Manila Standard - 2021 July 19 - Monday

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In this issue: 6-Page Olympics Supplement VOL. XXXV • NO. 153 • 4 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 MONDAY, JULY 19, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Delta scare rouses LGUs

MM mayors step up contact tracing as case referrals swamp ICUs

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

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

L

OCAL government units (LGUs) will ramp up contract tracing and isolation in Metro Manila to deal with the threat of the more transmissible Delta variant of COVID-19.

Metro Manila mayors met Sunday to discuss the situation in their cities and what was being done by way of intensive prevention, detection, isolation, treatment, and rehabilitation, said Benhur Abalos, chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

What they are trying to avoid is having their hospital systems overwhelmed by a new surge of coronavirus cases, Abalos said.

Unconfirmed reports said big hospitals in the National Capital Region such as the Philippine General Hospital, Lung Center, and St. Luke’s Hospital were being swamped with referrals for new COVID-19 cases.

Next page

(AS OF 4 PM JULY 18)

1,507,755 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

5,411 47,190 ACTIVE

26,714

117

1,433,851

5,439

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

NEW

NEW

SUNDAY TREAT. Family day spurs people to go visiting the Baywalk area and enter the controversial Dolomite Beach along Roxas Boulevard in Manila on Sunday, July 18, 2021. The public may visit the area until Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at five-minute intervals, from 10 in the morning until five in the afternoon.

Danny Pata

Eala sweeps Milan tennis juniors tilt

Feuding PDP-Laban factions VP not immune swap barbs over party by-laws from suit, say

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Alena Mae Flores FACTIONS within the ruling PDPLaban continued to bicker Sunday after a group led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi voted to oust Senator Manny Pacquiao as party president over the weekend, a move that Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado said was aboveboard.

NO. 1 seed Alex Eala of the Philippines sustained her dominance in the JA Milan 61° Trofeo Bonfiglio tilt by clinching the singles championship Sunday

NEW

in Italy, a day after she bagged the girls’ doubles crown with Madison Sieg of the United States. Juniors No. 3-ranked Eala subdued No. Next page

Earth's richest man ready to blast off WA S H I N G TO N — J e ff Bezos, the richest person in the world, is set to join the astronaut club Tuesday on the first crewed launch by Blue Origin, another key moment in a big month for the fledgling space tourism industry.

The mission comes days after Virgin Galactic founder

Next page

Bucks on brink of win in 50 years PHOENIX—Jrue Holiday made a spectacular steal with the game up for grabs Saturday to lift the Milwaukee Bucks over Phoenix and within one game of their first NBA title since 1971.

The 31-year-old guard, coming off a woeful 4-of-20 shooting effort in game four, hit 12-of-20 in a 123-119 victory to give Milwaukee a 3-2 edge in the bestof-seven NBA Finals, which continue Next page Tuesday in Milwaukee.

The faction of Pacquiao and Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, on the other hand, said the PDP-Laban national assembly on Saturday in Clark violated the party's bylaws.

Pimentel also insisted that Cusi was still expelled from the party despite being elected by his faction as president to replace Pacquiao—before PDP-Laban chairman President Rodrigo Duterte – in Clark.

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DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Sunday defended her trips to different parts of the country to consult on politics amid the COVID-19 crisis that continues to hit the Philippines, including her home city.

As Duterte-Carpio made her defense, House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez revealed that he personally discussed with the former the decision of Lakas-Christian Muslim

By Rio N. Araja and Rey E. Requejo

Democrats to renew its alliance with the influential regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago for the 2022 presidential polls during the lady official’s belated birthday celebration in Makati City recently.

Duterte-Carpio, who is being encouraged to succeed her father, President Rodrigo Duterte, when he steps down next year, has travelled over the last several days to meet with former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Pasay City, Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia in Cebu, and

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte was told Sunday that the vice president of the Philippines is not immune from suit, after he declared he would seek that position in next year's elections as a means of obtaining legal immunity.

"The 1987 Constitution explicitly states that the President is immune from suit. The same, however, is not true for the Vice-President," former senator and incumbent Sorsogon Gov. Francis Escudero said on Twitter.

"It's a matter that may be brought up to the Supreme Court, but most legal scholars opine that the VP is not covered," he said.

Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman, also a lawyer, agreed.

“Considering that only the President is immune from lawsuits, a legal verity which President Rodrigo Duterte fully knows, then his pretext of running for

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Next page

Sara D justifies trips across PH

By Rio N. Araja

Chiz, others

Oil price hike for 9th round in the offing

By Alena Mae S. Flores

OIL firms will raise pump prices anew this week by as much as P0.40 per liter, triggering the ninth consecutive weekly hike in oil prices.

"Expect fuel prices to go up next week (July 20-26, 2021). Diesel will increase

by P0.30 to P0.40 per liter. Gasoline will increase by P0.10 to P0.20 per liter," Unioil Petroleum Philippines announced Next page over the weekend.

MILLIONTH JAB. SM Supermalls becomes the first single gov't partner to hit 1 million jabs, marking a significant milestone of giving its one millionth COVID-19 vaccine dose during an special event at the SM Mega Trade Hall on July 14. In photo are the government and private sector partner representatives including (from left) InterAgency Task Force Against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Vince Dizon, McDonald's Philippines Managing Director Margot Torres, Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmelita Abalos, Mandaluyong City Councilor Charisse Abalos-Vargas, MMDA Chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr., and SM Supermalls SVP for Operations Bien C. Mateo.

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News

MONDAY, JULY 19, 2021

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Vax rollout on right track —BSP In a statement, Diokno said the country was getting a steady supply of vaccines from multiple sources compared to other countries that have only one or two sources.

"Second, it [the government] has shown its capacity to administer the program effectively and massively. Third, there is strong private sector support for the vaccination program," Diokno said.

"Finally, there appears to be no vaccination hesitancy on the part of the Filipinos. The success of the vaccination program is the key to a strong and sustained economic recovery. With its success, future surges in virus incidence can be avoided," Diokno said.

He also said there would be no need for lockdown measures which have proven too costly economically here and abroad. With the dwindling cases of COVID, consumer and firm confidence will get stronger and with it would come sustainable economic growth, he said.

The government is aiming to vaccinate 50 to 70 million individuals before

Delta...

from the outside to keep out variants," David said in Filipino in an interview with ABS-CBN's TeleRadyo.

“If we have a bubble, we're protected inside NCR Plus, we can't be affected from the outside and our economy will continue to run,” David said.

The DOH earlier warned of a possible surge after local cases of the Delta variant first reported in India were found in the NCR and other areas.

David said the bubble would also not require children to again be prohibited from going outside.

The Delta variant may cause long-term effects of COVID-19 among children, he warned.

“Scientists in the UK are very concerned about it. If children are affected, 10 percent of them will suffer from long COVID,” David said.

The Philippines has yet to record a spike due to the Delta variant, but OCTA is concerned about a few areas including Mariveles town in Bataan and Laoag City in Ilocos Norte that are recording a spike in COVID-19 cases, David said.

The Delta variant cases the DOH recently reported were maybe from May and June, David noted, as transportation and genome sequencing time should be taken into consideration.

“We have to be proactive. We can't just

stand by and wait to experience a surge before we react and respond to the threat of the Delta variant,” he said.

The Philippines logged 5,411 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, bringing the total number of infections to 1,507,755.

There were 117 new fatalities Sunday, bringing the COVID-19 death toll to 26,714.

The DOH also reported 5,439 newlyrecovered persons, bringing total recoveries to 1,433,851.

There were 47,190 active cases, of which 91.9 percent were mild, 1.9 percent were asymptomatic, 1.6 percent were critical, 2.7 percent were severe, and 1.88 percent were moderate.

Nationwide, 55 percent of the ICU beds, 46 percent of the isolation beds, 43 percent of the ward beds, and 35 percent of the ventilators, were in use.

In Metro Manila, 42 percent of the ICU beds, 39 percent of the isolation beds, 33 percent of the ward beds, and 33 percent of the ventilators, were in use.

On Saturday, the DOH said it was trying to confirm if one of the two reported Delta variant cases, referred to as case no.

34 and no. 35, in Antique has died.

According to the Local Health Support Division of the Western Visayas Center for Health Development, case no. 34 died on May 31.

The health office added that neither

case no. 34 nor case no. 35 had any history of travel outside the Philippines.

Tracing has been undertaken on those who have had contact with either of the cases, Health officials said.

The DOH earlier said two people who tested positive for the Delta variant of COVID-19 have died.

One died after being taken to hospital on June 28, while the other one was a crewman aboard the MV Athens.

The DOH also said 33 of the 35 Delta variant cases have fully recovered. Eleven of these were local Delta variant cases.

In other developments: • Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday reiterated the need to ramp up vaccination efforts against COVID-19, amid the looming danger of the more infectious Delta variant. She called on the government to use the 3.2 million Johnson & Johnson vaccines from the COVAX facility to vaccinate Filipinos residing in areas detected with the Delta variant.

• Senator Christopher Go suggested that the Philippine Coast Guard should beef up its maritime patrols, particularly in Mindanao's backdoor entries, to prevent the spread of the Delta variant. Neighboring Indonesia is suffering from a third wave of COVID-19, and the government has barred persons from Indonesia from entering the Philippines from July 16 to 31.

during which Cusi replaced Pacquiao as party president.

A statement issued by the Pacquiao camp said all actions taken during the “illegal assembly” on Saturday have no force and effect on the PDP-Laban because these were not sanctioned by the party president.

The party's original members and chapters expressed support for Pacquiao, and denounced the Cusi-led Clark assembly, the faction said.

In a Zoom meeting, Pimentel reminded members to stay united behind the leadership of Pacquiao.

He underscored the need for everyone to remain strong and trust the leadership of Pacquiao as their party is facing challenges.

He told them not to worry as they are fighting for the real voices of chapter members in the whole country.

Cagayan de Oro City Council President Marlo Tabac, a PDP-Laban grassroots leader in Mindanao, said Pacquiao has full support of the majority of the PDP-Laban members, who do not recognize the proceedings and the actions taken in the Clark assembly.

“The Clark assembly is a farce. Many of those (people) present are not even real members of PDP-Laban. Their political loyalty has never been with PDP-Laban so there’s really no doubt in my mind that they are out to destroy the party," he said.

"Let me remind them however that this was not the first time that people tried to

bring down PDP-Laban, but they failed.

I can tell you now, they will fail again,” Tabac said.

Jovel Lopez, a PDP-Laban community leader in Bulacan and a party cadre since the founding of party by the elder Pimentel in 1982, said he does not understand why party newcomers and interlopers are now trying to wrest control of the party.

The original members, Lopez added, were being shoved to the backseat.

Cusi wants Davao Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio, the President's daughter, to be the party's standard bearer in next year's elections, while Pacquiao wants to run for president.

Pimentel, the party's executive vice chairman, said the gathering at Royce Hotel and Casino hosted by Cusi is not recognized by the existing PDP-Laban leadership.

"Since Secretary Cusi wants to be a stickler for rules, then he should follow all the rules of the Party," also said Pimentel, son of the late Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr., co-founder of PDP-Laban.

"You cannot make attendees to a PDPLaban party assembly instant members of the party on the spot. As far as the present PDP-Laban leadership is concerned, we will continue to function as the party," vowed Pimentel, who turned over the reins to Pacquiao as party president.

The election of the new officers and Pimentel's remarks highlighted the widening rift within the PDP-Laban.

President Duterte blamed Pimentel for

the bickering, saying Pacquiao does not know anything because "he's not reading." He said the boxing champ merely followed what was told him.

Prof. Dennis Blanco of the UP political science department said the infighting could lead other parties to consider recruiting Pacquiao.

In an interview with radio dzBB, Blanco said the opposition could consider Pacquiao as their standard bearer.

Blanco said the rift between the Cusi and Pacquiao factions within the PDPLaban party could benefit the opposition.

If they can't have a unified candidate, this would favor the opposition, he added.

Senator Christopher Go, who is constantly in the President's company, denied Pacquiao's claims, saying anti-corruption efforts have improved under the Duterte administration.

On Saturday, electricity consumers led by the Power for People Coalition (P4P), decried Cusi’s preoccupation with the leadership dispute in the PDP-Laban party even as electricity rates remained high and its supply tenuous after five years with the latter at the helm.

Under Cusi, the DOE presided over at least one power crisis, saw the country embrace coal as its primary source of energy in violation of its commitments to the Paris Agreement, and allowed generation companies and distribution utilities to jack up prices.

I'll run for vice president and keep running for the same position,” he said in Filipino.

Duterte, 76, is facing possible investigation by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity in his bloody war on drugs.

In July 2019, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, said the Constitution does not grant the vice president immunity from suit.

He issued this statement after sedition charges were filed against Vice President Leni Robredo in connection with viral videos linking Duterte to the narcotics trade. The Justice department eventually dismissed the complaint.

Meanwhile, at least 24 provincial governors have supported the resolution issued by the ruling Partido ng Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) urging President Rodrigo Duterte to run for vice president in the 2022 elections.

In their collective statement, the provincial governors said the administration’s COVID-19 response is succeeding, and they want the next President to be guided by Duterte particularly in the fight against illegal drugs and the prevailing pandemic.

Governors who signed the collective statement are Daniel Fernando (Bulacan), Aurelio Umali (Nueva Ecija), Edgar Gadiano (Occidental Mindoro), Pepito Alvarez (Palawan), Edwin Ong (Northern Samar), Ben Evardone (Eastern Samar), Arthur Defensor, Jr. (Iloilo), Antonio Kho (Masbate), Abdusakur Tan (Sulu), Zaldy Villa (Siquijor), Bonz Dolor (Oriental Mindoro), and Edgar Tallado (Camarines Norte).

Sara...

was replying to questions raised by House reporters about the June 29 photo of him with Duterte-Carpio, the HNP chairperson, at the residence of their common friend that he did not identify in Makati City.

“We exchanged pleasantries and shared updates on the renewed alliance of HNP and Lakas-CMD,” he said.

Romualdez said Lakas-CMD’s executive committee decided last June 23 to renew its political ties with HNP for next year’s elections.

“The June 29 meeting took place at the residence of our common friend in Makati City. It was a belated dinner celebration for Mayor Sara,” he said.

Romualdez is a University of the Philippines lawyer and Philippine Constitution Association president. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

By Julito G. Rada and Rio N. Araja

B

ANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno expressed his belief over the weekend that the COVID-19 vaccination rollout of the government is on the right track, saying it is a key to strong economic recovery from the pandemic.

From A1

The Department of Health had yet to confirm as of press time if these cases were of the Delta variant.

In Quezon City, Mayor Joy Belmonte said they would no longer allow home quarantine of COVID-19 cases.

Sa Juan Mayor Francis Zamora said his city was exerting extra effort to do contact tracing, saying it was essential to quickly identify and isolate confirmed Delta variant cases.

The Metro Manila mayors will meet Monday to discuss a proposal to revoke a policy to allow minors 5 years and older to go outdoors.

The independent OCTA Research Group, meanwhile, said a bubble in the NCR Plus, composed of Metro Manila and nearby provinces, would protect these areas from the COVID-19 Delta variant and allow the economy to keep running.

The bubble could keep out the more transmissible variant and limit movements to essential travels, said OCTA Research fellow Guido David.

“I think the idea of a bubble worked a few months ago when we experienced a surge. It will just work in reverse this time. It is designed to protect NCR Plus

Feuding...

From A1

“In the eyes of PDP-Laban headquarters, Cusi is expelled because of acts inimical to the best interest of the party, disloyalty to the party," said Pimentel over Super Radyo dzBB. But Avisado said in a separate interview: “Contrary to the position of Senator Pimentel and Senator Pacquiao's faction, we believe our group is following the constitution and by-laws of the party.”

He said despite the political infighting, Pacquiao and Pimentel remained members of the party, and noted that the latter was also a member of the PDP-Laban's Council of Elders.

Avisado said there will be a national convention in September, even as the Pacquiao group sought to organize a national assembly in the same month.

The political infighting began after Pacquiao said P10 billion in government funds was lost to corruption, a statement that President Duterte, chairman of the party, took as a personal affront.

Duterte said Pacquiao was “punchdrunk” when he made the allegation and has continued to tear into the senator and boxing champ, who is in the US preparing for a bout in August.

Duterte personally led the oath taking of the party's new officials on Saturday,

VP...

From A1

vice president to enjoy immunity spills the beans on his real intention to become successor-president the moment the office of the elected president in 2022 is vacated by design or fortuitous event,” he said.

Former Supreme Court Public Information Office chief Theodore Te also shot down Duterte's claim.

"The VP is not immune from suit by law or by tradition. Non-issue. Non-story," Te tweeted Saturday.

The National Union of People’s Lawyers' president Edre Olalia also said the country’s vice president has no immunity from suit, and said Duterte, a lawyer, was “rewriting the Constitution and even jurisprudence.”

“Only the President is immune from suit, and this is not even spelled out in the present ‘87 Consti(tution) — unlike in ‘73 Marcos Consti(tution) – but only recognized in prevailing jurisprudence,” he said.

In a speech at the PDP-Laban’s national assembly in Clark, Pampanga on Saturday, Duterte said he is aware of the lawsuits his critics plan to file after his six-year term ends next year.

“They keep on threatening me with lawsuits and everything. (Former Senator Antonio) Trillanes and itong si (former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio) Carpio and his ilk. Panay ang takot sa akin na mademanda ako (They are all threatening to sue me),” he said.

“The law says if you're president, or vice president, you have immunity. So,

From A1

Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco.

She has expressed openness to running for the presidency.

"It is true that there is a pandemic, but it will not suspend the filing of COCs (certificates of candidacy) in October or postpone the elections in May 2022. A decision has to be made regarding my political career with or without the pandemic," she said.

"This pandemic will last 2-3 years and COVID-19 will become endemic, I have to be resilient. I have divided my entire week between my work as Mayor, my politics, and my family."

Romualdez, Lakas-CMD president,

Oil...

From A1

On July 13, the oil companies increased the price of domestic oil products. Gasoline rose by P1.15 per liter, diesel by P0.60 per liter, and kerosene by P0.65 per liter.

These resulted in year-to-date adjustments to stand at a total net increase of P13.50 per liter for gasoline, P10.60 per liter for diesel, and P9 per liter for kerosene.

Oil prices went up on tight supply outlooks but uncertainty over the Delta coronavirus variant and its impact on fuel demand kept prices in check.

Meanwhile, on the local front, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines announced it further increased its share of the market based on data obtained from the Depart-

the year ends.

Meanwhile, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda on Sunday urged the government to shift its strategy on the distribution of the vaccines against COVID-19 and make the allocation equitable.

Interviewed over Dobol B sa TV, he said the distribution of vaccines must be fair.

He said the discrepancy in vaccine distribution would have an impact on the overall achievement of herd immunity and the recharging of the economy.

“If one is not (vaccinated), like the Bicol region, Metro Manila is not safe. That would get back to you,” he added.

ment of Energy.

As of May 25, 2021, the homegrown independent oil company holds 7.81 percent of the domestic market share, up from 7.1 percent at the end of 2020, solidifying its position as the third largest oil player in the country.

“Despite challenges and setbacks, we’ve remained determined and optimistic throughout this pandemic, and I’m glad that our efforts are bearing fruit,” said Phoenix president Henry Fadullon.

“As quarantine restrictions become more relaxed, and the country’s vaccination operations continue, safety remains as our top priority, but we are now more optimistic. In fact, our second quarter has yielded stellar results, encouraging us to look forward to an even more business-friendly environment," he said.

Eala...

From A1

16 seed Nikola Bartunkova of Czech Republic in the final, 6-3, 6-3, at Campo Tribuna in Tennis Club Milano Alberto Bonacossa.

On Saturday, Eala and Sieg outlasted Sofia Costoulas of Belgium and Lucija Ciric Bagaric of Croatia, 6-4, 4-6, 13-11, in the girls’ doubles final of the Grade A clay tournament.

A singles-doubles sweep in JA Milan last happened in 2016 courtesy of Olesya Pervushina of Russia. Since the prestigious Trofeo Bonfiglio was founded in 1959, the singles-doubles sweep has happened seven times, with Eala pulling off the latest feat.

This isn’t the first time the 16-yearold Filipina won the singles and doubles titles of a tournament. In 2018, she did the same at the I Trofeo David Ferrer, also a clay-court event.

