Manila Standard - 2021 March 19 - Friday

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‘PH suffers major setback’ Cabral: We’re 10 steps back from square one; hospitals at high risk

By Willie Casas

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FORMER Health secretary said the surge in coronavirus cases has set the country “10 steps back from square one,” as some Metro Manila hospitals have filled up 80 to 85 percent of their COVID-19 bed capacity, putting them in the “high risk” category.

“We are not back to square one.

We are 10 steps back from square one,” former Health secretary Esperanza Cabral said in a statement posted by Dr. Tony Leachon on Twitter Wednesday.

Cabral noted that COVID-19 cases are on the rise and hospitals are once again getting overwhelmed. However, she said this time it was different.

“Square one was when we had just shut down the economy and people had spare change in their pockets and a small ‘ayuda’ (assistance) became Next page

SIGN OF THE TIMES. Some hospitals in at least three cities of Metro Manila have been placed under ‘high risk’ category as COVID-19 cases have been rising. This one in Mandaluyong has declared it has reached full capacity, indicating it will not be able to cater to coronavirus patients.

VOL. XXXV • NO. 37 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Palace: Gov’t execs flouting health protocols will be punished COVID-19 protocols.

“We try as much as possible to enforce the law as equally as we can.

I think the message is there has to be MALACAÑANG on Thursday warned equal treatment [under] the law there. government executives that they will No matter your position, whether you’re be punished if they are caught violating in public or private service, the law…

By Vito Barcelo, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Willie Casas

has to be applied equally,” Nograles said in a television interview.

A number of government officials, including Palace spokesman Harry Roque and Philippine National Police chief Gen. Debold Sinas tested positive for the coronavirus.

Roque said he did not know where he got the virus while Sinas admitted he might have contracted the virus in one of his official visits to Cebu province.

Both officials have been criticized Next page

COVID-19 PH (AS OF 4 PM MARCH 18)

640,984 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

5,290 66,567 ACTIVE

12,887

21

561,530

439

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

• House lockdown • Romualdez: Pray for frontliners

By Maricel V. Cruz and Othel V. Campos

AT A GLANCE

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LOCAL ROUNDUP

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SPEAKER Lord Allan Velasco has placed the entire House of Representatives on a four-day lockdown beginning yesterday in response to the surge of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila.

Velasco issued the order Wednesday night, as he instructed House Secretary General Mark Llandro Mendoza to ensure the strict implementation of the lockdown within the chamber’s premises at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City until March 21 for the wellbeing of its members and employees.

“We have decided to place the entire Batasan Complex on a temporary lockdown from March 18 to 21 as a precautionary measure to protect the health and safety of House members and employees in view of the alarming increase in COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila,” Velasco said.

The House leader also reiterated his appeal to the public to remain vigilant and continue all public health precautions against COVID-19, which has

Local officials now on priority for vaccination

SHUTDOWN. The House of Representatives is going into a four-day shutdown from Thursday as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the capital region. Among those who tested postive for COVID-19 is Majority Floor Leader and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez (inset), who urged the public to dedicate a special prayer as “malasakit”(compassion) for medical personnel who are in the front line of the coronavirus disease battle and those afflicted by it. Ver Noveno

By Willie Casas, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Othel V. Campos

Agri bats for ‘state of emergency’ amid ASF onslaught, seeks payoff probe

LOCAL chief executives nationwide are now included as among priority groups, having been classified as essential workers, for the COVID-19 vaccine jab after authorities approved their request to be included in the national government list of primary concern.

Covered by the approval by the

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

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THE Department of Agriculture has asked President Rodrigo Duterte to declare a national state of emergency to address the threat of African swine fever (ASF), which caused the decimation of pig population, tight pork supply, and high market prices.

At the same time, the DA has created a special committee to look into allegations of corruption in the allocation of meat import certificates under the in-quota Minimum Access Volume scheme.

“While we stand firm that the issuance of MAV in-quota allocation is above-board and non-discretionary,

we have created a special committee to look into allegations made by a lawmaker that there is a syndicate in the DA engaged in a payoff scheme,” DA Secretary William Dar said.

In a memorandum signed by Dar and submitted to the President through ExEx ecutive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, the DA drafted a proclamation “declar“declar

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ing a State of National Emergency to prevent the further spread of African Swine Fever by implementing biosecurity measures to jumpstart the rehabilitation of the swine industry and appropriappropri ating funds thereof.”

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Opposition groups form new coalition

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta A NEW coalition of anti-administration forces on Thursday vowed to challenge President Rodrigo Duterte’s bets in the May 2022 elections by fielding a single slate of national candidates for president, vice president, and 12 senators, saying “Filipinos deserve a better government.”

In launching 1Sambayan, its conveners led by former Next page

MINOR’S PROBLEM. Minors or those under 17 years of age will be prohibited

from leaving their homes for two weeks, according to an ordinance adopted by Quezon City, which notifies all minors to stay at home or else, their parents /or guardians will be penalized for their violation. Manny Palmero

UN WARNS CORONAVIRUS MAY BECOME SEASONAL

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KELLEY DAY GUNNING FOR MS. ECO CROWN

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

UN warns of Covid becoming seasonal C

OVID-19 appears likely to develop into a seasonal disease, the United Nations said Thursday, cautioning though against relaxing pandemic-related measures simply based on meteorological factors.

More than a year after the novel coronavirus first surfaced in China, a number of mysteries still surround the spread of the disease that has killed nearly 2.7 million people worldwide.

In its first report, an expert team tasked with trying to shed light on one of those mysteries by examining potential meteorological and air quality influences on the spread of COVID-19, found some indications the disease would develop into a seasonal menace.

The 16-member team set up by the UN’ World Meteorological Organiza-

tion pointed out that respiratory viral infections are often seasonal, “in particular the autumn-winter peak for influenza and cold-causing coronaviruses in temperate climates.”

“This has fueled expectations that, if it persists for many years, COVID-19 will prove to be a strongly seasonal disease,” it said in a statement.

Modelling studies anticipate that transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19 disease, “may become seasonal over time.”

But COVID-19 transmission dynam-

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Inter-Agency Task Force are 1,634 provincial governors, city and town mayors as well as 42,046 barangay chairmen, according to Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia, National President of the League of Cities of the Philippines.

In his statement, Leonardia saluted Interior Undersecretary Epimaco Densing for the quick response following the former’s appeal last weekend.

“The rationale, among others, is that the LCEs are in reality also frontliners in the fight against COVID-19. The exposure and risks they encounter on a day to day basis as they serve their constituents are also very high,” Leonardia said.

“We are sure this development will inspire and encourage our LCEs to even work harder and more effectively in the implementation of our COVID-19 program, especially now that we are accelerating our efforts to vaccinate as many of our people and as fast as possible,” he added.

available no matter how inept the distribution became. Square one was when the private sector was able to step up, provide financial protection for their employees and spend billions and billions to help others. We don’t have those things this time,” Cabral said.

“Square one was when hospitals were full but doctors and other health care workers, though scared to get COVID-19 themselves and still guessing how to treat something they had never met before, were fresh and eager to do battle with this particular enemy,” Cabral added.

But now, she said health workers are “tired just like everyone else.”

“They might have learned a lot but still not enough,” said Cabral, who was Health secretary during the Arroyo administration and who is now with the group Doctors for Truth and Public Welfare.

Meanwhile, Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega said the capacity of some hospitals in three Metro Manila cities are now under the “high risk” category, which means the occupancy of their COVID-19 bed capacity has reached 80 to 85 percent.

This, as the daily new COVID-19 cases recorded in the country continued to log more than 4,000 new cases a day for the last six days.

“We found out that in some hospitals especially in Makati, Quezon City and Taguig, both public and private, are already in the high-risk category. Some of them reaching 80 to 85 percent of their capacity,” Vega said in Filipino.

An official of the Sampaloc Hospital in Manila said on Thursday that it was nearing full capacity for COVID-19 patients

Vaccination rollout

Meanwhile, an OCTA Research Group expert on Thursday recommended to the national government to prioritize the vaccination rollout in the National Capital Region.

Dr. Guido David, in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, pointed out that NCR, considered as the center of the pandemic, affected the situation of the entire country.

“Especially that our vaccination rollout is limited, we would like to recommend prioritizing the NCR since this is the center of the pandemic,” said David.

David said the coronavirus would not spread if around 7 or 8 million Metro Manila residents, as well as the residents from nearby regions like Calabarzon and Central Luzon, have been vaccinated.

With this, herd immunity can be reached in areas of concern, he added.

‘All die waiting’

Sen. Panfilo Lacson warned unless some drastic and innovative steps were undertaken, “we might all die waiting” for the vaccines for COVID-19, which had been delayed due to over regulation in its procurement.

He said both the government and the public should be blamed for the spike in the coronavirus cases although the Philippines has been into quarantine for more than a year.

“Both, although the government should have a bigger share of the blame.

If we did not over regulate in the procurement of vaccines. because we have available funds from approved loans that the Department of Finance, having the foresight to anticipate the ‘crowding’ took the initiative to negotiate as early as March or April last year. Such waste,” Lacson said.

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Romualdez: Prayers of frontliners

Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez on Wednesday night appealed for a special prayer from the public as “malasakit” (compassion) to medical personnel in the front line of the continued coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) battle and those afflicted by the disease.

At the same time, Romualdez, representative of Leyte’s first district, announced that he was tested positive for COVID-19.

“Let us continue praying for all those who are afflicted with this disease.

Please include in your prayers all those who serve in the frontline to deliver the much-needed services to our people. Our compassion for each other and concern for our fellowmen are the keys that will help us get through these difficult times,” Romualdez, chairman of

Opposition...

From A1 Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio said the primary goal was to search for a viable and formidable united opposition that would bring a “resounding defeat” to the candidates fielded by the Duterte administration next year.

At the launch at the Makati Sports Club, Carpio said the broad coalition would field candidates who are committed to good governance and who seek to lift Filipinos from poverty and misery.

Carpio said the group has already spoken to possible candidates for president and vice president, including Vice President Leni Robredo, Senators Grace Poe and Nancy Binay, Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno and former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. The movement began in September 2020, when economic recession and the House committee on rules, said.

“Today (Wednesday), I received the result of my RT-PCR test showing that I am positive for COVID-19.

I am scheduled to undergo a second test tomorrow (Thursday) to rule out a false positive result. I urge everyone who had close contact with me to undergo an RT-PCR test,” said Romualdez, who was awaiting the result of his COVID-19 confirmatory test as of press time Thursday.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to those who are praying for my quick recovery,” he said.

Lopez tests positive

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez disclosed he tested positive to COVID-19 virus after results of his RT-PCR test were released Thursday morning.

“I regret to inform you I tested positive again,” he told reporters in a group chat.

Lopez is asymptomatic and is in isolation right now. He said he would avoid physical meetings while in quarantine although he still intended to continue attending virtual meetings.

He underwent another test to confirm if the first test was accurate.

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ics so far appear to have been influenced mainly by government interventions like mask mandates and travel restrictions, they said, rather than the weather.

The task team therefore insisted that weather and climate conditions alone should for now not be the trigger for loosening anti-COVID restrictions.

“At this stage, evidence does not support the use of meteorological and air quality factors as a basis for governments to relax their interventions aimed at reducing transmission,” said task team co-chair Ben Zaitchik of the earth and planetary sciences department at The John Hopkins University in the United States.

He pointed out that during the first year of the pandemic, infections in some places rose in warm seasons, “and

there is no evidence that this couldn’t happen again in the coming year.”

The experts, who focused only on outdoor meteorology and air quality conditions in the report, said laboratory studies had provided some evidence the virus survives longer in cold, dry weather and when there is low ultraviolet radiation.

But it remained unclear whether meteorological influences “have a meaningful influence on transmission rates under real world conditions.”

They also highlighted that evidence around the impact of air quality on the virus remained “inconclusive.”

There was some preliminary evidence that poor air quality increases COVID-19 mortality rates, “but not that pollution directly impacts airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2.” AFP

as cases surged in the capital region.

Some 19 out of 25 beds for virus patients are occupied, said hospital director Dr. Aileen Lacsamana.

“The hospital has only a 50-bed capacity. We adjusted to accommodate COVID patients because as you know we’re the hospital in the Sampaloc area which has the highest number of cases,” Lacsamana said in an interview on ABS-CBN’s Teleradyo.

Half of the hospital’s capacity is allotted for non-COVID maternity patients, Lacsamana said.

Seven hospital staff have so far tested positive for the virus but are recovering, she added.

In Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Sta. Cruz, some 27 health workers have contracted the disease mostly from the community and their homes, said medical chief Dr. Esmeraldo Ilem.

The hospital currenty has one active infection-- an asymptomatic mother who had just given birth.

“The baby tested negative for the coronavirus, [and] the mother did not infect health workers,” Ilem said.

Nationwide, the health care utilization rate was still at a low risk f 43 percent occupancy for hospitals, but the trend is rising, Vega said.

Vega said if the surge continues, they will coordinate with hospitals in Central Luzon and Calabarzon to assist other hospitals that are at full capacity.

They also added more intensive care unit beds as well as modular beds in different hospitals, Vega said.

The Department of Health (DOH) can help hospitals that need additional health workers in case they are overwhelmed, he added.

The Philippines logged on Thursday 5,290 new COVID-19 cases, bringing total infections to 640,984,

the DOH reported.

This marks the seventh consecutive day where more than 4,000 daily cases were reported.

The DOH reported 21 new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 12,887, which is 2.01 percent of the total.

The DOH also reported that 439 persons recovered from the disease recently, bringing total recoveries to 561,530, which is 87.6 percent of the total cases.

This left 66,567 active cases, which is 10.4 percent of the total cases. Of the active cases, 93.3 percent are mild; 3.7 percent are asymptomatic; 1.2 percent are critical; 1.2 percent are severe; and 0.64 percent are moderate.

The DOH also reported that, nationwide, of the total ICU bed capacity, 51 percent is available; of the total isolation bed capacity, 60 percent is available; of the total ward bed capacity, 68 percent is available; and of the total number of ventilators, 72 percent are available.

