Manila Standard - 2021 August 28 - Saturday

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(Story on A4) 85 KILLED IN KABUL SUICIDE BOMBS; IS OWNS UP TO ATTACK; PANIC DEEPENS TWIN suicide bombs ripped through crowds outside Kabul airport on Thursday, killing at least 85 people including 13 US troops and deepening panic in the final days of an already frenzied evacuation effort from Taliban-controlled Af-

ghanistan.

The bombings, claimed by the Islamic State group, left scenes of carnage outside the airport where thousands of Afghans desperate to flee their country had massed.

They had swarmed around the airport

despite a flurry of foreign government warnings—made just hours before—that a major terror attack was imminent.

The attackers targeted people trying to reach access gates at the airport, creating scenes of terror and devastation. Next page

Scenes of carnage terrify onlookers while volunteers and medical staff unload bodies from a pickup truck outside a hospital after two powerful explosions, which killed at least 85 people, occurred outside the airport in Kabul on August 26, 2021. AFP

Biden vows to make IS pay UNITED States would continue until President Joe August 31.

Biden vowed There remained to hunt down an "opportunity those behind the for the next several suicide bombings days, between now that killed 13 and the 31st, to be American troops able to get them in the worst out," he said. single-day loss "Knowing the for the Pentagon threat, knowing that in Afghanistan we may very well JOE BIDEN since 2011. have another attack, "We will not forgive. We will the military has concluded that that's what not forget. We will hunt you down we should do. I think they are right." and make you pay," Biden, visibly The Taliban condemned the blasts, shaken, said in an address from the but pointed out they happened in an White House during which he said area that was under the control of the the evacuations of vulnerable people US military.

Next page

‘Make the supreme sacrifice’ Advice to Duque from Bong Go; I‘m ready—DOH chief retorts

Lao owns up to ‘negligence’ on DBM deals

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Vito Barcelo

S

ENATOR Christopher Go, a close associate of the President, has advised Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to “make the supreme sacrifice when the right time comes” following mounting calls for his resignation over the deficiencies flagged by the Commission on Audit in the handling of P67 billion COVID-19 response funds.

By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE former chief of the Department of Budget and ManagementProcurement Service (PS-DBM) admitted there might have been negligence on his part in the procurement of overpriced face masks and face shields when the COVID-19 pandemic first broke out in Next page 2020.

VOL. XXXV • NO. 194 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Tondo Medical Center health workers hold a "snake rally and 'noise barrage" inside the hospital to demand the ouster of DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III and press the Health department for the release of what they call long overdue benefits the government owes them for spearheading the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Norman Cruz

Go’s advice came three days after President Rodrigo Duterte said he will accept it if Duque offers to voluntarily resign.

“My word of advice is to make the supreme sacrifice when the right time comes,” the senator told Duque as the Blue Ribbon committee resumed hearings on the COA audit report.

“For now, we have a hearing at the Blue Ribbon committee. Clear yourself and address COA’s findings,” Go said.

Duque told the committee he is prepared to resign "if the time comes" but he wants to clear first the DOH of the fund use mess.

"If the time comes when I need to

Frontliners 4 hospitals shutter as PhilHealth delays payment Cases top 17k restive, urged as Delta spreads to be patient

Next page

of claims by the state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), and more hospitals may follow suit, an industry group warned Friday.

FOUR hospitals have already been forced Speaking in an interview Friday on to close because of the delayed payment GMA's Unang Hirit, Dr. Jose Rene De

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Willie Casas

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Willie Casas

Grano, president of Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPi), said a hospital in Samar and three in Davao del Sur have had to temporarily close because of unpaid PhilHealth debts.

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By Willie Casas and Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Health on Friday appealed for patience from health workers demanding their hazard pay and other receivables amid the COVID-19 pandemic, insisting the agency is doing its best to provide their benefits.

“Let's all think about the patients who need our services," Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire said in a briefing. “We are here to support you.

Just give us some time to complete all of this.”

Medical frontliners at the Tondo Medical Center and the National Center for Mental Health staged protests Friday, demanding the immediate resignation of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III for failing to release their Special Risk Allowance (SRA) and other Next page benefits on time.

THE Philippines logged on Friday 17,447 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 1,916,461, the Department of Health reported as a government infectious disease expert warned the Next page

1,916,461

SC foregoes Top 10 in bar

P1.3-B FAG. The National Bureau of Investigation on Friday seized illegally repacked imported Chinese cigarettes with an estimated value of P1.35 billion at the Subic Bay Gateway Park inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Olongapo City, Zambales. The NBI also arrested two Malaysian nationals, the president and vice president of the repacking company Bumi Jaya International Corp. situated in Olongapo City, according to NBI Officer-in-Charge Director Eric B. Distor.

By Rey E. Requejo THERE will be no top 10 passers in the 2020/2021 Bar Examinations to be announced after the most grueling tests for aspiring lawyers in the four Sundays of November this year, a departure from the consistent practice of extolling the 10 topnotchers, the Supreme Court said Friday.

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like 'tsunami'

Romualdez: House delivers on 11 top priority bills ment Advisory Council (LEDAC), House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez said THE House of Representatives has ap- after attending the virtual LEDAC meetproved the 11 top priority bills enumerat- ing Friday. ed by the Legislative-Executive DevelopRomualdez, representative of Leyte's

By Maricel V. Cruz

first district and chairman of the House Committee on Rules, said the House under Speaker Lord Allan Velasco fulfilled its legislative task to pass the Next page

17,447

142,531

32,841

113

1,741,089

6,771

(As of 4 PM, AUGUST 27)

DU30 LIFTS BAN ON BORA CASINOS NEWS / A4

A2

News

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘All fully vaxxed by Jan. 2022’ Dominguez said the Philippines already received around 48.89 million doses from March 1 to August 25 while 42 million more doses were expected to arrive from August 26 to September 30, and 103.59 million doses from October to December.

“So actually we are expecting roughly 50 million doses a month from September to December. If that happens, maybe by January, we should have been able to inoculate everyone,” Dominguez said during President Duterte’s Talk to the Nation late Thursday night.

According to Dominguez, there’s nothing to worry about since the government has secured all the financing needed to pay for the said doses.

As of now, he said the government had secured 170 million doses worth around $1.0302 billion while the private sector has already ordered 24 million doses for their workers.

All the vaccines procured by the government will be stored at Pharmaserv Express’ cold-chain facility in Marikina City, the Department of Health’s thirdparty storage and logistics partner, which can accommodate at least 40 million doses at any time.

The facility also has the capability to accept vaccines that need different

‘Make...

"If I need to leave, there’s no problem with that, I just want to be cleared of all these COA findings," Duque added.

When Senator Panfilo Lacson sought clarification whether Go was asking Duque to step down from his post, Go said that it was only his "advice" because he was concerned.

“This is just my advice. I pity the President,” Go said.

“Let us give them a chance to come

clean. It is still Sec. Duque's decision when the time comes,” he added.

In April last year, at least 14 senators co-authored a resolution pressing for Duque to resign, citing his "failure of leadership, negligence, lack of foresight, and inefficiency in performance" which led to "poor planning, delayed response, lack of transparency, and misguided and flip-flopping policies and measures" in addressing the pandemic.

The senators repeated their call for Duque to step down in September last year over the alleged massive corruption in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.

Duterte has maintained he will not fire Duque as it will be an "injustice" to punish someone who has done no wrong.

On Tuesday, however, the President appeared to open a window to resolve the issues hounding the DOH by saying he will accept it if Duque resigns voluntarily.

country was expected to increase because the Delta variant moved like a tsunami in terms of infecting people.

"The Delta variant is like a tsunami.

Mabilis talaga ang pagkalat," he said.

Despite this, Salvaña, an infectious disease expert and government adviser, said the nation was not helpless because COVID-19 vaccination was ongoing.

“Vaccination is our last line of defense on top of compliance with minimum public health standards because vaccination reduces the risk of an individual ending up in a hospital due to COVID-19,” he said.

• The national government has approved a P295.7-million budget to build genome centers in Visayas and Mindanao capable of detecting COVID-19 variants.

Vergeire said the expansion project would help sequence more COVID-19 samples from Visayas and Mindanao to determine the variants of concern present in these areas. The University of the Philippines' Philippine Genome Center is the only lab currently capable of genome sequencing for virus variant detection and can only sequence 750 samples per week.

• The Philippine Heart Association has raised the alarm that 80 percent of hospital

admissions of COVID-19 cases in the National Capital Region are unvaccinated. Dr. Richard Henry Tiongco II, an interventional cardiologist, along with Dr. Luigi Pierre Segundo, a cardio-electrophysiologist, said while all persons are susceptible to SARSCOV2 that triggers.

COVID-19, there are those who can be infected more than the others. He said those vulnerable to COVID-19 included those with advanced age, hypertension, heart failure and other cardiovascular conditions.

• Office of Civil Defense administrator Ricardo Jalad is among the 116 staffers of the agency's central office who tested positive for COVID-19. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council deputy spokesperson Mark Cashean Timbal said Jalad, who was fully vaccinated, had mild symptoms. With 116 out of the 380 employees infected, the office was temporarily closed for disinfection until August 30.

• Local government units will be at the forefront of determining the quarantine status in their areas as part of the country's possible shift to granular lockdowns, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said on Friday. "What will happen

here in our shift of policy is that there will be no massive lockdown if not granular lockdowns and LGUs will play a big role because they will actually determine their community quarantine classification and only the national will determine when there is a specific area should be placed in ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) or maximum lockdown but of course it has different categories depending on the alert level.

This is for some areas to continue economic activity under GCQ (general community quarantine)," Año said.

• A total 86.87 percent or P9.77billion out of the P11.2-billion funds for cash assistance to low-income beneficiaries affected by the recent enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) have already been distributed by local government units in Metro Manila. Año said the cities of Caloocan and Navotas had completed aid distribution while the cities of Pasay, Malabon and the municipality of Pateros have reached a distribution rate of 98 percent and are expected to complete the same by the end of August. Manila, meanwhile, has also completed the payout of ECQ aid on Thursday night.

workers have had to apply elsewhere.

De Grano said PhilHealth still owes private hospitals P5 billion in unpaid claims.

During the House hearing on Thursday, PhilHealth chief Dante Gierran vowed to pay 60 percent of the unpaid PhilHealth claims.

Earlier this week, hospital groups and PhilHealth met to discuss the state insurer’s circular on the temporary suspension of payment of claims, which is intended to be a preventive measure against fraud.

Private hospitals, however, saw the circular as another way to delay payment of claims. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Romualdez:...

administration’s priority measures, as spelled out by President Rodrigo Duterte in his SONA,” Romualdez said.

Other attendees in the LEDAC meeting were Executive Sec. Salvador Medialdea, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez II, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) chief Karl Kendrick Chua, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, Budget Undersecretary Janet Abuel who is the officer-in-charge of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel.Zubiri, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Sens. Cynthia Villar, Imee Marcos and Pia Cayetano.

During the meeting, Romualdez said Chua presented the 11 top bills under the common legislative agenda (CLA) whose approval is being eyed before the year ends.

The House of Representatives already approved the 11 priority bills that Chua mentioned, according to Romualdez. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

By Joel E. Zurbano and Julito Rada

T

HE government expects to achieve its goal of inoculating all Filipinos by January 2022 with the arrival of 50 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines beginning next month, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez has said.

From A1

resign, there’s no problem with me.

What is important is we clear all of these findings for purported deficiencies and we will address [these queries] with all my DOH team who worked so hard to lead the fight against this pandemic for 18 months, and we have been relentless," he said.

Cases...

From A1

Delta variant was moving like a tsunami in terms of infections.

This is the second highest number of cases recorded in one day since the start of the pandemic. An all-time high of 18,332 cases was reported on August 23.

The DOH also reported 113 new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 32,841 while 6,771 persons have recently recovered.

Active cases stood at 142,531, the highest since April 17. This is the 12th straight day that active infections counted more than 100,000.

The number of COVID-19 deaths recorded so far in August is nearing the level seen during the increase in cases in April this year, the DOH said.

“In the past, it was observed that a significant increase in cases is usually coupled with a similar increase in COVID-19 deaths… and we are seeing that now,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a briefing.

For his part, Dr. Edsel Salvaña of the DOH Technical Advisory Group said the number of COVID-19 cases in the

4...

From A1

"This is really serious because more hospitals might also cease operations if the prevailing condition remains," De Grano said.

The operations of private hospitals' depend largely on the reimbursements from PhilHealth, especially in COVID-19 cases, De Grano said. If reimbursements from COVID cases don't arrive on time, this depletes the funds of private hospitals.

Affected patients must then be accommodated in other hospitals or health care facilities, while some hospital

Frontliners...

From A1

The workers also pressed the DOH and the Duterte administration to immediately provide their COVID-19-related benefits such as meal, accommodation, and transportation allowances and active hazard duty pay.

Private hospitals also chimed in, complaining about the involvement of local government units (LGUs) in the release of SRAs to frontline health workers, claiming that this was a cause of delays.

Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPi) president Dr. Jose Rene De Grano, in an interview on Unang Balita, said the LGUs' processes are causing delay in the release of funds to hospitals.

“The SRAs pass through LGUs where they undergo bureaucratic processes. The release then gets delayed,” said De Grano.

The SRA funds should be given directly to private hospitals, De Grano said.

In a separate interview on Unang Balita earlier in the day, Dr. Ted Herbosa, an adviser to the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19, said DOH regional offices can now release the SRA to hospitals.

The department also said Friday it was seeking additional funding from the Department of Budget and Management to provide the COVID-19 SRA to over 17,000 more health workers.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said this is aside from the P311 million released for the SRA of more than 20,000 health workers earlier this week.

“We have a new request to the DBM for around 17,670 additional healthcare workers who have submitted their requirements,” said Vergeire in Filipino at a forum.

The DOH and DBM are in talks to extend the contracts of health workers hired through the emergency hiring program, Vergeire said.

“We are talking to the DBM to get additional funds so we can extend the employees we hired until the end of this

year. We are still awaiting the response of the DBM to that,” she said.

Robert Mendoza, president of the Alliance of Health Workers (AHW), said Friday's rallies are part of the AHW unions series of actions until Aug. 31, 2021 -- the deadline they set for DOH to release their hard-earned COVID-19 benefits as provided by law.

"This protest action is part of a series of actions by health workers in various public and private hospitals to call for the DOH to provide all the benefits stipulated in the Bayanihan law that have not been provided to them, which are long overdue," Mendoza said.

The protesting workers snaked through the hospital premises while launching into a noise barrage to express their anger and resentment over what they saw as the government’s lack of concern and gross negligence for their well-being.

They also demanded that Duque step down as Health secretary.

President Duterte ordered the DOH and the DBM to pay health workers’ benefits within 10 days from Aug. 21.

The DBM said it had released the P311 million for the SRA on Thursday.

But Ernesto Bulanadi, president of the Tondo Medical Center Employees Association-Alliance of Health Workers, said they are so disappointed over the meager budget for health workers’ risk allowance.

He said in the DOH-retained hospitals alone, there are 67,000 health workers.

"Therefore, that funding for SRA is insufficient,” he said.

The union also denounced the provision in the Bayanihan law that limits SRA benefits only to health workers who directly deal with COVID-19 patients.

Moreover, the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act provides other benefits such as meal, accommodation and transportation allowance, active hazard duty pay, and compensation for health workers who got sick with COVID-19.

From A1

priority measures President Rodrigo Duterte enumerated in his State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“The House of Representatives has delivered on its commitment and all of the 11 top legislative measures have been approved on third and final reading,” Romualdez said.

He attended the LEDAC meeting with Velasco, House Minority Leader Joseph Stephen Paduano, House Committee on Ways and Means and Albay Rep. Joey Salceda and Deputy Speaker and Deputy Majority Leader Juan Pablo Bondoc of Pampanga.

“Acting on explicit instructions from Speaker Velasco, the House is eyeing the passage of the national budget before the end of September with high hopes that this will be certified as urgent by President Rodrigo Duterte,” Romualdez said.

“We stayed true to our mandate and successfully passed most of the

SC...

