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Palace urges students: Get ‘shot,’ 8 hospitals to roll out vax for kids day urged young people, especially students, to get inoculated against COVID-19 to protect them once EIGHT hospitals have so far been face-to-face classes resume. The eight hospitals are the National designated for the first phase of pediatric vaccination from Oct. 15 Children’s Hospital, Philippine Heart to 30 as Malacañang on WednesNext page

By Joel E. Zurbano, Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

VOL. XXXV • NO. 241 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 •THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

NCR gets looser Alert Level 3

Only a handful of Catholic devotees offer prayers to the image at the open doors of St. Peter Parish: Shrine of Leaders along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Wednesday, October 13, 2021. Starting Oct. 16, Metro Manila will shift to the looser quarantine system Alert Level 3. Joey Razon

More indoor, outdoor activities allowed By Willie Casas and Rey E. Requejo

ETRO Manila will be under Alert Level 3 starting Oct. 16, one step lower in the five-level alert system as COVID-19 cases continue to decline, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) said Wednesday. At Alert Level 3, gyms, spas, internet well as restaurants and personal care cafes, museums, libraries, billiard halls, services—will be allowed to operate at cinemas, and amusement arcades—as 30 percent of indoor capacity for fully

vaccinated individuals, and at 50 per- be allowed for all ages regardless of co- face classes, and venues with live voice cent outdoor venue capacity provided morbidities or vaccination status. or wind-instrument performers such as karaokes, clubs, and concert halls remain prohibited. Commission on Higher Education chairman Prospero de Vera III said the Gatherings in residences with inresumption of in-person classes at the tertiary level will depend on the dividuals not belonging to the same necessity of physical classes to acquire skills. “We will go by degree programs, household also remain banned. not geographically or based on quarantine classification level. There are The government also lifted the students who will not be able to graduate and take licensure exams without mandatory quarantine in a facility for physical classes,” De Vera said. inbound travelers who are fully vaccithat all employees are fully vaccinated. Contact sports except for those under nated against COVID-19, provided they Next page Individual outdoor exercises will also a bubble setup, unauthorized face-to-

Most Filipinos afraid of getting COVID—SWS

Maring death toll: 13, crop damage: P500m

By Vito Barcelo

The bodies of two minors who went missing during a landslide in Barangay Dominican Hill-Mirador during the height of tropical storm ‘Maring’ were retrieved Wednesday, October 13, 2021 as farmers in La Trinidad, Benguet return to their devastated crops . In La Union, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur, the Philippine Coast Guard evacuated about 100 residents. In Manila, children play with the bricks that were scattered at the Baseco Beach Park in Baseco Compound. Dave Leprozo, Danny Pata, PCG

By Willie Casas THE death toll from severe Tropical Storm “Maring” has reached 13 and missing nine, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported Wednesday, but added the numbers were still being validated.

“Maring” has so far caused almost P493.8 million worth of damage to agriculture in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and the Cordillera Administrative Region. Ilocos Region incurred the biggest damage at around P262.5 million, followed by Cagayan Valley at P114.1 mil-

NEWS / A2

By Vito Barcelo and and Maricel V. Cruz THE Commission on Elections said Wednesday a “placeholder” for the actual candidate in the forthcoming 2022 national elections would not constitute enough grounds to declare that person as a nuisance bet unless there was proof he or she was not qualified. “It should also be proven that the placeholder lacks bona fide intention to

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

Noli de Castro

in broadcasting. “I submitted my candidacy to the Comelec last Friday, but there has been a change of plan,” De Castro said in Next page

Philandering hubby gets 8 years in jail HUSBANDS who often get drunk and would bring home a woman to live with him as his wife while the marriage is subsisting: read this. The Supreme Court has jailed an unnamed cheating husband to eight

ADB BOOSTS CLIMATE FINANCING BY $20B

‘Placeholders not nuisance bets’

Noli withdraws Senate bid, Isko’s chief of staff quits TWO key figures left the incipient presidential campaign of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso Wednesday, with former vice president Noli de Castro backing away from his bid to return to the Senate under the banner of Moreno’s Aksyon Demokratiko. On the same day, Domago’s chief of staff Cesar Chavez confirmed he, too, was resigning. Both men said they wished to stay

lion and CAR at P117.2 million Some 109 houses were reported damaged by “Maring” in Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Caraga, and the CAR. The number of affected barangays was placed at 237 in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Caraga,

years for violating the law prohibiting violence against women and children. In a decision published last week, the high court’s Third Division denied the husband’s petition for review Next page

run,” Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said. “A mere declaration to the contrary wouldn’t, in my opinion, be sufficient to overcome the intention to run which is manifested in the verified certificate of candidacy,” Jimenez issued the statement after several groups hit political parties that used the November 15 substitution deadline set by Comelec as part of their

ALMOST the majority of Filipinos are worried about contracting the deadly COVID-19, according to the latest survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS). The SWS survey found that a record-high 91 percent of 1,200 adult respondents were concerned that anyone in their family might catch COVID-19. The latest percentage of those worried about getting COVID-19 was up four percentage points from June’s 87 percent and tied the record-high level reached in November 2020, the pollster said. Compared to past SWS surveys, worry about catching COVID-19 is much greater than worries about catching previous viruses such as Ebola, Swine Flu, Bird Flu, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The September 2021 survey also found those fearing “the worst is yet to come” with the COVID-19 crisis rising from 39 percent in June 2021 to a record-high 60 percent in September 2021.

2,690,455 7,181

82,411

40,069

173

2,57,975

6,889

(As of 4 PM, October 13)

Romualdez hails 75 years of PH-US relations By Maricel V. Cruz HOUSE Majority Leader Martin Romualdez led the legislative chamber Wednesday in expressing its deep appreciation and gratitude to the United States government, United States Agency for International Development and the American people for the 75 years of “excellent diplomatic and bilateral relations.” Speaking during the hybrid meeting for the launching of the US-Philippines Congressional Friendship Caucus at the US Embassy in Manila, Romualdez, representative of Leyte’s first district, welcomed the continued US support, partnership, kindness, huge business investments, friendship, and assistance, Next page

House Majority Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez expresses his deep appreciation and gratitude to the United States for its assistance to the Philippines during his opening remarks at the launching of the US-Philippines Congressional Friendship Caucus on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at the US Embassy in Manila. Virgilio Noveno

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

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ADB boosts climate financing by $20b T

HE Asian Development Bank has raised its financing target for climate change adaptation and mitigation by $20 billion over the next decade, the Philippines-based lender said Wednesday.

adaptation activities to boost the resilience of countries to the impacts of a warming planet. “The battle against climate change will be won or lost in Asia and the Pacific,” Asakawa said. It comes after an ADB review of its climate efforts in Asia found the lender “was not fully leveraging its potential” and needed to do more on adaptation where “results have been limited.” The ADB is studying the feasibility of buying coal-fired power plants in the Philippines and Indonesia and accelerating their retirement. The so-called Energy Transition

Mechanism, which would also involve funding from governments, the private sector, and philanthropists, would replace the carbon-producing plants with renewable energy sources. Further details are expected to be released at next month’s climate talks. Under a draft energy policy released by ADB in May but yet to be approved, the lender said it would stop financing new coal power plants. Between 2009 and 2019 the ADB funneled $42.5 billion into energy sector projects in Asia, where around 60 percent of electricity is generated by coal, its data show. AFP

seems low,” David said. But Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire reminded the public to keep adhering to the “three C’s framework” — or avoiding close, crowded and close contact — even if the cases are declining. “We will adjust and recalibrate, but we will still need to… all be safe,” Vergeire said. Dr. Jose de Grano, president of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines (PHAPi), also expressed apprehension over the possible return of Christmas parties amid a pandemic. De Grano said although there is a decrease in the number of COVID-19 patients being brought to hospitals, hospitals are still faced with problems like the resignation of a large number of nurses. “If these resignations continue, in six months we may not have enough nurses,” he said. OCTA earlier said the seven-day average in the National Capital Region may decrease to fewer than 1,000 per day before November. The seven-day average is currently at 3,120. “We think it could go lower than 600 cases per day. For November, we’re seeing that it could be down to less than 1,000 cases per day,” David said. But according to infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante, it would have been better for officials to wait until the end of October before lowering the alert level, saying doing it on Oct.16 is still “too early.” “We’re not against the downgrading of the alert level. The current downtrend in the number of cases is not yet that significant. Perhaps we should wait for two more

weeks to see if this trend would continue,” Solante said in Filipino. He also said the health of medical frontliners must be taken into consideration as many health care workers have gotten sick amid the pandemic. “If you say that the health care capacity has improved, you should also see if there are enough health workers to attend to the patients,” he said. The Philippines logged 7,181 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, the lowest since Aug. 4, bringing the total number of infections to 2,690,455. “The relatively low cases today is due to lower laboratory output last Monday, October 11,” the DOH said. The positivity rate was at 14.2 percent, based on samples of 40,323 individuals on Monday, Oct. 11. There were 173 new fatalities, bringing the COVID-19 death toll to 40,069. The DOH also reported 6,889 new recoveries, bringing the total recoveries to 2,567,975. The country has fully vaccinated some 23.54 million Filipinos, while 26.94 million have received their first dose as of Tuesday, according to government data. The United States recently delivered an additional 1,842,750 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to the Philippines under the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) program of the World Health Organization. In a statement, the US Embassy in the Philippines said the vaccines were turned over to the Philippine government when two separate shipments of the vaccines arrived in Manila last Oct. 10 and 11.

III urged college students to get vaccinated against COVID-19, saying vaccination is one of the factors for the low infection rate among the first batch of students who attended in-person classes for medicine and health science degree programs. About 1,500 students were inoculated during the “Padyak! Para sa Flexible Learning, Sama-Samang Vaccination Program” at the Mabalacat City College. The program aims to encourage more students and higher education personnel to get inoculated against COVID-19. Roque lauded the newly vaccinated students for heeding the government’s call to participate in the immunization campaign against the coronavirus. The Philippines has cleared the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for emergency use among minors as young as 12. The country has enough vaccine doses to inoculate roughly 1.2 million adolescents with comorbidities, 144,123 of whom are in Metro Manila, the chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, Secretary Carlito Galvez, said Wednesday. The Philippines expects the delivery of about 100 million doses of COVID-19

vaccines by the end of the month, with the government aiming to vaccinate at least 90 percent of the country’s population by February 2022 in preparation for the May 9, 2022 presidential elections. Based on National Vaccination Operation Center (NVOC) data, a total of 50,066,590 doses have already been administered to more than 30 million Filipinos nationwide, of which 23,360,489 individuals have been fully vaccinated or 30.28 percent of the country’s target population as of Oct. 11. “This milestone comes at a time when our country’s vaccine supply is continuously arriving in bulk, and the entire government is focused on ramping up the vaccination program to ensure we inoculate as many people as possible in a faster and more efficient manner,” Galvez said.. Galvez said more than half a million vaccine doses have been administered to priority groups B and C, which cover teachers, as well as government and private sector workers. He said these priority groups will be recategorized and integrated into the general population group.

political strategy. Last week, a certain Anna Capela Velasco, a member of Lakas-Christian Muslim Demiocrats, filed a certificate of candidacy for president. The party’s secretary general and Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay Jr. said they are open to having presidential daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, as substitute candidate in case she changes her mind about not gunning for a national position. Another presidential bet, Senator Ronaldo dela Rosa of a faction of the PDP-Laban, admitted he was willing to be replaced by Duterte-Carpio for the May 2022 national elections. Meanwhile, Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate assailed candidates who were merely waiting to be substituted before the deadline set by the Commission on Elections, and urged the poll body to declare them as nuisance candidates. “This kind of practice makes a mockery of the election system and is a ruse to fool the electorate,” said Zarate, nominee of the party-list group Bayan Muna. “If you want to run in the elections, you should have studied the matter closely and not because you were just persuaded into filing a certificate of candidacy for the purpose of being replaced by another person,” said the Davao-based congressman. Zarate made the statement as several House leaders pressed the Comelec to remove the substitution option for candidates.

Of these, 1,513 families or 5,852 individuals are staying in 99 evacuation centers while the rest have either returned home or are staying with relaand the CAR. tives and friends. Meanwhile, the number of affected Meanwhile, the Anakpawis Party-list families stands at 6,111 or equivalent to called for a “national bayanihan” or na21,511 persons. tionwide cooperation of citizens to aid

the affected population, which is predominantly farmers. More than 12,000 hectares of rice lands were flooded in Cagayan Valley and nearly 1,500 hectares in the Cordillera, according to Rafael Mariano, national chairman of the party-list. Mariano said based on the NDRRMC

situation report in Cagayan province, 8,486 hectares of rice lands were affected, valued at P43,312,241 or an average damage value of P5,103 per hectare. The former agrarian reform chief said his group was already preparing to raise funds, with farmers in Cagayan Valley as initial beneficiaries.

chological counseling or psychiatric treatment and to report his compliance to the court of origin within 15 days after completion of such counseling or treatment, according to the Court’s decision dated January 13, 2021. The SC ruled that the CA committed no reversible error in affirming the conviction of the petitioner and that psychological violence under the AntiViolence Against Women and Their Children Act was established. The wife said the petitioner had a habit of getting drunk and womanizing in their 23 years of marriage. In October 2010, she and her children were evicted from the house after she had a fight with the petitioner.

of broadcasting,” said De Castro, who was included in the senatorial slate of Domagoso’s Aksyon Demokratiko. Dismissing rumors of an internal squabble, Chavez said he quit as Moreno’s chief of staff because he wanted to go back to broadcasting. “No infighting,” Chavez said. His resignation took effect on Oct. 1, the first day of COC filing. Chavez, who worked with Domagoso after his election as mayor in 2019, said he merely wanted to return to radio broadcasting. Domagoso said the reason given to him by Chavez had something to do with health and family. “I don’t interfere when it comes to

family. I respect that,” Domagoso said in a media forum. Domagoso’s political strategist and campaign manager Angelito Banayo debunked reports that Chavez’s resignation was triggered by tension between the mayor’s long-time team and his newly formed presidential campaign team. “They’re giving too much color into Cesar’s return to MBC-dzRH. To the bashers and those creating intrigues, stop spreading rumors and intrigues,” Banayo said. Banayo said he was present when Chavez told the Manila mayor in September that since a vice president of the Manila Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) was resigning, he was offered a promotion.

