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SENATE RULES: DETAIN EXECS OF PHARMALLY

DOJ: ONGPIN SON INDICTED FOR COCAINE

NEWS / A7

NEWS / A3 VOL. XXXV • NO. 247 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 •WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PH now in alert level setup

System expands beyond NCR effective today, allows easier mobility By Vito Barcelo and Othel V. Campos

SAND PLAY. Children try to build sand castles at the Manila Dolomite Beach on Tuesday after it was opened to the public at the same time as the lowering of Alert Level 3 of Metro Manila. The region’s mayors said minors would be allowed to leave their homes if they are accompanied by an adult. Norman Cruz

HE COVID-19 Alert Level System (ALS) piloted in Metro Manila will be applied to the rest of the country starting Oct. 20, the Palace said Tuesday.

The alert level scheme will replace the current four-tier classification system that comprises the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), modified ECQ (MECQ), the general community quarantine (GCQ) and the modified GCQ (MGCQ). The alert level system is more relaxed with age mobility restrictions and provides some perks to fully vaccinated people. Beginning Oct. 20, 2021, Negros Oriental and Davao Oriental in Mindanao will be placed under Alert Level 4 while the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, and the island of Siquijor as well as Davao City and Davao del Norte will be at Alert Level 3. Those on Alert Level 2 are Batangas, Quezon Province, Lucena City, Bohol, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue Next page

Seniors can now go outdoors, to malls; Minors too but with adults By Joel E. Zurbano and Willie Casas

The government downgraded the alert level system in the National Capital Region from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3 FULLY vaccinated senior citizens are over the weekend, easing many restricnow allowed to go outdoors and visit tions to boost the country’s economy. “We are not withdrawing the incenmalls in Metro Manila, the COVID-19 tive that we gave to vaccinated seniors, task force said Tuesday.

who can now go to the malls or go outdoors, it’s still the same,” said presidential spokesman Harry Roque, who is also IATF spokesman. He said those prohibited from leaving their homes are minors since the COVID-19 vaccination of minors aged 12 to

17 just started on Oct. 15. But Metro Manila mayors said Sunday minors would be allowed to leave their homes if they are accompanied by an adult. Metropolitan Manila Development Next page

DOJ approves release of EJK probe findings

4,496

63,637

40,972

211

2,627,126

9,609

(As of 4 PM, October 19)

By Rey E. Requejo and Vito Barcelo THE Department of Justice gave the green light Tuesday for the release to the public of an “information table” on the results of the investigation by its review panel involving the cases of the 52 anti-illegal drug operations where deaths occurred. It was part “of the Department’s recognition of the importance of transparency in its review processbalanced with the consideration of respecting due process as the NBI ‘s investigation and case buildup begins,” the DOJ said in a statement. “The Department hereby authorizes the release of an information table concerning certain details of the 52 cases (i.e., docket numbers, names of deceased suspect/suspects, places, and dates of the incidents, and the DOJ Review Panel’s summary of observations),” it added. Meanwhile, the government will exert “greater efforts” to uphold and

2,731,735

TRUTH MOTORCADE. Doctors and other health professionals hold a motorcade starting at T.M. Kalaw Street in Manila on Tuesday. They seek the truth and accountability on the P42.7 billion in government funds allegedly used in anomalous transactions with the private firm Pharmally. Danny Pata

staff resigned to pursue jobs abroad. In the past two to three weeks, about five percent of nurses filed resignations THE Private Hospitals Association of because they wanted to work abroad, said the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI) said on PHAPI president Dr. Jose Rene de Grano. “If we cannot stop this exodus, perTuesday it was concerned with a possible shortage of manpower as scores of haps in another six months, we might

Only 30 schools to do in-person classes By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Department of Education said Tuesday only 30 public schools would go ahead with limited in-person classes starting November 15, but Assistant Secretary Malcolm Garma told a virtual briefing the number would increase until it reached the maximum 100 allowed schools. Garma also said at least 29 schools pulled out from the pilot face-to-face classes on November 15, as their respective local government units and concerned parents refused to participate. The 30 are those that passed the DepEd’s

school safety assessment tool – from the 59 public schools initially identified by the Department of Health for the 2-month pilot implementation. DepEd regional offices nominated 638 schools for the pilot run of face-to-face classes. The Department of Health’s Epidemiology Bureau assessed these schools and approved only 59 schools for the pilot run because of their minimal or low risk from COVID-19. Garma said 317 of the 444 school personnel in the participating schools had been vaccinated against COVID-19. Next page

By Alena Mae S. Flores

run out of nurses and our health facilities will be crippled,” said De Grano during a televised public briefing. “That is what we fear because if we are too lenient with letting our healthcare workers leave and we fail to replace them

THE Department of Energy asked Congress on Tuesday to amend the Oil Deregulation Law of 1998 to provide a framework for the government to intervene and address sudden, prolonged oil price spikes. This developed after the DOE monitored another round of oil price increase of about P1 per liter based on the twoday movement of global oil prices. DOE has been seeking ways to mitigate the impact of the eight consecutive weeks of oil price hikes to consumers. “The DOE has also met with the oil industry stakeholders to ensure supply while the problem persists and asked if discounts could be extended to the

Hospitals fear staff shortage as nurses go abroad

By Willie Casas and Maricel V. Cruz

Congress urged to amend law on oil deregulation

SCHOOL READY. Manila Mayor

Isko Moreno Domagoso inspects the preparations for limited face-to-face classes at the Aurora Quezon Elementary School, while kids carrying their school bags and wearing uniforms and face masks are ready to go at Brgy. Bulihan, Silang, Cavite. Only seven students were allowed to enter the classroom for the classes to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Norman Cruz and JR Josue

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021

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‘No vax, no pay’ firms warned By Vito Barcelo and Maricel V. Cruz

HE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Tuesday said it has not yet received any complaint regarding the “no vaccine, no salary” policy, but reiterated it would sue employers who withhold the salaries of employees who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III encouraged employees who experienced such a practice to formally report their concern to DOLE by visiting the department’s office or calling its hotline. Meanwhile, the Concerned Doctors and Citizens of the Philippines (CDC Ph) called on the Labor department to enforce its current guidelines prohibiting employers from mandating vaccinations as a prerequisite for employment. The request came as several business

groups released a statement asking for the government to allow companies to impose stricter requirements on unvaccinated employees and patrons, and to decline unvaccinated job applicants. “CDC Ph supports the current policy of DOLE prohibiting companies from imposing no vaccine, no work policies,” Dr. Homer Lim, president of CDC Ph said. “It’s clear that DOLE saw early on that vaccine mandates are a form of dis-

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PH... From A1

quickly, we might run out of healthcare workers. Our acceptance of patients will be limited,” he said. Some health workers earlier complained of low pay and poor working conditions. On Sunday, Dr. Maricar Limpin, president of the Philippine College of Physicians, acknowledged that some health workers wanted to avail of job opportunities abroad because of the attractive pay. “If we can increase the basic pay of our nurses, they might have second thoughts about leaving the country, because they will feel that with a salary higher than the current rate although not really at par with what’s offered abroad, it’s better to stay here and be with their families,” she said during an interview on Teleradyo. “But if the difference between the salary here and abroad remains wide, then we’ll really have a hard time keeping our nurses here. We have to accept that they will really get much higher pay abroad, and it’s also really different if they get the chance of working in foreign hospitals, especially in the UK and the US,” she said. Limpin said that more than the additional benefits, a higher basic pay would really matter. She appealed to hospital administrators to take care of their current staff, noting that their experience in attending to COVID-19 patients makes them extra valuable compared to newly hired staff. President Rodrigo Duterte in September said the government would look for funds to hire more medical frontliners, as the Philippines battled one of Asia’s worst coronavirus outbreaks straining the health care system. The government has distributed most of the delayed special risk allowance that health workers protested in recent months, said De Grano. “There are a few who have not received their allowance, but local governments and the Department of Health are fixing this,” he said. Meanwhile, Anakalusugan partylist Rep. Mike Defensor appealed to Congress for the enactment of measure providing a much better pay for nurses and health frontliners. Defensor made the call as private hospitals fear manpower drain as staffs eye jobs abroad. “I have always been pushing for increased salaries of our nurses and our health frontliners. No matter what we do in providing scholarships for our students in the healthcare sector, we cannot blame or stop them from leaving if they are offered higher salaries abroad,” Defensor said.

City, Davao de Oro, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental. The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) said the metrics for placing provinces and cities under Alert Level 1 were amended to include the full vaccination of at least 70 percent of their A2, A3, and eligible population. The guidelines used in the Metro Manila pilot will apply to other areas that will now be under the alert level system, the IATF said. Previously, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion wanted Metro Manila placed under a lower alert level – Level 2 at the minimum – by next month to help businesses recover at a time when consumer spending is expected to reach its highest. At an online meeting organized by Go Negosyo to discuss next steps for the National Capital Region (NCR), Concepcion said he is hopeful Metro Manila would be at least Alert Level 2 by November. “November to me is the most critical because November and December

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first seek the approval of the InterAgency Task Force (IATF). Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said they were now ready for the pilot implementation of limited face-to-face classes. Domagoso announced this following an ocular inspection of the Aurora Quezon Elementary School in Malate, among the sites chosen for the pilot classes. He was accompanied by City Engineer Armand Andres and Division of City Schools Supt. Dr. Magdalena Lim. “To the mothers and fathers of ‘Batang Maynila,’ your Division of City Schools and your local government are preparing for this,” said Domagoso. He said acrylic barriers were being put up to ensure the protection of students and to avoid parents worrying when once their children go back to school. The presidential aspirant running under the Aksyon Demokratiko also announced that the city government purchased a total of 57,622 additional tablets for the use of students and teachers amid the ongoing online classes.

Under the DepEd and DOH guidelines, only fully vaccinated school personnel could join the pilot implementation. Education Secretary Leonor Briones said the DepEd was not discounting the possibility of including Metro Manila schools in the pilot implementation. The pilot run is the first step in a 3-phased plan to reopen Philippine schools, which have been closed since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Garma added the DepEd might allow either more schools or grade levels to hold in-person classes if the pilot implementation was successful. Currently, only students from Kindergarten to Grade 3, and senior high schools are joining the dry run. In the same press briefing, DepEd Director for Planning Services Roger Masapol said international schools have also been recommended to allow holding limited in-person classes but must

Seniors... From A1 Authority (MMDA) chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. said the Metro Manila Council, composed of the 17 mayors in the National Capital Region, approved a resolution allowing persons aged below 18-years old to leave their homes in the company of a parent or a guardian. The policy took effect yesterday, Oct. 19. “The intrazonal and interzonal travel of persons below 18 years old shall be allowed provided that these persons shall be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian at all times,” the resolution stated. This developed as the Philippines logged on Tuesday 4,496 new cases of COVID-19 -- the first time in nearly three months it dropped below 5,000, as the Department of Health (DOH) cited lower laboratory output. Also, the independent experts OCTA Research Group announced that the COVID-19 reproduction number in the National Capital Region (NCR) decreased to 0.55, the lowest since May. A government adviser and infectious disease expert also said there is no need to test individuals for COVID-19 if they have no exposure or do not have symptoms since it will yield low positive results. Interzonal movement is the movement

13th month pay computation rules out soon

crimination in the workplace.” “There are Filipinos who are willing to be voluntarily vaccinated, and there are other Filipinos who are concerned that current COVID-19 vaccines were approved only under an emergency use authorization without long-term clinical trials on side effects and adverse reactions,” Lim said. Rizal 2nd District Rep. Fidel Nograles echoed calls to the DOLE to investigate employers who impose a “no vaccine, no salary” scheme. The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines on Sunday said some companies reportedly refused to pay unvaccinated employees’ salaries until they can show vaccination cards proving they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Nograles said that mostly daily wage

workers living outside Metro Manila would bear the brunt of such a policy amid the incomplete distribution of vaccines outside of the National Capital Region (NCR). Until the supply of vaccines is distributed more equitably, workers residing in areas outside NCR have basically no control over when to get vaccinated unless their employers provide the vaccines themselves, Nograles said. Earlier, Nograles urged the national government to also expedite the vaccination of “commuter towns” around Metro Manila, which include Montalban, San Mateo, Antipolo, Cainta and Taytay in Rizal; Obando, Meycauayan, Marilao and San Jose del Monte in Bulacan; Bacoor, Dasmariñas in Cavite; and San Pedro in Laguna.

are when spending is at its highest. So ideally, we should be at the minimum Level 2,” he said. Citing OCTA Research fellow Guido David and molecular biologist Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, Concepcion said even Level 1 is possible in November or December, as COVID-19 cases have begun to decline. “So, if we can get (the government) to agree that we are able to shift down to Level 2 or modified Level 3 this coming week, I think that will be good. Then, we can push more to be able to really open up,” he said. Earlier, Concepcion said it is time for the government to consider downgrading Metro Manila to Alert Level 2 or Alert Level 3 with 50 percent capacity for businesses and reopen cinemas and wellness industry businesses. Metro Manila is currently under Alert Level 3. At the recent Laging Handa briefing, Concepcion said businesses hardly earn at 30 percent capacity. “Now at 50 percent, you can earn some money. It won’t be that big but at least they would have enough to pay their obligations and hopefully carry them forward until 2022,” he said. Businesses such as restaurants, gyms

and cinemas have expressed support for Concepcion’s push to bring Metro Manila to lower alert levels. Resto PH president Eric Teng said during the Go Negosyo meeting restaurants fully support the position to go down to Alert Level 2 or 3. “We already have close to 80 percent vaccinated in Metro Manila…We will have more next month. This is something we must be confident about. We must trust the vaccine. We must let the vaccinated out. Let us give them more freedom to revive our economy,” he said. Anytime Fitness Philippines cofounder Miguel Gutierrez said gyms also support having Metro Manila under Alert Level 2 or 3. Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines president Charmaine Bauzon said cinemas want to be allowed to operate at least at 30 percent capacity to be able to restart only for fully vaccinated. She said it would be important to convince not just the IATF but also local government units, citing that while cinemas were allowed by the pandemic task force to reopen in February, Metro Manila mayors decided to keep these closed. “This time around, we hope everybody will fully support,” she said.

of people, goods and services across areas placed under different community quarantine classifications, while intrazonal movement is the movement of people, goods, and services between localities under the same community quarantine classification, without transiting through an area. Abalos said local enforcers will call the attention of children if they go outside without an accompanying adult. The MMC’s decision came a few days after Metro Manila was placed under Alert Level 3 status. The government previously prohibited children from leaving their homes as some experts said they might become “super-spreaders” of COVID-19. Despite the continuing decline in COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila, Abalos urged the public to continue to follow health protocols – wear face masks and face shields, avoid crowded areas and observe physical distancing. Late last week, the Department of Health also started vaccinating minors to protect them against the deadly coronavirus disease, giving priority to those with comorbidities. The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) recently expressed its concern to the government’s decision to ban minors from going outside their home, saying the move can be considered an infringement of children’s rights.

The new cases tallied yesterday brought the total number of COVID-19 cases to 2,731,735. The number of fresh infections is the lowest since July 28, when the country recorded 4,478. All laboratories were operational, while seven laboratories were not able to submit their data on time, the DOH reported. The DOH also reported 211 new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 40,972. The department also reported 9,609 new recoveries, bringing the total recoveries to 2,627,126. The number of new recoveries was the lowest number since Oct. 16 when DOH announced 1,634 recoveries. The DOH also reported 63,637 active cases, of which 79 percent were mild, 5.2 percent were asymptomatic, 2 percent were critical, 4.8 percent were severe, and 8.97 were moderate. The positivity rate was at 12.4 percent, based on samples of 35,766 individuals tested on Oct. 17. A total of 47 duplicates were removed from the total case count. Of these, 31 were recoveries. Moreover, 145 cases that were previously tagged as recoveries were reclassified as deaths after final validation. The DOH earlier said all areas in the country have “peaked and are at a downward trend” following a recent surge in cases.

promote the improvement of the rule of law in the country, according to Presidential spokesman Harry Roque. Roque repeated the stance of Guevarra on the matter, after the Philippines was placed 102 out of 139 nations on the ranking of rule law based on the 2021 World Justice Project. “Well, we stand by what Secretary of Justice Menardo Guevarra said that we are going to exert greater efforts to uphold and promote the rule of law in the country,” Roque said during a Palace briefing. The Palace official stood firm on the justice secretary’s stance that the crime rate in the country has decreased in recent years, except for a few sensational cases. “Aside from this, our government is addressing the human rights violations and alleged abuses in the conduct of the anti-illegal drug campaign,” Roque said. The DOJ review panel on anti-illegal drug war operations conducted by the Philippine National Police has recommended to the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a case buildup against 154 policemen involved in the said 52 anti-illegal drug operations for possible criminal liabilities. The 52 cases scrutinized by the panel involve findings of administrative liability by the PNP Internal Affairs Service against hundreds of police personnel for alleged misconduct in the anti-illegal drug operations.

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of the cost of retail products to determine their true and passed-on cost. The DOE maintains that the unbundling of oil prices would result to greater market transparency by establishing the trends in the prices of oil and finished petroleum products. This, in turn, would help ensure a level playing field within the oil industry, while upholding the best interests of consumers The agency wrote letter Senate Committee on Energy Chairman Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and Rep. Juan Miguel Arroyo stating that the recent oil price spikes was due to a continuing rise in world market prices resulting from the sudden global increase in demand and an unanticipated lack of supply. DOE said oil demand is now higher than supply. Demand is estimated at 103.22 million barrels a day as of October 16 versus supply of 100.32 million barrels per day due to the surge of economic activities amid to the containment of COVID-19 as a result of measures adopted and implemented worldwide (i.e. mass vaccination, control of

the Delta and other variants, Europe’s “no-lockdown” policy, and China’s economic boost). “This led to a sudden demand in energy utilization, including the demand on oil products in the transportation sector like gasoline and diesel,” DOE said. It said demand also went up due to the stocking of petroleum products’ inventories as winter approaches to cover demand from October this year to March of next year, with stocking expected until February. DOE said the slowed production due to the current global direction of sourcing energy from low-carbon emitting sources also contributed to the tight supply. “This has limited the optimum level of production, causing the halt and event withdrawal of investments in the development and expansion of the fossil fuel industry,” the agency said. DOE added that international sanctions to oil-producing countries like Iran and Venezuela that stopped the drilling of oil companies and the buying of oil products from these countries also impacted on demand.

public, especially to the public transport sector. Supply was assured and some companies (e.g. Jetti, Seaoil, Shell, Phoenix, Unioil) agreed to extend discounts to the public transport industry on top of existing discounts currently given like vaccination and loyalty incentives,” it said. DOE said it wants to include the unbundling of the cost of petroleum retail products to determine their true and passed-on costs. In May 2019, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi issued a department circular (DC2019-050008) requiring the unbundling of oil prices for its data gathering and policy-making function. However, due to the opposition of the oil industry players, the circular has been subjected to an injunction by the Regional Trial Court despite the DOE’s argument that the ‘unbundling policy’ is not violative of the Oil Deregulation Law. DOE said it required the unbundling

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is set to come up with an advisory on the proper computation of 13th month pay for private-sector workers amid the coronavirus pandemic. “We will issue that labor advisory to clarify exactly how much amount a worker will receive, especially now during the pandemic,” Labor Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez said in a Laging Handa briefing on Tuesday. Benavidez added that since many workers have not reported to work and numerous establishments have either ceased or downgraded operations, the computation of the 13th month pay will be different. “The understanding of most of our employers is that the 13th month pay is the total monthly salary of the worker, but the computation of the 13th month pay is not like that because many workers did not report to work, and we implemented suspensions of work. I think it is only proportionate that we have a correct computation,” he added. Given this situation, Benavidez said it is likely that employers would spend less for the 13th month pay of their workers. Benavidez reminded that the payment of the benefit is a statutory obligation. The move dovetails with the pro-business declarations of the administration. In February, President Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation 1107, which revised the list of holidays for 2021. Under the proclamation, the classifications of All Soul’s Day (Nov. 2), Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), and Last Day of the Year (Dec. 31) were changed from special non-working holidays to special working holidays. DOLE said this means no special pay rules will take effect for the three holidays.

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

PH wins beach, dive destination awards of WTA

RITM: No proof Red Cross lab contaminated

By Othel V. Campos

By Willie Casas

THE Department of Tourism (PDOT) announced Tuesday that the Philippines again won as Asia’s leading beach destination and Asia’s leading dive destination at the 28th World Travel Awards (WTA). “We are elated that the country’s pristine beaches and mesmerizing dive spots have once again been cited as the best in Asia by the prestigious 2021 World Travel Awards,” said Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat. “We share this recognition with our tourism stakeholders, local government units, partner agencies, and all Filipinos who have been helping us promote our country’s attractions, products, and culture,” she added. This is the Philippines’ fifth time to win Asia’s Leading Beach Destination and the third time in a row since 2019 to win the Asia’s Leading Dive Destination award. The Philippines is still in the running for the following World categories of the 28th World Travel Awards: • World’s Leading Beach Destination 2021: Philippines • World’s Leading Dive Destination 2021: Philippines • World’s Leading Island Destination 2021: Siargao, Philippines • World’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2021: Intramuros, Philippines • World’s Leading Tourist Board 2021: Philippines, Department of Tourism The DOT encourages travel enthusiasts and Philippine citizens to vote for the Philippines until midnight of October 25, 2021, at the website of World Travel Awards. The WTA aims to acknowledge, reward, and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry. “This will boost our efforts to keep the Philippines as a top-of-mind destination for foreign tourists as we await the resumption of international leisure travel to the country, consistent with our “More Fun Awaits” global campaign,” said Puyat.

THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said on Monday that the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) found no evidence of contamination in the 48 COVID-19 tests processed at the PRC’s Subic laboratory. In a statement, the PRC explained the RITM completed its investigation, which revealed that the 48 cases tested were found to be valid and reliable. The RITM last month was looking into an incident in Subic where some hospital personnel tested positive for the virus, but a retest three days later had negative results. Some 49 health personnel initially tested positive for COVID-19 on September 3, based on the test conducted by a laboratory of the PRC, according to Deputy Speaker and SAGIP party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta. However, after having a second test in a different laboratory, 44 of them tested negative. Soon after, the PRC issued a statement, saying the test methodology and procedures were standardized in all its laboratories which were given a 100 percent rating when subjected to RITM proficiency tests. The PRC also noted that it immediately conducted test re-runs at its own cost due to the unusually high positive results, but the output remained the same. The Red Cross said the timing of tests done relative to exposure was a factor that could produce different results, thus, retests done in a different laboratory from samples taken three days after the first test could “very well produce negative results since the clients could already be negative by the time the second samples were taken.” “The PRC has found itself a victim of unsubstantiated allegations in recent months. This is due to damning evidence against involved parties in the awarding of more than P8.7 billion in contracts for overpriced medical supplies to an undercapitalized company under the Bayanihan to Heal Act,” it said.

PRECIOUS SHELLS. National Museum of the Philippines personnel place information on the enclosure of an ammonite (also

inset), believed to be 100 million years old and found in Madagascar. The rare shell is now on display at the National Museum of Fine Arts of the National Museum of the Philippines in Manila, which opened its doors to the public on Tuesday. Danny Pata

Ongpin son indicted on ‘coke’ possession By Rey E. Requejo

HE Department of Justice has indicted Julian Roberto Ongpin, son of billionaire and former trade minister Roberto Ongpin, for possession of illegal drugs, particularly cocaine. A panel of prosecutors created by the DOJ recommended the filing of a criminal complaint against Ongpin for violation of Section 11 of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022 before the Regional Trial Court in San Fernando, La Union. The DOJ said the criminal offense is

non-bailable and that a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) had earlier been issued by the executive judge of the RTC last October 8. “The panel of prosecutors assigned to conduct the preliminary investigation of the complaint entitled ‘Philippine National Police (PNP) San Juan La Union vs. Julian Roberto

S. Ongpin issued resolution dated 18 October 2021,” the DOJ said in a statement. It resolved “to indict respondent Julian Roberto Ongpin y Stone for possession of dangerous drugs (i.e. cocaine) under Section 11 of Republic Act no. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” it added. The panel of prosecutors conducted two preliminary investigation hearings, which were both attended by Ongpin, before issuing its ruling. The case arose from the recovery of 12.6 grams of cocaine in the room that Ongpin shared with his girlfriend, 30-year-old Jonson, at Flotsam and Jetsam Resort in La Union.

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Labor groups throw support to Robredo’s presidential bid A COALITION of labor leaders on Tuesday expressed unconditional support for Vice President Leni Robredo’s bid for the presidency even if she won’t choose the bloc’s own senatorial bet as part of her slate. The Alliance of Labor Leaders for Leni (ALL4LENI), in an online forum, also campaigned for the inclusion of labor leader Sonny Matula in Robredo’s Senate slate. Matula, a lawyer, is the president of the Federation of Free Workers and chairperson of the Nagkaisa Labor Coalition. He is seeking the 12th spot in Robredo’s ticket against four other candidates, including Makabayan bloc chair Neri Colmenares. Asked about the prospect of Matula’s exclusion from the list of 12, ALL4LENI’S Nice Coronacion said they will continue supporting the Vice President because people do not want another dictatorship and authoritarianism in government. Robredo said Friday she wants the 12th spot to represent the marginalized sector. Her current slate includes five returning and incumbent senators and a former vice president who are also guest candidates in the senatorial slates of senators Manny Pacquiao and Panfilo Lacson, leaving one more slot left. Matula himself said that should he be excluded from Robredo’s ticket, he will continue supporting her while pushing for his own candidacy. Matula said some members of the labor groups might be disappointed if Matula is not selected, but this will not mean the labor groups will back out from supporting Robredo. A former newsboy, Matula’s father was a farmer while her mother worked as a tailor. A scholarship allowed him to finish college and he eventually earned his law degree from the Manuel L. Quezon University.

Domagoso: ‘I am not a communist’ AKSYONG Demokratiko presidential bet Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Tuesday again said that he is not a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its military arm, the New People’s Army. “I am no communist. I believe in democracy, in equal opportunity. I believe you, when you work hard, you can spend, you can reap the fruits of your labor. You have the right to enjoy. Equal opportunities in commerce. In fact, I don’t want too much government control over commerce. That doesn’t apply to communism,” Moreno said in a media forum. CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison confirmed that Domagoso is not a communist nor a supporter of the CPP because “he is not qualified to be one.” It can be recalled that Domagoso served as an observer during the peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front, a coalition of underground revolutionary organizations that are believed to be under the baton of communist party leaders based in the Netherlands. It was during the series of peace negotiations he attended as an observer that Domagoso came to know Sison and other top officials of the CPP and NDF. Domagoso said he suspects political operators working for other candidates are behind attempts to red-tag him to the point of saying that he is “a communist and NPA.” Domagoso maintained that there is only one country and one flag and he is duty-bound to defend its territorial integrity. He also said he is willing to resume the stalled peace talks should he become president in 2022. Rey E. Requejo

FIRST DOSE.

Residents of Sitio San Roque in Barangay Bagong Pag-asa in Quezon City, receive the first dose of Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19. More than 900 residents were vaccinated with the vaccine. Manny Palmero

Bato vows to defend Duterte vs. ICC probe By Macon Ramos-Araneta

‘DEFEND THE YOUTH.’ Youth groups staged a rally in front of the Comelec office in Intramuros on Tuesda to denounce the disqualification case filed by NTF-ELCAC against the Kabataan Party-list. Norman Cruz

Bongbong edges Leni in online poll for prexy The survey, conducted by the Manila Bulletin, showed that Marcos and Vice President Leni Robredo are neck and the neck in the online polls. The Manila Bulletin survey, conducted over Facebook also showed Marcos edging Metro Manila Mayor Isko Moreno. According to the data as of Tuesday morning, Marcos captured 655,000 “heart” emojis, followed by Robredo with 216,000 “care” emojis and Moreno in third place with 33,000 “likes.”

The Facebook survey garnered 800,000 reactions from netizens where respondents had to click on the assigned emoji for their favorite candidate. The Manila Bulletin also conducted a simultaneous survey on Twitter and on its ofﬁcial website where Robredo slightly outscored Marcos. But respondents on such platforms were reportedly much smaller compared to those who participated in the Facebook survey. Only 10,500 respondents were reg-

istered on the Manila Bulletin’s official website and 43,300 on its official Twitter account, compared to 839,000 respondents who participated in the Facebook survey. The Manila Bulletin further said that it would not close the online survey, saying the paper is doing it to gauge the sentiments of readers. The paper said it will conduct the said survey every month. Online media outfit Rappler also conducted a similar survey on Facebook but deleted the post after receiving complaints from netizens who questioned the surveys. Marcos meanwhile appealed to supporters on Monday to end the hate campaign against Rappler. He said Rappler should be given another chance to find sincerity in their hearts.

By Maricel V. Cruz

people. Tingog believes that performing our mandate efficiently as public servants will help make a difference to the lives of many people,” Acidre said, adding the MOA also seeks to formally establish a Tingog Help Desk for more efficient delivery of its social services programs. Acidre said the party-list group administered free Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) to 500 beneficiaries through the help of Padrid and Municipal Social Worker and Development (MSWD) Officer Mosa D. Soriano as part of Tingog’s wellness program

to ﬁght pneumococcal infection, including the dreaded pneumonia in this time of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID) pandemic. The vaccine works by causing a body to produce its own protection or antibodies against the infection by pneumococcal bacteria. According to medical institutions, pneumococcal infection can cause some serious problems, such as pneumonia, which affects the lungs; meningitis, which affects the brain; and bacteremia, which is a severe infection in the blood that will lead to death, especially adults and persons with certain health conditions.

By Rey E. Requejo

RESIDENTIAL aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. will likely secure a win in the upcoming 2022 elections based on the results of an online survey.

SENATOR Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Tuesday said he will President Rodrigo Duterte against an investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on alleged human rights violations in Duterte’s “war” on illegal drugs. Dela Rosa, in an interview with ABS CBN News Channel, said he will not only protect the President, but also himself because he is a co-accused in the ICC probe. Dela Rosa, who has repeatedly said he is the standard-bearer of the Cusi wing of the ruling PDP-Laban until Nov. 15, stressed he will not allow the ICC to investigate because doing so would be a “slap” to the country’s “perfectly functioning” judicial system. Earlier, he told the Senate media in a brieﬁng that he will protect the President from cases hurled against him by the ICC. Dela Rosa is a long-time ally of Duterte and according to Dela Rosa, the President “made” him. Dela Rosa, the former PNP police chief, also said it is unfair for critics to say he would be a “puppet government” and that Duterte will “respect him.” “Why would the ICC interfere here? Our judicial system is perfectly functioning,” he said. Dela Rosa also denied a report by Amnesty International which said that crimes against humanity have been committed by the government in its drug war. “I ask you, are there crimes against humanity being done here in the country?” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque meanwhile said he is hoping for a “miracle” that Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte would run as president in the May 2022 national elections. Azer Parrocha

Manny asking for advance payments Laguna mayor endorses ‘selfless’Tingog party-list ‘fabricated’

BAY, Laguna Mayor Jose O. Padrid has endorsed the Tingog party-list group led by Representative Yedda Marie K. Romualdez in next year’s poll, owing to his “selfless and compassionate service to his constituents.” Padrid asked constituents to give their support to Tingog on Sunday during a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing between him and the Tingog partylist represented by its 2nd nominee and Romualdez’s chief of staff, Jude Avorque Acidre, for the implementation of various social services programs in the municipality. Romualdez, chairperson of the House Committee on the Welfare of Children, is Tingog’s first nominee and actresssinger Karla Estrada is the party-list group’s third nominee. Acidre, the national president of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippine, explained the MOA intends to establish a partnership between Bay local government and Tingog party-list aimed toward a more efficient and effective delivery of the latter’s services and programs for the people. He said the Tingog party-list recognized Yedda’s leadership in widening the access and implementation of their group’s assistance programs and social services such as the Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP) and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS). “Under the compassionate leadership of Congresswoman Yedda, Tingog cares and it is committed to implementing crucial programs for the betterment of our

WARM WELCOME. Tingog Party-list welcomes its 3rd nominee and actresssinger Karla Estrada, who hails from Tacloban City, during her arrival at the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City Tuesday afternoon.

CLAIMS that Sen. Manny Pacquiao requested advance payment from the promoter of the canceled fight between Pacquiao and mixed martial arts star Conon McGregor are not true. Lawyer Nikki de Vega, Pacquiao legal counsel, said the allegations by Jayke Joson, a former aide of the senator, were “merely fabricated.” In a news conference on Tuesday, De Vega said Joson was not even privy to the contract between Pacquiao and Paradigm Sports, the promotion arm of combat sports manager Audie Attar who also manages McGregor. “He was never a party to that contract. He was not a signatory. He was not a party there. He’s not even a party to the contract. We’re just wondering where his statements came from, that he released P165 million,” said de Vega, adding that Pacquiao’s camp is categorically denying Joson’s assertions. Claims of “advance payments” supposedly made by Pacquiao are “baseless and false.” That’s why we’re here to clarify that,” De Vega said. Last June, Attar filed a lawsuit against Pacquiao for breach of contract, claiming that the senator committed the breach when he tried to fight American boxer Errol Spence Jr. Attar said that he was supposed to be negotiating for a fight between Pacquiao and four-division champion Mikey Garcia. Pacquiao eventually went on to fight Cuban Yordenis Ugas, who was a lastminute replacement to Spence who sat out due to injury. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Ping: DPWH plan on LGU funds ‘good only on paper’ SEN. Panﬁlo M. Lacson on Monday said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) decision to devolve certain functions and funds to local government units for 2022 may be “good only on paper.” Lacson noted that in the DPWH’s proposed P686.1-billion budget for 2022, it is still the central ofﬁce that handles funds for items and projects which should be devolved and implemented by LGUs. “While there was an 89-percent decrease from funds for local programs, there was an increase of 232 percent for convergence and special support programs,” he said at the hearing for the DPWH’s 2022 budget. “They are compliant on paper but in

reality, they are not complying. That’s my point,” he added. Lacson also noted the DPWH appears at ﬁrst glance to be compliant with the Supreme Court’s Mandanas Ruling by decreasing its budget for local programs by 88.9 percent, with the assumption that the programs and funds will be handled by LGUs. He also pointed out that the 2021 budget item entitled “Various Infrastructure Including Local Projects” is no longer present under the DPWH 2022 budget to comply with the devolution efforts. Yet, projects of the same nature are lodged under their program, “Convergence and Special Support Program,” which had a 232-percent increase. “Different nomenclature but exactly the

same program... Nothing is being devolved here,” he said, adding his scrutiny showed the actual budget decrease for the DPWH was only 5.8 percent. Lacson also questioned the DPWH ofﬁcials present on the role of LGUs in the planning phase of all these programs under the DPWH’s operations budget. “What participation did they have in the preparation of the2022 budget under these Programs, Activities, and Projects?” he said. Lacson said the DPWH projects are still centrally managed and that it is now time to activate local development councils because there is still very little participation from LGUs when it comes to DPWH projects. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021

Tragedy and farce

ARE we going to see a repeat of the 2016 election scenario where the PDPLaban initially fielded an obscure former barangay captain as its presidential candidate but later substituted Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as its official standard bearer? If we do, then it may well be true, as Karl Marx once said, that history repeats itself, first as tragedy, then as farce. With the next presidential elections just around the corner, we witness once again the same tactic used in 2016 to confuse the opposition—as well as the electorate—about a political party’s actual plans, which is what candidate substitution really does.

What is lawful may not necessarily be moral. We’re referring to Section 77 of the Omnibus Election Code, which allows the substitution of a candidate who has withdrawn after the last day for filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs). At issue is the nomination of former top cop and now Senator Ronald de la Rosa as presidential bet of the Cusi wing of PDP-Laban. He filed his COC two hours before the deadline last October 8. This was totally unexpected as he came out of the blue and had not been considered at all as presidential timber. In fact, he is seen merely as “placeholder” for quite possibly presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio who is actually running for reelection as mayor but could well be persuaded to vie for the presidency. As pointed out by former senator Rene Saguisag, the candidate substitution provision in the Omnibus Election Code “does not contribute to the healthy and robust development of political parties” because “the substitute who is not familiar with the political party’s platform of good government, objectives, and purposes can be forthwith sworn in as a member of the political party before the substitution.” But what is lawful may not necessarily be moral, as it throws the election process into disrepute and violates the principle of fair play in what is supposed to be a sacrosanct political exercise where ordinary Filipinos get to choose whom they want to sit as president. Because existing election rules allow candidate substitution, it is only on November 15 when we will finally get to know who would be fielded by the Cusi faction of the PDP-Laban as their presidential candidate. De la Rosa may boast no end about his qualifications for the presidency— he claims to hold a Ph.D. in Policy Development from an obscure university

EDITORIAL

in the Visayas—but maybe it would be better for him to talk less at this point. By saying that he would gladly give way to Sara Duterte if she chooses to run for president, he actually confirmed that he is merely warming the seat for somebody else, who just might turn out to be the presidential daughter. If that’s the case, we really like what he himself has said in another context: Sh*t happens. Rule of law We forget now whoever it was who said that “there is plenty of law at the end of a nightstick.” That view essentially underpins authoritarian systems, including what we have now in this country. What we do know is that in a democratic system, there should be a government of laws and not of men. The rule of law is what underpins democratic governance. As I understand it, it means that no one is above the law and everyone is required to obey it. In its latest report, the World Justice Project (WJP), an independent and multidisciplinary organization, showed the Philippines ranked 102 out of 139 countries on observance of rule of law, falling three notches on the list. The WJP’s annual Rule of Law Index assesses the performance of 139 nations based on national surveys of over 138,000 families and 4,200 legal practitioners and experts worldwide. Based on the report, the Philippines’ new overall rule of law score is 0.46, declining 2.9 percent from 0.47 in 2020. The group’s framework for the rule of law covers eight criteria: Constraints on government powers, absence of corruption, open government, fundamental rights, order and security, regulatory enforcement, civil justice, and criminal justice. The WJP’s survey indicated “significant trends for the Philippines included a deterioration in the factor measuring Order and Security.” Regionally, the Philippines placed 13 out of 15 countries. The country also ranked 18th out of 35 among lowermiddle-income nations. According to the WJP, “with negative trends in so many countries, this year’s WJP Rule of Law Index should be a wake-up call for us all.” “Rule of Law is the very foundation of communities of justice, opportunity and peace. Reinforcing that foundation should be a top priority for the coming period of recovery from the pandemic,” it pointed out. The country’s low ranking in the global survey indicates one thing: The lack of respect for the rule of law, as manifested by the failure of the government to reform the justice system in the country amid widespread corruption, rampant criminality and abuse of power by those in positions of authority. We must institute reforms in the country’s justice system to ensure that crimes committed are dealt with according to law, or else we foster a climate of impunity where criminals manage to go scot-free to commit more crimes while thumbing their noses at authorities. ernhil@yahoo.com

Of course, it was BBM’s project I AM talking about the now-famous Bangui Windmills in Ilocos Norte which Rappler has falsely and maliciously claimed was not BBM’s (Bongbong Marcos) project. In a so-called fact-checking report, Rappler claimed this without bothering to check the origin and eventual implementation of the project that the same was done by a private company NorthWind Power Corporation. Of course, Northwind was the project developer but Rappler should have dug deeper to inform its readers that the project was essentially a kind of public-private partnership set up in the 1990s during Marcos’ second term as governor of the province. It was he who broached (actually hammered) the idea for the local electric cooperative, INEC, to issue a “ take off” document (a kind of power purchase agreement) to ensure the usage of the plant’s output. It was also BBM who got the DENR and the other government agencies to assist in securing the leases on the project site involving 28 huge windmills, fast track permitting, securing the areas and otherwise ensuring that the project gets implemented in the soonest possible time. It was also BBM who assured the project developers and the Danish government who provided the

grants and low-interest loans as well as the supplier, VESTAS, that everything will be properly and responsibly handled to set up Southeast Asia’s first wind farm. In short, he was not only present at the project’s establishment. He was, for all intents and purposes, the proponent.

Rappler did not even bother to check. Renewables and energy development have always been one of BBM’s advocacies.The initiative to precisely harness the province’s renewable resources was originally stated and affirmed in the Provincial Development Plan which was completed with assistance from various national and international agencies during BBM’s first term as governor from mid 1982-February 1986. Had the family not gone into exile in 1986, this project like the now aging Tomato Processing Plant (Northern Foods Corporation), the country’s only tomato processing plant, which was set up during his first term would have been completed much earlier. I should know. I am a native of Bangui and I was BBM’s Special Assistant and provincial administrator during his first term and served as adviser during his second term when the windmill project was undertaken. When Rappler issued that fake “fact check” report, I thought: What else is new?

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Daring to hope

Y MOST indications, Filipinos have reason to be hopeful. The number of new COVID-19 cases has been declining in the last few days, the positivity and reproduction rates are on a downward trend, and many restrictions have been lifted. Some 24.5 million have been fully vaccinated; another 28.3 million are awaiting their second dose. These developments are giving people a little more room to go out and relive the sense of normalcy that has been missing for far too long. They have also breathed some life into businesses, which have seen a slump in the past year and a half. The Education Department is even fleshing out the details for a pilot return to face-to-face classes: Some 30 schools are participating. Lest we get carried away, however, by a renewed sense of freedom, let us remember: The virus is still with us. The vaccination rate is a mere 32 percent of the government target in order to achieve herd immunity. The intensive care units

of hospitals are still full. Amid these, many medical frontliners, exhausted by more than a year of not getting the pay they deserve amid great risk, are resigning and looking for lucrative jobs abroad.