From A1

In an en banc notice, the SC revealed that it has approved several reforms proposed by 2020/2021 Bar Examination Chairperson Associate Justice Marvic Leonen to make the examination for aspiring lawyers “more equitable.”

The reforms include the modification of the grading system to enable a more reasonable approach to appraising and reporting on Bar Examination performance.

Instead, an examinee who obtains a weighted score of 85 percent or higher for the upcoming examination shall be recognized for exemplary performance.

The high court stressed that the modification in the grading system was necessary “to enable a more reasonable

Lao...

From A1

During yesterday’s Blue Ribbon committee hearing, Senator Francis Pangilinan asked the former PS-DBM chief, Christopher Lloyd Lao, if there was a difference in the price of face masks it procured, which cost P13 to P27, and the Philippine Red Cross, which cost only P5 each.

“I cannot explain that. I think the only thing is that maybe the Red Cross has a very good network, they have international ties with the International Red Cross, especially

storage temperature requirements, from Sinovac and AstraZeneca’s positive 2 to 8 degrees to the negative 18 degrees Celsius required by Gamaleya, and even the negative 80 to negative 25 degrees Celsius temperature requirement of Moderna and Pfizer.

Customs - Ninoy Aquino International Airport collector Carmelita Talusan has assured the preparedness of her team for the arrival of more COVID-19 vaccine shipments.

She said Port of NAIA and Health department officials already discussed the shipments' arrival, and the Customs' plan and initiatives to expeditiously facilitate the importation of vaccines.

approach to appraising and reporting on Bar Examination performance.”

In the past, simultaneous with the release of successful Bar passers, the high court also announced the topnotchers, but with the pandemic, Leonen said, they have to take into consideration the two batches that would be taking the Bar exam this November.

“On one hand, those who had intended to take the Bar Examinations in 2020 either had more time to review, or endured more time waiting. The 2021 graduates, on the other hand, had to endure the longer ordeal of preparing to graduate during the pandemic, causing delays in the graduation dates. They have been put in a constrained environment, with only a brief window of time to prepare,” Leonen said, in Bar Bulletin 25. (See full story online at manilastandard.net) in China so they have faster communication,” Lao said.

Pangilinan then asked Lao if there might have been negligence on his part as chief of the PS-DBM, since a more diligent search on his part might have brought the prices of the face masks and face shields down.

Lao again explained that prices for face masks and face shields at the time were high and they tried to bargain for a lower price. But he also acknowledged that “there might be negligence” as they were unable to exhaustively look for the cheapest supplier, given the limited time and the lack of resources and connections. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

IATF approves OneHealthPass for int’l travelers INTERNATIONAL travelers to the Philippines will be required to register through the OneHealthPass portal beginning September 1, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.

This after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) gave the green light to the use of OneHealthPass.

“The Inter-Agency Task Force approved the adoption and promotion of the use of OneHealthPass of the Bureau of Quarantine and the Department of Transportation,” said Roque, who is also the IATF spokesman.

“The OneHealthPass is an online platform that aims to promote the convenient and seamless movement of international travelers from departure from the country of origin to arrival at the local government unit of destination,” he added.

In July, the Philippine government required returning Filipinos to fill out the OneHealthPass declaration form through https://onehealthpass.com.ph/e-HDC/ before returning home.

The OneHealthPass portal requires registrants to submit their personal information, health status, and travel history, (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

85...

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At least 72 people among the crowd were killed, as well as the 13 American troops, according to various authorities.

Wounded people in bloodsoaked clothes were ferried away in wheelbarrows, as stunned survivors desperately shouted while looking for loved ones in the carnage.

One man held a semi-conscious victim by the elbow, trying to stop his head from slipping beneath the surface of the murky water.

The Italian NGO Emergency said the hospital it operates in Kabul had been overwhelmed by more than 60 casualties, 16 of whom were pronounced dead on arrival.

The injured "could not speak, many were terrified, their eyes totally lost in emptiness, their gaze blank", the hospital's medical coordinator Alberto Zanin said in a post on the group's Twitter account.

General Kenneth McKenzie, head of the US Central Command, said more Islamic State attacks were expected in Kabul.

The Taliban, which condemned the blasts, emphasised they happened in an area under US military control.

The US government and its allies had raised the alarm earlier in the day with a series of advisories warning their citizens to avoid the airport.

The United Nations called an urgent meeting of the permanent members of the Security Council for Monday.

In recent years, the Islamic State's Afghanistan-Pakistan chapter has been responsible for some of the deadliest attacks in those countries.

It has massacred civilians at mosques, shrines, public squares and even hospitals.

But while IS and the Taliban are both hardline Sunni Islamist militants, they oppose each other. AFP

Biden...

From A1

"The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns the bombing targeting civilians at Kabul airport," a statement released by the group's spokesman on Twitter said.

"The explosion took place in an area where US forces are responsible for security."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the attack as "barbaric," paying tribute to the "phenomenal effort" of those involved in the evacuation operation.

He said that Britain would "keep going up until the last moment."

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed "his condolences to the families of the American and Afghan victims" and saluted "the heroism of those who are on the ground to carry out the evacuation operations."

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said: "The international community stands with the Afghan people."

For Poland's President Andrzej Duda, the bombings were an "act of cowardice," while Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi condemned "this vile and horrible attack against defenceless people seeking liberty."

Norway deplored that "innocent civilians trying to leave the country have become victims of this terrible act of cruelty."

Sweden meanwhile paid tribute to the US service members: "We are grateful for all your efforts in making this historic evacuation operation possible."

China on Friday condemned the deadly attacks, saying Afghanistan still faces a "complex and severe" security situation as the United States withdraws. AFP

News

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021

Duterte names 2 new justices to CA, CTA

FULL CAPACITY.

Because hospitals in the province of Cavite have reached full capacity owing to an upsurge of COVID-19 cases, a patient has to be taken to the Imus Hospital via an ambulance where she is made to undergo swab test right outside the facility’s premises.

JR Josue

By Rey E. Requejo PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has appointed one associate justice each for the Court of Appeals and the Court of Tax Appeals, 18 trial court judges in Metro Manila, and three members of the Legal Education Board.

In a transmittal letter to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said President Duterte approved the appointment of Associate Justice Alfonso Carbonel Ruiz II to the CA vice Associate Justice Mario Lopez who was promoted to the Supreme Court.

Associate Justice Marian Ivy Ferrer Reyes was named to the CTA to fill the vacancy arising from the retirement of Associate Justice Esperanza Fabon Victorino.

Appointed trial court judges and their stations were Noel L. Parel, regional trial court (RTC) Branch 106, Quezon City; Rochelle Yvette D. Galano, RTC, Branch 105, Quezon City; Mary Ann T. Punzalan Toribio, RTC, Branch 99, Quezon City; Tomas Eduardo B. Maddela III, RTC, Branch 205, Pasig City; Caron Aicitel E. Lascano, RTC, Branch 100, Pasig City; Manuel Gerardo C. Tomacruz, RTC Branch 158, Pasig City; Marjury A. Madrid Songgadan, RTC Branch 117, Pasay City; Jesus Angelito Y. Huertas Jr., RTC Branch 261, Pasig City; Abraham Joseph B. Alcantara, RTC Branch 204, Muntinlupa City; Karen A. Matty Sy, RTC Branch 145, Makati City; Analie B. Oga Brual, RTC Branch 138, Makati City; Lovely Concepcion C. Matillano Chavez, RTC Branch 57, Makati City; Rebecca A. Guillen Ubana, RTC Branch 40, Manila; Sheryll D. Tulabing, RTC Branch 28, Manila; Victor R. Aguba, RTC Branch 255, Las Pinas City; Anne Beatrice G. Aguana Balmaceda, RTC Branch 200, Las Pinas City; Primo Elvin L. Siosana, RTC Branch 128, Caloocan City; and Rodrigo F. Pascua Jr., RTC branch 122, Caloocan City.

Doctor accuses another doctor of’ tampering’ with COVID test A MEDICAL director has formally filed criminal complaints against another physician before the Valenzuela City Prosecutor’s Office for ‘tampering and intentionally providing misinformation on Covid-19 records.’

The complainant, Dr. Alma Radovan-Onia, he medical director of Marilao Medical and Diagnostic Clinic Inc. (MMDCI), accused the chief executive officer and operator/manager of another medical clinic & diagnostic center in Barangay Karuhatan, Valenzuela and a laboratory facility in Mindoro respectively, of tampering with coronavirus disease results to make them appear they were conducted by an accredited testing facility.

Aided by her counsel, Radovan-Onia, in her complaint-affidavit, said the accused violated Republic Act 11332 (Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concerns Act) specifically for ‘tampering of records or intentionally providing misinformation.”

She said the accused entered into an agreement with MMDCI, an accredited COVID-19 testing facility, wherein the diagonostice center would gather specimens for testing using the kits provided by the former.

SPLASH AND DASH.

Amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic, Manila’s Department of Public Services conducts flushing operations along U.N. Avenue on Friday in order to keep the city streets and sidewalks clean and rid them of eye sores.

Norman Cruz

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Gov’t revives sea research plan, procures more ships

By Othel Campos

N

ATIONAL Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said on Friday the Philippine government reactivated its marine research efforts in the West Philippine Sea with the purchase of additional ocean-going research ships boosting its naval assets.

In a press conference, Esperon, who chairs the National Task Force WPS, said “We are also now reactivating our marine research center in Pagasa Island.”

Esperon added that the Philippines might cooperate with other countries in marine research to better study and protect the West Philippine Sea, which was estimated to suffer $33 billion in marine life damage each year Esperon said that the Philippines will start cooperation with ASEAN members first.

More vessels from the Bureau of

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, among others, will be deployed in the WPS next year as part of an action plan to guard against incursions and illegal fishing in the Philippine waters.

Government infrastructure projects, such as ports and airfields, would be built close to the West Philippine Sea Agriculture undersecretary Cheryl Marie Caballero said illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing ( IUUF) threatens to destroy our deep

sea marine resources, in the long haul and negatively impact on the supply of marine products and on the livelihood of fishers, in the near to medium ter “The damages, as of 2020, is estimated to have reached 1,860 hectares with (damage) values of $354,249 per hectare according to a study of the University of the Philippines’ Marine Science Institute,” she said in a briefing organized by the Philippine Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Friday.

She underscored the importance of the West Philippine Sea to the country’s food security with its contribution of 7.39 percent to the country’s annual marine haul in 2020.

Caballlero noted that the damage was primarily noted in the reef ecosystem at Panatag Shoal, as well as the Spratly Islands, primarily due to reclamation activities and illegal fishing operations.

AYUDA ONGOING. San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora and other officials supervise the distribution of cash assistance to the city’s healthcare workers at the FIl-oil Flying V arena in San Juan City, August 27 2021, from the San Juan City local government. The financial assistance is given to both medical and non-medical front liners for being involved in the city’s COVID-19 response. Manny Palmero

Rody fumes: NPA coddling illegal loggers

By Vito Barcelo FORESTS in the country are in crisis as illegal loggers continue their illegal activities because they are not afraid of forest rangers, President Rodrigo Duterte said, adding that these illegal loggers are being protected by local terrorists.

In his speech Thursday night, Duterte said the New People’s Army is protecting illegal loggers in exchange for money.

‘They are not afraid of forest guards.

The NPA rebels are protecting them.

The NPA is there. They are looking after those involved in illegal logging operations,” he said.

The President directed Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu to coordinate with military, police and concerned government agencies to stop the illegal logging.

“The NPA guerillas would do everything to help illegal loggers for them to collect money. Do you think the NPA are doing something for the country? My God, they have done nothing,” he said.

He also said that the communist rebels are killing people and extorting money from everybody from all sources.

“That’s why they are not afraid, because of it,” he said.

Duterte ordered Cimatu to make sure that the forests are “really guarded and the trees are allowed to bloom.”

The president also issued a stern warning to those who will go against the government by continuing their illegal logging operations. “ I know your business. Do not target the protected areas. They are planting trees and yet, you will try to conduct operations there,” Duterte said.

He said illegal logging is having a devastating impact on the country’s forests because of deforestation, the loss of biodiversity.

“This creates social conflict with indigenous and local populations and leads to violence, crime and human rights abuses, he added.

NBI raids Subic repacking company, seizes P1.35-b cigarettes

IN LINE with the relentless campaign of the National Bureau of Investigation against all illegal activities, operatives of NBI-Task Force Against illegal Drugs seized repacked imported Chinese cigarettes with an estimated value of P1.35 billion in Subic Bay Gateway Park (SBGP) in Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBGP) in Olongapo, City, Zambales.

The operation also resulted in the arrest of two Malaysian nationals.

NBI Officer-in-Charge Director Eric Distor identified the arrested suspects as Tan Ah Seng and Tan Yan Teng, President and Vice President, respectively, of Bumi Jaya International Corp. situated in Olongapo City.

Suspects Tan Ah Seng and Tan Yan

Teng were presented for inquest proceedings on August 23, 2021 before the Office of the City Prosecutor, Olongapo City for violation of Section 1423 of RA 10863.

Incorporators of Bumi Jaya International Corp. namely: Gina Tsai, Tan Lian Hong, Adelia C. Tan, and Chi Jung Hsiao, aka Chi Yin Hsiao, all at large, were also charged with violation of Section 1423 of RA 10863

even though they are not present during the implementation of search warrants.

Distor said the case stemmed from information relayed to NBI-TFAID about a warehouse of Bumi Jaya owned by Tan Ah Seng and his group who are allegedly involved in the illegal repacking of imported cigarettes from China and diverting it to domestic market. Willie Casas

SMC starts mangrove plantation SAN Miguel Corporation is looking to start a mangrove plantation on an 80-hectare site in Paombong, Bulacan as part of its nationwide reforestation initiatives, that includes expanding the Bulakan Mangrove Ecopark in Brgy.

Taliptip--where it is set to build the New Manila International Airport project-and the planting of seven million trees in at least seven provinces nationwide.

The company is in the initial stages of developing the first 20 hectares of what will be the San Miguel-Paombong Mangrove Plantation & Sanctuary, near the coastline of Barangay Masukol.

It will be undertaken together with the local government of Paombong, headed by Mayor Maryanne Marcos,

the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

“Our team is in the process putting together the development plan for the mangrove plantation, and after submitting this to the Paombong LGU, we hope to immediately proceed with the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). We thank the local government of Paombong for agreeing to host this mangrove plantation site and sanctuary that will be the biggest in Bulacan. It will also be a key component of improved sustainability and flood mitigation efforts for the province,” SMC president Ramon S. Ang said.

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A4

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021

41 governors back Rody as vice president AT LEAST 41 governors on Friday issued a resolution supporting the vice presidential candidacy of President Rodrigo Duterte, even as the Chief Executive is still unsure of his plans for 2022.

The governors said that as vice president, Duterte could influence his successor to pursue his war on drugs, his “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure plan, projects for the poor, and his post-COVID pandemic economic recovery roadmap.

“We laud and support President Duterte’s decision to accept the offer of the administration PDP-Laban party to run for Vice President in next year’s elections,” they said in the resolution.

The group represents half of the 81 provinces in the country.

They added that despite the inroads made by the Duterte administration in the campaign against illegal drugs, the drug menace continues to persist.

“Indeed, this problem is no longer confined to urban areas; it has spread to the countryside. The next administration, with the help of President Duterte, should relentlessly pursue the war on drugs,” they noted.

“We hope and pray that the next President, and President Duterte as his Vice President, could work together in making life better for our people,” the governors said.

Signing the resolution were governors Jose Alvarez of Palawan, Dale Corvera of Agusan Norte; Damian Mercado of Southern Leyte; Humerlito Dolor of Oriental Mindoro; Sakur Tan of Sulu; Dakila Cua of Quirino; Nancy Catamco of Cotabato; Art Yap of Bohol; Edgardo Tallado of Camarines Norte;

Pacquiao bares 22-point plan for country

By Macon Ramos-Araneta PRIOR to his announcement next month about his political plans for the 2022 national elections, Senator Manny Pacquiao said Friday he has a 22-point agenda for the Philippines.

After his defeat to Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugas last week, Pacquiao was asked if he will run for President. The Filipino boxing champ replied he would make an announcement next month.

