Manila Standard - 2021 May 10 - Monday

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COVID SPREADER. Local tourists and residents of a barangay in Caloocan City beat the heat by taking a plunge into the water of Gubat sa Ciudad Resort but in the process health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 such as wearing of face masks and observing social distancing have inevitably been disregarded. The resort gets eventually padlocked (inset) on orders of Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan who also vowed to go after barangay officials in the area, resort owner and guests. Caloocan PIO

Año turns up heat on LGUs Threatens sanctions on local execs who fail to enforce health protocols

By Joyce Pangco Pañares

L

OCAL chief executives will be slapped with criminal or administrative cases if they fail to prohibit mass gatherings that may become COVID-19 super spreader events, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año warned Sunday.

In Caloocan City, Mayor Oscar Malapitan ordered the closure of the Gubat sa Ciudad resort that was found to be illegally operating despite existing protocols barring mass gatherings under the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine.

Malapitan said the owners of the resort, the leaders of Barangay 171 where the resort is located and all the guests of the resort will be slapped with charges for violating social distancing and health protocols.

“The full force of the law will be meted on the owner and operator of the resort, including those who were swimming, and the leaders of the barangay who appear to have been remiss in their duties,” the mayor said in a Facebook post.

Malapitan also ordered the cancelation of the resort's business permit. Mass contact tracing, close monitoring and testing will also be done for all the individuals who celebrated Mother's Day inside the resort yesterday.

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VOL. XXXV • NO. 84• 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 MONDAY, MAY 10, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PNP scouts for 17K rookies to cleanse ranks THE Philippine National Police is recruiting 17,000 aspirants this year to replace scalawag cops as part of internal cleansing efforts, PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said.

The new PNP chief also ordered a reshuffle in 11 key positions. Southern Police District director Brig. Gen. Eliseo Cruz was transferred to Police Regional Office 4A (Calabarzon) as its new director, replacing Brig. Gen. Felipe Natividad

who was moved to the Special Action Force as its new head. Brig. Gen. Nelson Bondoc was assigned as the new director of Police Regional Office 4B (Mimaropa).

“The internal cleansing will start with the recruitment of 17,000 policemen this year. We want to get rid of corruption and the padrino system,” Eleazar said in an interview with Dobol B TV. “Our problems are rooted with unqualified cops – those who kill

• 4 ‘areas of concern‘—OCTA • New cases resurge; deaths spike

By Willie Casas

DEFIANT. An unidentified man is confronted by a health officer in Quezon City for

control the situation faster. It's not necessarily alarming yet," said Guido David of the UP-based OCTA Research Group in an interview with ABS-CBN's TeleRadyo.

Daily virus cases in Metro Manila have declined to an average of 2,100 from a peak of 5,500, David said, citing a virus reproduction rate of 0.67, and a

LOCAL ROUNDUP

AN INDEPENDENT research group that has been tracking the COVID-19 pandemic has identified Puerto Princesa, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga City and Bacolod City as “areas of concern” because of a surge in infections there.

“Based on history, we can see these smaller local government units can

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not wearing a face mask. President Duterte has ordered authorities to arrest and detain violators of health and safety protocols amid the resurgence of coronavirus cases.

Manny Palmero

SENATOR Panfilo Lacson yesterday proposed to the government to use the large congressional insertions tagged by the Department of Budget and Management "For Later Release" (FLR) to meet the P20 billion requirement for COVID vaccines next year.

WHO: INDIA STRAIN ABLE TO RAPIDLY SPREAD WORLD / B2

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COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM MAY 9)

1,101,990 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

7,174 61,294 NEW

ACTIVE

18,472

204

1,022,224

9,197

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

NEW

NEW

DOH draws flak over remdesivir purchase plan

‘FLR’ budget can buy vax: Lacson

By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Willie Casas and Rio N. Araja

recklessly, those who commit crimes even against their own relatives. In the first place, they should not have been allowed to join the police force if they were screened properly during the recruitment process,” he added.

Eleazar said this year's recruitment will use the QR code system to avoid patronage where personal ties or friendships are able to influence the outcome of applications.

Lacson raised this possibility after he and Senate President Vicente Sotto III, and the "three czars" of the government's COVID response program met Thursday.

"I suggested that the P20 billion can be sourced from the insertions made by lawmakers marked 'FLR' because the implementing agencies concerned were not consulted on the insertions and thus could

By Rio N. Araja

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Anakalusugan Rep. Michael Defensor is shown holding ivermectin capsules.

Oil price upswing: P0.70/li seen

By Alena Mae S. Flores

“Expect fuel prices to go up next week (May 11 - 17). Diesel will increase by OIL prices will likely go by as much as P0.60 to P0.70 per liter. Gasoline will inP0.70 per liter this week, the fourth con- crease by P0.60 to P0.70 per liter,” Unioil secutive weekly increase to reflect the Philippines said in its advisory over the Next page movement of prices in the world market. weekend.

A CONGRESSMAN who has been promoting an anti-parasitic drug originally used for animals as a treatment for COVID-19 on Sunday said Department of Health (DOH) officials could face graft charges over the procurement of remdesivir.

Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor raised this possibility if the DOH continues to buy remdesivir despite the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation against the drug’s use in COVID-19 patients.

"We consider all new purchases of remdesivir as reckless and foolish spending in light of the WHO recommendation, and considering that government is scrounging for money to buy more COVID-19 vaccines and to pay for the P2,000 Next page

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MONDAY, MAY 10, 2021

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

News PNP...

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LOVE IS A VERB. Pope Francis speaks from a window of the apostolic palace overlooking St. Peter's Square in the Vatican during the weekly Angelus prayer followed by the recitation of the Regina Coeli on May 09, 2021. “To love as Christ means to put yourself at the service of your brothers and sisters, as He did in washing the feet of the disciples. It means making ourselves available, as we are and with what we have. This means to love not in word but in deed,” the Pope said. AFP

Año...

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Caloocan is part of the NCR Plus bubble that is under MECQ until May 14.

Resorts are not allowed to operate under MECQ. President Rodrigo Duterte earlier directed mayors and barangay captains to take the lead in enforcing regulations on social distancing and health protocols.

“An administrative complaint or a criminal case may be filed against negligent local chief executives. The DILG does not want the situation to come to this, that is why we fervently hope the LGUs can enforce policies on mass gatherings based on the quarantine classification of their area,” Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said.

Duterte warned mayors and barangay

‘FLR’...

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not implement them," said Lacson.

During his interpellation of the Department of Public Works and Highways' 2021 budget last year, Lacson noted some "favored" districts got humongous appropriations in the general appropriations bill – one got P15.351 billion, while another got P10.299 billion. Another got P7.924 billion, while still another got P7.559 billion.

Lacson also said huge unused appropriations of several executive agencies like the Department of Education, Department of Transportation and the DPWH – which have a history of low utilization and a poor disbursement recordcan be tapped for the purpose as well.

Under the Constitution, he noted the President can realign funds in the executive department. He said the Chief Justice can realign funds in the judiciary and the Senate President and House Speaker can realign funds in the legislative branch.

"If for example, there are unused funds in the DepEd, DoTr, and DPWH, it will be relatively easy to source the P20 billion," Lacson said.

Lacson said he and Sotto recommended that the three czars initiate talks with DBM Secretary Wendel Avisado to determine which appropriations in the 2021 budget can be realigned for the vaccination program.

"It is best they talk to Secretary Avisado so he can check which appropriations can be realigned for the vaccination program.

That way, we need not include the amount in the Bayanihan 3 measure," he said.

Lacson noted that during Thursday's meeting, the COVID response czars – vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr., testing czar Vince Dizon, and contact tracing czar Benjamin Magalong – had said they needed P90 billion for vaccines in 2022, and P20 billion for this year.

To address this, Lacson said they discussed that the P90 billion needed for next year’s vaccine procurement budget be included in the regular budget of the Department of Health, instead of putting it under the Unprogrammed Fund, thus

Oil...

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World oil prices have been going up amid optimism of a global economic recovery resulting from the eased restrictions in the US and Europe.

However, this has been tempered

captains they will be held accountable for any failure to implement laws or regulations related to the government's COVID-19 response.

"Everytime I see people violating the law, I would just say to whoever is seated next to me, 'See, tomorrow there will be a spike again.’ And true enough. And it will never be an ending story until all Filipinos are vaccinated. There will always be a rise and maybe exponential surge of COVID if you do not follow the laws," Duterte said.

"It is a violation of the law and if you do not enforce the law, there is a dereliction of duty which is punishable under the Revised Penal Code. So the DILG can proceed against you for not doing your duty as mayor or as a barangay captain,” the President added.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said the PNP, in coordination with LGUs, is now preparing

detention cells for those who will violate minimum health standards, including not wearing or improperly wearing face masks.

“One of the concerns that need to be addressed is the availability of our detention cells. We know that even before the President's directive, we have a lack of facilities so we need to prepare for this,” Eleazar said in a statement Sunday.

“Let's coordinate with local officials and the barangay to know which areas we can use as detention facilities for violators,” he added.

Año on Friday said individuals who will refuse to comply with the directive to wear a face mask may be detained for a maximum of 12 hours.

Malacañang on Thursday said it was valid for cops to carry out warrantless arrests against health protocol violators.

“We have an ordinance that paves

the way for the outright apprehension, warrantless arrest (because) a crime was committed in the presence and with the full personal knowledge of the police officer,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.

Citing Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code, Roque said a health protocol violator can be detained within the period of 12 hours for crimes or offenses punishable by light penalties.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra also defended Duterte’s order to arrest and detain persons who would be caught not wearing face masks properly in public places, which health authorities said have contributed to the surge in the number of COVID-19 infections in the country.

But the Commission on Human Rights warned the directive could lead to “excessive discretion and abuse” of authorities.

ensuring its availability, especially under a cash-based budgeting system.

On Saturday, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the DOH is looking into the effects of injecting a patient with a second vaccine dose of a different brand from the first due to the limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines.

Vergeire had earlier ruled out mixing and matching vaccines.

On Saturday, she said the DOH would wait for evidence from tests in other countries that this practice would yield results.

So far, she said, the Vaccine Expert Panel has found “a theoretical basis” for mixing vaccine doses.

“But this is theoretical, so we need to wait for further information and evidence,” she said.

The DOH is working on guidelines on the "interchangeability or mixing" of COVID-19 vaccines, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Thursday.

“Interchangeability" could apply if, for instance, one suffers a severe allergic reaction to the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, then he or she cannot take a second dose, and authorities have to identify an alternative, said FDA chief Eric Domingo.

The FDA and health officials are meeting on this, he added.

“The Department of Health is drafting guidelines on how interchangeability or mixing of vaccines will be implemented, in case the second dose identical to the first cannot be given,” Domingo said in a press briefing.

Also on Sunday, Vice President Leni Robredo expressed concern over government officials being inoculated with unregistered COVID-19 vaccines, saying this was a mockery of the FDA. Earlier, the Palace said President Rodrigo Duterte had received a jab of a COVID-19 vaccine from Sinopharm, a Chinese company, even though it is not covered by an emergency use authorization (EUA).

"We as public officials who get inoculated should be careful in what we say in public. In a way, that is a promotion of a vaccine without an emergency use authorization. It seems to be a mockery [of] our regulatory agencies,” she said.

DOH...

remdesivir.

“Why is the DOH still buying another P1 billion worth of remdesivir when no less than the World Health Organization has rejected the drug, which costs up to P8,500 per vial as additional medication to treat COVID-19 patients?” he asked.

He slammed the DOH’s “wasteful double standard of promoting a very expensive investigational drug such as remdesivir, while stonewalling other potential low-priced treatments, including humangrade ivermectin that costs only P35 to P40 per capsule.”

“The WHO recommends against the use of remdesivir because it does not have any positive effect on COVID-19 patient outcomes. And yet, the DOH is still irresponsibly using the drug in addition to standard care for patients,” he said.

“The DOH should stop importing and using remdesivir. Otherwise, the public will start suspecting that some (department) officials are making money on the purchases,” Atienza said.

“In ditching remdesivir, the WHO is also rightly worried that use of the costly drug might divert and deplete limited public money that may be better spent to prevent the spread of COVID-19 via more aggressive testing, contact tracing and isolation strategies,” he said.

“Other wealthy nations can throw their money away on remdesivir if they want to, but in our case, we simply can’t afford to,” Atienza said.

by the surge in cases in India.

On May 4, the oil companies raised the price of gasoline by P0.20 per liter while both diesel and kerosene increased P0.35 per liter.

These resulted in year-to-date adjustments to stand at a total net increase of P7.80 per liter for gasoline, P6.05 per liter for diesel and P5.30 per liter for kerosene.

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cash aid for every Filipino contemplated under the Bayanihan 3 bill," Defensor said.

“All further purchases of remdesivir – after the WHO came out with its adverse recommendation – may be deemed as transactions highly detrimental to the government under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act,” he added.

Under the law, any Health officials may be held culpable for a corrupt act if they perform a transaction that is “grossly disadvantageous’ to the government, he said.

“The potential liability is there, regardless whether the officials involved profited or not from the procurement,” he said.

“We would urge the Department of Budget and Management to repurpose the money meant for remdesivir, preferably to acquire more COVID-19 vaccines,” he noted.

The party-list lawmaker said evidence from the “solidarity trial” showed that remdesivir “had no important effect” in reducing the need for mechanical ventilation, shortening the time to clinical improvement, lessening the risk of mortality and on other COVID-19 patient outcomes, according to the WHO. Buhay party-list Rep. Joselito Atienza also questioned the P1 billion spent to buy

Under the QR code, the applicant's name and photograph will not be displayed.

Eleazar also promised to hasten the investigation on rogue policemen.

“They should be placed under preventive suspension so due process can be observed. A lot are aspiring to join the PNP and replace these scalawags so we will not think twice about replacing them,” he said.

Meanwhile, Eleazar said they are waiting for the Supreme Court to approve the protocols that will guide law enforcers on the proper use of body-worn cameras in their operations.

Eleazar said the use of body cameras will not only improve police operations but will protect both the law enforcers and the people, particularly the target of the search warrant.

The PNP early this year acquired 2,696 body-worn cameras and their associated systems from San Juan City-based EVI Distribution Inc. Each major police station will be given 16 body cameras, eight of which will be used by patrolling operatives while the remaining eight will be reserved for other operations.

The cameras will be equipped with SIM cards that will be used to feed videos to the PNP Command Center.

The body cameras are waterproof and can record video for up to eight hours.

The officers wearing them cannot interfere with its configuration and they cannot turn those off while on duty.

Eleazar said the body cameras have already been distributed in the city police stations.

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weekly growth rate of -27 percent.

"We anticipate by next week, by May 14, it might be less than 2,000 cases," he said.

David again called for a gradual easing of quarantine restrictions in the NCR Plus bubble.

More than 7,000 cases logged Sunday The Philippines logged on Sunday 7,174 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of infections to 1,101,990, the Department of Health (DOH) reported.

All laboratories were operational and submitted their data on time, the department said.

Some 204 new fatalities were recorded, bringing the death toll from COVID-19 to 18,472, which is 1.68 percent of the total number of cases.

A total of 9,197 persons recently recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 1,022,224, which is 92.8 percent of the total.

The DOH also reported that nationwide, 62 percent of the ICU beds, 44 percent of the isolation beds, 49 percent of the ward beds, and 42 percent of ventilators were in use.

Most NCR Plus cash aid already out More than 80 percent of local governments in Metro Manila and its nearby provinces have finished distributing the government's cash aid ahead of the deadline, the Department of the Interior and Local Government said Sunday.

Eighteen local governments or 80.95 percent have distributed some P18.6 billion to beneficiaries, the department said.

Indigent families are qualified to receive up to P4,000 as aid following the strict lockdown imposed in late March.

Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said some local governments were unable to finish distributing the cash assistance because of the huge number of beneficiaries, the large number of appeals undergoing deliberation, the lengthy process of partnering with banks and remittance centers for the payouts, and the difficulty of mobilizing personnel during a pandemic.

NO SOCIAL DISTANCING. People wait to board a ferry to their hometowns ahead of the Eid al-Fitr festivities amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Munshiganj, Bangladesh on May 9, 2021. AFP

News

MONDAY, MAY 10, 2021

Velasco seeks policy review on storm alert

FOR THOSE IN NEED.