We don’t just sit and wait for better times ahead. If we are not careful, these early gains may be wiped out again. Greater mobility and economic activity, as well as a general sense that things are improving, may cause complacency. People might be less assiduous in following

protocol, if they ever were in the first place. Recent developments are causing us to dare to hope again, but this time around we should not stop with simply hoping. We should, instead, recognize that we each have a role to play in ensuring that the recovery is sustained. We can begin by acknowledging that it remains our responsibility to abide by health protocols religiously, and to call out those who appear to think the crisis is over. We can follow it up by keeping abreast of developments in governance and holding our leaders accountable for the imprudent decisions they make. Finally we can assert ownership of our fate by ensuring we are able to vote in the May elections and choosing carefully the candidates we will put in office. We don’t sit and wait for better times ahead. Instead, we must all do what we can to ensure the endgame is as close to the ideal as we can imagine.

Sotto as VP frontrunner

WITHOUT attending a single rally or officially declaring his interest for the vice presidency, Senate President Vicente Castelo “Tito” Sotto III has beaten President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as the frontrunner for vice president in surveys by respected polling firms. In June 2021, Duterte was the runaway choice for vice president. One of every five voters wanted him as their vice president in May 2022. Sotto languished in third place, with only one of every ten voters wanting him as the secondhighest official of the land. Then in August 2021, the Senate conducted hearings into a P42 billion chunk of the 2020 budget of the Department of the Health transferred to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). A third of the money, or P12 billion, was allotted as payments to Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp., an unknown company with very little capital (P625,000 when incorporated in September 2019). Pharmally is without a decent office (just an email address), without adequate personnel (most of whom cannot be located), without a product, without warehouses, without delivery vehicles, without a financial track record. Under Philippine law, such companies normally cannot get government supply contracts. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee discovered that Pharmally had a very powerful backer and financier, a Chinese national named Michael Yang, a resigned economic adviser to President Duterte and a long-time resident of his Davao City. Duterte and Yang had been friends since 1999. Yang became his economic adviser in 2018. The outrage against unbridled corruption was swift and unforgiving. In Pulse Asia’s September 2021 survey, Duterte’s daughter, Mayor Sara of Davao, lost 8.0 percentage points (about It has always been about its own agenda, not about the facts -- much less the truth. . So, in this windmill brouhaha, Rappler did it again. Remember early on, it deleted its online ‘ presidentiables’ survey after BBM was found to be leading by a mile. Without as much as an explanation, the outfit suddenly took the polling platform down on the laughable ground that it was not “aligned with its core objectives.” This was an act which was immediately denounced by vloggers and users alike as whimsical, arbitrary and biased. Vloggers chided Rappler’s move, noting it was a “clear attempt to deceive the public into believing that independent presidential

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

4 million votes assuming a voter turnout of 50 million), as the No. 1 choice for president, from 28, to 20 percent. Duterte himself was dislodged as the No. 1 choice for vice president. He lost 4 percentage points (about 2 million votes), from 18 percent voter preference in June 2021 to 14 percent in September.

People are angry. Senator Sotto zoomed in popularity, moving from third to No. 1, from 10 percent voter preference in June to 25 percent in September. His 15 percentage-point gain was equivalent to a whopping 7.5 million votes. His 11 percentage-point advantage over Duterte is equivalent to 5.5 million votes. This makes the Senate president the frontrunner for VP and possibly the likely winner in May 2022, assuming Duterte does not try a comeback as VP candidate. What does Sotto’s phenomenal survey performance in the VP race mean? First, name recall counts. The Sotto name is famous for two reasons, one, because of Eat Bulaga. Premiered in July 1979, it is the longest running television variety show in the Philippines. Two, the original Sotto politicians came from Cebu. They were the brothers Filemon Yap Sotto (1872-1966) and Vicente Y. Sotto (1877-1950). Lawyers and journalists, they both served as councilor, congressman, senator and delegates to the 1934 Constitutional Convention that drafted the Philippines’ best ever constitution. Vicente was the author of the Philippines’ Press Freedom Law (RA 53). Two, Tito Sotto has tremendous votegetting power. He was No. 1 the first time he ran for senator, in 1992, with 11.79 million votes, 3.47 million votes more than second placer, Ramon Revilla Sr. Sotto ran for reelection for senator three times. He was No. 3 in 1998 with 11.52 million votes; No. 9 in 2010 with 11.89 million votes; and No. 3 in 2016 with 17.2 million votes. His presidential candidate, Panfilo candidate Leni Robredo is getting the support of netizens.” As reported, Vlogger Maui Becker said Facebook and Rappler’s systems crashed when they allegedly tried to manipulate the polling process to show that Robredo was garnering 100,000 to 130,000 votes, far ahead of Marcos’ 72,000. Eventually, it turned out that BBM got 558,000 votes (72 percent) to Robredo’s 188,000 (24 percent). In that report, Becker stated that “ she suspected that as the Facebook administrator in the Philippines, Rappler had access to inactive accounts, and that it misused its authority by using those accounts to cast a vote.” As it turned out, those who clicked the

biznewsasia@gmail.com Robredo emojis were “mostly accounts of Pakistanis, Arab poseurs, accounts without profile pictures or even fake accounts..” Another vlogger, Chika Doro, described the poll as “a sabotage survey” charging that even as he clicked the Marcos emoji, the count was charged to the Robredo one. With this fake sabotage operation, what else can we say except that Rappler has become weaponized tool to demonize and sabotage its and its funders’ targetted enemies completely misusing its “standing” as an “online publication” under an obliging environment it has been denouncing to high heavens. And it deserves a Nobel Peace Prize?

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

Lacson, was No. 4 in 2016 with 16.92 million votes. This implies that both Sotto and Lacson have a base following of at least 17 million. Plus a 12 percent growth in six years, that base of support should now hit 19 million, enough to win the presidency, assuming a five or sixway presidential race. Three, performance counts. Tito Sotto served as vice president of the national capital Quezon City from 1988 to 1992. He is now on his fourth term as senator of the republic. In the Senate, Sotto became Senate majority leader and in 2018, the Senate president or third highest official of the land. As senator he has authored more than 200 laws. Four, Tito comes across as a clean, decent, and family-loving politician. He has weathered most of the slings and arrows of outrageous and divisive politics, wonderfully unscathed, thanks to his innate integrity and warm and easy manner with people. Five, people are angry. They do not want what’s going on. Tito Sotto presents himself to the people at a crucial time in the life of every Filipino. The Philippines is caught in a dizzying maelstrom of a perfect storm. Three major crises are exploding simultaneously beyond measure—a pandemic that is the worst in 100 years, an economic recession that is the deepest in a century, and joblessness that is the most massive in our history. Says Sotto: “The economy has collapsed. COVID cases are on the rise. Corruption is widespread. Filipinos are suffering. Ordinary Filipinos used to be poor. Now the poor are even poorer and suffering some more.” “We need to take action,” says the Senate president,” before people lose hope entirely.” Ping and Tito’s answer is experience and clean hands. “Between me and Senate President Sotto are more than 80 years of honest, dedicated, and competent public service,” Lacson points out. “We have the proven Competence, Integrity, and Courage to lead the country so we can rise from the rut we are in.”

Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Joyce Pangco Pañares

Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor

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World

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

Trump sues to keep records on US Capitol attack secret

FIRE HEART. A protester spits fire during a protest to mark the second anniversary of months of civil unrising against social inequality, in Santiago, Chile on October 18. The social-justice protests that rocked Chile in October 2019 led ultimately to the decision to create a new constitutional convention to draft a constitution to replace the one written during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet (1973-1990). AFP

WASHINGTON—Donald Trump is suing to block the release of White House records related to the January 6 insurrection that he was impeached for inciting, according to court documents released Monday. The former president is claiming “executive privilege” to stop former aides giving evidence to Congress, in an escalation of his efforts to stonewall investigators looking into the deadly Capitol assault. The challenge will likely touch off an extended high-stakes showdown in the courts that will test the constitutional authority of Congress to scrutinize the executive branch. Thousands of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol nine months ago in an effort to overturn President Joe Biden’s election victory. They had been egged on by Trump,

whose fiery speech earlier that day falsely claiming election fraud was the culmination of months of baseless claims about a contest he lost fairly to Biden. “The committee’s request amounts to nothing less than a vexatious, illegal fishing expedition openly endorsed by Biden and designed to unconstitutionally investigate President Trump and his administration,” says the lawsuit filed in Washington’s district court. Congressional investigators are seeking testimony from officials who could speak to what Trump, who is considering running for a second term in 2024, knew about the attack beforehand, and what he did while it was ongoing. Since late August, the National Archives has been sending Biden and Trump voluminous records requested by investigators, giving them 30 days to review materials. AFP

BALLISTIC TEST SHOT INTO SEA

Seoul: Nokor fires missile via sub

EOUL—North Korea fired a suspected submarinelaunched ballistic missile into the sea on Tuesday, the South’s military said, the nuclear-armed country’s latest advance in weapons technology and one that could give it a second-strike capability.

The test came with both Koreas building up their weapons capabilities in what could become an arms race on the peninsula, and with the WashingtonPyongyang dialogue at a standstill. The “short-range ballistic missile suspected to be an SLBM” was fired

from Sinpo into the sea east of the peninsula, Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. Sinpo is a major naval shipyard with satellite photographs previously showing submarines at the facility, and the statement added: “South Korean and

US intelligence are closely analysing for additional detail.” The key question will be whether it was fired from a working submarine, or an underwater platform or barge. A proven submarine-based missile capability would take the North’s arsenal to a new level, allowing deployment far beyond the Korean peninsula and a second-strike capability in the event of an attack on its military bases. North Korea is banned from developing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles under UN Security Council resolutions and is subject to multiple sets of

US envoy who handled Afghan departure quits WASHINGTON—Zalmay Khalilzad, the veteran US envoy whose months of patient hotel-ballroom diplomacy helped end the US war in Afghanistan but failed to prevent a Taliban takeover, resigned on Monday. In a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Khalilzad defended his record but acknowledged that he came up short and said he wanted to step aside during the “new phase of our Afghanistan policy.” “The political arrangement between the Afghan government and the Taliban did not go forward as envisaged,” he wrote. “The reasons for this are too complex and I will share my thoughts in the coming day and weeks.” Born in Afghanistan, the dapper 70-year-old academic turned US diplomat took senior positions as part of the inner circle of former president George W. Bush, becoming the US ambassador to Kabul and then Baghdad and the United Nations. As former president Donald Trump itched to end America’s longest war in Afghanistan, he brought back Khalilzad, who led exhaustive talks with the Taliban—without including the US-backed government in Kabul. AFP

Blinken pushing democracy in first So. America trip WASHINGTON -- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken heads Tuesday to Ecuador and Colombia in a bid to support and broaden ties with Latin America’s democracies, amid a new spike in tension with Venezuela. In both Ecuador and Colombia, Blinken will meet right-leaning elected leaders, part of President Joe Biden’s push of promoting democracy but also keeping up the pressure against leftist strongmen in Latin America. Blinken “will highlight how specifically countries like Ecuador and Colombia have been able to build on their democratic values and commitment to benefit their peoples,” said Brian Nichols, the top US diplomat for Latin America. Blinken arrives Tuesday in Quito where he will meet President Guillermo Lasso, a banker who was the surprise winner in elections earlier this year. “The immediate progress that President Lasso made in delivering Covid-19 vaccinations to the people of his nation in comparison with the administration that preceded him is a concrete example of what a transparent and democratic government can achieve,” Nichols told reporters. AFP

sanctions as a result. Pyongyang is known to be developing an SLBM and has carried out two previous underwater launches in 2016 and 2019, although the Pentagon and analysts say those were likely to have been from a submerged platform with the system in its early stages. “The Kim (Jong Un) regime is developing submarine-launched ballistic missiles because it wants a more survivable nuclear deterrent able to blackmail its neighbors and the United States,” said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul. AFP

REUNITED.

A man celebrates with relatives after being released from Insein Prison in Yangon on October 19, as authorities released thousands of people jailed for protesting against a February coup that ousted the civilian government. AFP

Relatives crowd prison as Myanmar junta protesters freed YANGON—Family members of Myanmar’s pro-democracy prisoners crowded outside a jail Tuesday, hoping their relatives would be among thousands the junta has promised to release as it faces growing international pressure. The Southeast Asian country has been in chaos since a coup in February, with more than 1,100 civilians killed in a bloody crackdown on dissent and more than 8,000 arrested, according to a local monitoring group. On Monday, the junta said it would free more than 5,000 to mark the three-day Buddhist Thadingyut festival, sending anxious families rushing to the colonialera Insein prison in Yangon, joyful at the prospect of reunions after months apart. Several buses left the prison, with those inside giving thumbs up gestures

to a cheering crowd, some of whom flashed the three-finger salute—a popular protest symbol. Factory worker Kyi Kyi was one of dozens waiting outside the prison early Tuesday, hoping to see her husband, who was arrested in February. “I also came here yesterday,” she told AFP. “He was not released. Hopefully, he will be today.” Nwet Nwet San, said he was hoping his son, a soldier who had run away from the army, would be freed. “He’s been in prison for eight months,” he told AFP. “I heard mostly protesters will be released. I also heard other criminals will be released as well. That’s why I’m waiting.”

ASEAN snub Myanmar authorities released more than 2,000 anti-coup protesters from prisons across the country in June, including journalists critical of the military government. Those still in custody include the American journalist Danny Fenster, who has been held since being arrested on May 24. The latest and larger release comes with the junta under increasing pressure to engage with its opponents, nearly nine months after seizing power. On Friday, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations decided to exclude junta leader Min Aung Hlaing from an upcoming summit of the 10-country bloc because of doubts about his administration’s commitment to defusing the bloody crisis.

Ecuador put in emergency state over drug violence QUITO—Ecuador’s President Guillermo Lasso on Monday declared a state of emergency in the country grappling with a surge in drug-related violence and ordered the mobilization of police and military in the streets. “Starting immediately, our Armed Forces and police will be felt with force in the streets because we are decreeing a state of emergency throughout the national territory,” said the president in a speech broadcast by the state channel EcuadorTV. “In the streets of Ecuador there is only one enemy: drug trafficking,” declared the right-wing leader, adding that “in recent years Ecuador has gone from being a drug trafficking country to one that also consumes drugs.” The announcement came on the eve of an official visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Ecuador and Colombia in a bid to support and broaden ties with the Latin American democracies. Blinken will speak with Lasso about cooperation in matters of security, defense and trade. Violence has been spiking dramatically in Ecuador in recent months. Between January and October this year, the country registered almost 1,900 homicides, compared to about 1,400 in all of 2020, according to the government. The state of emergency imposed for 60 days allows the government to mobilize 3,600 soldiers and police to patrol 65 prisons nationwide. Lasso said that police will also be patrolling the streets. Earlier Monday, Lasso named a new defense minister as the country reels from a massive prisons crisis. The president appointed retired general Luis Hernandez to the post, citing a “inadequate public safety” in the South American nation. Hernandez will replace Fernando Donoso. The government did not give a reason for the shakeup. But it comes as the country’s prison system grapples with a spate of bloody riots. AFP

Turkey summons 10 ambassadors over call to release activist Kavala ANKARA—Turkey summoned the ambassadors of 10 countries, including Germany and the United States, after they called for the release of a civil society leader, a Turkish diplomatic source said Tuesday. Parisian-born philanthropist and activist Osman Kavala, 64, has been in jail without conviction since 2017 in a case that has fanned tensions with the West. The Turkish activist faces a string of charges linked to 2013 anti-government protests and a failed military putsch in 2016. Kavala denies the accusations. Rights groups and some Western governments view his detention as a symbol of President Recept Tayyip Erdogan’s growing intolerance of dissent. In a statement Monday, Canada,

Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and the US called for a “just and speedy resolution to his case”. “The continuing delays in his trial... cast a shadow over respect for democracy, the rule of law and transparency in the Turkish judiciary system,” they said. The embassies called on Turkey to follow the rulings of the Council of Europe, a human rights body it joined in 1950. The Council of Europe has warned that it would launch disciplinary proceedings against Turkey “in the event that (Kavala) is not released before” the human rights body’s next meeting on November 30-December 2. AFP

REMEMBERING RABIN. Israelis light 15,000 candles at Rabin Square in Tel Aviv on October 18 ahead of the 26th anniversary of the assassination of former Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin. Rabin was gunned down in Tel Aviv after a peace rally on November 4, 1995 by Yigal Amir, a right-wing Jewish extremist. AFP

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

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Republic of the Philippines Fifth Judicial Region

REGIONAL TRIAL COURT TODAY Branch 8, Legazpi City FAMILY COURT ORDER SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

2 Pharmally officials detained for contempt By Macon Ramos-Araneta

HE Senate Blue Ribbon committee on Tuesday declared Pharmally executives Mohit and Twinkle Dargani in contempt and ordered their detention in the Senate for refusing to submit documents subpoenaed by his panel.

Mohit is corporate secretary and treasurer of Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp., the small start-up that has been at the center of a procurement scandal involving the sale of overpriced pandemic supplies to the government, while his sister Twinkle is the company president. During the 12th hearing of the committee looking into the sale of overpriced medical supplies to the government, Senator Franklin Drilon inquired from Mohit if they would produce the pertinent documents sought by the panel. Mohit said he was not refusing to provide the documents, but his company was. He said the documents were “legally accessible” through different procedures under the law, and they were just invoking their rights.

During a previous hearing, Twinkle invoked the data privacy, bank secrecy laws and the country’s corporation code to refuse the submission of documents. She said she would have to consult their company’s lawyers. “Obviously, Mr. Dargani is refusing to comply with the subpoena, the same thing with Twinkle Dargani,” Drilon said. “I assume when we place them under detention until they comply, they will refuse and question this in court. Let him question it in court but I move that Mr. Dargani and Twinkle Dargani be both declared in contempt for refusal to comply with the subpoena for the production of these documents,” Drilon said. Drilon said the subpoenaed documents—subsidiary ledgers, invoices,

official receipts, the list of sales, delivery receipts, sales invoices—are all public records. Senator Francis Pangilinan seconded Drilon’s motion, which prompted the panel’s chairman, Senator Richard Gordon, to approve it. They were then taken into custody by the Senate sergeant-at-arms. Meanwhile, Gordon said the panel already has partial findings, including the recommendation of possible charges against Pharmally executives, former presidential adviser Michael Yang and the chief of the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management, Christopher Lloyd Lao. Charges against Yang and Pharmally executives Linconn Ong and Krizle Mago could include perjury or false testimony, Gordon said. He also said former officer-incharge of the inspection division of the PS-DBM Jorge Mendoza and PS-DBM Inspector Mervin Tanquintic may also be liable for falsification of public documents. The senator said the company’s accountants could also be charged in connection with the case.

Cusi, Uy face graft raps for Malampaya share sale By Rio N. Araja and Alena Mae Flores ENERGY Secretary Alfonso Cusi and businessman Dennis Uy are facing graft charges over the allegedly anomalous sale of shares of the Malampaya gas-to-power project. The complainants, Balgamel de Belen Domingo and Rodel Rodis and Loida Nicolas Lewis – both based in the United States, filed the complaint with the Ombudsman in Iloilo City through their lawyer Rico Domingo. Eduardo Mañalac, former president of state-run Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), said the government effectively forfeited billions of pesos in profits when it allowed Uy’s Udenna to buy a 45 percent stake in the project from oil giant Chevron in service contract 38 or the Malampaya gas field in 2019. Aside from Uy, included in the complaint were former and current officials of PNOC-Exploration Corp. (PNOC-EC) as well as officials of Chevron Philippines. The complainants claimed Cusi and the other respondents conspired to give “unwarranted benefits and advantage” to Uy’s Udenna Corp. and its subsidiary, UC Malampaya, in the sale of Chevron’s share and transfer of rights in the Malampaya project. Cusi, for his part, said he is ready to answer the charges leveled against him. “I have no doubt the truth will vindicate me and the innocent people dragged into this purported action obviously filed for the singular purpose of political propaganda,” the Energy chief said.

