Manila Standard - 2021 September 20 - Monday

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NO ASTRONAUTS. This screengrab taken from the SpaceX live webcast on September 17 shows Inspiration4 crew (from left) Christopher Sembroski, Jared Isaacman, Sian Proctor and Hayley Arceneaux in orbit.

The four crew members -- a billionaire and three other Americans -- have already seen more than 25 sunsets and sunrises. SPACEX / AFP

Space tourism: Four conclude historic orbit WASHINGTON—Four SpaceX tour- astronauts on board. ists returned to Earth safely on SaturThe SpaceX Dragon capsule, whose day after spending three days in space, heat shield allowed it to withstand desuccessfully concluding the first orbital scent, was slowed down by four large mission in history with no professional Next page VOL. XXXV • NO. 217 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

COVID zones up 3x to 171 NCR police keeping an eye on 93 other areas under alert level 4

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

A

TOTAL of 171 small areas are under granular lockdown in the National Capital Region (NCR) based on Philippine National Police data, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Sunday —a threefold increase in three days since the system started.

PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Ronaldo Olay later said in a separate interview on Super Radyo dzBB that they were monitoring 93 barangays under lockdown.

A total of 244 cops and 304 force multipliers were monitoring the areas, he

added.

On Thursday, the Department of Interior and Local Government said 57 areas in Metro Manila had been placed under granular lockdown, with 36 of them in villages under the Quezon City Police Next page District.

Airlines seek Jabs for 12-17: DOH needs parents’ consent shorter period 2,366,749 of quarantine

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja

minors aged 12 to 17 against COVID-19

by October, a Health official said Sunday.

In an interview with radio dzBB, THE government could start vaccinating Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje

By Darwin G. Amojelar and Alena Mae Flores LOCAL airlines are asking the government to relax some rules for vaccinated Filipinos who are traveling by air to help the industry recover from billions of pesos in lost revenues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The companies sought the help of presidential adviser for entrepreneurship, Joey Concepcion, to bring forward their concerns and to lobby for increased mobility among the vaccinated.

“The aviation industry is on the brink of collapse. If we don’t help the airline industry now, we might face a huge problem on how to travel in the future," he said.

“For these airline companies to survive, there has to be a sustainable number of passengers, especially for the tourism industry,” Concepcion said.

He called on the government to implement a shorter quarantine period for fully vaccinated travelers from North America to help the ailing aviat i o n sector.

Next page

said the government's panel of experts has approved COVID-19 jabs for this age group but has yet to determine when these Next page inoculations should start.

19,271

178,196

36,788

205

2,151,765 25,037 (As of 4 PM, SEPTEMBER 19)

1 dead, 7 hurt as blast rips Maguindanao

By Rio N. Araja

EYE IN THE SKY. Manila Police

District Station 3 Commander PLt/Col. John K Guiagui uses a drone to monitor numbers of churchgoers at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo on September 19. Outdoor religious services are allowed at 30 percent capacity, regardless of vaccination status.

Norman Cruz

A BOMB went off Saturday afternoon during a volleyball game at a covered court in Datu Piang, Maguindanao, killing one person and injuring seven others.

The fatality was identified as Norodin Musa, 21, who died while being treated at the hospital.

Next page

Bar exam listing extended until Sept. 24

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has given aspiring lawyers who registered for the online 2020-2021 bar examinations this November, but failed to finish their registrations, until Friday, September 24, to

complete it.

In a Bar Bulletin issued by Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, chairman of the 2020-2021 Bar Examinations Committee, the SC said the online applications for the bar examinations ended last Sept.

Next page

Oil prices set for 4th straight hike BIADO TRIUMPHS IN US OPEN 9-BALL SPORTS / A8

By Alena Mae S. Flores

on production in the United States.

Unioil Petroleum Philippines foreCONSUMERS can expect another oil casts an increase in pump prices for price hike of as much as P0.90 per liter September 21 to 27 of P0.80 to P0.90 this week amid higher demand globally per liter for both diesel and gasoline.

Next page and the lingering impact of Hurricane Ida

‘MAN OF DESTINY’. Senator Manny Pacquiao addresses the crowd after

accepting the nomination of his faction's wing of PDP-Laban as its presidential bet for the 2022 elections on Sunday. See story on A4.

A2

News

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

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WORLD LEADERS AT UNGA

Rody seeks global access to vaccines P This will be Duterte’s second attendance to the high-level general debate of the international body. He first addressed the UNGA last year.

“The President will speak on the first day of the High-Level General Debate on 21 September 2021 within the 1600H-

1800H window, New York time (22 September 2021 between 0400H and 0600H, Philippine Standard Time),” a statement from his office said on Sunday.

The Office of the President said among topics that will be addressed are Philippine positions on global is-

sues of key concern namely universal access to Covid-19 vaccines, climate change, human rights, including the situation of migrant workers and refugees, and international and regional security developments.

The High-Level General Debate will be presided over by H.E. Abdulla Shahid of Maldives, the incoming President of the 76th UNGA. It will follow a hybrid format of in-person and virtual attendance of delegates, in view of the evolving situation due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

‘COVID..

VID-19 spokesperson Restituto Padilla said Saturday.

Meanwhile, the OCTA Research Group said the Philippines might have reached the peak of its latest COVID-19 surge as it recorded a weekly negative growth rate for the first time since May. OCTA Research Fellow Guido David said: "We haven't seen this pattern when there's a negative growth rate since last April or May when we had a surge and we’re starting to recover from the surge."

In an interview over Teleradyo, David said another important disclaimer was that the country was seeing this now, but it could still change.

However, he noted that the decline of cases could speed up, or it could reverse, it could rise again.

The country's virus reproduction rate, David said, was at 1.16 percent, and Metro Manila's was 1.18 percent.

Aside from Metro Manila, he said Cavite, Laguna, and Bulacan had registered a negative growth rate.

David’s pronouncement is contrary to the assessment of the Department of Health on the surge of new COVID-19 infections.

The OCTA statement emerged as the Philippines confirmed 19,271 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, bringing the country’s total to 2,366,749 as the more transmissible Delta variant continued to spread.

The Department of Health also reported 25,037 new recoveries, pushing the total number of Filipinos who recovered from the disease to 2,151,765.

This means that the country had a to-

tal of 178,196 active cases as of 4 p.m.

Sunday.

At the same time, 205 new deaths were also reported, bringing the country’s death toll from the disease to 36,788.

In a public briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Saturday said the new COVID-19 cases in the country had not yet shown signs of slowing down as 94 areas remained in the highest virus alert level while infections in the NCR are still growing.

Vergeire said 94 areas were under Alert Level 4; 18 were under Alert Level 3; and nine were under Alert Level 2. No area in the country was under Alert Level 1.

The country logged 23,134 more COVID-19 cases on Saturday, the secondhighest record on new coronavirus cases.

The highest record, 26,303, was listed by the DOH on September 11.

"It's the second highest number. But the other Saturday was the record high.

So, if we compare the two, the cases declined, and everyday we're having a negative growth rate," noted David.

"If it continues to decline week to week... if there's consistent negative growth rate, we're starting to see a pattern," also said David.

David said the decline in the country's infection was still slow as some regions were recording a rise in infections. These are Western Visayas and Ilocos, he said.

According to the OCTA Fellow, the country might see on Monday, September 20, the effect in the trend of the recent government interventions.

"So, what we are seeing now are ef-

fects of the implementation of the modified enhanced community quarantine.

Yesterday's (September 18) announced data is from cases that actually happened September 15, since there is usually a lag of three days in reporting," he explained.

As of September 16, more than 18 million individuals in the country have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

This represents more than 23 percent of the government's target to achieve herd immunity.

In related developments, ABS-CBN News has been tracking the number of vaccinations since March, and as of Sept.

16, less than 18 million Filipinos have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

This means thatthe government has reached just 23 percent of its target after more than six months.

Nearly 18 million individuals in the country have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as of Sept. 16, representing more than 23 percent of the government's target to achieve herd immunity.

Government economic managers lowered the growth target for the second time this year, citing the tighter restrictions reimposed to check the spread of the Delta variant.

Worldwide, the novel coronavirus has infected almost 228 million people and caused 4.69 million deaths since it was first reported in Wuhan, China in late 2019 according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.

The United States remains the most badly affected country with over 42 million infections and over 673,000 deaths.

PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said he directed Administrative Support for COVID-19 Task Force head Lt. Gen. Joselito Vera Cruz to begin the listing of the PNP personnel’s minor dependents.

Based on the PNP-Administrative Support for Covid-19 Task Force data, more than 131,000 PNP personnel have already been fully vaccinated while more than 80,000 others have already received their first dose.

Eleazar said they intend to vaccinate the entire 222,711 PNP personnel before the end of this year as only 1,554 of them have yet to receive their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

He said using police camps and other facilities at least for children and other dependents of the PNP personnel would help decongest the vaccination sites of the local government units once the vaccination of people 12 to 17 years old starts.

On Saturday, the country received 961,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine and 190,000 Sputnik V jabs.

With the latest shipment, Moderna has now shipped 5 million doses of its vaccine to the Philippines.

Of the new doses, 712,800 will go to the national government and 248,000 will go to the private sector, Cabotaje said.

Ted Herbosa, special adviser to the National Task Force Against COVID-19, said most of the jabs will be allocated to Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Cebu, and some portions of the Visayas and Mindanao.

He also said a small portion of Moderna will be allocated to Metro Manila residents who will receive their second jabs of the Moderna vaccine.

The delivery is part of the 2 million expected Moderna vaccine arrivals this month.

At the same time, Cabotaje said those who had received their first jab of Sputnik V could still get the second dose, despite the delay in its arrival.

She said unlike other COVID-19 vaccine brands, Russia's Gamaleya Institute uses different components for its first and second doses.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez said the Component 2 Sputnik vaccines will be distributed in areas where the first doses were first delivered, particularly in Bohol, Isabela and Bacoor, the National Capital Region and

some areas in Region 3 and Region 4-A. Cabotaje said they are also seeking an increase in supply of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine from the COVAX facility because senior citizens, the most vulnerable group, prefer the jab.

She added that the J&J shots are also better suited for some Muslim communities that are “nomadic in nature.”

“Badjaos might not be tracked again for a second dose because they are always moving from place to place,” she said.

Galvez thanked the Russian Direct Investment Fund for fulfilling its promise to deliver the 190,000 doses of Sputnik V’s Component 2 vaccine against COVID-19.

“We are apologizing for the delay of this Component 2 considering that we have some supply issues and as promised by Russian Direct Investment Fund that this will be delivered today, and I’m very thankful that they fulfilled their promise,” Galvez said during the arrival of the Sputnik V jabs at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City Saturday night. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

on international flights.

Under the proposal, passengers will be tested 72 hours before departure and will undergo quarantine upon arrival and take an RT-PCR test on the third day. If the result is negative, they can go out of the quarantine facility on the fifth day and continue home quarantine.

Based on the data presented, testing before departure helps reduce the positivity rate and risk. The proposal would also enable passengers to save as much as P25,000 aside from enjoying a more comfortable quarantine in the comfort of their own homes.

The airlines also asked the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to consider placing North America on the list of “green” countries as this is the biggest market for local airlines.

PAL said it earned $1 billion from the North American market before the pandemic. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

1 dead,...

said most of the victims belonged to the LGBTQ+ community.

The town has been frequented by ISISinspired Dawlah Islamiyah guerrillas.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar on Sunday directed the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR) to conduct a thorough investigation into the explosion in Maguindanao.

Eleazar also instructed the local police to coordinate with the military in identifying and arresting the perpetrators of the attack.

Authorities were still checking if the suspects had used a phone-triggered improvised explosive device in the attack.

Eleazar, meanwhile, called on residents in the area to immediately report to authorities if they noticed any actions that could pose threats in the community, noting that information from citizens has been helpful to the police in preventing atrocities.

Maguindanao Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu on Sunday denounced the attack. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will participate in the high-level general debate of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Sept. 21 to 27.

From A1

Granular lockdowns are micro-level quarantines for areas classified as "critical zones" by the local government unit.

According to officials, these lockdowns could be implemented on a house, compound, street or building with high cases of infections.

Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya earlier emphasized that areas to be placed under granular lockdown were critical nodes, where there was clustering of cases and active transmission of COVID-19.

The NCR was placed under Alert Level 4 starting September 16.

In other developments, nearly 37,000 violators of minimum public health standards were accosted in Metro Manila in the first three days of the implementation of alert levels and granular lockdowns, the PNP said.

Of the 36,854 who were apprehended, half were given warnings, 44 percent were fined, and the remaining were taken to police stations to face charges for other offenses.

Based on the government's new guidelines, areas under Alert Level 4 — the second highest alert level in the new scheme — are those with COVID-19 case counts that are high or increasing while total beds and ICU beds are at high utilization rate.

Alert Level 4 could be extended for two more weeks in NCR after September if it would result in lower COVID-19 infections, National Task Force against CO-

Jabs...

From A1

She said policies and guidelines were being set and said those with comorbidities should be given priority.

Cabotaje said the consent of the parents and the children would be needed before the jabs are administered.

The Philippines has administered 41,247,552 doses of COVID-19 vaccines nationwide as of Sept. 18, the National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF) reported on Sunday.

Based on the National COVID-19 vaccination dashboard data, 22,771,602 Filipinos have received the first dose while 18,475,950 are now fully protected against the dreaded disease.

The average daily doses administered in the last seven days stood at 374,612 doses.

The Philippine National Police (PNP), meanwhile, has offered its camps and other facilities as vaccination sites for minor dependents of its uniformed and civilian personnel.

Airlines...

From A1

“With the Christmas season fast approaching, it’s now high time for the government to consider a shorter quarantine for fully vaccinated travelers from other countries, especially North America,” he said, saying this would make it easier for Filipinos to include a home visit in their travel plans.

Concepcion and the stakeholders of the airline industry met with Dr. Edsel Salvana, one of the advisers of the Department of Health, to air their concerns over the strict policies of both the national and local governments that discourage travelers from flying to various parts of the country and abroad.