Also on Thursday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is now identifying additional quarantine and isolation facilities inside its headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, as it grapples with a surge in COVID-19 cases among its ranks.

“PNP is part of the general population. The country, particularly Metro Manila is experiencing an upsurge of cases, and the same goes for us, especially because we are also front-liners,” PNP officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar told reporters.

He said among those initially identified for additional quarantine facilities is the whole Kiangan Building that houses the Provident Funds and the Public Safety Savings and Loan Association, Inc. As of Wednesday night, the PNP has 1,105 active COVID-19 cases.

unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic had set in, the number of infections kept rising, and the incumbent administration had shown itself incapable of a sensible, effective response to the crisis, Carpio said.

“We, in the 1Sambayan, unified the democratic forces in the country to bring good governance to the Filipino people. It’s good governance that will lift the Filipino people from poverty.

It’s good governance that will bring economic development to the country and prosperity to the Filipino people.

It’s good governance that will restore the pride and dignity of the Filipino people,” Carpio, chairman of 1Sambayan, said.

“The Filipino people deserve a better government,” he added.

Carpio said the 1Sambayan will search for Filipino leaders “who can do a much better job of running the government, reviving the economy, creat-

ing jobs for the people and defending our territory and our sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.” In next year’s elections, Carpio urged voters to choose national leaders with integrity, competence, patriotism and a vision for the country, and leaders who will truly serve the people.

“The Filipino people should reject all those identified with dictatorship and authoritarianism. The Filipino people should reject all those responsible for or who affect extrajudicial killings and whose mantra is kill, kill, kill. The Filipino people should reject all those who violate human rights. The Filipino people should reject all those who plundered the government. The Filipino people should reject all those who refuse to defend and protect our national territory and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea,” Carpio said, taking a dig at the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

in the past for flouting COVID-19 health protocols.

“Public officials are accountable to the Civil Service Commission and other laws, where they can be made liable for civil, criminal, and administrative complaints. They can also face charges from the Ombudsman for graft cases,” Nograles said.

“Anybody can file a case against any public official they feel is breaking the law or not following protocols,” he said.

Roque, who is also the spokesman for the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), said Thursday the government is considering a temporary ban on the entry of all foreigners due to the surge in COVID-19 cases.

Currently foreigners are allowed to enter the country if they already have visas or have visas issued upon the recommendation of a government agency to which their work is related.

The proposed expansion of travel restrictions will be discussed by the IATF, Roque said.

The government will ban foreigners and returning citizens except overseas workers from entering the country for a month from Saturday until April 19 amid increasing coronavirus cases, Roque said.

Roque also said that the government has already ruled that only 1,500 incoming passengers could be allowed to enter the country per day as part of the travel restrictions.

Senators on Thursday questioned the basis for the 1,500-passenger cap.

“Three hundred sixty-five days after COVID-19 came to us, our policies are still confusing. The basis for the 1,500 cap is still not clear. That is why people tend not to follow directives because they do not understand,” Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said.

Drilon also questioned the limit on foreign arrivals, saying it would be ineffective to stop the surge in COVID-19 cases since returning Filipino workers would just opt for other airports such as those in Cebu and Clark to return home.

He also said that instead of using the trust fund of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the government should authorize the use of the contingent fund to repatriate about 500,000 returning workers.

Senator Francis Tolentino raised concerns over how to enforce the policy, asking which airline should have a cap of 1,500 Filipinos and which stopover would force the disembarkation of Filipinos.

Senator Joel Villanueva said the enforcement amounts to an admission by the government that our quarantine, testing and contact tracing programs are not working.

“Many are already in line. We will only allow the landing of five Airbus 350s at NAIA everyday,” said Villanueva.

“It’s like they want our countrymen to go through a funnel,” he said in Filipino.

Also on Thursday, the city government said more than 2,000 people violated curfew in Manila during the first two days of its implementation.

Data from the Manila Public Information Office (MPIO) showed that 1,139 curfew violators were recorded as of 5 a.m. on March 16. Of the number, 926 were adults while 213 are minors.

Meanwhile, 1,023 violators of the curfew ordinance were documented as of 5 a.m. on March 17. This included 112 minors and 911 adults.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said those who breach the curfew will be penalized by having to do exercises instead of being jailed.

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and health,” Lacson said in filing Resolution 685.

He said the COW is best suited to conduct the probe instead of having the Blue Ribbon Committee and the Committees on Agriculture, Ways and Means, and Health handle it separately.

“My resolution seeking the investigation in aid of legislation may also seek to revisit Republic Act 10611 or the Food Security Act of 2013 to address possible loopholes that are being exploited,” Lacson added.

Also in the Senate, Senator Francis Pangilinan wants government to provide health kits and financial assistance to the country’s almost 1.5 million fisherfolk, who are suffering from low selling price due to checkpoints and access to ice for their catch.

On Wednesday, Ruperto Aleroza, Poverty Commission’s Vice Chairman for Basic Sectors, met with Panglinan’s staff and said that fisherfolk were among those hard hit due to limitations in movement during the pandemic.

Dar said the declaration of national emergency would mandate and capacitate government agencies, including the local government units, to work to-

gether to prevent and control the spread of ASF. Duterte earlier issued an executive order imposing a price cap on pork products as requested by the DA due to soaring pork prices caused by the ASF problem and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the executive order, the price cap for kasim and pigue was set at P270 per kilo, P300 for liempo, and P160 for dressed chicken per kilo. The price cap will last for 60 days.

The DA is proposing to increase the minimum access volume on pork imports to 400,000 metric tons from the current 54,000 metric tons to augment domestic supply due to the constraints brought by the African swine fever.

It is also proposing to lower tariffs from 30 percent to 5 percent for this year.

The special committee is headed by the Department’s legal service chief, and will base its inquiry on the initial findings of the DA-MAV Secretariat.

The allegation of corruption to get a MAV import certificate is remote, the DA-MAV Secretariat said, as the existing licensees are the same ones every year, and who were previously accredited by the past DA administrations.

In the memo, Dar said the ASF had “spread to 12 regions, 40 provinces, 466 cities and municipalities, and 2,425 barangays to date.”

“Over three million heads of pig have been lost due to the disease, causing contraction in pork supply and an unprecedented increase in the price of basic agricultural commodities.”

Once a state of emergency is declared, the DA can tap the government’s quick response fund, a standby fund for relief and recovery programs in times of disasters, calamities, epidemics, or complex emergencies.

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday filed a resolution calling for the constitution of the Senate Committee of the Whole (COW) to investigate the alleged “tongpats” mess at the Department of Agriculture.

“I am recommending that the Senate convene into a Committee of the Whole to handle the investigation. The ‘tongpats’ mess has an impact on foregone revenue and corruption, food security,

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IN BRIEF Self-harm deaths rose 25.7 percent in 2020 CASES of death due to self-harm increased in the Philippines last year.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed the deaths due to “intentional self-harm” was up to 3,529 in 2020.

This was a 25.7-percent increase compared to the 2,808 recorded in 2019.

“Deaths due to intentional self-harm recorded a 25.7 percent increase from the previous year, making it the 27th leading cause of death in 2020 from rank 31 in 2019,” the PSA said.

The OCTA Research Group earlier released a survey which showed that 28 percent of Filipinos experienced emotional problems like stress or extreme sadness due to the pandemic.

Release of kidnapped Filipino crew sought THE Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday said efforts are in progress to secure the safe release of four Filipino crew members of a chemical tanker who were among those being held captive by pirates in the Gulf of Guinea on March 11.

“Families have been informed and the efforts are under way to secure the crew members’ safe release,” DFA Executive Director for Strategic Communications Ivy Banzon-Abalos said in a text message to reporters.

She made the statement following reports that the ship manager of the Chemical tanker MT Davide B had made contact with the 15 crew members kidnapped by the pirates.

Reports quoting De Poli Shipmanagement confirmed that the crew were together and “doing well under the difficult circumstances.”

The crew of the chemical tanker were abducted in the Gulf of Guinea, approximately 210 nautical miles south of Cotonou, Benin.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Italy-based De Poli Shipmanagement expressed its commitment to do everything possible to secure the earliest and safe release of its seafarers, which remains its “overriding priority.”

The MT Davide B was en route from Riga, Latvia, to Lagos, Nigeria, when attacked by the pirates. The tanker is flying the Maltese flag.

Reports also indicated that the company had been in touch with the families of the kidnapped seafarers and had provided them with updates on the situation. Rey E. Requejo

Granulator installed in Tondo

By Joel E. Zurbano CHAIRMAN Benjamin Abalos Jr. of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on Thursday presented the agency’s first granulator and brickmaking facility installed to lessen solid waste being dumped and found in waterways.

The Filipino patent facilities situated at the Vitas Pumping Station in Tondo, Manila, was approved by the Department of Science and Technology.

Abalos says the facilities will not only help reduce solid waste but will also prolong the service life of landfills.

Bio-waste and plastics collected in pumping stations will be converted into by-products such as bricks, ecohollow blocks, eco-concrete barriers and bio-waste compost materials.

“It is my ardent hope that through our initiatives under the Metro Manila Flood Management Project, we will be able to reduce the risks to vulnerable communities due to flooding and excessive waste generation,” said Abalos during the inauguration.

Abalos also said the installation of solid waste granulator and brick-making facility would avert damage to pumping stations brought by garbage being dumped on the waterways.

Abalos says the MMDA will continue its collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure that all the efforts geared towards reduction and elimination of waste will be sustained.

“Let me assure you that we will continuously collaborate with foreign and local experts, other government agencies, private sector and non-government organizations towards our move from singular success stories to beneficial efforts at a larger scale in disaster prevention and mitigation,” the MMDA chief said.

“Let us maximize all the available platforms and aim for sustainable and synergized solutions to prevent disastrous effects of flooding caused by garbage.”

VIOLATORS CAUGHT. A security officer stands guard before 80 violators of curfew hours imposed by the City Government of Dasmariñas to prevent the spread of COVID 19 on March

18, 2021. Emerito Antonio

‘Workers in Saudi vulnerable’

By Vito Barcelo

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T LEAST 500,000 Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia are not covered by the abolition of the Kafala system that eases worker restrictions, including the freedom to change jobs and foreign workers’ right to leave the country without the employers’ permission, according to a migrant expert.

Recruitment and migrants expert Emmanuel Geslani said Filipino domestic workers and low-skilled workers were not covered by the removal of the Kafala system and was strictly only for skilled workers, which was implemented by the

Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development on March 14, 2021 “Our OFWs who are classified as Household Service Workers are still under the yoke of their sponsors and are not covered by the liberation given to skilled

workers,” Geslani said in a statement.

He said domestic workers were classified as HSWs, drivers and gardeners were vulnerable to abuse and mistreatment by their sponsors in the households of these employers.

The Philippines has urged the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to remove the Kafala system in their efforts to acquire Filipino domestic workers who are highly in demand in both countries.

In Saudi Arabia alone, there are an estimated s500,000 domestic workers while in Kuwait there are over 250,000 domestic workers in the households But domestic workers cannot change employers or leave the country despite

the termination of their contracts without the “exit visa” given by their sponsors.

This has been abused by Arab sponsors who refuse to issue the exit visas unless payment is made by the Philippine Embassy up to $5,000 in cases where the Filipino has asked the Philippine Embassy for help to adjudicate her case with her sponsor.

Only skilled workers are allowed under the new system to change employers or leave Saudi Arabia without the need of an exit visa from his/her employer.

Geslani has urged the Philippine government to act on the problem to prevent abusing Filipino domestic workers from their employers.

Solon: Cha-cha w/in the year

By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives and the Senate can finish consideration of the proposed economic Charter changes or amendments this year, a House official said on Thursday.

“Since we will have a break next week on March 25, the deliberations will be continued when we resume sessions on May 17. Speaker Lord Allan Velasco is affording the opportunity to all Members to participate in the deliberations,” Deputy Speaker and Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said.

The resolution containing the proposals would then be transmitted to the Senate.

The former constitutional amendments committee chairman and law dean said the Senate would then have enough time to consider economic Cha-cha once it was sent to it.

The proposed amendments are contained in Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 2 authored by Speaker Lord Al-

lan Velasco.

The resolution seeks to empower Congress to change constitutional limitations on foreign participation in certain sectors of the economy like telecommunications, public utilities, media, advertising and education, except land which will continue to be only for Filipinos.

“The changing of those restrictions will hasten the country’s recovery from this crippling pandemic. It will help attract more foreign investments and provide more employment to our people which are really the objectives of Speaker Velasco’s RBH-2,” Rodriguez said.

He said several senators had expressed support for the “lofty goal” of the Speaker’s resolution.

“That is why I am confident that the Senate will tackle our amendment proposals once transmitted to them and will eventually consider approving them,” he said.

Rodriguez reiterated the Speaker’s assurances that the House would propose only economic amendments.

Dagupan City’s open dump, before it was closed in September 2019, and how it looked as of February 2021 after it was rehabilitated.

City’s garbage problem solved

FOGGING OPERATIONS. Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso watches the fogging and misting operations at Barangay 332 Zone 33, District 3, in Santa Cruz, Manila.

DAGUPAN CITY—After barely a year, the city government here has cleared more than half of the city’s decades-old mountains of garbage occupying a fourhectare open dump near the shoreline of the Tondaligan Beach in Barangay Bonuan Boquig.

This was after Mayor Brian Lim stopped the dump’s operation in January last year and ordered its rehabilitation to comply with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, which prohibits the operation of open dumps.

Residents, including judges, prosecutors, lawyers and employees in the nearby Hall of Justice and other government offices thanked Lim for his decisive action, saying it was “a win for the environment.”

Lawyer Danilo Fernandez, who had just retired last month as clerk of court, said since the middle of last year, the foul odor from the dump had vanished and the flies that swarmed the nearby eateries had disappeared.

Between July 2013 and June 2019, the Tondaligan Beach, the city’s main tourist attraction, turned into an “ecological disaster zone” after the city administration at that time continued to defy the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ repeated orders to close the dump.

As a result, the dump grew wider from two hectares to four hectares, spilling leachate into the Tondaligan Beach and its stench reaching the halls of the trial courts and other government offices about 300 meters away.