With her win on Sunday, Eala joined a sparkling list of Trofeo Bonfiglio girls’ singles champions, which features Simona Halep, Sloane Stephens, Belinda Bencic, Dominika Cibulkova, Anna Kournikova, Gabriela Sabatini, and Virginia Wade.

Eala began her singles campaign in Milan by defeating Brenda Fruhvirtova of Czech Republic, 6-1, 6-2, then dismissed Kayla Cross of Canada in the second round, 6-1, 6-1.

She scored difficult wins over No. 13 seed Ksenia Zaytseva of Russia in the third round, 7-6 (3), 4-6, 7-5, and No. 6 seed Costoulas in the quarterfinals, 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-4.

The top seed then trumped 14-year-old Mirra Andreeva of Russia, 7-5, 6-2, in the semifinal before edging out Bartunkova in the final in straight sets.

Eala and Bartunkova are now 1-1 in the head-to-head as the Czech beat the Filipino in the quarterfinals of the 2019 ITF World Junior Tennis Finals. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Earth‘s...

From A1

Richard Branson crossed the final frontier, narrowly besting the Amazon magnate in their battle of the billionaires.

Blue Origin's sights are, however, set higher: both literally in terms of the altitude to which its reusable New Shepard craft will ascend compared to Virgin's spaceplane, but also in its future ambitions.

Bezos founded Blue Origin back in 2000, with the goal of one day building floating space colonies with artificial gravity where millions of people will work and live.

Today, the company is developing a heavy-lift orbital rocket called New Glenn and also a Moon lander it is hoping to contract to NASA under the Artemis program.

"They've had 15 successful New Shepard uncrewed flights and we've been waiting years to see when they're going to start flying people," Laura Forczyk, founder of space consulting firm Astralytical, told AFP, calling it an "exciting time" for enthusiasts.

New Shepard will blast off at 8:00 am Central Time (1300 GMT) on July 20 from a remote facility in the west Texas desert called Launch Site One, some 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of the nearest town, Van Horn.

The event will be live streamed on BlueOrigin.com beginning an hour and a half before.

Richest, oldest, and youngest Joining Bezos on the fully autonomous flight will be barrier-breaking female aviator Wally Funk, who at 82 is set to be the oldest ever astronaut, Dutch teenager Oliver Daemen, the company's first paying customer, who will become the youngest astronaut. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Bucks...

From A1

Holiday, an All-NBA Defensive First Team selection for the second time in four seasons, had game highs of 13 assists and three steals and it was the last of each that delighted the Bucks and devastated the Suns.

"The great thing about Jrue is he can affect the game in so many ways," Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo said. "It says a lot."

Phoenix's Devin Booker was looking for a go-ahead basket, but Holiday stripped the ball from him, then seconds later lofted a high pass to Greek forward Antetokounmpo, whose slam dunk was a backbreaker.

"A great play by Jrue. I don't have any other words for that one," Suns coach Monty Williams said. "I just watched it and he just makes a great play."

It's the sort of thing Milwaukee's Pat Connaughton has seen from Holiday all year.

"He's physical, he's quick, he's strong.

He's got a lot of things to him. And he's got quick hands," he said. "First Team All-Defensive play. It was a defensive play of the year. It just kind of shows we're built on defense." (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

News

MONDAY, JULY 19, 2021

A3

Voter’s listing deadline nears; avoid 11th hour rush—Angara

By Macon Araneta WITH the September 30 deadline for voter registration drawing near, Senator Sonny Angara urged all Filipinos of voting age to register now and not wait for the last-minute rush.

Angara said the report of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) regarding the registration of 4.3 million new voters already is “a very encouraging development.”

Senator Imee Marcos, chairperson of the Senate electoral reforms, said there may still be house-to-house campaigning but no big rallies, with smaller “pulong-pulong” in their stead. She said this is based on each LGU’s quarantine status.

She said overall, personal appearances will be highly restricted and digital, while broadcast, outdoor and other media will assume an inordinate importance in the election.

Anticipating that media will inevitably raise costs for the candidates, Marcos said she sponsored a bill on higher campaign expense limit before the end of the last session.

“If three pesos per voter was a ludicrous basis for calculating the maximum spend of a candidate before, it will be outright lying in 2022 with all the online and broadcast media required during the pandemic,” she added.

THE Comelec has 60 million Filipinos registered to vote for the 2022 elections and is looking at adding another one million to the total by the end of the registration period.

“It bodes well for our democracy that our people are getting more involved in the electoral process by registering to vote in spite of the restrictions on mobility because of the pandemic,” Angara said.

Pork tariff cut fails to lower prices—Kiko NOTING that pork prices remain high despite the lower tariff on imported meat, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan sought the restoration of the original 20- to 30-percent levels and help hog raisers recover from the African swine fever that wiped out their stock.

Three months since the pork tariff cuts, pork prices are still high. And our local hog-raisers are still suffering,” Pangilinan said.

The promise of lower pork prices has not been fulfilled. That’s why when Congress reopens, I will raise again my recommendation to raise tariffs on imported pork to original rate),” he added.

Available data from the Department of Agriculture showed that as of July 9, the prevailing price per kilogram of pork ham (kasim) was P340, while that of pork belly (liempo) was at P380. Prices previously hit as much as P400.

Three-hundred eighty is still high.

Pre-ASF, pork per kilo costs about P240. Let’s support the local hog raisers and give them a fighting chance.

With our current policy, only the importers are smiling while Filipino consumers continue to be on pork diet because they could not afford the high prices,” he added.

In April, Executive Order 128 reduced the tariff rate on imported pork within the minimum access volume (MAV) from 30 percent to 5 percent in the first three months and to 10 percent in the 4th to 12th month. Macon Ramos-Araneta

CLARK TERMINAL. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Senator Bong Go try out the self check-in counter of the newly completed terminal building of the Clark International Airport during an inspection on July 17, 2021. With them is Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corporation CEO Bi Yong Chungunco. Presidential photo

New Clark terminal seen boosting airport capacity

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte expressed confidence that the new passenger terminal building at the Clark International Airport would allow passengers to enjoy a “safer and easier” air travel experience despite the prevailing threat of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Duterte lauded the Department of Transportation, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and their partners from the private sector for the “massive” achievement of building a new terminal facility at Clark.

“I am pleased that this new terminal building that can accommodate [an additional] 8 million passengers a year.

This is twice the airport’s current average capacity of more than 4 million passengers a year,” he said during the inspection of the new terminal.

It is the first hybrid public-private partnership project completed under the Duterte administration’s am-

bitious “Build Build Build” infrastructure program.

Duterte said he hoped that the public would be encouraged to explore the country amid the pandemic.

“As we continue to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic and adopt a new normal, may we all look forward to a safer, easier, and more comfortable travel and experience here and in our international airport,” he said.

Duterte said the new terminal building at Clark would also help decongest the traffic at the “busy” Ninoy Aquino International Airport and provide a “better” flying experience for local tourists.

Manila allots P5b to three public schools

He expressed optimism that the local economy “can absorb the number of people coming to visit”.

Duterte said the new facility would generate more jobs and boost economic activities.

“This structure before us reflects the administration’s unyielding commitment to improve the quality of life of every Filipino by providing big-ticket infrastructure projects such as this that will improve connectivity [and] mobility, [and] create jobs, as well as economic activities,” he said.

The new facility will raise the airport’s annual operational capacity to 12.2 million, adding another 8 million to the current 4.2 million.

It is also expected to boost the economic growth in North and Central Luzon, providing the regions their own gateway to the rest of the Philippines and the world. Jess Malabanan

WEEKLY AID.

Former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano (center) and his allies distribute cash to residents of Brgy.

Masambong in Quezon City Friday, July 15, as part of their weekly Sampung Libong Pag-Asa program. Four hundred beneficiaries from the country’s most populous city received P10,000 each from Cayetano and his group, while a total of 100 commenters on the program’s Facebook livestream also received financial assistance.

Norman Cruz

AT LEAST P5 billion was earmarked for the construction of three modern public schools, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said on Sunday.

Under the city government’s educational plan, he said about P2 billion was allotted to the Dr. Alejandro Albert Elementary School, P1.9 billionto Rosauro Almario Elementary School, and P1.3 billion to the Manila Science High School.

The plan was on top of the efforts to support the blended/distance learning modalities being implemented in the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will take our adversity in our advantage. We will prepare for the next 10-15 years of population growth because it was high time that these facilities were utilized,” said Domagoso.

The Manila mayor assured they will invest for the future of the children to ensure they will enjoy better public school building.

He also related that 137,217 tablets with SIM cards were distributed to public school students from Kinder to Senior High School. About 11,000 laptops were given to public school teachers last year.

In preparation for the next school year, Domagoso approved the procurement of the 60,820 additional tablets for newly-enrolled public school students.

The local government has also set aside P120,600,000 worth of internet data to be used for four months by 201,000 K-12 students, and about P5 million for teachers’ training.

In anticipation of an increase in enrolment in Manila’s public schools, Domagoso said a P60,532,256.37 standby fund was secured by the local government, “Covid worsened the digital deficit. And the divide is no longer between the Haves and the Have Nots but the Knows and the Don’t Knows,” said Domagoso. Macon Ramos-Araneta

‘Build program’ ushers in golden age of infra amid pandemic—senator THE Duterte administration’s “ Build Build Build program” ushers in the Philippines’ “Golden Age of Infrastructure,” according to Senator Christopher “Bong” Go who joined the chief executive at the opening of the 18-kilometer section of the Central Luzon Link Expressway in Tarlac City.

The newly opened highway would re-

duce the usual journey time between Cabanatuan City and Tarlac City from 70 minutes to just 20 minutes once it is fully operational, Go said. It will also be toll-free.

The project is intended to serve as an east-west link for Central Luzon’s expressway network, ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow from Metro Manila to the provinces via the North Luzon

Expressway, TPLEx, and SCTEx. The former presidential aide noted that the Duterte Administration’s ambitious infrastructure development plan consisted of hundreds of projects being implemented throughout the country.

These projects, Go said, were intended to relieve poverty, strengthen the economy, and alleviate traffic congestion in

Metro Manila Go said the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, the San Fernando By-pass Road, the Bulacan Pulilan-Baliuag Diversion Road, the Sorsogon City Coastal By-Pass Road, the TPLEX-Luzon Spine Expressway Network, and the Urdaneta City By-pass Road were among the recently finished and ongoing large projects. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Cagdianao Mining buys ERVs

A patient is being transferred to a district hospital after a consultation at the CMC clinic.

ACKNOWLEDGING the importance of reliable transportation during emergency, especially at this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, Cagdianao Mining Corp., a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corp., acquires transportation units worth P19.8 m and an ambulance unit worth P3.7 m to improve the mining company’s emergency response and logistics capability in serving its employees and the residents of the communities.

The ambulance unit proves a great help during health crises such as the most recent surge of diarrhea cases in the community, alarming the LGU more so because of the ongoing Covid-19 response challenges.

The brand new ambulance that transports patients to and from the district hospitals in Dinagat Islands is an added ‘peace

of mind’ for the residents.

“One critical aspect in a health crisis is a reliable transport system that will move patients as efficiently as possible to get immediate medical attention. Our barangay health workers would first refer patients to the CMC clinic and if needing major administration, they will then be ferried to the nearest hospital,” explains Dr. Alvin Pura, CMC physician.

Teodoro Alipayo, who is in-charge of the Incident Command Post of the Municipality of Cagdianao, notes that CMC’s response vehicles serve not just the emergency calls from the residents but also attend to locally stranded individuals who need to be picked up from the San Jose port and to be transported to their respective quarantine areas.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

News

Republic of the Philippines COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS Intramuros, Manila _________ Division

TODAY

IN THE MATTER OF THE REGISTRATION OF REFORM PH – PEOPLE’S PARTY AS A NATIONAL POLITICAL PARTY PURSUANT TO SECTION 2(5), SUBDIVISION C OF ARTICLE IX OF THE CONSTITUTION, IN RELATION TO RULE 32 OF THE 1993 COMELEC RULES OF PROCEDURE, SPP No. ____________ REFORM PH – PEOPLE’S PARTY, represented by its SECRETARY-GENERAL, CLEO B. DONGGAAS, Petitioner. x-------------------------------------------------------x PETITION FOR REGISTRATION Petitioner REFORM PH – PEOPLE’S PARTY, by counsel, unto this Honorable Commission, and in support of its application for registration as a National Political Party, most respectfully states that: Petitioner is filing this Petition for registration as a national political party pursuant to Section 2(5), Subdivision C of Article IX of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, in relation to Article VIII of the Omnibus Election Code and Rule 32 of the Comelec Rules of Procedure.

1.

2.

The name of the Party is REFORM PH – PEOPLE’S PARTY. It shall also be known by its acronym “REFORM PH”.

3.

Petitioner holds and maintains its principal headquarters and post office address for election purposes at PH4 Manila Luxury Condominium, Pearl Drive corner Gold Loop, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, Pasig City. The list of office addresses of Petitioner in the different cities, municipalities, provinces and regions is hereto attached as Annex “A” and made as integral part of this Petition. For purposes of this Petition, Petitioner may be served with notices and processes of the Honorable Commission through undersigned counsel, with office address at Unit 2C ICITE Building, 1800 Mercury Avenue, Eastwood City Cyberpark, Bagumbayan, Quezon City.

4.

Petitioner is an organized group of qualified voters pursuing the same ideology, political ideas and principles for the general conduct of the government. The members of Petitioner share the same values of servant leadership, social responsiveness and patriotic spirit. Petitioner envisions a strong Filipino Nation that guarantees liberty, equity and prosperity for all citizens.

5.

Petitioner is a national political party. Its constituency is spread over the geographical territory of at least a majority of the regions of the Philippines. The list of Petitioner’s members is hereto attached as Annex “B”.

6.

Petitioner was founded in Pasig City in December 2019 by James A. Layug, Albert T. Baloloy, Cleo B. Dongga-as, Alvin H. Ebreo and Ronal A. Galicia. The founding members organized a group of qualified voters who envision a strong Filipino Nation that guarantees liberty, equity and prosperity for all citizens, and who share the same ideals of patriotic spirit, nationalist economy and social balance. Petitioner conducted its first General Assembly on December 8, 2020, through a virtual platform facilitated in its principal headquarters located at PH4 Manila Luxury Condominium, Pearl Drive corner Gold Loop, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, Pasig City. During the said assembly where a quorum was duly established, the members of the Petitioner unanimously voted to adopt and promulgate the Petitioner’s Constitution and By-Laws, Platform of Government and Declaration of Political Creed, hereto attached as Annexes “C”, “D”, and “E”, respectively. The Party Resolution approving and adopting the said Constitution and By-Laws, Platform of Government and Declaration of Political Creed is hereto attached as Annex “F”.

7.

The following members of the Executive Council of the Petitioner were elected at large during the General Assembly held on December 08, 2020, pursuant to its Constitution and By-Laws: Position

Name

Address

President and CEO

James A. Layug

B3 L13 Phase 1, EP Village, Pinagsama, Taguig City

Vice-President

Albert T. Baloloy

B1 L11 Franco’s Apartment, Brgy. San Vicente, Biñan City, Laguna

Secretary-General

Cleo B. Dongga-as

618 Peridot Building, Verawood Residences, Acacia Estates, San Miguel, Taguig City

Treasurer

Alvin H. Ebreo

108 Almeria Maricielo Villas, Quirino Avenue cor. Casimiro Avenue, Pulang Lupa, Las Piñas City

Auditor

Ronal A. Galicia

B34 L53 AFP-PNP Housing, Barangay Batia, Bocaue, Bulacan

The Party Resolution confirming the election of the foregoing officers is hereto attached as Annex “F”.

8.

The members of the Regional, Provincial and City/Municipal Executive Council who were elected at large in the meeting/s called for the said purpose is hereto attached as Annex “G”.

9.

On December 12, 2020, by virtue of Party Resolution No. 2020-003, a copy of which is attached to this Petition as Annex “H”, the following members were appointed by James Layug, the Party President, to head the Party Committees pursuant to Petitioner’s Constitution and By-Laws: Committee

Chairperson

Address

Public Relations

Sonny S. Sarmiento

01 Galvez St.San Juan, San Ildefonso, Bulacan

Political Affairs

Dindo F. Domantay

556 Don Montano, Casaclang St. Libsong East, Lingayen, Pangasinan

National Campaigns

Arbee C. Talastas

Brgy. Lias, Barlig, Mountain Province

Communications

Ceferino M. Checca III

Purok 10, Pinsao Proper, Baguio City

Membership

Arjohn B. Elumba

St. Therese St. Rocka, Tabang Plaridel, Bulacan

Legal Affairs

Atty. Noel F. Tomonglay

Tibangao Siocon, Zamboanga Del Norte

The above-named officers and all the members of the Petitioner were made aware of the Party’s intent to file this petition for registration as a National Political Party and have given their consent to the filing of the same with the Honorable Commission through Party Resolution No. 2020-001. A copy of the said Resolution is hereto attached as Annex “F”.

11.

Pursuant to Petitioner’s Constitution and By-Laws, the President has the power to appoint and authorize the officer who shall represent the Party before the Honorable Commission. In a Party Resolution dated December 12, 2020, CLEO B. DONGGA-AS, Party Secretary-General, was appointed and authorized by JAMES A. LAYUG, the Party President, to represent the Petitioner in this Petition for Registration as National Political Party. He is also authorized to cause the preparation of this Petition and to verify its contents. A copy of Resolution No. 2020-002 is hereto attached as Annex “I” and is made an integral part of this Petition.

12.

Petitioner commits to advance the Bonifacio Ideals – Patriotic Spirit, Nationalist Economy, and Social Balance – by taking the lead in the creation and implementation of relevant policies and programs through democratic and participatory governance. Petitioner commits to the following platform/program of government: PATRIOTIC SPIRIT. As an advocate of Patriotic Spirit, our commitments are: 12.1.1

Enact a Credible Self-Reliant Defense Strategy; Support an Independent Foreign Policy posture; Recommend a Defense Development and Industrialization Program; Assert claim and sovereign rights over disputed territories; Advocate the creation and institutionalization of a standing Border Protection Force; and Strengthen Cyber Security, Intelligence, and Investigation.

To promote Filipino Nationhood a. a. b. c.

12.1.3

b. c. d. e.

Advocate a Comprehensive Land Transport Act that will cover development of road systems, island bridge links, national railway program, and nautical highway network; Advocate the establishment of a National Connectivity and Infostructure System; Strengthen Public-Private Partnership initiatives; Institutionalize Civil Society Organizations, Peoples Organizations, and Non-Government Organizations participation in governance, policy development and service delivery; and Promote the establishment of an efficient, effective and responsive performance of public administration that is always accountable to the people through a Government Service Modernization Program.

NATIONALIST ECONOMY. As an advocate of Nationalist Economy, our commitments are: 12.2.1

To promote “cooperativism” through community organizing and community development. a. a. b. c. d.

12.2.2

12.2.3

Promote establishment of independent sustainable Fishing Villages and Agri Barrios with community-based cooperative commonwealth; Promote establishment of Mariculture Ecozone; Advocate an agricultural modernization and industrialization program; Support creation of Indigenous Small Scale Mining Cooperatives; and Advocate skills development training and non-traditional education at the community level.

To enhance opportunities for development brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution a. b. c. d. e.

Terror-overrun towns have no police stations C

AMP Brig Gen Salipada Pendatun, Maguindanao --Most of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region’s 118 towns do not have municipal police station (MPS) buildings compliant with Philippine National Police (PNP) standards.

Promote a national digital transformation and industrialization strategy; Advocate for a secure, efficient, and trustworthy trade facilitation system for e-commerce; Strengthen fintech innovations and digital enhancements; Advocate youth capacity-building and development through strengthened science and technology institutions; and Promote investments on projects in emerging technologies.

PNP Director-General Guillermo Eleazar has been doing rounds of surprise visits to MPS, as well as to provincial and regional headquarters nationwide, apparently to check on standards PNP prescribes on headquarters and MPS buildings.

Brig Gen Eden Ugale, Police Regional Office BAR director, said the region’s state of MPS formed part of PNP’s “institutional challenges” that have existed long before the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Ugale said with only a very short stint of office tenure, PNP chiefs could only do as much until a PNP Modernization Program Act was passed

by Congress.

Indeed, the BARMM government has offered to construct MPS buildings in 60 municipalities from a budget surplus in 2020 and 31 more MPS buildings charged to its current budgetary provisions,

said lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM spokesman and interior and local government minister.