The Bank, which provides loans and grants for projects in the poorest countries in the Asia-Pacific region, made the announcement ahead of the COP26 summit in Glasgow, where it will discuss an idea to phase out coal-fired power plants. “The climate crisis is worsening daily, prompting many to call for increased climate finance,” ADB president Masatsugu Asakawa said in a statement.

“We are taking action to meet this call by elevating our ambition to $100 billion in cumulative climate finance from our own resources by 2030.” Under the 2019-2030 financing goal, which will include loans and grants, ADB will dedicate $66 billion to climate mitigation, including energy efficiency and low-carbon transport. It will also commit $34 billion to

Romualdez... From A1

NCR... From A1

including millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses donated to the Philippines. Romualdez explained that the US-Philippine relations might be characterized by strong historical and cultural linkages and a shared commitment to democracy and human rights which have expanded and deepened through bilateral cooperation in many areas, most notably defense and security, trade and commerce, and culture and education. “In behalf of the House of Representatives under Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the United States for all its support for the Philippines,” Romualdez said in his opening remarks during the event. He cited the House’s adoption of House Resolution 65 expressing its sincerest appreciation and profound gratitude to the US as well as the USAID for its continued assistance to the Philippines. “It gives me great pleasure to join you this morning (Wednesday), knowing fully well the contributions that the United States has provided in strengthening the partnership with the Philippine government. Truly, I am delighted to see all of you, still hale and hearty, despite the public health crisis gripping the globe today,” Romualdez said. Heather Variava, Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim, at the US Embassy Manila, handed over to Romualdez a plaque of appreciation for the House of Representatives in honor of the establishment of the US-Philippines Congressional Friendship Caucus. Romualdez also recognized the huge contribution of multinational companies from the US, especially in the government’s continuing efforts to reboot and rebound the Philippine economy from almost two years of devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

present a negative result from a RT-PCR test 72 hours before their departure from their country of origin. They are required to undergo home quarantine for 14 days, however. The IATF also placed 9 provinces and two cities – Apayao, Kalinga, Batanes, Bulacan, Bataan, Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, and Zamboanga del Norte as well as Naga City and Zamboanga City – under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine. Eighteen provinces and six cities were placed under General Community Quarantine with heightened restrictions, namely Abra, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Quezon, Batangas, Capiz, Negros Oriental, Bohol, Zamboanga del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao Occidental, Davao de Oro and Surigao del Sur as well as Baguio City, City of Santiago, Bacolod City, Lapu-Lapu City, Cagayan de Oro City and Butuan City. The rest of the areas are under GCQ and Modified GCQ. The independent OCTA Research Group, meanwhile, expressed optimism that the latest COVID-19 surge is coming to a close. OCTA fellow Guido David told a TV news show that big Christmas parties might be held again, as long as all the attendees are vaccinated—a view not shared by all. “We can probably have a big Christmas party because the risk right now

Most Filipinos... From A1 This surpassed the previous worst of 57 percent in July 2020. Conversely, those saying “the worst is behind us” fell from 59 percent in June 2021 to 38 percent in September 2021. This is the lowest since the record-low 35 percent% in July 2020, the SWS said. The percentage of those a great deal/ somewhat worried about catching COVID-19 is highest in the Visayas (95 percent), followed by Mindanao (94 percent), Metro Manila (91 percent), and Balance Luzon (88 percent). Compared to June 2021, worry about catching COVID-19 rose from 90 percent in the Visayas, 90 percent in Mindanao, 85 percent in Metro Manila, and 85 percent in Balance Luzon. The survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults nationwide. It had sampling error margins of ±3 percent for national percentages and ±6 percent for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

Philandering... From A1 and affirmed with modification the decision of the Court of Appeals. A trial court in Zambales had found the man guilty of the offense. The SC sentenced the petitioner to a minimum of six months and one day to a maximum of eight years and one day in jail and ordered him to pay a fine of P100,000 for causing mental or emotional anguish, public ridicule or humiliation to the woman, also not identified, or her child, a violation under Section 5(i) of Republic Act 9262. He was also directed to undergo psy-

Spanish national to be arraigned on sex abuse raps

Palace... From A1 Center, Pasig City Children’s Hospital, Fe Del Mundo Medical Center, Philippine General Hospital, Makati Medical Center, St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig, and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center. The vaccine rollout in hospitals will begin with the 15-17 age group followed by minors aged 12-14. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said vaccinating the students is very important to ensure their safety when they attend in-person classes. “The vaccine is very important. This is the key to returning to normal life. This is the key to the resumption of face-to-face classrooms in colleges and universities,” Roque said during the ceremonial vaccination of tertiary students at Mabalacat City College in Pampanga City. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has authorized 181 schools to conduct face-to-face classes starting Nov. 15. CHED chairman J. Prospero de Vera

Maring... From A1

Noli... From A1 Filipino, announcing his decision to no longer run for the Senate. “I wish to inform my friends and supporters who were preparing to help me that I have decided not to push through with my candidacy,” he added. The former vice president and former senator said he realized he would be of great help to the public by continuing his profession in broadcast journalism. “[T]his does not change my goal for the country. While praying to the Nazarene, I realized I would be of greater help to the public if I stay in the field

By Rey E. Requejo SPANISH national Francisco Manuel Sanchez is set to be arraigned on October 15 before a trial court in Taguig City on charges of 10 counts of child abuse and violation of the Anti-Child Pornography Act, the Department of Justice revealed Wednesday. The charges were filed by the same victim in the case of former United States diplomat Dean Edward Cheves. Justice Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar said the camp of Sanchez, 36, is seeking the dismissal of the complaint on the basis of the affidavit of desistance executed by the complainant. Villar stressed that the DOJ will “oppose the said motion.” While Sanchez managed to post bail, the DOJ official said the accused has been barred from leaving the country due to the hold departure order issued by the court. Earlier, Taguig City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 15 Judge Byron San Pedro issued an arrest warrant last August 31 against the Spaniard, who uses the alias Franco Sanchez, for violation of Republic Act 7610 or Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act and RA 9775 or the “AntiChild Pornography Act.” The arrest warrant was issued based on the complaint of the alleged victim, a 16-year-old girl who accused Sanchez of sexually abusing her and recording on video their sexual acts. The minor is also the complainant in a similar case filed against the 61-year-old Cheves before the Pasay RTC.

‘Placeholders... From A1

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

P9m in smuggled agri goods seized By Joel E. Zurbano

PUV subsidy eyed to fight oil price hikes

OVERNMENT agents have raided another storage facility and confiscated smuggled agricultural products worth P9 million. The series of operations on warehouses being conducted by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service assigned at the Manila International Container Port is in line with the government’s all-out campaign against the illegal importation of vegetables. Smuggled red onions, carrots, ginger, and mung beans were seized at the warehouse owned by Morehouse Marketing located in Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela City. The CIIS men conducted the operation with the help of Philippine Coast Guard personnel on a Letter of Authority signed and issued by Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero. “This is not a one- or two-time thing. This is a continuous effort from the bureau and the MICP-CIIS. The goal is not to allow even one sack of agri products to enter the country illegally because we cannot saturate the market with these smuggled products. It will have such a huge impact on the economy, on our farmers,” said Customs Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Raniel Ramiro. The operation was made the same week when the team seized P50 million worth of agricultural products, frozen seafood, cosmetic products, and infringed goods in Meycauayan, Bulacan. “Similar with that operation, the bureau will examine the seized products for inventory before the issuance of a Warrants of Seizure and Detention (WSD) in accordance with Section 1113 of Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and existing regulations of the Bureau of Plant Industry,” Ramiro said.

S. Leyte solon named new DPWH chief By Ronald O. Reyes SOUTHERN Leyte First District Rep. Roger Mercado has been formally sworn in as the new secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), following the resignation of Mark Villar who is running for senator in the 2022 elections. Mercado, a native of Maasin City, took his oath before Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday after being appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte. “Thank you, Mr. President, for the trust and confidence given to my father,” said Maasin City Mayor Nacional Mercado, also thanking Senator Christopher “Bong” Go for his assistance. Mercado, 70, will be filling the shoes of Villar in the implementation of the national government’s “Build, Build, Build” program in Duterte’s last seven months in office. The solon served as vice-chairperson of the House Committee on Public Works and Highways and Deputy Majority Leader for Rules in the 18th Congress. Mercado principally authored 67 House bills and co-authored 26 bills. He is a member of the Committees on Flagship Programs and Projects--, Trade and Industry, Agriculture and Food, Natural Resources, Persons with Disabilities, Energy, Public Order and Safety, and Tourism. The brother of incumbent Southern Leyte Governor Damian Mercado, he previously served in the 8th, 9th, 10th, 13th, 14th, 15th, and 17th Congresses.

VAX FOR MOMS-TO-BE.

A pregnant woman receives the COVID-19 vaccine from Tabaco City’s vaccination program for expectant mothers on Tuesday. Norman Cruz

Illegal quarry operations in Tubao, La Union halted THE provincial government of La Union has issued an order to shut down illegal quarry operations along Aringay River in Tubao in violation of national laws and provincial ordinances. In a letter dated September 23, 2021, the provincial government asked a certain Edelberto C. Garcia “to cease and desist your extraction activities outside the ap-

plied area.” “Failure to do so, much to our regret, shall constrain us to endorse the matter for appropriate action to the Provincial Mining and Regulatory Board,” the letter stated. The alleged illegal quarrying in Tubao was discovered after the provincial government received a report of

an operation along Aringay River in Tubao. Based on the forwarded pictures from a concerned citizen, the operation was allegedly undertaken by Garcia in Barangay Leones East, Tubao. Garcia has an ongoing application of renewal of his industrial sand and gravel permit in La Union.

INSTEAD of allowing an increase in fares, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is looking at a possible second phase of its cash and fuel subsidy programs for public utility vehicle (PUV) operators as fuel prices have risen in the last seven months. This was after the Department of Transportation (DOTr), LTFRB’s mother agency, on Tuesday said it is not inclined to approve any jeepney fare hike amid the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on commuters. LTFRB executive director Joel Bolano said on Wednesday they are coordinating with the Department of Energy for a possible Phase II of their fuel and cash subsidy for PUV operators. “We are preparing the proposal to include how much will be given and who are the beneficiaries for the possible Phase II of the fuel and cash subsidy for the PUV operators,” he added during the briefing of the House committee on transportation. The public utility transport group Pasang Masda called for an increase in minimum fares by P3, which will set it at P12 from the current P9 amid the series of increases in the prices of fuel. But Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said in a virtual briefing he does not want any fare increases, saying it would affect more people. With Darwin Amojelar

Lacson-Sotto tandem seeks LGU budget reform bill

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

BIKE RUN.

Mayor Joy Belmonte and Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Benhur Abalos join other officials and the public a bike run as part of the celebration of the 82nd anniversary of Quezon City. Manny Palmero

Senator Panfilo Lacson

PDP-LABAN READY TO ROLL OUT ‘BAGO’ CARAVAN

‘I am here for one big fight’—Bato

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

ENATOR Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa declared that he is “in for a big fight” and that he “will never run away from a fight” should Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio stand firm in her decision that she won’t join the presidential race, Dela Rosa also disclosed that it has been his dream to become the president of the republic.

But he has kept mum about this dream until he was asked by the leadership of the Cusi faction in the PDP-Laban to file a certification of candidacy (COC) two hours before the Comelec’s deadline for its filing. Being a good soldier, Dela Rosa, the former PNP chief and Bureau of Prisons

director, acceded and” did not ask any questions.” According to Dela Rosa, he knows in his heart that he could likely be the party’s standard-bearer only until Nov. 15, the last day for the filing of substitution of candidates. “As far as I know, I am the standard-

Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa

bearer only until Nov. 15 because I am willing to give way to Mayor Sara if she decides to run,” assured Dela Rosa

Duterte endorses Piñol as PDP guest candidate

President Rodrigo Duterte and the PDP-Laban Cusi group, led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi are set to launch the ‘BaGo’ 2022 caravan. “The faction will roll out its caravan for the presidential candidacy of Dela Rosa with Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go as his vice president, dubbed as the “BaGo” tandem, in the May 2022 elections,” said PDP-Laban Secretary General Melvin Matibag, adding that “what is important right now is we will roll out the caravan starting this week.” also said. Matibag disclosed Dela Rosa has been one of the choices to be the party’s standard-bearer and his selection went through the proper process.

SC affirms Vergara citizenship ruling By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has upheld the 2019 decision of the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal dismissing the election protest filed against Nueva Ecija’s 3rd District Rep. Rosanna “Ria” Vergara allegedly for being an American citizen, thus not qualified to be a member of Congress. In a decision penned by Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caquioa, the SC dismissed the petition filed by Philip Hernandez Piccio and the intervention lodged by Aurelio Matias Umali against the HRET ruling. The SC declared that Vergara, who won in the 2016 congressional election and was re-elected in 2019, had proved her full compliance of Republic Act No. 9225 or the Citizenship Retention and Acquisition Act of 2003, which states that “natural-born citizens of the Philippines who become citizens of another country shall be deemed not to have lost their Philippine citizenship.”

Binay hits govt on ‘ayuda’ irregularities

BRIDGE REPAIRS.

