Manila Standard - 2021 July 26 - Monday

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‘Let the people judge my work’

Infographics portrays the achievement in facts and figures made by the Duterte administration on the eve of his delivery of his last SONA. Inset shows government forces arriving to help the police ensure a peaceful and orderly SONA proceedings. PCOO

Duterte’s last SONA a report on gains and road map on his last term

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s final State of the Nation Address today is a report card centered on the accomplishments of his administration, Malacañang said Sunday.

But for Duterte, he will let the people judge his works for themselves.

“All I want is the people to just look around. This, like that, I won’t boast.

Firstly, that’s not my money (used to build these projects),” said Duterte.

“I will just mention what were the

projects completed without necessarily attributing the miracle to me. I worked for the government, I just worked, so I have nothing to boast about,” he added.

However, opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros said “death, misogyny, and Next page

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Romualdez Phone signals jammed, traffic and rallies rerouted for SONA lauds Du30: Job well done dent Rodrigo Duterte’s sixth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, Metro Manila police POLICE will jam mobile phone chief Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. signals in parts of Quezon City as said Sunday.

“There will be specific areas where a security precaution during Presi-

By Rio N. Araja and Francisco Tuyay

there will be no signal because we have a jammer,” Danao said in Filipino on Dobol B TV. Anti-government protests will only be allowed until St. Peter’s Memorial Chapels on Commonwealth Avenue

By Rio N. Araja HOUSE Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez on Sunday lauded President Rodrigo Duterte for a “job well done” ahead of his final State of the Nation Address as Chief Executive today.

Romualdez said the President has accomplished more than what is expected of him as he expressed hope that Duterte takes his time to spell out all the achievements of his administration in the past five years during Monday’s SONA. “Job well done. No matter where you are on the political divide, one will agree that this President accomplished more than we expected of him,” he stressed.

“He blazed a new trail in public service that had never been taken by our political leaders in the past. He could have achieved more were it not for the COVID-19 pandemic that has shaken even the major economies of the world,” Romualdez said.

He cited some of the President’s major legacies, such as the passage of the Universal Healthcare Act, the free college education law, and reforms in Next page

near Tandang Sora, to prevent a buildup of traffic and to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infections, Danao said.

Danao did not say where pro-Duterte rallies could be held.

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WEATHER 3 dead, 5 hurt in wake of Fabian, heavy rains

By Jess Malabanan and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Sunday reported three deaths and five injuries due to incessant rains brought about by the southwest monsoon that was enhanced by Typhoon Fabian.

In a radio interview on Sunday, NDRRMC executive director Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad said one of the fatalities, a female, died Next page

PROTEST PROP. UgatLahi Artists Collective prepares a 2D effigy depicting President Duterte as desperately clinging on to power that will be used as main prop in a protest rally during his history-making address. Danny Pata

Delta variant causing early stage of surge in Metro Manila—OCTA

By Willie Casas and Franciso Tuyay

INDEPENDENT researchers tracking the COVID-19 pandemic said Sunday Metro Manila is already in the early stages of a coronavirus surge most likely because of the Delta

variant as the Department of Health reported 55 new cases of the more transmissible strain.

The new cases involving the virulent strain brought the total number of Delta infections to 119. Of the 55, one has died while the rest have been tagged as recovered. Seventeen involved returning over over-

seas Filipinos, while 37 were local cases, while one is still being verified.

OCTA said on Sunday that the COVID-19 reproduction number in Metro Manila rose from 1.21 to 1.29.

COVID-19 cases further increased by 43 percent after the metropolis recorded an average of 897 new virus infections per day from July 18 to July 24, OCTA said.

“This is a cause for concern but it’s not irreversNext page

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM JULY 25)

1,548,755 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

5,479 54,262 NEW

ACTIVE

27,224

93

1,467,269

5,573

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

NEW

NEW

Pinay weightlifter to put on a show, coach vows

By Riera U. Mallari

Hidilyn Diaz

TOKYO—You ain’t seen nothing yet from Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz.

The Filipina weightlifter’s strength and conditioning coach in Julius Naranjo made this promise.

“You will expect Hidilyn to lift weights that you’ve never seen before. She’s

on track. She’s going to put on a show,” Naranjo said.

Diaz tries to better her 2016 silver medal in Rio when she shoots for the gold in the 55-kg division of the weightlifting competitions on Monday at 7 p.m. at the Tokyo International Forum here.

“It’s a lot of pressure,” Diaz, who is competing in her fourth Olympics said before flying to Tokyo.

In her path is Chinese world record holder Liao Qiuyun of China, who many have tagged as the favorite in the 55-kilogram division.

Naranjo added that Diaz has been hitting new personal marks this late in her career, a good sign as she prepares to bolster the Philippines’ medal hopes in the games.

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News

MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Rody: 99% of Bayanihan funds used up O

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Julito G. Rada

NLY 1 percent of the funds earmarked for the government’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response efforts remained unspent, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Saturday.

sources properly, regardless of whether these are from the Bayanihan law or not.

“Our national debt has ballooned to P11.07 trillion as of end-May. Each one of us, even those newly born, is in debt

by P100,000. We must make sure taxpayers’ money will be used judiciously,” Lacson said.

He also said President Rodrigo Duterte got his information all mixed up and took potshots at him and Senate President Vicente Sotto III for claiming the loss of billions of pesos worth of unused Bayanihan 2 funds.

Lacson said he is not the senator who claimed there was underspending under the Bayanihan fund.

“I’m quite sure because I don’t have the data on the matter, and I don’t speak without basis. Some other legislators did,” he said.

Lacson said his speech before the Rotary Club last Friday has nothing to do with Bayanihan, but dealt with prepandemic underspending from 2017 to 2019, on the annual average of P331 billion against yearly gross borrowings of almost P1 trillion during the same period.

Dominguez said over the weekend that there will be enough COVID-19 vaccine doses before yearend to inoculate 100 percent of adult Filipinos.

Dominguez said Saturday night during

the President’s televised weekend meeting with Cabinet officials that the ongoing vaccine deliveries are expected to reach 171 million doses before the end of the year and these are more than enough to inoculate 70 million or 100 percent of the country’s adult population.

Dominguez also said that P45 billion is available under the national budget to sustain the government’s COVID-19 vaccination drive next year for protecting the people against more contagious and deadlier variants of the virus.

“The money is already available for that.

So there is no problem with the money for this year.... By the end of this year we will be able to vaccinate the entire adult population of the Philippines. Hopefully everybody will agree to be vaccinated,” Dominguez told the President.

He said the country has already received 30 million vaccine doses of various brands.

Another 65 million are expected for delivery between July 1 and Sept. 30, and 55 million doses more by the year’s fourth quarter, he said.

The government is also expecting the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) Facility to deliver additional volumes of vaccines this semester to complete the 171 million doses expected to be received by the country for 2021.

SONA. We are ready to receive the President for his much-awaited annual message for the Filipino people,” he said after the final inspections at the Batasan Pambansa.

“Strict security and health restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of the President, members and staff of Congress, and other invited officials and guests throughout the activity,” Velasco said.

The Batasan complex is currently under strict lockdown, and those attending the SONA on Monday have been shortlisted.

Velasco expects the President to look back on the performance of the administration.

“I believe that the President will go back from the start of his administration in 2016. We accomplished a lot in that period,” he said.

“Many people thought we were shooting for the stars and that programs, such as free tertiary education, accessible health services, environmental rehabilitation, peace and order in communities, would never see the light of day. But PRRD proved that under his leadership, this can be achieved. Kung Duterte, Posible!” he said in a statement.

“During the SONA, we expect that PRRD may also ask Congress to pass certain legislative measures within the remaining time that we have.”

Pre-SONAs were held across the country to assist the President in reporting to the people the accomplishments of his administration, as well as the scale-up plans for the remainder of his term.

The pre-SONAs were also held to inform the public on the priority and legacy projects of the Duterte administration as well as the COVID-19 response and strategies.

Duterte’s penultimate SONA lasted for 100 minutes. It is longer compared to his fourth SONA which lasted for 93 minutes.

His longest SONA was his second, which lasted for 120 minutes. His first and third SONAs lasted for 90 minutes and 48 minutes, respectively.

Romualdez added.

The Leyte lawmaker said the President still stayed as humble as he is despite his achievements.

“But since this is his final SONA, we hope the President takes the time to spell out all the accomplishments done under his administration to help improve the living condition of our people.

Most of these accomplishments did not gain the media attention they deserve, so the President may need to use his biggest platform, the SONA, to itemize these achievements,” he said.

Like Diaz, Margielyn Didal wants a bigger accolade after winning both the Asian Games and the Southeast Asian Games.

She plunges into action in the skateboarding competitions at the Ariake Sports Park on Monday for a shot at glory in the initial staging of the sport in the quadrennial meet.

Competition will be something new in its Olympic pilot staging as participants battle in a bigger, grander course.

“Kung baga sa basketball, dati halfcourt lang ang inilalaro mo, ngayon full court,” said Skateboard Pilipinas president Carl Sambrano.

Women’s preliminaries start at 8:30 a.m. (7:30 a.m. in Manila). The final is at 1:30 p.m.

Also Monday, flyweight no. 25 Carlo Paalam makes his Olympic debut at 11:03 a.m. (Philippine time) as he battles 25-year-old Irishman Brendan Irvine, ranked no. 32.

On the same day, featherweight Nesthy Petecio faces the biggest thorn in her road to gold when she fights top-seed Lin YuTing of Chinese Taipei in the Round of 16 at 12:39 p.m. (Philippine time) The two boxers will try to draw inspiration from Irish Magno’s most impressive win so far in the games, a 5-0 shutout of Kenyan foe Christine Ongare on Sunday in the flyweight preliminaries.

displaced, there are 22,263 persons or 5,554 families in evacuation centers while the others sought temporary shelter with relatives.

The disaster bureau said P924,666 worth of relief goods were distributed to affected individuals on top of the assistance being distributed by their local government units (LGUs).

Massive flooding, several landslides, and flash flood incidents were recorded in these regions.

The NDRRMC said the estimated cost of damage to infrastructure was at P2,481,000 while the agriculture sector incurred P14,593,900 worth of losses.

It said 345 houses were partially damaged while 109 were totally wrecked.

On Saturday, the Department of Agri-

culture (DA) estimated total damage and losses to Typhoon Fabian at P12.38 million.

The DA said at least 855 farmers are affected with volume of production loss at 228 metric tons and 906 hectares of agricultural areas in Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Western Visayas.

Affected commodities include rice, corn, high value crops and livestock. The values are still subject to validation.

The DA Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center is addressing the provision of aid and other forms of assistance to the affected farmers.

The agency also reported that it still holds 104,471 bags of rice seeds, 11,390 bags of corn seeds, and 1,949 kilograms of assorted vegetables for distribution.

Duterte made this assertion after some senators criticized the supposed underspending of funds under the nowexpired Republic Act (RA) 11519 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, otherwise known as Bayanihan 2.

In his pre-recorded Talk to the People, President Rodrigo Duterte asked Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III if there was any truth to the administration’s alleged underspending of Bayanihan 2 funds.

Dominguez, responding to Duterte’s query, said: “What they (senators) are referring to as ‘underspending’ is PHP6 billion or one percent of the total.”

Dominguez assured Duterte that his office and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) are now coordinating with the government agencies to make sure that they are spending the COVID-19 funds.

“This is a 1 percent problem. It is not in relation to what we have released of P660 billion. This is 1 percent. And we are sure that it will be released. But in the mean-

time, we are asking each department to really spend the money,” he said.

As of June 25, there was still an unobligated amount of P6.487 billion out of the total P141.59 billion released for special appropriations under Bayanihan 2, according to the data uploaded on the DBM’s official website.

Unobligated funds have been reverted to the Bureau of the Treasury after Bayanihan 2 expired on June 30.

Dominguez, nevertheless, said the DBM has already released around P660 billion for the government’s COVID-19 response.

After hearing Dominguez’s statement, Duterte advised lawmakers to listen to the Finance chief.

“What is wrong with Congress is that they are not listening when you are talking,” he said.

Senator Francis Pangilinan earlier said the government has failed to obligate the remaining funds under RA 11519.

On Sunday, Senator Panfilo Lacson said there was a need to spend limited re-

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He also advised motorists to take alternate routes in Quezon City because of the traffic and rerouting for the SONA. By 6 a.m. Monday, Commonwealth Avenue northbound will be closed to private vehicles, which will be rerouted.

Danao said there would be extensive security and urged the public to stay at home if they have no important business outside to prevent the further transmission of COVID-19.

“We have not monitored any threat ahead but we are continuously coordinating with our member-agencies. Let me reiterate my plea to everyone to think of your safety as it is also our ultimate concern. We ask you to choose to stay safe at home with your family. Otherwise, please cooperate, be vigilant and alert during the event. Let us work together to make the last SONA of our President a safe and peaceful one,” Danao said.

Danao said he expected militant groups to stage mass actions despite the pandemic.

“Therefore, it is necessary for the police force to intensify public safety and security operations not only to prevent the occurrence of violent incidents but also to ensure strict adherence to the health and safety protocols,” he said.

He said 9,919 Metro Manila police personnel and 5,255 composite support units will be deployed in Welcome Rotonda, UP Diliman, Tandang Sora, and Ever-Gotestco to IBP Road to ensure a peaceful SONA. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo EleazarEleazar called on groups that are planning to stage rallies to hold mass actions peacefully.

He said as the PNP personnel observe maximum tolerance, groups conducting mass protests should also police their ranks and ensure that they respect the mandate of policemen to serve and protect.

treason” are the legacies that Duterte will leave to the Filipino people when he steps down in 2022.

“His years in office will forever be linked with the thousands of lives lost in extrajudicial killings, and the thousands of lives also lost amid his administration’s bungled response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Hontiveros.

Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said Duterte “is expected to crow about supposed accomplishments, especially in his clique’s desire now to extend its influence and control beyond June 30, 2022 and escape accountability for its bloody and inept governance.”

Still, Duterte will outline his roadmap for his remaining year in office in his sixth SONA, the Palace said.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the President’s speech would focus on what his plans would be in the next 11 months, and the achievements under his administration during the past five years.

“It is unlikely that the President’s plans for 2022 (national elections) will be included in his landmark speech. I don’t think his political plans will be part of the speech,” Roque said in a press briefing.

“What’s important is the roadmap for his last year in office,” he added.

Health and safety protocols at the House of Representatives are all set for the holding of the SONA, as Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said strict rules will be observed to ensure the event will not endanger the health of the guests at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The PSG, Presidential Management Staff, and Congress have prepared and held meetings for arrangements. It’s very strict. All protocols to protect the safety of everyone to ensure there is no transmission are set in place,” Nograles said in an interview over dzBB.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar earlier said a maximum of 400 guests are expected to attend the final SONA. Guests must present their proof of vaccination, must be negative for COVID-19 via a reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test two days before the event, and must undergo a rapid antigen test at the Batasang Pambansa.

Video teleconferencing and live streaming will be done to accommodate media and guests who will not be physically present at the plenary hall.

The rules applied to Vice President Leni Robredo as well, as she has only received her first dose of the two-shot AstraZeneca vaccine. Her second dose is scheduled for Aug. 11, her spokesman Barry Gutierrez said.

Initially, the Palace only invited Robredo to attend the SONA through Zoom, but later changed its mind and invited her to personally take part in the event.

“VP would never want to miss out on SONA. She considers as part of her obligation as the second highest official of the land. In fact, if only she had her second dose, she would really go,” Gutierrez said.

Nograles said the President himself decided on specific points he wanted to highlight in his last SONA. “The President has been practicing his speech. He himself gave inputs he wanted to highlight,” he said.

He explained that besides the Duterte administration’s accomplishments, the President is also expected to convey what programs and projects he expects his successor to continue.

“We expect that he will mention all accomplishments under his administration, what we need to do in the fight against COVID-19, the vaccination rollout, and probably the challenge to the next administration—the policies we need to continue for the benefit of our people and the country,” he added.

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco assured Sunday everything was set for the President’s final address.

“It’s all systems go for Monday’s

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ture and mass-transit projects resulted in a more efficient flow of people, goods, and services. This generated a favorable business climate that means more investments, which create more jobs and livelihood for our people,” the majority leader added.

The Duterte administration “passionately” worked toward restoring peace in Southern Philippines with the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, Romualdez said.

“Our Muslim brothers and sisters now have a regional government of

their own, which they are now in the process of building. With huge financial backing from the government, I have no doubts that they can finally stand on their own and chart the course they want for the next generation,” he said.

“All these accomplishments of the Duterte administration are warmly embraced and deeply appreciated by the Filipino. Proof: he is the most popular Filipino President ever, with his trust and acceptance ratings climbing higher even in his last years in office,”

taxation. “[These were] unthinkable for many generations in the past but made possible under his administration. These are accomplishments difficult to surpass by any administration to come,” Romualdez said.

“Major reforms in taxation are set in place, generating more money to spend for people’s welfare. Major infrastruc-

Delta...

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“If we don’t focus on this, this could escalate to a surge similar to what we saw in March [and] April,” David said.

In the National Capital Region (NCR), Valenzuela City at 1.61 has the highest reproduction number, or the number of people infected by a virus patient. It is followed by Manila at 1.43, David said.

David said Metro Manila’s placement under general community quar-

antine with heightened restrictions and the prohibition of children aged 5 and above from going outdoors would help in controlling the surge.

He said a curfew, border controls, and fully-vaccinated individuals may also mitigate the surge.

Some 20 percent of the capital region’s population have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine, he said.

“If we can beat the Delta variant, it would be a big victor y for us,” he said, comparing this to an “Olympic victor y.”

“The current trend in NCR over the past week follows the course from Feb. 14 to 21, when a surge was in its early stages,” OCTA Research warned.

Olympics offer sign of hope in the time of pandemic, Pope says

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Her two companions were hurt.

The other two died after being hit by lightning in separate areas in the Ilocos Region but it has yet to be confirmed when the incidents occurred.

In the latest situational report, NDRRMC said 19,521 families or 87,493 persons were affected by the rains, particularly in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Region 6, CAR, and the National Capital Region (NCR).

Of the 24,798 persons or 6,064 families

POPE Francis said Sunday he hopes the Tokyo Olympics, which opened Friday, will be a sign of hope and “universal brotherhood” during the coronavirus pandemic raging around the world.

“In this period of pandemic, let these games be a sign of hope, a sign of universal brotherhood and of a healthy competitive spirit,” the pontiff said at the end of the Angelus prayer.

“May God bless the organizers, the athletes and all those who are collaborating for this great celebration of sport,” he told the faithful gathered on Saint Peter’s Square.

AstraZeneca: More vaccines for Southeast Asia

Drugmaker AstraZeneca said Saturday it was scouring its supply chain to find more doses of its COVID-19 vaccine for Southeast Asia, which is facing its most serious outbreak yet of the virus.

The statement from the AngloSwedish company – which produces its vaccine in Thailand for use domestically and in neighboring countries – comes in the wake of a supply shortage which has sparked heavy criticism of Thai Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha’s administration.

Under the terms of AstraZeneca’s agreement with Thai authorities, 180 million doses are due for production, one-third destined for the Thai market and the rest to be exported.

But by the end of July AstraZeneca will have delivered 11.3 million doses for Thailand, and exports have still not begun even as the region faces a particularly virulent wave of COVID-19.

Unvaxxed people face fresh restrictions

People who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 could face new restrictions if infections continue to rise in Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s chief of staff said in a Sunday interview.