Sinarimbo said BARMM heeds calls upon the local government units to do their share in having the 100 percent attack-resilient MPS buildings for police personnel at community service, particularly during the pandemic.

According to PNP standards, the upgraded 2-story MPS design with roof-deck has a floor area of more or less 288 square meters with a dimension of 12m x 8m and is built at P 4.8 million, based on current materials prices and cost of labor.

This should have been part of the PNP Modernization Program under House Bill 2199 authored by Pangasinan Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil, a former police official, and HB 2518 authored by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, both titled, “An Act Providing for the PNP Modernization Program and for Other Purposes.”

To fight for equitable distribution of our country’s wealth and resources and advocate a welfare state policy a. b. c.

12.3

Advocate the implementation of a National Reservist Program; Promote a more nationalist curriculum in basic education; Promote sports as a source of national pride; and Foster preservation and cultivation of Filipino heritage, culture, and values.

To be partners in nation building a.

12.2

MONDAY, JULY 19, 2021

To safeguard our national interests a. b. c. d. e. f.

12.1.2

A4

By Nash B. Maulana

10.

12.1

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Support the nationalization of exploration, extraction and use of our minerals and natural resources; Advocate economically liberal tax reform program and simultaneously promote government austerity measures; and Advocate for accessible, affordable, and monopoly free public utilities and services.

SOCIAL BALANCE. As an advocate of Social Balance, our commitments are: 12.3.1

To promote safe, secure, and emergency-ready communities a. b. c.

12.3.2

To conserve and protect our environment as we wisely use our natural resources according to its carrying capacity a. b. c. d. e.

12.3.3

Establish a Community Based – Security and Emergency Response Volunteers (CB-SERV); Advocate the creation of a training institute that would specialize in “Security, Emergency Response, and Disaster Readiness Education”; and Promote resiliency through capacity building programs in the communities.

Advocate the establishment of Community Owned Marine Protected Areas (COMPA); Advocate for the absolute ban on destructive mining practices and call out for the rehabilitation and restoration program for mined-out areas and degraded land; Adopt an extensive greening program and provide green jobs for off-grid low-income communities; Advocate clean renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, natural gas and hydro power as cornerstones of energy supply to reduce reliance on conventional fossil fuels; and Advocate a comprehensive national zero-waste management program.

To champion social justice and social equity wherever there may be lack off in our society a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h.

“Those who have less in life should have more in law...” – advocate the institutionalization of Professional Free Legal Assistance to be available to everyone; Promote the reformation of our justice system in order to address the snail-pace process of handling cases and modernize the judiciary; Support the institutionalization of the “Barangay Justice System”; Uphold the basic right to free quality education; Advocate the Cuban Healthcare model which is a cost-free public health service with high doctor-patient ratio; Promote preventative healthcare program that would prioritize prevention of disease and illness over curing the illness as it occurs; Promote “Bayanihan” community housing program that will empower and bestow a sense of ownership for the recipient Filipino family; and Fight poverty.

The foregoing objectives and commitments of Petitioner are embodied in its duly promulgated Constitution and By-Laws and Platform of Government which are attached to this Petition as Annexes “C” and “D”.

13.

Guided by common political ideas, ideology, and objective, the Party’s members have declared their commitment to the fundamental principles of Bonifacio Ideals – Patriotic Spirit, Nationalist Economy, and Social Balance. The commitment of the members is embodied in the Petitioner’s Declaration of Political Creed, copy of which is attached to this Petition as Annex “E”.

14.

Petitioner has conducted several volunteer work and community-based activities in different areas of the country as part of its commitments. Photos taken during said activities are hereto attached as Annex “J”. The Affidavit authenticating the attached photos is attached as Annex “K”.

15.

Petitioner has the capacity and machinery to field candidates in the forthcoming May 2022 elections and every election thereafter.

16.

Petitioner possesses all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under Article IX-C, Section 2(5) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, in relation to Article VIII of the Omnibus Election Code and Rule 32 of the Comelec Rules of Procedure.

16.1

Petitioner is not a religious sect or denomination.

16.2

Petitioner does not and shall not pursue or seek to achieve its goals through violence or unlawful means.

16.3

Petitioner is not an adjunct or a project organized or an entity funded or assisted by the government.

FESTIVAL PREPARATION. Muslim women purchase new Abaya dresses to be used in celebrating Eid Al Adha

16.4

Petitioner shall uphold and adhere to the Constitution and shall obey all laws and legal orders promulgated by duly constituted authorities.

16.5

Petitioner is not supported by, nor does it accept financial contribution from any foreign government and/or their agencies, foreign political party, foundation, organization, whether directly or through any of its officers or members or indirectly through third parties, for activities related to elections.

16.6

Petitioner has not violated nor failed to comply with laws, rules or regulations relating to elections, plebiscites, referenda or initiative.

16.7

Petitioner commits to comply with laws, rules or regulations relating to elections, plebiscites, referenda or initiative.

17.

Petitioner has not made any untruthful statements in this Petition. All the allegations herein are true and correct.

18.

For reference, below are the list of documents attached to this Petition.

Annex “A”

List of Petitioner’s Office Addresses

Annex “B”

List of Petitioner’s Members

Annex “C”

Constitution and By-Laws

Annex “D”

Platform of Government

Annex “E”

Declaration of Political Creed

Annex “F”

Party Resolution No. 2020-001 and Secretary’s Certificate showing: (a) adoption of organizational documents; (b) confirming the election of the members of Executive Council; and (c) all members were made aware of and have given their consent to the filing of this Petition

Annex “G”

List of Officers

Annex “H”

Resolution No. 2020-003 and Secretary’s Certificate appointing Committee Chairpersons

Annex “I”

Resolution No. 2020-002 and Secretary’s Certificate authorizing Cleo Dongga-as to represent the Party

Annex “J”

Photos of Petitioners’ activities

Annex “K”

Affidavit authenticating the photos

Bello wins Dangal ng Lahing Cagayano

PRAYER WHEREFORE, it is most respectfully prayed that this Petition be given due course and petitioner REFORM PH – PEOPLE’S PARTY be issued a Certificate of Registration/ Accreditation as a national political party for purposes of the forthcoming May 2022 National and Local Elections and every election thereafter.

Other reliefs, just and equitable are likewise prayed for.

Quezon City, 30 April 2021.

on Tuesday at a dress shop Sunday in Globo de Oro in Quiapo, Manila. Muslims in the world will celebrate the Islamic festival commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim to follow Allah’s command to sacrifice his son. Danny Pata

By:

ATTY. FERMINA CARMEN A. AGUDO Counsel for Petitioner IBP No. 12/28/2020 (for 2021); Isabela PTR No. 0732331; 01/12/21, Quezon City Roll of Attorney No. 71777 MCLE Compliance No. 0023993 Email Address: jaa@alegalconsulting.com Postal Address: Unit 2C ICITE Building, 1800 Mercury Avenue Eastwood City Cyberpark, Bagumbayan, Quezon City Republic of the Philippines) City of __________________) S.S VERIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION OF NON-FORUM SHOPPING I, CLEO DONGGA-AS, of legal age, Filipino, married, with residence at 618 Peridot Bldg., Verawood Residences, Acacia Estates, San Miguel, Taguig City, after having been sworn in accordance with law, depose and state, THAT: 1.

I am the duly-elected Secretary-General of REFORM PH – PEOPLE’S PARTY (REFORM PH), the Petitioner in the above-entitled case;

2.

By virtue of Resolution No. 2020-02, I have caused the preparation and filing of the foregoing PETITION FOR REGISTRATION AND ACCREDITATION of REFORM PH – PEOPLE’S PARTY (REFORM PH) National Political Party with the Commission on Elections and I am authorized to verify this Petition;

3.

I have read and understood the contents thereof and the facts stated therein are true and correct to the best of my personal knowledge and are based on authentic records;

4.

I have not commenced any other action or proceeding involving the same issue in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, or different Divisions thereof, or any other tribunal or agency;

5.

To the best of my knowledge, no such action or proceeding is pending with the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, or different Divisions thereof, or any other tribunal or agency; and,

6.

Should I thereafter learn that a similar action or proceeding has been filed or is pending before the above tribunals or agency, I hereby undertake to report the fact within five (5) days therefrom to the Court or agency wherein the original pleading and sworn certification contemplated herein have been filed.

AFFIANT SAYETH NAUGHT. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereto affixed my signature this 28th day of April, 2021 at Pasig City.

CLEO B. DONGGA-AS Secretary-General, REFORM PH

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 30th of April, 2021 at Quezon City,, Philippines. Affiant exhibiting to me his/her TIN196-016-662-000 issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue as competent evidence of his/her identity.

(JULY 19, 2021)

REGION 2 of the Department of Labor has commended Secretary Silvestre Bellow III for winning the ‘Natatanging Cagayano Award’ for the Dangal ng Lahing Cagayano 2021.

Bello, whose his roots are from Gattaran, Cagayan and Ilagan City, Isabela, has been the DOLE’s Secretary since 2016, contributing to the promotion and protection of workers’ rights and the attainment of decent employment in the Cagayan Valley Region, and the country as a whole, through his leadership in the implementation of DOLE’s varied programs and services.

The commendation coincided with reports Sunday that Bello said he was set to take on the challenge of heading a group representing both the powerful and the small governments of the world in the International Labor Organization.

“I think all previous labor secretaries had wished of getting elected chairman of the ILO

group. Our chairmanship this year is unprecedented, the first in the history of the century-old ILO,” Bello said in a statement.

“This is why I am inclined to actively assume the role and take on the challenge of leading the ILO body,” Bello added.

The Philippines has just recently assumed the chairmanship of the powerful Government Group of the global labor standards-setting ILO headquartered in Geneva. This position has put the country as “first among unequals,” according to Labor Attaché Cheryl Daytec, who heads the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Switzerland.

“Our new leadership role as Chair of the Government Group of the ILO’s Government Body gives us a ‘primus’ position among ILO Member States. For the record, in the 102 years of the ILO existence, this is the first time that an observer country is the Government Group Chair,” Daytec said in a statement.

Las Pinas barangays’ vax gains

By Macon Ramos-Araneta WITH the pace of their ongoing vaccination drive, Senator Cynthia Villar is upbeat that Las Pinas City can quickly achieve and can even be ahead of the government’s target of herd immunity before the year ends.

“We are happy that soon, we would reach the herd immunity in Las Pinas due to our various initiatives to boost efforts in giving jabs to our residents to avert the spread of the coronavirus,” said Villar.

Four months after the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in the country, Villar said they have vaccinated in Las Pinas 41 percent of their population or 246,790 out of the 606,293 total population as of July 10.

“And the number has increased. It has been increasing because our vaccination has been

ongoing since July 10. Definitely, this figure has increased with the lapse of several days,” related the senator.

Villar commended Las Piñas barangays for their enthusiasm in having more than half of their residents inoculated. Big barangays that reached more than 50 % of residents being vaccinated includes Talon Dos, which has given the most number of shots, and has vaccinated 31,157 out of its 43,978 population, representing 71 percent.

This is followed by Pamplona 3 which inoculated 62 percent out of its 35,098 population or 21,765 total residents. Almanza Uno came third with 19,126 out of 36,232 representing 53 percent of its population, and Pamplona Uno, which vaccinated 9,917 out of 19,085 or 52 per cent of its residents have taken the jab.

(MS-DEC. 5, 2020)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Opinion The short shelf life of Philippine political parties Since Lakas-NUCD’s FVR won over Miriam’s PRP by a whisker, Lakas became the dominant political barkadahan until it made the mistake of fielding Joe de Venecia for president against the uber-popular Joseph Estrada, who formed a coalition with Ed Angara’s LDP, and supported

by Cojuangco’s NPC, formed an umbrella group called Laban ng Makabayang Masang Pilipino (LAMMP), which ended with Estrada’s fall from power in January 2001.

Because Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ran as vicepresident under the Lakas banner of Joe de Venecia and FVR, Lakas became the party in power, with the original NUCD of Christian Democrats subsumed. Everybody and his mother migrated from their parties and joined Lakas. The other parties remained either “jeepney” or “tricycle” parties hibernating with a few cohorts.

But Lakas was thrashed by Noynoy Aquino’s Liberal Party in 2010, which then became the largest shelter for politicians of various original stripes. A politician from Region 8 for instance, was originally allied with Monching Mitra’s LDP, then transferred to Lakas with FVR’s victory, then became LAMMP with Erap, then Lakas with GMA, then LP when PNoy was in power.

Guess where he is now?

Why, PDP-Laban, of course.

By an accident of fate, Rodrigo Duterte needed an instant flag of convenience to keep his candidacy in magnified suspense.

The PDP now led by Aquilino Jr. or Koko Pimentel became the FOC. And so now, everybody and his mother swear by the PDP-Laban.

The other FOCs became convenient tools for continuing bargaining leverage of big business: NP of Villar; NPC of the late Danding Cojuangco; NUP of Enrique Razon, plus a plethora of party lists owned by nascent dynastic or fledgling vested interests.

Remaining in some sort of political somnolence were FOCs previously used: Reporma of Renato de Villa’s losing run in 1998, People’s Reform Party of Miriam Santiago, Aksyon Demokratiko of the late Raul S. Roco, PMP of Erap and Jinggoy Estrada, LDP of the late Ed Angara now inherited by Senator Sonny, and UNA of former VP Jojo Binay. These parties are waiting for the appropriate presidential candidate to field or be in coalition with for 2022.

But for now, the major administration party, the PDP Laban is rent asunder between two warring factions: That of the president himself as represented by DOE Sec. Alfonso Cusi, and Manny Pacquiao, himself sponsored by the son of PDP’s founder, Koko Pimentel.

Each faction will likely bring the matter of legitimacy before the Comelec, eventually reaching the Supreme Court.

Hopefully, the next president will see it fit to initiate revision of the 1987 Constitution and end this insanity of a multi-party system in presidential form.

Since it is unlikely that the people will not want to give up their right to elect the supreme leader of their choice, the president, we may have to adopt a unitary, presidential form of government, until a more progressive economy renders the environment for a parliamentary set-up in the future.

So then let us revert to a two-party system, and initiate other political reforms. *** We grieve over the passing of beloved Tita Celia Diaz Laurel, wife of democracy icon Salvador “Doy” Laurel, best friend of Ninoy Aquino and vice-president of Cory.

Not only was she a great artist, in the visual, music and theater arts; she was an inspiration to all of us who worked with her husband Doy in forming the UNIDO way back in 1982, and nurturing it to become the political vehicle for the return of democracy to the land.

After a hard day’s work, she always fed us well with home-cooked meals at her Shaw Boulevard residence and at times, the whole Laurel family would end the day with an evening soiree of lovely music with her talented children.

She now joins Tito Doy, who left this world 18 years before, and together they will sing with the choir of angels.

WHAT transpired in the last few weeks insofar as the PDP-Laban party is concerned demonstrates the truism, nurtured by the 1987 Constitution, that political parties in our setting are mere flags of convenience for the use of political ambition.

That is a fatal flaw in our political system. For all its supposed lack of differentiating ideology or principles, the presidential system was far better served during the Third Republic operating under the 1935 Constitution by the Nacionalista and Liberal parties.

Generations of political leaders and followers remained loyal to their respective parties.

Conventions were the standard method of choosing candidates fielded in regular elections, whether national or local.

Party leaders, whether elected or nominated, chose the candidates to represent their party in political combat. This system of choice made certain that regional or ethnolinguistic groups were adequately represented in senatorial slates.

Thus, the NP and LP more or less equitably chose candidates representing the Ilocanos, the Tagalogs, the Kapampangan, the Bicolano, Ilonggo, Cebuano, Waray, Christian Mindanao and Muslim Mindanao in their national slates. Conventions held about a year before election day were tightly-contested affairs within the party, with delegates from every city and province gathering together to choose their best and most winnable for the presidency.

Since the 1987 Constitution was adopted after the fall of authoritarian rule, we had no more Muslim candidate winning as senator since the late Mamintal Tamano and Santanina Rasul, both elected as two of 24 candidates in 1987. In their place, we were swamped by celebrities and celluloid actors almost always from Metro Manila.

The last Waray senator, Decoroso Rosales, was elected along with Ramon Magsaysay, and before him Jose Avelino who became Senate President in Manuel Roxas’ presidency, although broadcast personality Senator Orly Mercado had paternal roots in Tanauan, Leyte. Have we ever had an Igorot senator? Nunca. Any senator from Caraga?

Neither.

And then again, look at the shelf life of our parties. UNIDO, the party under which Cory and Doy ran during the snap elections, the aftermath of which was the EDSA people power revolution, was virtually disbanded soon after the military recognized the popular will and installed Cory and Doy to political power.

In its stead, the merged PDP of Aquilino Pimentel and Laban of the late Ninoy Aquino became a major party, along with Senate President Jovito Salonga’s Liberal Party. Then from the House of Representatives was born the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino, the name of which was a play between Ninoy’s Laban and the usual “demokratiko” label used by Pimentel Sr. It became the biggest political party until after its crushing defeat by Fidel V. Ramos and his hastily put up coalition called Lakas-NUCD. In 1992, the following flags of convenience were used: FVR’s Lakas, began by six or seven ribs taken out of the humongous LDP of Monching Mitra and Peping Cojuangco; Miriam Santiago’s hastily registered People’s Reform Party; Danding Cojuangco’s Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), a splinter group from Doy Laurel’s Nacionalista Party; Imelda R. Marcos’ resurrected Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL); and the coalition of LP and PDP where Salonga ran for president with Pimentel Sr. as his vice-presidential candidate. Initially running for president under his own Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP), Joseph Estrada midway through the campaign coalesced with NPC and became ECJ’s vice-president, winning as such.

I hope the next president will see it fit to initiate revision of the 1987 Constitution and end this insanity of a multi-party system in presidential form.

Sage geopolitical advice to the administration

THE 5th Anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling was marked with rising indignation spurred by the continuing incursions of Chinese vessels and their unbridled destruction of the marine environment in our Exclusive Economic Zone, a strategic resource of our food supply.

The most prominent and enlightening celebration of this globally significant legal victory is the international virtual forum of think tank Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute (ADRi) where the most eloquent and credible statements were quoted from a distinguished panel of international geopolitical thought leaders whose key insights, I will be sharing today to highlight the urgency for action on this most

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critical threat to our interest.

ADRi President Prof. Dindo Manhit in his statement stressed that the recognition of the international community and like-minded states, including the United States, Japan, Australia, and India of our legal victory against China is an opportunity for multilateral cooperation to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

“We must not allow China’s blatant disregard of the UNCLOS and the rule of law. The Filipino people deserve a government that prioritizes the security and welfare of its citizens before others. We must unceasingly uphold the legacy of the 2016 arbitral ruling and our leaders should step up and create a unified action to defend the West Philippine Sea,” Prof. Manhit said.

Former Australian Foreign Minister Hon Julie Bishop echoed Australia’s statement acknowledging the ruling as final and binding and called upon the Philippines and China to abide by its terms. She reiterated Australia’s long held support for UNCLOS as the global framework for the lawful use of oceans and which is the appropriate forum for peaceful

Keeping COVID-19 out of prisons in the PH

By Gustavo Gonzalez, UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines, and Olivier Lermet, Senior Policy Advisor of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in the Philippines

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EDITORIAL

A

No to the same patterns

S ELECTIONS draw nearer, it is clear there is no stopping our politicians from making their moves toward their political goals. This despite the fact that the vaccination rollout of the government has been inadequate and that yet newer variants threaten to cause a surge in new cases once again.

For instance, the ruling party is marred with strife and intrigue, with each major personality hurling accusations at the other.

We wonder, if they were so appalled with what is going on, why did they not say a word when everything was going in their favor?

We are also seeing realignments and regroupings in a bid to form new or renewed alliances. We wonder: How much of this is driven by a genuine meeting of the minds with regard to important issues, and how much is brought about by political expediency? We know the answer but feel we must ask anew, again and again, as a way of refusing to normalize such a practice even when they have come to define Philippine politics.

Let’s hope the pandemic has made Filipino voters wiser about the consequences of their decisions come election day.

Meanwhile, the opposition is still hardpressed for a unifying presence that would allow it to put up a credible challenge to the administration. The search continues amid

signs of rift among certain personalities.

Alas, these consign Philippine elections into the circus that they have always been, and prevent the electorate from voting intelligently just because they are always distracted by the personality show.

Voters must look beyond sensational exchanges of words or vicious trolling on the Internet, and get to the bottom of issues that prevent our country from taking off. But how can they realize this immense power when they cannot look beyond their very immediate economic needs? These colorful characters seem to know and exploit that.