Workers from the Department of Public Works and Highways start repairing the damaged portion of southbound side of the Nagtahan Bridge Sta. Mesa, Manila. Only light vehicles are allowed to use the bridge. Danny Pata

Manny Piñol

They’re still friends, after all. Manny Piñol, who resigned as agriculture secretary over policy disagreements with President Duterte’s economic managers, is now being endorsed by Duterte himself as a guest candidate for senator of the ruling PDP-Laban in the May 2022 elections. The President’s endorsement of Piñol came only three days after he filed his certificate of candidacy for senator under the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) in a move that initially appeared to complete his break from Duterte, his friend and long-time ally. “We’ve had differences in the Cabinet over policies, but we have remained friends,” Piñol said.

THE tandem of presidential bet Senator Panfilo Lacson and his running mate Senate President Vicente Sotto III will push for budget reforms for local government units (LGUs) that will grant control to local executives to choose projects needed by their constituents. Lacson and Sotto said they have also been espousing for local empowerment and equal distribution of government funds as they called for the adoption of a bottom-up budgeting system to stimulate locally initiated development programs and empower local government units all over the country. Sotto, in a hybrid town hall meeting with multisectoral leaders in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor on Friday said the bottom-up budgeting scheme is embodied in the proposed Budget Reform Advocacy for Village Empowerment (BRAVE) bill, which was authored by Lacson and is still pending in the Senate. The proposed measure is also seen to cut off the dependence of LGUs on the national government for the funding of local projects. “We know how to solve the problems (of the LGUs) by merely balancing the budget. Bring the money of the government down to the people,” Sotto, who is serving his last term as senator, said. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Poll body asked to be fair to party-list groups By Maricel V. Cruz A SENIOR member of the House of Representatives on Wednesday appealed to the Commission on Elections to be “fair” to party-list group and that “there must not be a repeat of the ballot design that was detrimental to such groups, as in the last elections.” In the 2019 elections, the party-list groups were placed on the sheet after the local positions, making many voters think they were done voting and had no more vote to

mark, Deputy Speaker and Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera said in a statement. What happened in that election, Herrera said, “was tantamount to disfranchisement because the misled or mistaken voters were denied the chance to choose the party-list group they would have voted for.” As a result, she said, “the composition of the House today would have been different if that fiasco did not happen.” She reminded the poll body “to be circumspect this time around.”

At the same time, Herrera supported the idea that voting precincts be deployed to hospitals, isolation centers, and temporary care facilities. In addition, she said, “there should still be voting precincts in the jails.” She said the detainees should be vaccinated against COVID-19. “There are millions of Sinovac doses to spare to make sure the detainees get vaccinated. The jails are closed spaces where COVID-19 can spread fast because there is no physical distancing in the jails.”

Former Vice President Jejomar Binay

By Joel E. Zurbano FORMER Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday denounced the government for the method used to distribute cash assistance to families affected by the health crisis brought by the coronavirus disease. “Until now, some government officials are either out of touch with the public they are supposed to serve or they simply don’t care,” said Binay in a statement. Binay said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is mandated to serve the poorest of the poor. “But it is not even aware, or conveniently ignored, that only 800,000 of its six million SAP (Social Amelioration Program) beneficiaries have smartphones. How can they receive that (cash assistance) digitally?” he said. “The more than five million SAP beneficiaries have no choice but to go out of their houses to get it over-the-counter transactions. Because of its indifference and negligence, the DSWD exposed over five million Filipinos to the danger of contracting COVID-19. The welfare of our countrymen was not even considered during this time of the pandemic,” added the former vice president.

Mt. Province checkpoints yield P20.7m marijuana MEMBERS of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Philippine National Police (PNP) seized 167 marijuana bricks and six pieces of marijuana tubular forms with an estimated street value of P20.7 million and arrested eight suspects in joint checkpoint operations in Mt. Province. One of the suspects was a former member of the PNP and a candidate for mayor. In the early morning of Oct. 13, operatives arrested the three suspects along Sitio Ampawilen, Poblacion, Sadanga, Mt. Province, onboard a gray Nissan Almera carrying the 148 bricks and 6 tubular forms of dried marijuana leaves with a street value of P18.5 million. The suspects are all residents of Kalinga Province: Jorge Tomaldong Eyawon, 34 years old, and a resident of Cudal, Tabuk City, Kalinga; Dario Di-wean Diway, 23 years old, and a resident of Cu-

dal, Tabuk City, Kalinga; and Jake Caesar Bulosan Linchangan, 19 years old, a native of Cudal, Tabuk City, Kalinga. Meanwhile, at Oowayen, Poblacion, Sadanga, another five individuals onboard a black Hiace Grandia were arrested carrying 19 bricks of Marijuana dried leaves with a street value of P2.28 million. The five suspects are all from Mt. Province: Darryl Sinong, 17 years old, student, resident of Batayan, Tadian, Mt. Province; Jonathan Abella, 37 years old, government employee, resident of Gawana, Barlig, Mt. Province; Jeric Sansano, 30 years old, construction worker, resident of Fuyayeng, Bontoc, Mt. Province; Samson Damaso, 28 years old, construction worker, resident of Samoki, Bontoc, Mt. Province; and Sonny Kalaw, 36 years old, a former member of the PNP and a candidate for mayor of Sabangan, Mt. Province.

JOINT OPERATIONS. Authorities arrested eight suspects and seized marijuana

bricks and tubular forms with an estimated street value of P20.7 million in joint checkpoint operations in Mt. Province.

Opinion Wanted: A realistic alternative to Parex

GROUND was broken recently for the construction of the country’s first urban riverside road project, the 19.37-kilometer Pasig River Expressway (PAREX), which will run along the banks of Metro Manila’s beloved waterway, connecting Manila’s Radial Road 10 to the South East Metro Manila Expressway (C-6 Road).

Until then, the San Miguel project gets my vote. A chorus of opposition arose the moment the San Miguel Corporation-sponsored project received government approval. The latest addition to the body of oppositionists has been Agham (Advocates of Science and Technology for the People) whose membership includes scientists, science educators, engineers and researchers. Agham wants the government and San Miguel Corporation to rethink PAREX. “Restoring a river does not mean building an expressway over it,” Agham declared. “Rehabilitating a waterway requires a multidisciplinary approach, from ecological restoration technologies to solid waste management plans and legislative measures,” it said. Agham believes that PAREX will cause further damage to the Pasig River and the overall urban ecosystem of the National Capital Region, which is composed of 16 cities and one municipality and accounts for 25-30 percent of this country’s GDP (gross domestic product). “The Pasig River Expressway is a 19.37-kilometer death sentence that will kill the hopes for a better Pasig River ecosystem,” said the statement released by Agham. Agham expressed concern that PAREX would produce more heat in this country’s premier metropolis. “The length of the river will be full of supporting structures, ramps, tollgates and connecting roads once

We need a leader who can maneuver us through crises, see through the pandemic scars, and lead us well to the path of growth and recovery. As I said last week, the pandemic may be the perfect gauge in assessing a candidate’s competency in leading the country. We have been engulfed with problems of almost all sorts. With the devolution of government functions, some of the COVID-19 policy planning and most of the program implementation are left to the local government units. Hence, against a local backdrop, it is easy to recognize the accomplishments and performance of our candidates, as COVID-19 response primarily revolves around the implementation of minimum health protocols, community lockdowns, distribution of vaccines and relief, and support to hospitals and COVID-19

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

PAREX is concerned…..(and) the river vicinity that is a very good urban heat sink could be a further source of our cities’ heat,” Agham said. Agham summed up its argument against the P95 billion, six-lane expressway project by saying that the harm from PAREX will far outweigh any of the projected benefits touted by the project proponents, such as solving the traffic problem of the metropolis. Clearly the most important of the “projected benefits touted by the project proponents” is the contribution that PAREX will make to the solution of the metropolis’s traffic problem, which at the worst times of the day makes EDSA seem like a gigantic parking lot. The project’s proponent - a.k.a. San Miguel Corporation - says that upon PAREX’s completion it will be possible to travel from Manila to Pasig City in 15-20 minutes; today it takes anywhere up to 90 minutes, depending on the heaviness of the traffic. It’s a great pity that Agham is unable to see that as a great boon to Metro Manila living. It bears mentioning here that in the wake of Skyway 3’s operationalization travel time from the South Luzon Expressway to Monumento has come down to 25 minutes from anywhere up to two hours. Like PAREX, Skyway 3 is a San Miguel Corporation project. In opposing PAREX, it appears to have conveniently ignored San Miguel Corporation’s commitment (1) to extract from the Pasig River approximately three million tons of silt and solid waste and (2) to keep the river dredged. Anyone who doubts the conglomerate’s sincerity in this regard should observe the progress in the rehabilitation work on the Tullahan River in the Camanava area of the metropolis. As for the urban heat that Agham fears PAREX will generate, how much, in Agham’s estimates, is generated by the engines of the tens of thousands idling along EDSA practically the whole day? EDSA needs all the relief that it can get, and the Pasig River badly needs to be rid of all the solid waste and the silt that in places has reduced the navigable part of the Pasig River to a mere two meters. I, and I dare say millions of non-scientist Metro Manila residents, would like to see Agham offer a multi-benefit, realistic alternative to PAREX. Until I see that alternative, PAREX gets my vote.

Universal leader

THE upcoming 2022 elections will be a defining point in our COVID-19 recovery. Forecasts say that this pandemic may last until next year. As this is expected, the next president will most likely face head-on the challenge of continuing and/or possibly improving the country’s COVID-19 response.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

health facilities. However, the work does not stop there. Apart from the locally visible measures, COVID-19 response involves a global effort. Nations come together to help. International facilities such as COVAX help countries obtain the much needed vaccines. Hence, international relations are very much active now, especially that several countries are producing their own vaccines and selling them to countries with higher COVID-19 infections. Thus, let me emphasize that the work of a national leader is not confined to local response. The next president must not only be good in addressing issues within, but also competent in international matters. We need a leader who can assure us of and provide us the needed vaccines and re-ignite foreign investments amidst the pandemic. We need a leader who can represent the country globally. The world has changed. Our leaders should be able to maintain and strengthen relations with foreign countries, conduct themselves appropriately in bilateral or multilateral talks, and actively engage other nations to help the Philippines. As the general fate of the country will lie in the hands of the next president, we need to carefully assess and select our choices. The role of the president is far more comprehensive than being the chief implementer of laws and national policies. The president also serves as the chief executive, chief architect of foreign policy, commander-in-chief, and chief appointing authority. Hence, the next president will have to deal not only with the multifarious challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but also of postpandemic development. We need a leader who can maneuver us through crises, see through the pandemic scars, and lead us well to the path of growth and recovery.

Partial justice — delayed

EOPLE who believe our justice system is working well should consider the tragic case of labor leader Rolando Olalia and his driver Leonardo Alay-ay, whose mutilated bodies were found on a grassy knoll in Antipolo, Rizal on Nov. 13, 1986—almost 35 years ago. Olalia was found a day after he was snatched coming from a union meeting. His eyes were gouged out and his mouth was stuffed with pages from a newspaper. Hogtied and wearing only his underwear, he bore multiple gunshot and stab wounds all over his body. Alay-ay’s body, found a few meters away, also bore torture marks. On Tuesday, an Antipolo court convicted three men – all members of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM) – and sentenced them to up to 40 years of imprisonment for the double murder. Former Philippine Navy sergeants Desiderio Perez, Fernando Casanova and Dennis Jabatan, were found guilty, without eligibility of parole, by Judge Marie Claire Victoria Mabutas Sordan. The court also ordered them to pay the heirs of Olalia P1.2 million and the heirs of Alay-ay P900,000 in civil, moral, exemplary, and temperate damages, and P900,000 But the men convicted this week are only three out of 13 RAM members wanted for the crime. All were members of RAM, the group within the Philippine military that played a role in the EDSA Revolution that ousted the dictator Ferdinand Marcos, and later launched at least three coup attempts against the administration of President Corazon Aquino.

Olalia’s murder was said to be a prelude to one of these coups, which was dubbed “God Save the Queen,” aimed at ridding the Aquino Cabinet of left-leaning members.

The men convicted this week are only three out of 13 wanted for the crime. While we are thankful that some of those guilty of this heinous crime were finally convicted, we do need to ask if our justice system is truly working if it put the Olalia and Alay-ay families through a legal wringer for more than three decades, spanning six administrations, simply to get a modicum of justice. In that time, some of the movement’s leaders have since moved on to important positions in society—one has become a senator and Cabinet secretary, and another, a co-accused who was acquitted, became an ambassador—ironically to Myanmar, where coups are a dime a dozen. Olalai’s son, lawyer Rolando Rico Olalia, said the legal victory this week has strengthened his family’s resolve to never abandon the search for the remaining men involved in his father’s killing.

The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers said that while the court decision gives relief, they are frustrated that only three of the accused have been convicted. “Others who are allegedly involved—based on the disturbing testimonial evidence of the prosecution— remain off the hook and are in our midst. Nine of those formally charged are still at large despite 35 years on the run,” NUPL lawyer Edre Olalia, a cousin of the murdered labor leader, said. “For the families of the victims, the judicial proceedings from one court to another were too protracted, the legal tactics were over-utilized, and twists and turns at different junctures, levels and fora were exasperating,” he added. Teddy Casiño of Bayan expressed the same sentiment, saying “this victory, while it is welcome, it is too little, too late.” He called the decision a “partial victory.” Both Casiño and Kilusang Mayo Uno leader Elmer “Bong” Labog said the three who were convicted are only the foot soldiers. “Only when Cirilo Almario, Jose Bacera, Ricardo Dicon, Gilbert Galicia, Oscar Legaspi, Filomeno Maligaya, Gene Paris, Freddie Sumagaysay, Edger Sumido—and all the other unnamed principals—who have managed to evade the long arm of the law have been found and brought before the courts to be held accountable for their crimes will justice be finally served,” the slain labor leader’s son said. The British statesman William E. Gladstone famously said that justice delayed is justice denied. By that axiom, no real justice has been done in the Olalia-Alay-ay double murder case.

