Manila Standard - 2021 August 7 - Saturday

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PNP SETS HARD LOCKDOWN ON NCR RESIDENTS

By Francisco Tuyay and Vito Barcelo

METRO Manila residents who are outside the National Capital Region will not be allowed to return to their homes during the two-week COVID-19 lockdown that began Friday, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Guillermo Eleazar said.

In an interview with GMA News Online, Eleazar said these residents can return when the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is over.

On the other hand, Eleazar said, authorized persons outside of residence Next page

1,638,345 10,623

74,297

28,673

247

1,535,375

3,127

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(As of 4 PM, August 04)

Highest alert up over 8 MM cities DOH: Surging cases breach 10K mark, a 4-month high

By Willie Casas

LOCKDOWN BLUES.

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IGHT areas in Metro Manila and 20 others in several regions have been put under Alert Level 4 due to the high number of COVID-19 cases and their high hospital occupancy rate.

The announcement from the Department of Health (DOH) came as 10,623 new COVID-19 cases were reported, the highest in almost four months.

Alert Level 4 means an area has been classified as a moderate- to critical-risk with a health care utilization rate higher than 70 percent.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the eight Metro Manila areas under Alert Level 4 are Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Pateros, Quezon City, Taguig, Malabon, Makati, and San Juan.

Other areas under the same alert level were Cordillera - Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet; Region 1- Ilocos Norte; Region 2 - Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino; Region 3 - Angeles City, Bataan, Olongapo City, Pampanga, Tarlac; Region

Hard lockdown and monstrous traffic snarl go hand in hand in the time of the pandemic but many other people (upper panel) find the chance to line up and have a shot of the lifesaving vaccine in Marikina while a Quiapo priest is unfazed and holds virtual Mass for those who wisely opt to stay home.

JR Josue, Danny Pata and Norman Cruz.

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DBM downloads P10.89b for ayuda release next week

Vax site chaos culprits identified—Isko

nation program of the local governBy Macon Ramos-Araneta, ly Thursday dawn.

“We have seen the CCTV. We ment.

Joel E. Zurbano saw the faces of the suspected inDomagoso said hackers “atand Maricel V. Cruz THE local government of Manila has identified “persons of interest” who “agitated” people to troop to vaccination sites, with several vans and buses dropping off potential vaccinees near SM San Lazaro ear-

dividuals,” Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said in a Facebook live video Friday.

He said the persons being investigated do not appear to be residents of Manila as they do not have QR codes, a requirement in the vacci-

tacked” Manila’s vaccination registration website 133 times Wednesday night, hours before thousands of people trooped to SM San Lazaro and other vaccination sites in the capital.

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Willie Casas

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Yuka Saso finds her sweet spot, climbs to 20th

By Riera Mallari

CNN FIRES UNVAXXED STAFF THREE employees at CNN have been fired for violating the network’s coronavirus policy by coming into the office unvaccinated, according to US media reports.

In an internal memo emailed

to staff Thursday and obtained by several US media outlets, CNN President Jeff Zucker said that in the past week the company had become aware of three employees who came to work unvaccinated.

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TOKYO –Yuka Saso bounced back with a four-under-par 67 in the third round to move up the leaderboard in the women’s golf competition of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at the Kasumigaseki Country Club on Friday.

Finally showing the form that won her a historic US Women’s Open title, Saso shot five birdies, including in her last two on the 8th and 9th holes

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THE TIME SCULPTURE AT SM MEGAMALL

There’s a new landmark in EDSA with the unveiling of the Time Sculpture at SM Megamall. The towering 12-meter work made of mirror stainless steel is designed by Filipino-American public artist Jefre. It depicts a man looking at his watch, a reminder that time is valuable and should be used productively. The Time Sculpture is the latest public art piece in SM’s premier malls, which include the iconic globe at the SM Mall of Asia, the Cube at SM City Seaside Cebu, National Artist Arturo Luz’s Cubi at the Podium, and the colorful Philippine animals at the Skypark at SM Aura Premier.

THE Department of Budget and Management said it has released P10.89 billion to cover the cash assistance to families affected by the COVID-19 lockdown that began Aug. 6 in the National Capital Region but Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said they have yet to receive the funds.

“There was a press release that there would be cash aid... but mayors still don’t have the cash on hand,” Domagoso said.

Earlier, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said cash aid distribution for some 10.7 million residents of Metro Manila would likely begin on Friday, Aug. 6, the first day of the lockdown.

But his undersecretary, Jonathan Malaya, said the distribution of cash assistance, which he described as a “logistics challenge,” would likely begin next week.

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Lawmakers warned on OCTA probe ing at the projections that the independent research group had been releasing since the start of the pandemic from a “layperson’s point of view.”

David said the inquiry should instead be held in a scientific venue where academics, scientists, and researchers could peer review their findings.

“They have the knowledge to analyze and assess what you are saying, your models,” Guido said.

Rodriguez said OCTA researchers and fellows, who include mathematicians and health professionals,“are very qualified and their findings are accurate and supported by data.”

He recalled that last May 8, the group warned the national pandemic response task force that COVID-19 cases were increasing in areas outside Metro Manila, including Cagayan de Oro, where it found a 75-percent

spike in infections.

The warning prompted him and city officials to call for more vaccines and other forms of assistance to help the city control the surge in cases.

Twelve days later OCTA again reported that CDO was still a high risk area because of the increasing COVID-19 cases.Rodriguez wrote another letter to IATF for more vaccines.

These letters based on OCTA reports resulted in President Rodrigo Duterte ordering the recalibration of the distribution of vaccines and allocating more vaccines to critical areas like Cagayan de Oro. Two months later, he said the Department of Health reported that five of 11 local Delta variant-infected persons were from Cagayan de Oro and one from Misamis Oriental, the province to which the city belongs.

Agusan Del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Surigao Del Norte, Agusan Del Sur, Butuan City and BARMM: Cotabato City, Lanao del Sur, Sulu Alert Level 3 means an area is at moderate to critical risk but has a bed occupancy rate lower than 70 percent.

This level, along with Alert Level 4, does not take into account the presence of the Delta variant in an area.

Areas under Alert Level 3 are: Metro Manila - Caloocan, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasig, Valenzuela, Pasay; Cordillera - Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province; Region 1 - Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Dagupan City; Region 2 - Batanes, Santiago City, Isabela; Region 3 - Bulacan, Nueva Ecija; Region 4A – Rizal; Region 4B - Marinduque, Romblon, Puerto Princesa; Region 5 - Masbate, Naga City, Catanduanes; Region 6 Aklan, Antique, Bacolod City, Capiz; Region 8 - Leyte, Northern Samar, Southern Leyte; Region 9 - Zamboanga del Sur; Region 10 - Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental; Region 11 - Davao Occidental; Region 12 - Cotabato (North Cotabato), Sultan Kudarat; and Caraga - Surigao del Sur Vergeire said the Philippines averaged 8,284 new COVID-19 cases per day from July 31 to Aug. 6, higher than the average of 6,219 new infections in the week before.

Despite this, the Philippines was still classified as a moderate-risk area with a 53.51 percent HCUR and 60.42 percent intensive care unit (ICU) utilization rate as of Aug. 3./ The Philippines logged 10,623 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, bringing the total number of infections to 1,638,345.

The number of new cases was the highest since April 17, when the country logged 10,098 cases.

There were 247 new fatalities reported, bringing the COVID-19 death toll to 28,673.

The DOH also reported 3,127 persons who recently recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 1,535,375.

There were 74,297 active cases. The figure is also the highest since April 26. The last time it breached 70,000 was on May 2.

Of the 74,297 active cases, 94.8 percent were mild, 1.2 percent were asymptomatic, 1 percent were critical, 1.8 percent were severe, and 1.18 per-

cent were moderate.

Nationwide, 62 percent of the ICU beds, 53 percent of the isolation beds, 54 percent of the ward beds, and 44 percent of the ventilators, were in use.

In Metro Manila, 61 percent of the ICU beds, 53 percent of the isolation beds, 53 percent of the ward beds, and 45 percent of the ventilators, were in use.

The DOH, the University of the Philippines - Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC), and the University of the Philippines - National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH) on Friday reported the detection of 119 more Delta (B.1.617.2) variant cases, 125 Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant cases, 94 Beta (B.1.351) variant cases, and 11 P.3 variant cases in the latest batch of whole genome sequencing.

Of the additional 119 Delta variant cases, 93 were local cases, 20 were returning overseas Filipinos and six cases were still being verified.

Of the 93 local cases, 18 cases had an indicated address in the National Capital Region (NCR), while 14 had indicated addresses in Calabarzon, 18 in Central Luzon, 31 in Western Visayas, eight in Northern Mindanao, and one each in Central Visayas, Eastern Samar, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Cordillera Administrative Region. Based on the case line list, 118 cases have been tagged as recovered while one has an outcome that is being verified. All other information is being validated by our regional and local health offices.

This brings the total Delta variant cases to 450.

Delta variant cases have been detected in all 17 cities and municipalities in NCR. Of the additional 125 Alpha variant cases detected, 115 were local cases, six were returning Filipinos, and four were being verified.

Based on the case line list, three cases have died and 122 cases have been tagged as recovered. This brings the total Alpha variant cases to 2,093.

Of the additional 94 Beta variant cases, 89 were local cases, three were returning Filipinos, and two cases were being verified.

Based on the case line list, seven cases have died while 87 cases have been tagged as recovered. The total Beta variant cases are now at 2,362.

The 11 additional P.3 variant cases were local cases that have been tagged as recovered.

All three were “terminated.”

“Let me be clear – we have a zero-tolerance policy on this,” he said in snippets of the memo tweeted by CNN media reporter Oliver Darcy.

His memo did not specify the fired employees’ names, positions or office locations. CNN did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

The network had been relying on an honor system that required workers to be jabbed but did not demand they show proof. But Zucker said that may change going forward.

Inoculations are mandatory for anyone reporting in the field, working with any other employees or entering the offices, he reportedly said in the memo.

In May, the United States federal government said it was legal for employers to require staff physically entering the workplace to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Tech giants including Facebook, Google and Microsoft have all said they will require employees to get jabbed before returning to their US offices.

They are among several major US employers that have recently revised their virus policies, vaccine mandates or return-to-office dates as the fast-spreading Delta variant fuels another surge of COVID-19 cases.

In his note to staff, Zucker said CNN will postpone its company-wide September 7 return-to-office date likely until some time in October. AFP

maximum of P4,000 per household, to ensure that food and other nonfood requirements are met despite the imposed lockdown. Overall, the cash aid shall benefit 10.9 million individuals or the bottom 80 percent of the population in Metro Manila, based on the population projection and available data of the Philippine Statistics Authority.”

The distribution, it added, would be monitored by the DILG and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Senator Risa Hontiveros said LGUs under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) were looking for the funds, and said the concerned government agencies should have prepared early in anticipation of the new lockdown.

She said it was all and good to issue press releases about the cash assistance, but added: “We cannot eat promises.”

Domagoso also said the national gov-

ernment has yet to fulfill its promise to deliver 4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to be used in inoculation hubs in Manila.

“Good for you that you already have the press release that there will be 4 million doses but we still have not received those and what we have are only second doses,” he said.

He said there were no vaccinations on Friday because they don’t have vaccines for the first dose.

The Manila mayor said the government’s response to COVID-19 was no different from what it was on Day 1 of the pandemic.

“It’s been a year and six months and we continue to [do] what?” he said.

“Are we really going somewhere or will we just go in circles while they are still there?”

The Anakpawis party-list group also criticized the lack of cash aid on the first day of the lockdown.

By Maricel V. Cruz and Willie Casas

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CONGRESSIONAL leader on Friday said he was opposed to the move by five colleagues to have the House of Representatives investigate the OCTA research group for their pronouncements on the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am opposing their resolution seeking the investigation of OCTA. Instead of being investigated, this group should be supported, encouraged and requested to continue with their good work and the big help it is giving to our country in fighting this crippling health crisis,” Deputy speaker and Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said.

He said members of the group should be considered as among the heroes of the war against the pandemic.

Reacting to the proposal by five lawmakers, the OCTA Research Group said

it was ready to face a formal inquiry into their credentials.

However, OCTA cautioned a House of Representatives panel might not be the “proper venue” for it.

“Although we welcome the opportunity to discuss our methodology and address concerns on our credibility, I’m not certain if the House is the proper venue because they might not be the expert,” OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David said in an interview with Teleradyo.

David said lawmakers might be look-

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“Maybe it is just a coincidence. The night before the chaotic situation in SM San Lazaro, our website was attacked 133 times by hackers,” he told ANC’s Rundown.

The hackers reportedly attempted to overload the system by using at least 150 IP addresses per minute to clog the registration.

Asked if the hacking and the attempt to sow chaos at Manila’s vaccination sites may be connected to his political plans for the 2022 national elections, Domagoso said: “I say it might just be a coincidence.”

For its part, the National Task Force Against COVID-19 said Friday it would investigate the alleged move to “sabotage” the vaccination drive this week.

Photos on social media on Thursday showed people jostling each other to be the first in line at vaccination centers, prompting police intervention to enforce social distancing rules.

Some individuals deliberately spread wrong information that people would not get cash aid from the government during the 2-week lockdown of Metro Manila if they are not vaccinated, said NTF deputy chief implementer Vince Dizon.

“We received unverified reports that need to be investigated, which said bad elements sabotaged vaccination sites, especially those located at malls in Las Piñas, Antipolo, Manila, and other areas,” Dizon said.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila mayors have agreed to impose a no walk-in policy at COVID-19 vaccination sites while the region is under a two-week lockdown to prevent the spread of the highly infectious Delta variant, a government official said Friday.

At the Laging Handa briefing, Interior Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said the latest policy was agreed upon by the mayors and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

Malaya said only those with confirmed appointments would be accommodated at the vaccination centers.

MMDA Chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. and other Metropolitan Manila Development Authority officials inspected Friday the flow of inoculation rollout in several COVID-19 vaccination hubs in the cities of Las Piñas, Muntinlupa and Parañaque.

Top MMDA officials made the visit after videos and photos went viral on social media showing thousands of people lined up in various vaccination sites in the metropolis, violating health protocols and the curfew policy.

The incidents came after the people got information that those who have not been vaccinated shall not be entitled to cash assistance or “ayuda” and/or benefits.

Abalos said the queues of people at SM Southmall Las Piñas, Ayala Malls Southmall in Muntinlupa and SM City BF Parañaque were systematic.

4A - Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Lucena City; Region 6 - Iloilo, Iloilo City; Region 7 - Cebu, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City; Region 8 - Tacloban City; Region 10 - Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin; Region 11 - Davao City; and Region 12 - General Santos City.

The announcement came on the first day of a two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila to prevent the rapid spread of the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19.

The DOH also said the highly contagious Delta coronavirus variant has been detected in all cities in the capital region.

Vergeire explained that the alert levels are based on COVID-19 transmission and the hospital occupancy of an area, as well as the presence of the Delta variant.

Alert Level 1 means transmission is low and decreasing, and that hospital occupancy is low, and there is no Delta variant case in an area. These areas are at minimal to low risk, have a negative two-week case growth rate (TWGR) and health care utilization rate lower than 50 percent.

Areas under Alert Level 1 are: Region 4B – Palawan; Region 5 - Camarines, Norte, Albay; Region 7 - Negros Oriental; Region 8 – Biliran; Region 9 - Zamboanga Sibugay; and BARMM Maguindanao, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan.

Alert Level 2 means transmission is low and decreasing, HCUR is low, but a Delta case is present. This classification also applies to areas with a low but increasing case count, or areas with low and decreasing transmission but increasing health care utilization rate.

Areas under Alert Level 2 are: Cordillera – Ifugao; Region 1 - La Union; Region 3 - Zambales, Aurora; Region 4B - Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro; Region 5 - Camarines Sur, Sorsogon; Region 6 - Guimaras, Negros Occidental; Region 7 - Bohol, Siquijor; Region 8 - Eastern Samar, Ormoc City, Samar (Western Samar); Region 9 - Zamboanga Del Norte, Zamboanga City; Region 10 - Misamis Occidental; Region 11 - Davao Del Norte, Davao De Oro, Davao Del Sur, Davao Oriental; Region 12 - South Cotabato, Sarangani, Caraga:

DBM...

From A1 Speaking to CNN Philippines, Malaya said the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) would meet with Metro Manila mayors on Saturday to discuss “how soon they can begin setting up their teams and how soon they can distribute” the cash aid.

