Manila Standard - 2021 August 5 - Thursday

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Manila golf bet stays in the hunt for gold

By Riera TOKYO—Bianca Pagdanganan of the within reach after the opening round of tween shots, the longest hitter in the U. Mallari Philippines weathered the sweltering the Summer Olympic Games’ golf com- Ladies Professional Golf Association

conditions at the Kasumigaseki Golf petition. birdied the first two holes to start her Club in Saitama and shot a two-under Using an ice pack and a fan as weap- bid on a high note.

Next page par 69 on Wednesday to keep the leaders ons to battle the heat – 34 °C -- in be-

PAGDANGANAN

QUICK CHECK. As authorities have yet to decide on the quarantine status of Calabarzon, a checkpoint is already in place at the Dasmarinas-Imus border in Cavite as part of measures to stem the spread of COVID-19’s dreaded Delta variant. Gil Calinga

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Lockdown eyed for Calabarzon DOH: ECQ in virus-plagued areas

By Willie Casas and Vito Barcelo EALTH officials said the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) that will be imposed on Metro Manila starting Friday might be expanded to include Calabarzon and other areas where COVID-19 is on the rise.

H

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Wednesday said there is no definite decision yet on whether Calabarzon will be placed under ECQ, but said a proposal to do so is still being discussed by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious

Diseases (IATF).

Duque said that aside from the COVID-19 situation in the area, they need to consider the provision of cash assistance to families affected by a lockdown.

Earlier, the government decided to place Metro Manila under ECQ from Aug. 6 to 20 in light of the threat posed by the more infectious Delta coronavirus variant.

Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla is opposed to subjecting the province to Next page

DOLE fears job losses, seeks P2b aid 1,619,824

By Christine Cortez, Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

employees will lose income during the lockdown that begins Friday, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said Wednesday as his department sought AS MANY as 40,000 workers in Met- an additional budget of P2 billion for a ro Manila could lose their jobs while one-time cash assistance program.

The requested supplemental budget will more than 100,000 “no-work, no-pay”

go to cash payments to affected workers during the two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) that will be imposed from Aug. 6 to 20 in Metro Manila.

“The imposition of [ECQ] in NCR this August will surely affect successive Next page

AYUDA. Food packs like this one held by a Social Welfare officer in DSWD- Region 10 are among the essential goods that will tide families over in the time of hard lockdowns

28,231

90

1,528,422

7,285

OCTA Group faces inquiry over methods

By Maricel V. Cruz and Willie Casas

By Willie Casas, Rey E. Requejo, Othel V. Campos THE Philippines would be “the next India” if a hard lockdown is not imposed on the National Capital Region (NCR), the chief implementor of the COVID-19 National Task Force warned lawmakers Wednesday.

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WHO: SUSPEND BOOSTER SHOTS

JAB APPLICANTS. With Manila gearing up for a non-stop, 24/7 vaccination drive, the city has attracted over 2,000 jab applicants -- doctors, nurses, midwives -- who will serve as volunteers. A health officer gives the first batch an orientation seminar on Aug. 4, 2021 in front of the Kartilya ng Katipunan shrine. Norman Cruz

House mission accomplished—Romualdez

By Maricel V. Cruz

Velasco

63,171

(As of 4 PM, August 04)

‘Next India’tag likely on PH if controls loosen

NEWS / A2

7,342

HOUSE Majority Leader Martin Romualdez said Wednesday the leadership of Speaker Lord Allan Velasco fulfilled its legislative function to pass most of the priority measures enumerated

by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his final State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Romualdez, representative of Leyte’s first district, made the statement as the House suspended

its plenary sessions as Metro Manila is placed under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from August 6 to 20.

“Under Speaker Velasco’s leadership, we stayed true to our mandate and successfully passed most of the administration’s priority measures, as spelled out by President Rodrigo Duterte in his SONA. Of the twelve bills mentioned, only two are pending in the House and are expected to be prioritized once we resume Next page

THE House of Representatives is set to launch an investigation into OCTA Research Philippines, an independent research group that has gained media mileage for its projections and warnings about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Five lawmakers have crossed party lines to file a resolution calling for a congressional inquiry into the “qualifications, research methodologies, partnerships and composition” of OCTA Research.

They are Deputy Speakers Bernadette Herrera of Bagong Henerasyon, Kristine Singson-Meehan of Ilocos Next page

WEATHER

TD ‘Gorio’ stays out of PAR

By Rio N. Araja

Romualdez

TROPICAL depression “Gorio” slightly intensified but quickly stayed off the Philippine area of responsibility Wednesday, weathermen said.

Its center was estimated at 800 kilometers of extreme Northern Luzon outside PAR, packing maximum sustained Next page

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PNP warns lockdown violators

By Francisco Tuyay, Joel E. Zurbano and Macon Ramos-Araneta

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HILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief General Guillermo Eleazar warned people who do not believe in COVID-19 vaccination they would be liable if they violated lockdown rules with their alleged plan to hold a mass action this month to protest the government’s vaccination program.

ECQ period.

Eleazar said the plan to stage a mass protest by anti-vaccine people would endanger public health amid the threat of the Delta variant which triggered serious public health problems in India and some parts of the world.

He advised the intending participants not to push through with their plan as the PNP would not permit them amid the threat of Covid-19 during the ECQ status.

“Your right to hold protest actions ends when the right of the most number of our kababayan to be safe from COVID-19 starts,” he said. * Meanwhile, the government’s third-party cold-chain facility and logistics partner Pharmaserv Express sees no problem in handling more than 16 million doses of COVID-19 vac-

cines that the government is expecting to get this month. “There will be no problem with that because we can store up to 40 million single dose vaccines,” said Pharmaserv Express president Andrian Perez during a site inspection with members of the media in its facility in Marikina City. * Vaccine czar and National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. said the Philippines is set to receive 16 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines in the coming days. On Tuesday, the Department of Health got three million doses of Moderna vaccine shipment donated by the United States government. As of Wednesday, around five million doses of vaccines such as Moderna, Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Johnson and Johnson and Pfizer, are stored in Pharmaserv.

operate at full capacity.

Malacanang also ordered heads of Metro Manila agencies to report to their department head the “specific percentage of the agency’s skeleton workforce, together with the arrangements to ensure continuing operation of the agency.”

Department heads, however, may modify the submitted on-site capacity and related arrangements “as health considerations and the exigencies of the service may require.”

Legislative and judicial branches of government, independent constitutional bodies, and local government units in Metro Manila were also urged to adopt Memorandum Circular No. 87.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday said only authorized persons outside of residence (APORs) will be allowed to board public transportation during the ECQ. In a Facebook post, the LTFRB said these APORs will need to show valid ID to prove their eligibility to travel from Aug.6 to 20.

The LTFRB said the maximum allowable capacity is 50 percent or one seat apart in buses and jeeps; two passengers per row and one passenger at the driver’s row for utility vehicles (UV) express, taxis, and transport network vehicle services (TNVS).

Ahead of Friday’s ECQ, Pasay City placed some areas under localized lockdown affecting 40 households in 22 barangays.

As of Tuesday, the local government recorded 58 new active cases of COVID-19, bringing to 14,989 the total active cases reported in the city.

It also reported 14,401 total individuals who have recovered from the deadly disease.

Mayor Imelda Rubiano said her administration is doing everything it can to maintain the number of coronavirus cases to the barest minimum while also protecting its borders from the possible entry of Delta variant.

She said they are protecting residents by conducting an intensified information, communication and educational campaign about the dangers of the new variant and the steps to avoid contracting it.

“Despite the slight rise in cases, Pasay still has one of the lowest number of active cases at 80 in Metro Manila, and we are working double time to further bring it down as much as possible,” Rubiano said.

Some banks, meanwhile, announced shorter business hours in areas under the ECQ. BPI said all branches would be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. while its Iloilo branches would be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Metrobank said all of its branches will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mondays to Fridays.

Some branches, however, would be open only up to 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. the bank said, asking clients to check its website for a list of branches and their adjusted business hours. credentials and background of the research group.

Beginning last year, several media outlets have cited warnings published

by OCTA, with the latest one pushing for a “circuit breaker,” or hard lockdown this month.

“There is a public health and public policy need to ensure the safety and security of the population during this pandemic, and that information being distributed is correct and are not irresponsibly and erroneously published,” the lawmakers pointed out in the resolution.

They also underscored the need to “validate the connection between OCTA Research and the University of the Philippines System, as the former publicized a partnership which the latter seemingly denied.”

lishing Evacuation Centers in Every City and Municipality (HB08990).

Romualdez said the Retail and Trade Liberalization Act (HB00059) and the modernization of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) (HB07406) are currently under the bicameral (bicam) conference deliberations.

“The House also passed on third and final reading last Wednesday (July 28), the bills that would create the Philippine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (HB09560), and the Virology Institute of the Philippines (HB09559),” said Romualdez on the twin bills that were also included in the SONA-priority measures.

survey rounds,” said Bello, referring to the monthly Labor Force Survey (LFS).

According to the funding proposal, 39 percent or P776.1 million will be allocated to Metro Manila, 15 percent or P298.5 million to Central Luzon, 9 percent or P179.1 million to Calabarzon, 8 percent or P159.2 million to Western Visayas, 2 percent or P39.8 million to Northern Mindanao, and 27 percent or P537.3 million to other areas that may be placed under ECQ. Bello said the department will also use a portion of its emergency employment fund or the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program to assist workers who will be displaced by the new imposition of an ECQ in Metro Manila.

Funded under the 2021 national budget, TUPAD has about P4 billion remaining.

Bello said the TUPAD funds may be tapped even as the Department of Labor and Employment has requested the Department of Budget and Management for a supplemental budget of P2 billion to extend assistance under the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program.

Formal sector workers in the National Capital Region who will be displaced or those with less income due to reduced work days or work hours may be eligible beneficiaries of the program, Bello said.

Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay said the number of workers in NCR who will be affected by the ECQ is projected to reach 300,000-400,000.

Citing DOLE’s Online Establishment Reporting System, Tutay said a total of 152,987 NCR workers had been displaced this year due to permanent closures and reduction of the workforce as of July 30, 2021.

A total of 127,300 workers were also affected due to the reduction of workdays and rotation of workers during the same period.

The same number of workers are expected to be affected during the ECQ period, with an additional 30,000 to 40,000 workers projected to be displaced, the labor official added.

Also on Wednesday, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said the distribution of the cash aid for qualified recipients in Metro Manila will possibly begin on Aug. 6, when the region is under an ECQ.

In contrast, Women’s US Open champion Yuka Saso went the other way on a day when the humidity that shot up to the mid30 degrees Celsius, put the Fil-Japanese’s caddie Lionel Matichuck in a hospital.

The day before, a heat stroke left Pagdanganan’s coach Carito Villaroman in a clinic inside the course due to dehydration.

Saso couldn’t get going all day and finished with a three-over 74 that left her in a share of 47th place, needing to make up ground in Thursday’s second round to get back in it.

The reigning PSA Athlete of the Year made an early bogey on No. 2, steadied herself in mid-round only to slump with successive bogeys from the 16th.

World number one Nelly Korda fired

a 67 to be just a shot off the lead.

Meanwhile, middleweight Eumir Marcial and flyweight Carlo Paalam try to punch their way to the gold-medal round at the Kokugikan Arena.

The two are one win away from a silver feat and two from gold, but tough assignments await them in the fourth to the last day of boxing action here.

Marcial is up against Ukrainian Oleksandr Khyzhniak, who dealt the Filipino a shattering loss at the Strandja International in Bulgaria in 2019.

Paalam, on the other hand, faces Japanese Ryomei Tanaka, and may need a good performance with convincing shots so as not to let sympathetic judging go the hometown bet’s way.

Netizens had informed Eleazar about the plan and were seeking police action about social media mobilization of some people who do not believe in the pandemic and the life-saving vaccines.

“While we respect the right of the people to freedom of expression and even the decision of some people to refuse vaccination, encouraging our kababayan to do something that would compromise public health is a different matter,” he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to place Metro Manila under ECQ from August 6-20 to contain the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19.

Part of the hard lockdown is stricter border control and the implementation of longer curfew hours, from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., in Metro Manila during the entire

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More than 400,000 people died as the Delta variant of COVID-19 ravaged India earlier this year.

Speaking to the House committee on health, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. emphasized the need to disrupt the spread of the virus to ensure the country’s economic growth towards the end of the year.

“We also consulted the business sector. They said if we do not do something to disrupt the transmission, we will not be able to recover anymore during the fourth quarter” he said.

Independent researchers tracking the pandemic said the Philippines could have as many as 2,000 infections of the highly contagious Delta variant.

The OCTA Research Group said they based their projection on the current genome sequencing abilities of the country, which only accounts for 100 samples per day out of 8,000 COVID-19 cases.

This means this is only less than 2 percent of the country’s total number of virus infections, he said.

“What we are really showing is the percentage of Delta variants in the samples but if this percentage were applied to the entire number of cases this is what we would see,” OCTA’s Guido David said in an online forum hosted by the Federation Of Filipino Chinese Chambers Of Commerce & Industry, Inc. “As of the latest data, we see 26 percent of cases sampled were the Delta variant and if that were the case that could be as many as 2,000 cases of Delta variant in the whole Philippines,” he added.

“This is just a projection based on the sampling. There is a fairly wide range of sampling error here but this is what is possible,” he said.

David said, due to its high infection rate, the Delta variant could also become a “strong replacement factor” for other variants.

“The relevance here is that the Delta variant has a strong replacement factor, meaning it tends to replace other variants because it is more infectious, 50 percent more infectious compared to the previous variants,” David said.

The Philippines has registered 1,856 Alpha cases, 2,146 Beta cases and 216

an ECQ but said he would abide by whatever the IATF decision is.

Since last week, there have been 400 to 600 cases a day in Cavite, and some hospitals in the province are now up to 80 percent occupied, Remulla said.

The Aklan provincial government on Wednesday said it was considering asking that it also be placed under the strictest quarantine level as COVID-19 cases continue to spike.

About 80 percent of COVID-19 hospital beds in the province are already occupied, with exhausted health workers appealing for a timeout, said Aklan Gov. Florencio Miraflores.

Aklan, he said, has tallied 187 coronavirus deaths since last year, including 137 which were recorded in the last three months alone.

“I am talking with the Department of Health regional office, that if the surge continues, Aklan might be placed under the ECQ classification,” Miraflores said.

The Palace on Wednesday said all government agencies in Metro Manila will be fully operational even under the ECQ but with reduced personnel to just 20 percent while the rest would work from home.

However, agencies providing health and emergency frontline services, laboratory and testing services, border control, and other critical services will

Sur, and Sharon Garin of AAMBISOWA; Deputy Minority Leader Stella Luz Quimbo of Marikina,, and Rep. Jesus Suntay of Quezon City.

Meanwhile the OCTA Research Group has assured the public that its projections are based on data and not merely theories as they urged the government for tougher pandemic management.

Dr. Guido David, during an online forum, said OCTA Research based its recommendation to implement “circuitbreaker” lockdown on the surge last late March 2021, wherein 4,519 new cases daily were registered.

Instead of a two-week lockdown, Da-

vid said it took seven weeks to enforce the hard lockdown to reduce cases at 1,255 per day.

“We need to control the pandemic, we need to limit the number of deaths.... This is based on data. This is not based on theory. This was based on what happened in the past in the Philippines,” David said during a forum with members of the Federation Of Filipino Chinese Chambers Of Commerce & Industry, Inc. “This is why we are confident in the recommendation,” he said.