Frequent fires were also reported during the period because of spontaneous combustion while residents near the area complained of flies invading their homes.

Bernard Cabison, the city’s waste management division chief, said that what used to be a garbage maze had been flattened, enabling him and the other workers in the area to now see and appreciate the beauty of the Tondaligan Beach from their office.

Bill aims to protect farmers from toxic pesticides

By Maricel V. Cruz THE prevalence of pesticide poisoning among Filipino farmers has prompted a party-list legislator to provide firmer guidelines on the protection of farmworkers against the risks of being exposed to highly toxic pesticides.

AAMBIS-OWA Rep. Sharon Garin, in filing House Bill 3595, otherwise known

as Farm Workers’ Protection Act, said farmers and agricultural workers, particularly those working in vegetable farms, had high exposure to pesticides with carcinogens.

Citing the Journal of Rural Medicine, Garin said organophosphate insecticides were the most common category of pesticide used in the Philippines, followed by carbamates (which are known carcino-

gens) and synthetic pyrethroids.

Upon the enactment of the bill, farm owners and operators will be required to conduct mandatory testing for the presence of organophosphate pesticides in their respective agricultural sites.

The bill further proposes an intensified education campaign among farmworkers and their families about the hazards of exposure to pesticides, how to avoid such

exposures to children, personal clothing and possessions, and what to do if pesticide exposure or contamination occurs.

A provision in the bill also requires every incident of pesticide exposure to farmworkers or their families, whether by direct exposure to pesticide applications or from the drift of pesticides from the application site, must be reported to the Department of Agriculture.

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News

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2021

DOH: No changes to vaccination protocols

By Willie Casas and Macon Ramos-Araneta

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HE DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) on Thursday said it won’t be changing its coronavirus vaccination protocol after a female health worker died from COVID-19 more than a week after she was vaccinated.

SMOKE AT SEA. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescues 70 passengers of distressed passenger vessel MV Vince Gabriel III in the waters off Barangay Cambas-ac, Dapa, Surigao del Norte on Thursday morning. The ship departed from Port of Dapa going to Surigao City Port and Ferry Terminal and while underway, it encountered ab engine problem due to its damaged exhaust pipe, releasing severe smoke inside the vessel.

IN BRIEF Rody vows protection for red-tagged woman judge DOH-Calabarzon gives away 15,500 facemasks A TOTAL of 15,500 disposable face masks were distributed on Thursday in communities with high numbers of COVID-19 cases recorded in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon).

The Department of Health (DOH)Calabarzon, through President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive last Monday to provide free masks to the public targeting the underprivileged, has purchased and distributed more than 300 boxes of facemasks in all the five provinces.

Each box contains 50 pieces of facemasks received by the barangay captains of various communities.

Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo said the observation of the President on the wearing of the same face mask is common, and the reason is mainly financial.

The regional office visited barangays in Antipolo City to distribute the free facemasks. Some 200 washable facemasks were also given during today’s distribution activity.

“We can expect cases to lessen if this simple practice is followed religiously. And we count on the support of the local government units in implementing this,” Janairo said.

Among the barangays with highest number of covid-19 cases recorded are Mayamot, San Roque, San Isidro, Dela Paz in Antipolo; Rizaliana, Bagong Bayan and Pulo in Mauban, Quezon; Gulang-Gulang, Ibabang Dupay, Isabang, Ibabang Iyam and Cota in Lucena City, Quezon; San Isidro, Sto. Domingo, San Andres, San Juan, San Roque. Sto. Niño, Sta. Rosa in Cainta, Rizal.

As of March 17, a total of 83,673 COVID-19 cases were recorded in the region, with 5,939 active cases, 75,338 recoveries, and 2,396 deaths. Calabarzon is the region with the second-most number of COVID-19 cases.

2.5k Manila frontliners get first COVID-19 jab AROUND 2,500 medical frontline workers in Manila have received the first shot of the vaccine against COVID-19 the since the city government launched its immunization program this month, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said.

In a livestreamed report, Domagoso said 102 frontliners in six hospitals have been diagnosed with the virus since the rollout of the vaccination program. Ten had been administered the first shot of the vaccine prior to their diagnosis.

Domagoso had urged health workers to get inoculated to prevent them from contracting the severe respiratory ailment.

“If you are a medical frontliner, and vaccinated, you have a larger chance of not getting infected. So far, the 10 COVID-positive frontliners who had received the vaccine shot are in good condition,” Domagoso said.

Previously, fewer than 1,900 medical workers in the capital city registered to avail the Sinovac vaccines during its rollout earlier this month.

To date, Manila has 31,932 COVID-19 cases, with 2,102 active cases, 28,993 recoveries, and 837 deaths.

The city government also recently imposed a stricter lockdown on six villages for four days, following the sudden increase of virus infections: · Brgy. 185 Zone 16, Tondo 2 · Brgy. 374 Zone 38, Sta. Cruz · Brgy. 521 Zone 52, Sampaloc · Brgy. 628 Zone 63, Sta. Mesa · Brgy. 675 Zone 74, Paco · Brgy. 847 Zone 92, Pandacan —Willie Casas

By Rey E. Requejo and Ronald Reyes PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will provide protection for a judge who was allegedly red-tagged after freeing two activists and clearing them of charges.

This was after photos showed a tarpaulin at the corner of Shaw Boulevard and Edsa “thanking” Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 209 Judge Monique Quisumbing-Ignacio for her “speedy release” of “comrades.”

The logo of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) appeared at the bottom of the tarpaulin.

Later in the day, Duterte said communist rebels are bandits and they should be

exterminated if they are armed.

“I told the military, kill them if they are armed. I did not see any achievement by the communists. No progress. They became a group of bandits,” he said during the joint meeting of the National Task Force - Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Eastern Visayas in Tacloban City, Leyte.

“I don’t like to see the soldiers in coffins,” he added.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque urged the public not to jump into conclusions that judge Ignacio was indeed red-tagged, stressing that “enemies” may have put up the tarpaulin to pin the blame on the Duterte administration.

“Let us not conclude that Judge Ignacio

was red-tagged and authorities are investigating already this incident,” he said in a virtual press briefing.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines on Thursday also denounced the redtagging of Quisumbing-Ignacio after she dismissed the illegal possession of firearms and explosives charges against journalist Lady Ann Salem and trade unionist Rodrigo Esparago.

IBP President Domingo Egon Cayosa said members of the judiciary should be spared from red-tagging.

“We enjoin all litigants, parties, and sectors not to unduly drag our magistrates into their political, ideological, or operational battles or agenda,” Cayosa said in a statement.

This developed as nearly 7,500 persons among over 240,000 who were vaccinated against COVID-19 reported an adverse event following immunization (AEFI), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said.

FDA chief Eric Domingo said 7,331 of the total 7,469 AEFIs were non-serious and 138 were serious, including a case that involved death.

“At this point in time there are no changes to our protocol,” said Dr. Beverly Ho, director of the Health Promotion Bureau and Disease Prevention and Control Bureau of the DOH. This was a day after the department announced that its expert committee on adverse events concluded that the COVID-19 vaccine had nothing to do with the health worker’s death.

Meanwhile, Malacañang on Thursday said it supports the proposal to use China’s Sinovac-made “CoronaVac” vaccines on Filipino senior citizens despite earlier recommendations to limit its use on healthy individuals aged 18 to 59.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier raised the possibility of using the CoronaVac vaccine on the elderly since it has so far shown minimal adverse effects.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque backed Galvez’s statement, saying that other nations have also started using CoronaVac for their senior citizens.

But giving Sinovac to Filipino senior citizens is “intentional malpractice,” stressed Sen. Risa Hontiveros.

“Nakakagalit ang ganitong pagpupumilit ng National Task Force against COVID-19 (NTF),” she said.

164 quakes, 67 tremors at Taal

By Rio N. Araja TAAL Volcano in Batangas recorded 164 volcanic earthquakes in the past 24 hours, including 67 episodes of volcanic tremors lasting one to two minutes, and three hybrid events.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said activity at the main crater consisted of weak emissions of steam-laden plumes from fumarolic vents that rose 20 meters high.

Sulfur dioxide emissions that averaged 605 tons per day were measured on March 17, it added.

Ground deformation parameters from electronic tilt, continuous GPS and InSAR data analysis indicated a slow and steady inflation and expansion of the Taal region since after the January 2020 eruption.

“These parameters may indicate increased magmatic activity at shallow depths beneath the edifice,” Phivolcs said.

Alert level 2, denoting increased unrest, is maintained over Taal Volcano.

Phivolcs reminded the public that at alert level 2, sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas could occur and threaten areas within the Taal Volcano Island.

VIBRANT GARDEN. Colorful plant holders enliven this eco-garden at Brgy. Ulango, Tanauan, Batangas. It is an entry to the Search for the Best Ecological Garden and Solid Waste Management Practices in Urban and Semi-Urban Barangays organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Calabarzon.

Comelec: Over 1 million voter registrations in 3 months THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has processed over 1 million applications for voter registration from early January to the second week of March.

Citing latest data, the poll body said of the total of 1,092,484 applications processed, 586,695 are females and 505,879 are males.

The applications were processed from January 4, 2021 to March 13, 2021, it added.

Region 4-A (Calabarzon) posted the highest number applications at 172,683

(94,389 females and 78,294 males) followed by National Capital Region at 149,846 (83,240 and 66,606) and Region 3 (Central Luzon) with 104,669 (56,920 and 47,749).

The region with the least number of applications has been processed in CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region) with only 15,780 (8,757 females and 7,023 males).

The following are the number of processed applications from other regions: Region 5 (Bicol), 73,457 (38,618 and 34,839);

Region 6 (Western Visayas), 70,634 (37,702 and 37,932); Region 7 (Central Visayas), 66,376 (35,018 and 31,358); Region 12 (Soccsksargen), 62,156 (32,246 and 29,910); Region 1 (Ilocos Norte), 53,886 (28,324 and 25,562); Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, 52,707 (28,421 and 24,286); Region 10 (Northern Mindanao), 46,672 (24,752 and 21,920; Region 11 (Davao Region), 42,337 (22,417 and 19,920);

SC, UnionBank sign e-payment pact

SUMMER TOYS. A vendor sells inflatable toys along the sidewalk of Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City on Thursday. A small inflatable toy is worth P80, while the large ones go for P160. Joey O. Razon

THE Supreme Court has signed a memorandum of agreement with Union Bank of the Philippines on March 15, 2021 allowing UnionBank to develop an ePayment solution for the judiciary.

Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta said the Judiciary ePayment Solution will involve an application designed to provide the courts the options to receive fees and payments digitally from litigants, their counsels, and representatives in a safe, secure, real-time, 24/7 basis from anywhere at their convenience.

The Chief Justice led the signing of the MOA for ePayment project, which will benefit the courts and the general public as it will streamline the processes on the assessment and payment of court fees.

Court Administrator Jose Midas P. Marquez and UnionBank Board Vice-Chair Dr.

Justo A. Ortiz were the principal signatories in the MOA. Also present during the signing were retired Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno, now an Independent Board Member of UnionBank; and UnionBank officers in Executive Vice President Ana Aboitiz Delgado representing Board Member Sabin Aboitiz, Senior Executive Vice President Henry R. Aguda, and Senior Vice President lawyer Joselito Banaag.

Members of the UnionBank Project Team led by Ma. Cecilia Bernad, Francesca Montes, Alfonso Tanjuatco, and Jeraline Jacob, as well as Supreme Court officials including Deputy Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva and Assistant Court Administrator and Spokesperson Brian Keith F. Hosaka were likewise present. Rey Requejo

CYAN CYAN MAGENTA MAGENTA YELLOW YELLOW BLACK BLACK Manila Manila

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TODAY TODAY

Republic of the Philippines GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1308

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World FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2021

Suspect charged with 8 murders in Atlanta attack

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21-YEAR-OLD suspect described as a sex addict was charged with murdering eight people in spas around the US city of Atlanta, in triple attacks that have deeply shaken the Asian-American community.

Police said Robert Aaron Long has denied a racist motive to Tuesday’s attacks – in which six of the victims were women of Asian origin – but that they had yet to determine the shooter’s reason for opening fire.

“The suspect did take responsibility for the shootings,” Captain Jay Baker of the Cherokee County Office told a news conference.

Long, who is white, “does claim it was not racially motivated,” Baker added, but stressed that it was “still early” in the investigation.

The suspect “apparently has an issue, what he considers a sex addiction,” Baker said.

Long told police he had frequented massage parlors in the past and launched the attacks as a form of vengeance against “a temptation for him that he wanted to eliminate.”

While a probe is ongoing into the motive, the attacks thrust

Suu Kyi faces new charges

GENERAL BIDDING GUIDELINES ON THE SALE OF IP-RUs: 1. Sale of GSIS Investment Properties – Retail Units (IP-RUs) shall be through competitive public bidding.

2. Acceptance of Purchase Offers shall start on the scheduled bidding date and time.

3. Dropping of bid envelopes shall be on the date of bidding from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM only. Opening of Bids shall immediately follow. Late bid envelopes shall not be accepted.

4. The sale of IP-RUs shall be on an “As-Is, Where-is” basis. Interested bidders are enjoined to personally inspect the GSIS IP-RUs for sale. “As-Is, Where-Is” is defined as the present physical condition of the retail unit that GSIS is selling and the buyer is buying, “with all attendant faults, if any,” whether or not immediately apparent and without any express or implied warranty. The buyer takes this condition at his or her own risk, without recourse against the GSIS as to their condition. This includes knowledge by the buyer of the presence of occupants in the retail-unit being purchased.

5. Strictly, “One bidder, One specific property” only, which means that a bidder cannot submit two (2) or more bids for one property. A bidder may submit one bid each to as many properties as he/she wants to buy, as long as, he/she posts the required 10% bid deposit of the total bid price for each property. The bidder must present valid government IDs upon registration on the date of public bidding.

6. Purchase offers shall only be accepted in CASH or MANAGER’S CHECK/S payable within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of bidding, without the privilege of extension.

