Manila Standard - 2021 July 5 - Monday

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45 killed in Jolo plane crash Scores hurt as C-130 missed runway in one of PAF's worst mishaps

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T LEAST 45 people were killed and 49 were injured Sunday when a military C-130 aircraft carrying troops crashed and burst into flames after missing the runway in Jolo in Sulu province on Sunday, officials said.

Three civilians on the ground also died, while four others were injured as the cargo aircraft crashed.

Nearly 100 people, most of them recent army graduates, were on board the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft when it tried to land in Dan Putih, Pa-

tikul, Sulu, at about 11:20 a.m.

Some of the soldiers were seen jumping out of the plane before it hit the ground and exploded into flames, said Major General William Gonzales, commander of the Joint Task Force-Sulu.

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VOL. XXXV • NO. 140 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Why C-130 is called a workhorse • The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is an American fourengine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed (now Lockheed Martin).

• The aircraft first entered service in 1956, and is now the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide.

• Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medevac, and cargo Next page transport aircraft.

ILL-FATED. Flames and smoke engulf the C-130 Hercules aircraft that crashed in Jolo on Sunday, killing at least 45 people. At least 40 survivors were brought to a military hospital. Responders and troops scour the crash site for survivors, while rescue team members carry body bags of the victims. The cargo plane reportedly overshot the runway of Jolo Airport and crashed. Joint Task Force Sulu photos

Taal shows signs of eruption; Senators: Pacquiao's corrupt raps lack basis 15,000 flee; alert level 3 stays Team Pacquiao

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja

By Rio N. Araja

TAAL Volcano emitted its highest levels of sulfur dioxide and posted a series of strong quakes in signs of another eruption on Sunday, as thousands of residents of Batangas province evacuated

its environs, the governor said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Taal’s S02 missions at 22,628 tons a day were "anomalously high" as the volcano recorded 26 strong and very shallow low-frequency Next page

SENATOR Panfilo Lacson on Sunday said there was no sufficient basis as yet to conduct a hearing on the allegations of corruption raised by Senator Manny Pacquiao against several government departments, citing the lack of documents or sworn statements from witnesses.

He acknowledged, however, that the Blue Ribbon committee is allowed to conduct an investigation in aid of legislation even without a referral.

“It now behooves the chairman to make the call on the issue at hand,” Lacson said, referring to Senator Richard Gordon, who heads the Blue Ribbon

Committee.

However, Gordon on Sunday said he was perplexed by Pacquiao's call for a probe when he would not be present for the investigation.

Gordon said he was also made aware that the senator — Pacquiao, who remained unnamed in his statement — who filed for the resolution would be out of the country after the filing.

“What will be strange, if not irregular however, in this situation will be the reality is while the accuser has made an accusation, he opts not to be present when the investigation is supposed to be conducted,” Gordon said.

“The gauntlet had been thrown down, he has chosen to pick it up. He who has picked it up cannot suddenly

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lands in Japan, rebooks flight

A Philippine Airlines flight from Manila to Los Angeles—which bore Senator Manny Pacquiao and his aides —had to be diverted on Sunday after a passenger had a medical emergency.

Pacquiao’s lawyer, Tom Falgui, confirmed that the flight, PR102, made an emergency landing in Haneda, Japan.

He was accompanying the senator to the United States, where the eight-division Next page

PH AT 75.

President Rodrigo Duterte (on the video wall) addresses attendees of the wreath-laying rites marking the 75th anniversary of the inauguration of the Philippines' Third Republic at Luneta Park on Sunday.

National Historical Commission Chairman Rene Escalante, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella, and US Embassy Charge' d'Affaires John Law led the ceremonies.

Norman Cruz

HELP AT TAAL. Red Cross staff and volunteers check on residents living near the Taal Volcano at the San Gregorio Elementary School evacuation center on Sunday. PRC Photo

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM JULY 4)

1,436,369 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

5,966 52,708 NEW

ACTIVE

25,149

86

1,358,512

6,987

NEW

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

WEATHER

'Emong' threatens Batanes, Cagayan

TROPICAL Depression “Emong” slightly intensified while moving north-northwestward over the Philippine Sea east of Southern Luzon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Sunday.

As of 4 p.m., PAGASA said the center of “Emong” was estimated based on all available data at 780 Next page

NEW

PCG SCATTERS 7 VESSELS IN WPS

JAPAN LANDSLIDE: 2 DEAD, 20 MISSING

NEWS / A4

WORLD / B2

Pump price hike Fully-jabbed people OKd for travel for 7th time looms By Willie Casas and

By Alena Mae S. Flores CONSUMERS are facing another round of oil price hikes next week of as much as P0.60 per liter to reflect the movement of prices in the world market.

Next page

Macon Ramos-Araneta

FULLY vaccinated people will be allowed to travel domestically without undergoing COVID-19 testing as long as they present a vaccination card or a certificate of isolation issued by the Bu-

reau of Quarantine, the government said Sunday.

A valid and duly signed vaccination card or a certificate of quarantine completion showing the holder's vac be sufficient alternatives to any testing requirement, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said, citing a reso l u t i o n Next page

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News

MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Charter mum on Rody’s VP run—IBP

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Cayosa previously said there is no explicit provision in the 1987 Constitution that bars President Rodrigo Duterte from running as Vice President.

Section 4, Article 7 of the Constitution says: "The President shall not be eligible for any re-election. No person who has succeeded as President and has served

as such for more than four years shall be qualified for election to the same office at any time."

This could be challenged before the SC but there should be an "actual controversy" to do so, Cayosa said.

“The (Supreme Court) can't just give an opinion or a ruling. There must be an

actual controversy. The SC is avoiding giving an opinion on all issues unless there is a case brought to them,” he said.

A person directly affected by Duterte’s supposed vice presidential run is also the one who can question its constitutionality before the high court, Cayosa pointed out.

"Not everyone can file a case before the SC. The person should have an actual interest. Maybe a rival for the Vice President post,” he said.

Cayosa admitted that the 1987 Constitution is not perfect as there are provisions that lack clarification.

"The Constitution was fundamentally a reaction to the Marcos dictatorship. Since this is the origin, there were some points

45...

It was meant to strengthen the Philippine military’s logistical capacity for military and civil support operations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and distribution of COVID-19 supplies.

The Department of National Defense (DND) earlier received the plane in a welcome ceremony on January 29 at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

An official statement from the DND on January 30, 2021, said the C130 plane with tail number 5125 was the first of two planes “granted by the US government through Security Cooperation Assistance.”

Before this, the air force only had one operational C130 out of the four in its fleet, Senator Panfilo Lacson revealed in a hearing last November.

The lawmaker also revealed the PAF intends to buy five brand new C-130J Super Hercules, the newest model of Lockheed Martin's C-130 aircraft.

Photos of the crash site released by the Joint Task Force-Sulu showed the damaged tail and the smoking wreckage of the fuselage's back section lying near coconut trees.

Photos taken by local media outlet Pondohan TV and posted on their Facebook page showed the wrecked body of the plane engulfed in flames.

A plume of thick black smoke rose above houses located near the crash site.

Armed Forces Chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said the aircraft had been carrying troops from Cagayan de Oro on the southern island of Mindanao when it "missed the runway" as it tried to land on Jolo.

The plane tried to "regain power but didn't make it," he said, describing the accident as "very unfortunate.”

"Responders are at the site now, we are praying we can save more lives," Sobejana said.

Sobejana said the 40 rescued from the wreckage were being treated at the nearby 11th Infantry Division hospital.

Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Maynard Mariano said the cause of the crash would be investigated.

"We are on rescue mode right now," Mariano said.

It was being treated as an accident rather than an attack, Armed Forces spokesman Maj Gen. Edgard Arevalo told radio dzBB. The four-engine plane crashed near a quarry in a lightly populated area, 1st Lt. Jerrica Angela Manongdo told the Agence France-Presse, adding the rescue operation had finished.

Initial reports said the aircraft overshot the landing strip and broke into two, Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan said.

Most of the passengers had recently graduated from basic military training and were being deployed to the restive island as part of a joint task force fighting terrorism in the Muslim-majority region.

The military has a heavy presence in Mindanao where militant groups, including the kidnap-for-ransom outfit Abu Sayyaf, operate.

C-130 aircraft, the work horses of the air force, are used to transport troops and supplies. They are also often deployed to deliver humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The mishap was one of the country's deadliest military aviation accidents.

Senator Richard Gordon said it was the fourth this year with "mass casualties.”

"Are we buying defective crafts with the people's money?" he tweeted.

Sunday's accident comes after a Black Hawk helicopter crashed last month during a night-time training flight, killing all six on board.

Three pilots and three airmen died when their S70-i went down near the Crow Valley training range north of Manila, prompting the grounding of the entire fleet.

The country ordered 16 of the multirole aircraft from a Polish firm that made them under license from the Sikorsky division of US defense manufacturer Lockheed Martin.

Eleven have been delivered since late 2020.

An official of the US Embassy in Manila said it would send medical aid to survivors of the crash.

At the time of the turnover, the US embassy said the C-130 Hercules is capable of a maximum payload of 19,000 kilograms, with a flying range of over 1,900 kilometers.

The 220 Airlift Wing at the Philippine Air Force Brigadier General Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Cebu owns and operates the aircraft.

Muntinlupa City Rep. Ruffy Biazon mourned the loss of military personnel in the Patikul, Sulu, crash.

He said the crash was a “major blow” to the capability and morale of the AFP, coming less than two weeks after a newly acquired Black Hawk helicopter went down, killing six officers and crew.

“With this latest incident, it becomes twice as urgent to determine the causes of these crashes whether human error, equipment failure, or weather disturbance is to blame. Being newly-acquired assets, should equipment failure be determined as the cause, it will bring to fore questions on the quality of the assets acquired or the maintenance capability of the unit involved,” he said.

He said should it be determined that crew error is the cause, the training and readiness of personnel may have to be reviewed. Rio N. Araja with AFP

Hermilando Mandanas said Sunday.

“We're monitoring the evacuees.

There's social distancing and they're wearing masks. We give them masks if they have none. We know we can't avoid them being close to each other. We give them food. So, we're also preparing vaccines,” he said.

The province has received more than 8,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines from Metro Manila mayors for the evacuees, Mandanas said. The health department also assured it would send additional COVID-19 vaccines and test kits.

Local officials are setting up additional inoculation sites for Taal evacuees in Laurel and Agoncillo, he added.

“Everyone is a priority. When they arrive there, everyone around them is also exposed because COVID can get easily transmitted and right now we have a problem in observing social distancing,” Mandanas added.

Family tents are being utilized in some isolation facilities and schools, which now temporarily serve as evacuation centers,

the governor said.

The evacuated residents include those from five villages inside the 7-kilometer danger zone—Barangays Bilibinwang and Banyaga in Agoncillo, and Barangays Bugaan East, Buso-buso and Gulod in Laurel—that have been placed under lockdown, said Batangas Police Director Glicerio Cansilao.

Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said possible eruption could face the direction of Agoncillo and Laurel. The potential explosion is not facing the direction of Tagaytay City, the tourist haven in Cavite, he added.

Travelers may still visit Tagaytay, but Solidum cautioned them to always wear a face mask.

“The volcano has not had a strong eruption yet. The eruption does not seem to be toward Tagaytay. There's no danger there. Just monitor the wind’s direction or if it's safe to travel. There's no problem. Just always bring face masks,” Solidum said.

Phivolcs earlier said that volcanic smog is a kind of air pollution due to vol-

canic gas. Because the particles are acidic, vog could irritate a person’s eyes, throat, and respiratory tract “depending on the gas concentrations and durations of exposure.”

Phivolcs earlier said it reported 3 short phreatomagmatic explosions, 48 volcanic earthquakes, based on its 24-hour monitoring.

On Thursday, the volcano roared to life with a "short-lived dark phreatomagmatic plume" that rose a kilometer into the air.

Taal's last eruption in January 2020 shot ash 15 kilometers high and spewed redhot lava, crushing scores of homes, killing livestock, and sending over 135,000 people into shelters.

All activities on Taal Lake should not be allowed at this time, Phivolcs reminded.

“Communities around the Taal Lake shores are advised to remain vigilant, take precautionary measures against possible airborne ash and vog (volcanic smog) and calmly prepare for possible evacuation should unrest intensify,” the advisory read.

PR102 arrived before noon Sunday at the NAIA Terminal 1. PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna told Super Radyo dzBB PR102 departed Manila at 9 p.m. on Saturday.

Five hours into the flight, the passenger had a medical emergency, she said. The passenger's condition normalized while in Haneda after being given medical support, the PAL spokesperson added.

Due to the diversion and refueling at Haneda, the flight, if it pushed through to Los Angeles, would have arrived at the airport around 1 a.m. of July 4, LA time, Villaluna said.

The flight has 186 passengers, she said.

"We will take care of passengers upon landing," Villaluna added.

The affected passengers stayed at the airport and boarded the next flight scheduled at 2 p.m. Sunday, she said.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Senators:...

said he has would be submitted to the Senate President or the Blue Ribbon Committee, so we can assess what next move to take on the issues that he presented in yesterday’s virtual press conference," Lacson said.

On Saturday, Pacquiao branded as corrupt the departments of Health, Social Welfare and Development, Environment and Natural Resources and Energy, but merely vowed to submit documentary evidence to the President and the Blue Ribbon Committee.

Pacquiao, acting president of the ruling PDP-Laban, is planning to run for president next year, but has been increasingly criticized by the party's chairman, President Rodrigo Duterte.

In his press conference, Pacquiao urged the President not to be angry, as he merely wanted to help his government by exposing corruption.

Lacson earlier told Pacquiao that to land a knockout against corruption, he should make sure all his exposes are backed by solid evidence. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

But travelers who have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine will still need to undergo health and exposure screening upon arrival at the local government of destination, Roque said.

In other developments: • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to issue an emergency use authorization (EUA) to the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, which is believed to be effective against coronavirus variants, including the Delta variant, said the agency’s chief, Director General Eric Domingo • Senator Francis Tolentino proposed the expansion of the membership of the IATF to include representatives of the Union of Local Authorities in the Philippines and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He said provincial governments and the private sector should have a voice in the national government's highest policy-making body dealing with the pandemic.

The Philippines logged 5,966 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, bringing the total to 1,436,369, as one laboratory was not able to submit its data on time, the Department of Health (DOH) reported.

There were 86 new fatalities, bringing the COVID-19 death toll to 25,149.

The DOH also reported 6,987 patients recently recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 1,358,512.

There were 52,708 active cases, of which 91.1 percent were mild, 3.8 percent were asymptomatic, 1.4 percent were critical, 2.1 percent were severe, and 1.54 percent were moderate.

Nationwide, 57 percent of ICU beds, 46 percent of isolation beds, 44 percent of ward beds, and 34 percent of ventilators, were in use.

In Metro Manila, 46 percent of ICU beds, 38 percent of isolation beds, 33 percent of ward beds, and 29 percent of ventilators, were in use.

Meanwhile, the OCTA Research Group said a 5-percent uptick in COVID-19 cases in the National Capital Region (NCR) in the last week of June is not a cause for concern.

"We're not concerned about spikes in cases. We hope this will decline next week,” said Guido David of the OCTA group, speaking in a mix of English and Filipino. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

pandemic.

"Demand recovery, buoyed by the decline in the number of COVID-19 cases and an uptick in vaccination, has boosted the market's ability to absorb additional supplies," the Department of Energy said in its monitoring report.

Demand has been going up amid increased travel and strong economic recovery in the US and Europe.

World oil prices went up last week due to optimism that demand will exceed supply and the Organization of

the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies will be careful in returning more crude to the market from August.

On June 29, domestic oil companies hiked prices P1 per liter for gasoline, P0.65 per liter for diesel and P0.70 per liter for kerosene.

These resulted in year-to-date adjustments at a total net increase of P11.75 per liter for gasoline, P9.90 per liter for diesel, and P8.40 per liter for kerosene. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s possible reelection as Vice President may be questioned before the Supreme Court but there are limits to do this, Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) immediate past president Domingo Cayosa said Sunday.

From A1

It was one of the country's deadliest military aviation accidents.

"This is a sad day, but we have to remain hopeful," Gonzales said in a statement.

"We enjoin the nation to pray for those who are injured and those who have perished in this tragedy."

A search was still under way for 17 missing people.

“We are deeply saddened by the C-130 mishap in Sulu,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

“Rescue efforts are ongoing, and we are one in praying for the safe recovery of the passengers.”

He urged the public to wait for further updates on the “unfortunate” incident.

Days earlier, Roque himself had ridden the same plane, which brought COVID-19 vaccines, ventilators, personal protective equipment, and high flow cannulas to Iloilo City on Thursday, the spokesman said in a Twitter post. He added a photo of himself standing on the tarmac with the C130 in the background.

The C-130 was one of two transport aircraft that were turned over by the US government through the Joint US Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) to the Defense Department and the Philippine Air Force on Feb. 19.

The aircraft first flew in 1988 and had been used by the US until it was stored in 2016 and sold to the Philippines in January 2021, according to a website that tracks C-130s.

The aircraft was turned over as a grant worth P1.54 billion ($32.2 million) to the PAF through the Foreign Military Financing grant program.

Taal...