NO TAKERS. Flower store keepers wait for buyers at the Dangwa market in Sampaloc, Manila on Tuesday, October 19, 2021. Sales have been slow due to the pandemic, but store owners are expecting an uptick ahead of All Soul’s Day. Local governments in the National Capital Region have agreed to close all cemeteries from October 29 until November 3 to prevent people from paying their respects to the dead in droves amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Danny Pata

PAO to appeal dismissed cases of 4 Sulpicio victims By Rio N. Araja WITH help from the Public Attorney’s Ofﬁce, the kin of the four victims of M/V Princess of the Stars tragedy in 2008 have vowed to pursue their dismissed civil suits against Sulpicio Lines. “For the four cases dismissed, a motion for reconsideration is being prepared and the same will be ﬁled before their due date on Oct. 31,” PAO chief Persida Acosta said. Judge Dante Corminal of the Cebu Regional Trial Court ordered Sulpicio Lines to indemnify the families of the 55 victims of the sea tragedy P199.1 million while dismissing the four other cases for failure to present evidence. While the plaintiffs in those dismissed cases were unable to present their evidence, the PAO was able to present common evidence applicable to all plaintiffs in these consolidated cases tried and heard before the Cebu City court, Acosta said. “The common evidence presented by PAO has already been ruled to have proved the negligence and liability of

Sulpicio Lines (now Span Asia Carrier), which should redound to the benefit of the plaintiffs, who were unable to prove only the actual damages peculiar to them,” Acosta said. “Plaintiffs presented common witnesses who testified on matters material and relevant to their common cause of action and to prove the negligence of the defendants. Thus, the evidence of one is the evidence of all,” she added. Seeking indemnification are the mother of Ritchie Bryan Furia; the wife and children of Jose Eric Manigos; the husband of Farah AngelesGuinitaran and the parents of Honey Lyn Garces. The passenger vessel owned by Sulpicio Lines capsized on June 21, 2008 off the coast of San Fernando, Romblon at the height of typhoon “Frank.” “Given the finding of negligence on the part of Sulpicio, et al., the affected plaintiffs (those who did not testify and whose cases were consequently dismissed) are indubitably entitled to moral and exemplary damages under the law,” the PAO chief said.

Palacio de Memoria launches open air ‘flea market’ THE Philippine arts and culture sector has remained steadfast in its efforts to fortify public awareness and appreciation of our country’s beauty and heritage in spite of the pandemic. Various arts and culture purveyors have begun to diversify their programs to keep up with the times, with some

adapting digital solutions, while others innovating the physical events front to align with health safety and social distancing protocols. As one of the leading staunch advocates of arts and culture, Palacio de Memoria offers the public something to look forward to—a two-day outdoor fair open to all art enthusiasts and visitors. The fair will be showcasing the best of Filipino and European cultural heritage through a European-themed flea market, which will run from October 23-24, 2021. Inspired by the El Rastro or “the trail,” the most popular open air flea market in Madrid, Spain, Palacio de Memoria aims to bring the colorful, fun, and vibrant festivity to fairgoers searching for bargains, antique shops, and gastronomic delights. The two-day Arts & Antiques Fair will be filled with various goods, from art pieces to antiques, paintings, sculptures, accessories, textiles, home furnishings and décor, wall art, gift items, toys, artisanal/designer specialty items, and collectors’ items to tickle every art shopper’s fancy. The fair’s activities and booths will allow visitors to experience art and culture in different forms.

This Court commands the petitioner, Vance Sergio R. Reyes, to publish with dispatch at his expense this Order one a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in a newspaper having general circulation in the Philippines as well as in a local newspaper having general circulation in the Province of Albay, also once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks. TITLE OF THE CASE: VANCE SERGIO, R. REYES, Petitioner, versus GINLY EPIFANIO REYES, Respondent DOCKET NUMBER: Civil Case No. FC-20-261, Regional Trial Court, Fifth Judicial Region, Branch 8, Legazpi City. NATURE OF THE PETITION: The Petition seeks to declare the marriage between petitioner and respondent celebrated on August 10, 2013 at St. Gregory the Great Cathedral, Legazpi City as VOID AB INITIO due to the respondent’s Narcissistic Personality Disorder with underlying Anti-Social and Histrionic Traits. PRINCIPAL GROUNDS OR THE MATERIAL ALLEGATIONS IN THE PETITION: “6. Petitioner and Respondent first met in the year 2005 in Legazpi City, Albay when Petitioner, then sixteen years old, was a fourth year high school student in St. Raphael Academy. Respondent, then almost twenty-three years old, was Petitioner’s English teacher in the said school. 7. Petitioner became infatuated with Respondent because of her physical appearance and figure. Respondent was also quite popular among the male students in Petitioner’s batch because she was willing to be in a relationship with her students although they were minors. However, Petitioner did not court Respondent because she was his teacher. Also, Respondent was then in a romantic relationship with one of Petitioner’s friends who was also his classmate. Aside from Petitioner’s friend, Respondent also had romantic relationships with several students in their school who were all minors. 8. Respondent was close to her male students and she even went with Petitioner and his group of friends who were all male to an outing in Sto. Domingo, Albay. When the administrators of the school who were nuns heard about this, she was summoned to the office and given a warning. After Petitioner graduated, Respondent continued to go out with her male students until she got fired from her job. 9. X x x x x 10. Sometime in 2008, when Petitioner was on a study break in Legazpi City, Albay, Petitioner saw Respondent again. She went to their house with his high school friends as it was the town fiesta. Later on, she went on a night out with him and his high school friends. Again, she was the only female in their group. 11. Petitioner’s romantic feelings for Respondent resurfaced because of their meeting. He asked for her mobile number from one of his high school friends and they became text mates. They became sweethearts shortly thereafter. That time, he was only nineteen years old while she was already twenty-six years old. 12. In 2009, Petitioner graduated from college and went on his first trip as an apprentice seafarer in a commercial ship. He went on succeeding trips in 2010 and 2011. During these years, the relationship between Petitioner and Respondent was on and off. 13. During their on-and-off relationship, Petitioner and Respondent quarreled most of the time because Respondent was immature and Petitioner did not approve of Respondent’s outgoing lifestyle. Respondent dresses inappropriately, likes to go out late to party, and keeps undesirable company consisting mostly of young men, some of whom were high school classmates of Petitioner. Petitioner asked Respondent to behave properly, as her age and status as a teacher demands, but Respondent refused to listen to him. 14. Through all of these, Petitioner tried to understand Respondent. He thought that she was used to having her way because she is her mother’s favorite child and she was used to being treated like a princess, just like her mother treated her. And so, he apologized to her for their fights even though it was not his fault. She never said sorry and wanted him to adjust to her all the time. He tried his best to keep their relationship because he was very much in love with her. 15. News also reached Petitioner that Respondent was cheating on him with two of his high school batchmates while he was away working. Respondent denied this accusation and Petitioner believed her but when they were already married, Respondent eventually admitted to Petitioner that his two high school batchmates indeed became her boyfriend. 16. Sometime in 2011, Petitioner proposed marriage to Respondent. She rejected him but she took the engagement ring which he offered her and she did not return it. He learned later on that she pawned the engagement ring. 17. After Respondent rejected Petitioner, he moved on and had a girlfriend who was his high school classmate and also a former student of Respondent. 18. Sometime in 2012, Respondent sent Petitioner a handwritten letter where she professed that she still loved him and asked him to come back to her. She knew that he was already in a relationship with her former student but this did not deter her from communicating with him and expressing her love for him. 19. Aside from sending Petitioner a love letter, Respondent also went to his house for a visit. She brought fried rice and told Petitioner that she cooked it for him. Petitioner knew that Respondent does not cook so he was flattered by Respondent’s efforts and attention to him. In a short time, his feelings for her came back again. 20. Respondent also went to the school where Petitioner’s then girlfriend, also Respondent’s former student, was working as a teacher and told the latter to break up with Petitioner because Petitioner loves her (Respondent). Petitioner’s then girlfriend was very much embarrassed because Respondent created a scene, and she told Petitioner about what happened. 21. Petitioner felt sorry for his girlfriend but he loved Respondent very much so he chose her. He left his girlfriend and reconciled with Respondent. Thereafter, Petitioner went on another trip and returned towards the end of the year 2012. 22. When Petitioner returned, his mother asked him why he did not tell her that he and Respondent were already getting married. Petitioner was surprised because he did not propose again to Respondent. He learned from his mother that Respondent told her that they were already engaged. Their relatives and friends also started congratulating him. Petitioner was shocked but he did not tell them that it was untrue because he did not want Respondent to be embarrassed. 23. Petitioner asked Respondent why she told his mother, relatives, and friends, that they were already engaged. Respondent answered that it was because he proposed to her in 2011, and she accepted his proposal. She also said that she already wanted to get married because she was already thirty years old. 24. While Petitioner proposed in 2011, he had a change of heart and he did not want to get married yet because he realized that he was still very young and his career has just started. He told Respondent this but she threatened to break up with him if he does not marry her. She cried so hard and she even threatened to commit suicide. He took her threats seriously because he knew that she had suicidal tendencies. He did not want to lose her again so he agreed to marry her. He redeemed the engagement ring which she admitted to have pawned to her aunt and he stood by her announcement that they were already engaged. 25. Petitioner went on another trip in early 2013. Because he was abroad working, his mother took charge of their wedding preparations. Petitioner and his parents shouldered all the wedding expenses. Respondent did not give any monetary contribution or participated in the wedding preparations. However, she made extravagant demands on Petitioner and his parents. For instance, she demanded that their wedding reception be held in an expensive hotel. She also demanded that a leading fashion designer create her wedding gown, as well as the gowns of her two sisters who acted as her maids of honor. 26. Petitioner gave in to all of Respondent’s demands although it depleted his savings because he loved Respondent and he felt that it was his duty as the man in the relationship. Moreover, it was the first time in the history of Respondent’s immediate family that a family member was getting married. Respondent was raised by a single mother and she has two younger sisters who have different fathers. Growing up, her life was hard and their quality of life only improved when her mother became the mistress of a married man. Her two sisters both have two children each, but both are likewise unmarried. Thus, Petitioner thought that it was their only chance to experience a proper wedding so he indulged them and gave in to all their demands, however expensive they were. However, he was disappointed with Respondent’s lack of participation and extravagance. 27. Petitioner and Respondent were married on 10 August 2013 in St. Gregory the Great Cathedral, Legazpi City, Albay. Attached herewith as Annex “D” is a copy of their “Certificate of Marriage”. 28. Shortly after their wedding, Petitioner left for another trip. Respondent was left to the care of Petitioner’s parents and was employed as a teacher in the school owned by the latter, Reyes Computer Oriented School (RCOS). 29. Before their marriage, Respondent was jobless because she got fired again from her job in another school. When Petitioner asked her why she was fired, she told him that it was because she had a fight with the school owner’s daughter who was a minor. Later on, after they separated, he learned that she was fired because she got involved with the boyfriend of the said school owner’s daughter who was also a minor. 30. Respondent was assigned to teach English to high school students in RCOS. However, the school principal, Petitioner’s uncle, noticed that Respondent was unusually close and touchy with her male high school students. Respondent was also always tardy and when her attention was called, she was angry and disrespectful. Lastly, Respondent had a quarrel with another teacher in the school over a male high school student in whom they were both romantically interested. Petitioner’s parents were outraged by Respondent’s behavior but they did not want any scandal so they did not fire her. Also, they did not want to give Petitioner who was working abroad any cause for worry so they kept the matter to themselves. 31. Respondent eventually resigned from her teaching position in RCOS because of the strained relations between her and the school principal as well as her co-teacher. She was again jobless. She asked Petitioner for money because according to her, she wanted to open a parlor just like her mother. That time, Petitioner had little money left because his savings were depleted by the extravagant wedding demanded by Respondent. However, Petitioner was happy that Respondent was showing initiative so he willingly gave her all the money he had left and supported her business venture. 32. Respondent opened a parlor but it was closed down after a few months only because of her mismanagement. She was always absent from the parlor although she always told Petitioner’s parents that she goes there. 33. Respondent also hired a young man, ostensibly as her marketing assistant, in the parlor. Petitioner found out later on that she brought the said young male marketing assistant with her on a trip to Manila. When he confronted her about this, she told him that her young male marketing assistant accompanied her up to Naga City only, and that from there, she went to Manila alone to buy some equipment for the parlor. It turned out, however, that she was with her young male marketing assistant all the way to Manila and then back to Legazpi City, and they spent the night together in a motel. 34. Naturally, Respondent’s out of town trip with her male young marketing assistant and her spending a night with him in a motel caused a rift between her and Petitioner. He resented her repetitive lying and her infidelity. However, he chose to forgive her and give their young marriage another chance because he hoped that she will still change. 35. Respondent’s parlor was closed down and its physical space was taken over by her mother who also owns a parlor nearby. To Petitioner’s dismay, Respondent did not return or even volunteer to return the monetary equivalent of the equipment taken over by her mother, as well as the rent for the parlor which he paid for in advance. But again, he chose to overlook these things and started anew with her. 36. Petitioner went on another trip at the end of 2013. He did not want to leave yet because he wanted to spend time with Respondent as they were newly-married. He also wanted to study so he could be promoted in his job. But she told him to go because they needed money so he took the job offered to him by their company. 37. Petitioner returned in 2014. Initially, Petitioner’s reunion with Respondent was joyful but Respondent started to demand a house from Petitioner. Petitioner had no more savings because he spent his money on their wedding, and then on her failed business venture, and also on her heavy shopping when he came home. However, to please her, he promised her that he will build her a house. To help Petitioner, his parents allowed him to build a house on a portion of the lot they owned. Respondent was also employed by his parents as a cashier in RCOS so she can have her own income and save money. 38. Respondent then asked Petitioner if he could enroll her in graduate school for a master’s degree. He agreed because she persuaded him that it was for her professional development. However, she never obtained a master’s degree and even incurred a grade of “Incomplete” in one of her subjects, despite the fact that she was always out on weekends, allegedly to attend her classes. 39. Petitioner left for another trip in early 2015 and returned towards the end of the year. Upon his return, Respondent again brought up the issue of their house. She insisted that he have the title to the portion of his parent’s lot (where they will build their house) transferred to their name. He told his parents about her demand and his parents said it cannot be done because the entire lot is a collateral to a loan they still owe. He relayed this response to her and she got angry so they quarreled. 40. Petitioner and Respondent also quarreled because Petitioner found out that their joint bank account was almost closed. When he asked her about it, she admitted that she withdrew from the said account beyond the maintaining balance, which was why the account was almost closed. He wondered why she had to deplete their joint account when he was regularly sending her money and she was also earning as an employee in his parent’s school. She was also staying at his parent’s house, free of charge. 41. Later on, Respondent admitted to Petitioner that she used the money to contribute to the business venture of her mother, a restaurant, which eventually closed down also. Respondent had no savings of her own to contribute because she was always shopping and spending money on trivial things like clothes, bags, and shoes. 42. Petitioner then noticed that Respondent was no longer wearing their engagement ring. He asked her where the ring was and Respondent said she lost the ring when it slipped from her finger as she was washing the dishes. He learned later that it was lost because she pawned it again and failed to redeem it. He was hurt because it seemed to him that she did not show any importance to their engagement ring and she even lied about its loss. It was also the second time that she pawned their engagement ring. The first time happened before they were even married. But because he loved her, he bought her a new engagement ring of her own choosing after she demanded one. 43. Petitioner also noticed that when the restaurant of Respondent’s mother was still open, Respondent was always out. She always comes home late and, sometimes, she does not come home at all. When he asked her where she always goes, she said she is helping in her mother’s restaurant, even until the wee hours of the morning. He requested her to just leave the management of the restaurant to her mother and their staff but she refused and even resented him. 44. At around the same time, Petitioner’s high school classmate told him to tell his wife, Respondent, to stop flirting with his younger brother who was already in a relationship. Petitioner’s high school classmate was also one of Respondent’s former boyfriends. They quarreled and Respondent stayed at her sister’s house. 45. A few days after their separation, Petitioner and Respondent reconciled. Then they quarreled again because he found out the reason why their joint account was almost closed, that she used their savings to fund her mother’s restaurant without his knowledge and consent. He discovered it because she slipped while they were talking about her mother’s newly-opened restaurant. She mentioned that she shouldered some expenses in its opening and when asked by Petitioner, she admitted that she got the money from their joint account. In the past, she denied that she used the money for her mother’s restaurant. 46. Petitioner got angry at Respondent because he caught her lying again. He called her a liar and they quarreled. She threw a hysterical fit. She started crying aloud and she hit herself. She punched her mouth until it bled. She also slapped her face several times. She cried so loud that Petitioner’s father was alarmed and entered their bedroom. 47. Petitioner’s father saw Respondent’s mouth bleeding and she continued to cry aloud. She told Petitioner’s father that he (Petitioner) hit her. Petitioner’s father readily believed her and got angry at him (Petitioner). In his rage, he punched him (Petitioner) because he thought that he (Petitioner) hit her. 48. Petitioner explained that he did not hit Respondent but she continued to accuse him. He grew afraid of her because of her great capacity to lie and to inflict harm on herself. It was not the first time that she harmed herself physically. In one instance, she banged her head on the wall and also slapped her face repeatedly because they quarreled. She also attempted to slash her wrist in front of him. 49. Respondent calmed down after Petitioner’s father took her side. Petitioner locked himself up in another room, away from her, for fear that she would hurt herself again and then blame him. 50. Respondent claimed to Petitioner’s father that she was afraid of Petitioner because he hit her, but she spent the day maligning and humiliating Petitioner. She went around the school of Petitioner’s parents and told the people she knew there that Petitioner hit her. Then she went home to her mother and also told her the same story. 51. Respondent was at her mother’s house for almost a week but Petitioner did not want to fetch her. He was afraid of her and he did not want to reconcile with her anymore. However, Petitioner’s parents convinced him to fetch her and ask for her forgiveness. He told them that he did not hit her but they did not believe him. Petitioner’s father brought him to the house of Respondent’s mother to fetch her (Respondent). 52. Respondent went with Petitioner and his parents so Petitioner had no choice but to reconcile with her. But from then on, he was afraid whenever he was alone with her. He had difficulty sleeping beside her because she might accuse him again of hitting her. He already wanted to break up with her because her behavior was not normal and he has had enough but he thought of his parents. They are conservative and he thought that they will certainly be disappointed if his marriage fails. He was also too young to have a failed marr 53. Petitioner left for another trip in 2016. While working abroad, he thought of breaking up with Respondent for good because he was afraid of her and her abnormal behavior. However, he changed his mind because he loved her and he was afraid that she might kill herself, given her suicidal tendencies. 54. Petitioner returned in early 2017. He wanted to have a child since the start of their marriage but Respondent was unable to conceive. Thus, he persuaded her to go to a fertility doctor in Naga City for a consultation. They have already been trying to have a child for a long time and even subjected themselves to an examination by a doctor in Legazpi City sometime in 2014. The results of the examination showed that both of them were healthy and she was capable of conceiving a child, but she was unable to bear any. 55. At first, Respondent agreed to go to Naga City with Petitioner to secure an appointment with the doctor. However, when it was time for them to return, she made so may excuses to postpone their visit. On the day when they were scheduled to go to Naga City again, she told him that she was sick with flu. He decided to just reschedule their visit and even took care of her. The next day, however, she was up and about and even went jogging early in the morning. And to his bewilderment, she said she was already feeling well when he asked her how she was. He felt that she only pretended to be sick to avoid their doctor’s appointment as she did not really want to them to have a child but he kept it to himself. When he reminded her about the doctor’s appointment, she made additional excuses until he just stopped asking her and they never returned to the doctor. 56. In the days that followed, Petitioner started to notice that Respondent was always up early in the morning. She, in her jogging attire, usually left their house at past five in the morning, when he was still asleep, and returned at past seven or sometimes at eight. At first, he did not mind it although he felt that she was neglecting him and he was sad that he always woke up and ate breakfast alone. To spend time with her, her asked her if he could accompany her in her morning routine but she refused saying she would rather go alone and leave him to rest.