Philippine Airlines (PAL), which filed for bankruptcy protection in New York earlier this month, proposed a new protocol to reduce risk and costs to passengers

Bar...

From A1

15, but it learned that many have not completed their registrations.

“Those who have substantially complied with the deadline will be given until Sept. 24, 2021 to complete their registration,” Leonen stressed.

Covered by the extension include those who have substantially complied with the deadline are “applicants who have uploaded their documentary requirements but have yet to pay their bar fees (P10,000), or paid applicants, but whose payments have not been reflected in their accounts; and applicants who only

partially completed their applications; or applicants who could not submit their applications because of technical issues.”

The SC said applicants may reach out to the Office of the Bar Confidant Helpdesk hotlines at 09178138543 or 09088507682 or at its e-mail address, obc.helpdesk.sc@judiciary.gov.ph.

Court records showed that more than 11,000 law graduates have so far applied for the 2020-2021 online bar examinations to be conducted in four Sundays this November.

The tremendous increase in the number of examinees was attributed to the postponement of the bar examinations in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic and the holding of the tests simultaneously with the 2021 examinations.

From A1

Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar of the 6th Infantry Division told ABS-CBN that the blast could have been a diversionary attack by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

"It (blast) may be a diversionary attack because of our ongoing combat operation against them. They are cornered and are hurt and many of them are surrendering so they want the military focus diverted," Baldomar said.

Another possibility, Baldomar said, was that enemies of the volleyball game's organizers may have carried out the attack, as they had received death threats weeks before the game.

Finally, he said the attack may have also been politically motivated.

"Datu Piang is a hotspot when it comes to elections... In a few days, the filing of candidacy starts so this could be a demolition job," he said.

Datu Piang Mayor Victor Samama

Oil...

From A1

The move will trigger the fourth weekly consecutive oil price increase.

On September 14, the oil companies implemented a price increase in domestic oil products of P0.35 to P0.40 per liter for gasoline, P0.35 per liter for diesel, and P0.15 per liter for kerosene.

These resulted in year-to-date adjustments to stand at a total net increase of P13.75 per liter for gasoline, P11.25 per liter for diesel, and P8.85 per liter for kerosene, according to the Department of

The UNGA is the main deliberative organ of the UN where all the 193 Member States are represented.

The session’s theme this year is: “Building resilience through hope – to recover from Covid-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalize the United Nations.”

During the 75th session of the UNGA in September 2020, Duterte stressed that access to safe and effective vaccines should be made available to all, “rich and poor nations alike.” PNA

Energy (DOE).

DOE monitoring showed that oil prices trended higher last week "on the back of strengthened demand outlooks and concerns that sustained US Gulf production outages could pressure near-term supply outlooks."

Meanwhile, the DOE said Asian gasoline market strengthened on the back of an uptick in regional demand, as mobility restrictions were further eased in key consuming countries.

The agency said Indonesia recorded its highest mobility since May, while India’s demand has been improving amid its opening of economy and wider vaccination coverage.

SSS prolongs payment period for contributions

By Rio N. Araja THE Social Security System is extending its payment deadline for the July 2021 contributions of regular employers from Aug. 31 to Sept. 30.

President and chief executive officer Aurora Ignacio said the extension is in consideration of the enhanced community quarantine that was implemented for a certain period in the National Capital Region and other provinces, cities, and municipalities during August.

She said post-dated checks of employers with approved installment proposals that fall due in July and August that remain not deposited due to community quarantine restrictions would also be deposited on Sept. 30.

Payment deadlines of regular employers for the applicable months after July 2021 will follow their regular schedule, which is the last day of the month following the applicable month.

In case the deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, payments may be made on the next working day, Ignacio said. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Anti-vaxxers told to heed protocol or face penalty FREEDOM of expression and public health should be tightly balanced in this time of the pandemic, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said on Sunday, as he warned some anti-vaccine individuals for defying the quarantine protocols by holding protest actions.

This, after members of the group Gising Maharlika recently held a protest action with most of them not wearing face masks at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila to oppose the vaccination program of the national government.

Eleazar said he respects the belief of some Filipinos who still say there is no COVID-19, “but you should learn to respect the belief of the majority of Filipinos, including those who have family members who died and become infected, especially our healthcare workers on the frontline of this battle.”

“Holding protest actions to insist on what you believe in does not make it right.

It is but plain and simple acts of defiance and irresponsibility because you are putting our personnel and othercivilian population at risk of being infected,” he said. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Space...

From A1

parachutes before splashing into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida at 7:06 pm (2306 GMT), according to a video feed by the company.

"That was a heck of a ride for us, and we're just getting started," billionaire captain Jared Isaacman, who financed the trip with a goal of making space a bit more accessible, said shortly after landing.

A SpaceX boat immediately retrieved the capsule, before its hatch was opened and the space tourists, smiling broadly and waving their arms in the air, exited one by one.

They were next headed for the Kennedy Space Center, where their mission had begun on Wednesday.

The stated goal of the mission, called Inspiration4, was to encourage the democratization of space by proving that the cosmos is accessible to crews that have neither been handpicked nor in training for years.

"Congratulations @Inspiration4x !!!"

SpaceX founder Elon Musk tweeted after the landing.

The four space novices -- Isaacman and three other Americans -- spent three days orbiting Earth, traveling farther than the International Space Station (ISS), at an orbit of about 575 kilometers (357 miles) high, and circling the globe more than 15 times each day.

Isaacman, who paid SpaceX tens of millions of dollars, offered the other three seats to strangers: Hayley Arceneaux, a 29-year-old nurse; Sian Proctor, a 51-year-old professor; and Chris Sembroski, 42, a US Air Force veteran.

However, the exact price that the 38-year-old founder of Shift4 Payments and seasoned pilot shelled out for the mission has not been revealed.

The Inspiration4 crew bonded over the course of six months' training, compared with years for professional astronauts.

During the flight, the members' vital signs, including heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen levels and cognitive abilities, were monitored to study the effects of space on complete novices.

But they also enjoyed the view through a brand new observation dome fitted onto the capsule, spoke with actor Tom Cruise from the vessel, ate pizza and listened to music. AFP

News Central Luzon’s trash formula a huge success

By Jess Malabanan

THE first 120 days of the government’s drive to close all illegal and open dumpsites in the country proved to be a success in Central Luzon as most if not all of the affected cities and municipalities in the region have managed avoid any garbage crisis.

“If there’s a will, there’s a way” Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR regional executive director Paquito Moreno Jr., said this as he confirmed that there was not a single incident of garbage crisis that occurred following the DENR’s sustained operations against open dumpsites in the region.

“It’s like business as usual”, said Moreno as he attributed the success of their operations likewise to the cooperation of local government leaders in Central Luzon.

“LGUs in Central Luzon played a significant role in the closure of open dumpsites in the region have been cooperative and supportive with the DENR campaign including implementation of Solid Waste Management Law” Moreno stressed With the closure of all open dumpsites, LGUs have the option to bring their solid waste to existing sanitary landfills (SLF) or to a residual containment area.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

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Enrile, Pimentel lock horns over ICC

T

WO old hands in Philippine politics gave opposing views to the proposed investigation by the International Criminal Court into the drug war killings as well as deaths in Davao City under the leadership of President Duterte.

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III said Sunday the national government must cooperate with the ICC inquiry.

But former senate president Juan Ponce Enrile said what the ICC wanted to do would be against the Philippine onstitutions and asked authorities to bar the entry of ICC probers.

Earlier, the ICC approved the start of a probe on killings in the Philippines’

bloody drug war, but Malacañang has continued to downplay the investigation.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Duterte would rather die than face the international court’s investigation.

For Pimentel, if the country was following the justice system and it was not violating any rights, it should cooperate with the ICC. “Let’s not be uncooperative. It seems

as though we are scared.

Especially if we have nothing to hide,” Pimentel said in Tagalog over Super Radyo dzBB. Enrile called on the Filipinos to defend President Rodrigo Duterte from critics and detractors supporting the move of the International Criminal Court to conduct a formal investigation into his administration’s drug war.

He dismissed the Hague-based court, noting that those authorized to look into the anti-illegal drug operations should be declared “persona non grata” “The International Criminal Court keeps insisting on investigating the

LIFE-SAVING JABS.

The Philippines’ leading carrier, Cebu Pacific has transported 10.6 million COVID-19 vaccine doses across the country since March, reaching another milestone in its cargo delivery efforts. Over the past two weeks, CEB airlifted vaccine doses to 19 provinces namely: Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilio, Kalibo, Legazpi, Ozamiz, Pagadian, Roxas, San Jose, Siargao, TawiTawi, and Zamboanga.

Siargao and Pagadian are the newest addition to the CEB roster.

P1.8B set aside for expansion of 22 public drug rehab centers THE country’s 22 public residential drug treatment and re- new operating budgets in the proposed P5.024-trillion · Dulag, Leyte Rehabilitation Center (P73.2 million); habilitation centers (TRCs) that are run by the Department General Appropriations Act of 2022 as follows: · Malinao, Albay Rehabilitation Center (P69 million); of Health (DOH) will be getting a total of P1.8 billion next · Bicutan Rehabilitation Center (P193 million); · Bataan Rehabilitation Center (P68 million); year to sustain their operations and increase their bed ca· Tagaytay Rehabilitation Center (P108.7 million); · Pototan, Iloilo Rehabilitation Center (P67.6 million); pacities, Rep. Michael Defensor said on Sunday. · Dagupan Rehabilitation Center (P98.4 million); · CARAGA Rehabilitation Center (P66.3 million); Citing Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) statistics, · Argao, Cebu Rehabilitation Center (P84.8 million); · Isabela Rehabilitation Center (P62.4 million); Defensor said over 5,000 new drug abusers are being · Cagayan de Oro Rehabilitation Center (P77.3 million); · Cebu City Rehabilitation Center (P58.7 million); admitted to TRCs every year, without counting read· Camarines Sur Rehabilitation Center (P74.1 million); · Malaybalay, Bukidnon TRC (P17.5 million); missions and outpatients. · Central Luzon Centers for Health Development · San Francisco, Agusan del Sur TRC (P17 million).

Rio N. Araja Defensor named the 22 TRCs and their corresponding (P73.7 million);

President of the Philippines, they do not realize that he’s authorized by the Constitution to enforce the laws,” he said in an interview over SMNI News Channel, the broadcasting arm of a Philippine television evangelist, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, posted on Youtube on September 18.

Enrile said since the country’s highest elected official can be held accountable through the process of impeachment, there is no need for the ICC to step in.

Since the Philippines was once a member of the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, Pimentel said it must still support the ICC.

PITC chief isn’t off the hook yet, Gadon insists DESPITE his resignation as the Philippine International Trading Corp. president and chief executive officer, Dave Almarinez is not yet off the hook for alleged role in swindling, malversation of public funds and other acts of corruption.

Lawyer Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon, in a statement, said “this (resignation) does not absolve him from criminal liability over several charges of graft and corruption stated in my complaint in the Ombudsman on June 7.”

“It must be noted that the acts committed were already consummated and thus his resignation does not absolve him from criminal liability, he added.

Gadon filed the charges against Almarinez before the Office of the Ombudsman, citing a Commission on Audit report of May 2, 2019 showing that the PITC entered into several memorandum of agreements with at least 17 government agencies for the procurement of goods and services, including infrastructure projects.

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Pacquiao accepts nomination for presidential bid

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja

S

ENATOR Manny Pacquiao on Sunday accepted the nomination of his faction of the ruling PDPLaban party to run for President in the upcoming elections next year.

“Yes, I accept your nomination as presidential candidate of the Republic of the Philippines,” said Pacquiao during their 11th National Assembly.

In his speech, the world boxing champ-turned politician warned he would, if elected, jail all thieves in the government who are making the country suffer.

“I can feel what you feel -- the hardships. You are already exhausted in the situation of our country, the sufferings of our poor people,” he said.

Pacquiao cited the need for progress and the need to win against poverty and for government to serve the people with integrity, compassion, and transparency.

He noted that the Filipino people had grown tired of the promises of reforms, they had grown bored. “They asked when will their suffering end,” the senator said.

Saying that now was the time, Pacquiao emphasized they are ready to rise to the challenge of leadership.

Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, the party’s national chairman, announced that Pacquiao was given the power and authority to complete the senatorial slate of his wing of the ruling party.

Earlier, Pacquiao said he was contemplating on a possible presidential run or retirement from politics.

He also revealed his 22-point agenda, including goals for economic growth, sustainable livelihood, and ending corruption in the country.

To date, only two presidential aspirants have made formal announcements of their political plan.

YES TO ISKO. Members of the Yes 1sko group

rally at the Bonifacio shrine in Manila to show support to Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso as they urge the capital’s chief executive to run for the presidency in the 2022 national elections. Norman Cruz

IN BRIEF Marcos pushes gov’t crackdown on drug hoarders and profiteers

GENERAL GUIDELINES: 1.

2.

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

3.

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

4.

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

5.

C.

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

7.

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

8.

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

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

9.

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

10.

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

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

17.

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

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

18.

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

19.

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

20.

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

21.

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

1.

Only the participating bidder shall enter the bidding room.

2.

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

3.

Social distancing must be strictly observed.

4.

Bringing of ballpen is encouraged.

5.

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

6.

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

1.

Register at the RPAMD Secretariat/Registration table.

2.

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

HEALTH PROTOCOLS UNDER NEW NORMAL

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

Properly accomplished bid form;

2)

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

3)

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

4)

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

GUIDE FOR BIDDERS

a. b.

12.

13.

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

16.

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

6.

11.

d.

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

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

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

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

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

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

15.

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

B.

Ensure to read and follow the General Guidelines;

•

Ensure that the downloadable Bid form is properly accomplished; and

•

Ensure that the Bid form contained in the sealed envelope;

3.

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

4.

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

5.

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

6.