May the best man or woman win THE frequency of the country always ending up second to the last or dead last in international surveys is getting to be embarrassing. Surely, our leaders must have some pride left in them to want to do something about this instead of simply attacking the messenger. It is not only in education or COVID-19 response that we are lagging but also in a host of other issues. Take the International Criminal Court investigation, for instance. There was a time in the not-too-distant past when the country was always up there in the totem pole. Now, it is always a struggle just to keep pace with our neighbors. Where did we go wrong? There are no easy answers to this question. Ultimately however, it revolves around the quality of leaders that we have elected into public office. This is because they are the ones who set the tone and the direction that the country will take. How many leaders did we put in office since the fall of the late President Ferdinand Marcos that can be considered truly outstanding? With our sad experience with dictatorship, there are some leaders who unfortunately still believe that they are better than the system. In the next several months, the nation will again go to the polls to elect our next president. This time, let’s hope that we can elect someone who can unify us all, move the country forward, and restore the country to respectability which is something we badly need. After the filing deadline, six legitimate candidates will contest the presidency. Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio who has been topping the surveys filed for reelection instead of the presidency. It is hard to understand

why she is not seeking the presidency considering that she has been leading in the surveys. Something must have happened between father and daughter that only they know which made her decide against running for president. Of the six, only Senator Ping Lacson is running for president for the second time; he is the oldest. He is arguably the most experienced of the bunch. He has been in government service since 1967. He was a former PNP Chief and has been a senator for some time. He

The tragic thing, however, is that we will once again have a minority president. has made a name for himself as an antigraft crusader in the Senate by forgoing his yearly allocated development funds. He has also successfully reinvented himself as a statesman. Vice President Leni Robredo was thrust into politics due to the untimely death of her popular husband, DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo. First she was a congresswoman; and then she won the vice presidency. If she wins, she would be the third woman president of the country. Derided and ignored by her president, her office nonetheless has consistently been recognized by the Commission on Audit for diligently following all auditorial requirements. She has also shown abiding respect for our system of government which could be a foreshadow of things to come if she becomes president. Former Senator Bongbong Marcos will have a chance to tangle with his nemesis, Vice President Leni Robredo, for the second time. We have to give him credit because in spite of what the Marcos critics are saying, he is still hugely popular in Northern Luzon, Eastern Visayas, Mindanao and a lot of other places. He even topped one recent survey proving that he can win. Boxing icon Senator Manny

Pacquaio has surpassed anything that any Filipino athlete has ever achieved before him. He has shown his ability to attract huge crowds and can claim the title of man of the masses. Whether he can win is what we will have to find out. Then we have the City Mayor of Manila, former actor Francisco Domagoso popularly known as Isko Moreno. He is only in his first threeyear term as mayor but started making waves as an action man upon assuming office. He is capitalizing on this to propel him to the presidency. The sixth is Senator Bato de la Rosa who only found out that he was running for president two hours before he filed his COC. If Sara will not substitute as she already stated, the senator will have to continue. Whether he will be taken seriously by the voters is of course, another matter. By the looks of it, this will be a hotly contested presidential election because all of them can potentially win. According to current polling, they are closely bunched together. Anything can therefore happen given that the election is still months away. Only Bato de la Rosa’s standing is unknown at the moment. The tragic thing, however, is that we will once again have a minority president. Who will it be?

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A probe is in order

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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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|| THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

US to open land borders to vaccinated travelers Nov.

HE United States will open its land borders with Mexico and Canada in early November to non-essential travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, a senior White House official announced. The official said the administration would give the “precise date very soon” – both for land crossings as well as international air travel, which would be timed to “go together.” The United States had already announced in September that it would lift bans in November on all vaccinated air passengers who undergo testing and contact tracing. In an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, US borders were closed in March 2020 to travelers coming from the European Union, Britain and China, with India and Brazil added to the list later. Overland visitors from Mexico and Canada were also banned. The nearly 19 months of restrictions led to both personal and economic suffering. The White House source said the land border re-opening would happen in two phases. Initially, vaccines will be required for “non-essential” trips

– such as visiting family or tourism – though unvaccinated travelers will still be allowed into the country for “essential” trips as they have been for the last year and a half. A second phase beginning in “early January” 2022 will require all visitors to the United States to be fully vaccinated, no matter the reason for their trip. “This phased approach will provide ample time for essential travelers such as truckers or others to get vaccinated, enabling a smooth transition to the new system,” the official said. The new schedule means the land border restrictions, which are currently set to expire on October 21, would have to be extended one more time before the new rules enter into force, the official indicated. The senior official pointed to recent recommendations from US health authorities for guidance on which vaccines would allow travelers entry.

BATTERED. A broken umbrella is seen on a street on October 13, 2021 as Hong Kong battened down for the second time in less than a week as Typhoon Kompasu prompted forecasters to raise their alert level and usher in mandatory safety measures. AFP

IN BRIEF Artist wants Tiananmen statue back GENERAL GUIDELINES: 1.

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

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

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.

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.

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).

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. 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

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

16.

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

17.

The deposit equivalent to at least ten percent (10%) of the Bid Offer plus 12% VAT1 shall be paid not later than 3:00 PM on the day of bidding. The 90% balance of the bid amount plus 12% VAT shall be paid either in cash or in manager’s check within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of NOAS, without privilege of extension. Sample Computation: Bid Amount is PhP2,610,000.00

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

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

Sample Computation: The bid Amount is PhP2,610,000.00

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.

Deposit – (10% of PhP2,610,000.00) + 12% = PhP261,000.00 + 32,320.00 = PhP292,320.00 Balance – (90% of PhP2,610,000.00) + 12% = PhP2,349,000.00 + 281,880.00 = PhP2630,880.00

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.

HEALTH PROTOCOLS UNDER NEW NORMAL Only the participating bidder shall enter the bidding room.

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

Social distancing must be strictly observed.

Bringing of ballpen is encouraged.

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

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

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

11.

ALL participating bidders shall insert the following documents in a bid envelope: 1) 2)

Properly accomplished bid form; 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.

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

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

12.

13.

Barangay certificate that the bidder is occupying or residing in the subject property; and Valid Government Issued ID with an address showing that the bidder is currently residing in the subject property, or c. Latest Billing Statement under the Bidder’s Name that shows he/she is currently residing in the subject property. The following information shall be clearly written outside the sealed bid envelope (mailing envelope).

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

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

15.

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

•

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;

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

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

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

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.

GUIDE FOR BIDDERS

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

(MS-OCT. 14, 15 & 16, 2021)

THE Danish artist behind a Hong Kong sculpture mourning those killed in Tiananmen Square has instructed a lawyer to secure his work and bring it overseas after the city’s flagship university ordered its sudden removal. The eight-meter high “Pillar of Shame” by Jens Galschiot has sat on the University of Hong Kong’s (HKU) campus since 1997, the year the city was handed back to China. It features 50 anguished faces and tortured bodies piled on one another and commemorates democracy protesters killed by Chinese troops around Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in 1989. Last week Hong Kong’s oldest university ordered it to be removed by 5pm on Wednesday citing “legal advice” as authorities crack down on dissent. Galschiot told AFP he had hired a local lawyer and requested a hearing with the university over the future of the statue as the deadline looms. “I hope that my ownership of the sculpture will be respected and that I will be able to transport the sculpture out of Hong Kong under orderly conditions and without it having suffered from any damage,” he told AFP via email. Galschiot said he would prefer the statue to have stayed in Hong Kong. If it was destroyed by authorities, he said, Hong Kongers should collect “as many pieces of the Pillar of Shame as possible.” “These pieces may be used to make some symbolic manifestation that ‘Empires pass away – but art persists,’” the artist said. AFP

Taliban warn US, EU of refugees AFGHANISTAN’S new Taliban government has warned US and European envoys that continued attempts to pressure them through sanctions will undermine security and could trigger a wave of economic refugees. Acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi told Western diplomats at talks in Doha that “weakening the Afghan government is not in the interest of anyone because its negative effects will directly affect the world in (the) security sector and economic migration from the country,” according to a statement published late Tuesday. The Taliban overthrew Afghanistan’s former US-backed government in August after a two-decade-long conflict, and have declared an Islamic emirate governed under the movement’s hardline interpretation of religious law. But efforts to stabilize the country, still facing attacks from rival extremist group the Islamic State-Khorasan, have been undermined by international sanctions: banks are running out of cash and civil servants are going unpaid. According to the statement from his spokesman, Muttaqi told the Doha meeting: “We urge world countries to end existing sanctions and let banks operate normally so that charity groups, organisations and the government can pay salaries to their staff with their own reserves and international financial assistance.” AFP

UN: Nokor at risk of ‘starvation’ NORTH Korea’s most vulnerable are “at risk of starvation” with the economy worsening due to a self-imposed coronavirus blockade, and UN sanctions imposed over the country’s nuclear programs should be eased, a UN human rights expert said Wednesday. The impoverished nation has been behind a rigid blockade since early last year to protect itself from the pandemic, with the economy suffering and trade with key partner China dwindling to a trickle. In June, state-run KCTV admitted North Korea was facing a “food crisis,” sounding the alarm in a country with a moribund agricultural sector that has long struggled to feed the population. The same month, leader Kim Jong Un said the food situation was “getting tense”. Ordinary North Koreans are “struggling on a daily basis... to live a life of dignity,” and the worsening humanitarian situation could “turn into a crisis,” Tomas Ojea Quintana, UN special rapporteur on human rights, said in his latest report. Pyongyang is under multiple sets of international sanctions over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, which have seen rapid progress under Kim. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Business China exports record surprise jump despite power crunch BEIJING, China—China’s exports rose unexpectedly in September, official data showed Wednesday, but analysts warned of a looming hit from the country’s power crunch that has disrupted supply. The data came after a sharp jump in trade in the world’s second largest economy in August, suggesting that overseas demand for consumer goods had surged as a domestic virus outbreak was brought to heel. But last month many factories were forced to halt operations owing to power outages caused by emission reduction targets, the surging price of coal and supply shortages—raising concern about global supply chains. Yet, exports rose a better-than-expected 28.1 percent on-year in September, according to customs authorities—up from 25.6 percent in August. This was a new monthly record of $305.7 billion. “Although power rationing doesn’t appear to have derailed the export sector so far... it could do so in the coming weeks,” cautioned Capital Economics’ senior China economist Julian EvansPritchard. However, imports missed predictions and rose 17.6 percent, just over half as much as the previous month’s increase. With a number of Asian countries badly hit by the Delta variant of COVID-19, OCBC Bank’s Tommy Xie, noted that orders were shifting back to China. Floods in northern provinces disrupted mining this week, adding to the coal shortage, while power rationing could hit output and filter down supply chains, Evans-Pritchard said. And possible “frontloading of US importers” to counter mounting shipping delays could be another factor for the unexpectedly strong exports, Nomura chief China economist Lu Ting told AFP. AFP

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market drops; Converge, AC Energy lead decliners S TOCKS fell for the second straight day Wednesday as investors continued to take profits from recent gains, while concerns over a global energy crunch also jangled nerves.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index slipped 38.90 points, or 0.6 percent, to 7,068.92 on a value turnover of P11.9 billion. Losers beat gainers, 111 to 89, with 48 issues unchanged. Fiber broadband services provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. sank 8.2 percent to P32.10, while AC Energy Corp., a unit of the Ayala Group, dropped 6.2 percent to P12.12. Noodles maker Monde Nissin Corp. declined 4 percent to P17, but Semirara

Mining and Power Corp., the biggest coal miner, rose 8.9 percent to P30.50. The rest of Asian markets were mixed Wednesday as investors awaited key US inflation data that could play a major role in the Federal Reserve’s plans to tighten monetary policy, while concerns over a global energy crunch also jangled nerves. With the world’s top economy well on the recovery track, the US central bank has already signaled it will begin to wind back the massive financial support put in place at the start of the pandemic. But supply chain bottlenecks, surging demand fueled by reopenings and spiking fuel costs have sent inflation soaring in recent months, putting pressure on bank chiefs to act to prevent prices from running out of control. An extended period of higher-thantargeted inflation is ramping up expectations that the Fed will have to lift interest rates after it has finished tapering its

massive bond-buying program. And some analysts are now suggesting the first hike could come as soon as mid-2022, well before the early 2023 originally predicted. The prospect of higher borrowing costs has put the brakes on a rally across global markets that has run for about a year and a half. The upcoming earnings season is also being nervously watched for an idea about the impact on company profits from trade bottlenecks and rising inflation, with forecasts for the fourth quarter of particular interest. “There’s real damage that’s potentially lurking from the supply chain issues,” said John Kilduff of Again Capital. “It’s a real potential negative for the global economy.” Wall Street’s three main indexes provided a tepid lead, and Asia struggled for direction. With AFP

SHORTAGE.