“Vaccinated people will definitely have more freedom than unvaccinated people,” Helge Braun told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper. AFP

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100th SM School Building, Nasugbu, Batangas

SM Foundation: Championing

the art of spreading social good C

ORPORATE social responsibility (CSR) means that companies are recognizing the role that they play in the social, economic and environmental challenges that it’s host country or community is facing. That enterprises need to take into account and ensure that their operation and business activities will have a positive impact in the society. As one strives for profit and do well—a business can also aim to do good. A responsible corporate citizen will not only strive on being excellent in their enterprise—but will also do good towards their employees, partners and specially in communities where they operate.

Started during the 1960s, CSR in the Philippines started from philanthropic efforts wherein companies donate cash directly to foundations and other charitable organizations—which are usual one time “dole outs” to communities in need. Eventually, companies saw the need to do strategic interventions to provide sustainable solutions especially in areas where they operate - enabling them to look at CSR not only as an ad on activity but as an integral part of how they do business.

This perspective resulted to the establishment of various CSR departments or corporate foundations that enabled companies to answer the call for doing business sustainably.

The same goes with one of the country’s largest conglomerate, the SM group. Through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Foundation (SMFI), SM has focused its resources, time, and reach to create opportunities for the company’s host communities nationwide through its social good programs geared towards some of the most important concerns in the country such as quality education, sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and disaster response.

Established in 1983 by Henry Sy, Sr. and Felicidad T. Sy, the couple believed in empowering communities and that self-sufficiency is the answer to a more effective and inclusive growth.

That through targeted investments in education, healthcare, and sustainable agriculture, SM provides opportunities to create a cycle of social good in the communities where it is present.

KSK farmers from Antipolo City

SM scholars

The #SocialGood Pillars Through its education pillar— segmented via its Scholarship and School Building programs, SMFI intends to provide the youth with access to quality tertiary and vocational education that can allow them to uplift the economic status of their families and provide the underserved communities with school buildings that have key facilities and equipment. To date, they have produced more than 9,000 college and tech-voc scholar graduates and were able to build and refurbish more than 270 school buildings.

Their Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan (KSK) on Sustainable Agriculture, on the other hand, was launched in 2007 to bring modern and sustainable farming skills in both rural and urban communities -providing farmers and

Dr. Bless Bertos conducts a swab test inside an SM Mobile Clinic

their families with food security and agri-based economic opportunities. As of 2020, they have trained more than 28,000 farmers on sustainable agri-tech coming from grassroot communities nationwide.

Through SMFI’s Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), the CSR arm was able to provide timely relief to disasterstricken communities especially in areas where SM operates. So far, SMFI was able to aid almost 640,000 families in areas struck by calamities and disasters.

Their Health and Wellness program successfully established more than 270 health and wellness centers nationwide.

And to complement its health facilities, they have conducted more than 1,500 medical missions providing health care for 1.2 million patients in grassroot communities nationwide.

SM Foundation distributed thousands of Kalinga packs to families and individuals affected by the pandemic

Spreading social good amidst the pandemic During the pandemic, SMFI was able to aid 230 hospitals and institutions through their COVID-19 response program—where SM, through SMFI, was able to distribute over 90,500 PPE and safety gear to frontliners in addition to the Php 105bn worth of medical equipment composed of

SMFI donated PPEs and much-needed medical equipment to various hospitals nationwide

ventilators and X-ray machines. They also distributed 20,000 PCR test kits and 48,050 RNA test kits to strengthen the COVID-19 testing in the country.

And to help the government address the need for more appropriate accommodations to house and treat patients affected by COVID-19, SMFI together with SM EDD constructed six (6) Emergency Quarantine Facilities (EQF) in Metro Manila.

And to provide immediate relief and assistance, SM, through SM Foundation’s Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) program, was able to distribute more than 85,400 Kalinga packs in grassroots communities nationwide—which include transport groups and families greatly affected by the lockdown.

Through SM Foundation’s Social Good Programs, SM hopes to be a meaningful development partner in its host communities - not only through business investments but through relevant community programs that will impact the community and will lead the country towards sustainable development.

To know more about the social good programs and stories of SMFI, follow SM Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube @ SMFoundationInc.

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Opinion

MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

The narrative

EDITORIAL

State of our nation

NAKED It will not be the facts enumerated today; nor even the truths we will either believe or THOUGHT dispute. It will be the narrative of the candidate, his or her life story, and how heCHARLIE or she V. can build upon it to better people’s lives— MANALO that is what will the voter give the candidate a “yes!” come Election Day 2022.

HE recipient of the first That narrative has to be real, authentic, MY GOOD friend, advertising guru Greg and admirable. legally administered Whatever transpires Garcia, once prefaced his storyboard presenIn 2016, it was the story of a man who vaccine against tation to a client by what he ascribed to as an transformed his city from a “wild,wild west” today should not change THE FIFTH Indian proverb: (although it is in the southeast of MindanCOVID-19 in the Philippines, the realities of which we “Tell me the facts, and I will learn. ao) into one where peace and order reigned, GOSPEL Philippine General Hospital CROSSROADS Tell me the truth and I will believe. contributing thus to its progress. It was about are acutely aware.

But tell me a story and it will live forever a man who used his courage to favor the JUDE director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, J.A. in my heart.” under-privileged. “Tapang ACIDRE at Malasakit”. addressed graduates of UP In political messaging, thisCRUZ proverb mat- Someone who stood out against the competiDELA ters much. As some of us say, “it is all about tion, whose courage and compassion brought the initial misgivings and objections of Diliman Sunday and talked the narrative”. with it the promise that “change is coming.” those unsure it had the capability to be so, about the Filipino word Today, the President will deliver his last In 2010, it was the story of a man whose is a testament to that continuous effort.

State of the Nation address to a people who, parents were legendary figures of history and “kanlungan.”

To be sure, the health care system is statistical measurements say, are for the first who vowed a “Daang Matuwid” where “Pag There is no clear-cut English transla- far from perfect. Still, it is people that time in many years, sad, stressed and fearful. walang korap, walang mahirap”, and vowed tion of the term, but many words carry remain the best assets in health care. to transform the nation from a nine-year a semblance of its essence: haven, sanc- Legaspi reign of greed. OPEN NAKEDcited the Herculean efforts of It should be real, those who rushed to save 400 infants What shall THOUGHTS be the narrative in 2022? tuary, harbor, hideout, refuge, shelter.

SO The leading candidate is a lady whose narfrom a burning building, or those who His stay at the university, he said, mold- THOUGHT authentic, and I SEEon the ed him —he gained knowledge, had a provide comfort to patients dying of rative rests on the laurels of her father, ORLANDO CHARLIE V. admirable. old Tagalog saying that “kung ano ang puno, OXALES taste of the real world and a glimpse of COVID-19 in place of their families siya rin ang bunga.” Heredity. LITO She may try MANALO who are not allowed to visit them. his future life in public service. as best as she could to differentiate herself BANAYO On a larger scale, the country itself For the graduates, life at school— both from the father, but in truth, her numbers Filipinos are generally a “happy” people. are what they are because of the father. So it face-to-face and online—shape the indi- is fragmented; it’s a place where two Even in the worst of times, they can manage shall likely be until May 2022. worlds exist. There is the world of the viduals they are and will be. a smile and think positive. They have always There is a pugilist, a world champifew with ample resources, and another Legaspi, one of only 127 neurosurbeen optimists, partly because of a belief in on, who was born to poverty, but whose geons in the Philippines today, also spoke an Almighty that would soon shower them strength, determination and agility pushed THE FIFTHof the poor. The task at hand is to bridge about how PGH consistently strives to the gap between these two worlds, with blessings. him towards being the single most wellGOSPEL live up to its challenge to provide health so that the patient at the charity ward But these days, statisticians tell us that known Filipino in present-day CROSSROADS earth. Will people have become quite pessimistic. Prob- the narrative of poor to untold wealth, one care to Filipinos despite inadequacies in would have the same excellent chance JUDE ably because COVID-19 have wreaked too already used before by an authentic J.A. poor funding. The hospital’s role as ACIDRE a referral at treatment and recovery as the one much havoc on their lives—family members boy from Lubao, wash this time with an center in the fight against COVID-19, despite able to afford a stay at a private hospital.

DELA “para CRUZ lost in an instant with no time to properly electorate who saw how someone sa grieve because the incinerator has beaten mahirap” eventually fell from power? them to the draw; jobs lost and livelihoods There is a decorated police officer who shuttered due to on and off lockdowns and more than two decades ago cleaned up the the lack of mobility; the number of infections cesspool that was the PNP and instilled disrising, almost without end. cipline into its ranks. Will that truth be reWhat truths would the president express membered? in his last SONA that would make people which the Department of Information and Then there is another son of a legendary OPEN believe?

Communications Technology (DICT) has but controversial figure, one who ruled an He can enumerate the facts about Build, entire generation but failed to lift the naadopted to restructure its programs towards THOUGHTS Build, Build, but likely people will ask if tion from poverty, even if some old timers accelerating digital transformation and boost these are sustainable given the paucity of give him credit for infrastructure—the the country’s digital economy.

ORLANDO resources and the huge size of our national indebtedness (and corruption) for which According to the DICT’s recent stateOXALES debt. The facts about crime and corruption the succeeding generation had to pay with ment, the ‘Connect’ component “is focused being successfully lessened will make people hard-earned taxes. on building digital infrastructure by first eslisten, but will they believe? The facts about WHEN we hear the word “digital,” we tablishing a connection to the world through There is the widow of a celebrated mayor our 12-year streak of economic growth, hav- who died in a plane crash, and was catapultinstinctively imagine the realm of hi-tech International Cable Landing Stations. The ing been ravaged by two years of the pan- ed to the national consciousness by her grace gadgetry, smart phones, high-speed in- Department shall then cascade broadband Indemic, everyone already knows. Is there and simplicity, but has been “demonized” by ternet, the cloud, apps, databases, and all ternet access throughout the country through reason to believe things will get better during an army of trolls faithful to the present brand the online content we habitually log on to the building of the National Fiber Backbone, the last ten months of the administration? for work and entertainment. For consum- which is further connected to middle- and which disdains any competition.

All ears will be glued to the President’s ers living in a pandemic, these technol- last-mile connections.”

There is another who rose from the last message to Congress and the people. It poverty of Manila’s slums, scavenged to ogies are just indispensable. Still, many is akin to the holy pontiff delivering an put food on their table, was lured into the end-users have little understanding of the “urbi et orbi” message, to the Citta Vati- cinematic arts, thence worked his way to a complexity and the enormous investments The technology is cana and to the faithful world. needed to build and sustain a network of collegiate degree and beyond, all the time there but we must have We will listen to the facts. The truth, if serving three full terms as councilor, another digital infrastructures to support this conindeed these are, we should believe. But nine years as vice-mayor, and now mayor of vergence of services we access through our the openness to learn. a little over eight months from now, when the nation’s capital. What he has achieved phones, tablets, and computers. people go to the polling precincts and cast for his decaying city in less than three years, According to the 2021 We Are Social reThree major programs being implemented their vote, once more with hope in their two of which were under pandemic condiport of Hootsuite, out of our population of hearts that their decision will make their tions, can be a marvelous narrative as well. about 110 million, 67 percent or more than are: The National Government Data Center lives better, it is the story of the winner that 73 million are internet users. The report also aimed to address latency by hosting governThese are the ones most likely to throw will live in their hearts. counts 152.4 million mobile accounts (138.2 ment and education content, The Free Wi-Fi their hats into the presidential ring. There Those like this writer who believed the may be more; there may be less. percent of population) which means more for All to increase public access to secure innarrative of “tapang at malasakit” and voted than 38 percent have more than one subscrip- ternet in all public areas and geographically NAKED We should know who they are in a hunfor Rodrigo Roa Duterte in May of 2016 will dred days and four, unless the substitution tion. 89 million or 80.7 percent are active so- isolated areas, and the National Broadband THOUGHT next time around look for someone whose gimmick which sold in 2015, will be up for cial media users. By these impressive figures, Plan “which aims to accelerate the deploynarrative will resonate in our hearts. one might say that we should have no prob- ment of fiber optic cables and wireless techvending to the electorate once more.

CHARLIE V. lem shifting to a digital economy since most nology through private sector and Local MANALO of us are already comfortable going online. Government Unit partnerships.”

Well, not quite.

Some LGUs are already engaging the Being the world’s heaviest user of the in- private telcos such as Mandaluyong City’s ternet—with Filipinos said to be logged on Free Wi-fi initiative in partnership with an average of 10 hours through their mobile Globe Telecom which deployed AMBER apps and social media platforms—does not facilities to boost their daily information mum period of seven years to ensure access THE FIFTH translate to our digital readiness to compete and communication campaign and support to health, nutrition and education. globally as a digital economy. Digital read- coordination of their MandaVax vaccinaGOSPEL The cost of these interventions may be iness actually involves an end-to-end spec- tion program. When the lockdowns started staggering, but for sure, these will signifitrum of transformation through knowledge, last year, GoWifi hotspots were also inJUDE cantly impact the quality of life for many skills, policy, investment, and deployment of stalled at the National Center for Mental ACIDRE Filipino families and lift many of them the right technologies.

Health, Puregold Price Club-Shaw, and at from absolute poverty.

The World Bank Digital Economy 2020 the Mandaluyong Public Markets 1 & 2.

President Duterte also took the decisive THE final State of the Nation Address of Presireport introduced the CHIP (Connect, Har- These practical and easily executable coldent Rodrigo Roa Duterte marks the beginning step of undertaking the long-overdue reness, Innovate, and Protect) framework laborations should be encouraged. form of the country’s income tax structure of the end of his six-year presidential term.

There is no question that the nation finds with the passage of the Tax Reform for itself starkly far off from the confidence and Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act, the Bangsamoro Basic Law and the creation bers needed, were available before the pandemic, optimism that pervaded the Philippines when exempting from hefty income taxes those of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in and the increasing squabble for whatever limited earning no more than P250,000 a year, the Muslim Mindanao.

Duterte was elected president six years ago. supply there be—from PPE equipment to vacOPEN To be fair, however, this pandemic is not bulk of low income earners.

With his Build, Build, Build program, President cines—had made the situation even worse.

THOUGHTS of his making, nor is this crisis limited to Duterte has laid out an ambitious and unprecFrom a global health emergency, before we our country. For more than a year, the whole edented infrastructure development program, know it, the pandemic has grown into a fullORLANDO world has been grappling with this coronaviwhich aims to improve the country’s highways, blown economic crisis.

Nobody was rus infection,OXALES putting almost the entire planet bridges, mass transport system, airports, and Today, President Duterte will deliver his anprepared for a crisis of at a standstill. seaports. The completion of delayed infrastruc- nual speech for both houses of Congress. The As the country listens to his final report ture projects such as the Skyway Stage 3 and fact that he will speak to a half-filled hall and this magnitude. to the nation, it would be gravely unfair, not the NLEX-SLEX connector projects. Although the majority of his audience attending online only to the President but to his entire team, these have been in the pipeline even before the is a clear indication of the present crisis. to simply define his term of office based on Aquino presidency, they were only realized Herd immunity and a lasting cure to this While its full effects are yet to be realized, during the Duterte administration. what has happened in the last two years. pandemic remains elusive. not only did he set up the 8888 hotline for Because honestly, not all is lost.

Much has been achieved, but so much more The economy continues to deal with the There are at least three major gains that citizen complaints. President Duterte also has yet to be realized. worst inflation in the country’s history. So will will define the Duterte administration: First, signed the Ease of Doing Business Act, Most of the mega-infrastructure projects unemployment continue to rise, and the sad stronger bias for poverty reduction and eco- thereby curbing the incidence of red tape in mentioned at the beginning of his term have economic consequences that come with it. nomic inclusion; second, sustained efforts for the bureaucracy and ordering faster and more been effectively shelved or placed on hold. It But with every crisis comes an opportunity. security, peace and order; third, significant efficient government service operations. did not also help that due to the coronavirus The COVID-19 pandemic has brought In terms of ensuring peace and order, the pandemic, government spending had to shift greater attention to our limited healthcare cainvestments in infrastructure development.

Unlike his predecessors, President Duterte Duterte administration made good on its to our COVID-19 efforts, in effect reducing pability. Thanks to the universal healthcare has not tarried in approving and implement- campaign promise of reducing the supply, significantly the time and resources needed to program, strides to increase our healthcare ing key pieces of social legislation—at times demand, and harmful effects of illegal drugs. carry out many of these projects. capacity are in place. even against the advice of his own economic There is no doubt that his efforts have efThe coronavirus pandemic however caught The economic recovery legislation promanagers—such as universal health care and fectively curtained illegal drug trade in the the world by surprise, and its toll on human vided in the two installments of the Bayanicountry, dismantling countless drug dens and life and the economy cannot be ignored. It has han Recover as One Act has significantly alfree tertiary education.

In fact, he unhesitatingly signed at least clandestine laboratories in the country. caused the worst economic crisis in history leviated the socio-economic distress caused The President has also given priority to and necessitated the largest economic re- by the pandemic through cash transfers and three key legislative measures geared towards increased social inclusion—the Mag- improving the plight not only of those in the covery plan since the Second World War. fiscal stimulus programs. But with the inna Carta of the Poor which was once vetoed armed forces, but also those in the police, fire Plainly speaking, the country and our gov- come tax reform, a significant surplus in the by former President Benigno Aquino III, the protection and even jail management service ernment were not prepared for a crisis of this monthly income of low wage earners have Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) by approving a significant salary increase for magnitude, notwithstanding that at the begin- also helped them deal with this crisis.

Act, which mandates the issuance of nation- our uniformed personnel. ning even the scientific community knew little Many would say the economy remains unAs the first Philippine president from of the disease and its effects. al IDs for every Filipino, and the Pantawid certain, and the future looks bleak. It does not Pamilyang Pilipino Program Act, the national Mindanao, President Duterte’s lasting conThat explains why many governments in the take an expert to establish that our country is poverty reduction strategy and human capital tribution towards ending years of strife and world were mainly on a wait-and-see mode, try- desperately in need of an economic rebound. investment program that provides conditional ushering peace in the country’s southern is- ing to grasp every piece of information as it came.

But neither does it cancel the gains made cash transfer to poor households for a maxi- land is his strong support to the passage of None of the resources required, at least in the num- by the Duterte administration in its first four SO I SEE LITO BANAYO

T

In the end, Legaspi exhorted the graduates to work toward the development of our nation in big and little ways.

Then again, the PGH director’s words could speak to all other Filipinos, whether they had the opportunity to get a university education or not. The state of our nation has been difficult and daunting even before this pandemic.

COVID-19 served only to expose the weaknesses, widen the gaps and magnify the inequities.

Our leader will speak to us this afternoon. While we can expect him to touch on a few things, there are no guarantees that he would pick the most important issues, speak logically and evenly like a statesman, and present an accurate picture of our state.

Whatever transpires today, though, should not change the realities of which we are acutely aware. Filipinos who love our country, despite its imperfections will find ways—even if it is difficult and frustrating—to cooperate and empathize with others, to be critical of each other while still being respectful, to be constructive, to encourage discourse, and to find common ground so that there is only “we” instead of a vicious and simplistic “us versus them.”

Digital readiness paradigm

The beginning of the end

ManilaStandard

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The ‘Harness’ component is about developing the ICT skills of Filipinos where the DICT will invest in digital education to ensure the readiness of the country’s workforce which is critical in the country’s global competitiveness. Considering the problems of the education sector made worse by this crisis, I believe this part may prove to be the most challenging.

The ‘Innovate’ component “focuses on the continuous digitalization and integration of government and business services online pursuant to the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018” where LGUs and government agencies must streamline their bureaucratic processes and business operations using the appropriate cloud-based solutions. Ongoing programs are the Central Business Portal which allows business registrants to apply for the necessary permits and licenses from the national government agencies online, and the Electronic Business Permits and Licensing System which streamlines the processing of various permits and licenses in all cities and municipalities.