In filing House Resolution 2075 dated August 3, the lawmakers urged the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability (also known as the Blue-Ribbon Committee), to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation, to ascertain the

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ficial duty.

“Despite the challenges brought about by this pandemic, we accomplished our mission with the excellence and hard work of our fellow lawmakers, staff, and employees,” said Romualdez, president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD).

“We hope these measures will become laws by June 2022 so our kababayans could finally reap the benefits of these measures that seek to uplift their lives,” he added.

In his SONA last July 26, President Duterte asked the 18th Congress to pass his 12 priority bills before his term expires in June 2022.

President Duterte pushed for the passage of MUP, which is up for second reading approval in the House of Representatives and free legal assistance for police and soldiers, which is under committee deliberation in the chamber.

Meanwhile, Romualdez said the House has transmitted to the Senate the following SONA-priority bills: the Foreign Investments Act (HB00300), the Public Service Act (HB00078), Creating the Department of Filipinos Overseas and Foreign Employment (HB05832), E-Governance Act (HB06927), Creating the Department of Disaster Resilience (HB05989), and the proposed law Estab-

sessions,” Romualdez, chairman of the House Committee on Rules, said.

Romualdez was referring to the bills on Unified Military and Uniformed Services Personnel Separation, Retirement, and Pension Act to manage the escalating pension costs of military and uniformed personnel (MUP) and free legal assistance to the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) facing charges arising from the performance of their of-

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From A1 winds of 55 km/h near the center, gustiness up to 70 km/h and was moving northeast at 15 km/h.

Meanwhile, two weather disturbances are enhancing the southwest monsoon (habagat) that affects most parts of the country, a weather forecaster said Wednesday.

Benison Estareja of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the most affected is Luzon.

Monsoon rains will be experienced over the Ilocos region, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Zam-

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bales, and Bataan.

Occasional rains will be experienced over Metro Manila, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, northern Palawan including Calamian and Kalayaan Islands, and the rest of the Cordillera and Cagayan Valley regions.

Estareja said the low-pressure area (LPA) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and the tropical cyclone outside PAR were enhancing the “habagat”.

The LPA was last spotted 550 km. northeast of Itbayat, Batanes.

“This would likely exit PAR by Thursday. However, it may develop into a weak tropical depression while exiting PAR,” Estareja said.

WHO: Suspend COVID vaccine booster shots

Manila...

From A1 The 23-year-old Pagdanganan then made two more birdies against one bogey in her last five holes -- including a near ace on the 16th – to grab a share of seventh place with LPGA winners Inbee Park of Korea and Danielle Kang of the US. Also tied with them are Czech Republic’s Klara Spilkova, Denmark’s Nanna Koertz Madsen, Chinese Taipei’s Hsu Wei-Ling and Lee Min, Spain’s Azahara Munoz and Korea’s Kim Sei Young.

Pagdanganan is also just three shots out of the lead held by Madelene Sagstrom of Sweden.

THE WHO on Wednesday called for a moratorium on COVID-19 vaccine booster shots until at least the end of September to address the drastic inequity in dose distribution between rich and poor nations.

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on the countries and companies controlling the supply of doses to change gear and ensure more vaccines to less wealthy states.

“I understand the concern of all governments to protect their people from the Delta variant. But we cannot accept countries that have already used most of the global supply of vaccines using even more of it, while the world’s most vulnerable people remain unprotected,” Tedros told a press conference.

“We need an urgent reversal, from the majority of vaccines going to highincome countries, to the majority going to low-income countries.”

More than 4.25 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have now been administered globally, according to an AFP count.

In countries categorized as high income by the World Bank, 101 doses per 100 people have been injected – with the 100 doses mark having been surpassed this week.

That figure drops to 1.7 doses per 100 people in the 29 lowestincome countries. AFP

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Defense chief: Defer BARMM polls R

ESETTING the elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will give local leaders more time to institute reforms, according to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

CAROUSEL QUEUE.

Commuters line up as they await their turn to board a Bus Carousel at EDSA at the Kamuning Stop in Quezon City on August 4, 2021. Public transportation will still be made available once the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) takes effect from August 6 to August 20, 2021 but passengers are enjoined to follow safety and health protocols. Only the authorized persons outside of residence (APOR) will be allowed to go out of their homes and use public transportation.

Manny Palmero

CDO lawmaker Duterte EO grants CESO rank to MNSA grads wants piece of action on water deals with gov’t

By Maricel V. Cruz A CONGRESSMAN on Wednesday prodded the leadership of the House of Representatives to recall Monday’s approval of the 25-year franchises of two water concessionaires based in Metro Manila.

In making the appeal, Deputy speaker and Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said he is one of many House members who did not have the opportunity to scrutinize the bills containing the franchises in the committee level and in plenary.

“As a deputy speaker, I am ex-officio member of all committees. I never received an invitation to attend hearings in the committee on franchises on these two franchise bills,” he said.

He said the failure of the committee to invite its members “violates the rules of the House that hearings should be made public and that all members of the chamber and all those opposed to the measures should be invited to attend and ask questions.”

Rodriguez added that he could not understand the “indecent haste” in the approval of the Maynilad and Manila Water franchises.

“People will suspect that we are taking advantage of the pandemic. We could have waited for the lockdowns in Metro Manila and other areas, including Cagayan de Oro City, to scrutinize these bills at length, since they involve tens of billions the millions of consumers will pay,” he stressed.

Korean fugitive deported, flown back to Seoul THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) deported a South Korean fugitive wanted by authorities in his country for illegally operating an online gambling site and earning a whopping US$43 million in just three years.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente identified the deportee as Park Junyoung, who was flown back to his country aboard a Jeju Air flight bound for Incheon, Seoul at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Morente said Park was expelled pursuant to a summary deportation order that the BI board of commissioners issued against him two years ago for being an undesirable alien and violating the conditions of his stay in the country.

“He is now in the custody of authorities in South Korea where he is wanted for stand trial for his alleged crimes. We have also placed him in our blacklist to prevent him from re-entering the Philippines,” the BI chief added.

A warrant for his arrest was issued by the Busan district court in South Korea where he is charged with violating his country’s law against illegal gambling.

Reports revealed that between February 2016 and April 2019, Park and his accomplices set up online gambling sites which enabled customers to bet on the results of local and international sports competitions.

Users of the sites were instructed to deposit their monies in a designated bank account before they could gamble by predicting the outcome of sports contests.

Vito Baarcelo

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order updating the policy on the grant of Career Executive Service Officer rank to graduates of the National Defense College of the Philippines.

Executive Order (EO) No. 145, signed

by Duterte on Tuesday, amends a provision under EO No. 696 which grants NDCP graduates belonging to government service the rank of CESO III with corresponding compensation and other privileges in the Career Executive Service (CES).

“There is a need to revitalize and reinforce the policy on the grant of CESO rank to graduates of the MNSA program of the NDCP to deepen the pool of leader-managers in government, and further strengthen the quality of policy formulation and governance in the public sector,” EO 145 read.

Under the EO, the NDCP’s Master

in National Security Administration (MNSA) graduates in CES positions may be granted a CESO rank.

“Graduates of the Master in National Security Administration program of the National Defense College of the Philippines who are appointed to Career Executive Service positions shall be granted the CESO rank that is commensurate to their respective CES positions, subject to requirements to be prescribed and mandated by the Career Executive Service Board,” it read.

NDCP’s MNSA graduates who are not occupying CES positions must comply with the requirements for appointment to a CESO rank.

Those who occupy positions in the career service that are at least division chief level with salary grade (SG) 24 shall be entitled to a salary equivalent to SG 25.

The CESB, in consultation with the NDCP, shall issue the necessary guidelines for the implementation of this order.

Funding of the salary adjustments shall be charged against the available Personnel Services (PS) allotments of the concerned agency, subject to budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws, rules, and regulations.

All orders, issuances, rules, and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with this order are thereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly, the EO said.

The NDCP continues to be a center of excellence in educational and policy development for strategic and dynamic leaders in national defense and security, with its MNSA program, uniquely integrating the political, economic, sociocultural, techno-scientific, environmental and military dimensions of national security administration.

MALL TIME. Sitting together with their parents, kids fall in line to register for the National ID in one of the malls in Dasmarinas City, Cavite on August 4, 2021.Those who must register include children ages 5 years and above. JR Josue

Lorenzana said he was also in favor of extending the term of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority until 2025 since its leaders needed more time to set up an infrastructure of good governance.

The BTA is supposed to oversee the BARMM until the May 2022 regional polls, which would be held simultaneous with the 2022 national and local elections.

Lorenzana, however, argued that not all members of the BTA had a long experience in governance.

“There are those who are starting from zero. They were not mayors, governors beforehand. Let us give them their jobs for another three years, and after that, let us hold the elections,” he added.

Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan and Cotabato City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi opposed the extension of BTA tenure.

The ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law in February 2019 via a plebiscite paved the way for the creation of the BARMM and abolition of the old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The BARMM includes Cotabato City, 63 barangays in the municipalities of Aleosan, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pigkawayan, and Pikit in North Cotabato. It has expanded land and water jurisdiction, fiscal autonomy, increased share in national government resources, among others.

A group urged lawmakers to pass the bill extending the BTA based on the provisions of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which they said was clearly ratified by the overwhelming majority of the Bangsamoro people.

In a statement following the last State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte, Bangsamoro People’s Coalition for BTA Extension said extending the transitional period will show a responsive partnership of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The group thus held a peaceful prayer rally at Tandang Sora, Quezon City to ask for divine intervention to enlighten the national leaders on the importance of this call.

“We call for the Divine Intervention to pour mercy and steadfastness and shower it upon those mindful and peace-loving people with loving hearts such as our beloved legislators for their understanding and benevolence to support our call to extend the Bangsamoro transition period by way of postponing the BARMM elections to 2025,” the group said.

Under the law, the transition period is only three years from 2019.

Deferring the elections of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao from 2022 to 2025 “will allow the BTA to fulfill its mandated duties in achieving long-term peace and prosperity in the region.”

“We pray for the Divine Intervention to soften the hearts of those who continue to oppose our people’s noble proposal.

We pray that our national leaders will finally acknowledge how imperative the extension will be in this time of health emergency where the spending priority should focus on economic recovery and containing health emergencies,” the coalition said.

PNP, SBMA arrest most wanted man in Zambales SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—A joint operation by members of the Philippine National Police in Zambales and investigators from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority led to the arrest recently of a most wanted person in the province of Zambales.

According to a report forwarded to the Zambales Provincial Police Office (ZPPO), suspect Jomar Mayo y Sarmiento who is facing a rape case in Zambales, was located last Friday, July 30,

while working in a company at the Subic Techno Park in this free port.

The 37-year-old suspect, who is single and a native of Barangay Guisguis in the town of Sta. Cruz, Zambales, worked as a forklift operator at the G-1 Boton Area of Juken Sangyo Philippines Corp., a Subicregistered business locator.

Operatives from the Zambales police command and the SBMA Intelligence and Investigation Office conducted the operation on the strength of a warrant of

arrest issued by Judge Josefina Farrales of Regional Trial Court Branch 69 in Iba, Zambales.

Mayo is charged with rape in relation to Republic Act 7610, or the act providing for stronger deterrence and special protection against child abuse, exploitation and discrimination. The warrant of arrest has a no bail recommendation.

Following initial investigation here, Mayo was brought to the Zambales police office for documentation and disposition.

Suspect Mayo during initial investigation at the SBMA-IIO office Manila

Swab testing in Navotas now 24/7—Tiangco TO ENSURE that violators of health and quarantine protocols in Navotas are immediately tested for COVID-19, the city government extended the working hours of the community testing facility at the Navotas Sports Complex.

The facility is now able to conduct free RT-PCR swab test for 24 hours daily.

“Prompt and timely swab testing of individuals--whether violators, close contacts or at risk of being infected with the virus--is one of our strategies to limit the spread of

COVID-19,” Mayor Toby Tiangco said.

“Nine out of 17 Metro Manila cities have cases of the Delta variant.

In Navotas, cases have also skyrocketed and although we have yet to confirm that we have the said variant, we are operating as if we have it already,” he added.

Earlier, Navotas passed City Ordinance No. 2021-17 imposing a mandatory RT-PCR swab test as penalty for violation of safety protocols including curfew, wearing of face mask, and social distancing.

“Those who violate the protocols, even at the wee hours of the morning, will be brought directly to the sports complex to undergo swab test, unlike before when they had to wait for the next day to be swabbed.

The lapse of time gave violators the chance to evade penalty and, if they are virus carriers, spread the disease in their households,” Tiangco said.

As of August 3, Navotas logged 11,658 cases with 10,887 recovered, 389 active and 382 deaths.

Jun David

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Standard COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS

TODAY

ANNOUNCEMENT President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has submitted to the Commission on Appointments (CA) for the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of the following senior officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), namely: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

FRANCISCO ARIEL A. FELICIDARIO III JOHN R. GARAÑA LORELIE R. SUAREZ ALEX H. GAGULA RIZALDO N. LAURENA

to the rank of Major General, PA to the rank of Commodore, PN to the rank of Colonel, PA (Res.) to the rank of Colonel, PA (Res.) to the rank of Colonel, PA (Res.)

The public may submit any information, written report, or sworn/notarized complaints or oppositions to the above ad interim appointments in six (6) copies to the CA Secretariat, 6th Floor, PNB Financial Center, D. Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City, Metro Manila.

For the schedule of the public hearings, the CA Secretariat can be reached through telephone numbers 8834-2713, 8831-1824, 8831-0527, 8832-9830, 8834-2706 and 8551-1989.

4 August 2021.

HECTOR A. VILLACORTA Secretary (MS-AUG. 5, 2021)

A4

News

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021

HNP: No to Sara-Rody ‘22 tandem

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

A

STALWART of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) on Wednesday said that both the regional party and its prospective presidential candidate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, are “not interested” in partnering with her father, President Rodrigo Duterte, in the 2022 national elections.

HNP secretary general Anthony del Rosario made the statement despite a recent 2022 elections survey showing the preference for a Duterte-Duterte tandem at the helm of the national leadership.

Meanwhile, administration party PDP Laban will hold its national convention early next month to finalize its roster of candidates, it said in a statement.

“Our National Executive Committee held a meeting late Wednesday afternoon.

There are various items in the agenda.

Among others, a resolution was adopted to hold our national convention on 8 September 2021,” said lawyer Melvin Matibag, secretary general of PDP Laban.

Matibag said the NEC resolved to field candidates selected exclusively from its ranks.

The party said that during the council’s meeting, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go emerged as the frontrunner to be the party’s standard bearer, while President Rodrigo Duterte was among the top picks for vice president—after PDP-Laban passed a resolution urging him to run for the country’s second highest post and to pick his running mate.

However, Matibag noted that the party will finalize its roster of official candidates, including its bets for president and vice president, during the convention.

In an interview with radio station DZRH, Del Rosario, the former Davao del Norte Governor, and HNP spokesperson, again shut the door on the preferred tandem which garnered a 28 percent support from the latest national elections survey of OCTA’s Tugon ng Masa 2022.

Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said he would run for vice president in 2022 only if he will the running mate of the President’s daughter.

In an interview over ANC, Gatchalian s last March since the HNP invited him to join their senatorial slate for next year’s election.

Gatchalian is eligible for reelection after his term expires in 2022.

Also, a party-list legislator welcomed the result of OCTA Research’s latest election survey, saying former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano’s jump in ranking showed that the people are ready to vote for a candidate based on qualifications and not on popularity.

“Former House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano is enjoying stronger support not because he is becoming more popular but because people are beginning to see that it is more important for a potential candidate to actually work for the people,” Anakalusugan Rep. Michael Defensor said in a statement.