From A1

volcanic earthquakes on its eastern sector, with some of the quakes reportedly accompanied by rumbling.

It also shot steam-rich plumes that rose as much as 2,500 meters high, signaling another eruption similar to what happened last Thursday, the state seismology agency said.

Alert Level 3 prevailed over the volcano as Phivolcs warned the public of a possible volcanic tsunami should strong eruptions occur.

The entire Taal Volcano Island is still a permanent danger zone, and that entry into the island and high-risks villages of Agoncillo and Laurel towns in Batangas must be prohibited due to the hazards of pyroclastic density currents and tsunami, the agency said.

But this early, some 15,000 residents of Batangas have fled their homes following the phreatomagmatic eruptions, Governor

Team...

From A1

world boxing champion will face Errol Spence in Las Vegas on August 21.

After medical personnel in Haneda addressed the concern, the flight left.

But instead of continuing the flight to Los Angeles, the plane had to turn back to Manila because the landing permit issued to PR102 was only until midnight of July 3, Los Angeles time.

Pacquiao then took a special flight, PR5102 to Los Angeles. It was a day after the senator exposed alleged corruption in four government agencies (see related story – Editors).

The emergency landing was necessary to ensure the passenger had medical attention, and the person did not have to be brought to a hospital, PAL said in a statement.

Weather...

From A1

kilometers East of Virac, Catanduanes.

It has maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gustiness up to 70 kph while moving north-northwestward at 25 kilometers per hour, the weather bureau added.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 is hoisted over Batanes and the northeastern portion of Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gonzaga) including the Babuyan Islands.

PAGASA said areas under TCWS No. 1 will be experiencing strong winds

and moderate to heavy with at times intense rains during the passage of the tropical depression.

“However, based on the projected track and intensity, “Emong” is likely to intensify into a tropical storm, TCWS #2 will be the highest possible TCWS that will be raised over Batanes and the Babuyan Islands,” it added.

The tropical depression, PAGASA said, is forecast to continue moving northwestward or north-northwestward until Monday afternoon and its center may traverse over the Batanes-Babuyan Islands area between Monday evening and Tuesday morning. With Rio N. Araja

From A1

leave and ask someone else to wage the fight in his stead,” he added.

Pacquiao, an eight-division world champion boxer, has a scheduled match against Errol Spence in Las Vegas on August 21 and left on Saturday night to train in the United States for the match (see related story—Editors).

But Gordon said: “We are elected public officials, first and foremost.

Our primary duty is service to those who have voted us into office.

Any other duty, especially to the self, must always come second.”

In the meantime, Lacson said, the onus is on Pacquiao at the very least to show some specifics in support of his allegations.

He branded as "serious and sensitive in nature" Pacquiao's allegations against government agencies that he said were marred with corruption.

"It can better serve the purpose of the expose if relevant documents that he

Pump...

From A1

"Expect fuel prices to go up next week (July 6-12, 2021). Diesel will increase by P0.10 per liter. Gasoline will increase by P0.50 to P0.60 per liter," Unioil Petroleum Philippines announced over the weekend.

This will be the seventh consecutive weekly oil price increase as the global economy recovers from the COVID-19

that were not clarified,” he said.

In a speech last week, Duterte revealed that he is considering running for Vice President in 2022 to avoid being a lame duck during his last year in office.

“Alam mo ‘yun... as a lame duck, posturing ‘yan. Political posturing so that they will not treat you badly,” Duterte said in a speech during the inauguration of the LRT2 East Extension Project.

“To maintain the equilibrium, consider me as a candidate for (the) vice presidency,” he added.

The ruling party PDP-Laban also formally petitioned him to run for VP as running mate of a presidential candidate of his choosing.

House inquiry into Bayanihan funds pressed PARTY-LIST representatives of the Citizens Battle Against Corruption have called for a House inquiry over the billions of unused funds under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, which expired in June.

In a statement on Sunday, CIBAC said House Deputy Speaker Bro. Eddie Villanueva and Rep. Domeng Rivera filed House Resolution 1913 seeking an inquiry on the utilization of the Bayanihan 2 funds.

“The expiration of unspent Bayanihan 2 funds simply means one thing: we deny our people of their much-needed help and assistance amidst this COVID-19 pandemic when they are already grappling to survive,” Villanueva said.

“It is necessary that we look into why this happened and track any bureaucratic bottleneck, inefficiency or negligence that might have led to the lapse of the funds,” he added.

Villanueva said an inquiry will be helpful for Congress to scrutinize the proposed 2022 budget, which could reach P5.024 trillion. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Why...

From A1

• More than 40 variants of the Hercules, including civilian versions marketed as the Lockheed L-100, operate in more than 60 nations.

• The Philippine Air Force had 3 C-130 aircraft, all from the United States, in its fleet.

• Of the three, the first one, a C-130B model delivered by the US in January 2021 with tail number 5125, was what crashed in Sulu on Sunday.

• The PAF is ordering two more C-130J "Super Hercules" from the United States.

Fully-jabbed...

From A1

News

MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

DFA prepares to bring home Pinoys in UAE

HOT MEALS FOR EVACUEES.

The Philippine Red Cross through its food truck serves ready-to-ear hot meals to 239 individuals (50 families) at the San Gregorio Integrated School evacuation Center in Laurel town of Batangas.

PRC Chairman Senator Richard Gordon sent two more food trucks to two evacuation centers amid the lingering threat of Taal Volcano’s eruption. PRC

PREGNANT Filipinos and those with expiring visas from the United Arab Emirates will have the priority when the Department of Affairs starts repatriation of Filipinos workers from the emirates which is covered by a travel ban imposed by the Duterte administration in the effort to prevent the transmission of the deadly Delta variant.

DFA has prepared chartered repatriation flights for UAE overseas Filipino workers on July 12, 17, 27, and 30.

Also a priority is the evacuation of families with children and medical patients with no insurance in the United Arab Emirates, the DFA said.

The Philippine government arranged chartered flights for Filipinos in UAE due to the existing travel ban there.

The Inter-Agency Task Force implemented a travel ban on incoming travelers from seven countries, including the UAE.

Private schools in distress gain support from business bloc BUSINESS groups have thrown their support to private schools which have been hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and now face a 150-percent increase in income tax rate.

In a recent virtual forum hosted by think tank Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute, a coordinating council for private schools underscored the need for support from both the government and the private sector.

Citing data from the Department of Education, Joseph Noel Estrada, Managing Director of Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) said more than 900 private schools have recently closed down and 900,000 basic education students failed to enroll.

“A high percentage of private higher education institutions were closing down, while more than 50 percent were suffering a 10-percent to 50-percent decline in enrolment. This trend will likely continue without the economic and policy intervention by the government,” Estrada said.

Estrada said the problem was exacerbated by the recent increase in the income tax rate on proprietary education institutions from 10 percent to 25 percent. He said that instead of implementing the concessionary tax rate of 1 percent under the CREATE [Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises] Act for the next three years, the BIR insists on implementing the 150-percent increase in income tax rate on these educational institutions.

“This looming problem particularly on the learning crisis calls for the protective power of the State over the right of all citizens to quality and accessible education at all levels. Education indeed should not only continue. For us, quality education must thrive,” Estrada said.

“We have too many empty schools and spaces, while the private schools have too much human resources and facilities. We do not have the enrollment. The problem is sustainability.

We hope the government could tap the private education sector to help them deliver the education to the 27 million learners in the country,” Estrada said.

Edgardo Lacson, chairman of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), supported COCOPEA’s call to rescind the new BIR regulations increasing tax on private schools by 150 percent under the CREATE Law and called for the easing of tax regulations for the next three years.

COMMUTER’S OPTION.

Motorized skate makes for faster and cheaper way to transport people and cargo using the railroad tracks.

What a way to eke out a living amid the prolonged Covid pandemic, never mind the risks.

PonD News Asia

A3

FDA audits vaccine supply after arrest of illegal sellers

By Willie Casas and Rey Requejo

T

HE Food and Drug Administration has begun checking the lot number or batch codes of vaccines against COVID-19 following the discovery of unauthorized sale of certain doses.

FDA Director General Eric Domingo, in an interview with Dobol B TV, said accounting of vaccines will help determine if the doses being sold in the black market came from government supply.

As this developed, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra also on Sunday said authorities will arrest and prosecute any person or individual involved in the illegal sale of anti-Covid vaccines.

Guevarra made the warning after the National Bureau of Investigation’s Task Force Against Illegal Drugs arrested in Manila last June 30 three persons caught

illegally selling COVID-19 vaccines.

We have a record of government-acquired COVID-19 vaccines, and where they are being distributed. We need to determine if illegally sold vaccines are from government supply or from unauthorized sources,” said Domingo.

The illegal trade of COVID-19 vaccines is alarming as allocated supplies for supposed recipients could be affected, Domingo warned.

Domingo also said that all vaccines that are part of government’s immunization program against COVID-19 have

emergency use authorization (EUA).

This means these are not allowed for commercial use.

Domingo, likewise, said it is coordinating with the NBI investigation of the incident of unlawful sale of COVID-19 vaccines, where three of the four suspects were already arrestested.

The suspects will face charges for violation of the Food and Drug Administration Act. So far, the Philippines has received over 17 million doses of various vaccine brands against COVID-19. This includes 7.5 million people vaccinated as of June 27.

The possible sale of vaccination slots is also included in the NBI’s investigation, as this is precisely the original scope of my directive to the NBI, Guevarra added.

BAYANIHAN. BRP

Bagacay crew led the BayanihanSaKaragatan in Barangay Sangali, Zamboanga City on Sunday, sending relief goods consisting of rice, canned foods and instant noodles to 35 local fishermen and 15 families . At the same time, Coast Guard personnel urged residents to maintain the cleanliness of the water in their barangay and continue to safeguard their health against the threat of COVID-19.

Use Bayanihan funds to help poor, farmers —Robredo

By Rio N. Araja VICE President Leonora Robredo on Sunday lamented that there were unused Bayanihan funds that could have helped the poor amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In her weekly radio program, Robredo explored the possibility of having access to the P18.4-billion unused funds under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2 that expired on June 30.

“When I read about it, I had a feeling of regret for not having utilized the funds. What a waste? I was thinking of, what if the fund was given to us, we could have served (the people) with the vaccine,” she said.

“For us, we regretted that since that was the time that we really needed the funds. Isn’t it? The President was always saying that we did not have the money but the money was just there. The money was just there but was not spent.”

The Duterte administration, however, claimed that the unused portion of the fund only amounted to P9 billion, and not P18.4 billion, and that the unspent money would be turned over to the National Treasury.

According to Robredo, farmers, the ordinary workers and health-care workers as well as health institutions could have benefited from the unutilized funds.

Robredo said also on Sunday that the government should consider the recent COVID-19 resilience study in assessing its pandemic response.

The Philippines ranked 52nd among 53 countries in Bloomberg’s COVID Resilience Ranking published last week.

PH assumes historic role as chair of Geneva-based ILO group THE Philippines makes history in the world labor front as it assumes chairmanship of the International Labor Organization’s government group, the first non-regular member country of the ILO to take such role.

The Labor department said this marks a significant shift in the policymaking global tripartite body that has

been traditionally led by big, powerful member-countries.

In a report to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Geneva said the Philippines formally assumed the post last week after completing its vice chairmanship position.

As head of the body representing

governments, the Philippines will play a leading role in the Governing Body of the ILO which convenes every March, June, and November, Labor Attaché to Geneva Cheryl Daytec said in her report.

With the mandate, Secretary Bello will preside over the Government Body Sessions and the International Labour

Conference (ILC) Government Group meetings.

The labor chief congratulated the Philippine Permanent Mission to the UN and the POLO in Geneva for having relentlessly pursued the country’s long quest for the coveted seat.

“With the chairmanship of the government group, the Philippines will

Text got RTC judge into trouble THE Supreme Court has suspended a regional trial court judge for six months as disciplinary action for his impropriety when he sent cellphone text messages to the parties in a case or to lawyers to explain his decision and suggest what legal recourse they should take.

In a decision, the SC reprimanded Naga City RTC Judge Soliman M. Santos Jr. for committing such impropriety when it is enough to “let the court decision speak for itself.”

With this ruling penned by Associate Justice Rodil Salameda, the SC ordered Santos’s suspension for six months without pay.

“The Court finds respondent Judge Soliman M. Santos, Jr., Presiding Judge

of Branch 61, Regional Trial Court, Naga City, Camarines Sur guilty of Impropriety.

He is suspended from his duties as presiding judge for six months, without salary and other benefits. He is also STERNLY WARNED that a repetition of the same or similar act shall be dealt with more severely by the Court,” the SC ruled.

Court records showed that on December 17, 2018, Santos acquitted a couple of estafa charge but ordered them to pay P1.39 million in damages to the complainant.

After promulgating his decision on the case, Santos sent a text message to the parties’ lawyers and asked them, in effect, to accept his decision or to file a motion for reconsideration since his ruling was not yet final. Rey Requejo

Romualdez distributes 5,000 doses

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A4

MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

By Rio N. Araja

News Cayetano calls for creation of passport ID

By Rio N. Araja and Maicel V. Cruz FORMER House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano is urging the government to create a national health passport system that would go with the national identification system and help individuals easily access their health records.

“When the bill was new, it proposed a physical passport wherein your medical information and history are indicated. Every time you visit a health center, your passport would be updated in case you move to another barangay or doctor,” he said.

“Now that we have the technology with a QR code, there is no excuse for us not to create this system. This QR code could be found in your phone or you can have a physical copy,” he added.

He said he hopes that we could integrate that technology with the national ID system.

A conduct a house-to-house application for the national ID is practical, he added.

The system would not only provide the national government with a database containing the number of Filipino families per locality, it can also help individuals easily access their personal records and have an electronic account where the government can reach and transact with them.

At the same time Cayetano renewed his call for the establishment of the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR).

Las Piñas ‘steady fight’ against virus

By Macon Ramos-Araneta ONE year and three months since President Rodrigo Duterte imposed “quarantine” in the country to contain COVID-19, Las Pinas City has effectively put up a “a steady fight” to win the battle against the current health crisis.

Through the collective efforts and systematic approach launched by its local and national officials, the city has been coping up well with the coronavirus and its variants, according to Senator Cynthia Villar.

To date, Las Piñas has also started giving jabs to essential workers in city who belong to the A4 priority list in adherence to the national government’s protocols.

The following initiatives have been implemented in Las Piñas to address the COVID-19 pandemic, return to normalcy and reinvigorate the economy.

They are the RT-PCR testing, Contact tracing, quarantinefacilities, increased in Bed Capacity at Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center (LPGHSTC), modular hospital, vaccination rollout, and house and lot raffle for vaccinated adult.

Villar said they exerted earnest efforts since March 2020 to capacitate the LPGHSTC to operate its own COVID-19 testing laboratory.

OVER WITH. Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia is now fully vaccinated, after receiving his second dose of AstraZeneca vaccines at the Bacolod City Government Center on July 3, the first on April 17. As mayor, Leonardia belongs to priority group A1 (Workers in Frontline Health Services), after the National IATF reclassified Local Chief Executives as under Priority Group A1.5 in the ongoing National Vaccination Program. Bacolod City PIO

PCG scatters Chinese, Vietnam ships in WPS

F

IVE Chinese and two Vietnamese fishing vessels were recently ordered by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to leave the country’s waters off Palawan, the PCG said Sunday.

In a statement, the PCG said its BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) dispersed the foreign vessels caught last June 30 in the vicinity of Marie Louise Bank some 147 nautical miles off El Nido, Palawan.

The Marie Louise Bank is part of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the West Philippine Sea. Using its Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), the BRP Cabra raised a radio challenge after the seven ships were monitored via radar and automatic

identification system.

After the dispersal of the foreign vessels, the PCG said BRP Cabra checked on the condition of 34 Filipino fishermen aboard F/B XIROXIRA from San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, that was also monitored at the vicinity waters off Marie Louise Bank.

The Filipino fishermen said they were able to conduct normal operations in the past two weeks without any untoward incident at sea, the PCG said.

The Philippines’ maritime disputes with China over the South China Sea, within which is the West Philippine Sea, flared up over the last few months after hundreds of Chinese ships were found moored in the vicinity of the Julian Felipe Reef, which is within Manila’s exclusive economic zone.

Scores of other Chinese ships were found later spread in other features in the WPS, according to the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea. China’s claim over almost the entire South China Sea has been adjudged as having no legal basis by an international arbitration court nearly five years ago.

SUSTAINED RECOVERY.

Former House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, Rep. Dan Fernandez, Rep. Luis Raymundo Villafuerte Jr. and Rep. Raneo Abu reiterate during a news conference in Taguig Sunday a call Sunday on those seeking to run for the presidency to unite in creating a sustainable five-year economic plan for the country’s recovery from COVID-19.

Norman Cruz

TINGOG party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez recently distributed 5,000 doses of Pneumococcal vaccines (PPSV23) and other medical supplies to Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano as well as to select barangays in the cities of Pasig, Marikina, Caloocan and Quezon.

“We are reminded to give back to the people. They continue to face the brunt of impact of the coronavirus and this donation is a simple message that as their representative, Tingog supports them, and we are here for them,” she said.

Romualdez is the chairperson of the House committee on welfare of children.