Opening of Bids will immediately follow.

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

14.

A.

•

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

FORMER Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has pressed the government for a crackdown against hoarders and profiteers of the COVID-19 drug Tocilizumab to end the fleecing of patients in dire need of the life-saving drug.

“Dapat lang na hulihin ang mga taong ito na nagagawa pang magsamantala sa kapwa sa panahong ito na may pandemya.

Mga taong walang kunsiyensiya at baluktot ang pag-iisip lang ang nakakagawa ng ganito.” Marcos said.

Meanwhile, Marcos Jr. defended embattled celebrity host Toni Gonzaga against her online bashers following the broadcast of their one-on-one interview this week.

In an interview with Erwin Tulfo’s radio program on Friday, Marcos said he was surprised at the rabid reaction directed towards Gonzaga despite her reputation as a neutral and professional host.

PNP chief sets gun safety training after cop kills delivery rider-friend NATIONAL Police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said Sunday he had ordered the regular gun safety training after a policeman accidentally shot dead his friend in Manila’s Tondo district in the latest in shootings by police.

Eleazar ordered the probe based on the complaint lodged by the relatives of Jason Capistrano, a delivery rider, who was shot dead by the suspect identified as Corporal Oliver Ferrer.

“I have already asked the MPD Director about this case and the initial investigation revealed that the policeman and the victim are friends, and it was a case of irresponsible gun ownership. The policeman was already disarmed, detained, and a case of homicide was already referred to the Prosecutor’s Office aside from the administrative charges that would be filed against him,” Eleazar said in a statement.

VP, senators, allies mourn passing of ex-DSWD chief ‘Dinky’ Soliman FORMER Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman passed away Sunday morning after complications from renal and heart failure, her family announced. She was 68 Vice President Leni Robredo confirmed Soliman’s passing on her radio program yesterday.

“We have received a very sad news that former DSWD secretary Dinky Soliman died this morning (Sunday),” she said.

“It is very sad news. She is a very good person.”

Senators Kiko Pangilinan, Richard Gordon, Risa Hontiveros, and Panfilo Lacson extended their condolences, as well as former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and former presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, who said Soliman “was the smallest member of our Cabinet but the biggest heart among us.” Rio N. Araja

(MS-SEPT. 20/21/22, 2021)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Opinion

NAKED THOUGHT

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

CHARLIE V. MANALO

Stories and lessons

EDITORIAL

ruled the country with an iron hand until his exile to Hawaii in 1986 is an accepted historical fact. No amount of historical revisionism can “cancel” it.

Thus, the question, “Would it hurt us so much for a son to pay tribute to his late father?”

Will a son’s memory warrant a nation’s IN 1995, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos anger?

The Toni Talks episode did not attempt was interviewed on national television. to force the audience to believe Bongbong The interviewer—Kris Aquino.

Bongbong Marcos is the only son of the Marcos’ recollection of events or perspeclate strongman, Ferdinand Marcos. Kris tives about his father.

What kind of a society would expect a Aquino is theOPEN daughter of Ninoy and Cory Aquino, who led a peaceful revolution to son to tarnish his own father’s memory?

THOUGHTS Whether we would believe him, topple years of Marcos rule. though, is a judgment that we must make Inevitably, part of the conversation ORLANDO touched the sad episodes of the martial on our own.

OXALES All that Toni Gonzaga did was provide law years, albeit with a more casual and familiar tone. It was more of an an opportunity for the people to see exchange of “my dad” and “your dad” behind the persona that we have of Marcos as a former president and as a anecdotes.

But no uproar nor controversy ensued strongman—someone has always looked from what could have been a tense and up to him as a son would look up to his intriguing interview. The audience simply father.

In the same way, we cannot as a nawatched the televised colloquy and were tion easily “cancel” left to make up their the rightfulSOhurts minds about what Gonzaga served and painful scars they heard.

I SEE of those who sufFast forward to us well by helping LITO fered under martial 2021.

Marcos—and, before rule, nor the hardBANAYO Two weeks ago, won gains of our Bongbong Marcos him, Robredo and restored democracy was interviewed Diokno—share his in the last 35 years. once more, preThanks to the story. sumably timed to EDSA Revolution, commemorate the we have been able birthday of former to freely exercise our right CROSSROADS to vote for the president Marcos.

The interviewer was actress Toni Gon- nation’s president at least five times since J.A. zaga for her YouTube talk show, “Toni 1986.

DELA CRUZ It is quite unfortunate that partisan poliTalks.”

The interview, entitled “The Greatest tics will continue to force the cleavages of Lesson Bongbong Marcos Learned from the past to persist into the future and perHis Father” discussed Marcos’s life and the petuate the anger of one generation to rule the sensibilities of the present. lessons learned from his late father.

Further polarization of our nation to Hours later, social media was on fire.

Toni Gonzaga was castigated online for the pro-Marcos and anti-Marcos sides supposedly providing a platform for the will do no good to our present and future Marcos family’s attempts at historical re- generations.

True, the lessons of history must be visionism and whitewashing their alleged learned—and 35 years after, shouldn’t human rights violations.

The Ateneo de Manila University’s Mar- we have learned that by now? Or have we tial Law Museum even urged Gonzaga to become unforgiving in the same measure also speak with the “victims and surviving of how ruthless were the despots that we thought them to be? families of the Martial Law regime.”

In fact, the most enduring lesson of deCritics of Toni Gonzaga probably forgot that she had previously featured opposition mocracy is to protect the right of everyone figures Vice President Leni Robredo and to speak freely, even those whom we may senatorial candidate Chel Diokno on her disagree with.

To insist on the exclusive validity talk show.

In contemporary parlance, that on- of our own perspectives, and the line interview caused Toni Gonzaga to unbending monopoly of our truth, would make our democracy nothing but be effectively “cancelled.”

This makes one wonder what happened sheer hypocrisy.

Our generation can only be responsible to our constitutionally guaranteed freedom for our own time. With it comes the duty to of expression.

What happened to the right, or daresay look to the past with truthfulness and honthe responsibility of journalists to provide esty and to move forward to the future with equal opportunities to both sides to share optimism and hope.

While past generations can prove to us their mind and stories?

Or is this how deeply polarized our the wisdom of their ways and folly of their society has become after years of this days—it would be unfair on their past to seemingly insistent tale of the “Aquino-led believe that we can less ascertain the realiredemption” from dark years of “Marcos ties of our day.

In simple terms, Bongbong Marcos has authoritarianism.”

More than a third of today’s Filipino a story that he alone can tell. Toni Gonzageneration was born after the EDSA ga has served us well by helping him share that story to us.

Revolution.

In the same way that she has helped Many probably have not known former President Marcos except from the history Robredo and Diokno tell their side of the story. textbooks they read in school.

In the end, she did not attempt to silence Not too many actually know that out of his 20 years in power, Ferdinand Mar- any story, nor confound any truth—for on cos served two elected terms as President, whatever side of the political cleavage each from 1965 to 1972. Or that martial law was of us may stand, we will always have a leslifted in 1981, ahead of the first visit of son to learn from it.

After all, each of us has a story to share, Pope John Paul II. Marcos declared martial law in 1972 and and a lesson to live out every day.

THE FIFTH GOSPEL JUDE ACIDRE

Big relief for Quezon City taxpayers EVERYMAN

By Dindo Danao QUEZON City residents can heave a sigh of relief in terms of real property tax payment if the proposal by a city councilor is approved.

District 2 Councilor Winnie Castelo asked the City Council to permanently scrap a 2016 ordinance that dramatically increases the fair market values of real properties in the city. This has the effect of imposing excessive real estate taxes on residents.

Castelo said that under the proposed Ordinance No. 468, tax payment relief is necessary to help Quezon City residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused untold suffering and misery on health and personal finances.

This is indeed a timely relief for the people who are already struggling to make ends meet. Individuals and families are affected by the health crisis, while businesses are struggling to survive dayto-day operations and keep their workers

on the payroll.

The permanent scrapping of the revised valuations of real property taxes would help tens of thousands of small property owners in Quezon City as they tide over the health crisis.

Two councilors co-authored the proposed ordinance—Karl Edgar Castelo of District 5 and Melencio Castelo Jr. of District 6.

People are struggling to make ends meet.

The proposed ordinance aims to revoke Ordinance No. SP-2556, series of 2016, and the subsequent ordinances and resolutions related thereto, including the implementing rules and regulations adopted for those measures. The 2016 ordinance sought to increase taxes on lands, buildings, constructions and other improvements based on new valuations.

City residents found the adjustments too

Eroded trust

T

HE Ombudsman in government or in any institution is supposed to be a comforting presence.

the law be amended to imprison anybody who makes a comment on the SALN of any official.

It is Ombudsman Martires who does not know enough about his own job.

The Ombudsman—formerly called the Tanodbayan, or watchdog—is exactly that: Someone keeping watch and making sure everything is done according to the letter and spirit of the law, and In September 2020, Martires flagging anything that might be issued a circular saying that SALNs construed as a violation of the rules. may only be made available if the Under our Constitution, the official in question gives a notarized Ombudsman is empowered, consent to release his or her SALN, primarily, to “investigate on its own, if there is a court order, or if it or on complaint by any person, any NAKED would be part of a government act or omission of any public official, THOUGHT investigation. employee, office or agency, when such In the past, Martires lashed out act or omission appears to be illegal, CHARLIE at those V. who pointed out that his MANALO unjust, improper, or inefficient.” personal wealth increased by P15 Now comes our current million from August to December Ombudsman, former Supreme 2018.

Court Justice Samuel Martires, And then earlier this month, amid first putting restrictions on the the controversy surrounding the THE FIFTHprocurement of COVID-related public’s access to government officials’ Statement of GOSPEL Assets, items and apparent misuse of funds, Liabilities and Net Worth,JUDE and with no less than the President then more recently suggesting that ACIDRE defending the personalities behind

Malampaya issues and dynamics OPEN THOUGHTS ORLANDO OXALES ACCORDING to estimates by the Department of Energy, the natural gas (natgas) reserves of the Malampaya plant located west of the Palawan coast is expected to be exhausted by around the first quarter of 2027.

This means that in six years, if adequate alternative power generation capacity is not operational to catchup with fast growing demand and new sources of natgas supply are not found, many major power plants fueled

by Malampaya will either be forced to shift to more expensive liquid gas or even shut down. We will have a serious power crisis that will crash the prospects of a fast recovery to regain pre-pandemic economic growth trajectories.

However, Malampaya suddenly shut down this September 11-12, a few weeks ahead of its scheduled 20-day maintenance in October. Depleting natgas output has been causing dependent power plants supplying the Luzon grid to operate below its rated capacity and affecting the already tight power supply. Industry experts and watchdogs are seeing these as ominous indications that should call for the re-evaluation of remaining natgas reserves. More importantly, the building of new generation capacities should be a top priority.

Every time power generation is disrupted, whether by schedule or forced by breakdowns, it’s consumers who feel the pinch. Distribution utilities (DUs) and electricity cooperatives have to buy power from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) to at least close the supply gap with enough buffer to avoid debilitating power outages. When steep, which ranged from more than 500 percent to 1,000 percent.

The Alliance of Quezon City Homeowners Associations Inc. questioned the validity and constitutionality of the ordinance before the Supreme Court in 2017.

The high court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the implementation of the 2016 ordinance, thus the collection of real estate taxes based on the revised schedule of values provided for under the said ordinance was suspended.

The Supreme Court on September 18, 2018 dismissed the petition and lifted the TRO. Two months later, the City Council enacted Ordinance No. SP-2778, series of 2018, suspending the implementation of the ordinance for the years 2018 and 2019.

On December 16, 2019, the City Council approved Ordinance No. SP-2888, series of 2019 extending the suspension of the collection of taxes based on the revised

this happens, the law of supply and demand comes into play, and you can expect a bump-up in generation costs as WESM prices will always be higher than the rates in ongoing Power Supply Agreements of DUs. This generation price hike will be felt beyond Luzon and by all consumers being supplied all over the country; their power is sourced through the WESM. Some of the biggest baseload power plants were affected. The 414-megawatt (MW) San Gabriel plant was temporarily shut down, the 1,000-MW Sta. Rita and the 500-MW San Lorenzo had to shift to the more expensive liquid gas. These companies are owned by First Gen Corporation.

It’s always consumers who feel the pinch.

Approximately 1,900 MW were affected after three days due to the untimely disruption which will then cause an increase in the generation charge in the next billing cycle.

Some might say that it’s the reality of our situation, but the DOE and the power and energy industry have been warning about the country’s power and energy outlook even before the global pandemic. Between 2012 and 2017, the demand in the Luzon grid was already outpacing capacity. New capacity was only at 2,600 MW while demand was at around 2,900 MW). The DOE’s prepandemic prediction was an annual increase in demand of approximately 4.9 percent—almost 25,000 MW in new capacity will be needed.

Before the lockdowns started, the DOE warned of very tight power supply in the summer months of 2020.

The extensive disruption of economic activities averted this power shortage.

Now that pandemic restrictions have been adjusted to allow manufacturing and supply chains unhampered to keep schedule of values on land until December 2020 while allowing the higher adjustments on buildings and other structures to take effect for the taxable year 2020.

A year after, the Council approved Ordinance No. SP-2986, series of 2020 further extending the suspension of the collection of higher taxes until December 31, 2022.

The three authors of the proposed Ordinance No. 468 said the implementation of Ordinance No. SP-2556 is against the will of the people. Instead, such ordinance should be revoked permanently and in its entirety, SOadditional burden to the so as not to inflict I SEE Quezon City residents who are all grappling with the effects of the pandemic.

LITO “We mightBANAYO as well cast away the original sin, which is ordinance No. 2556, series of 2016,” they said.

Dindo Danao is a public relations strategist.

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandard.net

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the economy going, power consumption has returned to pre-lockdown levels and has even increased. Many consumers felt this with the resurgence of brownouts in recent months.