The DBM said it would release the funds directly to the concerned local government units (LGUs) through their respective authorized government banks.

“Upon receipt of the funds, the LGUs shall facilitate and determine the most efficient and effective way for the provision of financial assistance to their constituents,” the DBM said. “Affected low-income individuals and families are expected to receive PP1,000 per person and a

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From A1 after she teed off in the back nine -against a lone bogey on the 10th.

The birdie-birdie finish enabled Saso to move up from joint 34th at the start of the day to a tie for 20th place on a four-under 209 with one round left to play in the Fil-Japanese ace’s maiden appearance in the Olympics.

Meanwhile, the Philippines remained as the best Southeast Asian country in the Summer Olympic Games at no. 49, following the gold medal of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, and the silver and bronze of boxers Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Marcial, respectively.

Indonesia is at 46th spot, but the Philippines is expected to overtake its regional rival today when Carlo Paalam’s medal will be finally counted.

Already assured of silver, Paalam

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From A1 (APOR) or essential workers are allowed to enter the NCR. “We don’t want people going in and out of Metro Manila, except for those worker APORs who are allowed to enter the region,” he said in Filipino.

Metro Manila returned to lockdown Friday as authorities sought to slow the spread of the hyper-contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 and ease pressure on hospitals while trying to avoid crushing economic activity.

Police checkpoints across the National Capital Region, where more than 13 million people live, caused long queues as officers in camouflage uniforms inspected vehicles to ensure only essential workers were on the road.

Experts warned that an explosion in Delta cases could overwhelm the health system if restrictions were not tightened in the crowded capital, which accounts for about a third of the country’s economy.

The stay-at-home order announced last week was expanded Thursday to include neighboring Laguna province.

Restrictions were also tightened in other regions where coronavirus infections have spiked.

The Philippines has detected more than 330 Delta cases in recent weeks and there are fears the strain could tear through the nation as it has in neighboring countries.

Successive lockdowns and other restrictions, including a ban on children going outdoors, have shattered the economy and left millions jobless.

There are concerns the new lockdown will deepen the misery, with government assistance limited to P4,000 per household over the two-week period.

Only essential businesses and workers can operate for the next two weeks.

Outdoor exercise is allowed, but an eight-hour nighttime curfew is in place.

“I hope the government will be able to give aid so it can help cover our expenses,” fish vendor Junrel Bihag said, describing life during the pandemic as “really difficult.”

Fears that unvaccinated people would not be allowed outside or receive government help during lockdown sent thousands flocking to vaccination sites on Thursday, forcing one location to close.

The rush to get jabbed came after President Rodrigo Duterte said last week that people who do not want to be vaccinated should stay home.

“If you go out I will tell the police to bring you home. You will be escorted back to your house because you are a walking spreader,” Duterte said.

But his spokesman, Harry Roque, rejected suggestions Thursday that the President’s remarks triggered the vaccination rush, instead blaming “fake news.”

“We are not imposing any prohibitions on people who are not vaccinated.

We are merely asking that, now that the vaccine is there, everyone should get a jab,” Roque told reporters.

The country’s glacial vaccination drive has been hampered by tight global supply and logistical problems.

Just over 10 million people are now fully vaccinated, representing 9 percent of the population.

Some 5,000 policemen were mobilized in different parts of Metro Manila and adjoining provinces at midnight Friday for ECQ duties aimed to establish a barrier against the potential spread of the contagious Delta variant of COVID-19.

Eleazar said that in Metro Manila alone, 1,203 personnel were scattered across NCR for law enforcement and public safety operations in 89 Quarantine Control Points to assist the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) in the strict implementation of the ECQ. Part of the PNP contingent are 4,346 uniform policemen who will be manning mobile control points in various locations of Metro Manila to strictly enforce the 8-hour curfew. tries to upgrade it to gold when he fights Great Britain’s Galal Yafai in the men’s flyweight boxing finals on Saturday at 1 p.m. (Philippine time) at the Kokugikan Arena.

Saso, the 2018 Asian Games double gold winner remained 11 shots off the fiery pace set by American Nelly Korda, who followed a 62 with a 69 and still remained three shots clear of the field on a 15-under 198 total.

Indian youngster Aditi Ashok is at second spot with a 12-under 201 after a 68 while tied for third at 10-under are Lydia Ko of New Zealand (66), Hannah Green of Australia (67), Mone Imami of Japan (68), and Dane Emily Pedersen (70).

The Philippines’ other bet, Bianca Pagdanganan, blew a hot start with two double bogeys and a bogey in a sloppy back nine and settled for a second straight 71 -- good for a share of 29th place with two others at 211.

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CONTACT TRACERS.

A team of government-hired contact tracers reviews the list of persons to be visited at Barangay Kaligayahan Hall in Fairview, Quezon City on Friday (August 6, 2021). The government has intensified contact tracing measures to find, test and isolate close contacts of Covid-19.

Ben Briones

‘Protect Marikina watershed’

By Maricel V. Cruz A LEGISLATOR from Rizal on Friday urged law enforcement authorities to “closely and constantly monitor” the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape to ensure that those illegally occupying parts of the watershed are kept out.

Rep. Fidel Nograles of Rizal’s second district made the urging after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Calabarzon reported that as of July it has issued stoppage orders against 123 illegal structures in the area.

The DENR served 80 show-cause orders and 43 cease-and-desist orders against encroachers of the 26,000-hectare watershed, including operators of piggeries, resorts, camps, and retreat centers.

“I urge the police and army to closely and constantly monitor the watershed to ensure strict compliance with the DENR’s stoppage orders, Nograles, an assistant majority leader, said.

He added that law enforcers’ visibility would discourage illegal activities, as he emphasized that perpetrators are becoming more brazen.

Two forest rangers working in a reforestation site of the Masungi Georeserve Foundation were shot by still unidentified attackers last July 24.

“Thankfully, the rangers survived, but this latest incident should underscore just how much the lives of those who are tasked with preserving the environment are at risk, and should spur us to doing more,” said Nograles.

The neophyte lawmaker also appealed to the House leadership to prioritize the passage of a bill seeking to create a specialized government body tasked with protecting the Sierra Madre mountain range would be passed during the 18th Congress.

House Bill 5634, which Nograles filed in 2019, calls for the creation of a Sierra Madre Development Authority (SMDA).

“I hope that the House leadership would see this as a legacy measure.

DFA scraps passport courier service deal

By Rey E. Requejo

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HE Department of Foreign Affairs has terminated its contract with QRS or Quick Reliable Service as the official service provider of passport delivery of the agency.

“QRS is terminated. Phase out should be in progress,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. Locsin posted on his Twitter account Thursday night.

Locsin made the decision following mounting complaints against delays and confusions in the delivery of passports to applicants who paid an extra amount to avail of the services in the comfort of their homes.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Eduardo Meñez said the department is now

addressing the issue and will soon announce the service provider that will replace QRS. “(The) Office of Consular Affairs is trying to arrange a new courier service, and address the issue of passports already in the pipeline.

There should be an announcement on this soon,” Meñez said.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, QRS has been engaged and took over the services provided by the LBC-DFA Multi-Purpose Cooperative as the official courier of

passports.

This move raised serious concerns among the rank and file in the department considering the proven track record of LBC in the courier service sector.

Besides the delivery mess, the DFA is also facing mounting criticisms over the online scheduling system of passport applicants despite its recent effort to provide additional slots to accommodate hundreds of applicants across the country.

Locsin earlier ordered directed the Office of Consular Affairs, a division under the jurisdiction of DFA Undersecretary Brigido Dulay, to investigate the proliferation of social media sites, especially on Facebook, that are openly selling online schedules to as much as P3,800 per slot.

CHOKE POINT. Many motorist and passengers stop at a police checkpoint to present identification cards and certificate of employment as frontline economic workers at the boundary of Caloocan City and San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan as the enhanced community quarantine in the National Capital Region takes effect, a move to curb the spread of the coronavirus-19’s hyper-contagious Delta strain. Heavy traffic from SapangAlat Bridge up to Quirino Highway ensued.

John Mark Pineda

Breastfeeding must continue despite the pandemic—DOH, partners

By Willie Casas IN OBSERVANCE of Breastfeeding Awareness Month in the Philippines, the Department of Health, Korean Embassy, World Health Organization, Korean International Cooperation Agency and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund jointly appealed to the public to protect, promote, and support the practice of exclusive breastfeeding of

infants from birth up to 6 months.

They also appealed to the public to continue breastfeeding with complementary feeding beyond 2 years old especially during the pandemic.

Breastfeeding and a nurturing motherinfant interaction help prevent deadly infections like pneumonia, diarrhea and sepsis, and promote health and development of children.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has

made the practice of breastfeeding more challenging as it has taken its toll on many Filipino families’ health.

The DOH and its development partners stress the importance of ensuring that the correct information on health and nutrition reaches Filipino families, especially when health and other community services are themselves disrupted or limited.

“The First 1,000 Days Strategy re-

quires the expansion of our engagement efforts beyond our health workers and health systems. Our partner government agencies, NGOs, CSOs, and mother support groups have shown to be very critical collaborators on government responses on protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding and complementary feeding, especially during the beginning and the height of the pandemic,” said Health Secretary Franciso Duque III.

‘Virus-hit hospitals must be paid ASAP’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta MOST of the country’s hospitals have been facing extreme pressures due to the COVID-19 pandemic so whatever the government owes them for their services should be settled swiftly, Senator Sonny Angara said yesterday.

“There is growing concern over a possible surge of new cases of COVID-19 now that the deadly Delta variant of the virus is already in the country so our hospitals should be prepared to deal with this scenario,” Angara said.

A persistent issue being raised by both the government and private hospitals is the delay in the settlement of their claims from the Philippine Health

Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), which adds to the pressures being faced by these facilities.

Many of the hospitals have faced financial difficulties due to these delays and in several instances, they have been forced to downsize their operations either by reducing their bed capacity or the working hours of their personnel.

“With the arrival of the Delta variant, there should be no disruption at all for our hospitals, especially when a surge in cases is highly possible.

All efforts should be exerted by PhilHealth to settle the claims of these hospitals, particularly those that have been delayed for some time already,” Angara said.

VAX DRIVE. Las Pinas City residents form a queue at a vaccination center in Brgy.

Talon Uno, Promenade Village Talon Uno on the first day of the reimposition of the enhanced community quarantine on Friday, August 6, 2021. The city and the rest of Metro Manila have relaxed the ECQ controls such as allowing public transport to operate to make way for people to get vaccinated. Danny Pata

ECQ no reason to disrupt public service—DHSUD

By Rio N. Araja HOUSING czar Eduardo del Rosario on Friday vowed to continue public service amid a strict lockdown in the National Capital Region and other parts of the country.

He said the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development will be operational throughout the lockdown from Aug. 6 to Aug. 20.

“Pursuant to IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) Resolution No.130-A placing the NCR-Plus under enhanced community quarantibe from August 6 to August 20, 2021, the DHSUD Central Office, Regional Offices 4-A and 4-B will be operating on a skeleton workforce,” he said.

“We highly encourage those who have queries and other housing-related transactions with DHSUD to do so using our online channels,” he added.

In its advisory, DHSUD announced that the public can contact the department through 09611370196 or 09166741443 or through email at info@dhsud.gov.ph Del Rosario urged DHSUD officials, staff and employees, especially those who are required to physically report to the office, to always observe and abide by health protocols.

“Notwithstanding our current policies on work schedule, do exercise discretion to ensure that our staff are not unduly inconvenienced or their observance of health protocol is compromised if required to physically report for work,” he said.

Customs-NAIA earns kudos from PDEA

By Joel Zurbano THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has commended the Customs -Ninoy Aquino International Airport for its accomplishment and proactive measures in going after smuggling of anti-social goods, especially illegal drugs.

The Port of NAIA under the supervision of District Collector Carmelita Talusan seized at least 37 illegal shipments of prohibited drugs worth P60 million since January this year.

The contraband, including shipments of kush, ecstasy, shabu and liquid marijuana, were intercepted by Customs agents with the help of operatives of PDEA and NAIA - InterAgency Drug Interdiction Task Group (IADITG).

“I greatly commend each and every one of you for doing a job well done.

The best accomplishment under your leadership, Collector, and other agencies operating in NAIA, is the cooperation. Knowing so, I look forward to being part of the government service with you,” said PDEA National Capital Region director Christian Frivaldo.

The agency made the commendation during PDEA’s collaborative meeting with Port of NAIA and Task Group officials last Aug. 5.

The meeting aimed to further bolster the exchange of intelligence information between the two law enforcement agencies “to protect the country against all attempts to import illegal drugs and substances inimical not only to public health but to public safety as well.”

Proactive measures were also discussed to continuously curtail the entry and proliferation of prohibited drugs.

“The continuous collaborations exemplify the Bureau of Customs and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s successful joint and coordinated efforts to fight against illegal drugs,” said Talusan.

Aside from Customs and PDEA officials, also in attendance during the meeting were Manila International Airport Authority - Police Department Capt. Levi Jose, Task Group deputy commander Gerald Javier, and PNP Aviation representative P/SSG Amante Cabuloy.

Four months ago, the Port of NAIA launched an anti-narcotics coordinating center near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to further strengthen its campaign against smuggling of illegal drugs at the country’s premier airport.

The coordination center was made in partnership with PDEA and People’s Air Cargo and Warehousing Inc. (Paircargo).

Collector Talusan said their campaign is in full support to Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero’s border control initiatives.

A4

News

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2021

DoTr pleading for PUV service tack extension

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Transportation is asking Malacanang and Congress to extend the funding for the service contracting program for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers under the Bayanihan 2 Act that expired last June 30.

“Nakikiusap po kami sa Congress, Senado at sa Office of the President na ako naman naniniwala na makikinig sila na kung pwede ibalik at bigyan ng additional effectivity ang Bayanihan 2,” Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said Friday.

“Kung mangyayari iyon at pakiramdam ko mangyayari yun maibabalik ang Libreng Sakay program under service contracting,” he added.

The DOTr is also looking at P3 billion funding from the General Appropriation Act (GAA) to extend the service contracting program of the government.

Out of the P5.5-billion funds for the service contracting program under Bayanihan Act 2, the DOTr disbursed over P2 billion. Its remaining budget was diverted to the national treasury.

Under the program, participating PUV drivers would receive an onboarding incentive and a per kilometer fee to ferry medical frontliners, authorized persons outside of residence (APORs), and essential employees.

For those joining the Free Ride initiative under the Service Contracting Program, the DOTr and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) increased the payouts from P46.80 to P82.50 per kilometer for buses, and P52.50 for jeepneys.

PUV drivers also stand to receive an additional P7,000 if they log-in via the LTFRB’s Driver mobile application for five days a week.

Immigration work continues despite ECQ

By Vito Barcelo THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) assured that its services to the traveling public will remain uninterrupted despite the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila and other areas starting today.

“We will continue to operate at full capacity at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to ensure that our services are not hampered, and adequate manpower is available to serve passengers arriving and departing at our premiere port,” BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said in a statement.

He stressed that being frontliners, BI port personnel are mandated to ensure that border control functions are properly and performed.

Airport personnel, according to Morente, are not covered by the recent Palace directive instructing government offices in Metro Manila to reduce the number of employees in their offices to only 30 to 50 percent of their operational capacity.

Lawyer Carlos Capulong, BI port operations chief, said BI personnel assigned to the NAIA will continue to observe the same work scheme and schedule prior to the implementation of the ECQ. He assured that their officers at the airport are always on heightened alert in seeing to it that existing restrictions on international travel are observed and only those who are eligible to travel to the Philippines are allowed entry,” Capulong added.

NO CUSTOMERS. Stores in Ylaya, Divisoria are closed Friday on the first day of the two-

week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the National Capital Region (NCR). Manila Police District Dagupan precinct commander M/Sgt. Gerry Tubera also ordered policemen to paint yellow lanes in Divisoria that people can use to maintain social distancing. Norman Cruz

Isko signs with Aksyon party after leaving admin ally NUP M

ANILA Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso’s oath taking with Aksyon Demokratiko on Thursday afternoon will not push through amid vaccination concerns in the capital, his office said.

Moreno was supposed to take his oath before lawyer Robbie Pierre Roco, son of the party’s late founder Senator Raul Roco.

Aksyon Demokratiko is also the party of Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto.

Ernest Ramel Jr., Aksyon Demokratiko secretary general, earlier said Moreno already left the National Unity Party, which is allied with the Duterte administration.