Mayor Duterte-Carpio and President Duterte led the list of Filipinos’ top bets for president and vice president in 2022 among 1,200

Q-PASS HANDOUT.

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, distributed Quarantine Passes to residents of San Juan City on Wednesday as the LGU went house-tohouse to distribute the passes. One quarantine pass is issued per household for the designated individual for them to be able to buy their essentials during the two-week enhanced community quarantine, which starts Friday.

Manny Palmero

Bongbong gathers support from grassroots Senator eyes

By Rey E. Requejo FORMER Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. has stepped up moves to consolidate his political stocks following recent results of pre-election surveys ranking him second in preference among 15 presidentiables.

While a sizable number of influential politicians and political alliances have been urging the former senator to join next year’s presidential race, Marcos, who asked to be identified only as “Citizen Bongbong,” has yet to officially declare as to what position he would run in the coming 2022 polls.

However, Marcos indicated recently

that he would consider running for president in the 2022 election only if “there is a developing critical mass behind my candidacy.”

“If there is enough support for me… and if there are candidates, from vice presidents and senators down to congressmen and local government bets that will support and run alongside with me… then I might consider vying for the presidency,” the former senator said.

Marcos attributed his high rating in recent pre-poll surveys to the trust and confidence of the voting public to his name and record as a public servant.

He admitted his plans to make the rounds among his grassroots supporters

to validate if his encouraging numbers in recent surveys are true.

For one, OCTA Research released the other day the results of its survey for the presidency which showed Marcos in second place with 14 percent preference among 15 presidentiables.

Earlier surveys of Pulse Asia and Publicus Asia, Inc. have also ranked the former senator in second place to presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

Late last month, an alliance of strong political leaders in the provinces north of Luzon pledged united support for Marcos as they urged him to run for president in next year’s elections.

DEARLY DEPARTED. House

Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez offers a solemn prayer for the soul of his Chief of Staff, Rachel RodelesSantiago, during the wake at Loyola Memorial Chapel and Crematorium on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.

Rachel, who passed away Tuesday, was a caring wife, mother, daughter, friend, boss and a former Chief of Staff of Tingog Party List Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez. Looking on is Rachel’s husband Edmar Santiago (right).

Ver Noveno

New PDEA regulation to enhance Barangay Drug Clearing Program

By Rio N. Araja THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on Wednesday welcomed a new regulation aimed at sustaining the nationwide implementation of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP).

“The new Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation provides enhanced provisions to ensure that the execution of the

BDCP remains resolute,” PDEA director general Wilkins Villanueva said.

The new regulation repealed the earlier DDB Regulation No. 3 of 2017 or the “Strengthening the Implementation of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program.”

To accelerate efforts in reducing drugaffectation in the country, the government adopted the BDCP—a holistic and

whole-of-nation approach by enlisting the support of stakeholders, duty bearers and local government units in drug-clearing operations.

The program implementation follows a three-tier stage—the foundation stage, which defines the readiness of the barangay to undertake the BDCP; pivotal stage exemplifies that the BDCP is properly implemented, and its impact is felt by

the community, and sustainability stage means that the level of BDCP implementation is consistent.

“Persistent and consistent. This is the way to go as we strive to eliminate illegal drugs barangay by barangay. The country’s drug problem is half solved as long as active and unfaltering BDCPs exist in our communities,” Villanueva assured.

Fil-Indian leader lauds Indian PM Modi PASAY CLEANUP.

Personnel from Brgy. 201, Zone 20 in Kalayaan Village, Barrio Balagbag in Pasay City disinfect houses on Wednesday, where two families have been infected with COVID-19.

About 40 houses in 22 villages in Pasay City are now under granular lockdown due to the surge of COVID-19 in the area. Danny Pata

FILIPINO Indian Commerce & Welfare Society Inc. (FICWSI) President Majinder “James” Kumar has lauded the Indian government over the reorganisation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) as a new union territory and the implementation of progressive laws and programs for its citizens.

At the same time, Kumar congratulated the people of J&K as they celebrated the 2nd anniversary of the territory’s reorganisation on August 5.

Kumar heads the FICSWI, a non-government business organization composed of Indian businessmen that is involved in charitable activities and outreach programs in the Philippines. The group has been extending relief aid to various parts of the country during calamities through

“Project Helpline.”

During the pandemic, Kumar and FICSWI helped in donating personal protective equipment (PPEs) in various hospitals and to the Philippine National Police (PNP), reaching as high as the Chief PNP. The Fil-Indian philanthropist praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his decisive leadership and implementing historic decisions for the betterment of the region and its inhabitants with the passing of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019.

Under the law, Jammu and Kashmir was reconstituted into a separate union territory alongside Ladakh. Both are part of the larger region of Kashmir, which has been the subject of a dispute between India, Pakistan and China since the mid-20th century.

tax-free perks for Olympians

By Macon Ramos-Araneta CASH incentives, bonuses, rewards, and other forms of emoluments given to Olympic medalists and their coaches would be exempt from taxes once the proposed measure filed by Senator Pia Cayetano is enacted into law.

As this developed, Senator Risa Hontiveros filed Senate Resolution No. 822 to honor Nesthy Petecio, the first Filipina Olympic boxing medalist.

Hontiveros said Petecio should be recognized for winning a silver medal in the women’s featherweight division at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Cayetano’s Senate Bill No. 2341 seeks to amend the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act. “While incentives received by the athletes are exempted from tax as provided for in Sec. 32 of the National Internal Revenue Code, those received from the private sector are still subject to the six percent (6%) donor’s tax,” said Cayetano in her measure’s explanatory note.

Under the bill’s proposed amendments, she noted that cash incentives, bonuses, rewards, and other forms of emoluments received by Olympic medalists and their coaches, whether from the government or from private sectors, “shall be exempt from any and all taxes, fees, and charges levied by any government agency, local or national, subject to the rules and regulations to be issued by the secretary of finance, as recommended by the commissioner of internal revenue.”

NBI arrests QC woman posing as skin doctor

By Willie Casas THE National Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday announced the arrest of a woman by the NBI-Special Action Unit in Quezon City for illegal practice of medicine.

NBI Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Director Eric Distor identified the suspect as Hazel Pablo, alias Hazel Pablo Laniog.

Distor said the operation stemmed from a complaint against Pablo alleging that she introduced herself as a Doctor of Aesthetic Medicine.

Pablo was presented for inquest proceedings before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Quezon City for Illegal Practice of Medicine in violation of Republic Act 2382 (The Medical Act of 1959); violation of Section 10 of RA 9711 (Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009); estafa in violation of Article 315(2)(a) and Falsification by Private Individuals and Use of Falsified Documents in violation of Article 172, both under the Revised Penal Code, as amended.

Opinion War on two fronts

SENATOR Manny Pacquiao is currently in the United States training for arguably the biggest fight of his long and storied career. Just before leaving, however, he released some kind of a bombshell about corruption in the Duterte administration.

In military strategy, one is thought to avoid a two-front war at all costs.

Yet, it appears that this is exactly what Senator Pacquiao decided to do—to fight a two-front war. He of course said that he is only helping the President fight corruption. According to him, his quarrel is not with the President but on corruption. Whether that is true or not, is of course another matter. He is doing all these because according to people very close to him, he has decided to go after the biggest price of all—the presidency of the land.

It makes us all wonder whether come August 21, he can concentrate on fighting a boxer who is 3 ½ inches taller, 11 years younger and is much more muscular than he is. All that while skirmishing with all those rebellious elements of his political party, the PDP-Laban who maneuvered to oust him as party president. He must really be supremely confident in his mental strength and athletic prowess.

But maybe that is all part of his plan.

His choosing the most fearsome boxer in his division available and tangling with the biggest political fish of them all—the President.

Pacquiao is perhaps figuring that there is nothing to lose in these fights.

If he loses to Spence, at least he chose the best fighter available, did not run away from it and fought a good fight. If he wins, the adulation might be enough to propel him to Malacañang. Filipinos do love the underdog who wins. But it is a huge gamble. Showing his political savvy will also prove that he can survive and flourish in the rough and unforgiving world of Philippine politics.

His so-called corruption expose is a demonstration and he timed it as he was just leaving for training in Los Angeles.

That way, proving and explaining will have to wait till he comes back. If we look at some polls that have come out recently, Pacquiao is not rating at the top. Yet, he seems hell bent on wanting to run for the presidency. Many folks would say that he should be satisfied

that the people have gifted him with a Senate seat but his objective appears to be a lot higher and he is in a hurry.

Whether he believes that the people in the end will vote for him mainly due to his athletic prowess remains to be seen. But we have to admit that his journey from a very humble beginning to where he is right now is nothing short of spectacular. We have seen other athletes in other disciplines like basketball become Senators of the realm like Freddie Webb and Robert Jaworski. But Manny Pacquiao is the first pugilist to be elected Senator.

That he is adored by a multitude of people is unquestioned. That is the reason why he is a senator today. But the presidency is altogether a different banana.

What will it be for the Pacman?

Does Pacquiao have what it takes to be president? If we follow what the constitution tells us, the answer is yes.

After all, one must only need to know how to read and write and not be less than 40 years of age. And to his credit, he went to a lot of trouble to study and improve himself. He was even awarded a college degree by a university and is I believe a Brigadier General in the Philippine Army Reserve.

All these, however, do not seem to satisfy his critics who continue to denigrate and belittle his academic accomplishments. We know, of course, that success in life is not always equated to the number of degrees that one has. Several years ago, when he bought a house in the very exclusive Forbes Park enclave, there were people there who objected, strongly thinking perhaps that Pacquiao did not deserve to be there. If at all, he is one person who deserves to be there. At least he bought the house with money he earned with his sweat and blood. Just what sort of people are allowed to live there anyway? It is revolting to see that there are still some people in this country, who are so class conscious.

If Pacquiao does run for the presidency, he should be judged solely on the basis of his platform of government, his vision for the country, his moral leadership and whether he has what it takes to run a very fractious country such as ours. So, what will it be for the Pacman—all the marbles or bust?

The rest of the financials were equally bad or worse. At the end of 2020, PAL’s current liabilities liabilities maturing within one year -- were approximately six times its current assets. Its lease liabilities totalled P152 billion and its secured loans totalled P32 billion.

All in all, PAL in its present financial condition is a perfect case study for a Harvard Business School class in corporate financial resuscitation.

The classic business-school formula for dealing with a financial situation like PAL’s is made up of three parts. The first part is to cut operating expenses wherever you can; PAL has thus far cut 3,000 persons from its work force and cancelled or reduced other dispensable expenses. The second part of the resuscitation formula is negotiation with creditors and lessons for the deferment of debt and lease maturities; PAL’s financial people have been hard at work on this, with varied degrees of success.

The third part of the resuscitation

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EDITORIAL

PAL’s formula for dealing with turbulence

SOME of the biggest victims of the COVID-19 pandemic have been companies in the travel-tourism sector. One of the biggest of those has been the national flag-carrier, PAL (Philippine Airlines). PAL’s 2020 operations were greatly damaged by the pandemic. The full extent of the damage was discussed by the company’s chief executive officer (CEO) during its recent annual stockholders’ meeting.

Everything that could possibly go wrong for PAL went wrong in 2020, which was lockdown-less for only two and a half months. Revenues fell to P55 billion, expenses totalled P81 billion and operations ended in a whopping P71.8 net loss. As a result, the national flag-carrier recorded a capital deficiency of P74 billion for the year.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021

U

We deserve better

NLIKE leaders in the United States and European countries, our government does not have to deal with nonsense from the population in the midst of a pandemic.

We have no vocal groups that moronically equate mask wearing to a diminution of their personal freedoms, no idiots who view vaccine passports as an invasion of their privacy, or woefully misinformed imbeciles who believe that COVID-19 is a hoax staged by George Soros and that vaccines are part of a plot by Bill Gates to “microchip the world.”

As a rule, Filipinos are more reasonable—and compliant. In the past, this has worked to our disadvantage, believing during the martial law years that we needed to sacrifice personal liberty for progress.

But in a pandemic, compliance is a blessing. Most Filipinos understand that we are in the middle of a health crisis and are willing to comply with government guidelines to protect themselves and their families. We understand that.

Which is why it is disheartening to see the haphazard response to the pandemic, which is fueled by the highly infectious Delta variant of COVID-19.

The jury is still out on whether

This is disheartening. we really needed another hard lockdown, as researchers—who by and large are not epidemiologists— have urged. But having decided to follow the recommendation, government officials owe it to us to think things through before making any announcements.

For example, the government announced this week that it is opening its vaccination drive to anyone, 18 years and older, in the National Capital Region (NCR) during the two-week lockdown starting Aug. 6 to achieve a

wider coverage of Metro Manila’s population.

But the Department of Health (DOH) said that “walk-ins,” or those who were not registered ahead of time, would not be allowed to prevent people from crowding vaccination sites in the capital.

Clearly, those who added this proviso have never tried staying up until dawn to register online for a vaccination shot. In fact, it contradicts or nullifies the initial announcement.

It is difficult enough to cope with a vaccine shortage; now we have to contend with bureaucratic restrictions that make it difficult for those who want a jab to get one.

In another instance, the government announced that it would provide cash assistance of up to P4,000 to the millions of families who would be affected by the lockdown—then in the same breath said it was still looking for funding to be able to do so.

None of this bolsters public confidence in our pandemic response. Certainly, after the sacrifices we have all made with little complaint, we deserve better.

This is not a time for politics WITH the entry and spread of the Delta variant in different parts of the country, the entire government is united in persuading the public to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccine is our best weapon so far against this disease. This underscores the role of the Department of Health and the local government units as the implementing agencies of the national vaccination program.

Sadly, however, as the country grapples to contain COVID-19 transmission and promote vaccination, there are still people who disgracefully take undue advantage of the government’s antiCOVID-19 efforts. We are all aware of the coming 2022 elections. In less than a year, we will be holding our elections anew. However, this does not give reason nor justice to involve these crucial COVID-19 measures in early campaigning.

Using the vaccination program of the national government to boost election prospects is, without doubt, gravely deplorable. The local government units of each province, city, and municipality, by virtue of its Executive functions, have been exerting their utmost efforts to conduct an organized and

This is not the first time that the airline has been in financial trouble. formula is to increase the company’s equity (i.e., non-borrowed) capital.

In PAL’s case, this means getting Lucio Tan-controlled PAL Holdings Inc., PAL’s parent company, and Japanese strategic partner ANA holdings INC. to infuse more equity into the national flagcarrier. Mr. Tan appears likely to invest more money in PAL, but the Japanese company has thus far not clearly indicated whether it intends to increase its stake in PAL. It probably will decide to do so, if only to save the value of what it has already invested in PAL. A few weeks ago there was talk in the media about PAL’s seeking

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

There are still people who disgracefully take undue advantage of the government’s anti-COVID-19 efforts. reliable vaccination program under the guidance of the Department of Health. We have often been reminded by the President himself to ensure the safety of our constituents and vaccinate as many of our population as possible. When people take advantage of this program to push for their personal and political interests, it greatly undermines the Executive’s mandate and power to implement the program.

Hence, I call on the Department of Health, as head of the IATF and the main implementing agency of the COVID-19 vaccination, to boost its support to LGUs and strengthen its supervision in the vaccination. Moreover, I ask our local government units to calibrate our focus on the goal—to control the spread of COVID-19 through temporary protection from its creditors through a filing under Chapter of the US Bankruptcy Act. This could well happen if PAL’s negotiations with its creditors and lessors do not go well.