Going into the 19th month of recurring lockdowns that this administration’s pandemic managers now realize as ineffective because of so many reasons, so-called “alert levels” with granular lockdown are now being imposed as the newest anti-pandemic experiment to reverse the over 20,000-a-day infection rate. More businesses are being allowed to operate—albeit in limited capacities— to at least sustain millions of incomestrapped workers.

Going back to Malampaya on another issue, a re-evaluation of the sales purchase agreement between Chevron and Udenna Corporation’s subsidiary UC Malampaya Philippines has been ordered by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi. This came after the Senate questioned DOE officials when it was disclosed in a hearing that the Malampaya Energy XP Pte., Ltd. owned by the President’s campaign funder and close ally Dennis Uy, the winning bidder to purchase 45 percent of Shell Philippines Exploration, only had a paid up capital of US$100 or about 5,000 pesos.

Malampaya Energy wants to develop new natural gas resources in the area. I wonder how Beijing is going to take this.

Perhaps there’s already a hidden deal on this? Just speculating.

Interestingly, this looks very familiar and even similar to the raging pandemic corruption issue of Pharmally. The plot is indeed thickening on this one.

That aside, energy regulators need to act faster on power plant builds to move our power situation from barely sufficient to surplus. Before economic recovery can take off, our energy supply must be at a level of stability and affordability to attract new investments that we will need to compete versus other economies that experts already predict will recover earlier than ours.

MORE OPINION ONLINE

(www.manilastandard.net) NAKED THOUGHT CHARLIE V. MANALO

A flawed notion of historical revisionism

THE FIFTH GOSPEL JUDE Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ACIDRE

CROSSROADS ManilaStandard

the company that won billions of pesos worth of contracts, Martires asked: Why are the people so interested in the SALN of Mr. Duterte?

The President has never made his SALN public despite his declarations of war on corruption.

At a congressional budget hearing, he brought up his wild idea of a five-year jail term for those who dared comment on anyone’s SALN. He also insulted the media for not knowing enough English to interpret Republic Act 6713 of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Clearly, it is Martires who does not know enough about his own job.

His words and demeanor have eroded our trust and confidence in a sacred office whose mandate is to ensure honesty and transparency among government officials, from the most powerful to the lowliest. We are at our wits’ end figuring out what to do and where to turn when the watchdog just won’t watch.

Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

OPEN THOUGHTS ORLANDO

A6

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

World Hong Kong elite selects powerful new ‘patriots only’ committee

BODY CHECK.

A protester is searched by police as Hong Kong’s political elite on September 19 began selecting a powerful committee which will choose the city’s next leader and nearly half the city’s legislature under a new “patriots only” system imposed by Beijing. AFP

HONG KONG—Hong Kong’s political elite will select a powerful committee on Sunday which will choose the city’s next leader and nearly half the legislature under a new “patriots only” system imposed by Beijing.

The financial hub has never been a democracy—the source of years of protests—but a small and vocal opposition was tolerated after the city’s 1997 handover to authoritarian China.

Huge and often violent democracy rallies exploded two years ago, and Beijing has responded with a crackdown and a new political system where only those deemed loyal are allowed to stand for office.

The first poll under that new system, dubbed “patriots rule Hong Kong”, will take place on Sunday as members of the city’s ruling classes choose a

1,500-seat Election Committee.

In December, that committee will appoint 40 of the city’s 90 seats in the legislature -- 30 will be chosen by special interest groups and just 20 will be directly elected.

The following year, it will pick Hong Kong’s next China-approved leader.

Beijing insists the new political system is more representative and will ensure “anti-China” elements are not allowed into office.

Critics say it leaves no room for the pro-democracy opposition and turns Hong Kong into a mirror of the authoritarian Communist Party-ruled mainland.

“Hong Kongers are completely cut off from electoral operations,” Nathan Law, a prominent democracy leader who fled to Britain last year, told AFP. AFP

IN SUBMARINE DEAL CRISIS

France accuses Australia, US of ‘lying’ Putin’s party P set to retain ARIS—France on Saturday accused Australia and the United States of lying over a ruptured Australian contract to buy French submarines, warning a grave crisis was underway between the allies.

Australia’s decision to break a deal for the French submarines in favor of American nuclear-powered vessels sparked outrage in Paris, with President Emmanuel Macron recalling France’s ambassadors to Canberra and Washington in an unprecedented move.

The row has sparked a deep rift in America’s oldest alliance and dashed

hopes of a post-Donald Trump renaissance in relations between Paris and Washington under President Joe Biden.

Speaking to France 2 television, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian gave no indication Paris was prepared to let the crisis die down, using distinctly undiplomatic language towards Australia, the United States and Britain, which is

also part of the three-way security pact.

“There has been lying, duplicity, a major breach of trust and contempt,” Le Drian said. “This will not do.”

He described the withdrawal of the ambassadors for the first time in the history of relations with the countries as a “very symbolic” act that aimed “to show how unhappy we are and that there is a serious crisis between us”.

But Australia has rebuffed French accusations of betrayal, with Defence Minister Peter Dutton insisting Canberra had been “upfront, open and honest” with Paris about its concerns over the deal.

On Sunday, Australian Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said his country had informed the French government “at the earliest available opportunity, before it became public”.

He told national broadcaster ABC that it was “always going to be a difficult decision” to cancel the French deal.

“We don’t underestimate the importance now of... ensuring that we re-establish those strong ties with the French government and counterparts long into the future,” he added. “Because their ongoing engagement in this region is important.” AFP

Guinea junta rules out exile for ex-president CONAKRY—Guinea’s ruling junta on Saturday ruled out exile for detained former president Alpha Conde and said transition towards civilian rule would be done in accordance with “the will of the people.”

The statement from the ruling council came in defiance of international pressure for Conde’s release and a six-month timetable for elections after a coup on September 5 sparked global condemnation.

It also followed the visit on Friday of a mission from ECOWAS led by two heads of state from the 15-member West African bloc.

Mamady Doumbouya, the colonel who led the coup, told the visiting delegation that “it was important for ECOWAS to listen to the legitimate aspirations of the people of Guinea,” said a junta spokesman, Colonel Amara Camara, at the ruling council’s first news conference on the sixmonth deadline.

Doumbouya stressed the need not to repeat the “mistakes of the past”, recalling that national consultations to outline the transition had begun on Tuesday and that “only the sovereign people of Guinea will decide its destiny”, Camara said. AFP

Mixed reactions as Algeria ex-prez ‘Boutef’ dies, 84 ALGIERS—Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who ruled Algeria for two decades before resigning in 2019, has died aged 84, leaving behind mixed reactions ahead of Sunday’s funeral.

The former strongman quit office in April 2019, having been abandoned by the military following weeks of huge street protests over his bid to run for a fifth presidential term.

He had since stayed out of the public eye at a residence in western Algiers.

The announcement of his death late Friday triggered muted reactions in the North African country, reflecting his absence from public view.

A statement from his successor Abdelmadjid Tebboune noted Bouteflika’s past as a fighter in the war for independence from France and said flags would be at half-mast for three days to honor him.

King Mohammed VI of Morocco on Saturday sent a message of “condolences and compassion” to Tebboune, the MAP news agency reported.

“In more ways than one, president Abdelaziz Bouteflika has marked the history of the country since national independence...,” said political scientist Mansour Kedidir. AFP

TERROR EVIDENCE. Indonesian police hold evidence following a terrorist raid at Astina village, Torue sub district, in Central

Sulawesi on September 19 after an Indonesian terror leader linked to the Islamic State (IS) was shot dead in a shoutout with security forces, police said, putting the extremist group in a tight corner. AFP

Spanish cops wrong-footed as 25k party at Madrid school MADRID—Around 25,000 people joined a massive outdoor drinking party marking the start of term at a Madrid university without observing safety precautions, police said Saturday, admitting they were caught off-guard.

Spanish media said it was the biggest such gathering since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic when large public gatherings were halted to stop the spread of the virus.

“There were thousands of people on the grounds of Complutense University, about 25,000,” a municipal police statement said, indicating the gathering appeared to have been organized online via WhatsApp. Images on social media showed vast crowds of beaming youngsters gathered on the campus, drinking, dancing, and hanging out with hardly a mask in sight.

“Without prior warning from the university or time to prepare an appropriate operation, breaking up a gathering of some 25,000 people is an almost impossible job,” police said, indicating they had only reached the site after midnight.

Unable to disperse the partygoers the police, backed by drones, tried to keep the peace and ensure there were no incidents, especially on the nearby roads and public transport, staying at the site until dawn.

At the weekends, police in Madrid routinely deploy an extra 200 officers to break up outdoor drinking parties, known in Spanish as “botellones”.

A similar gathering took place overnight in Barcelona, where around 8,000 youngsters joined an all-night party on the campus of the city’s Autonomous University, the rector told the Catalan

radio station RAC1.

Although Spain has lifted many of its pandemic safety restrictions, people are still required to wear masks outdoors if they are unable to maintain a 1.5-metre (five-foot) safety distance from those around them.

And large gatherings remain banned, although the numbers vary from region to region.

But some people have dropped their guard given the rapid pace of the vaccination programme, with more than 75 percent of Spain’s 47 million residents now fully vaccinated.

Despite a wave of new infections over the summer due to the Delta variant, cases have once again fallen in Spain which has a national incidence rate of 91 cases per 100,000 people, the lowest in over a year. AFP

parliament hold after 3-day polls

MOSCOW—Russian President Vladimir Putin’s party was set Sunday to retain a majority in parliament on the last day of three-day elections in which most Kremlin critics were barred from the ballot.

The vote comes in the wake of an unprecedented crackdown on the opposition this year, with Russian authorities jailing Putin’s bestknown domestic foe Alexei Navalny and banning his organisations as “extremist”.

In the lead-up to this weekend’s vote, all of his top allies were arrested or had fled the country, with anyone associated with his groups kept from running in the parliamentary and local polls scheduled to close at 8:00 pm Sunday.

“These essentially aren’t elections.

People in effect have no choice,” 43-year-old businessman Vladimir Zakharov told AFP in Russia’s second city Saint Petersburg.

The elections were also marred by claims of censorship and rampant ballot stuffing.

As voting kicked off Friday, Apple and Google caused an uproar among Russia’s opposition after they removed Navalny’s “Smart Voting” app, which showed supporters which candidate they should back to unseat Kremlin-aligned politicians.

Sources familiar with Google and Apple’s decision told AFP the move was taken under pressure from Russian authorities, including threats to arrest the tech giants’ local staff.

By late Friday, the popular Telegram messenger had also removed Navalny’s “Smart Voting” bot, and on Saturday his team said Google was pressuring them to delete Google Docs with recommended candidates after a request from Russia’s media regulator Roskomnadzor.

His team called the documents the last “remaining” tools supporting their election tactic and asked voters to take a screenshot of them in case they were removed. AFP

Cyber-attack hits Hungary primary polls aimed to challenge PM Orban BUDAPEST—Hungary’s first-ever primary elections to find a candidate to challenge right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban got off to a rocky start on Saturday with voting suspended due to what organisers said was a suspected cyber-attack.

After years of bickering and a string of landslide losses, the once-factious opposition has come together with one common goal—to push the long-serving leader from power in elections next year.

But voting was suspended just two hours after it started—with “masses of voters” already casting ballots—after a system crash with organisers suspecting a cyber-attack.

One of the organisers, Gyorgy Magyar, told Hungarian television channel ATV that they would need 36 hours to investigate the matter.

‘Historical process’ Opposition leaders blamed Orban and the government for an attack, while Budapest mayor Gergely Karacsony—himself looking to be the one chosen to take on Orban—also pointed to IP addresses of Chinese origin that were identified.

“No matter what attack comes or where it comes from, there is no force capable of stopping this historical process,” the sixparty opposition alliance said in a statement.

“The circles in power got scared that masses of people wanted to express their opinion in the primary, and wanted to express their desire for change,” they added.

Voting is expected to be able to resume on Monday.

The alliance, set up last year, is made up of a diverse cast of political parties: leftist, liberal and formerly far-right.AFP

IDOL WORSHIP. Hindu devotees gather near an idol of the elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha during the immersion procession in Mumbai on September 19.

AFP

Sports

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

Biado...

Malditas coach lauds newcomers for victory

From A8

one of my dreams. I dedicate this to my family, also to my baby. Thanks to all of you. Even in the time of pandemic, you’re still here watching around the world,” said Biado, who finally ended a string of runner-up finishes numbering 11 overall by the Philippines in the prestigious tournament since Reyes’ US Open title conquest 27 years ago.

Reyes, for one, made it to the finals for three straight years after his title conquest in 1994, but lost them all.

After Reyes, next came Jose “Amang” Parica’s failed bid in 2003 and 2005, with Rodolfo Luat following his runner-up path in 2006.

Then, there was Ronnie Alcano in 2007 and 2008, before it was Dennis Orcollo’s turn to be heartbroken in 2012 and 2014. Lee Van Corteza was runner-up in 2013.

Biado actually put up an early 3-1 lead, but Yapp stomped ahead by seizing seven racks and taking a commanding five-rack lead.

With Yap in front, 8-3, things turned in Biado’s favor when the Singaporean missed his shot on the 9 ball.

From there, Biado gained an opportunity for a big rally.

Biado then swept the last 10 racks to claim the top prize of $50,000.

“Ito ang pinakamabigat na laban ko, hindi lang ‘yung world games, ito ang pinaka-nakakapressure. World 9 Ball, hindi ganoon ka-crowded,” said Biado.

It was a heartbreaking setback for the 25-year-old Yapp, who averted an all-Filipino final by easing out Orcollo in the semifinals, with a 32-29 win.

Biado reached the finals after charging past Japan’s Naoyuki Oi, 11-9, in the other semifinal.

Earlier, Biado squeezed past Filipino bet Johan Gonzales, 11-10, in a race-to-11 quarterfinal encounter.

Billiards and Snookers Congress of the Philippines president Robert Mananquil congratulated Biado in a message sent to Facebook Messenger.