The last but equally important is the ‘Protect’ component which focuses on cybersecurity and data privacy which are real risks that every netizen, and especially public or private enterprise must take seriously.

This CHIP framework is a good approach that both government and the private sector can apply in their digital transformation journey. To be digital ready so we can, as individuals, as an enterprise, as an industry, and as a nation, compete in a fast paced and continuously evolving digital world. We will need a drastic paradigm shift from the high friction, hard copy, analogue system of doing business to the light speed ultra-dynamic digital solutions that sets no boundaries for innovation.

The technology is there for us to harness.

But we must have the openness to learn, to retool ourselves with new competencies, and to adapt to digitized workflows that will realize sustainable growth and prosperity. years. One cannot deny the fact that we could have been in worse shape. Thanks to the sound social and economic policy interventions previously made, our country is definitely in a better position to deal with this crisis and emerge from it even better and stronger.

It may be the beginning of the end, but we are certainly up for a hopeful conclusion.

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(www.manilastandard.net)

The last Sona

EVERYMAN The race for the presidency

by Ernesto Banawis

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

Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor City Editor

Emil P. Jurado

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

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021

A5

Manila

Standard

TODAY Republic

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

World

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

Historic fraud trial to expose Vatican secrets in London funds

A

once-powerful Catholic cardinal and nine others stand trial at the Vatican this week in an embezzlement scandal that allegedly saw charity funds used in a ruinous London property venture.

Ex-cardinal Angelo Becciu, who served as the equivalent of a papal chief of staff for Pope Francis before being fired last year, has been charged with crimes including embezzlement and abuse of office.

It is the first time a cardinal has been indicted by Vatican criminal prosecutors and Becciu, 73, will be the headliner of a trial set to last months.

The defendants face jail time or stiff fines if found guilty.

The alleged graft will have enraged Francis, 84, who has vowed all-out war on corruption and has increased oversight of the Vatican’s finances, dogged for decades by scandal.

Tuesday’s hearing is expected to be purely technical and the trial, held in a makeshift courtroom in the Vatican Museums, may be adjourned after the summer break.

It was not clear whether Becciu, stripped of his red biretta, will be present.

It follows a two-year probe

Ex-cardinal Angelo Becciu

into how the Secretariat of State—the key department in the Vatican’s central administration – managed its vast asset portfolio and, in particular, who knew what about a disastrous 350-million-euro ($415 million) London investment.

Two London-based Italian financiers were involved in buying the 17,000-sq meter building —a former Harrods warehouse in Chelsea intended for conversion into luxury apartments.

Gianluigi Torzi and Raffaele Mincione are charged with embezzlement, fraud and money laundering. AFP

WINDBLOWN. Workers attempt to move a fallen tree due to strong winds in Ningbo, eastern China’s Zhejiang province, on July 25, 2021, ahead of Typhoon In-Fa’s expected landfall in the region. AFP

IN BRIEF India monsoon death toll rises to 124

THE death toll from flooding and landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains in India climbed to 124 Sunday, officials said, with rescuers searching for dozens more missing.

The country’s western coast has been inundated by torrential rains since Thursday, with the India Meteorological Department warning of further downpours over the next few days.

In Maharashtra state, 114 people have been killed, including more than 40 in a large landslide that hit the hillside village of Taliye, south of Mumbai, on Thursday.

Villager Jayram Mahaske, whose relatives remained trapped, told AFP that “many people were washed away as they were trying to run away” when the landslide hit.

It flattened dozens of homes in a matter of minutes, leaving just two concrete structures standing and cutting off power supply, local residents told AFP. Rescuers were scouring the mud and debris for 99 others still missing.

“My entire team is engaged in rescue operations now,” National Disaster Response Force Inspector Rajesh Yawale, who was coordinating rescue operations in the village, told AFP Saturday. AFP

UK hosts 51 countries for climate talks

BRITAIN hosts climate and environment ministers from 51 countries on Sunday for “critical” climate talks ahead of November’s COP26 summit in Glasgow.

British minister Alok Sharma, President of COP26, will lead the two-day meeting, which London said will address “key issues that require resolution” at the summit.

Sharma “hopes to build common ground and sketch the outline of the Glasgow outcome,” according to a statement released by the British government.

Environment and climate ministers from the US, India and China will be among those taking part in the closed-door meeting, which will include both virtual and in-person attendance.

It is the first face-to-face ministerial meeting of its kind in more than 18 months.

“We are facing perilous times for our planet and the only way we will safeguard its future is if countries are on the same path,” said Sharma.

“The world will be watching to see whether we come together in Glasgow and do what is necessary to turn things around in this decisive decade,” he added.

“It is essential that together we roll up our sleeves, find common ground and collectively draw out how we will build a greener, brighter future for our children and future generations.”AFP

Prince’s posthumous album out July 30

PRINCE’S estate will soon issue a completed record from the mercurial artist’s storied music vault, the first never-before-heard album released since the musician’s shock death five years ago.

“Welcome 2 America” – a 12-track album finished in 2010, but shelved for reasons unknown in the famous vault at Prince’s Paisley Park compound near Minneapolis – offers a prophetic window into social struggles at today’s forefront, delving into racism, political division, technology and disinformation.

Melding urgent lyricism with languorous funk, the pop shapeshifter Prince sings of America as the “land of the free / home of the slave.”

The artist, who died at 57 on April 21, 2016 following an accidental fentanyl overdose, could not have known that in the years following his death his beloved home city would explode in furor and protest after the police killing of George Floyd, a Black man.

But Prince was a career activist, advocating for the empowerment of Black people in the recording industry and beyond.

“You go to school just to learn / about what never existed,” Prince sings on the closing track “One Day We Will All B Free.” AFP

GENERAL GUIDELINES: 1.

Sale of GSIS Investment Properties – Retail Units (IP-RUs) shall be through competitive public bidding.

2.

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

3.

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

4.

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

5.

Pursuant to Republic Act (RA) No. 10963 or the Tax Reform Act for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act, the selling price of GSIS properties above PhP2 million shall be subject to twelve percent (12%) Value-Added Tax (VAT).

7.

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

8.

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

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

9.

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

10.

Bidders’ deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Offer plus the 12% VAT, if applicable, shall be in the form of a MANAGER’S CHECK payable to the Government Service Insurance System.

Current Mayor’s Permit issued by the city or municipality where the principal place of business of the winning bidder is located If the winning bidder is a cooperative, a. duly accomplished Company/Corporate Profile b. Cooperative Development Authority Registration or any proof of such registration c. Current Mayor’s Permit issued by the city or municipality where the principal place of business of the winning bidder is located

16.

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

17.

The deposit equivalent to at least ten percent (10%) of the Bid Offer plus 12% VAT shall be paid not later than 3:00 PM on the day of bidding. The 90% balance of the bid amount plus 12% VAT shall be paid either in cash or in manager’s check within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of NOAS, without privilege of extension.

Sample Computation: Bid Amount is PhP2,610,000.00

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

6.

11.

d.

C.

Deposit - (10% of PhP2,610,000.00) + 12% = PhP 261,000.00 + 31,320.00 = PhP292,320.00 Balance - (90% of PhP2,610,000.00) + 12% = PhP2,349,000.00 + 281,880.00 = PhP2,630,880.00

18.

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

19.

In case the highest/winning bidder fails to comply with the requirements within the specified time, the said NOAS shall be deemed automatically revoked and the highest/winning bidder shall be informed in writing. The second highest bidder, if any, shall be informed in writing if he/she is still interested to acquire the property. If still interested, he/she must remit the required non-refundable 10% deposit within three (3) working days after receipt of notice from GSIS.

20.

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

21.

For bidding inquiries, you may call the Real Property Accounts Management Department (RPAMD) at trunk line numbers (02) 8479-3600, and (02) 7976-4900 local numbers 3228, 3374, and 3396 or send an email at mbgonda@gsis.gov.ph, chplogdat@gsis.gov.ph, mmmagbanua@gsis.gov.ph, amqjulian@gsis.gov.ph, or jsvicaldo@gsis.gov.ph.

1.

Only the participating bidder shall enter the bidding room.

2.

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

3.

Social distancing must be strictly observed.

4.

Bringing of ballpen is encouraged.

5.

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

6.

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

1.

Register at the RPAMD Secretariat/Registration table.

2.

Present the sealed Bid Envelope enclosing eligibility documents between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM to the RPAMD Secretariat.

HEALTH PROTOCOLS UNDER NEW NORMAL

ALL participating bidders shall insert the following documents in a bid envelope: 1)

Properly accomplished bid form;

2)

Manager’s Check payable to Government Service Insurance System representing deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Offer plus 12% VAT, if applicable.

3)

Special Power of Attorney (SPA), if the bidder is being represented by another person.

GUIDE FOR BIDDERS 4)

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

12.

13.

Barangay certificate that the bidder is occupying or residing in the subject property; and Valid Government Issued ID with an address showing that the bidder is currently residing in the subject property, or c.

Latest Billing Statement under the Bidder’s Name that shows he/she is currently residing in the subject property.

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

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

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

15.

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

B.

Ensure to read and follow the General Guidelines;

•

Ensure that the downloadable Bid form is properly accomplished; and

•

Ensure that the Bid form contained in the sealed envelope;

3.

Make sure to final check the content of the sealed bid envelope before proceeding to the Bid Box.

4.

Only participating Bidders will proceed to the Bid Box to drop the sealed Bid Envelope (ask assistance of RPAMD Secretariat/Personnel only).

5.

Once the sealed envelope is inside the Bid Box, we are refrained from retrieving the envelope.

6.

Opening of Bids will immediately follow.

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

14.

A.

•

If the winning bidder is an individual, a. duly accomplished Personal Profile (with attached recent two (2) pieces of 2x2 ID pictures of the winning bidder) b. photocopies of two (2) valid IDs (at least one should be a government-issued ID) If the winning bidder is a corporate entity or partnership, a. duly accomplished Company/Corporate Profile b. Registration Certificate from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) c. Articles of Incorporation (if corporation), Articles of Partnership (if partnership), General Information Sheet, and By-Laws duly certified by the SEC

(MS-JULY 26,27 & 28, 2021)

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Standard A6 MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021 Manila

TODAY mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Pimentel proposal gets tough vs. prospective candidates

SURIGAO del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel has filed a bill seeking to tag all politicians as “prospective candidates” prohibited from premature campaigning under pain of disqualification from running for or holding office.

Under Pimentel’s House Bill 9656, prospective candidates shall be banned from ill-timed electioneering anytime within 12 months before the campaign period.

The campaign period officially starts 90 days and 45 days before any scheduled elections for national and local positions, respectively.

“In the interest of fair play, our bill seeks to restore premature campaigning as an election offense by clearly defining who may be held liable, and when they may be held liable,” Pimentel said.

Under the bill, the term “prospective candidate” shall refer to any person aspiring for any elective public office, whether or not he or she has declared the intention to run in the scheduled elections and subsequently files a certificate of candidacy (COC).

Under the bill, within 365 days before the start of the campaign period, prospective candidates as well as candidates shall be prohibited from and may be held liable for, the following unlawful and punishable acts: • Forming organizations, associations, clubs, committees or other groups of persons for the purpose of soliciting votes and/or undertaking any campaign for or against a candidate; • Holding political caucuses, conferences, meetings, rallies, parades, or other similar assemblies, for the purpose of soliciting votes and/or undertaking any campaign or propaganda for or against a candidate; • Making speeches, announcements, commentaries, or holding innila terviews for or against the election of any candidate for public office; ndard• Publishing or distributing campaign literature or materials designed TODAY to support or oppose the election of any candidate; or • Directly or indirectly soliciting votes, pledges, or support for or against a candidate.

The foregoing acts shall not be considered as premature electioneering or partisan election activity if performed to improve the chances of aspirants to be nominated as candidates of a political party or coalition, or if meant as public expressions or opinions against potential nominees in a forthcoming political convention.

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF LUCIA M. PAGALA

Notice is hereby given to the effect that a Deed of ExtraJudicial Settlement of Estate (of Deceased Johnny Valerio Ramirez) was executed by his heirs namely: Johnny’s siblings Nelia Ramirez Pascual, Nilo Valerio Ramirez and Cesar Valerio Ramirez; and Johnny’s nephews and nieces Sancho Rafael Pabustan Ramirez, Maria Adrianne Ramirez Alfaro, Nicolas Dante Ramirez Gallegos III, Maria Consolacion Gallegos Duque, Paolo Leandro Ramirez Gallegos, and Francesca Maria Ramirez Gallegos as per Doc No.312, Page No.65, Book No. I, series of 2021 before Notary Public Atty. Chiles Megan M. Areño.

Notice is also hereby given to the effect that an Addendum on the Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate of Johnny Ramirez was also executed by all his aforementioned heirs as per Doc No.313, Page No.65, Book No. I, series of 2021 before Notary Public Atty. Chiles Megan M. Areño.

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)

(MS-JULY 26, AUG. 2 & 9, 2021)

ANNOUNCEMENT The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. II (DOST-II), one of 16 regional offices of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and mandated to: (1) carry out laws, rules, regulations, policies, plans, programs, and projects of the Department; (2) provide effective and efficient Science & Technology (S&T) services to the people in the region; and (3) coordinate with other government agencies and local government units in the region on S&T matters, is in need of a REGIONAL DIRECTOR.

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DIRTIED DOLOMITE. Maintenance men belonging to an interagency group collect trash that were washed ashore in

the Dolomite Beach near the US embassy in Roxas Boulevard in Manila on Sunday, July 25, 2021, days after relentless downpour induced by Typhoon Fabian. The government prohibits people from gathering or collecting dolomite sands and pebbles in the area. Danny Pata

Dengvaxia cases filed in wrong venue—PAO Taguig City Metropolitan Trial Court, and not with the Quezon City Regional Trial Court’s Branch 107.

HE Public Attorney’s “Are we playing a game of ping pong (taOffice hits out at state ble tennis) here? The filing before the MeTC prosecutors from the is just causing too much delay on the cases,” Department of Justice for filing she told reporters.

To remand the Dengvaxia-related cases new Dengvaxia cases before due to wrong filing has caused prolonged a metropolitan trial court agony to the kin of the victims and waste of (MeTC), instead of a regional taxpayers’ money, she lamented.

Dr. Erwin Erfe, PAO forensics chief who contrial court in Quezon City as ducted autopsy on the 165 supposed Dengvaxia designated by the Supreme victims, also questioned the state prosecutors for Court to hear all Dengvaxia ignoring the Supreme Court decision. cases.

In an Aug. 27, 2020 resolution, the Supreme Court through Division Clerk of PAO Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta said Court Librada Buena granted the petition of the nine new cases have been filed with the

By Rio N. Araja

T

the victims’ parents to transfer the venue of all Dengvaxia cases to a family court in Quezon City.

When asked if the DOJ prosecutors could face contempt of court, Rueda-Acosta said “That should be the case. But we do not want to file (a complaint) anymore.”

On Nov. 29, 2017, Sanofi Pasteur Inc., the vaccine manufacturer, posted on its official website that “For those not previously infected by dengue virus, however, the analysis found that in the longer term, more cases of severe disease could occur following vaccination upon a subsequent dengue infection.”

The Department of Health hadd procured P3.5 billion worth of the vaccines under its mass vaccination of over 800,000 school children in public schools nationwide.

Job Description

DAR: Resolve all pending cases at field-office levels

The Regional Director for DOST -II shall provide leadership in the formulation of policies, strategies, and implementation of programs/projects in the region. S/he shall be stationed at the DOST -II regional office at #2 Dalan na Paccurofun, corner Matunung St., Regional Government Center, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

Qualification Requirements: • •

Must be a Filipino citizen; Must have at least: Certificate 1. A Master’s degree in S& T Related Fields or Management in Leadership and Management from the Civil Service Commission (CSC); PhD degree in S&T Related Fields or Management preferred; (NOTE: If the applicant’s Master’s degree is in management, his/her undergraduate degree should be in S& T related field.)

2. Five (5) years of supervisory/management experience (the last three (3) years of which are with at least very satisfactory rating); and 3. 120 hours of management and technical trainings /learning and development interventions undertaken; (NOTE: The applicant should have undertaken at least 40 hours of technical trainings and 80 hours of management training/learning and development interventions.)

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Career Executive Service (CES) Eligibility; [In the absence of CES eligibility, the candidate must undergo the process of obtaining eligibility within one (1) year from assumption of duty]

•

Must not have been convicted of any administrative offense or crime; and

•

Must be of good health.

Compensation Package: Monthly salary at SG-28-1 ; Representation and Transportation Allowance, Communication Allowance, PERA and Additional Compensation, and other allowable benefits such as those provided under the Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers. and other S& T Personnel in Government (RA 8439) Selection Criteria: I. Accomplishments II. Relevant Education (relevant to the position applied for) III. Relevant Management Experiences IV. Relevant Training V. Job Competency (core, organizational, leadership, and technical) VI. Personal Qualities and Attributes Documents to be submitted toqether with the application letter: • • • • • •

• • • •

Copy of curriculum vitae addressing the selection criteria indicated above, listing three (3) references; CSC Form No. 212 (Personal Data Sheet) and Attachment to CSC Form No. 212 (Work Experience Sheet); Vision and action plans for DOST·II (both Powerpoint presentation and narrative); Updated service record (for those who served/are serving in the government) /certificate of employment (for those who served/are serving in the private sector); Performance Evaluation Ratings in the last three (3) years; Notarized affidavit indicating that the applicant has not been convicted of any administrative offense and/or crime must be submitted. If the applicant has a pending civil, administrative, and/or criminal case or was a party to any of these cases in the past, such fact must be disclosed; Medical certificate issued by a licensed government physician; 2”X2” 10 Photo (2 pcs); Clearances from the CSC, NBI, Ombudsman, and Sandiganbayan; and Supporting documents such as certified true copy of training certificates, awards received, documentation of accomplishments and others

Additional Requirements: 1. Applicants who passed the initial screening process shall be required to take a competency written examination.

2. The shortlisted applicants shall be required to undergo a psychological examination.

Applications must be received not later than 13 August 2021.

Note: Selection of candidates is based on merit as per criteria indicated above, Hence, endorsements from institutions/organizations or officers/individuals are not necessary.

Please forward all applications to: The Undersecretary for Regional Operations Chairperson, Search Committee for the DOST-II Regional Director Ground Floor, ADMATEL Building DOST Compound, Gen. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City Email address: emdemafelix@dost.gov.ph (JULY 26, 2021)

PEP HEAP. Several children collect plastic bottles and other garbage materials that have bunched up after several days of intermittent rain at the Araneta Creek in Barangay Talayan, Quezon City to sell their wares to a junk shop. Norman Cruz

Two senators support BTA term extension COTABATO CITY— Two Philippine senators appeared to hold common views on the issue of extending the three-year term of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority during the culmination here Friday of the Bangsamoro Governance Summit.

Lawyer Salvador Panelo, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, delivered the message of Senator Lawrence Christopher Go, saying in Filipino that “the success of the Bangsamoro is also the success of the Filipino Nation.”

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri also announced in the same event that the upper chamber is currently on final deliberations to pass Senate Bill (SB) 2214 “in a month’s time” to extend the BTA term from May 2022 to June 2021.

Go, perceived to have had reservations on

the BTA extension, has expressed optimism in working for the success of the Bangsamoro governance.

Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Al-Hadj Murad Ibrahim had earlier opened in Basilan the week-long consultation-series for local government units (LGUs) region-wide to take part in community-based planning sessions with top government agencies of BARMM. Regional Speaker Ali Pangalian Balindong said the Bangsamoro Parliament officially accepted in full-session technical feedbacks from BARMM Executive’s planning and consultation-series to determine the state of community development in-aid of Budget legislations towards establishing a Bangsamoro Moral Governance. Nash B. Maulana

AGRARIAN Reform Secretary John Castriciones has directed regional directors, and provincial agrarian reform program officers to immediately resolve all pending cases at the field level to be able to serve more agrarian reform beneficiaries nationwide.

He gave the directive for land tenure security program (LSTP), agrarian justice delivery program, and agrarian reform beneficiaries development and sustainability program vis-à-vis its approved targets and fund utilization.

“With regards to LTSP, we have come up with policies and a uniformed process so that agricultural lands at the municipal agrarian reform office level not yet covered under the program will be immediately facilitated,” he said.

The objective of the activity is to look back at what has been achieved and the problems which were encountered in the first semester of 2021.

“On agrarian justice delivery, many of those cases which were originally classified as problematic are now being resolved because of the efficient partnership between the Legal Affairs Office team and Field Operations Office group, and in connection with the zero backlog policy in resolving pending agrarian reform cases,” the Department of Agrarian Reform chief said.

He reminded the field officials that as they go back to their provinces and regions, he is hoping that they would strengthen their commitment to serve the people who belong to the poorest sector of society. Rio N. Araja

SC upholds Comelec power on conduct of automated polls

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has junked the petition for mandamus filed by several poll watchdogs in 2019 seeking to compel the Commission on Elections to fully comply with its 2016 order to activate the so-called “Voter Verification Paper Audit Trail or VVPAT” as one of the minimum systems capabilities of the automated election system and a major security feature of the vote counting machine under Republic 9369 or the Automated Election Law.

Although the petition was dismissed for being moot, the SC still rendered a ruling that there was no grave abuse of discretion on the part of the Comelec as it has the sole authority to decide how to implement the automated election system.

In an en banc resolution written by Associate Justice Mario Lopez, the SC held that the Comelec substantially complied with the Court’s ruling in Bagumbayan on the matter of the VVPAT requirement.

The high court held in Bagumbayan-VPN Movement v. Comelec that the VVPAT re-

quirement is substantially complied with when the voter’s receipt is printed, and the voter can physically verify his or her vote.

The petitioners argued that VVPAT was mandatory for audit purposes from the time of vote casting until vote counting.

The VVPAT consists of physical paper records of voter ballots as voters have cast them on an electronic voting system. It also allows every voter to confirm whether or not the machine cast the vote correctly based on the choice of the voter, thereby ensuring the integrity of the elections.

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MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Solid North’ to flex muscle for Bongbong

Yedda grateful for support to higher age of consent bill

By Rio N. Araja TINGOG party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez on Sunday thanked actress-television host Anne Curtis and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray for supporting the swift passage of a proposed law seeking to consider as rape the sexual contact with a minor below 16.

“I am very happy that Ms. Anne Curtis and Ms. Catriona gray are taking cognizance of our efforts in championing the rights and protection of children against abuse, exploitation and discrimination,” she said.

She endorsed House Bill 7839 or “An Act Providing for Stronger Protection Against Rape and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Increasing the Age for Determining the Commission of Statutory Rape” for plenary approval as the committee on welfare of children chairperson.

Voting 207 against three, Congress approved on third and final reading the measure last Dec. 1.

The bill sets the age of sexual consent to below 16 years old from 12 years old below, regardless of sexual orientation of the offenders and victims, and amends the 23-year-old Anti-Rape Law and the Revised Penal Code.

“As we know, increasing the age of determining statutory rape is an advocacy we have been fighting for a couple of years and we have been successful in passing this measure last December as it was overwhelmingly approved in the House of Representatives. We hope they continue to raise awareness and support our initiatives which are now pending in the Senate,” the party-list representative said.

‘Communist activities on the decline’ COMMUNIST activities have been on the decline in the five years under the Duterte administration, the group Liga Independencia Pilipinas said, following concerted effort to abolish the communist terrorist group under a whole-of-nation approach for inclusive and sustainable peace.

LIPI Secretary General Jose Antonio Goitia said these were just some of the benefits Filipinos have received from the government under President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Thousands of NPA (New People’s Army) cadres have surrendered their arms to live in peace and become responsible citizens of the Philippines,” Goitia noted.

“The pandemic has slowed the Philippines’ and 193 other countries’ progress.

The President must continue his economic recovery efforts, as well as the Covid-19 vaccination operations, to kickstart the economy. He must also continue his anticorruption, anti-drug, and government reform campaigns,” he said.

As for LIPI, Goitia said the President “has inspired us to take an active role in combating those who oppose our ideals, rights, and way of life.”

“We are at the forefront of combating the spread of disinformation by the CPPNPA-NDF and opposing political parties whose agenda is to demolish the government’s policies and programs,” he said.

“Our advocacy will continue until we are free of the dangers of radical extremism posed by criminal organizations such as the CPP-PNA-NDF and ISIS,” Goitia said.

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Former Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos is in a huddle with Isabela Gov. Rodito Albano (left) and Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, Mayor Chavit Singson (right).

P0.70 oil price rollback ends 9 weeks of increases C

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ONSUMERS can expect a reprieve from the consecutive weekly oil price hikes in the past weeks as oil firms are forecasted to rollback pump prices by as much as P0.70 per liter.

“Expect fuel prices to go down next week (July 27 - August 2). Diesel should go down by P0.60 per liter. Gasoline should go down by P0.70 per liter,” Unioil Petroleum Philippines said in its weekly oil price advisory.

World oil prices declined this week amid global demand recovery concerns due to the Delta variant

of COVID-19.

New infections are increasing in the US, one of the biggest consumers of oil products, due to the Delta variant while China, another oil consumer, saw fresh clusters of COVID-19 infections recently.

The prevalence of the Delta variant and the slow pace of vaccination in other countries has raised fears

of a delay in the global economic recovery.

Meanwhile, the anticipated price rollback this week will put an end to nine weeks of consecutive oil price hikes, the latest of which was on July 20.

The oil firms raised the price of gasoline by P0.05to P0.10 per liter, P0.30 per liter for diesel and P0.30 per liter for kerosene last week.

These resulted in year-to-date adjustments to stand at a total net increase of P13.60 per liter for gasoline, P10.90 per liter for diesel and P9.30 per liter for kerosene.

AROUND 50 congressmen and local political leaders of the socalled “Solid North” gathered Sunday in what Sen. Imee Marcos described as “pre-SONA” merienda at the senator’s old house in San Juan City, in Metro Manila.

Although her brother, former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has yet to make a final announcement of his 2022 poll plan, the gathering was interpreted by some attending congressmen as an assessment of the young Marcos’ chances to win in next year’s presidential race.

With a 17.8 percent rating, the former senator scored a close second in the latest survey of Publicus Asia Inc. to the presidential daughter who got 20.8 percent, with Vice President Leni Robredo at third place with 13.2 percent and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno in fourth place with a score of 11.3 percent.

“If he decides to run for president, Bongbong will surely get the block votes of the so-called ‘solid north’ which count to a few millions coming from the provinces of Regions 1 and 2 and some parts of Region 3,” said one congressman who spoke on condition he would not be identified.

“By default, our political culture in Ilocandia is to always stick to an Ilocano bet in any national electoral post,” the congressman said.

“While some presidentiables have made known this early their intentions to vie for the presidency, it appears that BBM is keeping close to his chest his decision which is typical of a seasoned politician… the very reason why we are confident of his victory in this coming election,” stressed another lawmaker.

8m Pinoys have access to family planning services PHILIPPINE population authorities have revealed that more than eight million women and men were able to obtain modern family planning services in 2020 despite uncertainties when the country came under a lockdown.

Undersecretary for Population and Development

Juan Antonio Perez III said this was an increase of almost four percent in family planning users in the country, which to date has a population of 110 million.

Health leaders and stakeholders have said the COVID-19 pandemic has critically compromised the protection of sexual and reproductive health rights of

DEADLY WATERS. A woman walks through gutter-deep floodwaters in Kawit, Cavite wearing a face mask to prevent her from contracting COVID-19, yet unmindful of another disease that she may get—leptospirosis.

The Department of Health said leptospirosis cases rose by 13 percent from January to June this year comapred to the same period last year. Danny Pata

women and girls worldwide—including the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific region.

This consensus was arrived at as the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-Philippines recently marked World Population Day 2021, with “Dynamic Demographics: Prioritizing sexual and reproductive health and rights of people” as the theme.

In an online event, the UNFPA revealed a recent study stating that millions of women continued to experience restrictions in accessing family planning services due to the imposition of local community lockdowns.

The condition could lead to an increase in the number of unplanned pregnancies, specifically within the marginalized sector of the Philippine society.

In addition, the situation may cause an upsurge in the number of gender-based violence cases.

Nationwide, POPCOM said reproductive health and family planning services were feared to be severely impaired in certain urban areas, which raised the red flag on their accompanying consequences.

These include the possible rise in the incidences of unplanned pregnancies particularly among adolescents, increasing maternal mortalities and gender-based violence.

Perez III, a doctor and a master of public health, said: “The drawbacks caused by the pandemic notwithstanding, POPCOM—together with UNFPA Philippines and our partners consisting of stakeholders and like-minded groups—continue to persist in our commitment to empower Filipino women, both young and old, in exercising their full rights and choices in the SRHR by prioritizing their access to essential information and services,” POPCOM’s executive director remarked.”

QC barangay leaders seek probe on STL return BARANGAY leaders in Quezon City are seeking an inquiry into alleged small town lottery operations in the city.

The leaders expressed their concern over the meeting of STL operators reportedly in Camp Karingal on July 21.

According to their initial information, the STL operators attended the meeting.

The group said that Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte was not represented nor invited to the meeting.

Belmonte had yet to react to the issue as of presstime.

The barangay officials noted that the city currently had an existing “gambling committee.” They said that technically, the STL operation was illegal, and

that Belmonte was opposed to it.

They said that recently the Business Permits and Licensing Department summoned officials of Lucent Gaming and Entertainment, which has allegedly been conducting STL draws three times a day since July 15, 2021.

The draws, barangay officials said, were posted on the company’s Facebook Account daily, but according to the operator, it was just a dry run.

The officials stressed that the STL operators ignored the existing gambling committee as evidenced by their continuous daily draws, while Yarra, they said, failed to act on his part as the district director.

According to the barangay officials, a retired policeman allegedly facilitated the meeting of STL operators.

STILL STANDING. Huge Waves from Manila Bay batter houses along the breakwater in Naic,

Cavite on Sunday, July 25, 2021, as the southwest monsoon (habagat) brought rains to most parts of the country. Danny Pata

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

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MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021

Sports

Obiena: I can jump 6 meters

By Peter Atencio

The Philippines’ Irish Magno (red) lands a right hook to the face of Kenya’s Christine Ongare during their women’s fly (48-51kg) preliminaries boxing match during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo. AFP

Irish earns rival coach’s respect

By Riera U. Mallari

T

OKYO—Described as a “good boxer” by the opposing coach, Irish Magno finished the way she started en route to an emphatic 5-0 shutout win on Sunday over Kenyan Christine Ongare in the women’s 48-51kg division of the Summer Olympic Games’ boxing competitions at the Kokugikan Arena here.

step by step muna tayo,” said Magno as she sped off to her waiting shuttle service outside of the arena that originally plays host to traditional Japanese sumo wrestling.

The 25-year-old Magno takes on Jutamas Jitpong next at 12:24 p.m. (Philippine time) on Thursday after the Thai fashioned out an equally impressive 5-0 blanking of Algeria’s Roumaysa Boualam 15 minutes later. Jitpong is a familiar foe as Magno has beaten the Thai in the semifinals of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

The world’s no. 25 Magno used her two-inch height advantage to the hilt against Ongare, who is ranked higher at no. 17 and was the first female Kenyan boxer to win a Commonwealth Games medal (bronze) in the sport.

Magno’s 1-2 combinations were precise, and so was her defense as she

deftly eluded Ongare’s aggressive plays as a result of her being behind in the scorecards.

On Monday, flyweight no. 25 Carlo Paalam makes his Olympic debut at 11:03 a.m. (Philippine time) as he battles 25-year-old Irishman Brendan Irvine, ranked no. 32.

On the same day, Petecio faces the biggest thorn in her road to gold when she fights top-seed Lin Yu-Ting of Chinese Taipei in the Round of 16 at 12:39 p.m. (Philippine time) Eumir Marcial, by virtue of his being seeded no. 3 here, drew a bye.

Needing only two wins to clinch a bronze medal and four to secure gold, the middleweight Marcial will f ight on Thursday the winner of the bout between Algeria’s Younes Nemouchi and Ugandan Kavuma David Ssemujju.

Following coach Don Abnett’s game-plan almost to the letter, Magno toyed with the Kenyan from start to finish, moving in for the crisp blows and then out of harm’s way from Ongare’s wild swings.

“We met a good boxer today,” said Ongare’s Kenyan coach at the Mixed Zone in describing Magno’s superb performance. “We fought hard, but your boxer was better, she

was good.”

All the five judges gave all the rounds to the Filipina flyweight (30-27, 30-27, 30-27, 30-27), including a 30-26 score from Algerian judge Sidali Mokretari.

Magno, however, toned down expectations after her scintillating victory, a fitting follow-up to teammate featherweight Nesthy Petecio’s emphatic 5-0 win a day earlier.

“Huwag muna tayo mag-aim high,

Ramirez consoles losing PH athletes

No way but up for rower Nievarez

TOKYO—Losing happens even to the best of ‘em.

This was the message of Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez to Filipino athletes, who suffered heartbreaking setbacks during the first day of competitions of the Summer Olympic Games here.

Taekwondo jin Kurt Barbosa and FilAmerican swimmer Remedy Rule were eliminated right on the first day of competition, while world champion gymnast Carlos Yulo, one of the country’s brightest hopes for a gold medal in these games, failed to advance to the finals of his favorite the men’s floor exercise and four other events, making only the vault chamPSC chairman pionship round.

William Ramirez “Si Caloy, first time sa Olympics. I got to talk to him before his vault competition. Sabi ko sa kanya na ‘wag siya masyadong mag-worry kasi it really happens,” said Ramirez, citing Japanese legend and two-time Olympic champion “King Kohei” Uchimura, who fell off the horizontal bar and failed to advance during the men’s gymnastics qualifying round on Saturday.

“Kahit ‘yung Japanese two-time world champion, natalo, nahulog sa bar,” Ramirez said.

The PSC chief said pressure from the Filipino public and high expectations that stemmed from the Philippines’ 97-year-old gold medal drought in the Olympics proved simply too much for the Filipino Olympians to handle.

“Medyo frustrating because we are expecting the elusive gold since 1924,” said Ramirez.

The journey to Olympic glory doesn’t happen overnight, the PSC chief says.

“Naawa ako sa bata (Yulo) dahil he was pressured. Nakita ko na umupo siya sa ibaba. I would imagine as an athlete ‘yung frustration nu’ng bata, but Caloy should not worry because he has Paris Olympics to look forward to,” said Ramirez, who also made an example of Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz, who took three Olympics (Beijing, London, Rio) before clinching a medal.

TOKYO—Cris Nievarez may have finished fifth in But there is no other way but up for the 21-year-old his quarterfinal group in the men’s single sculls’ Nievarez, one of the youngest in the 19-strong Team rowing competitions of the Summer Olympic Philippines in these quadrennial summer games.

Games on Sunday at the Sea Forest Waterway here.

“His performance is beyond expectations. Com-

Criz Nievarez shown at the giant video screen at the Sea Forest Waterway venue

GOING higher and beyond the 5.8-meter range will be among the initial goals of Ernest John “EJ” Obiena, following his arrival in Tokyo last Friday.

Now that the 25-year-old Obiena is in possession of his three sets of poles, which reached last Saturday, he will now try to overcome his worries as he gets into his practice sessions.

“I thought I was gonna be superexcited when I go to the Olympics.

But I’m now more worried about COVID-19, just like I wanna be there. But, of course I’m happy to be here. I always wanted to have a shot (at his Olympic dream),” said Obiena in a virtual huddle with scribes on Zoom.

Obiena, who talked about his goals with Filipino-American sprinter Kristina Marie Knott, said his three new set of poles will now allow him to have an opportunity to perform consistently and seek higher clearances.

With a new and more rigid pole mixed in with two older ones, Obiena feels that he can breach 5.9 meters this time round.

“I know I can jump 6.0 meters.

I’m not sure how I got it dialled in.

I’ve seen how well I can jump, and I’ve seen what I’m capable of, and make sure that I bring that in the game,” added Obiena.

Obiena, who will plunge into action on July 31, said he will have to get into this range during the qualification round.

In the months leading to the Tokyo Olympics, Obiena stayed in the best shape possible.

Obiena has not gone back home to the Philippines for 17 months now since he went home to see action in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

But Obiena never stopped preparing and competing while in Europe.

When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out and caused the postponement of the Olympics last year, Obiena got the best help he needed.

Living and training in Italy’s Olympic Committee training center in Formia kept him sharp and focused on his goals.

Reunited with his father, Emerson, since his arrival at the Olympics, Obiena knows that there’s a lot of pressure competing at such a high level.

mendable,” said Philippines Rowing Association president Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said. “Focused training here and abroad, Cris will really improve.”

Against his more experienced rivals, the firsttime Olympian didn’t disappoint during his Olympic debut, earning a quarterfinal seat on Friday with a strong 7:22.97 finish in the 2,000-meter course.

“This will be a major learning experience for Cris,” said Magnum Membrere, a former Philippine Basketball Association pro player, who turned to rowing and is now treasurer of the PRA. “He’s young and he’s determined.”

Against bigger and stronger rowers with more experience, Nievarez, the only Southeast rower to qualify here, could only finish fifth in his quarterfinal group on Sunday with a time of seven minutes and 50.74 seconds, about half a minute slower than his Friday time.

“Headwind kasi today, hindi kagaya noong Friday,” said Nievarez, who will still row in Monday’s classification semifinals. “Advantage sa mga rowers na mas malalaki at mas mabigat.”

Germany’s Oliver Zeidler (7:12.75) and Brazil’s Luca Verthein Ferreira (7:14.26) topped Nievarez’s group in the quarterfinals.

“Malaking bagay ang experience na nakuha ko dito sa Tokyo Olympics, sabi nga ni Sir Magnum, learning experience,” Nievarez said. “Malaking dahilan ito para pagbubutihin ko pa at aasamin na makarating ako sa Paris [2024 Olympics]. Nakita ko na rin and mga strength ng mga kalaban at alam ko na kung anong aspects ang kailangan i-improve.”

Riera U. Mallari

Didal wants bigger accolade TOKYO—Margielyn Didal holds the distinction of being a golden girl in the inaugural skateboard competitions in both the Asian Games and the Southeast Asian Games.

The Cebuana skateboard performer is not stopping there.

She wants a bigger accolade for herself and the country as she takes her talents to the Ariake Sports Park on Monday for a shot at glory in the initial staging of the sport in the quadrennial games.

Didal was a complete unknown before bursting into instant fame following her golden performances in the 2018 Asiad in Palembang, then in the SEA Games at home turf the following year.

She eyes a piece of the spotlight, going for the gold in one of four events to be contested in the skateboarding debut in the Olympics.

A big hit among young generations, skateboarding has been an essential part of street-culture in many parts of the world, and the sport has had its various international competitions.

But skateboarding competition will be something new in its Olympic pilot staging as competitors battle in a bigger, grander course.

