Manila Standard - 2021 July 6 - Tuesday

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Crash death toll mounts to 52 49 soldiers, 3 civilians among fatalities; search for data box stepped up

OLDIERS searched among coconut trees in the town of Patikul, Sulu, Monday for the flight data boxes of an aircraft that crashed and killed 52 people in one of the country's worst military air disasters.

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President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday assured the families of the soldiers killed and injured in the Philippine Air Force (PAF) C-130 crash that their sacrifices were not in vain (also see related story on A2 – Editors). “The life of a soldier is always valuable, whether in the fields of fighting or events such as this. They died for our country and for that I am very grateful to those who died and those who helped,” he said in a speech at the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command headquarters in Zamboanga City, where the remains of some of the soldiers were transported. Next page

VOL. XXXV • NO. 141 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Palace taunts Pacquiao: Expose’ mere ‘watusi’ By Vito Barcelo, Alena Mae Flores, Rey E. Requejo, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Willie Casas

THE Palace on Monday described Senator Manny Pacquiao’s corruption exposé as watusi, a harmless firecracker favored by small children, instead of the bombshell it was supposed to be. In a press briefing, presidential

spokesman Harry Roque said there was nothing explosive about Pacquiao’s exposé, which he said was “worthless.” “Watusi. Nothing. It’s nothing. Because these are generalized allegations. Next page

Thousands more evacuate as Taal remains a threat

SALUTE TO THE FALLEN. President Rodrigo Duterte touches the coffin of

one of the casualties of the Air Force C-130 crash that was brought to the Armed Forces Westmincom headquarters in Zamboanga City on Monday, with Senator Christopher Go behind him. Photo above shows Army soldiers taking snapshot aboard the C-130 Hercules aircraft before the plane crashed in Jolo, Sulu. The photo triggered a comment from a netizen: 'The saddest post I have seen on Facebook today.' RTVM, Twitter photos

‘NCR cases on flat trend but ICUs in Davao, Iloilo at risk’ THE COVID-19 infection rate in the Philippines is already “generally” on a flat trend, the OCTA Research Group has said, but warned intensive care units in

By Maricel V. Cruz, Willie Casas and Vito Barcelo

DOH reports 2 new cases of Delta variant

SOME 4,500 individuals in Calabarzon have been affected by the seismic activities of Taal Volcano in Batangas, with 2,500 people in temporary shelters or homes of relatives, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said Monday. DSWD Undersecretary Felicisimo Budiongan said the DSWD sent 200 tents to the Batangas Sports Center and 1 million face masks for the affected residents. Around 2,000 food packs were provided to Laurel, and 1,500 to Agoncillo, and 5,000 in Bataan Sports Complex. Alert Level 3 remains in effect over Taal Volcano on Monday, which means magma extruding from the main crater could drive an explosive eruption, according to Phivolcs. Citing data from the Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Mark Cashean Timbal, National DRRMC spokesperson, said around 1,076 families or 3,617

Davao and Iloilo are currently at risk of being overloaded. OCTA, citing the COVID Act Now

Next page

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM JULY 5)

1,441,746 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

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5,392 51,584 NEW

ACTIVE

25,192

43

RECOVERIES

NEW

DEATHS

NEW

Romualdez 1,364,960 6,477 supports bid Revilla cleared of Duterte of 16 graft raps —Sandigan By Maricel V. Cruz

STAUNCH SUPPORTER. House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin

Romualdez (right) visits President Rodrigo Duterte and affirmed his support for the Chief Executive's possible vice presidential bid in the 2022 presidential elections. Ver Noveno

HOUSE Majority Leader and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin G. Romualdez on Monday said he will support a bid by President Rodrigo Duterte to run for vice president next year. Romualdez said there is no legal impediment to keep the President from seeking the country’s second highest elective post when his term expires in Next page 2021.

By Maricel V. Cruz THE Sandiganbayan's First Division has dropped 16 counts of graft filed against Sen. Bong Revilla in connection with his alleged participation in the pork barrel scam, citing insufficiency of evidence. Revilla was previously acquitted of plunder in 2018 after the prosecution failed to prove he pocketed Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) monies amounting to P224.5 million. Next page

WEATHER ‘Emong’ closing in on Batanes, Cagayan

TAAL'S THREAT. Taal Volcano emits a plume of thick smoke early Monday, as about 30 children from different barangays in Agoncillo, Batangas (inset) pass the time with coloring books at an evacuation center after their families were forced to flee the restive volcano. PTV Photo with JR Josue

TROPICAL Depression “Emong” grew slightly stronger as it continued to exit the Philippine area of responsibility. At around 8 p.m. Monday, the storm passed "very close" to the Batan and Sabtang islands in the country's northernmost region, Next page

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News

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Outpouring of grief here, abroad In a statement, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the US government is ready to provide support to the government's response effort. "Our thoughts are with those who were injured and the families of those

who were lost. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Philippine allies at this difficult time and are ready to provide all appropriate support to the Philippines’ response effort," the statement read.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III also offered his condolences to the Philippine government and the families of those who died in the crash. "We will continue to provide @ dndphl [Department of National Defense Philippines] support and assistance in response to this tragedy," he said in a statement. In a statement posted on its official Twitter account, the Russian Embassy in the Philippines said "we are deeply saddened" by the ill-fated plane crash. "The Russian Embassy expresses its sincere condolences to the families of victims and wishes the soonest recovery

Crash...

the Joint Task Force-Sulu showed the damaged tail and the smoking wreckage of the fuselage's back section lying in a coconut grove. "We have people on the ground to make sure the integrity of the pieces of the evidence that we will retrieve, most particularly the flight data recorder," Arevalo said. "Aside from eyewitness accounts, we are also looking for recordings, radio conversation recordings between the pilot and the control tower." Arevalo said the military had secured the crash site and would ensure that militants on the island did not disrupt search efforts. Most of the passengers had recently graduated from basic military training and were being deployed to the restive island as part of a counter-insurgency effort in the Muslim-majority region. The military has a heavy presence in the southern Philippines where militant groups, including the kidnap-for-ransom outfit Abu Sayyaf, operate. "This is one of the worst tragic incidents that happened in our armed forces," said Arevalo. C-130s have been the workhorses of air forces around the world for decades, used to transport troops, supplies and vehicles. The second-hand Hercules that crashed Sunday was acquired from the United States and delivered to the Philippines earlier this year. It is one of four in the country's fleet. Two are being repaired while the other one has been grounded following the crash. "These are all seasoned and experienced pilots that's why we are also unable to immediately say how this came into being," said Arevalo. "Even if these (military assets) are not brand new... these are airworthy or

seaworthy or landworthy,” he said. A team of investigators from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has arrived at the crash site and will begin their probe, Arevalo added. The accident was the deadliest for the PAF, said Jose Antonio Custodio, a military historian and analyst. "This ranks as the worst crash of a Philippine military aircraft with 50 dead so far as compared to the 40 dead in a 1971 crash of a PAF C-47," Custodio said. It was the latest in a series of air force accidents this year. Last month, a Black Hawk helicopter went down during a night-time training flight, killing all six on board. The accident prompted the grounding of the Philippines' entire Black Hawk fleet. On January 16, a PAF UH-1H helicopter crashed near Bukidnon's Barangay Bulonay. The seven people aboard were killed. Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said Duterte would be briefed further on the C-130 crash upon his arrival. Sobejana said the remains of soldiers who perished in the crash are on their way to Zamboanga City onboard a Navy vessel before they will be transported to Northern Mindanao where most of the fatalities came from. He assured the families of those killed and injured that the government would attend to their needs. “We have our team of investigators, we are in the thick of our investigation to determine what really happened. Let us wait for the probe to be completed so we can give accurate information,” Sobejana said, even as he appealed to the public to refrain from speculating about the cause of the crash. Sobejana said the three civilians who died in the incident were on the ground

when the C-130 Hercules cargo plane crashed and exploded near their homes in Sitio Amman, Barangay Bangkal, Patikul. Four other civilians were injured. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said he has ordered police in the area to coordinate with local military units so they can help with retrieval operations. Meanwhile, senators pushed for their own investigation into the accident. Senator Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate public services committee, said that at the right time, they expect a thorough investigation to see what can be done to avoid similar incidents and how to make military planes safer. Senator Joel Villanueva said no Filipino soldier should die from their own military hardware. Senator Richard Gordon said the plane crash in Sulu “is an urgent call affecting national security.” “C-130s are the workhorses of any army. C130’s efficiency and load capacity, whether troops or cargo during conflicts or disasters, is tailor made for our 7,641 islands,” the senator said. Gordon underscored the need to acquire more C-130 planes as he pointed to how many the Philippines has in comparison to other countries. “Singapore, an island state as big as SBMA (Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority), has 10 C130s. Thailand has 12. We have only three C130s and just lost one!” he added. He also said there was a need for “strong maintenance operations and continuous training.” Earlier, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana ordered a full investigation to get to the bottom of the incident once recovery operations have been completed. Macon Ramos-Araneta with AFP

Exchange Commission," the firm said in a statement. Starpay said it already liquidated the funds given to them by the DSWD meant for SAP (Social Amelioration Program) beneficiaries, and refunded it through several checks valued at P8.239 billion given to the department's Land Bank account. DSWD confirmed this in a previous statement, adding that Starpay refunded the amount for unserved beneficiaries after the partnership was terminated in April 2021. The boxing champ-turned-politician is now in the US preparing for his bout with Errol Spence Jr. in Las Vegas on Aug. 21. “[As] Senator [Richard] Gordon said, what will happen [to the Senate investigation if]… the proponent is absent? Who will ask the questions?” Roque said. Roque said Pacquiao, who wants to run for president next year, should focus on his job and not politics. “That’s not the work you do in the Senate. He should focus on his job as a senator. Prove his allegations, otherwise it’s all politics,” Roque said. The Palace also rejected Pacquiao’s request to have a dialogue with Duterte. “If he really wanted to talk with the President, he shouldn’t have talked

with the media,” Roque said, referring to Pacquiao’s initial claim, made to the media, that corruption was three times as bad in the Duterte administration as it was in the previous government. Officials from the departments mentioned by Pacquiao in an online press conference Saturday denied his allegations of corruption on Sunday, but the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) said it was investigating 13 cases of possible corruption in the Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. “We are probing nine cases of corruption in DOH, and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III knows it. This is ongoing," PACC chairperson Greco Belgica said during a briefing Monday. "For DSWD, we are investigating four cases since we received 9,000 complaints over SAP," he added, referring to the Social Amelioration Program or the distribution of cash aid to low income families during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Belgica said this in response to allegations made by Pacquiao about corruption in these agencies, including a suggestion that P10.4 billion worth of cash aid was not distributed to beneficiaries—a

claim the DSWD denied. Gordon, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, said the investigation of corruption in the government agencies could be conducted after Pacquiao returns from his boxing bout in the United States next month. The Senate Blue Ribbon committee, currently chaired by Gordon, investigates alleged wrongdoings of the government, its officials, and its attached agencies. Earlier, Gordon said it was “strange, if not irregular however, that the accuser, Pacquiao, would not be present during the investigation he sought. Pacquiao has not submitted any documents to the Blue Ribbon committee to support his allegations. Both Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and Senator Panfilo Lacson noted the importance of these documents. Senator Aqulino Pimentel III, a staunch ally of Pacquiao, assured his colleagues that the boxing champ would submit his evidence when he returns from his US boxing bout. Pacquiao left the country July 4 for training in Los Angeles in preparation for his bout in August. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics with collaborations from Bloomberg, Apple, and Microsoft, among others. New fatalities At the same time, the Philippines logged on Monday 5,392 new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), bringing the total to 1,441,746, as 10 laboratories were not able to submit their data on time, the Department of Health reported. Based on data in the last 14 days, the 10 non-reporting laboratories contribute, on average, 0.70 percent of samples tested and 1.40 percent of positive individuals. The DOH also reported 43 new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 25,192. The DOH also reported 6,477 persons who recently recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 1,364,960. The DOH also reported 51,594 active cases, of which 91.1 percent were mild, 3.8 percent were asymptomatic, 1.5 percent were critical, 2.1 percent were severe, and 1.57 percent were moderate. The DOH reported that, nationwide, 56 percent of the ICU beds, 46 percent of the isolation beds, 43 percent of the ward beds, and 34 percent of the ventilators, were in use. Lagundi helps The Department of Science and Technology said patients with mild COVID-19 recovered faster after a week of treatment with herbal drug lagundi in a local clinical trial. Willie Casas and Macon Ramos-Araneta (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Thousands...

In Congress, the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means called on the national government to make preparations on energy supply, industrial continuity, emergency response, and economic relief in response to a possible eruption of the Taal Volcano. Rep. Joey Salceda of Albay, the committee chairperson, at the same time, pushed for the passage of his House Bill 5977, or the proposed Taal Eruption Recovery Rehabilitation and Adaptation (TERRA) Act, which aims to develop a longterm socioeconomic reconstruction program for communities most directly impacted by Taal’s activity, embedding adaptation in infrastructure and social investments. “The (TERRA) plan shall be based on the principle of building back better forward which should go beyond restoring the area to its former state or condition but instead use this opportunity to leapfrog area development given its proximity to Metro Manila--the seat of economic power," Salceda said in an aide-memoire explaining the measure. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

In granting Revilla's demurrer to evidence, the anti-graft court however denied that of Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged brains behind the pork barrel scam. The senator, in a statement, said "justice prevailed" after 8 years of trial. "After eight long years, nangibabaw nang tuluyan ang Iyong hustisya... The Sandiganbayan, by granting our Demurrer to Evidence and dismissing all the charges against me, validates what we have known from the very beginning — that all the accusations against me have no basis and any leg to stand on," said Revilla. The former actor, who won another Senate term in 2019, insisted: "I never have been involved in graft and corruption." "This is the reason why I did not run; I did not hide; and did not evade the judicial system... The truth has come out. Now, I can move forward to serving our nation and our people even further, free of this nuisance," he said. Revilla, along with former Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Jinggoy Estrada, were accused of receiving kickbacks from Napoles in exchange for funneling part of their discretionary funds to bogus non-government organizations. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

portion of Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands. Residents of these areas were warned of strong winds, although these would gradually weaken as Emong moves further away, PAGASA said. The storm was moving northwest at 50 kilometers per hour, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kmh near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kmh.

The weather bureau said Emong was forecast to leave the Philippine area Monday night or early Tuesday, could intensify into a tropical storm within the next 12 hours, then weaken into a tropical depression as it makes landfall over Guangdong province in China. Rio N. Araja (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

By Rey E. Requejo and Maricel V. Cruz

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HE international community has expressed its condolences to Filipinos over the death of 50 persons, mostly military personnel, in a C-130H plane crash Sunday in Patikul, Sulu.

