corp. would be able to sustain the initiatives of business tycoon John Gokongwei Jr. of Digitel Telecommunications Inc. of providing stiff competition, particularly with Sun Cellular’s offer of lower service rates.

“Will Dennis Uy ignite a price war like Gokongwei? Ernest Cu says Globe is ready for ‘aggression’ from DITO. We’ll see how they play the game,” said Yap in a statement. “(But) If there’s no true price war that happens, then, it’s what I feared, a result of no real competition even with a third player,” added the lawmaker from Tarlac province.

Yap stressed DITO should be able to meet people’s expectations of having mobile communication and internet service providers, which aside from delivering better service should also offer affordable rates.

Otherwise, it doesn’t make sense for the government to allow a third telco player.

As to the criticism about the slow network rollout of the Filipino-Chinese telecom partnership, Yap reminded the firm to be more aggressive and that there would be no delay in the start of its operations “They should be aggressive given the demand for good services. We hope that it is not the usual permits and permissions making delays,” said the congressman. with Maricel V. Cruz

NO TO KID SOLDIERS. Jose Antonio “Ka Pep” Goitia (center), Secretary General of Liga

Independencia Pilipinas, joins Grace Ibuna of Melchora Partylist For Women and Miko Tiongco of Youth Power Against Destabilization and Terrorism in denouncing communist and Islamist terrorist groups that continue to recruit the youth as combatants in the Philippines, to mark the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers. Lino Santos

21 Manobo kids ‘rescued’ from Reds AT LEAST 21 minors belonging to the Manobo tribe were said to have been rescued from a retreat house at the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, the Philippine National Police claimed on Monday.

In a statement, PNP chief Debold Sinas said the minors were rescued from communist rebels at the retreat house.

However, the university said the minors were part of a 42-person delegation that participated in a modular schooling activity in March 2020.

They were supposed to return to their respective indigenous communities but the COVID-19 lockdowns prevented them from doing so.

P4.9m in ‘ecstasy’ drugs seized at NAIA

By Joel E. Zurbano CUSTOMS agents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Monday seized a smuggled shipment of the party drug ecstasy worth P4.9 million.

Operatives of the Customs Port of NAIA also arrested one Ronron Salonga, the claimant of the package containing 2,878 tablets of ecstasy.

The bureau conducted a controlled delivery operation with help from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group resulting in the arrest of Salonga at the Manila Central Post Office.

The shipment was declared as wom-

en and kid clothes and shoes, a clear case of technical smuggling. It was sent by a certain “Mary Lumbao Edward” from the Netherlands and consigned to a resident of Malate, Manila.

Prior to the entrapment operation, Customs placed the shipment under profiling and examination. The authorities discovered 12 packs of ecstasy tablets with green and gold colors concealed at the package.

“Subsequent chemical laboratory analysis of PDEA confirmed the seized tablets were positive as ecstasy,” said a Customs examiner.

Salonga and the seized prohibited substance are now in the custody of PDEA.

“The rescue operation is a manifestation that the reds have been continuously engaged in recruiting minors to be trained as child warriors, which is a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law” Sinas said.

Police said the minors were part of the Manobo tribe in Talaingod, Davao del Norte and communist front groups took them to the University of San Carlos Retreat House in Cebu City.

Citing its initial investigation, the police said the Lumad children were from a former alleged NPA-front Salugpungan school in Talaingod that was closed down

by DepEd in 2019.

Manila

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Standard

TODAY COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCEMENT

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has submitted to the Commission on Appointments (CA) for its consent on the nominations of the following senior officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), namely: 1. ERICK Q. ESCARCHA

to the rank of Brigadier General

2. EDGARDO C PALMA

to the rank of Brigadier General

3. JOEL ALEJANDRO S. NACNAC to the rank of Brigadier General

The public may submit any information, written report, or sworn/notarized complaints or oppositions in thirty - two (32) copies on the above nominations to the CA Secretariat, 6th Floor, PNB Financial Center, D. Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City, Metro Manila.

For the schedule of the public hearings, the CA Secretariat can be reached through telephone numbers 8834-2713, 8831-1824, 8831-0527, 8832-9830, 88342706 and 8551-1989.

15 February 2021.

HECTOR A. VILLACORTA Secretary (MS-FEB. 16, 2021)

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021

NEWS

Mayors: Balance health risks

By Rio N. Araja and Willie Casas

Q

UEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte has expressed opposition to the decision of the government’s pandemic response task force to allow the reopening of cinemas even as Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso assured movie house workers of free swab tests.

“If we allow it to open, for the few that will agree to open, I think the risk is not commensurate to the gain. Your risks -people are in an enclosed airconditioned environment, there is no natural ventilation, and they will be sitting there for two hours,” Belmonte said in an interview with ABS-CBN yesterday.

Belmonte said even mall operators are lukewarm to reopening their movie theaters as they might be operating at a loss.

“Even if the screening of movies is allowed, I think many mall operators will still choose not to reopen their cinemas because they don’t see that it’s going to play a big part in terms of economic impact,” she added.

Domagoso said the city government of Manila is open to the reopening but will have to consult with health experts first to ensure that it does not lead to higher COVID-19 cases.

“We need to consult first with medical frontliners, especially those from the Manila Health Department,” he said.

Cinema operators, he said, will likewise have to present their own plans to ensure health protocols are observed if they are to reopen.

BUT THE KIDS REMAIN AT HOME. A staff of a Pro Station Claw Machine in an arcade in Malate, Manila puts back stuffed toys up for grabs in preparation for the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force allowing video and game arcades to resume operations.

However, the government bars minors below 18 years old from leaving their homes unless for essential trips. Norman Cruz

P100k incentive for virus-free San Juan villages THE city government of San Juan will be giving P100,000 in cash incentives to any of its 21 barangays that can achieve a zero COVID-19 case record in a span of 100 consecutive days.

Mayor Francis Zamora said the city government has passed a local ordinance granting the cash incentive to encourage villages to enforce health protocols more strictly to stem the spread of the virus.

“This ordinance was passed to encourage our barangays to reduce or eliminate

COVID-19 cases in their areas,” he said.

Zamora said the cash incentive should be used for the barangay’s COVID-related programs and activities.

Meanwhile, the mayor urged his constituents to sign up for the San Juan City COVID-19 Vaccine Registration.

Residents may register online (http:// bit.ly/39Bi7ril or by visiting their respective barangay offices for manual registration.

The city government is also conduct-

ing a “house-to-house vaccine campaign” with city hall personnel tasked to assist residents in signing up.

Zamora said the local government is targeting to inoculate at least 70 percent of the city’s estimated 85,000 population to achieve herd immunity.

As of Feb. 10, San Juan has recorded 23,202 registrants who have expressed willingness to get the free COVID-19 vaccine, accounting for about 19 percent of the city’s total population.

Better public service with new Rizal districts

By Maricel V. Cruz RESIDENTS of the province of Rizal’s second district may look forward to being served better by their local government as the Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading a bill reapportioning it into three legislative districts.

“While it is a fulfilling challenge trying to serve the 2nd district, the reality is that as is, our resources always have to be stretched thin so that it could reach our more than one million constituents, which amounts to over half of Rizal’s entire population,” said Deputy Majority Leader and Rizal Rep. Fidel Nograles.

Nograles is the author of House Bill No. 6222 which seeks to reapportion the 2nd district.

Once passed into law, the current second district would retain the municipalities of Cardona, Baras, Tanay, Morong, Jalajala, Pililla, and Teresa.

The proposed measure would then establish the town of San Mateo as the third congressional district and Rodriguez (Montalban) town as the fourth legislative district of the province.

“Additional representation equals additional resources, which would lead to a much more equitable distribution of government services to the people of Rizal,” Nograles said.

Nograles said the reapportionment will have an immediate impact on the province’s pandemic recovery efforts as the representatives of the new districts would already be selected in the 2022 elections once the President signs the bill.

“This means that our countrymen will not be passive spectators in the recovery efforts because they will choose their representatives,” he said.

Troops overrun terrorist lair in Lanao ZAMBOANGA CITY—Soldiers are tracking down a group of Dawlah Islamiya terrorists following ground and air assaults in the hinterlands of Lanao del Sur, officials said Monday.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said government troops clashed with around 15 Dawlah Islamiya members Saturday morning in Barangay Bawang.

The troops pounded the terrorist lair with air assault and artillery fires, Vinluan said, forcing the suspects to flee.

“We deployed air and artillery troops to conduct assault, forcing the enemies to abandon their position,” said Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio,

commander of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao provinces).

Intermittent firefight lasted for almost seven hours Ponio said.

No one from the government side was hurt during the encounter while the military has yet to determine if there were casualties from the illegal armed group.

“Our troops were able to penetrate the enemy’s defensive line through timely and accurate supporting fires,” said Ponio, who is also the 1st Infantry division commander.

The Dawlah Islamiya lair, he said, has 20 foxholes and eight makeshift huts that can accommodate around 70 people.

CHEAP MEAT. Mandaluyong Mayor Carmelita Abalos leads the opening of the ‘I Meat You! Munting Palengke, Murang Karne’ within the city hall compound where residents can buy affordable pork, chicken and beef meat. The pop-up market will last until Friday, Feb. 19.

Poor communities get nutribuns

JUST THE TWO OF US. Overlooking the glittering lights of the Sierra Madre and the town of San Mateo in Rizal, SM City San Mateo launched the ‘Park, Dine and Stargazing’ at its roof deck parking during the Valentine’s weekend for socially-distanced romantic dates. Manny Palmero

SAN Miguel Corporation (SMC) has distributed over 70,000 “nutribuns” to poor communities as part of its ongoing efforts to provide food aid for Filipinos still struggling to cope with the economic impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

“It’s been almost a year since the pandemic started, and while we have made a lot of headway in terms of addressing the spread of the COVID-19 virus, its economic impact continues to be felt today by almost all sectors of society, particularly the vulnerable. Access to food and basic nutrition is still an issue, especially for our poorest families. This is why we have continued our nutribun distribution program which we started September last year to this day,” said SMC president Ramon Ang.

SMC revived the nutribun—a staple for schoolchildren in the 70s to fight malnutrition and hunger--in March last year to provide immediate and nutritious food aid to poor communities following the lockdown.

It started the regular distribution of the nutrient-packed bread to select communities in September through its network of Petron gas stations.

Since then, SMC has been distributing 4,000 pieces of nutribuns per week to the poorest communities of Malolos, Tondo, Payatas, and Caloocan through the help of local government units, the Diocese of Malolos, Gawad Kalinga, the Philippine Business for Social Progress, Puso ng Ama, and volunteers of its Better World Tondo (BWT) facility in Manila.