57. At around the same time, Petitioner and Respondent quarreled because she did not want him to borrow her cellular phone. One day, he asked her if he can borrow her cellular phone because his own cellular phone ran out of battery and he had to check something urgent for his work. She refused. He got angry at what he perceived to be an unjustified refusal to a reasonable demand. 58. Petitioner was further irritated because Respondent was always on her cellular phone talking to someone instead of minding him. When he asked her who she always talks to, she said it was just one of her sisters or her niece but he was not thoroughly convinced because she usually excused herself and left the room, even transferring to their house’s annex, whenever she talked to someone on her cellular phone. Despite all of these, he chose to make peace with her because his stay with her was limited and he will soon be going abroad to work. 59. Sometime in April 2017, Respondent came home late again. When he asked her where she came from, she said she came from her mother’s house. He got angry at her because she was always outside, going out early and coming home late, when they should be spending time together as he has just returned from his trip and will soon leave again. She resented him but they eventually reconciled again. 60. A few weeks later, on 06 May 2017, Respondent again left their house and told Petitioner that she will meet with her thesis adviser as she was planning to resume her graduate studies. When it was time for dinner, he texted her and asked her to go home already because it was getting late. She said she was on her way home. Hours passed and she was still not yet home. He started to worry, especially because she was no longer responding to his text messages and was cancelling his calls. He contacted her family and asked them if they know where she was but none of them knew. After waiting for a few more hours, he went to her mother’s house so he could seek their help in looking for her. Instead of helping him, however, her mother became hysterical and told him that if something bad happens to her daughter, he and his parents are accountable. He just went home and spent the night waiting for her but she never came home. 61. The next day, on 07 May 2017, Petitioner and his parents went to the house of Respondent’s mother to talk to the latter. They told her that Respondent did not come home. At first, Respondent’s mother denied knowing where she was. However, when Petitioner’s father told her that they will be filing a police report so police authorities can start looking for her, Respondent’s mother suddenly said that Respondent went to her house at midnight and left at four in the morning to go to Petitioner’s house. 62. Respondent never came home to Petitioner again. That afternoon, he went to Manila for a scheduled training and he did not hear from her until a few days after. He asked her why she did not go home. Instead of answering him, she got angry at him and said her whereabouts are none of his business, that she could do as she pleases, and that she could go wherever she wants. Upon further inquiry, however, she said she was really on her way home on 06 May 2017 when she was waylaid by her friends and they convinced her to attend a class reunion which they did. 63. The day after Respondent did not come home to Petitioner, Petitioner learned from his brother that Respondent has been cheating on him with a young man, a college student, who was also a student at St. Raphael Academy. Petitioner’s brother sent him photos of her and the young man. 64. Respondent posted the photographs on her Instagram account sometime in March 2017. Petitioner does not have an Instagram account. Curiously, she did not post the photographs on her Facebook account where she is friends with Petitioner and his family. Attached herewith as Annexes “E” and series are copies of the said photographs. The young man in the photographs with Respondent is named Kimber Azupardo, twenty-three years old, and a resident of Bonot, Legazpi City, Albay. He lives near the restaurant formerly operated by Respondent’s mother. Petitioner also recognized the young man because the latter was a former classmate of his cousin in St. Raphael Academy, and was also a former student of Respondent. 65. After seeing the photograph of Respondent in jogging attire with the young man, Petitioner asked his niece who lives in their house and whose room was downstairs. Petitioner’s niece was usually the first one to wake up in the morning because she makes their breakfast. She told him that every morning, at around past five, Respondent was up before her and she would find Respondent talking to someone on her cellular phone. At one time, she heard Respondent tell the caller to pick her up so that they can have a joy ride. Respondent told the caller that she will pay for the gas of the vehicle. The voice of the caller was that of a man, but when Petitioner’s mother walked down towards them, Respondent acted as if she was talking to her niece and quickly said goodbye to the caller. 66. Petitioner then talked to their house helper. He learned from her that some time ago, she caught Petitioner taking pills in the morning. She told Respondent that she should not do it because she will not get pregnant. 67. Petitioner also learned that Respondent often complained to her co-employees in RCOS that she is not sexually satisfied with him, and that she finds his sexual organ small. He was gravely hurt because she was disclosing intimate details about their sexual life to other people. He felt that she no longer respected him and does not care about his reputation at all. 68. Petitioner confronted Respondent by text message about what he discovered and asked her to explain who the young man in the photographs is. He received a text message from her number and the sender denied knowing the young man in the photographs. The sender also asked who Petitioner was. The sender claimed that he was a poor man, that a woman had just sold him the SIM card that he was using, and that he does not know who the woman is. Petitioner was baffled because the day before he received the said text message, Respondent had just sent him a string of text messages using the same number. He also wondered who in these days would buy a used SIM card from a stranger and still use it. 69. A few days after, Petitioner received another string of messages from Respondent’s number. This time, the sender claimed that he is the uncle of Respondent, and that he learned about what happened to them from one of their relations. The sender told Petitioner, among other things, that he must not listen to what other people are saying about Respondent, that she is a very kind person, and that she is naturally close to her students because she is a teacher. 70. Petitioner was perplexed why Respondent’s uncle, who does not even know how to use a cellular phone and who was not close to Respondent, would text him about such personal matters. He also noted that the sender who claimed to be Respondent’s uncle constructed text messages very much like Respondent did. He was convinced that the sender was in fact Respondent herself who was using lies again just to talk to him. 71. It was not the first time that Respondent acted strangely. As stated above, she hurt herself physically just to make it appear to Petitioner’s parents and her mother and sisters that he was hurting her. 72. Respondent also likes being the center of attention and is fiercely jealous of any perceived competition. One time, she told him that she is jealous of the attention that he is giving her own mother. At another time, she told him that he should love only her and he cannot love the child that they may have more than he loves her. He was shocked because she was jealous of even her own mother, and of their own child should they have any. 73. Respondent was also jealous of Petitioner’s family. During a meal, when he talked to his family more than her, she became quiet and aloof. Later on, when they were alone in their room, she picked a fight with him. She told him that he loves his family more than her and that he enjoys their company more than hers. 74. On 31 May 2017, Petitioner saw Respondent inside the car of Kimber Azupardo while he was driving along Rizal Street near Divine Word College of Legazpi, where Kimber Azupardo was then studying. Petitioner was hurt and distressed but he chose not to confront them anymore. 75. Sometime in 2018, Petitioner saw Respondent again with Kimber Azupardo near Embarcadero de Legazpi. Again, Petitioner chose not to confront them anymore because it was clear to him that Respondent had already chosen another man over him. 76. Respondent has abandoned Petitioner for three years already. Petitioner submits that his marriage to her is void ab initio due to her psychological incapacity. 77. On 14 January 2019, Petitioner was examined by Susan Sabado, a clinical psychologist, for the purpose of determining whether he and Respondent suffer from psychological incapacity. Attached herewith as Annex “F” is the “Psychological Evaluation Report for the Declaration of Nullity of Marriage Due to Psychological Incapacity” which she prepared after the examination. Also attached herewith as Annex “F-1” is the letter of invitation sent by the said clinical psychologist to Respondent. 78. In the above-stated report, the said clinical psychologist made the following findings: “XI. DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF THE RESPONDENT: On the other hand, GINLY (Respondent) with her exposure to a hard-up life being raised solely by her mother due to the untimely death of her father has developed a deep-seated need for care, security and nurturance in her life. Moreover, she developed a faulty value system due to the permissive and tolerant mode of upbringing wherein discipline was not effectively instilled by her mother. She was allowed to do or pursue whatever she pleased or whatever would provide her with contentment, comfort and satisfaction. As such, this has eventually led her to be too demanding when it comes to requiring other people to be attentive to her needs at all times. Subsequently, she always craves to be the center of others’ attention. In the long run, this makes her vulnerable in falling in love or establishing close attachments with others from whom she demands attention, support and understanding. Otherwise, she would feel highly insecure and dissatisfied. Thus, she finds younger men appealing as she could easily make them submissive to her. And since she fears rejection, she is thereby predisposed to become overly insecure and jealous. Her coping mechanism though is by of way of being controlling to people around her thus, her tendency to be exaggerated in her manner of expressing her sentiments. She also becomes vindictive since she readily seeks support from others including the opposite sex thus, causing irreparable damage within her marital relationship. More often than not, she desires to have someone who would serve as her “ally” through thick and thin so that when this happens, she becomes willing to forego her own convictions just to become contented and happy in her life. Within her marriage, her weak-willed disposition in assuming her own roles had led to the collapse of her union with her spouse. This had therefore incapacitated her when it comes to complying adequately with her sexual duties and responsibilities as she becomes very focused on her needs that she has become insensitive and cruel to her spouse. Hence, she failed to sustain her own commitment to her marriage and family life since she also decided to seek comfort in the arms of other men. Therefore, she is deemed to be suffering from NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER with underlying Anti Social and Histrionic Traits as manifested by the following behavioral indications: • Has grandiose sense of self-importance and believes she is special (ex. She expects her spouse to treat her with reverence so that she could pursue whatever she needs or wishes, such as pressuring him into early marriage and him solely spending extravagantly for their wedding. She always wanted affirmation of his love and loyalty to her. Thus, she do as she pleases, was self-centered and thinks only of herself, and did not care if her actions were hurting other people, especially her husband. She wanted all of his attention to be focused on her, and resented him when he showed attention to other people, even to her own mother and her would-be child with him). • Shows demanding and arrogant behavior (ex. She had demanded everything from her spouse in terms of monetary support/resources, which she just squandered on her pleasure-oriented activities with her circle of friends and paramours. Ex. This demanding behavior of her was evident even before marriage as she insisted on him proposing to get back to her if she has still feelings for her even if he was then in a relationship with another woman, then later on insisting to propose and marry her even if he was still not ready). • She seeks another relationship as a source of care and support (ex. She was not able to effectively assume her roles/obligations as a wife to her husband and has also engaged in extra marital affairs with younger men while her spouse was working onboard a ship for their family’s upkeep). • She lacks empathy and is unwilling to recognize or identify the feelings and needs of others (ex. She shows lack of consideration and cruelty whenever she betray her husband’s trust either with money matters or indiscretions as well as whenever she neglected her spouse in favor of her pleasure-driven lifestyle such as when she suddenly abandoned him). • Renders disposition as she pleases without consideration to the feelings of her spouse and children (ex. She had squandered their family’s financial resources without thinking about its impact on her own family’s future and well-being; ex. She made decisions and actions that had extremely created a detriment to her marriage such as when she engaged in illicit affairs and later abandoned her spouse). • She has high degree of attention-seeking behavior and prefers an extravagant way of life (ex. She always wants to be the center of others’ attention so that and is also materialistic). • She manifests colorful, dramatic and extroverted behavior (ex. She is always head-on with her plans to the extent of being too adventurous and liberated with her activities and lifestyle). • Impulsivity and failure to plan ahead (ex. She committed actions without introspection such as asking him to propose and marry her, then later in their marital life, she squandered her husband’s financial resources on her needs and wishes as well as supported the needs of her biological family). • Deceitfulness and manipulative behavior (ex. She is a pathological liar who repetitively deceived her spouse just to get extra money from him; which she just spent on her extravagant lifestyle. ex. She made promises to her husband that she will go with him to a doctor for them to conceive a child but made several excuses and even feigned illness just so she will not get pregnant and have another competitor for affection. Ex. She claimed to have lost her engagement ring twice making her husband replaced it, which was later found out to have been pawned by her for her own use). • Absence of remorse for her misdeeds (ex. She never felt guilty and had never apologized for her demands and pleasure-driven lifestyle as well as illicit affairs with other men). XII. REMARKS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The disorder of GINLY (Respondent) is considered permanent and incurable in nature, as it is deeply rooted to her childhood years as encouraged and nurtured by the faulty type of upbringing she was exposed to. And since said disorder is present even before the celebration of their marriage due to its developmental nature, it is considered to have juridical antecedence. Therefore, said disorder is already ingrained in her personality make-up and mode of adjustment towards the environment she interacts with. In fact, she already considered it as part of her being and is therefore “ego syntonic” which means that she sees nothing wrong with her attitudes and behavioral manifestations. Hence, no known interventions could heal a person suffering from the above mentioned disorder. In a similar manner, such incapacity is grave enough to have caused the total breakdown of her marriage, as it prevented her from showing good adjustment towards the demands and requirements of marriage. It is likewise evident that their union from the beginning was not founded on love, trust, support, fidelity and respect and meant not to last because of the existing psychological incapacity of GINLY (Respondent). It is therefore recommended by the undersigned Psychologist to this Honorable Court, that the marriage of VANCE SERGIO R. REYES (Petitioner) and GINLY EPIFANIO-REYES (Respondent), be nullified.” CAUSE OF ACTION 79. Under Article 68 of the Family Code, “the husband and the wife are obliged to live together, observe mutual love, respect, and fidelity, and render mutual help and support” (Emphasis supplied). 80. In the seven years of their marriage, Petitioner experienced first-hand how incapable Respondent is of fulfilling the above-mentioned obligations. First, Respondent abandoned Petitioner to be with another man. 81. Second, Respondent, through her actions, has shown consistently that she does not love and respect her husband, Petitioner. She does as she pleases, is self-centered and thinks only of herself, and does not care if her actions are hurting other people, especially Petitioner, her husband. She is unfaithful but she wants all of Petitioner’s attention to be focused on her, and resents him when he shows attention to other people, even to her own mother and her would-be child with Petitioner. 82. Third, Respondent is incapable of rendering mutual help and support to Petitioner. Throughout their marriage, it was Petitioner alone who bore the financial burden inherent in their relationship. While Petitioner is hard-working and frugal, Respondent is irresponsible and is a spendthrift. She cannot hold a job for a long time and even the business that she ventured into with the help of Petitioner was a failure. She is unable to finish her graduate studies. She also cannot manage her finances and is always cash-strapped, even if Petitioner regularly sends her financial support. She lives extravagantly and does not know how to save her and Petitioner’s earnings. Petitioner is practically alone in building their family. 83. Most importantly, Respondent has shown an unwillingness to procreate and bear children. Although she is physically capable, she was unable to bear a child with Petitioner because she is unwilling to. She has continually made excuses, even feigned sickness, to avoid their doctor’s appointment, and she was caught red-handed taking pills to avoid getting pregnant. 84. In any event, Respondent has shown that she is psychologically incapable of being a mother and not just unwilling to become one. Under Article 209 of the Family Code, “parental authority and responsibility shall include caring for and rearing them (unemancipated children) for civic consciousness and efficiency and the development of their moral, physical, mental, and physical character and well-being”. 85. Countless of times, Respondent has shown that she is incapable of being a good role model to her would-be child with Petitioner. She is self-centered, wasteful, and extravagant. She is also unfaithful and is a pathological liar. And she has a proclivity to engage in sexual relations with younger males, most of whom are minors. A person with such qualities and proclivity is hardly someone a child can look up to while growing up. 86. Under Article 36 of the Family Code, “a marriage contracted by any party who, at the time of the celebration, was psychologically incapacitated to comply with the essential marital obligations of marriage, shall likewise be void even if such incapacity becomes manifest only after its solemnization”. 87. Petitioner submits that Respondent is one such psychologically incapacitated person who cannot comply with the essential obligations of marriage as stated above and thus prays that his marriage with Respondent be declared void ab initio. 88. X x x x x PRINCIPAL RELIEFS PRAYED FOR: To declare the marriage between Petitioner and Respondent VOID AB INITIO under Article 36 of the Family Code; terminate the absolute community property between Petitioner and Respondent by reason of the nullity of their marriage; order the Local Civil Registrar of Legazpi City, Albay, the Civil Registrar General, and the Philippine Statistic Authority to cancel from their respective registries the “Certificate of Marriage” of Petitioner and Respondent dated 10 August 2013 in Legazpi City, Albay; and issue other reliefs which are just and equitable under the premises. This Court commands the respondent, GINLY EPIFANIO REYES to answer the allegations above within a period of thirty (30) days, such period counted from the date of the last publication of this Order. Should the respondent fail to file in Court her Answer, the Petitioner will take judgment as the evidence will warrant. Send copy of this Order upon the respondent, GINLY EPIFANIO REYES,, at her last known address appearing on record at Central City Subdivision, Legazpi City, Albay. SO ORDERED. Hall of Justice, Rawis, Legazpi City, 15 February 2021.

(MS-OCT. 13 & 20, 2021)

RITCHIE R. REGALA Judge

Hotshots, Tropang Giga hungry for PH Cup

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

WEDNESDAY,

OCTOBER 20, 2021

By Peter Atencio

Sports Magnolia coach Chito Victolero (right) and TNT mentor Chot Reyes: Craving for a PBA title

MMA fighter reveals mental health woes, takes swipe at dad Navarrete By Randy Caluag

ILIPINO Mixed Martial Arts ﬁghter Rolando Gabriel Dy opened up about his anger management issues and, in part, put the blame on his father, boxing legend Rolando Navarrete. “They think mental health problem is just for the weak. Nah,” said Dy in a long social media post. “I am starting to hate my old man for passing this rage to me. I tried to avoid the path that he took, I never tried illegal drugs, I don’t have any vices, I don’t party, I never cheated to (on) my wife, I am just a ‘gym and family kind of guy,’ but because of these anger issues, I am a sh_t of a human being.” Dy is best known for being one of only a few Filipinos, who made it to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, after winning three straight bouts in the Pacific Extreme Fighting. He was a former Abu Dhabi Warriors’ featherweight champion. He acknowledged that it may be wrong to post his personal problems on social media “but it is what it is.”

“I am posting this to make people know that I am also suffering from mental health issues and I know I am not the only one,” he added. He made his long post after he claimed that his wife left with their daughter following a misunderstanding. “My wife was the best girl I could ever find. She is beautiful inside and out. I am just sick mentally. I have this rage that will come out from zero to 100, out of the blue and I can’t see it coming. It became worst because of the crisis. My wife can’t understand it, she thinks I am just abusive and narcissist,” he said. He said he can’t control himself and snaps easily. “I never loved someone like I love my baby, but I still can’t control my rage when I snapped,” Rolando said. His father Navarrete, a former World Boxing Council super featherweight

champion, got his mother pregnant but never were never married. So he grew up on his mother’s side and used her family name. Navarrete lived a colorful, but troubled life. He had a series of failed relationships with different women, who gave him a total of seven children. He was jailed in Hawaii for rape and got involved in various misfits, including wife battery and drugs.

Now aged 64, Navarrete lives in General Santos City. Dy again came up with a post, this time rebuking his father’s defenders. “To the Navarretes, who got offended by my post about the anger issues of my father and the mistakes he did before. From the bottom of my heart, I would like to apologize to absolutely nobody,” said Dy.

Rolando Gabriel Dy with father Rolando Navarrete in one of their few gettogethers.

Para Dance Sports team ready for world tilt MEMBERS of the Philippine Para Dance Sports team are oozing with confidence as they gear up for the prestigious World Para Dance Sport Championships slated in Ulsan, South Korea from Nov. 26 to 28. “We still have one month to prepare and we will do our best in training,” said head coach Genice Bong Marquez during the online Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday. The world meet will gather entries from as many as 40 countries, including favorites Russia, Ukraine and the United States. Marquez said the event will definitely bring out the best from the Philippine entries who are coming off a memorable stint in the Polish Open, which served as the last qualifier for the world meet.

The Philippines brought home seven gold, four silver and eight bronze medals from Lomianki, Poland. A total of 16 countries participated in the event. Bringing home four gold medals was Evelyn de Asis (women’s single freestyle 2, single conventional 2, duo freestyle 2 with partner Julius Obrero and junior competition). The other gold medalists were Obrero (combi Latin class 2 and freestyle combi class 2 with partner Rhea Marquez) and the pair of Jhona Pena and Joey Maglasang (duo standard class 2). Winning silver medals were De Asis and Shaquile Hanze Basan, Christian Apolinario, Jhistine Glyde Baguio, Filemon Baguio II, Obero and Pena. Bronze medalists were Anne Charlaine Santos with four, Jed Villaruel, Christian Apolinario and Joey Maglasang.

Marquez told the weekly forum presented San Miguel Corporation, MILO, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant, Daily Tribune and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation that all medalists in Poland will vie in the world event. Obero and Rhea Marquez also graced the forum, saying they are working very hard in bubble training in Novaliches to make sure the Philippines is represented well in Ulsan. “We train from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. with solo practices in between and we found that very effective,” said Marquez. “Bubble training was difficult at the start but we adjusted well to it,” added Obero, a prosthetics technician at UERM.

NBA, Smart join hands to support distance learning in PH THE National Basketball Association on Tuesday announced a collaboration with Smart Communications Inc., a leading digital services provider and official partner of the NBA in the Philippines, in support of School-in-a-Bag, Smart’s flagship education program that provides digital tools and content to support distance learning in public schools and communities across the Philippines. Through NBA Cares, the league’s global social responsibility program, the NBA and Smart will assemble and distribute School-in-a-Bag packages to 20 schools across 16 cities and provinces in Luzon (Batanes, Benguet, Bulacan, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Nueva Ecija, Palawan, Pampanga, Pangasinan and Romblon), Visayas (Biliran and Siquijor) and Mindanao (Agusan del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Surigao del Norte and Zamboanga del Norte). Each package will include a Smart LTE Pocket WiFi, laptop and tablets, both of which will have preinstalled educational content including Smart’s proprietary #LearnSmart apps,

Shown here are (from left) Scott Levy (MD, NBA Asia), Alfredo Panlilio (President and CEO, Smart) and Alfredo Hisoler (Principal, Dumalogdog Elementary School).

featuring alphabet and number exercises, short stories, and games in native languages and dialects. The bags will also feature NBA-branded baller bands and notebooks. The announcement was made by NBA

Asia Managing Director Scott Levy and PLDT and Smart President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio during a virtual ceremony earlier today. “Education in the Philippines has

changed dramatically as schools across the country continue engaging with students remotely,” said NBA Asia Managing Director Scott Levy. “Through NBA Cares, we’re proud to support our valued partner Smart and their School-in-a-Bag program, which delivers an innovative and sustainable approach to enhancing the distance learning experience for Filipino youth.” “The Smart School-in-a-Bag is our way to provide students and teachers access to the wealth of knowledge through digital learning tools, so that no learner is left behind,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, President and CEO of Smart. “Our collaboration with the NBA allows us to give more children in remote communities more opportunities to pursue their passion and purpose, and a fighting chance for a better future.” The School-in-a-Bag program underscores the commitment of Smart and its partners to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, specifically by providing access to quality education in the Philippines.