From A1

Duterte honored the casualties and said the national government would provide protection and assistance to the fallen soldiers’ families, including expenses for their daily living and tuition to fund their children’s education. “The most important thing is that those who have died… they shall not have died in vain. They died for our country, and it behooves upon us to continue the help when they were allowed as they are now in heaven,” he added. Duterte also vowed to provide a bigger budget for the Armed Forces as he visited the Camp Navarro General Hospital (CNGH) also in Zamboanga to award the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the Rank of Kampilan to injured soldiers. He later proceeded to the Naval Forces for Western Mindanao headquarters to lead the symbolic Conferment of the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the Rank of Kalasag to the fallen soldiers. The Hercules C-130 transport plane was carrying 96 people, most of them recent army graduates, when it overshot the runway while trying to land in sunny weather on Jolo island in Sulu province-a haven for Islamic militants--on Sunday. Fifty-two people, including 49 military personnel and three civilians, died when the plane "skidded" and burst into flames in a village, said Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo. Another 53 were injured, most of them soldiers. It is not clear if the pilots were among the survivors. The three people killed on the ground had been working in a quarry, the village leader Tanda Hailid said. Photos of the scene released by

Palace... From A1

No bill of particulars. No specific instance. No evidence,” Roque said. Roque said Pacquiao was just politicking because he could not present concrete evidence to support his allegations of massive corruption in the Duterte government. The Palace official also chided the senator for initiating an investigation when he would not be present during the probe. Meanwhile, Starpay Corporation hit back at Pacquiao's allegations over the "ayuda" funds from the Department of Social Welfare and Development coursed through the firm's mobile app, saying Monday that the senator's claims were baseless and founded on unverified data. As a licensed electronic money issuer (EMI) being supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Starpay pointed out that the required capitalization to apply for an EMI license is P100 million, not just the P62,000 Pacquiao mentioned as its current capitalization. "The correct and accurate figures are easily verifiable with the Securities and

‘NCR... From A1

Metrics, said the Philippines had an infection rate of 0.93, indicating that the trend was “generally flat.” Broken down into smaller units, Metro Manila has a rate of 0.84 which indicates a “downward trend” for new cases. The area is currently under a general community quarantine with some restrictions until July 15, 2021. A flat trend is also seen in Bacolod with 1.04, while a “slow upward trend” is being recorded in the cities of Cebu with 1.30, Davao with 1.36, and Iloilo with 1.14, said OCTA. In terms of the positive test rate, the Philippines has a “high” rate of 11 percent, along with Davao City with 16 percent and Iloilo City with 19 percent. “Adequate” rates were seen in Metro Manila with 6 percent and Cebu City with 7 percent. Low utilization Meanwhile, ICU utilization was considered “low” in the Philippines, the National Capital Region (NCR), Cebu City, and Bacolod. A different scenario was seen in the cities of Davao and Iloilo, with their rates above 85 percent indicating that the ICUs are "at high risk of being overloaded in case of a COVID-19 surge." According to the OCTA Research Group, the COVID Act Now uses risk metrics developed with the Harvard Global Health Institute and Harvard

From A1

individuals were being sheltered in 22 evacuation centers while another 537 families were with their relatives as of Sunday night. "Majority of our evacuees come from (the towns of) Laurel and Agoncillo. The count also includes evacuees from municipalities that had voluntary evacuations," Timbal said. The entire Taal Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone and entry into the island as well as high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel is prohibited. Taal Volcano's SO2 (sulfur oxide) gas emissions Sunday were “anomalously high” at an average of 22,628 tonnes per day, the highest it ever recorded, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said. Alert Level 3 still prevails and the current SO2 parameters indicate ongoing magmatic extrusion at the main crater that may further drive succeeding explosions, Phivolcs said.

Weather... From A1

according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Signal Number 1 remained hoisted over Batanes and the northeastern

to the injured," it said. The European Union, Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson, French Ambassador Michele Boccoz and Canadian Ambassador Peter MacArthur also sent their condolences to the Filipinos. Senator Imee Marcos said the fate that befell the soldiers in the C-130 plane crash in Sulu was “truly heart-rending.” She noted they were supposed to be the future of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, but true to their calling, they gave their lives in the line of duty and service to our country. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Bong Go likens Trillanes charges to 'spoiled food' By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Christopher Go on Monday made fun of plunder allegations hurled against him by former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV over P6.6-billion worth of road widening and concreting projects awarded to companies owned or managed by his father and half-brother. Go likened Trillanes' allegations to spoiled food since he said he already answered the accusations in 2018. "I will squarely face the charges because I know my conscience is clear. I have not violated any law," Go said. Trillanes, an arch-critic of President Rodrigo Duterte and his allies, alleged that CLTG Builders, owned and managed by Desiderio Lim, Go's father, was awarded 125 road widening projects from March to May 2018, worth a total of P4.89 billion. Trillanes disclosed Go's alleged corruption in a video posted on his YouTube channel. He showed what he claimed were documents about these projects which came from the Department of Trade and Industry and Commission on Audit. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Romualdez... From A1

Romualdez, President Duterte’s personal choice for the vice presidency, said he would support the President should he decide to join the vice presidential race, saying he “is the strongest and most experienced candidate.” “If the President runs for vice president, in my opinion he is the strongest and most experienced candidate who can be vice-president and of course we will support that,” Romualdez said in a radio interview. “I am also grateful to my LakasCMD party. Thanks also to our President Duterte for the trust and confidence given to me when he considered me as his candidate for vice president,” Romualdez said in Filipino. Romualdez earlier said he is keeping his options open for a possible run for higher office. Romualdez, a lawyer and president of the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa), said he sees no constitutional prohibition in case President Duterte decides to run for vice president. He also said his party would extend its full and unqualified support not only to the presidential candidate to be selected by Mayor Sara Duterte’s HNP, but also to its chosen vice-presidential candidate. Romualdez, in a statement, said the party also decided to renew its alliance on issues of good governance, national unity, and continued reforms for economic recovery, including the sustained campaign to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio's Hugpong ng Pagbabago said it is negotiating with five national parties to form a coalition. The national parties are Lakas-CMD, National Unity Party, Nacionalista Party, Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) and People's Reform Party (PRP), said the group’s spokesman Anthony del Rosario. "Those are the five parties that have signified their interest to join this socalled coalition we’re building," he told ANC's Headstart.

Revilla... From A1

News

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021

Face-to-face classes: LGUs should decide, PBEd urges

STANDSTILL. Heavy rains induced by tropical depression ‘Emong’ and a road accident combine to trigger a bumper-to-bumper traffic on EDSA southbound on Monday July 5,2021. Manny Palmero

DepEd pressed for full audit of ‘deliverables’ By Maricel V. Cruz AN OPPOSITION lawmaker on Monday urged the Department of Education to release a full account of obligated funds under the Bayanihan 2 in light of the massive shortages or lack of laptops, internet load, modules and other supposed deliverables of the department. At the same time, Deputy Minority Leader France Castro also asked the government to account for the funds intended to aid teachers and students amid the blended distance learning under the COVID-19 pandemic. Castro also cited other provisions to support distance learning education, the teachers and students other laptops and interned load in DepEd and in other agencies under the Bayanihan 2 that needs to be accounted for. “Bayanihan 2 also provided P3 billion to assist State Universities and Colleges in the development of smart campuses thru investments in ICT infrastructure, acquisition of learning management systems, and other appropriate equipment, P300 million for subsidies and allowances of displaced teaching and nonteaching personnel in public and private basic up to tertiary education, P600 million for subsidies and allowances of qualified students and P4 billion for Digital education, IT, and Digital infrastructure and Alternative Learning Materials,” Castro stated. Bayanihan 2 also provided mandated provisions that needs to be accounted for like a 1-time cash assistance to displaced education personnel, prioritized augmentation for School-Based Feeding Programs, digital education, digital infrastructure, support to Alternative Learning Materials, and printing and delivery of self-learning materials, provisions to access free healthy meals regardless of modality of learning under RA 1103, provision of loan assistance, subsidies, grants, etc to schools, teachers and students and realignment of unused balances for hiring of teacher-assistants and for the production or reproduction of modular learning materials.

DepEd chides World Bank for using outdated figures

T

HE Department of Education on Tuesday demanded an apology from the World Bank for using an outdated data that shamed and insulted the Filipino students and the entire nation.

“We expect and look forward” to an apology from the World Bank over its report that about 80 percent of Filipino students fall below the minimum level of proficiency for their grade levels, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said. The World Bank report was based on the 2019 Program for International Student Assessment, said Briones during a Malacanang briefing. Briones said the Washington-based

lender failed to follow protocol by providing an advance copy of its report to the Philippine government before releasing it to media. The World Bank has lent the Philippine education sector some $300 million since 1981, Briones noted. According to the report, around 80 percent of Filipino students fall below the minimum level of proficiency for their grade levels.

The Philippines came out last in reading, and second-to-last in science and mathematics, among 79 countries that participated in the Program for International Student Assessment. In the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study in 2019, the country was cellar dweller in both mathematics and science among 58 countries in the fourthgrade assessment. The Philippines was also in the bottom half of the 6 countries in reading, mathematics and writing literacy in the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics in 2019.

DISSERVICE TO PUBLIC. Members of the Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines Inc. and transport group-leaders gather at the Casino Español in Manila to call for the thorough review of Senate Bill 2094 that seeks to amend the 85-year old Public Service Act, a move that they say will open the country’s trucking and transport sector to foreign- owned and controlled corporations that will lead to the displacement of small and medium Filipino-owned businesses as well as the loss of jobs to local employees. Norman Cruz

port that indicates OPLAN DELTA was hatched by National United Front Commission Head Nathaniel Santiago of the CPP-NPA-NDF, in Quezon City recently. Other ranking party members of the communist terrorist groups like Maria Sol Taule who acts as a lawyer for NPAs and the partylist group KARAPATAN participated in the meeting according to the intel report. Badoy added that a committee was formed against each NTF-ELCAC spokesperson to spread propaganda

and “to create the most outrageous lies with the goal of inflicting the most damage on the Spokesperson assigned to that committee in a bid to destroy our credibility”. “The committees in charge of me, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., Undersecretary Joel Egco and lawyer Marlon Bosantog were under special instructions to intensify their black propaganda and demolition jobs on us because they suspect we will be running for public office in next year’s elections,”

‘Landfill to bury Cavite’s garbage woes’ By Rio N. Araja ENVIRONMENT Secretary Roy Cimatu on Monday revealed a plan to build a compliant sanitary landfill in Cavite to help manage its garbage problem that is affecting the ongoing Manila Bay rehabilitation project. Cimatu, chairman of the Manila Bay Task Force, met with Cavite Gov. Juanito Victor Remulla and the mayors of Cavite to discuss ways to encourage their cooperation in addressing solid waste and water quality management issues in the six major river systems in the province. “We cannot complete the rehabilitation of Manila Bay if we will not solve the garbage problem in the province. There is a very big

IF EDUCATION advocates were to have their way, it should be the local government units that should decide if in-person classes can resume in their areas. They also continued to push for the safe reopening of schools more than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic. The resumption of face-to-face classes in the country should not be a “onesize-fits-all solution” since there are areas with little to zero COVID-19 cases, said Philippine Business for Education Chairman Ramon del Rosario Jr. “Why not start, at the very least, with opening up face-to-face classes more aggressively in those areas?” Del Rosario said in a press briefing. PBEd President Chito Salazar said the national government should “decentralize” decision-making on education matters given that the COVID-19 situation varies in every locality. “The situations and conditions on the ground are different, depending on the province, municipality, town. We should empower the local governments to make decisions regarding the opening of classes and how they should be run depending on their context,” Salazar said. “In a pandemic where travel, communications and all of these things are restricted, it gets even more difficult for the central government to make decisions for the entire country in a timely and appropriate fashion,” he said. Salazar likened the reopening of schools to the COVID-19 vaccination program, which relied heavily on local governments for implementation. “So just like [how] the vaccinations have really depended a lot on the success of the local side, I actually would encourage that the local governments play a larger role in the delivery of education especially at these times,” he said.

DFA opens five more sites for consular tasks

By Rey Requejo

Communist groups out to smear gov’t spokesmen—NTF THE government has accused the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front of having created ‘Oplan Delta’, a series of slanderous attacks targeting spokespersons of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. During the NTF-ELCAC regular ‘virtual’ press conference, Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, NTF-ELCAC spokesperson on Social Media and Sectoral Concerns, revealed an intelligence re-

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connection between that,” Cimatu said. “The only way for us to solve the problem of Manila Bay is to solve the garbage problem and water quality of the rivers in Cavite,” he added. In a statement, Remulla said solid waste management is the Number One problem of Cavite when it comes to the environment, citing that an estimated 50 percent of solid waste in Cavite goes to its rivers accounting to approximately 2,000 tons a day, of which 90 percent goes to Manila Bay. He said 21 of the 23 cities and municipalities of the province “do not have the capacity to put up their own solid waste facility because of the limitations of land” of which he appealed for the DENR to help in setting up a sanitary landfill.

Badoy revealed. “The recent unearthing by the NTFELCAC of OPLAN DELTA comes as no surprise to us,” the spokesperson said, adding, “It has come at the heels of assassination plots specifically targeting NTF-ELCAC officials particularly its spokespersons and that was momentarily thwarted by government law enforcers in Sta. Rosa, Laguna early this year when armed elements of the CPPNPA-NDF’s liquidation squad were neutralized by the AFP.” Willie Casas

THE Department of Foreign Affairs has opened five locations for the Temporary Offsite Passport Service in response to the shortage of available passport application schedules exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Special Concerns and Consular Affairs Brigido Dulay said these sites are at SM Mall of Asia, SM City North Edsa, SM Aura, Robinson’s Place Las Piñas, and Robinson’s Place Magnolia. These TOPS began operation on Monday. Appointment slots for all these five TOPS locations are available and open to the public through the DFA’s online appointment system: www.passport.gov.ph. Each site will have a capacity to receive 500 appointments daily and will operate from Monday through Saturday. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dulay noted that the DFA has been swamped with complaints of the lack of available online slots for passport applicants, many of them venting their anger via social media. With the additional temporary sites, Dulay said a total of 177,500 appointment slots will be available until the end of September. This is on top of the regular appointment slots that are already available in the DFA’s Aseana office on Macapagal Blvd. and in other consular offices all over the country, Dulay added. The scarcity of online passport schedules also gave rise to a number of online scams offering passport appointment slots for a fee.

EVACUATION WOES. About 150

families evacuated from high-risk areas in Batangas are now staying in designated evacuation centers due to the lingering threat of Taal Volcano that has been spewing sulfur dioxide and is said to be building up for a strong eruption. Health and safety protocols such as monitoring the temperature of evacuated residents, wearing face masks and installing alcohol dispensers are strictly enforced in these halfway homes. PIA

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‘Stiffer fines to combat child porn’

LIFESAVING BLOOD.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar leads the blood letting activity and convalescent plasma donation at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center at Camp Crame in Quezon City on July 5, 2021. Data from the Department of Health showed blood donation last year dropped to 1.04 million units from the 1.38 million units collected in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Manny Palmero

By Maricel V. Cruz A LAWMAKER has filed a bill seeking to strengthen the Anti-Child Pornography Act by improving the accountability of internet service providers (ISPs) to reverse the alarming rise in online child abuse cases amid the COVID-19 lockdowns. Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte expressed alarm over a report by the Department of Justice - Office of Cybercrime (DOJ-OOC) showing a 264.6 percent rise in reported cases of Filipino children being sexually abused over the internet by pedophiles in the period when strict pandemic-induced lockdowns were in place, compared to the same period in 2019. “While the internet has helped us survive strict mobility restrictions through various online services, it also has facilitated child abuse. Hence, this measure intends to amend the Anti-Child Pornography Law by improving the accountability of ISPs,” Villafuerte said in filing House Bill No. 7947. Villafuerte lamented reports that other than the usual pimps and child traffickers, the perpetrators are sometimes the parents of the child victims themselves.

