Manila Standard - 2021 October 25 - Monday

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(Story on A4) SARA INSISTS TALK WITH BONGBONG ONLY ON HNP SUPPORT TO HIS PREXY BID

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta PRESIDENTIAL daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte on Sunday said her meeting with presidential candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in Cebu focused on how her local party Hugpong ng Pagbabago can help him in

the Davao region.

“What we talked about for now is how the HNP in Davao can help Bongbong Marcos' bid for the presidency,” Duterte said in Visayan when interviewed by reporters in Cebu.

“I do not have plans to run for president of the country,” she added.

However, Sara, daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, declined to offer more

details of their meeting in Cebu City to celebrate the birthday of Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez.

There has been speculation that the younger Duterte would be Marcos's running mate, but both sides have been silent on the possibility.

Responding to the query of a possible Marcos-Duterte tandem, she said: Next page

SUPPLEMENT ON SECTION C

ADORING CROWD.

VOL. XXXV • NO. 252 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio mingle with supporters in Cebu City on Saturday. Bongbong Marcos FB Page

Gov’t props up travel revival DOT rolls out promo video, touches on locals yearning for normal times

By Othel V. Campos, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja

T

HE national government is bent on reopening the tourism industry as new COVID-19 cases continue to fall, the vaccination drive expands to children, and Filipinos stream into the tourist sites and businesses denied to them for two years by the coronavirus pandemic.

Over the weekend, the Department of Tourism announced that Boracay will Next page

IN DROVES. Local tourists stroll at the Picnic Grove leisure park in Tagaytay City with picturesque Taal Volcano Lake in the background as Filipinos continued to visit public areas en masse on Sunday, including the Dolomite Beach in Manila Bay and the Manila North and South cemeteries, with All Saints Day approaching (inset photos). JR Josue, Manny Palmero, Norman Cruz and Danny Pata

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PH, China headed for sea patrol standoff DOJ warns THE Philippines and China are heading to a standoff as the two countries won’t budge on their respective assertions they have maritime sovereignty over the disputed South China Sea, and in the case of Manila over the West Philippine Sea.

This came after Armed Forces of the Enriquez said Chinese vessel "intruPhilippines Western Command Chief sions" in the WPS have stopped but the Vice Admiral Ramil Enriquez vowed on AFP will continue to protect its territorial Sunday the military will continue to de- waters in the South China Sea. fend the country’s maritime territory from According to Enriquez, the military Next page Chinese intrusions.

Yulo wins gold, silver in world gymnastics tilt

of rampant delivery scam

THE Department of Justice has warned the public against unscrupulous people collecting payments for fraudulent deliveries.

The DOJ through the Office of Cybercrime advised the public to destroy the personal information attached to their delivered pouches and boxes to avoid being victimized by unscrupulous people collecting paymentsfor false deliveries.

It noted that many people have turned Next page

2,751,667 5,279

60,957

41,793

208

2,654,173

7,312

(As of 4 PM, OCTOBER 24)

By Peter Atencio

WORLD’S BEST. Carlos Yulo competes in the vault and parallel bars events during the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships at the Kitakyushu City Gymnasium in Japan on October 24. AFP

TOKYO Olympics veteran Carlos Yulo came up with performances that were hard to beat from the start.

In the end, the 21-year-old Yulo finished with a gold medal in the vault and a silver medal in the parallel bars at the end of his routines in the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2021 in Kitakyushu, Japan on Sunday.

Yulo’s high average score of 14.916 proved difficult to overtake as he remained unchallenged all afternoon in the vault finals.

His huge effort earned him his second World Championship title since grabbing the floor exercise gold in Stuttgart, Germany in 2019.

The judges liked what they saw on his first of two attempts, which consisted of a well-executed running approach to the vault, followed by two

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PEDIA VAX.

Minors with comorbidities aged 12 to 17 can now get vaccinated as Phase 2 of A3.1 category starts rolling out in 25 areas in Metro Manila, including SM Megamall. Parents and guardians were the most relieved seeing their children having the ultimate protection against COVID-19.

Oil prices up P1.20/l, 9th in a row

By Alena Mae S. Flores and Rio N. Araja DOMESTIC pump prices will likely go

up by as much as P1.20 per liter for fuel prices this week to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market.

This developed as BAYAN Muna Next page

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2021

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Ongpin to RTC: Hold arrest warrant In a motion, Ongpin, through lawyer Dennis Manalo, pleaded with Judge Romeo Agacita Jr. of RTC Branch 27 to defer the issuance of a warrant of arrest against him.