“Great and sweet victory for Carlo Biado and the Philippines despite the pandemic. Hardly had Biado the time to practice during the lockdown. In 2020 because of global lockdown, he practiced by himself in his pool table at home. His triumph, after Efren in 1994, would encourage Filipinos to bring out their cue sticks again. and it’s a boost to billiard sports in the country,” said Mananquil in a statement.

Emma Raducanu attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. AFP

By Peter Atencio

Raducanu’s grandmother wanted her to quit tennis L ONDON—Newly-crowned US Open champion Emma Raducanu’s grandmother Niculina Raducanu wanted her to quit tennis so concerned was she about her health after breathing difficulties forced her to retire from her Wimbledon Last 16 match this year.

The 88-year-old Romanian told The Daily Mail her granddaughter’s “health is more important (than wealth or fame).”

Fortunately for 18-year-old Briton Raducanu neither her father Ian (son of Niculina) nor Chinese mother Renee took the advice and she swept through the US Open to become the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title.

Niculina Raducanu—known to Emma as ‘Mamiya’ a Romanian term of endearment for grandmothers—is close to her granddaughter.

She would host Emma twice a year in Bucharest in her apartment whilst she would come to the family’s home in England to care for her granddaughter and recount stories about Romania.

However, she was so anxious for Emma after she retired from her clash with Aus-

tralian Ajla Tomljanovic at Wimbledon she dared broach the subject of retirement with Raducanu’s parents.

“I asked her parents if she should quit tennis,” Raducanu told the newspaper after they tracked her down at her Bucharest home.

“Because what if something should happen to Emma?”

“Her health is more important (than wealth or fame).

“The court she played on that day had a roof over it because it was raining, and she felt she couldn’t breathe.”

When it came to last Saturday’s US Open final, though, it was the grandmother not the granddaughter who faltered.

“The night she won the U.S. Open (Raducanu beat fellow teenager Leylah Fer-

nandez of Canada 6-4, 6-3), I couldn’t watch because my heart couldn’t take it,” she said.

“I said to myself: ‘This match is going to be a really tough one,’ so I decided not to watch it.

“I only found out the news the next day, and I was delighted she was strong and healthy, and that her mind was healthy also —especially after what happened the last time (at Wimbledon).

“When I talked to my son, I was happy for him.

“He would have been so disappointed if she’d have lost after all the work and resources they’d put into this.”

Niculina says she has resisted till now revealing to her neighbours and friends what her Canada-born granddaughter had achieved.

“Of course, I’m very proud of her,” she said.

“But I’ve never told anyone I’m the grandmother of a Grand Slam champion.

“I am a very modest woman, and I don’t want people to think I’m bragging. When Emma puts her mind to it, she will get it.

She was always a fighter.” AFP

McNealy grabs share of Fortinet lead SAN FRANCISCO—Jim Knous and Maverick McNealy both birdied their final holes of the round to top a crowded leaderboard at The Fortinet Championship, the first PGA Tour event of the new season.

McNealy caught fire on the back nine, closing his round of 70 with three consecutive birdies to get to -14 under 202 total and maintain a share of the lead on the Silverado Resort and Spa course.

Neither McNealy nor Knous can sleep easy heading into Sunday’s final round, as there are 18 players within four shots of the lead, including sixtime major winner Phil Mickelson and 2012 US Open champion Webb Simpson.

“It was a crazy day,” said second-round leader McNealy. “One of those days where the ball was running up in funny spots.

“It was pretty hectic, and then on the 12th everything seemed to slow down for me, and I am really proud of the way I finished.”

The 25-year-old McNealy made birdie on the final three holes including the par-five 16th and the par-five 18th. He played his US college golf at nearby Stanford University, where he tied a number of Tiger Woods’ Cardinal collegiate records.

Chile’s Mito Pereira and American Scott Stall-

A7

ings lead a pack of five golfers tied for third at 12 under 204. Max Homa, Troy Merritt and Beau Hossler are also at 12 under.

Talor Gooch is one stroke back in solo eighth after a round of 70.

Mickelson (67) and Simpson (65) highlight a group of 10 golfers at 10 under, just four shots back of the leaders.

After a one-week break, the PGA Tour is kicking off the 2021-22 season with The Fortinet Championship in Napa, California.

Knous capped his 65 with a birdie on 18, where he rolled in a long putt from the edge of the green.

His only top-10 finish in 24 starts came at this event in 2018, his first start as a member of the PGA Tour.

He wasn’t straight off the tee on 18 but managed to scramble back.

“I hit it terrible and tried to punch it back into play,” he said. “(The birdie putt) kind of broke at the end, but I had perfect speed on it.

“I just played solid and patient and let the course come to me.”

Knous is trying to not put too much pressure on himself going forward.

Five straight birdies “The best I can do is just hit every shot the best I can, and things will work out as they should,” he said. “My wife said, ‘Do your best and let God do the rest.’

“I am just trying to win a tournament and not play for some deadline.”

Mickelson is making his seventh start at the event, with his best finish being tied for third four years ago.

Mickelson fashioned five straight back-nine birdies to reach 10 under par.

He already has a goal for what he wants to shoot on Sunday.

“It’s fun to have a little later tee time and to feel some of the nerves and so forth. I know I’m going to have to shoot probably seven, eight, nine under par to have

LATE-GAME adjustments allowed the Philippine Malditas national women’s football team to score in the closing minutes of the game, and get past Nepal, 2-1.

National coach Marlon Maro said this as the Malditas moved a game close of qualifying to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 last Saturday.

“The new players played well and initiated the first goal,” said Maro. “Our adjustments in the second half resulted in us scoring in the last five minutes,” said Maro in a postgame huddle at JAR Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The goals went in when Tahnai Annis and Camille Wilson attacked in the 90th and 92nd minutes, earning the Philippines the needed three points in Group F. The Philippines went in a defensive mode for almost 80 minutes after Nepal sent in a goal behind after Bimala Chaudhary netted in the ball in the 10th minute.

Maro said they adjusted by putting four attacking forwards up front to pressure Nepal’s defense.

On the other hand, Nepal had only one striker seeking to score a goal in the second half.

The Philippines next clashes with Hong Kong on Friday, September 24.

The Malditas are supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, MVP Sports Foundation and Team Manager Jefferson Cheng.

Maverick McNealy reacts following round three of the Fortinet Championship at Silverado Resort and Spa on September 18, 2021 in Napa, California. AFP

a chance, but either way it’s fun having that chance,” he said. AFP

PSG: Report of Messi’s €110M salary rubbish

Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian forward Neymar (left) and Paris SaintGermain’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi warm up prior the UEFA Champions League Group A football match Club Brugge against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Jan Breydel Stadium in Bruges. AFP

PARIS—Paris Saint-Germain’s sporting director Leonardo angrily dismissed as “very far from reality” a story in L’Equipe on Saturday claiming the Qatar-owned club were paying Lionel Messi a “giant” salary of 110 million euros” over the next three seasons.

Leonardo’s forceful denial of the veracity of the French sports daily’s front page revelation came on the eve of Messi’s first home match at the Parc des Princes since his stunning arrival from Barcelona.

As another PSG galactico, Kylian Mbappe, faced a fitness battle for Sunday’s Ligue 1 clash with Lyon, Leonardo was not pulling any punches as he sought to knock back details of a contract all parties would prefer to keep out of the public domain.

“We didn’t like it, it’s very far from the reality in terms of the length and the figures,” said Leonardo.

“There are confidentiality clauses, but I

can tell you it’s not the truth.”

L’Equipe devoted its front page Saturday to the Argentine superstar’s “giant salary” —a minimum of 110 million euros spread over three years.

“The length of the contract is two years and not three,” stated Leonardo.

He accused L’Equipe of “a lack of respect” given the timing of the story the day before Messi stars in front of PSG’s fans at home.

“I don’t understand it, but that’s your problem,” he told journalists.

“But the facts, we can’t let that go.”

Since being welcomed like royalty in August six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has played just two games for his new club, both away fixtures.

The second of those came when coach Mauricio Pochettino lined up his three stars Messi, Mbappe and Neymar for the first time in the disappointing 1-1 draw at

Club Brugge.

While Messi, 34, is due to turn out in the Ligue 1 meeting with Lyon, Mbappe is far from certain with the French World Cup winner nursing a foot injury from the Champions League opener.

“He trained with the squad taking a couple of precautions (on Saturday morning),” Pochettino said.

“We’re satisfied with (the injury’s) progress. We’ll see tomorrow if he’s in the list or not.”

Mbappe missed France’s last two World Cup qualifiers with a right calf problem.

Whether the 22-year-old makes it or not Pochettino is definitely facing Lyon without defender Sergio Ramos (calf) and Juan Bernat, and midfielder Marco Verratti (knee).

PSG, who saw their domestic dominance checked last season when Lille emerged as Ligue 1 champions, have won their first five outings to top the table. AFP

Sports

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

A8

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

Caluza 10th in US figure skating meet

Slaughter’s heroics lift NorthPort past RoS GREG Slaughter’s intimidating presence carried the NorthPort Batang Pier to an important 91-88 overtime triumph over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the 2021 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup Sunday at the DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

The 7-foot Slaughter blocked Gabe Norwood’s three-point attempt at the buzzer, allowing Batang Pier to score their fifth win in 10 games and stay in contention for a playoff slot.

It was also Slaughter’s layup in the 1:46 mark which tied the match at 80-all in regulation, paving the way for the overtime period and Batang Pier’s spirited closinggame effort.

“I just told them that our last two games will be a playoff win for us,” said Batang Pier coach Pido Jarencio, who is back with the team after more than a two-week absence.

Jarencio underwent quarantine in Metro Manila after testing positive for COVID-19.

The 33-year-old Slaughter tallied 25 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks for Batang Pier, with his block on Norwood keeping the Elasto Painters from forcing a second overtime period.

Rain or Shine, who has a 6-5 slate, struggled to make a decent basket in the fourth quarter with attempts by Rey Nambatac and Mark Borboran missing their marks.

Jewel Ponferada powered the Elasto Painters with 17 points.

Peter Atencio

Rain or Shine’s Bradwyn Guinto hangs on to the ball as NorthPort’s Greg Slaughter stalks him from behind in a PBA game won by the Batang Pier, 91-88.

Biado vows to train hard for SEA Games

By Peter Atencio

C

ARLO Biado, the newly crowned 2021 US Open Pool Championship titlist, vowed to train hard for the 2022 Vietnam Southeast Asian Games, where he expects his Singaporean rival Aloysius Yapp to get back at him.

The 37-year-old Filipino cue artist came from behind to beat Yapp, 13-8, in the finals of the US Open in Atlantic City on Saturday (Philippine time) to claim his second major title in four years.

“Paghahandaan nating mabuti and SEA Games, hindi tayo pahuhuli,” said Biado after his title conquest. “Si Aloysius Yapp, isa sa pinakamagaling

sa Singapore ‘yan, no. 1 siya ngayon doon.”

Biado’s win affirmed his status as one of the world’s best cue artists as he ended a 27-year drought for the country in the US Open, where the Philippines last won in 1994 courtesy of Efren “Bata” Reyes.

“I’m very happy because this event is Turn to A7

Carlo Biado

CHRISTOPHER Caluza made it to 10th place in the 2021 US International Figure Skating Classic in Massachusetts over the weekend.

Caluza came up with a combined score of 175.64, tallying 62.03 from the short program and 113.61 in the free skate event.

Philippine Skating Union president Nikki Cheng is upbeat about Caluza’s feat as this made him ready for another higher-level event.

“Christopher scored 175.64, finished 10/10. But he attained a new season’s best and also reached the minimum technical element scores in order for him to qualify in the 4 Continents Championships in February. It’s one of the championship events of our IF,” said Cheng.

Czech Republic’s Michal Brezina won the gold, collecting 238.65.

Americans Jimmy Ma (233.58) and Eric Sjoberg (221.12) bagged second and third spots, respectively.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles-based Skye Chua settled for 20th out of 24 competitors in the International Skating Union’s Junior Grand Prix in Krasnoyarsk, Russia over the weekend.

Chua finished with 79.70 points with 49.73 points from free skating and 29.97 from the short program.

Russian skaters came up with a 1-2-3 podium finish with Sofia Akateva (233.08) taking the gold medal.

Anastasia Zinina (206.20) took the silver, while Sofia Samodelkina (202.39) bagged the bronze.

Next up for Filipino skaters is the 2021 CS Nebelhorn Trophy, which will be held from September 22 to 25, in Oberstdorf, Germany.

Two Filipino skaters Sofia Frank and Edrian Paul Celestino are joining. Peter Atencio

Business SEC creating new office to encourage SME public offerings

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

B1

RAILWAY INSPECTION.

Officials from the Department of Transportation, along with Spanish infrastructure company Acciona, the local government of Pampanga, the Japanese Embassy, the Asian Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency inspect the site of the railway line that will connect the city of Malolos to Clark International Airport, some 80 kilometers north of Manila.

Leading the site inspection are (from left) Acciona project director Antonio Garrayo, Transportation Undersecretary Timothy John Batan and Acciona country director Julio Ruiz.

By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Securities and Exchange Commission said it is creating a new office to encourage more small and medium enterprises to list in the Philippine Stock Exchange.

SEC chairman Emilio Aquino said in a speech during a forum on initial public offering for SMEs the agency would be committed to create the Office for the Advancement of Strategic Investments in SMEs, or OASIS. Aquino said OASIS would be tasked to promote the interests of SMEs by simplifying the capital-raising products and streamlining the registration processes.

OASIS will also encourage investment houses and other financial institutions to form and implement an SMEfriendly underwriting and/or advisory program. It will engage multilateral agencies such as the Asian Development Bank and International Finance Corp. in launching SME-focused investment funds.

Ninety-nine percent of business enterprises operating in the country are micro, small and medium enterprises.