Customs hails Port of NAIA for surpassing collection goal By Joel E. Zurbano THE Bureau of Customs has recognized the collection district of Ninoy Aquino International Airport for the good performance it made during the first half of the year despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero commended the Port of NAIA for its P18.5 billion contribution in duties and taxes for the first six months, surpassing its P18.485 billion midyear collection goal by P71.557 million. For the month of June, NAIA surpassed its P2.81 billion collection target by more than P224.8 million after collecting P3.037 billion. In going after anti-social goods, Customs NAIA agents seized P45 million worth of smuggled drugs – ecstasy, ketamine, kush, liquid marijuana, and shabu – and other prohibited substances from January to June. Customs airport operatives intercepted more than P3 million worth of ketamine smuggled from Malaysia, and arrested its claimant in a controlled delivery scheme.

VIDEOS TO HIGHLIGHT DUTERTE’S ACHIEVEMENTS

House prepares Pre-SONA tribute

By Maricel V Cruz

P

REPARATIONS for President Rodrigo Duterte’s sixth and final State of the Nation Address went on high gear as House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco led a series of initiatives highlighting the administration’s legislative accomplishments.

“Even before the pandemic hit, we were able to pass laws on universal health care, free tertiary education, establishment of Malasakit centers, expanded maternity leave, free public internet access and the Bangsamoro Organic Law, to name a few,” Velasco said. At the height of the pandemic, the House leader said both executive and legislative branches worked together to produce pieces of legislation designed

to help address and cushion the socioeconomic impact of the public health crisis, such as the Bayanihan laws, the 2021 national budget, and the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act. “Most of our colleagues in Congress agree that we should give credit where it’s due, and the truth is that there were a lot of key legislative measures enacted during President Duterte’s term,” Velasco said. He urged House members to take part

in the pre-SONA campaign dubbed “Sa Lahat ng Pagbabago, Salamat Pangulo! (A Pre-SONA Tribute by the 18th Congress),” which features the priority programs and policies implemented in the different legislative districts across the country under the Duterte administration. The Speaker has designated Pangasinan Rep. Christopher De Venecia as project director for the pre-SONA campaign, and a focal person was also assigned in each region and in the party-list coalition. House lawmakers, particularly those belonging to the supermajority coalition, were tasked to produce 60- to 90-second videos using the theme “Mula sa Inyong Kongreso, Progreso para sa Pilipino.”

BAKUNA NIGHTS. Vendors,

delivery drivers and other workers at the Divisoria night market in Manila wait for their turn to be inoculated against COVID-19 Sunday night as the local government starts its night vaccination program to cater to individuals who cannot go to vaccination sites in the morning. Norman Cruz

Free swab tests for pregnant women, qualified residents in QC By Rio N. Araja

QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday urged residents to avail themselves of free swab tests upon learning that several pregnant women gave birth in tricycles and other unsuitable environments due to the absence of swab tests, which is a required protocol of hospitals prior to admission.

“I would like to remind QC citizens, especially those with scheduled procedures at the hospital or those who are about to give birth, to avail of the free swab test,” she said. “We are offering this for free to ease your burden for those who need to be hospitalized,” she added. According to CESU head Dr. Rolando Cruz, residents who want to un-

dergo free COVID-19 testing can book an appointment online through http:// bit.ly/QCfreetest. “Swab testing is strictly by appointment and no walk-ins are allowed to avoid overcrowding. This is also due to the limited supply of daily test kits allocated for this purpose,” Cruz said. In addition to pregnant women and residents who plan to undergo medical

operations and procedures such as dialysis, prioritized for swab testing are close contacts of COVID-positive patients and persons experiencing symptoms. “For pregnant women, we remind them to be conscious of their delivery date when booking a schedule for swab testing to avoid any unforeseen circumstances. This is free, so we encourage them to avail of the service,” he added.

Phinma Education, CARD help underserved Laguna students PRIORITY GROUPS. The Emergency Operations Center-Task Force (EOC-TF) and the

COVID-19 Vaccination Council (CoVaC), both chaired by Bacolod City Mayor Bing Leonardia, continue this week with the vaccine rollout at SMX Convention Center for residents who are under priority groups that include frontline healthcare workers (A1), senior citizens (A2), and adults with comorbidities (A3). The vaccines being rolled out this week are part of the 39,800 additional doses of Sinovac vaccines from the national government that the city received in June.

PHINMA Education’s Laguna Network, which includes Rizal College of Laguna and Union College of Laguna, has partnered with local microfinance institution Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD-MRI) to bring accessible, quality education to underserved students in Laguna and neighboring provinces through its Flex and RAD Learning programs. “PHINMA Education has always been guided by the mission of making

lives better through education. We believe that the underserved youth of the Philippines have the potential to build a better nation, if they are equipped with the skills and values to do so,” said Ramon R. del Rosario Jr., Phinma president and CEO. According to CARD-MRI founder and chairman emeritus Jaime Aristotle Alip, the partnership will allow RCL and UCL students to benefit from CARD MRI’s loan programs, internships and employment opportunities.

DENR seeks watershed rescue EO

By Abe Almirol

AN EXECUTIVE order prioritizing watershed rescue is being pushed by forest experts to counter the effects of climate-linked calamities and ensure the replenishment of irrigation and hydroelectric or geothermal energy sources. The Forest Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is drafting an EO that will elevate to national strategy status its “Save Our Watershed” movement. “This will pave the way for the establishment of institutional mechanisms for collaborative or whole-of-society efforts in conserving our watersheds,” Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said during the launch of the Save Our Watershed campaign last week. It is extremely important for watersheds – forests that are sources of water that are “shed” into rivers, lakes, and seas – to be protected, according to Energy Development Corp. (EDC) Assistant Vice President Allan Barcena. “Protecting watersheds is not only a corporate social responsibility program for us. It is part of our business strategy. When we’re protecting the watershed, it means our geothermal resource is sustained. If we don’t protect our watershed, our geothermal steam is not sustained. So for us it’s both a commitment and a business strategy and mission,” Barcena said. The SOW campaign is being supported by the DENR’s Forestland Management Project(FMP). Eigo Azukizawa, chief of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-Philippines which co-finances FMP, said the SOW campaign aimss to avert destructive effects of calamities.

NBI raids jueteng den, arrests 19 AGENTS of the National Bureau of Investigation-National Capital Region have arrested 19 suspects in a raid on a gambling den in Valenzuela City. The raid stemmed from information provided by a confidential informant to Supervising Agent Edgardo E. Baldemos that the illegal numbers game jueteng has proliferated in different areas of Caloocan and Valenzuela City, NBI-NCR said in a statement. Reports reaching the bureau said a certain “Oyie” is operating the illegal numbers game in the entire Caloocan area despite the ongoing campaign against jueteng of Mayor Oscar Malapitan. The suspects were arrested during the entrapment operation on June 28 in Lopez II in Veinte Reales. Surveillance showed the bettors enter the gambling den and place their bets for the daily draws held every 12 noon, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. NBI agent Mamerto Tello Jr., who posed as a poseur-bettor, was able to place his P90 bet to Jenniefer de Zafra using marked P50 and two P20 bills.

Opinion Conspiracy to commit crimes against humanity able ground to believe that thousands of similar killings committed outside of official law enforcement operations between 1 July 2016 and 16 March 2019 were directly perpetrated in connection to the WoD campaign, despite being attributed by the police to “unidentified” perpetrators. The perpetrators of such QUOTING from International Criminal killings appear to include law enforcement Court (ICC) Prosecutor Ms Fatou Bensouda’s officers who sought to conceal their true iden“Request for authorisation to open an inves- tity, private actors who coordinated with and tigation into the situation in the Republic of were paid by the police, and in some cases the Philippines in connection with President other private individuals or groups instigated Duterte’s war on drugs (WoD) campaign,” I to act by the government’s WoD campaign feature in this column the findings and obser- and statements by Duterte calling for drug vations of the prosecutor to support her main suspects to be killed. The term “vigilantes” thesis that the extrajudicial killings in relation (or “anti-drug vigilantes”) has commonly to the WoD campaign was a systematic and been used as an umbrella term – including conscious policy by the State to stamp out the by the authorities, the media, and NGOs – to proliferation of drugs in the country. refer to private perpetrators of WoD-related In her report, the ICC Prosecutor con- killings. cludes that there is a As stated in the Rereasonable basis to quest, law enforcement assume that the extraauthorities have variousThe evidence is judicial killings colly ascribed such killings lectively amounts to to love triangles or feuds abundant. an “attack” within the or rivalries between scope of article 7(2) drug gangs and crimi(a) of the Statute and/ nal organizations, and or whether any such attack was widespread were not connected to the WoD. While true or systematic under article 7(1) of the Statute. in some cases, a significant number of these According to the request, Philippine au- killings appear to be directly connected to the thorities’ official narrative that killings were WoD, based on apparent links between the only committed in self-defense is consistent- perpetrators and law enforcement, the profile ly undermined by other information such as of the victims, the motives for the killings, that, there are enough indications of planning and the generally consistent types of modus in killing such that according to witness ac- operandi employed by the perpetrators. Some counts, many incidents, it appears the killings of the participants in the killings have come neither occurred in “shootouts” nor were forward to say they were hired by police to otherwise justified, but instead resembled carry out WoD killings. Further, some killsummary executions. Some victims were last ings attributed to unknown assailants appear seen alive in police custody, and yet police to have been committed directly by members reports indicated that the killings occurred of law enforcement in plain clothes who took during a buy-bust or similar operation, with measures to make the killings appear as havno mention of any arrest. A number of state- ing been perpetrated by private actors. ments by local officials and insiders also inBensouda alleges that there is consistendicate that killings were planned in advance, cy in the relevant killings, that the targeted rather than arising spontaneously when sus- victims were civilians suspected of being pects “fought back.” Additionally, while au- connected to illegal drug activities, including thorities claim that police only killed drug persons on drug watch lists, persons who had suspects in self-defense, statements by some been publicly identified as drug personalities, public officials suggest that they considered and that those who had previously surrenthe killings an achievement and an integral dered to the authorities as part of Operation component of the WoD campaign, regardless Tokhang. In fact, an examination of extant inof whether they were justified. formation illustrates that the examples of exThe ICC Prosecutor also observes that the trajudicial killings and related violence above victims’ wounds are inconsistent with self-de- discussed are the rule rather than the excepfense. For example, many victims were shot tions. They appear to be a defining charactermultiple times, even eight to 10 times and in istic of the national WoD campaign, which one documented case 30 times, and a number has affected nearly every corner of the counof victims sustained gunshot wounds to their try, spanned a number of years, and appears to backs or at the back of their heads. Moreover, implicate the highest levels of Philippine law the police planted evidence, tampered with enforcement and government. crime scenes, and took other measures to There is abundant evidence that would yield conceal conduct. For example, an officer with the conclusion that there was (and is) a conspirthe Anti-Illegal Drugs Unit (“AIDU”) in Met- acy in the Philippines to commit crimes against ro Manila involved in WoD operations told humanity. There is also solid proof that this conAI that these practices were common among spiracy includes officials at the highest levels of police officers. Members of law enforcement government. This is why the investigation realso took other measures to conceal their con- quested by the ICC Prosecutor must be granted duct; indeed in a number of incidents, police by the ICC pre-trial chamber. disabled surveillance cameras in the immediate area. Website: tonylavina.com Facebook: deantTo Prosecutor Bensouda, there is reason- onylavs Twitter: tonylavs

Duterte’s failed wars I don’t know how far the ICC will go, but the issue raises questions whether or not Duterte has succeeded in his war against illegal drugs. When he was campaigning, he said he would end illegal drugs in the country. Actually, Duterte vowed to end three THE continuing issue of illegal drugs has things: Illegal drugs, criminality and corresurfaced with attempts of the Internation- ruption. These promises resonated with the al Criminal Court to prosecute the Duterte people. Hence, he won. But how has he fared in all three of his administration for alleged crimes against promises? humanity. I recall that According to the Duterte vowed ICC former prosethat he would end cutor, who has He saw the illegal the illegal drug since retired, ICC problem in three has reasonable badrug problem as a law months. But six sis to investigate enforcement issue. months passed the Duterte adand the problem ministration since was still there. He the alleged exasked for another tra-judicial killings were committed during the time when the year, but illegal drugs proliferated. To top it Philippines was still a member of the ICC. all, the Duterte administration was accused The Philippines under the Duterte admin- of extra-judicial killings with the police reistration has since quit its membership and sorting to what was called “Oplan TokhaPresident Duterte has vowed not to cooper- ng,” where the police would knock on the doors of suspected drug dealers and addicts. ate with the investigation. We even saw on television how a susThe basis of the alleged ICC investigation was the utterance of Duterte vowing to pected drug addict, a teenager, was taken to terminate all those involved in the illegal an alley corner and killed. These and many drug trade. The ICC calls these utterances other incidents made for a culture of imof President Duterte extra-judicial confes- punity with the police blaming dealers and addicts who fought back or resisted arrest. sions.

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EDITORIAL

Hit and run

T

HE great heavyweight boxing legend Muhammad Ali was famous for chanting that he would “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” The phrase, actually coined by his cornerman Bundini Brown, referred to Ali’s ability to dance around his opponents and evade their punches, while landing hard with his own. Perhaps this was in the back of the mind of the boxing senator, Manny Pacquiao, when he held an online press conference to accuse four government departments of corruption on Saturday, then left the country on Sunday without offering any documentary evidence to support his allegations. Now we are sure that Ali never meant anyone should float away from the ring during a fight, yet this is exactly what Pacquiao seems to have done, when he boarded a flight the next day for Los Angeles to begin training for his welterweight bout against Errol Spence Jr. on Aug. 21 in Las Vegas. His flight was rerouted back to Manila because a diabetic passenger complained of health problems five hours after takeoff, but there is no news that Pacquiao will sim-

ply find another flight to LA to fulfill his fight commitments. Senator Panfilo Lacson, who has had his fair share of exposés, was among the first to remark on the paucity of Pacquiao’s evidence. Without any documents or sworn statements from witnesses, he said, there was no sufficient basis for the Senate Blue Ribbon committee to investigate the allegations of corruption raised by Pacquiao.

That’s just not the way it’s done. The onus is on Pacquiao at the very least to show some specifics in support of his allegations, Lacson said, describing these as “serious and sensitive in nature.” “It can better serve the purpose of the exposé if relevant documents that he said he has would [produce] 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. Senator Richard Gordon, chairman of the Blue Ribbon committee, remarked not only on the lack of evidence, but on the disappearance of the accuser.

Gordon said he was perplexed by Pacquiao’s call for a probe of alleged government corruption when he would not be present for the investigation. Gordon said he was informed of a proposal for the Blue Ribbon Committee to investigate corruption allegations against the departments of Health, Social Welfare and Development, Environment and Natural Resources and Energy. Gordon said he was also made aware that the senator who filed for the resoreso lution would be out of the country after the filing. He said it was “strange, if not irregular,” that the accuser would opt not to be present when the investigation is supposed to be conducted. Pacquiao, who wants to run for president next year, has been the target of increasingly vicious sniping from his erstwhile ally, President Rodrigo Duterte. In response to one of his taunts, Pacquiao talked up his “exposé,” but produced no documents to back his claims. “The gauntlet had been thrown down, he has chosen to pick it up,” Gordon quipped. “He who has picked it up cannot suddenly leave and ask someone else to wage the fight in his stead.” We can only agree. That’s not the way it’s done in politics—or boxing.