He also asked to suspend the proceed-

ings “during the period within which the accused may still file a motion for reconsideration or petition for review from his receipt” of the Department of Justice resolution recommending his indictment for

alleged illegal possession of dangerous drugs.

Ongpin, son of billionaire businessman Roberto Ongpin, has been charged with violation of Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Section 11, Article II of RA 9165 imposes a penalty of life imprisonment and a fine ranging from P500,000 to P10 million for possession of 10 grams or more of dangerous drugs such as cocaine.

Illegal possession of dangerous drugs of 10 grams or more is a non-bailable offense.

Ongpin also asked the lower court to refuse “to issue a commitment order (or

Gov’t...

cinated and 50 percent outdoor capacity regardless of vaccination status.

The government said Alert Level 2, with a further relaxation of restrictions, is possible if COVID-19 infections continue to decrease.

However, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu has reiterated the importance of the dolomite beach in the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program, noting how the beach enhancement project “can positively shape the mindset of the public on proper solid waste management.”

The DOT announced that in Boracay, the vaccination level hit 91.09 percent of all tourism workers and 62.78 percent of the eligible population of the island as of Sunday, Oct. 24.

Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said her optimism on the revival of tourism on the island was boosted by the commitment of Aklan Gov. Florencio Miraflores to accept visitors with proof of full vaccination, in lieu of a negative COVID-19 test result once the island reaches a 100-percent inoculation rate among its residents.

“Our vaccination rollouts are crucial in protecting our tourism workers as they face visitors every day. With 100 percent of tourism workers in Boracay inoculated, the DOT is confident that in the weeks to come, tourism arrivals on the island will further increase and more tourism establishments will be able to reopen to restore jobs,” Puyat said.

A total of 11,668 active tourism workers on the island have received complete doses of the anti-COVID shot. They are employed in hotels, resorts, restaurants, spa and wellness centers, souvenir shops, shopping centers, security services and others essential service providers, tourism transport, tourism-related cooperatives and associations, and government frontline service and private agencies.

A total of 15,350 or 62.78 percent of the island’s eligible population of 24,451 have been fully vaccinated, leaving some 9,000 residents left to be vaccinated. As of Oct. 18, 2021, there were no new active cases on the island.

Boracay Island is projected to vaccinate its entire eligible population of 24,451 within the month of October, which would

make it the first destination in the Philippines to achieve 100 percent inoculation.

The island was also the first tourist destination to receive vaccines against COVID-19 earlier this year.

The DOT was further encouraged as it noted a dramatic increase in tourist arrivals in the two months compared to the same period last year.

Since restrictions were eased with the lifting of Aklan’s modified expanded enhanced quarantine (MECQ) on Sept. 8, the Island recorded a total of 6,702 arrivals in September and 17,995 in the first three weeks of October. This represents an increase of 253 percent and 1,243.6 percent, respectively, from the same periods last year.

“More than the foregone revenue, the DOT is deeply concerned with the impact of the pandemic on the employment of the island’s workers who either have been laid off or are now working on irregular work schedules. We believe that with the 100 percent inoculation of theb island’s workers, the confidence of more Filipinos to travel will be restored, and that the island will be back on its feet sooner than anticipated,” said Puyat.

Western Visayas, which is comprised of the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Guimaras and Iloilo, has recorded an inoculation rate of 63.26 percent among tourism workers as of Oct. 21, 2021.

“Your Philippine National Police is aware of the traditions and some of us may be encouraged by the continuous drop in COVID-19 cases in our country,” Eleazar said in Filipino.

“But we advise the public to postpone it first or make it limited to your own homes because instead of trick or treating (on Oct. 31), it may end up with a trip and treatment to the hospital when the children become infected, and they don't have any vaccine yet."

The independent OCTA Research Group said daily new cases of COVID-19 could drop to 3,000 in November and 2,000 to 1,000 by December because of the country's vaccination program.

"Because many people are protected, few contract the virus," Guido said in an interview with ABS-CBN's TeleRadyo.

Since the vaccination rollout on March 1, the Philippines has so far fully vaccinated 25.1 million people, while 29.3 million people have received their first dose.

Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier said 81 percent of Metro Manila's eligible population have been fully vaccinated.

The government intends to inoculate at least 77 million all over the country to achieve herd immunity as more transmissible variants emerge.

In June, Galvez said if 19 million to 25 million in the country are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, population protection against death and hospitalization will be achieved.