7. A downloadable bid form shall be properly accomplished with the following information: A. B. C. D. E. F. G.

Date of Bidding Name of the bidder The exact address of the property you are interested to bid Transfer Certificate of Title No. Mode of Payment Amount of bid (in numbers and words) Signature of the bidder/representative

8. The bid proposal shall be written in words and figures and must not be lower than the Minimum Acceptable Offer of the property. Should there be a difference in the amount in words and figures, the amount in words shall prevail.

9. Bidders’ deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Offer shall be in the form of a MANAGER’S CHECK payable to the Government Service Insurance System.

10. ALL participating bidders shall insert the following documents in a bid envelope: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

properly accomplished bid form; Manager’s Check payable to Government Service Insurance System representing deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Offer; Duly signed Certificate of due diligence (the form is downloadable); Special Power of Attorney (SPA), if the bidder is being represented by another person.

Two (2) proofs of occupancy, if the bidder is the occupant of the subject property: a. b. c.

Barangay certificate stating that the bidder is occupying or residing in the subject property, Valid Government Issued ID indicating the address of the subject property as home address, or Latest Billing Statement under the Bidder’s Name indicating the address of the subject property as home/billing address.

11. The following information shall be written outside the sealed bid envelope (mailing envelope)

12. The existing tenant or occupant or his duly authorized representative through a valid Special Power of Attorney (SPA) has the right to match the offer of the declared highest bidder, provided: A. B.

He/she participated in actual bidding and Inserted the two (2) proofs of occupancy inside his/her bid envelope as indicated in Number 9 of these guidelines

13. If the occupant exercises his/her Right to Match the offer of the declared highest bidder, he/she shall adjust his/her initial deposit based on the bid amount of the declared highest bidder. He/she must also pay the adjusted deposit on the day of bidding.

14. The declared highest/winning bidder shall submit within fourteen (14) calendar days of the actual bidding, the following documents: A.

If the winning bidder is an individual; a. b.

B.

duly accomplished Personal Profile (downloadable) photocopy of two (2) valid IDs. (one should be a government-issued ID)

If the winning bidder is a company or corporate entity; a. b. c. d.

duly accomplished Company/Corporate Profile (downloadable) Articles of Incorporation/Partnership, By-Laws, and current General Information Sheet, for corporation/partnership Registration Certificate from SEC for corporation/partnership, DTI for sole proprietorship and CDA for cooperatives, or any proof of such registration current Mayor’s Permit issued by the city or municipality where the principal place of business of the winning bidder is located.

15. A Notice of Approval of Sale (NOAS) shall be issued to the highest/winning bidder on the day of bidding. The Bidder’s deposit of the other non-winning bidder/s shall be returned immediately.

16. The deposit equivalent to at least ten percent (10%) of the Bid Offer shall be paid not later than 3:00 P.M. on the day of the bidding. The 90% balance of the bid amount shall be paid either in cash or manager’s check within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of NOAS, without the privilege of no extension.

17. Non-compliance with the terms and conditions stated in the NOAS shall result in the forfeiture of the bidder’s total deposit.

18. In case the highest/winning bidder fails to comply with the requirements within the specified time, the said NOAS shall be deemed automatically revoked and the highest/ winning bidder shall be informed in writing. The second highest bidder, if any, shall be informed in writing of the award of the property to her. If she confirms acceptance of the awards, he/she shall pay the non-refundable 10% deposit within three (3) working days after receipt of said notice.

19. GSIS reserves the right to waive any formality or to reject any or all bids received. The list of properties available for sale may be updated without prior notice.

20. For bidding inquiries, you may call the Real Property Accounts Management Department (RPAMD) at trunkline number (02) 3479-3500, (02) 3479-3600, or (02) 79764900 local number 3228, 3374, or 3396 or send an email at mbgonda@gsis.gov.ph, chplogdat@gsis.gov.ph, mmmagbanua@gsis.gov.ph, amqjulian@gsis.gov.ph, or jsvicaldo@gsis.gov.ph.

HEALTH PROTOCOLS UNDER NEW NORMAL 1.

Only the participating bidder shall enter the bidding room.

2.

The bidder must properly wear a facemask and face shield any time.

3.

Social distancing must be strictly observed.

4.

Bringing of ballpen is encouraged.

5.

Please follow the health and safety protocols before entering the GSIS Building.

6.

Additional health and safety measures shall be published on the GSIS website page once the IATF issues additional or new guidelines.

the spotlight onto a spike in violence targeting Asian-Americans – fueled during the COVID-19 pandemic, activists believe, by talk of the “Chinese virus” by former president Donald Trump and others.

“Racially motivated violence must be called out for exactly what it is,” Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland – who is halfKorean – said Wednesday.

“We must stop making excuses or rebranding it as economic anxiety or sexual addiction.”

The spotlight has also been thrust on the police leading the investigation – particularly on Captain Baker’s remarks that the alleged shooter had had a “bad day.”

Scrutiny has also focused on a post purported to be from Baker’s private Facebook account and shared by Buzzfeed showing him promoting T-shirts describing COVID-19 as an “imported virus” from China. AFP

(MS-MAR. 18, 19 & 20, 2021)

MYANMAR’S ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi faces fresh corruption charges from the ruling junta that her lawyer said Thursday were “groundless” but could ensure she would never be able to return to politics.

The coup on February 1 that ousted Suu Kyi’s government has brought hundreds of thousands onto the streets to confront the generals, who have responded with a brutal crackdown that has left at least 200 dead.

The new military regime has already issued several criminal charges against the Nobel laureate since she was detained alongside top political allies, including owning unlicensed walkie-talkies and violating coronavirus restrictions.

On Wednesday night, military broadcaster Myawady aired a video of a Myanmar businessman confessing to giving her a total of $550,000 over several years.

Maung Weik said he had donated money to senior government figures for the good of his business.

“Aung San Suu Kyi committed corruption and (authorities) are preparing to charge her according to anti-corruption law,” an announcer said during the broadcast.

This is not the first time corruption allegations have been lodged against her.

Last week a junta spokesman said a now-detained chief minister had admitted to giving her $600,000 and more than 10 kilograms of gold bars.

“Those accusations are groundless,” Suu Kyi’s lawyer Khin Maung Zaw told AFP. “Aung San Suu Kyi may have her defects... but bribery and corruption are not her traits,” he said, adding that most people in Myanmar will not believe the allegations.

However a conviction for bribery in a case against her “personal character” could see Suu Kyi “prohibited from taking part in political activities,” Zaw told AFP. Soldiers and police terrorised several battle-scarred Yangon neighbourhoods Wednesday night, as a mobile data blockade combined with an internet shutdown pushed scared residents further into an information blackout.

“Security forces threatened to shoot” residents if they did not remove the barricades that demonstrators have built across the commercial capital as they battle authorities, according to a doctor from the South Okkalapa township. AFP CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Business US Fed more bullish, hikes GDP growth target to 6.5% WASHINGTON—US central bankers are much more optimistic about the outlook for the American economy, as trillions of dollars in stimulus are flowing, but Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell cautioned Wednesday that a full recovery remains far off.

While the recovery from the pandemic has been faster than expected due to rapid action by Congress, “the economy is a long way from our employment and inflation goals, and it is likely to take some time for substantial further progress to be achieved,” he said at a press conference following the two-day policy meeting.

He warned against becoming complacent about the good news seen to date in the world’s largest economy, and promised that the Fed “will continue to provide the economy the support it needs for as long as it takes.”

That may assuage the concerns of financial markets that have been on a rollercoaster in recent weeks, torn between celebration of the faster recovery and concern about an inflationary spiral that could lead to higher borrowing costs.

With funds starting to flow into the economy, the members of the policysetting Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) upgraded their forecasts, pushing the median GDP growth estimate for 2021 more than two points higher to 6.5 percent.

Faster growth will be accompanied by a rise in inflation to 2.4 percent, but the projections showed most officials do not expect to raise their benchmark interest rate through at least 2023.

While a couple more of the central bankers now see an increase in 2023 or even 2022, that was not enough to move the median.

The upgraded forecasts, the first released since December, reflect the expected boost from the $1.9-trillion relief package President Joe Biden signed last week, and the after-effects of a $900-billion aid measure Congress approved in the final days of 2020.

That flood of cash is expected to shore up businesses, boost hiring and unleash spending. The Treasury Department on Wednesday said it already had sent out 90 million of the latest stimulus payments of up to $1,400 going to nearly every adult and child in the country. AFP

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FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2021 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market rises for third day; Puregold, SM Prime climb

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TOCKS rallied for a third day Thursday along with the rest of Asia after the Federal Reserve ramped up its outlook for the US economy but reiterated its pledge to maintain its ultra-loose market-friendly monetary policies for as long as needed.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose 64.02 points, or 1 percent, to 6,630.85 on a value turnover of P8.8 billion. Gainers overwhelmed losers, 149 to 64, with 41 issues unchanged.

Puregold Price Club Inc. of retail tycoon Lucio Co advanced 5.2 percent to P36.20, while SM Prime Holdings Inc. of the Sy Group climbed 3.7 percent to P36.30.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., the second-biggest lender in terms of assets, rose 3.5 percent to P47.60, while Bank of the Philippine Islands, the third-larg-

est bank, added 2.6 percent to P85.95.

The rest of Asian equities rallied.

With growth already expected to burst higher this year, huge stimulus spending kicking in and vaccines being rolled out, investors have in recent weeks grown worried about a surge in inflation that could force the central bank to reconsider its dovish stance.

But the Fed’s decision after its latest board meeting was music to the ears of traders.

Policymakers forecast the world’s top economy to expand 6.5 percent this year, two percentage points above its earlier projection, thanks to trillions of dollars in government spending and the expected easing of lockdown measures that will allow people to get back to their daily lives.

And, crucially, they continued to pledge that the record low interest rates that have been a key pillar of the yearlong markets rally will not be touched for the foreseeable future.

Wall Street rallied on the news, with the Dow ending above 33,000 for the first time, while the S&P 500 also chalked up a record.

Asian trading floors were also upbeat.

Hong Kong jumped 1.3 percent and Tokyo put on one percent, while Singapore and Jakarta put on more than one percent.

Shanghai, Seoul, Taipei and Bangkok also rose.

Bank boss Jerome Powell told a news conference that while the recovery had been faster than expected, “the economy is a long way from our employment and inflation goals, and it is likely to take some time for substantial further progress to be achieved.”

The Fed “will continue to provide the economy the support it needs for as long as it takes,” he said.

And while some board members were edging towards a rate hike by 2023, investors were cheered by projections that borrowing costs will likely stay where they are until possibly 2024, even if inflation surges.

“The overarching message from the Summary of Economic Projections and Chair Powell’s press conference was of greater optimism on the outlook but a central bank that is not in a hurry to raise rates,” said Axi strategist Stephen Innes. With AFP

PSEi March 18, 2021

TOP GAINERS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

LAND PHES RLT VVT PA VUL OPM GERI SLF CDC

LAST PRICE 1.29 0.485 0.28 16.18 3.8 2.25 0.012 0.87 2500 0.82

CHANGE 0.21 0.055 0.03 1.68 0.37 0.19 0.001 0.07 200 0.05

% CHANGE 19.44% 12.79% 12.00% 11.59% 10.79% 9.22% 9.09% 8.75% 8.70% 6.49%

TOP LOSERS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PRIM BKR OV AB 2GO PMPC CAT BSC COAL MAHB

LAST PRICE 3.23 1.73 0.011 8.4 9.65 5.61 12.8 0.78 0.29 2.65

CHANGE -0.97 -0.22 -0.001 -0.6 -0.51 -0.28 -0.52 -0.03 -0.01 -0.09

% CHANGE -23.10% -11.28% -8.33% -6.67% -5.02% -4.75% -3.90% -3.70% -3.33% -3.28%

MOST ACTIVE

ANTI-UBER. Taxis are parked at Placa Espana on March 18, 2021 in Barcelona during a strike by taxis drivers organized against the ride-sharing service Uber. Two years after its services were suspended in the city, the ride-sharing service Uber has returned to Barcelona, offering taxi service and car sharing thought its app. (Related story below) AFP

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

DITO BPI ALI PRIM BDO SM PGOLD TEL MBT SMPH

VOLUME 49209500 4125490 8668200 78804000 2538200 269000 6462500 161895 3739600 4412900

VALUE (PHP) 534809394 353962682 313756845 272433730 269108593 268324920 234038760 211167385 176100885 158813720

Luxury oasis draws elite Saudis locked in by pandemic UK unveils overhaul of scandal-hit accounting sector, to shatter cartel

By Anuj Chopra

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia—Well-heeled Saudis frolic in an artificial oasis built on salmon-colored dunes, splashing the cash after a year-long pandemic lock-in that dovetails with efforts to discourage citizens from splurging overseas.

Coronavirus hobbled Saudi Arabia’s plans to boost tourism and entertainment, new sectors central to a strategy to diversify the oil-reliant economy.

But cushioning the blow is a lucrative market of Saudis forced to spend their money at home.

The Riyadh Oasis—a high-end desert retreat with palm-fringed pools, pop-up restaurants and luxury tents—seeks to lure Saudi high-rollers barred since the start of the pandemic from their usual overseas escapades, amid some of the world’s most stringent coronavirus measures.

The sprawling retreat, billed as a “five-star winter sanctuary,” marks the latest government attempt to reverse a decades-old trend of Saudis spending billions of dollars abroad annually.

“Water, palms, sand,” said a Saudi guide, ushering in guests arriving at the retreat on the outskirts of Riyadh, in a fleet of luxury cars, from Bentleys to Maseratis. “The oasis has everything.”

Unveiled in mid-January for a threemonth season, the oasis—whose pricey tickets have spurred resentment among the less affluent—is the first in a series of entertainment offerings since the pandemic.

“The oasis caters to Saudi HNWs (high net worth individuals), targeting those who could not visit the US or Europe for their annual jaunts,” a Riyadhbased banker told AFP. Travel ban For decades, citizens of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf petro-states were seen as top-spending clientele in Europe, largely because of a dearth of entertainment options at home.