While training in Los Angeles for the August 22 boxing match, Pacquiao disclosed he had crafted this very good solution for our country.

“If we are able to implement this, we will see developments in the Philippines,” he said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

The senator however, enumerated only five of the 22 points in his plan.

They are eradicating corruption, economic growth and development, employment program, housing program, and improving the healthcare system.

According to the senator, he will explain each point when he arrives in the Philippines next week.

News

OLYMPIAN ART. A member of the Tenement Visual Artists group puts finishing touches on a mural of Tokyo 2020 Olympic medalists Hidilyn Diaz, Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Eumir Marcial at the basketball court in the Taguig City compound on Friday. Norman Cruz

Du30 lifts 3-yr. ban on Boracay casinos

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has lifted a three-year-old ban on the entry of new casinos in the country, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chairman Andrea Domingo confirmed on Friday.

“He (Duterte) announced it in public so that is now the current policy,” Domingo told GMA News Online, referring to Duterte’s announcement on Thursday that he will now allow the establishment of casinos in the resort island of Boracay “because the government is running out of funds.”

In his televised address Thursday, the President said in Filipino: “If you say, ‘Duterte, I thought you hated gambling.

Now you want a gambling house in Boracay? You’re encouraging the tourists.’”

“Forgive me for the contradiction. We don’t have money now. Where we can get money, I will get it. If it will be from gambling, so be it,” the President added.

“If I’m wrong, then I’m wrong. If I didn’t keep my word, that’s right I didn’t. But I need money to run the government because I’m going to have a lot of expenses,” he added.

Senator Nancy Binay on Friday expressed opposition to the move.

“I am totally against bringing back gambling activities in Boracay. That is

not the type of tourist that we want in Boracay. There are other means to collect more revenues,” Binay, chair of the Senate committee on tourism, said in an ANC interview.

“We all know that Boracay is the crown jewel of our tourism industry. The efforts for the island to be brought back will be put to waste if we will allow gambling activities in the island,” she said.

Binay pointed out that no matter how much the government revenue is, these funds will be put to waste if the departments and agencies are not spending it wisely.

In February 2018, Duterte ordered a halt on the entry and creation of new casinos in the Philippines to prevent an oversupply.

PCSO VISIT.

House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez (center) and Committee on Appropriations Vice Chairman Rep. Jose Manuel “Mannix” Dalipe (right) welcome Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office OIC General Manager Larry Cedro (left) in Congress during the 2022 budget briefing for PCSO on Friday. Ver Noveno

Solid North sees Bongbong-Sara ‘ultimate’ team

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta POLITICAL leaders in the so-called “Solid North” are pushing for what they described as the ultimate “Dream Team” in next year’s presidential and vice presidential race.

“Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. for president and Sara Duterte for vice president would be the right positioning if we consider the duo’s political exposure and experience,” said a congressman from the alliance of political bigwigs in the northern Luzon provinces, who asked he not be named.

The political heavyweights of the Ilocandia provinces met with Bongbong last July 25 to convince the former senator to join next year’s presidential race after an earnest discussion of his winnability.

Meanwhile, no “face-off” will happen between Sara, the daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, and his long-time aide, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, said Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

Cusi, President of his faction in the PDP-Laban, on Friday said he doesn’t see a confrontation happening between Duterte-Carpio and Go, the ruling party’s preferred standard bearer in the 2022 national elections.

“Sen. Go has high regard and respect for the Dutertes that it’s unthinkable to even think of such a scenario,” stressed Cusi.

The San Juan meeting, which was arranged by Sen. Imee Marcos as a preState of the Nation Address merienda at the Marcos house in San Juan City, was attended by more than 50 congressmen, governors, and political leaders, led by League of Municipalities president and Narvacan Mayor Chavit Singson and Isabela Governor Rudito Albano.

Caloocan calls VaxCert to launch in October; solons see clash with ‘yellow card’ OFWs, seafarers to vaccine sites

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE VaxCertPH program, a portal for the issuance of COVID-19 vaccination certificates to fully inoculated individuals, would be fully implemented at least for overseas Filipino workers in Metro Manila and other areas by October.

Undersecretary Emmanuel Caintic

of the Department of Information and Communications Technology told legislators Friday that the agency will dry-run the system in the National Capital Region “and specifically for OFWs first.”

“This is just to perfect the processes, not the system,” Caintic added in reply to Batanes Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr. However, legislators questioned the

‘Review PCSO required payments’

By Maricel V. Cruz THE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Friday asked the House of Representatives to review the laws requiring the agency to give mandatory contributions to certain government instrumentalities, saying some of these payments are not even health-related.

PCSO legislative liaison officer Gay Alvor said several laws are currently in place providing for the mandatory contribution of the agency to other government offices.

In addition, Alvor said the PCSO is also required to provide support

to the Malasakit Centers, among other entities.

“We are appealing to Congress to consider our situation, because the needs of Malasakit Centers are expanding together with that of the Universal Health Care, but there are many other mandatory contributions that have to be paid,” said Alvor, a lawyer.

“For example, we give to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and some of these mandatary contributions are not even health related,” she added.

planned issuance of vaccination cards by the DICT and other government agencies when other countries just require travelers to present the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis as approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin on Friday also cited the need for Congress to craft

a policy that will exempt OFWs from paying the fees for the Carte Jaune or “yellow card” being issued by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) for outbound travel as proof of full inoculation against COVID-19.

In particular, the P300 fee for the issuance of yellow cards should be waived, said Garin.

SARA’S ROUNDS.

Davao City Mayor Inday Sara DuterteCarpio oversees a COVID-19 inoculation as she visits four different vaccination sites in the city on Friday. The mayor went to the SM Lanang vaccination site, Buhangin Central Elementary School, the Marino Partylist Vaccination Program at the Matina Town Square, and the Matina Apalaya Central Elementary School vaccination site.

By Jun David THE Caloocan City Government has opened its vaccination sites for all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and seafarers who wish to be vaccinated.

Starting Friday, August 27, OFWs and seafarers can walk-in to any open vaccination site in Caloocan at any time. No vaccination pass or online appointment is required.

These persons only need to bring a Valid ID and ballpen and their Seaman’s book, OWWA Certificate, or call sheet from the office they are asked to report abroad.

According to Mayor Oscar “Oca” Malapitan, the purpose of this step is to give priority and help vaccinate OFWs and seafarers in their work abroad.

“Our local government wants to help our constituents who will work abroad. Apart from the requirement that they need to be vaccinated, it is important that they have protection against the virus,” he said.

Opinion Whiff of corruption?

So, who’s lying?

Staff, Lao denied any participation in the transaction in whatever way possible.

Unfortunately for him, Singson was in the possession of a letter he (Lao) addressed to former Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado, inviting the former Philippine Navy officer to a meeting in Malacañang in relation to the DURING the congressional investigation on planned purchase of two brand new frigates the results of the audit report conducted by the for the Philippine Navy worth P15.5 billion.

Commission on Audit on the Department of Lao signed the letter as Undersecretary, OfHealth, former Budget undersecretary Chris- fice of the Special Assistant to the President, topher Lao’s name was floated after having Presidential Management Staff. been pointed to as the one who facilitated the Confronted with solid evidence contradictacquisition of billions of pesos worth of face ing his statement, Lao was forced to admit he masks and face shields alleged to have been indeed wrote a letter but only because there grossly overpriced, in his capacity as head of was a complaint on the planned procurement the Procurement Services of the Department of the vessels. He added he signed as Underof Budget and Management. secretary, Office of the SAP since they were Lao was alleged to have been a former aide under the PMS anyway. of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go during Further, Lao insisted there was nothing his stint as Special Assistant to the President, wrong with the letter as they, (People in his ofwhich the latter vehemently denied. fice probably), “write official letters for them However, during (People or offices conThursday’s House cerned) to be apprised Committee on Public that there are complaints Certainly not the Accounts’ hearing on and if they wish to redocuments.

DoH’s utilization of spond and air their side, Covid-19 funds, panwe allow them so we el chair, Probinsyano can put on record what Ako Rep. Jose Bonito Singson was able to is their side and we just note it so if it will be squeeze from Lao’s mouth he indeed worked evaluated in the future, we have an idea on for Go before he got elected to the Senate in what those issues are.”

2019.

Now, let’s take a look at the letter Lao sent While everyone was expecting Singson to Mercado that time. to go for the kill over the face mask and face The letter read: Dear Sir: May we respectfully shield controversial purchases, the solon in- request for your attendance on this Friday, Janstead grilled Lao on the subject of the govern- uary 20, 2017, in the 4th floor New Executive ment’s acquisition of two frigates from South Building Malacañang Manila at 2:00 p.m.”

Korea, an issue wherein Go’s name was also “We would like to specifically discuss with dragged. He of course denied any participa- you the issue on CMS Selection.” tion in the matter.

Nowhere in the letter was it mentioned When Singson asked Lao if he had any involve- there was a complaint regarding the proposed ment in the procurement of the two frigates given acquisition of the ships. his former post at the Presidential Management Also, he cannot deny he worked for Go

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021

B1

EDITORIAL

from an unlocated hardware store. COA asked OWWA to justify why it bought overpriced hygiene products from a construction and trading company that could not be located. Hygiene kits (not itemized at P160 each) and sanitary napkins (up to P35/pad vs. P5-8 from sari-sari stores) worth P822,420, and 50 pieces of thermal scanners (P2,950 per unit vs. P400 to 800 commercial price) were bought from MRCJP THE 2020 Commission on Audit (COA) report Construction and Trading in Pasay City. is replete with concerns relative to the manner COA also questioned why OWWA bought by which various government agencies used the P300,000 worth of bottled water and local people’s money allocated to their offices to carry snacks from a catering business in Quezon City out their mandate of serving the Filipino people. when there are big supermarkets in Pasay City The state auditors’ findings caught the ire of where the OWWA offices are located. The total not many, especially since the concerned mon- OWWA transactions described by the auditors ies were intended to help ease people’s hard- as “doubtful” totaled P1,269,920.00. ships during the pandemic.

A few days after this issue caught fire, On top of the list is the Department of Health OWWA said that they already found the com(DOH). The COA 2020 report noted that the pany from which they bought the sanitary pads DoH failed to submit documentation or sup- from. porting papers for funds amounting to P67.3 Additionally, COA noted that the Department billion. P42.4 billion of this amount consisted of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) of fund transfers to procurement or implement- had P780.71 million unused cash intended as ing partner agencies without the required docu- cash aid for Filipinos hit by lockdowns due to mentation such as Memorandum of Agreement COVID-19. This finding covers DSWD field (MOA) and other supporting documents. offices in the Cordillera Region and Regions 2, COA noted that these DOH deficiencies con- 7, 8, and 11. The unused cash was “due to the tributed to the delays in addressing COVID-19. inclusion of unqualified beneficiaries in the masHealth Secretary Francisco Duque, in an emo- ter list, and consequentially depriving at least tional reaction to the findings, said that COA, in 139,300 families qualified for the program.” making its report public, COA also found has destroyed the depart“oversight” by the ment.

DSWD in the implemenOn the other hand, the Duterte needs to tation of the assistance COA report on the Deprogram for members realize this. partment of Agriculture of marginalized sectors (DA) noted that the dein crisis situations in partment had more than Cavite, Laguna, BatanP9.8 billion in unspent funds, and committed gas, and Rizal (CALABARZON), and Western accounting errors and/or omissions, and accu- and Eastern Visayas. COA cited “deficiencies” mulated unliquidated expenses totaling P17.5 in about P722.8 million distributed under the billion. Moreover, the DA had P2.2 billion of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation unobligated funds under Bayanihan I and II (AICS). This is intended as immediate cash and caused by delays in procurement processes and material assistance for those who have gone non-implementation of projects. through an unexpected crisis such as illness or Our farmers were hit hard by the pandemic death in the family. and the funds entrusted to the DA, especially the Considering that too many of those who allocations from Bayanihan I and II, could have needed assistance did not receive any help, the given them much-needed reprieve from suffer- DSWD must be held accountable for its ineffiing if only the DA was efficient in its use of the ciency and incompetence. people’s money.

Lastlt, the COA reported that the Land TransFurther, the state auditors scored the Depart- portation and Regulatory Board (LTRFB) used ment of Education (DepEd) for deficiencies in only 1 percent or around P59 million of the spending P8.136 billion earmarked for Basic P5.58 billion funds earmarked for assistance to Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP). public utility vehicles (PUV) drivers and operaCOA notes included lapses in budget utilization, tors. This means that as of December 2020, the noncompliance with the Government Procure- LTFRB still had almost PhP5 Billion in its cofment Reform Act, and issues on procurement, fers while jeepney and other PUV drivers and reproduction and delivery of self-learning mod- their families were going hungry and resorted to ules. “The existence of errors and deficiencies in begging on the streets. The inaction by the LTthe self-learning modules, and procedural laps- FRB is unacceptable and cruel. The funds could es in checking/review and evaluation process/ have gone a long way in helping thousands of system of the division, thus adversely affecting our drivers and their families cope with loss of the quality of self-learning modules and the de- livelihood and aggravated poverty. partment’s objective of ensuring quality basic In response to the COA findings, instead of education.” ordering his officials to shape up and immediThat the quality of basic education is adverse- ately address the concerns raised by the State ly affected is evidenced by the many complaints Auditors, President Rodrigo Duterte instead casand criticisms in social media on the contents of tigated COA, a Constitutional Commission, for the learning modules approved for use by the doing its job. This is a far cry from his “report to DepEd. Needless to say, only DepEd can be me when you sense even just a whiff of corrupblamed for these shortcomings. Not only was tion” line. precious money wasted on modules that are He should have realized that the COA report inappropriate, erroneous, or outright wrong, our has given him the reason, at least some reason, children’s education is put on the line. why his administration is failing in this war The audit report on the Department of Interi- against COVID-19. Duterte should have realor and Local Government (DILG) revealed that ized how inefficient and incompetent his offiP3.63 billion in projects released to national and cials are and how Filipinos are dying because of local government offices, and non-government their inability to do their jobs. organizations (NGOs) remain unliquidated. Of Thanks to COA, especially its Chairperson, the total amount, P2.6 billion consisted of fund Michael Aguinaldo, the Filipino people are transfers to LGUs for projects for poor and con- getting information on how our money is being flict-affected areas. mismanaged. This is beyond “whiff of corrupPerhaps one of the most controversial COA tion.” Duterte needs to realize this. findings concerned the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). This office @bethangsioco on Twitter; Elizabeth Angsiopurchased sanitary napkins and hygiene kits co on Facebook

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COVID’s long-term effects S than a month, with a majority of those admitted to hospital with severe disease reporting long-term problems, including fatigue and shortness of breath.

Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.

TARTLING, at the very least, are the findings of a new Chinese study which calls for a better understanding of the long-term effects of the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected and killed millions worldwide.

The virus affects the body, the community, and the economy.

The study should also be interesting to the Philippines, which has been under different stages of lockdown since mid March last year: The coronavirus pandemic infecting to date 1,916, 461 with 142,531 active cases; killing 32,841 with 113 new deaths as against 1,741,089 recoveries with new recoveries at 6,771.

The focus of the latest study is that fatigue and shortness of breath still afflict many patients one year after being discharged from their hospitals—postponing for those still working their quick return to their jobs.

Some early studies have suggested that 10 to 20 percent of people with COVID-19 will experience symptoms lasting longer

Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

Older people and those with underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes are most likely to develop severe or critical form of COVID-19.

We find it alarming that around half of patients discharged from hospital for COVID still suffer from at least one per-

sistent symptom—most often fatigue or muscle weakness—after 12 months, said the study published in British medical journal The Lancet.

The research, the largest yet on the condition known as “long COVID” which verily is today’s highest medical challenge, added that one in three patients still has shortness of breath a year after diagnosis.

That number is even higher in patients hit more severely by the illness.

Given the absence of proven treatments or even rehabilitation guidance, there is an urgency for more research to properly understand the virus and better care for patients who suffer from it.

The study followed nearly 1,300 people hospitalized for COVID between January and May 2020 in the central Chinese city of Wuhan—the first place affected by the pandemic that has since infected nearly 214 million people worldwide and killed nearly 5 million.