Aquino said COVID-19, which forced the government to implement mobility restrictions as part of the health protocols to combat the spread of the virus, severely impacted the MSMEs. “Most of them lacked the funds necessary to bounce back, with the magnitude of the working capital shortage more serious in smaller firms. Further, this prolonged pandemic made it more difficult for MSMEs to raise funds from formal financial institutions and to survive the crisis,” Aquino said.

“Although, the sector’s ability to access finance faces constraints even during non-crisis periods. As some areas are moving to the recovery stage, MSMEs continue to confront a sharp drop in demand and revenue specially as we deal with the continuing threats of Covid-19. With this landscape, it is the government’s thrust including the commission to support the sector’s journey towards recovery,” he said.

IN BRIEF

Manila-Clark train project on track for 2024 opening

By Darwin G. Amojelar

T

HE Department of Transportation said over the weekend the multibillion-peso Manila-Clark commuter rail project is on track to be fully operational by 2024 and could create thousands of jobs.

It said the P150-billion PNR Clark Phase 2 (Malolos to Clark segment) recorded an overall progress rate of 32 percent as of July, while the P106-billion PNR Clark Phase 1 (Tutuban to Malolos segment), reached a 48-percent completion rate.

Transportation Undersecretary for railways Timothy John Batan said during the site inspection of the project in Clark both Phase 1 and Phase 2 would be fully operational by 2024.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the NorthSouth Commuter Railway’s Malolos-Clark segment was expected to generate 7,000 direct jobs.

Phase 2 forms part of the massive 147-km. NSCR line, which will have 35 stations and operate 464 train cars, with 58 eight-car train sets configuration.

PNR Clark Phase 2 will have six train stations in Calumpit,

DOF pushes more economic reforms to attract investors, create more jobs

By Julito G. Rada THE Department of Finance said over the weekend vital economic reforms are needed to attract more foreign investments and create more jobs for Filipinos.

It said in an economic bulletin the reforms include the amendments to the Foreign Investment Act, Public Service Act and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act. “Medium- to long-term, the passage of the amendments to the Foreign Investment Act, Public Service Act and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act will help bring in more capital, generate more employment, and make the economy more competitive,” it said.

“We should make good use of foreign capital and know-how..., “ it said.

The agency said the threat of the coronavirus and its more virulent Delta variant posed serious challenges to the economy and the labor market.

It said the health risks should be managed well and the spread of the virus should be prevented. Vaccine administration is expect-

ed to help deliver individual protection to the population.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed more than 3.8 million people dropped out of the labor force in July, compared to June, amid the continuing threat of the COVID-19 virus and the emergence of a more virulent strain.

The PSA said the decrease in the labor force could be traced to the economy losing more than 3.4 million in employed persons and the 690,000 decline in the unemployed.

“As a result, the unemployment rate dropped from 7.7 percent in June to 6.9 percent in July, the lowest since the pandemic struck,” the PSA said.

The labor force participation rate in July fell to 59.8 percent, or equivalent to 44.7 million Filipinos who were either employed or unemployed. The July 2021 LFPR was the lowest reported rate this year, from 60.5 percent in January 2021 and 63.2 percent in April 2021. It was also lower than 61.9 percent in July 2020.

Aboitiz eyes floating solar projects in 3 dams

By Alena Mae S. Flores ABOITIZ Power Corp. will focus on putting up floating solar power projects at the Magat, Ambuklao and Binga hydro reservoirs, instead of the Laguna de Bay, a top executive said over the weekend.

Aboitiz Power president Emmanuel Rubio said during the “Powering a Sustainable Future with Cleanergy” webinar they did not consider Laguna de Bay as possible site for floating solar projects.

“I am already expecting that there would be [problems] in Laguna de Bay, so we did not even consider it as an area where we would apply service contracts for. You’d be competing with fish pens I think. We didn’t even investigate,” Rubio said.

“We have our reservoirs in Magat, Ambuklao and Binga anyway. Let’s focus on those,” he said, adding the pilot floating solar project at the Magat reservoir proved feasible.

“We own the power plant and NIA [National Irrigation Administration] owns the reservoir, but we have already an agreement with NIA for us to put up floating solar facilities,” Rubio said.

He said Aboitiz Power and SN Power of Norway proved that their floating solar technology could handle Philippine typhoon grades.

“All of a sudden, when you have 210 to 230 kph wind that goes under it, I think you can

say goodbye to your solar panels. But what we have is something that floats in the water, there is no space in between,” he said.

Aboitiz Power earlier said SNAP the Magat floating solar project had technical and commercial viability.

SNAP, a joint venture of SN Power of Norway and Aboitiz Power, switched on the pilot project in June 2019. It was the first non-hydro renewable energy project of SNAP, which was looking at other renewables and complementary technologies to expand its portfolio.

Based on the results of the pre-feasibility studies, phase one of the new project will generate 67 MW. The plan is to install up to 150 MW, depending on the final technical solution and layout.

SNAP invested nearly P24 million for the floating solar facility, which is placed over a 2,500-square meter area over the Magat reservoir.

The project supplies most of the internal household load of the Magat facility, such as the control room, lights and air-conditioning.

The circular floating solar installation― whose design is inspired by the Amazon water lily―is made up of 720 solar panels held in place by four mooring systems.

SNAP teamed up with Ocean Sun, a Norwegian floating solar technology provider, on the pilot floating solar project.

Apalit, San Fernando, Angeles, Clark and Clark Airport. The rail stations will include multimodal facilities that will allow seamless transfer of commuters from public utility vehicles to trains.

Apart from the 7,000 direct jobs that opened during the construction phase of the PNR Clark Phase 2, around 3,000 more job opportunities will be generated once the project becomes operational.

The department said that for the whole NSCR line, over 25,000 direct job opportunities would be generated during construction and another 10,000 jobs would be created upon completion.

“The DOTr, in all of its projects, has always aimed to revitalize the country’s economy. A transport infrastructure project like the NSCR will spur economic growth in Central Luzon, particularly the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga,” Tugade said.

Tugade said once operational, PNR Clark Phase 2 will improve transport connectivity and mobility across Central Luzon and spur various employment in various sectors.

“The Malolos to Clark Railway of the North-South Commuter Railway aims to cut travel time between Malolos, Bulacan and Clark, Pampanga, from 1.5 to 2 hours, to just 30 to 35 minutes. It also features the country’s first-ever Airport Railway Express Service, which will connect Makati to the Clark International Airport in just 55 minutes, from the current two to three hours,” Tugade said.

Seiko Epson sees PH sales recovery SEIKO Epson Corp., a Japanese electronics company and manufacturer of computer printers, said sales in the Philippines are rebounding this year from a “significant dip” in demand last year because of the global pandemic.

Seiko Epson president Yasunori Ogawa told reporters in a virtual briefing the Philippines and other markets in Southeast Asia suffered a significant drop in demand around the start of the pandemic from April to September last year.

“However, I am pleased to say that it’s now recovered significantly in the Philippines and other markets around Southeast Asia, especially for our EcoTank printer products, which command a very high share in the Philippines and across the region,” Ogawa said.

“It’s almost approaching normal levels again now,” he said.

Ogawa said the company’s manufacturing plant in Batangas was operating normally despite the pandemic.

Siew Jin Kiat, Epson regional managing director, said Epson Precision Philippines Inc. is the biggest factory globally for Epson with over 18,000 staff. Darwin G. Amojelar

BSP releases rules on payments systems THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said over the weekend it issued the governing policy for operators of payment systems as part of the phased-in implementation of Republic Act No 11127, or the National Payment Systems Act. “The issuance further supports the adoption of the governance standards under the Principles for Financial Market Infrastructures, the internationally-recognized standards jointly issued by the Bank for International Settlements and the International Organization for Securities Commissions,” the BSP said in a statement.

“These international standards are applicable to financial market infrastructures which include payment systems,” it said.

The governance policy provides the regulatory expectations on the governance arrangements and standards to be adhered to by all OPS. It also provides the criteria for qualification and grounds for disqualifications of individuals elected or appointed as directors or officers of an OPS. Julito G. Rada

World Bank to stop Doing Business report THE Ease of Doing Business and Anti-Red Tape Advisory Council will meet Monday to discuss steps to take following the announcement of the World Bank Group to discontinue the Doing Business report following internal data irregularities in the 2018 and 2020 results.

“Parts of our plans will be looking into a possible localized Doing Business Ranking for our cities and municipalities to nurture healthy competition and recognize good initiatives of local government units. Moreover, we aim to roll out the Report Card Survey by the end of this year to effectively measure the compliance of government agencies to the EODB law,” ARTA Secretary Jeremiah Belgica said in a statement.

The council is composed of a seven-person policy and advisory body, composed of Trade Secretary (chair), Anti-Red Tape Authority director-general (vice-chair), Department of Finance, Department of Information and Communication Technology and the Department of Interior and Local Government Secretaries, and two representatives from the private sector as members. Alena Mae S. Flores

Business

B2 || MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Fed expected to stay cautious on US tapering WASHINGTON—With the United States on the upswing from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve is expected to weigh in next week on whether the economy is healthy enough to begin withdrawing stimulus measures credited with aiding the revival.

But the two-day meeting of the central bank’s policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) beginning Tuesday ultimately may be a static event, like many others in recent months.

Analysts do not expect the Fed to immediately begin the much-expected slowing of its massive bond purchases, and while the committee will release updated economic forecasts, few big changes are expected from previous estimates released three months ago.

The FOMC “likes to prepare markets for any major change,” said Joe Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM US. When he addresses the press after the meeting, Fed Chair Jerome Powell “may choose the opportunity to signal that the tapering is coming, which would likely be a November announcement with a December start,” the economist said.

The Fed took several emergency measures starting in March 2020, acting quickly as the pandemic caused the world’s largest economy to collapse.

In addition to slashing the benchmark lending rate to zero, the Fed began buying massive quantities of bonds and other securities to ease lending conditions and ensure the financial system would not seize up.

Powell has said the bank could begin drawing back on those purchases by the end of the year, but experts expect them to take their time.

“I think the tapering train left the station last meeting already,” said Roberto Perli, founding partner and head of global policy research at Cornerstone Macro, who also expects the bank to begin slowing its purchases in the last two months of the year.

The FOMC will convene as the economy sends mixed signals about two of the central bank’s top priorities: employment and prices.

The United States added a disappointing 235,000 new jobs last month, though there were better employment gains in prior months as Americans returned to positions lost to COVID-19 business closures or found new ones. AFP

PSEi September 17, 2021

TOP GAINERS

PARKING REFORM. Motorcyclists gather, as the Arc de Triomphe, wrapped in silver-blue fabric as designed by late artist Christo, is seen in the background, during a demonstration against a parking reform for Paris which will impose paying parking for non-electric motorcycles and scooters, on September 18, 2021, in Paris. The reform comes into effect on January 1, 2022. AFP

Stock market still wary over rising COVID cases S

By Jenniffer B. Austria

HARES prices are likely to trade sideways this week as the market struggles to stay above the 7,000 point level.

Analysts said the steady rise in COVID-19 cases in the country is tempering investors’ optimism on the domestic economic recovery, even as the government starts easing mobility restrictions.

Investors are also weighing in on the sluggish vaccination rate in the country compared with those in neighboring countries.

“The hasty retreat back to 6,900 level does not fully imply that the 7,000 psychological barrier is too tough of a resistance to crack, at least in the near term.

In fact the rejection has been relatively mild and the technical trend remains mostly intact,” online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia.com said.

“However pending catalysts that can push market conviction to much higher

terrain, such as macro stimulus programs from the fiscal side or comfortable downtrend in COVID infection numbers, the bias is for the market to go sideways,” it added.

After five straight weeks of gain, the Philippine Stock Exchange Index last week slipped 0.8 percent to end the week at 6,912.85.

Except for services index which rose 0.6 percent, all sub-indices ended lower led by mining and oil which dropped 3.7 percent; property which declined 2.2 percent, and holding firms which fell 0.8 percent.

Foreign investors were net buyers for the week by P2.6 billion, while the average daily value traded jumped to P13.2 billion from the previous week’s average of P5.1 billion.

Weekly top price gainers were Aboitiz Power Corp., which climbed 12.2 percent to P32.65; Monde Nissin Corp., which rose 11.5 percent to P19.50; and Aboitiz Equiy Ventures Inc., which advanced 8.7 percent to P50.

Weekly top price losers were Cebu

Rethinking labor unions the overall labor market is more attracDURING the 2016 US Presidential tive. As a result, a nation’s total decampaign, one of the interesting decmand for jobs will decrease, increasing larations was Mr. Trump’s repeated the unemployment rate. statement that the Chinese were stealXUDONG WU A comparison of unemployment ing American jobs. As a Chinese, I rates between China and the United would like to take it as a compliment States for the last two decades have instead of an accusation. I see it as the found out that the unemployment rate Chinese labor market is more competitive and attractive than that of the US or most other countries of the United States is higher than that of China. Although in the eyes of the investors. Otherwise, Mr. Trump would there are many reasons for this outcome, the influence of lahave said that the Indonesians or the Filipinos were stealing bor unions could have contributed to some extent, for China has no typical labor union influence on the investors. The their jobs.

Cao Dewang, the owner of a Chinese company, Fuyao Chinese labor unions do not organize collective bargaining Glass, who has invested in the United States, once pointed for wages against the employers.

China is a communist country and the ruling communist out that one of the drawbacks the United States presented to its investors were the influence of the trade union. A strong party proclaims itself as a labor class party. So, is the Chinese trade union influence makes the United States less attractive Communist Party abandoning its roots and becoming a proto foreign and domestic investors, so instead of accusing the capitalist party allowing the capitalists to exploit the working Chinese of stealing American jobs, Mr. Trump should have class? The answer is No. The labor union policy is just one among many other pro-investment policies, like relaxed lalooked into the reasons behind this phenomenon.

A trade union, also called a labor union, is an association bor law enforcement, less strict environmental compliance, of workers created to improve pay, benefit, working condi- cheaper land cost, and tax incentives, that attracted foreign tions, or social and political status through collective bargain- investments at the early stage of China’s economic reform.