Jude Avorque Acidre, Tingog second nominee and chief of staff of Romualdez, said the “malasakit” (compassionate) act of Tingog, led by Romualdez, was aimed at boosting health-care services amid the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Tingog’s malasakit will continue because we are committed to help the people in our quest to emerge victorious in these uncertain times,” he said.

Acidere is the national president of Junior Chamber International Philippines.

Out of the 5,000 doses of PPSV23, he said 500 doses were turned over to Calixto-Rubiano, Councilor Joey Calixto Isidro and chief of staff Peter Eric Pardo at the Pasay City hall.

The remaining 4,500 PPSV23 doses were given to the residents of several villages in Pasig, Pasay, Marikina, Caloocan and Quezon City.

Calixto-Rubiano also received assorted kinds of medicine, including Amlodepine, Simvastin, Cefurexine Axetil, paracetamol, Amoxicillin, Vitex and Blumea Balsamiferi, and even face shields and Tingog calendars.

Atienza: Return Luneta Park to Manila gov’t

By Rio N. Araja BUHAY party-list Joselito Atienza, former Manila mayor, wants the return of Luneta Park to the Manila City government’s supervision.

He said the Manila City government must assume control of the iconic 58-hectare Luneta Park to further improve its preservation and management.

“Highly developed city governments across the country have already reassumed supervision of national urban parks within their jurisdiction,” he said.

“The Quezon Memorial Circle, for instance, has since been returned to the Quezon City government, while Burnham Park has since reverted to the Baguio City government,” he said.

Under House Bill 2594, the Manila City government shall be put in charge of the historical landmark in lieu of the Department of Tourism’s National Parks Development Committee.

“We are absolutely convinced that progressive city governments are in the best position to look after national parks in their territories,” Atienza said.

“In the case of Luneta, the city government is already spending for the public services needed for the park’s upkeep, so we might as well give it back to the city for administration purposes,” he said.

Solon wants annual medical check to detect deadly sickness

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Juan Edgardo Angara said Filipinos, regardless of social status, should avail themselves of annual medical checks to catch early critical ailments.

“The right to health is a fundamental right and as such no Filipino should be deprived of basic health services. Every

Filipino, rich or poor, should have access to these annual check-ups and consultations with physicians,” he said.

As one of the authors of Republic Act 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act, Angara noted that many Filipinos still do not seek medical care in their lifetime or only do so when their conditions are already at a serious or critical stage.

In most cases, he noted the inability to pay for these vital preventive care services is the primary reason many Filipinos opt for self-care or take alternative remedies, including traditional healing.

“Undergoing annual medical checkups are considered as essential especially at this time when we are facing a pandemic that has already resulted in

the deaths of over 20,000 individuals and the infection of close to 1.4 million in our country,” said Angara.

As part of his advocacy of providing quality health care to all, Angara has filed Senate Bill 2297, which seeks to provide every Filipino citizen free annual medical check-ups as part of the benefits provided by the PhilHealth under the UHC.

Mangudadatu’s COVID-19 tale

By Nash B. Maulana

COTABATO CITY—Straight from his two-week quarantine isolation, Maguindanao Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudandatu related his lesson from a near-death experience from Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Independence Day. At the induction July 2 of officers and members of the Bangsamoro Press Corps here, Mangudadatu narrated his lesson to guests and inductees as part of his inspirational message.

“My body temperature was high, at above 40 degrees Celsius. I had a severe headache. It was like an unexpected appointment with the Angel of Death and

engaging that spiritual being in an act of taking one’s life, to say not this time please when one was wrapped allover in white,” the congressman said.

He said it was extremely difficult for him to breathe, “as if something hard was shoved against my chest and I had difficulty in breathing.”

Mangudadatu said managing his way out of that situation in sheer struggle, he rose amid pains, and stood to perform a Tahajud, the midnight prayer of supplication in Islam.

Recalling his supplication, he said he asked for a heavenly favor to extend his lease in life for the service of his constituents and the people who needed his help.

ON THE ROLL. A motorcycle rider carries an overload of several unidentified boxes on his back while travelling along EDSA in Quezon City. Manny Palmero

Opinion Messy

MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

B1

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EDITORIAL

Rumblings

Yet as president, Duterte cared little forNAKED party politics. It was then Speaker Pantaleon THOUGHT “Bebot” Alvarez, having been chosen secretary-general of the new PDP, who actively CHARLIE V. filled the party with new recruits. In the turnMANALO coat tradition that has characterized Philippine politics for decades, most of these recruits came from established parties whose candiS IF our worries about the still-high daily cases of dates lost in the 2016 elections to Duterte.

COVID-19 and the spread of the new Delta variant were WHAT is happening to the supposedly “adPDP Laban thus became a humongous parministration” political party, the PDP Laban, ty. But Davao’s Mayor Inday Sara Duterte not enough, here come other developments that would make can best be described by one word: Messy. conspired with then Pampanga Rep. Gloria the job more difficult, and the proverbial light at the end of the It all began when Sen. Koko Pimentel, son Macapagal Arroyo to oust Alvarez THE FIFTH from his of the party’s founder, decided to relinquish perch in the HoR in 2018, on the day of the tunnel more distant. his presidency in late CROSSROADS 2019. He transferred the President’s SONA, and barelyGOSPEL a year before leadership, akin to a CEO where the chairman the mid-term elections of 2019.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology JUDE hardly involves himself in day-to-day affairs, Our woes are far from Without Speaker Alvarez to lead (and foot and Seismology said it recorded the highest J.A. to his fellow senator, Manny Pacquiao.

ACIDRE the bills), and a President Duterte who cared levels of sulfur dioxide from the restive Taal over.

We take no comfort It just so happensDELA that theCRUZ chairman of little for party politics, PDP Laban’s President Volcano—22,628 tons a day, a number that the party is no less than the president of the Koko had to scout around for someone to take in what seem to be the is anomalously high. As of press time, some Philippines, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who has control, much like a Mayor Binay in the time been an on-and-off member or a local ally of his late father Nene. government’s priorities.

26 strong and shallow volcanic earthquakes NAKED of the PDP-Laban, his Davao City-based SOonus, The honor, perhaps now rightly labelled have been recorded; some of these quakesTHOUGHT political party at times in alliance with the was given to Senator Manny Pacquiao, the Pamwere reportedly accompanied by rumbling. party of Koko’s father, the late Aquilino bansang Kamao who has ambitions forI SEE the presCHARLIE Another explosion may be imminent. to make V. more people vulnerable to sickness, “Nene” Pimentel. idency in 2022. It seemed like a political coup LITO Under ordinary circumstances, this threat poverty—and ultimately, desperation.

MANALO for the first-term senator from Sarangani.

OPEN would be serious enough. As of the latest That the rainy season has begun to bring In the euphoria of having a BANAYO funder and And it is bound count by the governor’s office Sunday, some rain and flooding in various areas in the counnew leader for the party, the new leadership THOUGHTS failed to inform nor consult the chairman of 15,000 residents in nearby areas have fled try could also quickly offset the very modest to get messier. the party, never mind if he was not into the their homes to seek shelter in evacuation cen- gains earned through our snail-paced vacciORLANDO nitty-gritty of party affairs. That chairman just ters. Managing such a number would already nation rollout program.

OXALES happened to be Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

THE FIFTH Unfortunately, billions of pesos that could be a huge challenge for the local government.

Sometime in 2004 or thereabouts, the paBut then again, a pandemic which originatGOSPEL With a still-raging pandemic, the situation help vulnerable sectors through Bayanihan triarch also co-opted the mayor of wealthy ed from China invaded the Philippines, CROSSROADS and in Makati, Jejomar Binay, to head the party and fact, the whole world. No time whatsoever for is compounded many times over. Congestion Law 2 remained unused and are now lost beJUDE manage its day-to-day affairs. It costs a pretty petty politics, everyone in the administration among people in the shelters, coupled with cause of Congress’ failure to pass a law exJ.A. ACIDRE penny to organize, expand, and run a politi- had to have all hands on deck containing the CRUZ disruption in livelihood and jobs, is bound tending its validity. The law expired June 30. cal party in this country where parties are not havoc wrought by COVID-19. DELA And so it was well-institutionalized. that Manny Pacquiao, along with Koko and their Mayor Binay coalesced his PDP with sub-alterns, given de facto run of the PDP. the fallen Erap’s Partido ng Masang PilipiUntil January of 2021, when, like it or no, the late Senator Ed Angara’s Laban ng not, COVID or none, the presidential elecDemokratikong Pilipino (LDP) and the late tions of 2022 loomed large on the horizon.

Danding Cojuangco’s Nationalist People’s The President discovered that in the transfer vironment, Social, and Good Governance to Coalition, parties coalesced during Erap’s of power from Pimentel to Pacquiao, albeOPEN ensure business continuity and sustainability. short stint in Malacanang under the Laban it in “acting” capacity because the party’s Management Association of the Philipng Makabayang Masang Pilipino (LAM- executive council or directorate had not THOUGHTS pines (MAP) Committee on National Issues MP), to sponsor the entry of the “King of ratified the “coronation”, not even fellow Chairperson Rizalina Mantaring maintains Philippine Movies,” the legendary FPJ, senators Bong Go, Bato de la Rosa, and ORLANDO that “moving forward, it’s really all about livinto national politics. Mayor Binay was the Francis Tolentino, were consulted. It was OXALES ing with the virus” and cited how Singapore is campaign manager of the FPJ run. a “kami-kami” affair among a select few in developing strategies where COVID-19 will be By hook or by crook, then incumbent Glo- the party, with the wealthy pugilist Pacman ria Macapagal Arroyo won over the coali- happily funding what would have been his THE Philippine Statistics Authority recorded treated like the flu with the necessary vaccines, tion’s FPJ in 2004, a controversial “victory” vehicle for the presidency come 2022. five consecutive quarters of negative growth treatment, tracing, and no more lockdowns. A marred by the Hello Garci scandal. shrinking at a rate of -4.2% last March. Unem- level that can only be achieved with a vaccinatThe President’s men, led by party vice-chair From the vantage point of Makati City, May- and DOE Sec. Al Cusi, unsheathed their long ployment is evidently high, and prices of food ed population and developed healthcare system. or Jojo built the PDP-Laban into a bigger polit- knives in a council meeting sanctioned by the and goods keep rising. Unlike the government, She points out that crisis leadership must have ical machine, and in 2007, allied still with the party chairman, in Cebu on the last days of May. which is primarily funded by our taxes, the clear and trustworthy communication.

Tanay-imprisoned Erap, Jojo formed a senatori- A resolution was unanimously adopted to draft private sector has to do the heavy lifting on al ticket under the tagline of Genuine Opposition the incumbent President Duterte to run for vice the ground to survive and to remain viable. A (GO) which opposed the GMA administration. president in the forthcoming elections, with the developmental mindset is key.

Innovativeness and The result of those mid-term elections over- prerogative to choose his presidential candidate.

In the second virtual Business Roundtable nimbleness are natural whelmingly favored the GO coalition. Binay Quite novel and quite strange.

Discussion of the Stratbase Albert del Rosario had become the de facto leader of the opposition.

Institute (ADRi) held recently, top business Pacquiao and Pimentel were no shows. Intraits of the business From there, he parlayed the PDP-Laban stead of taking the cue, the Pambansang Kamao groups exchanged insights and strategic into a run for the vice-presidency, with the unleashed attacks first against Al Cusi, coincidrecommendations targeting the most urgent sector in contrast fallen Erap attempting a comeback run for the ing with a Luzon-wide brownout which was his governance and policy issues. to the regulatory presidency. In the wake of the death of polit- charge as energy honcho. The recriminations In his keynote address, Former Bangko Senical icon President Corazon Aquino, her son worsened, and Cusi, acting once again on behest tral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinand bureaucratic Benigno Simeon III was carried into the pres- of the party chairman, called for a convention igundo warned of the fragile situation and the idency under the banner of the Liberal Party. this coming July 17, there to formalize the delong-term structural impact of the prolonged regovernment culture.

But while PNoy won, his team-mate, Senator capitation of its “acting” president. cession on the domestic economy. He underlined Mar Roxas, narrowly lost to Jojo Binay for the the need for new approaches and a “well-coorSmarting, Pacquiao started hurling charges Mantaring said: “Leadership should provice-presidency. dinated mix of policy responses” to rebuild the of gross mismanagement and corruption against All throughout this Binay journey from the administration, generic at first, and later damaged economy. He sees the private sector vide direction in a decisive, clear, and conmayor to the vice-presidency, he nursed and when challenged by the President mismo, beltleading in the digital economy, agility and flex- sistent manner and this goes for both public grew the PDP-Laban, with founder Nene Pi- ing out specifics on the day he left for the US of ibility, and says a green and inclusive recovery and private leadership. If the direction keeps changing, how can people believe that you acmentel a chair in emeritus capacity. But when A for his non-title fight with Errol Spence. will solve the complex issues of this crisis.

Binay sought the presidency, and during the Employers Confederation of the Philippines tually know what you’re doing?”

As certain as day turns into night, the adFoundation for Economic Freedom president, mid-term elections of 2013, the vice-president ministration, maybe the President himself, will Chairman Edgardo Lacson bemoaned how expanded his coalition and called it United Na- rebuff the Pacman. Harsh words will be spoken. “critical and basic industries are near the edge Calixto Chikiamco pointed out several policy tionalist Alliance (UNA). This was the vehicle The basic question—“why only now?” will of the economic black hole” because of “the reforms in ownership restriction to promote he used in gunning for the presidency in 2016. haunt the Pacman, who has pledged fealty to the trial and error of delayed responses and unduly positive competition and the problem of land PDP Laban reverted to the Pimentels, this time president even if he ran in the senatorial ticket of prolonged quarantine protocols.” Aside from fragmentation in agriculture caused by the Comto Nene’s son, Senator Koko, as president. the urgency of vaccine roll-out as a prereq- prehensive Agrarian Reform Program which he UNA’s Jojo Binay in 2016 instead of under the But then, a mayor from the Deep South, ambit of his fellow Mindanaoan. uisite to opening the economy, he pushed to says has made farmers poorer because the five after much hemming and hawing, decided to temper punitive and restrictions on labor laws hectare limit is too small and impossible to apply It is getting messy. It will get messier. finally run for the presidency, and in the haste for three years. He echoed the need for foreign scale machinery. He recommends labor intensive The tigers and lions in the political circus of looking for a national party, conveniently now playing will start devouring the clowns direct investments and to further rationalize industries and proposed special employment found PDP Laban which had no candidate NAKED and the trapeze artists. Once more, it will be a incentives and shorten the list of prohibited zones where labor and capital will be free to nefor president at the time. The rest is history. winner-take-all affair. industries from foreign investment. He also gotiate wages as a strategy to generate jobs and THOUGHT Duterte won, using PDP Laban as his political espoused adherence to the principles of En- be competitive in the region.

Will the Pacman have the smarts to win the flag of convenience. biggest battle of his life?

SO I SEE LITO BANAYO

A

Had the President reminded lawmakers just how important an action is, the latter would have easily acted on the exhortation. After all, they have always shown how Mr. Duterte’s word is their priority.

Now we are regaled with the bitter exchange of words from those within the administration party, PDP Laban. We know elections are coming up and these personalities are preparing to ensure their victory against all odds, hurling allegations and challenges at each other. Could they not, at the very least, attempt to hide the fact that politics is not what is primarily on their minds? The cracks are showing and the rumblings are audible—but all these should remain secondary during emergency periods such as these.

As a result, the rest of us feel lost and left to our own devices, as always.

We console ourselves by focusing on individual, albeit disjointed, efforts of various offices, organizations and government units to do pockets of good things. And the elections that are 10 months away offer the perfect opportunity for us to remind these politicians that their power play has no place amid matters of real importance.

Listen to and engage the private sector

CHARLIE V. MANALO

Liberty, conquest and friendship States.” The same act, however, consequently established US colonial authority over the Philippines Islands.

Ironically, that same day celebrating the Declaration of Independence became a day of conquest that later intertwined the destinies of the two countries—a relationship that continues to this day.

THE FIFTH GOSPEL JUDE ACIDRE ON July 4, 75 years ago, crowds assembled at the Independence Grandstand, a temporary structure constructed in front of the ruined old Congress building, witnessed the US flag being lowered, and the Philippine flag finally raised to fly alone, a fitting symbol to culminate decades of the country’s struggle OPEN for independence.

Finally, the United States has recognized our nation’s independence, 48 THOUGHTS years since our forebears took off the shackles of the ORLANDO Spanish colonial power.

The Fourth of July, however, is best known OXALES around the world as the US Independence Day, commemorating the date when the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, rejected the authority of the British king and formally declared the 13 colonies as united, free and independent states.

But on the same date, more than a hundred years later, the United States has forgotten its colonial past, and guided by ill-conceived ideas of manifest destiny, it became the colonial master it once derided. Few remember that unfortunate day of July 4, 1902, when then US President Theodore Roosevelt issued an absolute pardon and amnesty to all Filipinos and declared the cessation of all hostilities resulting from the “insurrection against the Government of the United

These dates leave us with valuable lessons that each nation must never forget.