In a letter dated August 4 addressed to NUP secretary general and Masbate Rep. Narciso Bravo, Moreno resigned as the party’s vice chairman for political affairs.

“I am very thankful to the party for giving me the chance to serve it the best way possible,” Moreno said.

Meanwhile, a faction within the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) has endorsed Senator Christopher “Bong” Go as the ruling party’s standard bearer in the 2022 elections.

PDP-Laban elected president Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi confirmed to CNN Philippines that his group wants Go to run in next year’s presidential polls, with party chairman President Rodrigo Duterte as his running mate.

“In our PDP national council meeting yesterday, it was agreed to present to the forthcoming national convention the Go-Duterte tandem,” Cusi said in a text message.

But the party’s secretary-general Melvin Matibag clarified Go and Duterte are not yet PDP-Laban’s official candidates, saying it will be tackled in another national assembly on September 8.

“Not yet final but they [are] the logical and popular choice of the huge majority members of PDP Laban,” Matibag said.

In another development, an official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has apolo show-cause order (SCO) it had issued against the Manila mayor over the city government’s lapses in the anti-illegal drug campaign in 2018.

QUARANTINE PASS. A man

shows his home quarantine pass that he acquired from their barangay during the enhanced community quarantine in Barangay Kaunlaran, Quezon City on Friday due to the surge of COVID-19 cases, which hit over 10,000 on Friday alone.

Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

CHR to probe slays of activists, trans woman

By Rio N. Araja THE Commission on Human Rights is moving ahead with its investigation into the death of two activists who were killed in a shootout in Albay as they supposedly “nanlaban” (fought back) against policemen.

“CHR is interested in ferreting out the truth after accounts said the two victims claimed to be unarmed during the incident, and that one of the victims, Jaymar Palero, was said to have signs of torture,” spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said.

The Commission is also conducting a motu proprio investigation into the killing of transgender woman Cindy Jones Torres, 39, who was stabbed multiple times in Guiguinto, Bulacan by a man who was allegedly borrowing money from her.

“The case of Cindy Jones as well as other similar instances of reprehensible and senseless acts of violence stresses the harsh realities faced by the LGBTQI community, who are hate-motivated violence even in present-day society,” de Guia said.

She added that through CHR’s office in Region V, the commission has already been in touch with the chief of police of Guinobatan, who was since relieved of his post following the incident. Statements from the victims’ family have also been gathered, de Guia said.

SC lauds law expanding trial courts’ jurisdictions Private schools seek passage of bill on tax relief

By Rey E. Requejo

CHIEF Justice Alexander Gesmundo on Friday applauded President Rodrigo Duterte for signing into law Republic Act No. 11576 expanding the jurisdictions of trial courts in civil cases involving property, probate such as inheritance, and maritime disputes.

Gesmundo said RA 11576 “will no doubt help unclog the dockets of our second-level courts, which in turn would lead to a faster adjudication of

cases and better administration of justice.”

“Through this new law, the jurisdictional amounts of our trial courts have now been adjusted to levels which are more suitable to the current economic conditions and property valuation in the country,” the top magistrate said in a statement released by SC Public Information Office.

Gesmundo also expressed gratitude to the leaders of both houses of Congress and all lawmakers who supported the bill.

“I also personally thank Sen. Richard J. Gordon, Chairperson of Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, who worked hard for the passing of the bill,” the chief magistrate said.

“I likewise acknowledge my predecessors, Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin who first broached the idea with lawmakers about amending the law on the jurisdiction of our trial courts, and Chief Justice Diosdado M. Peralta who pushed for the approval of the bill in Congress,” he added.

NBI nabs man selling kush in Parañaque

SIMULATION. Police officers take cover in a simulation exercise of the Manila Police District (MPD) as they showed readiness for criminal or terrorist acts in the capital.

Norman Cruz

IN LINE with the relentless campaign of the government against illegal drugs, operatives of National Bureau of Investigation-National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) arrested a man in Paranaque City for selling marijuana packets worth P25,000.

NBI Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Director Eric Distor identified the subject as Joren Mari Bechayda, who was presented for inquest proceedings before the Office of the Prosecutor of Paranaque City.

Distor said a certain alias “Corine” and his cohorts were allegedly engaged in the sale of dangerous drugs in the cities of Paranaque and Pasay, in violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Acting on the information received, NBI-NCR operatives hatched an entrapment operation on July 28, 2021 in coordination with PDEA and PNP to arrest Corine and his cohorts, who were allegedly selling substantial quantities of Kush, a pure or hybrid Cannabis indica and considered an illegal drug.

The informant sent a text message to the suspect for an order of Kush.

Joren instantly responded that he had Kush in his possession for sale.

A poseur-buyer then agreed to meet with Joren at 5A Cesar Virata St., Classic Homes, BF Homes, Paranaque City.

At around 5:34 p.m., the suspect arrived and alighted from a white Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV with plate number WC 9561. Willie Casas

THE country’s largest associations of private schools expressed hope the Senate will soon pass Senate Bill No. 2272, granting preferential tax rates to educational institutions amid the coronavirus pandemic, after most senators signed as co-authors of the proposed measure.

In a joint statement, the groups led by the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) expressed their gratitude to Senator Pia Cayetano, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, sponsor of SB 2272 and 14 other senators.

They lauded the lawmakers’ swift and decisive support of the bill, which aims to amend Section 27(b) of the National Internal Revenue Code to secure with finality the grant of a preferential tax rate of 10 percent for proprietary schools, including the temporarily lowered rate of 1 percent during the pandemic, under the CREATE Act. “We pray for our senators that they may continue to be filled with courage and the strength of purpose to urgently pass this landmark legislation for Philippine education within the 18th Congress,” the educational associations said in a joint statement.

Opinion

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2021

B1

EDITORIAL

Get that vaccine, fast!

also encounter similar cases from other people. This is how I knew that vaccines work. Everyone must get vaccinated the soonest they can with whatever brand is available.

Data from herdimmunity.ph indicate that as of August 3, only 14.04 percent of the 70 million herd immunity target of THE deadly COVID-19 Delta variant the DOH has been fully vaccinated. We has been detected in all Metro Manila have enough vaccines to fully vaccinate cities. Hospitals are again filling up and just 20.25 million individuals or 28.94 even children are getting the virus as percent of the 70 million target. Thus, what the Philippine General Hospital we still need 71.06 percent doses of vac(PGH) is experiencing. Again, the coun- cines to achieve herd immunity. We have try’s capital region has been placed under a long way to go in terms of the needed the strictest form of quarantine, the En- vaccines and the number of people to be hanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) vaccinated. No wonder the Delta variant from August 6 to 20. There is no telling if is spreading fast.

Vaccine hesitancy is real. On social this will be extended.

My house is quite a distance away media alone, there are those who are from main roads and my environs are calling to boycott the Chinese vaccine Sigenerally quiet, disturbed only when I novac. There is an ongoing debate about play the music of my generation. I am this. Of course, we have a right to choose fortunate to be greeted by the chirping the vaccine brand we want especially of birds in the mornings while I enjoy if this is an informed choice. If we are privileged to be able my coffee. I cannot complain about my to stay home and peaceful existence still earn our living, We need to and I know that a lot we can wait for that vaccinate more, not of people out there vaccine. However, are not as lucky. not many are in this fewer, people.

However, since situation. Millions of last week, my peace Filipinos will not eat has been intermittentif they do not go out ly punctured by the sound of ambulance to work. They need to get the vaccine for sirens rushing through the main road. It their own protection.

Vaccine hesitancy exists among those is disturbing knowing that the patients in these vehicles may have contracted who do not believe they actually work, COVID-19 or other life-threatening ill- and among those who want to wait for nesses. I can only mutter to myself the their preferred brands. As responsible wish that these patients will be accom- citizens, we can help address this probmodated by hospitals, get the treatment lem by calmly and patiently explaining to they need, and eventually get fully well people that the vaccine is what can keep them and their families alive. to rejoin their families and friends.

Vaccine supply is another big problem My feelings are the same during the height of the pandemic last year – anx- as shown by herdimmunity.ph data. We ious not only for myself but my family, also come across a lot of complaints from friends, and the country. As of this writ- people saying that they have registered ing, reports have it that the Department and been waiting for their appointments of Health (DOH) has just placed eight (8) for a long time. Local government units Metro Manila cities under Alert Level 4 have also criticized the national governover high numbers of COVID-19 cases ment for the very slow rollout of vaccines. No wonder, we see hundreds of and high hospital occupancy rate.

According to Health Undersecretary people lining up in vaccination centers Maria Rosario Vergeire, alert level 4 for many hours in case they get lucky means that an area has been classified to get the vaccine. This is unacceptable. as moderate to critical risk and has a Only the government can solve the suphealthcare utilization rate of higher than ply problem and it should move the fast70%. Under Alert Level 4 are: Las Piñas, est it can.

The ECQ period should be used to vacMuntinlupa, Pateros, Quezon City, Taguig, Malabon, Makati, and San Juan. Oth- cinate more people. However, DOH on er areas in other regions of the country August 5 suspended vaccination in hosare also placed under the same alert level. pitals and medical centers during ECQ. By now, we already know that the most This could be on account of the high vulnerable to the Delta variant are those number of cases being attended to by who have yet to be vaccinated. Those our healthcare providers. All other vacwho are fully vaccinated may still get cination sites are open. The DOH should the virus but they have protection against see to it that the vaccination rollout is insevere disease, and there is less need to tensified and those scheduled to get their be hospitalized. This applies to whatever jab from hospitals and medical centers should be accommodated elsewhere. We vaccine brand was used.

I have fully vaccinated friends (and need to vaccinate more, not fewer, peoin some instances, including their fam- ple.

We do not have the luxury of time. Let ily members) who were infected with COVID-19. However, their symptoms us help each other keep sane and safe. We were mild to moderate and their doc- are all in this together.

Get. That. Vaccine. Soonest. tors did not recommend hospitalization.

They did home isolation and were managed there. By now, all of them are re- @bethangsioco on Twitter covering and are almost fully well. We Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

The call has been sounded again hinted she would be running for president when she declared she would go for a total Cabinet revamp should she win, sparing no one among her father’s appointees.

A couple of hours after the Manila mayor’s announcement, PDP-Laban president, Energy Secretary Al Cusi an2022 has just gotten more exciting.

Last Thursday, Manila Mayor Francis- nounced they have nominated Senator co “Isko Moreno” Domagoso resigned Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and as vice chairman and member of the President Rodrigo Duterte as their party’s Enrique Razon backed-National Unity official bets for 2022. Go even issued a Party, eliciting reactions from political statement reiterating his position that he will only seek the pundits who thinks presidency if the elDomagoso could der Duterte would have forfeited large Throngs of agree to be his runchunks of campaign ning mate. supporters will heed fund from the busiInterestingly, all nessman, possibly Marcos’ call. those aforemenaffecting his chances tioned moves were in a potential presieffected just days dential run.

Whether it affects his war chest or not, after former Senator Ferdinand “BongDomagoso’s resignation from the NUP bong” Marcos, Jr. said he would only fortifies beliefs that he is indeed throw- seek the presidency if he could muster ing his hat into the ring that is next year’s enough support to carry him to victory.

It was Bongbong sounding off a clarpresidential election. His action is widely believed to be a reaction to rumors his ion call to Marcos supporters, some 15 party is negotiating with another proba- million strong, to come out and openly ble candidate – Davao City Mayor Inday express their support in order for him to engage in his biggest political battle.

Sara Duterte.

A day before Domagoso’s resignation, He was giving the Marcos supporters the the presidential daughter was said to have honor of deciding his possible presiden-

O

Eleazar’s police state of other essential industries should not be deprived of the right to a safe way of going to and from their workplaces.

Under fire, the police chief reversed the policy a day later, but added bureaucratic obstacles to make it harder for people to give essential workers a ride.

NE can almost hear the eagerness in Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Guillermo Eleazar’s voice as he goes about dictating what we may and may not do during the hard lockdown that began Friday.

If the police chief really wants to protect us, he is going about it the wrong way.

Even days before the two-week lockdown aimed at curbing COVID-19 infections began, Eleazar caused a stir by barring those unauthorized to leave their homes from driving essential workers to and from their places of work.

Essential workers such as those working in hospitals and industries allowed to operate during the lockdown or government employees, known by the ugly acronym APOR (authorized persons outside of residence), could no longer be driven to and from work by non-APOR members of their family or friends, the police chief declared. This, he said, was to prevent people from using this as an excuse to drive around outside their homes for non-essential business.

Among those that objected was the Commission on Human Rights, which said that while restrictions were understandable, health workers and employees

Non-APORs, he said, must present the following documents at checkpoints: the APOR’s employment certificate, a document indicating the name of the APOR’s designated driver, vehicle information, and contact number and a copy of the APOR employer’s business permit.

Amid all the anxiety and hardship that we are already under, we are compelled to ask, does the national police chief feel the need to make things even more difficult?

Really, Herr Commandant? A business permit? Wouldn’t the employment

certificate suffice? And why must there be a designated driver? What if that particular family member is sick on a given day? What would be so bad about letting another do the drive?

And even assuming there are people who do want to break the stay-at-home rules, where would they go? The entire metropolis is on lockdown. There are no malls or other crowded places they can go to congregate and risk infection. Why make things even more difficult for essential workers and their families, merely to stop a handful of undisciplined persons who have nowhere to go, anyway?

Not content with these restrictions, the police chief has also declared “little bubbles” within the National Capital Region (NCR) bubble, and will set up checkpoints to prevent travel between cities inside Metro Manila.

Again, what is the cost of setting up roadblocks on city boundaries, as opposed to the perceived benefits?

We are all trying to keep safe in a pandemic. That doesn’t mean we all agree to live in a police state—even if it is just for two weeks. If the police chief really wants to protect us, he is going about it the wrong way.

Where Robredo is heading WHEN Senator Lacson decided to name his political party “Partido Reporma,” he wisely avoided the nomination that would entail the selection of a front-runner. The voters are confused whether the senator who has been dubbed as “Mr. Clean” is referring to a party, or to indicate that reform came only after he declared him-self a candidate, and his main target is to entice the voters referred to by him as gullible people. In such a case, Lacson’s concept of reforms is wholly intended to soothe the listening ears oft he electorate.

Let us begin with Vice President Leni Robredo. Many could not understand why she is talking to other potential presidential candidates when she should be talking instead to the Liberal Party headed

by Francis Pangilinan, he being the party president. Notably, she has always been acting as though she represents the party, and not a mere creation of Noynoy and some political sycophants in the party.

Recall that it was the coalition of the yellow hypocrites made up of the arrogant oligarchy, the sacrilegious Catholic Church, the communists disguised as militant nationalist and owners of big US businesses or holders of the big stick that coagulated to prevent BBM from being elected vice-president. Robredo fought tooth and nail to defend her stolen position from being taken away. One Supreme Court magistrate even lost his shame and decency just to vouch in defense of a bogus vice president.

Now that election season is around the

tial run. It would be their collective voices reverberating throughout the country – from the selection of the candidate to putting their chosen one to the halls of power.

Domagoso and Go had to make their moves fast. They have been beaten to the draw by Senators Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Vicente “Tito” Sotto who have already declared their intentions for next year’s polls.

And even as the younger Duterte and Marcos have to make known their preference for 2022, they already are enjoying a groundswell of support.

Late last month, an alliance of strong political leaders from the so-called Solid North ed by League of Municipalities President and Narvacan, Ilocos Sur Mayor Chavit Singson and Isabela Gov. Rodito Albano, along with dozens of congressmen and elected local government officials, pledged united support for Marcos as they urged him to run for president in next year’s elections.

Sara, on the other hand, had been eliciting support from the country’s major

corner, Robredo is talking to would-be candidates outside the party ranks but within the vociferous opposition bloc. Senator Trillanes was particularly irked seeing horse trading in the political future of the opposition. Rumors are rife that Mar Roxas is dissatisfied with her acts, as though she alone were the candidate of the Liberal Party, leaving it to the losing candidates to lick their own wounds. Not even those bunch of religious hypocrites came to console him after that 2016 presidential debacle.

Has she distanced herself from the Liberal Party?

Political aficionados could sense that Robredo has distanced herself from the Liberal Party.

Roxas simply refused to acknowledge her de facto leadership based on what many believe as a de facto mandate that elected her as vice-president under the banner of the Liberal Party. It seems that Roxas is treating her as some kind of “echapwera.” This could easily be deduced, for understandably, she is a product of Noynoy Aquino to suit his own political whims.