There is nothing ignominious about PAL’s doing a Chapter II filing; numerous big US companies have done that in the past and gone on to achieve financial rehabilitation.

Besides, the cause of PAL’s doing a Chapter II filing - should it choose to do so - is the pandemic, not corporate mismanagement.

Is PAL likely to be able to survive and “fly the friendly skies” again?

I think so. This is not the first time that PAL has been in financial trouble. PAL, after 75 years of operation - it is Asia’s oldest airline - has seen it all and it’s still there.

The key question, perhaps, is whether the Philippine government will be willing to see PAL go down.

After all, it is, and through those 75 years has been, the national flag-

carrier. It is not possible to replicate 75 years of experience and history.

PAL can, and probably will be able to survive this latest bout with turbulence.

MORE OPINION ONLINE (www.manilastandard.net)

Probing OCTA and other polling firms

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher

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

mass vaccinations. We are all called to serve the public and implement the government’s programs in accordance with the law, public morals, and public policy.

Hence, at this time of crisis, politicizing these government initiatives is highly frowned upon.

We should all work together, setting aside any political difference or interest.

I understand that the coming elections are crucial for both the public and the candidates. However, let me remind everyone that we are still in a pandemic, in a crisis where our health and safety are constantly threatened, where many Filipinos struggle to survive day-to-day to have food on their tables. Political ambitions and interests should come last. There is a time for campaign, but do not involve the COVID-19 efforts for personal or political gain.

There is no gain when the lives of the people are at stake.

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

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World

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

China COVID cases at six-month high

C

HINA on Wednesday reported its highest daily number of local coronavirus cases in months as mass testing and contact tracing campaigns uncovered a trail of Delta variant infections.

Health authorities reported 71 doThe official results of those tests have mestic cases on Wednesday, the highest revealed a low caseload despite the since January, as China battles its larg- outbreak spreading to dozens of major est outbreak in months by testing entire cities. cities and locking down millions.

Beijing had previously boasted of its

success in crushing COVID-19, allowing the economy to rebound and normal life to return while swathes of the globe struggled to douse a pandemic that has killed more than four million people worldwide.

But the latest outbreak is threatening that record with nearly 500 domestic cases reported since mid-July, when a cluster among airport cleaners in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, was found.

Wuhan, where the virus first emerged in 2019, reported its first local infections in over a year this week and said Tuesday it was “swiftly launching” testing of all 11 million residents.

Long lines of residents waited at outdoor testing stations in the summer heat Tuesday, fanning themselves with paper forms while workers in hazmat suits took throat samples.

Meanwhile, Nanjing has tested its 9.2

IN BRIEF

Malaysian PM rejects mounting calls to resign

Macau orders citywide testing

MACAU ordered compulsory coronavirus testing for all residents on Wednesday after a family of four was found to be carrying the Delta variant, breaking the city’s record of over 16 months virusfree.

Over the next three days authorities plan to test all 680,000 residents at 41 testing centers, the government said.

The testing is one of a host of new measures announced after the gambling hub recorded 491 days without a single local infection.

Authorities are investigating whether the daughter of the family contracted the virus on a flight from Zhuhai to Xi’an in mainland China in July, Macau’s leader Ho Iat-seng said on Wednesday.

The same flight carried two other infected people from Nanjing, the center of a Delta-variant outbreak in China that has led to more than 300 new cases across 15 provinces and cities in two weeks.

Long queues formed on Wednesday morning outside testing centers and the city’s health app crashed, local media reported.

Macau has adopted mainland China’s health app, which rates infection risk, tracks movement and generates test and vaccination records. AFP

NY imposes COVID pass

NEW York announced the introduction of a de facto vaccine pass for some public spaces.

New York City will require proof of vaccination for people attending indoor venues such as restaurants, gyms and shows, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Tuesday, making it the first major US city to introduce a vaccine pass.

“If you’re vaccinated... you have the key, you can open the door. But if you’re unvaccinated, unfortunately, you will not be able to participate in many things,” De Blasio told a press conference.

With coronavirus cases again surging in the United States, De Blasio said that a health pass called the “Key to NYC” would be launched on August 16, followed by a transition period before enforcement a month later.

“It’s time for people to see vaccination as literally necessary to living a good, and full and healthy life,” de Blasio said.

The US on Monday hit President Joe Biden’s goal of administering at least one jab to 70 percent of adults a month late. AFP

million residents three times after shutting down gyms and cinemas and closing off residential compounds.

And the tourist destination of Zhangjiajie in central Hunan province, where infected travelers who had been in Nanjing attended a theatre performance, abruptly announced Tuesday that no one would be allowed to exit the city after it emerged as an infection hotspot. AFP

DEATH EVERYWHERE. This aerial picture shows the graves of victims of COVID-19 at the Rorotan cemetery in Jakarta on

August 4, 2021. AFP

‘Potential hijack’ of ship off UAE over—UK agency THE suspected hijacking of a ship in the Gulf of Oman has ended and the vessel is safe, a UK maritime security agency said on Wednesday, days after a deadly attack on a tanker in the region.

“Boarders have left the vessel. Vessel is safe. Incident complete,” United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations tweeted.

The suspected hijacking off the coast of the United Arab Emirates came just days after an attack on a tanker left two dead, which the United States and its allies blamed on Iran.

Earlier, Lloyd’s List reported that armed men had boarded a Panamaflagged tanker and ordered it to sail to Iran.

And on Tuesday, the UKTMO upgraded its report of the “non-piracy” incident on the unidentified ship 60 miles

east of Fujairah heading towards the Strait of Hormuz to “potential hijack.”

Maritime security analysts at Dryad Global and Aurora Intelligence identified the endangered ship as the Panamaflagged Asphalt Princess, an asphalt and bitumen tanker.

The ship was heading towards Iran under the control of armed men with British and US naval operations monitoring the situation, Lloyd’s List said.

Richard Meade, editor of the shipping industry intelligence site, told The Times that “armed forces have boarded the vessel, which last signaled its position around 5 pm London time, and are directing it towards Iran.”

The incident at the opening of the Strait of Hormuz – one of the world’s busiest waterways – comes days after an attack on an Israeli-linked tanker bound

for the UAE, which the United States and its allies blamed on Iran.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said Tuesday that “reported ‘incidents’ in the Persian Gulf and broader region appear utterly suspicious.”

“Reaffirming our strong commitment to regional stability and maritime security, Iran stands ready to offer assistance in case of any maritime accidents,” Khatibzadeh wrote on Twitter.

The United States stopped short of assigning blame for the latest episode but State Department spokesman Ned Price said there had been “a very disturbing pattern of belligerence from Iran.”

“When it comes to this specific incident, it’s too early for us to offer a judgement just yet,” Price told reporters. AFP

MALAYSIAN Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin refused to yield to mounting calls to quit Wednesday but said he would face a no-confidence vote in parliament in September.

Political tensions have been escalating in the country after the king rebuked the administration for misleading parliament and hundreds staged a rare anti-government protest last weekend.

The latest blow came Tuesday when several members of the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), the biggest party in his coalition, publicly pulled their support, and a cabinet minister resigned from his post.

UMNO leaders said the withdrawal of support means Muhyiddin no longer commands a majority in parliament.

Muhyiddin met with key advisers late into the night and on Wednesday had an audience with Malaysia’s king, Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah, whose support is important in Malaysian politics.

“In the meeting, I informed the king that I have sufficient declaration letters which has convinced me that I still have the confidence of the majority of MPs in the parliament at the moment,” he said in a televised address.

“Hence the stepping down of myself as prime minister under the constitution… does not arise,” he added.

“A vote of confidence for my leadership will be proposed in parliament which will meet in September.”

Muhyiddin said the king agreed to his proposal.

Malaysia’s premier took power last year at the head of a scandal-hit coalition but his government is in crisis after key allies withdrew support, and he has been heavily criticized for his handling of a worsening coronavirus outbreak.

The country has recorded 17,105 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday, raising the infection total to 1,163,291, with more than 9,500 deaths.

Parliament last month began sitting

‘The Suicide Squad’ seeks redemption for DC supervillains, director Gunn WHEN James Gunn was asked to direct the next DC superhero film, he didn’t pick an icon like Superman, Batman, or Wonder Woman. He chose the rag-tag group of Z-list villains known as “The Suicide Squad.”

Gunn’s R-rated romp brings back familiar faces like Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn in a sequel-of-sorts to the near-identically named 2016 “Suicide Squad” – which saw anti-heroes join deadly US government missions to shave time off their prison terms.

And then there are some more obscure newcomers... like Polka Dot Man. “I literally put Manila EXTRA-JUDICIAL into Google, ‘who Standard SETTLEMENT of TODAY is the dumbest suESTATE Notice is hereby given per villain of all that the estate of the late REYNALD B. AGUIO time?’ And Polka has been extra-judicially Dot Man always settled among his heirs came up near the consisting of: • Savings Account at top,” said Gunn.

Metrobank-Vito Cruz/ “Being able to Roxas Blvd. Branch. take a character As per Doc. No. 261; Page No. 53; Book No. like that and then 27; Series of 2021 before give him heart Notary Public ATTY. JOSHUA P. LAPUZ. was fun for me,” (AUG. 5/12/19, 2021)

Gunn told a recent virtual press event for the film, out Friday.

Gunn’s approach to choosing his gallery of expendable rogues might at first seem unlikely to inspire confidence among money-counting Warner Bros executives.

Even David Dastmalchian, the actor playing him and a self-avowed comic book nerd, initially “had no freaking clue who Polka Dot Man was.”

But the first film’s success suggests that plumbing the comic book world’s depths for less-than-mainstream characters does not hurt in terms of movie popularity.

The original “Suicide Squad” shrugged off poor reviews to take almost $750 million at the global box office.

Like the first film, “The Suicide Squad” has its share of big-name actors – Will Smith and Jared Leto have moved on, but are replaced by John Cena, Idris Elba and Sylvester Stallone, who appears as the voice of a half-man, half-shark.AFP

Manila

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION StandardAMORUS TECH PHILIPPINES CORP.

TODAY

Notice is hereby given that the Amended Articles of Incorporation of AMORUS TECH PHILIPPINES CORP., shortening the term of its existence into One (1) Year and Five (5) Months from and after the date of issuance of its Certificate of Incorporation and thereby dissolving the said corporation as of January 15, 2021 and a Balance Sheet showing that no creditors thereof will be affected by such dissolution, have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All person having claims against the corporation are requested to present the same as its principal office at Unit 2603 and 2604 AIC Burgundy Empire Tower ADB Ave. Cor. Garnet and Sapphire St. Brgy. San Antonio, City of Pasig, Second District, NCR, Philippines, 1605 for immediate settlement.

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

Maria Liezl A. De Monte Corporate Secretary (MS-JULY 29, AUG. 5 & 12, 2021)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

STILL WAITING FOR JUSTICE. A gavel monument symbolizing justice is seen in front of the damaged grain silos at Beirut port on August 4, 2021, as Lebanon marks a year since a cataclysmic explosion ravaged the capital Beirut. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Divining intervention: Drought-hit Californians enlist ‘water witch’ HOLDING a V-shaped branch point down, David Sagouspe examines the cracked soil of a California farm. Under the blazing sun, he takes a breath and sets off, mechanically turning the branch five times towards the sky and five times towards the ground.

He stops, marks the spot with a pink flag and nods. “People would pay a lot of money for those strata right there,” he says, referring to underground water.

For more than 40 years, Sagouspe has worked as a dowser, also known as a “water witch,” offering to help the largest farmers in central California find groundwater.

Proudly claiming to live in “America’s orchard” but desperate in the face of increasingly extreme droughts, farmers are turning to him more and more.

In order to find water in a region that severely lacks it, Sagouspe can’t use just any piece of

wood. “Some people use willow, but it is too fastreacting for me,” he says, as if it were obvious.

His tool of choice is a piece of olive wood, wrapped with black tape around the bottom, that he keeps on the dashboard of his white pickup truck.

“The stick, it becomes almost bonded to me,” he says. “When I witch from my truck, it starts tingling in my hands when I know there’s going to be water.” AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

Business

TODAY

B3

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market up again; ICTSI, DITO advance S

HARE prices rose for the third straight day Wednesday in step with the rest of Asia as optimism over the economic recovery and coronavirus vaccinations plays off against concerns about the fast-spreading Delta variant and China’s regulatory crackdown.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 25.15 points, or 0.4 percent, to 6,585.21 on a value turnover of P4.6 billion. Gainers outnumbered losers, 115 to 73, with 46 issues unchanged.

International Container Terminal Services Inc. of tycoon Enrique Razon Jr., the biggest port operator, climbed 4.6 percent to P174.80, while DITO CME Holdings Corp., the third major mobile phone company, rallied 5 percent to P7.35.

Major noodle maker Monde Nissin Corp. climbed 3.9 percent to P15.58, while Nickel Asia Corp., the largest nickel miner, rose 2.6 percent to P6.20.

Meanwhile, Asian equities mostly rose Wednesday, in line with the recent volatility in global markets.

A forecast-beating corporate earnings season and constant reassurance from the US Federal Reserve over its ultraloose monetary policies have also been unable to soothe fears that the outlook might not be as rosy as initially hoped, with sentiment changing day by day.

Still, in the morning Wednesday was an up day following a record close for the S&P 500 on Wall Street and helped by some bargain-hunting.

Hong Kong was among the main winners, though investors continue to fret over China’s crackdown on a range of sectors including tech, private tuition, and property.

There is a fear that gaming firms could be next after a state-run media article described online games as “spiritual opium”.

Tencent, which has been hammered by the latest government moves, rose more than two percent Wednesday on bargain-buying though it is still down more than 20 percent since the start of last month.

Alibaba, another firm caught in the regulatory sweep, slipped slightly after announcing revenues fell short of forecasts for the first time in two years.

Hong Kong-listed casino firms including Galaxy Entertainment and Wynn Macau—already battered by the pandemic—tumbled around eight percent after Macau ordered compulsory coronavirus testing for all residents as a family of four was found to be carrying the Delta variant, breaking the city’s record of more than 16 months virus-free.

Shanghai, Sydney, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Wellington, Mumbai, and Jakarta all rose, though Tokyo and Bangkok fell.

The spread of the Delta virus variant remains the major stumbling block to the recovery as a sharp spike in new infections around the world forces some governments to reimpose strict containment measures.

And the main worry for markets is China, where millions of people have been put into lockdown and officials have announced travel restrictions in some areas.

The country had brought domestic cases down to virtually zero after the disease first emerged in Wuhan in late 2019, but it is now facing its worst outbreak in months. With AFP

Trevor (right) and Marda Norris, and their dog, Clyde, search on the Woodford Truffle farm, for Black Winter Perigord truffles in an orchard of specially-planted oak trees, close to the town of Ceres, in the Western Cape Province, on July 16, 2021. An afternoon harvest of Black Winter Perigord truffles (inset) is weighed in the kitchen on the family farm. AFP

South Africa’s ‘crazy’ mountain farmers bet on truffles nary world―and used them to inoculate the roots of oak seedlings that were then planted in the area.

After six years of trial and error, and tons of calcitic lime to counter the soil’s acidity, the first truffles were finally unearthed.

Today the family is South Africa’s number one Perigord grower and supplier, with almost 100 hectares (250 acres) of truffle orchards planted not only in the Cederberg region but also in other pockets of the country with similar climates.

The most prolific of the orchards yields close to 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of truffles per hectare each season, which spans South Africa’s coldest months from June to August.

‘Wet forest floor smell’ “We were the crazy farmers on top of the mountain,” Miros’s son Paul chuckled, squinting in the winter sunlight as he looked over neat rows of inoculated oak trees and shrubs surrounded by snowy peaks.