THE TNT Tropang Giga team feels a hunger for a title that needs to be fed. Coach Chot Reyes said this as the Tropang Giga start their best-of-seven championship series with the Magnolia Hotshots in the 2021 Philippine Basketball Association Philippines on Wednesday. Not having tasted a crown in eight years has heightened that craving for greatness. “For the team, talagang gutom na gutom sila. They’re very hungry. It’s been eight years since the last championship,” said Reyes in a Zoom webcon with PBA scribes a day before Game 1 begins at 6 p.m. at the DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga. Members of the Tropang Giga, according to Reyes, are desiring for their sixth Philippine Cup crown since they last got it following a 4-0 sweep of their best-of-seven final series over Rain or Shine back in 2013. And after much hardship, Reyes said that the Tropang Giga are back in the finals again after losing to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings in 2020. They did so after complete and healthy TNT team unleashed its full might on the San Miguel Beermen on Sunday to hammer out a 97-79. TNT’s quest will revolve around the big games of Mikey Williams, RR Pogoy and Troy Rosario, who consistently turned in big numbers for the team during the playoffs. In a way, the Hotshots are also hungry to win in the All-Filipino. After making it to the Philippine Cup finals for the third time in four years, Magnolia Hotshots’ coach Chito Victolero hopes that the crown will be theirs this time around. Magnolia is seeking its 15th PBA title in franchise history and seventh AllFilipino crown. The team, however, has been empty-handed in the Philippine Cup for the past four years, even though they have made the finals three times. Victolero expressed his hopes for a first-ever title in the Philippine Basketball Association since handling the team in the 2017 to 2018 season. “We are praying for this. That’s our goal,” said Victolero. The Hotshots will be going for a championship with prized trade recruit Calvin Abueva expected to provide trouble for the Tropang Giga inside the paint. The last time the Tropang Giga fought Magnolia, the latter was still known San Mig Coffee in the 2010-211 season.

Around 96% of NBA cagers vaccinated vs. COVID-19 NEW YORK—NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Monday that around 96 percent of players in the league have now been vaccinated against COVID-19 despite union opposition to a league-wide mandate. Speaking to reporters on the eve of the new NBA season, which tips off on Tuesday, Silver said the number of vaccinated players had increased and was expected to go higher after the season starts. “Roughly 96 percent of our players are vaccinated, and that number will likely tick up a bit when the season starts,” Silver told reporters. Issues around vaccine hesitancy have loomed over the build-up to the 2021-2022 season, most notably with Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving effectively being sidelined over his refusal to get vaccinated. A city regulation in New York requires individuals in public indoor spaces to be vaccinated, meaning that Irving is unable to play home games for the Nets. The Nets subsequently said Irving would not play in either home or away games as long as he remains unvaccinated. Silver said Monday he hoped Irving would eventually change his mind over the vaccine—but backed the New York regulations that have left his career in limbo. “I hope that Kyrie, despite how strongly he feels about the vaccination, ultimately decides to get vaccinated because I’d love to see him play basketball this season, and I’d love to see the Brooklyn Nets have their full complement of players on the floor,” Silver said. Asked if he felt Irving’s situation was fair, Silver replied: “I’m not sure if fair is the right way to approach it because there’s nothing fair about this virus. AFP

Business PH Resorts defers opening of casino in Mactan to 2023

By Jenniffer B. Aus

PH Resorts Group Holdings Inc., a company led by businessman Dennis Uy, delayed the opening of its first hotel casino project in Mactan, Cebu to the first quarter of 2023 PH Resorts said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the company is working closely with primary design team Steelman Partners, project management firm Tenman HK Limited and construction team Terp Asia Construction Corp. to ensure that phase 1 of Emerald Bay will start full operations on budget and on track for the targeted opening in the first quarter of 2023. The delay in the completion of Emerald Bay was due to the mobility restrictions to prevent the exposure of workers onsite to the COVID-19 pandemic. It said the situation onsite gradually improved and was now back to normal, with continued compliance with applicable government directives. The company said Emerald Cebu as of end-September was 40.77-percent complete while the main building was 98.66-percent finished. The construction of Emerald Bay began in December 2017 while that of hotel Tower A and Tower B started in the third quarter of 2018. Phase 1 of Emerald Bay is expected to have 4,514 square meters of aggregate gaming floor area, with 600 electronic gaming machines, 122 gaming tables, a five-star hotel with 270 hotel bays, an open-air promenade, 5 F&B outlets and one pool complementing a partially completed 300-meter-long beach front that will be open to resort guests. Meanwhile, the second phase is expected to have 8,210 sq. m. of aggregate gaming floor area, with 729 electronic gaming machines, 146 gaming tables, a five-star hotel with 780 hotel bays, including five villas, four pools, 16 F&B outlets covering an area of 11,186 sq. m. and MICE facilities of about 1,558 sq. m.

PLDT constructing biggest data center for ‘hyperscalers’ By Darwin G. Amojelar PLDT Inc. said Tuesday it is building the biggest data center in the country to serve the massive power and IT requirements of global hyperscalers. It said the world-class hyperscaler data center facility would be telco-neutral and would incorporate sustainability in its design and operations. “We are very optimistic and bullish about the hyperscaler demand in the enterprise sector. To support the growing needs of global technology giants and cloud service providers expanding in the region, we at the PLDT Group are proud to announce that we will be building the first hyperscaler data center facility in the Philippines,” said PLDT vice president Nico Alcoseba, head of ICT business for enterprise. The facility will be Tier-3 certified and Tier-4 ready once it starts operations, he said. “This hyperscaler data center is a first of its kind. It will have more power capacity in one facility versus all our 10 VITRO data centers combined. It will also be designed to be global class in energy efficiency and reliability, and will make use of the latest in green technology,” Alcoseba said. The PLDT Group, in line with the government’s initiatives to make the Philippines a more attractive destination for hyperscalers, said it is enhancing its network of data centers to serve and deliver the much bigger requirements of hyperscalers, particularly to service their availability zones which are the core nodes of their global network to deliver the cloud solutions. “We at PLDT are continuously enhancing our existing data centers in three main ways. First, we are adding more power capacity per rack to support the dense and high-powered equipment of hyperscalers. Second, we’re further enhancing the reliability and energy efficiency of our data center facilities. And last, we’re also looking for ways to deliver Renewable Energy to support the carbon neutrality commitments of these companies,” said Alcoseba.

PSE INDEX CLOSING Tuesday, October 19, 2021 46.50 PTS.

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021

Ayala unit divesting from coal, eyes 100% renewables by 2025 By Alena Mae S. Flores

C ENERGY Corp., the energy unit of Ayala Corp., announced Tuesday its commitment to transition the company’s generation portfolio to 100-percent renewable energy by 2025 as it expands here and abroad while spinning off its coal assets.

AC Energy initiated moves to ensure compliance with the commitment during a special board meeting on Oct. 18, the company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange. This includes the spin-off of coal assets and expansion of RE portfolio both in the domestic and international markets. The board also approved the acquisition by the company, through subsidiary AC Renewables International Pte. Ltd., of the remaining 51.6-percent ownership interest of UPC Renewables Asia Pacific Holdings Pte Ltd. and An-

ton Rohner in UPC-AC Renewables Australia, their joint venture holding company for Australian energy and power projects and investments, for up to $243.3 million. The transaction will raise AC Energy’s ownership in the renewables development platform to 100 percent. “This transaction marks a strategic pivot for ACEN, as the company embarks on its first wholly-owned development and operations platform outside of the Philippines”, said AC Energy president and chief executive Eric Francia. “We are excited to scale up invest-

7,266.31

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

ment in our Australia platform, as we expect the country to accelerate its energy transition,” Francia said. AC Energy’s board also approved the commitment to achieve net zero by 2050. Net zero is a global movement to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2050. The board granted authority to management to work towards the early retirement of South Luzon Thermal Energy Corp. by 2040 or 15 years ahead of its technical life through the use of Energy Transition Mechanism. ETM is an innovative funding mechanism that leverages low-cost and longterm funding geared towards early coal retirement and reinvestment of proceeds to enable renewable energy. “We remain committed to AC Energy group’s coal divestment policy. In the case of SLTEC, we will ensure that the divestment process incorporates the just transition approach,” said Francia.

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

1,344,848,377 136,205 8,536,358,363.30 105 90 51

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

50.8070

Japan

Yen

0.008748

0.4445

Pound

1.373100

69.7631

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128571

6.5323

Switzerland

Franc

1.082603

55.0038

Canada

Dollar

0.808146

41.0595

Singapore

Dollar

0.741290

37.6627

Australia

Dollar

0.741100

37.6531

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652872

134.7845

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266617

13.5460

Brunei

Dollar

0.738552

37.5236

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000071

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.029886

1.5184

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

13.8341

Euro

1.161300

59.0022

Korea

Won

0.000843

0.0428

China

Yuan

0.155536

7.9023

India

Rupee

0.013294

0.6754

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.239837

12.1854

New Zealand

Dollar

0.708100

35.9764

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035779

1.8178 Source: BSP

IN BRIEF First Gen completes repair of Avion plant

FIRST Gen Corp., the country’s clean energy leader, announced Tuesday the completion of repair works on Unit 2 of the 97-megawatt Avion natural gas power plant in Batangas City. First Gen said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it was advised by subsidiary Prime Meridian Powergen Corp. that the restoration works on Unit 2 of Avion plant were completed by GE, the original equipment manufacturer. “Recommissioning and testing activities, which are necessary to determine whether the unit can be declared ready to return to commercial operations, have commenced,” the company said. The Avion Power Plant is owned by PMPC and located within the First Gen Clean Energy Complex in Batangas City. On Aug. 31, PMPC informed First Gen that the compressor of one of two gas turbines that comprise the Avion power plant was damaged. The plant features two units that utilize GE LM6000 PC dual fuel aero-derivative gas turbines/generators, making it the first power plant in the Philippines to run on aircraft engines for land-based power generation application. Alena Mae S. Flores

Digital transformation to unlock economic value

WB-FUNDED VACCINES. A vaccine receiver gives a thumbs up while receiving a jab of a World Bank-funded COVID-19 dose at a mall theater in Cavite province. The World Bank supports the country’s program to purchase and distribute COVID-19 vaccines, strengthen the country’s health systems, and overcome the impact of the pandemic, especially on the poor and the most vulnerable. About 4.73 million doses of vaccines out of 13 million procured by the country under the $500-million COVID-19 Emergency Response Project Additional Financing have arrived in the country.

DOF, agencies prepare employees for return to office work By Julito G. Rada THE Department of Finance and its attached agencies and state corporations may soon return to work normally in their respective offices after more than a year of shifting to work-from-home arrangements because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, in a recent executive committee meeting, ordered the DOF, its attached agencies and state corporations to prepare their respective plans on transitioning work back to their respective office, with strict adherence to health and safety protocols. “I think that we should already

have a plan for transitioning back into working normally. In other words, back-to-office work,” Dominguez said during the meeting. “I’d like everybody to start working on this plan already assuming that we’re going to have to live with this virus,” he said. Dominguez said as more government employees get fully vaccinated, the DOF and its agencies such as the Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Local Government Finance and the Bureau of the Treasury, Insurance Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission and other attached organizations should gradu-

ally shift to working normally in their respective offices. He said the transition plans should include testing protocols for employees and their immediate families and seminars to educate them on how to return safely to full-time office work. The Interagency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has yet to allow the full transition to back-to-office arrangements with the National Capital Region now under General Community Quarantine with Alert Level 3 status. About 76.6 percent of DOF’s employees were fully vaccinated as of Oct. 8.

DIGITAL transformation can unlock up to P5 trillion ($101.3 billion) worth of economic value in the Philippines by 2030 using digital technologies that will enhance business and economic processes. A study commissioned by Google Philippines and prepared by Singapore-based research center AlphaBeta showed technologies that mitigate the long-term impacts of COVID-19 can generate huge annual economic value in the next 10 years. “A young, tech-savvy population, like the Philippines’, is increasingly the competitive advantage of the 21st century. The internet economy is already huge. So, growing at 30 percent annually, the Philippines is going to reach $28 billion by 2025,” said AlphaBeta founder and chief executive Fraser Thompson during the launch of Google’s Economic Impact to Philippine Economy Tuesday. The report explored eight transformative technologies and the robust economic potential they bring to Philippine industries, including artificial intelligence which can be used to drive data-based public health interventions, mobile internet to help digitize retail distribution channels and the Internet of Things for use in supply chain tracking. Othel V. Campos

BOI approves P919-m biomass power project

THE Board of Investments said Tuesday it approved the application of Libertad Power and Energy Corp. for a P919.4-million biomass project under the 2020 Investment Priorities Plan. The 6-megawatt biomass plant in Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur will be operational by December 2022 and will employ 300 employees during the construction period and 60 plant workers upon operation. It said the biomass energy system would generate electrical power from direct combustion system using rice husk, coconut husk, rice straw, corn cobs, wood chips and coconut parts as feedstock. “The demand for power in Mindanao will continue to increase due to the resurgence of economic growth as the country prepares for a post-pandemic scenario. The building up of capacity is needed to sustain this demand and ensure that supply of power to consumers is unhampered,” said Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo. Othel V. Campos

Del Monte-Vinamilk bullish on local dairy market By Othel V. Campos DEL Monte-Vinamilk Dairy Philippines, a joint venture of Del Monte Philippines and Vinamilk of Vietnam, is looking at capturing about 10 percent of the local market for dairy beverages. Del Monte, the leading brand for fruit juices and tomato-based preparations, said the joint venture carefully studied the market and the competitors in the dairy beverage category and believed the partnership would have the winning advantage to compete in the market. “We have solid sales and marketing programs, and already established distribution presence, as well as an effective communication plan,” said Del Monte Philippines chief executive and Del Monte-Vinamilk president Luis Alejandro. The partnership is working on establishing a stable foothold of the Philippine market. “We’re not aiming for dominant leadership yet. What we want is for these new

products to have a pretty good domestic presence, as we promote nutritional benefits for kids, even to teens and adults especially in this pandemic situation,” said Del Monte-Vinamilk commercial head Eileen Asuncion. The company said that amid the pandemic, there was an increased focus on maintaining good health, including proper nutrition, as part of a holistic plan to guard against COVID-19. The partnership is Del Monte’s initial foray into dairy beverage which was consistent with the company’s plans to expand its beverage line-up. “As part of our long range plan, we hope to scope different categories where we will compete in the future, and we found dairy to be an attractive category,” Alejandro said during the product launch Tuesday. The Del Monte-Vinamilk selection of dairy drinks includes Del Monte-Vinamilk Fresh Milk, IQ Smart Flavored Milk, YoGurt Drink and Tea Bliss Milk Tea.

SAN MIGUEL MARKET. San Miguel Corp. formally opens San Miguel Market in Sariaya, Quezon, a regional food hub for pandemic-hit farmers and fisherfolk. The public market built by SMC for fisherfolk beneficiary families of San Miguel-Christian Gayeta homes, is envisioned to be part of a larger food supply hub in the province, where both fishermen and farmers can sell their produce to bulk buyers from all over Quezon province, neighboring provinces and Metro Manila.

Business

B2 || WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks rise; Converge, AC Energy advance T TOP GAINERS HE stock market rose Tuesday on improving economic prospects and government moves to ease restrictions on business activities and mobility. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index gained 46.50 points, or 0.6 percent, at 7,266.31 on a value turnover of P8.5 billion. Gainers beat losers, 105 to 90, with 51 issues unchanged. Fiber broadband service provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. jumped 10.7 percent to P31, while AC Energy Corp. of the Ayala Group surged 10 percent to P11.88.

Basic Energy Corp. soared 21.7 percent to P0.73 after disclosing a plan to buy up to 60 percent of Filoil Energy Company Inc., while SM Investments Corp. of the Sy Group climbed 3.9 percent to P1,008. The rest of Asian markets advanced Tuesday, extending a Wall Street rally as optimism over corporate earnings provided some respite from long-running worries about inflation, central bank tightening and signs of a slowing economic recovery. A string of forecast-beating profit reports from businesses over the past week has provided a much-needed boost to investors who have for most of the year been waiting nervously for finance

chiefs to start winding in the vast cash support put in place at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The positive readings have eased concerns about the impact on companies’ bottom lines from surging inflation, a brewing energy crisis and expectations that the era of cheap money will soon come to an end. “Thus far we’ve seen companies post some fairly decent beats on the earnings front, and while it’s been notable that most have cited concerns about rising costs, as well as supply chain disruptions, we haven’t seen many significant profit downgrades yet,” said CMC Markets analyst Michael Hewson. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq on Wall

Street ended in positive territory, and Asia followed suit. Hong Kong and Taipei put on more than one percent each, while Shanghai, Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, Wellington and Mumbai also saw healthy gains. However, Sydney, Bangkok and Jakarta slipped. Investors brushed off reports that North Korea had fired an unidentified projectile into the sea. While attention is largely on the release of profit reports, traders are also awaiting comments from the US Federal Reserve as it prepares to scale back its vast bond-buying program with an eye on surging prices. With AFP The bank has already signaled a start

US industrial output fell 1.3% in Sept. amid supply issues WASHINGTON—Output by US industries fell 1.3 percent last month amid continued supply constraints hindering manufacturing, the Federal Reserve reported Monday. Declines were apparent across multiple categories, but stark in the auto sector, with production of motor vehicles and parts falling 7.2 percent “as shortages of semiconductors continued to hobble operations,” the central bank said. The drop came as a surprise as economists were forecasting a modest increase in industrial production. And after reporting a gain in August that returned total output in the world’s largest economy to its pre-pandemic level, the Fed revised the data to instead show a decline. Faced with ongoing supply bottlenecks, factory output fell 0.7 percent last month after a 0.4 percent drop in August according to the revised data. Mining, including oil drilling, plunged 2.3 percent, while cooler weather contributed to the 3.6-percent drop in utilities output. However, the report said some of the declines were due to the impact of Hurricane Ida, which caused flooding and destruction in parts of Louisiana and the northeastern United States. “The lingering effects of Hurricane Ida more than accounted for the drop in mining in September; they also contributed 0.3 percentage point to the drop in manufacturing,” the report said. “Overall, about 0.6 percentage point of the drop in total industrial production resulted from the impact of the hurricane.” AFP

LAST PRICE

% CHANGE CHANGE

1 2

GPH BSC

16.48 0.73

5.48 0.13

49.82% 21.67%

EVER

0.35

0.055

18.64%

4 5

MED CNVRG

0.35 31

0.04 3

12.90% 10.71%

6 7

ACEN PRMX

11.88 2.33

1.08 0.2

10.00% 9.39%

8 9

TFC PCOR

47 3.98

3.9 0.33

9.05% 9.04%

PHA

0.86

0.07

8.86%

TOP LOSERS

‘LOYALTY DAY.’ In this aerial view, workers called by Unions take part in a rally to celebrate the Day of the Loyalty to Peronism in Buenos Aires on October 18, 2021. AFP

Singapore relaxes entry rules for vaccinated passengers SINGAPORE—Singapore on Tuesday began quarantine-free entry for fully vaccinated passengers from eight countries, part of a plan to ease restrictions as the business hub gears up to live with the coronavirus. The latest easing expanded a program that began with vaccinated air travel lanes with Germany and Brunei last month, and is now open to passengers from the United States, Canada, Britain, Denmark, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. Singapore Airlines said flights from Amsterdam, London, Los Angeles and New York were scheduled to arrive Tuesday under the program. “We have seen very strong demand for our Vaccinated Travel Lane flights,” the national airline told AFP. “This is across all cabin classes, as well as various travel segments including lei-

sure, families, and business travel.” Passengers arriving as part of this scheme—which will include South Korea from November 15—will not have to quarantine if they have been fully vaccinated and test negative for the virus before they depart and when they arrive. To enable families to travel, Singapore has allowed entry to unvaccinated children aged 12 years and under if they are accompanied by someone flying under the scheme. Raj Samuel, a restaurant manager in the almost deserted tourist district, said he was “optimistic” about the potential for more business. “I think it’s an excellent move by the country to help open up the economy... especially for the food and beverage sector,” the 36-year-old told AFP, adding he was “looking forward to having

more guests.” Kylie Jens, a 29-year-old lawyer from New Zealand living in Singapore, said she is planning to go to Britain for Christmas under the scheme. “Singapore is just such a small island, it’s nice to have a chance to get away and know that that’s possible pretty soon,” she told AFP. The city-state initially fought the COVID-19 pandemic by shutting borders, imposing lockdowns of varying intensity and aggressive contact tracing. But with more than 80 percent of the population fully vaccinated, authorities are keen to revive the economy. “Singapore cannot stay locked down and closed off indefinitely,” Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said earlier this month when he announced a raft of measures under the “Living with COVID-19” strategy. AFP

Auto sector shifts gear towards recycling parts, batteries By Taimaz Szirniks PARIS , France—From aging electric batteries to old engines to rearview mirrors, the auto industry is revving up its recycling efforts as it faces pressure to reduce its colossal carbon footprint. The world’s automakers are investing in facilities to salvage old parts but the industry is also looking to recycle the millions of electric batteries used for the cars of the future. While electric cars are cleaner than their fossil fuel forebears, the raw materials needed for their batteries are extracted from mines in Africa that are often accused of environmental damage and using child labor. “As demand for these materials increase, the pressures on these (economically marginalized) regions are likely to be amplified, risking the goals of a socially and ecologically sustainable renewable energy system,” according to the Institute for Sustainable Futures at University of Technology Sydney. How the auto industry will manage its electric transition is likely to be among the hot topics at the twoweek COP26 climate summit hosted by Britain starting October 31. The sector produces more greenhouse gas emissions than the entire European Union, with 20 percent of it coming from manufacturing, according to the World Economic Forum. Batteries can account for as much as half the price of electric cars, with a life expectancy ranging between eight and 15 years. Recycling them could have a considerable impact. It could reduce demand for lithium by 25 percent, cobalt by 35 percent, and nickel and copper by 55 percent in 2040, the Institute for Sustainable Futures said in a report in April.