Members of Capuchin Franciscans distribute food packs to the residents of Tagaytay City in Cavite, on May 9,2021, in their community pantry outside the Our Lady of Lourdes Church to help people in need and those suffering from the adverse effects of the pandemic.

JR Josue

Housing body rings alarm on property scam THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development on Sunday called on the public to exercise caution when buying property “rights” as this may be a trap employed by syndicates.

“The scheme is downright malicious and conniving because it preys upon victims’ desire but ultimately denies them of true home ownership. At the same time, it also strips legitimate owners of their right to use, access and enjoy the benefits of their land,” Secretary Eduardo del Rosario said.

“Let this serve as a warning to squatting syndicates. The department takes its mandate seriously and we are committed to protecting the dream of every Filipino who wish to own a home,” he added.

According to Del Rosario, a squatting syndicate is an unscrupulous group that profits from squatter housing, and targets informal settler communities in large swathes of land to mulct money in exchange for “rights” to live in the claimed property.

A syndicate also use fakes documents and titles to sell or convince victims of its legitimacy.

The DHSUD, along with the Department of Justice, has stepped up the government’s effort to suppress and eradicate squatting syndicates by virtue of Executive Order 153 of 2002, which instituted the National Drive Against Professional Squatters and Squatting Syndicates or NDAPSSS. According to Del Rosario, the department has intensified its crackdown against squatting syndicates following the issuance of the memorandum last October that cascaded the drive down to the regional level. Rio Araja

By Rio Araja

Customs seizes P316-m fake goods, hot meat in simul raids

By Joel E. Zurbano

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OVERNMENT agents conducted simultaneous raids in the cities of Pasay and Navotas, and seized P316 million worth of counterfeit products and smuggled frozen meat.

A composite team from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) assigned at the north and south harbors conducted the coordinated operation on May 7, which is in line with the Bureau of Customs’ intensified anti-smuggling campaign.

Armed with the Letter of Authority (LOA) signed and issued by Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero, the CIIS men proceeded and inspected the storage facilities which resulted in the discovery of various illegal and Intellectual property infringing items.

“The first team proceeded in a storage facility situated in Navotas City and discovered the presence of smuggled frozed meat, peking duck and black duck,” said Guerrero.

The second team, Guerrero said, operated and inspected storage facilities in Pasay City and discovered the presence of IP infringing clothes such as Nike, Lacoste, Jag, Louis Vitton, Jordan, Crocs, Adidas, Havianas, Disney, Frozen, Hello Kitty, Tribal, Dickies, Mossimo, Levis, Petrol, Gap, Fila, Uniqlo, Lee, Puma, DC, and Marvel.

The seized items are currently undergoing further inventory and investigation for the possible violation of Section 1400 of Republic Act 10863 also known as the Customs Modernization and Tarrif Act (CMTA) as well as other relevant intellectual property laws of the Philippines.

Guerrero said the bureau will continue to pursue unscrupulous individuals as part of the government’s campaign against unscrupulous traders.

He reiterated that the agency will also support legitimate businesses that pay proper duties and taxes.

Guerrero said imported meat products will be allowed in the country if the importers have secured Phyto-Sanitary Permit from the port of origin, otherwise the meat will be confiscated, and will be condemned.

CAKE IN CUPS. Residents of Tondo in Manila receive cakes and food packs from Jose Abad Santos Police Station and Barangay officials during a food distribution dubbed as “Barangayanihan Cake in Cup’ on Mothers Day Sunday, May 9, 2021.

Anti-insurgency BDP draws ‘avalanche of support’ – NSA NATIONAL Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. expressed elation over what he calls an “avalanche of support” from a huge number of national and local government officials as well as influential groups and individuals for the Barangay Development Program (BDP) that aims to free 822 neglected barangays from the clutches of communist-terrorists. `“In no other time in recent history that we saw this kind of phenomenal outpour-

ing of support for such a novel government program whose intention is to bring development to far-flung and poor barangays that are guerilla bases of the communist terrorists. It is like an avalanche or a bandwagon, where supporters of the program pour in daily by expressing their all-out and uncompromising support for the BDP, a project that showcases good governance, which is the true spirit of NTF-ELCAC,” Esperon said.

Tiktok challenge winners named CALOOCAN City Councilor Orvince Howard A. Hernandez on Sunday, Mother’s Day,said 10 mothers emerged as grand winners in the “TikToker si Mader” Tiktok Challenge held in the city.

The winners, in no particular order, are Karolle Rasgo Navera, 24; Jean Lopido, 26; Thea Marie Pilapil, 28; Christine Sadang, 30; Jackylyn Dela Rama Polis, 30; Janine Marie Granada, 31; Ma. Crisafel B. Tumanog, 35; Janice Almoete, 39; Elizabeth Goneda Tatad, 39; and Evelyn Mauricio, 46; all residents of the city.

Five other participants were selected as special mention awardees,; Judith

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Abello Eugenio, 72; Mary Eileen Veraye, 34; Learica C. Valeros, 33; Marylyn Liwag, 25; and Sherelyn P. Tulio.

The grand winners will receive P5,000 each while the special mention awardees will receive P1,000 each.

The Tiktok Challenge was spearheaded by Hernandez for mothers residing in the city as a simple but memorable way of honoring mothers this Mother’s Day amid the pandemic.

Caloocan Mayor Oscar Malapitan lauded Hernandez Tiktok Challenge as morale booster amid the trying times.

Around 1,500 Tiktoker Mothers submitted their entries. Jun David

`Esperon, who sits as Vice Chairman of the NTF-ELCAC, said there are 518 barangays, 366 cities and municipalities and 20 provinces that have passed their respective resolutions in support of the “game-changing initiative.”

“These LGUs strongly oppose the defunding of the (BDP) under the NTFELCAC. The BDP is a game-changing initiative for the development of these barangays under threat from the CPP-

NPA,” Esperon explained.

These are apart from various private groups and individuals like Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, who warned that moving to defund NTF-ELCAC is actually doing communist-terrorists a favor. In a video message, Quiboloy, whose group claims to have around six million members, even hailed the anti-insurgency task force for its commitment to end the 53-year scourge of communist terrorism.

SPEAKER Lord Allan Velasco wants a review of an eight-year-old policy suspending maritime travel in areas placed under public storm warning signal no. 1, or 36 hours before a weather disturbance occurs.

The lawmaker from Marinduque said the policy as laid down in a memorandum circular issued by the Philippine Coast Guard in 2013 proved counterproductive and detrimental to the country’s shipping and maritime industry, and the general public.

“The PCG circular has resulted in stressful delays, unforeseen cancellations, decreased economic productivity and stalled shipping services,” he said.

He took part in a recent virtual meeting with officials of PCG; Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, and Maritime Industry Authority that discussed Memorandum Circular No. 02-13 prescribing the “Guidelines on Movement of Vessels During Heavy Weather,” effectively prohibiting any type of boat, ship or sea vessel from operating and sailing in the point of origin, the intended route, and the point of destination once signal no. 1 is hoisted.

Signal no. 1 is put in effect when wind speeds ranging from 30 to 60 kilometers per hour is expected to take place in a given locality within a lead time of 36 hours, although the corresponding weather conditions may not yet be prevailing over that particular area.

The 36-hour lead time was originally intended for inland storm preparations involving residences, farms and land trips.

Taguig adopts action plan to stop coronavirus THE Taguig City government launched the Four Strategic Actions in its continuing campaign to fight the deadly coronavirus disease.

The campaign include the Systematic Mass Approach to Responsible Testing (SMART) Program for COVID-19 disease detection, Risk Assessment for Non-Communicable (or lifestyle-related or LRDs) Disease Prevention and Control, Tuberculosis (TB) Detection, Care and Treatment, and its ongoing Vaccination against COVID-19.

The projects came in collaboration with the Megaworld Corp., and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) thru the University Research Co., LLC (URC). It was launched at Forbes Town Center in Bonifacio Global City on May 7.

The SMART Program aims to promote safe and efficient COVID-19 testing to be accessible for every Taguigeno. Aside from Barangay Health Centers, the city also offers free testing at drive-thru testing in BGC every Wednesday and Lakeshore Complex every Friday, and Park N’ Test in Vista Mall Parking Building.

“Improving lifestyle, and keeping healthy is important in the fighting against COVID-19, as comorbidities worsen the COVID-19 infection, experts suggest that we must also tackle lifestyle-related diseases thru the Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control program of the city,” said Mayor Lino Edgardo Cayetano.

Once assessed to be of risk for LRDs – obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, among others, the city government will provide free medicines delivered direct to the doorsteps of patients. Joel E. Zurbano

BETTER BE WARNED.

A police officer warns a vendor to wear face mask or face arrest and detention for at least 9 hours on orders of President Duterte in an intensified effort to curb the spread of coronavirus disease.

Manny Palmero

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MONDAY, MAY 10, 2021

Sara donates RT-PCR machine, kits to Bacolod DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte has donated to Bacolod City a Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) machine with 20 sampling kits.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, accompanied by Councilors Cindy Rojas and Renecito Novero, City Administrator Em Ang, and several City Hall executives, received the RT-PCR machine upon the shipment’s arrival at the Bacolod-Silay Airport last May 3.

“This is a big, big help in our fight against COVID and it comes at a time when we need it the most. The RTPCR machine will help augment and speed up our testing capacity as the surge of COVID-19 cases in Bacolod City continues,” Leonardia said.

“What makes this uplifting and inspiring is the fact that Mayor Sara has personally volunteered to offer this to us in Bacolod. Indeed, a concrete show of her concern and affection for Bacolodnons. We are happy to be among her favored ones. For this we are truly grateful and appreciative,” he said.

“What a big help from someone with a big heart for Bacolod. Madamo gid na salamat Mayor Sara on behalf of Bacolod,” Leonardia added.

Duterte, the President’s daughter, is expected to participate in the virtual turnover of the machine, a Molarray MA-6000 Real-time Quantitative PCR, that will be arranged by the offices of the two mayors.

SC, Red Cross sign pact for COVID facility THE Supreme Court has partnered with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde for the exclusive use of a portion of the school’s COVID-19 isolation and quarantine facility.

The SC stressed that the 135 isolation rooms in DLS-CSB, with 50 rooms or one floor, will be allocated exclusively to the court and judiciary personnel working in Metro Manila and nearby provinces under the socalled “NCR Plus Bubble.”

In a statement, the high court said the PRC-managed facility will only accept patients from the judiciary if they are referred by the SC Medical and Dental Services (MDS) as asymptomatic or with mild COVID-19 symptoms.

The tribunal said the use of the facility shall be on a first come, first served basis. No walk-ins shall be allowed.

Likewise, no visitors shall be allowed to enter the PRC isolation facility.

The SC-MDS has been mandated to prepare and submit to the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) a daily status report on the employees who are admitted in the PRC isolation facility, and the OCA must endorse the same to the Office of the Chief Justice. Rey E. Requejo

MOTHER’S DAY GOODIES. Mothers receive roses, vegetables, and other food items at a community pantry in Matimyas Street in Sampaloc, Manila on Sunday during Mother’s Day.

The Matimyas Workers Pantry is set up by the labor group Defend Jobs Philippines, WHICH encourages citizens to take what they need and to give back what they can for the sustainability of the community pantry. Norman Cruz

Leonen skipped SALN filing 15 times—OMB

By Rey E. Requejo

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UPREME Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen did not file his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) 15 times while working as professor at the University of the Philippines College of Law, records obtained from the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) revealed.

Citing the OMB documents, lawyer Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon on Sunday accused Leonen of “deliberately violating” the SALN Law for not filing the required appropriate statements during his stint at the UP College of Law. The documents obtained from the Presidential Communications Operations Office, which the agency got from the Ombudsman, showed the supposed violations of Leonen on SALN Law.

The law requires all government officials and employees to submit a document that enumerates all the properties they owned and liabilities they owed.

This includes officials, professors, instructors, and employees of UP, since it is a government-owned and funded university.

Even Supreme Court magistrates are duty-bound to abide and enforce the SALN Law.

Gadon lamented that if OMB records disclosed that Leonen refused to file his SALN 15 times, the second most senior justice of the Supreme Court is “worse” than ousted Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno, who did not submit her SALN six times while working as a law professor at the UP College of Law. Sereno was ousted as chief magistrate of the Supreme Court for deliberately violating the SALN Law and some provisions of the 1987 Constitution.

Citing documents that the PCOO obtained from OMB, Gadon said Leonen only filed his SALN in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

These were seen as Leonen’s preparation for his pending promotion as dean of the UP College of Law in 2008.

FOR STREET SWEEPERS.

Baguio City Jail Warden J/ Supt. Mary Ann Ollaging Tresmanio, a mother herself, gives tribute to some city sanitation maintenance frontliners with gift packs to 25 city street sweepers.

Tresmanio called them the pandemic’s ‘unsung heroes.’

Dave Leprozo

3 alleged drug peddlers fall to cops after gunfight in Cabanatuan City CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga—Three suspected peddlers of illegal drugs were shot dead in separate places in Cabanatuan City following anti-drug operations along Mampulog Road, Barangay Bantug Norte over the weekend.

Police identified the suspects as Daniel Lorenzo Lopez, Jared Beronio Asuncion, and Jake Feliciano Elvambuena, all residents of the area.

FIRST DOSE. Quezon City public tricycle drivers from different areas and contact tracers were vaccinated with their first dose of the Sinovac vaccine against COVID-19 at the lobby of Quezon City Hall.

QC contact tracers from the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Department of Labor and Employment were also given their first dose of Sinovac.

Manny Palmero

The group, police said, was responsible for the distribution of shabu and marijuana in Cabanatuan City and nearby towns in Nueva Ecija.

Some P103,000 worth of shabu were seized from the suspects’ possession, police said.

Policemen recovered a caliber .45 pistol, a caliber .38 revolver, and a fragmentation hand grenade near the bodies

of the slain drug personalities.

Investigators also recovered several spent shells from different caliber firearms at the scene.

Elvambuena has a standing warrant of arrest for murder issued by Judge Maximo Ancheta of Gapan City Regional Trial Court.

“The suspects were placed under tight watch by the police after reports on al-

leged involvement in illegal drugs trade in the city,” the police report stated.

On Saturday, police received reports from the community on the presence of the suspects along Mampulog Road, prompting the local antinarcotics unit to launch an operation against them.

The suspects died as approaching cops exchanged gunfire with them.

Mindanao TVIs beg Rody for aid

By Frencie L. Carreon

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Educators across Mindanao representing private technical-vocational institutions have appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to keep their schools open amid closures due to the coronavirus pandemic.

They sent a petition with signatories from six regions for Duterte to “heed the issues and concerns and consequently take action on the present plight of the private technical-vocational education and training institutions or TVIs of Mindanao.”

Dr. Bonifacio Valdez, Mindanao Technical-Vocational Education (MinTVET) President, in a phone interview

said the association of TVIs in all six regions in Mindanao have sent their appeal to the President with hundreds of signatories from among the heads of their institutions.

“We hope and pray President Duterte will heed us, being a Mindanaoan himself. We pray he takes immediate action and prevent the further closure and death of private TVET schools,” said Valdez, who is based in Koronadal City.

“MinTVET extends support to the regional associations as we jointly bear the problems and suffer the plight of these schools,” Valdez, also president of VMC Asian College Foundation, pointed out.

Comelec: Listup beyond Sept. 30 deadline unlikely THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is unlikely to extend the nationwide registration period for next year’s national elections beyond the September 30, 2021 deadline, as it has other things to prepare aside from the voters’ list.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said on Sunday more preparations are to be done for the May 2022 national polls and they cannot just focus on the registration.

“Unfortunately, its’s not likely to have it extended because the day after the close of registration, the filing of the Certificate of Candidacy will commence, which means we have to start preparing for election day documents, what we call project of precincts, and the only way we can start doing that is if we close the voters’ registration,” he said during the virtual launch of the Vote Pilipinas campaign.

Vote Pilipinas is an information campaign that uses “innovative, visual and user-friendly” information with the aim to attract Filipinos to register and participate in next year’s elections.

“It would be very difficult to prepare for the elections if the number continues to change. We print only the exact number of ballots. If the number of voters is a moving target, our printing will also be a moving target. We have to put a stop to it at some point,” Jimenez added.

The Comelec is looking to register 4 million new voters for the May 2022 polls. There are already 3,222,137 applications in the past six months.