By Saawmiet Moos and Rodger Bosch

A dog sat obediently by his side, having recently uncovered a tuber the size of a tennis ball.

The highest quality Miros truffle sells for 20,000 rand (around $1,370) per kilo this year, almost at par with the European market rates.

Most buyers are local high-end restaurants that have only recently started to incorporate the delicacy into their dishes.

“People in South Africa don’t know truffles that well,” said Paul Miros, 56, likening their taste to “the smell of a wet forest floor.”

“One of our biggest challenges was getting... people to buy truffles in their fresh state, because they only last about three weeks out of the ground,” he noted.

“It needs a proper chef who understands how to cook with it,” he added.

A small but growing number of restaurants have worked the pungent tuber into their menus, conquering delighted customers with fresh truffle pastas and buttery potato dishes. AFP

CERES, South Africa―Only shrubs grew naturally in the sandy acid soil that farmer Volker Miros chose as a site to test the potential for truffle production in South Africa.

The determined mycophile saw no reason why the highly prized fungi could not grow on the plateaus of South Africa’s rugged Cederberg mountains in the west of the country, where the climate is similar to that of Mediterranean Europe.

“We looked at where truffles are grown in the rest of the world and it’s in the northern hemisphere, about 32 to 35 degrees north,” said the white-bearded Miros, wearing a black beanie on a chilly winter day.

“The same thing needs to be looked at 35 degrees south”―where the family farm lies around 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) above sea level, he said.

Miros, 81, who picked mushrooms with his grandfather as a child in Germany, is a pioneer of South Manila Africa’s budding truffle cul- Standard TODAY tivation industry.

In 2009, he imported spores of the French PerigHEAD OFFICE: PBCOM Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, 1226 Makati City Customer Care: (02) 8777-2266 or 1-800-10-777-2266 (Domestic Toll Free) ord variety―touted as the *Email: customercare@pbcom.com.ph*Website: www.pbcom.com.ph “black diamond” of the culiBALANCE SHEET (Head Office and Branches)

As of June 30, 2021

Toyota’s profit soared to $8.2b in first quarter TOKYO, Japan—Toyota’s net profit soared more than fivefold in the first quarter as strong sales were fueled by the recovery from the coronavirus crisis, but the firm left its annual forecast unchanged citing “uncertainties” ahead.

The world’s top-selling automaker has bounced back quicker than its competitors from the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns, reclaiming the top spot for sales last year.

The Japanese giant has also so far weathered a global chip shortage that has forced rivals to slash production targets, although it is now facing some disruption.

For the three months to June, Toyota logged a 897.8 billion yen ($8.2 billion) net profit—a record for the first quarter, and up from 158.8 billion yen in the same period last year. Sales surged 72.5 percent to 7.9 trillion yen.

“The first-quarter results were the result of our maintaining... stable sales and supply, despite the semiconductor shortage and spread of COVID-19,” the firm said in a statement.

But it maintained its full-year net profit forecast at 2.3 trillion yen, warning of “uncertainties in and after the second quarter.”

Last week, Toyota said group global sales hit a record high for the six months to June, thanks to healthy demand for its Highlander and Camry models in the United States and Corolla and Lexus brands in China.

“Toyota has sustained its strong performance,” said Satoru Takada, an auto analyst at Tokyo-based research and consulting firm TIW. The firm “has a good chance of retaining the crown of the world’s number one carmaker,” Takada told AFP before the results were released.

In June, Toyota temporarily suspended operations at two domestic plants because of the global chip crunch, with a third short hiatus currently underway at a separate factory.

Microchips are essential for the electronics systems of modern cars, and have been in short supply since the end of last year. AFP

As of March 31, 2021

ASSETS

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS August 26 2021 On its meeting held on 18 April 2021, the 2021 Board of Directors had decided to postpone the Regular Meeting of the Stockholders of Asia Pacific Medical Center-Iloilo, Inc. (formerly known as Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center - Iloilo, Inc.) on 26 August 2021 at 9:00 am.

The meeting will be conducted via remote communication thru a Zoom Conference.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

Call to Order Certification of Notice and Quorum Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Stockholders' Meeting held on 29 October 2020 Report of the Management on the Status of the Construction of the Hospital as of 30 June 2021 Presentation of Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 and action thereon Open Forum Ratification and Approval of all previous acts and resolutions of the Board of Directors and Corporate Officers Appointment of External Auditor Election of the 2021 Board of Directors Other Matters Adjournment

Only stockholders of record as of 6 August 2021 are entitled to notice of and to vote at this meeting.

For the health and safety of the stockholders and all persons in light of the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company will not hold a physical meeting and will instead conduct the meeting via Zoom webinar.

Stockholders can therefore only attend and participate in the meeting by remote communication. Stockholders also have the option to vote in absentia or appoint the Chairman as proxy.

Stockholders who intend to attend by remote communication shall inform the Company by email to acemciloilo.corosec@gmail.com on or before 21 August 2021 subject to the procedure set in the Information Statement which will be posted in the Company's website www.acemc-iloilo.com. In the same website, stockholders may access the following: (a) Minutes of the Meeting on 29 October 2020 and (b) Proxy Form for Attendance at Meeting and other meeting documents required under Section 49 of the Revised Corporation Code. The link for the Zoom webinar will be sent to the email address of the stockholders who registered to attend via remote communication.

To those who would opt to participate by voting through the Chairman as proxy, the deadline for submission of proxies will be at 5:00 pm of 19 August 2021.

Those who are unable to join the meeting via remote communication but wish to vote on items in the agenda may appoint the Chairman as proxy with specific voting instructions which will be duly counted. Proxies can be submitted to the Office of the Corporate Secretary or via email to the aforementioned address.

For individual stockholders, the submission must be accompanied by a copy of a government issued ID as proof of identification. For corporations, the submission must be accompanied by a certification from its Corporate Secretary stating the corporate officer’s authority to represent and sign on behalf of the corporation.

In case a quarantine is in effect which makes it difficult to obtain notarization at the time of submission, the Secretary’s Certificate, ballots and proxies need not be notarized. Kindly submit to the Office of the Corporate Secretary the original signed and notarized documents within a reasonable time after the resumption of regular business operations.

During the meeting, the Company shall entertain questions and comments from the stockholders after the presentation of the Annual Report. Questions which were not answered during the meeting shall be forwarded to the Office of the Corporate Secretary for the appropriate response via email.

For ASM-related queries, you may send an email to acemciloilo.corosec@gmail. com or contact the Office of the Corporate Secretary at 3215748, 09292703169 and 09452331438. For concerns regarding shareholdings, please contact Toni Dinah Cheer D. Fernandez of the Investor Relations Office at 3215748, 09292703169 and 09452331438 or via email directly to acemciloilo@yahoo. com.

MAYLENE B. VILLANUEVA Corporate Secretary (MS-AUG. 5 & 6, 2021)

P

TOTAL ASSETS

P

1,557,087,305.90 12,901,820,999.49 1,019,646,295.91 1,697,506,862.79 8,361,384,139.12 10,234,993,655.95 60,880,052,149.16 57,596,029,360.92 3,749,386,283.00 465,363,494.76 506,772,127.45 20,267,343.11 1,498,432,474.60 571,510,331.24 5,114,023,382.75

P

104,363,497,067.47

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

P 103,996,830,376.31

Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Deposit Liabilities Bills Payable: Interbank Loans Payable Other Deposit Substitutes Other Financial Liabilities Other Liabilities

P

TOTAL LIABILITIES

P

ERIC O. RECTO Chairman LEONARDO B. DAYAO Vice Chairman Members PATRICIA MAY T. SIY LUCIO L. CO BUNSIT CARLOS G. CHUNG SUSAN P. CO JAIME J. BAUTISTA LEVI B. LABRA GREGORIO T. YU

LIABILITIES

Agenda of the Meeting is as follows: 1.

2.

3.

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

5,551,809.95 80,105,571,834.55 6,239,072,643.10 195,200,000.00 6,043,872,643.10 936,003,953.89 2,343,742,166.57

P

89,629,942,408.06

P

89,434,271,116.75

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

JACK E. HUANG ROBERT Y. COKENG EMMANUEL Y. MENDOZA CONRADO A. GLORIA, JR. GILDA E. PICO BIENVENIDO E. LAGUESMA

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Capital Stock Other Capital Accounts Retained Earnings

P

14,278,374,781.56 2,279,808,375.45 -1,824,628,497.60

P

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

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

P

14,733,554,659.41

P

14,562,559,259.56

P

104,363,497,067.47

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

P 103,996,830,376.31

P

TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS

P

753,919,185.65 2,320,068,369.74 594,655,126.56 2,000,000.00 3,273,948,253.99 8,773,833,054.89 1,733,183,322.22 7,040,649,732.67 147,990,205.51

P

15,866,414,196.34

P

796,489,272.19 1,095,261,589.46 474,697,846.45 73,300.00 2,477,663,875.31 7,697,472,284.43 1,741,358,452.92 5,956,113,831.51 58,609,103.98 12,600,267,271.82

ALAN E. ATIENZA EVP-Treasurer VICTOR O. MARTINEZ EVP-Corporate and Commercial Banking ENRICO C. INDITA SVP-Branch Banking ARLENE M. DATU SVP - Comptroller EXPEDITO G. GARCIA, JR. SVP - Transaction Banking

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Gross total loan portfolio (TLP) 63,331,575,344.80 Specific allowance for credit losses on the TLP 1,986,159,700.88 Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) a. Gross NPLs 3,615,396,082.37 b. Ratio of gross NPLs to gross TLP (%) 5.71% c. Net NPLs 1,785,863,869.65 d. Ratio of Net NPLs to gross TLP (%) 2.82% e. Ratio of total allowance for credit losses to gross NPLs (%) 67.81% f. Ratio of specific allowance for credit losses on the gross TLP to gross NPLs (%) 54.94% Classified Loans & Other Risk Assets, gross of allowance for credit losses 14,067,706,838.25 DOSRI Loans and receivables, gross allowance of credit losses 1,932,084.16 Ratio of DOSRI loans and receivables, gross of allowance for credit losses, to gross TLP (%) 0.00% Gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables Ratio of gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables to TLP (%) 0.00% Percent Compliance with Magna Carta (%) a. 8% for Micro and Small Enterprises 5.27% 6.47% b. 2% for Medium Enterprises Return on Equity (ROE) (%) 9.39% Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) on Solo Basis, as prescribed under existing regulations a. Total CAR (%) 18.48% b. Tier 1 Ratio (%) 15.70% c. Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio (%) 1/ 15.70% 1/

PATRICIA MAY T. SIY President & Chief Executive Officer JOHN HOWARD D. MEDINA EVP-Chief Operating Officer

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

PRINCIPAL OFFICERS

58,264,687,917.06 1,075,144,832.56

JANE L. LARAGAN SVP - General Services

2,242,185,983.21 3.85% 1,431,354,814.03 2.46% 74.10%

MICHAEL STEPHEN H. LAO Corporate Secretary

47.95% 8,141,759,259.17 2,157,726.49

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

0.00% 0.00%

3.41% 6.34% 6.19% 18.50% 15.67% 15.67%

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

(SGD.) ARLENE M. DATU Comptroller, SVP

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

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 28th day of July 2021 at City of Makati, affiants exhibiting their SSS nos. 0356633451 and 0373099955, respectively.

Doc. No. 233 Page No. 48 Book No. XIX Series of 2021.

(SGD.) ATTY. GERVACIO B. ORTIZ JR. NOTARY PUBLIC City of Makati until December 31, 2021 IBP no. 05729 - Lifetime Member MCLE Compliance No. VI - 0024312 Appointment no. M-82 -(2020-2021) PTR No. 8531011 Jan 4, 2021.

Makati City Roll no. 40091 101 Urban Ave., Campos Rueda Bldg. Brgy. Pio del Pilar, Makati City Member: Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation Maximum Deposit Insurance for each Deposit P500,000.00

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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

B4

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021

PSE INDEX CLOSING Wednesday, August 4, 2021 25.15 PTS. 6,585.21

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

1,101,465,634 81,810 4,641,787,487.28 115 73 46

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

49.8450

Japan

Yen

0.009171

0.4571

UK

Pound

1.391500

69.3593

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128573

6.4087

Switzerland

Franc

1.106317

55.1444

Canada

Dollar

0.797830

39.7678

Singapore

Dollar

0.740138

36.8922

Australia

Dollar

0.739400

36.8554

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655478

132.3623

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266688

13.2931

Brunei

Dollar

0.737409

36.7562

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.030285

1.5096

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

13.5721

Euro

Euro

1.186500

59.1411

Korea

Won

0.000871

0.0434

China

Yuan

0.013474

0.6716

India

Rupee

0.237079

11.8172

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.701700

34.9762

New Zealand

Dollar

0.035908

1.7898

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035682

1.7962 Source: BSP

SM Group’s profit surged by 183% to P20.1b in first half CONGLOMERATE SM Investments Corp. said Wednesday first-half net income reached P20.1 billion, a 183-percent growth from P7.1 billion recorded in the same period last year.

First-half consolidated revenues climbed 4 percent to P193.5 billion from P185.5 billion a year ago.

Banking accounted for 58 percent of SMIC’s reported net earnings from core businesses, followed by property at 28 percent and retail at 14 percent.

“Our businesses continued to perform resiliently, recovering well as conditions allowed. Our banking and residential businesses performed well as we also continued to invest in long term expansion with new stores, bank branches, residential project launches and investments in malls, as well as taking a majority stake in 2GO in our equity investment portfolio,” SMIC president and chief executive Frederic DyBuncio said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

The conglomerate’s retail business added 159 stores, while banks increased their network by 22 branches.

Residential unit SM Development Corp. launched two residential projects—Sands Residences in Manila and Cheerful 2 Residences in Pampanga, bringing over 3,900 new units to the market.

“We are hopeful that the recovery momentum continues as we see more Filipinos get vaccinated,” DyBuncio said.

SM Retail reported a net income of P3.6 billion, up from P522 million in the previous period, as it benefitted from cost reductions implemented in the first quarter across all formats and further efficiencies in the second quarter.

Revenues were slightly lower at P138.2 billion, versus P139.2 billion in the previous period.

The group’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings Inc., also reported net income of P11.6 billion in the first six months, or 12 percent higher than P10.4 billion in the first half of 2020.

BDO Unibank Inc. delivered P21.4 billion in profit in the first six months, on the back of strong sustainable earnings and normalized provisions.

SMIC earlier acquired controlling stake in logistics firm 2GO Group Inc. to 52.89 percent by acquiring additional shares owned by businessman Dennis Uy. Jenniffer B. Austria

Business SEC okays REIT offerings of Megaworld, Robinsons T

By Jenniffer B. Austria

he Securities and Exchange Commission approved the planned initial public offerings of two real estate investment trusts sponsored by property developers Megaworld Corp. and Robinsons Land Corp.

The SEC said in a statement Wednesday it cleared the P27.3-billion maiden share offering of Megaworld’s MREIT Inc. and the P26.7-billion bid of Robinsons Land’s RL Commercial REIT Inc., subject to their compliance with certain remaining requirements.

MREIT plans to offer up to 1.078 billion secondary shares with a price of up to P22 per share and an overallotment option for another 161.7 million common shares.

The shares are owned by Megaworld.

The IPO is expected to run from Aug. 23 to 27 in time for the REIT’s listing on the Philippine Stock Exchange on Sept.