Trillanes is opposed to the idea of Robredo taking in an outsider regarding the future plans of the opposition. His Magdalo Party feels it is being treated as an outsider despite their huge investment in organizing the party particularly in Bicol. Besides, taking in an outrider would automatically displace the ambition both of Trillanes and that of Vicente Sotto III, not say just how it will displace the longing ambition of Lacson to

political parties including Lakas-NUCD, the Nacionalista Party and Isko’s former party, the NUP. And both Bongbong and Sara are considered frontrunners even as this early even if they have yet to make any declaration if they are running and for what position.

With the least political mass base among all probable candidates as he has yet to run for any national electoral position, Isko has to seek refuge from another political party – the resurrected Aksyon Demokratiko. However, this could bolster suspicions he is a Yellow politician with leanings to the Left as AD is composed of Yellow personalities with the likes of former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay and other leaders who are being backed by the Left.

With the opposition now in disarray, Domagoso could suffer the same fate as that of the Otso Diretso candidates as they employ the same groups of supporters.

Domagoso and the other aspiring candidates should also take into consider-

MORE OPINION ONLINE

become president. Many suspect Robredo’s game of acting as a political butterfly is somewhat determined by her poor showing in the poll survey. She is hoping to gather enough supporters to save her from political obscurity.

All the years she served as vice president she has never managed to anchor herself politically on solid grounds. The political affiliation created by her handlers with the open support of the theocratic Catholic Church and the financial support of the US reflect much of the dwindling political influence of the US. In fact, it is doubtful whether Lacson will hand over the party he pulled from the dustbin to anybody. It will be an insult to a man whose pride is bigger than his head. Remember, this will be the second time Lacson will run. He miserably lost to Arroyo in 2004. Before the party was resurrected, the party did not represent any elected official to debunk Lawson’s claim that the reform is an ongoing enterprise. The only party member who vouched for his candidacy was Renato de Villa who himself has long been politically hibernating. Vicente Sotto III is an outsider but contemplating to bolt from the National People’s Coalition (NPC) not to serve but to suit his ambition.

Another is the much-discredited United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) of Jejomar Binay who wanted to fulfill the saying of “all in the family.”

The one actively brokering Lacson’s candidacy is a losing politician, congressman Pantaleon Alvarez. Aside from having been politically insulated by the Duterte administration, all he does is gamble on his luck, hoping for a change of political wind. As one would quip, all is fair for the losers.

Full version on www.manilastandard.net

ation that the elder Duterte won not because of his popularity -- he was not that popular back in 2016 -- but because of the people’s frustration over and growing hatred of the Yellows. And the Marcos camp played a major role in delivering votes for the then-Davao City mayor.

And that could spell some disadvantage for Domagoso. Thus, he needs to play his cards right.

In yesterday’s press briefing hosted by the National Press Club, Marcos reiterated he still has his options in 2022 open. Meaning he could step down as a vice presidential candidate, or push for the top post, which could open the possibility of a possible team-up between him and Inday Sara. And as I have stated in my previous column, once these two agree to slug it out together next year, tapos na ang boksing.

But then, Bongbong has already sounded his call. And not only do I believe his throngs of supporters will heed the call, but that they will also insist that he should not settle for anything less than the presidency.

Marcos v.

Robredo: Lessons for future elections

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Write up on the Ancillary Service of SCPC

MACTAN GREENFILED PLANT GENERATION CHARGE, ENERGY FEES AND ADJUSTMENT FORMULA The BUYER shall pay the SELLER for the Delivered Energy at the following Energy Fees and as adjusted on a monthly basis pursuant to the following formula; Where:

5.1.1 Beginning SED, the SELLER shall make available to the BUYER, and the BUYER shall take or pay on a monthly basis the Delivered Energy up to Contract Capacity and subject to the Minimum Contract Quantity for each Billing Period as specified in Energy Fees stated in Annex II – A and Annex II – B. The Minimum Contract Quantity for each Billing Period as specified in Annex I shall not be changed by either Party except in cases provided for this Contract.

5.1.2 The Contract Capacity and Minimum Contract Quantity shall be delivered by the SELLER at the SELLER’s high voltage side of the transformer of the Plant as provided in Annex III. This will be used for purposes of billing and settlement. Title and risk of loss for the Contract Capacity and Delivered Energy shall be transferred to the BUYER at the high voltage side of the Plant’s transformer.

5.2 Supply 5.2.1 The SELLER shall have no obligation to supply more than the Contract Capacity as provided for in Annex I. The BUYER acknowledges that it is obligated to take no less than the Contract Capacity at eighty percent (80%) Load Factor (LF) for each Billing Period and shall maintain a minimum hourly energy nomination of eighty percent (80%) of the Contract Capacity for the duration of the Contract Term subject to the Nomination Protocol as contained in Annex I below.

FOM - Fixed Operation and Maintenance Fee set at PhP 0.3000/kWh (fixed/non-adjusting) VOM - Variable Operation and Maintenance Fee set at PhP 0.1000/kWh (fixed/non-adjusting) FF Adj - Current Fuel Fee applicable for the Billing Period calculated as follows: FF Adj = FF base * ( FO current / FO base ) Where:

FO current = Current landed and processed cost of fuel, including regas and storage in USD/mm FO base = Base landed cost of fuel set at USD5.00/mmBtu xxx 10. Based on the rate computation and analysis, the ESC will have a rate impact of (Php1.3428)/kwh reduction in electricity cost as shown below – June

May

June

SCPC Demand in KW

if at 30,000 KW

Energy in KWH

22,320,000.0 0

Capacity Recovery Fee

1.3333

O&M Fee

0.0000

if at 50,000 KW 21,600,000.0 0

37,200,000.00

36,000,000.0 0

Fuel Fee (Non-adjusting/ Fixed)

2.0000

Total Rate

3.3333

Energy

22,320,000.0 0

21,600,000.0 0

22,320,000.00

21,600,000.0 0

Amount

74,399,256.0 0

71,999,280.0 0

74,399,256.00

71,999,280.0 0

Energy

5,233.71

5,697.11

5,233.71

5,697.11

Amount

20,012.50

22,294.05

20,012.50

22,294.05

50% of NET PPD

532,376.35

556,704.71

598,103.57

568,597.00

PCR

491,922.60

420,914.86

491,922.60

420,914.86

Blended Gen Rate

3.9984

5.0355

3.5039

4.0888

Implemented Blended Gen Rate

5.4231

6.3784

5.4231

6.3784

Rate Impact (Increase / -Decrease)

-1.4247

-1.3428

-1.9192

-2.2895

NM

11. In support of this Application, MECO and SCPC respectfully submit the following documentary requirements: Annex B

Description

5.2.2 For Delivered Energy, the BUYER shall submit to the SELLER, a month ahead nomination translated into hourly and daily schedule referred as the BCQ in seven (7) calendar days prior to the start of the next Billing Period, in accordance with the “Nomination Protocol” to be agreed upon by the Parties or prescribed by the Market Operator.

B-3

Copy of the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity of MECO

C-1

Distribution Development Plan of MECO

5.2.3 In the event that the capability of the SELLER to deliver capacity or the capability of the BUYER to take the capacity are each affected by the occurrence of an Event of Force Majeure, the provisions of Article 10 (Force Majeure) shall apply.

C-2

Graphical Representation of the Supply and Demand Scenario of MECO

D-1

Invitation to Submit Comparative Proposals to Challenge KSPC’s Proposal

5.3 Meter registrations at the BUYER’s receiving point over and above the BCQ or the nominated quantity shall be deemed purchased by the BUYER from the WESM or other supplier(s).

D-2

Copy of the Published Invitation dated October 8, 2018 in Malaya Business Insight

D-3

Copy of the Published Invitation dated October 15, 2018 in Malaya Business Insight

D-4

Proposals Received from SCPC and CEDC (confidential)

D-5

Evaluation Report of the PSPP-BAC dated November 19,2018 (confidential)

D-6

Evaluation Summary of the Challengers’ Offer (confidential)

D-7

Rules for the Evaluation of Challenge Bids In Re: Invitation to Submit Comparative Proposals to Challenge KSPC’s Proposal

D-8

Letter dated March 8,2019 re: Notice for Leading Challenger Status on the Invitation to Submit Comparative Proposals to Challenge KSPC’s Proposal

D-9

Board Resolution dated January 7, 2019 re: Conduct of CSP through Comparative Proposals

D-10

Notice of Award and/ or Notice to Proceed

D-11

Certification of MECO’s General Manager re: Conduct of CSP

Energy Fees comprising of Capital Recovery Fee, Fixed Operation and Maintenance Fee, Variable Operation and Maintenance Fee and Fuel Fee. The monthly Generation Charge shall be computed based on the formula contained in Annex II – A and Annex II – B; Prompt Payment Discount on the Capital Recovery Fee shall be based on the table contained in Annex II – C and subject to Article 9.2.2. xxx

C

D

E

13.3 As shown in this Application and its supporting documents, the price offered in the ESC is fixed at PhP 3.3333/kwh as compared to the current cost of electricity at PhP 7.07/kwh.

15. Moreover, considering that Section 3 of Rule 14 provides that the Commission shall hold in abeyance the resolution on the said motion until after the lapse of thirty (30) days from the receipt of the copy of the application by the concerned local legislative offices within the franchise area or from the publication of the application, whichever comes later, applicants respectfully move for authority to draw power from SCPC at the rate of PhP3.3333/kwh to commence on 26 July 2021 pending the resolution of the motion for the provisional authority.

16. The applicants understand that the provisional authority and interim relief granted by the Commission are subject to adjustments and other conditions if upon final evaluation of the case, the Commission determines that the applicants are not entitled to the full amount of the provisional and interim rate allowed.

Motion for Confidential Treatment of Information Rule 4 of Resolution No. 1, Series of 2021 17. MECO respectfully moves for confidential treatment of the information contained in Annexes D-4, D-5, and D-6. These documents contain valuable proprietary interest and information relating to the business operations, commercial transactions, and financial standing of other juridical entities. The information sought to be protected does not belong to MECO and any disclosure thereof to a third person may expose MECO to liability.

18. Likewise, SCPC would like to plead for the judicious wisdom of the Honorable Commission to afford Annexes P-1 and Q confidential treatment in the handling and custody thereof.

19. The subject annexes of SCPC is a product of mathematical procedures and information that were used in its dealings with coal/fuel suppliers. The sensitive information and processes therein are the results of the extensive, meticulous and arduous analysis and discussion amongst the responsible personnel of SCPC and which are not publicly available. Given the foregoing, the same must not be disclosed to the public before, during and even after the conclusion of this case.

21. The interests of the consumers of MECO will be sufficiently protected by the review and evaluation of the rates under the ESC by the Honorable Commission, without the need to disclose the contents of Annexes P-1 and Q. The reasonableness and transparency of the prices of electricity is to be assured by the Honorable Commission through its own review and verification of the foregoing documents sought to be afforded confidential treatment in the evaluation and handling thereof.

One copy each of the mentioned annexes will be placed in a sealed envelope which will be tagged as “Confidential” coupled with a narrative for that purpose will be submitted as integral parts hereof.

22. Finally and in relation to the foregoing, MECO and SCPC would like to implore the discerning wisdom of the Honorable Commission to include in its issuance relative to this incident the “xxx xxx procedures for handling or returning the confidential information, as may be appropriate, upon the close of the proceedings or at the end of the period provided xxx xxx ”3- - - in the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure.

23. This is guided by the fact that the applicants herein will seek for the return of these sought to be declared confidential annexes after its utilization as evidence in this case and/or at the close of the proceedings hereof, so as to relieve the Honorable Commission of the burden of safekeeping the trade secrets enclosed/ embraced in the subject annexes.

RELIEF APPLICANTS respectfully pray that the Honorable Commission – 1. Before and during the pendency of the proceedings/scheduled hearing(s) and the final resolution/approval of this case, that an Order be issued for the GRANT of: (i)

an Authority to Draw power from SCPC on 26 July 2021 at the rate of PhP3.3333/kwh as indicated in the ESC pending the issuance of the Provisional Authority or Interim Relief;

(ii)

a Provisional Authority or Interim Relief allowing the Joint Applicants to immediately implement the ESC subject of this case in its entirety;

(iii)

an Order affording Annexes D-4, D-5, and D-6, P-1 and Q, and all the information contained therein confidential treatment in perpetuity, directing their non-disclosure to persons other than the officers and staff of the Honorable Commission, continually protecting the said information from public disclosure by maintaining the same as separate and apart from the records of this case, ensuring that these are not divulged to unauthorized persons, from the time these annexes are received by the Honorable Commission up to the termination of the instant case; and,

(iv)

an Issuance concerning the procedures for handling the confidential information upon the close of the proceedings and its return/delivery to MECO and SCPC.

2. After due notice and hearing, ISSUE a DECISION approving the instant Joint Application in toto which will thereby allow/authorize MECO to charge and collect the fees from its customers reckoned from the commencement of the supply to the latter by SCPC. for.

3. Other reliefs just and equitable under the circumstances are likewise prayed

Muntinlupa City and Mandaluyong City for Pasig City, July 12, 2021.

Counsel for Mactan Electric Company Inc. RUBIO-AGUINALDO & SALIG-BATHAN Attorneys-at-Law Unit 802 Prime Land Tower, Market Street Madrigal Business Park, Ayala Alabang Muntinlupa City 1780 rasb.lawoffice@gmail.com By:

Executive Summary of the ESC

E-1

List of Power Supply Agreements

E-2

Transmission Service Agreement

E-3

Metering Service Agreement

E-4

Details of the ESC Sample Computation of Power Rates and Rate Impact Computation

G

Articles of Incorporation and By Laws of SCPC

1. The Contract Capacity for the duration of the Contract shall be as follows:

H

Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Certificate of SCPC

I

General Information Sheet ("GIS") of SCPC

J

Certificate of SCPC · from the Board of Investments (“BOI”)

K

Environmental Compliance Certificate (“ECC”) issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (“DENR”) to the Limay Power Plant

L

Write up on the Shareholders’ Agreement of SCPC

M

Corporate Structure of SMC Global Power Holdings Inc. and its Subsidiaries

c. Starting 26 March 2026 until the end of the Contract Term, the Contract Capacity shall be 50,000 kW.

13.2 Last May 21, 2021, MECO’s contract with KSPC expired. This raised the exposure to WESM prices from 33% to 75% and the average prices for May and June are Php 8.63/kwh and PhP 7.07/kwh, respectively.

Details of the CSP Process for MECO

ANNEX I CONTRACT CAPACITY, MINIMUM CONTRACT QUANTITY AND NOMINATION PROTOCOL

b. At any point up to 25 March 2026, the Contract Capacity may be increased up to 50,000 kW subject to Article [5].

13.1 MECO sources it’s power supply from KSPC at 28MW and CEDC at 15MW, respectively. MECO’s current power demand is 68MW at a load factor of 74%. Thus, MECO’s market exposure is 25MW at 40% load factor.

Explanation re: Non-Applicability of the Transition Supply Contract with National Power Corporation (“NPC”) of MECO

F

a. Starting 26 July 2021 or SED as provided in Article 2.2, whichever comes later, the initial Contract Capacity shall be 30,000 kW

13. The necessity to draw power on 26 July 2021 is not only on account of MECO’s mandate to provide the least cost of electricity to its consumers, but is also based on the following factual considerations:

Amended Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of MECO Copy of Republic Act No. 10890 or “ An Act Granting the Mactan Electric Company, Inc. (MECO) a Franchise to Construct, Install, Establish, Operate and Maintain a Distribution System for the Conveyance of Electric Power to the End Users in the City of Lapu-Lapu and the Municipality of Cordova, Province of Cebu

8.1 Generation Charge.

12. Applicants respectfully move for provisional authority and interim relief to implement the ESC pending the resolution of this Application on account of the exposure to the volatile prices of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) especially these recent times where such prices are at record high.

20. Under the circumstances, these are trade secrets that exclusively belong to SCPC which were afforded by the prevailing jurisprudence2 a mantle of protection against unauthorized disclosure to third persons or other participants in the industry which will definitely compromise SCPC’s competitiveness.