“Kung baga sa basketball, dati halfcourt lang ang inilalaro mo, ngayon full court,” said Skateboard Pilipinas president Carl Sambrano.

“The duration is the same. It’s still 45 seconds but in a bigger play,” added Sambrano on the competition where participants make two runs and perform five tricks.

The Tokyo skateboarding courses are a culmination of the designs and experiences derived from a number of world championships and qualifying events. Each course—for “Street” and

Margielyn Didal trains at the Ariake Sports Park

“Park”—will be considerably larger than a typical qualifying or world championship course, but still small enough to allow athletes to take advantage of all obstacles during a typical run.

Didal was at the venue yesterday observing the male skateboarders in their competition.

Women’s preliminaries start at 8:30 a.m. (7:30 a.m. in Manila). The final is at 1:30 p.m.

Manila

Standard

Business

IN BRIEF

TODAY

Filinvest REIT firm acquiring PBCom and 2 other buildings

By Jenniffer B. Austria FILINVEST REIT Corp., the real estate investment trust company of Filinvest Land Inc., plans to acquire three office buildings from parent FLI to boost its office leasing portfolio.

Filinvest REIT president Maricel Lirio said in an interview over the weekend the three office buildings have a gross leasable area of 103,000 square meters which it plans to buy over the next 12 to 18 months The three office buildings are the PBCom Tower in Makati, Axis tower 2 in North Gate Cyberzone in Alabang and Cebu tower 2 in Cebu IT Park.

Lirio said the office buildings form part of the 315,000 sq m worth of office leasing assets of FLI which are being targeted for infusion into Filnvest REIT. “These office assets will be infused in the company once these meet the investment criteria under the REIT law,” Lirio said.

Filinvest REIT portfolio currently consists of 17 Grade A office buildings with a total gross leasable area (GLA) of more than 300,000 sq m.

FIlinvest REIT, which is preparing for a maiden share offering, will be the third REIT company to set to conduct an initial public offering. Two other REIT firms are also planing to conduct share sale this year.

Lirio said the company is confident about its IPO because of a superior product offering. The company’s 17 office buildings enjoy higher BPO occupancy rate, with tenants comprising mostly of multinational companies.

Meanwhile, Filinvest REIT chief finance officer Ana Venus Mejia said the company had received right of first refusal

by FLI on all of its commercial properties.

“This is a strong showing of commitment on the part of FLI to grow Filinvest REIT,” Mejia said.

The company remains positive about the office leasing business amid the pandemic.

From a current occupancy rate of 90 percent, Lirio said the company is expecting occupancy rate to reach 100 percent over the near term period. The company is in negotiations with potential tenants of the remaining vacant office space.

SMART Communications Inc. said it is providing free WiFi to more barangays across the country.

The Smart Barangay Connect program aims to provide free WiFi to barangays and bring connectivity closer to communities.

Initially deployed in Antipolo, Mandaluyong, Las Piñas, General Santos and Nueva Ecija, the project is also being rolled out in Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City and Mandaue in Cebu; Malabon, Parañaque, Pateros, and San Juan in Metro Manila, Manaoag in Pangasinan, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan in Mindanao, Lipa in Batangas, and Binangonan in Rizal.

“Our mission is to keep Filipinos connected, especially

By Julito G. Rada

T

HE peso is expected to recover against the US dollar in the fourth quarter, after breaching the 50-per-dollar level in July on higher demand for the greenback amid the seasonal increase in imports, a bank economist said over the weekend.

Michael Ricafort, chief economist of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said in a report the peso’s recent weakness might be partly attributed to stronger US dollar against most ASEAN currencies.

“But the peso fared worse than most of them since June 16, 2021, as may have been triggered by the Fed’s more hawkish signals since then, as well as the spike in new COVID-19 cases to new record highs recently in Indonesia

THREE major business groups asked President Rodrigo Duterte to endorse the fast approval of key economic policies and address issues confronting exporters, employers and the business community on the eve of his final State of the National Address Monday.

The Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc., in a joint letter addressed to the President, sought the inclusion of several recommendations touted to improve business environment in the country.

Among these legislative mea-

MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021

B1

and in other ASEAN countries,” Ricafort said.

He said the peso’s 4.7-percent depreciation against the dollar since June 16, 2021 when the Fed’s hawkish signals started was slightly better compared to the 5.9-percent depreciation of the Thai baht; but weaker against the 2.7-percent depreciation of the Malaysian ringgit, 2.6-percent depreciation of the Singapore dollar and the 1.8-percent decline of the Indonesian rupiah in the same time period.

Ricafort, however, said the US dollar/ peso exchange rate was still stronger at 50.34 a dollar, compared to 50.635 in end-2019 or before the onset of the pandemic.

“The US dollar/peso exchange rate is expected to seasonally go down in the fourth quarter with the expected seasonal increase in OFW remittances and conversion to pesos especially during the Christmas season,” Ricafort said.

He said this could be offset by some pickup or recovery in the economy and imports with the expected increase in COVID-19 vaccine arrivals especially in the third and fourth quarter that could

help reduce new local cases and, in turn, help justify the further re-opening of the economy.

“Exports also tend to pick up seasonally in the latter part of the third quarter up to fourth quarter, following the seasonal increase in importation in the third quarter,” Ricafort said.

The peso breached the 50 level on July 9, 2021 when it closed at 50.08.

It was its weakest level in more than a year since settling at 50 dollar posted at the close on June 25, 2020.

Latest data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines website showed that the peso closed last Friday’s trading at 50.34 a dollar, weaker than 50.135 on Friday.

The Department of Finance said last week the peso remained relatively stable compared with other Asian currencies despite the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

Analysts see volatile stock market trading TRADING at the Philippine Stock Exchange is expected to remain volatile this week due to the spread of the more infectious Delta variant of the coronavirus that could slow down global recovery.

Analysts said the market is showing a more bearish trend as investors are opting to stay on the sidelines in the wake of another round of lockdown that may delay the economic recovery and weaken corporate earnings.

“The week’s close at 6,520.74 highlights the bears are in control. This signals further tests towards the 6,300 levels in the nearterm. A break below the said levels should put the 5,700/6,000 levels within striking distance,” BDO Unibank Inc. chief investments strategist Jonathan Ravelas said.

At the same time, investors will be monitoring the sixth and final State of the Nation Address by President Rodrigo Duterte for possible pronouncements about the government’s actions to strengthen the economy during the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the month-end window dressing and the release of second quarter earnings results could provide opportunity for bargain hunters to pick up defensive stocks. Jenniffer B. Austria

GCash expands remittance service GCASH, the mobile wallet of Globe Telecom Inc., has expanded its remittance service to Filipinos without any e-wallet account in a bid to keep its position as the number one fintech company in the country.

The company’s new remittance feature called “GCash Padala” allows Filipinos without any e-wallet account to receive money in real time anywhere in the Philippines via the GCash app.

Winsley Bangit, GCash chief customer officer, said the new feature will benefit not only the growing regular customers of GCash, but also those who remain reluctant of getting into the financial technology (fintech) market.

GCash has over 40 million users.

“GCash Padala is one way of making our services available to those who have not yet downloaded the GCash app. Our reasonable fees for processing remittances through GCash Padala can hopefully help us stay competitive in the financial services market,” Bangit said. Darwin G. Amojelar

MORE Power reduces electricity rates by 36%

FREE WIFI. Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Gregorio Honasan II (right) visits Pangasinan province on July 23, 2021 for the launching of new Free Wi-Fi for All sites and the turnover of computer packages. The DICT made significant strides in the Philippine ICT agenda with the intensified rollout of its programs, projects and initiatives to achieve digital transformation. With Honasan during the turnover ceremony is Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino III.

through this world crisis. As part of this commitment, we continuously roll out fast and reliable WiFi while teaming up with local governments, enterprises, and the academe in creating a better tomorrow where everyone is digitally-empowered,” said PLDT Inc. and Smart president and chief executive Alfredo Panlilio.

PLDT and Smart’s network ecosystem, which also includes fiber, LTE and 5G infrastructure, supports the Philippines’ increasingly connected societies.

“Now more than ever, connectivity is vital in enabling smart cities that are inclusive, resilient and sustainable,” said Jovy Hernandez, ePLDT president and chief executive and senior vice president and head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Group.

Big business groups ask Duterte to endorse key economic reforms

By Othel V. Campos

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

Peso expected to rebound after 4.7% drop in a month

Smart extending free WiFi to more villages across PH

By Darwin G. Amojear

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor

sures are the Public Services Act amendments, Open Access in Data Transmission Act, amendments to the Magna Carta for MSMEs, PhilPorts Act, Warehouse Receipts Act, Apprenticeship Training System Act, amendment to the Dual Training System Act of 1984 and amendments to the Agri-Agra Law. They also pushed for Free Indexbased Agricultural Insurance, amendments to the ASIN Law, Customs Amnesty Act, National Quality Infrastructure Act, P3: Microfinancing for Micro-Entrepreneurs, amendments to the FDA Act, Sustainable Forest Management Act, National Land Use and Management Act, Department of Disaster Resilience and Department of Water.

Capitol View Park, Barangay Bulihan City of Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines ace.malolos.doctors@gmail.com

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING Dear Stockholders, Please be informed that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Allied Care Experts (ACE) Malolos Doctors, Inc. (“ACE Malolos Doctors”) will be held on August 16, 2021 (Monday) at 8:00 o’clock in the morning, via Zoom Webinar, in light of the current health crisis.

To be able to attend the Zoom Webinar, please register on or before Aug 14, 2021, through the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Mbqry 87SLOapj5zqiDcaA The link will provide you the process for the registration. You will receive a confirmation email once you have successfully registered in the online platform, including the details and procedures for the conduct of the meeting.

Voting will be done via the online tool which you can access once you have logged in to the Webinar; voting in the election of directors may also be done in absentia through the above link.

The Agenda: I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. XI. XII.

Call to Order Invocation Determination of Quorum Welcome Message from the Chairman of the Board Reading and Approval of the Minutes of the Y2020 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting Audited Financial Report for Y2020 President’s Report Ratification of the Acts and Proceedings of the Board of Directors, Officers, and Management of the Corporation Election of the Board of Directors 2021-2022 Appointment of External Auditor for the year 2021 Other Matters Adjournment

Only stockholders of record at the close of business on July 27, 2021, Tuesday, shall be entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. If you cannot personally attend the meeting, you may opt to send your proxy to attend in your behalf.

Kindly submit your duly executed proxy form with the undersigned, via email, at ace.malolos.doctors@gmail.com not later than 5:00 p.m. on August 15, 2021, but preferably, on Aug 14, 2021, to enable your proxy to register in the Zoom Webinar. Attached is a sample proxy form for your reference.

[NOTE: Management is not soliciting proxies.]

The meeting shall be recorded (visual and audio) for future reference.

The Information Statement and Management Report and SEC Form 17-A are available at the Corporation’s website www.acemalolosdoctors.org

MORE Electric and Power Corp. of tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. announced over the weekend a 36-percent cut in the electricity rates of Iloilo City electricity consumers for July.

MORE Power said in a statement the electricity rate for residential consumers had dropped to P6.4562 per kilowatthour (kWh) for the month of July from P‪10.0149‬ per kWh rate in June.

The company said the lower rates will be critical to support to consumers and business in Iloilo City amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

MORE Power president Roel Castro, said the price cut will enable small businesses to resume and even expand operations, and recover losses from prolonged business closure during the lockdown.

The company’s commercial rates declined to P6.1809 per kWh from P9.4910 per kWh in June.

Castro said lower rates would also help residential users who are still hurting from loss of jobs,and reduced income.

“We have been able to find cheap source of power for Iloilo City,” said Castro.

MORE Power is reducing the electricity rate following the purchase of power supply from Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management and the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market. Alena Mae S. Flores

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

You may contact the undersigned via email at ace.malolos.doctors@gmail. com or call 044-8167698 if you have inquiries/concerns regarding the meeting.

No BUIL the B Hous (AAC Prefe IPP w Bara

An ment unde date

Very truly yours,

ARLENE NG LIM-VITUG, MD. Corporate Secretary (MS-JULY 12/19/26, 2021) (MS-JULY 26 & 27, 2021)

(MS-JUL

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021 Standard B2 TODAY Manila

“24. In support of this application for a writ of attachment, incorporated herein and made an integral part hereof as Annex “S” is the Affidavit of Merit executed by the Bank’s duly authorized representative.”

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 98, QUEZON CITY

Affidavit of Merit September 20, 2018

dated

“TESTIMONIAL AND DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE IN SUPPORT PLAINTIFF’S CAUSE OF ACTION”

ROBINSONS BANK CORPORATION, Plaintiff, -versus-

“S”

R-QZN-18-12136-CV FOR: Sum of Money

MARICRIS B. TOLENTINO, FIRST PILIPINAS POWER AND AUTOMATION, INC. AND ARMANDO A. ISIDRO, Defendants. x-------------------------------------------------------x

ALIAS SUMMONS Whereas, on 25 May 2021, Plaintiff ROBINSONS BANK CORPORATION, filed a verified Amended Complaint (With Application for Issuance of Writ of Preliminary Attachment) with this Court, alleging: “AMENDED1 COMPLAINT “(With Application for Issuance of Writ of Preliminary Attachment) “PLAINTIFF, by undersigned counsels, complains against the Defendants and for causes of action alleges that: “1. Plaintiff ROBINSONS BANK CORPORATION (“Bank” / “RBank” for brevity) is a commercial banking corporation duly organized under and existing by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines. It may be served with notices and other legal processes at its principal place of business located at 17th Floor Galleria Corporate Center, EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City and at the address of undersigned Counsels.

“2. Defendant MARICRIS B. TOLENTINO (“Tolentino” for brevity) is of legal age and with residence address at Unit 3 Ailil Residences, Kaginhawahan Street, Karangalan Village, Manggahan, Pasig City, where she may be served with summons and court processes. She is the Human Resources Director of First Pilipinas Power & Automation, Inc. “3. Defendant FIRST PILIPINAS POWER & AUTOMATION, INC. (“First Pilipinas” for brevity) is a corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with office address at 1609 Cityland 10 Tower 2 H.V. Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City, where it may be served with summons and court processes.

“4. Defendant ARMANDO A. ISIDRO (“Isidro for brevity) is of legal age and with residence address at 5 Versailles St., Eastside Manors, C Raymundo Ave., Maybunga, Pasig City, where she may be served with summons and court processes. He is the President of First Pilipinas Power & Automation, Inc. “5. Sometime in April 2017, Plaintiff Robinsons Bank and First Pilipinas, represented by its President, Armando A. Isidro, entered into a Memorandum of Agreement dated April 27, 2017 wherein the Bank agreed to extend a Personal Loan Facility to the employees of First Pilipinas and the latter agreed to deduct from the salaries of its employees the monthly amortizations to be remitted to the Bank.

A copy of the Memorandum of Agreement dated April 27, 2017 is attached hereto as Annex “A” and made integral parts hereof.

“6. Conformably with the Memorandum of Agreement on November 28, 2017 Defendant Tolentino, applied for and was granted a loan in the amount of FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (Php500,000.00) subject to interest at the rate of 17.2515% per annum and monthly amortization amounting to Seventeen Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty-Nine Pesos (Php17,889.00) payable starting from January 25, 2018 until December 25, 2020. Copies of the Personal Loan Application Form, IDs and Promissory Note dated November 28, 2017 are attached hereto as Annexes “B”, “C”, “D”, and “E” ad made integral parts hereof.

“7. The proceeds of the loan were released through Manager’s Check which was encashed by Defendant Tolentino. A copy of the Manager’s Check is attached hereto as Annex “F” and made integral parts hereof.

“25. Plaintiff Bank in support of its claims against herein Defendants intends to present and offer the testimony of Janice D. Ferreras,, who will testify based on his personal knowledge and original and authentic records in his prove and establish the material allegations stated in this Complaint and the following facts:” a. Plaintiff Robinsons Bank and First Pilipinas Power and Automation, Inc., represented by its President, Armando A. Isidro, entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Plaintiff Bank; b. Defendant Maricris B. Tolentino applied for and was granted a loan by Plaintiff Bank in the amount of FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (Php500,000.00) pursuant to the said MOA; c. The proceeds of the loan were released through a Managers Check which was encashed by Defendant Tolentino; d. Defendant Tolentino expressly authorized Defendant First Pilipinas to deduct from her salary her monthly loan amortizations and remit the same to Plaintiff Bank; e. First Pilipinas failed to deduct and remit to Plaintiff Bank the monthly amortization of Defendant Tolentino commencing on January 25, 2018, February 25, 2018, March 25, 2018, April 25, 2018 and June 25, 2018 and up to the present; f. Plaintiff repeatedly tried to collect the amount due from Defendant Tolentino and from First Pilipinas but to no avail; g. As of July 6, 2018, the outstanding obligation of Defendant Tolentino is in the total amount of Five Hundred Forty Thousand Pesos and 86/100 (Php540,222.86) inclusive of interest and penalties; and h. Defendants are guilty of fraud committed both at the inception of the agreement and/or in the performance of their obligation;” “26. Copy of the Judicial Affidavit of Janice D. Ferreras is hereto attached and made an integral parts of this Complaint as Exhibit “U”.

3. Collect or cause the collection of the installments/amortization and other charges due on the loan from the employees through regular monthly salary/payroll deductions. The EMPLOYER-COMPANY shall continue deducting the amortization from the employee’s salary up to the full payment of the loan based on the schedule submitted to the EMPLOYER-COMPANY by the Bank. “xxx

Xxx For and in consideration of the loan granted to me/us by Robinsons Bank Corporation (the Bank) in the principal amount of ________ and in payment of the said principal amount plus interest other charges, I/We hereby assign in favor of the Bank the sum of at least ________ plus interest and other sums necessary to update my.out loan account, out of the salaries, remuneration, and other benefits due.

I/We therefore authorize our said employer or its duly authorized officer/s to deduct from said salaries, remuneration, and benefits, the herein assigned amounts every____ and____ of the month starting_____ on _______ and remit the same directly to the Bank without need of notice or demand, until my/our entire obligations with the Bank are fully paid based on the indicated mode of payment in my/our application or as agreed upon by my/our employer and the Bank.” (Underscoring Supplied).

Supplied) “10. In violation of its express obligation to deduct and remit the monthly loan amortizations of its employees, and despite the authority to deduct from Defendant Tolentino, First Pilipinas failed to deduct and remit to Plaintiff Bank the monthly amortization of Defendant Tolentino commencing on January 25, 2018, February 25, 2018, March 25, 2018, April 25, 2018 and June 25, 2018 and up to the present.

A copy of the History of Payments is attached hereto as Annex “G” and made integral part hereof.

“B”

Personal Loan Application Form

“C”

ID of Defendant Tolentino

“D”

ID of Defendant Tolentino

To prove that: 1. Defendant Maricris B. Tolentino applied for and was granted a loan by Plaintiff Bank in the amount of FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (Php500,000.00) pursuant to the said MOA; MOA

13. As of July 6, 2018, the outstanding obligation of Defendant Tolentino is in the total amount of Five Hundred Forty Thousand Pesos and 86/100 (Php540,226.86) inclusive of interest and penalties.

A copy of the Statement of Account as of July 6, 2018 is hereto attached and made integral part hereof as Annex “O”.

“ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS APPLICATION FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A WRIT OF PRELIMINARY ATTACHMENT “Plaintiff repleads the foregoing and further states: “14. This is an action against Defendants who are guilty of fraud committed both at the inception of the agreement and in the performance of their obligations (Section 1[d], Rule 57, Rules of Court).