A way to truly discern what must be done during elections is to freeze the current moment and examine the snapshot: Is the status quo desirable, at the very least acceptable? “Yes” and “no” would yield wildly divergent courses of action.

In either case, let’s hope the pandemic has made Filipino voters wiser about the consequences of their decisions come election day. It’s a shame to fall back into the same patterns that have gotten us into this mess in the first place.

Reforming political parties of confidence. If the vote of confidence fails to pass, the entire executive is deemed resigned, and a new government will be formed and elected into office.

Another longstanding change needed is reforming the office of Vice President. In the United States, after which our present fundamental law was originally based upon, there are no separate elections for the highest and second highest offices of the land. A vote for a specific presidential candidate is counted as a vote for his or her running mate. This way, a disparate accommodation between a President and a Vice President belonging to two different political parties will be avoided – so is the political instability and uncertainty that come with it.

Strengthening political parties is also one aspect where the 1987 Constitution can be found wanting.

While lesser legal regulation for political parties is ideal, it is still important to emphasize the role of

ONE of the inherent weaknesses of the 1987 Constitution was the absence of electoral arrangements that would have ensured political cohesion. In order to prevent another strongman from wresting political power once more, efforts were taken to ensure wider political participation, albeit in a reactive sense. Stronger term limits were set in place. The party-list system was introduced.

Political dynasties were to be prohibited. It was, in a way, an offshoot of the post-EDSA political climate, that seemed poised to deliberately dismantle the “ancien regime” of the Marcos years – and almost everything and anything that came with it.

So, the country’s brief experiment with parliamentary democracy suddenly came to a complete halt. The late Vice President Salvador Laurel found himself appointed Prime Minister one day - the only other in our country’s history – then the following day learned that the same office was effectively abolished – thanks to an interim “Freedom Constitution” enacted by former President Corazon Aquino in 1986.

It would have been interesting to re-imagine Philippine politics, had the parliamentary system remained in place. Owing to the “fusion” rather than “separation of powers” especially between the executive and legislative branches of government, there would have been a closer synchronization between those who craft laws and those who execute it and put an end to this seeming dissonance between policy and practice.

Take for example the way we pass the country’s national budget. The executive submits a national expenditure program to Congress, who in turn, crafts an appropriations bill based on it. After a rather lengthy process of legislative deliberation, Congress passes the appropriations act for the President’s signature. Now, the budget becomes part of the law of the land. However, despite that, there is a wide latitude on the part of the executive to decide on whether or not to actually release the funds appropriated therein.

To an extent, “power of the purse” of Congress is actually tethered to the executive’s prerogative.

Had the parliamentary system stayed on, the executive, being composed of the majority in Congress, would have drafted the budget and defended it themselves before their colleagues – and at the same time, be directly responsible and accountable for the manner it is released and spent. If the executive fails to act according to the approved expenditure program, it is then possible for the government to be censured through a vote resolution of disputes.

“Australia, like the Philippines, is a military ally of the United States, and the US cause remains the pre-eminent military power globally. Thus, we have the responsibility to maintain capability to ensure that we can meet any treaty obligations in hope of course that no conflict breaks out between nation-states,” Bishop said.

Amb. Kenichiro Sasae, the Former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated Japan’s commitment to promote a “Free and Open IndoPacific (FOIP) to keep a free and open regional order and to achieve peace and prosperity in the entire region. He supported the arbitration approach pursued by the Philippines and its validity based on the rule of law and in accordance with the internationally established procedures.

“The award is a final and legally binding on the disputing parties in accordance with the provisions of the UNCLOS and the parties must comply with it,” Amb. Sasae said.

Former Foreign Secretary of India, Amb. Lalit Mansingh, decried China’s aggressive and hegemonic nature.

Mansingh said that China is “a country that questions the very idea of the international order based on respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty, the rule of law, and freedom of access to global economies.”

A strong democracy can only be built upon the shoulders of an able party system and a discerning electorate. political parties as public democratic institutions.

Consequently, political parties have been sadly exploited into convenient vehicles of patronage rather than strong programmatic entities. Many political aspirants switch political parties for convenience, rather than conviction, and ideological commitment among party members is almost non-existent.

Having a mature political party system is important, whether in a parliamentary or presidential system. The long-term effectiveness of political programs and policies that foster long-term development depends heavily on the presence of a working political party system that does not only ensure the emergence of capable political leaders of a similar conviction, but more importantly in shaping a governance culture that is aligned to that set of political principles. Thus, it is now possible for the voters to set expectations on what one party can deliver from another, or how their platform is differentiated from another.Unfortunately, the inherent weaknesses in our political party system has become detrimental to national development. Our political parties have become tied up to patronage rather than platforms. They have become more identified with personalities than programs. Instead of being a platform for governance, our parties have been relegated into tools for elections devoid of the principles and platforms that would have set the measures for good governance.

He called on the ASEAN to look at initiatives like the “Quad” which shares its values systems and welcomes issue-based cooperation with Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

The Quad is a strategic alliance of India, Australia,

Constitutional reform may seem to be a long shot proposition, but should our country ever take that path, strengthening the role of political parties in our democratic system would be a key priority. By incorporating political parties in our constitutional framework, we could effectively solve many of the political ills that beset the current system – including the need for more active and inclusive political participation.

Arguably, there are at least three key reforms needed to strengthen our political parties: membership, leadership and financing.

First, as democratic entities, our political parties must be based on membership, and minimum membership quotas must be required at the local, regional, and national levels. For example, a minimum number of members at the local level will be required in order for a party to be registered and to run for local elections. Similarly, a minimum membership at the regional or national level shall be required for a party to field national candidates. In order to realize this, individual voters shall be required to indicate their party membership in their voter’s record, and each party shall be mandated to maintain their rolls of membership.

Second, open leadership contests within political parties must be encouraged. The conduct of party conventions should be required during which candidates for local and national positions are nominated with official COMELEC observers present. Even those running as independents should be required to attain a specific “nomination quota”, so as to avoid nuisance candidates. However, it should be emphasized that a candidate’s membership in the party of his election should be a continuing requirement to stay in office. This means, especially in legislative bodies, an elected official who switches political parties automatically forfeits his seat, and shall be barred from seeking election under another party within a determined period of time. This way, the political arrangement actually incentivizes political loyalty, and reprimands turncoatism.

Lastly, political party financing through government subsidies would be an effective way to eradicate patronage, as well as increase transparency in election spending. Subsidies would be proportional to the volume of votes received by each party in the past election. In return, political parties will now be open to public scrutiny and audit. In addition to campaign spending, the subsidies must also be spent for membership development, leadership training, as well as policy research. A candidate, however, who switches political parties, will be compelled to return any party funds used during the campaign.

With national elections in the offing, rumblings within political parties are to be expected, if not, have already begun. It would be best to learn from their mistakes and this way, know how to do it better – for there is no doubt that a strong democracy can only be built upon the shoulders of an able party system and a discerning electorate.

Japan and the US revitalized to ensure the rulesbased order in the Indo-Pacific region being upset

by China’s aggression in the SCS and the Himalayas.

Former US Ambassador to the Philippines, Amb. Harry K. Thomas, Jr. for his part said that the ASEAN must come to a shared agreement on the West Philippine Sea and the other parts of the South China Sea. Amb. Thomas said, “We want to see alternative supply chains or export to, not only the United States, but throughout ASEAN. And we want to see the excellent use of military assets and maintenance and

training which is very important.”

“We don’t want a war, we don’t want a trade war, or a kinetic war. But we don’t want to be subject to a country,” Amb. Thomas said.

ADRi Chairman Albert Del Rosario, known for his passionate commitment that led to the arbitral victory in his elegantly honest statesmanship, denounced the “self-proclaimed failure of leadership” that caused the loss of momentum in the country’s fight for the West Philippine Sea. He said, “This admission may be seen as another way to escape accountability and it also sums up President Duterte’s failed leadership in the West Philippine Sea.” “We can say that there are two out of several of President Duterte’s statements that have turned out to be true: first, that he is “inutil” in protecting the West Philippine Sea; and second, that he “simply loves Xi Jinping,” Amb. Del Rosario said.

On the other hand, the response of Malacañang to the diplomatically expressed advise of the respectable geopolitical experts, which I am sure aligns with the widely dominant sentiment of Filipinos, was characteristically crass and insulting, an arrogant disservice to what is supposed to be the leadership’s constitutional duty to defend our national interests. This will be a protracted struggle that the next administration will hopefully do a better job.

A demolition job?

Greed plus vaccine inequality

Malacañang’s response was characteristically crass and insulting.

The Surfside condo collapse and reclamation issues

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Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

10. The PSA between ISELCO II and BKS, contains the following salient features:

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE POWER SUPPLY AGREEMENT (PSA) BETWEEN ISABELA II ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND BKS GREEN ENERGY CORP. WITH PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY AND/OR INTERIM RELIEF AND MOTION FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION

“Article IV. TERM AND RENEWAL 4. The Contract Term for the supply of power under this Agreement shall be for a period of Fifteen (15) Years, commencing on Commercial Operation Date (COD) of the Power Plant on 26 May 2022 to 25 May 2037 (Contract Term), subject to the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and unless terminated by the Parties in accordance with this Agreement.

ERC CASE NO. 2021-043 RC ISABELA II ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (ISELCO II) AND BKS GREEN ENERGY CORP. (BKS), Applicants.

Notwithstanding the end of the Contract Term, the Parties agree to perform any obligations that arise prior to the end of the Contract Term, or by their nature are to be performed after the expiration of this Agreement, or which are expressed herein to survive the termination of this Agreement. xxx

x-------------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 08 June 2021, Isabela II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ISELCO II) and BKS Green Energy Corp. (BKS) filed a Joint Application dated 03 March 2021 (Application), seeking the Commission’s approval of their Power Supply Agreement (PSA), with prayer for issuance of provisional authority and/or interim relief and motion for confidential treatment of information.

The pertinent allegations of the Joint Application are hereunder quoted as follows: 1. Applicant ISELCO II is an electric cooperative duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal office address at Government Center, Alibagu, City of Ilagan, Isabela. Pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 269, ISELCO II holds an exclusive franchise issued by the National Electrification Commission to operate an electric light and power distribution services in the Province of Isabela, particularly in the City of Ilagan and Municipalities of Palanan, Burgos, Gamu, Aurora, San Manuel, Roxas, Maconacon, Divilacan, Mallig, Quezon, Quirino, Sta. Maria, San Pablo, Delfin Albano, Sto. Tomas, Cabagan, Tumauini, Naguilian, Benito Soliven and San Mariano (“Franchise Area”). It maybe served with notices and other processes of this Honorable Commission through its counsel at the address indicated herein.

2. Applicant BKS is a renewable energy generation company duly organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines with principal address at Barangay Limbauan, San Pablo, Isabela. It may be served with notices and other processes of this Honorable Commission through its counsel at the address indicated herein.

3. BKS shall construct, own, operate and manage the 5 MW Limbauan Solar Power Project in Barangay Limbauan, San Pablo, Isabela.

NATURE OF THE APPLICATION 4. This Application is filed pursuant to Rule 20 (B) of the Energy Regulatory Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedures and other pertinent rules and regulations, for the Honorable Commission’s approval of the Power Supply Agreement between ISELCO II and BKS Green Energy Corp. A copy of the PSA is attached hereto as Annex “B”.

STATEMENT OF THE FACTS 5. At present, ISELCO II sources its power requirements from the following suppliers: CONTRACT CAPACITY (MW)

TERM (years)

ERC APPROVAL

Anda Power Corporation

5 MW

13 years until December 1, 2030

ERC Case No. 2016-085RC

SMC Consolidated Power Corporation

18 MW

5 years until December 1, 2024

ERC Case No. 2016-121RC

SUPPLIER

acceptance by the Customer, of power (except if due to the act or omission of the Party seeking to claim a Force Majeure Event, unless otherwise due to a Force Majeure Event). In case of disagreement as to the existence of a transmission failure, the Parties shall secure the necessary certification from the System Operator, which certification shall bind both Parties; and

MATERIAL PROVISIONS AND OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION OF THE PSA

TODAY

6. Based on the power situation outlook for 2021 and succeeding years, ISELCO II foresees a capacity deficit in its portfolio, particularly peaking requirements due to increased demand. In fact, its 5-year power supply agreement with San Miguel Electric Corporation already expired in 01 December 2019.

7. In order to ensure continuous and reliable supply of electricity for ISELCO II’s customers, there is a need for ISELCO II to source its peaking requirements through bilateral power supply contracts.

8. Under Section 45 (b) of Republic Act No. 9136 (“EPIRA”), it is provided that “Distribution Utilities may enter into bilateral power supply contracts subject to review by the ERC xxx”.

9. Following the conduct of competitive selection process (“CSP”), on 10 November 2020, ISELCO II executed a PSA with BKS, for the purchase of electric energy by its Plant corresponding to 5 MW (net). The conduct of CSP by ISELCO II proceeded as follows: 9.1. On 10 and 20 April 2019, ISELCO II caused the publication of an Invitation to Bid, which contained basic terms of reference, indicating a summary of the process and timelines of the CSP, and inviting power generation companies to submit an Expression of Interest on or before the deadline set out in the said invitation. At the same time, ISELCO II caused the posting thereof on its website and the Department of Energy’s (“DOE”) e-based portal.

9.2. On 7 May 2019, a pre-bid conference was held.

Detailed evaluation of bids and post-qualification evaluation were conducted from 17 to 28 June 2019.

9.3. On 16 August 2019, the Third-Party Bids and Awards Committee (TPBAC) convened for the final evaluation of the bids and declared BKS’ bid as the LOWEST EVALUATED AND RESPONSIVE BID as the same “complied with all necessary requirements and conditions of the bidding documents”.

Article V. CONTRACTED CAPACITY AND ENERGY AND CONTRACT RATE 5. The Power Plant subject of this Agreement is a Solar Energy Plant with an installed capacity of 5 Mw. The Power Plant shall be embedded in the Customer’s distribution system.

5.1. On COD onwards, the Supplier shall make available at the Delivery Point, and sell to the Customer the Contracted Capacity and Energy of 5 Mw. The Supplier may make available/sell additional energy upon request of the Customer.

5.2.The Customer shall pay the Supplier for the Contracted Energy made available and delivered on a monthly basis at the Contract Rate FIVE PESOS AND FORTY CENTAVOS per Kilo-watt-hour (Php540/ KWh). The Contracted Rate of FIVE PESOS AND FORTY CENTAVOS PER Kilo-watt-hour (Php54o/ KWh) shall be constant or no indexation over the life of this Agreement and shall decrease by TEN PERCENT (10%) if and when this Agreement is extended upon mutual agreement of the Parties and as may be approved by ERC. Hereunder is the breakdown of Php5.40/KWh, as follows:

9.6. On 20 July 2020, NEA issued a notice informing ISELCO II that it may proceed with the signing of the PSA with BKS Green Energy Corp.

Php 3.967

Fixed O&M

1.410

Variable O&M

0.023 Php 5.400/KW xxx

appropriate actions taken in response to any orders, warnings or advice given by a Governmental Instrumentality or the System Operator for safety reasons to implement emergency shutdown (except if due to the act or omission of the Party seeking to claim a Force Majeure Event, unless otherwise due to a Force Majeure Event). xxx

ARTICLE XX. ASSIGNMENT 20. Either Party may assign or otherwise transfer to a third party, permanently or temporarily, all or part of its rights and obligations under this Agreement subject to prior written consent of the other Party. The Customer may assign, transfer, designate or allocate a part or all its Contracted Capacity and Energy either permanently or for a certain number of Billing Periods, subject to the prior written consent of the Supplier.”

11. From the foregoing and given a certain set of assumptions, the annual effective rate under the PSA is Php 5.40 per kWh (at plant gate), as shown in the rate impact analysis below: Table 1 Impact Rate Analysis on the PSA between ISELCO II and BKS Reference Year 2019 (Actual Data of ISELCO II) Description

Unit

Value

Total kWhr Purchased

kWhr

266,462,770.00

Billing Determinant

kWhr

9,355,860.00

MPSA Rate

Php/kWhr

5.40

BKS Effective Rate

Php/kWhr

4.21

Mix Rate (Other Gen)

Php/kWhr

7.64

Blended Rate (without BKS)

Php/kWhr

7.71

Blended Rate (with BKS)

Php/kWhr

7.52

Total Cost (without BKS)

Php

2,055,708,198.31

Total Cost (with BKS)

Php

2,033,969,801.30

Increase/(Decrease) in Cost

Php

(51,738,397.01)

Increase/(Decrease) in Rate

Php/kWhr

ARTICLE VI. OBLIGATION TO SUPPLY 6. The Supplier shall have the obligation to make available the Contracted Capacity and Energy during the Contract Term. However, the Supplier shall be excused from this obligation during any interruption or reduction due to: (i) an Event of Force Majeure affecting the Supplier or the Customer, (ii) any Scheduled Outage, provided, that, for the Contract Year in which any such outage occurs, the number of days for the Allowable Scheduled Outage are not yet exhausted for such year, or (iii) any Forced Outage, provided, that for the Contract Year in which such outage occurs, the number of days for the Allowed Forced Outage are not yet exhausted; or (iv) Major Maintenance Outage. xxx ARTICLE XI. TAXES AND OTHER CHARGES 11. Governmental Charges. It includes all Energy Tax, and other forms of taxes as may be imposed by the Government, except the Supplier’s own income taxes and Local Business Taxes which shall be for the Supplier’s account, benefits to host communities under DOE ER 1-94, universal charges imposed under RA 9136, and similar taxes and charges imposed by any government authority (Governmental Charges) on or with respect to the delivery of Contracted Capacity and Energy at, before or after the Delivery Point, including taxes on fuel (including supplemental fuel) purchased by the Supplier to generate electricity pursuant to this Agreement, or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

11.1. Governmental Charges shall be for the account of the Customer. In the event the Supplier is required by Applicable Laws to remit or pay any such Governmental Charges, such amounts will be set forth in the Monthly Bill for the applicable Billing Period and shall be due and payable by the Customer in accordance with Article X of this Agreement.

(.19)

12. Member-consumers of ISELCO II will benefit from the additional supply coming from BKS since the blended generation rate will be reduced by about Php 0.19/kWhr (as seen in the rate impact above) which will result to savings to consumers of around Php 51,738,397.01.

13. The need for additional supply to captive consumers of ISELCO II and the financial closing of the project require the urgent approval for provisional authority and/or interim relief.

14. In support of this Joint Application, and the prayer for provisional authority and/or interim relief, the Judicial Affidavit of Mr. Alexander B. Subaran, Treasurer of BKS is attached as Annex “C”, respectively.

15. Likewise, in support of the instant Joint Application, the Applicants provide the following documents, which underwent pre-filing conference and pre-filing marking of annexes with this Honorable Commission: DOCUMENT

ANNEX

ISELCO II’s Articles of Cooperation and By-Laws

Annex “D”

ISELCO’s Distribution Development Plan

Annex”E”

Write-up on the non-applicability of a Certification by NPC re: whether Transition Supply Contract capacity and energy is expected to be available

Annex”F”

Documents showing ISELCO II’s conduct of CSP

Annex “G series”

BKS’s Certification of Incorporation & By-laws BKS’s Amended Articles of Incorporation

Annex “H” Annex “H1”

BKS’s latest General Information Sheet

Annex “I”

Shareholders’ Agreement

Annex”J”

Certificate of Registration with DOE

Annex “K”

Solar Energy Service Contract

Annex “L”

Environmental Compliance Certificate issued by DENR

Annex “M”

Connection Agreement between ISELCO II and BKS Green Energy Corp.