New normal: Use of cotton balls, sprinkling of ash for Holy Week THIS year’s Ash Wednesday would make use of cotton balls for the faithful who wish to have ash on their forehead, according to the guidelines issued by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines’ Episcopal Commission on Liturgy.

Bishop Victor Bendico, chairperson of the commission, said Monday that in observance of existing health protocols, they have come up with options to put ash on the faithful.

Among the new guidelines are the sprinkling of ashes on the head or using cotton balls to put ashes on the forehead of churchgoers.

“One way is by sprinkling the ashes on the head of the faithful. For those who wish to have the ashes on their forehead, another way is by using cotton balls in applying ashes,” Bendico said.

“Each of the faithful who wants to

receive the imposition of ashes may approach the minister. The minister, with the aid of a cotton ball dipped into the vessel of the blessed ashes, traces the cross on the forehead of the faithful. The minister will use a different cotton ball for each of the faithful,” he added.

Since many Catholics are still unable to go to church for the Ash Wednesday celebration due to the limitations imposed by

the government on church attendance, the CBCP has recommended that the faithful who could come to church be given a small plastic sachet containing blessed ashes that they, in turn, can impose to their family members.

“Those who cannot come to church on this day may receive the ashes from family members who were able to go to church for the celebration,” he said.

Mayor wants day care centers to use Kapampangan

By Butch Gunio ANGELES CITY—Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. is pushing fo the promotion of Kapampangan as an intellectual language by using it as the medium of instruction in the city’s 76 day care centers.

Lazatin, in his letter to the City Social Welfare and Development Office head Edna Duaso, said Kapampangan language should be used at least three hours per week once face-to-face classes resume.

He cited a provision of City Ordinance No. 426 which states that “the Angeles City government shall promote Kapampangan as an intellectual language by restoring its rightful place in education.”

“With Kapampangan as Angeles City’s heritage language and mother tongue, educational establishments at all levels, in accordance with DepEd Order No. 74, s. 2009 (Mother Tongue-based Multilingual Education) and section 5-F of the K-12 Law (R.A. 10533,) are enjoined to encourage the use of Kapampangan in official school gatherings, meetings, programs, and celebrations,” he said in his letter.

B2

World

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

More protests after Myanmar junta cuts internet, deploys troops MYANMAR’S junta deployed extra troops around the country and choked the internet on Monday as it intensified a crackdown on anti-coup protests, but defiant demonstrators again took to the streets.

The military has steadily escalated efforts to quell an uprising against their seizure of power two weeks ago, which saw civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi detained along with hundreds, including members of her democratically elected government.

The generals imposed an hourslong internet shutdown on Monday morning and ratcheted up the military’s presence across the country overnight, including armoured vehicles in Yangon, the nation’s commercial hub and biggest city.

But fresh protests again flared in the city, including near the central bank where troops were deployed.

“Patrolling with armored vehicles means they are threatening people,” said 46-year-old Nyein Moe, among the more than one thousand gathered in front of the bank.

“People are marching on the streets and they don’t care to be arrested or shot. We can’t stop now. The fear in our mind is going away.”

Hundreds of engineering and technology students also protested in a northern district of Yangon, according to an AFP journalist.

There was a fresh rally in the southern city of Dawei too, a verified live stream on Facebook showed, with hundreds of protesters accompanied by a marching band.

Some carried banners against the military that read: “They kill in (the) day. They steal at night. They lie on TV.” Protesters also came out in large numbers in the capital Naypyidaw and the second-biggest city Mandalay.

Monitoring group NetBlocks reported that a “state-ordered information blackout” had taken Myanmar almost entirely offline early Monday.

Internet connectivity was later restored around the start of the working day, with Netblocks saying the blackout lasted around eight hours.

But the monitor noted that most users in Myanmar were still barred from social media. AFP

ACQUITTED. Democratic US Senator Amy Klobuchar speaks to reporters as she leaves the US Capitol after the fifth day of the second impeachment trial of former US President Donald Trump, on February 13, 2021, in Washington, DC. Former US President Donald Trump was acquitted by the Senate on Saturday of inciting the deadly January 6 attack on the US Capitol. A two-thirds majority of the 100 senators was needed at Trump’s impeachment trial for conviction, but it fell short in a 57-43 vote. AFP

Republicans see ‘real battle for the soul of party’ A DAY AFTER the Senate acquitted Donald Trump in a historic second impeachment trial, America was weighing how long a shadow the former president will cast—over his party, and over the country.

The Senate on Saturday voted 57-43 to convict Trump of inciting the January 6 assault on the US Capitol.

It was a stinging rebuke, with seven Republicans joining all Democrats in the most bipartisan impeachment vote ever, but it fell far short of the 67 votes needed for conviction.

With Trump hinting afterward at a possible political future, even as other Republicans said it was time to move on, the stark divide facing the party was on full view.

One frequent Trump critic, Republican Governor Larry Hogan of Maryland, on Sunday predicted a “real battle for the soul of the Republican Party.”

“This is not over,” he told CNN, adding he would have voted to convict Trump.

‘Need to work with Trump’ Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana was one of the seven Republicans to vote to convict; he predicted Sunday that Trump’s still-strong hold on Republicans would fade.

“I think his force wanes... I think our leadership will be different going forward,” he told ABC’s “This Week.”

Several Republicans, even while voting to acquit Trump, expressed dismay over his role on January 6 and in the weeks before, as he stoked anger with false claims the November election was stolen from him.

But one of the former president’s fiercest defenders, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, insisted Sunday that Trump, with his fervent following, retains a huge political role as the party looks ahead to the 2022 midterm elections.

He called Trump the “most vibrant member of the Republican Party,” adding, “We need to work with President Trump -- we can’t do it without him.” AFP

Demonstrators denounce Haiti dictator Moise

ENGINEEERS IN PROTEST. A group of protesting engineers hold up signs calling for the release of detained Myanmar civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a demonstration against the military coup in Naypyidaw on February 15, 2021. AFP

UK wants mandatory New Zealand’s Auckland starts lockdown hotel quarantine THE UK government will on Monday introduce mandatory hotel quarantine rules for arrivals from dozens of countries deemed “high risk” for coronavirus variants, as it tries to stop new strains spreading.

The new policy requires all UK citizens and permanent residents entering England from 33 countries on a wider travel ban list to self-isolate in approved hotels for 10 days and take several Covid-19 tests.

Other visitors from the countries currently on the so-called “red list”, which includes all South American nations, South Africa and Portugal, are currently barred from visiting under lockdown rules.

Arrivals found to have given false information about being in one of the countries 10 days before travel could receive up to 10 years in prison -which has drawn criticism for being excessive.

The government says it has signed contracts with 16 hotels so far, securing nearly 5,000 rooms near English airports, with a further 58,000 rooms on standby. AFP

NEW Zealand’s biggest city began a snap three-day lockdown Monday, forcing two million people to stay at home, as authorities scrambled to contain the nation’s first outbreak of the highly contagious UK variant.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern ordered the 72-hour lockdown for Auckland after three family members were found to be infected in the North Island city.

Schools and non-essential businesses have been forced to close and residents barred from leaving the city except for a few essential reasons.

The health ministry said genomic sequencing has since showed two of the cases were caused by the strain that was first detected in Britain. Tests from the third person were still pending.

“This result reinforces the decision to take swift and robust action around the latest cases to detect and stamp out the possibility of any further transmission,” the ministry said.

Authorities said testing of the family’s close contacts had so far found no further cases, raising hopes the lockdown will end quickly.

But health officials are still unsure how the strain entered the largely coronavirusfree country.

New Zealand’s director-general of health, Ashley Bloomfield, said the initial focus was on the mother’s workplace -at a company providing laundry services to international flights -- “because of its obvious connections to the border”. AFP

SEVERAL thousand people demonstrated Sunday in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, saying the government was trying to establish a new dictatorship and denouncing international support for President Jovenel Moise.

The protests were mostly peaceful, although a few clashes broke out between some demonstrators and police, who fired tear gas and rubber bullets.

Protesters waved the national flag and chanted, “Down with the dictatorship!”

Officials loyal to Moise claimed last Sunday they had foiled an attempt to murder him and overthrow the government. Police arrested 23 people, accusing them of an “attempted coup.”

Moise has been ruling by decree for a year because there is no parliament right now. Legislative elections due in 2018 were delayed.

He also maintains that his term lasts until February 2022 -- but the opposition argues it should have ended last weekend, in a standoff over disputed elections.

The dispute stems from Moise’s original election. He was voted into office in a poll subsequently canceled after allegations of fraud, and then elected again a year later, in 2016.

The issue has led to weeks of violent protests on the streets of the poor Caribbean country.

The United States has backed Moise’s position, with State Department spokesman Ned Price saying on February 5 that “a new elected president should succeed President Moise when his term ends on February 7, 2022.” AFP

Red Sea reefs ‘under threat’ from Israel-UAE oil deal ISRAELI environmentalists are warning that a UAE-Israeli oil pipeline deal threatens unique Red Sea coral reefs and could lead to “the next ecological disaster”.

The agreement to bring Emirati crude oil by tanker to a pipeline in the Red Sea port of Eilat was signed after Israel normalised ties with the Gulf Arab nation late last year and should come into force within months.

With experts warning of possible leaks and spills at the ageing Eilat port, and the Israeli environmental protection ministry demanding “urgent” talks on the deal, activists mobilised last week.

They held a protest in a parking lot overlooking Eilat’s oil jetty against what they see as a disaster waiting to happen, chanting that profits will be made “at the expense of corals”.

“The coral reefs are 200 meters (yards) from where the oil will be unloaded,” said Shmulik Taggar, an Eilat resident and founding member of the Society for Conservation of the Red Sea Environment.

“They say the tankers are modern and there won’t be any problem,” he said, warning however that “there’s no way there won’t be a malfunction”. AFP

IN BRIEF Nigerian president Appeals for unity after deadly clashes NIGERIAN President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to protect all religious and ethnic groups in the country after deadly clashes erupted between different communities at a market in the southwest over the weekend.

Long-standing rivalry over access to land and resources between northern Fulani herders and southern Yoruba farmers are behind renewed ethnic tensions across the south.

At least one person was killed after a dispute erupted on Friday at Shasha market in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state.

Buhari in a statement late on Sunday “condemned such violence and gave assurance that his government will act decisively to stop the spread of any such violence.”

A local security source told AFP: “I can confirm that one person was killed while properties valued at millions of naira were destroyed.”