Zambo cases rise to 2,073 THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is unlikely to extend the nationwide registration period for next year’s national elections beyond the September 30, 2021 deadline, as it has other things to prepare aside from the voters’ list.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said on Sunday more preparations are to be done for the May 2022 national polls and they cannot just focus on the registration.

“Unfortunately, its’s not likely to have it extended because the day after the close of registration, the filing of the Certificate of Candidacy will commence, which means we have to start preparing for election day documents, what we call project of precincts, and the only way we can start doing that is if we close the voters’ registration,” he said during the virtual launch of the Vote Pilipinas campaign.

Vote Pilipinas is an information campaign that uses “innovative, visual and user-friendly” information with the aim to attract Filipinos to register and participate in next year’s elections.

“It would be very difficult to prepare for the elections if the number continues to change. We print only the exact number of ballots. If the number of voters is a moving target, our printing will also be a moving target. We have to put a stop to it at some point,” Jimenez added. Frencie Carreon

Opinion Gearing up for 2021

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

MONDAY, MAY 10, 2021

B1

EDITORIAL

Lessons from a dare

boxing fame into the presidency of theNAKED benighted land.

THOUGHT Vice-President Leni Robredo has kept observers guessing, whether to run or not; better CHARLIE V. yet, whether she would go for the top position, MANALO or settle for the governorship of Camarines Sur, to battle a long entrenched political dynasty on e can look at the debate-that-never-was between its third generation of governors. She is either President Rodrigo Duterte and former Supreme THIS article was written yesterday, exactly a fourth or fifth in the preliminaries, the tale of the surveys, which has substituted for party convenyear before the national elections of 2022.

Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio in It was also Mother’s Day yesterday, a Hall- tions as determinants of candidates. different ways.

A tandem that has been formed that of mark card-inspired commemoration of our THE isFIFTH mothers. Mine was born 99 years ago on this Sen. Ping Lacson and Sen. Pres. Tito Sotto.

We can see it as an act of a bully organization of lawyers in the country, is not faring day, but she died on November 16, 2011, half While its presidential candidateGOSPEL CROSSROADS backing down from an opponent he offered to host the event. a year short of 90, which she had hoped to well in the surveys, the tandem has formiJUDE and dable credentials in terms of experience reach despite quietly suffering breast cancer. had initially thought he could defeat.

On Friday, however, Palace spokesJ.A. could rise ACIDRE My mom’s birth date has always been qualifications. Whether or not they On Wednesday, the President, on naman Harry Roque announced the PresDELA around the time elections are CRUZ held since we above single-digits in the surveys remains to tional television, said: “Itong Carpio be seen.

Yet realistically, time is not an ally ratified the 1987 Constitution. Prior to martial naman, sulat nang sulat ng mga decilaw, we elected our presidents in November, --- filing time is just five months away.

This near-encounter sion para sa kanyang utak lang. Isa ring Then there is the only son of dictator Ferand their terms began at high noon of the last day of the year. Campaigns began a year be- dinand Marcos, his namesake fondly called ug*k itong… Bak… Supreme Court offers us precious insight fore, or right after the two grand old parties, Bongbong by loyalists, Bonget by close justice pareho man tayo abugado. Gusinto the nature of our the Nacionalista and Liberal, proclaimed after friends, who tried for the vice-presidency in to—eh gusto mo magdebate tayo (This 2016 and almost made it. He protested before a convention their candidate of choice. leaders.

Carpio, he keeps on writing decisions the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, claiming OPEN for his mind. He is ... Supreme Court NAKED that he was cheated by Leni Robredo. But last month, in a 15-0THOUGHTS decision which raised justice but we are both lawyers. If you Let us wait and see.

SOsome THOUGHT eyebrows because there are many Ilocanos in want we can debate)?” ident had been advised against pushing ORLANDO I SEE the tribunal, his protest was given short shrift.

Mr. Duterte said Caprio and former throughV.with the challenge. It did not CHARLIE OXALES for reconsideration, These days, however, in what many tout If he files a motion LITOthe Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert delMANALO befit Duterte to debate a private citizen, to be a very crucial election, we still have to deadline being today, the Supreme Court is BANAYO Rosario were responsible for the with- an ordinary lawyer, Roque said, forgetfathom who will and who will not aim for the likely to write finis.

But as he is 63 years old, and his mother, the presidency by filing their certificates of candidrawal of the Philippine Navy ships ting it was his boss who dared Carpio in fabulous First Lady Imelda is in her nineties, the dacy on October 1 until 8 this year. during the 2012 Scarborough standoff. the first place.

“Strange” is the best way to describe the betting is that he will make a determined go for Another concern, the President’s If they could prove he is wrong, he said, manner by which our elections are scheduled, the top prize this time. His numbers, though behe would resign. mouthpiece said, was that the Chief THE FIFTH first on account of the constitutionally-select- hind Inday Sara, are quite respectable.

On Thursday, Carpio accepted the Executive might inadvertently spill Will Grace Poe, who lost a presidential ed date, and secondly because our SmartmatGOSPEL CROSSROADS to second challenge and the Philippine Bar As- some confidential information during ic- franchised (since 2010) electronic voting quest in 2016, but was re-elected system requires lead time for printing a kilo- spot in an overwhelming show of support in sociation, the oldest voluntaryJUDE private the debate.

J.A.secmetric list of candidates on paper to be fed to the 2019 senatorial elections, and whose ACIDRE thisCRUZ time DELA a Made-in-China plastic contraption which is ond term as senator will end in 2025, read and then transmitted to a national can- try once more? The lady has remained quiet, and privately, she has shunned the limelight in vass by our telco duopoly.

I always hope and pray that a new presi- the forthcoming race.

There are two elephants in the room, the most dent will initiate the revision of our 1987 Constitution because it has several inherent formidable being Inday Sara Zimmerman Duteflaws, both political and economic. One of rte-Carpio. From the beginning of her father’s its most glaring defects is a political system incumbency, Davaoenos have been goading her of digitalization. I interpreted the “having OPEN that is incongruous as it is incompatible --- a to succeed the president come 2022, much like superpowers” part as a primordial fascinapresidential form with a multi-party system her succeeding him as mayor.

THOUGHTS tion to have extraordinary abilities to do great While she has shown formidable political compounded by an ill-defined party-list conthings limited only by imagination. I am a ORLANDO traption. But these are for a future article, a clout, even unseating two Speakers of the baby boomer, and back in the late 80s, today’s topic I have written about in previous columns HoR and installing her favorites, be it former OXALES smartphones and cloud technology were just Pres. GMA or Lord Allan Velasco, she has rein this space and others. sci-fi movie props and cinematic illusions.

For now, we are 364 days away from mained sphinx-like about her 2022 plans.

WHILE taking a work-from-home break, I Question #5: What will you do if there Yet she leads the current tale of the surveys, choosing who is to lead our country in the had a short conversation with my 12-year-old is no internet signal? My son said in a shy with a formidable two-thirds of Mindanao’s most difficult of times, probably the worst crison to pry him away from his computer. The voice, “Go to sleep … can’t think of anysis in our history since the Pacific War which vote, which is 23 percent of the national vote. conversation turned out to be the inspiration thing else.” Wow! He’s absolutely right. If The president has publicly expressed supmany of us did not even experience. for these thoughts. all our connectivity goes down this second, And we still have to know who will or will port for a Sara stand-in, Sen. Bong Go, his Question #1: What is the most important everything stops. You won’t even finish trusted aide who finished a strong third in the not rise to the monumental challenge. thing you have? He confidently said, “My reading this article.

Someone who has declared he is definitely run- 2019 senatorial race, but obviously, the loyal computer!” A predictable answer to which I ning is our Pambansang Kamao, the world-re- BG will only do so if (1) Mayor Inday does am sure most will agree. nowned Emmanuel Pacquiao, born to a dirt- not run, and (2) the president wills it by being Demand for digital Question #2: What is the second most impoor family in Bukidnon who grew up in then his vice-presidential team-mate. portant?... He said, “My phone.” Again, quite The other guy most political observers Dadiangas, now the booming tuna capital, Genservices and technologies expected like most of us who can’t be more closely watch is the mayor of Manila, Franeral Santos City in southern Mindanao. is unstoppable and than touching distance from our precious Maintaining that such is his God-whispered cisco Domagoso, better known as Isko Moresmart phones, our indispensable tool. destiny, the one-time congressman and one- no, who was born to dirt-poor Visayan parents digital transformation time senator from neighboring Sarangani by and grew up in the squalid slums of Tondo, Question #3: Why is your computer most is inevitable. the bay, is all geared up for the contest. He has but who through grit and determination, with important? “Ahmmm” as he bowed his a palatial war-room with a Pentagon-inspired little but a public high school diploma became head, then with a little prod, he said, “Bemonitoring system inside Dasmarinas Village, councilor for nine years, then vice-mayor cause I learn some things.” Ah yes, ICT is with a wall of monitors to track competitors’ for another nine, before becoming the an engaging learning tool.

I can imagine terrifying visions of movements. Unlike any other potential rival, Yorme of the national capital, all the while I followed up and asked, why? Visibly global chaos that will force every human he has been jetting in and out of Mindanao, pursuing a college degree and post-graduate uncomfortable he said, “It makes me happy… back to manual mode to survive. That’s beginning his pre-campaign where his electoral studies to improve himself. most of the time.” This reminded me how how critical our digital and power infraWill Yorme exchange sure re-election in strength should be. He has hired a platoon entertainment value and immersive content structure is and more so in this theater of of so-called PR and political operators, and Manila, and go for the presidency, with his actually drives the success of mass commu- global pandemic. commandeered in December last year the so- numbers closely tailing the lady mayor of nications innovators. An irresistible candy Experts and enlightened policy leaders Davao? called party with the mostest, the PDP, which in the social media toolbox which unfortu- have been telling the government to invest Again we end this piece with a “vamos a has grown from pedicab-sized membership in nately, like all technologies, is agnostic of money and physical assets to accelerate dig2015 to a flotilla because the current president ver.” Let us wait and see. good values and motives of its sponsors. itization of the country. Sadly, as many govThere are other possibilities, like former needed, and quickly, a shibboleth on deadline I asked when he is not happy with the com- ernments of neighboring countries have been Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, and Sen. Richday to disguise his “non-candidacy.” puter. He answered, “When it loads too long.” driving their telecommunications builds, the Pacquiao is either No. 3 or 4, depending on ard Gordon, even the debater with no one to Well, everybody hates slow internet service. which survey you read, behind Inday Sara, the debate, former magistrate Antonio Carpio, five-year-old National Broadband Plan enQuestion #4: What do you do when you are visioned to boost internet speeds and extenmayor of Davao City, today’s political mecca, whose believers say Pres. Duterte just raised not using your computer? Hesitantly he said, sively expand reach can’t take off because the and equal to or a step or two behind May- to presidentiable status.

Five months hence, we should know, or Isko Moreno Domagoso of the national “I daydream about sci-fi stuff … I imagine government did not invest in it.

NAKED capital city, former senator Bongbong Mar- or if someone uses the Duterte template what it would be like to have superpowers.”

The aggressive capital spending of the pricos, and Senator Grace Poe. THOUGHTin 2015, even 7 months from now, by the Concerned, I paused for a fractional moment vate sector is not enough for the tens of thouDespite initial rankings, the Pacman queerly-invented sleight-of-hand called but recovered by rationalizing the remark as sands lag in telecommunications towers and “substitution.” is undeterred and determined CHARLIE to parlay V. simply an expression of content that he liked. millions of kilometers of fiber optic networks Thinking about it, the “daydreaming about to link millions of workplaces and houseMANALO sci-fi” part actually demonstrated the power- holds. A low bearing but fiscally unreachable ful influence and the transformative impact fruit is the 6,154 kilometer, still unused fiber

SO I SEE LITO BANAYO

W

Roque also said the President had instructed him to debate Carpio, instead, and that he was up to the challenge.

In our culture, cowardice, especially if it follows bravado, is not seen as a virtue.

The spokesman’s words also give us the impression that the President is a loose cannon who must be reined in by his close aides. Such reckless behavior by a leader does not inspire much confidence among the people especially since we are still in the thick of a health and economic crisis.

We can see this episode as a tragicomedy, a distraction when the task at hand—defending our sovereignty from China—looms large. Carpio and Duterte must not even be fighting each other.

Beijing would have had a grand time watching the debate. With the office Duterte holds and with Carpio’s mastery of the issue, they should instead be on the same side fighting China’s shameless acts.

This near-encounter, most of all, offers us precious insight into the nature of our leaders: The depth—or shallowness—of their knowledge, and the strength—or weakness—of their character.

Digital insights from a 12-year-old

TGIF

THE FIFTH GOSPEL JUDE ACIDRE WHEN was the last time, you felt grateful enough to say thank you for being a Filipino?

What does it mean to be thankful? Thankfulness comes from the heart. If we were to live in the spirit of gratefulness for being a Filipino, it is important that we discover our true national identity. We are a people with an OPEN immense potential to be great and to make a difference in today’s world. The negativities THOUGHTS that surround us, while they are real, do not reflect ourORLANDO true potentials.

True thankfulness is more than just an attiOXALES tude of gratefulness.

It is a state of being and doing. It is a lived experience. If we are truly to live up to our shared identity, then we have to rise above our self-imposed limitations and negativities.

Nowadays, with all the negative media around us, it is not easy to feel proud about being a Filipino. Whenever we turn on the television, listen to the radio or read the dai-

ly newspaper, we are confronted with issues that, I must admit, make me wonder about the kind of future we are building, and what kind of legacy awaits the generations to come.

But there are two realities that we fail to remember or that we choose to ignore. The first reality is that we are all part of the problem.

When we look at our society and see the sad state it is in, we must know that we have a part in making it so. But it does not stop there. We must not forget that the second reality is that we are part of the solution. We can effect positive change. What we do, or do not do, contributes to the situation that our society is in.

Thank God I’m Filipino!

Being thankful about being a Filipino begins by thinking more about the kind of nation we live in - the heritage of its past, the realities and challenges of the present and the future that we can build together. When we think more about the world we live in and how our individual and collective actions shape our community, we become more motivated to be

good and do good to others.

It is a big challenge trying to sum up what it means to be a Filipino. Our culture, history, religion and customs speak so much about our values, attitudes and behavior. But there are many of these values, attitudes and behavior that stand out, and when put together, tell about us as a people and help define our shared Filipino identity.

There is so much good in the Filipino.

We are a people of indomitable faith that remains unshaken and resilient even in the most trying circumstances. Our family orientation gives us a sense of rootedness and security, both very essential to any form of reaching out to others. As a people, we are person-oriented and much capable of caring and concern for others. Our relationships with others are a very important part of our lives. Our flexibility, adaptability and creativity is a strength that allows us to adjust to any set of circumstances and to make the best of the situation. Our sense of joy and humor serves us well in difficult times, making life more pleasant and meaningful.

Our shared Filipino identity has an immense capacity for greatness. It is very important thus that we make life choices that reflect our positive identity because many of our strong points

are also the sources of our weaknesses. This is why we see contradictions in the many faces of the Filipino. Admittedly, the negativity is intensified by the challenges we see around us – extreme poverty, excessive corruption and lack of social justice. Oftentimes, this causes us to think little of ourselves.

It is not by chance that we are Filipinos.

Our being Filipinos is a gift. But it is a gift that is meant to be shared. Being a Filipino comes with a mission. It is the mission to inspire others so that they can aspire for something greater than the status quo. We have to go beyond the confines and comforts of the present, and to the communities that we live in, the pride, conviction and gratefulness that we are Filipinos.

To be truly grateful about being Filipino means to live out our strengths and live out our shared positive qualities the best way we can.

While the negative traits in us are admittedly real, these should not overpower us and define our overall identity. Rather, we must move to the future by accentuating the good in us with confidence; that we as a people, we have the capacity to transform our nation.

In these very trying times of the pandemic, it is best to remind ourselves, “Thanks God, I’m Filipino!”

optic lines of the National Grid Corporation spanning Luzon to Mindanao waiting since 2018.

A welcome development is the statement of DICT Undersecretary for Digital Philippines, Emmanuel Rey R. Caintic that, “DICT wishes to invest in common towers for missionary sites, complete with radio access network and Internet Protocol back haul.”

Usec Caintic said they are working with Congress on legislation allowing DICT to utilize untapped funds from the Spectrum Users Fee reserved for the FREE WIFI program. Re-allocated funds will build and operationalize common towers in places hungry for cellular signals. Also, a new Joint Memorandum Circular to streamline permitting of fiber optic projects will soon be out.