Annex “N”

Executive Summary of PSA

Annex “O”

Feasibility Study of Limbauan Solar Power Project

Annex”P”

Summary of Technical Parameters (all relevant technical and economic characteristics of the generation capacity: Installed capacity, Mode of Operation, Dependable Capacity, Auxiliary Load, Scheduled and Unscheduled Outages)

Annex “Q”

Financial Model; Generation Rate and Derivation; Cash Flow; Costs analysis related to generation in support of the pricing provisions of the contract

Annex “R series”

c) explosions, fires, earthquakes, lightning, typhoon, tsunami, flood, cyclone, volcanic eruptions, landslides or other natural disasters, acts of God, epidemic, quarantine or plague;

Sources of Funds

Annex”S”

Latest Financial Statement

Annex”T”

Independent Auditor’s Report

Annex “T-1”

d) any action or aggregation of actions or failure to act by a Governmental Instrumentality, including expropriation, requisition, confiscation, nationalization or other compulsory acquisition, export or import restriction or restrictions, rationing or allocations imposed by any Governmental Instrumentality, including closure of ports or rail tracks, docks, or other installations intended for use by maritime or rail transport respectively, or in the provision of services for those activities by any Governmental Instrumentality (in each instance, occurring in the Philippines);

Notes to Financial Statements

Annex “T-2”

xxx ARTICLE XV. FORCE MAJEURE 15.1. Instances of Force Majeure Event. Subject to the provisions of the preceding Sections, the instances of Force Majeure Event shall include, but not be limited to the following: a) acts of war of the public enemy whether war is declared or not; b) public disorder, civil disturbance, insurrection, rebellion, acts or campaigns of terrorism, piracy, embargo, sabotage, blockage, revolution, riots or violent demonstrations;

e) any Change in Applicable Law in the Philippines; f)

9.4. On 12 November 2019, a Notice of Award was issued in favor of BKS. 9.5. On 09 September 2019, ISELCO II’s TPBAC wrote to National Electrification Administration (“NEA”) pursuant to NEA guidelines for the review of the PSA prior to signing.

Capital Recovery Fee

j)

strikes, lockdowns or other collective or industrial action by workers or employees occurring in the Philippines, provided that any Party that seeks to invoke such a strike, lockout or other collective or industrial action as a Force Majeure Event must first utilize all reasonable effort to continue performance of its obligations hereunder;

g) radioactive contamination, ionizing radiation, or toxic or chemical contamination; h) unavailability of power from the Philippine Grid; i)

any system emergency or transmission failure that may affect the delivery by the Supplier, or

Written explanation on the non-submission of the following documents: (i) Certificate of Compliance; (ii) Certificate of Endorsement, and (iii) Certificate of Registration with Board of Investments

Annex “U”

ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY Applicants replead the foregoing allegations and further state that: 16. ISELCO II has an urgent and pressing need for an additional generating capacity since bulk of its supply already expired on 01 December 2019.

17. To prevent delay in the implementation of the PSA, a provisional authority is respectfully prayed for, considering that it is necessary for financial closing. Once financial closing is accomplished, it is estimated that BKS will be able to supply power in accordance with the Effective Date of the PSA. 18. It will also help in promoting the development and utilization of renewable energy resources as tools to effectively prevent or reduce harmful emissions as avowed in Republic Act No. 9513 also known as the Renewable Energy Act of 2008.

19. Public interest as well as the declared government policy encouraging the development and utilization of renewable energy resources therefore compels the immediate issuance of a provisional authority subject to final authority that may be subsequently issued by the Honorable Commission.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION FOR

World

TODAY

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION

20. Under Rule 4 of ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, the Honorable Commission may, upon request of a party and determination of the existence of conditions which would warrant such remedy, treat certain information submitted to it as confidential. Pursuant to such provision, applicant BKS Green Energy Corp. respectfully prays for the issuance of a protective order declaring Annexes “P”, “R series” and “S” as confidential information, since the applicant BKS intends to present them as evidence in this Application.

21. Annexes “P”, “R series” and “S” contain certain non-public information, data and projections involving business operations and financial trade secrets reflecting BKS’s investment and business calculations.

They also contain information regarding the debt or equity ratio, capital costs, weighted average cost of capital, among other information. All these information are considered classified business information by applicant BKS, which, if released to the public including its competitors, would place the latter at undue advantage against BKS. In addition, such information falls within the bounds of valuable proprietary interest under “trade secrets” which are entitled to protection under the Constitution, statutes, rules and regulations.

22. Information, which falls within the definition of a trade secret, as defined by jurisprudence is clearly information which merits the confidential treatment provided for under Rule 4 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure. Annexes “P”, “R series” and “S” should therefore be entitled to the protection of confidential information provided under Rule 4 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure.

23. The Applicants hereby submit one (1) copy of each of the foregoing confidential documents in a sealed envelope, with the envelope and each page of the document stamped with the word “Confidential”.

PRAYER WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is respectfully prayed that the Honorable Commission:

B3

MONDAY, JULY 19, 2021 || mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Olympic athletes infected; Europe in virus travel woe T OKYO—Two athletes became the first to test positive for the coronavirus in the Tokyo Olympic Village, officials said Sunday, as new border rules in Europe caused last-minute travel frustration.

Less than a week before the Olympics is due to begin, the cases will heighten concerns over the event.

Organisers have described the Games as the world’s “most restrictive sports event”, but it faces opposition in Japan over fears it will bring new infections to a country already battling a surge.

A daily tally of new cases revealed two athletes tested positive in the Village and one elsewhere. They come a day after an unidentified person, who was not a competitor, became the first case in the village.

Britain is also facing a backlash over its

decision to exclude France from its new looser entry policies -- vaccinated returning UK residents will still have to quarantine for 10 days, unlike in other “amber” countries.

“I’m a doctor so I understand the health issues very well, but this doesn’t make any sense,” said Maud Lemoine, a London-based doctor who is visiting France.

And France’s government drew ire after announcing that unvaccinated visitors from Britain and several other European countries must show a negative Covid test taken within 24 hours of departure rather than 48 or 72 hours, as was the case previously.

The interior ministry said almost 114,000 demonstrators gathered across France on Saturday to protest against the government’s handling of the pandemic and continued restrictions on everyday life.

“It’s not that we think the Earth is flat, but we don’t know the long-term effects of these vaccines cobbled together in a hurry,” care assistant Rita, 39, said at a march in the city of Montpellier.

Elsewhere in Europe, Greek officials im-

posed curfews on the party island of Mykonos and Spanish authorities did likewise in Barcelona and other cities in the northeastern Catalonia region.

EU jabs overtake US European governments are facing an uphill battle, with the EU’s disease prevention agency warning that infections could rise fivefold across the bloc by August 1.

But the continent also had something to celebrate, with the proportion of people vaccinated topping the US figure for the first time.

Around 55.5 percent have now had a first dose following a sluggish start, compared with 55.4 across the Atlantic.

EU Commissioner Thierry Breton said the achievement validated the EU’s strategy of “remaining open and exporting half of our production to 100+ countries”, vaunting the bloc’s “solidarity” compared with other vaccine makers.

And in Britain, where most of the adult population has now had two jabs, the government is preparing to ease most restrictions. AFP

Health minister catches COVID ahead of British ‘freedom day’

(i) ISSUE an Order treating Annexes “P”, “R series” and “S” as confidential information pursuant to Rule 4, Section 1 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure and prescribing the guidelines for the protection thereof; (ii) Immediately ISSUE a provisional authority and/or interim relief authorizing the applicants to implement the Power Supply Agreement; and (iii) After hearing on the merits, render a decision APPROVING the Power Supply Agreement.

Other reliefs, just and equitable, are likewise prayed for.

The Commission hereby sets the same for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and presentation of evidence on the following dates and online platform for the conduct thereof, pursuant to Resolution No. 09, Series of 20201 dated 24 September 2020 and Resolution No. 01, Series of 2021, dated 17 December 2020 (ERC Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure):2 (This space was intentionally left blank) Date and Time 12 August 2021 (Thursday) at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 P.M.) 19 August 2021 (Thursday) at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 P.M.)

Platform

Activity

Microsoft Teams

Determination of compliance with jurisdictional requirements and Expository presentation

Microsoft Teams

Pre-trial Conference and presentation of evidence

Any interested stakeholder may submit its comments and/or clarifications at least one (1) calendar day prior to the scheduled virtual hearing, via electronic mail (e-mail) at docket@erc.ph, copy furnish the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph. The Commission shall give priority to the stakeholders who have duly submitted their respective comments and/or clarifications, to discuss the same and propound questions during the course of the expository presentation.

Moreover, all persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission via e-mail at docket@erc.ph, copy furnish the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph, a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) calendar days prior to the date of the initial virtual hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the ERC Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following: 1) The petitioner’s name, mailing address and e-mail address; 2) The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and 3) A statement of the relief desired.

Likewise, all other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may likewise file through e-mail at docket@erc.ph, copy furnish the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph, their Opposition or Comment thereon at least five (5) calendar days prior to the initial virtual hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the ERC Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following:

STEP ON PM. A pro-democracy protester stands on an image of Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha as people gather at Democracy Monument before marching to Government House to demand Prayut’s resignation in Bangkok on July 18. AFP

Western Europe flood death toll tops 170

SCHULD, Germany -- Chancellor Angela Merkel is to visit flood-ravaged areas in Germany on Sunday to survey the damage and meet survivors, after days of extreme rainfall in western Europe left at least 171 people dead and dozens missing.

Merkel is scheduled to travel to the village of Schuld in Rhineland-Palatinate state, one of the two hardest-hit regions in western Germany, where the swollen Ahr river swept away houses and left debris piled high in the streets.

At least 144 people have died since Wednesday in Germany’s worst flooding in living memory, while 27 people have lost their lives in neighbouring Belgium.

Rescue crews in both countries were sifting through rubble to find victims, often in dangerous conditions.

The historic downpours also battered Switzerland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

As the waters began to recede in RhinelandPalatinate and neighbouring North-Rhine

Westphalia, concern shifted south to Germany’s Upper Bavaria region where heavy rains inundated basements and swelled rivers and creeks late Saturday.

One person died in Berchtesgadener Land, a spokeswoman for the Bavarian district told AFP. In Austria, emergency workers in the Salzburg and Tyrol regions were on high alert for flooding. The historic town centre of Hallein, near the German frontier, was under water.

Merkel has called the floods a “tragedy” and pledged support from the federal government for Germany’s stricken municipalities.

Speaking alongside US President Joe Biden at the White House on Thursday, Merkel said her “heart goes out to all of those who in this catastrophe lost their loved ones”.

The government has said it is working to set up a special aid fund, with the cost of damage expected to reach several billion euros. AFP

LONDON—British Health Secretary Sajid Javid said on Saturday he had tested positive for COVID-19 and was self-isolating—just as his government prepared to jettison most pandemic restrictions in England.

Under his government’s rules, Javid is now required to self-isolate for 10 days, after he tweeted that a PCR test had confirmed his initial lateral flow test.

Any of his “close contacts”—potentially including others in the government —would have to self-isolate too if they receive instructions from the state-run National Health Service (NHS).

Javid had a “lengthy” meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday, according to the Sunday Times.

Johnson nearly died of COVID last year. Downing Street declined to comment on whether the prime minister or other members of the cabinet now also face isolation.

Javid appeared alongside ministers in parliament last week, and one government source told The Telegraph newspaper: “I don’t see how half the cabinet doesn’t end up in isolation by the end of the week.”

Javid has only been in the job since June 26, when former health secretary Matt Hancock resigned following revelations he had broken coronavirus restrictions during an affair with a close aide.

Javid stressed he has received both doses of a Covid vaccine and his symptoms were “very mild”. He said any member of the public feeling symptoms should get a test too.

“If everyone plays their part, you’re not only protecting yourself and your loved ones, but you’re also safeguarding the NHS and helping to preserve our way of life,” the minister said. AFP

Widow of Haiti president back home from Florida

PORT-AU-PRINCE—The widow of Haiti’s slain president Jovenel Moise returned home Saturday after being treated in Florida for wounds she suffered in the attack, an official said.

Martine Moise, 47, with her right arm in a sling Any of the persons mentioned in the preceding paragraphs and wearing a bullet proof vest, was received at Portmay access the copy of the Application on the Commission’s au-Prince airport by interim prime minister Claude official website at www.erc.gov.ph.

Joseph, secretary of state for communications Frantz Finally, all interested persons may be allowed to join the Exantus wrote on Twitter. scheduled initial virtual hearing by providing the Commission, Under gray skies and buffeted by strong winds, the Manila thru legal.virtualhearings@erc.ph, with their respectiveStandard e-mail first lady gingerly descended the steps of the plane, addresses and indicating therein the case number of the instant TODAY before firmly shaking hands with those assembled Joint Application. The Commission will send the access link/s to to welcome her, as seen on a video posted on social the aforementioned hearing platform within five (5) working days media. prior to the scheduled hearing.

“The first lady... has just arrived in Haiti to take part in preparations for the state funeral” of her late WITNESS, the Honorable Commissioners ALEXIS M. LUMBATAN, husband, Exantus wrote, posting pictures of Martine CATHERINE P. MACEDA, FLORESINDA G. BALDO-DIGAL and Moise disembarking from a private plane accompaMARKO ROMEO L. FUENTES, Energy Regulatory Commission, this nied by multiple security agents.AFP th 17 day of June 2021 in Pasig City.

1) The name, mailing address and e-mail address of such person; 2) A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and 3) The grounds relied upon.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF LUCIA M. PAGALA

AGNES VST DEVANADERA Chairperson and CEO

1 2

Entitled: A Resolution Adopting the Guidelines Governing Electronic Applications, Filings and Virtual Hearings Before the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Entitled: A Resolution Adopting the Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure of the Energy Regulatory Commission.

M. Standard – July 12 & 19, 2021

Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of LUCIA M. PAGALA, who died in Makati City on 30 January 2011, consisting of parcels of land located at 319 Batanes St., Pitogo, Makati City, covered by Transfer Certificate of Title Nos. 224379, 224380, 224381, 224382, 224383, and residential buildings located at the same address and covered by Tax Declaration No. F01001330, F01001332, F01001334, F01001336, are the subject of an Extrajudicial Settlement made by late Lucia M. Pagala’s heirs, namely Ernesto M. Pagala, Danilo M. Pagala, Reynaldo M. Pagala, and Flordelina P. Jaballas, per Doc No. 90, Page No. 19, Book No. 1, Series of 2021, of the Notarial Registry of Atty. Raychelle S. Pacheco, Notary Public for and in the City of Makati.

(MS-JULY 19/26 & AUG. 2, 2021)

CHEEKY WINNER. Hong Kong director Tang Yi poses with her trophy during a

photocall after she won the Palme d’Or - Short Film for her film ‘All the Crows in the World’ during the closing ceremony of the 74th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on July 17. AFP

3 people shot outside crowded baseball stadium in US capital WASHINGTON—Three people were shot outside a baseball stadium crowded with thousands of spectators in the US capital on Saturday, causing the game to be abruptly halted as fans were ushered out.

Police initially tweeted four people had been shot, but Washington police second in command Ashan Benedict later said there were three wounded in the incident.

He said two of those hit were in one of two vehicles that was involved in a

shootout. The third victim was a woman on the sidewalk outside the stadium where she had been attending the game.

“At no time during this incident were individuals inside the stadium attending the game in any type of danger. This was not an active shooter incident. Everything took place outside the stadium,” Benedict told reporters.

He said the woman was “expected to be OK.”

AFP journalists who were at the game said some spectators had rushed for the exits after hearing a dozen or more gunshots outside the stadium, while others remained in their seats at the announcer’s initial urging.

Several bursts of automatic gunfire could be clearly heard in the stadium in footage of the game posted on social media, while another video showed streams of people sprinting away from the stands. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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

B4

MONDAY, JULY 19, 2021

Business

Lucio Co liquor firm allotting P4b for acquisitions

By Jenniffer B. Austria

GMA bidding to become conglomerate PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, July 16, 2021

-34.10 PTS. 6,693.83

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

2,395,227,060 109,209 7,592,471,597.11 48 164 34

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

50.2790

Japan

Yen

0.009106

0.4578

UK

Pound

1.382800

69.5258

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128738

6.4728

Switzerland

Franc

1.089087

54.7582

Canada

Dollar

0.794092

39.9262

Singapore

Dollar

0.738280

37.1200

Australia

Dollar

0.742300

37.3221

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655619

133.5219

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266624

13.4056

Brunei

Dollar

0.735565

36.9835

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.030618

1.5394

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.6896

Euro

Euro

1.181500

59.4046

Korea

Won

0.000876

0.0440

China

Yuan

0.154763

7.7813

India

Rupee

0.013418

0.6746

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.238039

11.9684

New Zealand

Dollar

0.698300

35.1098

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035867

1.8034 Source: BSP

By Darwin G. Amojelar

G

MA Network Inc. said over the weekend it is looking at acquisitions and new investments in the Philippines and abroad as part of its strategy to transform itself into a conglomerate.

The company said to streamline GMA Group’s investment and diversification efforts, it would set up GMA Ventures Inc., a holding company that is 100 percent owned by GMA. It would transform the GMA Group into one of the major conglomerates.

“We now set our sights on making GMA one of the major conglomerates in the Philippines. We are taking this significant step to future-proof the network, champion innovative industries and business models and be at the forefront of technology advancement and

the growth of the digital economy,” said GVI president and chief operating officer Regie Bautista.

He said to tap new markets and revenue streams, GVI would lead the GMA Group in identifying, investing in, and/ or building strong and sustainable businesses.

As a champion for innovative business models, GVI will focus on sunrise industries such as tech start-ups with substantial growth horizons and industries that continue to expand.

Aiming to be at the forefront of technology advancement and the growth of the digital economy, it will also engage in mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships and fund investments, within or outside the Philippines, he said.

“Following the successful roll-out of our digital TV products and a banner year in 2020, we are looking at surpassing our own achievements not just in terms of our main media business and content production,” said GMA and GVI chairman and chief executive Felipe Gozon.

“We are actively looking for ways to diversify the company’s portfolio by investing in sustainable businesses and, ultimately, providing the best returns to our shareholders in the years to come,” he said.

GMA president and chief operating officer Gilberto Duavit said while the media company was tirelessly working on maintaining its leadership position in the industry, the company also aimed to further contribute to the growth of the Philippine economy as it protects and increase shareholder value.

“GMA Ventures will be our arm in identifying other viable sources of revenue and future profit pools,” he said.

The leading broadcast network earlier reported a net income of P2.01 billion from January to March, up from P583 million in the same period last year.

First-quarter consolidated revenues grew 55 percent to P5.45 billion.

GMA Network became the undisputed leader in the TV and radio broadcast industry after the government shut down ABS-CBN Corp. of the Lopez family last year.

China-based PH car company to put up electric vehicle plant

By Othel V. Campos A FILIPINO electric car manufacturer based in China agreed to put up a manufacturing facility in the Philippines to serve the growing local demand for e-vehicles.

Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments managing director Ceferino Rodolfo said the Filipino firm is a major shareholder in an electric vehicle manufacturing company in China.

“This Filipino company is going to set up the infrastructure in the electric vehicle manufacturing space. Initially, they are importing the electric vehicles, but they will set up the infrastructure and more importantly the charging stations. Once they sold 20,000 units of e-vehicles, they are going to assemble electric vehicles in the Philippines,” Rodolfo said in a webinar organized by the Integrated Development Studies Institute.

Rodolfo said Filipino investors in China were taking a second look at the Philippines to take part in the projected rebound of the economy.

“Prior to this administration, there were more Filipinos investing in China than Chinese companies investing here. We are already seeing some Filipinos who have invested in China who are now coming back,” he said.

Chinese investments in the Philippines, he said, is in a transition phase, from having purely traditional state-owned corporations investing here to privately-held companies who are bullish to set-up multi-billion peso investments in critical industries.

He cited the P11-billion integrated steel project of Chinese firm PanHua Group Co. Ltd. in Mindanao and several other projects that were not yet reported.

Manila

Standard NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION TODAY

OF INDIGO PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC.

Notice is hereby given that the resolution dissolving the corporation as of September 12, 2019 was adopted by the affirmative vote of the stockholders owning at least two thirds (2/3) of the total outstanding capital stock or at least two thirds (2/3) of the members of the corporation at a meeting held on April 12, 2019 at the principal office. A balance sheet showing that no creditors thereof will be affected by such dissolution has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All persons having claims against the corporation are requested to present the same at its principal office at Penthouse 3 Dacon Building 2281 Chino Roces Ext., Magallanes, Makati City, for immediate settlement.

This announcement will serve as notice to all parties concerned of the legal dissolution of the said corporation.

PASIG CITY, PHILIPPINES

MARIKO C. TAMURA Corporate Secretary

(MS-JULY 12/19/26, 2021)

THE Keepers Holdings Inc., the newly formed liquor distribution company of businessman Lucio Co, plans to spend P4 billion within the next two years to fund potential acquisition opportunities.

Keepers Holdings, based on the registration statement for its planned share sale filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, said it plans to acquire other liquor businesses that have a strategic fit to the current operations.