Saudi Arabia’s annual outbound tourism market is expected to soar to more than $43 billion by 2025, according to the Dublin-based group Research and Markets.

Some $18.7 billion was spent on tourism overseas in 2019, according to a central bank report.

The government, battling a pandemic-triggered economic contraction, seeks a slice of that revenue.

Saudi Arabia recently announced it was extending a ban on overseas travel for its citizens from March 31 to May 17.

The government attributed the decision to a delay in the arrival of coronavirus vaccines in the kingdom, which has reported over 383,000 infections and more than 6,500 deaths.

But the move intensified public speculation the ban was aimed at shoring up the economy by boosting domestic spending.

Official data in recent months has shown a spike in domestic tourism and hotel reservations.

But the bonanza may be short-lived.

A customer survey this month, by the tourism company Almosafer, said over 80 percent of Saudis plan to travel abroad within six months of the lifting of travel restrictions. AFP

People relax in a lounge area by a water canal at the ‘Riyadh Oasis,’ a luxury retreat in the Thumamah desert on the outskirts of the Saudi capital, on February 1, 2021. AFP

LONDON—Britain unveiled Thursday a drastic overhaul of its troubled accounting sector, with plans to break the dominance of the so-called Big Four accountancy giants.

The long-awaited shake-up comes amid mounting outcry over the Big Four—comprising Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC—following a series of scandals in recent years.

“Major new reforms to the UK’s audit regime will aim to safeguard British jobs, avoid company failures and reinforce the UK’s reputation as a worldleading destination for investment,” the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said as it launched an industry-wide consultation on its proposals.

The government wants to replace accounting regulator the Financial Reporting Council with a tough new body that has legal powers to raise quality and standards at both listed and large

unlisted companies.

The Audit, Reporting and Governance Authority (ARGA) watchdog will also have the power to split the audit and non-audit functions of accountancy firms, in order to avoid conflicts of interest.

Large companies would be required to use a smaller “challenger” accountancy firm to conduct a “meaningful portion” of their annual audit, the statement added.

And the Big Four could also face a cap on their share of audits of Britain’s top 350 listed companies if competition does not improve.

The overhaul follows a string of headline-grabbing company bankruptcies that sparked huge job losses and left the taxpayer dealing with the fallout.

Notable corporate insolvencies included department store BHS in 2016, construction firm Carillion in 2018, and tour operator Thomas Cook in 2019. AFP

Uber grants workers’ rights to drivers LONDON—US ride-hailing giant Uber won praise Wednesday from Britain’s government and trade unions after granting UK drivers worker status, sparking hopes that more tech firms will follow suit.

Uber revealed late Tuesday that it is handing UK drivers workers’ rights including holiday pay, pensions and a minimum wage—in a world first for the group that also marked a major Uturn.

The move came after London’s Supreme Court last month ruled that Uber’s 70,000 UK drivers were entitled to the rights, in a landmark decision for Britain’s estimated 5.5 million gig economy workers.

Uber’s change of heart, following a protracted legal battle with drivers, was “absolutely to be welcomed,” business minister Kwasi Kwarteng told Sky News.

“I’ve always said that the new phase of our economy should be about protecting workers’ rights, driving

higher standards and driving new technologies.”

British labor law distinguishes between workers, who can receive the minimum wage and other benefits, and employees who have formal contracts.

Uber UK drivers were previously classified as self-employed, in line with many other gig economy firms, attracting fierce criticism from trade unions.

“Uber’s announcement should mark the end of the road for bogus self-employment,” said GMB trade union official Mick Rix. The decision “opens the door for workers, and their unions, to win the fight for better pay and conditions at companies across the gig economy”.

Frances O’Grady, general secretary of the TUC, Britain’s trades union umbrella organization, also called on tech platforms to do more.

“We will be pushing hard for Uber and other platform companies to recognize unions and give staff a proper voice at work,” O’Grady said. AFP

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

B4 FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2021

Converge set to finish sea cables linking Vis-Min islands

By Darwin G. Amojelar CONVERGE Information and Communications Technology Solutions Inc. said Thursday it expects to complete the deployment of submarine cables linking the islands in the Visayas and Mindanao in the first half.

“We started Converge nine years ago with a dream to bring the world’s best broadband technology to majority of our people, and that is fiber optics. Our mission is to reach and connect underserved and unserved areas all over the country,” Converge chief executive and co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy said.

“Now, we are one step closer to fulfilling this mission as we connect the VisMin areas through our fiber backbone,” he said.

Converge chief operating officer Jesus Romero said the company’s expansion to the Visayas and Mindanao was progressing as planned.

“By targeting to substantially complete our backbone by the first half of 2021, we hope to commercially launch by the second half of the year so that we can reach more provinces in need of world-class fixed broadband services,” he said.

The Visayas-Mindanao expansion involves 1,800 kilometers of submarine cables, connecting over 20 landing stations throughout the country.

Romero said the cable stations were substantially completed and were now awaiting the vessel that would execute the submarine cablelaying operations.

These submarine sea cables are the same fiber optic cables found on land-based stations but would be laid on the seabed to bridge the geographical challenges.

Converge started pilot testing in Cebu, with promising take-up. The expansion aims to cover other areas including Davao, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, starting with Bacolod City and Cagayan de Oro. With Jess Malabanan

PEZA board okays 33 projects worth a combined P13.2b

By Othel V. Campos THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority said Thursday its board approved 33 projects with combined investments of P13.19 billion as of March 11 this year.

PEZA director-general Charito Plaza said the new projects would generate 2,447 new jobs for communities and residents in host areas in the preferred economic zones.

The agency did not provide year-onyear comparison data.

“The approval of new projects and investments is the agency’s positive action to continuously support the Philippine economy in our endeavor to maintain our competitiveness for investments despite the impact of COVID-19,” Plaza said.

She said of the approved projects, 29 would operate in Luzon and four in Visayas and Mindanao.

She said these included 11 export and 11 IT projects, four facilities and a logistics and utilities operation.

Nine new projects are classified as ecozone developer, or operator projects.

PEZA said about 2,560 companies, or 88 percent of PEZA locator population, were operating nationwide as of February 2021.

About 1,174,857 workers or 79 percent were working either in skeleton or work-from-home arrangements.

Investments generated by the agency slipped by 19.12 percent in 2020 to P95 billion from P117.5 billion in 2019 amid the challenges of the pandemic.

“We are doing our best to become part of the solution during these trying times.

We will continue to turn the threats into opportunities and help the Philippines achieve its goal of becoming an investment haven in Asia and around the globe,” said Plaza.

Plaza said the agency was grateful for the continued trust and confidence of investors despite the difficulties the agency faced in 2020.

Business Bangko Sentral upgrades GIR, BOP surplus targets T

By Julito G. Rada

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Thursday it upgraded its targets for the balance of payments, gross international reserves, foreign portfolio investments and current account this year on expectations global trade will soon improve despite the lingering health crisis.

Latest BSP projections released to the media on Thursday showed the balance of payments was expected to yield a surplus of $6.2 billion in 2021, up from the $3.3-billion surplus estimate made in December 2020.

The gross international reserves are projected to reach an all-time high of $114 billion by end-2021, up from the previous estimate of $106 billion and

the actual $110 billion in 2020.

Portfolio investments or hot money are expected to post a net inflow of $5.7 billion this year, representing an increase from the earlier estimate of $3.5 billion.

Current account, one of the components of the balance of payments, is seen to post a $9.1-billion surplus in 2021, also higher than the $6.1-billion surplus estimate in December 2020.

The Bangko Sentral is keeping its 4-percent growth estimate for remittances this year.

The bank expects a lower BOP surplus of $3.8 billion and current account surplus of $5.2 billion in 2022. GIR is expected to improve further to $117 billion by end-2022.

Hot money is seen to post a higher net inflow of $7.4 billion in 2022 while remittances are projected to grow 4 percent next year.

Data from the BSP showed that the BOP posted a record surplus of $16.02 billion and gross international reserves of $110.12 billion in 2020 amid the challenging global environment highlighted by the prolonged COVID-19

pandemic.

The BSP said that in December 2020, the BOP posted a surplus of $4.24 billion, significantly higher than the $1.57-billion surplus recorded in December 2019. The 2020 BOP surplus also surpassed the $8.1-billion surplus earlier projected by the BSP for the year.

The BOP surplus reflected inflows mainly from the BSP’s foreign exchange operations and income from investments abroad, and national government’s foreign currency deposits with the BSP of proceeds from the issuance of ROP global bonds.

Cash remittances also showed signs of recovery last year, declining by only 0.8 percent to reach $29.903 billion from the record $30.133 billion in 2019.

This was stronger than the BSP’s earlier projection of a 2-percent remittance contraction for the year.

The strong BOP surplus and GIR supported the appreciation of the peso by more than 5 percent last year. The peso closed at 48.02 against the US dollar on the last trading day of 2020, its best finish in more than four years.

PSE INDEX CLOSING Thursday, March 18, 2021

64.02 PTS. 6,630.85

Total Volume Total Trades Total Value

3,063,321,148 125,255 8,853,024,456.07

Advances Declines

149 64

Unchanged

41

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.6580

Japan

Yen

0.009187

0.4470

UK

Pound

1.395400

67.8974

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128773

6.2658

Switzerland

Franc

1.084128

52.7515

Canada

Dollar

0.806127

39.2245

Singapore

Dollar

0.746213

36.3092

Australia

Dollar

0.779600

37.9338

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655337

129.2034

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266667

12.9755

Brunei

Dollar

0.743439

36.1743

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.032499

1.5813

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.2482

Euro

Euro

1.198100

58.2971

Korea

Won

0.000892

0.0434

China

Yuan

0.153723

7.4799

India

Rupee

0.013782

0.6706

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.242777

11.8130

New Zealand

Dollar

0.722800

35.1700

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035435

1.7242 Source: BSP

IN BRIEF First Gen reports P13.7-b net income FIRST Gen Corp. said Thursday it posted P13.7 billion ($276 million) in net income attributable to equity holders, down 7 percent from P15.4 billion ($296 million) in earnings in 2019 from the operations of 3,492 megawatts of clean, low-carbon and renewable portfolio.

First Gen’s recurring net income attributable to equity holders in 2020 reached P12.6 billion ($252 million) or 11 percent less than the 2019 earnings of P14.8 billion (US$284 million) because of lower electricity sales across all platforms.

First Gen said consolidated revenues from the sale of electricity in 2020 declined

by P20.6 billion ($321 million) or 15 percent to P91.2 billion ($1.83 billion) from P111.8 billion ($2.151 billion) in 2019.

All of the company’s platforms were affected by the decline in demand brought by the pandemic that resulted in lower power prices. The natural gas portfolio accounted for 59 percent of First Gen’s total consolidated revenues. Alena Mae S. Flores

DMCI starts water reclamation project

LEMCON IN BIÑAN. Asset management solutions company Lemcon (Philippines) Inc. signs with Ayalaland Logistics Holdings Corp. as a lessee in ALogis Biñan in the Laguna Technopark. Lemcon will take up 17,000 square meters of gross leasable space or 10 units of ready-built facilities for exclusive storage of infrastructure equipment for a telecommunications company. Attending the ceremonial contract signing in Seda Nuvali are (seated from left) ALLHC head of ALogis Bianca Tan; Laguna Technopark Inc. president Patrick Avila, ALLHC president and chief executive Maria Rowena Tomeldan, Lemcon Philippines vice president for finance Harsyl Tan and Lemcon Philippines vice president for perations Leah Regina Castor.

D.M. CONSUNJI Inc., a unit of conglomerate DMCI Holdings Inc., said Thursday it started the construction of the P10.5-billion water reclamation project of Maynilad Water Services Inc. DMCI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the Caloocan-Malabon-Navotas Water Reclamation Facility would be the country’s largest water reclamation project.

The project is designed to treat 205 million liters per day of wastewater and is expected to benefit around 1.2 million households in South Caloocan, Malaban and Navatos. The CAMANA facility is slated for completion by the third quarter of 2024.

“This is an enormous undertaking because it involves expanding the capacity of a 40-year old facility by over 600 percent,” said DMCI president and chief executive Jorge Consunji.

“This facility also represents two milestones for DMCI. Aside from being our largest wastewater project, to date, it is our first partnership with JFE Engineering Corp. of Japan,” he said. JFE Engineering Corp. is the engineering arm of the JFE Holdings, one of the largest corporations in the world, according to the 2020 FORTUNE Global 500. Jenniffer B. Austria

Ang expects delayed recovery amid dearth of vaccines in PH

Prime Media signs deal with New Era Empire

By Alena Mae S. Flores SAN Miguel Corp. president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said economic recovery may be delayed to 2023 because of rising COVID-19 cases, unless a massive vaccination rollout takes place.

“The economy this year and next year will not improve yet unless the promised vaccine arrives,” Ang said.

He said the power and oil industry sector were still recovering from the low demand brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, which restricted the movement of people.

“The [energy] industry looks sad… power demand is low, fuel demand is very low. We thought our lives would improve this year. This year would not really improve compared to last year,”

Ang said in a virtual briefing.

San Miguel owns several power plants and operates Petron Corp., the country’s biggest oil company.

“Because of the rate of infection and summer demand is low, I don’t think 2021 will be a good year,” he said.

Both the power and oil sectors are consumer-driven and COVID-19 resulted in billions of pesos in losses in the oil sector, he said.

SMC Global Power Corp., the power arm of San Miguel, posted a net income of P18.87 billion last year, up 31 percent from P14.364 billion in 2019.

Ang said, however, that the first two months of 2021 were affected by low demand and the outage of the 1,200-megawatt Sual coal-fired power plant.

“First two months, we suffered losses because of low consumption

and Sual was down for a long time,” he said.

San Miguel posted a net income of P21.87 billion in 2020, down 55 percent from P48.57 billion in 2019 as the economy plunged into recession amid the pandemic.

“San Miguel as a group has no problem. Our balance sheet is solid. We have a strong business but the problem is, most of the public could earn only enough and if they are affected, demand will be affected. Food, services, everybody will be affected by the crisis,” Ang said.