Through machinations and schemes, Defendants successfully enticed Plaintiff to grant the loan but they failed to make payments despite incessant reminders and demands to pay the same.

“15. Defendant Tolentino had a preconceived plan not to pay her loan to the Bank as shown by her failure to pay even a single monthly amortization coupled with the fact that she changed her home phone number and transferred residence after obtaining the loan from the Plaintiff without informing the Bank. According to the Report dated July 9, 2018 and Collection Activities submitted by the CMGCollection and Asset Recovery Department of Robinsons Bank, the home phone number provided by Defendant Tolentino in her Application Form is no longer in use and cannot be reached. She cannot also be reached on the other phone numbers she provided in her application form. The Report also stated that Defendant Tolentino had moved out from her address as early as May 30, 2018. The foregoing clearly shows her deceitful intent not to pay her obligation and evade the collection efforts of the Bank. A copy of the Report dated July 9, 2018 and Collection Activities are hereto attached and made integral parts hereof as Annexes “P” and “Q”.

“16. Defendant Tolentino maliciously violated her undertaking in the Personal Loan Application Form to inform the Bank of any change in her residence and employmentt in order to defraud Plaintif Plaintiff, to wit: “AGREEMENT: I/We hereby affirm that the statements made in this application and the information given by me/us are true and correct and that any material misrepresentation or falsity therein will be construed as an act to defraud Robinsons Bank Corp. for which civil and criminal liability can be pursued against me/us. I/We authorize Robinsons Bank Corp. to obtain such information as may be required concerning the statements made in this application and that the sources from which Robinsons Bank Corp, may get such information are authorized to so provide. I/We agree that I shall inform Robinsons Bank Corp. immediately of any changes in civil status, residence and employment. Any notice served

by Robinsons Bank Corp. at my address per Bank’s record shall be deemed sufficient notice to me/us. I/We authorized Robinsons Bank Corp. to conduct random verification with the BIR to establish the authencity of my/out ITR and other submitted financial statements and hereby waive the confidentiality of any personal information obtained in the course of verification. I/We agree that all statements / information gathered about me/us will be used to determined my/our eligibility for this loan. I/We agree that all statements/information obtained by Robinsons Bank Corp. shall remain the property of Robinsons Bank Corp. whether or not the loan is granted. xxx” “17. Defendant Tolentino may also be considered to have removed or disposed of her property previously kept in her former residence in order to defraud and prevent Plaintiff from collecting payments and levying her properties. Thus, Plaintiff is also entitled to the issuance of a writ of preliminary attachment under Section 1(e) of Rule 57 of the Rules of Court.

“18. Defendant Tolentino is likewise guilty of fraud by violating the trust and confidence reposed upon her by the Bank when she maliciously induced and/or conspired with her employer not to make any deduction from her monthly salary to cover the monthly amortizations of her loan. According to Lorna F. Mission, Finance Head of First Pilipinas, Defendant gave instructions that the payments of her loan to the Plaintiff should not be deducted from her salary. Ms. Mission informed Janice D. Ferreras, Loans Collection Section Head of Robinsons Bank, that First Pilipinas was not deducting the loan amortizations of Defendant Tolentino from her salary. Ms. Mission also sent an email to Ms. Ferreras containing the list of First Pilipinas employees from whom First Pilipinas had collected/deducted the monthly amortization on their loan to Plaintiff. However, the list did not include the name of Defendant Tolentino.

“19. Defendant Tolentino abused or misused her position as Human Resources Director to prevent Plaintiff from collecting the monthly payment due on her loan. Evidently, Defendant induced her own staff to violate the Memorandum of Agreement which required their company. First Pilipinas, to deduct the monthly payments on her loan from her salary and remit said payments to the Bank. This undoubtedly constitutes fraud in the performance of her obligation to Plaintiff. A copy of the email sent

by Lorna Mission is hereto attached and made integral parts hereof as Annex “R”.

“20. Defendant First Pilipinas through its President, Armando Isidro, committed fraud in the performance of its obligations to Plaintiff Bank when it acted in conspiracy with Defendant Tolentino not to deduct the loan from Defendant Tolentino’s salary in violation of its covenant to deduct and remit to the Bank the monthly amortizations of its employees pursuant to the Memorandum of Agreement dated April 27, 2017. The Bank would not have granted the loan if not for the warranty of Defendant First Pilipinas to deduct and remit to the Bank the monthly amortizations of its employees.

“21. Defendant Armando Isidro is equally liable to Plaintiff Bank under Section 31 of the Corporation Code for directing the affairs of First Pilipinas in bad faith, to wit: “Sec. 31. Liability of directors, trustess or officers.- Directors or trustees who willfully and knowingly vote for or assent to patently unlawful acts of the corporation or who are guilty of gross negligence or bad faith in directing the affairs of the corporation or acquire any personal or pecuniary interest in conflict with their duty as such directors or trustees shall be liable jointly and severally for all damages resulting therefrom suffered by the corporation, its stockholders or members and other persons.”

“22. Plaintiff RBank is ready, willing and able to post a bond in such sums as Honorable Court may fix, conditioned upon the payment by plaintiff of all costs and damages which may be adjudged to defendant in the event that the Honorable Court shall final adjudge that plaintiff is not entitled to the relief prayed for.

Memorandum of dated April 27, 2017

“E”

Promissory Note November 28, 2017

“F”

Manager’s 0000563718

“G”

To prove that the Senior Officers of Plaintiff Bank who executed the Special Power of Attorney were appointed by the Board of Directors of Plaintiff as the authorized representatives of the Bank and were given the power to delegate their authority.

3.

Defendant Tolentino expressly authorized Defendant First Pilipinas to deduct from her salary her monthly loan amortizations and remit the same to Plaintiff Bank

Pamela

To prove that 1. First Pilipinas failed to deduct and remit to Plaintiff Bank the monthly amortization of Defendant Tolentino commencing on January 25, 2018, February 25, 2018, March 25, 2018, April 25, 2018 and June 25, 2018 and up to the present; and

History of Payments

Signature Estueta

of

Asiel

“G-2”

Signature Magpayo

of

Keanna

“G-3”

Ann

Signature of Sheila Aguilar

“H”

Demand letter dated April 30, 2018

“H-1”

Signature of Atty. Jo Paul B. Gatapia

“H-2”

Signature of Amadeus C. Basco

“I”

Demand letter dated July 6, 2018

“I-1”

Signature of Atty. Jo Paul B. Gatapia

“I-2”

Signature of Amadeus C. Basco

“J”

Demand letter dated July 6, 2018

“J-1”

Signature of Atty. Jo Paul B. Gatapia Signature of Amadeus C. Basco

“J-2”

“K”

Atty.

Atty.

Mark

Affidavit of Service September 13, 2018

dated

“L”

Signature of Atty. Jo Paul B. Gatapia

“L-1”

Signature of Amadeus C. Basco

“L-2”

Signature of Atty. Jo Paul B. Gatapia

“M”

Demand letter dated July 13, 2018 addressed to Lorna Mission

“M-1”

Signature of Atty. Jo Paul B. Gatapia

“M-2”

Signature of Amadeus C. Basco

“N”

Demand letter dated July 13, 2018 addressed to Armando Isidro

“N-1”

Signature B.Gatapia

“N-2”

Signature of Amadeus C. Basco

“O”

Statement of Account dated July 6, 2018

“O-1”

Signature Estuesta

of

Asiel

Signature Magpayo

of

Keanna

Atty.

Atty.

“3. Defendants be ordered to pay Plaintiff Bank legal interest on the total outstanding obligation, computed from the date of filing of this Complaint until the defendants entire obligation is fully satisfied.

“4. Cost of suit.”

“OTHER RELIEFS, just and equitable under the premises are likewise prayed.”

“Quezon City, May 24, 2021.”

“Sgd. “ROBINSONS BANK CORPORATION c/o Legal Services Group 28/F Galleria Corporate Center, EDSA cor. Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City Tel. Nos. (632) 702-9500; (632) 702-9567 Email: legalgroup@robinsonsbank.com.ph”

“Sgd. ROEL S. COSTUNA Head, Legal Services Group IBP Lifetime Member No. 01666/Northern Samar PTR No. 0731159/01-8-2021/Northern Samar Roll No. 40241 MCLE Compliance No. VI-0007684 roel.costuna@robinsonsbank.com.ph “Sgd. “MICHAEL P. VIBAR IBP Lifetime Member No. 018565/Makati PTR No. 073164/01-8-2021/Quezon City Roll No. 68391 MCLE Compliance No. VI-0011049 michael.vibar@robinsonsbank.com.ph “Sgd. “JOHN RAMIL V. RABE IBP No. 109215/Quezon City PTR No. 0731162/01-8-2021/Quezon City Roll No. 71644 MCLE Compliance No. VI-0030430 john.rabe@robinsonsbank.com.ph” “VERIFICATION & CERTIFICATION ON NON-FORUM SHOPPING “1. Janice D. Ferreras, Filipino, of legal age, and with principal 27th Floor, Galleria Corporate Center,EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City, after having been duly sworn in accordance with law, hereby depose and state that: 1. I am the Loans Collection Section Head and the authorized representative sentative of Plaintif Plaintiff Bank; 2. Upon authority2 of the Bank, I have caused the preparation and the filing and amendment of the present Complaint. I have read the same and all the allegations appearing thereon are true and correct based on my own personal knowledge and authentic records of the Bank in my possession; 3. This Complaint is not filed in order to harass but only to enforce existing and valid rights of the Plaintiff against the Defendants and that all factual allegations in the Complaint have evidence to support them; 4. The Bank has not commenced any action or filed any claim involving the same issues any court, tribunal or quasi-judicial agency or body and to the best of my knowledge, no such other action or claim is pending therein: 5. If there is/are such other pending action or claim, a complete statement of the present status thereof shall be reported and that if I should learn that a similar action or proceeding has been filed or is pending before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal or any other tribunal or agency, I hereby undertake to inform this Court of said fact within five (5) calendar days from knowledge thereof.”

“IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hands this 24th day of MAY 2021 in QUEZON CITY.” “Sgd. “Janice D. Ferreras “Affiant

Mark

Jo

Atty.

“SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 24th day of May 2021 in QUEZON CITY Affiant exhibiting to me her TIN ID NO. 412-947-086-000.”

“Doc No. 3752 “Page No. 751 “Book No. 1 “Series of 2021.”

Paul

“Sgd. ATTY. KAREN BARAFAG NOTARY FOR AND QUEZON CITY 21/F Galleria Corporate Center, EDSA cor. Ortigas Ave., QC Roll No. 65611/ADM. MATTER No. NP-322 IBP Lifetime to 047818/Makati City PTR No. 0731165/01-8-2021/Quezon City MCLE Compliance No. VI-0006818; 03/15/2018 Commission Extended to June 30, 2021 Per SC Resolution dated 12-01-2020 on B.M. No. 3795

Mark

Pamela

To prove that as of July 6, 2018 the outstanding obligation of Defendant Tolentino is in the total amount of Five Hundred Forty Thousand Pesos and 86/100 (Php540,222.86) inclusive of interest and penalties.

Ann

Signature of Sheila Aguilar

“P”

Report dated July 9, 2018

“P-1”

Signature of Vergie R. Sumilhig

“P-2”

Signature of Janice D. Ferreras

“P-3”

Signature of Allan H. Casaul

“R”

“2. After trial of the issues, judgment be rendered ordering Defendants, jointly and severally, to pay plaintiff Bank (a) the amount of Five Hundred Forty Thousand Pesos and 86/100 (Php540,222.86) representing the outstanding obligation of Defendant to Plaintiff Bank as of July 6, 2018; (b) attorney’s fees in the amount equivalent to twenty five percent (25%) of the total amount due, and (c) liquidated damages equivalent to twenty five percent (25%) of Plaintiff Bank’s total claims;

Represented By:

Mark

“O-3”

“Q-1”

“1. Upon filing of the Complaint and the appropriate bond, a Writ of Preliminary Attachment be issued against the properties of Defendant directing the Branch Sheriff or other proper officer to attach the properties of Defendant, as may be sufficient to satisty Plaintiff’s fff’s demand;

To prove that Plaintiff repeatedly tried to collect the amount due from Defendant Tolentino and from First Pilipinas but to no avail.

Signature of Janice D. Ferreras Demand letter dated April 30, 2018 addressed to First Pilipinas

“Q”

2.

Defendant Tolentino had a preconceived plan not to pay her loan to the Bank as shown by her failure to pay even a single monthly amortization.

Collection Activities

WHEREAS, Private defendants MARICRIS B. TOLENTINO, FIRST PILIPINAS POWER AND AUTOMATION, INC. AND ARMANDO A. ISIDRO have not been served with summons and all court processes in connection with the instant case considering that they are no longer residing at the given address.

WHEREAS, on 14 June 2021, the Court granted the plaintiffs’ Motion to Serve Summons by Publication.

To prove that: 1. The home phone number provided

by Defendant Tolentino in her Application Form is no longer in use and cannot be reached. She cannot also be reached on the other phone numbers she provided in her application form; 2. Defendant Tolentino had moved out from her address as early as May 30, 2018; and 3. Defendant Tolentino maliciously induced and/or conspired with her employer not to make any deduction from her monthly salary to cover the monthly amortizations of her loan.

NOW, THEREFORE, FIRST PILIPINAS POWER AND AUTOMATION, INC. whose last given address is W5-A RDC Business Complex Mercedes Ave., Exit Cainta, Rizal and ARMANDO A. ISIDRO whose last given address is 5 Versailles St., Eastside Manors C. Raymundo Ave., Maybunga, Pasig City is required to enter her appearance and answer the complaint in the above-entitled case within sixty (60) days after the publication hereof, otherwise, the plaintiff will take judgment against her and demand from this court the relief prayed for in the complaint.

Let this alias summons be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in any newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines at the expense of the plaintif plaintiff, to be selected by raffle.

WITNESS THE HON. FERDINAND C. BAYLON Acting Presiding Judge of this Court this 24th day of June, 2021 in Quezon City, Philippines.

(Sgd.) ANN MARIE LOREN R. PASTOR Branch Clerk of Court Copy furnished: ATTY. JOHN RAMIL V. RABEL Counsel for the Plaintiff 28/F Galleria Corporate Center EDSA cor. Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City John.rabe@robinsonsbank.com.ph

Signature of Atty. Janice D. Ferreras

Email sent by Lorna Mission

To prove the material allegations in the complaint particularly those in support of Plaintiff Bank’s application for the issuance of Writ of Preliminary Attachment against the defendants.”

“WHEREFORE, plaintiff RBank respectfully prays of the Honorable Court that:

Mark

“K-1”

“O-2”

Judicial Affidavit of Janice D. Ferreras dated November 28, 2018

“PRAYER

Mark

Atty.

of Atty.

“U”

To prove that: 1. Defendant Tolentino maliciously induced and/or conspired with her employer not to make any deduction from her monthly salary to cover the monthly amortizations of her loan.

2. Lorna Mission sent an email to the Bank thru our PLP Collection Accredited with a list of First Pilipinas employees whose salaries are being deducted of their loan amortizations and being remitted to the Bank.

FIRST PILIPINAS POWER & AUTOMATION INC. Defendant W5-A RDC Business Complex Mercedes Ave., Exit Cainta, Rizal sales@firstpilipinas.com -1609 Cityland 10 Tower 2 H.V. Dela Costa St., Makati City ARMANDO A. ISIDRO Defendant 5 Versailles St., Eastside Manors C. Raymundo Ave., Maybunga, Pasig City

1

“23. There is no other sufficient security for the claim sought to be enforced in the principal action, and the amount due the plaintiff is as much as the sum for which the order is granted, above all legal counterclaims.

“I-1”

2. The proceeds of the loan were released through a Managers Check which was encashed by Defendant Tolentino; and

No.

Check

“G-1”

“11. Plaintiff repeatedly tried to collect the amount due under the Promissory Note directly from Defendant Tolentino but to no avail. Copies of the Demand Letters dated April 30, 2018 that were sent by Plaintiff to Defendant and the Affidavit of Service dated July 12, 2018 are hereto attached and made integral parts hereof as Annexes “H”, “I”, “J” and “K”.

“12. The Bank also demanded from First Pilipinas, through its President and Finance Officer, to remit the monthly amortizations deducted from the salaries of its employees, if any. However, First Pilipinas failed to remit the same to the Bank. Copies of the Demand Letter dated April 30, 2018 and July 13, 2018 are hereto attached and made integral parts hereof as Annexes “L”, “M”, and “N”.

“N”

To prove that the Senior Officers of the Bank who were designated as the authorized representatives by the Board of Directors had delegated their authority to Norman Jay P. Justo through the Special Power of Attorney.

PURPOSE To prove that Plaintiff Robinsons Bank and First Pilipinas Power and Automation Inc., represented by its President Armando A. Isidro, entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Plaintiff Bank.

“9. On the other hand, in the Loan Application Form of Defendant Tolentino, she expressly authorized Defendant First Pilipinas to deduct from her salary her monthly loan amortizations and remit the same to Plaintiff Bank, to wit: “Authority to Deduct and Remit/Debit Account

DOCUMENT Agreement

“A”

“8. Pursuant to the Memorandum of Agreement dated April 27, 2017, First Pilipinas agreed to deduct and remit to the Bank the monthly loan amortization of its employees, to wit: “xxx The Employer-Company covenants and agrees that it shall: “xxx

“I”

“27. Plaintiff Bank also intends to present and offer the following documents as evidence to support and prove its claims against herein Defendants, viz:” EXHIBIT

To prove that Plaintiff Bank is entitled to is claims against Defendants and the issuance of a Writ of Preliminary Attachment on the following grounds; 1.

Defendants guilty of fraud in contracting and/or the performance of their obligation to plaintiff; 2.

Defendant Tolentino had a preconceived plan not to pay her loan to the Bank as shown by her failure to pay the monthly amortization coupled with the fact that she changed her home phone number and transferred residence after obtaining the loan from Plaintiff without informing the Bank; and 3. Defendant First Pilipinas through its President, Armando Isidro, also committed fraud in the performance of its obligations to Plaintiff Bank when it acted in conspiracy with Defendant Tolentino not to deduct the loan from Defendant Tolentino’s salary in violation of its covenant to deduct and remit to the Bank the monthly amortizations of its employees pursuant to the Memorandum of Agreement dated April 27, 2017. The Bank would not have granted the loan if not for the warranty of Defendant First Pilipinas to deduct and remit to the Bank the monthly amortizations of its employees.

2

Duly underscored from paragraph 25 to 27 See attached Special Power of Attorney supported by Secretary’s Certificate.

(MStandard-July 26, Aug. 2 & 9, 2021)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Entertainment LEGAL WIVES

A breakthrough family drama

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021

B3

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in a scene from the action spy movie ‘Mr and Mrs Smith.’

Jolie scores victory in Pitt custody case

From left: Alice Dixson, Andrea Torres, and Bianca Umali are the legal wives in the primetime series.

I

N DIRECTING the series Legal Wives, Zig Dulay had a main goal. He wanted to narrate a story about a man who has three wives in such a way audiences in a domaninatly Catholic country would understand.

Speaking to Manila Standard Entertainment, the television director shared what his vision was being at the helm of the ground breaking drama.

“I’ve done a few stories about indegenous peoples, so somehow, I try to be culturally and politically correct when tackling them.

We are aware that sometimes misrepresentation happens so I try to be as sensitive as possible. So, our main vision was to share a breakthrough drama in the best way possible,” the television director explained.

While in production, Dulay and his team encountered numerous challenges including creative and cultural limitations. The TV director relied on his experience dealing with indegenous peoples and on the creative team behind the project.