There is a causal sequence, kind of knock-on, to this: the long-term effect on the domestic economy with people’s mobility limping during the lockdown as well as on communities and households, chained to protect the population.

Mendoza is off-tangent former commissioner of COA does not give her the authority to issue such statements or release said documents to the media without the approval and permission of the majority of the members of the COA considering that she is no longer connected with said office.

To allow a former commissioner to come out with such slanderous comments against the government on the pretext of acting as some kind of do-gooder is to unjustly usurp the powers of the commissioners under the guise of freedom of information.

FORMER Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Heidi Mendoza’s statements against President Rodrigo R. Duterte are pathetically off-tangent.

This observation is not intended to preempt her right to freedom of expression but one intended to prevent slander against the government based on malicious charges of graft and corruption through alleged illegal disbursement of public funds. I remember her as the one who made her dramatic entry as an appointee of the Noynoy Aquino administration accusing some generals in the Defense Department of graft and corruption.

Despite the brouhaha of alleged corruption among the top brass, nothing of her charges resulted in their conviction. In short, her alleged graft and corruption charges were concluded without securing the arrest and indictment of even one general. Instead, she was later appointed to the UN. Section (1), Article IX D of the Constitution states the powers and functions of the Commission on Audit. Mendoza as a certified public accountant did not indicate if she ever practiced her profession which is required. What the public know is Mendoza is a former commissioner of the COA, and in that status she is no longer entitled to exercise the powers and functions enumerated in Section 1 (1-c), and Section 3 and 4, Article IX of the Constitution. The fatal flaw in her allegation is she did “not mention public funds going to private pockets, but the repeated noncompliance with procurement laws and recurring accounting deficiencies by government agencies (giving rise) to corruption…”

She added “the government auditing body has recently been releasing accounts of the manner and amounts of taxpayers’ money used or not used by state agencies in the past year as part of its mandate to publicly disclose its annual audit reports, and one of the most controversial was about the Department of Health (DOH).”

Specifically, she cited, and to quote the “numerous deficiencies in the use of a P67.3-billion pandemic response fund by the DOH, which undermined the timely and efficient response to the COVID-19 emergency last year.” She also “reported that P11.8 billion of this amount was untapped, that more than P95 million in medicines and supplies were wasted and that the DOH failed to use P59.124 billion of its P200.9-billion budget in 2020.”

Assuming what she said is true, her title as when he signed the letter as Undersecretary in the latter’s office. If he really is directly under the PMS, there is no reason why he would use the Office of the SAP to identify himself.

Aside from the fact that Go remains to be the highest regarded influence peddler in the Duterte Cabinet, so it would be just logical to use the Office of the SAP to command immediate attention and “respect” from the one he wants to “invite for some discussion.”

If that is not lying, then what does it make of him and Senator Go? As the probe on alleged overpriced face masks and face shields took a backseat, Singson grilled further on the frigate issue.

While Lao maintains he only invited Mercado to discuss the complaints regarding the matter, Singson said that around that time, the turnover of the project was already about to commence as the contract was entered into sometime in early 2016.

In fact, Singson presented a copy of what appears to be a document pertaining to the procurement of the frigates with a post-it note of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana attached that read: “To Admiral Mercado Ronald, This was given to me by Bong Go. Go over it and make a report/ rebuttal to be submitted to the Pres.”

Of course, Go has denied his involvement in any Department on National Defense biddings with no less than Lorenzana supporting

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

She is no longer a commissioner of the COA. The secrecy or confidentiality of such documents lies in the nature that they were entrusted to officials appointed to that office.

Her comment against the officials of the Department of Health and against the Office of the President officially stand as without basis for even if true, she was not authorized to disclose them.

The former commissioner should have been more circumspect in analyzing the implication of her revelation. For instance, she said that “COA cited numerous deficiencies in the use of a P67.3-billion pandemic response fund by the DOH, which undermined the timely and efficient response to the COVID-19 emergency last year.” It also reported, to quote “that P11.8 billion of this amount was untapped, that more than P95 million in medicines and supplies were wasted and that the DOH failed to use P59.124 billion of its P200.9-billion budget in 2020.”

But these are mere figures that indicate huge amounts of money representing the allocated budget for the Department of Health that were allegedly released, spent, wasted or pocketed by the concerned officials like the Secretary of Health Duque or worse, by the President. They do not represent anything except that Mendoza is putting malice into those figures.

For that matter, one cannot avoid implicating the President or his cabinet based on documents as naively and maliciously interpreted by Mendoza. Evidence of corruption in the disposition of public funds must be clear like pointing to a particular person as responsible and the particular act committed to pass the test of prima facie evidence. It seems that fault-finding is now the surest way to boost his denial. However, the documents available showed otherwise.

Lao should have prepared himself for such a grilling as those issues and even copies of the letter and note were already published in a series of articles published by Rappler. But maybe he was only expecting to be grilled on the issue of face masks and face shields.

But even if he were to be grilled only on the subject of the face masks and face shields, I don’t think Lao could come out clean.

As officer-in-charge of the PS-DBM, Lao made procurements for DoH’s Covid-19 response in the amount of to P41 billion, among the face masks worth P27.72 apiece and face shields that cost P120 each.

His office bought more than 115 million pieces of face masks and face shields and later on proved to be difficult to sell to client agencies because the prices of the said items eventually dropped in the market. And as of the time of the CoA audit, P95 million of these face masks and shields were found to be sitting in depots.

Aggravating matters for him is that the CoA also flagged the lack of supporting documents to back DoH’s transfer of P41 billion to PS-DBM. With the continuation of the hearing yet to be scheduled, maybe he could still make the necessary preparations to convince the panel there was nothing wrong with the transactions he had entered into.

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

one’s candidacy done through the threat of auditing.

Lacson resigned from the various committees to concentrate on scrutinizing the budget to boost his wobbly candidacy. It seems that many have copied Grace Poe’s grandstanding like calling for an investigation to besmirch the reputation of others, but making sure she earns the propaganda mileage but without concluding or finding the person guilty of the alleged anomaly.

Besides, the term “corruption” is a general term. The document must be specific like naming the person and the particular act committed. It is far more difficult to correlate the document and use it as evidence to accuse a person of committing corruption.

Even on this test, Mendoza failed to hurdle.

Her disclosure was without the authority and permission from COA. The value of those documents was important while she remains the commissioner. Alas, she is no longer a commissioner.

Moreover, the press conference made by Mendoza was premeditated to embarrass the government. She was hooked-up to known anti-government media which reason why the President merely reacted by treating her disclosure as a dud.

One has to be more circumspect not to state the specifics of her accusation. She cannot invoke the status of a whistleblower similar to the case to Edward Snowden and Julian Assange. She only enjoys the rank of a “pasikat.”

The only instance where the confidentiality of government documents is allowed is to members of Congress. They are entitled to government immunity. That immunity includes exemption from the possible charge of libel. Section11, Article VI of the Constitution is clear, to quote: “A Senator or a member of the House of Representatives shall, in offenses punishable by not more than six years imprisonment be privileged from arrest while the Congress is in session. No member shall be questioned or held liable in any other placed for any speech or debate in the Congress or any committee thereof.”

To reiterate, said provision is not intended to suppress the right of one to freedom of expression but to put order to society. The government will not allow any Tom, Dick and Harry to speak and freely slander the government. It has the right to protect itself against malicious, libelous and unjust accusations that could erode the trust and integrity in the government. rpkapunan@gmail.com But before that, he and Go would have to come up with foolproof alibi to prove he, Lao, has never been the senator’s aide before he got elected.

He could resort to all the legal jargons he could come up with. But in the court of public opinion, a verdict has already been handed and someone has already been found to be lying.

MORE OPINION ONLINE (www.manilastandard.net)

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US High Court ends moratorium on home eviction THE US Supreme Court has blocked the extension of a federal moratorium on evictions, ending a protection granted to millions who have struggled to afford rent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a 6-3 ruling, the court sided with homeowners who claimed to be victims of unwarranted measures, and argued that any renewal of a moratorium must be decided

by Congress and not health officials.

The court’s unsigned majority opinion said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had exceeded its authority with its latest order temporarily halting evictions in areas where coronavirus cases were surging.

“It is up to Congress, not the CDC, to decide whether the public interest merits further action here,” read the eight-page majority opinion.

The court’s three liberal justices dissented, citing fears that evictions could exacerbate the spread of the Delta variant.

The case was prompted by the CDC’s latest, two-month-long moratorium, rolled out on August 3.

An earlier, September 2020 moratorium issued by the CDC expired after a Supreme Court ruling in June said it could not continue beyond July 31 without authorization from Congress.

President Joe Biden’s administration had urged Congress to approve an extension, but US lawmakers failed to do so before summer recess.

Under pressure from Democrats, the CDC ordered a new moratorium, citing public health risks posed by the pandemic.

The Supreme Court has now ended that moratorium.

At the White House, Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the administration “is disappointed” that the court blocked the eviction moratorium “while confirmed cases of the Delta variant are significant across the country.”

The moratorium “saved lives by preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus throughout the pandemic,” Psaki said in a statement.

The White House had expected the moratorium to be challenged in court, but hoped the extra time would allow for emergency rental assistance funds approved by Congress to reach those in need. AFP

New Zealand extends virus hard lockdown

ARMED LUNCH. Taliban fighters wait for their meals to be served as they lunch at a restaurant in Kabul after Taliban’s takeover following the US troop withdrawal. AFP

Islamic State remains a threat in Afghanistan T HE carnage from twin suicide bombings at Kabul airport will fuel fears that a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan could prove an increasingly powerful magnet for terror groups like Islamic State.

The bombings, claimed by the regionally based Islamic StateKhorosan or IS-K, killed scores of people including 13 US soldiers, and were carried out despite multiple, site-specific intelligence warnings that such an attack was imminent.

The military death toll amounted to the worst single-day loss for the Pentagon in Afghanistan since 2011.

Terror strikes were the trigger for the 2001 US invasion of Afghanistan that toppled the last Taliban regime and, with the Taliban’s return after 20 years of war, many observers are warning the country will once again become fertile ground for groups such as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State.

What is Islamic State-Khorasan?

Months after the Islamic State de-

clared a caliphate in Iraq and Syria in 2014, breakaway fighters from the Pakistani Taliban joined militants in Afghanistan to form a regional chapter, pledging allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

The group was formally acknowledged by the central Islamic State leadership the next year as it sunk roots in northeastern Afghanistan, particularly Kunar, Nangarhar and Nuristan provinces.

It also managed to set up sleeper cells in other parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan, including Kabul, according to United Nations monitors.

The latest estimates of its strength vary from several thousand active fighters to as low as 500, according to a UN Security Council report re-

leased last month.

“Khorasan” is a historical name for the region, taking in parts of what is today Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia.

What kind of attacks has it carried out?

The Islamic State’s Afghanistan-Pakistan chapter has been responsible for some of the deadliest attacks of recent years.

It has massacred civilians in both countries, at mosques, shrines, public squares and even hospitals.

The group has especially targeted Muslims from sects it considers heretical, including Shiites.

Last year, it was blamed for an attack that shocked the world – gunmen went on a bloody rampage at a maternity ward in a predominantly Shiite neighbourhood of Kabul, killing 16 mothers and mothers-to-be.

Beyond bombings and massacres, ISKhorasan has failed to hold any territory in the region, suffering huge losses because of Taliban and US-led military operations. AFP CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Long COVID? Symptoms last a year for many

Manila Name of Company : ALSTOM TRANSPORT CONSTRUCTION PHILIPPINES, INC.

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TODAY

We create smart innovations to meet the mobility challenges of today and tomorrow. Joining us means joining a truly global community of more than 38 900 people dedicated to solving real-world mobility challenges and achieving international projects with sustainable local impact.

Alstom Transport Construction Philippines, Inc. is expanding pool of multitalented individuals. We are looking for experienced and versatile OPC Manager.

Job Title: Ordonnancement Planification Coordination Manager (OPC Manager) Job Description: • Ensure implementation of HSE plan (including P.P.E., specific training) • Follow-up of compliance to HSE requirements by construction teams and closure of HSE issues identified on site • Participate in Construction Quality process follow-up • Coordinate activities with team • Site management (hand over & hand back) • Prevent / anticipate conflicts between entities or sub-systems • Ensure work sequencing is in line with delivery of Project Master Schedule • Propose construction schedule mitigations / actions • Monitor and report construction progress • Monitor with Project Technical Manager readiness of construction documentation • Share between entities (SYS & CW) best work practices and Return of Experience • Ensure Work Permits process is in place for construction phase • Coaching & guiding of OPC supervisors Qualifications and Required Experience: • Bachelor or master’s degree related to railway systems.

• Minimum 13 years of experience in project construction work, including minimum 8 years of experience in the role of OPC Manager.

• Project management and railway construction background • Good overall knowledge of railway systems and projects • Good Communications and interpersonal skills • Conflict management and multi-tasking • Team management Term: Project with fixed term of 24 months or until the end of the project Compensation: PHP 70,000 to PHP 80,000, may increase or decrease depending on qualifications and experience Place of Assignment: Alstom Transport Construction Philippines Inc, Lot 1, President Carlos P. Garcia Ave. (C5 Extension) San Dionisio, Sucat, Parañaque City - Philippines

NA

Interested applicants may submit their application with resume and cover letter on or before August 31, 2021 to:

rvice

Rhodessa M. Mallari, HR Manager rhodessa.mallari@alstomgroup.com

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that BASIC HOUSING SOLUTIONS, INC., with office address at 5TH & 6TH Floor, Westar Building, 611 Shaw Blvd., Brgy.

Kapitolyo, Pasig City, is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as Expanding Developer of Economic and Low-Cost Housing Project (Hillsview Royale Subdivision Phase 5) with 486 house and lot units under R.A. 11534 (CREATE ACT) and the Preferred List-Mass Housing of the 2020 IPP, with project site located at Brgy. Timalan, Naic, Cavite.

Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(SGD.) ANGELITA F. ARCELLANA Director Resource-Based Industries Service (MS-AUG. 28, 2021)

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that PRIMA CASA LAND & HOUSES, INC. (Formerly: LUMINA HOMES, INC.) with office address at LGF Bldg., B. Evia Lifestyle Center, Daang Hari, Almanza Dos, Las Piñas City is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as a New Developer of Economic and Low-Cost Housing Project (Lumina San Juan La Union Subdivision) with 735 house and lot units under R.A. 11534 (CREATE Act) and the Preferred List-Mass Housing of the 2020 IPP, with project site located at Brgys. Calingcamasan & Sta. Rosa, San Juan, La Union.

Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(SGD.) ANGELITA F. ARCELLANA Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service (MS-AUG. 28, 2021)

SILHOUETTE. People walk at an overpass overlooking the horizon as the sun sets in Beijing. AFP

Skeleton reveals unknown group of humans

(MS-AUG. 28, 2021)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK The study, which was published in known to scientists as Wallacea.

ARCHAEOLOGISTS have discovResearchers found the excavation ered the remains of a 7,200-year-old the journal Nature on Wednesday, was skeleton from a female hunter-gather- a collaboration between Indonesian to be particularly challenging because er in Indonesia that has a “distinct hu- and international researchers. Excava- DNA can be easily degraded in the tropical climate. man lineage” never found anywhere in tion began in 2015.

“It is very rare to find ancient hu“This is the first time anyone has rethe world, according to research pubported the discovery of ancient human man DNA in the humid tropics – that’s lished this week.

The relatively intact fossil, which DNA from the vast island region be- why this is such a lucky discovery,” Manila Name of Company : ALSTOM TRANSPORT CONSTRUCTION PHILIPPINES, INC. Standard belonged to a teenager aged 17 or 18, tween mainland Asia and Australia,” Brumm said.

TODAY We create smart innovations to meet the mobility challenges of today and Analysis of the DNA revealed that Adam Brumm, archaeologist at the was buried inmeans thejoining foetal inside tomorrow.

Joining us a trulyposition global community of more than 38 900 people dedicated to solvingareal-world mobility challenges and achieving the woman was part of a population Australian Research Centre for HuLeang Panninge, limestone cave in international projects with sustainable local impact. man Evolution at Griffith University group related to modern day Papuans South Sulawesi.