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo also condemned in a statement the “unfortunate mayhem and the tragic loss of lives at the Shasha market”. AFP

Indonesian landslide kills four; 14 still missing AT LEAST four people have died and 14 are missing after a landslide caused by torrential rains swept away several homes in Indonesia, officials said Monday, with hundreds forced to flee their flooded homes.

Twenty-one people were initially reported missing, but three individuals were rescued after the disaster that struck Sunday evening in a rural part of East Java.

Indonesia’s Search and Rescue Agency said it had found four bodies, but were still looking for 14 people reported missing.

“We cannot bring heavy equipment to the site of the landslides currently. However, we are currently trying to make our way,” the East Java Search and Rescue Agency told AFP in a written statement.

The landslide also seriously damaged eight houses, said the agency.

Pasuruan, a town in the same province, was also flooded after a river overflowed due to the heavy rains, forcing more than 350 people to flee their homes, the agency added.

Fatal landslides and flash floods are common across the Indonesian archipelago, where seasonal downpours are frequent and relentless. AFP

Flash flood kills 50 with 150 missing in north Indian Valley FALLOUT from a devastating flash flood in a remote north Indian valley hit the capital New Delhi more than 500 kilometres downstream on Monday, when water supplies were cut to tens of thousands of residents.

Authorities blamed the high quantities of mud and debris from the February 7 deluge, which left more than 50 dead and 150 missing, for the shortages.

The Rishiganga valley in Uttarakhand state is 530 kilometres (330 miles) upstream to the northeast of Delhi but its water is a key supplier for the capital.

Authorities would not say how long taps would be shut down.

The flood swept through the valley devastating a power complex and destroying roads and bridges.

Rescuers are just starting to pull out bodies from a tunnel engulfed by mud and debris where more than 30 workers were believed to be trapped.

The flood is believed to have been triggered by a chunk of glacier sliding down a mountainside or a glacial lake breaching its banks.

Water from the valley flows into the Ganges and from there to Delhi. AFP

Manila

Standard

Business

TODAY

Thai, Japan economies register deep contractions

PSEi February 15, 2021

TOP GAINERS 1 2

TBGI SOC

LAST PRICE 0.67 1.11

% CHANGE CHANGE 0.21 45.65% 0.29 35.37%

3

PRIM

1.46

0.21

16.80%

4 5 6

T LODE DIZ

1.7 1.67 11.88

0.24 0.22 1.5

16.44% 15.17% 14.45%

7

MARC

1.64

0.18

12.33%

8 9 10

TCB2A FFI UPM

0.78 7.9 0.011

0.08 0.8 0.001

11.43% 11.27% 10.00%

TOP LOSERS 1 2

DWC SPM

LAST PRICE 5.6 2.11

% CHANGE CHANGE -1.21 -17.77% -0.38 -15.26%

3

KPH

5.26

-0.43

-7.56%

4 5 6

OV IMP JAS

0.013 1.77 2.01

-0.001 -0.13 -0.14

-7.14% -6.84% -6.51%

7 8 9 10

ABG DAVIN DFNN JOH

8.49 8.5 5.34 4.8

-0.51 -0.48 -0.3 -0.25

-5.67% -5.35% -5.32% -4.95%

MOST ACTIVE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SM DITO CNVRG TBGI ACEN VUL PHA MM APL JFC

VOLUME 10118085 54414700 38451100 940660000 38568400 75947000 77695000 20891100 596520000 797090

VALUE (PHP) 10826693315 964178072 739433471 566866300 296121549 292370700 237300570 150704101 143845810 143705490

US crude surges past $60 a barrel on supply worries HONG KONG—US oil prices rallied past $60 a barrel on Monday for the first time in more than a year, fueled by concerns about supplies as Texas is hit by a severe cold snap that traders warn could slash output.

West Texas Intermediate surged 2.19 percent to $60.77 in Asian trade, its highest since January last year before the oil market collapsed as the coronavirus pandemic battered demand.

Crude has been rallying for months on the back of optimism over an expected recovery in the global economy, Joe Biden’s stimulus package, and hopes that slowing virus infection rates and vaccine rollouts will see a surge in demand as life gradually returns to a semblance of normality.

Brent broke the $60 marker last week, while both contracts have rallied more than 20 percent since the start of the year.

A decision by OPEC and other major producers to slash output last spring has also provided crucial support, particularly after prices crashed into negative territory in the early days of the pandemic.

Saudi Arabia’s announcement last month that it would reduce production even further in February and March added to the price gains.

WTI has been given an extra jolt by forecasts that production in major producing state Texas could be curtailed by a cold blast, which has forced wells to shut down, hit transportation and caused power outages.

“The cold snap, the additional Saudi cuts, the fresh US stimulus promise are all helping,” Vandana Hari, of Vanda Insights in Singapore, said.

“But the single biggest factor— and one the doubters have probably been missing or disbelieving—is that COVID on a global level is in a retreat, for more than four weeks now.” AFP

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

A man cycles past closed shops on Khao San Road, a once popular tourist strip in Bangkok on February 15, 2021, as Thailand records it worst economic performance in more than two decades. AFP

Stocks post slight gains; Converge, MerryMart up T HE stock market rose slightly Monday but the lingering pandemic and a spike in the inflation rate that could both delay the recovery of the domestic economy kept investors at bay.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 11.21 points, or 0.2 percent, to 7,002.22 on a value turnover of P16.6 billion. Losers, however, beat gainers, 123 to 98, with 44 issues unchanged.

Fiber internet provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. rallied 5.9 percent to P18.78, while GT Capital Holdings Inc. of the Ty Group climbed 3.3 percent to P568.

MerryMart Consumer Corp., the supermarket chain owned by businessman Edgar Sia II, rose 2.7 percent to P7.25, but AC Energy Corp., a unit of Ayala Corp., fell 2.7 percent to P7.66.

The rest of Asian markets rallied

again Monday, extending a global advance after another record on Wall Street as traders were cheered by the prospect of a huge new US stimulus as well as further falls in coronavirus infection and death rates.

Tokyo was the standout performer, with the Nikkei 225 breaking through 30,000 points for the first time in 31 years as data showed Japan’s economy performed better than expected at the end of last year.

Equities across the planet have been surging for months as vaccination programs kick into gear and fewer people come down with the virus, fueling hopes that economically painful containment measures can begin to be lifted.

The optimism has pushed oil prices to highs not seen since last January.

The optimistic mood on trading floors also helped push all three main indexes on Wall Street to new records last week, and Asia took up the baton with gusto on Monday.

Tokyo surged nearly two percent to crack 30,000 for the first time since

1990, helped by data showing the Japanese economy contracted less than feared last year.

Seoul, Mumbai and Bangkok climbed more than one percent, while Sydney, Singapore and Jakarta were also in the green.

However, Wellington fell following news that two coronavirus infections that have prompted a snap lockdown of Auckland were the country’s first cases of the highly contagious strain first detected in Britain.

Hong Kong, Shanghai and Taipei were closed for holidays.

The end of Donald Trump’s Senate impeachment trial at the weekend also allows US lawmakers to concentrate on pushing through President Joe Biden’s vast rescue package.

There had been an expectation that the $1.9-trillion proposal could be watered down as Republicans and some Democrats pushed back against its size, but there is an increasing belief that the final figure could be closer to the president’s plan. With AFP

TOKYO—Japan’s pandemic-hit economy shrank in 2020 for the first time in more than a decade, but the contraction was less than expected and it ended the year on a strong note thanks to a pick-up in exports and huge government support.

Still, analysts warned the near-term outlook could be bumpy as fresh virus restrictions dampen domestic consumption, and with borders still closed to tourists less than six months before the postponed Olympics.

The world’s third-largest economy shrank 4.8 percent last year, its first annual contraction since 2009 at the height of the global financial crisis.

However, the figure was better than forecast in a Bloomberg survey of analysts thanks to a strong October-December performance, which saw the economy expand 12.7 percent from the previous quarter on an annualized basis.

Government stimulus measures of about $3 trillion since the COVID-19 pandemic began provided crucial support.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s pandemicshattered economy suffered its worst full-year performance in more than two decades, data showed Monday, with officials citing the toll of both a gutted tourism industry and ongoing political upheaval.

Last year’s 6.1-percent contraction was the worst since a 7.6-percent decline during the Asian financial crisis in 1997 and officials said they expect the economy to expand at a much slower pace than initially predicted in 2021.

The downgrade—to 2.5-3.5 percent growth from an previous estimate of 3.5-4.5 percent—came despite a slight improvement in the final three months of the year.

“It has rebounded from the previous quarter due to the government’s stimulus package that boosted spending,” Danucha Pichayanan, the secretary general of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), said at a news conference. AFP

Sri Lanka import ban takes the spice out of life

In this picture taken on December 14, 2020, customs officials examine turmeric imported illegally into Sri Lanka at a warehouse in Colombo. An import ban in cash-strapped Sri Lanka is leaving a bad taste consisting of up to Two Billion Pesos (P 2,000,000,000.00) with an Over-subscription Option of up to One in the Billion mouths of its(Pcurry-lovers, depriving of vital supplies encouraging budding Pesos 1,000,000.000.00) worththem of Fixed Rateturmeric 3-Year Bonds, dueand on 2024 and with interest rate smugglers to takep.a, their chancesunder withSEC-MSRD the spice. AFP of 4.8467% registered Order No.1 Series of 2021, pursuant to the requirements of Sections 8 and 12 of the Securities Regulation Code. As such. the same may now be offered for sale or sold

fishermen.

By Amal to the Jayasinghe public subject to full compliance with the Securities Regulation Code and its Amended Implementing

Those seeking turmericlaws, have watched on Rules and Regulations, Revised Code of Corporate Governance and other applicable rules, regulations, circulars, and orders as may be issued helplessly as officials burn seized turmeric at COLOMBO, Sriother Lanka—An import banbyinthe Commission. crematoriums, claiming they do not want to cash-strapped Sri Lanka is leaving bad th daytaste of February Two Thousand and Twenty-one.

Issued at Pasay City, Philippines thisa10 in the mouths of its curry lovers, depriving flood the market and depress prices.

The government says it wants to promote lothem of vital turmeric supplies and encouraging budding smugglers to take their chances cal production over cheap imports as hundreds of thousands have lost their jobs and the econwith the spice.

With no foreign cash coming in as COV- omy recorded its worst-ever contraction of 3.9 ID-19 cripples the tourism industry, the gov- percent last year.

On the skids ernment in March imposed a ban on many imCYAN Prime Minister Maports to stop money leaving the country, so that it can pay $4.5 billion this year to service its hinda Rajapaksa’s ban on “non-essential” items international debt.