“The group believes that the Philippines offers attractive mergers and acquisitions opportunities fit for the group’s horizontal and vertical integration to capture more value along the alcoholic beverage industry’s value chain,” Keepers Holdings said.

Keepers Holdings, formerly known as Da Vinci Capital Holdings, Inc., was a shell company also owned by Co. It earlier bought Montosco Inc., Meritus Prime Distributions Inc. and Premier Wine and Spirits Inc. through a shareswap transaction with Cosco Capital Inc., Co’s retail holding company.

Keepers Holdings’ planned acquisitions will further spur growth in the domestic spirits market and expand its portfolio across the alcoholic beverage industry.

Co’s group collectively is the largest distributor of imported spirits in the Philippines with a market share of 74 percent based on volume and 66.9 percent based in retail sales value in 2020, according to IWSR, a global provider of data and market intelligence on beverage alcohol.

Aside from acquisitions, Keepers Holdings plans to spend P1.5 billion to further develop product portfolio and distribution channels.

“As part of the group’s initiative to maintain its leadership position in the imported spirits, wines and specialty beverages segment, the group intends to fill in the gaps in its existing product portfolio by developing, incubating and launching new products,” the company said.

IN BRIEF

New Clark terminal receives high marks

CONVERGE DONATION. Converge ICT Solutions corporate communications and public relations director Jay-Anne Encarnado (right) hands over food aid of 800 5-kilogram rice packs and 5-liter water containers to Batangas provincial administrator Levi Dimaunahan (second from left) and Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste (third from left) for distribution to the province’s evacuation centers. Converge teamed up with the local government units in Batangas to provide food and internet connection for the families affected by Taal Volcano unrest.

CYAN

Peso stable compared with Asian currencies

By Julito G. Rada THE peso remains relatively stable compared with other Asian currencies despite the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Finance said over the weekend.

In an economic bulletin, Finance Undersecretary and chief economist Gil Beltran said like other currencies in the region, the peso weakened against the US dollar at the end of the first semester of 2021.

But Beltran said year-to-date, “the peso depreciated by 1.05 percent against the dollar, one of the four strongest among 11 Asian currencies.”

“The peso was the least volatile currency among Asian countries with available data in 2019. The volatility of many currencies increased in 2020 due to the pandemic but the peso remained among the more stable curren-

cies, ranking next to the Thai baht,” Beltran said.

He said the volatility of the peso-dollar exchange rate —as estimated by the coefficient of variation—rose from 0.74 in 2019 to 0.92 in 2020, tracking the trend in Asian currencies.

He said for the month of June, the peso-dollar coefficient of variation rose to 0.94 from the 0.82 registered in May. He said theincrease in volatility might be traced to the Fed’s indication to start ‘talking’ about a taper, that is, reducing its purchase of government bonds and mortgage-backed securities.

“Strong fundamentals support the relative stability of the peso. As of end-May, for instance, the country’s reserves of $107.25 billion could cover more than a year’s worth of imports. Furthermore, the country’s exposure to external debt, measured in percent to GDP, is the lowest among major Southeast Asian economies,” Beltran said.

Drop in Japan’s smoking rate model for Asia JAPAN’S achievement in reducing smoking rate by 42 percent in a span of just five years through substitution can be model for other Asian countries to address their own smoking problem, according to a public health policy expert.

“A 42-percent decline in cigarette sales in the first quarter of this year, compared to five years ago is unprecedented. I mean, that is so NOTICE far beyond what any other major market has ever seen.

It cangivenhappen,” said VERSATILE Prof. David Notice is hereby that METRO BUILD-TECH CORP., applying for for registration Sweanor, chair of isthe Center Healthwith Law, the Board of Investments (BOI) as a New Producer of Policy and Ethics and an adjunct professor Housing Component [Autoclaved Aerated Concrete of (AAC) under R.A. 1134 (CREATE ACT) and the law atBlocks], the University of Ottawa.

Preferred List - Modular Housing Component of the 2020 Sweanor, who received IPP with office and project site located atPan-American Lot 3279-B-1 Barangay San Antonio, Bacolor,Public Pampanga.

Health Organization’s Health Hero lifetime achievement andonOttawa’s OutAny person with valid award objections the abovementioned Individual project may file his/her objectionaward, in writing,said standing Philanthropist under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the during thepublication.

4th Asia Harm Reduction Forum date of this held virtually from Manila on June 28, 2021 that Japan is(SGD.) an example of F.what can be accomANGELITA ARCELLANA Director plished through tobacco harm reduction.

Infrastucture and Services Industries Service He said Japan achieved the feat when it allowed in the market the substitution of combustible cigarettes with low-risk heated tobacco (MS-JULY 12, 2021)

products. HTPs heat, instead of burn, tobacco to release a nicotine-containing tobacco vapor.

Sweanor said 8 million people die each year from smoking-related diseases out of more than 1 billion smokers across the world.

“We have known the risks from smoking for many decades. We have known that it’s the smoke, not the nicotine, [that is responsible for diseases]. We know we can deliver nicotine in ways that have minimal risk. We know the consumers will move to those products and we know consumers will move to those products in significant numbers,” said Sweanor, referring to smoke-free products such as HTPs, ecigarettes or vapes, and snus.

He said the problem is the inhalation of smoke as a way of getting nicotine. “Well over a billion people are inhaling smoke today in order to get nicotine. It’s totally unnecessary. They can get the nicotine without the smoke. So we’ve got a range of products and we’ve seen what can happen when consumers have the ability to move to those products,” he said.

CLARK FREEPORT—Aviation authorities gave Clark International Airport Passenger Terminal Building high marks after inspecting the newly-completed facility Saturday.

Sitting on a 110-square meter lot within the Clark aviation complex, the new terminal building is expected to accommodate at least 8 million passengers a year once fully operational or the situation becomes normal, said Luzon International Premier Airport Development (LIPAD) corporation chief executive officer Bi Yong Chungungco in a statement.

She said the terminal is equipped stateof-the-art technology and vital contactless solutions for smooth and safe operations.

“Intuitive and inclusive–this will be our mantra for the new Clark International Airport.

LIPAD designed CRK to be the airport of choice for travelers flying in or out of the Philippines. Top priority is to fulfill the mission of giving passengers a world-class travel MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK experience, through new technologies that support a seamless process and commercial offerings that constantly cater to passengers’ needs while still maintaining that signature Filipino, and of course, Pampango experience,” said Chungunco. Jess Malabanan

D&L bonds obtain highest credit rating D&L Industries Inc., a listed chemicals and food ingredients manufacturer, has obtained the highest credit rating of PRS Aaa with a stable outlook for its proposed fixed rated bonds worth P5 billion.

Philippine Rating Services Corp.(PhilRatings) said obligations rated PRS Aaa are of the highest quality with minimal credit risk. This highest rating also indicates the issuer’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

D&L filed an application with the Securities and Exchange Commission to issue P3 billion worth of fixed rate bonds with an oversubscription option of up to P2 billion. The bonds will have tenors of three and five years.

In assigning the rating, PhilRatings considered the company’s strong market position in the industries it operates in as well as the diverse products it offers.

Jenniffer B. Austria

PCC moves to probe errant power firms THE Philippine Competition Commission has started data gathering in preparation for an investigation into the possible violations of power companies as raised by the Department of Energy (DOE).

The DOE earlier asked the PCC, Department of Justice and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for enforcement assistance and case build-up on any violation of laws and other policies by the industry players in the wake of tight power supply experienced in the Luzon grid that led to red and yellow alerts.

“So far with respect to the brownout case that was brought up to the commission by the Office of the President... we are using the MOA (memorandum of agreement) with ERC as a vehicle to get that information or sharing of information,” PCC chairman Arsenio M. Balisacan said during a webinar on Abuse of Dominance for the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines on Saturday.

“We are also working closely with DOE, and we have in fact a task force organized to get this coordination working as smooth as possible and achieve our objective of securing that information, documents, evidence to get the case moving,” Balisacan said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

AN OLYMPIC MISSION: QUEST FOR GOLD AND GLORY

C1

MONDAY, JULY 19, 2021 advertise@manilastandard.net

19-STRONG TEAM PH

In search of gold, glory in Tokyo

By Jessica Luna and Rommel Bong R. Fuertes Jr.

C

OULD this be the year when the Philippines finally quenches an Olympic thirst that has lasted for 94 years?

The country’s top sports officials in Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez and Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino think so.

“Naniniwala akong may medalya tayo sa Tokyo Olympics. Malamang meron tayong gold, silver at bronze medal kasi mayron din tayong mga baguhan na puwedeng gumawa ng surprises,” said Ramirez.

The two-time PSC chief thanked all the athletes for their sacrifices and dedication to reach their dream of becoming an Olympian, which according to him is not an overnight success.

“I’m so excited for the result of the hard work of the athletes, coaches, and NSAs on this journey to Tokyo Olympics in this pandemic. ‘Yung makarating ka lang ng Olympics, parang nanalo ka na rin ng gold. It’s priceless to be in an international competition lalo na sa Olympics,” said Ramirez.

He also said that preparing for the Olympics is not a one-year affair. He explained that for the Tokyo 2020+1 Olympics, preparation started as early as the 2016 Rio Olympics. He disclosed that the PSC has spent around P2 billion on the national team’s expenses from

that time to the present for the national team’s preparation.

“Pero hindi naman kailangan na umabot ka ng 12 years para maka-medalya ka sa Olympics. Depende talaga sa talento, coaching, exposure, serendipity, at panahon, maraming factors ‘yan,” Ramirez explained.

Like Ramirez, Tolentino is upbeat of the country’s chances to land a gold in the summer games.

“Matagal ko nang sinasabi ito, we will get a minimum of one gold. ‘Pag lumampas doon, bonus na iyun,” said Tolentino.

The POC chief, however, added that he won’t give a name or face to the athlete who will most likely claim the country’s first-ever gold medal, saying all members of Team Philippines are capable.

Those with great chances of winning it all are golfers Yuka Saso, Bianca Pagdanganan and Juvic Pagunsan, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena, gymnast Carlos Yulo and boxers Eumir Felix Marcial and Nesthy Petecio.

The rest of the 19-strong Philippine contingent composed of boxers Carlo Paalam and Irish Magno, rower Cris Nievarez, taekwondo jin Kurt Barbosa, Next page

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Saso, Pagdanganan, Pagunsan: PH’s golf triple threat

By Jessica Luna

W

HEN National Golf Association of the Philippines secretarygeneral Bones Floro says that Filipino golfers Yuka Saso, Bianca Pagdanganan and Juvic Pagunsan are all capable of bringing home that elusive, first-ever gold from the Olympics, you better believe it.

“Their confidence level is at their peak. They all have realistic chances even for the gold,” said Floro in an online forum recently.

And why not? Their credentials are certainly nothing to sneeze at.

YUKA SASO First on the list is newly crowned Women’s US Open champion Yuka Saso, who made history as the first athlete from the Philippines to win a golf major.

Saso has won at practically all levels in her young golf career, from local tournaments hosted by her godfather International Container Terminals Services, Inc., to the World Junior Golf, the Asian Games, the LPGA Japan Tour and the LPGA. The 19-year-old Fil-Japanese has made a killing at the Japanese Tour, where she is currently fourth on the money list with earnings of ¥97,721,942 (P42 million) following wins in the NEC Karuizawa Championship and the Nitori Ladies Golf Tournament, even though she has already left the tour for the more lucrative LPGA. And it helps that the Olympics will be held in Japan, Saso’s other “home “I actually already played there, the golf course was really good. They changed everything, and it’s all in good condition,” said Saso, referring to the Olympic golf venue the Kasumigaseki Country Club.

Early in the year, Saso, on account of her Japan success, was named the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s Athlete of the Year for the second time. The award was considered special as it was achieved during a pandemic year.

Before the said year ended, Saso showed she belongs with the world’s best following a strong 13thplace finish right on her rookie year in the Women’s US Open won by South Korea’s Kim A-Lim. Entering 2021, Yuka ranked 45th in the world.

She is now in the Top 10, jumping 32 places from no. 40 into the Top 10 at no. 8 in the women’s world golf rankings.

According to qualification rules, 60 players in each of the men’s and women’s events will make it to the list of Olympic qualifiers by June 21 for the men’s side and June 28 for the women’s. Saso, together with Pagdanganan (currently ranked no.

42) and Pagunsan (51st) clinched Olympic berths by virtue of this.

BIANCA PAGDANGANAN Pagdanganan takes pride in the fact that she is currently one of the longest-hitters, if not the longest hitter, in the LPGA, which labels her as the “future and a revolutionary figure of women’s pro golf,” not just because of her immense power, but also because of her character and the promise that she brings to the sport.

The 24-year-old Pagdanganan has been captivating observers with her relaxed demeanor and prodigious power since making her pro debut in July of last year. She finished tied ninth in her first major, the PGA Championship, and was then tied for third at the Drive On Championships behind winner Ally McDonald and world number five Danielle Kang to rocket to 43rd in the 2020 money list after playing only six events.

But it’s her power off the tee that turns heads.

“Yeah, she whacks it,” said Haley Moore, her NCAA championship-winning teammate at the University of Arizona. “We were like, ‘Oh man, Next page

Yuka Saso: Women’s US Open queen; Bianca Pagdanganan: LPGA’s longest hitter; and Juvic Pagunsan: Familiar Japan Tour force

In search...

From C1 skateboarder Margielyn Didal, weightlifter Elreen Ando, shooter Jayson Valdez, judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, trackster Kristina Knott and swimmers Luke Gebbie and Remedy Rule also have what it takes to pull off a monumental surprise.

LIFT OF FAITH Even before the coming Tokyo games, Diaz is already the most decorated Olympian ever, having participated in three Olympiads already, with a fourth one in Tokyo coming.

At age 17, Diaz made her first Olympic venture in 2008 in Beijing as a wildcard entry, who bombed out in the prelims. In the London games, four years later, she again fell by the wayside, although slowly but surely, she was making progress Finally when no one was looking in the 2016 Rio Olympics, she surprised everyone with a silver finish, that catapulted her into stardom and a household name.

If she wins the gold Tokyo, she will be the Philippines’ greatest athlete of all time.

THE POWER OF 3 GOLFERS Hopes are high on Saso, Pagdanganan and Pagunsan winning golf’s ultimate prize.

“Their confidence level is at their peak. They all have realistic chances even for the gold,” said golf official Bones Floro as he took note of their recent successes in the international scene.

Saso, for one, is the newly crowned Women’s US Open champion, who made history as the first athlete from the Philippines to win a golf major.

Currently ranked no. 8 in the world, Saso has won at practically all levels in her young golf career, from local tournaments hosted by her godfather International Container Terminals Services, Inc., to the World Junior Golf, the Asian Games, the LPGA Japan Tour and the LPGA. Prior to her US Open triumph, the 19-year-old Saso was a dominant force in the Japanese Tour, where she is currently fourth on the money list with earnings of ¥97,721,942 (P42 million), even though she has already left the tour for the more lucrative LPGA. Olympic golf will be held in Japan, Saso’s other “home.”

“I actually already played there, the golf course was really good. They

PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez

POC president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino

changed everything, and it’s all in good condition,” said Saso, referring to the Olympic golf venue the Kasumigaseki Country Club.

Pagdanganan takes pride in the fact that she is currently one of the longesthitters, if not the longest hitter, in the LPGA, which labels her as the “future and a revolutionary figure of women’s pro golf.”

The 24-year-old Pagdanganan finished tied for ninth in her first major, the PGA Championship, and was then tied for third at the Drive On Championships behind winner Ally McDonald and world number five Danielle Kang to rocket to 43rd in the 2020 money list after playing only six events.

On the other hand, the 43-year-old Pagunsan, who has earned points in the men’s division to make it to the quadrennial meet, recently conquered the 2021 Mizuno Open for his first Japan Golf Tour title last May 30 at the Setonaikai Golf Club in Okayama, Japan.

“It’s summer in Tokyo and the weather is quite similar to the Philippines.

So, they will be very comfortable,” said Floro.

BOXING’S FABULOUS FOUR For as long as any sports fan worth his salt can remember, boxing has long been a source pride for the Philippines in the Olympiad.

As proof, Filipino boxers delivered five—two silvers and 3 bronzes—of the Philippines’ 10 Olympic medals.

The silver medalists were featherweight Anthony Villanueva during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and light flyweight Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, while the bronze medalists were bantamweight José Villanueva in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, light fly Leopoldo Serantes in

the 1988 Seoul Olympics and Onyok’s older brother light fly Roel Velasco in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

“We cannot say whether they can win medals, but we think we are giving them all the preparation and opportunity to do well. The coaches, led

by Olympic head coach Don Abnett, are pacing them so that they will reach their peak when the Olympics come around,” said Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines secretarygeneral Ed Picson.

Marcial (75KG), who trained at the Wild Card Gym of legendary coach Freddie Roach in Los Angeles, before holding a training camp in Colorado, USA, is the boxing team’s most decorated warrior.

Marcial was world juniors’ champion in 2011, best Asian boxer in 2014, many-time SEA Games champion and the 2019 World AIBA silver medalist.

On the other hand, Petecio (57KG) was a 2019 Southeast Asian Games champion and 2019 AIBA Women’s World titlist.

Irish Magno (women’s 52KG), the 2012 Taipei Open champion, surprised everyone when she performed at hear peak and qualified for the Summer Games via the Asia/Oceania qualifiers held in March 2020 in Jordan, where she beat a six-time world champion Mary Kom of India via a 5-0 shutout.

Meanwhile, Carlo Paalam (men’s 52KG), the 2019 Southeast Asian Games Champion, was a bronze medalist in the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Southeast Asian Games.

“For the Philippine pride and glory, the next immediate target is a medal or medals in Tokyo this July. It will not be easy, but we believe it is within reach,” said ABAP president Ricky Vargas.

MULTIPLE MEDALS FOR YULO? Yulo is now showing more proficiency in three of six events of the men’s artistic gymnastics, giving the 21-year-old Yulo better chances of winning in the individual events when he finally competes in the Tokyo Olympics.

Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion said Yulo’s coach Munerhiro Kugimiya has managed to help the Filipino improve his routines out of the floor exercises, which is his main forte.

But Yulo has since become more skilled in executing routines in the vault and the parallel bars, too.

“He is doing very well,” said Carrion, adding that Yulo is looking to win the gold in his pet event, the floor exercise, and another medal, a silver perhaps, in the vault.

“Caloy also wants to get to the finals of the parallel bars. The pommel and rings are the only ones he’s not doing well at,” added Carrion.

Last month, Yulo showed how well he was doing when he bagged a bronze medal in the 2021 All-Japan Apparatus Championships, where he tallied 14.966 points to land third place in the men’s parallel bars event.

Rio Olympics gold medalist Yusuke Tanaka and Kaito Sugimoto tied for the gold medal after they both received 15.400 points.

Yulo intentionally did not join his pet event, the floor exercises during the competition for fear of being scouted, but he still came over and watched.

He made history at the 2019 World Artistic Gymnastics in Stuttgart, Germany, when he topped the men’s floor exercise and earned a ticket to the Tokyo Games.

OBIENA AMONG THE BIG GUNS Athletics’ pride in Obiena moved to sixth place in the pole vault rankings of the World Athletics just a few weeks before the start of games, leaping from 10th following a string of successful campaigns in international competitions, where he set the Philippine record twice.

Obiena struck gold when he cleared 5.70 meters in the Gothenburg Athletics Grand Prix in Germany on June 2, before breaking the Philippine record, which he also owns, on June 11 when he cleared 5.85 meters for the gold medal in the Jump and Fly Meet in Mossingen, Germany.

Obiena then erased the mark for the

second time when he registered 5.87 meters to claim the silver medal in the Irena Szewinska Memorial-Bydgoszcz in Poland at the end of June, behind behind American pole vaulter Chris Nilson, who made it in 5.92 meters.

Armand Duplantis, the world record holder, is still the no. 1 pole vaulter, while 2016 Olympics bronze medalist Sam Kendricks is at the second spot.

Piotr Lisek, the 2017 World championships silver medalist, is at third, followed by Renaud Lavillenie, Christopher Nilsen and Obiena. Rio Olympics champion Thiago Braz slipped to no.

7.

“The Olympics is very near and no one can predict the results, but rest assured that the fighting spirit is very much alive. We will proudly, not just represent the Philippines, but fight for its glory,” wrote Obiena. “I rest it all to You.” CASH WINDFALL A Filipino athlete who will win a gold medal in the Olympics could receive as much as P50 million in cash incentives, according to POC president Tolentino.