Though streamlined permitting for telco tower builds has gained some momentum, telcos are still flagging some local governments who still cause suspicious delays obstructing the development of their own communities. These shameful LGUs should be exposed to their constituents and punished by authorities.

Globe Telecom in a statement counted 318 new cell towers all over the country and completed the expansion of at least 4,210 sites and laying 274,000 high-speed lines.

Timeline is on track to expand by 1,383 sites in NCR, Bacolod, Boracay, Cebu, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao.

We in Telecom Tower Watch also monitored SMART PLDT’s update, totaling 64,436 base stations up by 5,200 from December 2020. SMART’s LTE presence increased to 10,327 sites January to April 2021.

So, the last question: What do you want for your birthday? Quickly my son said, “I want more disk space… and a gaming mouse.” Wow again! A sign that demand for digital services and technologies is unstoppable and digital transformation is inevitable

MORE OPINION ONLINE SO I SEE LITO BANAYO

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B2

World

MONDAY, MAY 10, 2021

LET IT BURN.

IN BRIEF

A Palestinian protester walks by a burning tire amid clashes with Israeli security forces at the Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus city, in the occupied West Bank. On Saturday, the Palestinian Red Crescent reported 53 Manila people were Standard injured in TODAY Jerusalem in renewed clashes after violence rocked the AlAqsa mosque compound.

Overnight Friday, Israeli forces stormed Al-Aqsa after Ramadan prayers, with some 200 Palestinians and 18 police Manilawounded. AFP

Spain ends COVID state of emergency SPAIN has lifted a state of emergency in place since October to fight the pandemic, allowing Spaniards to travel between regions for the first time in months.

“It’s like New Year’s,” said 28-yearold Oriol Corbella in Barcelona, where the lifting of the curfew was met with shouts, applause and music.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK “We’re getting a bit of normality back, of freedom, but we have to keep in mind that the virus is still around,” he added.

“I was fed up with not being able to get out of Madrid,” jewelry designer Blaca Valls told AFP on Saturday, echoing the relief of many in the country over the easing of restrictions. AFP

NZ to resume Sydney flights

Standard

TODAY

WHO: INDIA STRAIN ‘EXTREMELY RAPIDLY SPREADING’

NEW Zealand health officials CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW cleared the wayBLACK for quarantine-free flights to resume to Sydney Sunday as fears of a COVID-19 outbreak in New South Wales eased.

Flights were suspended on Thursday after two people in Sydney tested positive for the virus.

It was the third disruption since the quarantine-free travel bubble between New Zealand and Australia opened on April 18, almost 400 days after both closed their international borders due to the pandemic.

The earlier stoppages to flights to and from Western Australia lasted only a few days and the current travel pause with New South Wales would end at midnight Sunday. AFP

‘Variant caused virus explosion’ A COVID-19 variant spreading in India is more contagious and may be dodging vaccine protections, contributing to the country’s explosive outbreak, the World Health Organization’s chief scientist said late Saturday.

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MARTIN IMPERIAL TINIO, JR. was selfadjudicated by her sole heir as per Doc. 311 Page No. 64 Book No. II Series of 2020 under Notary Public Atty.

Geepee A. Gonzales

In an interview with AFP, Soumya Swaminathan warned that “the epidemiological features that we see in India today do indicate that it’s an extremely rapidly spreading variant.”

New Delhi has struggled to contain the outbreak, which has overwhelmed its healthcare system, and many experts suspect the official death and case numbers are a gross underestimate.

Swaminathan, an Indian pediatrician and clinical scientist, said the B.1.617 vari-

ant of COVID-19, which was first detected in India last October, was clearly a contributing factor to the catastrophe unfolding in her homeland.

“There have been many accelerators that are fed into this,” the 62-year-old said, stressing that “a more rapidly spreading virus is one of them.”

The WHO recently listed B.1.617 – which counts several sub-lineages with slightly different mutations and characteristics – as a “variant of interest.”

But so far it has stopped short of adding it to its short list of “variant of concern” – a label indicating it is more dangerous than the original version of the virus by being more transmissible, deadly or able to get past vaccine protections.

Several national health authorities, including in the United States and Britain, have meanwhile said they consider B.1.617 a variant of concern, and Swaminathan said she expected the WHO to soon follow suit.

“B 1.617 is likely to be a variant of concern because it has some mutations which increase transmission, and which also potentially could make (it) resistant to antibodies that are generated by vaccination or by natural infection,” she said.

But she insisted that the variant alone could

COVID claims two Indian Olympians TWO members of India’s last Olympic gold medal-winning hockey team in Moscow 1980, Ravindra Pal Singh and Maharaj Krishan Kaushik, have died from coronavirus on the same day.

Their families said they died hours apart on Saturday: Singh, 60, in the northern city of Lucknow and Kaushik, 66, later in New Delhi. Both had been on ventilators in hospitals.

India has been battling a huge surge in infections in recent weeks with new deaths passing 4,000 for the first time on Saturday. AFP

MAY 10, 17 & 24, 2021)

Chinese rocket debris disintegrates over Indian Ocean RESOLUTION Subject:

No.: 2021-007 Date:April 30, 2021 Automatic Suspension of Implementation of COA Orders of Execution (COEs) and Deadlines for Filing Pleadings Before the Commission During the Period of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ)

WHEREAS, Section 6, Article IX-A of the 1987 Constitution clothes the Commission on Audit (COA) with the authority to promulgate its own rules concerning pleadings and practice before it or before any of its offices.

A LARGE segment of a Chinese rocket reentered the Earth’s atmosphere and disintegrated over the Indian Ocean on Sunday, the Chinese space agency said, following fevered speculation over where the 18-ton object would come down.

Officials in Beijing had said there was little risk from the freefalling segment of the Long March-5B rocket, which had launched the first module of China’s new space sta-

tion into Earth orbit on April 29.

But the US space agency NASA and some experts said China had behaved irresponsibly, as an uncontrolled re-entry of such a large object risked damage and casualties.

“After monitoring and analysis, at 10:24 (0224 GMT) on May 9, 2021, the last-stage wreckage of the Long March 5B Yao-2 launch vehicle has re-entered the atmos-

phere,” the China Manned Space Engineering Office said in a statement, providing coordinates for a point in the Indian Ocean near the Maldives.

It added that most of the segment disintegrated and was destroyed during descent.

The US military’s Space Command said the rocket “re-entered over the Arabian Peninsula at approximately 10:15 pm EDT on May 8 (0215 GMT Sunday).” AFP

Sicilian judge killed by mafia a step closer to sainthood

WHEREAS, pursuant to the above Constitutional authority and in the exercise of its quasi-judicial function, this Commission has formulated the Rules and Regulations on Settlement of Accounts and the 2009 Revised Rules of Procedures of the COA. WHEREAS, under its Rules, this Commission has prescribed certain deadlines for the filing of appeals, petition for review and other pleadings; and has set the period within which COE has to be issued.

WHEREAS, the implementation of the ECQ and MECQ in some parts of the country due to Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to affect the operation of various government services.

WHEREAS, this Commission issued COA Resolution No. 2020-022 dated April 16, 2020, suspending the issuance and enforcement of COE and extending the deadlines for filing of pleadings before this Commission on a determined period to address the effect of the pandemic.

WHEREAS, to provide for the same measures, it is appropriate to suspend the pertinent periods prescribed under the COA Rules in areas under ECQ and MECQ as declared or may be declared by competent authority, in the interest of justice.

NOW, THEREFORE, this Commission RESOLVES that during a period of ECQ or MECQ declared by the National Government arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the running of the reglementary periods for the following are automatically suspended: 1.

Petitions, appeals and other relevant pleadings from Notices of Disallowance/Charge, or other audit actions or decisions of this Commission, whether before or by the Commission Proper, Director, or Auditor concerned;

2.

The issuance of COE for final and executory decisions of the Commission Proper; and

3.

The enforcement of COE, including payment by installment through salary deduction or by other means.

RESOLVED FURTHER, that the suspension of the running of the reglementary periods shall apply only where (1) the filing or submission is to a COA office in an area under ECQ or MECQ; (2) the action to be taken is by an office in an area under ECQ or MECQ; or (3) the person filing or submitting, or affected by an action, resides or holds office in areas under ECQ or MECQ. RESOLVED, FINALLY, that the period of suspension shall cease upon the lifting of ECQ or MECQ by the National Government, and immediately thereafter, the reglementary period for the filing of pleadings or submissions shall resume and continue to run, and the issuance and enforcement shall proceed accordingly.

This Resolution shall take effect immediately after publication and shall remain in effect until modified or revoked by the Commission.

Approved this 30 th day of April, 2021, Quezon City, Philippines.

MICHAEL G. AGUINALDO Chairperson

ROLAND C. PONDOC Commissioner (MS-MAY 10, 2021)

GETTING HIGH. A man smokes marijuana from an apple during a rally demanding the

decriminalization of marijuana and in support of the protest against President Ivan Duque’s government triggered by a now abandoned tax reform, in Medellin, Colombia, on May 8, 2021. AFP

Death toll rises to 50 from blasts near girls’ school in Afghanistan THE death toll from bombs planted outside a girls’ school in an area of the Afghan capital populated largely by the Shiite Hazara community has risen to 50, the interior ministry said Sunday.

Ministry spokesman Tareq Arian told reporters a car bomb detonated in front of the Sayed Al-Shuhada School on Saturday, and when the students rushed out in panic two more bombs exploded.

He said more than 100 people were wounded, adding that most of the victims were female students.

No group has so far claimed the attack, but Afghan officials including President Ashraf Ghani have blamed the Taliban.

“The Taliban are behind this attack. They have carried out similar attacks on education institutions in the past,” said Arian.

The insurgents have denied involvement.

The explosions rocked the west Kabul district of Dasht-e-Barchi – a regular target of Sunni Islamist militants – as residents were out shopping ahead of next week’s Eid-al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting.

It comes as the United States military continues to pull out its last 2,500 troops from violence-wracked Afghanistan, despite faltering peace efforts between the Taliban and Afghan government to end a decades-long war. AFP

AN ITALIAN judge murdered by the mafia in Sicily takes a step towards sainthood Sunday, almost three decades after being declared a martyr by pope John Paul II. The beatification of Rosario Livatino will take place in the cathedral in Agrigento, the Sicilian town near where he was gunned down aged 38 on September 21, 1990.

In a preface to a new book about the judge, Pope Francis hailed him as a “righteous man who knew he did not deserve that unjust death.”

Livatino, who prayed in church every day before going to court, had been involved in a mass trial against mafioso and was about to launch a new case when he died.

He was found in a ditch by the roadside a few miles from his home. He had refused armed protection.

Many of his notes were later found to be marked STD, for “sub tutela Dei,” a Latin invocation meaning “under the protection of God” which judges of the Middle Ages used before taking official decisions.

The notes also showed he asked God’s forgiveness for the risks his work exposed his parents to, once he learned that the bosses of the Cosa Nostra had him in their sights. AFP

Business

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK MONDAY, MAY 10, 2021 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Manila

Standard

TODAY

B3

16th to 22nd Floors, Fort Legend Towers 31st Street corner 3rd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City 1634 Statement of Condition (Head Office and Branches) As of March 31, 2021 AMOUNTS ASSETS

CURRENT QUARTER

PREVIOUS QUARTER

Cash and Cash Items Due from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Due from Other Banks Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Available-for-Sale Financial Assets-Net Held-to-Maturity (HTM) Financial Assets-Net Loans and Receivables - Net Interbank Loans Receivable Loans and Receivables - Others Loans and Receivables Arising from RA/CA/PR/SLB General Loan Loss Provision Other Financial Assets Bank Premises, Furniture, Fixture and Equipment-Net Real and Other Properties Acquired-Net Other Assets-Net

594,153,795.29 4,321,196,039.73 1,113,768,076.88 1,083,200,788.97 7,832,036,310.86 2,918,949,738.50 29,777,311,388.02 2,770,616,000.00 26,997,229,942.16 412,268,757.00 402,803,311.14 493,860,032.46 1,026,414,468.01 100,384,321.01 1,177,714,585.11

589,312,970.10 3,783,377,440.40 890,755,104.10 1,100,458,154.87 7,973,380,928.25 3,149,232,958.12 31,080,214,183.01 1,865,693,550.00 29,247,708,654.85 388,998,526.00 422,186,547.84 572,405,293.91 1,061,833,366.61 107,636,988.60 1,006,827,582.87

TOTAL ASSETS

50,438,989,544.84

51,315,434,970.84

Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Deposit Liabilities Bills Payable a) Interbank Loans Payable Other Financial Liabilities Other Liabilities

65,373,585.59 33,870,864,648.52 2,932,177,899.07 2,932,177,899.07 473,995,503.78 2,642,574,852.92

231,791,715.12 34,192,344,543.66 2,909,236,514.62 2,909,236,514.62 410,354,108.35 2,807,990,020.66

TOTAL LIABILITIES

39,984,986,489.88

40,551,716,902.41

5,505,833,769.57 (357,549,938.33) 5,305,719,223.72

5,505,833,769.57 162,409,465.32 5,095,474,833.54

LIABILITIES

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Capital Stock Other Capital Accounts Retained Earnings TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

10,454,003,054.96

10,763,718,068.43

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

50,438,989,544.84

51,315,434,970.84

Financial Standby Letters of Credit Performance Standby Letters of Credit Commercial Letters of Credit Commitments Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts Trust Department Accounts a) Trust and Other Fiduciary Accounts b) Agency Accounts Derivatives Others

1,299,722,074.11 125,599,341.25 1,192,925,738.99 350,000,000.00 4,883,190,626.26 1,823,494,561.55 719,277,658.83 1,104,216,902.72 22,056,049,689.27 2,594,669,047.33

1,129,184,810.18 136,320,810.05 348,264,079.85 288,138,000.00 901,695,543.68 1,773,541,057.58 627,733,846.79 1,145,807,210.79 16,110,004,340.01 1,440,947,618.31

TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS

34,325,651,078.76

22,128,096,259.66

31,143,561,163.42 963,446,464.26

32,507,603,129.73 1,005,202,398.88

948,312,423.03 3.04% 440,119,665.40 1.41% 144.07%

1,071,459,928.53 3.30% 447,603,381.45 1.38% 133.22%

CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Gross Total Loan Portfolio (TLP) Specific Allowance for credit losses on the TLP Non-performing Loans (NPLs) a. Gross NPLs b. Ratio of gross NPLs to gross TLP (%) c. Net NPLs d. Ratio of Net NPLs to gross TLP (%) e. Ratio of total allowance for credit losses to gross NPL (%) f. Ratio of specific allowance for credit losses on the gross TLP to gross NPL (%) Classified Loans & Other Risk Assets, gross of allowance for credit losses DOSRI Loans and receivables, gross of allowance for credit losses Ratio of DOSRI Loans and receivables, gross of allowance for credit losses, to TLP (%) Gross Non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables Ratio of gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivable to TLP (%) Percent Compliance with Magna Carta (%) a. 8% for Micro and Small Enterprises b. 2% for Medium Enterprises Return on Equity (ROE) (%) Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) on Solo Basis a. Total CAR (%) b. TIER 1 Ratio (%) c. CET 1 (%) Deferred Charges not yet Written Down Unbooked Allowance for Credit Losses on Financial Instruments Received Basel III Leverage Ratio (BLR) on Solo Basis, as prescribe under existing regulations i. Capital Measure - Tier 1 ii. Exposure Measure iii. Total BLR (%) Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) on Single Currency Basis, as prescribed under existing regulations i. Total High-Quality Liquid Assets (HQLA) ii. Total Net Cash Outflows iii. Total LCR (%)

101.60%

93.82%

4,856,816,920.10

4,252,266,809.74

16,359,481.49

16,270,262.52

0.05% 0.00

0.05% 0.00

0.00%

0.00%

2.99% 1.83% -0.52%

3.33% 2.22% 1.99%

26.96% 26.10% 26.10% 0.00 0.00

27.02% 26.15% 26.15% 0.00 0.00

9,814,324,617.24 52,841,892,814.33 18.57%

10,106,976,882.86 52,804,740,715.49 19.14%

16,491,405,554.74 7,491,762,574.46 220.13%

16,250,790,540.28 8,486,169,321.05 191.50%

Market may drift lower over uncertain economic outlook

By Jenniffer B. Austria

S

HARE prices are expected to continue to drift lower amid uncertainties over the prospects of the economy because of the pandemic.