B-2

Article 8 Contract Charges and Adjustments

Motion for Provisional Authority and Interim Relief Rule 14 of Resolution No. 1, Series of 2021

FF base = Base Fuel Fee set at PhP2.4000/kWhBtu

General Information Sheet (GIS) for the Year 2020 of MECO

xxx

Affidavit of Publication and complete issue of the newspapers where the Joint Application was published

14. Therefore, it is to the utmost benefit of the consumers of MECO if it can draw power from SCPC by 26 July 2021.

LF actual = Buyer’s actual load factor for the Billing Period

B-1

5.4 Further, the SELLER and/or through its affiliate(s) commits to build “Mactan Greenfield Plant” and endeavors to connect directly to the distribution system of the BUYER by 2024-2025 to supply the BUYER’s power requirements. Supply from this power plant will result in savings in transmission and other energy market charges in favor of the BUYER from the commercial operations of the same until the end of the Contract Term. This power plant will utilize High Efficiency Low Emission technology and will not use coal as fuel but should adequately and reliably provide the energy requirements of the BUYER.

DD and series

DEBP - Delivered Energy in kWh, for the Billing Period CRFAdj - Current Capital Recovery Fee applicable for the Billing Period calculated as follows: CRF Adj = CRF base / LF actual

May

Secretary’s Certificate of scrc Proof of Service to the Sanggunians within the franchise area of MECO and Sangguniang Pangbayan of Limay, of copies of the Joint Application (including annexes)

GCBP - Generation Charge in PhP for the Billing Period

CRF base = Base Capital Recovery Fee set at PhP1.3333/kWh

Write up on the Minimum Energy Off Take of SCPC

CC and series

GCBP = DEBP * ( CRFAdj + FOM + VOM + FFAdj )

Article 2 Term

5.1 Contract Capacity and Delivered Energy

AA BB

ANNEX II-B

8. In the meantime, Covid-19 caused a global economic impasse. After an assessment of the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the industrial and commercial activities within MECO’s franchise area, MECO expects a significant reduction in its projected power demand insofar as the 50MW contracted capacity is concerned. To resolve this issue, MECO and SCPC have mutually agreed to allow MECO to procure a minimum of 30MW beginning 26 July 2021, and if at any time thereafter, the demand has normalized and recovered, the additional capacity on top of the minimum of 30MW up to 50MW contract capacity, shall be procured

by MECO from SCPC.

Article 5 Sale and Purchase of Contract Capacity and Delivered Energy

Certification on the Non-Applicability of a Renewable Energy Service/Operating Contract and Certification of Registration or Certificate of Commerciality by an RE Developer from the Department of Energy (DOE)

FF - Fuel Fee set at PhP2.0000/kWh (fixed/non-adjusting)

7. The Original Proponent failed to match SCPC’s proposal; hence, SCPC was declared as the winning Challenger.

xxx

Cost Analysis of SCPC

S

W

VOM - Variable Operation and Maintenance Fee set at zero (PhP0.0000/ kWh)

6. Based on the evaluation of the proposals by the PSPP-BAC, SCPC’s proposal will have the most beneficial impact to the consumers. Resultantly, SCPC was declared as the leading Challenger.

2.2 Supply Effective Date (“SED”). The Supply Effective Date shall be 26 July 2021 at interval 0001 hour subject to the submission of BUYER of all the following requirements at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to SED or such other date as may be agreed upon by the Parties in writing.

R

GCBP - Generation Charge in PhP for the Billing Period

FOM - Fixed Operation and Maintenance Fee set at zero (PhP0.0000/ kWh)

5. On October 8 and October 15, 2018, MECO, through its Power Supply Procurement Plan – Bids and Awards Committee (“PSPPBAC”), published an “Invitation to Submit a Comparative Proposal to Challenge KSPC’s Proposal” in Malaya Business Insight prompting SCPC and Cebu Energy Development Corporation (“CEDC”) to submit their respective proposals.

2.1 Term. This Contract shall be binding between the Parties on the date of signing (“Execution Date”) and shall remain effective for a period of ten (10) years (“Contract Term”) from Supply Effective Date, extendible for another two (2) years, upon mutual agreement, on the same terms and conditions, subject to the applicable laws and issuances. Supply of electric power by the SELLER shall commence on Supply Effective Date, extendible as defined below and shall continue until the end of the Contract Term.

Power Rate Calculations and Financial Model (confidential)

Connection Agreement of SCPC

LF actual = Buyer’s actual load factor for the Billing Period

4. In compliance with the rules on competitive selection process (“CSP”) of the Energy Regulatory Commission (“ERC”) as per ERC Resolution No. 13, Series of 2015 and ERC Resolution No. 01, Series of 2016, KSPC’s unsolicited proposal was subjected to a swiss challenge, where KSPC was given the status of the Original Proponent (“OP”) with the right-to-match the offer of any leading challenger.

Write up on the Fuel Procurement Process of SCPC (confidential)

Q

V

CRF base = Base Capital Recovery Fee set at PhP1.3333/kWh

3. In view of the anticipated expiration of the Power Sales Contract1 between MECO and KEPCO SPC Power Corporation (“KSPC”), on December 4, 2017, the former received an unsolicited proposal from the latter for the continuation of the 28MW power supply and for the additional supply 22MW, or a total of 50MW contract capacity for a period of ten (10) years.

Salient Features of the ESC

Affidavit of the Fuel Procurement Process of SCPC

Decision of the Point-to-Point Case of SCPC docketed as 2016-015 MC

2. SCPC is a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the Philippines, with principal address at Roman Highway, Barangay Lamao, Limay, Bataan, Philippines. It is the owner of a Circulating Fluidized Bed Boiler Coal-fired Power Plant located in Limay, Bataan, and has committed to build the “Mactan Greenfield Plant” in Mactan Island.

9. In June 2021, MECO and SCPC executed their Energy Supply Contract (“ESC”), which is the subject of this Application. A copy of the ESC is attached as Annex “A” and its salient features are shown below:

P

T

CRFAdj = CRF base / LF actual

1. MECO is a private corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the Philippines, with principal address at MECO Building, Sangi Road, LapuLapu City, Cebu. It has a legislative franchise and Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to operate the electric light and power distribution system and service in the City of Lapu-Lapu and in the Municipality of Cordova. MECO is represented by its General Manager and Senior Vice President, Engr. Gilbert A. Pagobo, as shown in the attached Secretary’s Certificate dated July 6, 2021. It may be served with notices and processes at the address of its undersigned counsel.

Certificate of Endorsement (“COE”) issued by the Department of Energy (“DOE”) to SCPC

U

CRFAdj - Applicable Capital Recovery Fee for the Billing Period calculated as follows:

Applicants MACTAN ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC. (“MECO”) and SMC CONSOLIDATED POWER CORPORATION (“SCPC”), by counsels, respectfully state:

O

The BUYER shall pay the SELLER for the Delivered Energy at the following Energy Fees and as adjusted on a monthly basis pursuant to the following formula: GCBP = DEBP * ( CRFAdj + FOM + VOM + FF ) Where:

DEBP - Delivered Energy in kWh, for the Billing Period

JOINT APPLICATION With Motion for Provisional Authority, Interim Relief and Confidential Treatment of Information

Certificate of Compliance (“ COC”) issued by the Energy Regulatory Commission (“ERC”) to SCPC

P-1

ANNEX II-A

MACTAN ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC. (MECO) AND SMC CONSOLIDATED POWER CORPORATION (SCPC), Applicants. x-----------------------------------------------------------x

N

MISHELLE ANNE R. RUBIO-AGUINALDO PTR No. MCF 3 082; 01.04.21; Muntinlupa IBP Lifetime Roll No. 014910; PPLM Roll of Attorneys No. 65873 MCLE Compliance No. VI-0023488; 14 April 2022 +63 917 675 0229 atty.mish@gmail.com Counsels for SMC Consolidated Power Corporation (SCPC)

JUPITER M. CABAGUIO Roll No. 47112 PTR No. 4326916/07 January 2021/Mandaluyong city IBP No. 06372/Lifetime/Makati City MCLE Compliance No. VI - 0015891/13 December 2018 5th Floor, Main Building, 100 Eulogio Rodriguez Jr., Avenue, C5 Road (Northbound), Pasig City Telephone No. (02) 77961193/09178034173 jcabaguio@smcgph.sanmiguel.com.ph

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

World

B3

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2021 || mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Amid crackdown, Biden offers safe haven to Hong Kongers in US PRESIDENT Joe Biden said Hong including allegations of secession, subKong citizens currently in the United version and terrorist activities.

States who fear for their safety amid the More than 10,000 others have been political crackdown back home will re- arrested in relation to anti-government ceive temporary safe haven. protests, he said.

Biden said the move recognizes “the The new decision extends “deferred significant erosion” of rights and free- enforced departure” (DED) to Hong doms in Hong Kong by the Chinese Kong residents currently in the United government.

States, allowing them to remain for 18 “By unilaterally imposing on months even if their visas have expired.

Hong Kong the Law of the People’s It differs from the more formal imRepublic of China on Safeguarding migration class of “temporary protected National Security in the Hong Kong status” (TPS), which is given to foreign Special Administrative Region, the nationals stuck in the United States due People’s Republic of China has un- to natural disasters or political upheavdermined the enjoyment of rights als back home. and freedoms in Hong Kong,” he China’s embassy in the United States said in a statement. slammed Biden’s announcement.

Biden cited the “politically motivated “Such moves disregard and distort arrests” of more than 100 opposition facts, and grossly interfere in Chipoliticians, activists and protesters on na’s internal affairs,” spokesman Liu charges under the national security law, Pengyu told AFP. AFP CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

HARSH REALITY. Grave diggers bury the coffin of a man who died from COVID-19 at a cemetary in Bekasi on August 6, 2021, as Indonesia passed the grim milestone of over 100,000 COVID-19 deaths. AFP

Sydney warned: Brace for higher virus numbers Manila

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TODAY

AVELINO G. CEDO III Roll No.54500 PTR No. 4326916/07 January 2021/Mandaluyong City IBP No. 010380/Lifetime/PPLM MCLE Compliance No. VI-0011960/3 September 2018 5th Floor, Main Building, 100 Eulogio Rodriguez Jr., Avenue, C5 Road (Northbound), Pasig City Telephone No. (02) 87024509 acedoiii@smcgph.sanmiguel.com.ph VERIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION AGAINST FORUM SHOPPING I, Elenita D. Go, Filipino, of legal age, and with office address at the 19th Floor, San Miguel Properties Centre, No.7 St. Francis Street, Mandaluyong City, after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law, depose and state; that: 1. I am the authorized representative of SMC Consolidated Power Corporation (“SCPC”) a co-applicant in the above-captioned case; 2. I have caused the preparation and filing of the subject Joint Application and that I have read the contents thereof and all the allegations contained therein are true and correct based on my personal knowledge and on authentic and official records/ documents; 3. Pursuant to the amended Rules of Civil Procedure which took effect on 01 May 2020, the Petition is not filed to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or needlessly increase the cost of litigation and that the factual allegations therein have evidentiary support or, if specifically so identified, will likewise have evidentiary support after a reasonable opportunity for discovery; and, 4. I further certify that i have not filed any action involving the same issues in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, or any other courts or tribunals or quasi-judicial bodies/ agencies and to the best of my knowledge, no such other action or claim is pending therein.

If ever there is a case pending before the said courts or tribunals involving the same issues, I undertake to inform the Honorable Board of such fact within five (5) calendar days from knowledge thereof.

That I am executing this undertaking in support of the Petition and the veracity of the allegations therein as well as for any other legal purpose this may serve.

A

USTRALIA’S hope of returning to “COVID zero” suffered a fresh blow Friday, as Sydney reported another record number of new infections and authorities warned residents to brace for worse to come.

For a second straight day, New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian said Australia’s most populous state hit a new peak with 291 cases detected.

“At least 50 of those were infectious in the community,” Berejiklian said, foreshadowing more cases to come, despite a lockdown that is now in its sixth week.

“I’m expecting higher case numbers in the next few days, and I just want everybody to

be prepared for that,” she said.

Roughly 60 percent of Australia’s 25 million residents are currently in lockdown, as the country tries to curb the spread of a virulent Delta variant outbreak.

Melbourne became the latest major city to shutter late Thursday, after Victoria state premier Dan Andrews issued stay-at-home orders for the sixth time in this pandemic.

“To be really frank, we don’t have enough people that have been vaccinated and, therefore, this is the only option available to us,” he said.

Barely 20 percent of Australians have been fully vaccinated, due to an acute lack of supply and pockets of vaccine hesitancy.

With cases rising and lockdowns seemingly able to slow, but not stop the spread, there are growing questions about whether Australia can return to the “COVID zero” status it

enjoyed for much of the last 18 months.

“Given where numbers are, given the experience of Delta overseas, we now have to live with Delta one way or another, and that is pretty obvious,” said Berejiklian.

She said returning to zero cases would be “a challenge” but “that has to be our aspiration, we have to try to get down as low as we can.”

Meanwhile, there are signs that Australians are tiring of on-again-off-again restrictions that have marked pandemic life, although compliance with lockdown rules is still widespread.

“I’m not saying we’re doing super well but we’re keeping our heads above water,” Melbourne market trader Linda told AFP Friday.

“I’m starting to feel like today it’s starting to hit me harder than any other lockdown.

Hang on, I haven’t seen my family for such a long time.” AFP

Apple update to check iPhones for child sexual abuse images

IN WITNESS WHEREOF,, I have hereunto set my hand this ____ at Mandaluyong City.

ELENITA D. GO Affiant SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this JUL. 21, 2021 at Mandaluyong City. Afiiant personally appeared and exhibited to me her Philippine Passport No. P1876103B issued on June 7, 2019 at the DFA NCR East as her competent proof of identity.

Republic of the Philippines) Lapu-Lapu City ) S.s.

VERIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION OF NON-FORUm SHOPPiNG I, GILBERT A. PAGOBO, Filipino, Of legal age, With office address at Mactan Electric Company Inc. (“MECO”) Building, Sangi Road, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu hereby state under oath that: 1.

I am the Senior Vice President and General Manager and the duly authorized representative of MECO in this Application for the Approval of the Energy Supply Contract with San Miguel Consolidated Power Corporation, entitled, “In the Matter of the Application for the Approval of the Energy Power Supply Contract (ESC) between Mactan Electric Company, Inc. (MECO) and San Miguel Consolidated Power Corporation (SCPC) with Motion for Provisional Authority, Interim Relief, Confidential Treatment of Information, Mactan Electric Company, Inc. (MECO) and San Miguel Consolidated Power Corporation (SCPC), Applicants,” as shown in the Secretary’s Certificate dated July 6, 2021.

2. I caused the preparation of this Application its Annexes .vith the assistance of our counsel, -Atty. Mishelle Anne R. Rubio-Aguinaldo, and in coordination and with the active participation of SCPC. 3. I attest and affinn that: (1) I have personal knowledge on all the statements contained herein; (2) I have read the Application and its Annexes, which are true and correct based on my personal knowledge and authentic records, and (3) the Annexes and all supporting documents are authentic and the statements contained therein have evidentiary support.

4. This Application is filed only for meritorious reasons and not to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or needlessly increase the cost of litigation.

5. MECO and I have not heretofore commenced any action or filed any claim involving the same issues in this application in the Energy Regulatory Commission or any court, tribunal, or quasi- judicial agency, and to the best of my knowledge, no such other action is pending, I shall report such fact with the Commission within five (5) days from discovery, IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have executed this affidavit this July 15, 2021 in the City of Lapu-Lapu.

GILBERT A. PAGOBO Affiant SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me this July15, 2021 at Lapu-Lapu City, affiant personally known to me and exhibited to me his competent evidence if identity:

1 2 3

Approved in ERC Case No. 2011-084 RC and which expired last May 21, 2021.

Air Philippines Corporation vs. Penswell, Inc. G.R. No. 172835, 13 December 2007.

Second letter (d) found on the third set of the alphabetical enumerations under Section 2, Rule 4 (Confidential Information) of the ERC Rules and Practices and Procedure.

(MS-AUG. 7, 2021)

REMEMBERING HIROSHIMA. Buddhist monks pray at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

in Hiroshima on August 6, 2021, following the annual ceremony to remember the victims on the 76th anniversary of the world’s first atomic bomb attack. AFP

Virgin Galactic restarts space tickets sale AFTER flying its founder Richard Branson to space, Virgin Galactic is restarting ticket sales beginning at $450,000, the company said.

The new price is about double the $200,000 to $250,000 paid by around 600 people who previously booked seats on Virgin’s spaceship between 2005 and 2014, as the company looks to cash in on the success of last month’s fullycrewed test flight.

“We are excited to announce the reopening of sales effective today,” said CEO Michael Colglazier in a statement, with first dibs going to people on a waiting list.

“As we endeavor to bring the wonder of space to a broad global population, we are delighted to open the door to an entirely new industry and consumer experience.”