“We are dealing with a very sensitive theme, a culture that most people will not easily understand,” Dulay started.

“In relation to the series’ cultural aspect, we had seminar and we had an expert on board. As a director, I wanted to direct the series na wala yung stereotype or kung paano ko ihahandle ang kultura ng polygamy. I had to learn and understand that culture,” he carried on.

Legal Wives, which premieres tonight on GMA primetime block, also explores the many facets of love. It features a casting coup top-billed by Dennis Trillo as Ismael Makadatu, an honorable man from a welloff Maranaw family who will equally love three women out of obligation, dedication, and compassion; Alice Dixson as Amirah Alonte, the virtuous and pious daughter of a sultan and Ismael›s first wife; Andrea Torres as Diane San Luis, Isamel’s second wife who is a feisty modern Catholic woman who will go to great lengths to fight for herself

Dennis Trillo essays an important role in GMA’s latest cultural family drama,‘Legal Wives.’ and Ismael›s love; Bianca Umali as Farrah Valeandong, a smart and innocent lady who becomes Ismael›s third wife in hopes of saving her family›s reputation.

Dennis, who considers this series as his primetime comeback, expresses his enthusiasm for what›s in store for the viewers, “I felt important when the project was offered to me. Maganda ang latag ng kuwento, magagaling din ang lahat ng kasama ko na artista. Manghihinayang ako kung hindi ito napunta sa akin.”

“I wanted to share the colorful culture of the Marana with the audience. Kagigiliwan nila ang bawat characters na siguradong kapupulutan nila ng aral,» he added.

Alice, in turn, hopes that their series would bridge Filipinos and shed some light on the culture of Muslim people, “They’re actually very loving, God-fearing people.

They have the same goals and desires. They have strong family bonds. Magandang paraan itong TV show na ito para ipakita kung ano ‹yung differences at kung ano din ‹yung likenesses natin as Filipinos.”

Andrea, on the other hand, reveals how different and challenging her role is in the series and how she works her way into channeling her, “I think ang pinaka-challenge is to find

that balance kasi there are so many layers to her character, napakadami niyang pagdadaanan dito. So binantayan po namin ni Direk Zig na you’ll always understand where she’s coming from and why she’s doing those things. Love is her weakness but that’s also where she’ll get strength to fight back.”

Meanwhile, Bianca shares her gratitude for landing the role of Farrah and looks forward to learning more as an actress through the show, “I am very honored na ako po ay pinagkatiwalaan na mapasama sa cast ng proyektong ito. I felt so nervous acting alongside the veteran stars. “ Making this series even grander is the stellar roster of cast headlined by Cherie Gil, Al Tantay, Juan Rodrigo, Irma Adlawan, Tommy Abuel, Maricar De Mesa, and Bernard Palanca.

The original series also features the special participation of Derrick Monasterio, Alfred Vargas, and Mon Confiado.

Legal Wives introduces two of the network’s rising artists Shayne Sava and Abdul Rahman.

Also part of the cast are Kevin Santos, Ashley Ortega, Jay Arcilla, Divine Aucina, Raquel Paren, Melbelline Caluag, Chanel Latorre, and Brent Valdez.

Set in Lanao Del Sur, the story begins with a Maranaw man named Ismael (Dennis) from the affluent and noble family of Makadatu. Although a devout Muslim and a muezzin (sever of the mosque), Ismael falls for Diane (Andrea), a dentist who is part of the Catholic minority in their province, and whom he keeps from his family as she is considered a non-believer.

In a sudden turn of events, Ismael gets entangled in a clan feud which leads to his marriage with his brother›s widow, Amirah (Alice). Ismael follows the disheartened Diane in Manila and tries to woo her unbeknownst to his parents. Just when the two are starting to build a happy marriage, Ismael is met with another conflict. Upon his return to their province, his friend - who he is greatly indebted to - seeks his help in saving their family›s reputation by marrying Farrah (Bianca), her daughter who is involved in a scandal.

How will Ismael›s three wives deal with each other’s socio-cultural differences along with the idea of them sharing one husband? Is the idea of a man loving more than just one woman, equally and all at the same time, really possible?

The enthralling tale of Legal Wives begins tonight after The World Between Us on GMA Network. It is also available for streaming via iQiyi International or IQ.com for subscribers in the Philippines.

The inspiration that is Angeline Quinto MY FIRST time to hear Angeline Quinto was when she still carried the name Angie, in the singing competition segment of a show called Diz Is It. The Eat Bulaga preprogram hosted by Grace Lee, Bayani Agbayani, Ehra Madrigal, and Sam YG was her initial singing playground where she became the singing wonder from Sampaloc, Manila who dislodged the week-long daily winner with her very Regine Velasquez rendition of the Aerosmith pop anthem “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing.”

Quinto sported a short do, body type looking like voluptuous thanks to the additional poundage that cruel medium of television brings to any individual and let us not even go to her forgettable fashion sense. It was her voice and its uncanny resemblance to that of her idol Chona Velasquez before she became the Regine, made not only a mark but an impact to all who managed to hear her during her limited reign in the show that lasted for 24 weeks.

A year after that career set back, she emerged as the first grand winner of Star Power: Sharon’s Search for the Next Female Pop Superstar with Jonathan Manalo’s Patuloy Ang Pangarap becoming her signature

anthem. Angeline Quinto is living proof, that dreams do come true, with a lot of talent, commitment, hard work, luck, timing and blessing from the Divine.

Quinto continues to reap more divine blessings now that she is the face and brand ambassador of Ayesha Beauty Products, her latest endorsement, with an official contract signing held recently at Romulo’s Café.

The very first celebrity endorser of the newest brand that is strongly making its presence felt in the beauty and wellness market is grateful to the power couple who heads it, Michael Agmata and Armie Rosale Agmata for another dream realized and answered prayer.

An interesting reveal to this partnership is the story of Ayesga’s CEO Armie, who admits that Angeline’s anthem “Patuloy ang Pangarap” served as inspiration and motivation.

Angeline Quinto “Just like Angeline, I had humble beginnings in life and I never gave up on my dream despite the negative criticisms thrown at me,” the executive said.

“I am now part of the Ayesha family and I am ecstatic to be one. This offer came at the right time, a true answered prayer,” Angeline said of her endorsement.

US ACTRESS Angelina Jolie scored a win in her legal battle with Brad Pitt on Friday as the private judge overseeing their divorce and custody matters was disqualified from the case.

Superstars Pitt and Jolie, who have six children and were once Hollywood’s highest profile couple, filed to dissolve their marriage in 2016 and have remained locked in a court battle since.

In May, the judge appointed to rule on their split -- who had also officiated their wedding in France in 2014 -- made a preliminary ruling to alter a custody order in favor of Pitt, who was seeking more access to the children.

But on Friday, a California appeals court ruled Judge John Ouderkirk had financially benefited from separate work with Pitt’s attorneys and failed to disclose it, agreeing with Jolie that he should be disqualified.

The ruling means the case will essentially have to be restarted before a new judge.

The A-listers first became a couple after co-starring as married assassins in 2004 film Mr and Mrs Smith. Pitt was married

to Jennifer Aniston at the time.

Pitt, now 57, was accused of striking one of his children during a flight from France to Los Angeles shortly before Jolie filed for divorce, but was later cleared by the FBI and social workers.

The pair announced in 2018 they had reached an amicable settlement over the children -- three biological and three adopted -- which appears to have unraveled.

The terms of the pair’s original childcare agreement were never publicly revealed, with much of the case under seal.

But US entertainment media has widely reported that Pitt has been seeking equal custody, while Jolie sought sole custody.

Following May’s custody ruling, a source close to the issue told AFP that Jolie “believes that she and the children have been denied a fair trial and will continue to seek the best solution for the children and their wellbeing.”

A spokeswoman for Pitt declined to comment. Jolie’s representatives did not immediately respond to AFP request for comment. AFP

What to expect in PTV’s historic coverage of Pres. Duterte’s final SONA IT’S all systems go in today’s extensive coverage of President Rodrigo Duterte’s final State of the Nation Address (SONA)

by People’s Television (PTV) Network.

Dubbed “Pamana ng Pagbabago,” the program will be highlighted by the President’s final report to the nation as Chief Executive in which his administration’s achievements, COVID-19 pandemic response, and even future political plans are expected to be discussed.

To ensure that no stones will be left unturned for the historic coverage, PTV’s General Manager Katherine de Castro decided to go full blast in deploying the resources the government network has.

“We will maximize PTV’s manpower and technical resources nationwide as well as all our stationproduced programs to fully-communifully-communi cate the messages the President wants to put across through his final SONA,” she said.

PT V’s SONA

coverage began two days ahead of the Batasang Pambansa event, through its primetime news programs Ulat Bayan Weekend, which reported the preparations for today’s big occasion. Today, at the actual SONA, all PTV programs, including its morning magazine show Rise and Shine Pilipinas!, on-air public briefing Laging Handa, and all the newsbreaks will carry exclusively SONA-related news reports including both pro- and antigovernment public rallies. pro Everything will all lead to the main program, Pamana ng Pagbabago, which is hosted

by Presidential Communications Operations Office Undersecretary Rocky Ignacio and veteran broadcaster Erwin Tulfo, eventually carrying President Duterte’s speech, which is expected to be delivered by 4:00 p.m.

A wrap up of the day’s SONA events and activities will be delivered via PTV’s late night English newscast, PTV News Tonight at 9:30 p.m., preceding the SONA replay immediately after that.

PTV airs it’s extensive coverage of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s final SONA.

Knowledge Channel’s ‘School at Home’ campaign bagged the “Outstanding CSR Project in Education” in the 2021 League of Corporate FoundationsCorporate Social Responsibility Guild Awards.

Knowledge Channel’s ‘School at Home’ campaign bags award KNOWLEDGE Channel Foundation’s (KCFI) “School at Home” campaign, which made possible distance learning during the pandemic using the channel’s platforms onair, online, and offline, was adjudged “Outstanding CSR Project in Education” in the recently concluded 2021 League of Corporate Foundations- Corporate Social Responsibility (LCF-CSR) Guild Awards.

The “School at Home Project” provided children who were forced to stay home during the pandemic the chance to continue learning via shows that tackle various school subjects, including Math, Science, Filipino, English, Araling Panlipunan, Values, Arts, and Physical Education. These videos are aligned with the Most Essential Learning Competencies or MELCs set by the Department of Education and complement the lessons in the self-learning modules and those that air on DepEd TV. “We want to be able to help the Department of Education, our teachers and parents to support the learning of the child.

Aside from the DepEd-provided self learning modules, we have prepared at least one video lesson per learning competency, for each of the most essential learning competencies. These video lessons are what kids need at this time to be able to better learn,” Edric Calma, Director of Operations said as he accepted the award for KCFI. KCFI undertook the initiative in response to the difficulties brought to the education sector in 2020, which drastically changed the learning modalities from faceto-face to distance learning, leaving teachers, students, and parents ill-equipped with the pedagogical and technical skills needed in the new normal.

Despite facing dire circumstances, including the cease-and-desist order against SKYdirect and ABS-CBN TV Plus and the Congress’ dismissal of the ABS-CBN franchise bid affecting over seven million homes, KCFI remained relentless in supporting teachers, students, parents and in helping improve teaching and learning in the new normal through media and technology.

Life

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

B4

FOOD

MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021

W

HEN the pandemic hit the service industry, some of the affected employees took to farming.

Such is the case of farmers under the Sustainable Potato Program of Universal Robina Corporation.

“Yung ibang farmers, nagtatrabaho dati sa service sector ng city. Ngunit ngayong pandemic, umuwi at umakyat muli sila sa bukid para makapagtanim sila ng patatas dahil nakita nila na talagang umunlad ang kabuhayan ng kanilang mga kapitbahay at communities,” shared Melani Provido.

(Some farmers used to work in the city’s service sector. But during the pandemic, they went back home to the province so they could plant potatoes because they saw how their neighbors’ lives and communities improved.)

Provido is a Department of Agriculture (DA) representative of Alegre Vegetables and Arabica Growers Association, Mt. Apo Potato Farmers Association (in Balutakay, Davao Del Sur), and Highlight Farmers Agriculture Cooperation (in Kapatagan, Lanao Del Norte).

Potatoes for the future

Farmers share how the root vegetable helps in the pandemic PLENTY POTATOES.

(Left) Farmers from Bukidnon show off their bountiful harvests from last year, (right) freshly harvested potatoes from Benguet, one of the areas supported by URC’s Sustainable Potato Program.

Sowing better seeds and practices

First initiated in 2018 to complement DA’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), the Sustainable Potato Program provides farmers access to quality potato seeds, training, research, and development.

With the help of the initiative, farmers have reported increased harvests since, with data from DA Region XI HVCDP office showing that current harvests range from 10 to 15 kilos per 1 kilo of seeds, up to five times more compared to 3 kilos in the past.

URC collaborated with Prince Edwards Island (PEI) Potato Board to conduct a five-day training session in Canada where beneficiaries were able to hone knowledge on seeding and planting, soil management, proper storage, and other key practices for more effective farming techniques.

In addition to training farmers, the food company in 2020 donated 135 metric tons (MT) of Granola Elite 3 table potato seeds imported from Canada to over 1,000 farmer beneficiaries in Bukidnon, Davao Del Sur, and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Reaping the benefits

“Yung binigay na seeds, talagang magaganda [at] nakakatulong sa amin.

Dati, mababa ‘yung yield namin. Ngayon maganda na at talagang kumita [ang] farmers namin dahil sa price namin [P30 to P35 per kilo]. Ngayong pandemic, na-kapaglabas kami ng mahigit isang mi-lyong kilo ng patatas dahil sa tulong ng programang ito,” ,” related Ardan Copas, a farmer in Benguet and a member of the United Potato Cooperative, one of the associations of farmers supported by the Sustainable Potato Program.

(The seeds we received were really good and have helped us a lot. Before, our yield was lower, but now, it’s been abundant and our farmers have earned more because of our P30 to P35 per kilo selling price. During the pandemic, we were able to release over 1 million kilos of potatoes thanks to this program.)

Meanwhile, Gabriel Bandao, a farmer in Bukidnon and head of the Imbayao Community Participatory Action Re-

search A s sociation ( I C PA R A ) , shared, “100 perper cent ng farmers dito sa Imbayao [ang] natulungan nito.

Kaya lubos ang pasasalamat namin sa URC. Dahil sa kanila, umangat yung pagtatanim namin ng patatas, pati na rin ang aming kabuhayan.”

(The program has helped 100 percent of our farmers here in Imbayao. We’re grateful to URC because they helped us improve our potato farming and our livelihood.)

During last year’s harvest, the farmers from Bukidnon were able to sell almost 10,000 kilos of potatoes at an average price of P65 to 70 per kilo.

These opportunities, they said, encouraged others to take up farming, especially

during the onset of the pandemic when a lot of people lost their jobs. In fact, many of the recent potato farmer joiners under the Sustainable Potato Program come from urban areas including Metro Manila and Davao City.

“Talagang natulungan ‘yung mga farmers nitong pandemic dahil sa pagtatanim namin ng patatas (Potato farming has really helped farmers during the pandemic),” enthused Copas.

Also contributing to the continuous bountiful harvests is the sustainability aspect of the program. According to Copas, farmers reserve 30 percent of their

harvest and use these as seedlings.

This lets them prepare for the next farming season without having to wait for the next batch of seeds, and allows them a guaranteed yield, year in, year out.

“The main objective of the propro gram is to provide sustainable seedlings, and offer access to necessary trainings, so that each farmer would be able to further build on their capability and knowledge in handling and cultivating the seeds and seedlings,” said David Lim, URC’s chief supply chain and sustainability officer.

The Sustainable Potato Program is part of company’s move toward becoming a global sustainable organization. “Our company is building its sustainability roadmap alongside the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” said Laurent Levan URC’s senior vice president of corporate development and external affairs “This includes responsible sourcing, production, consumption, and developing the capabilities of communities for better livelihood.”

RECIPE FILES

DINE OR DELIVER

Seasoned classics Outdoor dining areas of (from left) Breezes, Nobu Manila, and Wave.

Al fresco spots at City of Dreams Manila

LUXURY casino resort City of Dreams Manila in Parañaque highlights its open-air, well-ventilated spots to assure dine-in guests of their safety as they enjoy their meals.

Nobu Manila has floating cabanas and patio where al fresco diners are surrounded by a lush garden while indulging in the restaurant’s donburi menu including Nobu Manila-style Pork Sisig, sous vide pork belly with aji amarillo aioli, poached egg, and bacon furikake; and Nobu-style

Bistek, a flavorful combination of beef cubes, shiitake mushrooms, and caramelized onions with yuzu soy.

Meanwhile, the casino-resort’s contemporary restaurant-cum-bar venues at the pool deck – Wave, adjacent to Nobu Manila, and Breezes at Nuwa Manila – also make for a pleasant open-air all-day dining.

Guests can choose from a menu that includes breakfast favorites, salads, savory sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, pasta, fish

and chips, deep-fried calamari, and nachos, which go well with smoothies, juices, cocktails, and spirits that complete the tropical vibe of both al fresco restaurants.

Nobu Manila is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for dine-in and takeaway. Wave and Breezes accept guests and orders from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The restaurants operate at 50 percent capacity. Call (02) 8800-8080 or email guestservices@cod-manila.com to book a seat.

NOTHING beats the classics, they say. To that, these two dishes say, the thing that beats the classics are well-seasoned, tasty classics.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation launched its new product, Sarsaya Liquid Seasoning made “to upgrade ordinary dishes into special meals that families will love”. It features a well-rounded profile that blends notes of saltiness, sweetness, and savoriness (or umami). It comes in 250ml bottle and 25ml sachet.

Bangus Steak Ingredients: 2 tbsp.

5-6 slices 2 tbsp.

2 tsp.

50ml 1/2 tsp.

50ml 30ml

cooking oil bangus (milkfish) sliced red onions minced garlic Sarsaya Liquid Seasoning pepper, whole water calamansi juice

Procedure: 1. Heat oil in a pan. Fry bangus until brown on all sides. Set aside.

2. In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic. Add fried bangus.

3. Add Sarsaya Liquid Seasoning and pepper.

4. Add water and calamansi juice, simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off heat. Serve.

Pancit Bihon

Restaurant-cum-bar venues Breezes and Wave serve (from left) Caprese Salad, Grilled Ribeye Tagliata, and passion fruit lemonade and strawberry banana smoothie.

Greenwich opens first delivery and takeout-only store

PIZZA chain Greenwich recently opened its first delivery and takeout-only store to cater to consumers’ preference for off-premise consumption.

The store, located in Las Piñas, aims to strengthen the delivery and takeout services available in Greenwich’s over 270 stores nationwide, which the chain said were not enough to cater to the increased demand.

“The pandemic brought changes in customer behavior and required practical solutions to customer needs. We saw this opportunity to provide our customers convenient, dependable access via strengthened delivery and takeout channels,” said Rowena Guce, business channels and franchising head.

Greenwich bared its plan to open more delivery and takeout stores in several locations in the country to improve delivery area gaps, Greenwich’s first delivery and takeout-only store is located in Las Piñas. shorten delivery time, and provide better customer experience.

Ingredients: 5 tsp.

2 tbsp.

4 tsp.

150g 90g 35g 35g 25g 110g 35g 2 1/2 cups 25ml 1 tsp.

1 pack

cooking oil chopped red onion minced garlic pork liempo, chopped shrimp, chopped carrots, sliced sayote, sliced bell pepper, sliced cabbage, chopped chicharo water Sarsaya Liquid Seasoning pepper Super Q Golden Bihon (200g)

Procedure: 1. Heat oil in a pan. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add pork and shrimp. Cook until meat is brown.