A worker delivers goods from a lorry that is advertising driving and warehouse vacancies to a business in Leicester Square in London on October 13, 2021. A shortfall in HGV drivers has sparked fuel shortages and fears of empty shelves in supermarkets over Christmas. AFP

reporters ahead of the vote. Democratic leaders had spent weeks underlining the havoc that a default would have wrought, including the loss of six million jobs and $15 trillion in household wealth as well as increased costs for mortgages and other borrowing. Republicans refused to offer any of their own votes to avert the crisis, and even blocked Democrats who control Congress from lifting the limit on their own, via a simple majority. But the party dropped its blockade in the Senate last week, ending for now an impasse that risked leaving the federal government incapable of securing and

servicing loans after October 18. The new arrangement merely kicks the can down the road, possibly to complicate another major funding deadline—a shutdown that would begin from December 3 when the government’s coffers theoretically run out. The borrowing cap may yet turn out to be less pressing, however. Economists estimate that the nation will reach the new, revised debt limit sometime in mid-December or early January— slightly later than the December 3 date that Congress originally projected. The United States spends more money than it collects through taxation so

it borrows money via the issuing of government bonds, seen as among the world’s most reliable investments. Around 80 years ago lawmakers introduced a limit on how much federal debt could be accrued. The ceiling has been lifted dozens of times to allow the government to meet its spending commitments—usually without drama and with the support of both parties—and stands at around $28 trillion. But Republicans in both chambers of Congress have this time objected, saying they refuse to support Biden’s “reckless” taxing and spending plans. AFP

Britain’s worker shortage threatens Christmas turkey supply By Julie Ezvan GODSTONE, United Kingdom—In a dark wooden barn in the countryside of southeast England, farmer Patrick Deeley is surrounded by a throng of 600 white turkeys at feeding time. But the typical sight at Flower Farm near Godstone, in Surrey, belies a crisis: a lack of seasonal workers that will leave Deeley struggling to meet high festive demand. “I don’t feel confident that I’ll get sufficient staff to be able to do the job that I need before Christmas,” Deeley told AFP. “The pressure will be on.” Normally, Deeley could count on 12 seasonal workers by mid-December to help him pack, prepare and deliver the birds. For the last 15 years, he has recruited from Europe. But Britain has now been out of the European Union for nearly 12 months. Free movement of people and workers across the bloc has ended, and tougher immigration rules have been introduced. Unlike previous years, Deeley has not been able to attract a single worker from the European mainland to his 150-acre (61-hectare) family run farm in the rolling North Downs. “Brexit is, as far as I can see, a huge contributing factor to that. It’s created a massive loss of labor,” he said. Fewer turkeys Faced with a labor shortage in the poultry sector, farmers across the country have been advertising for workers. But applications are extremely rare. “It’s not the most glamorous work

Farmer Richard Warttig tends to the traditional old breed Bronze and White turkeys reared on ‘Eastfield Turkeys’ farm in the village of Oxspring, near Sheffield in northern England on October 12, 2021. AFP

in the world,” said Mark Gorton, who rears turkeys in Norfolk, in the east of England. “It’s difficult work, it’s farming seven days a week.” In previous years, Gorton said he would have had arrangements in place for 300 to 400 seasonal workers by the middle of December. Like Deeley, this year he has none. “We’re six weeks away from when we start processing Christmas turkeys for the Christmas market and at the moment we haven’t got any labor,” said Gorton. As a result, some farmers have been forced to produce fewer turkeys this year. Supermarkets, where a shortage of lorry drivers has created delays in supply of some foods, leading to empty

TOP GAINERS LAST PRICE

% CHANGE CHANGE

FFI

7.95

1.42

21.75%

OPM

0.012

0.001

9.09%

3 4

HOUSE SCC

11.44 30.5

0.94 2.5

8.95% 8.93%

BCB

5.16

0.42

8.86%

6 7

FAF PRMX

0.64 1.95

0.05 0.15

8.47% 8.33%

ALCO

0.67

0.05

8.06%

9 10

MAH PX

1.53 5.31

0.11 0.31

7.75% 6.20%

TOP LOSERS LAST PRICE

% CHANGE CHANGE

CNVRG

32.1

-2.85

-8.15%

2 3

WEB PAX

2.16 2.08

-0.18 -0.17

-7.69% -7.56%

BHI

0.063

-0.005

-7.35%

5 6 7

TBGI ACEN ATN

0.33 12.12 0.5

-0.025 -0.8 -0.03

-7.04% -6.19% -5.66%

8 9 10

APC TECHW LMG

0.255 1.36 4.13

-0.015 -0.08 -0.21

-5.56% -5.56% -4.84%

MOST ACTIVE

US Congress avoids default with an increase in stop-gap debt limit WASHINGTRON—US lawmakers rubber-stamped a short-term bill to lift the nation’s borrowing authority Tuesday, averting the threat of a first-ever debt default—but only for a few weeks. The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives voted along party lines to pass the stop-gap $480 billion hike, which advanced from the Senate last Thursday after weeks of heated debate. “It’s about the kitchen table, it’s about our economy, the global economy, but it’s also about our constitution which says the full faith and credit of the United States shall not be in doubt,” Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told

PSEi OCTOBER 13, 2021

shelves, have also reduced their orders. For Deeley, even if farmers had “10 turkeys or 20,000,” the basic shortage of skilled labor would still be a problem. The Traditional Farm-fresh Turkey Association, an industry body, has said the majority of its members have reported a five-fold increase in orders. And the situation will inevitably hit consumers in the pocket. “I think people will unfortunately have to see an increase in product costs,” said Deeley. ‘Unloved’ While the poultry sector is one of the hardest hit by labor shortages ahead of Christmas, it is far from being the only one. Christmas tree providers have

warned of higher prices and shortages due to increased costs of imported firs and raw materials, as well as labor and transport. Global supply chain hold-ups and the increased cost of container shipments could have a knock-on effect on the cost of toys. And once toys arrive at ports, a lack of lorry drivers and warehouse staff could compound problems. Meanwhile, the pig industry is warning about a lack of abattoir staff and butchers—many of them also foreign workers—spiralling production costs and falling prices. The National Pig Association called it “the biggest crisis” in decades, and would force livestock farmers to cull their animals without them going into the food chain. AFP

CNVRG

VOLUME 47,253,000

VALUE (PHP) 1,534,155,775

2 3 4

ACEN MONDE BDO

93,922,300 54,519,100 3,718,610

1,148,858,238 936,610,032 482,939,482

5 6 7

ICT SCC DMC

2,446,520 12,881,200 39,465,200

429,508,457 379,333,375 361,375,494

11,601,000

359,974,215

9 10

BPI SMPH

3,967,630 8,702,700

337,315,011 308,816,360

IMF says supply gridlock slowing global recovery WASHINGTON—Worldwide supply chain disruptions are driving price increases and draining momentum out of economies recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the IMF warned on Tuesday. The ongoing hit from the pandemic and the failure to distribute vaccines worldwide is worsening the economic divide and darkening prospects for developing nations, the IMF said in its latest World Economic Outlook. The global economy is expected to grow 5.9 percent this year, only slightly lower than projected in July, before slowing to 4.9 percent in 2022, the report said. But the overall figures mask large downgrades and ongoing struggles for some countries, including the United States, Germany and Japan that are feeling the impact of supply bottlenecks, IMF chief economist Gita Gopinath said. “This recovery is really quite unique,” she told AFP on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. Despite a strong return in demand, “the supply side has not been able to come back as quickly,” hampered in part by the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19, which has made workers reluctant to return to their jobs. Those labor shortages are “feeding into price pressures” in major economies, she said, slowing growth expectations this year. Energy prices have hit multi-year highs in recent days, with oil above $80 a barrel, weighing on households. But Gopinath said she expects energy prices to begin to retreat by the end of the first quarter of 2022. AFP

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

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

Business

PSE INDEX CLOSING Wednesday, October 13, 2021 -38.90 PTS. 7,068.92

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

1,334,634,095 151,911 11,933,640,266.30 89 111 48

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

50.8280

Japan

Yen

0.008803

0.4474

Pound

1.358900

69.0702

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128510

6.5319

Switzerland

Franc

1.074576

54.6185

Canada

Dollar

0.802697

40.7995

Singapore

Dollar

0.737191

37.4699

Australia

Dollar

0.734900

37.3535

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652661

134.8295

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266631

13.5523

Brunei

Dollar

0.734484

37.3324

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.029985

1.5241

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.8390

Euro

1.153200

58.6148

Korea

Won

0.000835

0.0424

China

Yuan

0.155106

7.8837

India

Rupee

0.013250

0.6735

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.240211

12.2094

New Zealand

Dollar

0.692800

35.2136

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035550

1.8069 Source: BSP

Farmers urge DA to postpone lower tariff rate on corn By Othel V. Campos CORN farmers warned they will lose some P10 billion in domestic sales if the government will reduce the tariff rate on corn imports given the prevailing depressed prices of the grain. The farmers asked the Department of Agriculture to delay the implementation of the new tariff rate on imported corn to protect the industry, or until local corn prices go up. Corn tariff is placed at 5 percent under the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement, 35 percent under the Minimum Access Volume importation and 50 percent outside the MAV. Corn prices dropped 33 percent to a range of P8 to 9 per kilogram this year, below the P13.25 per kilo support price established by the National Food Authority. Despite the lower corn prices, the price of livestock and poultry continue be expensive. The Philippine Maize Federation denied that feed prices would go down because of lower corn prices, pulling down livestock and poultry price. The group said the huge importation of feed wheat and corn caused the fall in local corn price to its lowest level, based on a recent study the Philippine Competition Commission. Philmaize also attributed the fall of local corn price to the uncontrolled, unabated and uncalibrated large arrivals of feed wheat and imported corn during the wet season harvest. “This displaced local corn harvest from getting into warehouses and silos of livestock and feed mill sector,” the group said. A House resolution filed by Congressman Rufus Rodriguez noted that the abundance of corn production did not increase the income of farmers.

SUNLIFE’S DONATION. Beneficiaries show their packages after the distribution of goods during one of the COVID-19 relief operations. Sun Life Financial Inc., the parent company of Sun Life Philippines headquartered in Canada, donated funds to support Sun Life Foundation’s implementing partners ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. and Negrense Volunteers for Change as efforts to further mitigate the effects of the ongoing pandemic continue. The funds have enabled ALKFI to assist vulnerable communities in Manila, Laguna and the Bicol region.

BSP broadens ‘QR PH’ to lift digital payments

transactions have likewise surged. The volume expanded by almost thirteen times ANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin its Q2 2020 level and the value surged by than forty-five times its Q2 2020 levDiokno said Wednesday the Philippines is well on more el, exhibiting an average quarterly growth its way to becoming a “cash-lite” society following rate of 110 percent and 229 percent for volume and value, respectively, over the the launch of the QR PH that promotes further use of period,” Diokno said. digital transactions. He said the use of QR codes for payments was gaining traction as an alterThe use of QR code payments were from 2018 to 2020, a steady rise in the bolstered with the development of the Na- share of digital payments in the country native to the traditional debit and credit tional QR Code Standard, dubbed as “QR took place, with the volume growing card payments, given the ease, convePH” in accordance with BSP Circular No. significantly from 10 percent in 2018 to nience and speed of merely scanning the 1055. QR PH aims to transform the frag- 20.1 percent in 2020, up by more than code compared to having to bring a card, mented QR-driven payment services into 10 percentage points compared to the tapping, dipping or swiping it and signinteroperable payment solutions. more than 9 percentage point increase ing a charge slip in many cases. To complement the P2P component of “Ten years ago, it may have seemed in the previous five-year period from the QR PH, the QR PH for person-to-merdaunting to even set a target of trans- 2013 to 2018. forming 50 percent of retail payments The BSP launched the QR PH for chant or “QR PH P2M” was developed into digital form by 2023. This is due, in person-to-person payments or “QR Ph and its pilot run started in April this year. QR PH P2M enables merchants such large part, to the study that showed that P2P” in November 2019 which primaras department stores, pharmacies, superin 2013, out of the 2.5 billion payments ily catered to remittances and payments made by Filipinos in a month, only 1 within the informal sector. From only markets, hardware stores and restaurants percent are done electronically,” Dio- six pilot participants during the launch, to accept e-payments with ease even in kno said during the virtual event. it now has 23 participants as of end- the safety of their customers’ homes. QR PH P2M may also make bills payments He said looking back, it first seemed August 2021. impossible to achieve this target. But “From the second quarter last year, faster and more convenient.

By Julito G. Rada

AllDay Marts prices initial public offering at P0.60 per share By Jenniffer B. Austria

BANTAYAN POWER DISPUTE. A new electric generator is taking shape on Bantayan Island off northern mainland Cebu amid issues raised over the bidding process. Isla North Energy Corp. started building the 15-megawatt power plant while still steeped in legal cases arising from the controversial bidding of the project, resulting in a protracted delay of approval by the Energy Regulatory Commission.

ERC eyes extension of feed-in-tariff rate on run-of-river projects By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Energy Regulatory Commission is studying the extension of the feed-in tariff rate for run-of-river projects at P5.8705 per kilowatt-hour from Jan. 1, 2020 until the full installation target of 250 megawatts is completed. The ERC said in a draft resolution subject to public consultations that after careful consideration of the evidence and guided by the policy objectives in the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, “the commission deems it appropriate to maintain the current ROR hydro rate, without apply-

ing degression until its full subscription.” It said the Department of Energy already granted a third round extension for the subscription of the balance of the installation target for ROR hydro until the 250MW installation target was fully subscribed. Data showed 145.577 MW covering 15 projects are eligible for the FIT, while the remaining 102.423 MW of capacity have not been subscribed. “The commission deems it appropriate to likewise extend the ROR Hydro FIT2 rate at P5.8705 per kWh for the third round extension granted by the DOE,” the

ERC said. The regulator granted a rate of P5.90 per kWh under the FIT1 covering 2014 to 2016 and P5.7805 per KWh under FIT2 for 2017 to 2019. It monitors and reviews the development of RE generation and the impact of FIT rates within three years and every two years thereafter as directed by the FIT rules. The regulator acknowledged that the FIT is a policy mechanism to accelerate investments and the growth of renewable energy as a key strategy toward achieving energy security and self-reliance.