EvEryman

Loud minds, big mouths By Louise Coleen Magahis PRESIDENT Rodrigo Roa Duterte began his term on June 30, 2016. Four years ago, Filipinos hoped for a better government to manage national concerns and affairs. Prior to his presidency, Filipinos saw his potential to lead the country and actually make changes to build a stronger nation during his six-year-post. In February 2016, months before the election, The Omnibus Election Code (OEC) of the Philippines announced that the campaign would start on the 9th and will end three months after, on May 7. During those months, five presidential candidates competed to prove to the Filipino people their potential and willingness to make a better Philippines. Jejomar Binay, Mar Roxas, Grace Poe, Miriam Defensor Santiago, and Rodrigo Duterte: These candidates had their unique set of strengths and shortcomings. Filipinos, on the other hand, only saw how these five embodied the qualities of their preferred leader. President Duterte drew the utmost attention due to his history of strictness and commitment to making his city, Davao, one of the safest communities in the world. The one contender who first showed minimal interest in the presidency and led people to believe that he had no intentions to control the entire country. But why did a plurality support him more than any other candidate with, in fact, a more defined platform? Years ago, the youth began calling for people to become more involved in politics. Many of us hoped for a more defined governance and

In September 2018, Duterte declared that his only sin is the extra-judicial killings. Santa Banana, for a President to say that was self-indictment. Actually, Duterte is concentrating on the enforcement of the law instead of looking into the illegal drugs problem in its entirety. Other countries with the same illegal drug problem did it differently -- focusing on the most important aspect of the rehabilitation of drug addicts. My gulay, with some 8 million drug users and addicts, the problem is simply the law of supply and demand. It is logical that international drug cartels find the Philippines a very lucrative market. Unfortunately, the Duterte government cares less about rehabilitation and more about law enforcement. While the police claimed that some 8,000 were killed in Duterte’s illegal drugs war, unofficial estimates by academic and civil society groups claim that some 28,000 had been killed. This was pre-COVID pandemic times. My gulay, the killings go on and on.

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

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

wanted a better administration. It is possible that all of the presidential candidates want to make the country a safer place for their fellow citizens, but it is also true that the person with the biggest mouth, not the loudest brains, will attract the most interest. PRRD made it a point to portray himself as the type of loud revolutionary who is capable

Political awareness goes beyond social media posts. of reigning in a country rife with criminals and abolishing rampant corruption. Duterte’s directive was to provide a hasty and unimaginable solution for the Philippines; a three-month-rule of anti-crime campaign that includes drugs and corruption, and his vow to use jet ski. In May 2021. President Duterte labeled his people “stupid” for having faith on his “bravado,” a campaign joke involving him riding a jet ski to the West Philippine Sea to declare it a Philippine territory. Duterte’s campaign was almost too good to be true, yet Filipinos fell for it. After all, who can resist a fairytale? Citizens were dying for a better president who could put an end to the decade-long agony. However, in politics, everything should be done according to the laws Meanwhile, our borders remain porous and drugs continue to come into the country. As I said about 50 percent of the illegal drugs problem is rehabilitation. How many rehabilitation centers are there? I can count them with my fingers. This is one aspect of the Duterte war on illegal drugs that has not been done. Thus, until the country has enough rehabilitation centers staffed with doctors and nurses, a holistic approach to the illegal drug problem can never be attained. The problem is not only illegal drugs itself, but extra-judicial killings, which are now being investigated and prosecuted by the ICC. The drug users and addicts have been classified as criminals, making them victims of the drug war when they are victims of illegal drugs. In a nutshell, the war on drugs is a dismal failure. Whoever gets to be president next year should learn this lesson, especially since the Educating Unitedin Nations reports that the illegal drugs a pandemic worldwide would be worse after COVID-19.

and must undergo a drue process. Given all that is going on, crimes on crimes, the pandemic, the national debt, and financial mismanagement, people should be able to see the difference between a president who has plans for the country and a president who has good intentions for his people. With the next election taking place in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, people should be politically aware of what is actually going on behind every candidate’s rhetoric. The current administration should provide a good example for the youth. Voters should examine a candidate’s work history before embracing his or her promises. It takes more than being a registered voter or being politically engaged on social media to be politically aware. Being politically informed should involve our fellow Filipinos’ struggles under the administration, as well as understanding of a politician’s accomplishments. Everyone wants someone who can effectively manage the entire country, but not everyone knows how to choose the best candidate for the most important post a man can obtain. Before getting involved in politics, make sure that one is fully aware of everything beyond the field of politics. Being politically aware goes beyond posts and tweets. This is a step closer to having a better Philippines. And in order to achieve this, loud minds are needed as much as big mouths. The author is a fourth-year journalism student at the University of Santo Tomas.

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IN BRIEF Pope Francis goes under the knife

FOURTH OF JULY PARTY. Fireworks during the Macy’s Fourth of July

celebration in New York, on Sunday. Macys annual fireworks display returned to its usual grand scale over the East River this July 4, the latest sign of normalcy returning to New York City, The New York Times reported. AFP

VATICAN CITY—Pope Francis, 84, underwent a surgery Sunday for an inflamed large colon, a Vatican statement said. The pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital “for a scheduled surgery for symptomatic diverticular stenosis of the colon”, it said. The condition causes potentially painful inflammation of the diverticulum, a pocket that can form on the colon walls and which tend to multiply with age. A potential complication is an abnormal narrowing of the colon. Earlier Sunday, the pope gave the weekly Angelus prayer at St Peter’s Square. There, he announced that he would visit Slovakia in September after a brief stop in Hungary to celebrate a mass in Budapest. In the afternoon, the pontiff arrived at the clinic accompanied by his driver and one close aide, and Italian media said he was in the operating room a few hours later. Following the operation, a statement from the Vatican said he has reacted well to the intervention. AFP

Rescue ship saves 200 migrants in Med MARSEILLE, France—The migrant rescue ship Ocean Viking has rescued 203 people, including 67 minors, in recent days, its owner SOS Mediterranee said Sunday. The migrants came from Egypt, Gambia, Libya, South Sudan, Syria and Tunisia, the non-governmental organisation said in comments posted on Twitter. They were rescued in four separate operations since Thursday. In once rescue in the waters around Malta on Sunday, Ocean Viking picked up 71 migrants who were in an overloaded wooden boat that had embarked from Libya three days earlier, SOS Mediterranee said. They had used up reserves of food and water and four people “had to be evacuated on stretchers”, the group added. AFP

US near ‘independence’ from virus, says Biden W ASHINGTON—President Joe Biden celebrated US Independence Day on Sunday with an upbeat assessment of a country he said is roaring back to post-pandemic life, even if Covid-19 has yet to be fully “vanquished.”

Speaking before a festive crowd of 1,000 guests on the White House South Lawn, Biden drew a comparison between the declaration of independence from the British Empire in 1776 and today’s rapid recovery from the coronavirus. “Two hundred and forty five years ago, we declared our independence from a distant king. Today, we are closer than ever to declaring our independence from a deadly virus,” he told the crowd of invited military

members and essential workers. “We’ve gained the upper hand against this virus,” he said. But he added, “Don’t get me wrong: Covid-19 has not been vanquished. We all know powerful variants have emerged, like the Delta variant.” Biden paid tribute to those who have lost their lives, with the staggering number of deaths in the United States now at more than 600,000. But he struck an overwhelmingly optimistic note, suggesting that under

Ransomware hits too many to probe—FBI

his leadership the country -- bitterly and at times violently divided during the Donald Trump presidency -- was “coming back together.” “Over the last year, we have lived through some of our darkest days,” Biden said. “We are about to see our brightest future.” - Partying like pre-Covid Large crowds packed the National Mall for a huge fireworks display in yet another sign that the United States is looking to its July 4th holiday as a moment to put the virus in the rear view mirror. During last year’s holiday, with the pandemic near its summer peak and towns across America reeling from anti-racism and anti-police protests, Washington and other big cities held only muted celebrations. AFP

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HILLSIDE HALVED. This handout picture taken on July 4 and released by Shizuoka Prefecture on July 5 shows the collapse site in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture, which was the starting point of landslides. AFP

DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SETTLEMENT DEED OF OF WELMA T. SICANGCO EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is is hereby hereby given given that that the the estate estate of of the the late late WELMA WELMA T. T. Notice SICANGCO, who who died died intestate intestate on on December December 16, 16, 2019 2019 at at SICANGCO, the Manila Doctors Hospital, Metro Manila was settled by the Manila Doctors Hospital, Metro Manila was settled by way of of Deed Deed of of Extra-judicial Extra-judicial Settlement Settlement of of Estate Estate executed executed way by the the legal legal heirs heirs before before Notary Notary Public Public Atty. Atty. Jan Jan Rurik Rurik D. D. by Padiernos of of Makati Makati City, City, dated dated 14th 14th day day of of December December 2020 2020 Padiernos and recorded recorded into into his his notarial notarial registry registry under under Doc. Doc. No. No. 271; 271; and Page No. No. 55; 55; Book Book No. No. 8; 8; Series Series of of 2020. 2020. Page

(MStandard-June 22, 22, 29 29 July July 6, 6, 2021) 2021) (MStandard-June

AFFIDAVIT OF SELF-ADJUDICATION OF THE ESTATE OF TOMAS C. CABUEÑOS NOTICE is hereby given that the estate of the late TOMAS C. CABUEÑOS who died intestate on September 1, 1998 at Manila Doctors Hospital, 667 United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila was settled via Affidavit of Self-Adjudication executed by his son and sole compulsary heir Tomas A. Cabueños, Jr. on May 28, 2021 before Notary Public ATTY. JAN RURIK D. PADIERNOS as per Doc. No. 352; Page No. 74; Book No. 7; Series of 2021

(MStandard-June 22, 29 & July 6, 2021)

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT of ESTATE with WAIVER of RIGHTS Notice is hereby given that the estate of the spouses CHING TAN LEE and MARIA BERINO has been extra-judicially settled among their heirs WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS consisting of: • TCT No. 21411 – Mun. of Pasig; • TCT No. PT-91098 – Mun. of Pasig; • TCT No. PT-91083 – Mun. of Pasig; • TCT No. PT-108406 – Mun. of Pasig. As per Doc. No. 100; Page No. 21; Book No. XII; Series of 2021 before Notary Public ATTY. EARLENE LIRIO R. TURANO. (MS-JULY 6, 2021)

(MS-June 22/29, July 6, 2021)

Rescuers struggle to locate dozens in landslide-hit town ATAMI, Japan—Authorities in a landslide-hit Japanese holiday town were trying to locate 80 residents on Monday as rescue teams trawled through the muddy debris looking for survivors. Soldiers and emergency workers used hand-held poles and mechanical diggers in the desperate search, two days after a torrent of earth slammed down a mountainside and through part of the hot-spring resort of Atami in central Japan. Three people have been confirmed dead, although authorities are struggling to pinpoint the whereabouts of dozens of residents as they scour the wreckage of 130 homes and other buildings that were destroyed. Pylons were toppled, vehicles buried and buildings tipped from their foundations in the disaster, with aerial footage from the mountaintop showing a stark brown wedge gouged out of the green hillside. “The number of those who are unaccounted for has now come to 80, down from 113. We are working hard to specify the figures as quickly as possible,” Hiroki Onuma, a town disaster management spokesman, told A FP. Authorities had initially said just 20 people were missing, but Atami mayor Sakae Saito said Sunday evening that was only an estimate based on an early assessment. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said Monday that the focus was still on finding survivors, with hundreds of rescue workers “doing their best to rescue as many people as possible, as soon as possible”. AFP

NEW YORK—The FBI said Sunday the “scale” of a major ransomware attack against a US IT company could mean investigators won’t be able to work with every victim individually. Hackers hit Kaseya, a firm that provides IT services to other companies, with a ransomware attack that could have targeted as many as 1,000 other businesses on Friday, just before the long holiday July 4 weekend in the United States. The FBI said it had opened an investigation along with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and other US federal agencies “to understand the scope of the threat.” “If you believe your systems have been compromised, we encourage you to employ all recommended mitigations, follow Kaseya’s guidance to shut down your VSA servers immediately and report to the FBI,” the bureau said in a statement Sunday, referencing the signature networking software that was attacked. “Although the scale of this incident may make it so that we are unable to respond to each victim individually, all information we receive will be useful in countering this threat,” the FBI statement said. President Joe Biden said Saturday that he had ordered an investigation, in particular to find out whether the assault had come from Russia. “We’re not sure yet,” he said Saturday. AFP

Storm ‘Elsa’ slices through Caribbean, Cuba HAVANA—Tropical storm Elsa battered Jamaica and Cuba with winds and rain Sunday after claiming at least three lives while cutting a path of destruction through the Caribbean, authorities said. Flooding, mudslides and damaging gusts were expected as the storm -downgraded from hurricane status but still powerful -- crept north toward the United States. As of 8 pm Sunday (0000 GMT Monday), Elsa was packing maximum sustained winds of 60 miles (95 kilometers) per hour, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. By Sunday evening, the NHC had reported that tropical storm warnings had been canceled in Jamaica and in parts of Cuba. But a warning remained in effect for other areas in Cuba and the Florida Keys, with Elsa forecast to hit the western part of the state as early as Tuesday. In Surfside, Florida, where a highrise condo building collapsed on June 24, authorities demolished the remaining part of the building in a controlled explosion late Sunday -- avoiding the risk that Elsa might bring it down more destructively. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN

Business OPEC+ meets again to settle disagreement LONDON—After failing last week, the 23 members of the OPEC+ group of oil producers will try again Monday to reach agreement on how much crude to put on the market. Since May, the group has raised oil output little by little, after slashing it more than a year ago when the coronavirus pandemic crushed demand. The current proposal is to increase output each month from August to December by 400,000 barrels per day, providing oil markets with an additional two million bpd by the end of the year. But it is the suggestion of extending the agreement on incremental increases until the end of 2022 that has caused a hitch. The hold-out is the United Arab Emirates, which on Sunday criticized that extension as unjust. A video conference between OPEC members and their 10 allies has been scheduled for 1300 GMT to try and resolve the impasse. In April 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic took hold, OPEC+ decided to withdraw 9.7 million bpd from the market and to gradually re-introduce it by the end of April 2022. The strategy has worked fairly well, and the two leading oil contracts, for North Sea Brent and for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) have been bobbing at around $75 a barrel, an increase of 50 percent since the beginning of the year. The last time oil prices were that high was in October 2018. But reintroduction has stalled several times because of developments in the COVID-19 crisis, and at present, the alliance is still not pumping 5.8 million bpd of the initial figure. Consequently the April 2022 deadline now seems too close, and some members want to extend the reintroduction period until December 2022—which is what Abu Dhabi objects to. The United Arab Emirates is prepared to extend the agreement if necessary, its Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed Al-Mazrouei told the WAM news agency. But it wants the reference output levels raised to ensure they are fair. AFP