6 based on the latest timetable submitted by the company to the SEC. Assuming the full exercise of the overallotment option, MREIT will have a public float of 49 percent after the IPO. MREIT engaged BDO Capital & Investment Corp., Credit Suisse (Singapore) Limited, UBS AG Singapore Branch and DBS Bank Ltd. as joint global coordinators and bookrunners for the offering.

Megaworld earlier said it was planning to inject 10 office, retail and hotel assets with an aggregate gross leasable area of 224,430.80 square meters into

MREIT. The assets are located in three prime townships in Taguig City, Iloilo City and Quezon City.

The MREIT portfolio of assets include 1800 Eastwood Avenue, 1880 Eastwood Avenue, E-Commerce Plaza, One World Square, Two World Square, Three World Square, 8/10 Upper McKinley, 18/20 Upper McKinley, One Techno Place, Richmonde Tower and Richmonde Hotel Iloilo.

Meanwhile, RL Commercial REIT plans to sell up to 3.34 billion secondary common shares at a price of up to P7.31 apiece, with an overallotment option for another 305.1 million common shares.

New investors will corner 36.67 percent of RL Commercial REIT’s issued and outstanding common shares, while current shareholders will retain 63.33 percent, in case the oversubscription option is exercised.

Del Monte PH postpones IPO, cites volatile stock market FRUIT canner and grower Del Monte Philippines Inc. said Wednesday is delaying its planned P44.07-billion initial public offering amid volatile market conditions.

Del Monte Pacific Ltd., the parent company of DMPI, said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Wednesday it remained committed to the listing of DMPI and planned to return to the market once overall market conditions improved.

“Amidst a surge of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines and in the region, the PSE has been highly volatile in recent weeks, and the Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Company, its shareholders and potential investors to defer the listing until conditions improve,” the company said.

“The board remains committed to listing DMPI and continues to believe strongly in the growth and resilience of its business. During this time, the Company will continue discussions with potential investors and strategic partners that have expressed interest during the IPO process,” it said.

DMPI, which is widely known for its pineapple products, was initially planning to conduct its public offering this month after obtaining regulatory approval.

Trading in the local stock market became volatile in the past weeks because of concerns about credit rating downgrade and threat of the highlycontagious Delta variant.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index dropped 3.83 percent last week after the government decided to place Metro Manila under lockdown. Since then, the index recovered and returned to 6,500 level.

DMPI was planning to offer 699.33 million secondary common shares with an overallotment option for another 104.899 million shares at an offer price of up to P54.80 apiece.

Jenniffer B. Austria

IN BRIEF SMIC takes over Goldilocks Bakeshop

ARANETA GROUP VACCINATION. The Araneta Group administers around 100,000 COVID-19 vaccines at Smart Araneta Coliseum and New Frontier Theater on several dates through the arrangements of J. Amado Araneta Foundation with the Quezon City government. The number is expected to grow in the coming days as the Big Dome mega vaccination site will hold another round of vaccination from Aug. 7 to 15. The group has provided 100 percent with at least one dose of the vaccine to all eligible employees.

BSP pledges to maintain accommodative policy to support recovery amid pandemic

By Julito G. Rada THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas plans to maintain its accommodative policy stance as long as necessary to sustain economic recovery in the face of risks posed by the more virulent Delta variant of COVID-19, Governor Benjamin Diokno said in an economic forum Wednesday.

Diokno said despite signs of gradual economic recovery, risks to growth still loomed from restrictions due to the spread of the COVID Delta variant.

“The Philippines has sustained its position compared with rating peers because of the strengthening of its fiscal metrics ahead of the pandemic shock. Nevertheless, the country’s road to recovery will not be easy. We will continue to monitor recent developments, here and abroad, and assess their impact on the inflation outlook, financial stability and growth,” he said.

He said BSP was resolute to staying the course amid the COVID-19 pandemic by maintaining price stability, bolstering the financial sector, strengthening resilience against external shocks and supporting the government in addressing the current crisis and ensuring stronger recovery post-COVID.

He said sustained targeted fiscal initiatives and monetary policy support for domestic demand would help boost market confidence and economic recovery to gain more traction.

Diokno said the key to a sustained economic rebound is the acceleration of the government’s vaccination program.

“Looking ahead, the BSP is committed to support the economy for as long as needed to ensure its strong and sustainable recovery. The BSP will also remain vigilant against any emerging risks to the outlook for inflation and growth and will adjust its policy settings as needed to safeguard its price and financial stability objectives,” he said.

The Monetary Board, the policy-making body of Bangko Sentral, kept the record-low policy interest rate of 2 percent on June 24, taking into account the expected manageable inflation trajectory in the coming months.

The interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were likewise kept at 1.5 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively.

Latest inflation forecasts indicate that the average inflation would likely settle near the upper end of the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent in 2021.

‘NEW ECONOMY’. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno (fifth from left) encourages the 2021 Outstanding

BSP Stakeholders to prepare for the ‘new economy’ by promoting finance digitalization, financial inclusion and sustainability during an appreciation ceremony themed, ‘Pagpupugay at Pagkilala…sa Gitna ng Hamon ng Pandemya’. With Diokno are (from left) BSP corporate affairs office director Jay Edward Amatong, senior assistant governor and general counsel Elmore Capule, assistant governor Lilia Guillermo, Monetary Board member Anita Linda Aquino, deputy governor Chuchi Fonacier, assistant governor Lyn Javier, assistant governor Amenah Pangandaman, communication office director Joanna Eileen Capones and strategic communication and advocacy managing director Antonio Joselito Lambino II.

Triconti, German firm plan 75-MW Aklan wind farm

By Alena Mae S. Flores TRICONTI ECC Renewables Corp., one of the largest independent wind energy developers in the Philippines, teamed up with Wpd Group of Germany to develop a 75.6-megawatt onshore wind project in Aklan province.

The P5-billion project, set for construction by yearend, will provide clean energy to help the Philippines transition to a greener and more flexible energy mix.

“We are pleased to add another important project to our pipeline with Aklan as part of our Asia strategy,” said Niclas Fritsch, chief executive of Wpd Philippines Inc. “We continue to position ourselves in the dynamic and exciting Philippine market for renewable energies and are pleased to have a reliable and experienced partner at our side in Triconti,” he said.

The Aklan wind farm will consist of 18 Vestas V136 turbines with a capacity of 4.2 MW each.

The hilly site is located on the northwestern tip of Panay Island, at an altitude of 123 m to 362 m above sea level.

At the planning stage, commissioning is scheduled for the end of 2023.

The project is part of a large-scale grid reinforcement and expansion for the islands of Cebu, Negros and Panay, called “CNP Backbone Extension”.

The wind farm will be connected to the grid via a new substation, which is being built by Wand Triconti for the grid operator NGCP. The project partners are in talks to market the electricity generated by the wind farm locally via a power purchase agreement.

Wpd, the Bremen- based global renewable energy developer and operator, is now looking to expand its project portfolio by entering the Philippine market.

Active in more than 28 countries, Wpd has developed more than 5,000 MW of wind and solar capacity worldwide and continues to own and operate more than 1,700 MW of capacity.

CONGLOMERATE SM Investments Corp. is acquring more shares to have a controlling interest in Goldilocks Bakeshop Inc. SMIC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Wednesday the acquisition would increase the group’s shareholding in Goldilocks to about 74 percent from 34 percent. The deal will make Goldilocks a subsidiary of SMIC. No other details were disclosed.

SMIC initially acquired 34-percent stake in Goldilocks in 2018.

Established in 1966, Goldilocks grew from a small bakery in Makati City to become one of the country’s largest bakeshops with over 400 stores here and abroad. Jenniffer B. Austria

Semirara’s Q2 income rose 279% to P3.98b SEMIRARA Mining and Power Corp. registered a 279-percent surge in second-quarter consolidated net income of P3.98 billion from P1.05 billion year-on-year due mainly to record-high coal sales and prices.

The coal operations accounted for P3.04 billion of the profit, up 504 percent from P503 million on year. Contributions from power unit Southwest Luzon Power Generation Corp. jumped 730 percent from a net loss of P57 million to P359 million. SEMCalaca Power Corp. recorded a 3-percent dip in earnings contribution from P602 million to P581 million.

SMPC’s consolidated net income stood at P6.28 billion in the first six months, up 181 percent from P2.24 billion and nearly double its 2020 full-year net income of P3.26 billion.

“We had a very good second quarter because of favorable market conditions. Sustaining our performance will be a challenge given the onset of the rainy season and our plant outages but we are determined to optimize our performance,” said SMPC president and chief operating officer Maria Cristina C. Gotianun.

HSBC Philippines’ retail bank wins award HSBC Philippines’ retail bank has been recognized by Asian Banking and Finance (ABF) Retail Banking Awards as International Retail Bank of the Year.

HSBC has accomplished extraordinary achievements in 2020, surpassing challenges with much resilience while continuing to provide the best service to its customers and making an impact to the community.

Among the bank’s notable achievements that earned ABF’s prestigious citation are its digital innovations, financial relief for its customers, credit card promotions with a cause, contributions to the community, and its commitment to transition to a net zero global economy by 2050.

HSBC Philippines continues to invest in digital innovations helping customers adapt to the changing digital landscape.

“We have seen our customers appreciate our online and mobile banking apps, that resulted to increased activations and upsurge in the number of digital transactions in 2020 by 24 percent. We continue to make Global Money transfers convenient at their fingertips and free of charge, making our digital channels essential during these times,” said Peter Faulhaber, head of wealth and personal banking, HSBC Philippines.

Sports

Nesthy wants to take the Hidilyn route to the gold

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021

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By Peter Atencio NESTHY Petecio is drawing inspiration from the exploits and achievements of weightlifting gold medallist Hidilyn Diaz.

The 29-year-old Petecio, who will soon return to the country as an Olympic silver medalist, cited Diaz as her role model, a few hours after she lost to Japan’s Irie Sena in the women’s featherweight division finals Tuesday of the Summer Olympic Gamesat the Kokugikan Arena.

“Si Hidilyn ay nag-silver sa Rio. Bakit hindi ko subukan sa Paris? Hindi lang silver. Baka makuha natin ang gold,” said Petecio during a special virtual session of the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Zoom.

Petecio hopes to have a shot at qualification for the Paris Games in the next three years after claiming the country’s first boxing silver of the Tokyo Games in 25 years.

The 5’2” Petecio, who is on her first Olympic campaign, bowed to Irie, via a unanimous decision loss, 0-5.

She gave credit her medal to her coach Nolito Velasco, whose guidance allowed her to reach the finals.

“Salamat sa coach ko, sumubok ako sa ganitong situation. Proud ako, dahil naabot ko ang aking pangarap,” added Petecio, who hails from Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. It was Petecio’s second return match with the Japanese. The 20-year-old Irie also won over her, 4-1, in the Asia-Oceania qualifiers in March last year.

Her loss to Irie kept Petecio from qualifying outright to the Summer Games, before she eventually gained qualification through her rankings.

Shown here during the online press conference of Olympic silver medalist Nesthy Petecio (third from left) are (from left) POC Secretary General Atty. Ed Gastanes, Chef De Mission Mariano Araneta, POC president Rep. Abraham Tolentino, Coach Don Abnett and Coach Marcus Manalo. Dinah Remolacio

Marcial, Paalam shoot for gold-medal round

T

OKYO—Middleweight Eumir Marcial and flyweight Carlo Paalam try to punch their ways to the gold-medal round in the Kokugikan Arena today (Thursday).

The two are one win away from a silver feat and two from gold, but tough assignments await them in the fourth to the last day of boxing action here.

Marcial is up against Ukrainian Oleksandr Khyzhniak, who dealt the Filipino a shattering loss at the Strandja International in Bulgaria in 2019.

Paalam, on the other hand, faces Japanese Ryomei Tanaka, and may need a good performance with convincing shots so as not to let sympathetic judging go the hometown bet’s way.

Paalam will be the first to be up in the ring at 2:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. in Manila), while Marcial clashes with the Ukrainian at 3:03 p.m.

winning his first two bouts here via the short route, including a knockout triumph last Sunday.

Paalam also scored one of the biggest upsets in the Tokyo Games with

“Talo si Eumir sa Strandja.

Inayaw ko dahil na-injure si Eumir,” said coach Ronald Chavez, believing the result of the Bulgaria showdown would not be an indicative of the Marcial-Khyzhniak rematch here.

Coach Don Abnett, for his part, said Marcial is much stronger now.

The pride of Zamboanga City has been Mr. Demolition Man here,

Philippines’ Eumir Marcial (blue) celebrates after winning by KO against Armenia’s Arman Darchinyan during their men’s middle (69-75kg) quarter-final boxing match at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo.

AFP

Olympic pole vaulter Obiena at crossroads

By Riera U. Mallari TOKYO—The Philippines’ Olympic pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena wants to pause for a while and assess what his plans are for the future.

In a web conference arranged by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association, Obiena said the only concrete plan he had after taking part in the Summer Olympic Games, where he placed 11th after a 5.7 meter clearance, was to talk to his coach Vitaly Petrov to assess his performance.

“My plan is, today pa lang ang alam ko. I will talk to my coach, analyze what happened and move forward from there. We’ll see what we’ll be doing in the next few weeks. We’ll see what I’m gonna do,” said Obiena, who is at a crossroads on whether he is still pursuing a career in pole vaulting.

“As of the moment, I don’t really know whether I’ll compete, if I’m still gonna continue. I have really no idea yet. Hindi pa maayos, wala pa ako sa ganoong lugar sa ngayon,” added Obiena, who kissed his hopes for a medal goodbye after failing to clear the bar at 5.8 meters thrice in the men’s pole vault finals at the Tokyo National Stadium on

ERNEST JOHN OBIENA

Tuesday.

Obiena’s personal best and Philippine record stands at 5.87, the same mark cleared by training partner Thiago Braz of Brazil in claiming the bronze.

As expected Armand Duplantis of Sweden won the gold with a leap clearing 6.02 meters, while American Christopher Nilsen settled for silver (5.97).

After what looked like a foul attempt on his third try at 5.8, Obiena approached the officials’ table to protest that the bar was still being raised when his clock already began its countdown.

He was given another chance to try, but he again failed to clear the bar. However, Obiena was praised for his move of fighting for his right due to the error.

“I’ve been raised to be a timid kind of guy but I’ve always believed that if I’m on the right place or I truly believe I’m right, I’d fight for it,” said Obiena. “That’s basically just what I did. It just so happened that it’s an Olympic final and it got a spotlight and got the attention. But I do it every single day.”

Diaz remembers journey, hopes to inspire fellow Filipinos

Hidilyn Diaz wipes her tears away. AFP

THE Philippines’ first gold medal and Olympic record were the product of all the hard work Hidilyn Diaz and ‘Team HD’ put together that past two years before the Tokyo Olympics.

Diaz said she is forever thankful for winning the gold medal in the 55-kilogram division of women’s weightlifting.

But looking back, she said that it was all about the journey that started when she placed 9th overall in one of the qualifying meets for the Tokyo Olympics, the 2018 World Weightlifting Championship in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

“For me, for ‘Team HD’ we’ll

his conquest of Rio Games gold medalist Shakhobidin Zoirov of Uzbekistan in the quarterfinals.

“We are overjoyed with Carlo’s win over the Rio gold medalist. It was an upset that the coaching staff told me was imminent, but we were still concerned until Carlo came out smoking in the first round. He truly looked like a champion,” said Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines president Ricky Vargas.

The boxing chief has high hopes Paalam will go all the way to win the gold.

“I don’t know much about boxing technique and form but I can tell you Carlo’s a winner,” he said.

always look back sa mga pinagdaanan namin. Hindi naging madali, may mga doubts nu’ng start ng journey, pero hindi kami nag-give up,” said Diaz.