ALLDAY Marts Inc., the grocery chain owned by the Villar family, set the initial public offering price of its planned maiden share sale at P0.60 per share. AllDay at this price level will raise P4.5 billion in proceeds which it plans to use for debt repayment and store network expansion. AllDay will offer 6.857 billion common shares and 685.714 million in over-allotment shares. The offering period will start from Oct. 18 to 25, 2021. The company said it would use at least 77 percent of the IPO proceeds to repay P4.1-billion in debt that were used primarily to fund past and ongoing store network expansion. “We believe that pursuing this strategy will increase the overall shareholder value of the company as this will decrease our financing cost by as much as P264.4 million per annum,” AllDay said. Meanwhile, the remaining 33 percent of the proceeds will be allotted for store expansion. The company had 33 stores as of end-June and targets to have 45 stores by 2022 and 100 stores by 2026. The company tapped PNB Capital and Investment Corp. as the sole issue manager for the fund raising activity. PNB Capital will also work with BDO Capital & Investment Corp. and China Bank Capital Corp. as joint lead underwriters and joint bookrunners. Post-IPO, AllDay will have a 33-percent public float assuming the over-allotment shares are exercised. AllDay Marts provides customers with innovative and modern grocery experience as it banks on the premiumization of the middle-class Filipinos.

GIR slipped to $107.2b in September THE country’s gross international reserves declined to $107.16 billion as of end-September from $107.96 billion in August, following the government’s payment of foreign debt, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Wednesday. It said that despite the decrease, the latest GIR level represented a more than adequate external liquidity buffer, equivalent to 10.8 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. It is also about 7.6 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 5.2 times based on residual maturity. “The month-on-month decrease in the GIR level was attributed mainly to the debt service payment of the national government’s foreign currency debt obligations and downward adjustment in the value of the BSP’s gold holdings due to the decrease in the price of gold in the international market,” the BSP said in a statement. The net international reserves, the difference between the GIR and total short-term liabilities, also decreased to $107.15 billion as of end-September from $107.96 billion in August. Data showed that on a year-onyear basis, the GIR level climbed from $100.44 billion in September 2020. The GIR peaked at $110.11 billion in December 2020. The BSP expects GIR to increase further to $114 billion by December 2021. The GIR represents liquidity buffer against external payments and arises from persistent balance of payments of surplus. A strong GIR position allows the central bank to manage foreign exchange fluctuations, thereby contributing to financial stability. Julito G. Rada

IN BRIEF SM Prime to open new mall in Daet PROPERTY developer SM Prime Holdings Inc. said it will open on Friday its first shopping mall in Camarines Norte province. SM Prime said in a disclosure to the stock exchange SM City Daet would be the group’s third mall in the Bicol Region and add 47,000 square meters of gross floor area in its mall portfolio. “The opening of SM City Daet marks another milestone for SM Prime as we continue to weather the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope that the opening of this mall, with safety protocols in place, will provide convenience, comfort and entertainment to our fellow Bicolanos in Camarines Norte,” SM Prime president and chief executive Jeffrey Lim said. Situated along the bustling Vinzons Ave. in Barangay Lag-on, SM City Daet will have three levels of shopping, dining and entertainment destinations that are set to bring new flavors and colors in the Bicol Region. SM City Daet will open with more than 70 percent of space-lease awarded and will house local and international brands including anchor tenants from SM Retail group such as SM Store, SM Supermarket, SM Appliance, Sports Central, Watsons, SurPlus, Ace Hardware and BDO. Jenniffer B. Austria

Converge aims to be regional telco player CONVERGE ICT Solutions Inc. plans to become a regional telecom player by 2024, with the completion of its multibillion-peso submarine cable system project. “The Bifrost Cable System will basically allow us to be a regional player. We are also looking to provide wholesale agreements to other telcos in the Philippines and the region as well as over-the-top providers and other service providers that needs capacity across Asia Pacific,” said Converge Enterprises sales head Alan Smyth. Converge is investing more than $100 million (around P5 billion) for Bifrost Cable System Project. The Bifrost Cable System, to be jointly owned and developed with Keppel T&T’s partners, will be the largest capacity highspeed transmission cable across the Pacific Ocean when completed. It will bolster Singapore’s role as a digital hub in the region. Expected to be completed in 2024 and spanning over 15,000 kilometers, the Bifrost Cable System is the world’s first subsea cable system that directly connects Singapore to the west coast of North America via Indonesia through the Java Sea and Celebes Sea. Darwin G. Amojelar

PH wins pineapple tariff case in Australia

THE Philippines can now export canned pineapples duty-free to Australia after the Australian Anti-Dumping Commission made a final decision to discontinue the anti-dumping measures applying to consumer and food service industrial pineapple exported from the Philippines to Australia. The measures will expire on Oct. 17, 2021 for consumer pineapple and on Nov. 13, 2021 for FSI pineapple. The rates of the anti-dumping duties that will soon expire are 5.9 percent for Dole Philippines and 22.9 percent for all other exporters for consumer pineapple. The AD duty for food service industrial pineapple products is 18.7 percent. The Department of Trade and Industry requested the termination of the anti-dumping measure during the 2nd PH-AU Trade and Investment Dialogue on April 20, 2021 and again during the 5th PH-AU Ministerial Meeting on Aug. 23, 2021.

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

POC president Rep. Abraham Tolentino

With COVID cases down in Vietnam, SEAG a go? WITH local COVID-19 cases going down in Vietnam, a favorable response on the staging of the 31st Southeast Asian Games in May, 2022 is expected. Officials of the Philippine Olympic Committee are keeping their fingers crossed after Vietnam’s Ministry of Health recorded lower coronavirus numbers on Tuesday. POC president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino is keenly awaiting the outcome of the SEA Games Federation’s meeting next week to determine what their next steps will be. “Sa Oct. 18 pa ang decision sa meeting ng SEAGFED,” said Tolentino Authorities in Vietnam reported 2,939 local COVID-19 cases in 43 cities and provinces Tuesday, down by 678 from Monday’s tally—the lowest in 90 days, according to reports. The Vietnamese capital of Hanoi plants to stage the multi-sport event in seventh months’ time. The biennial meet was supposed to happen in November and December this year, but was delayed because of rising COVID-19 cases. The federation has already warned Vietnam that it needs to decide on its plans for the event by the end of October. Vietnam initially won its battle against COVID-19, but rising cases last July pushed government officials to have second thoughts on the staging of the games. Peter Atencio

Meralco’s Raymund Almazan is challenged by Ian Sangalang and Calvin Abueva in a PBA Philippine Cup semifinal game won by the Bolts, 102-98.

By Peter Atencio

HE Meralco Bolts refused to fade quietly in their best-of-seven semiﬁnals series with the Magnolia Hotshots. The return of Raymund Almazan from an injury somehow helped the Bolts move out of a hole that they were in with a 102-98 triumph in Game 5 of the 2021 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor, Pampanga. After missing the last two games of the series with a sprained ankle in Game 2, the 6’8” Almazan rose to the occasion in the last period and his heroics kept the Bolts in contention for the finals with their second win five outings.

Bolts refuse to die with Game 5 victory Almazan’s contribution of nine points, including two split charities in final 10 and seven seconds, allowed the Bolts to keep a four-point cushion as the clock winded down. This kept the Bolts’ dimming finals hopes alive as they now have a chance to tie the series in Game 6 this Friday. “The Magnolia team was out there to eliminate us. But we stood our ground and made some big shots down the stretch. We kept our composure and gave ourselves a chance to come back in the series,” said Bolts’

coach Norman Black. The effort done by Almazan complemented the career-high performances of Allain Maliksi and Nards Pinto. Maliksi equaled his second careerbest output of 29 points, knocking eight points, including two treys in the last 1:21 to put the Bolts ahead, 99-93. Pinto also played the best game of his life, hitting a career-high 24 points, with a triple in the remaining 5:21 tying the match 86-all. Andy Barroca banged in 25 points

for the Hotshots as he put the Bolts in front for the last last time, 86-82, off his two freebies with 6:20 to go. “It was a gutsy performance on the part of my players to go out there, and battle it out in the entire game,” added Black. Calvin Abueva, who tallied 19 points, kept creating problems for the Bolts down the stretch, with his triple and alley-oop basket in the last eight seconds allowing the Hotshots to remain within range, 98-100, before Almazan sealed the win with his freebies.

Expert airs views on Jaworski’s condition PH’s Yusop, By Randy Caluag

Robert Jaworski

IS Robert Jaworski afflicted with a mysterious disease? Not really. According to Dr. Edwin Bien, a well-known integrated medicine practitioner, the retired basketball icon could be suffering from high ferritin disorder. Bien based his observation on the statement of Jaworki’s son, Dodot Jr., who said his father’s “iron level is high, but at same time anemic siya.” “We’ve been trying to look for doctors here and abroad, but none of them can understand kung ano ‘yung nangyayari sa kanya,” Dodot told Anthony Taberna in a recent interview on his Youtube channel. Bien said high ferritin disorder is normally caused by too much alcohol intake, but since Jaworski is not known to be an alcohol drinker, other causes may also be considered “Ang mahirap niyan if the cause is due to other conditions like genetics, leukemia, lymphoma or thyroid disorder,” said Bien. The doctor said he needs to check on the CT scan

result so he can make further comments. Mayo Clinic describes ferritin as “a blood protein that contains iron.” “A ferritin test helps your doctor understand how much iron your body stores. If a ferritin test reveals that your blood ferritin level is lower than normal, it indicates your body’s iron stores are low and you have iron deficiency. As a result, you could be anemic,” said its website. Dodot clarified though the 75-year-old former player-coach, who popularized the never-say-die mantra in the PBA is doing f ine, but has not recovered his usual strength. A check on the internet site medicalnewstoday. com also showed “secondary hemochromatosis”, a form of blood disorder, where a patient suffers “from some kinds of anemia, such as thalassemia, or chronic liver disease.” The website further stated that people with iron overload disorder may experience tiredness or fatigue, weakness, weight loss, abdominal pain, high blood sugar levels or hyperpigmentation, or the skin turning into a bronze color.

Rebisco ignites PH volleyball dreams BISCUIT and snack food giant Rebisco is all-out for Philippine volleyball. The main supporter of the Philippine Men’s and Women’s National Teams’ stint at the Asian Club Championship hosted by Thailand sees the international volleyball club competition as a great opportunity for our local athletes to get the all-important foreign exposure that will hone their game. Noric Ng, Business Unit Head of Rebisco, said everyone at Rebisco is happy that volleyball is alive despite the global situation and that the country’s veterans and next generation athletes are able to play their game at a high level of competition.

“Rebisco is truly committed to pursue its passion for volleyball by supporting the game at all levels, from grassroots development, to competitive sports in the amateur and professional levels, and at the national level through this partnership with the PNVF,” Mr. Ng said. Rebisco started supporting the national volleyball teams since 2017 but the three year partnership signed with the PNVF for the National Teams, enables the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) to run a long-term, consistent national team program by providing regular funding and participation in competitions such as this. Rebisco’s sights are set on a podium finish in the 31st Southeast Asian

The Philippine women’s volleyball team

Games in Vietnam in 2022. “Our dream is to help the PNVF grow the sport and make this game an expression of the Filipino soul, locally and in-

ternationally. Our long-term goal is to make the Philippines a recognized international power in volleyball,” Mr. Ng said.

Evil Geniuses, remain in contention THE Evil Geniuses used its vast experience to fend off The Elephants, 1-0, in their best-of-one Round 1 showdown on Tuesday to remain in contention in the ongoing Dota 2 premier event, The International 10 (TI10). Canadian pro Artour “Arteezy” Babaev and Filipino gamer Abed “Abed” Yusop produced the most kills with their respective characters to reach Round 2 of the lower bracket following a 41-14 score over The Elephants. EG anticipated most of the Chinese pro squad’s aggressive start in their 39-minute, 44-second-long skirmish as it joined Quincy Crew and Alliance in the next stage. The win allowed EG to bounce back from its misfortunes a few days ago when it suddenly slipped to sixth spot in Group A following a 1-1 draw with Team Undying. The setback relegated EG to the lower bracket. The 25-year-old Babaev, an immigrant from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, led the EG with 10 kills before his Level 25 character Luna died in the final minutes of the game. Babaev left the game after losing out to Eurus’ Sven in a one-on-one slugfest. Yusop, who had 13-14-13 kill-deathassist ratio in the match, picked up from Babaev’s demise with his level 26 Void Spirit creating havoc in the battlefield. The Void Spirit is a melee intelligence hero, which leans on the element of surprise to blast apart foes with the power of the void. The 21-year old Yusop unravelled the Astral Step in the game’s final stages. The spell creates a rift through the astral plane that appears at a target location and attacks all enemies which are within reach and inflicts a void mark that slows for 2 seconds before exploding. This is the first time for EG to play in the lower bracket since joining eight years ago. Another Pinoy gamer, Djardel “DJ” Mampusti and his Clockwerk character, towed Fnatic past Team Undying, 1-0, to also make it to the second round Turn to C2

Sports

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

Cheering, hugging, fans return to stands

Boy Velasco to retire as coach of PH boxing team BOXING coach Nolito “Boy” Velasco is retiring from the Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines national team effective December 31, 2021. In a letter to the national boxing federation, the long-time boxing trainer said he was “looking forward to enjoy my retirement with my family, as I give them the time and effort I missed because of working.” Velasco, 58, is the elder brother of Olympic boxing medalists Roel (bronze, Barcelona ‘92) and Mansueto “Onyok” (silver, Atlanta ‘96). ABAP accepted his request for retirement in a letter signed by president Ricky Vargas and secretary-general Ed Picson. The two officials wished Velasco “well in your future endeavors.” Velasco was part of the coaching staff of the historic Philippine boxing team in the Tokyo Olympic Games, where Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam bagged silver medals and Eumir Marcial clinched a bronze.