B3

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

PSEi July 5, 2021

TOP GAINERS PSE INDEX CLOSING

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Monday, July 5, 2021

34.12PTS. 7,036.38

TOTAL VOLUME

1,787,627,986

TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE

75,196 4,309,216,956.16

ADVANCES

110

DECLINES

98

UNCHANGED

51

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

49.1660

Japan

Yen

0.009007

0.4428

UK

Pound

1.383800

68.0359

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128781

6.3316

Switzerland

Franc

1.086130

53.4007

Canada

Dollar

0.811622

39.9042

Singapore

Dollar

0.742115

36.4868

Australia

Dollar

0.752400

36.9925

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655337

130.5523

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.031056

1.5269

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

13.3873

Euro

Euro

1.187100

58.3650

Korea

Won

0.000886

0.0436

China

Yuan

0.154512

7.5967

India

Rupee

0.013421

0.6599

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.240269

11.8131

New Zealand

Dollar

0.703100

34.5686

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035845

1.7624

Stock market slightly up; Globe, JG Summit climb T Source: BSP

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 34.12 points, or 0.5 percent, to 7,036.38 on a value turnover of P4.3 billion. Gainers beat losers, 110 to 98, with 51 issues unchanged. JG Summit Holdings Inc. of the Gokongwei Group climbed 1.9 percent to P64.20, while Globe Telecom Inc. of the Ayala Group also gained 1.9 percent at P1,920. DMCI Holdings Inc. of the Consunji Group advanced 2.2 percent to P6.85,

Tapas Strickland. “As such there is nothing in this report for the Fed to become hawkish about.” The healthy advances on Wall Street provided Asian traders with a platform, and most markets extended the rally. Shanghai, Sydney, Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, Wellington and Mumbai all rose. But Hong Kong fell, with tech firms taking a hit again after China at the weekend ordered ride-hailing giant Didi to be removed from app stores, citing “serious violations” of data collection regulations. Tencent fell 3.6 percent in Hong Kong while Alibaba shed close to three percent. SoftBank, a major investor in Didi, tanked more than five percent in Tokyo, where the Nikkei also finished in negative territory. The move—which came just days after the firm’s US market debut following a $4.4-billion initial public offering—is the latest in China’s crackdown on the tech sector as authorities grow concerned about its increasing influence on consumers. With AFP

while unit Semirara Mining and Power Corp., the biggest coal miner, increased 5.1 percent to P16.80. Asian markets mostly rose Monday, while oil prices ticked higher as top producers struggled to reach a deal on lifting output. All three main indexes in New York finished last week at a fresh peak in reaction to data showing far more people than expected were employed last month in the United States, as the world’s top economy raced out of last year’s pandemic-induced recession. The Labor Department report was seen as providing the best of both worlds for investors as it also showed the unemployment rate ticking up slightly, tempering worries that the Federal Reserve will have to rein in its ultra-loose monetary policy sooner to prevent the economy from overheating. “Overall, the level of payrolls is still 6.8 million below pre-pandemic February 2020 levels and is still below the level of substantial progress needed by the Fed,” said National Australia Bank’s

CHANGE 0.21 0.25 0.001 0.26 0.12 0.07 0.54 0.82 0.31 0.24

% CHANGE 16.03% 10.42% 8.33% 7.78% 5.50% 5.43% 5.40% 5.13% 4.45% 4.29%

TOP LOSERS

Saudi Arabia 0.266638 13.1095 GROUNDED. In this aerial photo taken on July 5, 2021, passenger ferries are seen parked during a strictRial week-long nationwide Brunei Dollar AFP 0.739372 36.3520 lockdown patrolled by police and troops as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus in Dhaka.

HE stock market rose slightly Monday, taking its cue from most of Asia following another Wall Street record sparked by a blockbuster US jobs report that reaffirmed the country’s recovery was on track.

SSP NOW OPM PCOR MAH CHP IMI SCC MWIDE BC

LAST PRICE 1.52 2.65 0.013 3.6 2.3 1.36 10.54 16.8 7.27 5.84

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

EVER CA CHI CAT RCB ABS FPI OM NI GEO

LAST PRICE 0.49 52.05 6.13 13.4 21 12.08 0.295 0.42 1.51 0.345

CHANGE -0.05 -3.95 -0.37 -0.8 -1.2 -0.62 -0.015 -0.02 -0.07 -0.015

% CHANGE -9.26% -7.05% -5.69% -5.63% -5.41% -4.88% -4.84% -4.55% -4.43% -4.17%

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

MONDE BDO ICT SM GLO JFC SMPH MPI DMC BHI

VOLUME 13795300 1530410 1019960 128575 67190 557230 2908700 25177000 14326200 702060000

VALUE (PHP) 232876312 176229552 167865229 130543270 128896540 120436652 108169515 99320110 97733558 96314740

Megatanker in Suez to be released

Bugs and bird nests: Airlines dust off planes grounded by COVID pandemic By Tangi Quemener ORLY, France—As travel picks up this summer, airlines are dusting off planes that were grounded during the pandemic, checking they are clear of fungus, bugs and bird nests before sending them back in the air. In Paris this week, a tow tractor grabbed an Air France plane that had been parked outside for a year at Orly Airport and brought it to a cavernous hangar where technicians quickly removed the tarpaulins. Like most airlines, Air France took the overwhelming majority of its planes out of service during the pandemic as travel restrictions choked traffic to a trickle. As much as 80 percent of its fleet was parked at the peak of the crisis. The Airbus A321 at the Orly hangar will soon have to make up to seven flights a day as the summer season kicks off in Europe and COVID-weary travelers seek respite in sunny Mediterranean destinations. Although planes that were grounded received regular maintenance, getting the Airbus ready to carry more than 200 passengers per flight again is not a quick job. “There are a whole bunch of systems that were shut down and haven’t been in operation for a long time and that we have to retest and recheck,” said Vincent Rigaudie, one of people responsible for preparing Air France aircraft for flight at Orly. “We need to check oil levels in the hydraulics, we check all of the engine systems,” he added. Then aircraft are given a test flight to ensure all systems are operating normally before a plane is given the green light to return to commercial service. In the hangar the size of several football pitches, teams of technicians normally work in shifts 24/7 to ensure Air France aircraft are fit to fly.

But the long hibernation of planes has created its own sort of problems that technicians must confront, Rigaudie explained above the din of shrieking loudspeakers meant to drive away pigeons. The birds love to make their nests on parked planes, particularly on the wings at the level of the ailerons, and their droppings are corrosive. “They don’t need much room to get inside,” Rigaudie said. Bugs and fungus Two other potential problems: the contamination of fuel tanks by fungus and insects blocking air speed sensors. The tarps protecting the plane present their own challenge as humidity can build up under them. Bags that absorb moisture were placed near the fan blades of the Airbus. “These are to capture moisture that can stay inside the motor for the entire time it is parked,” said technician Julien Breuzard. Depending on where a plane is parked, such as in a hot and humid city exposed to pollution, more corrosion than normal can be expected. At Orly, between 200 and 300 hours of work is needed to take a parked Airbus A320 family model aircraft and make it ready to fly again. It all starts with a visual inspection, including using a micro-camera mounted on a long flexible tube to get into inaccessible areas. The Airbus has a computer system that detects malfunctions. A drone is used to check out areas high up. Then equipment is tested and repaired or replaced if necessary. Batteries are reconnected and interior and exterior surfaces cleaned before the plane is ready to take passengers again. AFP

CAIRO, Egypt—The megatanker retained by Egypt since it blocked the Suez Canal in March will be released Wednesday, after the authority that manages the vital waterway said a deal was reached with its Japanese owners. The MV Ever Given—a behemoth with deadweight tonnage of 199,000—got stuck diagonally across the canal during a sandstorm on March 23, blocking the trade artery for six days before salvage teams could dislodge it. Egypt retained the vessel seeking compensation from Japanese firm Shoei Kisen Kaisha for lost canal revenues and the cost of salvaging it and for damage to the shipping lane that links Asia and Europe. The Suez Canal Authority said in a statement that a ceremony would be held on Wednesday to mark the signing of an agreement with the owners and “the departure of the ship.” The statement that was issued on Sunday did

not disclose the amount of compensation. Egypt lost between $12 million and $15 million in revenues for each day the waterway was closed, according to the Suez Canal Authority. The grounding of the ship and the intensive salvage efforts needed to refloat it also resulted in significant damage to the canal. A member of the London-based Stann Marine law firm which represents the owners and insurers of the Ever Given confirmed in a statement that preparations were underway for its release. “We are pleased to announce that... good progress has been made and a formal solution agreed” between the two sides, Faz Peermohamed said in the statement. Last week, Suez Canal Authority chief Osama Rabie said Egypt had signed a non-disclosure agreement with the owners of the Ever Given as it finalized the compensation agreement. 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.

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. com. 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.

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

(MS-JUL. 5 & 6, 2021)

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

B4

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021

Gov’t debt breached P11-t level in May, says Treasury By Darwin G. Amojelar GOVERNMENT debt reached P11.07 trillion as of end-May this year, mostly from domestic borrowings, data from the Treasury show. The Treasury said Monday government debt increased P79.81 billion or 0.73 percent from P10.99 trillion in April. It said the strong peso tempered further increases in government’s debt in May. The Treasury said of the total debt stock, 28.5 percent was sourced externally while 71.5 percent represented domestic borrowings. Domestic debt amounted to P7.91 trillion in May, or 1.3 percent higher than the April level as a result of the net issuance of government securities. External debt eased by 0.74 percent to P3.155 trillion. “The lower external debt figure was due to the P28.58 billion impact of local-currency appreciation against the US dollar and the net repayment of foreign loans amounting to P0.22 billion,” the Treasury said. These offset the P5.24-billion revaluation in the peso value of debt denominated in other currencies such as EUR and JPY. Government-guaranteed obligations went down by 1.9 percent month-on-month to P426.59 billion in May. “The lower level of guaranteed debt was due to the net redemption of both local and foreign guaranteed obligations amounting to P5.52 billion and P0.69 billion, respectively,” the agency said. It said the impact of local- and third-currency exchange rate fluctuations lowered the peso value of external guaranteed debt by P1.76 billion and P0.18 billion, respectively.

Business

PSE INDEX CLOSING Monday, July 5, 2021

34.12PTS. 7,036.38

ETRON Corp., the country’s lone oil refiner, plans to issue up to P50 billion worth of fixed-rate bonds as part of a capital raising program.

Petron said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday the executive committee of its board of directors approved the filing of P50-billion worth of peso fixed-rate bonds with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Petropn will offer the bonds to the public in one or more tranches during the period of shelf-registration, including an initial offering and issuance of up to P18-billion worth of the bonds. The committee appointed BDO Capital & Investment Corp. as the sole issue manager and the group of BDO Capital & Investment Corp., China Bank Capital Corp., Philippine Commercial Capital, Inc., PNB Capital and Investment Corp. and SB Capital Investment Corp. as joint lead bookrunners and joint lead underwriters. It also approved the filing of the appropriate registration statement, prospectus and offer supplement with the Securities and Exchange Commission; execution of relevant agreements; filing of a listing application with Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp.; and other terms and conditions to be determined by management. Petron announced in April it would issue $550 million in senior perpetual capital securities “for the repayment of indebted-

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

ness and for general corporate purposes.” The securities will carry a rate of 5.95 percent per annum and will be issued in registered form in denominations of $200,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. Petron operates the only integrated oil refinery in the Philippines. It had an overall market share of 24 percent of the Philippine oil market in the first half of 2020 in terms of sales volume, based on company estimates using internal assumptions and calculations and industry data from the Department of Energy. Petron is also a leading player in the Malaysian market. The company announced that it would restart its 180,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Bataan province amid optimism of a stronger financial performance this year. “Unlike Shell, Petron is a modern refinery which we have upgraded only about five years ago. And the refinery is very competitive, and we see no reason for us to shut down the refinery,” Petron president and chief executive Ramon Ang said earlier. Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. shut down its 110,000-barrel-per-day facility in Batangas province last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Petron also temporarily closed its refinery for economic and maintenance reasons starting February. Ang expressed optimism about Petron’s financial performance after posting a net income of P1.73 billion in the first quarter, a reversal of its P4.9-billion net loss in the same period last year. Petron attributed the recovery to the recent improvement in international oil prices and the implementation of costcutting measures.

PayMaya makes remittances and government payments easier for OFWs FOR most Overseas Filipino Workers “Before, we constantly need to check (OFWs), being able to help out their with our families once na nagpadala na family in the Philippines is a driving kami if they received the money we reason to work abroad. Despite the sent,” said Aiko. “Pero ngayon, it’s COVID-19 crisis, our hardworking hassle-free. I can send money to my kababayans still manage to send money parents 24/7. Sobrang bilis at sobrang back home, with personal remittances easy. Ilang clicks lang, settled na,” she up by 5.1% year-on-year last April, added. according to data from the Bangko (“Before, we constantly need to Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). check with our families if they received Aiko Pascual, a Duty Manager at a the money once we’re able to send it,” five-star hotel in Singapore, is among said Aiko. “But now, it’s hassle-free. these modern-day heroes. I can send money to my parents 24/7. The 31-year old left the country right It’s quick and easy. With just a few after graduating from college in search clicks, I’m already able to settle the of greener pastures. For the past 10 transaction,” she added.) years, Aiko has been sending money Fund transfers via PayMaya may be to her parents in Las Piñas as a way received in three ways - through the of giving back and helping out with recipient’s PayMaya account, via bank expenses. account through Instapay, or for pickShe knows the challenges of up at any of the 40,000 Smart Padala traditional money remittance services, agents present in 92% of the cities which is why Aiko now utilizes the and municipalities in the Philippines PayMaya e-wallet app for more ensuring accessibility both online and convenient transactions. offline. PayMaya made its e-wallet services In addition to streamlining money available to Overseas Filipinos (OFs) For Overseas Filipino Aiko, PayMaya makes remittances, PayMaya also empowers like Aiko last May, in time for the Labor her essential transactions convenient - from OFWs with the ability to remotely Day celebration, bringing cashless sending money to her family, purchasing pay over 550 Philippine-based billers, convenience to Filipinos abroad. essentials, and even settling government bills. as well as government agencies such With this, Filipinos overseas can as SSS, PAG-IBIG Fund, the Bureau use their Philippine roaming mobile of Internal Revenue, and many others number to register for a PayMaya account. By using the popular using their e-wallet. e-wallet, they can now send money to the PayMaya accounts of “I pay my SSS and PAG-IBIG voluntarily using the PayMaya their loved ones for free. They can also send money to Philippine app. I no longer need to ask my parents to do this for me. Kaya this bank accounts at very affordable rates via Instapay. is very helpful for them, and for me too,” said Aiko. Moreover, they can pay directly for their own contributions to Financial aid, along with proceeds from government loan various funds like the Social Security System (SSS) and PAG-IBIG. applications, can also be received in the PayMaya account of They can also pay fees and taxes to government agencies such OFWs – making it easier for unbanked Filipinos to receive help as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), National Bureau of from the government in their time of need. Investigation (NBI), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and According to data from the Department of Foreign Affairs Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), among many others. (DFA) in 2019, there are around 10 million Filipinos living abroad, On top of these, they can opt to settle utility bills directly via the with temporary migrants or OFWs accounting for 3 million. PayMaya app with its over 550 billers, the most extensive list for “Our mission is financial inclusion for all Filipinos - including any e-wallet. They can also use PayMaya to shop online and buy our kababayans, like Aiko. We are committed to empowering them telco load for themselves or gift them to their families. with relevant digital financial services that will help make their When PayMaya piloted the service in Singapore early this year, lives easier and better - whether it’s sending funds back home, Aiko was among our kababayans who immediately saw how the paying bills for their families, or even receiving cash assistance service could bring value and enrich their connections back home. from the government when they need it most,” said Orlando Vea, “This is really more convenient for us. Before, we had to go to Founder and CEO of PayMaya. remittance centers here in Singapore in order to send money to our PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem families,” said Aiko. enabler in the Philippines, with platforms and services that cut “The problem is we can only go to the remittance center kapag across consumers, merchants, communities, and government. days off. It’s difficult kasi working in the hotel industry, we do It provides more than 38 million Filipinos with access to shift work five days a week, sometimes seven. There are times financial services through its consumer platforms. Customers na talagang hindi namin aabutan yung store hours ng remittance can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its center. Sarado na pag dating namin.” over 250,000 digital touchpoints nationwide. Its Smart Padala by (“The problem is we can only go to the remittance center during PayMaya network of over 40,000 partner agent touchpoints serves our days off. It’s difficult because working in the hotel industry, as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the we do shift work for five days a week, sometimes seven. There unbanked and underserved access to digital services. Through its are times when we don’t make it in time for the store hours of the enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for remittance centers, and it’s already closed when we get there.”) key industries in the country, including “every day” merchants On the chance that she does make it in time, Aiko adds that such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants, as she still had to queue, fill out forms, show her ID, and, most well as government agencies and units. importantly, make sure that she carried enough money to be able to pay in cash. To know more about PayMaya’s products and services, visit Traditional remittance services also take 2-3 days to be www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, processed– a pain point for those who need funds urgently. Twitter, and Instagram