On July 11, Branson beat Blue Origin owner Jeff Bezos to space in a battle between the billionaires. Bezos achieved the feat nine days later.

The next test flight will come in September and involve members of the Italian Air Force.

There will be one further test after the September mission, then the first commercial flights will take place in the third quarter of 2022, Colglazier said in an earnings call.

The offerings for customers will include a single seat; multi-seats for couples, friends or family; and a full-flight buyout.

Two free seats on an early flight are up for grabs in a prize draw, with registrations open until September 1.

The spaceplane was originally designed to carry six crew, but last month’s flight, which was described as “fully-crewed,” had just four – suggesting this is the current number.

Virgin’s space experience involves an airlaunched spaceplane, VSS Unity, that takes off attached to the belly of a massive carrier plane from a runway at Spaceport America in New Mexico. AFP

APPLE said iPhones and iPads will soon start detecting images containing child sexual abuse and reporting them as they are uploaded to its online storage in the United States, a move privacy advocates say raises concerns.

“We want to help protect children from predators who use communication tools to recruit and exploit them, and limit the spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM),” Apple said in an online post.

New technology will allow software powering Apple mobile devices to match abusive photos on a user’s phone against a database of known CSAM images provided by child safety organizations, then flag the images as they are uploaded to Apple’s online iCloud storage, according to the company.

However, several digital rights organizations say the tweaks to Apple’s operating systems create a potential “backdoor” into gadgets that could be exploited by governments or other groups.

Apple counters that it will not have direct access to the images and stressed steps it’s taken to protect privacy and security.

The Silicon Valley-based tech giant said the matching of photos would be “powered by a cryptographic technology” to determine “if there is a match without revealing the result,” unless the image was found to contain depictions of child sexual abuse. AFP

Jury selection to begin in R. Kelly sex abuse trial JURY selection for the federal New York trial of R. Kelly, the disgraced R&B superstar who faces a battery of sex abuse charges in several US states, is set to start Monday after more than a year of pandemic delay.

Kelly, 54, faces charges in a US court in Brooklyn including racketeering, sexual exploitation of a child, kidnapping, bribery and forced labor. They span from 1994 to 2018.

The musician, currently incarcerated at a Brooklyn federal prison, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Following jury selection, testimony is due to begin August 18.

For decades the artist born Robert Sylvester Kelly has faced accusations including child pornography, sex with minors, operating a sex cult and sexual battery.

But despite the slew of unsettling claims and several out-of-court settlements, the singer known for hits like “I Believe I Can Fly,” “Bump ‘N Grind” and “Ignition (Remix)” maintained a staunch fan base, continuing to tour worldwide.

The house that Kelly built began to crumble in January 2019, however, upon the release of the explosive docuseries “Surviving R. Kelly,” which renewed focus on the R&B luminary’s checkered history in a post-#MeToo era. AFP

R. Kelly

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

B4

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2021

PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, August 6, 2021

-7.36 PTS. 6,539.91

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

1,347,376,899 96,265 6,951,505,336.07 117 76 37

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

50.0120

Japan

Yen

0.009111

0.4557

UK

Pound

1.393100

69.6717

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128596

6.4313

Switzerland

Franc

1.103266

55.1765

Canada

Dollar

0.800064

40.0128

Singapore

Dollar

0.740302

37.0240

Australia

Dollar

0.740400

37.0289

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655337

132.7987

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266660

13.3362

Brunei

Dollar

0.737572

36.8875

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.030111

1.5059

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

13.6176

Euro

Euro

1.183700

59.1992

Korea

Won

0.000874

0.0437

China

Yuan

0.154775

7.7406

India

Rupee

0.013496

0.6750

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.237248

11.8652

New Zealand

Dollar

0.705500

35.2835

Taiwan

Dollar

0.036074

1.8041 Source: BSP

Globe’s profit up 13% to P13.08b in 1st half of 2021

Business Exports surge 20% to $35.9b to exceed pre-pandemic level

By Julito G. Rada

M

ERCHANDISE exports jumped 20.9 percent in the first six months to $35.9 billion from $29.7 billion in the same period last year, exceeding the pre-pandemic level of $34.6 billion registered in the first half of 2019, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show Friday.

The Department of Trade and Industry attributed the growth to the reopening of the global markets like the US, China and the European Union, and the policy to keep the export operations at full capacity despite the lockdowns.

Consumer spending is also on the rise, gaining confidence brought about by the increase in mobility and a gradual return to an almost back to pre-pandemic level of economic activity.

“We are seeing an increasing shift of economic growth in Asia, and the Philippines is ready to participate in that growth.

With the reopening of more economic activities and more aggressive vaccination

rollout in the country, our balanced and calibrated approach manifested a continued strong export performance,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

“We are positive that we will continue to see an upward movement in our export performance, as we allow 100-percent operating capacity of our exports sector even during the Enhanced Community Quarantine. In our efforts not to disrupt export activities, we expect to maintain the acceleration of our growth rate and continue to provide jobs for our people. There is still room for more growth for PH exports,” Lopez said.

The PSA said that in June, exports and imports registered double-digit growth from a year ago, reflecting improved economic conditions this year relative to 2020 when successive lockdowns were imposed by the government to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exports sales in June grew by 17.6 percent to $6.51 billion from $5.53 billion a year ago, although this was slower than the increase of 30.8 percent in May. In June 2020, total export sales fell 10.1 percent.

Merchandise imports amounted to $9.33 billion in June, up 34.2 percent a year ago. In May, the annual increase was higher at 55.6 percent, while in June 2020, imports decreased by 20.8 percent annually.

Total imports value from January to June reached $53.34 billion this year, up by 29.8 percent from $41.08 billion in the same period last year.

Data showed that as exports outpaced the growth in imports, the trade deficit widened to $17.4 billion in the first six months from $11.3 billion last year. In June, the trade deficit hit $2.8 billion.

By Darwin G. Amojelar GLOBE Telecom Inc. on Friday said net income rose 13 percent in the first half of the year, driven by its broadband business and lower corporate income tax.

The Ayala-led company said net income amounted to P13.08 billion in the January-to-June period from P11.49 billion in the same period last year.

Globe’s core net income stood at P13.2 billion, up 19 percent from P11.1 billion reported in the same period of 2020.

“We are pleased to report strong financial and operating results for the first half of 2021 with healthy balance sheet and cash flows despite the reimposition of stricter lockdowns during the second quarter,” said Globe president and chief executive Ernest Cu. Globe’s consolidated service revenues in the first six months of 2021 reached P75.5 billion, up 4 percent from P72.4 billion a year ago, amid the economic challenges the country is facing.

The company said the main growth driver continues to be data, mostly from @Home Broadband owing to the increase in digital activities among Filipinos.

From a product view, mobile data revenues posted P38.6 billion in the first half of the year from P36 billion a year ago.

Home Broadband business soared to all-time high revenues of P14.5 billion, surpassing the figure in same period last year by 16 percent, driven by the greater reliance of Filipinos on the internet and the swiftly evolving digital tools as the COVID-19 situation persists.

Total home broadband subscriber base reached 4.2 million, besting last year’s record by 47 percent due to higher fixed wireless broadband users, now up by 54 percent from last year.

Wired broadband subscriber base grew a solid 22 percent versus last year.

Corporate Data business revenues in the first six months of the year increased 8 percent from P6.3 billion as of end-June 2020, mostly coming from domestic services and information and communication technology.

LEADING

BY EXAMPLE. A

nurse administers a vaccine dose to Aboitiz Group president and chief executive Sabin Aboitiz. With the surge of the highly transmissible Delta variant in the country, the Aboitiz Group ramps up the vaccination of its team members, fulfilling its commitment to prioritize their health and safety while ensuring continued operations to keep the economy running toward a ‘better normal.’

Leading by example, Aboitiz received the vaccine and urged all team members to get vaccinated.

Robinsons Land raised six-month income to P5.4b

By Jenniffer B. Austria ROBINSONS Land Corp., the property unit of the Gokongwei Group, booked a net income of P5.45 billion in the first six months of 2021, up 48 percent from P3.68 billion in the same period last year, on the recovery of core businesses.

RLC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Friday first-half revenues rose 55 percent to P26 billion from P16.7 billion a year ago.

The property firm said customer activity in malls, offices, hotels, industrials, as well as property development and residential businesses has been increasing despite the pandemic.

RLC said earnings from its residential business in Chengdu Ban Bian Jie project in China, as well as from the sale of parcels of land within the Bridgetowne Destination Estate boosted profits in the first half of the year.

“Our performance for the first half of the year is a testament to the success of our strategic initiatives, which positions the Company for recovery and growth. Amidst the very challenging business environment, we continue to pursue new opportunities and agile innovations to deliver sustainable value to all our stakeholders,” said RLC president and chief executive Frederick Go. The company’s malls business, which contributed 16 percent to total revenues, booked P4.19 billion in sales, down 16 percent from P4.96 billion in the same period last year, due to mobility restrictions.

The residential division contributed sales of P4.73 billion to the company’s revenues, down 40 percent versus last year’s level, as the quarantine restrictions continued to disrupt construction activities.

“We expect to continue posting gradual improvements over time as the economy pulls out of a construction lull and demand for residential units rebounds,” RLC said

IN BRIEF Manufacturing indices jumped in June—PSA

URC VACCINATION. Employees of Universal Robina Corp. Sugar and Renewables receive vaccine doses against COVID-19 at the SONEDCO sugar mill in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental as part of URC’s bid to keep the food supply chain robust amid the lingering pandemic. Some 88 percent to 90 percent of the URC workforce at SONEDCO and La Carlota sugar mills were inoculated through COVID Protect, the Gokongwei Group’s vaccination program. URC, one of the Philippines’ largest food and beverage companies, aims to have 70 percent of its more than 33,000 workers around the country fully inoculated by the end of 2021.

Gov’t readies emergency measures ahead of Malampaya field’s shutdown in October

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Department of Energy said Friday it is preparing contingency measures for the maintenance shutdown of the Malampaya natural gas project in October that could have an impact on power supply and rates.

Energy Undersecretary Emmanuel Juaneza said the agency was looking at alternative fuel sources to fuel power plants that would be affected by the Malampaya shutdown.

“The DOE actually has already looked into getting, you know, an alternative way of running those... especially the Ilijan plant and other gas plants that are capable of running on fuel other than the natural gas,” Juaneza said in virtual press event on power supply hosted by Melo Acuna.

Juaneza said the DOE wanted to keep the power plants using the Malampaya gas in northwest Palawan operational.

The Malampaya gas project, which supplies natural gas to power plants with a combined capacity of 3,200 megawatts, is expected to undergo maintenance shutdown from Oct. 2 to Oct. 22.

The DOE official said the agency was cognizant of the impact of the shutdown on power rates and was looking at how to mitigate it.

“The prediction that we have had when we talked about it, the consideration of cost was certainly on the table,” he said.

“Definitely, the cost impact is there and the strategy is to get all other plants firing on conventional fuel to be back online and our expectation come, to cover the gap of power inefficiency in the event the Oct Malampaya shutdown is carried out,” he said.

Juaneza said they were also looking at other power plants such as the Dinginin coal plant to provide power, if needed.

Goldman Sachs confident about PH economic rebound GLOBAL investment firm Goldman Sachs expressed confidence on the Philippines’ resilience and strong positioning against credit rating peers in recovering from the pandemic on the back of low debt burden, current account surplus and robust and sustainable growth over the next two years.

It said Moody’s Investor Service’s recent affirmation of the Philippines’ ‘Baa2’ rating with ‘stable’ outlook was a vote of confidence on the country’s fiscal and external buffers plus policy flexibility during the crisis.

Goldman Sachs president for Asia excluding Japan Todd Leland said in a letter to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III that the investment firm was “delighted to see Moody’s affirmation of its Republic of the Philippines stable Baa2 rating” as reflected in the debt watcher’s latest credit analysis report.

“This is reflective of ROP’s relative resilience in view of Moody’s negative rating action on 58 sovereigns globally since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. We believe that this rating affirmation is a vote of confidence on ROP’s fiscal and external buffers, and policy flexibility during crisis periods, thanks to the astute management by its economic team, under your very able leadership,” Leland said in his letter.

Leland said Moody’s agreed with Goldman Sach’s assessment “of ROP’s strong positioning versus its rating peers globally.”

Moody’s said it was expecting the country to outperform most of the sovereigns it rates in terms of average growth up to 2025. The international debt watcher cited its 10year average growth projection for the Philippines for the period 2016 to 2025 at 4.8 percent—despite the sharp contraction last year resulting from the pandemic. Julito G. Rada

MANUFACTURING expanded further both in value and volume in June as the economy gradually recovers from the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority on Friday show.

The Volume of Production Index (VoPI) posted a three-digit annual rate of 453.1 percent in June 2021, faster than the 263.2-percent increase registered in the previous month. The VoPI in June last year dropped at an annual rate of 80.6 percent.

“The growth noted in the volume of production for manufacturing sector in June 2021 was due to the improvements in 19 out of 22 industry divisions. The fastest growth rate was registered in manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products at 2,932.2 percent,” the PSA said.

The Value of Production Index (VaPI) for manufacturing also jumped 439.6 percent from its previous month’s three-digit annual increase of 248.1 percent.

“The year-on-year growth rate in June 2021 was the third positive growth since April 2019 and the highest annual growth in the 2018-based data series. In contrast, the annual growth rate for VaPI in June 2020 was recorded at -81.7 percent,” the PSA said. Julito G. Rada

August power rates may rise—Meralco CONSUMERS of electricity retailer Manila Electric Co. may have to brace for higher rates in August due to several factors exerting pressure on the generation costs.

“We’re seeing several factors putting pressure on generation costs to go up,” Meralco vice president and head of utility economics Lawrence Fernandez said.

“These are the further depreciation of the peso, an upward adjustment of the Malampaya gas price, and sustained high WESM (Wholesale Electricity Spot Market) prices, particularly during the first half of July, when the grid experienced another yellow alert,” he said.

The WESM is the trading floor of electricity where Meralco secures a portion of its monthly supply.

Meralco procured 7.8 percent of power supply from the WESM in June, which was billed to consumers in July.

Fernandez said indications pointed to higher rates for consumers in August.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Cebu Pacific refunds P7.7b to passengers CEBU Pacific on Friday said it fully refunded P7.7 billion to passengers whose requests were filed until June 2021.

The airline owned by the Gokongwei Group overhauled its refund processes and augmented a dedicated workforce to process 991,764 requests with various forms of payment.

Cebu Pacific said the 100-percent refund completion rate excluded unsuccessful requests, such as bookings made through travel agencies that may have ceased operations and cash bookings that had incorrect or were lacking bank details and other forms of validation.

Cebu Pacific said it remains concerned about customers who have not been refunded.

“The airline is actively reaching out to these guests through the contact information made available during booking and is determined to refund passengers,” the airline said.

Cebu Pacific also encourages those with pending refund requests to contact the airline.

It advised passengers who wish to check on the status of their requests to answer the online feedback form. Darwin G. Amojelar

Sports

PSC playbook to guide future PH Olympic teams

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

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2021

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By Peter Atencio GUIDELINES on how to help national athletes preparing to see action in future Olympic competitions and international meets are now in the pipeline.

These guidelines will be contained in a playbook that the Philippine Sports Commission will be drawing up after the Tokyo Olympics.

PSC chairman William Ramirez said this after spending two weeks in Japan, where he observed how national athletes competed.

“Gagawin namin ang playbook.

These are plans towards the Olympics in Paris, Los Angeles and Brisbane,” said Ramirez in a radio interview.

The PSC chief said he and members of the board will deliberate on the playbook in the coming weeks.

This will serve as a direction for athletes, coaches, the national sports associations and the private sponsors in their efforts to assist the government agency prepare for major international competitions.

The PSC chief explained that the playbook will be for the next leaders of the government sports agency to deal with, when the administration changes in the next nine months.

“Kung hindi namin gagawin ito, baka magkaroon ng problema. So it will be an important blueprint for the coming administration,” said Ramirez.

The PSC, which spent P2.7-billion in funds for the training, allowances, international exposure and various competitions of national athletes over the last years, doled out P50 million for the actual Olympic campaign.

The rest were spent for the training and exposure to international meets.

Ramirez said the agency proposes to retain its support on all 19 athletes, who saw action in the Tokyo Games.

The PSC chief said the PSC will also draw on the example of Team HD, which was formed to help weighlifter Hidilyn Diaz win a gold medal.