Analysts said the while first-quarter earnings of listed companies have been positive, overall sentiments remain subdued as investors continue to be wary about the economy in the wake of continued restrictions due to the pandemic.

“The week’s close at 6,258.71 signals the market’s continued march towards the 6,000 levels is gaining momentum,” BDO Unibank Inc. chief investment strategist Jonathan Ravelas said.

“Should this decline accelerate in the coming days, it could put the 6,000 levels to the test and if it breaks, this could put the

5,700 levels at risk. However, should the 6,000 levels hold, expect a sizable bounce towards the 6,500/6,700 levels in the near term,” he added.

Ravelas said investors are concerned about the outlook on the economy despite decelerating infection cases, the steady inflation rate in April at 4.50 percent, and an improvement in the unemployment rate to 7.10 percent in March.

Meanwhile, investors will likely focus on the first-quarter gross domestic product data scheduled to be released this week.

While the government has maintained its 2021 GDP target of 7.5 percent, analysts said the first-quarter performance and indications for the second quarter will dictate the tempo of trading over the near term period.

“The PSEi has retraced towards the critical 6,000 psychological support despite overall rebound in earnings. Textbook investment theory tells us that the stock prices should move with market expectations. This re-

cent slide implies that the market is expecting another round of earnings downgrades, which is unlikely given how deep earnings bottomed out in the second and third quarter of 2020,” online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia. com said.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index dropped 1.8 percent to 6,258,71 amid lackluster trading brought about the uncertainties on the economy.

Except for services, all sectoral indices posted week-on-week declines, led by holding firms (-3.3 percent), property (-1.1 percent) and industrial (-0.6 percent).

The average value turnover fell to P4.5 billion while average foreign selling reached P510 million.

Meanwhile, Wall Street indices ended at fresh records Friday, while the dollar tumbled after disappointing US jobs data fueled confidence of continued fiscal and monetary support as the economy recovers from COVID-19. AFP

I/ We hereby certify that all matters set forth in this Published Balance Sheet are true and correct, to the best of my knowledge and belief.

(Sgd.) ANDREW A. FALCON Chief Finance Officer (Signature Over Printed Name)

(Sgd.) OLIVER D. JIMENO President and CEO (Signature Over Printed Name)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Manila

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TODAY

HEAD OFFICE: PBCOM Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, 1226 Makati City Customer Care: (02) 8777-2266 or 1-800-10-777-2266 (Domestic Toll Free) *Email: customercare@pbcom.com.ph*Website: www.pbcom.com.ph

LIFE’S A BEACH. People sunbathe on May 8, 2021 at the Lido di Ostia, southwest of Rome, as the easing of lockdown measures allows people to go to the beach in their municipality of residence. Italy is one of the countries worst-hit by the pandemic, with more than 122,000 deaths. AFP Manila

Standard

TODAY

BALANCE SHEET (Head Office and Branches) As of March 31, 2021

As of December 31, 2020

BALANCE SHEET As of MARCH 31 , 2021

ASSETS Cash and Cash Items Due from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Due from Other Banks Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Available-for-Sale Financial Assets - Net Held-to-Maturity (HTM) Financial Assets - Net Loans and Receivables - Net Loans and Receivables - Others Loans and Receivables Arising from RA/CA/PR/SLB General Loan Loss Provision Other Financial Assets Equity Investment in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures - Net Bank Premises, Furniture, Fixture & Equipment - Net Real and Other Properties Acquired - Net Other Assets - Net

P

1,655,730,056.23 8,632,602,876.99 1,335,672,773.15 494,007,163.80 17,251,874,232.31 10,303,791,897.83 56,603,170,066.86 57,189,543,084.50 586,373,017.64 429,313,922.47 20,270,263.21 1,502,662,338.57 571,899,051.39 5,195,835,733.50

TOTAL ASSETS

P 103,996,830,376.31

P

1,956,153,867.20 20,597,867,786.62 3,646,986,486.30 740,014,979.64 5,178,101,805.48 3,385,893,282.14 60,583,728,428.32 57,266,880,748.68 3,902,951,881.00 586,104,201.36 512,667,211.70 20,251,720.42 1,529,469,564.64 568,620,956.54 5,126,232,436.69

P 103,845,988,525.69

LIABILITIES Deposit Liabilities Bills Payable: Interbank Loans Payable Other Deposit Substitutes Other Financial Liabilities Other Liabilities

P

81,275,636,653.77 4,654,367,947.45 2,380,000,000.00 2,274,367,947.45 1,149,407,398.26 2,354,859,117.27

P

TOTAL LIABILITIES

P

89,434,271,116.75

P

89,138,343,334.72

P

14,278,374,781.56 1,500,757,834.36 -1,216,573,356.36

P

14,278,374,781.56 3,030,955,408.16 -2,601,684,998.75

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

P

14,562,559,259.56

P

14,707,645,190.97

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

P 103,996,830,376.31

83,299,662,002.64 2,182,844,421.96 2,182,844,421.96 1,292,320,606.04 2,363,516,304.08

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Capital Stock Other Capital Accounts Retained Earnings

P 103,845,988,525.69

CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS Financial Standby Letters of Credit Commercial Letters of Credit Trade Related Guarantees Commitments Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts Trust Department Accounts Trust and Other Fiduciary Accounts Agency Accounts Others

P

TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS

P

796,489,272.19 1,095,261,589.46 474,697,846.45 73,300.00 2,477,663,875.31 7,697,472,284.43 1,741,358,452.92 5,956,113,831.51 58,609,103.98

P

12,600,267,271.82

P

1,112,021,074.54 876,789,622.32 403,601,395.52 73,300.00 3,102,081,170.35 7,973,682,763.74 1,681,807,060.72 6,291,875,703.02 57,819,576.40 13,526,068,902.87

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Gross total loan portfolio (TLP) 58,264,687,917.06 Specific allowance for credit losses on the TLP 1,075,144,832.56 Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) a. Gross NPLs 2,242,185,983.21 b. Ratio of gross NPLs to gross TLP (%) 3.85% c. Net NPLs 1,431,354,814.03 d. Ratio of Net NPLs to gross TLP (%) 2.46% e. Ratio of total allowance for credit losses to gross NPLs (%) 74.10% f. Ratio of specific allowance for credit losses on the gross TLP to gross NPLs (%) 47.95% 8,141,759,259.17 Classified Loans & Other Risk Assets, gross of allowance for credit losses DOSRI Loans and receivables, gross allowance of credit losses 2,157,726.49 Ratio of DOSRI loans and receivables, gross of allowance for credit losses, to gross TLP (%) 0.00% Gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables Ratio of gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables to TLP (%) 0.00% Percent Compliance with Magna Carta (%) a. 8% for Micro and Small Enterprises 3.41% 6.34% b. 2% for Medium Enterprises Return on Equity (ROE) (%) 6.19% Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) on Solo Basis, as prescribed under existing regulations a. Total CAR (%) 18.50% b. Tier 1 Ratio (%) 15.67% c. Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio (%) 1/ 15.67%

1/

62,251,347,872.35 1,081,515,242.67

2,257,737,295.57 3.63% 1,417,431,787.33 2.28% 73.86% 47.90% 9,228,314,698.99 2,491,927.97

Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio (%) is only applicable to all Universal and Commercial Banks and their subsidiary banks.

0.00% 0.00%

3.47% 6.96% 9.86% 18.87% 16.01% 16.01%

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) City of Makati ) S.S. We, Arlene M. Datu and Patricia May T. Siy, of the above-mentioned bank do solemnly swear that all matters set forth in the above balance sheet are true and correct to the best of our knowledge and belief.

(SGD.) ARLENE M. DATU Comptroller, SVP

(SGD.) PATRICIA MAY T. SIY President & CEO

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this April 29, 2021 at City of Makati, affiants exhibiting their SSS nos.

0356633451 and 0373099955, respectively.

Doc. No. 265 Page No. 54 Book No. XI Series of 2021.

(SGD.) ATTY. GERVACIO B. ORTIZ JR. NOTARY PUBLIC City of Makati until June 30, 2021 IBP no. 05729 - Lifetime Member MCLE Compliance No. VI - 0024312 Appointment no. M-183-(2019-2020) PTR no. 8531011 Jan. 4, 2021 Makati City Roll no. 40091 101 Urban Ave., Campos Rueda Bldg. Brgy. Pio del Pilar, Makati City Member: Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation Maximum Deposit Insurance for each Deposit P500,000.00

ASSETS Cash and Cash Items Due from Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas Due from Other Banks Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit of Loss Available-for-Sale Financial Assets-Net Held-to-Maturity (HTM) Financial Assets-Net Unquoted Debt Securities Classified as Loans-Net Investments in Non-Marketable Equity Security-Net Loans and Receivable - Net Loans to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Interbank Loans Receivable Loans and Receivables- Others Loans and Receivables Arising from RA/CA/PR/SLB General Loan Loss Provision Other Financial Assets Equity Investment in Subsidiaries,Associates and Joint Ventures-Net Bank Premises, Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment-Net Real and Other Properties Acquired-Net Non-Current Assets Held for Sale Other Assets-Net Net Due from Head Office/Branches/Agencies, if any (Philippine branch of a foreign bank)

CURRENT QUARTER 1,458,434.02 79,354,820.80 598,724,221.38 0.00 0.00 15,000,000.00 0.00 0.00 2,472,528,054.35

AMOUNT PREVIOUS QUARTER 985,873.07 64,364,821 .80 564,656,648.35 0.00 0.00 15,000,000.00 0.00 0.00 2,496,763,149.11

2,505,306,295.88

2,529,541 ,390.64

32,778,241.53 112,437,519.85 0.00 25,783,502.51 3,110,404.84 218,657,038.26 5,965,082.69

32,778,241 .53 121,973,203.75 0.00 25,410,881 .25 3,119,402.59 225,599,170.51 5,998.059.73

0.00

0.00

3,533,019,078.70

3,523,871,210.16

Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Deposit Liabilities Due to Other Banks Bills Payable a) BSP (Rediscounting and Other Advances) b) Interbank Loans Payable c) Other Deposit Substitutes d) Others Bonds Payable-Net Unsecured Soubordinated Debt-Net Redeemable Preferred Share s Special Time Deposit Due to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Other Financial Liabilities Other Liabilities Net Due to Head Office/Branches/Agencies/(Philippine branch of a foreign bank)

0.00 1,979,697,182.18 0.00 714.000,000.00

0.00 2,132,914,821 .09 0.00 550,000,000.00

714.000,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 25,521,950.35 24,223,257.34

550,000,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 19,155.540.54 19,416,906.27

TOTAL LIABILITIES

2,743,442,389.87

2,721,487,267.90

704,168,379.65 (16,333,312.64) 101,741,621 .82 0.00

701,269,377.65 (2,298,958.17) 103,413,522.78 0.00

TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS FR. ANTONIO CECILIO T. PASCUAL Chairman ATTY. MICKEL M. BORIGAS Vice-Chairman PATRIA T. CHIONG ROMEO A. DE JESUS NORMA G. GUHITING SEGUNDO R. LANUZA, JR. EDITA S. LAURON GARIBALDI O. LEONARDO ROBERTO C. MASCARINA FR. SERAFIN F. PERALTA DIVINA C. QUEMI PEDRO E. RIEZA, JR. JUANITO P. ROSINI NICOLAS H. VERONILLA BOARD SECRETARY ATTY. Simeon T. Asia, Jr. BOARD TREASURER Doris R. Dorigo EXECUTIVE OFFICER IGNACIO A. MANIPULA President & Chief Executive Officer

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Capital Stock Other Capital Accounts Retained Earnings Assigned Capital TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS

789,576,688.83

802,383,942.26

3,533,019,078.70

3,523,871,210.16

-

-

Guarantees Issued Financial Standby Letters of Credit Performance Standby Letters of Credit Commercial Letters of Credit Trade Related Guarantees Commitments Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts Securiites Held Under Custodianship by Bank Proper Trust Department Accounts a) Trust and Other Fiduciary Accounts b) Agency Accounts c) Advisory/Consultancy Derivatives Others

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 7,974,530.56

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 16,021,091 .72

TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS

7,974,530.56

16,021,091 .72

Gross Total Loan Portfolio (TLP) 2,593,455,418.78 Specific allowance for credit losses on the TLP 88,149,122.90 Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) a. Gross NPLs 540,816,956.46 b. Ratio of gross NPLs to gross TLP (%) 20.85% c. Net NPLs 452,667,833.56 d. Ratio of Net NPLs to gross TLP (%) 17.45% e. Ratio of total allowance for credit losses to gross NPLs (%) 22.36% f. Ratio of specific allowance for credit losseson the gross TLP to gross NPLs (%) 16.30% Classified Loans & Other Risk Assets, gross allowance for credit losses 45.00 DOSRI Loans and receivables, gross allowance for credit losses 360,513,411 .64 Ratio of DOSRI loans and receivables, gross of allowance for credit losses, to gross TLP (%) 13.90% Gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables 0.00 Ratio of gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables TLP (%) 0.00% Percent Compliance with Magna Carta (%) a. 8% for Small Enterprises 12.46% b. 2% for Medium Enterprises 40.22% Return on Equity (ROE) (%) (7)% Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) on Solo Basis, as prescribed under existing regulations a. Total CAR 20.52 b. Tier I CAR 19.58 c. Common Tier 1 Ratio (%) 0.00 Deferred Charges not yet Written Down 0.00 Unbooked Allowance for Credit Losses on Financial Instrument Received 0.00

2,603,252,169.28 73,710,778.64

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

342,985,098.33 13.18% 269,274,319.69 10.34% 31.05% 21.49% 45.00 345,433,087.50 13.27% 0.00 0.00% 14.31% 44.88% 4.00% 22.51 21.58 0.00 0.00 0.00

Republic of the Philippines ) Makati City ) s.s.

I/We, RODA L. CRUZ and IGNACIO A. MANIPULA of the above-mentioned bank do solemnly swear that all matters set forth in the above balance sheet are true and correct to the best of my/our knowledge and belief.

RODA L. CRUZ Finance Head

IGNACIO A. MANIPULA President & CEO

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 22 day of April 2021 at Makati City, affiant affiant exhibiting his/her/their Passport No. DFA NCR EAST on December 01, 2016 and Passport No. P6986875A, issued at DFA NCR South on April 30, 2018. nd

Doc. No. 387 Page No. 79 Book No. 97 Series of 2021

NOTARY PUBLIC

P1057056A , issued at

Disappointing April jobs data pose challenge for Biden plan WASHINGTON—The United States added just 266,000 jobs in April—a quarter of the number expected—in a surprise setback for President Joe Biden’s efforts to revive an economy blighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The weak hiring also pushed the unemployment rate up slightly to 6.1 percent, according to the Labor Department’s monthly employment report released Friday.

The data defied economists’ upbeat predictions that widespread COVID-19 vaccines and government relief measures would allow businesses to return to normal and add one million jobs last month.

Biden said such setbacks are not unusual during recoveries, and the report undermined criticism that his massive spending programs were not needed since the economy was already recovering.

“We knew we were facing a once-ina-century pandemic and once-in-a generation economic crisis. We knew this wouldn’t be a sprint, it’d be a marathon,” the president said in comments following the data release.

He again called on Congress to approve two spending proposals costing more than $4 trillion that are aimed at revamping US infrastructure and the workforce.

“We can’t let up. This jobs report makes that clear. We’ve got too much work to do,” he said.

While analysts say the jobs rebound may still happen in coming months, the report nonetheless complicates that assumption.

“This is a big miss that changes how we think about the recovery,” University of Michigan economics professor Justin Wolfers said on Twitter.

On Wall Street, the Dow and S&P 500 finished at record highs, with investors regarding the weak report as improving the chances Biden’s spending plans are approved and the Federal Reserve keeps interest rates lower for longer.

Unemployment surged in the United States when the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, but has declined in the year since, aided by the vaccines and three massive government rescue packages. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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

B4

MONDAY, MAY 10, 2021

Business

PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, May 7, 2021

-24.07 PTS. 6,258.71

TOTAL VOLUME

2,101,008,809

TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE

69,769 4,662,818,825.40

ADVANCES

104

DECLINES UNCHANGED

106 35

SMC Global eyes P125-b capital expenditures

By Alena Mae S. Flores

S

MC GLOBAL Power Holdings Corp., the power arm of conglomerate San Miguel Corp., is looking at 2021 capital expenditure budget of almost P125 billion to finance expansion and acquisition of projects.