Cars, floor tiles and machinery parts are has also seen a surge in among the items prohibited but it is a ban on prices for other goods, turmeric that has the Indian Ocean island sim- including car tires, floor tiles and even toilets. mering with anger.

“There are no foreign The aromatic root is a vital ingredient in curries and other local cuisine and also increas- brand tires available for small cars,” a dealer in ingly sought after as a health supplement.

But only a fifth of the 7,500 tons Sri Lanka Colombo said. “Those who have stocks have consumes every year is produced locally.

Since the pandemic, demand has increased jacked up prices.”

Kasun Chaminda so much that prices have shot up 20-fold to an consisting of up to Two Billion Pesos (P 2,000,000,000.00) with an Over-subscription Option of up to One eye-watering 9,000 rupees ($48) a kilogram— said he had lost reguBillion Pesos (P 1,000,000.000.00) worth of Fixed Rate 3-Year Bonds, due on 2024 and with interest rate a week’s wages for many Sri Lankan workers. lar customers for his of 4.8467% p.a, registered under SEC-MSRD Order No.1 Series of 2021, pursuant to the requirements of “Our home-cooked curries are not the same taxi operation because Sections 8 and 12 of the Securities Regulation Code. As such. the same may now be offered for sale or sold to the public subject to full compliance with the Securities Regulation Code and its Amended Implementing since the pandemic,” said health worker Prar- he could not buy new Rules and Regulations, Revised Code of Corporate Governance and other applicable laws, rules, regulations, thana Weerasinghe, who claimed that many tires. circulars, and other orders as may be issued by the Commission.

“When they realmarket varieties were now “adulterated.”

Issued at Pasay City, Philippines this 10th day of February Two Thousand and Twenty-one.

“We never thought turmeric would be such ized that I was unable a big issue. We had taken it for granted. Now, to replace the worn we can’t afford to use it in our daily cooking.” tires, they cancelled Customs agents recently found 25 tons of the (regular) hire. It is the spice smuggled into the country from In- dangerous to run with dia in containers marked “onions,” while navy worn tires, but I have patrols have seized several tons from Indian no choice.”AFP

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

B4

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021

IN BRIEF Megawide clinches P26.3-b contracts MEGAWIDE Construction Corp. said Monday it bagged P26.3-billion worth of multi contracts from Suntrust Home Developers Inc., the Philippine unit of Hong Kong-listed Suncity Group Holdings Limited (Suncity), to build a hotel and casino project.

Megawide said in a statement it was initially awarded a P6.3-billion contract for the initial works in the development of Westside City Resorts World project.

Another P20 billion worth of contract was given to Megaworld, including interior design and allied services, additional architectural, structural and civil works in the main hotel and casino.

“The requirements of Suncity, in terms of engineering excellence, quality workmanship and speed to market, perfectly match Megawide’s expertise. We are thrilled to provide them with our full array of services for this landmark project and, with our experience completing similar projects of the same scope and scale, we are confident of delivering above the client’s expectations,” said Megawide chairman and chief executive Edgar Saavedra.

Westside City Resorts World is the fourth integrated resort and casino to rise within the Entertainment City by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.in Paranaque City. The project is expected to be completed within 30 months from start of construction. Jenniffer B. Austria

Business

Peso climbs to 47.93:$1 as remittances rebound T

By Julito G. Rada

HE peso climbed to a 52-month high against the US dollar Monday, rising above the 48 level after the release of data showing that remittances reached nearly $30 billion in 2020 despite the economic impact of the pandemic.

The local currency closed Monday’s trading at 47.93, stronger than 48.045 a dollar on Feb. 11, 2021. It was also its strongest level in four years and four months since it settled at 47.83 on Sept.

22, 2016.

Astro del Castillo, managing director of the Makati-based First Grade Finance Inc., a finance and investment company, said in a phone interview the stronger-than-expected finish of remittances in 2020 boosted the local cur-

rency against the greenback.

“This can be attributed to the news that remittances posted (just a) slight decline in 2020 despite the global pandemic,” del Castillo said.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Monday cash remittances amounted to $29.903 billion in 2020, down by 0.8 percent from the record $30.133 billion in 2019. The figure was better than the 2-percent contraction predicted by the BSP. “The actual annual decline in 2020

was, however, lower than the earlier forecast contraction of 2 percent for the year,” the Bangko Sentral said in a statement.

Strong remittances helped the gross international reserves to reach a record $110 billion in December 2020. Data from the BSP, however, showed the GIR slightly declined to $108.8 billion in January, as the government settled some of its foreign currency debt obligations.

The BSP said another factor that contributed to the month-on-month decline of GIR was the revaluation adjustments from the BSP’s gold holdings.

Data showed that by country source, cash remittances from Saudi Arabia, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, and Kuwait declined, while those from the United States, Singapore, Canada, Hong Kong, Qatar, South Korea and Taiwan increased.

PCC files complaint vs. Greenfield Corp.

THE Philippine Competition Commission said Monday its enforcement office filed a case against a condominium developer in Mandaluyong City for allegedly limiting residents to use its in-house exclusive internet service provider and preventing the entry of competitors.

Greenfield Development Corp. and wholly-owned Leopard Connectivity Business Solutions Inc. face a case for abuse of dominance for supplying exclusive fixed-line internet to the residential units of Twin Oaks Place in Greenfield District.

“Abuse of dominance cases are evaluated with the end view of dismantling exploitative and exclusionary practices in business and ultimately empowering consumer choice. Under the Philippine Competition Act, an entity found to have abused its dominance in the market could face a fine of up to P110 million,”said PCC Chair Arsenio Balisacan.

Greenfield Corp. is the property developer of TOP and owner of Leopard Connectivity, with the latter managing the Twin Oaks Place Fiber Network that provides fixed-line internet in all Greenfield properties, including TOP. Othel V. Campos

BDO Unibank offers cardless withdrawals BDO Unibank Inc., the largest lender controlled by the Sy family, said Monday it started offering cardless QR (quick response) code-based withdrawals from select automated teller machines mostly in Makati City.

“Withdrawing using QR codes is now available in the Philippines,” BDO senior vice president and head of ATM network and applied payment solutions Tovi Mendoza said in a statement.

“Now, our clients will enjoy faster and more convenient transactions, and most importantly, limit the risk of catching COVID-19 since they will touch the ATM surface a lot less,” Mendoza said.

He said the new service would benefit those who are encouraged to stay home for their health and safety. “Despite our security controls however, we remind our clients to entrust their withdrawal QR codes with others prudently,” Mendoza said.

NEW YEAR TRADING. The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc.’s board and management lead the opening of the first trading day in the Chinese Year of Metal Ox with an animated lion dance featured on the LED display board at the PSE Trading Floor. Shown are (from left, by row) PSE issuer regulation division head Marigel Garcia, general counsel Veronica Del Rosario, capital markets development division head Mark Frederick Visda, chief operating officer Roel Refran, president and chief executive Ramon Monzon and technology division head Philip Driz.

Jollibee allots P12.2b for 2021 capex, plans to open 450 stores RESTAURANT chain operator Jollibee Foods Corp. said Monday it earmarked P12.2 billion in capital expenditures this year to fund the opening of new stores as it expects sales and profit to recover in 2021.

Jollibee said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it plans to roll out 450 stores worldwide across various brands.

“We look forward to sustained recovery of the business as the world gradually returns to normalcy, aided by the introduction of new vaccines. We plan to open 400 plus new stores worldwide most of which will be outside of the Philippines, particularly in North Amer-

ica, Vietnam and China,” Jollibee chief executive Ernest Tanmantiong said.

“We aim for very strong sales and profit recovery in 2021 versus 2020. In 2021 and the years ahead, JFC’s sales and profit growth will be driven by its international business. We believe that out of this pandemic, we will emerge as a stronger business and organization,” he said.

Jollibee’s returned to profitability in the fourth quarter, after three quarters of losses. The company reported a net income of P2 billion in the fourth quarter, down 34.5 percent from the restated net income P3.12 billion in the same period a year earlier.

It said fourth-quarter system-wide sales, a measure of all sales to consumers, both from company-owned and franchised stores also decreased by 31.9 percent to P49.5 billion.

All regions in the Jollibee group generated profit in the fourth quarter: Philippines, China, North America (Philippine brands), Europe, Middle East, Africa and other parts of Asia including Highlands Coffee in Vietnam.

The operating losses of the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Smashburger brands were substantially lower compared in the fourth quarter compared to their operating losses in the fourth quarter of 2019.Jenniffer B. Austria

Central Luzon Link Expressway open to motorists May 15—Villar

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Public Works and Highways said Monday a new tollfree expressway between Tarlac City and Aliaga, Nueva Ecija will open to motorists by May 15 this year.

Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said within the next 90 days, the 18-kilometer section from the connection of Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway in Balingcanaway, Tarlac City to Aliaga Interchange of the Central Luzon Link Expressway Project Phase 1 would be substantially completed.

Villar said the CLLEX Phase 1 would cut travel time between Tarlac City and Cabanatuan City from 70 minutes to just 20 minutes.

Villar was joined in his inspection of the project by DPWH Unified Project Management Office Operations Undersecretary Emil Sadain, Region 3 director Roseller Tolentino, project director Virgilio Castillo and project manager Benjamin Bautista.

Sadain said the 4.10-km Tarlac section and the 6.40-km Rio Chico

River Bridge Section, including the 1.5-km Rio Chico Viaduct, were already completed, while the 9.20km Aliaga Section and the 10.30-km Cabanatuan section were 78.46-percent and 85.04-percent accomplished, respectively.

An additional 4.8-km component of the expressway from the junction of Carmen-Cabanatuan Road is the Zaragoza Interchange Section.

“We are seeing a quality infrastructure that will benefit around 11,200 motorists and commuters daily and ease traffic at Daang Maharlika Highway about to be delivered by the President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administration,” Villar said.

He said the P11.811-billion expressway is part of the administration’s deliberate focus under the “Build, Build, Build” program on developing the provinces through connective infrastructure that would not only reduce travel time but also help farmers from the Philippines’ rice granary of Nueva Ecija in delivering their crops to markets of Central Luzon and Metro Manila.