The formation of a support team for athletes during training and in competition will be part of the playbook as well.

An overview shows Philippines’ Carlo Paalam (blue) celebrating after his men’s fly (4852kg) semi-final boxing match against Japan’s Ryomei Tanaka during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo. AFP

Paalam seeks PH’s 1st boxing gold in Olympics

By Riera U. Mallari

T

OKYO—Carlo Paalam, the youngest and leastexperienced member of the vaunted Philippine boxing team in the Summer Olympic Games, is one win away from the country’s first gold medal in the sport.

Surprising?

Not to his Australian coach Don Abnett.

“I’m not a bit surprised because of his attitude in the training and his performance in the training,” said Abnett after Paalam barged into the gold-medal round following a clinical 5-0 win over Japanese Ryomie Tanaka in the men’s f lyweight boxing semifinals at the Kokugikan Arena on Thursday.

Abnett cited Thai boxer Thitisan

Panmot, who stunned Asian and Rio Olympic world champion Shakhobidin Zoirov of Uzbekistan during the 2020 Asia & Oceania Boxing Olympic Qualification Tournament in Amman, Jordan.

Panmot had Paalam’s number during the Philippines’ 5-month training session in Thailand, but at the end of the camp, the roles were reversed, with the Filipino finally beating the Thai consistently. At one point during their sparring, Paalam

Marcial still a rich man with bronze feat

By Randy Caluag FILIPINO boxer Eumir Marcial felt dissappointed for not getting the boxing gold in the Tokyo Olympics, but is nevertheless taking the bronze as a huge blessing.

“Kaunting kaunti na lang sana at abot kamay ko na ‘yung pinapangarap ko at ng papa ko simula pagkabata.

Ang daming pagsubok para makarating dito sa Olympics. Masakit sa akin dahil hindi ko nakuha ang ginto,” said Marcial in a long post in his social media account.

Tipped to be one of the favorites to win the gold in the men’s boxing middleweight division, Marcial settled for the bronze following a split decision loss to Ukraine’s Oleksandr Khyzhniak in the semifinal round.

Marcial made it to the semifinal with a pair of first-round stoppages, including a knockout over Arman Darchinyan in the quarterfinal that

Ukraine’s Oleksandr Khyzhniak (red) and the Philippines’ Eumir Marcial fight during their men’s middle (69-75kg) semifinal boxing match of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kokugikan Arena. AFP

destroyed the Thai, who crumbled with the onslaught, tearing his ACL in the process.

“Carlo put a lot into his training and preparation for the Olympics that every move that boy [Zoirov] made, Carlo had an answer,” said Abnett, referring to Paalam’s 5-0 win over the Uzbek in the quarterfinals. “So I thought he’d get this far in the competition.”

On Saturday at 1 p.m. (Philippine time), Paalam tries to live up to Abnett’s expectations.

Standing in the way of Paalam’s ambition to win gold is Galal Yafai, Britain’s reigning Best Boxer awardee and the champion of the 2018 Golden Belt in Iasi, Romania.

“Hinihiling ko lang po sa kapwa ko Pilipino na ipagdasal ako. Gagawin ko ang best ko, kasi hindi ko naman hawak ‘yung desisyon, tsaka ‘yung kalaban ko kasi magaling din. Tiwala lang sa assured him of the bronze.

The loss notwithstanding, Marcial stands to receive a total P2 million cash incentives each from the Philippine Sports Commission, MVP Sports Foundation, and Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corporation plus P1 million from Cong. Mikee Romero.

Earlier, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz won the country’s first Olympic gold medal while Marcial’s fellow boxer Nesthy Petecio bagged the silver in the women’s featherweight division.

“Pero taos puso at lubos akong nagpapasalamat sa buong Pilipinas at sa lahat ng Pilipino na sumuporta at pinaramdam sa akin na ako ang panalo para sa kanila. Sa aking buong pamilya at sa aking fiancée,” added Marcial, who is expected to focus on his professional careeer after the Olympics.

“Nag papasalamat ako sa Dios sa biyaya na binigay sa akin.”

Marcial also thanked his sponsors, the ABAP family, the Philipine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

France vows ‘fire and energy’ against US in gold medal cage clash SAITAMA—France coach Vincent Collet says his team will bring “fire and energy” to the men’s Olympic basketball final Saturday as they target a second straight upset of three-time defending champions the United States.

Spearheaded by NBA stars Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier, the French stunned Gregg Popovich’s USA in the opening round of group play at Saitama Super Arena 83-76.

It was the Americans’ first defeat at an Olympics since the 2004 Athens Games and while Collet admits the US have upped their game since, he remains confident.

“I think and I hope we will be ready Saturday,” he said, after his seventh-ranked team scrapped past a valiant Slovenia 90-89 in a breathless semi-final, where captain Nicolas Batum made a game-saving block at the buzzer.

“I know Team USA is favoured, but I hope we will play against them with the same fire and the same energy.

“We know what they are capable of. We will play this final with a lot of confidence.”

The two teams will meet for the eighth time at

an Olympics and their third final after London in 1948 and at Sydney 2000, with the US winning on both occasions.

In fact, France’s only Olympic win against Team USA was their most recent in Japan, when sensational Boston Celtics shooting guard Fournier scored 28 points. His tournament tally now stands at 96.

He is understandably wary of the US threat, but said anything could happen.

“They don’t have much experience together as a team, but the more matches they play, the more they find their rhythm,” said Fournier. “We saw a bit of what they did against Australia (in the semi-finals).

“What matters is to take the match as it comes.

It’s a final, anything can happen.”

An authoritative Kevin Durant scored 23 points and nine rebounds to power the US past Australia 97-78 on Thursday, recovering from a 15-point deficit to stamp their authority on the game.

Popovich admitted the team’s defensive effort early on was “pretty poor”, which carried over to the offensive end. But he praised his team for fixing the errors. AFP

Rudy Gobert of the France National Team reacts to a play during the game against Slovenia in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at the Saitama Super Arena. AFP

sarili. Sana ibigay na sa atin ng Panginoon,” said Paalam.

Paalam’s guaranteed silver is the third medal of the boxing team in these games, counting the silver of featherweight Nesthy Petecio and the bronze of middleweight Eumir Marcial, who also on Thursday, dropped a close split decision loss to Oleksandr Khyzhniak of Ukraine.

Paalam has been nothing short of phenomenal in the Olympiad.

After defeating Ireland’s Brendan Irvine, 4-1, in his opening bout, Paalam was even more impressive in his next two.

He hammered a unanimous decision win against Algeria’s Mohamed Flissi, before eliminating Zoirov to move into the semifinals against the Japanese, who on Tuesday won a 4-1 verdict in what looked like a lost bout against Rivas Martinez of Colombia.

Tropical storm heading for Tokyo as games draw to a close TOKYO—A tropical storm is forecast to hit Tokyo on the last day of the Olympics, organizers said Friday, but did not announce any changes to competition.

Japan’s weather agency warned of strong winds, high waves and the risk of landslides and floods along the eastern coastline from Saturday afternoon to Sunday, when Tropical Storm Mirinae is expected to pass over the capital.

The Olympics closing ceremony is on Sunday evening, with medal events including water polo and rhythmic gymnastics taking place at indoor venues in the city during the day.

Cycling track races are also scheduled in Shizuoka, southwest of Tokyo, while the men’s marathon will kick off early Sunday in the far northern city of Sapporo.

“We are firmly and calmly paying attention” to the path of the storm, Tokyo 2020 organising committee spokesman Masa Takaya told reporters.

“It is necessary to inform you objectively, so that we can avoid excessive overreaction,” he said.

A separate storm hit Japan last week, forcing Games organizers to reschedule some rowing and archery events, although they brought forward the surfing finals to take advantage of strong waves.

On Friday, Mirinae was around 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of Minamidaito island, near the southern archipelago of Okinawa.

It was moving east, packing gusts of up to 108 kilometres per hour (67 miles per hour).

Another tropical storm is hovering in the Taiwan strait, moving towards Japan.

Japan’s typhoon season runs from around May to October, peaking in August and September.

In 2019, Typhoon Hagibis smashed into Japan as it hosted the Rugby World Cup, killing more than 100 people. AFP

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2021

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor E-mail: jdlacsamana@gmail.com

T

Home/Design

Marriage of past and future

HE new Clark International Airport (CRK), groomed as Asia’s Next Premier Gateway, is a marriage set between history and the future, with its design inspirations coming from local cultural identity executed with modern techniques to provide a heritage-rich airport experience.

Built by Megawide Construction Corp. and partner GMR Infrastructure Ltd., the new terminal brings together folklore, nature, and local flavor.

“This project is a nod to our commitment of engineering a firstworld Philippines,” said Edgar

Real estate firms face cyber threats amid COVID-19 Saavedra, Megawide chairman.

Hong Kong-based architectural firm, Integrated Design Associates Ltd. (IDA), designed the terminal building.

Megawide and its partners used

glue laminated timber (glulam) from Austria to build the roof of the facility. Among the “no face-to-face interaction” features of the CRK are common-use self-service kiosks (CUSS), and self-service bag drops.

SPACE PLANNING AT FILIGREE. Filigree properties have reinvented modern living with emphasis on generous spaces as highlighted in its latest project, Tower 2 of Botanika Nature Residences. Filigree brought in space planning expert, Tina Periquet, of Periquet Galicia, to further elevate the design and sustainability features of this project. “There is a nice sense of community and it’s really very much in keeping with the overall idea of being in a healthful place where you can just relax and not feel confined the way you normally would in a condo tower,” Periquet explained. At Botanika Tower 2, space planners carefully studied the flow of traffic and layout of the rooms and the common areas. They considered the daily activities one would have in a condominium and how they can efficiently manipulate the space to adhere to the end user’s needs. Botanika Nature Residences is Filigree’s flagship development, and is located in the first township with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) gold in neighborhood development certification in the Philippines, Filinvest City.

UNSECURED digital e-signatures may expose companies and their operations to various cyber threats that have become more prevalent amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic has pushed most businesses to work remotely with the adoption of digital tools and habits, pointed out Alejandro Mañalac, DocOnChain’s ambassador for Philippine real estate (Shown in photo). Major companies including real estate developers now enable online transactions and accept digital signatures even for very sensitive sales documents.

“But company executives do not realize the danger of having their unsecured digital e-signatures that can just be easily copied, pasted and used by unscrupulous individuals,” Manalac explained. “Using a US company for e-signature also creates a problem for the privacy of your sensitive contracts or agreements,” he said.

Cyber attacks, data theft on the rise Companies have recently seen a spike in their expenses and demand for virtual meeting, cloud storage, electronic signature and collaborative solutions.

While these tools have been widely adopted to make work more efficient, it comes at a price--explosion of ransomwares, cyber-attacks, counterfeit documents, identity and data theft at a global loss of $5 trillion in 2020 with an expected increase of 15% per year.

Doconchain recently developed the necessary tools for businesses using blockchain and NFTs secured solutions to protect documents against hacks and counterfeits while preserving your privacy at affordable costs.

“People do not realize the importance of securing valuable signatures and documents until they become victims of forgeries or falsification of documents,” said Manalac. “With Doconchain Signatures NFT managed, user signatures are recorded as unique fingerprints with timestamp into the document which can’t be copied or forged,” he claimed.

Following the audit trail Documents are then fragmented, duplicated and encrypted into several blockchain storage locations.

The ‘nodes’ are stored in your system (cloud or on premise) to be fully protected against cyberattacks and for a high level of security and privacy, said Manalac. “With simple steps, the documents can then be tracked with its Passport which includes an audit trail with events blockchain recorded and verifiable elements.”

DocOnChain recently conducted a Document Security Awareness webinar.

For more information, email info@ doconchain.io

BGC property player earns ISO nod

TOP DEVELOPER IN MINDANAO. Affordable housing developer BRIA Homes was recently named the top housing developer in Mindanao in the Pag-IBIG Fund’s annual stakeholders’ accomplishment report for 2020. The report acknowledges every year organizations, companies, and individuals that have contributed to the accomplishments of Pag-IBIG Fund in the past year.

BRIA Homes not only nailed the title of number one developer in Mindanao. It was also cited among Pag-IBIG Fund’s top partner-housing developers per area: Top 7 Developer in North Luzon; Top 7 Developer in the National Capital Region (NCR), and Top 8 in South Luzon. BRIA Homes also won the “Affordable Housing Developer of the Year” and Open Space Development of the Year” at the 2021 Real Estate Asia Awards last July.

W LANDMARK Inc. (WLI), holding company for W Group’s real estate arm, was recently awarded ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management system and operations across its properties.

WLI, which owns and operates W Fifth Avenue, W CityCenter (Seen in photo), Citi Plaza, W Highstreet, W Global Center, and W Tower, passed the audit conducted by TUV Nord Philippines. TÜV Nord Group, a member of the German TÜV Nord Group, is one of the largest technical service providers in the world that focuses on delivering management certifications, public training, and seminars across the globe. “This award signifies a new beginning for W Landmark to continuously improve and ensure that we are able to adapt amid the rapid changes in our community,” said W Group Inc. chief executive officer Francis Augustus Wee.

Tech & Gadgets

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 7 , 2021 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

Reimagining Cloud Adoption in Philippines, Asia-Pacific

Marvel’s Avengers War for Wakanda Expansion update ready for release

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URING the past year, the Philippine Government and businesses have participated in a surge in digital innovation in response to COVID-19 pandemic-related challenges.

The Philippine Government’s Department of Information and Communications Technology even amended its Cloud First Policy in June 2020 to provide more precise instructions on policy coverage, data classification, and data security.

Together, these developments contributed to a major step towards cloud realization in the Philippines. Based on 2020 data released last month, the country ranked number 11 in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region with a total Cloud Readiness Index (CRI) score of 55.3, according to Statista. The Philippines reached 23.2 —the 10th highest score in APAC—for the cloud regulation segment.

Markets are recognizing the importance of digital innovation—particularly cloud adoption—in ensuring business continuity among industries. But a new challenge arises as companies, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), need help implementing their cloud adoption strategies.

Challenges Moving to Cloud

As companies adopt cloud-based infrastructure, large volumes of data are generated and stored in the cloud, introducing new security issues. Due to technical requirements and an industry-wide lack of technical skills, many organizations will need the services of a cloud services provider to ensure the security and confidentiality of the data.

Cloud service providers can also provide migration services to help enterprises move applications to the cloud or provide on-premises facilities based on business requirements. The increased

By John Raphael Mendoza

Stratpoint tames Cloud Services complexities with nOps Cloud Management

use of cloud-based applications addresses modern customer requirements to access information anywhere and securely.

However, the biggest struggle that many companies will find when expanding their use of cloud technology is cloud management – the process of maintaining oversight and administrative control of cloud computing resources and services.

Without effective cloud management, organizations risk the potential for issues related to security, performance, and efficiency, as well as unnecessary costs.

Remediating Cloud Challenges

To improve cloud management in the Philippine Market and the rest of the APAC region, Stratpoint Technologies (www.stratpoint.com) is leveraging its deep understanding of cloud migration and the importance of cloud management.

A born-in-the-cloud enabler of digital transformation that delivers enterprisegrade solutions, Stratpoint is collaborating with nOps, a provider of the leading software-as-a-service (SaaS) cloud

management platform for Amazon Web Services (AWS) and an AWS Advanced Technology Partner.

With the help of nOps, Stratpoint helps its customers rapidly execute AWS infrastructure assessments, known as AWS Well-Architected Framework Reviews, to identify and remediate high-risk issues (HRIs). They go beyond simple “lift and shift” of applications to the cloud to help clients design and implement an architecture that fully leverages AWS technology.

The strategic partnership includes collaboration on training, support, and a go-tomarket focused on cost optimization and security best practices in the AWS WellArchitected Framework.

The nOps cloud management solution has enabled Stratpoint to help its customers save an average of more than 15 percent per month in AWS costs, translating to an effective annual savings of US$20,000 or ₱1,000,000.

“We chose nOps as our cloud management partner because, as users ourselves,

we find it is the best tool to manage cloud usage and costs. It works well with AWS, the leading cloud platform globally, which works well for us as an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner,” said Mary Rose Dela Cruz, Chief Executive Officer of Stratpoint.

She added that the partnership with nOps comes at a “fortunate time as companies that have adopted digital and cloud technologies are more equipped to get to the other side of the massive economic shift that is happening today.”

“Stratpoint and many of our clients have long been cloud-native. Together with nOps, we will help Filipino and ASEAN businesses build resilience now and be future-ready,” Dela Cruz added.