SMC Global Power said in a disclosure to Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. the group’s material commitments for capital expenditure projects were approved but were still being finalized as of end-March.

“These consist of construction of power plants and BESS [battery energy storage system] in line with the group’s expansion projects and acquisition of fixed assets needed for normal operations of the

business. The said projects will be carried forward to the next quarter until its completion,” the company said.

Funding from the projects will come from available cash and proceeds from long-term loans, bonds and senior perpetual capital securities.

The outstanding purchase commitments of the group amounted to P30.406 billion as of end-March, while the amount authorized but not yet disbursed for capital projects was P124.184 billion.

The company said it continued to review

and implement the necessary changes to operations, business processes and capital expenditure plans in view of the global and local economic factors as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The group places equal importance to maintaining and, in certain aspects, even improving its financial position and financial performance during the community quarantine period and for the rest of the year,” SMC Global Power said.

Parent company San Miguel Corp. earlier said SMC Global would spend more than $1

Ovialand taps investment bank as initial public offering advisor

By Jenniffer B. Austria OVIALAND Inc., a housing developer with projects in Laguna, Batangas and Quezon provinces, appointed China Bank Capital Corp. as its financial advisor for its planned initial public offering.

Ovialand president Fatima Olivares-Vital said in a statement China Bank Capital would assist the company as it embarks on a dynamic growth strategy. Ovialand is a subsidiary of low-cost housing developer Malate Construction and Development Corp. with three decades of experience in the industry.

“There is strong demand for our housing lifestyle Manila product, so we are aiming to scale up our capacity to 3,000 houses per year by 2025 and Standard eventually TODAY 5,000 houses per year by 2030. We are excited to work with China Bank Capital to

billion to simultaneously build 31 battery energy storage facilities nationwide with a total rated capacity of 1,000 megawatts.

“Our ongoing investment into battery energy storage facilities will greatly benefit power consumers all over the country, because this will mean that even faraway provinces or areas, can have the same stable and good quality power supply as everywhere else,” said SMC president Ramon Ang. Ang said some battery energy storage facilities were in the advanced stages of

Cathedral Parish of St. Paul Rector and parish priest Rev. Monsignor Jerry Bitoon (left) blesses the site in Barangay San Gregorio, San Pablo City where a multi-purpose evacuation center funded by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. will rise. Gracing the event are (from left) PAGCOR president and chief operating officer Alfredo Lim (second from left), San Pablo City Mayor Loreto Amante, PAGCOR director Reynaldo Concordia and San Pablo City Vice Mayor Justin Colago. PAGCOR granted P50 million each to the local government units of San Pablo City in Laguna and the town of Lobo in Batangas for the construction of two-story CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK emergency facilities, which will also serve as satellite offices and activity venues when not utilized for evacuation purposes.

help us realize our growth plans,” Vital said.

“They’re the right choice for us on the back of our fruitful relationship with their mother bank for the past 5 years and also because they fully share our vision for Ovialand,” she said.

China Bank Capital president Ryan Martin Tapia said the investment bank is honored to have been tapped by Ovialand for its assistance in achieving the latter’s goal to become one of the fastest-growing property developers in the country.

“We see a huge opportunity in the housing backlog in the country, and we think the company’s unique premium affordable offering is well-positioned to cater to a growing market of young families looking for quality homes.

China Bank Capital is here to make sure Ovialand has the advice it needs to reach its full potential,” he said.

NLEX’s 2020 profit fell 46% to P3.6b on mobility restraints

By Darwin G. Amojelar NLEX Corp. said over the weekend net income fell 46 percent last year on lower traffic amid the mobility restrictions designed to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

The operator of North Luzon Expressway and Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway said net income amounted to P3.6 billion in 2020, down from P6.6 billion in 2019.

Consolidated total revenues declined 28 percent in 2020 to P11.1 billion from P15.37 billion in 2019.

The average daily traffic for NLEX in 2020 reached 201,790 daily entries, while daily traffic at SCTEX averaged 44,784 vehicle entries. Traffic figures for 2020 were behind 2019 figures by 25 percent and 37 percent, respectively because of the impact of the quarantine measures.

“The overall decline in traffic volume was partially offset by the full-year impact of toll rate adjustments implemented in NLEX last March 2019 and in SCTEX last June 2019,” NLEX said.

The company said it implemented another set of toll rate adjustment in NLEX in November 2020.

NLEX also generated revenues from advertising, toll services and utility facilities, rental and service income in 2020 amounting to P200.3 million, down by 36 percent from P313.4 million in 2019.

North Luzon Expressway which spans about 105 kilometers or 598 lane-kms served an average of 201,790 vehicles per day in 2020. It is the main infrastructure backbone that connects Metro Manila to Central and Northern Luzon.

Financial system endures health crisis impact—BSP

By Julito G. Rada THE Philippine financial system remained resilient and weathered the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, according to a report released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas over the weekend.

The BSP's "Report on the Philippine Financial System for the Second Semester of 2020" highlighted the narrative of the domestic financial system as it entered the COVID-19 pandemic in a relatively strong position in 2020 and overcame its effects while ensuring relevant delivery of financial services upholding its critical role to the domestic economy.

It said the COVID-19 pandemic tested the resilience of the banking system and the robustness of the financial ecosystem as the country reacted to the global health crisis. “This novel crisis significantly affected the banking operations as the community quarantine and social distancing measures, prompted banks to adjust their daily banking services," the report said.

The BSP said it deployed targeted and time-bound regulatory relief packages that facilitated the uninterrupted flow of financial services.

BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said the relief packages strived to address the critical requirements of the economy while ensuring that financial stability would not be compromised.

"The financial soundness indicators, which assessed the banking system’s strengths and weaknesses, affirmed that the banking system is resilient during the pandemic year 2020 but implied that consequent risks from lending should be monitored, including emerging risks from demand side and supply side factors, which may amplify impact on the economy," the report said.

IN BRIEF Century Properties posts P1.15-b profit CENTURY Properties Group Inc. reported a net income of P1.15 billion in 2020, down 22.2 percent from 2019 on lower revenues.

CPG said in a statement sales dropped 24.3 percent last year to P10.84 billion despite the stable revenues from horizontal affordable housing and office leasing businesses.

CPG chief financial officer Ponciano Carreon, Jr. said the decline in revenues and net income were within expected levels, considering the significant impact of quarantine restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic, which drastically slowed down sales, collections and construction activities.

“Notwithstanding a challenging 2020 for most industries, CPG generated reasonable profits as a result of its diversification strategies in the prior years, demonstrating the industry experience and track record of the company and its management team. The high-margin segments of affordable housing and office leasing proved to be resilient throughout the year and contributed 93 percent to the net income compared to 43 percent last year,” Carreon said.

The group’s affordable housing contributed 35 percent or P398 million to 2020 income, compared to 24 percent in 2019.

Jenniffer B. Austria

MyTown: Demand for co-living up 70% CONSCIENTIOUS company owners put in place business continuity plans that include staff housing in response to the disruptions created by the pandemic and to ensure continued operations during community quarantine.

Making staff housing part of a company’s operations can help reduce late or absent employees, coronavirus infection risk from commuting employees, employee churn and address work-from-home programs’ lower employee productivity.

Jogee Arellano, chief leasing officer of MyTown, said “given these direct costs to a company, staff housing has an attractive return on investment for many. The corporate clients who utilize our staff housing have seen attrition rates decline up to fourfold, which have material direct and indirect impacts on companies’ bottom lines.”

MyTown, the largest co-living brand in the Philippines owned by Philippines Urban Living Solutions, saw a significant increase in corporate partnerships for staff housing over the last 12 months. “We have seen a dramatic increase in staff housing by more than 70 percent over the last year. The number of inquiries and sector diversity more than doubled over the same period,” Arellano said.

2 firms get license for online ‘sabong’ STATE-RUN Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. said only two companies were allowed to operate online sabong in the country.

The clarification was made by PAGCOR chairman Andrea Domingo in a radio interview amid the proliferation of illegal esabong on the internet.

Domingo said Lucky 8 Starquest of Atong Ang and Belvedere Corp. of Bong Pineda were given licenses to operate sabong online after paying the performance bond of P75 million each. She said of the five groups that applied for license, only the two companies paid the performance bond.

Domingo said PAGCOR was coordinating with the Philippine National Police to arrest other online sabong sites which were operating without a license from the agency.

Sports

Mexican boxer Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (left) throws a jab at British boxer Billy Joe Saunders during their super middleweight title fight at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Alvarez beats Saunders to unify super middleweight titles. AFP

Marcial now knows how to deal with pressure EUMIR Marcial said he has learned how deal with the pressure and expectations of winning a gold medal in the Olympics.

Now training in his hometown in Zamboanga City, Marcial said his first professional fight last December gave him an idea of what to expect.

And this will help him deal with his inner self when Marcial finally sees action in the Tokyo Olympics.

“Na-manage ko na po ang pressure na makakuha ng gold. Namanage ko na po ang mga expectations sa akin,” said Marcial in an interview on Power and Play.

Marcial decided to retur n to the countr y with the rest of the Philippine team after their bid to participate in the Asian Boxing Championships in India was cancelled due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.

The Asian meet has now been set from May 21 to June 1 in the United Arab Emirates.

Marcial will be having his first fight in five months in Dubai.

Last December, the 25-year-old Marcial pulled off a unanimous decision victory over American boxer Andrew Whitfield.

From that fight, Marcial said he has learned a lot about the techniques and strategies that he can use when he gets to Tokyo.

“Mula sa f irst f ight ko, ginamit ko iyun para makabalik ako sa focus, makabalik ako sa training,” he said.

Marcial has gone to the United States in July last year to train under Freddie Roach.

W h ile in Zamboanga, Ma rcial will do his workouts i n a boxi ng g y m complete with t rai n i ng equipment provided by spor tsman Ju n n ie Navar ro, who also ow ns a basketball team in the Zamboanga Valientes. Peter Atencio

Pinoy athletes’ inclusion in vax priority list pushed F

have so far qualified for Tokyo.

Marcial already got two doses of the vaccine in Las Vegas and Diaz her first in Malaysia.

A total of 626 athletes, meanwhile, were identified for Team Philippines to the Hanoi Sea Games.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino has earlier announced This was the message of Senator Francis that ports tycoon Enrique Razon pledged “Tol” Tolentino on Sunday as he appealed Moderna vaccines for the Philippine Olymto Inter-Agency Task Force on the Manpic delegation, including administrative agement of Emerging Infectious Diseases staff and media.

(IATF) to include Filipino athletes join“The vaccines are in transit [for Olympicsing the Tokyo Olympics and the Southeast bound athletes], but the problem is that all Asian Games in Vietnam in the A4 Priority of our Olympic-bound athletes are training list of the government’s ongoing nationwide abroad,” Abraham Tolentino said. “We will COVID-19 vaccine rollout. try to contact our counterparts if it is possible The senator made the appeal as the Tokyo to include our athletes in their countries’ vacOlympics are just a little over two months cination program.” away from July 23 to August 8 and athletes Yulo and Obiena have been training in Jafor the 31st Hanoi Southeast Asian Games pan and Italy, respectively, for more than a have yet to train collectively. year now while the boxers are in Thailand.

The Hanoi SEA Games are set from NoThe POC president also allotted a $40,000 vember 21 to December 3. grant from the Olympic Council of Asia for the “Athletes should also be prioritized as Sen. Francis Tolentino inoculation of the SEA Games-bound athletes. sports development should be part of the he senator also stressed that professional athletes in the post-pandemic recovery process,” Tolentino said. “The Philippine Basketball Association and other professional physical well-being of our athletes is reflective of the health leagues—regardless of sports—should also be included in of the nation.” the A4 Priority of the IATF. Seven Filipinos—weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, gymnast The IATF earlier approved PBA’s request to hold full pracCarlos Yulo, pole vaulter EJ Obiena and boxers Eumir Felix tices and scrimmages in areas placed under General ComMarcial, Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Irish Magno— munity Quarantine (GCQ) or Moderate GCQ.

ILIPINO athletes are essential workers and therefore must be prioritized in the innoculation program of the government.

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor

MONDAY, MAY 10, 2021

Alvarez stops Saunders to unify super middle titles ARLINGTON—Saul “Canelo” Alvarez stopped Billy Joe Saunders in eight rounds on Saturday to unify three super middleweight titles in front of the largest US crowd in history to watch an indoor boxing event.

Four-weight world champion Alvarez retained his World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association titles and seized Saunders’ World Boxing Organization belt when the previously undefeated Briton retired on his stool after taking a beating in the eighth round.

Alvarez won by technical knockout after Saunders’ corner called a halt in front of 73,126 fans at AT&T Stadium, which was also the biggest to watch an American sports event since the coronavirus pandemic.

Saunders didn’t budge from his stool saying he couldn’t see out of his right eye which was badly swollen from Alvarez’s precision blows.

Alvarez could sense victory in the eighth as he chased the southpaw around the ring waving his arms in the air as if to let the pro-Mexican crowd know that the end was near.

“I knew it,” Alvarez said. “I think I broke his cheek. He didn’t come out to fight because I broke his cheek.”

Saunders headed from the ring to the hospital to get medical treatment on his injured eye.

The previous largest indoor crowd for a boxing card in the United States had been 63,350 for Muhammad Ali’s rematch against Leon Spinks in 1978.

Alvarez, who improved to 56-1-2 with 38 knockouts, was ahead on all three judges’ scorecards, 78-74, 78-74 and 77-75, when Saunders did not come out for the ninth round.

The 31-year-old Saunders, who dropped to 30-1 with 14 KOs, had during fight week argued, and won, his case to increase the size of the ring from 20 feet to 22 feet. But no amount of extra space was going to allow him to escape Alvarez’s devastating punching power.

The victory serves as another step in Alvarez’s quest to dominate the 168-pound (76-kilogram) division.

The Mexican pound-for-pound king’s only career loss to date came as a 23-year-old against the legendary Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2013. He has 13 wins and a draw since losing to Mayweather by majority decision.

On Saturday night, the 30-yearold Alvarez bided his time until he could impose his will on Saunders, who had never faced an opponent of this magnitude. AFP

Ramirez: Sponsors must coordinate with PSC

By Peter Atencio

PSC chairman William Ramirez

SPONSORS and organizations, who wish to support Filipino athletes in the Tokyo Olympics and future international meets, will need to discuss their roles with the Philippine Sports Commission.

PSC chairman William Ramirez said top officials of the government sports agency are set to meet on this to discuss how private sponsors can come in to lend their support.

“Balak naming kausapin itong mga private sponsors, kasi ang PSC since na-create noong 1980, has been spending billions (on these athletes). At dapat, iyung private sponsors, makipag-coordinate sa amin, kaysa makipaghabulan tayo,” said Ramirez in a recent Facebook Live interview.

The PSC chief added: “Samantalang ‘di pa sikat ang mga bata, ang PSC na ang nagpapadala diyan sa iba’t-ibang

lugar sa mundo. Noong sumikat, pumasok ang private sponsor. Kailangan lang nating ilagay sa ayos. The sponsors of these athletes need to coordinate with us.”

The PSC chief said that with good coordination, the agency and the sponsors will be able to discuss the financial assistance that the government provides to the national athletes. This will align with the agency’s funding support with what the sponsors will provide.

Ramirez made an example of Rio Olympics’ weightlifting silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz, who is backed by several corporate sponsors.

The chairman believes that the support given to the national athletes needs to be declared by the sponsoring company.

“Kasi, may mga policy kami, na i-declare nila ang kanilang suporta sa mga bata. Anong malay namin, nagbigay sila

(sponsor), pero nabigyan na din namin,” said Ramirez.

This, according to Ramirez, is needed because government money from the PSC is involved and must be accounted for by the Commission on Audit.

Because of this, Ramirez said he asked National Training Director Marc Velasco and Executive Director Guillermo Iroy to discuss this matter.

In the Asian Weightlifting Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Diaz missed the bronze medal by three kilograms in the women’s 55kg category.

With her participation, the 30-yearold Diaz formalized her entry to the Tokyo Olympics, her fourth straight stint in the games.

Diaz has since joined boxers Eumir Marcial, Irish Magno, Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam, pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena and gymnast Carlos Yulo in qualifying to the Tokyo Games.