PSE INDEX

Monday, February 15, 2021

11.21 PTS. 7,002.22

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

15,738,162,384 139,345 16,595,442,430.61 98 123 44

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.0320

Japan

Yen

0.009528

0.4576

UK

Pound

1.385600

66.5531

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128989

6.1956

Switzerland

Franc

1.122083

53.8959

Canada

Dollar

0.788644

37.8801

Singapore

Dollar

0.754945

36.2615

Australia

Dollar

0.776600

37.3017

Bahrain

Dinar

2.653012

127.4295

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266631

12.8068

Brunei

Dollar

0.752106

36.1252

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000072

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.033490

1.6086

UAE

Dirham

0.272264

13.0774

Euro

Euro

1.212600

58.2436

Korea

Won

0.000907

0.0436

China

Yuan

0.155419

7.4651

India

Rupee

0.013778

0.6618

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.247494

11.8876

New Zealand

Dollar

0.720500

34.6071

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035682

1.7139 Source: BSP

SM Prime’s profit dips to P18b as mall sales fall 60%

By Jenniffer B. Austria PROPERTY developer SM Prime Holdings Inc. said Monday consolidated net income fell 43.4 percent in 2020 to P18 billion from P31.8 billion in 2019 as its mall business was severely affected by the pandemic.

SM Prime said in a disclosure to the stock exchange full-year consolidated revenues dropped 30.7 percent to P81.9 billion from P118.3 billion in 2019.

“We are optimistic, that together as one, we will all rise from this challenge and look forward to a better year. We encourage our fellow Filipino to keep supporting our local businesses while practicing safety protocols at all times,” SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim said in a statement.

Revenues from Philippine mall business dropped 59 percent to P23.6 billion from P57.8 billion because of the waiver on rents and discounts to support tenants during the pandemic.

SM Prime said that in the fourth quarter of 2020, it opened two new malls in Mindanao—SM City Butuan and SM City Mindpro.

SM Prime’s residential business, led by SM Development Corp., registered a 6-percent increase in revenues to P46.5 billion from P43.7 billion in the previous year. Operating income also went up by 16 percent to P19.7 billion from P17 billion.

SMDC’s reservation sales increased 10 percent last year, bringing the sales take-up to P99 billion from P90billion in 2019.

Revenues from commercial properties also posted a 4-percent growth to P4.8 billion in 2020 from the previous year’s P4.6 billion.

Meanwhile, the company’s hotels and convention centers recorded P1.6 billion in revenues in 2020, a decline of 68.6 percent from P5.1 billion in 2019. The company opened Olongapo City Convention Center in Zambales last year.

GOKONGWEI BROTHERS’ DONATION.The

Gokongwei Brothers Foundation is one of the first few groups that donated the much-needed personal protective equipment and medical supplies to several hospitals across the country, including Quirino Memorial Hospital in Quezon City.

The donation is part of the Gokongwei Group’s corporate social responsibility program that seeks to ensure the country’s resilience against the physical, economic and societal effects of COVID-19 pandemic.

GBP’s Juan Communities program paves the way in bringing to life the group’s commitment to the sustainable development of the nation.

AC Energy’s $481-m solar venture in Australia reaches financial close

By Alena Mae S. Flores AC ENERGY and Infrastructure Corp. of the Ayala Group said Monday its solar joint venture in Australia reached a financial closing on the first phase of the project involving 400 megawatts and a cost of $481 million (Au$619 million).

UPC\AC Renewables Australia, a 50/50 joint venture between ACEIC and UPC Renewables, reached finan-

cial closing on the first stage of the New England Solar Farm project at Uralla in New South Wales, which has started early works, including substation and road design late last year.

UPC\AC Renewables Australia is building what will ultimately be a combined 720-MW solar and 400-megawatt-hour battery at the site.

“The New England Solar Farm is a major milestone for AC Energy as our

first project in Australia,” said Patrice Clausse, AC Energy International chief operating officer.

“This is the product of a fruitful partnership with UPC and our local Australian team. We look forward to helping Australia achieve and exceed its longterm decarbonization goals by continuing to develop and construct more renewable energy projects in the country,” Clausse said.

Lillard powers Portland over Mavs; Beal nets 35 to lead Wiz WASHINGTON—Damian Lillard delivered 34 points and 11 assists as the Blazers withstood a 44-point performance from Luka Doncic to edge the Dallas Mavericks 121-118 in the first game of a three game road trip.

Lillard made a clutch three pointer with less than a minute to go after Dallas had gone on a 12-0 run to climb back into the contest on Sunday.

“I think we earned this win,” said Lillard. “We played the kind of game we played, against what we’ve been up against through the game, it’s rewarding in the end.”

Gary Trent scored 17 points and Carmelo Anthony notched 15 off the bench for the Trail Blazers who stretched their winning streak to four games.

Kristaps Porzingis scored 18 points for the Mavericks, who had their four game win streak snapped in front of 2,200 Texas fans at the American Airlines Center.

“It didn’t matter if I felt confident or not,” Doncic said of his final shot. “I thought it was in. It went in and out, so I was disappointed and that’s on me. I should have hit the shot.”

Elsewhere, NBA scoring leader Bradley Beal poured in 35 points to spark the Washington Wizards over the Boston Celtics 104-91, delivering a rare home victory for what had been the league’s second-worst squad.

Beal went 10-of-18 from the floor, 4-of-9 from 3-point range, and 11-of11 from the free throw line while the Wizards grabbed a season-best 54 rebounds and kept Boston to 32-of-90 shooting.

Japanese forward Rui Hachimura scored 15 points while Russell Westbrook had 13 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds for the Wizards, who improved to 7-17 overall but remained the NBA’s worst team at home at 3-9.

Jaylen Brown and Kemba Walker each scored 25 points to lead the Celtics, who fell to fifth in the East at 13-13. Jayson Tatum, a boyhood pal of Beal, had only six points on 3-of-14 shooing.

“It’s always a battle. Jayson is a superstar,” Beal said. “You always have to bring it. The mental has to be there. It always feels good to get a win.”

Westbrook will face his former club, the Houston Rockets, on Monday, when former Wizards star John Wall returns to the US capital.

“We’ve got John coming in. You know they are going to be riled up,” Beal said. “They got the best of us down there, so we’ve got to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”

Beal scored seven points in Washington’s 15-8 run to start the game, with Boston opening 2-of-9 from the floor.

Beal, who began 5-of-5 then missed his next six shots from the floor, had 12 in the first quarter as the Wizards opened a 29-22 edge. AFP

Sports

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

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021

Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket while Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers plays defense during the game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. AFP

Ateneo standout Navarro added to 2021 Gilas draft

By Peter Atencio

A

TENEO standout William Navarro has been added to the Special Gilas Draft of the 2021 Philippine Basketball Association Draft.

William Navarro

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas said they will include Navarro after he informed them that he is now eager to join the selection process.

“We know a lot of teams had their eyes on Navarro, but the Board of Governors saw past that to consider the needs of Gilas. He will be the last addition to our pool to give the PBA teams enough time to map their game-plan for the upcoming draft,” said SBP President Al Panlilio in a statement.

The 23-year-old Navarro had earlier backed off from joining the Gilas Pilipinas training bubble in Calamba, Laguna.

He was among the numerous collegiate players, who forfeited their final year of eligibility to play in

the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

The addition of Navarro comes after the trio of Jordan Heading, Tzaddy Rangel, and Jaydee Tungcab were also named to the Special Gilas Draft the other day.

Terrafirma will be the first to pick their choice in the Gilas draft, which is set on March 14.

After the Dyip, it will be NorthPort Batang Pier, which will have its turn at no. 2, with NLEX Road Warriors coming next at no. 3.

The order of selection in the Gilas draft is the same as the regular draft that follows shortly after.

The SBP earlier said that it will submit a minimum of three and maximum of five players, who will be handpicked as new members of the national training pool.

Also joining the draft pool are Isaac Go, brothers Matt and Mike Nieto, and Rey Suerte as full-time members of the Gilas pool.

Buntan takes inspiration from world champion Todd

Jackie Buntan

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FILIPINA-AMERICAN striker Jackie Buntan is all ready to make her much-anticipated ONE Championship debut. The 23-year-old is set to join her teammate, ONE Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion Janet “JT” Todd, among the world’s greatest striking talents in ONE Super Series.

Buntan will face the highlyregarded Wondergirl Fairtex of Thailand at ONE: FISTS OF FURY, taking place live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore on Friday, 26 February.

Fol low i ng in Todd’s footsteps, Buntan has her sights firmly fixated on making

a powerful impact in her promotional debut, and working her way eventually to ONE Championship gold.

“Ever since my training partner, Janet Todd, joined ONE Championship, it was pretty much on my radar,” said Buntan.

“The end goal is, of course, to get that belt.

Muay Thai is where my heart is at, but I did sign up for both Muay Thai and kickboxing. That Muay Thai belt is on my radar.”

Todd, who is Buntan’s chief sparring partner at Boxing Works in Los Angeles, California, where they both hone their skills under renowned coach Bryan Popejoy, joined ONE Super Series in 2019. She captured the ONE Atomweight Kickboxing World Title only a year into her stint in the world’s largest martial arts organization.

When Todd brought the ONE Championship belt back to the gym, Buntan came away inspired.

“It lit a huge fire in me,” said Buntan.

“When she won that belt, it was right before the lockdown, and at the time, I was supposed to make my debut. That just got me so pumped to make my debut and represent myself, my gym, my coaches, so that really lit a fire in me. Just seeing my friend, someone I’ve known for so long, who was

able to achieve this, made me believe that I can achieve this as well.”

ONE: FISTS OF FURY is a three-part event series, beginning with a live broadcast on 26 February. The main event features a ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship showdown between reigning titleholder Ilias Ennahachi and #2-ranked contender “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9.

Also on the card is kickboxing legend Giorgio Petrosyan, ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon, and the debut of rising teenage star Victoria “The Prodigy” Lee. Buntan is excited to be on such a huge card, and says she’s talked to Todd and asked for her advice on her first time in the Circle.

“I haven’t asked her too much about it because we’re both in a camp and training. We’ll talk about different parts of fight camp, but most of it on a mental aspect,” said Buntan.

“She’s taught me to really just trust your training, your coaches, and yourself, that we’re ready for anything and that we’ve seen it all in training. We just have to have confidence to do what we do.”

PSC highlights impact of sports marketing PHILIPPINE Sports Commission’s National Sports Summit focuses on Sports Marketing on this week’s summit session on Thursday at 1 p.m.

PSC leads the fourth session of the online sports conference with Prof.

Theresa Jazmines from the University of the Philippines exploring the core principles, strategies, and benefits of sports brand marketing.

Jazmines, who is one of the country’s first women sports journalists in the 70s, has an extensive experience in the field of public relations and sports writing.