Forty-four years later, this historical irony would later be corrected with the United States formally recognizing the independence of the Philippines. This ended a process which began as early as 1916 with the passage of the Jones Act that guaranteed eventual recognition of Philippine independence and the Tydings-McDuffie Act in 1934 which provided for the creation of the transitional Commonwealth of the Philippines.

On July 4, 1946, Manuel Roxas took his oath as the President of a truly independent Republic of the Philippines.

Interestingly, until 1962, July 4 was the date when Philippine Independence Day was celebrated every year, and for many years the Philippines shared its independence day with its former colonial master.

In many ways, the overlap in the dates

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left the date of Philippine independence largely unnoticed, and greater attention, of course, was given to the United States.

This was especially true in diplomatic circles, when the traditional fete in honor of the Philippine Independence Day would often be anticipated or belatedly celebrated in deference to the US holiday.

On the other hand, June 12, was celebrated as Flag Day, commemorating the first time the national flag was first unfurled in Kawit, Cavite. Not only were the political leaders of that time felt that the nascent attempt to establish the Philippine Republic in 1896 a failed democratic experiment; they were also hesitant to give undue attention to the revolutionary old guard, former President Emilio Aguinaldo, and of course, the entire political establishment of the Malolos Congress.

Finally, July 4, 1946 became a reckoning date for the establishment of the republic’s new institution. The former Congress of the Commonwealth of the Philippines was replaced by the first Congress of an independent Republic of the Philippines. All public officials were asked to re-take their oath of office, now eliminating the pledge of allegiance to the United States of America which was required prior to independence.

It was in 1962, though, when President Diosdado Macapagal issued Proclamation No. 28, which transferred the date of Philippine independence from July 4 to June 12. The late president argued that “the establishment of the Philippine Republic by the Revolutionary Government under General Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898, marked our people’s declaration and exercise of their right to self-determination, liberty and independence.”

This act by former President Macapagal gave credence to a once minority from historians and many political leaders who believed that June 12 was the original foundational date of the nation, and the later date of July 4, was simply a resto-

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

ration of that independence.

However, moving the date of Philippine independence was not devoid of the political issues of the day. On May 28 early that year, the US House of Representatives rejected a proposed additional war reparation bill amounting to 75 million US dollars. This rejection caused indignation among Filipinos, and forfeited American goodwill in the Philippines.

This provided him the opportunity to push the change in the date of Philippine independence, a longstanding campaign promise that he made before he ascended the presidency.

Two years later, the Congress of the Philippines passed Republic Act No 4166 formally designating June 12 of every year as the date of Philippine independence, commemorating the birth of the first democratic republic in Asia. The same legislation designated July 4 as Republic Day, to mark the establishment of the modern and independent Republic of the Philippines. Until 1984, Republic Day was celebrated as a non-working national holiday.

The more familiar Philippine-American Friendship Day can be traced to Proclamation No. 212, issued by President Ramon Magsaysay in 1955 originally designating November 15 as “Philippine American Day.” The following year, in accordance with Proclamation No. 363, that one time observance became a yearly event.

In 1984, with the end of martial law and the full promulgation of the 1973 Constitution, President Ferdinand Marcos deemed it inaccurate to celebrate Republic Act on July 4, which was based on the former 1935 Constitution. Instead, he issued Proclamation No. 2346 declaring July 4 as the yearly commemoration of the Philippine-American Friendship Day. After the EDSA Revolution, President Corazon Aquino formally abolished the yearly practice of celebrating both the Philippine—American Friendship Day and Philippine Republic Day as a non-working holiday. When the 1987 Administrative Code was passed, the list of

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

On education, Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) Managing Director, Atty. Joseph Noel Estrada, highlighted the sector’s strategic role in training the country’s human capital and as a public and private education ecosystem that deserves state support especially now that education is in crisis mode. Latest DepED data reported 900 schools closed and 900 million students failed to enroll, worsened by the controversial BIR revenue regulation which effectively increases income tax of private schools by 150 percent! The esteemed panelists of the forum supported COCOPEA’s position to immediately reverse this, what I believe, an insensitively onerous provision that ignores the damaging consequences to our already ailing educational sector.

International Container Terminal Services, Inc. Executive Vice President, Christian Gonzalez highlighted the need for consistent policies in relation to education and transportation to ensure continuity of schools and workplaces. He called on the government to listen to and engage the private sector as a frontline provider which he claims, and I totally agree, will get us to herd immunity in half the time.

Quite interesting is his view on achieving regional herd immunity focusing on the most productive areas such as the greater Manila area and surrounding regions.

Stratbase ADRi president Prof. Manhit thanked the private sector for helping bring more confidence to the economy and increasing the vaccine stocks to accelerate the rate of inoculation. He maintains that shaping a responsive roadmap to recovery must integrate the benefits of stakeholder communities with economic continuity propelled by public-private partnership.

Innovativeness and nimbleness are natural traits of the business sector in contrast to the regulatory and bureaucratic government culture. The government must empower the private sector to do its thing which is to invest, create jobs, boost the economy, and spread prosperity. Learning from the lessons of the pandemic, we have an opportunity to build a much better world.

MORE OPINION ONLINE

(www.manilastandard.net) SO NAKED I SEE THOUGHT LITO CHARLIE BANAYO V. MANALO

Stop harming the poor CROSSROADS

TO THE J.A. POINT DELA CRUZ EMIL P. America celebrates JURADO Fourth of July non-working national holidays did not anymore include July 4.

It is interesting how dates in history can weave together not only the destinies of nations, but even one nation’s conquest over another and a people’s struggle for liberty. In the same way that July 4 could mean liberty or conquest for some, some snippets of history would tell different, and often diverging, stories. But in the end, they leave us with valuable lessons that each nation must never forget— that of liberty, conquest and friendship.

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Joyce Pangco Pañares Jimbo Owen Gulle

Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor City Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer Elmer T. Alitagtag Art Director

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

B2

World

MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Ransomware attack affects over 1k firms

S

AN FRANCISCO—A ransomware attack on a US IT company potentially targeted 1,000 businesses, researchers said Saturday, with one of Sweden’s biggest supermarket chains revealing it had to temporarily close around 800 stores after losing access to its checkouts.

Russian-based hackers have been blamed for a string of ransomware attacks, and US President Joe Biden recently raised the threat in talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Biden ordered a full investigation on Saturday, while adding “the initial thinking was it was not the Russian government, but we’re not sure yet.”

“I’ll know better tomorrow, and if it is either with the knowledge of and/or a consequence of Russia, then I told Putin we will respond,” he said.

The IT company targeted, Kaseya, said Friday evening it had limited the attack to “a very small percentage of our customers” who use its signature VSA software -- “currently estimated at fewer than 40 worldwide.”

But cybersecurity firm Huntress Labs said in a Reddit forum that it was working with partners targeted in the attack, and that the software was manipulated “to encrypt more than 1,000 companies.”

Ransomware attacks typically involve locking away data in systems using encryption, making companies pay to regain access.

Manila Brett Callow, an analyst for cyberStandard TODAY Emsisoft, said it resecurity company mained unknown how many companies were affected and said the scale of at-

tack could be “without precedent.”

Kaseya describes itself as a leading provider of IT and security management services to small and mediumsized businesses. VSA is designed to let companies manage networks of computers and printers from a single point.

“One of our subcontractors was hit by a digital attack, and that’s why our checkouts aren’t working any more,” Coop Sweden, which accounts for around 20 percent of the country’s supermarket sector, said in a statement.

“We regret the situation and will do all we can to reopen swiftly,” the cooperative added.

Coop Sweden did not name the subcontractor or reveal the hacking method used against it.

But the Swedish subsidiary of the Visma software group said the problem was linked to the Kaseya attack.

Kaseya became aware of a possible incident with VSA at midday Friday on the US East Coast and “immediately shut down” its servers as a “precautionary measure,” it said.

It also “notified our on-premises customers via email, in-product notes, and phone to shut down their VSA servers to prevent them from being compromised.” AFP

SEARCH AND RESCUE. Police search for missing people at the scene of a landslide following days of heavy rain in Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture on July 4. AFP

Search for survivors on in landslide-hit Japan town ATAMI, Japan -- Rescuers in a Japanese holiday town hit by a deadly landslide searched for survivors Sunday, climbing across cracked roofs, and checking cars thrown onto engulfed buildings as more rain lashed the area.

Two people have been confirmed dead after the disaster at the hot-spring resort of Atami in central Japan, with 10 others rescued and around 20 still missing, a local government official said.

Torrents of mud crashed through part of the town on Saturday morning following days of heavy rain, sweeping away hillside homes, and turning residential areas into a quagmire that stretched down to the nearby coast.

“It’s possible that the number of damaged houses and buildings is as many

as 130. I mourn the loss of life,” Prime shaking all over the place, and no sooner Minister Yoshihide Suga told ministers had I wondered what was going on than at an emergency meeting. the mudslides were already there and in the “This rainy-season front is expected to street below too,” said Chieko Oki, who keep causing heavy rain in many areas. works on a shopping street in the town.

There is a fear that land disasters could oc“I was really scared,” the 71-year-old cur even when the rain stops,” he warned. told AFP. Around 1,000 rescuers including 140 Another survivor told local media he military personnel were involved in the had heard a “horrible sound” and fled relief efforts, a Shizuoka prefecture of- to higher ground as emergency workers ficial told AFP. urged people to evacuate.

“We are trying our best to search for On Sunday, dark water trickled past survivors as quickly as possible while half-buried vehicles and buildings CYAN tipped MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK carrying out the operation very carefully from their foundations. as it is still raining,” he added.

An air-conditioning unit dangled Public broadcaster NHK later reported from one devastated home, now perched that rescue operations had been temporar- above a thick slurry of mud and debris, ily suspended due to the bad weather. as military personnel stuck poles into “The big electricity pylons here were the ground to check for bodies. AFP

JOB VACANCY

Customer Service Associate

Qualifications: • 1 – 2 years experience in customer service.

• College graduate • Experience with an online booking system.

• Experience in the Travel or hospitality (Hotel) industry.

• Fluent in Chinese Mandarin and English (verbal and written) • 35 WPM Typing Ability to use MS Office applications including Excel, Word, Outlook.

• Can operate computer in Chinese Mandarin Characters Submit your applications thru email at info@dotw.com Company name: DOTW SHARED SERVICES, INC. Address: CityNet 1 – Unit G10, 183 EDSA, Barangay Wack-Wack, Mandaluyong City, Philippines 1555

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that COMMUNITIES BULACAN, INC. with office address at LGF Bldg., B. Evia Lifestyle Center, Daang Hari, Almanza Dos, Las Piñas City is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as Expanding Developer of Economic and Low-Cost Housing Project (Bria Homes Plaridel) with 812 house and lot units under R.A. 11534 (CREATE Act) and the Preferred List-Mass Housing of the 2020 IPP, with project site located at Brgy. Lagundi, Plaridel, Bulacan.

Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

170 wildfires rage in Canada, military on alert

TURKISH CLASH.

Turkish police clash with demonstrators during a protest against Turkey’s decision to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention in Istanbul on July 1. Police fired tear gas at protesters demonstrating Turkey’s controversial exit from the Istanbul Convention, a treaty combatting femicide and domestic abuse, last March. AFP 2 cols.

x 5 cms.

IN BRIEF

Manila

Standard

TODAY

(SGD.) ANGELITA F. ARCELLANA Director Resource-Based Industries Service CIRCULAR

No. : 2021-001 Date : June 24,2021

(MS-JULY 3, 2021)

TO

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that COMMUNITIES BULACAN, INC. with office address at LGF Bldg., B. Evia Lifestyle Center, Daang Hari, Almanza Dos, Las Piñas City is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as Expanding Developer of Economic and Low-Cost Housing Project (Camella Baliwag Phase 7) with 350 house and lot units under R.A. 11534 (CREATE Act) and the Preferred List-Mass Housing of the 2020 IPP, with project site located at Brgy.Pagala, Baliwag, Bulacan.

Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(SGD.) ANGELITA F. ARCELLANA Director Resource-Based Industries Service

All Heads of Departments, Bureaus, Offices, Agencies and Instrumentalities of the National Government, Heads of Local Government Units, Managing Heads of Government Corporations, Commission on Audit (COA) Assistant Commissioners, Directors, Auditors and All Others Concerned Clarification on the use of Reimbursement Expense Receipt (RER) and Certification in relation to reimbursement of expenses not requiring Official Receipts (ORs)

COA Circular No. 2004-006 dated September 9, 2004 provides the guidelines and principles on the acceptability of the evidence of receipt of payment for disbursements. Item 3.3.1(b) under the General Guidelines and Principles of the said COA circular specifies that the RER is a paper-based document which is acceptable for disbursements where the payee is not a business entity required by the Bureau of Internal Revenue to issue ORs, and the money is advanced by the official concerned, and the expense is authorized to be reimbursed by the government agency concerned.

COA Circular No. 2017-001 dated June 19, 2017 on reimbursement of expenses not requiring ORs requires that a Certification shall be submitted for expenses of P300.00 or less.

To address the confusion on the interpretation of COA Circular No. 2004-006 and COA Circular No. 2017-001, as far as the use of the RER and the Certification is concerned, the table below specifies the required supporting documents for the reimbursement/liquidation of expenses: Particulars

(MS-JULY 3, 2021)

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that COMMUNITIES BULACAN, INC. with office address at LGF Bldg., B. Evia Lifestyle Center, Daang Hari, Almanza Dos, Las Piñas City is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as Expanding Developer of Economic and Low-Cost Housing Project (Camella San Ildefonso BP 220) with 232 house and lot units under R.A. 11534 (CREATE Act) and the Preferred List-Mass Housing of the 2020 IPP, with project site located at Brgy.Garlang, San Ildefonso, Bulacan.

Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(SGD.) ANGELITA F. ARCELLANA Director Resource-Based Industries Service (MS-JULY 3, 2021)

SUBJECT :

:

Documents Required

Expenses regardless of amount purchased from/rendered by establishment issuing receipts/invoice

OR/Invoice

Expenses amounting to P300.00 or less purchased from/rendered by establishment not issuing receipts/invoice

Certification of Expenses Not Requiring Receipts

Expenses amounting to more than P300.00 but not exceeding P1,000.00 purchased from/ rendered by establishment not issuing receipt/ invoice

RER

Any circular or directive in conflict herewith is hereby amended/modified/ revoked accordingly.

This Circular shall take effect 15 days from date of publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

MICHAEL G. AGUINALDO Chairperson

ROLAND C. PONDOC Commissioner (MS-JULY 5, 2021)

First spacewalk at China’s new Tiangong station BEIJING—Two astronauts conducted China’s first tandem spacewalk on Sunday, working on the outside of their nation’s new Tiangong station in orbit around Earth.

Three Chinese astronauts blasted off in June, docking at the space station where they are to remain for three months in China’s longest crewed mission to date.

On Sunday morning, two of them exited the core module, said the China Manned Space Agency.

The first, Liu Boming, was transported with help from a mechanical arm to a work site and the other, Tang Hongbo, moved by climbing outside the hatch.

In a video clip of Liu leaving the cabin, he exclaimed: “Wow, it’s too beautiful out here.”

Their mission involves elevating a panoramic camera outside the Tianhe core module, as well as testing the robotic arm which will be used to transfer future modules around the station, state media said.

Television footage showed the astronauts preparing for the spacewalk by donning gear and conducting health checks while exercising.

Florida collapse toll now 24; ‘Elsa’ looms SURFSIDE—Searchers recovered two more bodies to bring the death toll in the Florida apartment block collapse to 24, authorities said Saturday, as the search for victims paused in the afternoon so demolition crews could prepare to bring down the part of the building still standing.

The razing took on special urgency as Tropical Storm Elsa churned in the Caribbean, following a path expected to bring it to Florida early next week.

“Search and rescue does have to pause temporarily while the demolition preparation is underway. There is threat to the standing building that is posed to the first responders” as crews drill into columns of the damaged building, MiamiDade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said.

“We will begin the search and rescue once again on any sections of the pile that are safe to access as soon as we’re cleared.”

Nine days after the collapse in the town of Surfside, 121 people are still listed as missing, Levine Cava said.

Hopes of finding anyone alive are fast diminishing.

Most of the 12-story Champlain Towers South building collapsed in the early hours of June 24, sending up a huge cloud of dust and rattling Americans unprepared for such a deadly urban disaster. AFP

OTTAWA—The Canadian military was on standby Saturday to help evacuate towns and fight more than 170 wildfires fueled by a record-smashing heat wave and tinder-dry conditions as the government in Ottawa warned of a “long and challenging summer” ahead.

At least 174 fires were active in the western province of British Columbia, 78 of them sparked in the last two days, officials said. Most were caused by intense lightning storms.

The fires were north of the city of Kamloops, 350 kilometers (220 miles) northeast of Vancouver.

CYAN “We saw 12,000 lightning strikes, roughly, yesterday,” said Cliff Chapman, the director of provincial operations for British Columbia Wildfire Service, according to public broadcaster the CBC. “Many of those lightning strikes were hitting near communities, (as) was seen in the Kamloops area.”

While the immediate blame for the scorching heat has been placed on a high-pressure “heat dome” trapping warm air in the region, climate change is making record-setting temperatures more frequent.

Globally, the decade to 2019 was the hottest recorded, and the five hottest years on record have all occurred since 2012, according to climate.gov.