Ang said Petron would likely continue to incur a net loss this year although this could be lower than in 2020.

Petron incurred a net loss of P11.4 billion in 2020, coming from a net income of P2.3 billion in 2019. It also shut down its Bataan refinery.

PRIME Media Holdings Inc., one of the country’s top performing stocks this year, said Thursday it signed an agreement with New Era Empire Realty Corp.

Prime Media said in a disclosure to the stock exchange parent firm RYM Business Management Corp. signed a memorandum of understanding with New Era where the latter will become the majority shareholder of the company.

This will be done through subscription to the unissued portion of the authorized capital stock of the corporation by way of a merger, cash subscription and/or infusion of businesses or assets in order to operate the new businesses.

The revitalized Prime Media plans to engage in businesses including commercial and residential development and media and entertainment by acquiring an existing franchise. It also plans to invest in gaming by applying for a license from state-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. or securing partnerships with an existing PAGCOR licensee and to provide allied services to Philippine offshore gaming operators.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Asian group asks WHO to respect consumer rights CONSUMER groups in the Asia-Pacific region are launching a petition urging the World Health Organization to respect consumer rights and end lies against innovative nicotine products that may only exacerbate the smoking problem during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Right2Switch petition will be launched during the Voices4Vape webinar on March 21.

“Stop lying to us and only provide guidance based on sound scientific facts, methodologies and principles,” the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates and other consumer advocacy

groups said in the Right2Switch petition, which would be launched during the 2021 Voices4Vape webinar on March 21 at 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (HKT). The petition can be viewed at change.org/v4v-petition.

Nancy Loucas, executive coordinator of CAPHRA, said the petition would be launched ahead of the next biennial meeting of the WHO Framework Convention of Tobacco Control in November 2021 to propose new guidelines on combating smoking.

Loucas said that in its pre-conference guidance to member countries, the WHO continues to insist that safer nicotine products, such as vapes or e-cigarettes, are as harmful and dangerous as combustible tobacco and should be banned or heavily restricted. She said this is a lie, as vaping has been life-changing for many smokers in all parts of the world, helping millions of former smokers quit cigarettes.

The petition also implores the WHO and health authorities around the world to regulate based on sound scientific facts that include stakeholder (consumer) participation as part of the decision-making process.

ZERO PLASTIC WASTES. The Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability and Mondelez Philippines agree to build and execute a strategy to manage plastic wastes. This will help ensure none of the PARMS members’ plastic packaging waste will end up in nature by 2030. PARMS members, along with affiliates and partners, sign a ‘Zero Waste to Nature Ambisyon 2030’ commitment.

Sports

Eala, Lions bounce back into contention with road win

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2021

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By Peter Atencio MIKO Eala and the Penn State University Nittany Lions did it the hard way but bounced back into contention in the Western Division of the Big Ten Intercollegiate Tennis competitions with their first road win of the season.

The Nittany Lions came away with a 5-2 triumph over Michigan State University Spartans in East Lansing, Michigan last Sunday.

This allowed the Nittany Lions to bounce back from their 1-6 setback to the University of Michigan Wolverines last Saturday.

Eala, a recruit from the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, prevailed over Anthony Pero, 6-1, 6-3, to contribute his share of points in the fourth single.

“I’m proud of the guys to come back the way we did today, especially after not doing well in doubles,” said PSU head coach Jeff Zinn on the team’s official website.

Their team victory was their fourth in five outings in the West Division.

This put them in a share of second place with Ohio State, while the Wolverines are unbeaten, and in the solo lead after four outings.

After losing points in two of three doubles matches, the Nittany Lions rebounded in singles play to win their sixth straight match against the Spartans.

Their big wins in the singles came after PSU partners Christian Lakoseljac and Sam Bossem earned their first win as a duo this season to put away John Carlin and Graydon Lair 6-3, in the third doubles.

The Nittany Lions took charge when they won five of the six singles matches.

Eala, who is from the Philippines, was impressive when he evened the score at 1-1 with his 6-1, 6-3 win over Anthony Pero.

Freshman Bora Sengul, who is from Turkey, swept over Spartans bet Carson Gates 6-4, 6-2 to give Penn State a 2-1 lead.

In the fourth straight match, Tim Ruetzel tallied a third point in putting away Luke Baylis 6-2, 6-4.

Senior netteChristian Lakoseljac clinched the match for the Nittany Lions at the No. 1 spot with a sweep over Josh Mukherjee 7-6, 6-1.

Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) glides to the hoop during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. AFP

Bucks rally past 76ers, Harden lifts Brooklyn L

OS ANGELES, United States—Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 10 of his 32 points in overtime to power the Milwaukee Bucks to a 109-105 victory over Philadelphia in an NBA Eastern Conference heavyweight clash Wednesday (Thursday Philippine time).

Reigning two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Antetokounmpo, ably defended by Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons, struggled early, scoring just four points in the first half as the East-leading 76ers built a 45-31 lead.

The Bucks finished the night tied atop the East with the Brooklyn Nets, who were propelled by James Harden’s 40-point triple-double in a 124-115 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

Nets All-Star Kyrie Irving sat out with a sore groin as the Nets continued to await the return of star Kevin Durant from a hamstring strain.

Former NBA MVP Harden filled the void, making 13 of 27 shots from the field and 12 of 14 free throws. His putback layup knotted the score at 96-92 early in the fourth quarter and ignited a 13-4 Nets

scoring run.

Harden added 10 rebounds and 14 assists and Joe Harris scored 19 for Brooklyn, who trailed by as many as 16.

“It’s not even about the triple-double, it’s about our effort,” Harden said. “Especially that second half we did an unbelievable job defensively, just getting after it. That’s it.”

Philadelphia, again without injured star Joel Embiid, led by as many as 19.

But Milwaukee seized a 78-76 lead with 8:18 remaining in regulation.

From there it was a back-and-forth battle until Antetokounmpo scored 10 straight Bucks points in overtime, a run that included a left-handed drive past Simmons and a step-back jump shot over Dwight Howard that put the Bucks up 105-98 with 1:11 left in the extra period.

“We didn’t stop playing, we played great defense,” Antetokounmpo said. “We trusted one another, we didn’t put our head down, we kept our composure.

“We believed in ourselves, and that’s why we were able to come back in the game,” added Antetokounmpo, who added 15 rebounds and five assists, his run of three straight triple-doubles coming to an end.

Tobias Harris led Philadelphia with 19 points and Danny Green added 18 for the Sixers.

Simmons had a triple-double of 13 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists, but the 76ers saw their six-game winning streak end and lost Seth Curry in the fourth quarter with a sprained ankle.

Malcolm Brogdon scored 24 points for the Pacers, who had a triple-double from Domantas Sabonis with 18 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.

It was good news for the Nets, after coach Steve Nash said before the game that Durant, while showing “improvement,” remained at least two weeks away from a return. AFP

Laguna Heroes post back-to-back victories in PCAP action THE Laguna Heroes chess team bagged back to back victories, Wednesday, March 17, 2021, in the 2021 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) All-Filipino tournament at chess.com.

Laguna took a firm hold at the top spot in the Northern Conference with 29-4 win-loss record together with San Juan Predators after dominating Isabela Knight Raiders and Manila Indios Bravos with scores of 20-1 and 17-4, respectively.

Grandmaster John Paul Gomez was the top scorer for the Heroes with six points—three against Lordwin Espiritu of Isabela and three against US master Ryan Dungca of Manila.

Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr. defeated Alvin Aguinaldo (blitz) and Servillano Obana Jr. (rapid) of Isabela. He yielded to Grandmaster Julio Catalino Sadorra of Manila in blitz but bounced back in the rapid play.

Woman National Master Jean Karen Enriquez, Vince Angelo Medina and Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo also contributed to Laguna’s impressive performance. The team is supported by Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic and Rotary Club of Nuvali.

Enriquez won her match against Genlaiza Bagorio

(blitz) and Sheryll Andres Bordon (rapid) of Isabela and Woman Candidate Master Mira Mirano of Manila. Medina blasted Anwar Cabugatan of Isabela and Candidate Master Genghis Imperial of Manila while Lorenzo blanked Manolito Manaois of Isabela and Arena Grandmaster Glenn Lemen of Manila.

Fide Master Austin Jacob Literatus beat National Master Gerardo Cabellon of Isabela, lost to International Master John Marvin Miciano of Manila in the blitz portion but prevailed in the rapid format.

Fide Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad, on the other hand, nipped Francis Cabe of Isabela in the blitz event but split the point in the rapid play. He beat International Master Chris Ramayrat of Manila in the blitz portion but lost in the rapid game.

According to Arena Grandmaster Dr. Alfredo “Fred” Paez, Laguna bested Isabela, 7-0, 13-1 and Manila, 5-2, 12-2, in the blitz and rapid format.

“Manila is indeed a strong team and winning 17-4 is a great feat. We didn’t expect to win by such wide margin. The Laguna Heroes really manifested great character tonight.” said Arena Grandmaster Dr. Alfredo “Fred” Paez, one of the four co-team Grandmaster Rogelio Barcenilla arranges his chess pieces in owners of the Laguna Heroes that include Benjamin this file photo of tournament play before the onset of the Dy, Jonathan Mamaril and David Nithyananthan.

COVID-19 pandemic.

Virus case on flight disqualifies Indo squad LONDON, United Kingdom—Indonesia’s badminton team were forced to withdraw from this week’s COVID-affected All England Open Championships in Birmingham after a passenger on their flight to Britain tested positive for coronavirus, organizers announced.

“In accordance with UK Government requirements, the entire team will self-isolate for 10 days from the date of their inbound flight after a person travelling onboard tested positive for Covid-19,” said a statement late on Wednesday (Thursday Philippine time).

“All Indonesian players will not be able to compete in the current or next round of the tournament and have therefore been withdrawn from the All England Open 2021.”

The start of the prestigious tournament had already been delayed by five hours after a number of positive and inconclusive results. All came back negative after retests.

Several Indonesian players enjoyed successful opening matches on Wednesday, including men’s fifth seed Jonatan Christie and men’s doubles top seeds Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo.

Their opponents in the next round have been given walkovers.

Last year’s All England Open was the final event on the BWF calendar to be played before the sport shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic.

International competition resumed in Denmark in October, but was suspended again until January when three tournaments, including the World Tour Finals, were staged in a biosecure “bubble” in Thailand.

With the event not counting towards Olympic qualification, leading Asian badminton nations China, South Korea and Taiwan had already opted not to travel because of virus restrictions, and the loss of the Indonesia team is a further blow to the event being played without fans. AFP

Davao Occidental leans on Ilonggo Superman

Billy Ray Robles (right) of Davao Occidental tries to set up a play against San Juan in MPBL action.

SUBIC—It was proven time and again that Ilonggo Superman can really get up and fly on the hardcourt.

Billy Ray Robles displayed his hops anew, Wednesday night, not with an emphatic slam dunk but the biggest defensive stop of the Davao OccidentalCocolife’s 77-75 overtime stunner over defending champion San Juan-Go for Gold that gave the Tigers a 1-0 advantage in the Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan National Finals.

Up by just a point with 19.3 seconds left in overtime and San Juan-Go for Gold with the possession, Robles reminded everyone of his defensive tenacity a year after the stoppage of the Lakan playoffs due to the pandemic.

Knights star Mike Ayonayon took matters into his own hands, receiving the ball at the top of the key then immediately

penetrated to the basket to try to regain the lead.

However, he was met at the top by the Ilonggo Superman for the game-saving rejection as Mark Yee sealed the win with a freebie from the charity stripe.

“Noong last play kasi nila, alam kong magbo-ball screen si Kuya Larry (Rodriguez) tapos mabi-beat si Kuya Mark (Yee) kaya nag-help na talaga ako,” said the 6-foot Robles, who finished with nine points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.

“Sabi ko ibuhos ko na ang lahat dito kasi last play na eh, kaya yun nagbunga naman.”

But if there is one man not surprised of what Robles did, it is Tigers head coach Don Dulay.

He said the coaching staff always expect Robles to do those game-changing

defensive stops.

“We look at him to make big plays defensively... I’m not surprised. He always comes big for us,” said the Davao tactician.

The reason for his confidence in Robles? It is because Dulay has been working with him since 2017 in the Rain or Shine camp in the PBA. The 40-year-old coach already knows what Robles can bring to the table, the top one being his basketball IQ, just like how he anticipated correctly San Juan’s last play.

“His IQ defensively is one of the best.

I was able to coach him in the PBA and that’s one thing I like about him. Not only that he plays hard, he knows his matchup. That’s huge playing against an Ayonayon, John Wilson. You need to have high IQ to play at this level.”

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Sports

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2021

PFL names Sasha Group as digital marketer

Former NBA big man Bradley paralyzed after car hits bike

Hiroshi Sasaki, head creative director for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, said he will resign after making derogatory comments about a female Japanese comedian, in the latest headache for organizers of the virusdelayed Games. AFP

NEW YORK—The Professional Fighters League, the fastest growing and most innovative sports league, today announced it has appointed The Sasha Group, a full-service agency within the VaynerX family of companies, as its digital marketing agency of record.

As AOR, The Sasha Group will be responsible for creative and media services to drive PFL brand awareness and engage with new audiences, including the utilization of TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Snapchat for unique activations. Additionally, the agency will leverage digital and social channels to create unparalleled fan experiences and customized content.

The company was founded by renowned entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk and has a proven track-record of building brand momentum for a wide-variety of clients.

“There are more than 450 million MMA fans globally and our partnership with The Sasha Group will help audiences around the world engage with PFL’s premium content and fall even more in love with the sport,” said PFL CEO, Peter Murray. “As home to some of the world’s best athletes, PFL continues to keep sports fans excited year-round with top-tier content showcasing the unique stories behind our athletes and the league. As we gear up for our season start on April 23, we look forward to working with The Sasha Group.”

“Being a new league, there is an incredible opportunity to really grow PFL’s audience and fanbase,” said President of Sasha Group, James Orsini.

“We’re extremely excited to utilize our integrated creative, strategy and media model to really ramp up the league and take them to the next level.”