“It is pivotal for sports stakeholders in the country, from the community grassroots level, the national sports associations, and up to the elite professional level to learn the value of sports marketing to forward the development of their own sports,” said PSC Chairman William Ramirez.

The PSC chief often stresses the need for the country’s national sports associations and other sports groups to tap the help of the private sector or market their sports to find other ways to fund their activities since the limited coffers of the government cannot support everyone.

According to Jazmines, sports marketing benefits those involved multi-directionally as “sponsors can connect directly with their target markets and create greater awareness for their brands in a rewarding fashion and the officials, teams, athletes—get their desired resources and improve their performances.”

Furthermore, the athletes also gain exposure to the public.

Almost 1000 participants have registered online for the first batch of sessions of the National Sports Summit where United States Sports Academy President T.J. Rosandich discussed Sports Success from a First World Perspective, Davao del Norte Sports and Youth Development Head Giovanni Gulanes shared their local government’s sports program, and Philippine Sports Institute Dean Prof. Henry Daut gave an overview of Grassroots Sports in the country.

The National Sports Summit 2021 is set to cover 25 topics from local sports administration up to the international linkages in the field.

NLEX to focus on rookie draft, not trade THERE’S a reason why the NLEX Road Warriors have decided to keep their core intact.

That’s because they want to continue building up a young team by adding two more key pieces from the PBA Rookie Draft, where they have the luxury of picking twice in the first round.

The Road Warriors will be picking Nos. 3 and 4, and with a bumper crop of talented players from among the 97 applicants, the team can select two future stars that could become key members of their future.

General manager and head coach Yeng Guiao said they have no plans of making a trade at this time.

“Ayaw namin i-entertain muna,” said Guiao when asked about trade talks with anyone of his players.

Just before their bubble campaign ended, the Road Warriors immediately signed up marquee players Kiefer Ravena and Kevin Alas to maximum three-year deal extension. The team also retained the services of veterans JR Quinahan and Jericho Cruz, vastly-improved forward Raul Soyud, bruising frontliner Mike Miranda and guard Kenneth Ighalo, and young players Kris Porter, Paul Varilla, Will McAloney, Kyles Lao and Philip Paniamogan.

Anthony Semerad and Mike Ayonayon are still under contract.

The Road Warriors are not interested in trading any of their first round picks, according to Guiao.

“Malabo ‘yun, hindi namin bibitawan first-round picks,” said Guiao. “Gusto kong i-preserve yung No. 3 and No. 4 picks namin.”

Guiao will also meet with the coaching staff first regarding their draft plans. A few months ago, Guiao revealed that he wants to bring in a big man and the best talent available as their two first round picks.

“After lumabas ng final list, we’ll make a decision. It’s useless to decide if madami pang uncertainties (with the eligible Filforeign players),” added Guiao.

Kiefer Ravena of the NLEX Road Warriors

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Sports

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021

Headlined by BRAVE CF 50, Kombat Kingdom returns with 4 straight events

Russia’s Andrey Rublev hits a return against Norway’s Casper Ruud during their men’s singles match on Day 8 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne. AFP

Russians make history at Aussie Open M

ELBOURNE—Andrey Rublev ensured Grand Slam history will be made for Russia after setting up an Australian Open quarter-final against compatriot Daniil Medvedev on Monday.

With qualifier Aslan Karatsev already through to face Grigor Dimitrov in the top half of the draw, it means there will be three Russian men in the last eight of a Slam for the first time since the Open era began in 1968.

Fourth seed Medvedev extended his win streak to 18 matches Monday when he took just 89 minutes to blow away Mackenzie McDonald 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 and reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.

World number eight Rublev followed Medvedev onto Margaret Court Arena and was back in the locker room even quicker, as Norway’s Casper Ruud retired with the scores at 6-2, 7-6 (7/3).

“At least one of us will be in the semi-finals. So it’s good news but yeah, it’s going to be a tough match,” said Rublev after his short workout against the 24th seed, who had received treatment for an injury midway through the second set.

“Last time he beat me in the quarters in the US Open. So now we’re in the quarters in the Australian Open, so we’ll see what’s going to happen.”

Rublev also reached the quarterfinals at Roland Garros last year in a breakthrough season that saw him win five ATP Tour titles, more than any other player.

He won 41 matches, equal with world number one Novak Djokovic as the best in 2020, and started 2021 on an eightmatch streak after winning all four of his singles to help Russia win the ATP Cup, alongside Medvedev.

Fourth seed Medvedev’s best Grand Slam performance to date was reaching the final at the 2019 US Open.

His unbeaten run dates back to No-

vember and includes titles at the Paris 1000, the ATP Finals in London and the ATP Cup. But Medvedev said the Russian pair, both in maiden Australian Open quarter-finals, would push their friendship aside on Wednesday when they aim for the last four.

“It’s our job—of course during the match we’re going to try to win, fight for our best,” said Medvedev.

“You never know. Sometimes you can maybe... argue on the court or something because we’re competitors.

“After the match we are great friends.”

The last Russian man to win a Grand Slam was Marat Safin at Melbourne Park in 2005. AFP

The engaging appeal of tennis maverick Hsieh Su-wei MELBOURNE—In an era of regimented game plans, strict training regimes, nutritionists and pre-match routines, one player is refreshingly going her own way -- Hsieh Su-wei.

“She’s a free spirit,” said long-time coach Paul McNamee after Taiwan’s Hsieh became the oldest woman in the Open era to debut in the quarter-finals of a Slam.

“That’s the same with her tennis.

She kind of acts on a whim sometimes, doesn’t like to plan too far ahead.”

Australian Open wins over Tsvetana Pironkova, eighth seed Bianca Andreescu, Sara Errani and Marketa Vondrousova mean that the maverick will face Naomi Osaka, 12 years her junior, on Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday for a place in the semi-finals.

“To think she’s 35 years of age, in her first Grand Slam quarter-final,” McNamee said.

“I always believed she had a Grand Slam quarter at least in her, quarter or a semis. She’s achieved that now. She ticked that box.”

McNamee, who has coached Hsieh since 2011, said he never knows what will happen next.

“She was playing a match in East-

bourne one day,” he recalled.

“She missed two balls in a row by three metres. I noticed she was playing with broken strings,” said McNamee.

“She hadn’t broken a string for three years. She didn’t know what it was like.

“Players change racquets on the change of balls, right? She’ll go years with the same racquet.”

Eccentric or not, Hsieh’s natural talent was clear to see when she made her professional debut at the age of 16 in 2001.

Double-handed on both forehand and backhand sides, Hsieh went unbeaten in her first 33 matches on the ITF circuit and won five consecutive titles as a qualifier.

‘The joy of silence’ But it wasn’t until Hsieh linked up with McNamee in 2011 that she began to handle life on tour—and her career flourished.

“Before I worked with him, I have a lot of time alone,” said Hsieh about Australian McNamee, a former ATP Tour player.

“That was why it was not easy to improve or to find a way out. Sometimes, I had no one to warm up with.”

Hsieh broke through at the highest level when she won the Wimbledon doubles in 2014 with China’s Peng Shuai.

The pair won the French Open the following year. Then with Barbora

Taiwan’s Su-Wei Hsieh AFP

Strycova she won a second Wimbledon in 2019 and ended 2020 ranked world number one in doubles.

McNamee was quick to credit Hsieh’s French boyfriend, Frederic Aniere, who has helped with coaching over the past few years, as the ageless Taiwanese reached new heights.

“It’s nice of her to give me some credit, but really Fred has been the one that’s helped her actually be more professional, if I can say that,” McNamee said.

“They live together in Paris. She likes Paris. Fred has been an amazing influence on Su-wei the last few years. It’s a team effort absolutely.”

World number 71 Hsieh, as befitting her laid-back attitude, is unflustered in exalted company.

She beat then world number one Simona Halep at Wimbledon in 2018 and now has 16 wins over top-20 players, 10 of them coming in the past two seasons.

She will be looking for another against Osaka, having knocked her out of the Miami event in 2019 -- a second victory for Hsieh over a reigning world number one.

McNamee says his job is often simple, dispensing with the highly detailed analysis that some coaches employ, and just allowing the freestyling Hsieh to be herself.

“Sometimes you just have to back off and say nothing,” said McNamee. “I’ve learnt the joy of silence a lot working with Su-wei.

“You don’t want to put that talent in a box. You’ve got to let it rise and be free.

“There’s only one Su-wei.” AFP

FESSAP prepares for winter games for the year last February 12, 2021, via an online group meeting presided by Prof. Calo, who represented FESTHE Federation of School Sports Association of the Philip- SAP president, Angel Ngu, and had officially recogpines is tracking a new course in winter-related international nized the creation of the FWSSC. The Winter Universiade and Summer Universiade events such as Winter Universiade and winter orienteering are biennial competitions organized by the and other games at the university level.

International University Sports Federation.

In doing so, the FESSAP Board of TrustAll athletes and coaches who are interested ees, led by its Chairman of the Board, Alvin in participating in those competitions must Tai Lian, has approved the formation of the first sign up and register with the Committee FESSAP Winter Ski and Skating Committee before they will be allowed to take part in the (FWSSC), to be headed by Michael Dodjie selection process and competition.

Fabian, who currently is working at the Trade Fabian, who formerly worked as Director Commissioner Service of the Canadian Globat the Department of Trade & Industries on al Affairs, as Chairman. He will be assisted Export and Promotion, will be a big help to

by FESSAP Executive Vice President, Prof. the FESSAP in the promotion of the winter Robert Milton Calo, as Co-Chairman. games, said Calo, who is knowledgeable in The composition of the FWSSC will inthe international business environment that clude three Executive Members designated by can help search for Filipino students studythe FESSAP Executive Committee, Sharon ing abroad. He is expected to tap Filipino Parreno-Fabian, Cecille Sarmiento and Raul Robert Milton Calo university students that are into skiing and Ballado of the Orienteering-Philippines.

Fabian was the Philippines’ Head of Delegation to the 29th skating and studying in Europe or the United States for Winter Universiade that was held in Russia in 2019, while his potential recruitment to the national team.

The provision to require the registration of athletes is daughter’s Misha Fabian was the first Filipino athlete to see to have the athlete-members officially identified for data action in the Winter Universiade that same year.

The Committee will recommend to the FESSAP Board information and guidance purposes.

The FESSAP has formed a partnership with the National of Trustees the composition of the country’s team delegation (officials and athletes) that will participate in the 30th Orienteering of the Philippines or short for OrienteeringWinter Universiade to be held in Lucerne, Switzerland Philippines for registered athlete-members to have more opportunities to take part in international winter competifrom December 11 to 21, 2021.