2. Add carrots, sayote, bell pepper, cabbage, and chicharo. Toss for 1 minute.

Add water and simmer for 3 minutes.

3. Add Sarsaya Liquid Seasoning and pepper. Simmer for another 2 minutes.

Scoop vegetable and meat out of the pan; leave the liquid.

4. Add Super Q Golden Bihon in the pan. Boil for 5-10 minutes or until the noodles are fully cooked. Toss in vegetables and meat with the noodles. Serve.

Special Issue

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Duterte to present ‘report card’ in last SONA

By Maricel V. Cruz

W

HEN President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his last State of the Nation Address at Congress reopens on July 26, he is expected to delve on his achievements in public works, law and order, national security and the still ongoing campaign to control and spread of the rapidly mutating novel coronavirus.

Duterte’s “Build Build Build” campaign has seen the completion of several major projects, including those inherited from the previous administration, such as skyway from Buendia to the North Luzon Expressway, as well as new projects that were planned and executed to fruition in the five years that he has been in office.

Indeed, many localities now have access to sources of potable drinking water, safe concrete bridges and roads that were built during Duterte’s incumbency.

He also increased the salaries of personnel in uniform to deter them from committing corrupt practices as well as improved their health and housing facilities.

Duterte is seen to stress these and other achievements that will make up the legacy of his presidency.

House of Representatives Majority Leader Martin Romualdez has said he expects Duterte in his final SONA to focus on continued recovery plans, delivery of basic services and healthcare programs in addition to expounding on his achievements as Chief Executive.

“There were so many great achievements of President Duterte and I expect him to present these during his final SONA. I expect the President also to focus on the continued recovery plans and healthcare programs to fight the pandemic,” Romualdez, president of the

Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), said in a radio interview.

“Like his previous SONA, the speech of the President will be full of optimism and hope. I believe he will discuss the significant achievements of his administration in the fight against criminality, illegal drugs, COVID-19, improvement on the delivery of the government’s assistance to the vulnerable sectors, among others,” added Romualdez, chairman of the House Committee on Rules.

On top of the proposed 2022 national budget, Romualdez said the leadership of Speaker Lord Allan Velasco is poised to speedily pass possible additional priority measures in the remaining one year of his administration.

“We are going to wait for President Duterte’s announcement for his plans in the remaining one year of his term,” Romualdez, president of the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa), said.

Romualdez also said that preparations at the Batasan Complex for the final SONA of President Duterte before a joint session of Congress have been in full swing.

“We are all excited for that and we are still waiting for updates on final details from Malacañang. On our part, maybe like before, health and safety protocols are still strict for our physical attendees like requirements for Next page

Defensor: Pandemic not a hindrance to passing relevant bills By: Peter Paul Duran and Maria Isabel Gallego DESPITE the pandemic, a solon from the House of Representatives has pushed for relevant and sweeping measures to provide comfort for Filipinos.

In a recent report, Anakalusugan Party-list Representative Mike Defensor highlighted key resolutions in Congress which includes raising the basic pay for nurses as well as investigation of alleged corruption in government.

“Dito po sa amin sa kongreso ay naitulak namin ang mga napakahalagang batas at mga resolusyon sa mga imbestigasyon na ginagawa natin upang maka-ayos at magkaroon ng ginhawa ang ating mga kababayan, ang sambayanang Pilipino,” said Defensor.

The solon likewise thanked the leadership under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, while explaining the different initiatives by his office.

“Ang una po sa lahat dito, ay ang House Resolution 453, na kung saan itinulak po natin ang pagtaas ng sweldo ng ating mga nurses,” said Defensor, adding that the benefits of this measure have already been reaped by our nurses.

“Pangalawa ho, nagkaroon po tayo ng imbestigasyon na kung saan ang presyo ng ating tubig ay nahinto ang pagtaas,” explained Defensor, pertaining to the P10.8 billion peso fee that the government apparently owed water concessionaires. “‘Yung sampung bilyon na dapat nating bayaran ay ito naman din po ay kukunin sa mga nagbabayad sa kanilang metro ng tubig ay hindi na po maiimplementa,” he added.

Thirdly, Cong. Defensor also noted they were able to push through with some extensive investigation of PhilHealth, wherein they looked into the problem of corruption, re-

sulting in the creation of House Bill 7832.

“Ang House Bill 7832 po ay pagtatanggal ng mandatory na pangongolekta sa ating mga OFWs. Sa gitna po ng COVID, itinulak din po natin ang pagsasaayos ng distribusyon ng Social Amelioration Program, para mapabilis na mabigyan ng tulong ang ating mga kababayan.”

From the welfare of nurses, to electricity, to water, the SAP distribution, and the repatriation of OFWs, Defensor closed that they are steadfast in pursuing measures that are significantly needed by the populace, the Filipino.

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Final SONA should focus on recovery

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

I

N THE sunset days of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, senators want to hear during the Chief Executive’s sixth and final State of the Nation Address today if the country is better off now than when he began his administration in 2016, as well as his roadmap for economic amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said it was crucial for Duterte to update the people on the government’s pandemic response, including the status of the vaccination program.

He said Filipinos also want a report of the highlights of Duterte’s administration in the last five years, as well as what can still be done in the remaining 11 months of his term.

“Where are we now? What is the situation in the many aspects of his administration such as peace and order, fight against illegal drugs, corruption, economy, and foreign policy, particularly the West Philippine Sea?” Lacson said.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said more than the legacy, the last SONA should spell out the next steps that the government will undertake in handling the pandemic, especially with the local transmission of the deadlier Delta variant.

“Being his final address to the nation, it would be good for the President to

‘This may be the last SONA, but there’s still a long year ahead for the administration.’

—Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri

highlight all the achievements of his administration from the last five years, including the legislative highlights, as well as achievements in infrastructure and other programs of the government,” Zubiri said.

“But what the people truly want to

hear from our nation’s leader is what he will do to jumpstart our economy and keep it afloat, and how he will try to help our country survive this dreadful pandemic in his last twelve months in office. The country would want to hear about what particular step we as a nation should take and what his administration will do to slow down COVID-19 and help our kababayans uplift themselves from hardship and poverty.”

“This may be the last SONA, but there’s still a long year ahead for the administration, and with the new COVID variants posing a threat, there’s still much to be done,” Zubiri added.

“We have criticized the President when we need to criticize the President.

We have supported the moves of the executive department and the President if it is good for the majority of the public,” Sotto said.

“But always, at the end of the day, as far as my leadership is concerned – we always decide on what is good for the majority, not what is good for the President or the administration, or for the opposition,” added the Senate leader.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said he is looking forward to hearing the President answer the question of Filipinos: “Have our lives gotten better?”

EDITORIAL

State of our nation

P

RESIDENT Duterte’s last State of the Nation Address comes at a challenging time. We are at crossroads, still figuring out how best to get out of the pandemic amid hampered vaccine supply and the emergence of new variants.

We are also still making our way out of the economic crisis caused by more than a year of lockdown. With less than a year left in his administration, the President has his work cut out for him.

Then again, the state of the nation is precisely that —not the state of one person alone. We find the distinction necessary lest we get lost in the often loud and vicious politics, forgetting that for a nation to function, there must be cooperation between the government and the private sector, with the active and informed involvement of the citizenry.

During the pandemic we have witnessed the need for various units to work together in their respective spheres. No single entity or agency can do wonders on its own. Inadequacies in certain sectors or areas were addressed not by heroes with extraordinary powers but by ordinary individuals and organizations with an extraordinary desire to help.

To be sure, the future remains murky with so many extraneous variables that frustrate all kinds of scenario

There remain many avenues for cooperation. planning. The current environment is also colored by posturing for the elections in May. But there remain many avenues for cooperation, and we should all find these opportunities instead of focusing on intrigue and infighting that ultimately do our country no good.

For now, we should listen to the meat of the President’s remarks and take a cue as to what we should work on, what we should ignore, and most especially where we can work together despite differences and how we can sustain the spirit of bayanihan during this difficult period.

Some memorable quotes from five previous SONAs

Courtesy of PCOO

“

The fight against criminality and illegal drugs and corruption will be relentless and sustained. There will be no let-up in this campaign.

Double your efforts. Triple them, if need be. We will not stop until the last drug lord, the last financier, and the last pusher have surrendered or put behind bars or below the ground, if they so wish.

—SONA 2016

” “

We will make the next few years the Golden Age of Infrastructure in the Philippines to enhance our mobility and connectivity, and thereby spur development growth equitable in the country. In other words, we are going to build, build and build. —SONA 2017

” “ ”

Your concern is human rights, mine is human lives. —SONA 2018

“

Duterte...

From C2 the RT-PCR swab test to ensure the safety of the people who will be there in the House of Representatives, including President Duterte,” Romualdez said.

“Wearing a face mask and a face shield are still required. Physical distancing, one-way travel direction and submission of health declarations will also be implemented,” he said.

The House Committee on Ways and Means, meanwhile, expects Duterte to reiterate the urgency of passing the rest of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program– the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act that is pending at the committee level in the Senate and

the Passive Income and Financial Intermediaries Taxation Act (PIFITA) that is also pending at the Senate.

Progress in both reforms is being observed by credit rating agencies that believe that their passage is a net plus for the Philippine’s credit standing, said Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, committee chairman.

“Some weeks ago, [Duterte] mentioned the strategic importance of a well-regulated gaming sector to economic and fiscal recovery. The week after SONA, I believe the House and the Senate will agree on a ratified version of the tax regime on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO). Another potent revenue stream is e-sabong taxes, which the House has already submitted to the Senate,” Salceda added.

“The approval of the amendments

to the Foreign Investments Act, the Public Service Act, and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act will be critical to increasing foreign direct investments and creating new jobs.

The RTLA, in particular, is now at the bicameral conference stage, while the other two are on the Senate floor.”

Salceda said there is “a need to make the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) work. There are already signs that CREATE has opened the doors to greater foreign investments.

The net inflow of foreign direct investments FDIs more than doubled to $679 million in April from $317 million in 2020.”

However, Salceda said that “to maximize its impacts, we need a well-trained and well-equipped la-

bor force capable of filling in the jobs FDIs will create. This is why I believe in a stronger role for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).”

“I hope President Duterte will reiterate the need to transform TESDA into a Cabinet-level agency capable of implementing a massive national upskilling program. Along with this, I hope President Duterte also emphasizes the need for a skills-centric education system.”

The committee, he added, still has a host of other measures lined up, including a Fiscal Regime for Mining, “which remains very critical to maximizing the recent metals price boom. Other measures include the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, the Motor Vehicle Road Users’ Tax, and the Excise Tax on Single Use Plastics.”

I have met the enemy face to face, and sadly the enemy is us. We are our own tormentors. For every transaction, a commission; for every action, extortion; and a request that goes on and on – endlessly and shamelessly. —SONA 2019

” “

We live in a troubled time. Our dream of prosperity for our country was suddenly snuffed by a pandemic virulent virus. No nation was spared. Neither rich nor poor were exempt from the onslaught of this deadly disease...To everyone who helped us in this time of great need, maraming salamat po. Let me say that the strength of a nation rests in the hands of the people acting as one with the government, in the pursuit of common goals and objectives. —SONA 2020

”

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Gov’t ushers in infra ‘golden age’

By Darwin Amojelar

T

he Duterte administration’s promise of ushering in the “golden age of infrastructure” will soon be a reality as the government speeds up the completion of bigticket transport infrastructure projects.

“Because of the improvement, pwedeng masasabi na nakalagay na sa pedestal ng performance ng ating Pangulong Duterte yung paggawa ng golden age of infrastructure. These are concrete facts,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

“Never before has there been so many airports and ports constructed and renovated in a period of six years. Never before has there been a massive construction in the rail system for a period of four years.”

“You compared it to previous administrations and maybe we can say that because of the Duterte administration, patungo na tayo sa golden age of infrastructure,” he added.

Toward this end, the Duterte administration has adopted its boldest infrastructure development program, called “Build, Build, Build!”

Under the BBB program, the government allotted P8 to P9 trillion, raising the spending for infrastructure from only about 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) during the previous four administrations to an average of 5 percent of GDP. “Are we finished? No. We would not stop building and rehabilitating airports, seaports and other infrastructure projects that will improve the lives of Filipinos,” Tugade said.

LONG-STANDING ISSUES SOLVED Tugade said when he took over as DOTr secretary in 2016, the Duterte administration was greeted with numerous long-standing issues that have tormented the country for years.

“I remember fully well when we were

Façade of the Clark International Airport

He added that from 2016 to the present, the DOTr Aviation Sector has completed a total of 121 airport projects.

These projects include the Bohol-Panglao International Airport, which was inaugurated in 2018, and the Bicol International Airport with a current progress rate of almost 80 percent.

The newly-built LRT Line 2 East Extension project in Antipolo City, Rizal

only starting to take on the challenge five years ago. The Filipino people have pinned their hopes on the new administration then – with eyes intently and critically watching us on what we would do next,” Tugade said.

Among those challenges were what he described as “reality issues” such as the “laglag bala” scheme at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the issuance of paper driver’s licenses, the country being known as “Republikang Walang Plaka,” and the traffic congestion dubbed as “EDSA carmageddon.”

Now, Tugade said there is no more laglag-bala in NAIA, and that initiatives such as the upgrade and improvement of the international airport are already being undertaken, including the rehabilitation of the runway and the inauguration of its new taxiways.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) rolled out new driver’s license plastic cards that are valid for five

years and has distributed more than 3 million motor vehicle plates.

Tugade also cited the establishment of the EDSA Busway and bike lanes to promote active transportation. To ensure the safety of cyclists and other road users, 296 kilometers of bike lanes have been completed with pavement markings, bollards, and solar studs. T The DOTr aims to complete 535 kilometers of bike lanes in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao before the year ends.

RAILWAY SECTOR ACHIEVEMENTS Tugade also said the massive MRT-3 rehabilitation will be completed by December this year.

Currently, the railway runs at 60 kilometers per hour, with waiting time between trains at just 3.5 minutes, and with an all-time high of 23 operational trains. The MRT-3 is also now cooler with new air conditioning units.

Further, the DOTr is working on some long-delayed rail projects. These

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOREIGN AFFAIRS ✔ Pushed for the abolition of the kafala system that has allowed unjust and exploitative conditions of overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East ✔ Return of the historic Balangiga bells ✔ Reaffirmed the country’s victory in the arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s massive claims in the South China Sea during the 75th United Nations General Assembly ✔ Reshipment of trash back to Canada

PANDEMIC RESPONSE ✔ Passage of Bayanihan Laws (1 and 2) that financed the government’s COVID-19 response ✔ Over 16 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered as of July 23, placing the Philippines in the second spot in terms of vaccine rollout in Southeast Asia ✔ Secured over 160 million doses of life-saving jabs in the next six months

DEFENSE ✔ Completed 54 projects under the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act ✔ Acquisition of two missile frigates – BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna ✔ Salary adjustment (58.7 percent average increase) for all military and uniformed personnel

PRIORITY MEASURES PASSED ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Universal Health Care Law Universal Access to Quality Education Act Coconut Trust Fund Law Anti-Terror Act

ECONOMY ✔ Signing of four of eight measures under the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program, namely the Tax Amnesty Act, the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE), law increase excise taxes on tobacco and alcohol products, and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law (TRAIN) ✔ Revision of the water concession deals to ensure better terms for the government ✔ Achieved the country’s highest ever credit rating of BBB+ in April 2020

include the Metro Manila Subway, the country’s first underground railway system that was first conceived in 1973 but with actual construction only in 2019.

In addition, Tugade said the LRT-1 Cavite Extension, which was delayed for 19 years, as well as the Manila to Clark Railway, which was planned in 1993, are undergoing full-blast construction.

MORE AVIATION INFRA PROJECTS Tugade also said the 110,000-square meter Clark International Airport New Passenger Terminal Building is already completed and expects to create 150,000 new jobs.

The Clark International Airport New Passenger Terminal Building is the first hybrid public-private partnership (PPP) project completed under the BBB program.

“This will prove that the Duterte Administration’s Build, Build, Build is not just a dream … It is real. It is true. And it is here,” Tugade said.

RESTORED MARITIME INFRASTRUCTURES From 2016 to the present, the DOTr and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) were able to complete 426 seaport projects nationwide. These include the Cagayan de Oro Port’s Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) – the biggest port terminal in the country.

Tugade said the Ormoc and Tacloban Ports, as well as the Tagbilaran and Maribojoc Ports, damaged by the Super Typhoon Yolanda and the strong earthquake in 2013, were likewise restored.

On maritime safety, the DOTr continues to modernize the country’s lighthouses. From only 113 in 2014, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has hugely increased the number of operational lighthouses to 600 as of March 2021.

The PCG also acquired modern and high-tech equipment, not only for border patrol, but also for search and rescue operations, as well as humanitarian service.

“With barely a year left before we step down, we will exert all efforts to finish what we have started, fulfill what we have promised, and deliver what we have envisioned,” Tugade said.

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Duterte gets 90% for protecting peace, security—Lorenzana

D

EFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana gave President Rodrigo Duterte a 90 percent rating in terms of his administration’s accomplishments in preserving peace and security in the country.

“As far as the Department of National Defense is concerned, the President’s rating is 90 percent because he managed to acquire and procure additional equipment for our soldiers and his directive to us to totally neutralize local communist insurgency is also good,” Lorenzana said.

Guided by the President’s order to defend what rightfully belongs to the country without going to war, Lorenzana said the government has consistently asserted the Philippines’ sovereignty and sovereign rights.

“Improvements in the infrastructure in Kalayaan and Mavulis Islands are ongoing even as we intensified our patrols guarding our airspace and seas. We also intensified our deterrence activities and deployed more personnel in our borders, especially in the West Philippine Sea and the Sulu-Celebes Seas,” he said.

As of last year, Lorenzana said the country has conducted 186 air and 575 maritime patrols.

“We now have more littoral monitoring stations and detachments in strategic locations to monitor vessels transiting within Philippine waters and key sea lanes of communication,” he added.

Lorenzana also cited the benefits of the country’s defense cooperation with other countries, inside and outside the region.

“Due to our Trilateral Cooperative Agreement with Indonesia and Malaysia, we quickly reduced kidnapping-for-ransom incidents and other crimes in Sulu waters,” he said.

Lorenzana also cited the milestones reached by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in enhancing its capacity and capability.

These include the upgrading of systems, doctrines, and the acquisition of capital assets

and equipment, such as the two newly-acquired Jose Rizal-class missile frigates, the six-newly delivered Embraer A-29B “Super Tucano” closeair support aircraft and a number of combat utility helicopters.

“Though we still have a long way to go to achieve our desired level of defense posture, we can now proudly say that the AFP is definitely stronger than it was before,” he said.

SPECIAL REPORT ON THE LAST SONA Joyce Pangco Pañares Editor

Anita F. Grefal Operations Head

Maricel V. Cruz Macon Ramos-Araneta Darwin G. Amojelar Writers

Baldwin Felipe Head, Advertising Solutions

Vickie R. Ayeng Layout Artist Kristine Agustin Nijel Aquino Antoinette Capuz Meggie Carpio Christine Cortez Paulyne De Mesa James Gomez Miguel Magbag Amira Pasion Alain Robredillo Theriz Silvano Mary Umlas Isabelle Gallego Researchers

Paula Reynoso Head Supplements Mercedita Pascual Shirley Umali Ad Solutions Managers Sheila Suarez Joan Velasco Eric Jutic Peter Paul Duran Advertising Support Group