Nolito “Boy” Velasco

Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets plays defense on teammate Kevin Durant during the Practice in the Park at Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn, New York. AFP

Irving sidelined by Nets for refusing COVID vax

EW YORK—The Brooklyn Nets decided Tuesday to bar star guard Kyrie Irving from practice as well as games in the NBA season that starts next week because he refuses to be vaccinated against COVID-19. “Given the evolving nature of the situation and after thorough deliberation, we have decided Kyrie Irving will not play or practice with the team until he is eligible to be a full participant,” Nets general manager Sean Marks said. “Kyrie has made a personal choice, and we respect his individual right to choose. “Currently, his choice restricts his ability to be a full-time member of the team, and we will not permit any member of our team to participate with parttime availability.” Irving, 29, is part of the Nets’ star trio that also includes Kevin Durant and James Harden. Because of the ongoing pandemic, New York has implemented new health and safety regulations which do not allow unvaccinated athletes to take part

in practices and games. He could theoretically have played in road games without being vaccinated, but Marks’ statement rules that out. At a video press conference later Tuesday, Marks agreed with a suggestion that the Nets had been left with “no choice” but to leave Irving on the sidelines. “Ultimately yes,” Marks said. “He has a choice to make and he made his choice. My job here is to make what we deem is the best decision and the best choices for the organisation as a whole. “They’re not always ones that are going to be met with open arms and a thumbsup. These are hard decisions. “Just like I’m sure it wasn’t easy for Kyrie either to have to make that [decision] to not be around his teammates.” Marks said he made the decision in

consultation with Joe Tsai, the Nets’ billionaire owner. “We had everything on the board. We looked at everything. When you make a decision like this it’s not one you want to make hastily,” Marks said. “Again, involve all the parties, think about the variety of different outcomes. They’re never easy decisions but at the end of the day we’re looking at putting a group of people out there that are going to be able to participate fully. That’s what this comes down to. “And we’re not looking for partners that are going to be part-time. I don’t think it’s fair on the team, the staff, the ownership and the fans, but also it’s not fair on Kyrie either.” The Nets begin their regular season at the NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks next Tuesday. Golden State Warriors swingman Andrew Wiggins had also refused to get the vaccine but relented to keep playing. Wiggins said after getting the onedose Johnson & Johnson vaccine last week: “I guess you don’t own your body.” AFP

Pioneer Pinta ng Tibay Pintura Challenge winners bared FROM nearly 1,000 registered contestants and 370 submitted entries from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, five boat designers emerged as winners in Pioneer’s “Pinta ng Tibay” Pintura Challenge 2021. Willam Sillar from Masbate was declared Overall Champion in Pioneer’s “Pinta ng Tibay” Pintura Challenge 2021. The other winners of this year’s contest include Abduljamal Asnani of Zamboanga City (2nd Place), Hesam Sahi of Cebu City (3rd Place), Julius Pablo of Aurora (4th Place), and Josmar Lauron of Cebu City (5th Place). Winners received a total of P300,000 in prizes. Pioneer Adhesives, the manufacturer of the leading brand Pioneer Epoxy, ran Pinta ng Tibay Pintura Challenge , design challenge contest from May 4 to June 30, and extended it to July 16 with the theme “Pyesta ng Bangkang Makulay at Matibay 2021”. The competition rules required contestants to use Pioneer Marine Quick Dry Enamel (PMQDE) and Pearl Glaze as paint, or combination of both, for the entire boat. Winners were

Asnani, Abduljamal - Zamboanga, 2nd place

deliberated with a DTI representative using the following Criteria for Judging: Creativity (30%), Relevance to Theme (30%), Color Combination (30%), and Overall Impression (10%). Despite the whole world living in challenging times, Filipino boat makers

and boat the owners showcased not only “Kulay” through their artistry, but also “Tibay” through their resilience. Pioneer Adhesives looks forward to another year of showcasing creativity and craftsmanship with “Pinta ng Tibay” Pintura Challenge 2022.

Janine earns place in PH basketball THE BOTTOM LINE LITO CINCO EVEN when she was still playing for Centro Escolar University as the team’s leading scorer, Janine Pontejos is someone you would mistake for an athlete. The reason? The many-time national women’s basketball player is lanky, and that is being kind. But once she goes inside the playing court and explodes with her unique and awkward shooting style from the three-point area, then your opinion changes right away. And the fact is, even with that kind of physique, watch her play defense. She plays an honest one, and pesky would be

a good way to describe it. Against usually, bigger and stronger opponents, she is willing to bang bodies with her opponents and get banged in return. I do not know how many will remember Larry Mumar in the early late 60s to mid 70s, the son of legendary Lauro “The Fox” Mumar. Larry was likewise a thin player and when he made it into his father’s team, people said it was because his dad was the coach. But he proved them wrong. The shifty Larry, who earned the moniker “The Little Fox”, showed he had the right to be there. It is the same with the 29-yearold Janine, who has four MVP awards in the WNCAA, and another four in the National Association of State Colleges and Universities, to go with the nine titles she helped bring to CEU. In a video chat, Janine admitted her slight physique is a disadvantage on the

court, but that it does not preclude her from playing both ends of the court, particularly her three-point shooting. In fact in 2018, right here in the Philippines, when we hosted the FIBA Asia 3x3, Janine, notwithstanding her unorthodox way of shooting those treys, surprised everyone, including herself after emerging as 3-point champion in a mixed field of participants that included male players. She believes she has a fast body metabolism that no matter what she does and eats, her body simply refuses to gain weight, and believe me, I have seen her eat when I did a team-building in Mt. Banahaw several years ago for the CEU Lady Scorpions, where she was an assistant. Actually, Janine is athletics’ loss and basketball’s gain. She started as a high and long-jumper with De La Salle-Lipa

Pioneer’s “Pinta ng Tibay” Pintura Challenge is an annual competition that aims to promote and showcase the entire wooden boat building industry in the Philippines. It is open to builders and manufacturers of racing, fishing, recreational, passenger and tourist boats. before shifting to basketball, playing the two disciplines simultaneously, and eventually picking basketball. She was spotted, then recruited by CEU when she played with De La Salle in the Women’s Basketball League of the late Nic Jorge. And it did not take long for her to make it to the national team. Starting in 2016, she has been a regular with the team, the last time just recently from Jordan for the FIBA Asia Cup, where the Philippines retained its spot in Group A, finishing 7th. She was also a member of the 2019 South East Asian Games champion team. The team is looking at defending its crown at the SEA Games in Vietnam next year, while head coach Patrick Aquino said his wards will also be eyeing a stint in the qualifying FIBA Cup in Australia after that. She also mentioned the offer she got to play as an import in a commercial league in Malaysia in 2018, something she opted to pass on, though her team-

SOWETO—“Welcome back,” speakers blasted from the entrance of South Africa’s main sports stadium in Soweto as excited football fans—vaccination cards in hand—arrived for the first time in 18 months. “Please make sure you sanitise your hands,” the metallic voice reminded the 2,000 spectators lucky enough to get their hands on the first tickets sold since coronavirus hit. The match, a World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Ethiopia, sold out in two hours. “It has been a long journey, we have all been waiting for this for a long time,” said Bafana Bafana supporter Paul Nkosi, 49, in an blue hard hat mounted with a crown of metallic multi-coloured South African miniature flags. “When I managed to grab a ticket I thought: Jesus, I’m so lucky,” he exclaimed, clutching a gold papier-mache trophy, eyes tearing with emotion. Inside the stadium rules are strict: no booze, no hugging. Keep a seat between your neighbour and a face mask on at all times. Vuvuzela horns, a hallmark of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, were also banned to avoid droplets spraying. “I’m not so happy about that,” admitted law student Anita Gwente, 26, the South African flag draped over her shoulders, matching the red in her hair. She is relieved that at least singing is allowed. A group of Ethiopia supporters sulked nearby. Unable to buy tickets online, they arrived four hours early in the hope in finding a way in. “We haven’t even had lunch because we want to watch,” said Adisse Tagsse, 41, a Johannesburg-based Ethiopian businessman. Scuffles broke out later as they tried to force their way through, breaking through a barrier before being stopped by security. South Africa eased coronavirus restrictions this month, allowing fans back into stadiums. Stadiums opened just days after the rollout of electronic COVID-19 vaccine certificates, although most people still only had paper proof. AFP

PH‘s Yusop... From C1

Mampusti, a 26-year-old support drew first blood early when he assisted Polo “Raven” Fausto’s Luna to get the early kill off Jonáš “SabeRLight-” Volek (Night Stalker). Fnatic ran away with the lead mid-game before Team Undying caught Anucha “Jabz” Jirawong (Nature’s Prophet) and Ng “ChYuan” Kee Chyuan (Void Spirit) during Fnatic’s siege up the top lane — giving them one last shot at a comeback. Moments later, Fnatic returned up top for the kill—taking out SabeRLight-, David “MoonMeander” Tan Boon Yang (Earthshaker), and Kim “DuBu” Dooyoung (Enchantress), forcing Team Undying to call GG. “I think as a team we came in this tournament not as strong, not as good and we’re kind of inconsistent,” said Mampusti, who was named the MVP of the best-of-one series. The TI6 fourth placer finished with a game-high 21 assists along with four kills and five deaths in the 28-10 win, which only took 28 minutes and 18 seconds to finish. Also making his mark was Raven with a perfect 13-0-8 KDA line, while Yang “Deth” Wu Heng (Legion Commander) ended up with six kills and 15 assists against just one death. Peter Atencio

mates like Afril Bernardino, Gemma Miranda and Chack Cabinbin did play there. Janine was still an assistant coach for CEU that time. Unfortunately, even as Janine says women’s basketball has improved a lot the last several years, with more international exposure and more assistant coaches, who focus on players’ specific skills, 2022 might just be her last playing year with the national team as she turns 30, saying it is time to give way to younger players. Aquino, who looks at Janine as one of the team’s veterans might not agree as he wants her to stay and teach up-andcoming players. Whatever, Janine plans to continue playing for the Philippine women’s team as long as she can, maybe even in the first women’s professional basketball league here if the circumstances will allow her. That is Janine Pontejos, a player, who I would say has earned her place in Philippine basketball.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

Star Magic re-opens

Artist Registry to welcome more talents

Creative control IF GIVEN the choice, every recording artist or songwriter witnessing his work being properly rendered as a record release wants to have full creative control over his material. That should make a lot more sense if the person in question has the credibility to give justice to a composition’s interpretation. Thyro Alfaro is a name in the mainstream music business who has the reputation and the output to boast with. This guy has written hits for big-name stars, entered winning entries in nationwide songfests, and is known around the music circle as among the best in his chosen genre of pop infused with R&B. Thus, his first solo EP Bagong Buhay Volume 1 under his own label Diwang Records is a muchawaited feat. No question he was on top of the proceedings. It meant listeners were assured of good quality results. Hear it to believe. You can start with “Sariling Wika,” the funky-sounding new tune about how sad it is that “sometimes relationships die a natural death.” Proof of how good Thyro is, you’d find yourself immersed into the music that the key line, “Ang nagpapaalam na puso ay may sariling wika/ Di na kailangan sabihin pa,” passes by without ever bothering you. Primarily, the mark of a good song rests on how the tune alone can carry the whole thing. It’s a great plus that Thyro writes conversational poetry well. On cue, Thyro promises to be a hands-on label master. He argued, “I’ve been kind of behind the scenes for most of my career. I love the studio more than I love the stage. This will put me in my element, with my work more focused and curated.” He noted, “My vision for Diwang is for it to be a collaborative label. Yes, I have the creative control, but I want to ensure that all the moves done will have the artist’s creative vision in mind. The goal is to make being with Diwang feel like being in a barkada. Work would not feel like work. Songwriting will be fun. Production will be fun.” When I asked how he managed to gather a starstudded line-up for a choir section featured on one of the EP songs, “Ginto,” he quipped, revealing his pickup line, “Tatawagan ko silang mga friends ko and I’d directly ask, ‘mahal mo ba ako?” Bagong Buhay Volume 1 is a seven-song package featuring top-notch musicians, arrangers, and producers collaborating with Thyro, including recording scene luminaries Marvin Querido, Bobby Velasco, and Teddy Katigbak. The smooth ballad “Loving You Good” has Paolo Banaga and Johann Mendoza on board while the groovy “Wankatank” brings in Jungee Marcelo into the plot. For his label’s name, Thyro revealed it’s just a shortening of “Daddy ni Wiwang,” pertaining to him and the nickname he and his wife gave their daughter. It may also mean “to celebrate,” as in “magdiwang.” Besides, there’s reason to rejoice as we’re promised with even better half to complete the twopart Bagong Buhay album. Hit-making songwriter Thyro Alfaro released last month his EP 'Bagong Buhay Volume 1' under the care of his own label Diwang Records.

FTER the success of the recent online launch of Star Magic Workshops, the talent agency reopens its Artist Registry to welcome more talents from its public workshops. Now, students will have more access to auditions and will have a chance to be a talent for ABS-CBN’s TV series. When the pandemic shut down all countries, their borders, and economies last year, Rahyan Carlos, head of the Star Magic Artist Training and Workshops did not waste time in studying and finding ways to transpose all workshops and training for the actors. “Last April 2020 after a month-long of intensive studying, auditing classes abroad, and transposing modules online with my teachers, we resumed the training for acting, dance, voice, and conversational Tagalog via zoom. And it worked!” said Carlos. Even if after the network’s shutdown happened last year, this did not dampen the spirit of Carlos to stop training actors. In fact, he and his teachers held all workshops online via zoom. In June 2020, Star Magic had a soft launch of all workshops online. “We had 250 students all over the world during the pandemic from 22 participating countries such as England, London, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Florence Italy, Virginia, New York, L.A., Guam, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, France, New Jersey, Dubai, Qatar, and Canada. We had live and recorded online recitals and culminating activities of all our workshops and people were so entertained and cheered for their loved ones who participated in the online training,” said Carlos. Carlos is the only certified Chubbuck Technique acting teacher behind the training of some of the most sought-after and award-winning

actors of today such as Christian Bables, Coco Martin, Julia Barretto, Jake Cuenca, Liza Diño-Seguerra, Anna Luna, EJ Falcon, Alora Sasam, Ynna Asistio, Roco Nacino, Sandino Martin, Arjo Atayde, Paulo Avelino, Joshua Garcia, and Charlie Dizon, the recent Best Actress of MMFF 2020 for Fan Girl, among others. Last October 2020, Star Magic Workshops also launched its first online workshop for participants in Canada in partnership with A.M.P. (Artist Movement Production), a group of Filipinos who provide education and training services in various aspects of the performing arts. The workshop was done in Canada EST time and the vernacular used was English since some of the Filipino participants were born and raised in Canada. Canada has the largest Filipino ethnic community and market for the performing arts. Forty participants graduated from the soft launch of the intensive workshop last year and it was a success. This year-end, in partnership with Annabelle Regalado of E-Talent Musikademy, Star Magic will open its workshops in Australia. It will also do the first hybrid workshops in Canada under A.M.P. where 80 percent of training will be online and 20 percent will be face-to-face workshops as we will bring the rehearsal and recital physically to Toronto, Canada. Read full story on manilastandard.net

BGYO album tops iTunes chart in 5 territories

Star Magic talents Kiara Takahashi, Christian Bables, and Lou Yanong.