PSEi OCTOBER 19, 2021

In this file photograph taken on September 9, 2021, a worker dismantles an end-of-life vehicle at Indra Automobile Recycling facility in Romorantin, central France. With the boom in electric cars, millions of batteries are expected to reach the end of their useful life in a few years’ time, and recycling facilities around the world are preparing to step up the pace. AFP

But new mining projects are under way, with “the potential for adverse impacts on local environments and communities, including pollution of soil, air and water, human rights abuses and unsafe working conditions,” the Australian institute said. It is technologically possible to recover over 90 percent of the metals used in batteries, but the effort is “limited by the lack of a strong economic driver or policy that could encourage the use of recycled materials,” the report said. The European Commission wants to require that 12 percent of the cobalt, four percent of lithium and four percent of nickel used in electric batteries be from recycled material from 2030. Leading a ‘Revolt’ China is ahead of the game, according to experts, with battery maker CATL recently announcing the construction of a 32-billion-yuan ($5 billion, 4.3-billion-euro) recycling plant in

Hubei province. Redwood, headed by one of the founders of US electric car champion Tesla, raised $500 million in July to expand its recycling facility. Swedish startup Northvolt—a Volkswagen and BMW partner—plans to launch next year a factory capable of recycling 25,000 tons of batteries per year. The company has pledged that 50 percent of its battery components would be made from recycled materials by 2030. The project, dubbed Revolt, is part of the company’s promise to be the greenest battery maker in Europe. Northvolt’s chief environmental officer, Emma Nehrenheim, warned that all market forecasts have underestimated the growth of battery production. “Production is constantly growing,” Nehrenheim said. AFP

LAST PRICE

% CHANGE CHANGE

1 2

MB OPM

0.405 0.011

-0.04 -0.001

-8.99% -8.33%

3 4 5 6 7

OPMB HOUSE ATNB ABG BCB

0.011 10 0.455 5.28 4.77

-0.001 -0.78 -0.035 -0.32 -0.24

-8.33% -7.24% -7.14% -5.71% -4.79%

8 9

PIZZA BRN

8.19 0.86

-0.41 -0.04

-4.77% -4.44%

CNPF

24.95

-1.05

-4.04%

MOST ACTIVE 1 2 3 4 5

MONDE CNVRG ACEN ALI BDO

VOLUME 73,359,500 34,107,100 59,519,300 8,827,100 2,393,330

6 7 8 9 10

SCC SM BPI BSC GLO

9,408,000 255,980 2,718,330 263,378,000 55,855

VALUE (PHP) 1,129,732,218 1,049,016,450 696,377,568 335,278,375 313,373,374 274,773,700 256,260,825 233,822,195 183,241,160 174,492,360

China property, construction sectors shrank in 3rd quarter BEIJING, China—China’s real estate and construction sectors shrank in the third quarter for the first time since the early stage of the pandemic, official data showed Tuesday, as they face increasing pressure from a sprawling crackdown on the country’s ailing property industry. The figures come a day after figures showed the world’s second-biggest economy grew slower than forecast in the same period owing to the regulatory tightening as well as an energy crunch. Real estate output shrank 1.6 percent on-year, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said in a report breaking down changes in gross domestic product. The reading marks the first contraction since the first three months of 2020—when China’s COVID-19 outbreak was at its height—and a reverse from its 7.1-percent growth in April-June. At the same time, output from construction slipped 1.8 percent, the report said, also representing its first decline since the first quarter of last year. Before the pandemic, China’s construction sector had never shrunk since at least 1992 when data started being collected, according to data cited by Bloomberg News. Property and construction are pillars of the Chinese economy, underpinning other important sectors such as commodities and furnishings. But they have taken a hit as Beijing wages a regulatory clampdown on the real estate sector, including by tightening rules on lending. The move comes against the backdrop of a $300-billion debt crisis at China Evergrande—one of the nation’s biggest property developers—that has hammered investor sentiment and fueled fears of a spillover into the wider economy. China’s central bank has said the risk of contagion is “controllable” and Evergrande will be able to resume unfinished projects. Tuesday’s report also showed growth in China’s manufacturing output slowed to 4.6 percent in the third quarter, down from 9.2 percent in the previous three months, as production curbs at factories battling ongoing energy shortages began to bite. At a news briefing Monday, NBS spokesman Fu Linghui said “current international environment uncertainties are mounting and the domestic economic recovery is still unstable and uneven.” AFP

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021

Francine celebrates youthful beauty

Teen star Francine Diaz is the newest face of a growing beauty brand.

TEEN actress Francine Diaz can easily be one of the stars young women can turn to for beauty inspiration. Thus, it wasn’t a surprise when the 17-year-old screen star became the newest endorser of Dr. Alvin Skin Care Products for its new rejuvenating set. “I’m honored to represent the brand because its products help me address my skin problems, not to mention that it’s FDA approved. And I hope I can inspire people my age to look good by taking care of their skin,” she says. Staying true to its slogan “Gandang Angat, Gandang Dr. Alvin,” the brand, named after its founder Dr. Alvin Matulac, chose the Huwag Kang Mangamba star to be

its new face as her personality and character suits well. “I think Francine is the perfect ‘face’ for our brand. She is beautiful, confident, and vibrant young lady. But beyond her physical attributes, we value somebody with good attitude, and Francine has it. She is consistently polite, courteous, and kind. It may sound redundant, but truly she is all that! And she smiles a lot too,” says Dr. Alvin himself. “And with her massive followings in different social media platforms, she can give inspiration and enthusiasm within her community to the lifestyle and products she is using and uphold the Dr. Alvin skincare products awareness cam-

paigns,” the founder adds. Francine rose to fame in the 2018-hit series Kadenang Ginto portraying the role of Cassie. She has also starred in a couple of projects portraying the lead role, such as the digital film Tenement 66 and the digital series Bawal Lumabas. Currently, she has 3.6 million followers on Facebook, 4.6 million followers on Instagram, and 5.1 million on TikTok. Now, she joins the current line-up of Dr. Alvin Brand Ambassadors such as her fellow Kapamilya stars Kira Balinger and Joshua Garcia. “Francine can communicate with her peers and followers. We feel that she can inspire those who follow her to also take care

Angeline Quinto marks 10th year in showbiz with historic concert at Met Theater V

OCAL powerhouse Angeline Quinto is making history as she marks her 10th anniversary in show business. To celebrate this milestone, the 31-year-old singer is staging a concert series filmed at the new Met Theater (formerly the Metropolitan Theater) in Manila.

Entitled 10Q, the concert will have 10 parts and will run from Oct. 29 to Feb.19. “The concert will have different themes genbased on my special guests, but the gen eral theme of the 10-part concert revolves around ‘pasasalamat.’ The concert is my way to show gratitude to people who have decsupported me and my career the past dec ade,” Quinto told Manila Standard Entertainment in a virtual interview. From being named the next female pop superstar in Star Power to becoming the country’s Power Diva, Quinto has truly come a long way in establishing herself as bankone of the most important and most bank

able musical artists of her generation. “There is no stopping me from giving a grand concert experience for my fans and to everyone who supported me since day one. The pandemic may not allow us to do live events but thanks to our streaming partners, we can still make this happen,” the Queen of Teleserye Theme Songs added. Quinto will be the first music artist in history to hold a concert at the newly renovated and still iconic MET Theater. “I am very happy to have been given this honor and privilege to perform at the MET Theater. Back in the days, my mama Bob and I would pass by the then Metropolitan Theater and I remember telling her that one day I’ll be performing there before a huge crowd,” Quinto recounted. Prior to winning a reality singing competition, Quinto was a finalist in Star for a Night where she competed with Mark Bautista and Sarah Geronimo. Since then, she conquered the music scene and in 2012, she debuted her career in acting as she top-billed the romantic drama movie Born to Love You opposite Coco Martin. A year later, she also starred in her first primetime series Kahit Konting Pagtingin where she’s entangled in a love triangle with Sam Milby and Paulo Avelino. Tickets for 10Q are now available via www.ktx.phfor only P499 (single ticket) or P3,499 (10Q pass). Concert dates are as follows: Oct 29 and 30; Nov 26 and 27; Dec 25 and 26; Jan 28 and 29; and Feb 18 and 19. The show will be directed by Dido Camara with Marvin Querido as musical producer. Watch 10Q streaming exclusively on KTX, iWantTFC, and TFC IPTV.

Angeline Quinto is performing in ‘10Q,’ an anniversary concert series of 10 virtual shows to be held at the Manila Metropolitan Theater (Met) from October to February.

ABS-CBN wins Star Awards’ Best TV Station ABS-CBN won Best TV Station while its stars and shows also received recognition in the 34th Star Awards for Television held virtually by the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) over the weekend. Among the 24 other winners from the Kapamilya was series Pamilya Ko, which was named Best Primetime TV Series while its stars JM de Guzman and Sylvia Sanchez were hailed as Best Drama Actor and Best Drama Actress. King of Talk Boy Abunda received the Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Award and won Best Public Affairs Program Host and Best Celebrity Talk Show Host for The Bottomline and Tonight With Boy Abunda, which then won Best Public Affairs Program and Best Celebrity Talk Show, respectively. Ipaglaban Mo also won as Best Drama Anthology while It’s Showtime was chosen as Best Variety Show. It’s Showtime hosts

Vice Ganda and Amy Perez took home honors as well as Best Male and Female TV Hosts, while Luis Manzano of I Can See Your Voice got Best Talent Search Program Host. ABS-CBN News was also recipient of major awards in the event, which honored outstanding programs and performances from September 2019 to August 2020. TV Patrol won Best News Program, Umagang Kay Ganda won Best Morning Show, Kim Atienza won Best Educational Program Host for Matanglawin, while Julius Babao won Best Male Newscaster for Bandila. Multi-awarded broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez-Roxas, who spent decades as anchor of many news and magazine shows in ABS-CBN like TV Patrol and Rated K was also presented with the Excellence in Broadcasting Lifetime Achievement Award. ABS-CBN’s young stars also shone this year led by Seth Fed-

ABS-CBN Integrated CorpComm head Kane Errol Choa receives ABS-CBN’s Best TV Station award.

elin, whose portrayal in the MMK episode “Ilog” was hailed as Best Single Performance by an Actor, and Kaori Oinuma, whose performance in the “Mata” episode clinched her Best New Female TV Personality win. Enzo Pelojero of Starla also won Best Child Performer while Seth and Andrea

Brillantes received the German Moreno Power Tandem of the Year award. ABS-CBN Foundation’s G Diaries added two trophies to ABSCBN’s haul, winning Best Travel Show while host Ernie Lopez emerged as Best Travel Show Host.

of their skin as well. She is passionate about her craft and exudes positive energy that can easily attract like-minded people to her,” Dr. Alvin says. Upon launching Francine as its new ambassador, Dr. Alvin, through the new rejuvenating set, encourages consumers to maintain healthy skin given that we are still in the pandemic. Dr. Alvin is accessible via Dr. Alvin Main Page on Facebook, @dralvinmainpage on Instagram, via website www.dr-alvin.com, or via phone call: 8371-2510, 83731894, 0999-992-1492 and 0917881-5672. They are also open for distributors, wholesalers, and resellers worldwide.

‘24 Oras’ makes history as the first Philippine newscast to livestream locally on TikTok.

Your favorite weeknight news now on Tiktok GMA Network’s flagship newscast 24 Oras makes history as the first Philippine newscast to livestream locally on video-sharing app TikTok. This comes on the heels of the highly successful launch of the multi-awarded newscast’s official TikTok account @24Oras last month. Its handle currently has 744,500 followers, 5.6 million likes, and 276.5 million views as of writing. Anchored by GMA News pillars Mel Tiangco, Mike Enriquez, and Vicky Morales, 24 Oras continues to deliver news and information to viewers and netizens on weeknights. Its weekend newscast, 24 Oras Weekend, is anchored by Pia Arcangel and Ivan Mayrina. With the 24 Oras livestream on TikTok, GMA’s primetime newscast widens its reach to make news and information available to more people including the younger audience. At the same time, it aims to teach more netizens about media literacy—using one of today’s leading social media platforms in promoting factual reportage. “By streaming 24 Oras on Tiktok, we hope to bring GMA News’ Serbisyong Totoo to millennial and Gen Z viewers. Keeping them informed is even more important as we approach Eleksyon 2022, which represents another critical moment in our history,” said GMA Network Senior Vice President for News and Public Affairs Marissa L. Flores. Last month, 24 Oras also launched its #24OrasChallenge on the app and invited subscribers to join their favorite Kapuso anchors in reporting the news by reading from a teleprompter. The challenge continues to make waves among TikTok users with over 47.7 million views and more than 21,000 duets made with 25 published challenge videos as of Oct. 14. The #24OrasChallenge also produced spiels in local dialects such as Hiligaynon, Bisaya, Bikolano, Cebuano, and Tagalog which featured GMA Regional TV anchors and personalities. “Tiktok is fast becoming the platform of choice for younger viewers. With new innovations by our digital teams, we want to keep them informed, engaged, and up to date with the news they need to know,” said Jaemark Tordecilla, GMA Network Senior Assistant Vice President for News and Public Affairs Digital Media. Apart from TikTok, 24 Oras is also one of the most followed news accounts on Facebook and Twitter. At present, 24 Oras has 9.2 million followers on Facebook and 439,100 on Twitter.

Disney delays Marvel, Indiana Jones films DISNEY pushed back multiple Marvel superhero films and delayed an Indiana Jones sequel by almost a year in the latest reshuffle of its release calendar Monday. Movies such as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Thor: Love and Thunder and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness all take place within the same interconnected Marvel cinematic universe. That means a delay to one title often causes a domino effect across the wildly popular, multibillion-dollar-grossing series. Many of the films were previously postponed by film set shutdowns early in the pandemic, with insiders telling Variety the latest changes were also due to production delays. The eagerly awaited new Black Panther film will now arrive in November 2022. Producers have said that the late Chadwick Boseman’s lead role will not be recast for the sequel. Additional Marvel superhero films including The Marvels and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania were also delayed by a few months, going into 2023. Meanwhile, the fifth installment of the Indiana Jones action franchise was shunted from July 2022 to June 2023. Returning star Harrison Ford will be 81 years old when the title hits theaters if the new release date holds. Ford first took on the role of archaeologist Indiana Jones in 1981’s Raiders of the Lost Ark -- just a few years after achieving global fame as Han Solo in the original Star Wars film. AFP ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ starring Benedict Cumberbatch was among the Marvel films postponed.

Life

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

FASHION AND BEAUTY

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021

The SM Store Gift Registry app is a one-stop gift registry service that lets celebrants of any occasion register for gifts, which givers can easily access and purchase on the app.

Gift-giving made easy By Monica Sanchez

EGISTERING for gifts is not as popular a practice here in the Philippines as it is in other countries. The tradition, said to be initiated by Marshall Field’s in 1924, is intended to make wedding gift giving easier and help prevent the receipt of duplicate or unwanted gifts.

The couple gets what they want, the giver saves time deciding what to buy. Win-win. While wedding registry services have been available in the Philippines, typically provided free of charge to an engaged couple, many opt not to use them because of wedding gift registry guilt – seeing them as a list of demands. The pandemic and the challenges of getting together highlighted services such as gift registry that makes celebrating a milestone or making someone happy more convenient. As such, the SM Store makes it easier to register for gifts with the recent launch of its new gift registry app. The SM Store Gift Registry App is a one-stop gift registry that offers a wide range of products from over a hundred brands perfect as gifts for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, baptisms, housewarmings, and any other occasion in between. To use the service, download the SM Store Gift Registry app, sign up, and create or view an event for a celebration. Users can manage the event page on the app and personalize it with their own event invite.

WISH LIST. Gift registry services ensure the celebrant gets what they want, while the giver saves time deciding what to buy.

Once the event is set, users can add items to their wish list from the The SM Store Gift Registry’s catalog that guests can select and buy online. Registrants can manage and track the gifts purchased by their guests, as well as share the event and link of their wish list with their family and friends

through Facebook, Instagram, and Viber. Users can manage multiple gift registries for any occasion. Online payment options such as debit or credit cards, mobile payment services, and digital wallets like GrabPay and GCash are accepted to pay for purchases made on the app. For virtual celebra-

tions or those who want to surprise a loved one, they can avail free gift wrapping and free delivery gifts to the celebrants. Aside from the app, celebrants and party organizers can register at the SM Gift Registry section in SM stores.

Happy Skin co-founder exits after 8 years MODEL and entrepreneur Rissa Mananquil Trillo announced Monday her decision to leave the makeup brand she co-founded in 2013. “This is a decision I thought long and hard about. It takes a lot of strength to leave something I poured so much of my life into,” she said in an Instagram post.

Rissa Mananquil Trillo steps down as chief brand officer of homegrown makeup brand Happy Skin, which she cofounded in 2013. (Photo from @ rissamananquiltrillo/ Instagram)

Mananquil Trillo, together with Jacqe Yuengtian-Gutierrez, established Happy Skin on October 18, 2013 to provide Filipino women with skin-caring makeup. Mananquil Trillo served as the company’s chief brand officer. The cofounders propelled the local skincare brand to success, becoming a favorite of many Filipino women and setting up 14 stores and 80 beauty counters across the country in a span of three and a half years. “When I look back at my goals when Happy Skin started, I’ve ticked off everything on my list—to provide a solution to a problem Filipinas had been facing and empower them with skin-caring makeup, to fill the gap in the cosmetics industry with a local makeup brand that offered premium quality products at affordable prices, and to create a homegrown brand that Filipinos can be proud of,” shared Mananquil Trillo. With 15 years of experience as model and beauty columnist, she said the challenge of finding a makeup line that celebrates and cares for the skin drove her to establish Happy Skin. By entering the right retail channels – their first beauty boudoirs were established at Rustan’s and Beauty Bar, then later at SM and Watsons – Happy Skin became the first “masstige” cosmetic brand that attempted to break into a local market dominated by 90 percent foreign names. Since its creation, Happy Skin has won over 40 beauty awards. It also collaborated with global brands Disney, Sanrio, and Havaianas, as well as local personalities Kris Aquino, Liz Uy, KC Concepcion, Heart Evangelista, and Kathryn Bernardo. Stepping down was, Mananquil Trillo said, “a difficult decision”. “The final step I took was to seek the advice of some of the country’s respected business leaders. Turning to them proved to me that no matter what generation you are from, right is right and wrong is wrong.” “I understand during a time like this, I’m in a privileged position to walk away from something that no longer aligns with my values. But it’s time we all made better choices. Success to me is being able to check all the boxes in my list, but also knowing when to walk away.”

VANITY CORNER Natural facial cleansing bar range launched NIVEA WonderBAR facial cleansing soap is now available in the Philippines. WonderBAR comes in four variants that address different skin concerns using vegan formula and ingredients from 99 percent natural origin. According to Nivea, the Anti-Pimple Scrub treats pimples, instantly purifies the skin, and refines the skin’s texture with its key Nivea’s facial soap range ingredients kaolin clay and WonderBAR in plastic-free green tea extract. Nivea packaging. WonderBAR Hydrating balances the skin’s absorption of moisture and water loss. The Radiance helps strengthen the skin’s barrier function. And the Blackhead-Clearing Scrub gently exfoliates to refine skin texture. Nivea WonderBAR is available in select Watsons stores and online, as well as on Shopee and Lazada.

Antibacterial lotion moisturizes and protects MYRA E’s newest offering brings moisture and protection in one formulation. Powered by its proprietary AntibacShield, Myra Protecting Plus Vitamin Lotion promises to eliminate 99.9 percent of germs without harmful, harsh, and drying ingredients. It is made with five essential vitamins (E, C, B3, B5, B6) proven to help repair and protect skin from damage to give that inside out glow. The new antibacterial lotion is available in leading supermarkets and on e-commerce platforms. Myra Protecting Plus Vitamin Lotion

The BTS Pop-up: Map of the Soul showcase at Mega Fashion Hall is extended until Oct. 31.

HEADS UP, ARMY!