Alstom Transport Construction Philippines, Inc. is expanding pool of multiin Brisbane, who co-led the research, and Indigenous Australians.

It was found among artefacts from talented individuals.

We are looking for experienced and versatile OPC Manager.

However, the genome is also linked told AFP Friday. the Toalean people, an early culture of Job Title: Ordonnancement Planification Coordination Manager (OPC Manager) to a previously unknown divergent huBrumm was referring to an area hunter-gatherers in the region.

The reJob Description: mains the first of stretching from Kalimantan and Lom- man lineage not found anywhere else • Ensure are implementation of HSE known plan (includingskeleton P.P.E., specific training) Follow-up of compliance to HSE requirements by construction teams and bok to the western tip of Papua that is in the world. AFP a• Toalean. closure of HSE issues identified on site • • • • • • • •

Participate in Construction Quality process follow-up Coordinate activities with team Site management (hand over & hand back) Prevent / anticipate conflicts between entities or sub-systems Ensure work sequencing is in line with delivery of Project Master Schedule Propose construction schedule mitigations / actions Monitor and report construction progress Monitor with Project Technical Manager readiness of construction documentation TOP Chinese actress Zheng Shuang was hit with • Share between entities (SYS & CW) best work practices and Return of $46Experience million tax evasion fine Friday while references Permits process is in place for construction phase to•• Ensure film Work star Zhao were wiped from video Coaching & guiding of OPCWei supervisors

NEW Zealand on Friday extended a national lockdown sparked by a Delta virus outbreak into next week but warned restrictions would last longer in the infection epicenter of Auckland.

The Delta cluster emerged in Auckland last week, ending a six-month run without local transmission that had made New Zealand one of the world’s last COVID-free zones.

While there were 70 new cases reported on Friday, taking the total to 347, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said there were signs the outbreak would soon peak if stay-at-home orders remained in place.

“We may be seeing the beginning of a plateau in cases,” she said.

“Our job is to keep up the hard work in order to bend, and then flatten, the (infection) curve.”

Ardern said a nationwide lockdown imposed on August 17 would now continue until August 31.

She said Auckland, where all but 14 cases have been found, and the neighboring region of Northland, were set to face at least an extra two weeks of hard lockdown.

New Zealand is pursuing a “COVID zero” elimination strategy – which has resulted in just 26 deaths in a population of five million – using strict border controls backed by hard lockdowns when any cases do slip through.

Ardern said that from Wednesday areas outside Auckland and Northland would move down a notch to level three on New Zealand’s fourtier virus alert system.

Most residents must still remain at home during level three but some businesses such as restaurants and retail outlets can reopen using contactless collection methods.

Ardern said police checkpoints would be set up to ensure there was no travel between Auckland, Northland and the rest of the country. AFP

FATIGUE and shortness of breath still afflict many patients a year after their hospitalization for COVID-19, according to a new Chinese study calling for a better understanding of the pandemic’s long-term health effects.

Around half of patients discharged from hospital for COVID still suffer from at least one persistent symptom – most often fatigue or muscle weakness – after 12 months, said the study published in British medical journal The Lancet Friday.

The research, the largest yet on the condition known as “long COVID,” added that one in three patients still have shortness of breath a year after their diagnosis.

That number is even higher in patients hit more severely by the illness.

“With no proven treatments or even rehabilitation guidance, long COVID affects people’s ability to resume normal life and their capacity to work,” The Lancet said in an editorial published with the study.

“The study shows that for many patients, full recovery from COVID-19 will take more than 1 year.”

The study followed nearly 1,300 people hospitalized for COVID between January and May 2020 in the central Chinese city of Wuhan – the first place affected by a pandemic that has since CYAN infected 214 million people worldwide, killing more than 4 million.

The share of observed patients with at least one symptom decreased from 68 percent after six months to 49 percent after 12 months.

Respiratory discomfort increased from 26 percent of patients after six months to 30 percent after 12 months, it said. AFP

Actress hit with $46m tax fine a

streaming sites as Beijing steps up its campaign Qualifications and Required Experience: against culture.

• Bachelorcelebrity or master’s degree related to railway systems.

• Minimum 13 years of experience in project construction work, including Beijing is on a mission toofrein in what it calls minimum 8 years of experience in the role OPC Manager.

• Project management and railway construction background “chaotic fan culture” and celebrity excess, after a • Good overall knowledge of railway systems and projects spate scandalsand ininterpersonal recent months that have taken • Goodof Communications skills • Conflict management and multi-tasking down China’s biggest entertainers including singer • Team management Kris Wu, who was arrested on suspicion of rape Term: Project with fixed term of 24 months or until the end of the project earlier this month.

Compensation: to PHP 80,000, increase fined or decrease ShanghaiPHP tax70,000 authorities onmayFriday Zheng depending on qualifications and experience $46.1 million for tax evasion and undeclared income Place of Assignment: Alstom Transport Construction Philippines Inc, Lot 1, between 2019 2020 while filming a TV series, President Carlos P. Garciaand Ave. (C5 Extension) San Dionisio, Sucat, Parañaque City - Philippinesto an online statement. according Zheng Zheng, 30, became a household nameandincover China Interested applicants may submit their application with resume letter after Shuang on or before August 31, 2021 to: starring in the hit 2009 remake of Taiwanese drama Rhodessa M.Shower,” Mallari, HR Manager “Meteor and a string of successful series and rhodessa.mallari@alstomgroup.com (MS-AUG. 28, 2021) movies afterwards. AFP

SERVICE PUPPERS. Dogs from a K-9 Unit take part in training during a demonstration at the opening of the new Center for Wildlife Forensics in Singapore on August 27, 2021, as part of the effort to better identify wildlife species and its geographical origins to improve enforcement against animal poaching and trafficking. AFP

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Samsung Group unveils $205-b investment to fortify leadership

ECONOMIC LEADERS. German Chancellor Angela Merkel (center) chairs a meeting with leaders of economic and financial organizations including Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva (center, left) at the Chancellery in Berlin on August 26, 2021. AFP

SAMSUNG Group announced a $205-billion investment blueprint on Tuesday aimed at making the company a leader in a range of technologies from semiconductors to robotics and creating 40,000 new jobs.

The tech giant is South Korea’s largest conglomerate and its overall turnover is equivalent to a fifth of the national gross domestic product. Samsung Electronics, its flagship subsidiary, is the world’s biggest smartphone maker.

The plan will “help Samsung strengthen its global standing in key industries while spearheading innovation in new fields,” the company said in a statement, adding that it will also pursue corporate acquisitions.

On the semiconductor front, the firm said it will seek to enhance cutting-edge technologies to meet “long-term demand rather than short-term changes.”

It is also looking to expand its biopharmaceutical business run by Samsung Biologics and Samsung Bioepisit.

The conglomerate said it would build two

new manufacturing plants on top of three currently in operation with a view to tapping into the manufacturing of vaccines.

Of the 240 trillion won ($205 billion) it plans to spend, it will commit 180 trillion won to South Korea.

The domestic investment is expected to create another 10,000 jobs on top of 30,000 already planned. It could also induce as many as 560,000 new hirings in related industries, it said.

The announcement comes just days after Lee Jae-yong, the de-facto leader of the conglomerate, walked out of prison on parole after completing only about half of his jail term.

It was the latest instance of the country’s long tradition of freeing business leaders on economic grounds after imprisonment for corruption or tax evasion.

Lee was serving a two-and-a-half year prison sentence for bribery, embezzlement and other offenses in connection with a corruption scandal that brought down former South Korean president Park Geun-hye. AFP

Stock market retreats; Globe, ALI decline S Manila

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TODAY

TOCKS fell slightly Friday ahead of a muchanticipated speech by Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell on plans for tapering monetary policy with some top bank officials calling for a move within months.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index slipped 33.91 points, or 0.5 percent, to 6,786.62 on a value turnover of P6.9 billion. Losers beat gainers, 100 to 84, with 64 issues unchanged.

Globe Telecom Inc., the second-biggest telecommunications company, dropped 3.4 percent to P2,848, while DTO CME Holdings Corp., the third mobile phone firm, skidded 4 percent to P8.60.

Major property developer Ayala Land Inc. of the Ayala Group declined 2.3 percent to P33.50, while Nickel Asia Corp., the largest nickel producer, fell 3.8 percent to P5.51.

Asian equity markets were mixed Friday.

The cautious end to the week followed a drop on Wall Street, with sentiment also jolted by geopolitical concerns after a suicide attack at Kabul airport that left dozens dead, including 13 US servicemen.

While the spread of the Delta variant of COVID has raised concerns about the global recovery outlook, the general consensus is that the vast sums of financial support provided by the Fed will likely come to an end next year as the economy gets back on track.

Hong Kong ended flat but was weighed by a report saying China was planning a further tightening of rules for its firms to list overseas, making it even harder for them to raise cash in the lucrative US markets.

Tokyo, Sydney, Singapore and Jakarta also fell.

But Shanghai was buoyed by a report that China’s central bank was looking at fresh ways to support businesses, with a cut in the amount of cash that lenders must keep in reserve being considered. There were also gains in Seoul, Wellington, Taipei, Mumbai and Bangkok.

Powell’s address to the annual Jackson Hole symposium of central bankers and economists later Friday will be closely watched for an idea

about plans to reduce the bond-buying that has helped support the pandemic recovery, though a timetable is not yet expected.

Analysts say the timing of the taper is crucial as it could also give an indication of when to expect interest rates to go up.

Still, three leading Fed officials have called for the bank to begin winding down soon.

Dallas Fed president Robert Kaplan said he was eyeing an October move or shortly after.

The hawkish Kaplan had surprised many last Friday by saying he was open to rethinking his view on withdrawing support in light of the spread of Delta, but in an interview Thursday said his latest position was based on conversations with business contacts.

Meanwhile, St. Louis boss James Bullard called for a start later in the year, a call echoed by the Kansas City Fed’s Esther George.

“An announcement on tapering is highly likely to come before the end of the year, something even the doves on the committee seem to agree on,” said National Australia Bank’s Tapas Strickland, pointing out that policy meetings are set for September, November and December. With AFP

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Reactivation of any data products during the promo period will entitle subscribers to receive FREE open data valid for 15 days counted from receipt of the free data allocation. The free data shall be received within 48 hours from reactivation of a promo. First time activations are excluded.

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Repurchase and/or reactivation 25GB High Speed Data promo subscription (priced at Php199) using an existing activated DITO SIM during the promo period will entitle subscribers to receive FREE 3GB open data valid for 15 days counted from receipt of the free 3GB. The free 3GB shall be received within 48 hours from activation of the 25GB High Speed Data offer.

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FREE 3GB Data Using your existing activated DITO SIM, RESUBSCRIBE TO 25GB High Speed Data promo worth at Php199 during the promo period. Purchasing regular load and SIM cards are NOT counted as activation of call, text, or data offer. 25GB High Speed Data purchased but not activated during this period shall not receive the free 3GB data. 25GB High Speed Data offers activated before the promo period shall not be entitled to the free 3GB data.

PSEi August 27, 2021

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LUZON: NCR: Manila, Quezon City, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Pasay, Taguig, Pateros, Makati, Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Marikina, Las Pinas; Pangasinan: Basista, Binmaley, Dagupan, Manaoag, Mangatarem, San Manuel, San Carlos City, Lingayen; Bulacan: Pandi, San Jose del Monte, Malolos, Meycauayan, Marilao, Bocaue, Hagonoy, Bulacan, Plaridel, Baliuag, Guiguinto; Nueva Ecija: Llanera, Palayan City, Santa Rosa, Santo Domingo Science City of Munoz, Talavera, Cabanatuan, Gapan City, San Leonardo, San Jose, General Mamerto Natividad, Rizal, Zaragoza, General Tinio (Papaya), Licab; Pampanga: Angeles, Mabalacat, Mexico, Guagua, San Fernando, Magalang, San Simon; Tarlac: Capas, Tarlac City, Concepcion, Gerona, Moncada, La Paz, Ramos, San Manuel, Pura; Zambales: Olongapo, Subic; Bataan: Balanga, Dinalupihan; Batangas: Alitagtag, Bauan, Cuenca, San Jose, Ibaan, Batangas City, Malvar, Mataas na Kahoy, San Pascual, Santo Tomas, Lipa City, Talisay, Tanauan City, Taysan, Balete, Padre Garcia, San Juan, Balayan, Calaca, San Luis, Taal, Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Lian, Calatagan, Tuy, Laurel; Cavite: Kawit, Bacoor, Imus, Tagaytay City, Silang, Dasmarinas, Carmona, Amadeo, Rosario, Mendez, Indang, Alfonso, General Trias, Trece Martirez, Tanza, Magallanes, Naic; Laguna: San Pedro, Sta Rosa, Binan, Cabuyao, Los Banos, Calamba City, Victoria, Calauan, Alaminos, San Pablo, Majayjay, Luisiana, Rizal; Rizal: Antipolo, Cainta, Taytay

A Delta Airlines plane in this file photo asits on the tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles on October 29, 2019. Delta Air Lines in November will start charging unvaccinated workers $200 each month to cover the cost of care should they contract COVID-19. AFP

VISAYAS: Cebu: Toledo City, Balamban, Barili, Carcar, Cebu City, Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova,Danao, Liloan, Mandaue, Minglanilla, Naga, San Fernando, Lapu Lapu, Dumanjug, Talisay, Moalboal, Bogo City, San Remigio, Sogod, Alcantara, Santander, Ginatilan, Daanbantayan; Negros Occidental: Bacolod City, Kabankalan, Pulupandan, Silay City, Valladolid, Binalbagan; Iloilo: Iloilo City, Oton

To encourage vaccinations, more US firms turn to incentives—and threats

By Thomas Urbain NEW YORK—In the wake of full US approval for the Pfizer/BioNTech anti-COVID vaccine this week, more and more American companies are looking at mandatory vaccinations for employees—and customers.

CVS Health, Chevron, Disney and Goldman Sachs are among the firms who have since told some or all of their workers that inoculations will no longer be optional, requiring proof of shots within a certain time period.

On social media, some of those firms are coming under attack from users who say requiring vaccinations is a violation of personal freedoms, a value near and dear to most Americans.

One Republican state lawmaker from Florida, Anthony Sabatini, even filed a proposal that would prevent the state’s surgeon general from requiring any vaccinations, ever.

But at least so far, amid a surge in coronavirus infections and hospitalizations fueled by the highly transmissible Delta variant, no public figure is specifically hitting out at corporate America—at least not yet.

For Mark Hass, a professor who specializes in marketing at Arizona State University, even though the crisis is both medical and political it is impossible for companies to thread the needle between liberals and conservatives on the issue.

“The right way to think about this is what’s the right thing for our employees, rather than worrying about the safety of our reputation,” Hass told AFP.

“Almost every company is going with some sort of mandate or requirement or incentive,” he said.

“I think the lack of criticism of corporations is because most of them have acted responsibly in dealing with the pandemic,” Hass added, noting the rise of telework.

‘Do what I did’ Since June, when banking giant Morgan Stanley and asset manager BlackRock said employees wishing to come into the office would have to provide proof of vaccination, other major companies had made the leap to requiring shots.

Google, Facebook and Uber all joined the vaccination mandate bandwagon.

But the Food and Drug Administration’s full approval of the two-dose Pfizer vaccine regimen opened the floodgates, and seemed to cancel out the argument made by some skeptics that full authorization was needed.

“Do what I did last month: Require your employees to get vaccinated or face strict requirements,” President Joe Biden said Monday. In late July, he had offered federal employees a choice: show proof of vaccination or submit to regular testing.

Nevertheless, some major groups have yet to budge.

American Airlines is “strongly encouraging” its employees to get injections, but is not requiring them so far. For those who do bite the bullet, the airline is offering an extra day off and $50.