“The dry conditions and the extreme heat in British Columbia are unprecedented,” Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said Friday. “These wildfires show that we are in the earliest stages of what promises to be a long and challenging summer.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met Friday with an incident response group that included several ministers, after earlier speaking with local, provincial and indigenous leaders.

“We will be there to help,” he told reporters.

The response group said it would establish an operations center in Edmonton, with up to 350 military personnel providing logistical support to the region, according to Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan. Military aircraft are also being deployed.

Roughly 1,000 people have fled the wildfires in British Columbia, with many others still missing.

The British Columbia medical examiner’s office said there had been 719 deaths in the past week, “three times more” than the average number recorded over the period. AFP

Business PSEi July 2, 2021

TOP GAINERS LAST PRICE

% CHANGE CHANGE

1 2

OM FERRO

0.44 3.19

0.03 0.21

7.32% 7.05%

3

APO

1.07

0.07

7.00%

4

WLCON

21

1.2

6.06%

5 6

GEO SLF

0.36 2510

0.02 110

5.88% 4.58%

7

MWIDE

6.96

0.26

3.88%

8 9

MG PX

0.295 6.8

0.01 0.23

3.51% 3.50%

10

EURO

2.07

0.07

3.50%

TOP LOSERS LAST PRICE

% CHANGE CHANGE

1 2

OPM VVT

0.012 17.5

-0.001 -1.4

-7.69% -7.41%

3

ALHI

7.45

-0.53

-6.64%

4 5

SFI PHES

0.149 0.68

-0.009 -0.04

-5.70% -5.56%

6

EVER

0.54

-0.03

-5.26%

7

WIN

0.295

-0.015

-4.84%

8 9 10

CLI ABS RLT

3.7 12.7 0.405

-0.16 -0.48 -0.015

-4.15% -3.64% -3.57%

B3

MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks seen consolidating after reaching 7,000 points

By Jenniffer B. Austria

S

HARE prices are expected to consolidate and build a base prior to a possible run-up after breaching the 7,000-point level last week.

With COVID-19 cases in the country under control and as the government continues with its aggressive vaccination program, analysts expect market sentiments to remain favorable.

The positive report on manufacturing data also indicates companies are resuming their expansion plans on expectations of the possible recovery in the domestic economy starting in the second half of the year.

“If government can meet its target of vaccinating up to 70 million people by the end of the year or even get close to said target, the stock market could return to pre-pandemic levels in the near

dices ended in the green led by mining and oil, which rose 5.5 percent; services, which advanced 2 percent; and industrial which gained 1.7 percent.

Foreign investors were net sellers for the week by P4.1 billion, while the average daily value traded increased to P7.26 billion from the previous week’s average of P6.05 billion.

Weekly top gainers were Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., which jumped 26.8 percent to P22.20; Semirara Mining and Power Corp., which increased 11.9 percent to P15.98; and Wilcon Depot Inc., which climbed 11.7 percent to P21.

Weekly top losers were Cirtek Holdings Philippines Corp., which fell 9.5 percent to P5.76; Cebu Landmasters Inc., which declined 9.3 percent to P3.70; and MacroASia Corp., which dropped 5.1 percent to P5.35.

Meanwhile, Wall Street stocks surged to fresh records Friday while the dollar retreated after a solid US jobs report that was not seen as accelerating a monetary policy shift. With AFP

term,” PSE president and chief executive Ramon S. Monzon said.

But analysts warned investors about being too overly optimistic about the market as the economy continues to be affected by the pandemic.

“After having trounced the the 7,000 mark, the PSEi needs to make a convincing base in the 7,000 to 7,200 level to (match) last wave’s peak of 7,330-7400.

Note that doing so will put the index at its highest since the onset of the COVID-19 in early 2020—expectations should thus be tempered given the skepticism surrounding a ‘speedy recovery,” online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia.com said The Philippine Stock Exchange Index last week rose back to 7,000, points, up0.7 percent week-on-week, after government data showed that manufacturing and unemployment data improved despite the pandemic.

The broader All Shares Index climbed 1.6 percent to 4,294.97.

Except for the property index, which declined 1.2 percent, all other sub-in-

MOST ACTIVE 1

SMPH

VOLUME 24510800

VALUE (PHP) 899094400

2 3

ICT MEG

2042430 68395000

336715056 220048800

4 5

ACEN PGOLD

25616200 4894900

216634911 200721515

6 7

MONDE AC

11106800 177000

188686396 143431705

8 9

BDO DMC

1158460 18485900

133247705 123241975

10

SM

111995

113924555

‘MADE IN FRANCE.’ Various objects including

an electric charging station and a propeller for aircraft are on display during the inauguration of the ‘Made in France’ exhibition organized at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris on July 2, 2021, to highlight the ‘Made in France’ industry. AFP

Fair Trade 101 The farmer is the only man in our economy who buys everything at retail, sells everything at wholesale, and pays the freight both ways.—John F. Kennedy FARMERS play an essential role in in the Philippines. One of the the economy, especially in an agriculmore controversial issues peotural country like the Philippines, where ple speculate about with Fair RHOEY LEE farm competitive advantage, quality and conTrade is how it will affect farmsistent supply are almost synonymous ers’ lives. Critics say that only a DAKIS with the harvest. These farmers are the small amount of money reaches ben backbone of food production, and withthe farmer, FT would only benout them, there will be no supply. Withefit the rich, FT projects may out a steady flow of supplies coming in to meet the demand not be as sustainable as they may seem, and many are left for products, trade becomes impossible, which is detrimen- wondering if this program even helps at all. tal to everyone involved, not just those who produce these Frankly speaking, I was also under the same impresgoods but also consumers and stakeholders on every level. sion, but all of those doubts have been erased when I Unfortunately, the importance of these farmers is often over- joined an FT-certified company and witnessed the lelooked, and most of the time, they are under-appreciated and gitimacy of the program myself. Considering that not all exploited. To help address this injustice, Fair Trade (FT) was consumers could get a chance to see the legitimacy of the established.

FT program first hand, what can the FT community do?

According to Wright and Heaton, Fair Trade started in In a study by Eberhardt et al., the authors investigated Europe in the 1960s to help Nicaraguan coffee farmers how trustworthiness and knowledge of FT products affect improve their living conditions. FT, unlike other pro- consumers’ decisions to purchase them. They discovered grams, focuses on the farmers’ long-term welfare, so that lack of awareness hindered the growth of FT-certified rather than providing them “fish,” they strive to educate products, which is probably the case in the Philippines; them how to “fish,” hence the expression “trade not aid.” therefore, the subjective understanding of the Filipino The main objective of Fair Trade is to guarantee a “bet- consumers must be strengthened first by quantity, quality ter deal” for farmers by providing a premium for every and consistency.

FT purchase. The FT premium varies depending on the Since FT is still in its “infancy” stage in the Philipcommodity, market conditions, and Fair Trade certifica- pines, aggressive marketing will be necessary. The first tion standards. For every FT purchase, an FT premium step is to educate the market by providing essential inforwill be paid over and beyond what each customer would mation and education regarding the Fair Trade program typically pay for their product. Farmers can use this pre- and its impact on the farmers’ lives. mium to fund various projects aimed at improving their Work as a team and tap reputable agencies: The second lives and their community. Depending on their preferenc- step is for the FT stakeholders to work together, seek the es, these options may include education initiatives, medi- assistance of reputable institutions such as the governcal missions, or even upgrading their farm machinery. In ment agencies, consumer groups, non-profit organizathe Philippines, some of the most common projects in- tions, etc. in an extensive campaign to build awareness clude feeding programs, medical missions, scholarships and understanding of the FT program as well as the posiand financial literacy programs. tive effects, legitimacy and benefits the FT products give The FT movement is gaining momentum and bringing to the community. about changes for the better. The UK, US and EU are all Location-specific marketing programs: Instead of experiencing a rise in FT sales heavily influenced by ethi- adopting a generalized marketing program, FT marketing cal consumerism focused on sustainability. Consumers practitioners should adjust their marketing activities on a who buy products certified as part of the Fair Trade initia- location-specific basis. There is no such thing as a “one tive will be guaranteed to have purchased a product with size fits all” approach when it comes to consumers’ intenethical principles such as economic, social and environ- tions to purchase FT-certified products. mental standards. In addition, the rigorous international The FT concept is still relatively new to Filipino constandard ensures consumers get their money’s worth in sumers. Sadly, leading retailers and leading online stores terms of addressing global supply chain-related issues do not carry FT-certified products as FT remains a small such as forced labor, child labor, unsafe working condi- market in the Philippines. Presently, only specialty stores tions, gender equality, environmental protection and un- and a few online retailers have FT items. Given that sustainable livelihoods. mainstream channels are critical to Fair Trade’s success Since FT’s inception, the Fair Trade following has got- in North America and Europe, the Fair Trade community ten more significant from a small niche market in the EU must devise a strategy to bring this noble cause to the atto mainstream status in the US, EU and the UK. It began tention of major stores and internet retailers not only in in mom-and-pop stores and eventually made its way to the western hemisphere but also in the Philippines. the shelves of some of the world’s largest retailers, including Costco, Kroger, Whole Foods, Waitrose and Rhoey Lee Dakis is a Doctor of Business AdminisTesco, to mention a few. However, despite its growth in tration student at the Ramon V. del Rosario College of the western hemisphere and the increasing middle-class Business, De La Salle University. He can be reached at population in the Philippines, the FT concept is still rela- dakis_rhoeylee@yahoo.com. tively new to Filipino consumers.

The views expressed above are the author’s and do not Unfortunately, some consumers are still skeptical of necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its facthe FT program, which is probably hindering its growth ulty, and its administrators.

Green LiGht

COVID-19 pushing sea freight prices to record high LONDON—Container shipping prices have reached record highs some 18 months after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic which disrupted maritime logistics chains and drove demand sky-high.

“We are basically running out of vessels and of empty containers,” Alan Murphy, head of the consultancy Sea Intelligence, told AFP. “There’s been a massive shortage of empty containers, they are in the wrong place, they are stuck in ports and not in Asia ready to be loaded.”

The Freightos Baltic Index, a benchmark for major shipping routes, has more than tripled in a year to nearly $7,000 (5,900 euros) for a trip from China to the west coast of the United States.

A trip to Europe has exceeded $10,000, compared with just $1,600 at the same time last year.

Murphy said the unprecedented situation compounded the troubles of the last 10 years, which he said had been “really bad for the shipping lines.”

Blighted by overcapacity in the sector, he said the firms “were losing money every time they were moving a container.”

The COVID-19 pandemic, which initially brought global shipping to a virtual standstill, did not bode well for the industry and led to “an unprecedented drop in demand,” said Didier Rabattu, of Lombard Odier Investment Managers.

But this did not account for the trends among US and European consumers who during lockdown stopped spending in restaurants and theaters or going on holiday and instead used their money to purchase material goods— many of them imported from Asia.

“Imagine how many televisions you can buy if you don’t go skiing for a week with four people?” said Paul Tourret, director of France’s Higher Institute of Maritime Economics (ISEMAR).

Disruptions to loading and unloading operations, from dockers falling ill and COVID restrictions to unforseen events like the shipping backlog caused the blockage of the Suez Canal in March, have only exacerbated the trend. AFP

Bezos hands down enduring legacy as he steps away as CEO of Amazon WASHINGTON—As he prepares to blast off into a new career stage, Jeff Bezos leaves an enduring legacy after transforming Amazon from a modest online bookseller into one of the world’s most powerful corporations.

Bezos, 57, was set to hand over the job of Amazon chief executive on Monday to Andy Jassy and turn his attention to his private space exploration firm, philanthropy and other endeavors. He will retain a key role, however, as executive chair at the technology and e-commerce colossus he founded 27 years ago.

The transition comes after a spectacular streak for Amazon, which has drawn attention for its innovations.

But the firm has also been vilified over business practices that have crushed competitors and raised concerns over treatment of a workforce of more than one million.

“Bezos has been a transformational lead-

er... in book selling, the retail market, cloud computing and home delivery,” said Darrell West, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution’s Center for Technology Innovation.

“He was a pioneer who introduced many of the conveniences that people take for granted, such as going to an online store, ordering something, and having it delivered to your home the next day. The whole e-commerce sector owes many of its innovations to this individual.”

In public appearances, Bezos often recounts the early days at Amazon, started in his garage, when he packed up orders himself and drove boxes to the post office.

Today, Amazon has a market value of more than $1.7 trillion. It posted 2020 annual revenues of $386 billion from operations in e-commerce, cloud computing, groceries, artificial intelligence, streaming media and more. AFP

Manila

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING Standard

TODAY

OF FRUITAS HOLDINGS, INC.

Please take notice that the 2021 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting (“ASM”) of Fruitas Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held on 27 July 2021 (Tuesday) at 2:00 pm via remote communication. The virtual ASM is necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic situation during which physical gatherings are highly discouraged.

The Agenda for the ASM shall be as follows: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11. com.

Call to order Certification of service of notice and presence of quorum Reading and approval of the minutes of the last Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on 01 December 2020 Approval of amendment to Article II of the Articles of Incorporation to add to Secondary Purposes Ratification of all acts and resolutions of the Board of Directors and Management from the date of the last annual stockholders’ meeting until the date of this meeting Presentation of the President’s Report Management Report and Approval of Audited Financial Statements for the year 2020 Election of the members of the Board of Directors, including the Independent Directors, for the year 2021 Appointment of External Auditors Other Matters Adjournment

The Minutes of the 2020 ASM is available for examination on the website of the Company at www.fruitasholdings.

The record date shall be on 29 June 2021 for the purpose of determining the list of stockholders of the Corporation who are entitled to vote in the 2021 ASM. The Company will allow attendance by stockholders only by remote communication and voting in absentia, subject to validation procedures, though the directors will be in the principal office of the Company.

Stockholders who will participate in the 2021 ASM by remote communication should send an e-mail indicating their intent to participate to IPO.Compliance@fruitasholdings.com. They will then be sent a link to a registration form requiring certain information and documentation. Upon their successful accomplishment of the registration form, they will receive an e-mail invitation with a complete guide on how to join the ASM and how to cast votes in absentia. Registration and voting must be accomplished by 23 July 2021. Proxies, in the form provided by the Company, however, must be scanned and emailed to the Company’s Corporate Secretary at IPO.Compliance@fruitasholdings.com not later than 20 July 2021. The proxies shall be validated by 22 July 2021. The Corporate Secretary’s decision shall be final and binding on the shareholders, and those not settled during the proxy validation shall be deemed waived and may no longer be raised. WE ARE NOT, HOWEVER, SOLICITING PROXIES. For any registration concerns, please contact IPO.Compliance@fruitasholdings.com. Please refer to the Definitive Information Statement (“DIS”) on the guidelines on attendance by remote communication and voting in absentia. The DIS is posted on the website of the Company at www.fruitasholdings.com. Only stockholders who have successfully registered within the prescribed period, together with the stockholders who voted in absentia and by proxy, will be included in the determination of quorum.

Stockholders may send their questions about the ASM and the Company to IPO.Compliance@fruitasholdings.com.

Pursuant to SEC Notice dated March 16, 2021, the Stockholders may examine the Definitive Information Statement, Management Report, and SEC Form 17A at the Company’s website and through the PSE Edge Portal.

There will be an audio and video recording of the ASM. All votes cast shall be validated by the Stock and Transfer Agent, BDO Unibank, Inc. Quezon City, Philippines, June 30, 2021.

(MS-JUL. 5 & 6, 2021)

For the Board of Directors, (originally signed) MARVIN C. YU Corporate Secretary

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

B4

MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

Business

PSE INDEX CLOSING

AUDITORS’ ACCREDITATION.

Friday, July 2, 2021

38.25 PTS. 7,002.26

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

2,774,329,340 77,942 5,848,677,507.19 108 100 36

Financial sector regulators, under the auspices of the Financial Sector Forum and the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy, sign a new multilateral memorandum of agreement on the accreditation/selection of external auditors aimed at promoting ease of doing business and adherence to internationally recognized standards in auditing.

Leading the virtual signing are (clockwise from top left) Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno, Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Emilio Aquino, Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. president and chief executive Roberto Tan, Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy chairman Noe Quiñanola and commissioner Dennis Funa of the Insurance Commission.

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

49.0040

Japan

Yen

0.008966

0.4394

UK

Pound

1.376600

67.4589

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128773

6.3104

Switzerland

Franc

1.080731

52.9601

Canada

Dollar

0.803988

39.3986

Singapore

Dollar

0.741455

36.3343

Australia

Dollar

0.746800

36.5962

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655337

130.1221

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266638

13.0663

Brunei

Dollar

0.738716

36.2000

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.031201

1.5290

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.3424

Euro

Euro

1.185100

58.0746

Korea

Won

0.000883

0.0433

China

Yuan

0.154560

7.5741

India

Rupee

0.013413

0.6573

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.240587

11.7897

New Zealand

Dollar

0.696500

34.1313

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035833

1.7560 Source: BSP

Meralco bullish this year, cites rising revenues

By Alena Mae S. Flores ELECTRICITY retailer Manila Electric Co. expects its performance to be better this year as the economy rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic, its top executive said over the weekend.