The BTS pop-up store in Manila is still open ARMY called and SM Megamall answered, as the Mandaluyong-based mall announced the extension of the BTS pop-up store until Oct. 31. In a statement, SM Megamall said the extension of the BTS Pop-Up: Map of the Soul showcase was due to popular demand. With the extension comes the release of new merchandise including the TinyTAN collection inspired by BTS’ recordbreaking disco pop single “Dynamite”. The TinyTAN Dynamite Collection explodes with fun items, including stylish T-shirts and shorts with prints and lyrics of the song, as well as office supplies like mouse pads, note set, spiral notebooks, puzzles, pens, and cable tie sets. Shoppers can score other bestsellers including figurines of each BTS member, bottle openers, muddlers, glasses, and reusable tumblers with Dynamite logos and designs. Advance registration is still required through online booking platform Morningkall. There is a queue available for walk-ins. Only five walk-ins are allowed per slot. Physical distancing and crowd control will be enforced to ensure safety of patrons.

TinyTAN Dynamite merchandise: (clockwise) figures, spiral notebooks, stationery collection, and bags and apparel.

The BTS Pop-Up: Map of the Soul showcase on the third level of Mega Fashion Hall was initially scheduled to close after August 29. It opened on May 29.

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Tech on wheels: Where are we headed? “O

By Milo RiveRa

UT with the old and in with the new” is a statement that describes the mindset of a consumer. The fulfillment of having what’s dated or “trending”—whether out of convenience, mere desire, or necessity —can be evident when it comes to gadgets or other products. Yet can this be said with the vehicle market as well?

Ever since the start of the 20th century, the automotive industry has been one of the most receptive industries to emerging technology, as it continues to redefine the way cars are manufactured, operated, and maintained. And as computers have become more central to the mass production of automobiles, the capacity for driver-vehicle interactivity has increased enormously. Today, every car produced has some kind of onboard computer that controls a wide range of functions. As for vehicle Power Units, internal combustion engines are starting to be significantly displaced by hybrid, fully electric, or solar energy systems as the driving force of the future. In addition, innovations in the industry unceasingly serve as a primary catalyst for more ensured safety on the road —both as a passenger and as a driver—with continuous advancements going a long way ever since the invention of the Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS), Traction Control, and the Airbags - to name a few. This is not to mention the added “trinkets” in your car that add fascination to the whole driving experience. Yet with the large variety of vehicle brands and models in the market, why is technology or innovation used as one of the major selling points in the industry? What’s so enticing with having a multi-functional touchscreen infotainment system over a conventional radio and aircon setup, or having a built-in wireless phone charger, automatic doors, or 360-degree lookout cameras? (Well, let’s be honest, they’re cool). Simple. Just like with our smartphones, it’s our desire and fixation to have “what’s new and more”. Whether it be because of added features, enhanced aesthetics, or increased convenience, to highlight something “new” when marketing goods -- more often than not -- works. Now, determining whether “what’s new and more” is

Motoring industry adjusts to new normal By Randy Caluag HAS the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way Filipinos buy their cars? In the age of the coronavirus, consumers made a big shift into online shopping—from grocery items, electronic goods and to some extent, even cars. It used to be this way. Buyers go to a dealership, check out the car they like, take a test drive, and then strike a deal. But strict health protocols and on-and-off quarantines have cut off some of these purchasing processes. Now, most buyers spend more time doing research online about the cars they want. They then arrange with a salesperson a visit to the digital showroom, where everything is explained, including financing schemes. Some go for a quick test drive and will get the unit on the same day. This has become the new normal and car dealers are making every conceivable way to be flexible amid the changing times.

actually ”what’s good”, well that’s a story for another day. Although purchasing a vehicle based on certain features and technologies still remains to be a varying preference from consumer to consumer, we can never disregard its significant contribution to the industry. Taking a look at it from a point of purpose, technology is what aids our vehicles to travel from point A to point B, with added safety and efficiency. Furthermore, we reap the benefits of innovation not just by being able to conveniently monitor our vehicle’s “vital signs” in real time, while behind the wheel, or by being ensured that we reach our destinations in one good piece regardless of route or condition. We also reap the benefits of automotive technology through holistically enjoying each trip with comfort, spectacle, and interactivity. To put things short, technology is what makes or breaks our whole driving experience.

DRIVING FORWARD

With numerous tech trends and driving aids steadily being added to each newly manufactured automobile, where does this ultimately lead to? A lot of us would answer “full autonomy”, as vehicles are gradually developing towards further redefining the driving experience with the occupant handing partial to significant control over to an integrated navigation system —or an in-car computer. These days, vehicle models equipped with self-parking systems are now a purchase away. In addition, advancements such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (wherein your vehicle shall apply brake pressure on your behalf when it detects an oncoming obstacle, albeit approaching it too fast or without any awareness to slow down) and Lane Departure Mitigation systems are now present in more executive models. Given this, we could only be eager to find out the next “what’s new” as manufacturers are in the process of developing self-driving cars on an even larger scale. It stands to reason that the less time drivers spend ‘driving,’ the more time users will want to interact with onboard technology. However, if we would want to fully answer the question mentioned two paragraphs back, the more appropriate answer would probably be “let’s just wait and see”, as endless ideas and possibilities definitely lead to endless innovation. Years ago, only a handful would have predicted the technology we have today. So who’s to say what’s ultimately coming our way? In a world, where technology continues to transcend, so should the complete driving experience.

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Rides galore, from cars to SUVs and pickup trucks By ChaRles aRvin dantes DESPITE the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, different car companies continue to strive for excellence with the launch of updated and innovative cars to keep pace with the blazing pace of technology. This 2021, car manufacturing giants released new and improved car models that are suited for everyone. Here are some car models to consider from different car companies, ranging from sports utility vehicles to sedans and pickup trucks.

new-generation GS8 kept the shapes of its older model with slight design changes for a fresher look. The heavy-duty SUV from GAC Motor is loaded with a GPMA-L platform and is available with a Toyota Hybrid System power unit. The hybrid system consists of a GAC-build 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and a rear-mounted electric motor that together produce 241 horsepower. Plans for a bullet-proof version GS8 are also in the works as confirmed by GAC Motor Philippines.

3. MITSUBISHI MIRAGE G4. After much anticipation, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines officially launched its updated 1. NISSAN ALMERA.Nissan launched its all-new Almera version of the Mirage G4, bearing its classic ‘Dynamic Shield in the country, offering high-class features that set it apart design’ for a sportier look. from its rivals in the market. Mirage G4 still has its existing 1.2-liter three-cylinder Nissan Almera boasts of advanced technology for its MIVEC gasoline engine, generating 76hp and 100N-m of passenger car segment with its Nissan Intelligent Mobility maximum torque paired to an INVECS-III CVT or a fivethat features monitoring and intervention technology. speed manual gearbox. Additionally, Almera also has an Intelligent Forward Collision Since its introduction back in 2013, Mirage G4 has Warning, Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking, Blind Spot surpassed 360,000 units of sales. Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and other world-class safety features. For its performance, Almera is powered by a 1.0-liter turbo engine for stronger power and fuel efficiency.

2. GAC GS8. GAC Motor’s new GS8 model was already circulating around cyberspace after an apparent leak. The

Motoring... From C1 “The auto industry continues to adjust to the effects of the pandemic at the same time striving to strike a balance between its contributions to the economy and keeping its stakeholders safe and healthy during these unprecedented times,” said Rommel Gutierrez president of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI). OLD AND NEW WAYS Car dealerships have now focused their efforts on making online sales presentations and offering home delivery options. While these may be some of the keys to success, the old ways of buying a car are still preferred by some clients. “We Filipinos are different. Matigas ang ulo natin. When we buy a car, we love to see and check it inside and out, smell the interior, test-drive and personally talk with the salesperson. I think, we will still go back to these old ways of buying our car,” said businessman Manny Cortez, adding clients still prefer to visit his shop to check out the wheels that fit their cars. CAMPI reported that the year’s first half made a vast improvement from sales compared to last year. From January to July, total industry sales were up 46.1 percent to 154,265 units from 105,583 units a year ago. In the seven-month period, the Japanese brand Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. continued to dominate the market with a 48.31-percent share. It sold 74,521 units or 67.5 percent more than the 44,481 units recorded in the same period last year. Unperturbed, car dealers continue to launch new models amid the pandemic. AT HONDA, BUSINESS IS AT ITS BEST. Honda Cars Philippines, Inc., Honda’s

4. ISUZU MU-X. The long-awaited all-new mu-X has just arrived in the local market. It is the second generation of Isuzu’s 7-seater SUV. At the heart of the new mu-X is the new 4JJ3-TCX turbo engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This drive train produces 190 PS of power and 450 Nm of torque for smooth,

automobile business unit in the Philippines, has announced the All-New City Hatchback’s strong sales performance. Since its launch, the model has climbed to the top of its class in sales. The All-New City Hatchback officially arrived in the Philippines last April through a virtual launch event. The model’s introduction paved the way for Honda to expand its renowned City model line-up, as it srves as the brand’s newest offering in the hatchback category. Since then, the model has become one of the country’s best-selling hatchbacks. In its segment, it occupies 75% of the market share with 189 units sold since its launch. It’s an achievement worth mentioning amid the pandemic.

effortless acceleration even when you need to carry or tow heavy loads. The Terrain Command Select Dial lets the driver switch between 2WD-high and 4WD-high when at 100kph or select 4WD-low to further increase traction and control. “Intelligent Safety” was also one of the top priorities in developing the brand-new mu-X, which achieved a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating.

5. TOYOTA HILUX GR-S. Months of speculations on the new Toyota GR Sports models have circulated around the web. A source from Toyota Motor Philippines confirmed the release of updated versions of Hilux and Fortuner on November 3. The new Hilux will have a 2.8-liter turbodiesel that has the power of 201hp and 500Nm of torque. Adding to its strong engine, Hilux will have an upgraded suspension set-up with monotube shock absorbers.

6. SUZUKI VITARA. Japanese carmaker, Suzuki resumed its strong case for a stylish subcompact SUV with the new Suzuki Vitara. The stylish update for Vitara includes a new vertical bar grille, lower bumper trim, and new wheel designs. Vitara still has its 1.6-liter engine and gasoline mill which produces 115hp and 156Nm.

With limited face-to-face transacmost opportune time to be more agGAC MOTOR’S AGGRESSIVE STANCE For GAC Motor, a premier Chinese gressive and stamp its class in the Phil- tions, GAC Motor Philippines revamped its website and launched a brand, the COVID-19 pandemic is the ippine market. more engaging digital experience for its customers. Its new website has a virtual showroom where a customer may browse the specs of their desired vehicle model, request for a quotation, book a test drive, make a reservation, interact with our representatives through live chat, inquire for a vehicle service, and inquire about how to acquire a GAC Motor dealership. ALL THESE SERVICES ARE RIGHT AT THEIR FINGERTIPS. Out of the targeted 400 units to be sold, it has achieved 40% sales so far. Not bad for a car distribution company that has just restarted to revitalize its brand. GAC has also boosted its presence in traditional media, online, and OOH (Out of Home) media to reintroduce the brand and help the public understand that GAC Motor Philippines has good products to offer. To meet the needs of Filipino consumers, it has recently launched the 2021 GAC GN8 Master’s Edition and will be launching the 2021 GAC GS4 this November, and the 2021 GAC GS8 soon.

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Things millennials consider in search of their perfect car

By angeliCa villanueva

ERWIN John Yabao, 26, a technical specialist from Cebu, is thinking of buying his first car. And there’s a long list of things that he considers before finally getting the right car keys for him.

of time but don’t require him an astronomical amount of loan. There are lots of car manufacturers that offer affordable monthly payment and various choices of quota that fits his budget. 2. PARTS. Having a reliable and stable supply of parts for your vehicle can go a long way. Choosing an automobile with highquality parts benefits the buyer in the long run. A good combination of speed, efficiency, and comfort should be the priorities in choosing a car. 3. FUEL-EFFICIENCY. In today’s day and age, having a fuel-efficient vehicle benefits you and everyone around you. Using an environment-friendly automobile not only helps car owners do their part in protecting and conserv-

Millennials like him are considering buying their own car even in this time of pandemic. Why? More than being an asset and an investment, with the current situation brought by the coronavirus disease, it is important to reconsider that having your own car will help you lessen the exposure to the virus. Among these things, Kerwin is now down to four things in looking for car options that will perfectly fit his standards. 1. AFFORDABILITY. The first thing that millennials consider in buying a car is the price tag that comes with it. Ever since the pandemic started last year, many companies have been affected by COVID-19. Kerwin, therefore, looks for cars that require low monthly payment considering that he also pays for his family’s monthly bills. He also researches for car manufacturers that provide various payment options and most importantly, and fit his budget. With the continuously rising market prices of essential needs, he will look for cars that he can use for a long period

ing our surroundings but also saves money for better mileage. Putting your money on a fuel-efficient car is a good bargain on your finances but also for the world’s future. 4. SPACE. Millennials are fond of traveling or having a spontaneous joyride with their friends and family. Kerwin, who always looks for quick getaways for some relaxation, is looking for cars that will let him have a comfortable ride to his destination. Many car manufacturers have already provided cars that are spacious and comfortable -- whether it’s for extra storage for baggage or for people who you want to tag along with you on your trip.

Exciting Cash Discounts

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines celebrates its 31st year in the country through the “Drive the Dream” promotion campaign. HCPI extends its appreciation and gives back to the customers by providing the best deals and exclusive cash discounts from October 1 to 31, 2021.

Easy Low All-in Downpayment and Low Monthly Amortization

3 Japanese firms pool expertise to create Hino 300 Ref Van WITH a projected 10% growth seen in the domestic cold chain industry, three Japanese auto and manufacturing leaders pooled their engineering expertise together to come up with the Hino 300 ref van. This is aimed at providing the transport solution from the first and up to the last mile delivery segments of the cold chain industry. On a Japanese Hino 300 series light truck will be mounted either a 10 or 11-footer Japanese Cooltech ref van body from Centro Nippon Fruehauf (CFCI). Cooling power will be provided by a Japanese Denso DS2 cooling system, whether the need is for a chilled or frozen cargo condition. In a recent Cold Chain Logistics Workshop between the Philippines and Japan, Cold Chain Association of the Philippines President Anthony Dizon showed that the cold chain industry is projected to grow to 550,000 pallet positions this year. “And we see the need nationwide for ref vans to transport goods from the farm or piers, to the cold storage facilities, then to the processing plants, then back to the cold storage facilities for its last-mile delivery to the retail outlets”.

This makes Hiroki Senoo, Vice President for Business Planning Division of Hino Motors Philippines (HMP) excited about this latest product offering resulting from the partnership. “With its outstanding features, we expect the Hino 300 ref van to be a game changer in the cold chain industry. It will fill the need for a reliable ref van and its durability and uncompromising quality will be backed by Hino’s one-stop solution where servicing of the ref system and body can also be done at any Hino dealership nationwide. That will make after sales service very convenient”. HMP Vice President for Sales Division Oliver dela Cruz adds that the Hino 300 ref van is expected to change the country’s trucking and logistics landscape. “With the tough and tested Hino 300 light truck as platform in combination with a Denso cooling unit and Cooltech ref van body, it is designed to take on the rough and challenging terrains in the countryside. Customers can thus look forward to what is probably the best in Japanese technology in a ref van”. For its cooling power, Denso has its highly reliable DS2 ref system which

Masahiko Tanaka, Unit Head of Denso’s Sales Unit says has been proven to perform efficiently at lower operating cost. “It can handle the cargoes at the temperature desired by the customer whether in chilled or frozen condition. On top of that, it is environmentally friendly based on the materials and refrigerant used. We have engineered it to work well with the Hino 300 light truck and the Cooltech ref van body and deliver outstanding performance expected of an all-Japan product”. The Cooltech ref van body uses extruded polystyrene which is a less waterabsorptive insulating material. CFCI Production Manager Edd Nieva explains that the production of the insulated sandwich panels and subsequent assembly of ref vans utilizes Japanese technology, process and stringent quality control standards. “The Cooltech ref van body is engineered to fuse perfectly well with the Japanese Hino 300 light truck and the Japanese Denso ref system to come up with a reliable all-Japan ref van. It is the perfect fusion among a tough, durable truck muscle, a cost- efficient cooling unit and a highquality ref van body”.

*Special Low All-in DP – based on 10% downpayment **Regular Low All-in DP – based on 15% downpayment ***Low Monthly Amortization –based on 20% downpayment at 60 months payment term Honda Upgrade Program All current Honda vehicle owners who would purchase any variant of the City (sedan), BR-V, Brio, Civic, CR-V, and HR-V will receive an additional PHP 5,000 cash discount on top of other cash promotions offered for the month. Customers must present two (2) valid government-issued IDs, latest vehicle official receipt, and certificate of registration together with a notarized deed of sale (for second-hand units) to avail this exclusive offer. Special Discount for Honda Accessories

Furthermore, customers may avail 31% off on select car accessories for All-New City (sedan), All-New City Hatchback, and other Honda models at any Honda Cars dealership nationwide. Financing Options

A special all-in financing program is applicable for 10% downpayment with 36-60 months payment terms for select models are available with the following details:

Hino 300 Ref Van

Moreover, customers are entitled to different financing promo offers such as low cashout, low monthly amortization, free one (1) month amortization at 15%, 20%, and 25% all-in downpayment offers, available with the following bank partners: All these offers include a three (3) year LTO Registration and Chattel Mortgage and a free one (1) year Comprehensive Insurance with Acts of Nature through select bank partners. Customers may submit their bank loan applications online at www.hondaphil.com through the auto loan link page for select bank partners, subject to the preferred bank’s approval. “This October, as we celebrate our 31st anniversary in the Philippines, HCPI reaffirms its commitment to provide world class mobility as we navigate these challenging times. Through our vehicles, we aim to serve Filipinos with the joy of expanding their life’s potential and keep them safe.” said Masahiko Nakamura, President of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI). Visit the nearest Honda Cars dealership, or Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.’s VIRTUAL SHOWROOM at HCPI’s official website www.hondaphil.com to know more about the promo mechanics and the latest offers from Honda.

Souped-up GS8 SUV: More tech, safety features AFTER launching the GS8 in 2018, GAC Motor Philippines is releasing the refreshed model of its flagship SUV, now more robust-looking and loaded with technological and safety features. Its dimensions have remained the same, but the 2022 GS8 is now equipped with new exterior upgrades such as larger intake vents with chrome trim on the front bumper, a new front skidplate in a silver finish to enhance its muscular look. The rear also has a silver finished skid plate to emphasize its back, even more, further supplementing its mid-sized SUV image. INTERIOR The 2022 GAC GS8’s dashboard is still adorned with a piano black finish, accentuated with a wooden trim underneath. It features a 10-inch LED display with Apple Carplay connectivity, a Harman Kardon 6-speaker system, a multi-functional and heated steering wheel with audio and cruise control. It is also now equipped with a wireless charger that works with any phone with a wireless charging feature. For the 2022 year model, the GS8’s

seats are wrapped in Alcantara leather seats. The front has heated and ventilated seats with adjustable lumbar support and memory function, while the second-row seats have lumbar support to make long trips more comfortable. The GS8’s second row has a separate air-condition controller with a 5-volt USB port and an electric outlet beneath to give the occupants other options to recharge their devices. Apart from that, the refreshed GS8 also has 10 cup holders, LED ambient lights, a panoramic sunroof, and an ion-filtered air conditioning system. The third-row seats can be folded flat so you may place all your cargoes conveniently. The third row also has hook holders that you may use to secure all your luggage. ENGINE The 2022 GAC GS8 is still powered by a Euro 5-compliant 2.0-liter turbocharged engine mated to an Aisin 6-speed intelligent all-wheel-drive gearbox that is capable of producing an output of 199 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, and 320 Nm of torque between 1,750 rpm to 4,000rpm. The GS8 has a fuel

capacity of 66 liters.

SAFETY FEATURES For the occupants’ safety, the 2022 GS8 is equipped with 10 airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), a traction control system (TCS), a 360-degree camera, parking sensors, electronic parking brake, three-point seatbelts with alarm, ISOFIX child seat anchors, brake hold assist, engine immobilizer with anti-theft alarm, and window jam protection, fingerprint sensor door lock, anti-glare rearview mirror, tire pressure monitoring system, and power tailgate with motion sensor. It also comes with a remote keyless system that performs the functions of a standard key without physical contact with the car. It includes a remote keyless ignition system, remote window, and sunroof controller. Its sensor-lock feature activates when the driver or key holder is at least 3 meters away from the car, while the unlock sensor activates when the driver is at least 1-meter away from the vehicle. The refreshed GS8 also has a fingerprint sensor door lock that can only be accessed by the key holder. The GS8 is built on a high-strength steel-safe chassis that does a great job in eliminating vehicle vibration and protecting the occupants of the vehicle from an intense collision impact. For better stability at high speeds, the GS8 is equipped with Bosch’s latest ESP 9.3 that corrects oversteering at sudden cornering and sudden lane change. It also has a 14-in-1 active safety system that provides uphill and downhill assistance.