1,787,627,986 75,196 4,309,216,956.16 110 98 51

F oreign e xchange r ate

Petron’s board approves plan to issue P50-b bonds P By Alena Mae S. Flores

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

GOKONGWEI GROUP’S SUPPORT. The Gokongwei

Group plays a proactive role in the government’s initiatives against the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in line with disease prevention and achieving the targeted herd immunity of the Filipino population through vaccination. Executives of Cebu Pacific, the Gokongwei Group’s airline unit, join government officials at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to welcome and receive the COVID-19 vaccine shipment from China. Attending the ceremony are (from left)) Cebu Pacific chief operating officer Mike Shau, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso, Cebu Pacific chief strategy officer Alex Reyes and Manila Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna.

Now ups stake in telecom unit ahead of listing Now Corp., a company owned by businessman Mel Velarde, raised its stake in a telecom affiliate as the latter plans to list at the local bourse by way of introduction. The publicly-listed telecommunications, media and technology firm increased its stake in Now Telecom Company Inc. from 19 percent to 24.23 percent. NTCI’s franchise was extended for another 25 years beginning 2018 while its mobile cellular licenses were renewed. Recently-elected Now Corp. chairman Mel Velarde said the company was moving forward with the corporate restructuring of NTCI to take it to the next level. “Think of Now Corp. as the licensed value-added service provider of TMT [telecommunications, media, and technology] products, but think of Now Telecom when it comes to CMTS [cable modem termination systems]. We speak for Now Corp. owners that we must play a bigger part of the game plan,” he said. Velarde said Now was the first to introduce pre-5G broadband speed of up to 2 gigabits per second to enterprise clients. He said the next move is to extend the service to the residential and consumer markets through fixed wireless access and mobile cellular devices. “Now Telecom’s licenses and its evolving business plan, which is a work in progress with Nokia, would allow us to offer gigabit speed to both fixed and mobile cellular broadband subscribers,” Velarde said. The shareholders ratified Now Corp.’s subscription to 1 million primary common shares of NTCI to be issued out of the proposed increase in the latter’s authorized capital stock at a price of P600 per share, using the parent’s existing advances amounting to P130.5 million plus deposits of P469.5 million for a total consideration of P600 million. Darwin G. Amojelar

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

49.1660

Japan

Yen

0.009007

0.4428

UK

Pound

1.383800

68.0359

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128781

6.3316

Switzerland

Franc

1.086130

53.4007

Canada

Dollar

0.811622

39.9042

Singapore

Dollar

0.742115

36.4868

Australia

Dollar

0.752400

36.9925

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655337

130.5523

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266638

13.1095

Brunei

Dollar

0.739372

36.3520

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.031056

1.5269

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

13.3873

Euro

Euro

1.187100

58.3650

Korea

Won

0.000886

0.0436

China

Yuan

0.154512

7.5967

India

Rupee

0.013421

0.6599

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.240269

11.8131

New Zealand

Dollar

0.703100

34.5686

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035845

1.7624 Source: BSP

IN BRIEF ERC asks companies to join ILP program THE Energy Regulatory Commission asked the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry to encourage its members to participate in the Interruptible Load Program to augment the limited power supply of distribution utilities. “The Interruptible Load Program is a scheme adopted by the commission wherein customers may enter into an agreement with their distribution utility to voluntarily disconnect from the power grid for a limited period whenever the power supply is constricted,” ERC chairperson Agnes Devanadera said in a statement. “The ILP also allows customers to operate their generating sets and collectively reduce electricity drawn from the grid when power interruptions are imminent,” Devanadera said. The ERC established the rules for the implementation of the ILP in 2010 which were subsequently amended with the most recent revisions in 2019. Under the ILP, companies who are willing to participate will be requested to reduce their demand or use their gensets for particular hours in a day when the power supply in the system is not enough. Alena Mae S. Flores

CLI’s reservation sales increase 14% CEBU Landmasters Inc. said Monday reservation sales increased 14 percent in the first half to P8.5 billion from the same period last year on sustained housing demand in the Visayas and Mindanao. CLI in a disclosure to the stock exchange said reservation sales for the second quarter alone climbed 13 percent to P5.2 billion from the same period a year ago. The company launched six new projects across different segments in Cebu, Iloilo and Ormoc in the first six months. CLI said its main market Cebu accounted 29 percent of sales, followed by Iloilo with 27 percent and Cagayan de Oro with 20 percent. The rest came from sales in Davao, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Bohol and Ormoc. CLI’s mid-market and economic housing units accounted for 38 percent and 41 percent respectively while its high-end developments contributed 21 percent. CLI also started offering higher-end units in anticipation of a post pandemic boom in the southern regions. Jenniffer B. Austria

Banaag assumes VP post in Freight Co. CLARK Banaag assumed his post as vice president of operations in Arrow Freight Corp., a logistics warehouse and freight company based in Valenzuela City. Banaag, 25, the youngest mining director, said in an interview he is optimistic about the c o m p a n y ’s future. “Arrow F r e i g h t ’s clients are heavily based in the mining sector and with Banaag the recent pronouncement of the national government in support of the mining industry, it will definitely help us create more jobs, raise revenues, and help the country’s GDP,” the company said Arrow Freight posted P29.4 million in revenue with net income of P16.7 million in the first quarter, coming from freight contracts in nickel mining operations in Sta. Cruz, Zambales.

Report exposes meddling of lobby group in PH CONSUMER groups in the Philippines asked the government to immediately cut ties with Bloomberg Philanthropies following an expose of a US-based think tank about the group’s repeated meddling in the affairs of low and middle-income countries, including the Philippines. The Nicotine Consumers Union of the Philippines and the Philippine E-cigarette Industry Association said the revelation made by Competitive Enterprise Institute about the intrusion of Bloomberg Philanthropies in the Philippines and other countries should serve as a wake-up call to the government. Documents leaked to CEI described how Bloomberg’s Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids influenced anti-tobacco policies around the world. In a blog titled “Exposed: Bloomberg’s Anti-Tobacco Med-

dling in Developing Countries” and posted on the website of CEI, Michelle Minton disclosed the content of the 128-page document of CTFK 2017 strategy for LMICs. CTFK is funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the charity of financial billionaire Michael Bloomberg. Minton said the leaked internal communications from CTFK “show the true extent of its influence, which reaches throughout all levels of civil society, media and even government, and appears aimed at imposing its will on the developing world, regardless of the needs and interests of the people who live there. Worse, it often provides funding to foreign government entities, seemingly without much regard for those governments’ level of respect for liberal values and democratic governance,” Minton said.

Sports

NBA star is Japan’s flag-bearer TOKYO—NBA star Rui Hachimura will carry Japan’s flag at the Tokyo Games, Japanese Olympic chiefs said Monday—although fans might not be allowed into the stadium to watch the opening ceremony. The Washington Wizards forward will carry the flag along with twice-world-champion wrestler Yui Susaki at the July 23 opener for the pandemic-postponed Games. But with concern growing again over rising coronavirus cases, organizers have said they may need to rethink attendance limits for Olympic events to reduce infection risks. On Monday, Games chiefs said they would push back the announcement of results of a ticket lottery for oversubscribed events to Saturday—less than two weeks before the opening ceremony. The 23-year-old Hachimura, whose father is Beninese and mother is Japanese, said carrying his nation’s flag was “a great honour”. “I’d love this to be an opportunity for kids and everyone else in Japan to watch me and my teammates playing at the Olympics, and take even more of an interest in basketball and sport as a whole,” he said in a statement. In May, Hachimura hit out at racism on social media, saying he receives racist messages “almost every day”. Details of the opening ceremony have been kept under wraps, with local media reporting it will be half an hour longer to allow for COVID-19 countermeasures such as distancing. However it is still unclear how many seats, if any, will be filled at the national stadium. Organizers have set a limit of 10,000 domestic fans, or half of each venue’s capacity. But Games president Seiko Hashimoto warned Friday that “having no spectators is an option”. No overseas spectators Japan’s coronavirus outbreak has not been as severe as in some countries, with around 14,800 deaths, but experts say another wave could stretch medical services as the Olympics begin. Media reports said Monday the government this week was likely to extend anti-virus measures in Tokyo and elsewhere, with a decision on Olympic fans to follow. The current restrictions—which cap spectators at sports events to 5,000—are due to end on Sunday but could now be in place during the Olympics, the reports said. No more tickets will be sold and spectators from overseas are barred. Olympic athletes have begun arriving in Tokyo, and on Sunday a Serbian rower tested positive for the virus at the airport. AFP

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

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021

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ANOTHER 6METER-PLUS WIN.

Sweden’s Armand Duplantis competes in the men’s final pole vault event during the Diamond League Track and Field meeting in Stockholm. Duplantis failed in his bid to improve his own world record, but the Swedish pole vaulter still delighted home fans with yet another 6m-plus victory (6.02 meters) at the Diamond League meet in Stockholm on Sunday.

EJ enters final stretch of training for Olympics By Peter Atencio

E

J OBIENA used his wornout pole for the last time and settled for a fourth-place finish Sunday in the Stockholm leg of the 2021 Wanda Diamond League series at the Olympic Stadium in Sweden. Entering the final stretch of his training, Obiena cleared a height of 5.82 meters that was good for fourth place, although the mark allowed him to surpass the Olympic Qualifying Standard of 5.80 meters for the fifth time. If it was any consolation, Obiena beat world’s no. 3 Piotr Lisek of Poland and world’s no. 5, American Christopher Nilsen. It took Obiena two attempts to clear the height, before making an attempt for a Philippine record.

Unfortunately he missed hitting the 5.92-meter mark in all his three tries. “Hindi siya gaanong 100 percent ngayon, katatapos lang kasi nu’ng isang competition niya,” said EJ’s dad Emerson. World record holder Armand Duplantis again went on to create ripples in the tournament as he smashed the meet mark of 6.01 meters last year by leaping a centimeter higher at 6.02. Duplantis even attempted to break his world record of 6.15, but he was

not able to clear 6.19 meters. American Sam Kendricks, the no. 2 in the world, and Frenchman Rene Lavilanne had a 5.92, but the latter claimed the bronze on the countback. It was Obiena’s last event as he will now get ready to head back to his training base in Formia, Italy, before leaving for Japan for the Tokyo Olympics. His new pole recently arrived in Italy. Last Friday, Obiena competed and won the gold medal in 2021 Taby Stavhoppsgala Street Pole Vault in Sweden. Obiena and two others hit the 5.80 meter mark, but he clinched the gold after surpassing the height in one attempt. Olympic champion Thiago Braz of Brazil and American bet Andrew Irwin placed second and third, respectively.

PH duo falls to Iranians in Asian beach volley THE Philippines’ Jayrack De La Noche and Alexander Iraya put up a gallant stand before losing to Iran-2’s Amir Reza Zamani and Armin Kami, 12-21, 16-21, bowing out of contention in the Third Asian U19 Beach Volleyball Championships in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, on Monday. De la Noche and Iraya displayed a better performance in the second set and kept Zamani and Armin Kami within reach, 11-14, before the Iranians asserted their might for the straight sets win. Iran-2 was in attack mode in the first set where they raced to an 11-4 lead they never relinquished. Iran-2 wound up with a 1-1 won-lost record to advance to the quarterfinals with unbeaten Thailand 1 in Pool A. The Filipinos, sent in the tournament by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and Rebisco, finished its pool play campaign with a 0-2 card. Dela Noche and Iraya said they learned valuable lessons from their international debut. “We will bounce back next time, we will be a better team,” said Dela Noche, who thanked their coaches Dondon Verayo and Teshi Ea for motivating them. “Thank you for those who supported us and watched the matches online,” he added. Up next for De la Noche and Iraya is a stint in the Fourth Asian U21 Beach Volleyball Championships on July 12 also in Nakhon Pathom. All three Thailand teams made it to the quarterfinals, which also features two Iran pairs, two Kazakhstan squads and an Australian duo.

THE Philippines’ Alexander Iraya tries to score against Iran-2’s Amir Reza Zamani.

The Ibaraki Robots welcome Javi in an Instagram post.

Javi joins Ibaraki in Japan league Division II By James Emmanuel R. Santua JAVI Gomez de Liano followed in his brother’s footsteps, Juan Gomez De Liano, as he joined Ibaraki Robots in the Japan B.League Division II. The Ibaraki Robots reached an agreement with De Liano to play for the 2021-2022 season and welcomed him through an Instagram post. “We are pleased to inform you that Ibaraki Robots has reached an agreement with Javier Gomez de Riano for the B.LEAGUE 2021-22 season. The contract period will be from July 1, 2021 as a special Asian quota,” the team said in the post. De Liano recently suited up for the Gilas Pilipinas in the first round of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and averaged 10.3 points and three rebounds against Thailand and Indonesia. “He is good at 3-point shooting and driving and is a multi-player who can handle from SG to PF,” the team added. Javi joined the growing list of Filipino players, who have signed in the Japanese league. Others were his brother Juan, who signed with Earthfriends Tokyo Z, Kiefer Ravena, who hooked up with Shiga Lakestars, and Thirdy Ravena, who plays for the San-en Neophoenix. The Robots finished second out of 16 teams in the B2 League with a 41-16 record in the 2020-2021 season, winning almost 72% of their games.