So far, a gold medal in Tokyo is now worth a whopping P30 million – P10 million each from the government, and business tycoons Ramon S. Ang of San Miguel Corporation and Manny Pangilinan of the MVP Group and MVP Sports Foundation But the Tagaytay congressman said more cash bonuses will come once the gold medal is finally won.

“I expect more to come once the gold is delivered. It may even reach P50 million,” said Tolentino, who also promised a brand-new house and lot for every athlete, who will win the gold. “Definitely.

This is our time. We’ll win that gold as one.”

UNITY THROUGH SPORTS Ramirez said that this Olympic campaign can become a uniting factor for the country.

“Sana makatulong sa environment ng Pilipinas. Hopefully, we can unite them.

Sana magkaisa ang mga Pilipino dahil sa mga atleta,” said Ramirez, who also requested the prayers and support of Filipinos for all the national athletes, who will be representing the nation in the highest athletic competition in the world from July 23 to August 8.

“I encourage everyone to offer some prayers for our delegation. We need your prayers and your cheers. Win or lose, help us. Sana mamayagpag ang atletang Pilipino,” said Ramirez.

AN OLYMPIC MISSION: QUEST FOR GOLD AND GLORY

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Path to Olympic gold not easy, but within reach

By Randy Caluag

B

OXING has long been a traditional source of medals for the Philippines in the Olympic Games.

As proof, Filipino boxers delivered five—two silvers and 3 bronzes—of the 10 Olympic medals of the country, which has never won a gold since making its debut in 1924.

The silver medalists were featherweight Anthony Villanueva during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and light flyweight Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, while the bronze medalists were bantamweight José Villanueva in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, light fly Leopoldo Serantes in the 1988 Seoul Olympics and Onyok’s older brother light fly Roel Velasco in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Under what is called a “new normal” brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipino pugilists hope to play the lead roles once again and perhaps, finally collar the elusive gold medal in the world’s greatest sporting arena.

The pandemic had somehow limited the preparations of the four Filipino Tokyobound boxers—Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, Irish Magno and Carlo Paalam—but they somehow found ways to prep themselves up with overseas training arranged by the Alliance of Boxing Associations of the Philippines and financed by the Philippine Sports Commission.

ABAP secretary-general Ed Picson does not promise any medal, but he guaranteed a good showing.

“We cannot say whether they can win medals, but we think we are giving them all the preparation and opportunity to do well.

The coaches, led by Olympic head coach Don Abnett, are pacing them so that they will reach their peak when the Olympics come around,” Picson said.

Marcial trained at the Wild Card gym of

Eumir Marcial

Nesthy Petecio

Irish Magno

Carlo Paalam

Freddie Roach in Los Angeles and had a training camp in Colorado, USA, while the rest opted to stay in Thailand to avoid travel fatigue and quarantine protocols which could set back their physical condition.

“We are optimistic that both the Thailand and Colorado camps will give our four Olympians the necessary tools to perform well in Tokyo. A medal or medals are not far-fetched given their work ethic and determination,” Picson added.

Boxing competition slated to commence on July 23 and end August 8.

EUMIR MARCIAL (MEN’S 75KG) Marcial is seeking action in a middleweight class that is not fit for a lot of Filipino fighters.

Most successful world boxing champions excelled in the lower weight categories, except of course, boxing legend and eightworld division champion Manny Pacquiao, who undoubtedly is a one in a billion boxing specie.

There is no doubt that Marcial is in a dreaded weight division, prowled by worldclass beaters.

After the conclusion of the European qualifying tournament, the top two ranked boxers have emerged—Ukrain’s Oleksandr Khyzniak and Russia’s Gleb Bakshi – and both have defeated the 25-year-old Marcial in their past meetings.

Doubts were cast on Marcial’s ability to overcome the tough field following his upset loss to unranked Uzbek fighter Jafarov Saidjamshid during the Asian championships in Dubai.

But there’s no doubt that Marcial, who also plies his trade as a professional fighter under the care of world-renown trainer Roach, could shine at any given time.

His credentials speak a lot about his

potential to bring home a medal. He was world juniors’ champion in 2011, best Asian boxer in 2014, many-time SEA Games champion and the 2019 World AIBA silver medalist.

NESTHY PETECIO (WOMEN’S 57KG) Nesthy Petecio was devastated when she failed to book a ticket to Tokyo following her quarterfinal exit in the Asia and Oceania Olympic Boxing Qualifiers in Jordan last year.

A lot was expected of her as a 2019 Southeast Asian Games champion and 2019 AIBA Women’s World titlist. She admitted that she became too conscious and afraid to fail.

She failed to make it via the regular route, but destiny had other plans.

The raging COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of several qualifying events and her lofty world ranking earned her a ticket to Tokyo, along with compatriot Carlo Paalam, also due to his high status in the world rankings.

This time, the Davao City pride vowed to be more focused and composed.

“Hindi ko na papayagan maulit ‘yung sa Jordan na masyado akong kabado. Ngayong kung may marinig akong hindi maganda or masamang pakiramdam sa sarili ko, hindi ko hahayaan manatili sa sarili ko ‘yun, pinipilit kong balewalain ‘yun at focus na lang sa performance,” said Petecio, who is making her first Olympic appearance.

“Ito na ang peak ng career ko. Para sa akin, hindi kumpleto ang pagiging atleta kung hindi ka makalalaro sa Olympics.”

Petecio almost quit boxing before becoming the world AIBA champion.

“Parang ayaw ko nang bumalik sa training noon. Pero may iba pa palang plano para Next page

Saso,...

From C2 don’t try to keep up with her. She bombs it.”

Pagdangan’s father Sam says Bianca wants to be “the first woman to average 300 yards” (in driving distance). She is close to that goal as she leads the tour with 288.8 yards, six yards further than the next best.

But to be the best in driving distance isn’t Pagdanganan’s only ambition.

“It was always her goal to play in the Olympics,” said three-time Junior World champion and coach Carito Villaroman, who handled Pagdanganan since she was 11. “All the things that she has been working on is in preparation for her campaign in the upcoming Tokyo Games.”

JUVIC PAGUNSAN The 43-year-old Pagunsan has earned points in the men’s division to make it to the quadrennial meet after conquering the 2021 Mizuno Open for his first Japan Golf Tour title last May 30 at the Setonaikai Golf Club in Okayama, Japan.

The former Asian Golf Tour top earner bagged the P5.2-million top prize in winning the crown.

As of this writing, Pagunsan is expected to toughen up even further by competing in the prestigious British Open on July 15-18 at Royal St. George’s Golf Course in England.

Floro said the three Filipino qualifiers have a certain advantage when golf in the Tokyo Games is held from July 29 to Aug. 7.

“It’s summer in Tokyo and the weather is quite similar to the Philippines. So, they will be very comfortable,” said Floro.

Being a Fil-Japanese, Saso should also feel at home being based in Japan, same as Pagunsan, a 43-year-old mainstay of the Japan Tour the past four or five years.

At 7,111 yards, the course will play longer than most courses, and this will also give the edge to the Filipinos, who are known as long-hitters, especially Pagdanganan.

“The longer the course will be to our advantage,” said Floro, noting that with three entries, the Philippines has the biggest a triple chance to win an Olympic medal in golf this year.

AN OLYMPIC MISSION: QUEST FOR GOLD AND GLORY

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CARLOS YULO

A focus that grew into a passion

By Peter Atencio and John Raphael Mendoza

T

HE women in the life of Filipino gymnastics’ phenom Carlos Yulo have been pushing him to seek greater heights for many years.

With two weeks left before the Tokyo Olympics, Yulo, with his mom Anjelica and Gymnastics Association of the Philippines’ president Cynthia Carrion behind him all the way, is expected to emerge from their influence with the best version of himself.

Yulo will bring with him a mean triple back flip, and lots of focus, when he sets foot at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre.

That’s because Carrion had been asking his coach Munehiro Kugimiya to help Yulo improve on his skills, making him learn new tricks from what he already knows.

“This (triple flip) is the top skill he’s got against his opponent from Russia. The Russian tries it. But, he goes out of bounds,” said Carrion referring to Kirill Propokev, one of Yulo’s main opponents to watch out for.

And this is what Yulo has been doing in the last three years training and preparing for the quadrennial meet while staying in Japan.

“If he does everything correct, and with the triple flip, when he turns backward thrice, and then forward, and then he lands well, then he will get the gold,” said Carrion on Yulo’s quest to claim the first-ever gold for the country.

Known to be shy and hardly speaks to anyone who wishes to discuss with him his abilities, Yulo is expected to go into action with incredible focus, a mindset which his mom, Angelica, has instilled in him since he started at the age of 7.

“There’s nothing special with Caloy in the beginning. Nu’ng nag-start siya, he was just focused sa goals niya. Iyun lang ang iba sa mga nakasama niyang mga bata,” said Angelica of Yulo’s main trait that grew into a passion.

“Talagang focused siya sa mga ginagawa niya. At iyung pagpupush naman, especially ako, sa training niya, iyun lang ang ginagawa namin,” said Angelica of her son’s ability of showing full concentration since he was young, while learning and doing his routines.

This allowed him to embrace and love the all the gigs there was in the sport after his grandfather, Rodrigo Frisco, introduced it to him back in 2008 when they first went to a public park in Manila to watch and do some flips.

Caloy was able to copy with ease the movements of a young gymnast that he watched while in the park. Frisco then decided to take his grandson to a gymnastics class which coach Rodrigo Ortero was holding at the Rizal Memorial Complex at the time.

A year later, Yulo was competing in the 1st Milo National Little Olympics in 2009, hosted by Cebu City.

Ten years later, Yulo emerged from all of his experiences by securing a 2020 Tokyo Olympics’ berth and a historic World

‘If Carlos Yulo performs the way he’s training right now, he can win that gold.’

Championship gold.

Yulo made it to Tokyo after he did well in the 2019 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships as he reached the top 10 of the men’s individuall all-around final, becoming the first Filipino world champion when he ruled the men’s floor exercise. His historic run took place in Stuttgart, Germany, where he topped the men’s floor exercise final with a score of 15.300.

It has been five years since Yulo accepted an offer by the Japan Olympic Association to train in Japan under a scholarship program.

And Yulo, now 21, has not wavered in his Olympic dreams.

Yulo, who idolizes Japan’s three-time Olympic gold medalist and 21-time world champion Kohei Uchimura, could pull off a couple of surprises in Tokyo.

And he could do this now that he is showing more proficiency in three of six events in men’s artistic gymnastics, giving Yulo a chance to win more medals.

In the past months, Kugimiya has managed to help Yulo improve his routines out of the floor exercise, which is his main forte. He has since become more skilled in executing routines in the vault and the parallel bars.

Last month, Yulo showed how well he was doing when he bagged a bronze medal in the 2021 All Japan Apparatus Championships.

Yulo tallied 14.966 points to land a third-place finish in the men’s parallel bars event.

Rio Olympics’ gold medalist Yusuke Tanaka and Kaito Sugimoto tied for the gold medal after they both received 15.400 points.

Yulo intentionally did not join the floor exercises during the competition for fear of being scouted, but he still came over and watched.

After the competition, Yulo informed Carrion that he will be able to win a medal over other Japanese competitors.

“If he performs the way he’s training right now, he can win that gold (in the floor exercise),” said Carrion, adding that Yulo has a fighting chance to win the silver in the vault and probably make it to the finals of the parallel bars.

“If everything is done properly and he doesn’t have a deduction like in all the videos that I’ve seen, then he can win more,” Carrion said.

Carlos Yulo with Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cythia Carrion

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Obiena goes toe-to-toe with the ‘giants’

By Peter Atencio IN THE months leading to the Tokyo Olympics, Ernest John “EJ” Obiena stayed in the best shape that he can be.

For 17 months now since he went home to see action in the 30th Southeast Asian Games, the 25-year-old Obiena never stopped preparing and competing while in Europe.

And when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out and caused the postponement of the Olympics in 2020, Obiena got the best help in his quest for the gold medal while in Italy’s Olympic Committee training center in Formia.

Located south of Rome at the edge of Italy’s Lazio region, the training center boasts of a great-looking campus, running track, indoor track, gym and sports facilities that host professional athletes from Italy and around the world.

This facility, which includes the only 150 indoor meter track in Italy and an indoor pole vaulting facility, helped Obiena develop his vaulting techniques while under the wings of legendary coach Vitaly Petrov.

“I’ll say that I’ve been in the best shape for a pretty long time. I mean, what can I say, I’m happy where I’m at,” said Obiena, who is in the final stretches of his training before leaving for Tokyo.

FINAL STRETCH OF COMPETITION Last July 4, Obiena cleared a height of 5.82 meters to settle for fourth place in the Stockholm leg of the 2021 Wanda Diamond League series at the Olympic Stadium in Sweden.

With world record Armand Duplantis present in the field once again, the Obiena made it past the Olympic Qualifying Standard of 5.80 meters for the fifth time.

It took Obiena two attempts to clear the height, before making an attempt for a Philippine record. Unfortunately missed hitting the 5.92 meter mark on all of his three tries.

Path...

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sakin,” she said.

Her unexpected Tokyo sojourn may be another one of those “great” plans.

IRISH MAGNO (WOMEN’S 52KG) Irish Magno tried boxing just for kicks when a local coach prodded her to join a town fiesta boxing match in her hometown in Iloilo.

That hobby grew to become a passion and a glorious search for a better life, finding out that she could pursue her studies while playing for the national team.

Admittedly, she was not one of the more outstanding performers in the national team.

After winning a gold in the 2012 Taipei Open in Taiwan, she competed in three editions of the SEA Games, finding relative success in her last one in 2019 with a silver medal finish.

She competed in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta–Palembang but found the early exit door.

Yet she surprised everyone when she performed at hear peak and qualified for the Summer Games via the Asia/Oceania qualifiers held in March 2020 in Jordan.

Beating a six-time world champion Mary Kom of India via a 5-0 shutout was not expected from Magno, but she did just that to raze the opposition in the flyweight division.

What makes her feat special was the fact that she became the first Filipina athlete to qualify in Tokyo.

Ernest John Obiena never stopped preparing and competing while in Europe for the past 17 months.

The Wanda Diamond League was just one of the few tournaments that he was not able to get a podium finish after he has managed to claim eight podium finishes in the 10 events he has joined since 2020.

If it was any consolation, Obiena beat world’s no. 3 Piotr Lisek of Poland and world’s no. 5, American Christopher Nilsen.

And Obiena has been getting a boost on his level of confidence whenever he competes against the top-ranked Duplantis.

During his last encounter with the Swede, Duplantis went on to create ripples, by ripping the meet mark of 6.01 meters he set last year with a leap of 6.02.

American Sam Kendricks and Frenchman Rene Lavilannie had a 5.92 for second and third place, respectively, but Kendrick claimed the bronze on the countback.

Prior to this tournament, he won the gold medal in 2021 Taby Stavhoppsgala Street Pole Vault in Sweden, where Obiena used a wornout pole, maybe for the last time, when he and two others hit the 5.80-meter mark in the Sweden meet.

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

Braz and Irwin settled for second and third, respectively.

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

The Filipino pole vaulter’s gold-medal performance was below the Philippine outdoor mark he set a few days before, when he cleared 5.87 meters in the Irena Szwewinska Memorial/Bydgoszcz Cup in Poland to shatter the national record for the third time in since 2019.

Will there be another first in the Land of the Rising sun?

CARLO PAALAM (MEN’S 52KG) Just like Magno, Carlo Paalam found boxing as a vehicle to escape poverty.

Paalam used to pick garbage at a sanitary landfill in Cagayan de Oro city. While doing this, he was persuaded by a neighbor to try boxing. So he found himself doing both and make some money.

He had no idea that boxing will bring him to places he never dreamt of visiting.

His natural skills have caught the eye of city sports officials and he was included in the boxing program of then Mayor Oscar Moreno that saved a lot of out of school youth in the city.

Under the program, young boxers with great ring talents are provided monthly allowances, board and lodging, and scholarship.

Paalam has not forgotten and is using this as an inspiration when he competes in Tokyo.

“Gusto ko pong suklian ang pagtitiwala ng mga dati kong coaches at Mayor Moreno sa akin by performing my best sa Tokyo,” said Paalam.

OLYMPIC OUTLOOK While the path to the Philippines’ first-ever gold in the Olympics maybe rocky and full of obstacles, ABAP president Ricky Vargas is hopeful that anyone from the country’s four hopefuls can deliver the goods.

“For the Philippine pride and glory, the next immediate target is a medal or medals in Tokyo this July. It will not be easy, but we believe it is within reach,” said Vargas.

AN OLYMPIC MISSION: QUEST FOR GOLD AND GLORY

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AN OLYMPIC MISSION: QUEST FOR GOLD AND GLORY

THE BIG LIFT

Hidilyn Diaz goes for gold, inspiration, legacy

By Randy M. Caluag

M

ORE than winning a medal, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz is hoping to provide inspiration to the next generation and leave a lasting legacy as she makes her fourth Olympic appearance in Tokyo, Japan.

Diaz has already made history by becoming the first Filipino athlete to compete four times in the Summer Games, this time set July 23 to August 8.

That alone already makes her a winner.

Winning the gold remains the main goal for Diaz, who has been in a lockdown training since early last year in

Malaysia. But that is not the only thing in her mind. So much has changed for Diaz since taking that silver medal in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil five years ago.

“I realized that I have a responsibility to the Filipinos,” she said. “So that’s the power of being an Olympic medalist.

You have the ability to influence the younger generation.”

In a video on social media, Diaz called on the youth to dare to dream, set a goal and achieve their purpose.

“Importante talaga may pangarap kayo, kasi ito ang magbibigay sa inyo ng direksyion,” she said.

Bus Diaz also reminded those who dream, must accompany it with passion and hard work.

“You have to embrace hard work. Hindi naman puwedeng pangarap lang. Kung hindi ka mag-aaral at mag-training, paano mo maabot ‘yun?”

So expect Diaz to be at the side of young Cebuana lifter Elreen Ando, who will make her first Olympic stint as she

competes in the women’s -64 kilograms Diaz, now 30, has every reason to hold a deeper mindset. She has become more matured and focused, even admitting that she could be on her final Olympic quest.

She has reached this far because she has learned to love the pain, the sacrifice.

“Always go back to the big question ‘Why?” Bakit mo ginagawa ito? Dahil mahal mo ang ginagawa mo, mahal mo ang sports at value nito.

Para sa pamilya mo. Para sa Bayan.”

TOKYO LIFT At age 17, Diaz made her first Olympic venture in 2008 in Beijing as a wildcard entry.

As expected she bombed out in the prelims. She failed again in London, 2012. Slowly but surely though, she was making progress, emotionally and physically.

And when no one was looking, she surprised everyone with a silver finish in Brazil in 2016.

Diaz, again, is expected to take the big lift in Tokyo. This time she has learned to be more focused, unlike in 2016 in Rio where nerves got into her.

“This time, mas focused na ako and mas mahandle ko na ang pressure and expectations of people,” she said.

Diaz booked a ticket to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics without winning a medal at the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Her lift of 90kgs in the snatch on her second attempt was enough to earn her a berth. Against a stacked field, she finished in 4th place overall with a 94kg snatch and a 118kg clean and jerk.

She did just fine. She didn’t have to force herself.

On a fine, shiny day, she could do a 130kg in Clean and Jerk. Diaz, who stays up and down the Top 5 of the world ranking, did just that in one of her training days in Malaysia.

Diaz attributes her new mindset to her whole crew which she named Team Hidilyn or Team HD--her chinese coach Kaiwan Gao for all her lifting techiques; coach Julius Naranjo for her strength and conditioning; coach Jeaneth Aro for her nutrition needs; and sports psychologist Karen Trinidad to boost her mind condition.

Another motivator for Diaz are the soldiers, who perished in that fateful C-130 crash in Sulu, south of Philippines recently.

Diaz, an Enlisted Personnel of the Philippine Air Force, said she wants to give honor to her fallen comrades by performing her best in the Summer Games.

Diaz, along with boxing Olympian Eumir Marcial, recently paid a courtesy call via zoom to Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Cirilito Sobejana.

TOUGH FIELD The road to the gold medal won’t be easy against a tough 55-kg field, led by Chinese world champion Liao Quiyun.

Naranjo appreciates the natural strength possessed by Liao, who is competing for the first time in the Olympics. Diaz will bank on her highly developed steely nerves and experience.