“I was actually happy to read the news that 400,000 people got reemployed. I hope it continues. In Meralco, we see an uptick in the volume that we are selling. Of course, residential continues to increase, but manufacturing is starting to get back on its feet. We are seeing that in the volume of manufacturing. Commercial is a bit slow so far, but maybe in time as the lockdowns are relaxed,” Meralco chairman Manuel Pangilinan said.

Meralco posted a 9-percent decline in consolidated core net income to P21.7 billion last year from P23.8 billion in 2019 on lower sales.

Consolidated energy sales volumes reached 43,572 gigawatt-hours in 2020, or 7-percent lower than the 2019 volume.

“But I think our volumes will be higher this year, and I think profits will be better than in 2020,” Pangilinan said.

Meanwhile, the MVP Group led

by Pangilinan started vaccinating its non-medical personnel on Friday.

Meralco joins the government in containing the outbreak of COVID-19 by ensuring that its 5,700 workforce are regularly tested, supplied with the necessary personal protective equipment, provided supplements to boost their immunity and given prompt medical attention at the first sign of symptoms or infection.

“Surely better than 2020. That is why we need to continue opening up the economy. Anywhere we can help the government helps the business sector,” he said.

Pangilinan also said the acquisition of Global Business Power Corp. would also help boost profitability this year.

Meralco PowerGen Corp., a unit of Meralco, acquired an 86-percent stake in Global Business Power Corp. from Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and JG Summit Holdings Inc. for P32.86 billion, net of dividends and interest costs.

He said the election preparations would also help increase Meralco’s sales volumes.

PLDT, Globe oppose plan to hike spectrum users fee

By Darwin G. Amojelar

T

he country’s two largest telecom companies are opposing the National Telecommunication’s proposal to increase spectrum users fee for broadband frequencies, saying consumers may suffer from more expensive and poor broadband services.

Globe Telecom and PLDT Group are referring to NTC’s plan to set SUF of P500 for each outdoor radio station operated by telcos with a maximum data rate of 11 megabits per second and P1,000 in excess of 11 Mbps. The rates are applicable to radio frequency bands 2400MHz to 2483.5MHz, 5150MHz to 5350MHz and 5470MHz to 5850MHz.

“Higher spectrum prices threaten affordable, high-quality mobile broadband services. When spectrum prices are set too high, operators are likely to invest in the networks which impacts the quality and reach of services,” Globe said in a position paper submitted to NTC. “Operators are also less able to engage in price competition leading to more ex-

BIR starts collecting VAT on local purchases of export companies

By Othel V. Campos

PH-US RELATIONS. As part of the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the United States and the Philippines, US Embassy charge d’affaires John Law (right) and Department of Foreign Affairs acting Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro launch the event’s commemorative logo at the iconic SM Mall of Asia Globe. Since the establishment of relations on July 4, 1946, the two countries have expanded and deepened bilateral cooperation in many areas, most notably defense and security, trade and commerce and culture and education. The 75th anniversary logo will also be seen in four additional SM Supermalls digital billboards throughout Metro Manila, Pampanga and Cebu.

Anti-crime group says resignation of PCSO bidding committee to undermine process CAUSE-ORIENTED Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption said over the weekend the members of the special bids and awards committee of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office who resigned should remember their solemn oath to faithfully discharge their duties to the best of their ability.

VACC president Arsenio Evangelista made the remark in reaction to an attempt by several SBAC members of the PCSO to resign in protest over a decision by the agency’s board of directors to entertain the protest of a bidder, contesting its disqualification from the initial evaluation of bids for a multi-billion-peso service contract involving the state-sponsored

PTEs to make the necessary investments to support expansion projects―which ultimately impacts quality of service,” PLDT said.

“A more reasonable method of computing SUF will certainly encourage PTEs to invest and deploy more advanced technologies like 5G, which promises faster speeds, lower latency and greater load capacity,” it said.

PLDT said spectrum fees set too high combined with income taxes, value added tax, excise, regulatory fees and other charges could negatively impact growth opportunities and attractiveness of the sector.

“There is a pressing need to review existing policies and regulations relative to SUF,” it said.

lotto gaming operations.

The SBAC led by chairperson Julieta Aseo, vice-chairperson Larry Cedro and members Josefina Sarsonas Aguas, Raymond Samarita, Ariel de Ocampo, Omar Bagul and Leah Christine Jimenez filed a notice of irrevocable resignation on June 25, saying they would not do anything that runs counter to Procurement Law and its rules and regulations.

The issue stemmed from the decision of the PCSO board of directors to grant the protest filed by the joint venture of Philippine United Technic Corp., DigiSpects IT Corp. and Genlot Game Technology Co. Ltd. and reversed the decision dated June 9, 2021 of the SBAC.

The SBC’s June 9 decision denied the request for reconsideration in relation to JV Genlot’s disqualification in the bid opening last May 31 for expired mayor’s permit by Philippine United Technic Corp. and the failure to include English translation of supporting eligibility documents in the single largest completed contract.

The SBAC earlier ruled as “passed” a component of the eligibility document of said bidder. However, the SBAC reversed its decision and eventually ruled the bidder as “disqualified.” This was brought on protest to the PCSO board of directors upon payment of a non refundable protest fee of P6.5 million.

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue started the collection of value added tax on local purchases by exporting companies to raise additional P33.7 billion for the government coffers.

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority said over the weekend that BIR through Revenue Regulation 9-2021 started collecting VAT from activities that previously had zero VAT-rating. Local purchases of PEZA-registered companies amounted to P280.9 billion in 2020.

“PEZA locators have started paying the 12-percent VAT on the local purchases. PEZA has started collecting VAT on our sale of power, lot rentals and transaction fees from locators,” it said.

PEZA said despite the new revenue regulation, it remained hopeful that the VAT exemption on intra/inter-zone sales of locators such as sale of goods and services from one locator to another would be retained.

The collection of VAT from previously non-VATable activities was mandated by the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law and reiterated in the implementing rules and regulations of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act. The IRR provided for the collection of 12-percent VAT from local purchases of PEZA companies from goods and properties that were previously considered as non-VATable goods, subject to BIR and PEZA requirements.

“Also, as we operate our own public ecozones and provide services to all our locators. We will now be forced to impose VAT on our direct transactions with locators. Word we got is that the BIR is drafting a revenue memorandum circular which will be with the CREATE and TRAIN provisions including the 12 percent in terms of the passed-on VAT,” PEZA said.

PEZA said it would request for the deferment of the new BIR measure “as this will severely impact on the viability the companies’ operations in the country especially at this time of pandemic and recession.”

IN BRIEF SEC cancels permit of 4 online lenders THE Securities and Exchange Commission cancelled the license of lending firm KingABC Lending Corp. which runs four online lending platforms because of alleged unfair debt collection practices.

It said based on its investigation, King ABC which operates Pondo Loan, Start Loan, Green Loan and Loan Club committed 15 violations of SEC Memorandum Circular No. 18, Series of 2019 which prohibits lending and financing firms from adhering to unfair debt collection practices.

The SEC said its corporate governance and finance department found KingABC to have threatened borrowers with shaming on social media by publishing their names as scammers and contacting people in the borrowers’ contact list despite not being named as co-makers or guarantors.

KingABC also used obscenities, insults or profane language in debt collection and threatened to sue borrowers based on madeup legal bases, according to the CGFD. Jenniffer B. Austria

$97-b foreign debt still manageable THE country’s external debt of $97.05 billion as of end-first quarter remains at a manageable level, the Department of Finance said over the weekend.

Data showed that the external debt stock in the first quarter slightly went down by 1.5 percent from its end-2020 level. This was equivalent to 26.7 percent of the gross domestic product, of which 15.6 percentage points is contributed by the public sector and 11.1 percentage points by the private sector.

The recent build-up in external debt was driven by the government’s resource mobilization against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In 2020, the public sector’s external debt increased by 35.8 percent but that of the private sector’s external debt actually declined by 1.1 percent. In the first quarter of 2021, public sector debt declined by 2.4 percent; the private sector debt likewise declined by 0.2 percent,” the agency said.

“At 26.7 percent of GDP, the country’s external debt is at manageable level. This ratio is about a half of that in 2005, at 57.3 percent, the first comparable year that uses the IMF’s BPM6 methodology in calculating balance-of-payments statistics,” the DOF said. Julito G. Rada

NLEX to start Quirino Highway section soon NLEX Corp. said it expects to start the construction of the North Luzon Expressway extension from the Mindanao Ave. toll plaza to Quirino Highway in Novaliches, Quezon City in the second half.

“The construction of this new P2-billion expressway section will be welcome news for NLEX commuters who currently face daily traffic gridlock in the congested portions of Mindanao Ave. Eventually, this section will be integrated into the future NLEX expansion to C5/C.P. Garcia near Katipunan Ave. We foresee an interconnected tollway network that will be accessible to the west, east, north and south sides of Metro Manila,” said NLEX president and general manager J. Luigi Bautista.

He said the construction of the new section is part of the “Build, Build, Build” program and is expected to contribute to the government’s economic stimulus initiative aimed at generating more jobs and helping revive the economy. Darwin G. Amojelar

PSE remains keen on taking control of fixed equities mart

By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Philippine Stock Exchange will revisit plans to acquire a controlling interest in the country’s fixed equities bourse after its earlier attempt was thwarted, a top official said over the weekend.

PSE president and chief executive Ramon Monzon said in an interview the company remained interested in acquiring more shares in Philippine Dealing System Holdings Corp. and would revisit the plan next year.

“Our interest in PDS for the depository has not waned. It is just a question of timing but [we are] determined to pursue that because we still think that the depository needs to be owned by an exchange or risk management,” Monzon said.

PDS is the holding firm for fixedincome trading platform Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp., Philippine Depositary and Trust Corp. and Philippine Securities Settlement Corp.

The PSE in 2013 expressed interest in acquiring more shares in PDS Holdings in a bid to unify the country’s capital markets.

It conducted a P3.1-billion stock rights offering in preparation for the planned acquisition. However, Securities and Exchange Commission in 2018 thumbed down the PSE’s request for exemption from the 20-percent cap in the ownership of a single industry in an exchange.

The SEC said the PSE failed to present clear and convincing evidence that it is competent to operate and manage the fixed-income market.

Meanwhile, Monzon said the local bourse was also reviewing plans to delist delinquent companies, whose shares remained suspended for a long period of time.

Monzon said initial review showed that at least 8 to 10 listed firms could be effected by this clean-up.

He said most of these firms whose shares were suspended from trading failed to submit reportorial requirements or have capital deficiency and negative stockholders equity.

Sports

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

MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

C1

ML Legends PH qualifiers stake 2 slots for PH teams

OLYMPICS’ SUPER FAN. Olympic super fan, Vivian Robinson attends the NBC Olympics launch of “Rings Across America” Tour life-size set of iconic Olympic Rings at Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City, California. AFP

Fnatic sends TNC.Predator home, makes ‘International’

By John Christopher G. Aquino FNATIC battled its way to The International 10 after coming from behind to frustrate all-Filipino TNC.Predator.

Filipinos Marc “Raven” Fausto, Djardel “Dj” Mampusti, Malaysian Ng Kee Chyuan, Thai Anucha “Jabz” Jirawong, and Singaporean Yang “Deth” Wu Heng secured a ticket to The International 10, where they have the chance at the $40 million prize pool and a stake at the coveted Aegis of the Immortal.

TNC.Predator dominated the scoreboard with an early 2-0 advantage with a Game 1 heavily favoring the Filipinos as Kim “Gabbi” Villafuerte’s Ursa and Armel Tabios’ Templar Assassin slayed Fnatic members left and right in a lopsided 36-minute victory.

Game 2 saw the same result for TNC. Predator as Gabbi’s Phantom Assassin was too much to handle for Fnatic as the match ended with an Ultra Kill for Gabbi on the top lane of the Radiant base. Fnatic was unable to capitalize off its Roshan kill advantage.

It was a complete turnaround for Fnatic from there, though, as it turned the tides against TNC.Predator in Game 3, with Raven’s Terrorblade and ChYuan’s Death Prophet posing problems for the Filipinos in the pushing and damage departments.

Game 4 was a lopsided victory for Fnatic as Raven’s Terrorblade saw a second appearance, dominating the field as TNC.Predator could not keep up with the damage output of the opposing team.

The series closed in Game 5, with Fnatic’s dominant laning phase and Raven’s Axe performing well, ending the game with 18 kills and zero deaths.

“FNATIC HAS DONE IT! With the reverse sweep, we qualify to The International 10! Massive thanks to all Fnatics who put their faith to our team, this #panatikvictory is all for you. We will see you in August! #TI10” wrote the team’s Twitter in celebration of the victory.

It was the first time in five years that TNC.Predator will miss The International.

With the victory, Fnatic’s Raven and DJ will join the ranks of their fellow Filipinos EG’s Abed Yusop, T1’s Carlo “Kuku” Palad and Karl Jayme who will all fight for the Aegis this coming August.

Obiena seeks higher leaps with new pole

By Peter Atencio

T

HE arrival of a brand new pole is expected to help Ernest John “EJ” Obiena leap higher as he prepares for the Tokyo Olympics in the next three weeks.

Ernest John Obiena

Obiena hopes that his new equipment will allow him to clear heights of more than six meters.

His 5.3-meter fiberglass stick was not available yet when he competed in Sweden three days ago.

It was still on its way to his home base in Formia, Italy when he competed and won the gold medal in 2021 Taby Stavhoppsgala Street Pole Vault in Sweden.

“His pole has arrived and now is in Italy. Not sure if he was able to use it in competition in Sweden,” said EJ’s dad Emerson.

The 25-year-old Obiena used a wornout pole, maybe for the last time, when he and two others hit the 5.80-meter mark in the Sweden meet.

His effort, which was done on his first attempt, allowed him to beat his training partner and Olympic champion Thiago Braz of Brazil and American bet Andrew Irwin for first place.

Braz and Irwin settled for second and third, respectively.

“I would say that these competitions helped me sharpen my competitive skills and be able to know how I am able to improve myself. I think every athlete can be different in training and in competition,” said Obiena.

The Filipino pole vaulter’s goldmedal performance was below the Philippine outdoor mark he set last Thursday, when he cleared 5.87 meters in the Irena Szwewinska Memorial/ Bydgoszcz Cup in Poland to shatter the national record for the third time in since 2019.

The feat earned Obiena the silver medal after he finished behind American pole vaulter Chris Nilson, who made it in 5.92 meters.

Support Team PH: Join virtual audience in Tokyo

By Randy Caluag FILIPINO athletes have joined organizers in calling for fans all over the world to be part of the virtual audience in the coming Tokyo Olympics.

The Japanese government is looking at a zero live audience as it implements strict health protocols due to the continued rise in COVID-19 cases, particularly in Tokyo, where most of the games will be held.

Organizers have called the digital engagement program Share the Passion.

In anticipation of empty seats in competition venues, Tokyo organizers have invited fans from all over the world to send recorded videos of themselves cheering their athletes or yelling their national chants.

The videos will be shown on the big screens at venues during the Games.

Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who is making her fourth straight Olympiad, has called on the Filipino fans to send the videos, waving the tricolor Philippine flag.

“Send your videos with the flag.

We need your support and messages.

Salamat po,” said Diaz, who is out to

Expect a zero live audience in the Tokyo Olympics. (olympics.org)

duplicate if not surpass her silver medal finish in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“You can share the passion and show your support for the Olympians, official and the Olympics itself by recording and sending in your national chants, one-phrases or similar messages,” Diaz shared on her official social media page.

The Philippines is sending 19 athletes to the Tokyo Olympics, hoping to finally bag the country’s first-ever gold medal.

Aside from Diaz, representing the Philippines in Tokyo are gymnast Caloy Yulo, pole-vaulter EJ Obiena, boxers Eumir Marcial, Irish Magno, Nesthy Petecio

Superal ready for Ladies PH Golf Tour restart LILE the rest of the field, Princess Superal can’t wait to get going in the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour resumption, eager to hack it out again in pursuit of top honors with a form she kept in top condition through the long break due to the spike of Covid-19 infections.

“We’re happy for the resumption (of the tour),” said the multi-titled Superal, who topped one and placed second twice when the circuit held its restart last year and early this season following an eightmonth hiatus due to the global health crisis. “It’s been a long time and we really miss (the action).”

Despite the long layoff, action indeed is expected to be fierce right at the start

THREE seasons will make up the Philippine qualifiers of the Cyberathlete Collegiate Mobile Legends Tournament Series.

The first season in Southeast Asia, which began last May, will pick the Top 2 local teams which will advance to the regional qualifiers.

Officials of the National Electronic Sports Federation of the Philippines, member of the Global Esports Federation, said this as the local qualifiers for the biggest Esports title is about to begin.

“In the regional qualifiers, hopefully, we can knock out everyone else. And so, we will be deciding the champions for Season 1,” said NESP secretary general Alvin Juban on Zoom.

A grand prize pool of $250,000 will be at stake at the regional level of this event, organized by Cyberathlete, which is considered as among the oldest Esports company in the world.

Cyberathlete, which is on its 25th year, has recently partnered with the NESFP for the Cyberathlete® Collegiate Mobile Legends series.

In the second season, a new team will be allowed to mix it up with the old squads that were formed in Season 1 and did not make it.

“Another season will come in, and other teams can join.

And even the previous teams from Season 1 can sign up,” said Juban.