“Of course, hindi makakalimutan ‘yung saya nu’ng nanalo na, pero ‘yung ginawa naming paghahanda ng ilang taon, hindi ko makakalimutan talaga. Tapos nanalo ako ng gold medal – ito ang naging bunga ng pagod, hirap at sakripisyo para sa bayan.”

The members of ‘Team HD’ are Chinese mentor Gao Kaiwen, strength and conditioning coach Julius Naranjo, sports nutritionist Jeaneth Aro and psychologist Dr. Karen Trinindad.

Prior to the Tokyo Olympics, the journey of ‘Team HD’ was featured in a four-

part documentary series on the Facebook page of Kick-Start Coffee Brewed Awakening entitled “Let’s Go HD!” The documentary series allowed the Zamboanga City native to do a “video diary” naturally done in a free flowing and heartfelt videos, showing a glimpse of the struggles, the highs and lows of being an elite athlete while she was in training camp in Malaysia.

“I hope to inspire a lot of Filipino people (with the documentary). That’s the purpose… malaman ng mga kapwa natin Pilipino kung ano ‘yung naging journey ko and sana ma-inspire sila,” said the 30-year-old Diaz.

Diaz set two Olympic records on her way to a victorious campaign in the Games – her successful lift at 127kgs on her third and last attempt at clean and jerk, and her total of 224kgs.

2 boxers, 2 golfers still in contention HOPES are high that the Philippines will still improve on its current medal haul in the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham Tolentino said this a day before middleweight Eumir Marcial and flyweight Carlo Paalam plunges into action in the semifinals and shoot for the gold-medal rounds of their respective boxing matches at the Kokugikan Arena.

“Nalampasan na natin ang ating performance nu’ng 1932. Sana malampasan pa natin ulit,” said Tolentino in a Zoom huddle with scribes yesterday.

The Philippines is now assured of four medals following Hidilyn Diaz’s gold medal win in women’s weightlifting and Nesthy Petecio’s silver medal in women’s boxing.

Marcial and Paalam added to this by becoming sure bronze medal winners in the men’s middleweight and flyweight events, respectively.

In the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, the Philippines won its most number of medals with three, coming from swimmer Teofilo Yldefonso, high jumper Simeon Toribio and boxer Jose Villanueva.

Marcial could improve on the country’s finish if he hurdles Ukrainian Oleksandr Khyzhniak, and makes it to the finals. And so could Paalam when he faces Japanese Ryomei Tanaka.

Golfers Yuka Saso and Bianca Pagdanganan may also add to the country’s medal haul if they come up with podium finishes in the women’s division.

“We have four athletes competing.

We will know by then when this is over, and I can have a better assessment,” added Tolentino.

Peter Atencio

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Sports

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021

Angels face off with Lady Realtors in vital clash Games today (Thursday) 3 p.m. – BaliPure vs PLDT 6 p.m. – Petro Gazz vs Sta. Lucia

PATTY MILLS

Aussies ready to take down US in Olympic semifinals SAITAMA—NBA stalwart Patty Mills says Australia have bottled up all their previous Olympic failures and plan to let them loose against the United States in their crunch basketball semi-final on Thursday.

The world’s third-ranked team, known as the “Boomers”, have been trying to finish on the Olympic podium since the Melbourne Games in 1956 but have yet to make it despite contesting the bronze medal match four times.

That is despite boasting some of the best players in the world, playing in the top leagues.

But San Antonio Spurs’ Mills, at his fourth Olympics, believes the time is now right to snap the run, despite needing to beat the Kevin Durant-led three-time defending champions to stay on track.

“We’re well experienced,” he said when asked why this Australian team could do what no other had managed.

“We’ve been to this stage many a time and haven’t crossed the line.

But we’ve bottled those experiences up, and I think we’re well prepared for this moment and for this stage to make the next step.

“There’s a togetherness and a camaraderie within the extended group and a focus that is sharp on what we’re trying to achieve here,” he added.

“And that collective unit together, it’s powerful. It’s a culture thing, it’s an Australian spirit thing, it’s doing it for the greater good, and we understand who we’re doing it for.” AFP

Stephen Curry has agreed to a contract extension with Golden State.

Curry to stay with Dubs; Carmelo joins LeBron, LA S AN FRANCISCO—Three-time NBA champion Stephen Curry has reportedly agreed to a historic contract extension with Golden State while forward Carmelo Anthony will join pal LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers.

Curry will sign a four-year deal worth $215 million with the Warriors, his agent told ESPN. He will be the first player in NBA history to sign two contracts worth more than $200 million.

Anthony confirmed reports he will sign with the Lakers with a social media post changing the “L” in “Melo” to the “L” of the Lakers’ logo.

The moves came on the second day

of NBA free agency for the 202122 campaign. Teams cannot confirm deals or sign players until Friday.

Seven-time All-Star Curry, a 33-year-old guard, was the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2015 and 2016 and helped spark Golden State to titles in 2015, 2017 and 2018.

Anthony, a 37-year-old forward, will join a revamped Lakers roster that will also include star guard Rus-

sell Westbrook and veteran center Dwight Howard plus Malik Monk, Trevor Ariza, Wayne Ellington and Kent Bazemore.

Three-time Olympic champion Anthony averaged 13.1 points and 3.1 rebounds last season for the Portland Trail Blazers and hit 40.9% from 3-point range.

Anthony enters his 20th NBA campaign still searching for his first title after stints with Denver, New York, Oklahoma City, Houston and Portland.

But this will be the first time he plays in the NBA alongside James, a former Olympic teammate who like Anthony entered the league in 2003.

AFP

ILOCOS NORTE—Petro Gazz and Sta. Lucia clash today (Thursday) in a key match tipped to go down to the last hit or block as they go all out to fan their respective semifinal drive in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference here.

Tied with Choco Mucho at third with 5-2 (win-loss) slates, the Angels seek to nail the all important sixth win that would assure themselves of at least a playoff for one of the Final Four berth shaping up to be a five-cornered fight.

But the Lady Realtors are hot on a four-game run, bouncing back strong from a 1-3 card to threaten at fifth at 5-3 and within a dream semis stint in the country’s first pro volley league.

That should make the 6 p.m. encounter at the PCV Socio-Civic Cultural Center in Bacarra a match to watch with Sta. Lucia hoping to draw sustained firepower from the likes of MJ Philips, Jonah Sabete, Jovie Prado, Aiza Pontillas and middle hitter/blocker Mika Reyes, who stepped up their respective games to lift the Lady Realtors to victories over the Black Mamba Army Lady Troopers, Chery Tiggo Crossovers, the BaliPure Water Defenders and the Perlas Spikers.

But the Angels, led by Myla Pablo, Ria Meneses, Gretchel Soltones and Ces Molina, are also coming off a romp over the Water Defenders last Tuesday following a straight-set loss to the Crossovers, guaranteeing a slam-bang encounter between two semis contenders.

BaliPure and PLDT, meanwhile, mix it up at 3 p.m. in a duel of pride as the duo are out of the race in post-season play with 2-5 and 1-6 cards, respectively.

Games are telecast live on One Sports (Free to Air), and One Sports+ (Pay TV) with both channels available for linear streaming on Cignal Play and on gigafest.smart with replays on http://www. pvl.ph.

Choco Mucho continues to lead the 10-team field with a 6-0 mark but the Flying Titans are in for tough matches in their last three elims assignments – Creamline, Chery Tiggo and Petro Gazz, while the second-running Cool Smashers will take on the Perlas Spikers in their last elims game.

McLaughlin lights up Olympic track; Japan keeps grip on skateboarding TOKYO—Sydney McLaughlin obliterated her own world record to win Olympic gold in the women’s 400m hurdles on Wednesday as Japan’s Sakura Yosozumi maintained the hosts’ stranglehold on the skateboarding competition.

Elsewhere on day 12 of action in Tokyo, the Netherlands dumped defending champions Britain out of the women’s hockey while the women’s golf got under way.

At the Olympic Stadium, McLaughlin powered home under the beating Tokyo sun in 51.46 seconds, with defending champion Dalilah Muhammad claiming silver in 51.58 after another classic duel between the two dominant American hurdlers.

World champion Muhammad made a flying start in the lane outside her compatriot and rival but McLaughlin produced a late burst of speed to claim victory.

The 21-year-old McLaughlin’s blistering time bettered her world record set at the US trials in Oregon in June, when she ran 51.90sec.

Muhammad, 31, also ducked inside the previous world record, with bronze medallist Femke Bol of the Netherlands just outside the 52-second mark.

It came a day after an epic duel between Karsten Warholm and Rai Benjamin in the men’s 400m hurdles, which ended with Norway’s Warholm winning and improving his own world record by a huge margin.

“What a great race,” said McLaughlin.

“I’m just grateful to be out here celebrating that extraordinary race and representing my country.

“I saw Dalilah ahead of me with one to go. I just thought ‘run your race’. The race doesn’t really start till hurdle seven. I just wanted to go out there and give it everything I had.”

Canada’s Damian Warner leads the way in the men’s decathlon after three events while defending champion Nafi Thiam of Belgium tops the heptathlon standings with two events gone. British world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson is in third spot. AFP

USA’s Sydney Mclaughlin (right) wins the women’s 400m hurdles final ahead of USA’s Dalilah Muhammad setting a new world record during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo. AFP

Skills, attitude, funding I HAVE always maintained that the development of people, athletes and non-athletes alike will depend on their skills and attitude.

I also pointed out that skills can be learned through constant training and repetition, while attitude is something that only an individual can decide on. Combine these two and it will result to success.

But for athletes, there is a third factor that will be critical in their

success and this is the need for funding, whether for training abroad, exposure to international competition and the right equipment, even a foreign coach.

Our Olympic team to the Tokyo Olympiad 2020 emphasizes these needs for an athlete to become world class, even world champions.

Without a doubt, these are the things that once integrated, spell success. There is no secret about this.

Take the case of gold and silver medalist Hidylin Diaz and boxer Nesthy Petecio, respectively, plus those sure of bronze in boxer Carlo Paalam and Eumir Marcial.

You can also add Caloy Yulo and Yuka Saso to the list.

Isn’t it a fact that these athletes rose above their near poverty situation? When they were younger, they certainly had the right attitude followed by skills development, enabling them to become elite athletes. Plus see how and where they trained and competed, with foreign coaches at that.

I just hope this knowledge can be put into use by our sports officials and coaches, the Philippine Sports Commission, in particular which provides regular funding to national athletes.

I can understand the earlier venting of Marcial that the P43K he was receiving monthly was not enough to cover all his expenses, while Hidilyn’ s Chinese coach alone gets

$2,500 per month. It is a good thing that assistance comes from the private sector side, too.

The PSC is doing its share, subject to its funding limitations, and athletes should also understand that, so one option is for the PSC to review its allocation of budget allocation between elite athletes and sports for all programs, and tilt the balance towards the elite athletes’ training.

And on that side, maybe revisit the budget allocation per National Sports Association, focusing on what sport we have the better chances of success.

I know that in the past, the PSC has already identified the primary disciplines that need more

funding, including boxing, taekwondo, judo, track and field, archery, and weightlifting, throw in golf, too.

Our Tokyo Olympics team was by far the most prepared, considering the number of medals it will win, as of now, one gold one silver, and possible bronzes all the way to a gold-medal finish.

And they deserve all the recognition and incentives they will be receiving. I never thought I would see this kind of performance in the Olympics in my lifetime. And I am very happy about it.

So for those who are still not satisfied and express their negative thoughts and feelings online, how I wish they just shut up.

Entertainment W

E WITNESSED a watershed week for empowering women in the Philippines.

Thanks to athletes Hidilyn Diaz and Nesthy Petecio who personified their gender’s resiliency by shining bright in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics.

p o p r e w o p y a Pin

Last July 26, Hidilyn won for our country a gold in the quadrennial global meet while Nesthy secured for herself a silver medal in the lady women’s boxing featherweight division to end the week.

At least in this archipelago today, to feel good about being a woman can’t be overstated.

Same is true in music circles where those who have chosen the path of releasing songs meant to empower the better species could only be feeling more driven given the atmosphere created by the triumphant turn of two Pinays with big hearts and indomitable spirits.

Social media darling Maris Racal is among those whom I recently encountered to mention that their latest or debut release is about carrying the torch of the so-called weaker sex. In a pretty twist of irony, Hidilyn made “herstory” by weightlifting while Nesthy outboxing an Italian obviously taller than her.

The said song is “Ate Sandali,” described as a power pop ditty that opens with the strong stateMaris Racal released the women-empowering pop track “Ate Sandali” a month before Filipina Olympians triumphed in Tokyo.

Growing with the company that values you

For many Kapuso employees, having the chance to be part of GMA Network is not just a dream come true but also a great opportunity that enables them to touch other people’s lives and make a difference.

“I will always be grateful to GMA when it took a gamble on a fresh graduate like me more than a decade ago. I have immensely

grown as a person, and I look forward to more adventures and learnings as I continue living this dream,” shared 10-year service awardee Victoria Camille TuladRosales, Senior News Correspondent from GMA News and Public Affairs.

Being part of the Network’s regional arm GMA Regional TV has also allowed five-year service awardee Justine Jomento to discover her potential. “I’m grateful for the opportunity that GMA Regional TV has given me for the past 5 years to work with the best team. I appreciate the trust and guidance of my bosses. They brought a huge impact to my professional growth which motivates me to work better,” said the Events and Promo Specialist from GMA Regional TV Iloilo. “I am forever grateful for the endless opportunities to learn through my job.”

Victoria’s and Justine’s are just two of the many Kapuso stories of individuals who started as novices in the industry but have now evolved into career professionals.

Just as they are driven by their passion for excellence, the Kapuso Network enables its people to achieve their full potential through trainings and workshops, equal opportunities for career advancement, and conducting performance evaluations

SB19, ‘Gameboys’ set record on KTX

Proudly wearing the Kapuso badge is no less than Atty. Felipe L. Gozon who has been serving as the company’s Chairman and CEO for 20 years now. regularly – a culture that encourages everyone to continuously learn and grow.

“Being a Kapuso is a privilege and an honor,” said Post Production Department’s Video Editing Section Senior Manager Ricky Paras. “A privilege because I get to be part of the best network in the country and it is an honor because what I do contributes to what makes GMA number one,” added Paras who is one of this year’s 25-year service awardees. Read full story on manilstandard.net

‘Gameboys’ stars Elijah Canlas and Kokoy de Santos

Maine Mendoza, Pokwang banner BuKo Originals’ new shows

On BuKo Originals block are new shows

by Maine Mendoza (#MaineGoals) and Pokwang (Kusina ni Mamang).

home cooking.

BuKo Originals lineup lives up to its title, as each of the shows serves refreshing content in its own unique ways. In #MaineGoals, Maine’s comedic flair adds flavor to her lifestyle-oriented show as viewers join perher journey of new experiences and per sonal challenges.

On the other hand, Kusina ni Mamang i s an entirely new concept as Pokwang, highlighting her humorous wit and love for cooking, takes viewers back to the traditional ways of cooking Filipino dishes that are no longer being practiced nowadays.

“At Cignal TV Inc., we collabotake pride in collabo rating with top players in the entertainment indusindus try to explore new ways conof providing quality con

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James Reid is featured in a new TVC inspired by a viral meme about a student that left his mic unmuted while in an online class.

ONLINE streaming site KTX Philippines has announced the recordbreaking feats achieved on the platform by boy love movie Gameboys tallying the highest record of sold tickets during its opening weekend, and P-Pop group SB19 setting the record as the highest-earning concert.