On Tuesday, rival Delta Air Lines said it would charge unvaccinated workers an additional $200 a month for health insurance “to address the financial risk” created for the company by “the decision to not vaccinate,” according to CEO Ed Bastian. AFP

Promo shall only be offered in the following Cities/ Municipalities:

MINDANAO: Agusan del Sur: Rosario, San Francisco, Trento, Bayugan; Compostela Valley: Monkayo; Davao del Norte: Santo Tomas, Braulio E. Dujali, Panabo, Tagum, Carmen, Island City of Samal; Davao del Sur: Santa Cruz, Bansalan, Davao City, Digos, Hagonoy; Davao de Oro: Montevista, Compostela, Nabunturan, Maco; Cotabato: Kidapawan, Makilala; South Cotabato: General Santos City, Polomolok; Bukidnon: Malaybalay, City of Valencia, Quezon, Don Carlos, Manolo Fortich, Baungon, Libona, Impasugong, Maramag; Misamis Oriental: Balingasag, Talisayan, Manticao, Sugbongcogon, Medina, Kinoguitan, Binuangan, Balingoan, Naawan, Villanueva, City of El Salvador, Jasaan, Opol, Tagoloan, Cagayan de Oro, Claveria, City of Ginoog, Lugait.

6.

Promo resubscription is allowed even if the current subscription is active. The remaining data and off-net minutes allocation from the previous subscription will be carried over to the latest subscription.

Subscriber shall receive FREE 2GB Data for every DITO 99 and 3GB for every 25GB High Speed Data promo purchase within the promo period.

7.

Once availed, the promo is non-refundable / non-replaceable / non-exchangeable. Promo is only valid for the subscriber’s DITO compatible mobile phone where the purchased DITO SIM and Promo are installed.

8.

Promo cannot be used in conjunction with any unlimited promo offers, discount available and exclusive promo offers.

9.

Promo cannot be converted to cash, credit, or other goods and services.

10. By availing of the promo, the subscriber confirms that he/she has read, understood, and agreed to the promo mechanics, its terms, and conditions. Subscriber also agrees not to use the SIM and/or promo for illicit or illegal means.

11. For any concerns and/or inquiries regarding the promo, information may be sent to customerservice@dito.ph. All matters and disputes will be subject to the final decision of DITO Telecommunity. All decisions made by DITO Telecommunity pertaining to the promo will be deemed final and irrevocable, with the prior concurrence of DTI. (MS-AUG. 28, 2021)

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

B4

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021

PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, August 27, 2021

-33.91 PTS. 6,786.62

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

1,617,505,017 85,522 6,864,662,140.80 84 100 64

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

49.9030

Japan

Yen

0.009088

0.4535

UK

Pound

1.370300

68.3821

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128406

6.4078

Switzerland

Franc

1.089799

54.3842

Canada

Dollar

0.788581

39.3526

Singapore

Dollar

0.738498

36.8533

Australia

Dollar

0.723400

36.0998

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652590

132.3722

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266638

13.3060

Brunei

Dollar

0.735781

36.7177

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.030563

1.5252

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.5872

Euro

Euro

1.175700

58.6710

Korea

Won

0.000854

0.0426

China

Yuan

0.154285

7.6993

India

Rupee

0.013486

0.6730

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.238493

11.9015

New Zealand

Dollar

0.695200

34.6926

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035827

1.7879 Source: BSP

Manufacturing, agri sectors to underpin high-income status

Business First Gen receives offer to sell P5.8-b shares to new investor

By Alena Mae S. Flores

A

COMPANY called Philippines Clean Energy Holding Inc. on Friday expressed interest to acquire up to 5.7 percent First Gen Corp.

First Gen, the power unit of the Lopez Group, sought a one-day trading suspension of shares with the Philippine Stock Exchange following the publication of a notice from Philippines Clean Energy to acquire, through a public and voluntary tender offer, 3 percent to 5.7 percent of the total issued and outstanding common shares of the company.

“We have yet to receive the TO report. The request is being made to give the company’s shareholders equal access to the said information,” First Gen said in a disclosure Friday.

Philippines Clean Energy Holding is a new special purpose vehicle, with no known records in the power industry yet. The trading suspension of First Gen will be lifted Monday.

The board of Philippines Clean Energy announced it was planning to acquire 107.9 million to 205 million in issued and outstanding common shares, representing 3 percent to 5.7 percent of First Gen from shareholders. The offer is equivalent to a maximum of P5.8 billion based on First Gen’s closing price of P28.30.

Philippines Clean Energy said a tender offer was expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Philippine Stock Exchange. The tender offer is expected to begin on Sept. 1.

Based on First Gen’s public ownership report as of June 30, First Philippine Holdings Corp. owns 67.8 percent of First Gen, Valorous Asia Holdings PTE

LTD. holds 12.59 percent, while officers and control 0.86 percent. The public ownership stands at 18.74 percent.

First Gen is a leading independent power producer in the Philippines that primarily utilizes clean and indigenous fuels, such as natural gas, geothermal energy from steam, hydro-electric, wind and solar power.

The company has 3,495 megawatts of installed capacity in its portfolio, which accounts for 19 percent of the country’s gross generation.

First Gen ended the first half with P7.1 billion ($148 million) in recurring net income attributable to equity holders, up 11 percent from P6.7 billion ($132.9 million) in the same period last year.

Profits came from the operations of 3,495 megawatts of clean, low-carbon, and renewable portfolio.

First Gen benefited from higher electricity sales and prices, and lower interest expenses and taxes following the enactment of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act.

By Julito G. Rada THE ability of the Philippines to move up to high-income country status hinges on the long-term development of the manufacturing and agriculture sectors, Economic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said Wednesday.

Chua, in a keynote speech during the Manufacturing Summit, stressed the importance of the manufacturing sector in the Philippines.

“If we are to grow and sustain our upper middle-income country status and eventually move up to high-income country status in the next two decades, we have to focus on agriculture and manufacturing. A strong, productive agriculture sector will provide a very good foundation for a competitive manufacturing sector,” he said.

Chua said in countries that experienced successful structural transformation, agricultural workers were typically absorbed by the manufacturing sector. This paved the way for a capital-intensive and high-technology manufacturing sector, then eventually a high-skilled services sector.

He said that in the Philippines, the share of agriculture and manufacturing to the gross domestic product were stagnant. Agricultural workers also typically migrated to informal services.

“What we need to do, moving forward, is to make sure that manufacturing, aided by agriculture, actually helps pave our growth path towards our 2040 vision of becoming a highincome country. That is why this administration has put strong importance on achieving our 10-point socioeconomic agenda. This will support the growth of manufacturing,” Chua said.

He said the government’s prudent macroeconomic policy resulted in the highest ever credit rating of the country.

“This does not only mean lower borrowing costs for the government.

This also translates to lower borrowing costs for households and businesses. By keeping interest rates low, we are able to help finance a lot of investments, including those of manufacturing,” the NEDA chief said.

MERALCO CONTRIBUTION.

Part of Manila Electric Co.’s thrust to contribute to the country’s vaccination strategy is to energize vaccine storage facilities and centers. Vaccine storage facilities like Pharmaserv in Marikina City make sure vaccines are kept safe before they are rolled out to the public for use. A key factor in maintaining the vaccines’ efficacy is to ensure they are stored in optimal temperatures.

Having stable electricity plays a vital role here, as a shift in temperatures could render vaccines ineffective.

EEI obtains nod of shareholders on P6-b offering

By Jenniffer B. Austria EEI Corp., the construction arm of the Yuchengco Group of Companies, said Friday it obtained shareholders’ approval to issue up to P6-billion worth of preferred shares.

EEI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange 72 percent of shareholders approved, through written consent, the board’s decision to offer P4 billion worth of preferred shares, with an oversubscription option for another P2-billion preferred shares.

“With the advent of new mega-infrastructure projects being projected to be issued by the government, the corporation seeks to raise additional capital in order to position itself to take advantage of this opportunity,” EEI said.

EEI said the preferred shares offering would enable it to improve contracting capacity, strengthen equity base and mitigate any lengthened cash conversion cycle on projects.

The company secured P60 billion worth of construction projects both here and abroad.

Al Rushaid Construction Co. Ltd., a joint venture between EEI and Al Rushaid Petroleum Investment Corp. in Saudi Arabia, secured contracts amounting to P17.38 billion in 2020.

Meanwhile, EEI’s local projects covering building, infrastructure and electromechanical projects have a remaining contract value of around P43 billion.

EEI said construction operations resumed at major infrastructure projects, including the Malolos Clark Railway Package 4 being undertaken through a joint venture with Spanish firm Acciona Construction Philippines Inc. and in Package 5 which was awarded to Korea’s POSCO Engineering and Construction Co. Ltd., Metro Manila Subway Phase 1 and Metro Manila Skyway Sucat-Alabang viaduct expansion.

The company is also completing works on high-rise projects. It continues to bid for bigger projects in the domestic and overseas markets.

IN BRIEF

NPC asked to address ORMECO’s supply gap

LANDBANK ASSISTANCE. Alicia Mayor Joel Amos Alejandro (center) inspects the municipal government’s purchase of palay directly from local farmers at premium prices, with support from a P65-million loan under LandBank of the Philippines’ ‘Palay at Mais ng Lalawigan’ lending program. The initiative helps stabilize the local prices of palay and provides a ready and steady market for farmers’ produce. The LGU sells the procured palay processed into milled rice in public markets and other government institutions.

The LGU also signed lease contracts with millers and warehouse owners to set up a streamlined rice milling arrangement in the area.

ADB approves $400-m policy-based loan to improve services of local governments THE Asian Development Bank said Friday it approved a $400-million policybased loan to the Philippines to help improve local governments’ capacity to provide high-quality public services, especially during the coronavirus disease pandemic.

It will fund the Local Governance Reform Program Subprogram 2, which is designed to help strengthen local government units’ service delivery framework, modernize local public financial management and improve LGUs’ financing and investment framework.

“Much is expected from LGUs, especially now, as they are at the forefront of public service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said ADB public finance economist for Southeast Asia Aekapol Chongvilaivan.

“The reform program will help ensure local governments have the capacity and adequate resources to quickly respond to the basic needs of local communities at critical times like this,” Chongvilaivan said.

Under the program, ADB is support-

ing reforms to move national government functions to LGUs based on the 1991 Local Government Code. Another reform will increase revenue allocations to LGUs under a 2019 Supreme Court ruling, which clarified the scope of LGUs’ share of national taxes.

The Bureau of Local Government Finance set up a property valuation office and a committee will oversee the progress of real property tax reforms. The scope of financing for local development now includes local public–private partnership projects.

The new program builds on ADB’s support since 2006 to help the Philippines boost efficiency, accountability and transparency in local governments’ financial management and service delivery.

A $300 million policy-based loan in 2019 helped the government create a legal and institutional framework to mobilize local revenues. A $26.5-million investment project in 2020 is supporting government initiatives and reforms to improve local governments’ real property tax collection. Julito G. Rada

Globe Telecom asks DPWH and builders to prevent fiber cuts

By Darwin G. Amojelar GLOBE Telecom Inc. on Friday appealed to the Department of Public Works and Highways and its contractors to exercise diligence when working on road construction projects amid numerous fiber cuts caused by road digging.

“Multiple times, we find people from construction companies assigned by the DPWH who will use a backhoe wantonly and dig up our fiber. This disrupts the services of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of people,” Globe president and chief executive Ernest Cu said.

“As we aim to serve our customers better, we must take steps to avoid this as much as possible. So once again, I reiterate our appeal to the DPWH and its contractors to act responsibly and recognize this recurring issue,” he said.

Barring major network disruptions, such incidents cause poor quality of service delivery to consumers at the very least and additional repair costs to the company.

The problem is not unique to Globe but is also being experienced by other telcos. Cu said it is necessary for everyone involved to take the necessary precautions to avoid fiber cuts and damage to communication cable facilities.

Cu said construction or backhoeinduced fiber cuts happen very often.

This recurring issue was raised by Globe to the DPWH several times, but the problem still persists.

Globe said that in the first half, it experienced multiple incidents of fiber cuts caused by construction companies across the country, not just in Metro Manila. Cu said while the impact was contained due to network resiliency and protection routes in place, the situation should still be addressed as soon as possible.

ENERGY Secretary Alfonso Cusi ordered National Power Corp. and the National Electrification Administration to step in and temporarily provide power supply of 25 megawatts to Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative to end recurring interruptions.

Cusi said he asked NEA and NPC to look for ways to provide the required power supply

by Sept. 30. “Within the month of September this has to be addressed. This has to be implemented,” Cusi said.

“We are putting a temporary solution by requiring NPC to address that and NEA to work together to do that. That is on generation capacity,” the energy chief said.

Cusi said ORMECO should immediately work on the terms of reference and conduct a competitive selection process to procure the needed power capacity.

He said the people of the province could not wait for the usual bureaucratic process before their problems are resolved. Cusi travelled to Oriental Mindoro to personally resolve the rotating brownouts plaguing the province.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Franchise Asia PH goes virtual in Sept.

THE biggest franchise show in Asia is back this September and will, once again, showcase a wide variety of franchise investment opportunities and learning sessions for franchise industry practitioners.

Slated on Sept. 8 to 11 is the virtual expo, while the virtual conference is scheduled on Sept. 21 to 23. With the theme, Igniting Recovery, Franchise Asia Philippines 2021 hopes to inspire the Filipino nation to rise up from the challenges of the pandemic and pivot to where the opportunities lie.

“Without doubt the past two years have been difficult,” said PFA chairman Richard Sanz, “but we should not let these difficulties weigh us down. Things may have changed but opportunities still abound.”

“That is why we are encouraging everyone to keep your dreams alive,” said PFA president Sherill Quintana. “If you want to start a business and become your own boss, then go ahead. Don’t let the pandemic stop you from realizing your dream because there are still many opportunities out there.”

She said franchising continues to be the best option to start a business especially during this time because with franchising you are not alone, the franchisor is always there to help.

Dominguez seeks lawmakers’ support FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III called on lawmakers Thursday to help ensure the Philippines’ solid recovery from the pandemic by working together with the Executive branch in keeping the country’s long-held strong fiscal standing “in great shape” for the next administration and future generations of Filipinos.

Dominguez said the government in the homestretch of the Duterte presidency remains fully determined to rapidly modernize governance; pursue market-friendly reforms; and continue public investments—especially in infrastructure, education and healthcare—to guarantee a strong economic rebound.

From 2022 onwards, Dominguez told legislators the government expects the budget deficit to get narrower as revenue collections exceed the growth in expenditures; and public borrowings, which remain within sustainable levels, to go down significantly starting in 2023.

Dominguez made it clear that to maintain these reasonable debt and deficit levels, the government should continue to exercise fiscal responsibility.

Sports

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

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021

C1

Diaz named PSA Athlete of the Month

PRESENT FROM TOKYO. Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino (right) presents President Rodrigo Duterte a memorabilia from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics during the courtesy call of the country’s successful Olympians earlier this week in Malacañang. The memorabilia bears the signatures of gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, silver medalists Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam and bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial. Looking on is Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports.

State-promised house and lot for Olympic medalists now ready

T

HE Philippines’ four Tokyo Olympic medalists will be awarded their own house and lot units in their respective provinces, courtesy of the National Housing Authority, as part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s additional incentives.

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Butch Ramirez and NHA General Manager Marcelino P. Escalada, Jr. have been working hands-on to deliver the President’s promise immediately.

The fully furnished, 2-storey houses are now ready for occupancy. The turnover of the units for proud Zamboangueños, weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and boxing bronze achiever Eumir Marcial is scheduled on September 2 in Zamboanga. Turn-over for the units of boxing silver medalists Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam will be in Davao on dates to be announced later.

Escalada detailed that the 2-storey, 2-bedroom units have a floor area of 60 sq. meters and a total lot area of 80 sq. meters. It will be tiled, painted and fully furnished, complete with water and electricity.

The properties are in a community that has easy access to a wet and dry market, police outpost, and other institutional services.

Diaz

Paalam

Petecio

Obiena 5th in star-studded Wanda meet

Rahm, McIlroy tied for BMW Day 1 golf lead WASHINGTON—Rory McIlroy’s late eagle lifted him into a tie for the BMW Championship first-round lead on Thursday alongside world number one Jon Rahm and American Sam Burns.

Rahm, the defending champion in the second of three events in the US PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup playoffs, had eight birdies in his eight-under par 64 at Caves Valley Golf Club in suburban Baltimore, Maryland.