Is Raffy Tulfo giving up his YouTube channel? By Nickie Wang RADIO and television host and YouTube personality Raffy Tulfo has joined the senatorial race and wanted to push for laws that will benefit the poor and ordinary workers including OFWs. Speaking to the entertainment press over the weekend, the 61-year-old broadcaster said dealing with repeated offenders and the same employment issues made him believe that having a platform bigger than his YouTube channel would allow him to make solid actions. Asked what will happen to his YouTube channel in case he gets one of the Senate seats, the “action man” said that the platform will stay and will evolve into something that carries a bigger purpose. “Hindi ko bibitawan ang RTIA (Raffy Tulfo In Action), pero asahan nyo siguro na bago matapos yung six-year term ko baka hindi na kakailangan ang RTIA or the workers would no longer need the platform to file complaints because by that time, nakapag-file na ako ng legislation to address nakapagtheir problems,” Tulfo, who was nicknamed “Idol Sen” by the entertainment scribes, said. “The channel will remain there so that in case I get elected, hindi na siya sumbungan

Raffy Tulfo's channel has over 21 million subscribers and is one of the top YouTube channels in the country.

ng mga naapi. Sumbungan na siya ng mga katiwalian sa gobyerno so that we could look into what needs to be investigated in aid of legislation,” he added. The independent senatorial candidate promised to push measures that will promote the rights and welfare of Filipino workers- whether local overseas - and protect them from abuse. “Araw-araw sa aking programa, karamihan sa mga lumalapit ay mga OFW at manggagawa na nakaranas ng pang-aabuso sa kanilang employers at hindi nabigyan ng tamang suweldo o benepisyo. This kind of abuse should stop,” said Tulfo, who is known for helping countless Filipinos every day in his public service programs on radio, television and online. First on Tulfo’s legislative agenda is the creation of the Department of OFWs, which will focus on monitoring the welfare and protection of Filipino workers abroad. “That’s first in my agenda. We will push for the creation of this body na magbibigay ng malawakang proteksiyon sa ating OFWs,” Tulfo stressed. Part of Tulfo’s planned Department of OFW bill is the constant monitoring of OFWs in various parts of the world to ensure they are protected against maltreatment and abuse by their employers. In addition, Tulfo said he will craft a measure that will punish local employers who fail to pay the right wages and benefits to their workers.

RISING P-pop act BGYO is taking the world by storm as its first album, The Light, peaked at the no.1 spot on the iTunes Albums Chart of the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. It also charted in Canada, Thailand, Qatar, and Australia last Thursday (Oct. 7). The group’s 18 songs were also in the top 20 on iTunes Songs Chart Philippines. Apart from the tracks in the album, “Kulay,” “Runnin,” “Feel Good Pilipinas,” and “While We Were Young” also made it to the list. The Light’s carrier single “When I’m With You” was also featured on Spotify’s OPM Rising, RADAR Philippines, and New Music Friday. Its music video already garnered 200,000 views on YouTube. Netizens were delighted by the dance cover released by the world-famous dance crew Jabbawockeez on the group’s single “The Baddest” last Friday (Oct. 8) on its social media accounts. After the group released The Light, it is now the turn of BINI to drop its debut album, Born to Win.” The album drop today. Meanwhile, tickets for their sibling concert, One Dream: The BINI &BGYO Concert, slated on Nov. 6 and 7 are still available on ktx.ph. SVIP tickets are available at P1,950 or $39.99, which gives fans access to the two shows, and fan meet on ktx.ph, while VIP tickets are available at P1,490 or $29.99 on ktx.ph, iWantTFC, and TFC IPTV and will provide access to the two shows.

Gelo, Akira, JL, Mikki, and Nate of the rising P-pop act BGYO.

GMA Network celebrates Pinoy resiliency, wins at Asian Academy Creative Awards UPHOLDING Filipino resiliency amidst the challenging times, media giant GMA Network earned several National Winner awards at the 2021 Asian Academy Creative Awards 2021. Flagship newscast 24 Oras emerged as national winner in the “Best News Programme” category for its Special Coverage of Typhoon Ulysses (Vamco) in Luzon. Its report on Typhoon Ulysses Marikina Rescue also bested other Philippine nominees in the “Best Single News Story/Report.” Meanwhile, multi-awarded investigative program Reporter’s Notebook was hailed as “Best Current Affairs Programme or Series” for its “Lilibeth, Sonia, Frank and

Nabel” documentary. Reigning as Best Infotainment Programme for the fourth time is award-winning and Filipinos’ Sunday viewing habit Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho. This year’s winning piece was the segment on “Baby Switching,” which saw the heart-wrenching ordeal of two babies switched at birth. The five-part story also led to the investigation of the hospital where the incident happened. The Asian Academy Creative Awards also recognized GMA-7’s well-loved musical-comedy-variety program All-Out Sundays as it bested other nominees from the Philippines and won as Best General Entertainment

Game or Quiz Programme. Proving yet again its superb cinematography is the hit fantasy romance series The Lost Recipe, which took home two national awards, namely Best Editing and Best Visual or Special FX in TV or Feature Films. The GMA Public Affairs-produced series was headlined by Mikee Quintos and Kelvin Miranda and earned raves for its nonlinear storyline and stunning visuals. As National Winners, they will represent the Philippines in the Grand Awards and Gala Final this December. The Asian Academy Creative Awards recognizes programs and personalities that represent and promote Asian content and creativity.

'The Lost Recipe,' which stars Mikee Quintos and Kelvin Miranda, won two national awards at the 2021 Asian Academy Creative Awards 2021.

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

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

Life HOUSEHOLD

Japanese simplicity at Grand Midori By Tet Defensor

HE timeless simplicity of Japanese weave will highlight the unique living experience at the soon-to-rise Grand Midori Ortigas, the latest development of Federal Land.

The versatile weave concept will be brought to life by Tange and Associates, the Japanese architecture firm responsible for Tokyo Olympics structures like the Yoyogi National Stadium in 1964 and the Tokyo Aquatics Centre in 2020. They also designed the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Jadescape in Singapore, and The Grand Midori Makati Founded by Kenzo Tange, the 1987 Pritzker Laureate, the firm is known for combining traditional Japanese artistry with modern perspectives. His son, Paul Noritaka Tange is the current chairman and principal architect. Recently, the younger Tange led a forum hosted by Federal Land together with local architects to discuss the “Synergy of Culture and Design” in Japanese architecture. The discussion focused on the significance of culture and environment in modern design, and how they challenge existing boundaries. Tange and Associates has over 400 projects in more than 35 countries, successfully merging the Japanese creative elements into towering structures worldwide. Stylish living at the Grand Midori Ortigas will be defined by the pattern of the aforementioned interlacing fibers. “The simplicity of the weave gives a welcoming gesture, this is our

inspiration,” explained Architect Paul Tange, adding that the design team has studied the concept from all levels – the urban scale, the architecture scale, down to the human scale. But while the intricate pattern will be a show-stopper, the renowned architect emphasized the quality of life behind the massive structure. “What is important is the life behind the façade.” “What activity takes place inside? There must be sensitivity in design to create warmth. We are designing spaces for people so people should be happy and comfortable. If you have a nice building, then people would look forward to coming home,” he said. Equally important is the structure’s contribution to the city. The building must fit into the landscape, “it should not be offensive,” he added. With the global concern for environmental impact, sustainability is now a major consideration in building designs. “Nature is the foundation of Japanese architecture. We can never fight with nature. One way to restore it is to bring nature into the building,” he said. On a global scale, Architect Tange believes environmental sustainability is everyone’s responsibility. “We’ve been talking about environmental impact for the last 10 years. The

MODERN ELEGANCE. The Tange and Associates-designed Grand Midori Ortigas showcases Japanese design elements and building features that consider creative and practical space planning. progress is dramatic, and architecture is making an impact in reversing its ill effects. We just have to come to reality with sustainability. We cannot live like this and continue to destroy the world. Global warming is a serious issue. Everybody has to contribute to make this world a better place.” Moving forward, he remains

Artist’s perspective of Grand Midori Ortigas’ studio unit.

The two-tower residential development will house 782 units in four different configurations.

Nurturing the joy of gardening

Aside from beautifying the surroundings and providing fresh produce, gardening has been found to be good for people’s physical and mental health.

GARDENING blossomed during the pandemic. Regardless of the space, many homebound folks discovered the joy of nurturing a life and seeing it grow in the backyard or on the balcony. Outdoor activities like gardening have been found to be beneficial to people’s health. Studies published by the National Institutes of Health reveal the activity of planting is a good source of vitamin D (from exposure to sunlight), is a great form of aerobic exercise, and could lower risk of dementia by 36 percent, among other mind and body benefits. In support of “plantitos” and “plantitas” designing pocket gardens in their condos or nurturing an edible garden in their backyard, Ace Hardware

Ramgo vegetable seeds (clockwise) squash, pole sitao, baguio beans, carrot, eggplant, and radish

offers a wide selection of high quality and affordable garden supplies, tools, and equipment. There are Black and Decker grass

Black and Decker grass trimmer

optimistic on the industry challenges brought about by the current pandemic. “Design will move forward, [but] physical distancing is a must. All architects join me in this thought: We don’t know what to design anymore. Do we need an office? Do we need a hotel? Residence is needed, but the functionality is changing. Home is not

trimmers, Makita leaf blowers, and Acebranded garden tools that will help keep the lawn lush, green, and weed-free. Ace Hardware sprayers which can be used for water, fertilizers, and pesticides are also available. The hardware store also offers Ramgo fruit, herb, flower, and vegetable seeds, as well as Ramgo soil conditioners and Ramgo fertilizers rich in nitrogen for cultivating healthy crops. Eco-friendly and organic Vermicast soil conditioner, ideal to add in the potting mix, is also offered. Seasoned and newbie gardeners can shop in stores or in the comforts of their home via Ace hotline #11223, or on ShopSM, or Ace’s official Shopee and Lazada stores. Ace Rewards cardholders earn points each time they shop.

just a family space, it is also a work space.” “So now we must think out of the box.” The Grand Midori Ortigas will rise from a 5,090-square meter lot. The two-tower condominium will house 782 units, offering a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom configurations. According to Tange, he met Metrobank founder George Ty several years ago, “when I was much younger,” he quipped. “I was so happy when his son Alfred Ty called me to work on Grand Midori Makati, and now we are working on Ortigas.” he enthused. He looks forward to working with the “very talented” Filipino architects. “I am very scared because they are very talented,” he said. “I am a member of the jury of the Asia Young Designer Award. Filipino students present good designs. Their English speaking ability is very good. They have great potential.”

Fur-parents’ paw-fect dog care partner A HOMEGROWN pet care brand offers a selection of products that brings fun and ease into being a dog owner. Doggo’s well-formulated products are inspired by chief executive officer Kurt Cheng’s own journey with his dogs and experiences of family and friends. The brand offers shampoo and conditioners, grooming tools and other accessories, and treats. The brand’s bath essentials are available in Cherry Blossoms, Melon, and Jasmine variants which, it says, are all made with a long-lasting deodorizing effect that will last for at least a week. Doggo Conditioner, meanwhile, is bottled with Jeju Serum for soft and shiny coats. For dogs that need extra care, the brand has medicated shampoos that are anti-tick (for tick and fleas), antimange (for scabies), and anti-parasitic (for other parasites). Doggo makes each pupper look dapper with grooming tools made for dogs of all sizes. Options include Doggo Slicker Brush and Doggo Bristle and Metal Pin Brush for fur detangling, Doggo Bathing Brush for relaxing bath time massages, Doggo Sharp Grooming Scissors and Doggo Sharp Layering Scissors for fur styling and trimming, and Doggo Shedding Brush for longhaired dogs. To reward good dogs, the brand offers treats that are low in fat, high in protein, and formulated with vitamin B to keep coats shiny and healthy. Biscuit-type munchers will love Doggo Cutie Treats and Doggo

Brushie Treats, while bigger dogs can enjoy Doggo Huge Treats. Doggo Dental Sticks and Doggo Chewy Bones can help with oral hygiene. Dogs that prefer real meat jerky are offered beef, chicken, pork, duck,

Hooman and doggo ambassadors Nico Bolzico and Pochola for local dog care brand Doggo.

and fish flavors of Doggo Jerky Treats. Rawhide-type chewers have Doggo Premium Rawhide Knotted Bones to get their fix. Small dogs can nibble on Doggo Cubes and Doggo Mini Dental Sticks available in milk, chicken, and beef. Doggo also has heavy-duty collars, leashes, toys, and beds for dogs of all breeds and sizes. The aforementioned products and more are available on Doggo’s website, Grabmart, Shopee, Lazada, and at Pet Express.