FESSAP Board of Trustees hald its first meeting tions such as ski and skating Orienteering. Those games

By Graham C. Lim

Michael Dodjie Fabian and Misha Fabian are organized by the International Orienteering Federation, which is an affiliated member of the International Olympic Committee.

Misha Fabian from the Ateneo de Manila University will be tapped once again to represent the Philippines in Figure Skating in her final stint as a student-athlete.

Aside from the Figure Skating competitions, other winter events are Speed Skating, Ski & Skating Orienteering, Cross-Country.

SEEF DISTRICT, Bahrain—Brave Combat Federation, the fastestgrowing MMA promotion in the world and the truly global Mixed Martial Arts promotion, is returning home for yet another series of explosive events in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The series of consecutive events will take place between March 11th and April 1st with four shows taking place at Kombat Kingdom culminating in the historical BRAVE CF 50, officials revealed.

Labeled as “21 days of MMA mayhem”, the new iteration of Kombat Kingdom will kick off with BRAVE CF 47: Asian Domination, on March 11th, followed by BRAVE CF 48: Arabian Nights, on March 18th, and then BRAVE CF 49: Super Fights on March 25th.

The prime slot of the programming, though, is saved for BRAVE CF 50, which marks a series of landmarks to the Bahrain-based organization. It will have taken a little over four years, exactly 1651 days, for BRAVE Combat Federation to achieve the 50th event.

In addition, the truly global promotion will be the first organization in the world to do so while having visited 21 different countries in the process.

The fight cards for the four events are expected to be released in the upcoming days but BRAVE CF officials have confirmed that Kombat Kingdom will feature multiple title fights, the next leg in the prestigious Flyweight World Title Tournament, and the biggest stars in the company.

BRAVE Combat Federation was founded in 2016 by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa and quickly established itself as the focal point for global MMA, hosting international events, developing talent worldwide, and fomenting the sport of Mixed Martial Arts.

BRAVE CF now reaches 50 events with a solid growth curve, offering world-class MMA fights and content for fans around the world and paving the way for a new ecosystem for the sport of Mixed Martial Arts.

Philip Ella Juico

PSA Forum to tackle PH athletics PHILIPPINE Athletics Track and Field Association president President Philip Ella Juico gives an update on the Filipino tracksters’ bid for the coming Tokyo Olympics in Tuesday’s session of the Philippine Sportswriters Association online Forum.

Juico will talk about the preparations being done by Olympic-bound pole vaulter EJ Obiena and the other tracksters, who are bidding to qualify for the Summer Olympiad scheduled from July 23 to August 8.

On the side, Juico is also expected to discuss in partial, plans of the Philippine Superliga to finally hold competitions this year.

The 10 a.m. public sports program is presented by San Miguel Corp., Go For Gold, MILO, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Powered by Smart and Upstream Media as the official webcast partner, the session is livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and also shared by Radyo Pilipinas 2 Facebook page.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021

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I dream to become a housewife— Julia Barreto Broadcast journalists Oscar Oida and Mav Gonzales anchor ‘On Record,’ a docu-magazine show that focuses on the real stories behind viral videos, photos, and posts online.

Easing Pinoys’ tough atmosphere with new docu-magazine show

W

ITH most people going through a hard time due to the pandemic, GMA Public Affairs brings viewers a much-needed boost of good vibes via the newest docu-magazine show On Record.

The show covers life in all its moments—from the pleasant to the beautiful to the inspiring. It will feature videos and photos about heroism, random acts of kindness, the secret life of pets, among others—all caught on camera.

Hosted by broadcast journalists Oscar Oida and Mav Gonzales, On Record offers a glimmer of hope as it features inspirational stories of ordinary Filipinos and their own version of Serbisyong Totoo caught on cam. It airs every Tuesday, 11:30 pm, beginning

tonight.

Known for his distinct approach to news reporting, Oscar is regularly seen in GMA’s flagship newscast 24 Oras as well as in Unang Balita and Brigada.

He is also the host of GMA Public Affairs’ Sumbungan ng Bayan Libreng Payo Online.

Oida started in GMA as a Segment Producer of Mornings@GMA in 1998.

In 2003, he became one of the Network’s news reporters. He has been a crime reporter for 14 years. His memorable news reports include the 2010 Quirino Grandstand hostage-taking and the 2017 Marawi siege.

Meanwhile, one of Mav’s notable news stories was the Taal Volcano eruption in January 2020, being the first reporter to break the story. She also received a Save the Children citation for her Brigada documentary about children walking long distances just to get potable water. Mav is often seen on 24 Oras Weekend, 24 Oras News Alert, and News TV Live.

For both Oscar and Mav, On Record

serves as a break from the hard and serious news that they normally work on.

“For someone who has been covering hard news from crime reporting, typhoon, and natural disasters to politics in a span of two decades and counting, it is a breath of fresh air to dabble on inspiring stories that would lift people up,” shares Oscar.

Mav was eight years old when she hosted Chikiting Patrol in 1998. She started as a news reporter for GMA News and Public Affairs in 2012.

“I started out hosting as a kid in GMA, so I’m really excited to get to do this again in the network I literally grew up with. People usually see me covering sports or hard news but in On Record, we will be featuring more good vibes—something we all need during this pandemic,” adds Mav. Viewers abroad can also catch On Record beginning Feb. 27 on GMA News TV International. For the program guide, visit www.gmanetwork.com/ international.

The Grand Dame is back NOW that the Manila Metropolitan is all set to open, my eyes cannot help but turn misty.

I had worked at the Manila Met as part of the Production and Publicity Department, as a PR Assistant for five years and left it with a heavy heart prior to its closure in 1996.

A year before its doors were closed due to ownership issues, I began to work at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, my entry point, the National Cinema Program, headed then by the late film master Eddie Romero,

as a project development officer.

At the Manila MET, I was able to learn PR writing, of course, repagination of the souvenir programs for The Flower Drum Song, The Mikado, and Romeo and Juliet, to mention a few. I was also tasked to write short bios of the artists who were part of these productions, including the messages of the artistic director. Also, I was introduced to the many editorial assistants and editors of the lifestyle section of newspapers that carry the publicity for the Manila MET. In its dance hall, I had professional dance classes both in basic and modern jazz. In the Dalubdulaan, had my first and last acting experience in Frank Rivera’s musical Oyayi, believe it or not as Eleonor RooseveltBatungbacal, the spinster elementary school teacher who sang the heart-breaking anthem “Pusong Tigang.”

My Eleonor acing moment, all chronicled and documented in Rivera’s book, and how mighty proud

The iconic lobby of the Metropolitan Theater, which he was of the fact that in opens its doors on April 27 to house a quincentennial the six performances that I evening show that commemorates the 500th clocked, no one ever suspected anniversary of the Victory at Mactan.

that my femininity was a fraud.

In a statement recently share with

the press, National Commission for Culture and the Arts chairman Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso said that the “doors of the newly restored Met will be open to all Filipinos from all classes of our society for this is the

people’s theater.”

“The inauguration of the new Met is the culmination of a long arduous journey. This has been made possible by the determined effort of a long line of individuals who share a common dream to bring back to life one of our nation’s cultural treasures. We will strive to do our best to be worthy of this collective effort as well as the high expectations of our people,” the commission’s chairman added.

The Metropolitan Theater will house the quincentennial evening show on April 27 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan, which will serve as the maiden show of MET after 25 years since its closure in 1996. Full story

on manilastandard.net

IN A recent podcast, Julia Barretto revealed that personally, she wants to have a family at an early age. The 23-year-old actress admitted that she’s always dreamt of having a family early on in life.

“That was always my thing growing up. I always wanted to have a family at a young age because I want to have a lot of time and I want to grow together with the family that I’ve made,” she explains.

Although she intends to be a young homemaker, Julia would still want to pursue her career as an actress and be successful at it.

“Married life is not an easy task.

While I dream to become a housewife, it’s also nice if I become one who’s independent. Like, you’ve got your own work going on, but your number BOSS-HOUSEWIFE. Actress Julia one priority is your family.”

Barretto admits that she dreams of Julia is happy with the fact that in her becoming a housewife at an early age. generation, men have high regard and respect for women and their accomplishments.

“I’m so proud of this generation because you see more men and husbands for that matter praising their partners. Because they get to witness in their everyday lives, how challenging it is to be a homemaker, a wife, and a mom all at the same time. It’s not that easy taking care of your husband, children, and home simultaneously. Then, you also have to take care of yourself,” she says.

“So, I feel like we’re in a time now when men and everybody else are more appreciative of the efforts given by women. They already see their true value now. They see it more and understand it more now how difficult a job being a

homemaker is,” she ends. Read full column story on manilastandard.net

Kapamilya star Joshua Garcia banners the latest TVC of the country’s leading fast food chain.

Beefy TVC captures how Joshua Garcia rewards himself IN A new ad for the leading fast-food chain in the country, Kapamilya star Joshua Garcia is seen doing a workout routine, and at the end of the exercise, he rewards himself with a meaty beef burger.

True enough, if there is one thing that hasn’t changed over time, it’s the fact that Filipinos absolutely love their burgers being super beefy and meaty. No other burger comes close to capturing that Pinoy taste than Jollibee Yumburger.

And to drive that point home, Jollibee has launched a new TV commercial for the Yumburger starring its brand ambassador and popular celebrity.

“There’s really nothing like the Jollibee Yumburger when it comes to beefiness and being delicious. And sakto yung new commercial ko since I’ve started becoming more active and realized that I need to be fit and healthy especially during this pandemic. And what better way to enjoy yung efforts ko than with my favorite Yumburger,” said Joshua.

“We know Filipinos really love the Jollibee Yumburger because of its beefy goodness that you won’t find in other burgers out there, and the fact that it’s made with 100 percent real beef. We’re always happy to remind them why

Knowledge Channel helps students cope with pandemic’s challenge TEACHERS, students, and parents are experiencing many challenges brought about by the pandemic. That is why Knowledge Channel Foundation, ABS-CBN, Globe Telecom, and Mary’s Way Foundation have partnered for the Big Blue Hearts Campaign, which provides them the tools for teaching and learning such as internet modems and internet load.

With these tools, students can now access the video lessons from the Wikaharian series, a show on Knowledge Channel that teaches children to read in Filipino.

Introduced to Grade 1 classes in 18 public schools in Sta. Rosa, Laguna in 2019 through KCFI’s Basa Bilang project, Wikaharian was able to help improve the performance of the said students in tests.

According to Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. president and executive director Rina Lopez Bautista, the performance of Filipino students in successive international exams has been low in recent years, but it has been aggravated by the pandemic.