Burns also went bogey-free on the rain-softened layout, his eight birdies including four in a row from the 11th through the 14th.

McIlroy teed off late and joined the leaders with a rare eagle at the tough par-five 16th, where his 285-yard second shot from the fairway left him an 11-footer.

“It’s as good as I can hit a threewood,” he said of his approach.

The eagle was especially gratifying, he said, since he has played par-fives “very poorly” in recent weeks.

“Even the front nine today, not making birdie on either of the parfives on the front side, I was sort of thinking, here we go again.

“It was nice to play the par-fives better on the back.”

The Northern Ireland star, a four-time major-winner currently ranked 16th in the world, added seven birdies and one bogey.

He hit 13 of 14 fairways in regulation as he matched his lowest round of the season—a 64 in the final round of the Phoenix Open back in February.

His four birdies on the front nine included a 30-foot putt at the seventh hole—an energizer for a player who admitted this week he was feeling the effects of a busy schedule that included the British Open and Tokyo Olympics in July and the weather-disrupted Northern Trust that ended on Monday.

“A lot of positive signs out there,” said McIlroy, who arrived at Cave Valley ranked 28th in the playoff points standings.

Only the top 30 in the standings advance to the playoffs-ending Tour Championship. AFP

Marcial

Ramirez expressed his happiness for the four medalists saying that he hopes for more good things to come to them because they deserve it.

The sports chief added that he hopes this good fortune and success of the national athletes could “inspire a child somewhere to take up sports and one day take their turn in bringing pride to the Philippines.”

HIDILYN Diaz wanted nothing else but the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, a dream she long aspired for since her first go-round in 2008.

Thirteen years later, the Zamboanguena weightlifter delivered just that, lifting her way to immortality by winning the Philippines’ first ever gold medal in the quadrennial showpiece.

By hoisting an Olympic record of 127 kg in the clean and jerk that led to another record of 224 kg total and win the women’s 55 kg category, Diaz ascended to the pantheon of Philippine sports greats as she ended the country’s near-century craving for gold since it first sent trackster David Nepomuceno in Paris for the 1924 Olympiad.

The historic feat pulled off by the 30-year-old Diaz easily put her as the top achiever of the Philippine Sportswriters Association for the month of July and in a strong contention for the prestigious Athlete of the Year award being handed out by the country’s oldest media organization.

Diaz’s monumental accomplishment gave the other Filipino athletes in the Tokyo Games a much needed inspiration to compete and complete the country’s best finish ever in the Olympics.

Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam bagged a pair of silver for Philippine boxing’s first ever Olympic medal since Mansueto ‘Onyok’ Velasco bagged the same medal color in the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Petecio did it in the women’s featherweight class, while Paalam in the men’s flyweight.

Eumir Felix Marcial made it a triple kill as the Filipino middleweight added a bronze to the national boxing team’s campaign, which enjoyed its finest performance yet in the quadrennial meet.

The rest of the Philippine delegation also made their presence felt as skateboarder Margielyn Didal made the finals and finished seventh in the women’s street competitions, and so did gymnast Caloy Yulo in the men’s vault finals, and EJ Obiena in the medal round of the men’s pole vault.

By Peter Atencio

Ernest John Obiena

OLYMPIAN Ernest John “EJ” Obiena settled for fifth place in the star-studded Lausanne leg of the 2021 Wanda Diamond League series at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin in Switzerland, Friday morning (Manila time).

Obiena’s decent showing came against several other prominent athletes who struggled following their first major postOlympic meeting in Europe.

The 25-year old cleared 5.52 meters, which was his lowest height this season.

This put Obiena in a share of fifth spot with USA’s KC Lightfoot and France’s Ethan Cormont, according to the tournament’s official website.

Christopher Nilsen, the Tokyo Olympics’ silver medalist, won the gold at 5.82 meters. He was tied with American Sam Kendricks, who had a similar clearance.

Kendricks, who did not compete dur-

ing the Tokyo Games after testing positive for COVID-19, settled for the silver after making it to 5.82 meters in two attempts.

Russian Timur Morgunov and reigning Olympic champion Armand Duplantis fought it off for the bronze medal.

But after Duplantis and Morgunov failed to clear 5.82 meters, it was the Russian who claimed third place following his 5.72 earlier.

Duplantis earlier skipped 5.72 meter and went on clinch fourth at 5.62 meters.

So far, Kendricks is now on top of the Diamond League Series standings with 29 points, with Duplantis in close second with 28.

Frenchman Renaud Lavillanie was third with 11 points, followed by Nilsen in fourth with 11.

In close fifth is Obiena with nine points.

Obiena could see action in Paris this weekend.

PNVF to send 2 women’s teams to Asian tilt TWO national teams will represent the country in the Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship Thailand is hosting in Nakhon Ratchasima from October 1 to 7, Philippine National Volleyball Federation President Ramon “Tats” Suzara said on Friday.

The Philippine Sports Commission recently approved a 20-member national women’s team and according to Suzara, head coach Odjie Mamon and Brazilian consultant Jorge Edson Souza de Brito will pick four more players to form two teams of 12 players each.

“This will be an excellent exposure for our new young players who will be playing alongside the veterans,” said Suzara, adding that fielding teams to the club championships is one of the PNVF’s commitments to both the Asian Volleyball Confederation and International Volleyball Federation.

The women’s team will train for three weeks starting September 1 at University of the Assumption Gym in San Fernando and will fly for Thailand on September 27.

The national men’s team will also see action in the Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship set from October 8 to

15 also in Nakhon Ratchasima and will leave on October 4. Like the women, the men will also train for three weeks at the Pampanga university facility beginning September 1.

The national team training is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Rebisco and Taguig City and in cooperation with the city of San Fernando and Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda.

The women’s team is composed of Majoy Baron, Mhicaela Belen, Kamille Cal, Rhea Dimaculangan, Kianna Dy, Imee Hernandez, Ivy Lacsina, Eya Laure, Dawn Macandili, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Aby Maraño, Kalei Mau, Ria Meneses, Jennifer Nierva, Faith Nisperos, Mylene Paat, Dell Palomata, Bernadette Pepito, MJ Phillips, Jaja Santiago, Tin Tiamzon and Iris Tolenada.

The coaching staff is composed of assistant coach Grace Antigua, trainers Raffy Mosuela and George Pascua, strength and conditioning coach Paolo Rivero and physical therapist Grace Gomez.

The men’s squad, on the other hand, is made up of Kim Malabunga, Rex Intal,

Shown here are (seated, from left) Rhea Dimaculangan, Mhicaela Belen, Tin Tiamzon, Dawn Macandili, Aby Maraño, Jennifer Nierva, Bernadette Pepito, Iris Tolenada, Kamille Cal; (standing, first row) trainer Raffy Mosuela, physical therapist Grace Gomez, team manager Fe Moran, head coach Odjie Mamon and Brazilian consultant Jorge Edson Souza de Brito, strength and conditioning coach Paolo Rivero, trainer George Pascua and assistant coach Grace Antigua; (standing, second row) Eya Laure, Faith Nisperos, Ria Meneses, Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, Dell Palomata, Jaja Santiago, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Ivy Lacsina, MJ Phillips, Mylene Paat and Imee Hernandez.

Francis Saura, Manuel Sumanguid, Josh Retamar, Marck Espejo, John Vic De Guzman, Mark Alfafara, Ricky Marcos, Jao Umandal, Ysay Marasigan,

JP Bugaoan, Jessie Lopez, Kim Dayadante, Joeven dela Vega, Jack Kalingking, Bryan Bagunas, Ish Polvorosa, Nico Almendras and Lloyd Josafat.

C2

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021

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

Home/Design

Let there be light A Ergonomic workspace for hybrid workers

S THE reality of home quarantine becomes a global new normal, being cooped up indoors doesn’t mean life should be dull and boring.

Nanoleaf smart light panels, the touchreactive and highly customizable modular lights can be your lockdown buddy this September.

The Shapes Line’s Screen Mirror feature can magically do the trick to make a more cinematic experience for the entire fam.

Meanwhile, you can have your Shapes panels do the magic for you in the background as its Music Visualiser can sense and react to any audio in real time, flashing upbeat audiovisual displays.

Nanoleaf smart light panels are available on Lazada and Shopee.

FLEXIBLE workspace provider, The Executive Centre (TEC), recently opened its flagship center to provide a flexible working experience to domestic and multinational businesses in the Philippines.

Located at Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower 2, the center displays an ergonomic workspace design combined with thoughtful floor layout to optimize productivity and facilitate collaboration.

The interior design also pays homage to the local Manila culture through design details, patterns and art pieces.

It fuses contemporary touch with signature TEC elements such as heightadjustable standing desks, keyless access entry, reliable connectivity, serviced barista bars and iconic Herman Miller ergonomic chairs.

“We believe there is no better time than today to introduce TEC’s quality and flexible services that responds to the needs of businesses in the new and possibly, next normal,” said Josh Alfafara, TEC Philippines country manager.

Demand for green buildings on the rise

PREMIUM RESIDENCE AT VITO CRUZ. 3Torre Lorenzo, the newest 37-storey condominium in the portfolio of Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation (TLDC) will be ready for turnover in the fourth quarter of this year. Located along P. Ocampo Street (formerly Vito Cruz) near Taft Avenue in Manila, 3Torre Lorenzo provides a good investment option with its amenities and accessible location to the business districts of Makati and Pasay, as well as universities like De La Salle University, DLS- College of St. Benilde, and St. Scholastica’s College. Generous spaces for living, socializing and learning are part of 3Torre Lorenzo’s design, from the sky deck and sky lounge, to the garden terrace and resident’s lounge. For more information on TLDC’s residences, visit www.torrelorenzo.com

MI CASA SU CASA AT THE BAY AREA.

THE Philippines is ready for a more sustainable approach to real estate as local developers build more green buildings in response to a greater demand from occupiers.

In a recent panel discussion hosted

by JLL Philippines, speakers were unanimous that the COVID-19 pandemic helped increase the demand for green buildings, and called for the government to support, through policies and incentives, real estate firms to adapt efforts among their clients.

“Sustainability has gone mainstream and real estate is at the core, with the built environment contributing to around 40% of total carbon emissions,” explained moderator Joey Radovan,

JLL Philippines’ vice chairman (Shown in photo).

Other panelists echoed this view, noting that the pandemic highlighted the importance of sustainability—not just for the actual building, but also the interiors for occupiers.

This is reflected by the increased demand for better indoor air quality and more sustainable material selection, among others.

JLL Philippines’ next webinar on September 2, will tackle well building standard certification—a rating system that advances health and well-being in buildings globally by measuring how human wellness is integrated in the structure.

Federal Land, Inc. recently held a topping off ceremony of Mi Casa Hawaii Tower in the Bay Area, Pasay City. The event marked the structural completion of the first tower of the master-planned community, which promises a host of resortstyle amenities in Metro Park, Federal Land’s mammoth project in the Bay Area. At the ceremony were (from left to right): Aris A. Cuevas, DMCI vice president and head building business unit; Engr. Richard Naval, head of external construction management; Antonino Aligaen, head of technical execution; Cherie Fernandez, head of project development; John Cabato, head of Metro Park and the Grand Central Park township business unit; Engr. Roy Lachica, head of construction management; and Allen Mindalano, head of Federal Land’s sales channel group.

Tech & Gadgets

Bayad powers bills’ payment capability of VIA.com BAYAD, the country’s trusted brand and authority in payments, recently partnered with VIA.com, the first B2B and corporate travel portal established in the Philippines to bring trustworthy financial services to more Filipinos.

VIA.com is an online reservations system that enables travel agents to easily surf schedules, check fares and make instant bookings for flights, hotels and holidays, ferries and travel insurance in one platform. More than 10,000 travel agents operating in over 180 cities and municipalities are registered in its network.

Bayad is powering the bills payment capability of VIA.com enabling its users to provide valueadded services to its customers on top of its existing travel and tourism related offerings. With the partnership of Bayad and VIA. com, travel agents can now collect bills payments through its agentbased branches.

Similar to Bayad’s more than 60,000 payment touchpoints nationwide, VIA. com agents can now process different bills from electricity, water, internet, cable, telephone, government fees, loan payments, and more. Customers can also pay their Meralco, Smart, PLDT, and Converge bills thru VIA.com agents, processed real-time.

The partnership expands business opportunities for VIA.com travel agents and continues to give the paying public greater accessibility and wider options for bills payment. This way, more Filipinos can enjoy convenience and peace of mind when it comes to settling their monthly obligations.

According to VIA.com President, Ramesh Samineni, “This partnership yields added advantages for our partner travel agents who can now offer financial services leveraging Bayad’s network and ecosystem. For us, it is a strategic move to augment our service offerings and strengthen our business as we look forward to the post-pandemic recovery of the global travel industry.”

Bayad President and CEO, Lawrence Ferrer points out, “Both Bayad and VIA.com are geared toward continuous business innovation. With our combined strength and expertise, we are able to empower small and medium enterprises - local travel agents to broaden their services so that they can attract more customers.

At the same time, they also help us amplify our network reach and presence across the country.”

Rice production competitiveness

thru mechanization, machinery training

By James Emmanuel Santua & Raxenn Ayesha Lachica

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HE Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund aims to maintain the country's food security while also making the agriculture industry more efficient and competitive in the global scale.

The RCEF has an annual budget of P10 billion, half of which goes to its Mechanization Program, or the utilization and distribution of appropriate production and postproduction mechanization technology to farmers groups and associations.

In an interview with the Manila Standard, Dr. Rodolfo P. Estigoy, a former Chief Science Research Specialist of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), said that competitiveness enhancement in the industry can be achieved by providing machinery that can lower production costs and postharvest losses.

Helen Calica, Chief of PhilMech's Technology Management and Training Division, said that part of the distribution of machinery involves training programs to ensure that

machinery beneficiaries work at their best on proper operation and maintenance.

Estigoy, who served PhilMech for 30 years, enumerated and explained the process of production and post production along with the machineries used for every stage.

TRACTORS FOR LAND PREPARATION In rice farming, especially when seeds are sown, the farm should be flat and well prepared, which is the main purpose of land preparation machineries.

“Before planting, land preparation ensures that the field is prepared for planting.

The farm machines that we will use here are the tractors,” said Estigoy.

Tractors are the ones that plow, harrow, and flatten the land. This is the time when the weeds in the soil have been incorporat-

ed, they have decomposed so that they can be used as fertilizer again for the next crop.

SEEDERS AND TRANSPLANTERS FOR CROP ESTABLISHMENT Crop establishment begins when it is time to plant the seed. Two methods can be used for seeding, first is the direct seeding where seeds can be sown manually or mechanically. Secondly, the method called transplanting is the process of transferring a fully developed seedling and replanting it in a permanent place for the growth season, the science researcher explained.

A seeder is a tool that sows seeds for crops by burying them in a particular depth in the soil. For direct seeding, a manual seeder and a precision seeder can be utilized. Precision seeding entails planting seed with proper spacing and depth.

“The precision seeders are also attached to the tractor. But there are also manual seeders. They both have the same purpose but of course when you use the machine, it works more efficiently,” he added.

For transplanting, when seeds are grown,

it will be pulled to be put in a machine called a mechanical transplanter.

“A mechanical transplanter plants the seedlings more efficiently than the manual planter. A study stated that it will save the farmer almost a thousand pesos per hectare of his farm if he uses a rice mechanical transplanter,” said Estigoy.

COMBINE HARVESTER A combine harvester is a multipurpose equipment intended to harvest crops effectively. It integrates two different processes into a single one: harvesting and threshing.

As per research, farming mechanization lowers the cost per kilo of rice produced, according to Estigoy. Farmers can save up to P4,400 per hectare by employing a combine harvester.

“Farmers will reap the benefits in the long term. First and foremost, our study has shown that using technology increases production, not just in the harvest but also in the farmer’s overall productivity. For example, if you utilize machinery, your costs will be lesser, and your post-harvest losses will be lesser,” he stated.