All throughout, the popular game title “Mobile Legends: Bang Bang,” which Chinese game producer Shanghai Moonton Technology Co. Ltd. Created, will be used.

KALARO, which serves as a single portal for Filipino gamers, will be the official tournament platform of the Philippine qualifiers. Peter Atencio

of the ICTSI Sherwood Ladies Challenge on Wednesday (July 7) at the tough Sherwood Hills Golf Club in Cavite with the likes of Daniella Uy, Chanelle Avaricio, Sarah Ababa, Apple Fudolin, Chihiro Ikeda, Marvi Monsalve, Gretchen Villacencia and Sheryl Villacencio likewise coming into the event keen and enthusiastic about their respective chances in the P750,000 event put up by ICTSI. The circuit went on a three-month break due to surge of coronavirus cases in the NCR Plus last March with 2017 LPGT Order of Merit winner Pauline del Rosario, who topped on LPGT bubble tournament last year, opting to embark on a US tour as part of her buildup for the

LPGA Q-School in October.

Superal is likewise prepping up for the resumption of her campaign in the Step Up Tour in Japan and the LPGT’s four-tournament schedule in the next five weeks will surely help her reach competitive form, not to mention bolster her confidence.

“I do workouts three times a week during the break while playing at least four rounds.

Then back to the range and short game for the rest of the week,” added Superal.

After the Sherwood leg, action shifts to Eagle Ridge for the ICTSI Eagle Ridge Ladies Classic on July 14-16 at the Norman course then back to Riviera, also in Cavite, for the ICTSI Riviera Ladies Challenge on

July 28-30 at the Langer course.

The Couples layout, also at Riviera, will host the next stop for the ICTSI Riviera Ladies Challenge on Aug. 4-6 as the organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. got the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) and GAB (Games and Amusements Board) nods to resume operations under strict health and safety guidelines, Harmie Constantino turned back Superal to rule the last LPGT tournament before the lockdown at Eagle Ridge’s Aoki course last March but failed to make it two-in-row in her pro debut and the latter’s attempt to even things up got stalled following the temporary suspension of the ICTSI-backed circuit.

and Carlo Paalam, weighlifter Elreen Ando, rower Chris Nievarez, taekwondo jin Kurt Barbosa, skateboarder Margie Didal, shooter Jayson Valdez, golfers Yuka Saso, Bianca Pagdanganan and Juvic Pagunsan, judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, sprinter Kristina Knott, and swimmers Luke Gebbie and Remedy Rule.

“In a world in which many people have been separated from each other by the COVID-19 pandemic, I believe that the Tokyo 2020 Games will help us renew our bonds with each other,” said Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto.

“I am looking forward to many people around the world taking this opportunity to be a part of the Games and deliver their messages of support to the athletes.”

To join the Share the Passion program, just post your recorded video on social media using the hashtags #DearAthletes, @Tokyo2020 and #OLY. For full details, please check t h e dedicated link https:// olympics.com/tokyo-2020/en/games/ share-the-passion/

Princess Superal

C2

Sports

MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

Roger glides into last 16 at Wimbledon LONDON—Roger Federer moved into the fourth round of a Grand Slam tournament for the 69th time on Saturday, overcoming a raucous home crowd and the last British man in the draw Cameron Norrie in an entertaining 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 win at Wimbledon.

Federer kept his dream alive of a record-extending ninth singles title.

On the women’s side, Australia’s world number one Ashleigh Barty looked a bit more fluent after two inconsistent performances in moving into the Last 16.

The 25-year-old’s 6-3, 7-5 win over Katerina Siniakova reassured her fans she can win the title on the 50th anniversary of fellow indigenous Australian Evonne Goolagong Cawley’s first Wimbledon crown.

Victory pitches her into a fourth round clash with French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova.

Krejcikova has been under the radar but battled through to the Last 16 beating Anastasija Sevastova of Lativa 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 7-5.

Federer said this Wimbledon held special significance for him.

“I hope there is a little bit more left in me as this one is special for it is the last slam before I hit the big 40,” said Federer, the third oldest man to reach the Last 16 in the Open era.

Norrie follows two-time champion Andy Murray and British number one Dan Evans in exiting in the third round.

Federer’s half of the draw looks more treacherous than defending champion Novak Djokovic’s with two of the younger generation Daniil Medvedev and Germany’s Alexander Zverev potentially lurking further down the line.

‘It’s disgraceful’ Second seed Medvedev showed his mettle as for the first time in his career he came from two sets down to beat 2017 Wimbledon finalist Marin Cilic.

Zverev ended big-serving Taylor Fritz’s impressive campaign—6-7 (3/7), 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4)—given he exited the French Open in a wheelchair due to a knee injury.

The match of the day on the men’s side was a damp squib as fiery Aussie entertainer Nick Kyrgios retired with an abdominal injury tied at one set all with stylish Canadian 16th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime. AFP

It’s Bucks vs Suns in NBA Finals L

OS ANGELES—Khris Middleton poured in 32 points to power the Milwaukee Bucks into their first NBA Finals in over 45 years on Saturday with a series-clinching 118-107 win over the Atlanta Hawks.

The third-seeded Bucks beat the host Hawks in the best-of-seven series 4-2 to book their first appearance in the league championship since 1974.

“As a little kid, everybody wanted to be part of this chance to go to the finals.

This is amazing,” said Bucks guard Jrue Holiday.

Milwaukee will face the Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns in the finals which begin on Tuesday.

The Bucks earned the Eastern Conference championship trophy, celebrating with it on the floor at the Hawks’ State Farm Arena.

“It is sweet. These guys have put the work in all year. They deserve to go to the finals,” said Milwaukee coach Mike Budenholzer. “We’ve got more work to do.”

The Bucks won despite the absence of two-time league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who sat out with an injured left knee. The 26-year-old Greek forward hyperextended the joint when he landed awkwardly in game four of the series.

The Hawks got their top player Trae Young back after he missed the previous two games with a bruised foot. But Young struggled to score in game six, shooting just four-of-17, missing all six of his three-point attempts and finishing with just 14 points.

Young said he wasn’t fully recovered from the injury but decided to try his luck.

“I didn’t want to go and not play and think to myself all off-season what if I could have been out there and played,” said Young.

“It would have hurt me so I just decided to go out and play and leave it all out on the floor.”

Holiday stepped up for the second straight game to help fill the offensive void with Antetokounmpo out, flirting with a triple double and finishing with 27 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists.

Brook Lopez, who was the star of Thursday’s game five win with 33 points, delivered 13 points on Saturday for the Bucks.

The young Hawks, who last made it to the finals 60 years ago when they were based in St. Louis, were trying to force a seventh game.

Cam Reddish came off the bench to score a team-high 21 points, Bogdan Bogdanovic had 20, and John Collins finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

Middleton shot 10-of-22 from the field and made all eight of his free throws as he scored 16 straight points for the Bucks in the second half.

“I just tried to shoot and be con-

Messi stars as Argentina sets up Colombia Copa semi-final

The Milwaukee Bucks, led by PJ Tucker, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Mamadi Diakite, hold the Eastern Conference Finals Trophy after beating the Atlanta Hawks at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. AFP

F1 champion Hamilton extends contract with Mercedes to 2023 LONDON—Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has extended his contract with Mercedes until 2023, the team announced on Saturday.

Hamilton, 36, has won six of his seven F1 titles with the outfit since joining them in 2013.

Together they have dominated the sport for the past seven years. Mercedes have won the constructors’ championship every season since 2014 with Hamilton winning six of the last seven drivers’ titles.

Hamilton will reportedly earn £40 million (55 million dollars) a year under the new deal.

“It is hard to believe it’s been nearly nine years working with this incredible team and I’m excited we’re going to continue our partnership for two more years,” Hamilton said in a statement.

“We’ve accomplished so much together but we still have a lot to achieve, both on and off the track.”

As the only black driver on the F1 grid, the Briton is a prominent advocate against racism and took the knee wearing a Black Lives Matter t-shirt before each race

fident, and just play the right way,” Middleton said.

The Bucks started quickly, jumping out to a 15-4 lead in the first quarter after a Lopez dunk. The Hawks clawed their way back into it in the second quarter to trail by just four, 47-43, at the half.

But Milwaukee broke the game open in the third quarter by outscoring the Hawks 44-29 as Middleton and Holiday took charge of the offence.

Tucker hits triple Lopez made an alley-oop dunk with 1:29 to go in the fourth to make it 113110 and PJ Tucker nailed a clutch 23foot three pointer with 62 seconds remaining to stretch the Milwaukee lead to 10 points and help seal the win.

The second-seeded Suns will have home-court advantage in the finals based on having a better record in the regular season.

Phoenix edged the Bucks in two games during the regular season, 128127 in overtime in Milwaukee and 125124 in Arizona. AFP

last season.

Hamilton highlighted the backing he had received from Mercedes in making that stand as another reason behind his decision to renew.

“I’m incredibly proud and grateful of how Mercedes has supported me in my drive to improve diversity and equality in our sport.

“They have held themselves accountable and made important strides in creating a more diverse team and inclusive environment.”

Hamilton is one championship victory away from overtaking the all-time record he shares with Michael Schumacher but has already overtaken the German with a record 98 Grand Prix wins.

He has won three of this season’s eight races so far but is facing his toughest challenge for many seasons as he trails championship leader Max Verstappen by 18 points.

“His achievements in this sport speak for themselves, and with his experience, speed

Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton drives during the third practice session at the Red Bull Ring race track in Spielberg, Austria, ahead of the Formula One Austrian Grand Prix. AFP

and race-craft, he is at the peak of his powers,” Mercedes team principal and chief executive Toto Wolff said.

“We are relishing the battle we have on our hands this year—and that’s why we also wanted to agree this contract early, so we have no distractions from the competition on track.

“I have always said that as long as Lewis still possesses the fire for racing, he can continue as long as he wants.”

Next season, Formula 1 will introduce the alterations to cars which were pushed

back from this year by the coronavirus pandemic.

They aim to aid drivers to overtake more often.

“As F1 enters a new era in 2022 with wholesale technical regulation changes, Mercedes and Lewis will forge new ground in a collaboration which has spanned his entire F1 career,” Mercedes said.

On Sunday, Hamilton will try to stop Verstappen claiming a third consecutive win at the Austrian Grand Prix. AFP

GOIANIA, Brazil—Lionel Messi scored one goal and created two others as Argentina beat Ecuador 3-0 in Goiania on Saturday to reach the Copa America semi-finals.

In Tuesday’s last four match, the 14-time winners will play Colombia, who beat Uruguay on penalties earlier in the day.

Messi teed up goals for Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martinez before firing home an injury time free-kick to cap a stunning individual performance.

The scoreline was harsh on Ecuador, who ended the game with 10 men after Pedro Hicapie’s dismissal but had been competitive throughout.

“The truth is it was a very tough match.

We knew the difficulty of playing Ecuador, who work hard with players who are fast, physically strong, young,” said Messi.

“It was a battle until we managed the (second) goal.”

Argentina made a bright start and Martinez almost opened the scoring with a moment of brilliance. He chipped the ball over goalkeeper Hernan Galindez and then volleyed goalwards, only for Robert Arboldea to block the ball on the line.

Moments later Martinez had a shot deflected wide and from the resulting corner, German Pezzella volleyed into the side netting.

Carlos Gruezo almost gifted Argentina a goal when his attempted back pass sent Messi clean through with only Galindez to beat, but the six-time Ballon d’Or winner saw his shot cannon back off the post.

Up the other end, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez had to be alert to parry a stunning 20-yard volley by Sebastian Mendez.

Argentina had their own let off seven minutes from half-time when Pervis Estupinan crossed from the left and Enner Valencia’s flicked header narrowly evaded the sliding Alan Franco at the back post.

Messi takes control Two minutes later Argentina were in front, with Messi the architect.

First he played in Nicolas Gonzalez on goal but when he was tackled by Galindez, Messi reacted quickest and teed up De Paul to score.

There was still time before the break for Galindez to make an incredible double save from Gonzalez, before Valencia somehow headed wide from six yards out.

After the break, Valencia remained Ecuador’s most likely route back into the match and the livewire forward’s near post shot hit Martinez’s leg before going behind.

A wicked Estupinan cross was then almost turned into his own net by Gonzalez. AFP

Athletes back Richardson after marijuana costs her Tokyo 100m

US sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, shown here in the women’s 100m final during the Diamond League athletics meeting at Gateshead International Stadium in Gateshead, north-east England, confirmed she tested positive for marijuana at the US Olympic athletics trials and says she could still compete on a relay at the Tokyo Games. AFP

NEW YORK—US sports stars from Olympic track champion Michael Johnson to NFL and NBA stars backed Sha’Carri Richardson after she was suspended for using marijuana and lost her 100m Olympic berth.

The US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced a one-month ban after she tested positive for marijuana, a banned World Anti-Doping Agency substance.

Richardson said she took the drug to cope with the pressure of trying to reach the Olympics and the pain of learning about the death of her biological mother.

“I don’t know why marijuana is banned. Maybe a good reason. Maybe not,” tweeted Johnson, a four-time world champion and two-time Olympic champion at 400m and former world and Olympic 200m champion.

“I know how it feels to lose a parent.

Indescribable pain! I’m from the same neighborhood as (Richardson) Tough place! I wish people would stop calling her and this ban stupid unless you know the reason for both.”

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the 2020 Super Bowl Most Valuable Player, tweeted of Richardson’s ban: “This is so trash man... just let her run!”

Richardson, who this season became the sixth-fastest woman ever at 100m, will not be able to compete in the event.

Richard Sherman, a Super Bowl champion cornerback with Seattle, said he backed Richardson but questioned a society that would punish her for coping with personal loss.

“I’m very proud of this young woman but so frustrated at the place we are as a society,” Sherman said.

“She is dealing with one of the greatest

personal losses anyone could ever have to deal with in the midst of trying to accomplish one of the most difficult feats. Now we make her explain.”

Retired NBA star Dwyane Wade addressed those who decided marijuana, legal in much of the United States, should be a banned substance.

“But majority of y’all rule makers smoke and probably are investors in THC companies,” Wade said. “Let’s stop playing these games.”

The issue of Richardson’s ban came up at the White House briefing and White House press secretary Jen Psaki noted it was a decision by USADA but stressed: “Sha’Carri Richardson is an inspiring young woman who has gone through a lot personally.

“And she also happens to be one of the fastest women in the world and that’s an important part of the story as well.” AFP

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

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Jerome, Nikko, Dave are your ‘Good Vibes’ boys

Kapuso actor Dave Bornea and Kapamilya stars Jerome Ponce and Nikko Natividad headline a digital program, a sitcom titled ‘GVBOYS: Pangmalakasang Good Vibes.’

WHEN times are difficult, people usually look at the lighter side of things and what makes them happy. Keeping people of all ages entertained is the heart and soul of Puregold Channel on Facebook and YouTube.

Puregold Channel was conceptualized as a means to provide quality entertainment to millions of Filipino families staying at home because of the pandemic. "Shoppertainment,” as pioneered by Puregold, combined grocery shopping with entertainment—two things that Filipinos are passionate about—across Puregold's millions of followers on its social media platforms.

GVBOYS: Pangmalakasang Good Vibes is Puregold Channel’s first digital series and the newest addition to the exciting roster of shows.

The show stars three of today's latest hottest

and most exciting leading men—Jerome Ponce, Nikko Natividad, and Dave Bornea— and they will be joined by the talented, feisty, and funny Wilma Doesn't, Elsa Droga, and Carmi Martin.

Directed by veteran director, Don Cuaresma, GVBOYS: Pangmalakasang Good Vibes will have eight-episode drops and two special episodes. The digital series can be streamed online for free on Puregold Channel's Facebook and YouTube pages starting Saturday, July 10.

It is a coming-of-age story of three housemates. Each episode highlights relatable adventures, antics, and life experiences.

"Puregold Channel is dedicated to our loyal customers. This is our way of rewarding and staying in touch with them outside the stores.

This is Puregold’s thrust, to strengthen the future of retail through strong engagement and digital footprint," said Puregold Price Club Inc. President Vincent Co. Since the launch of Puregold Channel late last year, the supermarket giant has come up with engaging content for people of all ages. Among the shows the channel has put up are a game show Playtime Panalo with Luis Manzano, a talk show Sabado Bago Live co-hosted by Boy Abunda and Gretchen Ho, a stand-up comedy show The Ha Ha Hour hosted by Alex Calleja and a Mobile Legends: Bang Bang gaming tournament Puregold Esports Live.

For updates, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and Twitter, and subscribe to Puregold Channel on YouTube.

Alden Richards stars with Jasmine Curtis Smith in an epic love story T ELEVISION director Dominic Zapata describes The World Between Us, a romantic drama that sees the reunion of Alden Richards and Jasmine Custis Smith on the small screen, as an epic love story that tackles love in various levels and forms.

Speaking to Manila Standard Entertainment, the esteemed director shared what made him fall in love with the story and what makes the series, premiering tonight on GMA, another one for the books.

“It’s an epic love story that lasted for 25 years. When I first read the material, I fell in love with it especially with the way it makes you fall in love and the way it makes you think that everything is alright then it goes a certain direction,” the television director started.