Harmie targets 2nd win in LPGT resumption

Harmie Constantino

HER rousing pro debut abruptly halted by tour suspension due to surge of coronavirus cases in NCR Plus, Harmie Constantino gets the chance to resume her drive for another Ladies Philippine Golf Tour diadem when the ICTSI Sherwood Ladies Challenge is fired off tomorrow (Wednesday, July 7) at the Sherwood Hills Golf Club in Trece Martires, Cavite. But the diminutive former national team standout said she is more relieved than thrilled heading to the 54-hole championship which marks the second restart of the circuit, which took another break last March following a long hiatus last year due to the outbreak of the global health crisis. “Super thankful that tournaments are finally resumed,” said Constantino, who held off multi-titled Princess Superal to mark her pro debut with a twostroke victory in the ICTSI Eagle Ridge Challenge at the Aoki course before play was suspended.

Like everybody else, Constantino stayed in game shape during the lull in anticipation of the tour resumption with the organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. lining up a four-tournament calendar under strict health and safety guidelines enforced by the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) and GAB (Games and Amusements Board), keeping the country’s touring pros busy for the next five weeks. “During the long break, I would work out and train three-to-five times, go the gym, do short game and putting drills and play twice a week,” added the former Univ. of Georgia mainstay. She hopes to put them all in harness against a field also raring to get going on a course, kept in championship condition all-season long, tipped to test not only the field’s shotmaking skills but also their mental toughness given its natural layout punctuated by bunkers.

Superal, for one, is out for a payback with the P750,000 event put up by ICTSI also serving as part of the 2019 LPGT Order of Merit titlist’s buildup for the resumption of her campaign in the Step Up Tour in Japan in October. Expect the likes of Daniella Uy, Marvi Monsalve, Chanelle Avaricio, Sunshine Baraquiel, Apple Fudolin, Sheryl Villacencio and Gretchen Villacencio to likewise go all out in pursuit of a breakthrough in the event which also features amateurs Rev Lizbeth Alcantara, Burberry Zhang and Jane Jeong. Sarah Ababa, meanwhile, returns to the very course where she posted her first and only victory in the circuit, hoping to draw some motivation in an attempt to snap a six-year title spell while Chihiro Ikeda expects to come out strong, completely healed from a hand injury that has hampered her past campaigns.

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Sports

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021

Giannis may return in finals

Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks hands the Eastern Conference Finals Trophy to teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo after the game against the Atlanta Hawks during Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. AFP

Suns, Bucks look to end title drought

P

HOENIX—Two long-frustrated franchises, the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks, will meet in the NBA Finals starting Tuesday and one of them will put an end to an epic title drought.

The Bucks captured their only title half a century ago while the Suns have never claimed the crown since the club began play in 1968. With star guard Chris Paul reaching the best-of-seven championship series for the first time in his 16-season career, the Suns have reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993. A Charles Barkley-led Suns squad lost to the Michael Jordan-sparked Chicago Bulls 28 years ago and the Suns also dropped the 1976 NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics. Many thought Paul, an 11-time NBA All-Star and two-time Olympic champion, was too far past his prime at 36 to spark a title run. Instead, the poised veteran leader averaged 16.4 points, 8.9 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals a game for the Suns after arriving in a trade from Oklahoma City last November. “I’ve wanted to be part of this all of my career,” said Paul, who writes

“Can’t give up now” on his shoes before every game. The Bucks had not reached the NBA Finals since 1974 and won their only title in 1971, when legendary center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar—still known then as Lew Alcindor—sparked a sweep over the Baltimore Bullets. Greek superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks’ new dominating big man, has reached the NBA Finals after taking NBA Most Valuable Player honors the previous two seasons only to suffer playoff disappointment. Whether or not the 26-year-old will be able to play, however, is another question. Antetokounmpo missed the last two games of the Eastern Conference finals after hyperextending his left knee in game four against Atlanta. The Bucks went a league-best 6022 in the 2018-19 campaign and won a playoff series for the first time since 2001. They reached the Eastern Conference finals and grabbed a 2-0 lead only

to drop the next four games and fall to eventual NBA champion Toronto. The next season, Antetokounmpo sparked the Bucks to a league-best 56-17 mark, but suffered a right ankle injury and missed most of the last two games as the Bucks lost to Miami in five games in the second round. While they didn’t produce the league’s best record this season, the Bucks did reach the final despite Antetokounmpo’s injury. “Certainly any time you lose you’ve got to be honest with yourself,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “When this group hasn’t been able to advance it has hurt, it has been hard and the off-season the guys have put the work in—but there’s still more to be done.” ‘Like a storybook’ The Bucks and Suns outlasted teams with more wins to reach the final, but only one fairy tale run is going to have a happy ending. “This is like a storybook, going somewhere I’ve never been,” Suns star Devin Booker said. “It has been a long time coming to get to this moment. This is nice right here, but we still have work to do.” Suns coach Monty Williams, who says he likes Booker’s “fearlessness” and

killer instinct, is enjoying seeing Paul and others revel in the moment. “I’m enjoying watching our players enjoy this moment,” Williams said. “I know how badly (Paul) wants to win.” Booker is averaging 27.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists a contest in the playoffs while Paul is contributing 18.1 points, 8.7 assists and 3.9 rebounds a game in the post-season to make the Suns bright. Bahamas big man Deandre Ayton has 16.2 points and 11.8 rebounds a game. The Suns will enjoy five days off before the NBA Finals opener while the Bucks will have only two. “We’ve had kind of long, extended pauses between each round and I’m kind of excited to try it without one,” Budenholzer said. “Maybe we can be the team that’s in a rhythm. It’s a quick turn, but we’ll be ready.” Antetokounmpo has averaged 28.2 points, 12.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists a game but has had great support from Khris Middleton—with 23.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.5 steals a game —and Jrue Holiday with 17.6 points, 8.4 assists and 5.6 rebounds a game. “To get to the finals is amazing,” Holiday said. “It’s a feeling I’ve never felt before.” AFP

TAP DMV, WWE expand programming agreement to include LIVE NXT in PH TAP DMV and WWE on Monday announced an expanded partnership to broadcast NXT® live in the Philippines for the first time beginning this Wednesday, July 7, via TapGo, Tap DMV’s new subscription video-on-demand service. Weekly episodes of NXT UK® are also coming to the Philippines for the first time beginning Sunday, July 11. NXT is revolutionizing the world of sports entertainment with innovative styles from trend-setting and unapologetic Superstars including Finn Bálor, Adam Cole, Io Shirai, Karrion Kross, Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae. TapGo will air NXT live every Wednesday. After premiering on TapGo, Tap Sports will re-air NXT at primetime every Thursday night. Additionally, WWE’s weekly flagship program, Raw®, will now air live every Tuesday via TapGo. “We are thrilled to renew our partnership with WWE which has always set the bar for sports entertainment in the Philippines,” said Bogie De Guia, Chief Technology Officer, TAP DMV. “Alongside airing Raw live, we are proud to be the

first to bring Filipino fans the live stream of NXT as well as NXT UK.” “TapDMV is thrilled to add the iconic Raw and the rising brands of NXT and NXT UK to our impressive portfolio of Live Sports and Entertainment Programming on TapGo,” said Celinda De Guia, President and CEO, TAP DMV. “With this expanded partnership, we continue to innovate and provide our Filipino audience with top-flight viewing experience.” “Tap DMV is a dynamic partner who shares our vision for engaging and entertaining fans in the Philippines,” said Jay Li, Vice President, WWE International. “This expanded partnership will bring NXT and NXT UK to the Philippines allowing us to grow our reach throughout the country and introduce even more fans to the newest generation of WWE Superstars.” NXT UK showcases the brightest stars of WWE’s United Kingdom division including WALTER, Kay Lee Ray, A-Kid, Trent Seven, Meiko Satomura and the youngest singles champion in WWE history, Tyler Bate. NXT UK also launched the WWE careers of current Raw Wom-

Doncic leads Slovenia into Olympics

Tyler Bate and Trent Seven

en’s Champion Rhea Ripley, plus NXT’s Pete Dunne, Toni Storm and tag team Grizzled Young Veterans. Weekly episodes of NXT UK will air every Sunday at 9pm on Tap Sports. TAP DMV (TAP Digital Media Ventures Corp.) is a sports and entertainment media company based in the Philippines which owns and operates content services and products made available through carriage

with MVPDs and through its wholly owned Direct To Consumers (D2C) platform. The branded Linear Services of Tap are Exclusive homes to some of the world’s most popular properties including WWE Raw, NXT, English Premier League, ATP Tour, WTA Tour, NBC Today Show, the Chicago TV Franchise, Indy Car Series and Badminton World Federation among others.

Verstappen wins in Austria, pulls away from Hamilton in title race SPIELBERG BEI KNITTELFELD, Austria— Red Bull’s Max Verstappen reeled off his third win in a row from pole in the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday to consolidate his world championship lead over Lewis Hamilton who finished fourth. Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas took second with McLaren’s Lando Norris in third. Verstappen’s latest step towards ending Hamilton’s hold on the drivers’ title triggered a carnival atmosphere in Formula One’s first capacity crowd since the coronavirus pandemic struck with most of the 100,000 in attendance decked out in his Dutch orange colours. “To see so much orange in the stands is incredible, it’s an extra motivation, thank you” he told his cheering congregation at the Red Bull-owned Spielberg circuit. “The car was unreal,” added the 21-year-old

Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen is sprayed with champagne as he celebrates on the podium after winning the Formula One Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring race track in Spielberg, Austria. AFP

LOS ANGELES—The Milwaukee Bucks are still hoping two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo could return from injury in time to boost their championship series bid against the Phoenix Suns. The Greek star missed the last two games of the Bucks’ Eastern Conference Finals victory over the Atlanta Hawks after hyperextending his left knee in game four. With game one of the of the NBA Finals set for Tuesday, Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said Antetokounmpo was “day-to-day” with the injury. “You have to listen to the player and then you have to listen to the sports performance group, and at some point (Bucks general manager) Jon Horst and myself are part of the conversations, but it’s just a day-to-day thing,” Budenholzer said after the Bucks beat the Hawks 118-107 in Atlanta on Saturday night for a 4-2 series victory. “We’ll update it when appropriate. The conversations between he and myself, it’s kind of private and we’ll see where he is each day.” Khris Middleton came up big in Antetokounmpo’s absence, scoring 32 points in the series-clinching win that sent the Bucks to their first NBA Finals since 1974. Budenholzer said he wouldn’t expect any less from all the Bucks players if Antetokounmpo remains sidelined. “If he’s on the bench for whatever reason, we need to be able to play,” said Budenholzer, who added that he was impressed with Antetokounmpo’s enthusiasm and leadership from the sidelines during the final two games against Atlanta. “I think he almost got a delay of game,” he said of Antetokounmpo’s enthusiastic in-game conversations with teammates during Saturday’s game. “To see that kind of leadership, that kind of connection and that kind of committment from a player you know would be dying to be out there—I just loved his energy on the bench.” AFP

threat to Hamilton’s bid for an unprecedented eighth world crown who was following up his win at the track last week. “On every tyre set we put on, it was really enjoyable to drive. A great effort by the whole team. These two weeks here have been incredible.” Verstappen moved on to 182 points in the standings, 32 clear of Hamilton ahead of the seven-time world champion’s home British Grand Prix at Silverstone on July 18. Hamilton, without a win since Barcelona in early May, had forecast after qualifying Saturday that beating Verstappen looked unlikely. Aside from his Red Bull rival’s superior pace, damage to Hamilton’s car late on in the race cost him a likely second place. “We’re miles away from them (Red Bull). They’ve brought a lot of upgrades and we haven’t so we’ve got to bring some,” he said. AFP

PARIS—NBA star Luka Doncic delivered a triple-double to lead Slovenia over Lithuania 96-85 on Sunday and into their first Olympic basketball tournament. Slovenia punched their ticket to Tokyo with the victory in the FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament in Kaunas, Lithuania. Doncic, 22, scored 15 of his 31 points in the second quarter and added 11 rebounds and 13 assists to lead Slovenia. Lithuania, led by NBA stalwarts Domantas Sabonis and Jonas Valanciunas, twice clawed back from double-digit deficits. But Slovenia took control for good with a 14-0 scoring run bridging the third and fourth quarters and the Lithuanians will miss out on the Games for the first time. “We worked hard for this,” said Dallas Mavericks star Doncic, who was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament. “I don’t care about the MVP,” Doncic said. “We won here, we’re going to the Olympics, the first time in our country. “It’s amazing,” he added. “I think every kid in Slovenia dreams about being in the Olympics, I did, too.” The event in Kaunas was one of four men’s basketball qualifiers concluding on Sunday. In Split, Croatia, Germany cooled off red-hot Brazil to book their first Olympic berth since 2008. Brazil went into the final on a roll, beating their first three opponents by 26, 27 and 28 points. But it was Germany punching their ticket to Tokyo with a 75-64 victory. In Belgrade, Italy took down 2016 Olympic silver medallists Serbia 10295 to secure a Tokyo berth. On Sunday evening, the Czech Republic dominated Greece 97-72 in Victoria, Canada, for the final spot in the 12-nation Olympic men’s basketball tournament. AFP

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021

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Two Kapamilya series invade 41 African territories ABS-CBN continues to showcase its world-class shows abroad as two of its top action series, FPJ's Ang Probinsyano and Sandugo hit the small screen in 41 countries in the African continent via the StarTimes channel. FPJ's Ang Probinsyano, which is internationally known as Brothers can now be seen in South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, among many others. New episodes of the Coco Martin-led series about a police officer and his pursuit of high-profile criminals behind the death of his brother air weeknights on television via the Kapamilya Channel, CineMo, A2Z, TV5, TFC, and stream

online Kapamilya Online Live, iWant TFC, WeTV, and iflix. Meanwhile, Sandugo, known abroad as Fists of Fate, began airing in Africa last May 2021, also via the StarTimes channel. Starring Aljur Abrenica and Ejay Falcon, Sandugo is about two brothers, who grew up separately and eventually ended up on opposite sides of the law, with one working as an undercover agent and the other, living as an outlaw. The two action series are not the only shows that enjoy viewership across the globe. In 2020, ABS-CBN expanded its distribution not just in Africa but also in Latin American, and Asian territories,

Domesticated Mike SHTICKS JOSEPH PETER GONZALES TELEVISION actor Mike Tan revealed that staying home during the pandemic and spending more time with his family made him realize a few things, even rediscovering himself as someone who can learn from the youngsters. In a recent virtual interview, Mike admitted that he became a domesticated dad to his lovely angels Victoria who is two years old and Priscilla, one. “I didn’t envision myself taking care of my kids and changing their diapers. But I discovered that even if it’s hard to do daddy duties, I have the patience for it. I didn’t know that I could do it but I believed in myself that I could,” Mike told Manila Standard Entertainment during the virtual junket. “I was confident enough. It’s because before I got married, everything was planned. I was ready in all aspects: emotionally, spiritually, and financially. That definitely made things easier,” he added. Since he decided to be a hands-on father, Mike had to give up some activities he used to do when he was still single. “When you’re already a dad, your children will be your top priority. It helped me to become more mature. I gave up the time I have for my workout. Rarely do I engage myself in that stuff these days. Before, I had all the time. Then, there’s aquathlon which I also had to let go. It’s a combination of running and swimming.

streaming on Netflix, WeTV and iFlix. The company continues to syndicate its content through various streaming services and operate other businesses that do not require a legislative franchise, such as international licensing and distribution, digital, and cable TV. It has been a premier source of highquality Filipino programming in over 50 territories worldwide and has sold over 50,000 hours of content worldwide. Living up to this recognition, ABS-CBN International Distribution commits to add to its line-up of high-caliber programs and movies with cast and storylines that appeal to various cultures.