“Parents, students, and teachers now experience difficulty in adjusting to online or distance learning. Not all parents have the capacity to be teachers to their children. They also need load, gadgets, and stable internet connection,” Bautista

Knowledge Channels partners with ABS-CBN, Globe Telecom, and Mary’s Way Foundation have partnered for the Big Blue Hearts Campaign, which provides teachers and student tools for teaching and learning such as internet modems and internet load. said.

Dr. Manuela Tolentino, Schools Division Superintendent, Schools Division of Sta. Rosa, meanwhile, said that students will benefit from the donation of modems with loads because the hardship lies in the economic situation of the families.

“They cannot buy these loads for their children having online classes, especially of three or five children are studying and need many internet sources,” she said.

“Big Blue Hearts” is the latest of the several public service initiatives by ABS-CBN and Knowledge Channel Foundation that help provide education to students in need.

“Sagip Kapamilya” has launched the “Gusto Ko MagAral” program, which provided copiers and other materials to schools, initially, in the Visayas region. The team is preparing a donation drive in Mindanao.

Bayan Mo, I-Patrol Mo also launched the “Papel Mo Sa Kinabukasan Ko” project, which donated bond paper to DepEd’s list of “last mile schools” which were used in modular learning. As of today, five schools in Rizal, 10 in Catanduanes, 10 in Cagayan, and seven in Isabela have received the donations.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN Foundation and Sagip Kapamilya’s “Tulong-tulong sa Pag-ahon Para sa Edukasyon” project in partnership with Knowledge Channel Foundation gave a total of 2,000 learners’ kits consisting of school backpacks with school supplies, including books from Bato Balani Foundation in areas hit by Typhoon Ulysees in Rizal last

year.

it’s the best way to satisfy their burger cravings, just like Joshua in our new commercial,” said Cathleen Capati, AVP for Bestsellers.

Have your Yumburger safely delivered via the Jollibee Delivery App (bit.ly/ JollibeePHApp), JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and Foodpanda! Also available in Drive-Thru, Take Out, and Dine-in.

The father of US rapper Nicki Minaj died in hospital after being struck in a hit-and-run.

Nicki Minaj’s father killed in hit-and-run

THE father of rapper Nicki Minaj has died after being struck by a hit-and-run driver near New York City, police said Sunday.

Robert Maraj, 64, was walking on a road in Mineola, Long Island at 6:15 p.m. (2315 GMT) on Friday when he was hit, Nassau County Police Department said in a statement.

The driver left the scene of the accident, and Maraj was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead on Saturday.

“The investigation is ongoing,” police added.

The statement did not specify Maraj’s relationship to Minaj, but a police spokesman confirmed he was her father.

Minaj, 38, was born in Trinidad and Tobago and raised in the Queens borough of New York City.

The rapper has been nominated for ten Grammy awards during her career.

AFP

Life

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

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HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021

PRECISION. A non-invasive brain surgery, Gamma Knife treatment uses a concentrated dose of radiation delivered to the target tumor to shrink and/or stop its growth.

Non-invasive brain surgery

guarantees accuracy and quick recovery

By Bernadette Lunas

U

SING a concentrated dose of radiation precisely delivered to the target brain tumor sans incision, patients who undergo Gamma Knife surgery can resume their normal daily activities the next day.

“We had a doctor before who, after going through the Gamma Knife treatment, did surgery the following day,” Dr. Michael Louis A. Gimenez, neurosurgeon and chairman of the Brain and Spine Institute at Cardinal Santos Medical Center told Manila Standard in a virtual interview.

Gamma Knife surgery is a non-invasive brain surgery that uses a specialized equipment to focus about 200 tiny beams of radiation on a tumor to shrink or stop its growth. It can treat both benign and malignant tumors no bigger than 3 to 3.5 centimeters in any location of the brain.

“The lesions that we treat are predominantly brain tumors, abnormal blood vessels in the brain, and even painful conditions like trigeminal neuralgia,” said Dr. Gimenez.

It is an alternative to invasive surgery; ideal for deep-seated tumors, for patients who cannot tolerate open surgery, and for specific indications wherein open surgery may not be ideal or the complication rates are “very considerable.”

“If you have a deep-seated tumor that’s in a deep location in the brain and is causing the patient symptoms, open surgery may actually cause complications because of the deep location of that tumor,” explained the neurosurgeon.

Thus, he said, “Gamma Knife Surgery would be a very effective alternative to control this tumor and limit com-

Dr. Michael Louis A. Gimenez, chairman of the Brain and Spine Institute at Cardinal Santos Medical Center

plications arising from open surgery.”

Dr. Gimenez, however, clarified that while this stereotactic radiosurgery is as effective, if more, as open brain surgery in specific cases, “standard open brain surgery will still have a major role.”

This considering one of the limitations of Gamma Knife is that it is only suitable for small- to medium-sized tumors.

“You also need to consider the size in relation to the location,” said Dr. Gimenez. “For example, if you have a 3.5cm tumor in a very deep and eloquent location, that is harder to treat than a 3.5cm lesion in a superficial part of the brain.”

In addition, there are specific types of tumor which are “very responsive” to Gamma Knife, and other types which are more amenable to open surgery or other forms of radiation therapy.

What to expect

Since it is non-invasive, no incision or general anesthesia is involved in the treatment procedure. In fact, the only reason why it’s called “surgery” is because the effects are simulating that of open surgery by using radiation sources to hit specific targets in the brain, ac-

The team at Philippine Gamma Knife Center has so far performed about 3,500 Gamma Knife surgery procedures since its establishment in 1998. They currently use the Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion system.

cording to Dr. Gimenez.

The non-invasive nature of the treatment also allows it to be performed in an outpatient setting where the patients are sent home on the same day.

Although taking liquids or a bit of food is not a contraindication, patients are advised not to eat from midnight until after the treatment. They can, however, take liquids or hard candy, according to Dr. Gimenez. “This is just so they don’t vomit during any part of the procedure.”

The treatment starts with an evaluation of the neurosurgeon, during which a lightweight frame will be attached to the head and will undergo imaging scans that may include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scan.

Patients allergic to the dye used in MRI or those with medical devices implanted in their bodies must advise their physician prior to the procedure.

After the scanning, the doctors will then plan the treatment to target the lesion and determine the appropriate dose of radiation to be delivered. The patient will then undergo the radiation treat-

ment wherein a frame with pins will be attached to their head to serve as point of reference for focusing the beams of radiation.

Laying out the process, Dr. Gimenez said, “Framing is done in 10 to 15 minutes, after that the patient goes for an MRI which lasts about 30 minutes. The patient is allowed to rest while treatment planning is taking place, which would probably take an hour or an hour and 15 minutes. Finally, the patient is put in the Gamma Knife machine radiation delivery which looks similar to an MRI machine but without the noise.”

“Overall, in half a day you will be able to treat the patient. The treatment time depends on the tumor and type of tumor,” he added.

Their hair will not be shaved prior to the treatment and no hair loss is expected to occur after, because despite the use of radiation, Dr. Gimenez said that “the almost 200 rays come from different directions and converge in one target” thus, each ray will not have the same effect as the convergence where the high dose of radiation is given.

Although common immediate side

effects include pain or mild headaches on the pin sites where the frame was placed—“That’s why they (patients) are kept on analgesic for a day or two”—the neurosurgeon reiterated that “they can go back to work the following day.”

“Long-term complications,” Dr. Gimenez said, “are related to radiation treatments.” Thus a patient can have swelling months after or cyst formations. “Radiation-induced effects are usually self-limiting, meaning they usually resolve in time after a couple of months.”

“The long-term lifelong complications are few; a small percentage of patients may have it. But compared to open surgery, they’re much less,” assured Dr. Gimenez.

Success rate

Gamma Knife surgery is safe for children, elderly, and even for pregnant women. However, while the fetus is not exposed to the radiation focused on the head, the center tries to avoid this treatment for pregnant women “as a precaution.”

Success varies in terms of the type of tumor or type of vascular malformation, but according to Dr. Gimenez, overall success rate for brain tumors is approximately 90 percent.

“Success is defined by shrinkage of these tumors. For malignant tumors they really shrink significantly. For benign tumors, it stops the growth of the brain tumors so that they don’t cause progression of neurologic symptoms usually during the patient’s lifetime.”

At the moment, only the Philippine Gamma Knife Center—one of the eight multidisciplinary centers of the Brain and Spine Institute at Cardinal Santos Medical Center—has the machine used specifically for this procedure. Since 1998, the center’s team of neurosurgeons has performed about 3,500 procedures.

The entire procedure costs P560,000.

‘Artivist’ AG Saño extends environmental mural in Makati MULTI-AWARDED environmental “artivist” (a portmanteau of “art” and “activist”) AG Saño returned with his paint and paintbrush to widen the PLDT-Smart Gabay Kalikasan street mural in Makati in a bid to further raise climate change awareness.

Saño’s initial artwork in December 2019 featured more than 3,000 square feet of Philippine flora and fauna throughout the telco headquarters’ Le-

gazpi Street frontage and Dela Rosa Street walkway. The street mural’s second phase, completed in March 2020, is a 120-feet tall vertical piece at its Gallardo back entrance, said to be the tallest environmental mural in Southeast Asia.

A joint project between PLDT-Smart and the Makati Commercial Estate Association (MaCEA), the mural extension, completed before the end of

January this year, was painted on the Legazpi - Dela Rosa elevated walkway.

It continues the existing mural theme around the telco building which featured local bird species clad in armor.

“The general state of the environment did not improve in 2020. Wildlife population is still diminishing. As environmental street artists, we want to keep on creating images of nature to keep nature’s beauty in the consciousness of

the daily urban pedestrian,” said Saño.

With the mural, MaCEA says it aims to make the central business district pedestrian-friendly and well connected, celebrate its distinct neighborhood, transform it into an art center, and help redevelop it further into a vibrant CBD. PLDT, meanwhile, ensures that it uses energy responsibly. As greenhouse gas emissions arise from energy consumed by its network in operation—in

Environmental ‘artivist’ AG Saño paints the extension of his mural in Makati.

The environmental mural, featuring Philippine flora and fauna, stretches from PLDT headquarters’ Legazpi Street frontage and Dela Rosa walkway to Legazpi-Dela Rosa elevated walkway.

the establishments they run and emissions from transport—the telco aims to protect the planet through technologybased carbon footprint offsetting programs. The programs include initiatives in reforestation, marine protection, mangroves preservation, and peatlands conservation that leverage on digital innovations and PLDT-Smart’s network.