Coo shoots for Olympic BMX qualification in Colombia PATRICK COO tries to become the youngest member of Team Philippines when he vies for a slot to Tokyo in the International Cycling Union World Cup Round 4 Olympic qualifier in Bogota on May 30.

Coo, 19, will rendezvous in the Colombian capital with PhilCycling coaches Ednalyn Hualda and Frederick Farr on Tuesday (May 11) because all participants in the Olympic qualifier need to complete 14 days in quarantine.

To qualify for Tokyo, Coo has to finish at least in fourth place in Colombia.

“I am very much motivated and ex-

C1

cited to go after that slot [to the Tokyo Olympics],” said the 2019 Asian BMX juniors champion Coo, whose dad Benjamin hails from Iloilo and his mom Romalyn from Cagayan de Oro City.

Coo will be racing as the lone Philippine representative in Colombia after London 2012 Olympian Daniel Caluag couldn’t prepare for the qualifier because of his job as a frontliner nurse in Kentucky.

“When Danny won, I was motivated to race for the Philippines,” said Coo, referring to Caluag winning the country’s only gold medal in the Incheon

2014 Asian Games that earned him the Athlete of the Year award from the Philippine Sportswriters Association.

Coo was only 12 then.

“We are hoping for Patrick to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics not only because of his potentials to become a champion, but because of his passion and movitation—he trains endlessly,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who also heads PhilCycling.

The Philippine Sports Commission is fully supporting Coo’s campaign with chairman William Ramirez

also hoping the BMX athlete will join weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, gymnast Carlos Yulo, pole vaulter EJ Obiena and boxers Eumir Felix Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Irish Magno in the July 23 to August 8 Olympics.

As an eight-year-old, Coo, of Bellflowere, California, won his first state championship. He went on to snatch four national age-group, 12 state and three western division titles in the US. “I train hard all the time, but I am expecting tough opponents in Colombia,” said Coo, who after taking part in a 2019 Tokyo Olympics test event took a side trip for a visit to the country.

Patrick Coo

C2

Sports

MONDAY, MAY 10, 2021

Jordan college jersey fetches $1.38 million at auction LOS ANGELES—A Michael Jordan game-worn jersey from his 1982-83 season at the University of North Carolina has sold for $1.38 million dollars at auction, Heritage Auctions said Saturday.

“We’re extremely proud to have shattered records for a Jordan gameworn jersey,” Chris Ivy, Heritage’s director of sports auctions, said in a statement.

Adding to the value of the blue and white No. 23 Tar Heels jersey is the fact that it’s the kit Jordan was wearing on the cover of the March 1983 Sporting News, which declared Jordan the NCAA player of the year.

The season was Jordan’s second at UNC, and the season after a freshman Jordan helped take the Tar Heels to the 1982 national championship over a Georgetown team that featured Patrick Ewing.

The same jersey had brought $63,500 when it was auctioned in 1999, and Heritage had expected it to go four about $1 million in its Spring Sports Catalog Auction.

The previous high for a Jordan jersey was set in October when a Chicago uniform worn by the NBA icon —who won six championships with the Bulls—sold for $480,000.

That jersey and shorts kit was from the 1986-87 NBA season when Jordan was the league’s leading scorer but the Bulls were swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. AFP

Michael Jordan

McIlroy 2 back of PGA leader Mitchell at Quail Hollow

Russell Westbrook of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the Indiana Pacers at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. AFP

Westbrook’s milestone fuels Wizards; Dubs win L

OS ANGELES—Another historic night from Russell Westbrook helped the Washington Wizards to a 133-132 overtime victory over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday.

Westbrook notched the 181st tripledouble of his career on Saturday, tying Oscar Robertson for the most in NBA history.

He finished with 33 points, 19 rebounds and 15 assists, draining the go-ahead free-throws with one second left in overtime then blocking a potential game-winning shot from Indiana’s Caris LeVert as time expired.

“That’s Russell, he’s an incredible player and person,” said Wizards coach Scott Brooks, who said he thought the triple-double record established by Robertson during an NBA career from 196074 “would never be touched.”

Bradley Beal scored 50 points for the Wizards but missed overtime with a hamstring strain.

Beal’s outburst wasn’t the only impres-

sive performance overshadowed by Westbrook. LeVert scored 35 for Indiana whose Domantas Sabonis also had a triple-double of 30 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists.

But before Beal’s departure—a worrisome development for the Wizards with the regular season winding down—Westbrook had secured his record-equalling triple-double with his 10th assist late in the third with an arching pass to Beal for a floater in the lane.

“Man, it’s unbelievable,” Westbrook said of matching Robertson. “I take a lot of pride in doing everything that impacts winning, as much as I can leave it on the floor. To be in a conversation with Oscar, one I just want to thank him, because he set the stage.”

Westbrook gets a first chance to overtake Robertson on Monday when the Wizards play the Hawks in Atlanta.

But he and the rest of the Wizards are focused on the standings, where their narrow victory in a game that featured 33 lead changes saw them inch ahead of the Pacers into ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

The seventh through 10th-placed teams will compete in the play-in tournament for a berth in the playoffs proper.

“We just want to keep playing good basketball moving into it,” Brooks said.

“If we keep moving up, that’d be great.”

Among other teams fighting for play-in spots, the Golden State Warriors notched a 136-97 rout of Oklahoma City thanks to Stephen Curry’s 49 points in three quarters.

The win kept the Warriors ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth place in the Western Conference.

Curry was on fire from the opening tip-off, draining five three-pointers on the way to 24 points in the first quarter and maintaining his lead over Beal in the NBA scoring race, despite the Washington star’s big night. AFP

Sabalenka shocks Barty to win Madrid Open MADRID—Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka stunned world number one Ashleigh Barty to win the Madrid Open for the first time on Saturday and put her success down to losing her fear of playing on clay.

Sabalenka was beaten by Barty in the final in Stuttgart last month but exacted revenge at the Caja Magica, a storming 6-0, 3-6, 6-4 victory clinching the biggest title of her career.

The 23-year-old has never gone past the fourth round at a Grand Slam but on this evidence she will be among the contenders at the French Open, which starts in Paris later this month.

“She takes the racket out of my hand when she serves the way she did in the first set,” Barty said.

“I guarantee it won’t be the last time that it happens.

I’ll continue to fight and try to find a way back in each and every time.”

This was Sabalenka’s 10th career title but her first on clay and it will see her rise to number four in the world rankings on Monday.

“Before I was too much thinking about clay, that this surface is not for me, that it’s really tough to play, it’s about long rallies,” said Sabalenka.

“Something changed in my mind this year. I’m not really scared of this surface any more.”

Barty was the heavy favourite heading into the final, especially after beating Sabalenka in Stuttgart

But her opponent never gave in and produced a brilliant finish by winning the last 11 consecutive points to hand Barty her first defeat on red clay since 2019 in Rome.

“To be honest after the final in Stuttgart, I was injured, I couldn’t move and wanted to withdraw,” Sabalenka said on court afterwards.

“But the recovery was good, in four days I feel better and now I’m the champion. It’s been an amazing week.”

Barty will still be one of the favourites at Roland Garros, where the Australian won her first Grand Slam title in 2019.

Her route to the final in Madrid included beating reigning French Open champion Iga Swiatek in the round of 16.

After losing the second set 6-0 in Stuttgart, Sabalenka took some revenge by delivering the same punishment to Barty, in a whirlwind opening frame.

Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka kisses her trophy after beating Barty was blown away by her opponent’s relentAustralia’s Ashleigh Barty during their 2021 WTA Tour Madrid Open tennis tournament singles’ final match at the less hitting from the back, especially off the forehand wing, as three breaks sealed the set for Sabalenka, Caja Magica in Madrid. AFP who conceded only four points on serve.

But Barty finally gained a foothold with a break in last month, also on clay, in a match that also went to the first game of the second, a Sabalenka backhand three sets.

The Australian appeared to have recovered from a floating long to shift the momentum in her favour.

Sabalenka curled a forehand into the corner to break chastening opening set, after levelling up in the second and then leading 4-3, 30-15 on Sabalenka’s serve back but Barty restored her advantage with a volley slapped away and then broke again to seal the set. AFP in the decider.

WASHINTON—Keith Mitchell, chasing his second career US PGA title, fired a five-under par 66 to seize a twostroke lead over Rory McIlroy and Gary Woodland after Saturday’s third round of the Wells Fargo Championship.

The 29-year-old American’s bogeyfree round left him on nine-under 204 after 54 holes at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“All of it feels good right now,” Mitchell said. “Really just trying to keep the ball in front of me and see what we can do tomorrow.”

Four-time major winner McIlroy fired 68 and 2019 US Open champion Woodland shot 70 to finish on 206, one stroke ahead of American Luke List with Japan’s Satoshi Kodaira and American Scott Stallings sharing fifth on 208.

McIlroy, in his first event since missing the cut at the Masters, said his game has turned a corner.

“I felt far off. I still think I was pretty far away,” McIlroy said of his game. “I worked pretty hard these last couple weeks. I found something last week.”

McIlroy said he was energized by a spectators gallery as near to prepandemic levels as the tour has seen.

“I felt that buzz out there on the course and when you feel it you can give something back,” McIlroy said.

“Just so cool to play in an atmosphere like that again. I’ve missed it.

I didn’t think I would miss it as much as I did, but I really have.

“So to be in contention, to have the fans back, I really enjoyed it out there and I’m excited about tomorrow.”

World number 249 Mitchell, whose only PGA victory came at the 2019 Honda Classic, had been struggling with his putter until his coach told him Tuesday it was bent.

“I took it to the trailer, they bent it back and here we are,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell had a tap-in birdie at the par-5 seventh, holed back to back birdie putts from 13 and eight feet at the par-4 ninth and par-5 10th, and added a tap-in birdie at 14 and a fivefoot birdie at the 16th.

“I really started hitting my driver better a couple weeks ago. I started standing a little taller,” Mitchell said. “This course sets up well for me. I really hit a lot of fades. I love the way it looks to my eye and right now it’s clicking.”

McIlroy, who has not won since a November 2019 WGC event in Shanghai, has won twice at Quail Hollow, where he owns the course record of 61.

The 32-year-old from Northern Ireland had five birdies but a double bogey at the par-4 12th denied him a share of the lead. He said he putted well on a day when that was not easy.

“It was really tough,” McIlroy said.

“I felt where the holes were cut, they were tough to read. There were some tricky putts out there.”

Disaster at the 12th McIlroy sank a 25-foot birdie putt at the par-4 third and rolled in another from just under 17 feet at the par-3 fourth.

“When I hole putts like that, it helps,” McIlroy said.

At the par-5 seventh, he blasted out of a bunker just inside seven feet and sank a birdie putt. McIlroy curled in his fourth birdie at the par-4 eighth, sinking a 21-foot birdie putt to seize the lead at 8-under. AFP

Red Cubs’ Pascual catches fancy of NLEX coach, players SAN Beda Red Cubs’ team captain Migs Pascual didn’t stop from getting better and refused to be slowed down by the COVID-19 pandemic.

While games and scrimmages are still prohibited following the surge of new virus variants in the past months, putting the National Capital Region and nearby areas like Cavite, Laguna and Bulacan under Enhanced Community Quarantine and later on downgraded to Modified ECQ, the former Batang Gilas skipper continued with his individual workouts.

One of the skills he developed was his impressive shooting from the three-point region, but with a twist. Instead of the usual three-point attempt, he shoots his treys via a teardrop.

The teardrop shot is an art developed by several players, such as retired NBA great Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs, former PBA MVP Mark Caguioa and ex-PBA

scoring champion Mac Cardona.

Pascual was able to showcase his newfound skill set as he showed it on social media, taking teardrop shots from beyond the arc and making them with consistency. This caught the fancy of NLEX Road Warriors general manager and head coach Yeng Guiao and his new players—rookies Calvin Oftana and David Murrell and veteran swingman Don Trollano.

A firm believer of consistency, Guiao is a type of coach who lets his players do whatever their skill sets are.

“My philosophy is you can shoot anything in the game as long as you’re practicing it, as long as you’ve developed some degree of proficiency, decent degree of proficiency. Nakikita ko naman naisho-shoot niya and wala nga halos mintis,” said Guiao.

“If you practiced something and of decent proficiency, OK ‘yun. Sa akin, may standard in taking a three-

point shot is about 33-percent (1-of-3) in game situations. That’s your floor.

Pinakamababa na ‘yun. You strive and try to get better to make it to 38 to 40 percent. Pero 33, pinakasagad na ‘yan. You have the right to take that open shot. Now, with the skill level of players, the three-point shot is no longer a low-percentage shot.

It’s getting closer to 40 to 50 percent for other players. When it’s a skill, it can be developed. It depends on the time, the repetition and the kind of practice you invested to it.”

Even incoming PBA rookies Oftana, Murrell and Trollano, who will be reunited with Guiao at NLEX, were also impressed with the shooting of Pascual.

“Para sa akin, wala namang problema as long as pina-practice mo naman everyday. Pagdating naman sa game, kung kumportable ka naman, why not? Pina-practice mo naman,”

said Trollano.

Oftana and Murrell agreed with the observation of their teammate.

“Oo, surprised ako kasi malayo ‘yun. Shooting a teardrop sa threepoint region, mahirap ‘yun. Kailangan talaga ng practice. Pero kung naisushoot mo naman, OK lang,” said Oftana, selected third overall by the Road Warriors in this year’s Rookie Draft.

Murrell, a second-round pick from University of the Philippines, was likewise in awe of Pascual’s new weapon.

“I haven’t seen anything like that.

But if he’s consistent at it, why not?” added Murrell.

Pascual has been consistently working out for more than a year now. He has committed to play for the University of the East Warriors in the UAAP in college, but he’s determined to help the Red Cubs in their title drive once the NCAA junior men’s basketball tournament resumes.

Migs Pascual’s teardrop shot from the threepoint region could be a game changer

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com MONDAY, MAY 10, 2021

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Gloc-9's touching Mother’s Day tribute I

N HIS Youtube Mother’s Day vlog, iconic Filipino rapper Gloc-9, whose real name is Aristotle Pollisco, offers a heartfelt tribute to his mom Blesilda as he reveals intimate details about growing up in a poor family from Binangonan, Rizal.

The Mother’s Day video draws on some heart-rending visuals that depict Pollisco’s early life with his mom. Through a series of film photographs, the rapper conjures up memories of how his mom raised him and his three other siblings while his father worked as a mechanic in Saudi Arabia.

Pollisco recalls his mother striving to eke out extra income. “Nagtayo si Nanay ng sari-sari store,” the rapper wistfully recalls in the video. “Dahil kahit nasa abroad si Tatay, sapat lang ang kinikita niya para sa pangangailangan namin kada buwan.”

When times were really tough, Pollisco remembers his mom pawning or selling some of her precious jewelry because none of these could compare to her cherished children’s needs.

“Minsan may panahon na nag-iiba ang mga gastusin,” the young man reminisces, “kaya makikita mo ‘yan si

Nanay, pumipili sa mga alahas niya para isangla.”

Pollisco was witness to his mother’s intrepid efforts to earn money on top of cooking three meals a day and doing household chores—often back-breaking tasks that she handled with utmost patience.

The rapper now believes that the equanimity and grace that his beloved mother displayed then are reflected in his wife Thea’s own dedication, resilience, and resourcefulness as a spouse to him and mother to their children.

“Ang aking maybahay na si Thea at si Nanay ay magkatulad ng ugali,” he says.

“Palagi nila inuuna ang kapakanan ng kanilang mga anak.

Di bale nang mawalan

Iconic Pinoy rapper Gloc-9 in his vlog

sila, basta meron ang mga bata.”

The video paints a soothing—if a radically different—image of Pollisco, who’s usually known for his blunt and abrasive lyrics as Gloc-9. In the rapper’s Mother’s Day vlog, the viewer will realize the extent his mom had gone to in helping him become one of the best-selling artists of the Philippines’s contemporary music scene.

These days, Pollisco acknowledges that his mother’s resourcefulness was something that Cebuana Lhuillier had helped inspire as it was his Nanay’s trusted pawnshop each time they went through a rough patch. It was also through Cebuana that

Marco Gomez makes his mark BROWN-SKINNED gods or goddesses are a rarity in our mestizo and mestiza populated Southeast Asian Hollywood. That is why when they arrive in local Tinseltown, the oohs and the aahs are palpable. Senses razorsharp as all scrutinizes the most perfect specimen of a kayumangging kaligatan man and woman.