The government believed the higher wages and better working ing. Trade unionism originated in the 19th century in Great Britain, continental Europe and the United States. Since the conditions would come from the development of the economy.

Industrial Revolution, unions have often been credited with Foreign investments played an essential role in this process. With securing improvements in working conditions and wages. the help of foreign investment and many other contributing facLabor leaders formed many unions in manufacturing and re- tors, China has seen rapid growth over the last four decades and source companies, such as steel mills, textile factories and lifted itself from extreme poverty to become the world’s secondmines. Over time, however, unions have spread into other in- largest economy. And even without the collective bargaining of dustries. Today, a large portion of union membership is found labor unions, the average household income increased by 22.8 times compared to four decades ago. in transportation, utilities, and government.

China has given a different answer to uplifting the overall The power of labor unions rests in their two main tools of influence: restricting labor supply and increasing labor de- improvement of the working class’s pay and working condimand. Through collective bargaining, unions negotiate the tions by developing its economy and creating a pro-investwages that employers will pay. Unions ask for a higher salary ment society. So, does it mean that the Chinese government than the equilibrium wage. According to the US Bureau of will forever ignore the benefits labor union can bring? The Labor Statistics, union members have higher wages and sala- answer is No again. In line with its new industrial policy of shifting to science and technology-intensive industries, the ries than non-union members.

It is no doubt that the creation of labor union is a triumph Chinese government has tightened environment compliance, for the working class. It uplifts the disadvantaged position emphasized the enforcement of labor law, and empowered the of each and individual employee by joining them together in labor union to protect the right of the working class. Howa collective pursuit of better pay, benefit, or working condi- ever, Chinese labor unions will not have the same functions tions. It has contributed to the well-being of union members as typical labor unions in other countries.

A nation’s labor policy, including functions of labor unions, and the improvement of social justice.

However, as each coin has two sides, what is the other side should consider the nation’s current economic development of a trade union? At least one thing is notable; trade union status and be in line with the nation’s industrial strategy. For makes a nation less attractive in the eyes of investors. New- developing economies, a relaxed labor policy will make the castle University found a strong negative effect of trade union country attractive for investments, which will help build the density on inward foreign direct investment by examining economy and improve the overall income of the working panel data for 19 OECD economies. The paper finds strong class, which is the same goal and purpose of trade unions. In evidence that a high level of union density reduces the incen- this new era of world economy shift, less developed countries tives for a multinational enterprise in selecting a country as might need to rethink their labor policy to be better prepared to “steal” jobs from other countries. a potential location for foreign direct investment.

As mentioned above, trade unions can negotiate higher The author is an MBA student at the Ramon V. del Rowages and salaries. Still, a less attractive labor market reduces the potential demand brought by foreign and domestic in- sario College of Business, DLSU. He can be reached at vestments, which will offset the expected benefits of unions’ xudong_wu@dlsu.edu.ph.

The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necefforts. Foreign companies will locate their new investments in countries where the union influence is less, and domestic essarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and businesses will relocate their operations in countries where its administrators.

Air Inc., which declined 8.8 percent to P40; Philex Mining Corp., which dropped 6.9 percent to P5.35; and GT Capital Holdings Inc., which fell 6.6 percent to P30.

Meanwhile, US and European stock markets fell on Friday as investors digested mixed economic data, uncertainty over monetary policy and concerns about the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19.

London’s FTSE 100, the Frankfurt DAX 30 and the Paris CAC 40 all closed lower after rising earlier in the day, while Wall Street finished with a solid loss to send major indices into the red for the second straight week.

Asian markets, however, headed into the weekend on an upbeat note.

“September appears to be living up to its sluggish reputation,” said analysts at Charles Schwab brokerage.

US “markets have appeared to lack conviction near record highs amid uncertainties regarding the Delta variant, global monetary policy tightening timing, fiscal stimulus and persistent supply chain challenges,” they said in a note. With AFP

LAST PRICE

% CHANGE CHANGE

1 2

ATNB AEV

0.58 50

0.08 2.9

16.00% 6.16%

3

WLCON

28.3

1.3

4.81%

4 5

VMC GMA7

2.46 14

0.11 0.6

4.68% 4.48%

6

PA

3.29

0.14

4.44%

7 8

TECHW ACPB1

1.65 525

0.07 20

4.43% 3.96%

9

PRF3A

1085

40

3.83%

10

LMG

4.5

0.15

3.45%

TOP LOSERS LAST PRICE

% CHANGE CHANGE

1 2

MJC IMP

1.98 1.47

-0.32 -0.18

-13.91% -10.91%

3

REG

2.52

-0.24

-8.70%

4 5

ROX AXLM

1.29 2.53

-0.12 -0.22

-8.51% -8.00%

6

SOC

0.65

-0.05

-7.14%

7 8 9

GLO SEVN MAC

3000 85 4.27

-200 -5.45 -0.25

-6.25% -6.03% -5.53%

10

MB

0.4

-0.02

-4.76%

MOST ACTIVE 1

CNVRG

VOLUME 77,172,800

VALUE (PHP) 2,699,500,910

2 3

ACEN MONDE

133,860,300 47,457,500

1,393,855,046 918,824,310

4 5 6

GLO ICT ALI

285,650 4,003,010 17,989,400

872,276,400 761,379,108 598,135,430

7 8 9

AC AP TEL

646,350 12,481,300 266,445

524,588,205 408,313,455 394,508,075

10

SMPH

11,887,500

393,622,495

Increasing rents spark Berlin housing seizure referendum

Green LiGht

Demonstrators in this file photo taken on September 11, 2021 hold a banner reading ‘Rents cap’ as they take part in a protest against the soaring living costs of tenants in Berlin. AFP

By Florian Cazeres BELIN, Germany—In her apartment in suburban Berlin, Regina Lehmann despairs at the letter from her landlord, a big real estate group: the rent is going up.

Effective November 1, the increase of 12.34 euros ($14.54) on her monthly rent of 623.44 euros will be “difficult” to finance with her only income a disability pension, Lehmann tells AFP. Almost 700 of her neighbors in the popular Berlin neighborhood of Spandau will suffer the same fate, boosting their rent by up to eight percent.

Increases like these are at the root of a popular initiative to “expropriate” real estate companies such as Adler, which owns Lehmann’s flat, that will culminate in a local referendum on September 26, the same day as national and municipal elections.

Residents in the capital have become increasingly frustrated with rising housing costs, as the city’s attractiveness to outsiders has grown in recent years.

And beyond Berlin, the cost of housing has become a hot topic on the campaign trail in the contest to succeed Angela Merkel as chancellor.

Back in Lehmann’s living room, surrounded by pictures of her family, Lehmann says she simply “won’t pay” the rise.

“I think, if we pay, after a while they’ll just increase the rent again,” she says.

364,000 signatures Rent campaigners secured the referendum in Berlin after collecting 346,000 signatures in support of their proposition—well above the number needed.

They are pushing to “expropriate” homes from real estate companies with more than 3,000 properties.

The result of the poll will not be binding, but advocates hope to force city government to respond to soaring rents, with the cost of housing going up by 85 percent between 2007 and 2019.

The rise has been painful for residents in the capital where 80 percent of people are renters, and 19.3 percent of people live under the country’s poverty line, compared to 15.9 percent in the country as a whole.

Campaigners lay the blame at the door of major real estate groups, such as Adler, which owns 20,000 properties in Berlin.

In Lehmann’s Spandau district, activists argue Adler’s attempt to hike rents is illegal, exceeding a legal reference index linked to the average rent in each area.

The property group, in response, describes an “improved environment” around the lodgings that gives it grounds to charge more.

Supporters of expropriation have upped the tempo of their campaign in recent weeks to win over undecided voters, hanging posters and organizing demonstrations across the city. AFP

Entertainment Jelry, born John Lloyd Reyes, is a singer and composer.

RECORD label Insight Music rocks the music circuit with new standout releases that sonically paint life and love with every color of the emotional spectrum—from the kilig, to the erotic, to the inspired.

Highlighting the collection is singersongwriter Jelry’s debut single titled “Rosas,” a catchy pop acoustic ballad with bouncy, sweet sounds.

Young listeners enthralled by their first loves can relate to “Rosas,” which draws upon Jelry’s personal encounter with the subject. The joy and innocence of young romance is encapsulated in the song’s lyrics and melody, sending the power of “kilig” surging through every note. “‘Rosas’ conjures up a scene from my JS

Friday's concert by the New York Philharmonic was a 'homecoming' for musicians limited to live streams, one-off and outdoor shows for more than a year.

Homage to Philippine movie queens

prom back in high school,” says Jerly of the song. “I remember feeling nervous when I asked my prom date to dance. She wore this bright pink gown and while we were dancing, the lights also started to turn red and pink. I simply savored that moment.”

Jelry’s music debut has been a long time coming. The young man (whose real name is John Lloyd Reyes) first learned to play the guitar with just two chords that his father taught him. This sparked an interest that inspired Jelry to hone his craft through online platforms, soaking up everything he could about music theory, production, and songwriting.

Finally, Jelry took a brave step and began writing his own music, which led to his firstever record deal with Insight Music.

“I can’t wait to share ‘Rosas’ with everyone,” Jelry now enthuses. “They will

B3

certainly enjoy listening and dancing to it.

And if you are looking for a song that will make you feel good, this is it!”

With his debut single “Rosas,” Jelry finally realizes a dream that brings him a step closer to the realm of the musical legends that have influenced him through the years. Talents like IVOS, Rex Orange County, Ed Sheeran, and Rivermaya have all helped shape Jelry’s love for music. He hopes that as his career evolves, he can muster the same passion and emotion his icons evoke in every song.

“Trying to emulate these gifted artists felt like learning a new language,” Jelry muses.

For him, however, the reward is worth all his efforts. “I now get to express my feelings and emotions through music, which is a tough feat in real life.” Read full story on manilastandard.net

VERY WANG

‘homecoming’ after pandemic cancellations symphony orchestra to cancel its 2020-21 season, resulting in more than $21 million in lost ticket revenues.

Hundreds of people queued outside Alice Tully Hall in Manhattan's Upper Westside in evening wear, showing mandatory proof of vaccination in order to gain entry for the night of orchestral music.

Catherine Colson arrived with friends ahead of what she anticipated would be "a memorable night of phenomenal music."

"It was a really long year. I feel rejuvenated," she told AFP. "It's like a rebirth in a way."

Adam Baltin said he wanted to attend opening night to "celebrate the city and the arts. It's been so long."

On top of the challenges presented

by COVID, the Phil is homeless: the orchestra's longtime base, David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center, is in the middle of a major $550-million renovation.

Most of the 2021-22 season will be played at two other venues at the Lincoln Center arts complex on Manhattan's Upper West Side.

Despite everything, Chris Martin, the orchestra's principal trumpet player, said the start of a fresh season "feels like coming home." AFP, read full story on manilastandard.net

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

Innovative label launches new artist

New York Philharmonic marks

FOLLOWING 556 days of pandemicinflicted cancellations and unconventional concerts, the New York Philharmonic opened its new season Friday, a "homecoming" for musicians limited to live streams, one-off and outdoor shows for more than a year.

After enduring months of crisis, the Phil, one of America's oldest musical institutions, re-opened its subscription season with a program featuring Beethoven's “Piano Concerto No. 4,” Anna Clyne's "Within Her Arms," Aaron Copland's "Quiet City" and George Walker's "Antifonys."

The pandemic forced the famed

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

J

Cha-cha Cañete believes that music can bridge generations, take away language barriers, and bring happiness and good memories to listeners.

NICKIE WANG

UNGEE Marcelo had nothing but good words for Chacha Cañete during the virtual launch of “Agwat,” a single that the hit composer described as a love song with a twist.

Marcelo revealed that when he wrote the song, he already had Cañete in mind.

“In the past two years, I’ve been working with kids her age.

Former ‘bulilit’

CHA-CHA CAÑETE Movie queens (from left) Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos, Maricel Soriano, Sharon Cuneta

BEING part of the demographics called us Generation X, I consider myself and my cogeneration peeps lucky for we have witnessed a bunch of amazing women called queens of Philippine movie.

Majority of them, our acquaintances happened thru their vintage movies shown as an after lunch, siesta entertainment fare, black and white photos, press clippings, and coffee table books.

The last four universally accepted Philippine movie queens are Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos, Maricel Soriano, and Sharon Cuneta. Majority of us have a memory or two of their films, box-office wonders and critical flops and television shows, drama anthologies or musical variety shows.

With the quartet of queens, it is only with the superstar Nora Aunor that I managed to muster enough courage to have a photo opportunity. The rest, Cuneta, Soriano, and Santos, I was just too star-struck and shy to request a short and sweet posing time with them.

Alas, let us roll call the powerful feminine movie queens list: Carmen Rosales, heralded as the first Philippine movie queen ever. Rosales was always glammed up in her films. Her chemistry with Rogelio dela Rosa was unmistakable. And she, I think, for the longest time was the Queen Bee in the

film outfit where she was always given stellar billing, and respect was accorded to her by the ALWIN younger stars.

IGNACIO In their LVN and Sampaguita movies, Nida Blanca and Gloria Romero are the next movie queens whose specialty then are comedic roles. It is in their later years that Mesdames Blanca (remember her in Miguelito) and Gloria Romero (Tanging Yaman, anyone?)that were the motion pictures that showcased further their acting greatness.

Also, the black and white movies of the next movie queens, Amalia Fuentes, billed as Miss Number One, and the Face that Refreshes, Susan Roces, were such a delight, immensely enjoyed their Amy, Susie, and Tessie movies.

During the first golden Pinoy movie eras, fondness and reverence to the legends such as Norma Blancaflor, Delia Razon, Paraluman, Bella Flores, Zeny Zabala, Carol Varga, and Rosa Rosal.

The movie queens that are officially part of my wonder years are the superstar Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos, the star for all seasons, megastar Sharon Cuneta and the Diamond Star Maricel Soriano.