Wear your confidence while breathing clean, pure air BUILDING on the success of the first Wearglasses and mask at the same time, keeping able Air Purifier, LG introduced a slimmer their lenses from fogging up when exhaling. and smarter version to the local market. LG’s Sporting a fresh, new design, the upgraded re-engineered PuriCare™ Wearable Air PuPuriCare™ Wearable Air Purifier provides a rifier is upgraded from the innovative, wearsubtle yet stylish look, and comes in two chic able device LG first launched last year. The colors: Creamy White and Ocean Black. Addilatest model offers an enhanced all-around tionally, the device will be offered in medium performance along with a convenient voice and large sizes to guarantee a better fit for more amplification feature and a more comfortconsumers. Its seamless, ergonomic design able, lightweight design. minimizes air leakage around the nose and chin, In a recent virtual event hosted by LG sealing gently but firmly to the wearer’s face.

Brand Ambassador James Deakin, LG PhilipWeighing in at only 94 grams, the latest model pines unveiled the new Wearable Air Purifier is comfortable to wear for longer periods of time with VoiceON™. The event started off with and is perfect for everyday use. a short discussion about the importance of To make it easier to communicate with othmask use. Dr. Ma. Adelina Sadili, a Consulers while wearing the PuriCare™ Wearable Air tant Pulmonologist at Makati Medical Center, Purifier, LG has introduced its VoiceON™ techled the talk and shared important pulmonary nology. Employing a microphone and a speaker facts to take heed during the pandemic. One of built into the device itself, VoiceON™ helps her suggestions to strengthen and keep one’s clearly project the user’s voice so they can be lungs healthy is to improve air quality at home, heard and understood without issue. something that LG has been working tirelessly “LG has been hard at work in order to on. To improve air quality on the go, that’s provide meaningful ways of improving the The upgraded LG PuriCare™ Wearable Air Purifier with VoiceOn™ where the new and improved LG Wearable Air day to day of the new normal.” Sungjae is now available in the Philippines Purifier comes in.

Kim, LG PH’s Managing Director, said.

The upgraded LG PuriCare™ Wearable Air Purifier with VoiceON™ is equipped “The LG PuriCare™ Wearable Air Purifier has been the talk of the town for over with a fully automatic fan airflow control system that increases breathing comfort. a year now, and here we are for an even better version. I’m excited to introduce to It also incorporates two H13 HEPA filters, the same as those found in premium air everyone a new product that’s perfect for the new normal.” purifiers for the home, to ensure the air the user breathes is as clean and healthy as LG’s new Wearable Air Purifier is available in LG’s authorized retailers both possible. Driven by an ultra-small and lightweight motor, the device’s DUAL fans in-store and online. Visit LG.com.ph for a complete list of our retail partners. You combine with LG’s airflow control technology —which detects the user’s breathing can also visit LG's Official Flagship Stores: pattern and adjusts airflow accordingly—to help the wearer breathe easier and more Lazada: lazada.com.ph/shop/lg-official-store/ naturally. This advanced system also prevents a common problem for those wearing Shopee: shopee.ph/lgofficialstoreph

How 2 Filipino firms expand globally amid pandemic IF there is one unmistakable lesson, the COVID-19 pandemic, which has gripped the world from March 2020 onwards, is its profound impact, particularly the acceleration of the changes that were already taking place.

Two Filipinos, one based in New Zealand and one in Australia, have put fore their ideas, creating a seamless synergy to tap into the hybrid way in which people invest and find ways to pick up the pace, aware that the lockdown measures have forced a shift, not only work behavior but the market's fundamentals as well.

"In terms of our company's perspective, we truly believed that it is the perfect timing to go to the market," said Jeths de Jesus Lacson, CEO and founder of the New Zealand-based conglomerate Smokefree Innotec Inc.'s (SFIO).

He referred to his partnership with Rommel Santos, founder and CEO of fintech group Smart Asset Management

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

(SAM), based in Australia.

"Now is the perfect timing to invest," Lacson said. "The market landscape has dramatically changed. It has been shaken because of the pandemic, and a lot of businesses have to adapt and restrategize to be able to suit in the so-called new normal."

Santos added, "People often ask me when is the best time to invest. My complete reaction (emoji laughs). Especially to those gearing for retirement, retirement from their current work embarking to the new era of unemployed life, but wait, even we are unemployed AKA retired on a pension. Most of us cannot live on pension alone. Moreover, bills never stop too."

According to Santos, the best time to invest is "yesterday" because opportunities don't come every day. "But opportunities were here yesterday," he said.

"So my answer, the best time to invest was YESTERDAY! We all have yesterday to listen, learn, strategize and execute,"

Proponents of Smokefree Innotec Inc. and Smart Asset Management are shown in a recent Zoom meeting.

Santos insisted on driving his point.

Indeed, Lacson and Santos are writing their playbook to go against the traditional response of businesses every time there is a crisis, which is to wait and see or holds back.

Instead, the Filipino tandem is embarking on a global expansion amid the pandemic. Currently, the duo is embarking on a roadshow in New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and soon the U.S. "We are trying to demonstrate that we have long-term sustainability (to prospective partners), and at the same time, we have the potential and stability. The investors are looking at opportunities or ventures with minimal risks," Lacson said.

He added the SAM-SFIO partnership is aware the assets of their investors are hard-earned money.

"With SAM, we have a perfect combination during this stage because they allow their subscribers to manage their asset risks. Meaning, SAM empowered their subscribers to manage and look at risk management within their platform.

If they believe they want to engage in the business opportunities offered by the SFIO projects, they have to option to be involved in SFIO through SAM subscription," he explained.

The response to the SAM-SFIO collaboration is overwhelming.

Although still in its pre-initial public offering (IPO) launch in the U.S., the SFIO reported more than 50 percent of its $30 million targets is already subscribed.

The company is listed in the U.S. OTC (over the counter) market but is planning to list in the traditional stock market.

BTI Payments provides safe, accessible financial solutions WHILE apparent even before the pandemic hit, the possible ramifications of having limited access to financial tools, became more obvious when the lockdown began.

Thankfully, access to and usage of these financial services surged last year as a result, mostly because of the joint efforts by government bodies like the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and private sector industry players like BTI Payments Philippines, Inc., which successfully boosted financial inclusivity in the country.

A vision to provide more access ‘where Filipinos are at’ A subsidiary of Sydney-based, ATM-market-industry leader Banktech, BTI Payments Philippines Inc. was established in 2015 with the vision of providing payment solutions in underserved and underbanked communities. At the time, ATM density in the country was very low with an ATM to population ratio of 22 to 100,000 compared to neighboring counties which had 50 to 100 machines, serving every 100,000 residents.

With this lack of accessibility, BTI Payments began to deploy “Cash Connect” ATM machines accredited by Bancnet, in both urban and rural areas frequented by Filipinos. These machines allow anyone with an EMV-enabled

and Bancnet accredited ATM card to withdraw cash conveniently.

In line with their mother company’s drive for innovation, BTI Payments also launched “Pay and Go” kiosks in community markets and convenience stores to further provide Filipinos easy and more convenient access to both e-money services and digital transactions.

At present, BTI Payments owns and operates more than 600 Pay & Go kiosks and Cash Connect ATMs nationwide, providing safer alternatives for Filipinos to transact at more locations, given today’s strict lockdown requirements.

A mission to innovate The company’s successful and timely drive in the country can be attributed to the many innovations employed by Banktech, including its state-of-the-art ATM transaction processor called EFTEX, that is constantly updated to ensure the maximum security of their customers.

More than technological innovations, BTI Payments also employs a dynamic customer-first approach in upgrading its systems. Since its establishment, the company has regularly updated its transaction options, continuously simplified its machine interface, and further enhanced their customer care service through various digital channels that customers can easily access via Facebook, electronic mail, and chat.

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

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Motoring

FOURTH SUCCESSIVE YEAR

Historic win for Toyota Gazoo Racing at Le Mans

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OYOTA GAZOO Racing earned a historic and dramatic fourth consecutive Le Mans 24 Hours victory, overcoming adversity to become the first Hypercar winners at the Circuit de la Sarthe.

Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Jose Maria Lopez won the long-awaited first victory. The whole team showed a never-give-up spirit to conquer a fuel system issue which threatened to derail the challenge of both cars when it struck in the second half of the race.

Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López, in the #7 GR010 HYBRID, finally won Le Mans for the first time after several heart-breaking near misses. The World Champions started from pole position and led for the majority of the race, completing 371 laps.

On the new GR010 HYBRID's Le Mans debut, last year's winners Sébastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima and Brendon Hartley completed a perfect result for the team, which has now won all four races of the 2021 FIA World Endurance Championship so far.

An incident-packed 24 hours began on a wet track and saw Sébastien drop to the back of the field on the first racing lap, when the #8 was hit by the #708 Glickenhaus.

Mike led the field from pole in the #7 and, despite two punctures, set the pace at the front as Sébastien brought the #8 car into contention despite further misfortunes. It suffered a damaged wheel rim following contact with a lapped car and a puncture of its own.

Rain in the sixth hour caused several incidents, including a 20-minute safety car, but José kept the #7 in front and Brendon maintained the pressure from second.

A race car on a track The race ebbed and flowed between the two cars, with slow zones and safety cars contributing to a fluctuating gap, with the GR010 HYBRIDs holding a clear lead over the chasing pack, led by the #36 Alpine, which was off the lead lap.

As the race entered its final 12 hours, Kamui had stretched the #7 car's lead to

just over half a minute, with Brendon chasing in the sister car. When Kazuki took the wheel of the #8 after 14 hours, the team swapped the front end to rectify a drop in aerodynamic performance caused by minor damage.

Nerves were stretched in the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing garage as the final quarter of the race approached.

An issue on the fuel system of the #8 car prevented it completing full stints.

Over consecutive fuel stops, it returned to the pits earlier each time as the team worked intensively to find a solution.

With four laps in hand over the thirdplaced Alpine, and no prospect of a quick repair, a remarkable team effort tested several options until an effective counter-measure was developed. The drivers had to activate a specific setting at defined points around the track to return the #8 car to normal stint lengths.

That proved even more crucial when the #7 developed a similar issue. Kamui and then José could quickly manage the situation and maintain a comfortable lead. Close communication between drivers and race engineers on both cars ensured the issue was kept under control.

Kamui and Kazuki took over their respective cars for the final stint and crossed the line together to make Hypercar history at Le Mans.

This spectacular victory at the 2021 WEC at Le Mans marks TOYOTA GAZOO Racing's fourth consecutive victory in four years at this pinnacle event, from 2018 to 2021. It was 36 years ago when Toyota first took up the challenge at Le Mans. Race engines were specially developed for this gruelling race that tested man and machine. The 2018, 2019 and 2020 races were won by a Toyota TS050 Hybrid car, while the new GR010 HYBRID in its debut at Le Mans, roared to victory at the 2021 race over this past weekend.

Mick Schumacher at Spa:

30 years after dad Michael's debut MICK Schumacher is relishing making his Formula One bow at the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend, 30 years after his father began his storied career at the famous SpaFrancorchamps circuit.

In 1991 Michael Schumacher was called up for his first ever F1 drive

by Jordan, in place of French driver Bertrand Gachot, otherwise serving a prison sentence for assault.

Qualifying seventh he was to retire on the first lap, the first hesitant step in a career that was to produce 91 race wins and seven driver's world titles.

As Schumacher, 52, recovers out of the public eye from the serious head injury he sustained in a skiing accident in the French Alps in December 2013, his son said he was thrilled to be competing at the track

where the Schumacher legend first began. "(But not) just because of the history of my dad but also I’ve had a few good races here," he told Thursday's press conference at Spa ahead o Sunday's race.

The Haas rookie added: "I've had my first pole position, my first race win in 2018 here with F3, which then became a streak of multiple race wins so definitely, yes, it’s a track that I enjoy a lot and I enjoy a lot coming back close to home.

"A lot of fans come here to support me for numerous years now so yes, it's a great place."

Schumacher junior urged fans to watch the upcoming Netflix documentary on his father.

Supported by the family, 'Schumacher' is due to be released on September 15.

"Well obviously I think that it's going to be a very emotional documentary for many people," the German said.

"It (Netflix) has brought a lot of people into the sport but for a lot of people, when they were growing up, they watched my dad, so it's been very emotional to see it."

"The best thing I could say is for everybody to have a look at it, just watch it and experience it for themselves because I don’t really want to, let's say, spoil too much," he added. AFP

Triumphant team celebrates at the Circuit de la Sarthe.

Women & Waku-Doki: Pushing the Limits for Better The amazing & powerful girls of 2021 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Vios Cup Autocross Challenge OVER the course of recent history, women have been making headlines in the world of sports, proving that once and for all, there are no hidden figures when it comes to the once-mendominated realm, especially for motorsports. From the 1901 Paris-Berlin Race to the pre-World War II 24-Hour Le Mans, and until in the present-time Indy Grand Prix where female engineers are also part of the race victories. The sport is for everyone. Just like the spirit of Toyota’s “Waku-Doki”: pounding heartbeats, the adrenaline rush, and the exhilaration of driving, are for everyone.

A basic human feeling that is universal And now, we have the 2021 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Vios Cup Autocross Challenge. Featuring a diverse cast – celebrities, influencers, gamers, photographers, and even beauty queens. Six out of the 12 participants of the segment are powerful women who come from different industries and were beyond ready to take on the challenges in the racetrack. The Autocross is no easy feat, with its slalom course and sharp turns, it might be even more difficult than racing through long straights and bigger curves in the circuit.

Bianca Yao Bianca Yao, one of the country’s pioneering game streamer and content creator has admitted that it had always been her dream to join the Vios Cup since its inception.

Being tapped to join in the competition, it was a dream come true. Her preparations focused on learning the ropes of the autocross challenge.

Lexi Mendiola No-nonsense actress and social media darling Lexi Mendiola quickly responded to the call of speed. Gaining popularity with her stylish looks and OOTDs with a balance of honesty, her wellreceived unaltered image of herself proved a point that true beauty is beyond what we all see.

A person in a red suit standing next to a white car Jacq Yu Long-time model and on-screen personality Jacq Yu also took on the challenge in a heartbeat. Being a fan of the race itself, she has set herself in the mindset of the pro driver that never backs out. She’s out to prove that looks could kill and so is her skills.

What part of the activity excited you the most?

Jacq: I got excited during the practice and of course the race itself.

And when I got inside the racing car, I think that’s the most thrilling thing that happened. And of course, I got to meet cool and awesome new people.

That was fun!

What was greatest takeaway from this event?

Jacq: The greatest takeaway for me is that always enjoy the process of whatever it is you’re doing. Despite of the pandemic, we get to still do things that are exciting and make the most of it. Always keep pushing past your comfort zone and challenge yourself.

Winwyn Marquez One of the three beauty queens joining in the competition is Winwyn Marquez, candidate to the prestigious Binibining Pilipinas 2015, Miss World Philippines 2017, and crown victor of the Reina Hispanoamericana also in 2017. It would have been a regret for her to say no to the competition. Winwyn is also a Marine reservist and is proud to have completed the program.

Laura Lehmann Miss World Philippines 2017 titleholder Laura Lehmann also joins in the party. With a strong sports know-how from being a Philippine Softball Team player to becoming a courtside reporter for the collegiate basketball. Currently, she’s been hosting one of the top sports channels in the Philippines delivering news and sharing her two cents on sporting events What goes on your mind while practicing and in the actual competition?

Laura: It’s a timed competition so there’s that hunger inside of you to drive the fastest and beat out your opponent! Haha! The competitiveness made me feel like I was playing varsity in High school again, so it was so nostalgic!

As adults we don’t really get as many chances to engage in sporting activities anymore… so this was such a fun experience!

How would you apply the principle of “pushing limits for the better” in your life?

Laura: I guess just always reminding myself that it’s okay to go out of my comfort zone sometimes. If we do, we find the greatest things! Fear stops us from gaining a lot of good things.

Carla Lizardo Another beauty from the catwalk is Mutya ng Pilipinas Intercontinental 2010, Carla Lizardo, who also happens to be a game streamer, crushing enemies in virtual gunfights. Carla also ventured into hosting both for television and podcast (alongside fellow pageant queens Pia Wurtzbach and Bianca Guidotti).