The collaboration brings nOps into the Philippines market, expanding the company’s representation in Asia. This helps their rapid-growth customers build, monitor, and run secure and optimized AWS infrastructures aligned with the AWS Well-Architected Framework and other industry best practices.

THE Playstation company announced on twitter that Marvel’s Avengers newest game Black Panther War for Wakanda Expansion will have its debut on August 16.

The expansion adds Black Panther as its newest playable hero in the game as it also promises to be the biggest content update on the game since it was launched last September.

In the game, players can expect two new villains, a brand new environment in the Wakandan Jungle, new enemies and the Birnin Zana Outpost, which is the Royal Palace. This outpost is also known as the Golden City contains Shuri’s laboratory, Zawavari’s chambers and the Wakandan War room.

On top of this, there will be new Drop Zone and Theater section missions which you can take on solo or with friends.

The expansion’s story is about King T`Challa, who was blinded by a betryal, making it hard to entrust his duty to anyone around him. This prompted klaw, the arch villain of the game, to strike with his forces which forces Black Panther to defend his kingdom and take the fight to them.

The game will arrive as a free update on August 17 on Xbox Series XS, Xbox One, Playstaion 5, Playsation 4, Google Stadia and PC.

Gamers react to Valve’s handheld portable gaming PC Steam Deck

By John Christopher Aquino and Jonas Ryan Nitura STEAM Deck, a portable handheld gaming PC, was announced by Valve with a mixed reception by PC recently.

Valve Corporation is a video game company that develops and publishes games, and also owns the PC’s biggest video game distributor.

Drawing aesthetic similarities from Nintendo’s Switch console, the Steam Deck enables players to play games from their Steam library on the go.

Even though it’s made for portable gaming, it will also be available in dock mode which will act as a gaming desktop.

The dock will be sold separately as it is still in development and will be released at a later date.

Gamers who use Steam had different impressions on it when the news of the gaming console broke out.

Nick Bool, a long-time Steam user, stated that the new console made him nostalgic of the old portable consoles of Sony back in the day.

“Steam Deck offers the classic portable design which will make you remember the good old "PSP" days. It really caught my attention as it offers an operating system by Valve itself,” he said.

Jesse de la Cruz, a casual gamer, said that he is not sure if it will be good or not.

“I have doubts since Valve has tried entering the gaming system market before and failed,” Dela Cruz said.

On whether the Steam Deck would affect the console market, the gamers had different takes on it.

Troy Macandog, a PC enthusiast and Steam user, said the newly announced console is not for him, however, although he merits the fact that it is a powerhouse for being a handheld device.

“The price is not budget friendly. The

size is not for all. For me, it does not look appealing compared to a Switch,” he said. “It is a powerhouse, has a decent screen, is a 2 in 1 handheld console”, he added.

However, Bool stated that due to the difficulties in building a PC nowadays due to the high demand of PC components, PC gamers said that a compact and “plug and play” version of a gaming PC at that price point is good for the PC market. “In the whole gaming PC market, it will be very impactful as there are still shortages of graphics cards due to high demand,” said Bool.

On the other hand, De la Cruz commented that it can compete against other gaming consoles but still lacks something that can hook him to it.

“It has the potential to rival the Nintendo Switch with its portability and usability,” he said.

League of Cities push digital solutions for communities CITY mayors are calling for more partnership engagements with the government and private sector to empower local livelihood and sustainability programs with digital solutions during the recent online forum of the 15th Liveable Cities Lab organized by the League of Cities in partnership with Globe Telecom.

Founder and Managing Director of the Stratbase Group, Prof. Dindo Manhit in his presentation on Rational Digital Transformation Strategies and Policies stated that, “Government and the Private Sector must work together to identify, analyze, and find the best strategies for the digital transformation of all sectors in a policy environment that will foster a digital economy with thriving industries that are globally competitive and sustainable.”

Manhit said, “Technology, infrastructure, and tools can be developed and purchased.

However, this must be matched with talent and the next generation of skills that can wield the power of technology.”

Manhit points out that, “Central to digital transformation is developing the knowledge and skills of the Philippine workforce to adopt to digital transformation,” “Digital Readiness is about the people’s readiness. A people centric approach that harnesses the benefits of digital technologies as power tools to

Managing Director of the Stratbase Group Prof. Dindo Manhit

prosper in an evolving digital revolution,” Manhit said.

Manhit further stressed that, “To leverage the opportunities of digital technologies for public health and the economy, there must be openness to continuous innovation of processes and policies to create an environment that has been liberated from defunct models of governance and stagnant regulations.”

“A new culture of leadership, learning, working, and living with technology, inspired by the prospect of limitless possibilities for inclusive growth and sustainable prosperity is an exciting vision that we must all endeavor to

achieve,” Manhit said.

Mr. Vince Tempongko, VP for Site Acquisition and Management of Globe Telecom said that in 2021, they will increase capacity and expand network with 2,000 new sites investing 70 billion pesos which is 40 percent of revenues.

“The effects of this pandemic particularly in the advancement of digital adoption will definitely stay and affect the way we work, study, and promote awareness campaigns,” Tempongko said.

“Assessing our readiness as a country is vital in identifying gaps in order to move forward,” Tempongko said.

Hermosa, Bataan Mayor Antonio Jospeh “Jopet” Inton in his presentation on Equitable Education through e-learning said, “With fast advancements in education and communications technology, our children need to catch up with science engineering and technology of STEM, and we as leaders need to formulate concrete steps to translate policies into workable solutions.”

“Eventually, after the pandemic, education should be a combination of classroom and online learning.” (Tagalog) “I believe that e-learning and digital learning is key to achieve real change in our educational system, and for our youth to be globally competitive,” Inton said.

“For the casual gamers who benefited from the Switch, they could use this device in the same way as well as having a capable desktop setup for other needs. If successful, the succeeding models could possibly rival gaming laptops and a PC,” added De la Cruz.

The Steam Deck sports an AMD Zen 2 processor, AMD RDNA 2 with 8 compute units for its GPU, 16GB ram, and comes in three models with different internal stor-

age sizes.

The Steam Deck is priced at $400 for the base model with 64GB eMMC storage alongside a carrying case, $530 for an upgraded model with 256GB NVMe SSD, and a $649 model with 512GB NVMe SSD that comes with a custom carrying case and special antiglare glass. The Steam Deck will be released in December 2021 worldwide. Preorders began last July 16.

BUX feted as PH’s Best Digital Payment Facilitator GLOBAL Brands Magazine, a leading UK-based organization that honours excellence by identifying the top brands cross various industries, recognized UBX’s BUX as Best Digital Payment Facilitator—Philippines for 2021. More than 7,000 companies were evaluated in GBM’s latest study.

BUX, launched by UBX in 2019, is an end-to-end payment gateway for ecommerce. BUX offers a single payment platform, unifying various payment channels including over-the-counter, online banking, cash on delivery, e-wallets, installments as well as debit and credit cards.

To date, BUX has signed up close to 100,000 SMEs and individual users. As of February 2021, sign ups have increased by 14x, and transaction count has grown 57x versus the same period last year - proof of an increasing rate of digital transactions.

BUX continues to be a game changer for Filipino entrepreneurs as it simplifies and addresses the needs of MSMEs. For one, little to no programming experience is required because BUX is embeddable. Business owners can integrate BUX into their e-commerce

website—whether they are using Sentro, Shopify, WooCommerce, or PrestaShop, with more being added. There are no set-up fees involved, only competitive transaction fees whenever a customer check out depending on the chosen payment channel.

MSMEs can accept payments from over 50,000 payment locations nationwide including 7-Eleven, Bayad Center, SM, Robinsons, Rustan’s, LBC, Cebuana Lhuillier, Palawan Pawnshop, and many more. They can also receive payments via GCash and GrabPay as well as banks, debit and credit cards. MSMEs can easily send BUX payment links via chat, text, email or Universal QR codes, making it convenient for customers to pay for products and services. Online sellers and business owners can simply track the payment status of their customers across multiple payment channels from their BUX dashboard.

By listening to and understanding the challenges of Filipino MSMEs, BUX continues to create MSME-centric solutions that help improve the chances of a business venture’s success, with more features and functions slated to be released in 2021.

Ramon L. Tomeldan Editor

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2021

Motoring

After 26 years and 9 world titles, ‘sad’ Rossi calls it quits

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OTORCYCLING legend and nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi confirmed Thursday he will retire at the end of the season after 26 years in the sport, describing his decision as “a very difficult, sad moment.”

The 42-year-old Italian signed a oneseason deal with Yamaha-SRT for this campaign and it had been mooted he might ride for his own team next term.

However, he told a press conference ahead of this weekend’s Styrian Grand Prix that he will call it a day, 12 years on from his last MotoGP title.

“I have decided to stop at the end of the season. Unfortunately, this will be my last half season as a MotoGP rider,” said Rossi.

“It is difficult, it’s a very sad moment. It has been a long, long journey.

“For one year, more risk than reward maybe,” he added on the idea of prolonging the adventure against his better judgment.

“It’s a very sad moment because it’s difficult to say and know that next year I will not race with a motorcycle, I’ve done that for I think more or less 30 years.”

“It’s the right moment” to stop, insisted Rossi, who will finish his career w i t h seven

premier class world titles -- just one behind the alltime record of eight held by compatriot Giacomo Agostini.

He has competed in 423 grands prix races -- 363 in the top class.

Recent years have seen the man nicknamed “The Doctor” combine competing with ownership of his own VR46 team, helping to bring on young riders

Ford expands parts hub WITH a view to becoming a major parts hub in the Asean region, Ford Philippines has expanded its parts warehouse facility to store and supply up to 30% more parts from its current inventory.

This move will also improve parts availability, Ford said.

On top of the service parts catering to the current Ford vehicle lineup, the additional space will be able to accommodate more parts for newer Ford vehicles such as F-150, Transit, Territory, and the Ranger FX4 MAX. The additional space will also pave the way for Ford Philippines to become a major parts hub, supplying vehicle parts to Ford markets in the ASEAN region such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar.

“At Ford, we aim to treat our customers like family. We recognize that parts accessibility is very important for our customers and in the overall ownership

experience. With the expansion of our parts warehouse facility, we are able to better serve our customers and improve their after-sales experience when it comes to parts availability,” said Joyce Laxamana, director, Ford Customer Service Division, Ford Philippines.

Ford is also ramping up its nationwide direct delivery and same day delivery programs, leveraging on a more automated and streamlined process that makes parts ordering and delivery faster and more efficient.

With nationwide direct delivery, Ford is now able to deliver parts straight to all 50 dealers in the country. With same day delivery, parts ordered before 12 noon are delivered on the same day.

“We aim to continuously improve on our parts delivery process to expedite the servicing and maintenance of Ford vehicles in our showrooms while maintaining the Ford brand of quality service,” Laxamana said.

in Moto2 and Moto3 and next season he will be free to concentrate on that mentor role.

Rossi has test driven Formula One cars from Ferrari and Mercedes in the past and said four wheels remain on his mind.

“I am a rider, a driver for life, I think,” he explained.

“I am just going to switch from motos to cars -- certainly not at the same level but I think I shall continue to race,” Rossi said as reporters at his conference gave him a warm round of applause.

Warm praise for his stellar career came from rivals, including French star Fabio Quartararo, his successor at the Yamaha factory team who leads this year’s title race.

“I have no words... Big congratulations for your amazing career! I’ll remember all my life the first race I ever watch you in Jerez 2005 and you motivated me to be where I am today,” tweeted Quartararo.

Spanish rider Joan Mir meanwhile compared Rossi with basketball icon Michael Jordan for his giant impact on lifting the profile of the sport.

Rossi won top category world crowns in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2009, having started off with a 125cc crown in 1997 before adding a 250cc title two years later.

In all Rossi made 235 podiums, 199 of them in the premier category and scored 115 victories -- 89 in MotoGP/500 cc, 14 in 250 cc and a further 12 in the 125 cc category, while he piled up 65 pole positions.

After his first 125 cc race at Malay-

sia in 1996 he lost little time in scoring a first win that same year in the Czech Republic before advancing to the premier category in 2000, landing his first success at that level at the British Grand Prix that same season.

His last triumph came in the Netherlands in 2017 -- a record 20 years and 311 days after his maiden 125 win.

But this season has seen him slide down the pecking order with YamahaSRT, as he currently lies 19th in the ranking with just 17 points, leading him to call it a day at year-end having only managed a sole podium last season.

“Results have not been what I was expecting so I started asking questions of myself,” Rossi admitted.

Yet his legacy to the sport is assured for good after his three top class titles with Honda and then four with Yamaha.

“Valentino is a living legend whose successes and personal flair contributed to Yamaha’s legacy and heritage in abundance,” said Yamaha managing director Lin Jarvis.

“Also, during more difficult periods, his positive mindset would be a boost to those around him, and he was always ready to go the extra mile for a good result.”

French rival Johann Zarco summed up the feelings of those closely involved in the sport.

“We must thank ‘Vale’ for what he brought to the table. He has changed the image of moto -- everywhere you go in the world if you talk about moto with someone who doesn’t know about it they will mention Rossi’s name,” tweeted Zarco, in allusion to the seas of VR46 t-shirts and headgear regularly seen at meetings. AFP

Special packages for Lexus

LEXUS’S passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. It also sees an authentic connection between vehicles and premium lifestyles, which is why Lexus is making it even easier for more people to experience its craftsmanship and hospitality.

This August, the 2020 LS 500h, 2021 NX 300, and 2021 NX 300 F Sport can be had through special financing packages from 30% to 50% downpayment, and 0% Interest for up to 36 months with free Lexus 2-year Periodic Maintenance if you drive it home this month.

The 2020 LS 500h (P9,458,000) is a further manifestation of how Lexus has reimagined the luxury sedan, presenting bold design, enhanced performance and a sophisticated appeal to capture the imagination of forward-thinking customers.

The car’s design focuses on “progressive comfort,” interpreting Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship traditions in the context of an advanced, luxurious and innovative vehicle interior such as the unique door trim ornamentation. Rather than being bound by the conventions that had defined luxury cars in the past, Lexus aimed to create the LS 500h with an innovative, emotional, and sensual appeal that would draw customers’ eyes away from other luxury cars and provide entirely new values.

The LS 500h is equipped with the new Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System, which provides enhanced responsiveness and linear acceleration, particularly when accelerating from a full stop.

The powertrain features a 3.5-liter V6 Dual VVT-i V6 gasoline engine and two electric motors, together delivering maximum system power of 354hp.

The 2021 NX 300 (P3,218,000) has a

New York Auto Show canceled THE New York auto show pulled the plug on its 2021 edition on Wednesday, citing the uptick in Covid-19 cases and new government measures to limit the outbreak.

The gathering, scheduled for late August, was to be one of the first major trade shows at New York’s Javits Center and now becomes among the first to fall victim to the fast-spreading Delta variant of the coronavirus.

“It is with great disappointment that the upcoming 2021 New York International Automobile Show at the Jacob

K. Javits Convention Center has been cancelled due to the growing incidences of the Covid-19 Delta variant and the increased measures announced recently

by State and local officials to stop its spread,” Mark Schienberg, the event’s president, said in a statement.

The 121-year-old show, which is normally held in the spring, was pushed back due to the pandemic and rescheduled for August 20-29.

Schienberg cited developments on Covid-19 “over the past few weeks, and

raised driving position which evokes a sporty driving experience with features to complement a busy lifestyle. The foundation for the NX 300’s handling agility and ride comfort is a highly rigid body structure which makes extensive use of hot-stamped high tensile steel along with aluminum. It also uses MacPherson strut front suspension and a trailing arm double wishbone type rear suspension which separates the coil springs and dampers to help optimize agility, control and ride comfort.

As in other Lexus models, the driver can choose preferred driving responses using the Drive Mode Select dial on the center console. The system adjusts parameters for multiple systems, including throttle response and the power steering assist curve. The default setting is Normal. Sport mode sharpens responses, and ECO mode helps enhance more fuel-efficient driving. especially within the last few days” as the impetus for the cancelation.

As New York vaccinations picked up earlier in the year, organizers were excited about the prospect of holding the event.

“All signs were positive, and the show was coming together stronger than ever, but today is a different story,” he said.

With Delta cases picking up, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday announced the Big Apple would be the first major US city to require proof of vaccination for people at indoor venues such as restaurants, gyms and shows.

Face masks are still required on mass transportation, and more stores and establishments in the city have been reinstituting mask requirements in recent days. AFP