Coco Martin in a scene from ‘FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,’ known internationally as ‘Brothers.’

BEA ALONZO explores new possibilities as GMA artist By Mheryll L. Alforte

F Kapuso actor Mike Tan with his daughters

It used to be one of my favorite activities when I was still single. I’m also a gamer so I had to give that up, too,” he shared. Despite not being able to enjoy the activities he used to enjoy, Mike definitely has no regrets. “My sacrifices are all worth it. The quality times you spend with your kids especially in their growing up stage are priceless. You can’t have it back.” On the professional side, the appealing actor will be seen next in the GMA soap Nagbabagang Luha. “It’s directed by Ricky Davao. Here, I share stellar billing with Glaiza de Castro, Rayver Cruz, and Claire Castro. It’s a reboot of the ‘80s drama classic with the same title which starred Lorna Tolentino, Gabby Concepcion, and Alice Dixson. Hope the viewers will love our version,” ended Mike. Read full story on manilastandard.net

New home of Pinoy comedy DIRECT-TO-HOME satellite provider and leader in Pay TV, Cignal, has sealed a partnership with powerhouse TV and film production company APT Entertainment for the creation of BuKo (short for Buhay Komedya), the first-ever 24-hour local comedy channel in the country. Officially launching on Aug. 2, BuKo channel offers a refreshing lineup of continuous TV amusement—from treasured comedy classics, hit sitcoms, and gag shows, to all-new original programs featuring some of the country’s most sought-after talents. BuKo, as its name suggests, serves a refreshing blend of comedy and lifestyle shows divided into three programming blocks: BuKo Originals, Tawang Pinoy Klasiks!, and Throwback Tawanan. BuKo Originals is the flagship block encapsulating authentic Pinoy humor and creativity in an exciting lineup of “fresh” original programs. Featured in the BuKo Originals block are #MaineGoals, a lifestyle-oriented show hosted by Maine Mendoza where she will tick off tasks or “goals” from her checklist; Kusina ni Mamang, a cooking show hosted by Pokwang; and News Patol, hosted by Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola, a comedy show bringing “mga patolang balita.” Tawang Pinoy Klasiks! offers a treasure trove of well-loved Pinoy comedy classics such as Iskul Bukol, Wow Mali, Bubble Gang, OGAG, Loko Moko, Tropang Trumpo, among other TV hits. Throwback Tawanan brings a variety of popular comedy series and game shows that Filipinos have been clamoring to watch again on TV, including Pidol’s Wonderland, Celebrity Samurai, Mac & Chiz, Sugo

selling 16 titles, including FPJ's Ang Probinsyano, Kadenang Ginto, Dahil May Isang Ikaw, The General's Daughter, and more. The Malaysian adaptation of Tayong Dalawa, entitled Angkara Cinta, was the most-watched show on the Astro Prima channel in 2020. ABS-CBN shows are available on television via the Kapamilya Channel, TV5, A2Z, and Jeepney TV across the Philippines and online via Kapamilya Online Live, which is streamed on ABSCBN Entertainment's YouTube and Facebook pages. Its shows and films are also available for streaming on iWantTFC and TFC, while some of its programs are

Mga Kapatid, and more. “Cignal TV Inc. is committed to continuously provide the best possible content for our viewers. It is an honor for us to partner with APT Entertainment, a stalwart in the industry when it comes to providing entertainment that resonates with Filipino audiences. With our collaboration to produce BuKo, and with it historically being the first 24/7 local comedy channel in the country, we are further fueled by our shared passion to create and offer quality programming and top-notch entertainment for all,” said Cignal TV Inc. FVP/Head for Channels and Content Management Sienna Maris G. Olaso. Similarly, APT Entertainment shares the honor of being a partner in creating BuKo, producing exciting shows and providing unique content for the new comedy channel. Having had success in multiple genres across various platforms, APT Entertainment has carved its own niche as one of the most acclaimed TV and film producers in the country. “In these unprecedented times when Filipinos need to be entertained more than ever, we are pleased to work with Cignal TV Inc. in bringing BuKo to life. Through this new comedy channel, we take pride in offering highly entertaining content that will fill homes with collective laughter as families spend quality time watching our shows on BuKo,” APT CEO & President Michael Tuviera added. BuKo channel will be available on Cignal TV Channel 2 and SatLite Channel 2, and on the Cignal Play app, available via App Store and Google Play. For Cignal postpaid and prepaid subscription inquiries, visit http:// cignal.tv.

Maine Mendoza hosts a magazine and lifestyle show titled ‘Maine Goals,’ airing soon on BuKo channel.

ILM and television star Bea Alonzo is embarking on a new chapter in her career starting anew with GMA Network as her new home.

Speaking to Manila Standard Entertainment, the actress admitted that inking a contract with her new network was both a blessing and a dream come true. “I’m entering a new chapter and it feels so good, I feel very empowered, and to be honest, it came at the right time. It feels good, it feels right," Alonzo enthused. The award-winning actress revealed that it took her months to reach a decision on this big career move, alluding to the pandemic as one of the reasons. "This past year has been challenging not only for us but for all of us. And It gave me time to think and reflect on all the things about my life, what I really want to do. What else do I want to chase when it comes to my dreams," the actress added. The new Kapuso actress also said that she's looking forward to exploring other things like taking on non-acting projects such as hosting her own talk show and doing sitcoms. "I am ready to chase more dreams, not only with acting, and this time I feel like I want to discover about myself. I would like to explore the idea of probably having a talk show or like appearing on sitcoms," she said. "I think I am ready to be more open to doing so many different things. I feel like ayun din natutunan ko this pandemic, to take on new possibilities and challenges," Alonzo added.

From left: GMA Films, Inc. President and Programming Consultant to the Chairman and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, Bea Alonzo, and Senior Vice President for GMA Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable.

After being under ABS-CBN for 20 years, Alonzo sealed the deal with the Kapuso network in a contract signing ceremony at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel on

July 1. She is set to headline the Philippine adaptation of the hit Korean film A Moment to Remember with Alden Richards. Apart from this, she will star in an upcoming primetime series on GMA. “We are pleased that you are now a Kapuso and because you are undoubtedly one of the best actresses of your generation, I am sure that there will be plenty of opportunities for you here in GMA. Your many fans will be thrilled to see the projects that we have lined up for you,” MA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon expressed during Alonzo’s contract signing.

Bea Alonzo embarks on a new chapter in her career as she inked a contract with GMA Network on July 1.

‘F9: The Fast Saga’ rules box office UNIVERSAL'S F9: The Fast Saga remained at top speed over the weekend, earning an estimated $23.8 million to hold its lead in North American box offices, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday. That total, covering just the first three days of the four-day July 4 holiday weekend, was down sharply from the zoom-bang-bam action film's opening total of $70 million. Still, this ninth installment in the Fast and Furious franchise—starring Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, and John Cena—fended off two strong new challengers. In fact, Universal pulled off a rare hat trick, dominating all three top box-office spots. That studio's animated sequel The

Boss Baby: Family Business placed second, at $17.3 million. The latest yarn about a can-do "boss baby" who energizes—or infuriates—all around him features the voices of Alec Baldwin, Eva Longoria, Jeff Goldblum, Lisa Kudrow, and Jimmy Kimmel. In third was horror film The Forever Purge, headed for a $12.8 million take. This fifth, and purportedly last, in the Purge series is again set in a dystopian near-future where all crime, including murder, is made legal one day a year. Ana de la Reguera and Tenoch Huerta star. Fourth spot went to Paramount's A Quiet Place: Part II, at $4.2 million while The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard Bodyguard, came in fifth at $3 million. AFP

Vin Diesel, star of 'F9: The Fast Saga,' is seen at the film's world premiere in Hollywood, California on June 18.

Life

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

C4

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021

Alyssa Valdez thinks long-term

G

ETTING older can be intimidating, even for a volleyball star like Alyssa Valdez.

“Not that I had trouble with it, but it’s more like I did not think right away of the long-term. ‘Pag mas bata ka (when you’re younger), you think that you will stay young forever,” Valdez told Manila Standard in an email interview. The 28-year-old volleyball player and celebrity endorser admitted to be lacking foresight when she was younger. She shared, “I think what I should have done was think about the future and what was long-term earlier.” “Many Pinoys don’t want to think about what will happen if they get sick or into an accident,

or even pass away. But all these are facts of life, and it is better to think of these directly and do something to take control of the situation, to make it easier in case those bad things happen,” said Valdez. “We have to train ourselves to think of what is important five, 10, even many years into the future.” Lucky for her, she has parents who believe in teaching their kids how to be responsible for what they have – health and finances. The athlete emphasized the value of seeking guidance on financial health “as early as possible”. “It’s never too early or too late to learn about proper financial management. There’s always something to learn, even just by having a proper attitude towards financial health.” It also helps to live a simple life, like Valdez

TRAINED AND PREPARED.

Volleyball star Alyssa Valdez, 28, encourages young people to plan for their future so they can face any change or challenge confidently.

does, especially amid a pandemic. “A good homecooked meal after a hard day of training is enough to make me happy. So I was actually ready when the pandemic hit since I have simple wants, it wasn’t too hard for me to adjust financially.” The new face of Allianz PNB Life has the insurer to thank for opening her eyes to the importance of preparing for the future. “They make financial literacy simpler and more accessible to people my age,” she said.

Alyssa believes it’s never too early to start learning about finances and life insurance; she has her family (left) to thank for teaching her about financial responsibility. (Right) Alyssa with her Creamline Cool Smashers teammates. (Photos from @alyssa_valdez2/Instagram)

Prior to the pandemic, the Allianz PNB Life conducted financial literacy seminars for Filipino youth. It offers a range of life and financial products for various needs. As with savings and investments, getting an insurance early is also strongly recommended. Valdez aims to encourage people her age and younger to get one. “When you are younger, the risks are less, and you have more years to accumulate and pay, so it actually comes out more affordable and cheaper in the long run. It also means that you are preparing earlier, giving you more time to invest and save up for the future,” she said. While currently in the training bubble getting ready for a tournament, Valdez is able to put her mind at ease knowing she is protected. “It’s never too early to start protecting yourself, be it your health, your finances, or anything. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones,” she said, adding that it is “all part of self-care”. “Don’t think that just because you’re starting out you shouldn’t think of this. Start saving and finding the means to get insured so that you will have confidence in the future.” After months of rest because of the pandemic, Alyssa Valdez is looking forward to doing activities she enjoyed before the health crisis hit the globe. “I look forward to the day when we can travel regularly and when we can all go out to restaurants to eat again. I want to be able to meet with friends and loved ones without worrying about anyone getting sick,” she shared. Recognizing the value of protection, she added, “ I will feel safe and secure when our medical experts say we have reached what they call herd immunity.” Thea Andrea C. Magueriano

Femme ed website launched By Jessica Asprer

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station send their clothes to Earth for washing. (Photo courtesy of NASA)

Laundry detergent goes to space

DID you know that astronauts on the use in space to solve malodor, cleanliInternational Space Station (ISS) wear ness, and stain removal problems for clothing several times before replacing washable items used during deep space them with a new set? missions, while being suitable for use Unlike here on land where clothes are in a close-loop water system. washed after use, garments are delivered Onboard a 2022 cargo launch to the to the station through resupply shipment space station, “Mission PGTide” (P&G opportunities. The limited cargo capac- Telescience Investigation of Detergent Exity makes the practice of replenishing periments), teams will test the stability of the clothing supply challenging for deep cleaning ingredients under microgravity space missions, such as Artemis Moon conditions and exposure to the radiation missions and a crewed roundtrip levels experienced in Mars mission. space in partnership Without a laundry solution, with the ISS U.S. Na160 pounds of clothing per tional Laboratory and crew member per SEOPS. The stain reyear are launched moval ingredients and to the ISS. Human performance will be roundtrip missions to tested onboard the ISS Mars could be two to through experiments three years in length. with Tide To Go Wipes Reasons why offand Tide To Go Pens. Earth laundering In addition to testResearchers in 2022 will has never been done ing onboard the ISS test and study Tide cleaning include ingredient National Lab, NASA solutions, including Tide To Go safety and compatand Tide researchers Wipes, in space. ibility with NASA life may study how an insupport systems, the novative combined limited amount of water available per washing and drying unit utilizing the wash load, and the requirement that special-formulated detergent could pothe wash water be purified back to tentially be integrated into planetary drinking quality water. habitats that may be used for the ArLaundry brand Tide has signed a Space temis Moon and Mars missions under Act Agreement with NASA to help in the low-gravity surface conditions. development of laundry detergent solu“This partnership was created to retions in space beginning in 2022. Under think cleaning solutions – forcing us to the agreement, NASA may test and study rethink innovations for resource-conTide cleaning solutions in space, which the strained and challenging environments laundry brand aims to bring back to Earth like the ISS, deep space, and even the in its consumer products. future of our home planet,” said Aga Tide has developed a fully degrada- Orlik, senior vice president of P&G ble detergent, specifically designed for North America Fabric Care.

A FEMININE care products brand teams up with a social enterprise to launch a digital destination for feminine health education. Together with Edukasyon.ph, pH Care launched phcaretolearn.com in its efforts to make femme ed accessible to women of all ages. According to a 2021 survey by Kantar Philippines, six out of 10 young Filipino girls are not sure how to care for their feminine area. Edukasyon.ph partnered with the leading feminine wash brand in the Philippines to prepare women to be “femme ready as [they] pursue [their] career,” Edukasyon.ph chief executive officer Grace David said in an online talk via Zoom. Beyond reproductive health education from academics, “true learning is holistic in nature,” she added. The website contains quests, scientific guides, and videos about the female body, changes in hormone levels, and premenstrual syndrome, among others. Additionally, the interactive site rewards guests upon completion of the quests to encourage more women to participate in the self-study activities. Guests can also browse related articles on self-care. “Caring for women doesn’t stop [in]

The website has quests, scientific guides, and videos about the female body, changes in hormone levels, and premenstrual syndrome, among other feminine health information.

giving them the best products,” UL Skin Sciences intimate care category manager Cris Aseron said, adding that quelling myths and misconceptions about feminine health and hygiene is

equally important. “‘Di kami titigil (we will not stop) in educating women,” she added, “as long as there’s a need to educate women, itutuloy natin ‘yan (we will continue).”

PPE campaign addressing HIV,

STI incidence in PH strengthened

Durex, through its PPE campaign, highlights the importance of protection to help stop the HIV epidemic.

CONDOM brand Durex strengthens its campaign to raise awareness of the importance of protection to help stop the HIV epidemic and the spread of sexually transmitted infections in the Philippines. The country currently records 29 HIV-positive cases per day. Of the 890 confirmed cases in January, 852 were male and 38 were female. “During these times, we cannot afford to let our guard down,” says Matt Davis, Reckitt Philippines marketing director. “Just as COVID-19 remains

to be of critical importance, so too are STIs and HIV. Durex will continue to do our share as a proactive private sector partner in building awareness and educating the public on the importance of protection.” The brand announced it will be continuing its donations to organizations including Love Yourself with which it has an ongoing fullyear partnership, and the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM), The Red Whistle, and the UN Women.