As multi-awarded screenplay writer Eric Ramos pointed out, which refers to Aunor and Santos, and also holds true for Soriano and Cuneta: “Bakit kailangang pumili kung pareho naman silang katangitangi?” Read full story on manilastandard.

SNAPSHOT

Lovi Poe gets grand Kapamilya welcome "ASAP Natin 'To" rolled out a grand welcome celebration for new Kapamilya star Lovi Poe while paying tribute to our country's champion spirit with awe-inspiring worldclass acts including a must-watch P-Pop collab from BINI and BGYO, Raffy Tulfo's idol performance, stellar musical numbers from the country's finest singers.

New Kapamilya star Lovi Poe got a grand and glamorous welcome as she shared the ASAP stage with OPM hitmakers Erik Santos and Gary Valenciano.

ARIAS

enchants listers with ‘AGWAT’

I started teaching music production and songwriting and I love working with fresh talents,” Marcelo told Manila Standard Entertainment.

“When I started working with Cha-cha, she reminded me of the top students in my class. She’s an intelligent singer, she asks questions, she listens and shows interest all the time. It takes an intelligent singer to work on what she has. Cha-cha has a very strong machinery, high-end. She has restraint and not every young singer has that. She has power but well under control. It seems like she’s been doing this for the longest time,” the composer added.

Talking about the song, Marcelo said that the song “Agwat,” when you get to listen to it, is not actually just about romantic relationships. It can also be about relationships with friends and co-workers and everyone’s hot topic nowadays, politics.

“The irony of the word is that, yes we need to keep a distance because of the situation we’re in, pero sana huwag

tayong hihiwalay sa isa’t isa. We create spaces between us so this song can be used in many situations,” Marcelo explained.

Meanwhile, Dexter Dakanay, the director of “Agwat” music video, sees Cañete as a blossoming artist with this new project.

“I guess her ‘makulit’ days are indeed behind her because Cha-Cha is always laser-focused on the set, and there’s an air of seriousness. too. She always has that depth while performing,” raved Dakanay directed for Star Music.

The former “Bulilit” child actress punching jokes has gracefully transitioned into this pretty and smart teener, currently in Senior High in UST (ABM Strand) and doing music performing on the side.

“When I was a child performer, I was truly happy to bring smiles to people who saw or watched me. There was love and support. As I am now in my teens, people still remember that child and I am still receiving the positive

vibes despite having been away for some years. I am part of their good memories, I guess,” Cañete, who is now 16, happily shared.

“Agwat” somehow gives the former child star a space to show the kind of artist she can be given the proper platform. And she’s just grateful that through the song, she’s able to reintroduce herself to the public, this time as someone who is a bit mature and willing to learn and explore.

“I wanted to be known as a singer who sings because it is her passion. I wanted to be known as someone who makes good music, good songs with good message. I want people to know me as a person who enjoys what she’s doing,” Cañete concluded.

The music video of this mid-tempo ballad single, shot at “Artist On A Mission” Kristine Lim’s home and farm, can now be viewed on ABS-CBN Star Music’s Youtube account. Watch here : https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=60gggdF7igw. It song is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer.

Leading network, top news content creator on TikTokPH GMA News and Public Affairs continues to blaze the trail in 304,500 followers. It has also been one of the fastest-growing producing reliable and timely news content not only on air but news creators on TikTok Philippines with 2.1 million likes and also online, becoming the largest news creator on TikTok in the 42.3 million views.

GMA Network’s flagship newsPhilippines. cast 24 Oras extends its Serbisyong As of Sept. 15, its TikTok accounts Totoo on TikTok as well. The multihave reached a total of almost 410 milawarded program now has 261,200 follion views on the video-sharing app with lowers with 1.5 million likes and 26.8 31.5 million cumulative likes. million views.

“GMA Network continues to be Just recently, 24 Oras also launched committed to delivering Serbisyong its #24OrasChallenge on the app wherein Totoo to Filipino viewers, no matter netizens are invited to join their favorite the format. Reaching younger viewanchors in reporting news by reading from ers through apps like Tiktok is a priora teleprompter. The challenge already has ity, to keep the future of our country 12 million views as of this writing; with 24 well-informed,” says GMA Senior Oras anchor Vicky Morales and “Chika Vice President for News and Public Minute” host Iya Villania gamely laying Affairs Marissa L. Flores. down the challenge. Also joining in the Leading the list of these top Tikfun are GMA News anchors and reporters Tok news creators is digital powerincluding Atom Araullo, Ivan Mayrina, house GMA Public Affairs with 1.7 and Raffy Tima, with new challenges from million followers. Its account has 15.8 million likes and 195 million total views. GMA News and Public Affairs is now the largest reporters being posted daily. Read full story on manilastandard.net Likewise, GMA News already has news creator on TikTok in the Philippines.

Life

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

B4

FOOD

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

FROM THE WEST TO THE TROPICS

Philippines’ premium rum

draws inspiration from Magellan’s circumnavigation

By Bernadette Lunas

I

T MAY not be sailing around the world like the Portuguese captain and his crew 500 years ago, but this Philippine premium rum is surely making its name known worldwide.

Don Papa is present, and quite popular, in Europe.

It’s also available in the Americas and Asia Pacific.

Of course here in the Philippines, too, where the sugarcanes used for each bottle come Negros.

“We originally launched Don Papa here in the Philippines back in 2012 with the express wish of establishing this brand locally, and have been developing the brand in-market ever since,” co-

RICH AND RED. Don Papa Port Cask features a dark, spicy character with a warming, lingering fruitiness.

founder and managing director Andrew Garcia told Manila Standard. It caters to the premium rum market.

Since its launch, the brand has introduced along its core products (Don Papa 7 Year Old, Don Papa 10 Year Old, and Don Papa Masskara) limited edition expressions including Sherry Cask, Sevillana Cask, Rye Aged Rum, and the latest, launched this year, the Don Papa Port Cask.

“Post Cask is no different than other products we’ve done in the past,” said Garcia. “We played around with different types of wood to bring out something new, something spectacular for you to enjoy.”

To achieve this expression, its makers doubleaged Don Papa Rum in two different casks – two years in American oak ex-bourbon barrels “to give it Don Papa’s signature vanilla and fruit notes”, then transferred to port casks for five more years “to create an additional layer of complexity”. Port (vinho de Porto) is a dessert wine from the Douro Valley in Portugal.

The result is an intensely rich (40 percent ABV), smoky and spicy rum with a hint of sweetness and fruitiness. Its dark amber color – almost ruby – matches the intensity of its flavor. The vanilla and muscovado in the scent are like a gentle welcome to the fruitiness of the first sip that grows into warm, deep, spicy taste with hints of oak and coffee. From light and gentle to rich and bold.

While richer and more intense than Don Papa 7, Garcia finds no problem introducing this expression to new rum drinkers. He said, “We do not have a prescribed route to enjoying the Don Papa experience. If Port Cask is an individual’s first introduction to the brand, that is of course perfectly fine!”

Chef Victor Magsaysay’s (clockwise) Datu Cilapulapu de Mactan pinaksiw smoked lapu-lapu, Homage to Antonio Pigafetta porchetta, Ylang-ylang ng Gubat leche flan, and El Trinidad salted boat tarts.

“The dry, fruity, and spicy wood character of Port Cask is very similar to what whisky drinkers are accustomed to. The port character of the rum also makes this liquid attractive to wine drinkers as well, so individuals looking for these types of taste profiles should take a look at Port Cask,” he added.

Don Papa Port Cask, Garcia said, was ready and waiting in the pipeline for the past couple of years. “But we thought 2021 would be the perfect time to release this because this year is the 500th anniversary of the world’s first circumnavigation which coincidentally landed right here on our shores,” he shared.

The Port Cask limited edition is inspired by Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition in search of the Spice Islands. Even the bottle’s label reflects the

A chocolate trip around the world LIFE is like a box of chocolates. You can try different kinds from different countries and enjoy what you like.

Such is the treat at the chocolate section of Snack Exchange, SM’s one-stop snack shop inside the department store.

The wide selection is akin to going on a chocolate trip around the world – or just the places with the best chocolates.

There are cream-filled bonbons, pralines, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate bars, single-source chocolates, colorful candies, and chocolate-dipped fruits.

Switzerland – The home of the first “successful” milk chocolate, it was in 1887, after many attempts, that Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter created the original formula of this creamy treat we enjoy today. According to experts, milk and cocoa butter, which make chocolates melt at body temperature, are a big part of the reason why Swiss chocolate is so famous.

Swiss chocolate brands available at Snack Exchange include Lindt and Toblerone.

Belgium – Called the “Chocolate Capital of the World”, its chocolates are known to have a higher cocoa content than others. Check out The Belgian and other truffles and molded pralines in fancy shapes for a fill of these treats.

Italy – An article on Arkansas Online says the reason why Italian chocolate is good is that “Italians care so much about the purity of ingredients”, and have amazingly combined the sophistication of dark chocolate and all the decadence of milk chocolate.

Popular Italian chocolates present at Snack Exchange are Ferrero Rocher and Nutella both from the company founded

by Turinese milkman Pietro Ferrero.

United Kingdom – The 19th century was considered the golden age for cocoa-based creativity in the UK. It was during this time that Fry & Sons produced the first solid chocolate bar in 1847 and the first filled chocolate sweet in 1853 (Cream Sticks); and Cadbury introduced Dairy Milk in 1905 using a higher proportion of milk. Soon, other brands like the Mars bar in 1933, Milky

aspects of the odyssey taken by Magellan, depicting the kaleidoscopic range of creatures and elements found on Negros Island.

Don Papa introduced its new expression via a dinner prepared by Chef Victor Magsaysay that arrived in a boat-shaped basket by Zacarias 1925.

The menu included salted boat tarts, cold gazpacho with brioche toast, porchetta, smoked lapulapu, and ylang-ylang-infused leche flan. It came with two cocktails: Two Worlds (fig-infused Don Papa 7, spiced syrup, Peychaud’s Bitters) and San Lazaro (Don Papa Port Cask, Ferrand Dry Curacao, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Mancino Vermouth Secco, homemade grenadine).

Don Papa Port Cask is available in Ralph’s Wines & Spirits and Boozy.ph for P3,210 (70 cl).

CRAVINGS DELIVERED Pho restaurant opens online store VIETNAMESE pho chain PHO24 tomers to track and customize their opened its online store for food or- orders, choose between pick-up or ders for pick up and delivery. delivery, and enjoy their PHO24 The online store covfavorites with just a few ers long distance declicks. We will also be livery to select areas offering exclusive proin Pasay, Parañaque, mos and discounts in Makati, Taguig, Las the online store,” said Piñas, Muntinlupa, Ned Bandojo, business Bacoor, Pasig, Pateros, development head.

Mandaluyong, Quezon Customers can order City, Marikina, Rizal, online the restaurant’s Manila, San Juan, South PHO24’s Beef Fillet Pho signature pho noodle Caloocan, Malabon, Nasoup made with beef votas, and Valenzuela. bone broth slow cooked As part of its debut, PHO24 is of- for eight hours, as well as other dishfering free delivery for all orders es including Vietnamese rice meals placed today until Sept. 30. and spring rolls.

“Our new online store allows cusFor a pho fix, go to order.pho24ph.com.

Snack Exchange sells the following chocolate brands (clockwise): The Belgian, Ferrero Rocher, Pepero pretzel sticks, Hershey’s Kisses, Lindt Excellence Sea Salt Dark Chocolate, Meiji Almond and Macadamia, Auro Heritage Collection, Mars and Twix.

Way and KitKat in 1935, Maltesers in 1936, and Aero and Smarties in 1937, made the UK a chocolate lover’s haven.

Find the aforementioned at SM Store’s snack section.

United States of America – The home to “The Great American Chocolate Bar”, the United States has brought to the world Milton Hershey’s chocolate milk bar known as Hershey’s Milk Chocolate. Hershey’s chocolate bars were part of American soldiers’ rations during the Second World War. Hershey’s bar and other variants are

present at the snack section.

Back to the Philippines – Filipinos are no stranger to chocolate. Many of us were introduced to this treat in the form of drink made from tablea. Now we have world-class bean-to-bar chocolate brand Auro Chocolate that’s making waves not only here but abroad. Check out Auro at Snack Exchange.

More chocolates from around the world are present at the snack section and online at www.thesmstore.com/collections/ snack-exchange. Shoppers can also buy via call to deliver service (#143SM).

Mimi & Bro’s takeaway happy boxes Girls’ Night In, New Vacay, and Munch Box.

Comfort food in takeaway boxes TAGUIG restaurant Mimi & Bros brings Friday night out with friends and Sunday brunch with the family to diners’ homes with takeaway meals featuring comfort food items.

Happy Boxes are made for those who miss hanging out in BGC. The Munch Box (P950) is ideal for movie nights or afternoon snack with two Double Smash Cheeseburger or two Chicken Sandwiches, plus four croquettes, half order of chicken fingers, one order of fries, and two cans of soda or iced tea.

The good-for-three happy box Thirsty Thursday on 32nd Street (P990) consists of favorite beer matches, including croquettes, corn dogs, Mimi’s half chicken, two side dishes, and one set of paper fans.

Mimi’s Girls Night In (P2,600) comes with corn dogs, Ragu pasta, Mimi’s whole chicken, four side dishes, burnt Basque cheesecake, and one set of paper fans for four house party people.

The Sunny Sunday Brunch (P3,000) is filled with croquettes, corn dogs, Lola’s Ragu, one whole Mimi’s fried chicken, burnt Basque cheesecake, six side dishes, and two sets of party fan decors. It feeds up to six.

The New Vacay (P1,500) includes five bottles of Mimi & Bros’ signature cocktails plus free 10 pieces of luau umbrella for that drinks-by-the-beachalthough-you-are-at-home vibe.

Orders can be placed through Mimi & Bros’ Facebook or Instagram page or Viber (0945-798-5176).