Professional Fighters League has quickly established itself as the No. 2 MMA company in the world. The league has experienced tremendous YoY growth across digital channels—68% follower increase on Instagram, 30% total audience growth across digital and a 200% social engagement spike.

With the addition of world-class talent—from elite fighters to established business executives—and partnering with industry-leading brands such as Anheuser-Busch InBev, GEICO, CarParts.com and Socios, the PFL continues to accelerate its global expansion. Sports fans across more than 160 countries around world will be able to tune in to the league’s highly anticipated return on April 23 in Atlantic City, NJ.

Tokyo rites’ chief quits after ‘Olympig’ proposal

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OKYO—The creative director for Tokyo’s Olympic ceremonies resigned on Thursday for suggesting a female comedian appear as a pig, just weeks after the Games’ chief stepped down over insulting remarks about women.

Hiroshi Sasaki announced his decision after a report on Wednesday revealed his proposal that Naomi Watanabe, a popular celebrity and plus-size model, appear as an “Olympig” wearing pig ears at the opening ceremony.

It is just the latest headache for the coronavirus-delayed Games, which are struggling for public support mid-pandemic and were left reeling by former chief Yoshiro Mori’s sexist comments last month.

In a statement released early Thursday, Sasaki apologized to Watanabe and said he understood his suggestion was inappropriate.

“My idea would be a huge insult to Ms. Naomi Watanabe. This can’t be taken back,” he said.

“I regret this from the bottom of my heart, and I deeply apologize to her and everyone who felt discomfort over this,” he added.

Watanabe, in a statement issued through her agency, said she was “surprised” by the remarks

“I’m happy with my body shape,” she added, calling for a world where “individuals can respect” each other.

Tokyo Olympic chief Seiko Hashimoto, who replaced Mori last month, told reporters she was “shocked” by Sasaki’s remarks.

“To joke about appearance is very, very inappropriate,” Hashimoto said, adding she would work to find a replacement for Sasaki quickly.

The scandal erupted on Wednesday evening, when a local magazine reported that Sasaki suggested to colleagues last year that Watanabe could dress up as an “Olympig”.

The proposal, made in a group chat, was immediately rejected by Sasaki’s colleagues, who told him it was inappropriate.

‘Should never have happened’ Sasaki was initially appointed to take charge of the Paralympics opening and closing ceremonies, but became creative director for the Olympic extravaganzas in December.

Watanabe is a feted celebrity in Japan,

and is known to international fans in part thanks to an appearance on the makeover show “Queer Eye”.

The comedian and model, who fronts campaigns for products from clothing to skincare, has more than nine million followers on Instagram.

She is one of the few prominent plussize figures among Japan’s celebrities, and has faced insults in the past.

The incident comes at a sensitive time for the Games after the firestorm that erupted when former Tokyo 2020 chief Mori said women speak too much in meetings.

Mori eventually stepped down, with former Olympic minister Hashimoto appointed his successor, but the scandal was damaging for organizers, who have now moved to improve the gender balance on their board.

Hashimoto said she had spoken to the International Olympic Committee after the story broke yesterday and that they were “quite concerned”.

“This kind of problem should never have happened,” she added.

Japan’s government also weighed in on the row, with deputy spokesman Naoki Okada calling Sasaki’s suggestion “completely inappropriate”. AFP

LOS ANGELES—Former NBA star Shawn Bradley has been paralyzed after being struck from behind by a car while riding a bicycle near his home in January, he revealed Wednesday.

Bradley, who stood 7-foot-6 (2.29m), was the second overall pick behind Chris Webber in the 1993 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers and played 12 NBA seasons, the last eight for the Dallas Mavericks.

While pedaling a block from his home in St. George, Utah, on January 20, Bradley was struck from behind by an automobile, causing a traumatic spinal cord injury that has left him paralyzed.

Following neck fusion surgery, Bradley has spent the past eight weeks hospitalized and undergoing rehabilitation.

Bradley, who has US and German citizenship, attended Brigham Young University for a year and spent two years in Australia performing Mormon missionary work before making his NBA debut.

In 12 NBA seasons for the 76ers, New Jersey Nets and Dallas Mavericks, Bradley averaged 8.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocked shots a game over 832 appearances.

“We are saddened to hear of Shawn’s accident,” Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said. “Shawn has always been incredibly determined and shown a fighting spirit.

We wish him nothing but the best in his recovery. He will always be a part of our Mavs family.”

Bradley is undergoing physical therapy and learning to cope with paraplegia, doctors advising him that the road to recovery will be long and difficult.

His statement says that he remains in good spirits and wants to use his platform to increase public awareness to bicycle safety issues.

“Shawn demonstrated all of the qualities you want in a person representing your organization,” Mavericks director of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said.

“He has always exhibited unwavering grit and determination and we are thinking of him at this difficult time.” AFP

Omega picks up Sam_H, Shanks for Dota Pro Upper Division debut SMART Omega Esports picked up former TNC offlaner and The International veteran Sam “Sam_H” Hidalgo to reinforce their upcoming campaign in the Season Two of the Dota Pro Circuit-Southeast Asia upper division.

Also joining the squad is the returning Mark “Shanks” Redira, who was part of the previous Omega roster that was replaced by the Adroit Esports core prior to the 2021 Dota Pro Circuit season.

The Smart-backed squad made the announcement on its Facebook page, Wednesday.

“First I’d like to say that we’re very sad that we have to change the roster again. It’s very quick and very sudden, we don’t even have any idea how are we going to fill that slots but we’re also

The Smart Omega - Dota 2 team featuring Phatrick Cruz, Mark “Shanks” Redira and Sam Hidalgo, with Epok Quimpo

blessed that we still have talents around the country just like Sam_H and Shanks that are willing to trust Omega to give them another future career in esports,” said Omega Esports Chief Operating Officer Patrick Cruz.

“We are very positive that these boys will definitely do everything they can to reach the DPC Majors for next season.”

Sam_H, who last played for T1, is the perfect replacement for Jun “Bok” Kanehara—who bolted to TNC together with support Marvin “Boomy” Rushton—as he boasts a truckload of experience having appeared in three of the last four The International tournaments.

Meanwhile, Shanks, a 10K MMR support, last played for

Indian squad Reckoning Esports where he teamed up with former Omega teammates Linuel “Teehee” Abanto and Benhur “Benhur” Lawis.

Sam_H and Shanks will be joining forces with midlaner Mc Nicholson “Mac” Villanueva, support Bryle “cml” Alvizo, and carry Justin “Tino” Grimaldo in a bid to snag a Major slot in the upper division.

Omega Esports, who finished the lower division of Season One at the second spot, will join SEA powerhouse Fnatic, Neon Esports, T1, TNC Predator, Boom Esports, Execration, and LilGun in the upper division that has a total of 1150 DPC points up for grabs.

Season Two will open on Tuesday, April 13.

NBA’s LeBron saddened, Lin heartbroken over shootings

LeBron James

LOS ANGELES—Basketball stars LeBron James and Jeremy Lin were among those Wednesday condemning acts of hatred directed at the Asian community after a series of shootings in the Atlanta area left six Asian

women dead.

Robert Aaron Long, a 21-year-old white man, took responsibility for killing eight people on Tuesday in spas in the southern state of Georgia, including the women.

Authorities stressed the motive of the shooter had not been determined, yet the incident shook the Asian-American community, whose members have faced a surge in violence targeting during the Covid-19 pandemic.

James, a four-time NBA champion and star guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, tweeted, “My condolences goes out to the families of all the victims and the entire Asian community tonight on what transpired in Atlanta at the Aromatherapy Spa... Just senseless and tragic!!”

“Last night’s tragic events in Atlanta are part of a disturbing rise in violence and discrimination towards Asian Americans,” the NBA said in a statement. “Today and every day, we stand with the Asian community and condemn all acts of hate and racism.”

Lin, the first American of Chinese or Taiwanese descent to play in the NBA, was upset about the shooting, tweeting his pain and hope.

“This is sooo heartbreaking... praying for our world,” Lin tweeted. “To my Asian American family, please take time to grieve but know youre loved, seen and IMPORTANT. We have to keep standing up, speaking out, rallying together and fighting for change. We cannot lose hope!!”

‘Idiotic & devastating’ Lin became a surprise star off the bench for the New York Knicks in 2012 and won an NBA title with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. He spent last season with the Beijing Ducks and played earlier this year for a developmental team of the Golden State Warriors.

Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young tweeted he was “SICK about what happened here in ATL yesterday, my Condolences go out to the family’s & loved ones who were affected by this tragedy Nothing else needs to be said... I’m with you! STOP ASIAN HATE!!!!!!”

The Lakers said in a statement that “Anti-Asian racism and violence is deplorable and we do not stand for it,” adding, “We

stand in solidarity with the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. We see you.”

Warriors coach Steve Kerr, whose father was killed by gunmen in Lebanon in 1984, sent a series of tweets condemning all hate-based violence.

“My heart goes out to the victims and surviving family members of the shootings in Atlanta,” he said. “Once again our country faces the trauma of hate inspired mass murders.

“It is on all of us to speak up & snuff out hate based violence.

The current climate of animosity toward Asian Americans is idiotic and devastating.

“We must value all human life and denounce anyone who displays racial/ethnic hatred in any form. We have to be

Jeremy Lin

better than this..

“Ignorant remarks connecting Asian Americans to COVID-19 are leading to widespread racism, which turns into violence and even murder in our communities.

We all have to do our part to stop this from happening again.” AFP

Entertainment Kelley Day guns for PH’s

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ISS Eco Philippines 2019 Kelley Day is finally competing at the pandemic-postponed Miss Eco International pageant in Egypt.

The model and actress is the third to compete abroad after her Miss World Philippines 2019 batchmates Michelle Dee (Miss World 2019) and Katrina Llegado (Reina Hispanoamericana) had a strong finish in their respective international competition.

At the official send-off tendered for her by the Miss World Philippines organization’s Arnold Vegafria, the 24-year-old beauty queen was excited to share her game plan. She also thanked everyone who was supporting her journey during these times of uncertainty.

“In less than a month, I will be standing on an international stage with more than 60 beautiful women from all over the world, and it is important in any type of competition that you find ways to stand out,” Day, who hopes to win the country’s second Miss Eco International crown after Cynthia

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2021

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2nd Miss Eco International crown

Model and actress Kelley Day is currently in Egypt vying for the Philippines’s second Miss Eco International crown.

Thomalla’s victory in 2018, said.

“Preparations have been a little more challenging than usual given the circumstances of the pandemic, thus I am ever so grateful for everyone that has been putting in their time and effort to help me showcase our beautiful country with all the light it deserves,” she added.

Day, a Filipino-British beauty, raised and finished high school in Dubai, has been a model at the age of six. She moved

to the Philippines to continue her career in modeling and try her luck in showbiz. She was a member of the all-girl dance group GirlTrends before deciding to transfer to GMA in 2018.

Day is an Alopecia advocate, a medical condition that causes hair loss in round patches, after suffering the disease herself in 2019.

“I wanted to make the most of this platform, to raise consciousness on auto-

immune diseases such as psoriasis and alopecia, to let people know that it’s ok and to teach them how to deal with it properly and to help those who are also suffering from the same medical condition,” Day said.

Miss Eco International 2019 winner Suheyn Cipriani of Peru got dethroned due to pregnancy. The first runner up, Miss Eco-Philippines Maureen Montagne, was supposed to take over but she

declined because of the conflict with the Bb. Pilipinas pageant she was joining. The title was eventually given to fourth runner up, Amy Tinie Abdul Aziz of Malaysia.

Miss Eco International 2021, the pageant’s 6th edition, will be held in Egypt snd its coronation night will be on April 6 with 65 countries from around the world competing. Baron Resort Sharm Elshekh is hosting the preliminary, national costume show on April 2, and the coronation night.

GMA execs represent Philippines anew in NYF Grand Jury

This year’s winner will receive $250,000 job offer to work directly under ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong (center) for a year as his protege in Singapore.

‘The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition’ on AXN, TV5 and One Sports

WHEN The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition premiered on Wednesday, March 18, across Asia, Filipino fans were able to learn that two Filipino candidates are competing in the much-awaited unscripted reality show that airs on various networks.

The 13-episode non-scripted reality show airs on cable and free-to-air channels.

Succeeding episodes air every Thursday on AXN at 8:50 p.m. Singapore time.

TV5 will also air the inaugural episode tomorrow, March 20, at 11:00 p.m.. But thereafter, Filipino viewers can cheer on the two Pinoy bets every Monday starting March 22, at 9:00 p.m. on One Sports (Channel 41 on free TV, Channel 59 on Sky Cable, and Channel 6 on Cignal TV) and One Sports+ (Channel 261 on Cignal TV).

Candidates to The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition were handpicked from around the world to compete in a high-stakes competition involving business and physical challenges. The winner will receive a $250,000 job offer to work directly under ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong for a year as his protege in Singapore.

Among the 16 contestants vying for the position of Sityodtong’s chief of staff are Filipinos Lara Alvarez and Louie Sangalang. Alvarez, who hails from Baguio, is a former athlete of the famed Team Lakay and a single mother.

Sangalang, on the other hand, is a multisport athlete, marathoner, former MMA champion, and cancer survivor.

For more in-depth, behind-the-scenes, and exclusive contents, fans may follow the official website and the following social media pages.

GMA NETWORK is set to represent the Philippines in the global scene once more as GMA Senior Vice President for News and Public Affairs Marissa Flores, First Vice President for Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon, and GMA News pillar Jessica Soho were again named to the 2021 New York Festivals (NYF) TV and Film Awards Grand Jury.

With years of industry experience, Flores brings both leadership and creativity to the role as head of GMA’s News and Public Affairs (N&PA) Group, in the process propelling it to become the country’s most awarded and most credible broadcast news organization.

In 2020, amid the challenges brought by the pandemic, GMA N&PA continued to provide the public with the much-needed news and information on air and online while sparking hope and inspiration through various innovative shows and projects.

GMA News led all Philippine media organizations in video viewership across all digital platforms for the said year while digital powerhouse GMA Public Affairs recorded a total of 80 million followers across popular platforms. GMA Public Affairs also reached 10 million subscribers on YouTube in April 2020, making GMA Network the first Philippine media organization to receive two Diamond Creator Awards from the streaming site.