Some exemplary brown is beautiful denizens are character actress Tetchie Agbayani, Richard Gomez, the Pinoy’s brown Adonis and the leads of Glorious, Angel Aquino and Tony Labrusca.

A newbie joins this elite crew and his name is Marco Gomez. He makes his mark in Silab, a sexy psychological drama written by the mutli-awarded screenplay writer Raquel Villavicencio, and directed

by Joel Lamangan.

Gomez, a loving, Vienna born Filipino is an original member of the all-male sing and dance, pump and grind group Clique 5. His career takes a new direction as he gives life to Rod in the much anticipated movie from 3:16 Media Network.

“Being and doing Rod was not a walk in the park,” the brown hunk begins. “He has a temper problem that he keeps at bay by putting on a friendly person facade.

He cares a lot. However, there is a dark side about him that slowly eats him up and wants to leap out.

Showbiz newbie Marco Gomez

Some pre-pandemic good times for the Pollisco family, with Gloc-9 hanging out with his family.

That is why despite his seeming kindness, he is twisted in a way.”

Gomez goes on: “It ALWIN is a lead role, hindi na IGNACIO ako nagdalawang-isip.

Add the fact that I get the chance to be working with Direk Joel who we all know is a film master. It feels good that even if I am a new actor, he gave me his full trust. It was reassuring to know that during the entire shoot, he took good care of me and of all of us in the cast. Being Rod is an opportunity of lifetime and I am grateful to be cast in this movie.

The sexy the flick, Marco declares: “They were integral to the film’s narrative. And maganda ang kwento. Kakaiba ang movie.

There is something sinister about it, kaya I was that engrossed and committed to give justice to Rod. Knowing that there will be skin and body baring, one month before the shoot lagi akong nagwo-workout and ate well planned healthy meals.: He recollects: “Ang dami kong scenes na sa beach so dapat laging naka-topless kasi mainit. When the love scenes shoot happened. I questioned myself kung do I have the guts to do it? Pero at the end of the day, once I get into my character Rod and he becomes consumed by Ana, the name of Cloe’s character, wala na ang nervousness and self doubt.

Laban na.”

What he cannot forget with his Silab experience: “First movie ko na lock-in. Siyempre pag lockin, you have a lot of bonding time with the actors, with the production staff. Also, it is my first time to do several love scenes.”

How was it like working with Cloe Baretto? Gomez replies: “We treat each other like siblings so walang ilangan. We talk a lot, especially when we know the sequence that we are about to shoot is a love scene. When we do blockings and rehearsal, we cannot help but laugh. But we are always in agreement to give our best in whatever scene we are in para isang take lang.

When we are in the set, seryoso na kami. We are no longer our usual selves, We become who we are supposed to be, Ana and Rod, two individuals who cannot help but follow the dictates of their loins.”

“I would recommend Silab to everyone to watch it. I have nothing to hide because this is a movie na I can be proud of. It is something new. It is a delicious and delirious watch,” ends Gomez.

ARIAS

Jodi Sta. Maria is Dr. Jill Ilustre, the Filipina counterpart of Gemma Foster of the global phenomenon ‘Doctor Foster.’

SCREEN star Jodi Sta. Maria is the lead star in the Filipino remake of BBC’s global hit Doctor Foster, which will be known locally by its title The Broken Marriage Vow, ABS-CBN Entertainment unveiled in a live online event called “The Doctor Is In” on May 7.

Jodi, whose career is marked by compelling performances and highly acclaimed roles across various genres, takes on another iconic character as Dr. Jill Ilustre, the Filipina counterpart of Gemma Foster. A loving wife and mother with an accomplished medical career, Jill begins to see cracks in her picture-perfect life when she discovers that her husband is having an affair with a younger woman.

Playing opposite Jodi is Zanjoe Marudo, one of the country’s most versatile actors in TV and film, who will be portraying the Pinoy Simon Foster known as David Ilustre. He may be acting like the perfect husband and

his father remitted money from Saudi Arabia.

“I’m happy that Cebuana has given me the opportunity to thank them—and more importantly, my mom,” the rapper says.

“As a company, Cebuana embodies the spirit of diskarte and pagbangon that my mother raised us with.”

In the video, Gloc-9 heartily promotes the Cebuana Lhuillier 24K Reward Program, which enables Cebuana customers to earn points with every transaction. These points can be used to pay for your Cebuana transactions or even buy load. Signing up online for the reward program is free.

“The 24K Program is a great idea!”

Gloc-9 enthuses. “With the pandemic going on, I personally use it whenever I need to transfer money remotely. And I love that I can save on fees because of the points I’ve earned.”

In the past, Cebuana was his mother’s go-to place for money remittances. Now, with those days of dire financial straits behind them, it’s Gloc-9’s turn to send money to his Nanay—and sending cash through Cebuana is Cebuana Lhuillier coming full circle.

Get your Cebuana Lhuillier 24k e-card for free when you sign up online at 24k. cebuanalhuillier.com/signup/pr.

Jodi Sta. Maria is ‘Doctor Foster’ in ABS-CBN’s adaptation of BBC One series

The cast of ‘The Broken Marriage Vow,’ the sixth local adaptation of Doctor Foster following its adaptations in France, Russia, Turkey, India, and South Korea, whose The World of the Married would become the country’s highest-rated cable TV drama.

father, but David is hiding a secret life from her wife – an affair that will change their family forever.

The marriage-wrecking mistress entangled in this domestic mess will be played by Sue Ramirez, who will be starring as Lexy Lucero, the Pinay Kate Parks. Young, sexy, and wealthy, Lexy is used to getting what she wants and will not settle for less in love, even if it is with a married man.

Completing the main cast of The Broken Marriage Vow is Zaijian Jaranilla, who will be filling the role of Gio Ilustre, the Filipino Tom Foster. The only son of Jill and David, Gio falls victim to his parents’

emotional tug-of-war.

Bringing this extraordinary story to life is one of the most prolific female directors working in the country today, Concepcion Macatuno, whose body of work is known for its emphasis on empowered Filipino women. Direk Connie brings her expertise and experience to The Broken Marriage Vow, about a woman who, in the face of betrayal, finds strength and courage to protect what she loves.

Watch out for Zanjoe, Sue, Zaijian, and Jodi in The Broken Marriage Vow, to be produced by Dreamscape Entertainment, soon on ABS-CBN platforms.

Simple but life-saving answers to common COVID-19 questions GMA News and Public Affairs gives practical answers to common yet important questions on COVID-19 via a series of public service vignettes dubbed PPE: Pinoy Pandemic Essentials.

More than a year into the pandemic brought about by the novel coronavirus, the Philippines is still facing a tough battle against COVID-19. Just recently, the country reached over 1 million confirmed cases and with this disturbing increase, some Filipinos are still grappling with what to do should they contract the virus and why getting vaccinated is essential.

PPE: Pinoy Pandemic Essentials tries to address some of the most basic yet still crucial topics on the coronavirus. Lending his voice in the narrative is award-winning news and public affairs personality Atom Araullo. Each vignette will be aired on GTV and will be available as well on GMA News and Public Affairs' online platforms.

The campaign is divided into six topics that provide practical tips to follow for different COVID-related scenarios. In “May COVID Ba Ako?”, tell-tale signs and symptoms of the virus are provided, with a reminder that mild symptoms are still possible signs. It further encourages

Broadcast journalist Atom Araullo lends his voice in ‘PPE: Pinoy Pandemic Essentials,’ a series of public service vignettes that gives practical answers to common yet important questions on COVID-19.

people to immediately isolate and get tested upon experiencing symptoms, especially during a surge in cases.

Meanwhile, “Close Contact Ba Ako?” gives sample scenarios of a close contact situation. When is one considered a close contact and what are the steps to take once an individual has been identified as such?

“Saan Puwedeng Magpa-Swab?” answers the common inquiry on what to do and where to go when one wants to get a swab test. It also provides various

avenues where one can be tested either for free or for a fee.

What if a person gets a negative— then a positive—result within days?

“Negative Ba Ako o Positive?” addresses this concern. It explains the concept of the “incubation period” and the importance of knowing this.

One of the most pressing concerns of Filipinos today is the safety of getting the COVID vaccine. In “Dapat Ba Akong Magpabakuna?”, the principle behind vaccines is explained. What is a vaccine?

How does it work? What are the possible side effects? What should one do after getting the jab?

And finally, “Tayo-Tayo Lang Naman, Diba?” explains the concept of bubbles.

Why is it still important to practice social distancing even inside the household?

What happens when different household “bubbles” interact?

Information saves lives. PPE: Pinoy Pandemic Essentials aims to equip the public with the right information and help in curbing the cases of COVID-19.

For more information, follow GMA News and Public Affairs’ social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

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

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MONDAY, MAY 10, 2021

Life FOOD

Gourmet at home F

Grand Hyatt Manila delivers menu items from in-house restaurants

IVE-star hotel Grand Hyatt Manila now delivers a la carte dishes and set menu items from its three in-house dining establishments.

“Whether it be for family dinners, birthdays, corporate meetings, virtual events, coffee breaks, or to simply satisfy sweet cravings, Grand Hyatt Manila delivers exceptional menus that truly live up to the standards of world-class dining,” the Bonifacio Global Citybased hotel said in a statement.

Dubbed Dine At Home, the menu includes 14 set meals for one that each comes with appetizer, main course, dessert, and soda from The Grand Kitchen, No. 8 China House, and Florentine.

Prices range from P1,500 to P1,750 net.

Grand Hyatt says the set menus are ideal for corporate meetings or virtual events; a minimum of 10 orders is required.

Appetizers in the set meals include grilled chicken, caesar salad, heirloom tomato salad, soto ayam, tuna tataki salad, hot and sour soup, miso soup, greek salad, nicoise salad, cream of chicken

soup, cream of tomato soup, and seafood chowder.

Entrées are slow-cooked pork belly with beer teriyaki glaze, porchetta, crispy fried chicken, Indonesian beef rendang, curry udon noodles and chicken breast, wok fried beef with steamed jasmine rice, tonkatsu, pan roasted sea bass, barbecue braised beef, braised beef cheeks, chicken kiev, crispy pork schnitzel, wok fried pomfret, and roast chicken breast.

Meanwhile, the “feast for six” set menus are perfect for family celebrations at home. The Dine At Home lineup consists of two set menus featuring Western cuisine, two Chinese set meals, and one Vegan set menu.

Selections among the three cuisines include roasted pumpkin soup, seafood chowder, caesar salad, braised crabmeat soup, and hot and sour chicken soup for appetizers. Main course options are ve-

The Western Set Menu B comes with a roasted butterball turkey with vegetable sides, caesar salad, and a whole Florentine signature chocolate.

gan lasagna, slow-smoked barbecue beef brisket, roasted butterball turkey, traditional peking duck, and crispy lemon chicken.

The Vegan and Western menus also come with desserts such as whole vegan chocolate brownie, strawberry cheesecake, and chocolate cake. Prices range from P6,000 to P11,988 net.

For busy offices, production teams, and other frontline workers who continue to serve customers day in and day out, Grand Hyatt Manila offers three sets of filling snacks, each composed of salad, pastry, fruit cup or yogurt, and soda or iced tea.

Rounding out the delivery menu are seven cakes from Florentine, including Whole Vegan Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Mocha, Strawberry Cheesecake, Hazelnut Profiterole, Honey Dulce De Leche, Strawberry-Raspberry Shortcake, and the Signature Almond Florentine.

The menu is available daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Advance order of 72 hours for set menus and 48 hours for feast for six is required. Order via

Mondelez Philippines offers portioncontrolled snack products with only 200 calories or less per pack.

bit.ly/DineAtHomeGHM. Delivery is free for customers within BGC. Those located outside the business district can arrange their preferred courier service or pick up at the hotel’s main

The Western Set Menu A consists of slow-smoked barbecue beef brisket with sides, seafood chowder and freshly baked rolls for appetizer, and a whole strawberry cheesecake.

Adults snacking mindfully amid pandemic AS THE world slows down because of the pandemic, so as the way adults eat snacks.

A survey conducted in October 2020 revealed participants were slowing down to snack, spending two minutes longer than they did before the pandemic.

The survey, entitled “State of Snacking”, was meant to understand how the snacking behavior of individuals, aged 18 and up, has changed in light of the pandemic. Popular snack food company and mindful snacking proponent Mondelez International tapped The Harris Poll to conduct the survey participated by 6,292 global adults.

In addition to longer snacking time, more than half of adults surveyed said they were able to focus on the food they eat because they were multitasking less these days versus pre-pandemic days. Meanwhile, two-thirds said they had been able to control the portion of their snacks because they are snacking at home.

Among those who preferred portioncontrolled snacks, a third said they chose them because it helped them “feel more in control of their snacking, avoid

The good-for-six Vegan Set Menu includes roasted pumpkin soup and homemade sourdough bread for appetizer, vegan lasagna for main course, and whole vegan chocolate brownie for dessert.

Vegan lasagna entrée in the Vegan Set Menu.

NEW EATS Panda Express debuts first pork entrée in PH menu AMERICAN-Chinese restaurant chain Panda Express launched the first pork entree in its Philippine menu on Sunday.

Now available at its Megamall and North Edsa branches, Mongolian Pork is made with tender pork shoulder and crisp vegetables, wok-tossed in a savory ginger and garlic sauce.

This entrée is traditionally made with pork, stir-fried with white and green onions, but Panda Express’ version includes bell peppers and mushrooms, making it uniquely American-Chinese.

According to the brand, the complex flavors of Mongolian Pork is made through layering of ingredients: first, the aromatics as the flavor base; sec-

A survey revealed the pandemic has made adults snack mindfully, taking their time and choosing portion-controlled snacks.

mindless snacking, and enjoy indulgent food without the guilt”.

“More and more people adopt mindfulness for their well-being, to improve or balance their life. It can be practiced by anyone, anywhere, and by all ages, and research clearly shows multiple benefits of practicing it,” shares Chain Yin Lim, nutrition strategy and communications specialist of Mondelez International in South East Asia.

Carrying the torch here in the country, Mondelez Philippines advocates “mindful snacking”, promoting eating with intention and attention, focusing on the present moment, and savoring the taste of the food.

According to the company, portioncontrolled packs help consumers be more mindful of their intakes.

“Consumers prefer portion-controlled products because they are convenient, help keep the food fresh – you’re able to finish what you open, and reduce food

waste,” explains Lim. Mondelez Philippines’ portion-controlled products include Tiger Crackers and Biscuits, Oreo 3-piece packs and Mini Oreo pouch, Eden Sulit pack, Cadbury Shots, Cadbury Dairy Milk Mini Bites, Cadbury Dairy Milk 15g, Cadbury Lickables, and Cadbury 5Star 15g.

According to Mondelez Philippines, the aforementioned all have 200 calories or less per pack.

Aside from providing consumers portion-controlled food items, Mondelez also offers tips for mindful eating. Lim recommends using smaller plates, transferring snacks from large packs into small bowl, using hand as a portion tool when eating out, turning off TV and other distractions while eating, taking small bites and chewing slow, sharing portions with family and friends, and avoiding skipping meals to prevent overeating.

driveway from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

For inquiries, contact email manila. grand@hyatt.com or call (02) 88381234. For corporate clients and concerns, email mangh-events@hyatt.com.

Panda Express PH now serves Mongolian Pork.

ond, the pork is seared perfectly to lock in the juiciness; third, the freshly-cut vegetables are cooked to bring out a sweet caramelization and finished with a ginger and garlic soy sauce.

The pork dish available for dine-in, takeout, and delivery via GrabFood and foodpanda.

RECIPE FILES

Easy-peasy choco-banana smoothie BEAT the sweltering heat with a sweet, cold treat. Powdered chocolate drink Swiss Miss presents a four- to five-ingredient chocolate banana smoothie recipe.

Ingredients: 1 pc.

1 pack ¾ cup

banana, peeled Swiss Miss Dark Chocolate evaporated milk ice cubes whipped cream and sprinkles (optional)

Procedure: 1. In a blender, put in banana, Swiss Miss Dark Chocolate, ice cubes, and evaporated milk. Blend until all the ingredients are smooth.

2. Pour into a glass and top it off with whipped cream and/or sprinkles. Serve.

Swiss Miss Chocolate Banana Smoothie