Gameboys, headlined by Elijah Canlas and Kokoy De Santos, which is yet to be exhibited in commercial cinemas, is the movie version of the BL series that premiered on May 20 last year.

“Maraming Salamat sa lahat nga mga nanood ng Gameboys The Movie. Salamat sa walang sawang suporta ninyo. Love lots!”

Kokoy posted on Twitter as soon as he heard the good news.

As of writing, the film produced by IdeaFirst Company, is still available for streaming as the movie tickets are still on sale on ktx. ph until Aug.10.

Meanwhile, SB19 thanked its fandom for supporting Back in the Zone, which VVIP and VIP tickets were sold out 30 minutes after its release.

“We love you so much, A’TIN! Yun lang masasabi namin,” the group said on social media.

Through the virtual concert, SB19 was able to perform their original tracks including their newest single “SLMT,” which they sang live for the first time.

Back in the Zone was SB19’s third concert since 2019, and its second SB19 has proven anew that it’s a force to reckon with on the P-pop scene. virtual concert done during the pandemic. Amira Danica Pasion

OFFICIALLY launched on Aug. 2, BuKo offers a feel-good lineup of continuous TV amusement — including the all-new BuKo Originals, the flagship block highlighting authentic Pinoy humor and creativity in its exciting “fresh” original programs.

Featured in the BuKo Originals block are #MaineGoals,, a lifestyle-oriented show hosted by Maine Me nd o z a where she will tick off tasks or “goals” from her check checklist; and Kusina ni Mamang, a cooking show hosted by Pokwang exploring traditional Filipino

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021

ment, “Awit para sa mga babaeng pabalik-balik sa mga lalaking mali.” The track’s arrangement is essentially a departure from her previous releases including her YUGEL most streamed “Ikaw Lang Sapat LOSORATA Na” and her Ricovered version of her early hit “Abot Langit.”

Maris had met a bigtime working partner in Rico Blanco who shared, “After the first time we met and worked together on a song, Maris asked me my opinion of her songs. She literally got a guitar and sang me her songs on-the-spot, and I was surprised that there were a lot.”

One of local music scene’s most successful singersongwriters further emphasized, “I wondered why she never had a proper music career. I was blown away at how she had an entire collection of songs she had written herself on both guitar and piano.”

Maris revealed that somewhere along the way she had been challenged to create something gearing towards a more pop vein. For her it made total sense to release such music now rather than do it when she’s older.

She expressed, perhaps sensing something, “Now is the perfect time to do it. It’s about empowering women and I literally wrote it during a time when both my sister and I were literally heartbroken. It’s definitely one of those songs that I hope can also spread the message to all women out there.”

“Ate Sandali,” produced by Blanco’s Balcony Entertainment, is also backed by Amplified Entertainment headed by another empowered woman in music scene expert Anne Poblador.

Maris is working on more songs for an upcoming album release.

GMA Network Service Awardees share thoughts on being ‘Proud Kapuso’ IT IS no secret that behind every company’s success is a group of dedicated people who share the same passion and goals.

Spanning 71 colorful years in the broadcast industry, GMA Network is well aware of this fact. Its proven track record of providing topnotch news and entertainment to Filipinos here and abroad speaks volumes about its stability as a company. In turn, the country’s leading broadcast company celebrates and recognizes the loyalty of its employees via the “GMA Network Service Awards.”

During the Network’s annual General Assembly held virtually last June, over 400 employees were named Service Awardees for their tenure, dedication and hard work, and were awarded certificates of recognition and cash tokens.

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

tent for our viewers. We are honored to partner with APT Entertainment Inc. in the creation of BuKo and in serving the refreshing and feel-good comedy that we have lined up for the coming months,” said Cignal TV Inc. President and CEO Robert P. Galang.

BuKo promises to be a one-stop channel that is home to the best of Philippine comedy, with both classic and originally produced programs that aim to satisfy viewers of all ages.

“Conceptualizing the programs for BuKo Originals was never an easy task, but it was well worth it especially with the talents that we’re working with and all the amazing ideas that are brought to the table.

We look forward to filling BuKo with nonstop laughter and feel-good entertainment for the whole family,” APT CEO and President Michael Tuviera added.

BuKo channel is on Cignal TV Channel 2 and SatLite Channel 2, and on the Cignal Play app, available via App Store and Google Play. For Cignal postpaid and prepaid subscription inquiries, visit http://cignal.tv. Cignal Plan is available for Prepaid 100 and Postpaid 250, while SatLite Plan starts at P49 load.

James Reid hijacks viral internet moment AWKWARD situations are commonplace during this new era of video calls.

One of which is leaving the mic open thinking you’re on mute the entire time.

This is exactly what happened in a video that circulated on social media earlier this year where a student inappropriately played a game in the middle of an online lecture and left his microphone unmuted for the whole class to hear. It was totally not cool.

Mountain Dew Ice (Mountain Dew’s lemon-lime counterpart) took inspiration from this awkward situation in its new campaign “Mas Cool ‘Pag May Dew Ice” where it vows to turn anything “mas cool” by putting ice in it.

In this refreshing reimagination, just

right before the professor loses his temper James Reid enters the virtual classroom and offers the prof a bottle of Dew Ice to cool his head down. From there, Dew Ice’s lemon-lime sarap takes over and makes everything cooler for everyone.

Mountain Dew Brand Manager Dominique Layugan explains, “This video is a part of an ongoing campaign of Mountain Dew Ice which features brand ambassador James Reid as he hijacks recent viral internet moments to make them cooler.”

Check out the videos on the Mountain Dew Philippines channel on YouTube. For more details, visit Mountain Dew Philippines on Facebook and @ mountaindewph on Instagram.

KZ and TJ pay tribute

to Bisaya music with ‘Dodong’ and ‘Inday’ SINGERS and real-life couple KZ vinced by none other than her husTandingan and TJ Monterde have band, TJ, who said, “Don’t worry! I’ll released endearing Bisaya songs, write a song about ‘Inday’ so ‘Do“Dodong” and “Inday,” dong’ doesn’t have to be respectively dedicating released alone.” each tune to each other.

Meanwhile, TJ shared Poles apart from that he wrote the song the usual sound of the “Inday”—which refers to Asia’s Soul Supreme, a young lady in Bisaya— “Dodong” is a certified as a song of reassurance lullaby that translates as for the one and only Inday KZ’s ode of gratitude for in his life, KZ. TJ’s great love for her. It “Dodong” and “Inalso brings a message of day” are now part of the eternal affection no mat“Simula” playlist availter what life may bring able on Star Music’s to the couple.

YouTube channel.

KZ and TJ share their love “I wrote ‘Dodong’ The new playlist from story in the music playlist two years ago. It was ‘Simula,’ which features new the Bisaya couple also my first time writing singles ‘Dodong’ and ‘Inday.’ includes their collaboraa Bisaya lullaby, but I tion “Can’t Wait To Say never meant for it to be I Do,” which the couple released. It was so TJ would have a launched after they got married in 2020, song he can listen to when he finds it as well as the titular track “Simula.” hard to sleep,” KZ said, who named it A multi-awarded singer-performer, “Dodong,” a Bisaya word referring to KZ hails from Davao del Sur and is a young man. currently part of Star Music’s roster of Hesitant to release the song as a sin- artists, while the equally-talented TJ, a gle because it was ‘too personal’ for recording artist of PolyEast Records, is her, the Kapamilya singer was con- from Cagayan de Oro.

Life

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

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HOUSEHOLD

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021

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HERE is no stronger demand for homes that provide the essentials and then some than today, when we are required to stay in.

Luxe living

Residents of the upscale The Residences at Westin Manila Sonata Place in Ortigas are treated to quality living spaces, state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, and deluxe products and services distinct to the Westin brand of homes.

It’s nice to imagine being able to live in one’s own hotel, complete with all the trimmings, without ever having to check out.

This property developer agrees.

RLC Residences, the residential brand of property giant Robinsons Land Corporation, in partnership with Marriott International, brings hotel-like living to life with The Residences at The Westin Manila Sonata Place.

Located at the heart of Ortigas Center, the upscale condominium development is anchored on RLC Residences thrust to Raise, Live, and Connect Filipinos’ lives. It was recognized as the Best Residential High-Rise Development in 2018 by the Asia Pacific Property Awards.

Working with international architecture and design consultants, RLC Residences brings the Westin brand of homes in The Residences at The Westin Manila Sonata Place with quality living spaces and state-of-the-art amenities and services.

Future residents are welcomed by a hotel-like grand lobby as they make their way to their units. The Residences offers one-, two-, and threebedroom units as well as penthouse suites. All units are furnished with de luxe fixtures like Duravit and Hans- The upscale condominium takes pride in its indoor lap pool (left), one of the amenities at The Haven, and its hotel-like grand lobby (right) that grohe toilet and bathroom ware, and welcomes residents and their guests.

Bringing the hotel staycation experience home

NATIONAL University in July 22 inaugurated its first campus in Central Luzon, the fourth to open as part of the university’s 10-year expansion program.

NU Chairman Hans Sy says the NU expansion anchors on the mission of their late patriarch, Henry Sy Sr., to help Filipinos gain access to education.

Located at the Annex building of SM City Baliwag in Bulacan, the 14,259-square meter campus can accommodate at least 6,000 students once face-to-face classes resume. In the meantime, it virtually opens its doors to students for online classes.

Programs offered at NU Baliwag include Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Marketing Management, Business Administration Major in Financial Management, Accountancy, Tourism Management, Hospitality Management, Psychology, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, and Architecture. Recently, the campus opened slots for Senior High School strands: Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM), Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Apart from being a Microsoft showcase school, the campus takes pride in its state-of-the-art facilities including simulation rooms with up-to-date

SHOPPING

BULLDOG IN BULACAN:

National University opens first Central Luzon campus

NU Baliwag is located at the Annex building of SM City Baliwag in Bulacan.

equipment for specific courses, and modern computer laboratories. NU Baliwag says its faculty members are from top performing schools to ensure the highest quality classroom instruction.

Gracing the opening ceremony were Baliwag Municipal Mayor Ferdinand Estrella together with National University Gracing the opening of National University in Baliwag are (from left) NU president Dr. Renato Carlos Ermita, Jr., NU vice president for administration Jose Nilo Ocampo, Bishop Dennis Villarojo from Diocese of Malolos, SM Supermalls senior vice president for mall operations Bien Mateo, and Baliwag Municipal Mayor Ferdinand Estrella.

Baking laboratory

Gaggenau and Leicht kitchen appliances and cabinets.

To truly bring that hotel-like living experience, homeowners can enjoy facilities, amenities, and a la carte services offered by The Westin Manila Hotel situated just across The Residences.

The property goes beyond offering a beautiful place to live, as it provides residents with a holistic experience aligned with Westin’s six pillars of wellness.

“Sleep Well” is possible through the signature Westin Heavenly Bed, complete with plush pillows and custompillow top mattress. Homeowners can “Eat Well” with multiple hearty dishes and beverages available in the SuperFoodsRx Menu and at The Westin Fresh by the Juicery. Kids’ meals are taken care of by the SuperChefs.

The Haven, four f loors of signature amenities, is where Westin’s wellness pillars come to the fore: residents can “Feel Well” with the Heavenly Spa by Westin service and “Move Well” with its WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio and RunWESTIN Concierge, along with other premium amenities such as the indoor lap pool and move studio.

“Play Well” is made possible through the property’s top-notch leisure spaces Game Room, Playhouse, and Private Theater. Finally, residents can “Work Well” at home by taking advantage of The Tangent at Westin, a rentable workspace for safe and productive meetings.

Go to www.rlcresidences.com or its social media pages for more information.

officials headed by NU President Dr. Renato Carlos Ermita, Jr., NU vice president for administration Jose Nilo Ocampo, and SM Supermalls senior vice president for mall operations Bien Mateo.

For admission inquiries, contact NU Baliwag at 0923-533-0342, 0923-9495265, 0919-081-4635, 0939-937-4325.

Library

Score discounted local products at Lazada 8.8 sale LAZADA Philippines trains the spotlight on Filipino craftsmanship and local brands and products at its upcoming 8.8. Love Local Sale on August 8-12.

The e-commerce platform partners with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to highlight more Filipino MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) at the five-day sale event.

“The pandemic brought on an era where e-commerce has become part of the backbone in driving the resilience and growth of businesses, large and small. For us at Lazada, it has always been our core mission to help Filipino businesses go and grow online,” shares Lazada Philippines chief operating officer Carlos Barrera.

Lazada’s 8.8 Love Local Sale will feature Philippine cuisine at the National Food Fair, place a spotlight on Filipino craftsmanship through the relaunch of the Lazada Go Lokal!

Concept Store on the app, and offer up to 88 percent off on a host of products, with additional 10 percent off on local brands, and free shipping vouchers with no minimum spend nationwide.

The National Food Fair highlights the best Pinoy flavors on the Lazada app, promoting homegrown ingredients and dishes and featuring over 180 food shops and sellers nationwide.

Meanwhile, Lazada and DTI relaunch Go Lokal! on LazMall to revitalize the MSME sector. It features a

wide range of food and lifestyle products, with deals and discounts up to 40 percent off.

“Our MSMEs are the lifeblood of the country, and through our strong partnership with Lazada Philippines, we are grateful and excited that even more homegrown entrepreneurs are positioned to be discovered, have access to a wider market, and are provided with better economic opportunities,” says Marievic Bonoan, director of DTI Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion.

Barrera adds, “A big part of what we do has always been to work closely with our industry partners to ensure that we continue to provide opportunities for our MSMEs to digitize their business and to thrive online.”

Lazada offers exclusive access to the capacity building resources available on the platform, including onboarding and training sessions for MSMEs, education and guides to e-commerce strategies and tools, design, campaign, and marketing support, as well as access to insightful livestream features.

To make the 8.8. sale more exciting and rewarding, the Lazada Millionaire, hosted by Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza, will be looking for its eighth millionaire this August. It airs every Saturday at 11:30 a.m. on Eat Bulaga and LazLive. To join, click the Lazada Millionaire icon on the Lazada app homepage.

July 2021 nursing board topnotcher beats the odds

By Suzie Moya Benitez, PhD.

July 2021 Nursing Licensure Examination topnotcher Haydee Bacani

PHILIPPINE Women’s University (PWU) graduate Haydee Soriano Bacani did not let the pandemic stop her from achieving her goal to make a difference as she topped the July 2021 Nursing Licensure Examination.

Bacani, who led the 5,008 passers in the July exams, scored a rating of 89.40 percent, according to the results from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

In addition to Bacani, all first-time takers from PWU School of Nursing passed the licensure exams.

Unshaken by the circumstances and uncertainties brought about by the pandemic, Bacani said it was grit and the willingness to serve and to make a difference that saw them through.

As a student at PWU Manila, the board topnotcher initiated several programs approved by the university president, one of which was the “Rapid Response and Code Blue” attended by more than 1,000 participants worldwide via

The PWU School of Nursing graduate is driven by her desire to serve for the betterment of people’s lives.

streaming on PWU official page.

Bacani plans to take a postgraduate degree while working in a hospital. The heart to serve for the betterment of lives inspires her to beat all odds. She hopes she can be an inspiration for the next generation – a PWU patriot true to the founders’ dream!

PWU was founded in 1919 by seven women who had a dream to provide the Filipino women then with the best education, to prepare them for moral and civic responsibility and train them to successfully combine homemaking and career.

Lazada Philippines partners with the Department of Trade and Industry to showcase local brands and products at the e-commerce platform’s 8.8 Love Local Sale.