On top of being a Grand Jury member, Flores will also be part of the NYF’s Advisory Board.

Valdellon, on the other hand, is behind some of the country’s most ground-breaking and compelling public affairs programs and specials.

In 2011, she led the launch of GMA News TV, which recently rebranded to GTV. Valdellon also produced the pioneering mobile journalism newscast Stand for Truth.

Under her watch, GMA Public Affairs was able to launch a fresh programming line-up in 2020.

These included the New Normal: The Survivor Guide strip which was geared towards helping viewers navigate the “new normal”: the timely documentary Lockdown: Food Diaries, The Atom Araullo Specials: Nang Tumigil ang Mundo, and various public affairs shows that featured stories about COVID-19.

This year, Valdellon’s team recently launched the socially relevant rom-com series Owe My Love on GMA Network as well as the top-rating TV series The Lost Recipe and the weekly romance fantasy anthology My Fantastic Pag-ibig,, both airing on GTV. Soho, meanwhile, is the first Filipino news anchor to be shortlisted at the NYF TV & Film Awards last 2018 and later winning the Bronze Medal in the Best News Anchor category for State of the Nation with Jessica Soho.

Widely regarded as the most-awarded broadcast journalist in the country, Soho is a two-time recipient of the highly prestigious George Foster Peabody Award and a Hall of Famer at the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Awards, winning the Most Trusted News Presenter award for eight consecutive years.

She currently hosts the top-rating public affairs program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho.

Joining Flores, Valdellon, and Soho in the NYF Grand Jury are award-winning directors, producers, writers, actors, and other creative media professionals from across the globe. Together, they are tasked to determine this year’s winners from entries coming from over 50 countries. All NYF judges are prohibited from judging entries from their own companies.

ABS-CBN’s ‘Primetime Bida’ shows stream on WeTV iflix ONLINE video platform WeTV iflix recently announced its multi-year partnership with ABS CBN Entertainment, where its Primetime Bida series will be available to stream on the platform before it airs on TV. The first salvo of shows in this gamechanging partnership includes the long-running fan favorite FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, and two new dramas Huwag Kang Mangamba and Init Sa Magdamag.

In keeping with ABS CBN’s legacy of compelling stories coupled with powerful performances, these three shows are certain to appeal to Filipino fans. WeTV and iflix users will be able to stream these series up to two days before they air on local TV. Subscribers can now get ahead and catch Ang Probinsyano first as it premieres on WeTV and iflix VIP 50 hours before it airs on local TV, and ahead of any other platforms.

For those looking for an uplifting story during these challenging times, the new

A scene from the upcoming drama ‘Huwag Kang Mangamba’ featuring The Gold Squad members Andrea Brilliants (left) and Francine Diaz.

Changing local entertainment landscape

Cignal and TV5 President and CEO Robert P. Galang

GMA Senior Vice President for News and Public Affairs Marissa Flores, First Vice President for Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon, and GMA News pillar Jessica Soho.

CIGNAL TV, TV5 and some of the biggest production companies and talent management agencies in the Philippines are remaking the entertainment landscape in the country.

Since last year, Cignal TV has joined forces with a remarkable group of entertainment bigwigs that included VIVA Entertainment, IdeaFirst Company, Cornerstone Entertainment, Brightlight Productions, Archangel Media, Regal Entertainment. Just recently, Cignal signed a content-deal arrangement with ABSCBN Corporation to offer viewers the best talents and programs for their viewing pleasure.

Cignal and TV5 President & CEO Robert P. Galang expressed high hopes for more partnerships with various production companies.

“These collaborations between Cignal and the different creative and production companies and their talents aim to bring the best entertainment programs for the benefit of our viewers. We are humbled and honored to be able to provide work opportunities for our brothers and sisters in the entertainment industry especially in this time of the pandemic,” Galang said.

TV5’s primetime lineup is now bolstered by ABSCBN’s hit series FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, along with Ang Sa Iyo ay Akin, Walang Hanggang Paalam, and Pinoy Big Brother Connect, which air from Monday to Friday, 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m..

Brightlight Productions, another recent addition to TV5’s roster, offers viewers entertaining shows such as Rated Korina, Oh My Dad!, and Lunch Out Loud, which has garnered the Best Variety Show title in this year’s GEMS Awards.

Since last year, premiere multimedia company, VIVA Entertainment, has been actively working jointly with the network to produce some of the most immersive and exciting shows on TV; including Born to Be A Star, Puto, Republika Origins, Ninja Kids, 1000 Heartbeats: Pintig Pinoy, The Wall Philippines, and Encounter. Other shows that have made an impact on Pinoy viewers are Masked Singer Pilipinas, Ghost Adventures, Bella Bandida, Kagat ng Dilim, and Onstage. There are also the special drama series produced by IdeaFirst Company, Paano Ang Pasko? and its sequel, Paano Ang Pangako?, created by

Palanca Hall of Famer Jun Robles Lana and directed

by Enrico Quizon, Ricky Davao, and Perci Intalan.

Another creative group that has joined the Cignal TV/TV5 lineup is Cornerstone Entertainment, whose programs I Got You, Stay-In Love, and Sunday Noontime Live! shows were aired on TV5. Just recently, one of its talents, Gretchen Ho, joined the network to star in her own show Woman In Action, and to join news programs Frontline Pilipinas and The Big Story.

Meanwhile, Archangel Media continues to entertain the viewers with its game shows Bawal na Game Show, hosted by Paolo Ballesteros and Wally Bayola; and Fill in the Bank, with Jose Manalo and Pokwang.

Regal Entertainment which had been in collaboration with TV5 for more than a decade is offering its critically acclaimed films through One Screen Channel aired on Cignal TV starting this month.

Cignal TV and TV5’s efforts to open their doors to powerhouses in the industry are a big step towards redefining how content for TV is consumed by the network’s viewers. It also hints that the network is an avenue for creativity and a variety of quality content.

inspiring series Huwag Kang Mangamba is most timely. The show’s cast is led by love teams Andrea Brillantes and Seth Fedelin, Francine Diaz and Kyle Echarri, also known as the Gold Squad, joined by a strong support cast including Sylvia Sanchez, Eula Valdes, Diether Ocampo, and Enchong Dee, among others.

Set in the fictional town of Hermoso, the story revolves around two girls who die in separate incidents but are miraculously brought back to life.

This second lease on life leads to more miracles, and becomes a catalyst for a spiritual revival through the town as they rebuild the old church. Fans can catch this brand new series FIRST as it premieres on WeTV and iflix VIP 46 hours before it airs on local TV. Both FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano and Huwag Kang Mangamba will also be available as catch-up for FREE on WeTV and iflix two to three hours after local broadcast.

Just in time for summer, the sizzling new ABS CBN Primetime Bida series Init Sa Magdamag premieres on WeTV and iflix VIP on April 17, 46 hours before local broadcast on cable and free TV. Gerald Anderson, JM De Guzman, and Yam Concepcion are the major players in a love triangle that is marked not only by love, but by passion, betrayal and a sense of family. Catch-up on this sexy new drama for FREE on WeTV and iflix two to three hours after the show airs.

“One of our main goals for this year has been to give our users the power of choice when it comes to their entertainment, especially now that we are spending more time at home. Bringing excellent local content and compelling stories to you first is a big step in that direction, and we are excited to have ABS CBN as our partner in this endeavor,” says WeTV and iflix Country Manager for the Philippines, Georgette Tengco.

Life

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

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TRAVEL & LEISURE

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2021

Climb every mountain...

“F

ORD every stream, follow every rainbow, ‘till you find your dream.” Thus, goes part of one of my favorite songs from the all-time hit musical, The Sound Of Music.

MORNING IN THE MOUNTAINS. Mountaineers and sustainable tourism advocates are calling for the implementation of stricter rules for mountain climbing to preserve and protect

This certainly sounds very inspiring our mountains from irresponsible climbers. In photo is Mt. Pulag in Luzon, a dormant volcano and the second most prominent mountain in the country. (Photo from Wikipedia Commons) to those of us who are in constant search of the right direction in our lives, in the pursuit of our personal version of success. And, literally speaking, I would think that those engaged in the sport of mountaineering would be happy with the “free ad” they got from this song. But I just found out recently that, although they’re pleased with this free exposure of their sport, they’re also bothered by wanton acts of irresponsible climbers and adventure seekers.

My good friend, Charles Lim, chairman and founder of the Philippine Sports Tourism Awards and the country’s top sports tourism advocate, has now become the voice of a large group of mountaineers who have condemned the proliferation of trash found on the A recent cleanup drive at Mt. Apo collected almost 200 kilos of non-biodegradable waste. (Photos from Wikipedia Commons) trails of Mt. Apo left behind by irresponsible climbers. These advocates feel that the culprits should be banned The industry’s sector batting for sus- be submitted to the park management to hesitate in imposing fines on those from this highly esteemed sport. tainable tourism has also been tapped ensure that our mountains accommo- who desecrate the beauty of our natIn a recent cleanup drive over a by Lim to support the efforts of the date only responsible climbers. He calls ural attractions. five-day period last month, volunteer- DENR. Tour operators, organizers of for banning of liquor, fireworks, drugs, This important advocacy reminds me climbers gathered close to 200 kilos of the climb, and park management teams spray paints, and even chewing gum of John Muir’s famous quote. He was an trash, mainly plastic materials, cans, should also be stricter in iminfluential Scottish-Amerifood wrappers, and liquor bottles plementing the rules set for can naturalist, mountaineer, along the mountain’s Cotabato trail. proper mountain climbing. and an early advocate for the YOUR WEEKEND CHUCKLE They were so appalled by what they He suggests imposing on preservation of wilderness in Husband came home drunk. To avoid his wife’s saw that they immediately reported climbers a strict code of the US. He had a mantra for it to the Department of Environment ethics with a correspondthose who want to experience scolding, he took his laptop and started working. and Natural Resources (DENR) and ing fee which will be fully the beauty of nature: “Take WIFE: Did you drink? requested the government agency to refundable when they folnothing but pictures, leave HUSBAND: Of course not! issue a warning of closing the park low the rules during their nothing but footprints, kill WIFE: Idiot! Then why are you typing on a suitcase? temporarily and, when reopened, en- climb. When the climber nothing but time.” force stricter measures to prevent the reaches the park exit, the With this in mind, I can recurrence of such violation. guide and the porter can freely and melodiously Lim reminds those who scale any of affix their signatures on a document which, if not disposed of properly, can go on and “Climb every mountain, our mountains for adventure that, since to certify that the climber followed be very messy and hazardous. search high and low, follow every by it is a privilege given to them, they the rules and, thus, the refund may Overall, I join Lim in calling for way, every path I know.”

Charles Lim is the country’s top sports should appreciate such by not littering be given. the park management with its guides, tourism advocate and is the chairman and founder of the annual Philippine Sports the trails and campsites and vandalizing Lim also suggests that an inventory of escorts, and porters to be very strict For feedback, I’m at Tourism Awards. the boulders along the way. items brought on the climb by each team in implementing these rules and not bobzozobrado@gmail.com.

Quest Plus Clark opens Caveman’s Pit

Meats and side dishes are roasted and grilled at The Caveman’s Pit.

PAMPANGA-based Quest Plus Conference Center has recently opened a new outdoor food and beverage outlet in a bid to offer a new dining experience befitting the current situation.

The Caveman’s Pit, located at the Acacia Park (right in front of Quest Plus Hotel), features a tent-shaped pit where barbecues and side are roasted and grilled. Diners can choose their food set with a choice of, among others, teriyaki chicken wings, pork belly, Mexican chicken, curried pork, and sausages, plus a variety of side dishes. Barbecue bundles start at P300.

The Caveman’s Pit by Mimosa+ is open Fridays to Sundays from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Health and safety protocols are strictly implemented, such as social distancing, wearing of face mask and face shield, and constant sanitation. Call (045) 599-8000 The new outdoor dining area at Quest or email clarkos@questhotelsan- Plus Conference Center Clark is open dresorts.com to book a table. on weekends.

What’s in? Al fresco dining WITH issues concerning ventilation indoors, the open spaces have become the prime spot for leisure and dining. In fact, the dining scene in many cities across the globe now focuses outdoors—moving their chairs and tables out in the open spaces where the air is fresher and circulates better.

As dining al fresco is deemed safer by experts, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls’ establishments offer more outdoor seating where guests can enjoy good food with family and friends, surrounded by greenery, charming lights, and other decorative elements.

Uptown Mall at Uptown Bonifacio has opened more areas for al fresco dining at The Deck located on the fourth level. Just across the street along 9th Avenue is Uptown Parade with its rows of mouthwatering cuisines.

Forbes Town, meanwhile, offers a safe enclave for diners as Burgos Park and Forbes Town Road have been converted into outdoor dining spaces to provide more seating to guests.

In keeping with its romantic ambiance, Venice Grand Canal has Italian-inspired spaces for a unique al fresco dining experience. On the other hand, those looking to go on an Asian-style food trip while staying safe can visit AsiaTown in McKinley West, which now has more outdoor seating capacity.

The city of great eats, Eastwood City, has also dedicated more spaces outside its restaurants and converted its open spaces to accommodate more al fresco diners.

With intricate facades and colorful hanging lanterns, diners at Lucky Chinatown in Binondo, Manila can easily soak in the unique Chinatown vibe while enjoying delectable dishes and other favorites from nearby restaurants and food stalls.

With its roster of restaurants offering a multitude of f lavors, Newport City provides outdoor diners with quite a selection.

The famed greeneries of Southwoods Mall provide a cool and refreshing vibe as its event area is now home to picturesque dining spaces.

All the senses of al fresco diners are treated at Twin Lakes in Tagaytay as it offers breathtaking views, exquisite food, and fresh, cool breeze.

Al fresco dining setups at (clockwise) Lucky Chinatown in Binondo, McKinley Hill in Taguig, Uptown Parade at Uptown Bonifacio in Taguig, and Southwoods Mall in Laguna.