“It’s a love story in so many levels and in so many ways. It’s not just romantic, it’s also about love between a mom and her child, love between siblings, and between friends. I find it more apropos nowadays because the pandemic thought us how to love in various different ways, we rediscovered love and that’s the show is all about,” he added.

Adding delight to the already interesting tandem of Alden and Jasmine is actor Tom Rodriguez and a bevy of senior actors and fresh talents.

“I only draw energy from everyone.

That’s how I work. When there’s so much energy on set, when you feel the energy of Alden, Tom, and Jasmine, who look for new avenues to express their artistry, and you have these young artists, and the veterans who share their inputs, it feels so dynamic when you combine everything from the cast. Apart from the good material and a bevy of people who are passionate about this story, the cast makes this show really good,” Zapata underscored.

In the series, Alden takes on the remarkable role of Louie Asuncion, the intelligent orphan who has a penchant for inventing gadgets and who will work his way up to prove that he is worthy of Lia's love; Jasmine who is set to charm audiences with her mesmerizing portrayal of Lia Libradilla, the lovable and compassionate youngest member of the affluent Libradilla family who will fall for Louie despite their differences; and Kapuso prime actor Tom in his

most offbeat role yet as Brian Libradilla, the stubborn and bullheaded eldest heir of the Libradilla family who never sees Louie as his equal and disapproves of his affection for Lia. Alden, who at first felt apprehensive to take on the role of Louie, admits that his character’s depth prompted him to accept the project.

“When we started reading the script, iba ‘yung binabasa mo na siya from naririnig mo lang ‘yung kuwento. That started the fire within me to create this character that’s very relatable. With the cast, the story, the director, I think this is going to be one of my best teleseryes in five years.”

“No offense to my other projects because I’ve learned from them but this project is something different. I wake up every morning not because I'm excited to work but it’s because of the project. We go on set to fulfill the requirements of our characters, and I believe everybody in the show feels the way,” Alden asserted.

Jasmine, in turn, reveals what is the secret behind her undeniable on-screen chemistry with Alden, “Pareho kaming in love sa characters namin and sa story nilang dalawa so that makes the chemistry so much easier kasi ramdam mo ‘yung kilig ng character mo. We’ve done projects before and although short period lang ‘yun, it was still enough to build a good foundation. I’m grateful because it’s been so fun and easy to work with Alden.”

ABS-CBN’s FYE channel turns 1 to join the stream of Hanz ONLINE channel FYE Swerte, Hanz Saya from celebrates its 1st year on July 12 to 16. Macoydubs Pinoy livestreaming platform will have an engaging tête-àkumu with a monthlong tête with Kakie Pangilinan “FYEsta” this July filled with on Kwentong Macoy on exciting new shows, special Wednesday (July 7), while episodes, and the muchMetro Chats will bring in awaited 1 million kumu coin insightful exchanges with giveaways.

Maureen Wroblewitz and The celebration kicked Alyssa Muhlach on July 8, off on Sunday (July Arabella Davao and Kaila 4) highlighting newly Boy Abunda hosts ‘The Best introduced streams such Talk,’ one of the shows in ABS- Estrada on July 15, and Lou Yanong and Ashley del as Awra Briguela’s talk CBN’s FYE channel on kumu.

Mundo on July 22. show Rated Z, Metro Model One of the digital channels Search, Pet Talks with Doc Gelo featuring veterinarian Dr. Angelo Martin of ABS-CBN’s subsidiary Creative Programs, Vargas, foodie livestream kumukbang with Inc., FYE started livestreaming on kumu in July BiteKing with James Torres, It’s Game Time 2020, introducing fun and engaging talk shows hosted by Navs Ganglani, the much-awaited led by well-loved Kapamilya personalities and other social media sensations. The channel The Squad + show, and many more.

The festivity continues with must-watch now has more than 314,000 followers with special episodes all throughout the month. Ces an average of over 330,000 views per month.

Drilon will have a reunion episode with Yorme It streams fresh content seven days a week, Isko Moreno, Gardo Versoza, and Jose Mari including showbiz talk shows Anong Meron, Chan on Bawal Ma-Stress Drilon today. There Chikkaness?, PopCinema, Showbiz Café, and will be a free tarot reading for one lucky viewer The Best Talk.

Meanwhile, Tom shares how he resonates with the complexity of his character, “At first glance, it may seem like mahirap maka-relate kay Brian. But as I read the script even more, one thing became so clear – that he’s a wounded person. Having been wounded myself in my life, maybe not to the same extent that he has, mas na-curious ako what makes him that way. I realized that he’s only hungry for love and affection.”

Playing equally vital roles are two of the country’s finest dramatic actresses Dina Bonnevie as Rachel Libradilla, the matriarch of the Libradilla family and CEO of Prime Mobile who has a strong moral compass, and Jaclyn Jose as Yachie Delgado, the loving and protective matron of the Libradilla family who is full of wisdom yet keeps a dark secret.

Making this series even grander is the glittering roster of cast including Sid Lucero, Kelley Day, Yana Asistio, Jericho Arceo, and Donn Boco with the special participation of Glydel Mercado.

Witness the enthralling love story of Louie and Lia in The World Between Us - under the helm of esteemed director Dominic Zapata and assistant director Aya Topacio beginning tonight.

Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV. It will also be available for streaming via iQiyi International or IQ.com for subscribers in the Philippines.

***

Sec. Mark Villar with ‘Artist on a Mission’ Kristine Lim

ARIAS ALWIN IGNACIO POLITICS, the pandemic, the city of Ormoc, family, and of course, the forever beckoning of the entertainment industry, are the constant preoccupations of the power couple and showbiz royalties, Richard and Lucy TorresGomez.

The Gomezes hold key political positions in their beloved Ormoc, Richard serves as its present mayor while Mrs. Lucy Marie is on her last term as Congresswoman.

With the next national election just around the corner, Lucy expresses her nearest future political plans: “Nothing is definite yet. I have my options but nothing is cast in stone.

Our main concern is keeping Ormoc and the district safe.”

“What we are currently doing for the betterment of Ormoc, especially these trying times, I hope that it will not be misconstrued as we are planning to run for a higher position in government. Of course, it is possible that my husband may run for Congress next year.

But nothing is certain as of the moment,” she

Alden Richards and Jasmine Curtis Smith star in ‘The World Between Us,’ a modern take on a classic, timeless love story.’ (Inset) Tom Rodriguez.

Sec. Mark Villar, missionary artist Kristine Lim honor 123rd anniversary of DPWH

During the month of the Philippine Independence, the Department of Public Works and Highways celebrated its 123rd anniversary as well. In a simple yet intimate occasion headed by Sec. Mark Villar, a few of the Department’s Officials witness the formal turnover ceremony of a commemorative painting entitled HALIGI (Salmo 18:2) made by Kristine Lim, also known as “Artist on a Mission”, to mark the momentous occasion.

HALIGI (Salmo 18:2), pays tribute to the strength of our Lord that is found in all of us. The same strength is resounded through the efforts of everyone who has been constantly dedicating and committing themselves to successfully forge the projects and developments of DPWH and its leaders for our country amidst this time of pandemic.

Secretary Villar has been an integral

part of all the developments and accomplishments of the Build! Build!

Build! projects of the Administration through the Department of Public Work and Highways. Regardless of the challenges of the pandemic, he carried on and the whole department stood strong, opening new developments and infrastructures one after the other.

The official turnover ceremony was held at the lobby of DPWH head office. The painting was donated

by Sustainable PH & Christian + Collective with the cooperation of Galerie Francesca.

During the ceremony and to everyone’s surprise, Lim turned over a portrait of DPWH Sec. Villar to him that was paid for and commissioned to her by the supporters of the secretary.

Called Victors of Mark Villar, it was founded by groups of men and women who believe in and uphold the goals, visions, and endeavors of Sec. Mark Villar has been and will continue to be the building blocks and foundation of this country towards constant growth, development, and victory.

Catching up with the Gomezes

Power couple Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres

carries on.

“What we do now is to honor the work that is with us. This is not part of a plan or a road map. We don't intend to make politics a career.

This is not pre-planned. Whatever will come our way, we will just go with the flow but we don't want to be driven by a dream or a grand ambition,” adds the lovely Mrs. Gomez.

On the other hand, the Gomez patriarch is currently super hands-on in keeping Ormoc City COVID-19 free.

“We try to keep the infection low by telling people to wear masks and face shields. We have policemen who patrol 24 hours to remind everyone to wear their masks and face shields.”

Admits the forever heartthrob-looking mayor: “We know that all our efforts will not please everybody. Our best will never be good enough. There will always be some people who will choose to see it the other way. Even if we know what we did is right, some people will still have things to say otherwise. We don't mind them but we just continue with the work that has to be done.” Read full story on manilastandard.net

Life

Bernadette Lunas, Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife

FOOD

@MStandardLIFE

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MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

Kusina heats up again Hilton Manila’s Filipino restaurant highlights dampa-style service

WHAT’S COOKING IN THE KITCHEN. Fresh seafood and meats cooked a la minute, Filipino cuisine, and international specialties await at Hilton Manila’s Filipino restaurant Kusina.

By Bernadette Lunas

The dampastyle grill station lets diners pick the food items and have them cooked to their liking.

T

HERE are different kinds of customer during a pandemic, a hotel general manager observed. There are people who are less concerned and want the full experience, there are people with young children and senior parents who are very cautious, there are people who don’t want to come out at all.

So how does an establishment encourage and assure customers of their safety?

“We’re creating concepts and novelty, making people feel good about coming back to hotels,” Simon McGrath, Hilton Manila general manager, said in an intimate and physically distanced interview at the reopening of Kusina Sea Kitchens restaurant on June 18.

As the Safety Seal-certified restaurant in Pasay welcomes diners back – albeit only for dinner in the meantime – it highlights its dampa grill station and turo-turo format, dubbed The Market Place 2.0, which offers the buffet experience of picking the dishes they want with the least contact as possible.

First tested al fresco by the Vega Pool, Kusina’s The Market Place features multiple themed all you can eat sections within the buffet area, where guests are required to wear their face masks and face shields and sanitize their hands upon entering.

Only 15 diners are allowed at a time to check out the artisan bread station whose choices include breads popular in Filipino bakeries (putok and pan de regla, anyone?), Japanese corner (sushi, maki rolls, sashimi), and the Dampa grill station featuring fresh seafood (tiger prawns, giant freshwater prawns or ulang, oysters, fish, squid) and meats (sausages, chicken, pork, beef) cooked a la minute over a grill of lava rocks.

Being a 95 percent Filipino restaurant, McGrath is optimistic that Kusina’s dampa-style format is ideal for the current situation. “We thought it’s going to work for us because it’s cook-to-order food,” he said.

At the grill station, the diner picks the meat and seafood, then instructs the chef how they want those cooked. The chef cooks the items, once done, the buzzer

given to the customer will buzz signaling the order is ready. The diner may opt to collect their order or have a Kusina team member serve it to their table.

With trays in hand, buffet guests can head to the Chinese dim sum station, international specialties station, and Filipino station featuring classic and regional cuisines from Pampanga, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao. The Taste of Hua Yuan station offers select items from Hilton Manila’s Shanghainese restaurant, while the Noodle Hut serves Malaysian laksa and Vietnamese pho.

“Kusina serves Filipino food in all respects, but it’s always had an international mix because Filipinos have their favorite international food, too,” said McGrath.

The salad bar in the middle of the buffet area has a make-your-own and single serve options from the hotel’s Sustain-

able Garden. Sliced fruits and single serve desserts also have their own spots.

Kusina’s ice cream and candy corners hark back to the ‘80s and ‘90s with Selecta, Choc Nut, White Rabbit, Ricoa Flat Tops, HawHaw Candy, and Mik-Mik Milk Powder, among other sari-sari store staples. Completing the buffet are the halo-halo and samalamig stations.

Keeping the guests’ mind at ease as they dine, the trays are sanitized after each use, while utensils and napkins come in plastic packaging. Kusina operates at 50 percent capacity, but McGrath “hopes” to increase the allowed guests at its F&B outlets to above 75 percent come Christmastine.

“Looking at the level of confidence particularly in the NCR, and the fact that we are allowed to accept leisure guests again and that antigen testing for leisure guests has been taken away —

there still some restrictions on age and a few other things — I’m hoping that by the time we get back to Christmas this year we can at least have some normality in regards to social events, function rooms, restaurants,” he said.

Hilton Manila is recognized by the Department of Tourism as the only 100 percent staycation hotel within Resorts World Manila; other establishments operate as a quarantine hotel or 50-50 quarantine and staycation. Hilton Manila accepts staycation guests including fully vaccinated seniors.

Kusina is open 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. serving a premium dinner buffet at P2,350 net per person on Saturdays and Sundays, and P2,050 net on Mondays to Fridays. Call (02) 7239-7788 or 0917-826-6442, or message them on Facebook through m.me/hiltonmanila for inquiries and reservations.

BITES Mimi’s Truffle Honey Butter Wings (left) and Eddie’s Buffalo Wings from Mimi & Bros.

7-11 is a special date for 7-Eleven as the convenience store slashes 50 percent off the original price of its over 250 food products.

On 7-11 day, a convenience store rolls out discounts GUESS which one?

Convenience store chain 7-Eleven is celebrating its birthday with a five-day sale of over 250 food products.

From July 7 to 11, 7-Eleven is slashing 50 percent off the original price of its sig nat u re food items, liq snacks, liq-

uor, and groceries. Non-food items will be half off on July 11. This year’s celebration also marks the chain’s latest milestone, opening its 3,000 th store nationwide in Meycauyan, Bulacan.

The convenience store giant is also offering a one-day-only 50 percent off special for Crunch Time Carrier (buy 1, take 1 via foodpanda), 7-Fresh Budget Siopao (from P32 to P16), and Big Bite Hotdogs (from P30 to P15) on July 11.

Customers who will visit 7-Eleven stores during the sale duration are invited to try out the new mushroom

sisig and tuna pimiento flavors from its Fresh Siopao menu and grab a P10 discount on all one-piece Crunch Time Chicken orders.

It is also launching its new coffee brand, City Cafe. Customers can enjoy 56 percent off on all small coffee cups and get it for only P11 on July 9-11.

The chain reminds customers to follow safety protocols including wearing of face masks and shields and physically distancing from others.

Contactless payments via the CLiQQ app or GCash are encouraged.

Anne Curtis’ go-to food delivery service ACTRESS, television host, and “it mom” Anne ACTRESS Curtis is tickled pink with deals and discounts she gets from foodpanda.

SuThe on-demand food delivery service’s Su per Sundays, for instance, offers customers 40 restaupercent off and more on thousands of restau rants when they book between 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Mega Mondays, on the other hand, offers 30 percent off from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Epic Deals on different brands are Anne Curtis is available every day, while pandapro the new face members get up to 40 percent off on of foodpanda. exclusive deals.

“With so many restaurant choices, it’s so easy to find what I am craving on the foodpanda app and there are great deals to choose from every day!” enthused Curtis.

She continued, “As a new mom, I also find it important that our food delivery is reliable and safe. With foodpanda, I am assured of quality service from our friendly riders that put safety as a priority.

Curtis joins foodpanda Philippines as its new ambassador. “We are happy to have Anne on board to share the great deals and discounts we have for our foodpanda customers,” said managing director Daniel Marogy.

BOGO deal on National Chicken Day RESTAURANT and bar Mimi & Bros. celebrates National Chicken Day on July 6 with a five-day deals and discounts.

Enjoy buy one, get one on its signature flavored wings from July 5 to 9.

The BGC restaurant serves three variants of the favorite finger food, including Bobby’s Honey Lime Wings (sweet and tangy), Eddie’s Buffalo Wings (sweet and spicy), and Mimi’s Truffle

Honey Butter Wings (sweet and savory).

To further sweeten this promotion, Mimi & Bros. is also offering San Miguel Pale Pilsen and Light beers at buy one, get one at 50 percent off on July 5-9 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The chicken promo is available for dine-in, takeout, and delivery. While the beer promo is exclusive for guests dining in. Send a Viber message to 0945-798-5176 to book a table.

Local ice cream brand debuts with 5 flavors NEWLY launched ice cream brand Magic Scoops brings the indulgence with its first five flavors.

Cookies and Cream features the classic velvety vanilla with generous cookie pieces; Malagos Chocolate is made with creamy vanilla ice cream base with rich cacao powder swirls and topped with malty and nutty chocolate droplets.

Malted Milk Balls is a mix of creamy vanilla with chocolate milk balls; Mango Graham is made with vanilla cream, crush graham bits, and extra thick swirls of mango pulp sauce; Brownie Almond Fudge features a delightful combination of buttery vanilla, chunky brownie pieces, chopped oven-roasted almonds, and thick choco fudge.

“We wanted to turn up the indulgence level of Filipino ice cream with this initial line of flavors, with more to come in the

Magic Scoops’ (from left) Cookies and Cream, Malted Milk Balls, Brownie Almond Fudge, Malagos Chocolate, and Mango Graham ice cream flavors.

coming months,” said Gerald P. Grana, Magic Scoops Ice Cream’s proprietor.

The five ice cream flavors are available for delivery via foodpanda. Bulk orders can be arranged by messaging the brand on Facebook @magicscoopsicecream or 0919-506-8592.