“Hidilyn has all the experience and knows what it’s like to be on the Olympic Stage.

So this battle comes down to strength versus experience,” said Naranjo.

Liao had a total of 222 kilograms out of her 98kg lift in snatch and 124kg in clean and jerk in the International Weightlifting Federation Asian Championships in Tashkent last April.

That’s impressive, but on her best day, Diaz could lift 130 kgs in Clean and Jerk.

Before the COVID-19 virus struck in 2020, Diaz made a three-gold romp in the women’s 55-kg division of the Roma Weightlifting World Cup in Italy. Then, pandemic took over the world and Diaz was stuck in Malaysia, where she continued her training. While there, she copped an online international title in July.

Where it all began As a young lass in Zamboanga City, Diaz used to walk far from home to help fetch water for her family. She is fifth of six children of Eduardo and Emelita Diaz. Her father was a tricycle driver before becoming a farmer and a fisherman.

Her lifting ability brought her to a local gym, where her cousin, Allen Jayfrus Diaz, taught her the basics of weightlifting.

She took the sport seriously and after many local tournaments and several national games under different coaches, she finally found herself competing in the Beijing Olympics at the age of 17.

After back-to-back failures in the Olympics, Diaz and her coaches made important adjustments in her strategy and direction. When she suffered a knee injury that forced her to opt out of the Asian Games, she went back to the gym to become stronger. Smaller but fitter.

From 58 kgs, she downsized to 53 kgs and then again she booked a ticket to to Rio in 2016. The rest is history.

Now, she has given her family a good life from the millions of incentives she received as a medalist. She has also built a weighlifting gym in Zamboanga, where poor, young townmates can learn the ropes of weightlifting.

Diaz has opened the nation’s eyes that weightlifting could be a source of pride in the Olympics.

Whatever happens in what could be her final dance in Tokyo, the name Hidilyn Diaz will be forever etched in Philippine Olympic history.

Entertainment

Paolo Gumabao in a scene from the sexy pandemic-themed film, 'Lockdown.'

By Jo Aguiluz

F

OR Hero Bautista, incumbent councilor of the 4th district in Quezon City, his greatest life achievement so far is being a dad to his two wonderful sons.

The eldest, 18-year-old Halbert Arren Yshua or Ysh, an incoming student at Mint College in BGC is interested in music, arts and acting while his younger son eight-year-old Hunter Jaguar or Jag, a grade school student in Claret School in QC likes sports.

“My kids are my pride and joy. Both of them are into movies. They love watching and even being part of one. Apart from that, our idea of bonding is going out of town. My boys love water sports so we go to the beach any chance we have,” the former actor said.

“At home, we spend time together, we play bowling, or I cook them their favorite food. The kids in our clan love my adobo and spaghetti. These dishes are famous and sought-after during family gatherings and reunions,” he added in jest.

As someone who loves sports himself 1. University being a former member of the of Sto. Tomas’ Dragon Boat2.team as well 4. as an Aikido enthusiast, Hero tries to 5. . engage his sons in sports they like yet does not force them to engage in activities they are not interested in.

“My youngest is into bowling. My eldest is more into music, arts, and acting.

Ish plays the drums, keyboards, and guitar.

Like me, he likes to paint, too. As a father, I don’t really impose upon them. My role is to support them in any field or path they choose, be in acting or politics, I will support them all the way.”

On his parenting style, Hero shared that he is generally a cool dad, but he can be a bit strict to his children when needed.

“Because we also grew up that way with our parents. My sons are very good kids.

They are not spoiled and I’m glad for that.

At times I reward them for good deeds and achievements in school, however, when they need some disciplining, they really have to face the wall, or I ground them.”

Varied interests and talents

Perhaps not known to many is Hero’s love for the arts. A Fine Arts graduate who majored in Painting at UST, Hero took interest in the arts at an early age.

PRODUCED by For the Love of Art Films, Lockdown gives its audiences the opportunity to know a modern-day hero who all of a sudden is thrust into the world of unemployment after being retrenched from his job in the Middle Eastern.

Meet Danny Asuncion (Paolo Gumabao), one of the many overseas Filipino workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and goes back to his native land.

When his bedridden father Gener (Jess Evardone) was rushed to the hospital, his family’s finances became tighter than tight, and sadly, despite his “international work experience and expertise, landing on a new job, given the pandemic situation, is next to impossible.

Adding another degree of difficulty to Danny’s emotional health, he broke off his engagement with his fiancée Luz (Max Eigenmann) as he wanted to prioritize his

domestic dilemmas.

This desperation for cash scenario led the down and out OFW to seek the assistance of a friend Lito (Paul Jake Paule) who recommended him to Mama Rene (Jim Pebanco), a gay madam who manages a cybersex business for foreign customers.

Though initially repulsed with the very idea of “showing off” his family jewels and sexual antics for a fee, Asuncion reluctantly gave in to the seduction of easy cash and be objectified by his clients to ease his family’s financial woes and worries.

Lockdown is not an easy watch since it is unapologetic and a slap to your face one-hour in a half cinematic experience.

Film master Lamangan and writer Troy Espiritu (who also wrote the screenplay for socially relevant motion pictures like Ma' Rosa and Alpha: Right to Kill) set the contemporary family drama during the early months of the pandemic when everything was touch and go, the majority feeling anxious and helpless, and the assistance arriving at turtle’s pace. All the

By Mheryll L. Alforte

Cinemalaya continues its concrete means to achieve its purpose to discover gifted filmmakers via its 17th edition.

Cinemalaya 2021, with the theme “Navigating the Currents,” features 13 short films in competition. It also includes films in categories in Visions of Asia, IndieNation (documentaries), Gawad Alternatibo, Allied Screenings, and Winner's Retrospective.

Initially, the 17th year of the film fest was supposed to feature full-length films for the main competition but concerns for the well-being of the filmmakers were

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Andrea Torres tackles phenomenal role in‘Legal Wives’

family occasionally, Hero also writes and the youngest daughter of my sister poetry. Writing and reading poetry, he Harlene, because they are closer in age.”

The family business, Heaven’s Best said, help him in coping with stress.

Love for his siblings and the Entertainment, in fact, was born out of family business this solid relationship that they have as a Hero and his siblings, former QC Mayor family. Newly built and furnished with Herbert and actress/producer Harlene top-of-the-line equipment, the office were born into a family that’s involved in is a testament of the siblings’ love and the entertainment industry being that their dedication to the entertainment industry father was a notable director/actor and and how they are continuing the legacy their mom a makeup artist for actors. they were born into.

‘I’m very close with my siblings. We “These days we are renting out our support each other through and through, editing and CGI (computer-generated from when we were young and up to now. imagery) offices to private companies And we always make it a point to see each for commercial films as well as to other from time to time. Our kids are also independent filmmakers,” he said. “As very close to each other. They’re cousins a family business, our goal is to have a but the relationship is more of that being continuous flow of projects.” Full story siblings, especially my youngest son on manilastandard.net

raised due to the health protocols of the pandemic.

“Hindi natuloy yung full-length feature pero ang importante na we’re going up to the next level,” said Jose Javier Reyes, the Head of Cinemalaya competition and monitoring committee.

Out of over 250 submissions, only 13 short feature films have been curated for the main competition. These short films delve into different kinds of narratives but mostly about the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Competing for the Best Film are: Ang Sadit ng Planeta (The Little Planet) by Arjanmar H. Rebeta, Ang mga Nawalang Pag-asa at Panlasa by Kevin Jay Ayson, Ang Pagdadalaga ni Lola Mayumi by Shiri De Leon, Ate O.G. by Kevin Mayuga, Beauty Queen by Myra Aquino, Crossing

by Marc Misa, Kawatan sa Salog (Ang Laruan sa Ilog) by Alphie Velasco, Kids on Fire by Kyle Nieva, Looking for Rafflesias and Other Fleeting Things by James Fajardo, Maski Papano by Glenn Barit and Che Tagyamon, Namnama En Lolang (Grandmother’s Hope) by Jonnie Lyn Dasalla, Out of Body by Enrico Po, and The Dust in your Place by David Olson.

The ticket is offered in bundles and priced at P150. There will also be over 80 free screenings for Gawad Alternatibo and Visions of Asia, to name a few.

but his heart and soul to Danny with his eyes expressing all the feelings of tenderness, sadness, revolt, and love.

Eigenmann was a wonder as Luz in her limited exposures. Jim Pebanco as the gay cybersex boss who had the strongest statement and sentiment blurted out to straight acting gay men and their clandestine affairs, Jeff Carpio as the scorned and vengeful assistant named Macky, Jess Evardone as Paulo's ailing and scene-stealing father, the ever competent and committed Ruby Ruiz as the long-suffering mother, the playful Paule who acted with a lot of conviction as Danny’s part-time lover and the other Paule, Alan as the perverted and repulsive high ranking man in uniform.

With its arresting story, truthful execution of its narrative, and acting from the cast that was played with a lot of emotional truth, Lockdown is indeed a fine sampling of a cautionary and controversial cinema.

The uncut version of Lockdown streams worldwide on July 23 through KTX.ph, Upstream.ph, RAD (iamrad.app), and WeTV.

Andrea Torres renews her contract with GMA Network and stars in a new drama.

Hero Bautista happily bonding with sons Yshua and Jaguar

Cinemalaya ‘navigates the current’s on 17th year THE Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival is re-thinking its direction and strategy to remain significant in the contemporary time, while continuing to fulfill its mission of discovering, encouraging, supporting, training and recognizing gifted Filipino independent filmmakers.

Now on its 17th year, the now hybrid film fest -- having online and outdoor cinema which screenings -- runs from Aug. 6 to Sept. 5.

In a virtual media conference Wednesday, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) announced that the curated film offerings will be screened through KTX.ph, Vimeo, and even CCP’s Facebook page.

Aside from the digital edition, CCP also innovated this year’s Cinemalaya with ‘Cinema Under the Stars,’ an outdoor screening at the CCP grounds where film viewers can relive the experience of watching movies despite the physical limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CCP director Chris Millado said they still haven’t reached out for possible collaborations with other theater venues to screen the film entries.

“We feel we have more chance of success with hybrid activities in our own spaces,” Millado said.

precautionary measures -- from quarantine centers, face masks and shields, social distancing, restrictions in people’s movement, gatherings, and the likes -- are akin to hitand-miss experiments with many becoming collateral damages and guinea pigs being slaughtered in scientific experiments.

In the movie, the havocs on businesses, employment, and personal relationships were presented as well. Indeed, this Lamangan opus is a fine example of cinema as a chronicler, documenter, and repository of the times when it was filmed.

True, the cybersex component of the movie will shock the prudes and the virgins. It did not scrimp in the showing of the male genitalia and the many sexual shenanigans that happen in the life of an adult sex performer.

Aside from its brutal narrative, the most commendable aspect of Lockdown are the acting prowess of its cast, lead role, or support, they were all splendid and slayed their respective roles.

Paulo Gumabao not only gave his body,

A doting dad, a public servant

“When I was about eight years old, we had this neighbor who was a very good painter. I got interested in learning the ropes, and eventually, he became my mentor,” he shares. “I’m more into portrait and landscape painting than anything else.

Unfortunately, I was not able to salvage my works when our old house burn-down years ago.”

In his spare time, his idea of relaxing includes doing sketches, and soon, according to him, he plans on picking up the paintbrushes again.

“I’m currently doing sketches—I have about 15 already. I hope to be able to have more time so I can sit down and paint again. I’m looking into holding an exhibit when the right time comes,” he adds.

Apart from painting and cooking for

MONDAY, JULY 19, 2021

Cautionary, controversial cinema

ARIAS ALWIN IGNACIO

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

TELEVISION star Andrea Torres believes that her role in GMA’s upcoming drama, Legal Wives, is one for the books—it’s a character that any actor would be proud to tackle because it can give a lasting impression.

In a recent virtual event where the actress also announced that she was renewing her ties with her mother network, GMA, Andrea shared that she wanted to make a legacy as an actor by portraying roles she hasn't done before.

“Ang pinaka challenge for me is kailangan lagi siyang (the character) maintindihan sa mga actions niya kasi meron siyang mga gagawin dito na parang kung ikaw yung nasa posisyon niya or sa pagkakakilala mo sa kanya hindi niya dapat gagawin,” Andrea said of her character.

Since the series revolves around a sacred culture, she shared that her character should be portrayed carefully in order for the audience to receive the right message of the story about Muslims.

“Legal Wives wanted to enlighten the audience about the culture of polygamy. It’s something big and at the same time something new in mainstream media. It’s the overall story that made me say yes to this project,” she expressed.

Meanwhile, on renewing her contract with GMA, she could only thank the network for giving her another opportunity to hone her talent and share her artistry with the audience.

“Always grateful ako sa GMA, sa trust na binibigay nila sakin talaga. That’s why I always try to deliver as my way of giving back to the network,” Andrea stated.

Legal Wives, airing on July 26 on primetime, also stars Dennis Trillio, Alice Dixson, Cherie Gil, and Bianca Umali.

Areeya Tatjana Ho

‘He’s Into Her’ VIP concert tickets, sold out in 3 days EXCITEMENT for He's Into Her: The Benison Ball, the special online concert of the hit weekly series starring Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano slated on Aug. 6 exclusively on ktx.ph, keeps building up as Star Cinema announced that VIP tickets have already sold out just three days after release.

The VIP tickets will give holders the chance to join the after-party live and interact with the cast, but that doesn’t mean there are no more chances for fans to experience the kilig as general admission access is still available on ktx.ph. These tickets, which goes for P99 each, will give fans the chance to watch the concert as well as its afterparty.

Presented by Camella Homes, the concert promises to be full of music, fun, and laughter as the entire cast will be present, but fans should watch out as special guests will be announced soon.

Meanwhile, the series continues to draw in the views as Deib (Donny) finally confessed his romantic feelings or Maxpein (Belle) as she recovered from an attack in school. Despite being discouraged by Belle because of

her father’s disapproval, Deib seems determined to woo her?

He’s Into Her streams on iWantTFC every Friday and on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and on Kapamilya Online Live via the YouTube channel and Facebook page of ABS-CBN Entertainment every Sunday.

‘He’s Into Her’ lead stars Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano

Life

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

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FOOD

MONDAY, JULY 19, 2021

By Thea Andrea C. Magueriano

M

OUTHS are fed and breaths are taken in restaurants whose menus include a side of breathtaking views.

The spectacular views, day or night, up the dining experience to one that feels premium and exciting. If you have a view that spans the city or showcases the setting of the sun, every bite of the meal could be more indulgent.

Take Quezon City’s favorite rotating restaurant for example.

Seoul Sky 100 Revolving Restaurant on the 33rd floor of MDC 100 building in Libis treats diners to a 360-degree city view while they dine without leaving their seats, as the restaurant rotates ever so slightly.

Aside from the view and the merrygo-round experience, the restaurant delights with Korean dishes such as bibimbap, japchae, samgyetang, and pork and beef barbecues, among others in a la carte and set menus. The meals come with generous serving of banchan or Korean side dishes.

For a sweet ending, Seoul Sky offers bingsu, a milk-based shaved ice dessert, available in sweet red bean, mango, strawberry, and chocolate flavors.

Meanwhile, in Makati, on the 32nd floor of City Garden Grand Hotel, guests are treated to international cuisines and a view of Metro Manila at the Firefly Roofdeck.

Equally breathtaking morning and

Dinner with a stunning view FROM THE TOP. Seoul Sky 100 Revolving Restaurant, on the 33rd floor of MDC 100 building in Libis, takes guests on a trip witnessing the city below while they partake of Korean dishes.

night, the city view is a welcome addition to the Filipino and Spanish food, barbecues, burgers, pasta, and pizzas served to diners. The rooftop restaurant also has a wide drink list, from coffee and tea to healthy drinks and alcoholic beverages.

It is open in the afternoon till before midnight for dine in, takeout, and delivery.

The architecture and design of La Cathedral Cafe in Intramuros makes

each visit seem like a leap into another era.

During the day, customers can get a full glimpse of the view surrounding the café, including the Manila Cathedral towering beside. Fairy lights add romance to the ambiance in the evening, perfect for date night or intimate conversation with friends.

The café serves hot and cold drinks, pastries, rice meals, and pasta.

Another restaurant with a view in In-

Enjoy a poached pear in red wine (inset) while reveling in the view from The Nest.

Coffee and a charming ambience await at La Cathedral Cafe in Intramuros, Manila.

Take in the city view while enjoying drinks, pizza, nachos, and burgers at Firefly Roofdeck.

tramuros is Sky Deck, located on top of The Bayleaf Hotel.

The al fresco lounge and restaurant combines the view of Manila skyline and Intramuros surroundings, with a good variety of cuisines and live entertainment. Dishes include local and international cuisines such as crispy binagoongan, Vietnamese wings, and chicken tandoori salad.

It also serves a variety of wines, spirits, classic cocktails, and local and im-

ported beers.

Finally, over in the south, diners enjoy food “31 floors above the ground” at The Nest Dining in the Sky, Vivere Hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant.

The view from the top can make sparks fly as the lights from the busy Alabang flicker while foodies dine.

Diners will be filled with butterflies from the romantic view and good food from the restaurant’s menu that includes a variety of local and international fare.

Sky Deck in Intramuros combines great views, food, and entertainment.

DINE AND DRIVE Shake Shack is coming to Town TOWNIES, Southies, Alabang boys and girls can dig into Shake Shack’s hotdogs, burgers, and more soon.

Shake Shack is opening its fourth Philippine branch at Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa City, bringing the brand’s menu and an exclusive frozen custard flavor to the store.

The ATC-exclusive The Concrete, for which Shake Shack had an online naming contest, is made with vanilla frozen custard blended with Bungalow Café’s Auro chocolate glazed doughnut, chocolate chunks, and caramel coffee sauce.

To drum up the excitement, Shake Shack collaborated with Manila-based design studio Plus 63 Design Co, led by Dan Matutina, to transform its construction façade into an interactive collage of stories, memories, and moments of the Townies.

Plus 63 Design Co created an open, dynamic use of space inspired by the community’s laidback and suburban lifestyle with a vibrant pattern of colors and LED lights and 3D objects.

Conti’s opens cake drive-thru concept store FOR its 50 branch, Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant added a new service that allows customers to get their order easier.

Conti’s newly opened branch at Phoenix gas station along Aguinaldo Highway in Imus, Cavite has a cake drive-thru, a first from the company.

“We are so proud of this landmark branch, it’s the 50th store and the first of its kind,” general manager Patricia Tan said at the opening of the Cavite store. “This is a testament to the company’s obsession to giving our customers the best th

The soon-to-open Shake Shack Alabang Town Center.

The hoarding also features interactive areas such as a community wall, marquee lights, and bike racks.

RWM welcomes guests back to the garden RESORTS World Manila’s al fresco hangout spot at the open garden of Holiday Inn Express is open again for those looking for a place to chill amid lush greenery.

Jardin is open Thursdays to Sundays from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., during which guests can indulge in Filipino-style BBQ and classic pizza flavors, among others.

The al fresco spot adheres to strict implementation of the Inter-Agency Task Force and Department of Health’s standard health and safety protocols, as guaranteed by the propertywide Safety Seal certification Al fresco hangout spot Jardin reopens. recently granted to RWM.

products and the convenience of getting them.”

Conti’s commits to opening more drive-thru concept stores and branches all over the country. “This year we are looking forward to serving more of you as we endeavor to open more branches nationwide,” said president and chief executive Joey Garcia.

Conti’s newly opened store in Cavite is the first with a cake drive-thru.

KFC celebrates LGBTQIA+ with ‘Pride-Thru’ LGBTQIA+ ally and Metro Manila Pride March chief marketing officer of KFC Philippines. corporate sponsor KFC celebrated Pride month “We hope these values resonate with our custransforming its Bonifacio Triangle branch’s tomers. Because at KFC, everyone is welcome drive-thru into a “Pride-Thru”. at our table.”

The Pride-Thru on June 26 became a venue for people to show their solidarity for the LGBTQIA+ community as they had their own Pride march from inside their cars.

Each car was given a special edition rainbow Pride Float as part of the day’s festivities. Posters at the venue showed how “Love is the Original Recipe”, and called for people to “Drive out the hate”.

“We’re proud that KFC is committed to promoting a culture that stands for inclusion and respect, regardless of gender, race, or sexuality,” said Charmaine Bautista-Pamintuan, KFC’s ‘Pride-Thru’ at the Bonifacio Triangle branch.