The DOH earlier this month confirmed that the decline in the number of new COVID-19 cases was “not artificial” but urged the public to remain vigilant—and to always follow health protocols.

There were 208 new fatalities recorded on Sunday, bringing the COVID-19 death toll to 41,793, accounting for 1.52 percent of all cases.

The DOH also reported 7,312 recoveries, bringing total recoveries to 2,654,173, making up 96.3 percent of all cases.

There were 60,957 active cases, representing 2.2 percent of all cases.

Majority of the cases or 77.5 percent were mild, 9.20 percent were moderate, 6.1 percent were asymptomatic, 5.1 percent were severe, and 2.1 percent were critical.

Nationwide, 53 percent of ICU beds, 41 percent of isolation beds, 38 percent of ward beds and 37 percent of ventilators were in use.

In the National Capital Region, 46 percent of ICU beds, 35 percent of isolation beds, 34 percent of ward beds and 35 percent of ventilators were in use.

Also on Sunday, an infectious disease expert, Dr. Benjamin Co, said the sublineage of the Delta variant of COVID-19, although 10 percent more infectious, can be addressed by existing vaccines.

In an interview over CNN Philippines, Co said the mutation of the Delta variant would not affect people who were fully vaccinated. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

presidential candidate but changed plans when the President announced that he will be retiring from politics.

The camp of the President's daughter on Saturday shared on social media photos of her meeting with the former senator and his sister, Senator Imee Marcos, in Cebu City.

She said they attended the birthday celebration of Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, wife of House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, a cousin of the Marcoses.

The presence of Duterte-Carpio in Cebu triggered a new wave of speculation that she could be vying for the country’s most powerful position in 2022.

Senator Ronald "Bato” Dela Rosa said he remains the standard bearer of the Cusi faction of the PDP-Laban only until Nov. 15, the day set by the Comelec as the last day for the substitution of candidates.

Dela Rosa said he is ready to withdraw his candidacy if the Davao mayor decides to run for President.

Before meeting the Davao mayor, Marcos also met with Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia.

Among the contenders for president, aside from Marcos, are Vice President Leni Robredo, Senators Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao and Dela Rosa, and

Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso.

Also on Sunday, the Marcos camp released a statement saying Public Asia, a campaign management, public relations, and lobbying company, said he was leading in its latest survey of presidential aspirants. No data on the sampling method or margin of error was provided.

In PUBLiCUS’ Pahayag survey, Marcos was way ahead of the other presidential hopefuls as more voters showed an overwhelming preference for him in key voting areas. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

disputed South China Sea are legitimate and justified.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin maintained Beijing's activities will continue despite Manila's complaints that Philippine government vessels were harassed by China while conducting maritime patrols in Philippine territorial waters.

Reports that China’s biggest civilian patrol boat could be used to support South China Sea claims would lead to a standoff between Beijing and Manila over their authority over the disputed waters.

The South China Morning Post reported that Beijing’s largest civilian patrol boat entered service on Saturday, with the state broadcaster CCTV reporting it would be used to deliver strategic resources and help protect the country's maritime claims.

The Haixun 09, or "sea patrol", was commissioned under the Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) of the southern province of Guangdong province, which oversees the South China Sea, the Post said Sunday. Rey E. Requejo (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

DOJ... to the convenience of online shopping to purchase items since they are unable to physically shop to protect themselves from being infected with COVID-19 virus.

Unfortunately, some unscrupulous individuals have taken advantage of the online purchase craze to dupe people.

They present themselves as couriers to deliver items that were never ordered and collect money.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police has tapped its Anti-Cybercrime Group to investigate social media pages allegedly offering fast passport appointments for a fee.

This, after the Department of Foreign Affairs requested the assistance of the PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation to get to the bottom of the scam.

“The DOJ-Office of Cybercrime received reports regarding the current modus operandi of perpetrators repre-

senting themselves as couriers, which target victims by delivering and demanding payment for parcels that were allegedly bought online by the latter,” the department said in a Facebook post.

To avoid being victimized, the Office of Cybercrime posted on its Facebook page some suggestions for the public to apply to protect themselves from such modus operandi.

The DOJ-OOC advised the buyers “to properly dispose of pouches and/ or boxes of the parcels containing your personal information. Parcels containing personal and sensitive information should be shredded in a crosscut, diamond-cut or confetti-cut manner.

“As an alternative, the information on these pouches and/or boxes may also be retracted by covering the same using pens or markers with dark permanent ink.”

The DOJ said the public should also refrain from sharing personalinformation online, especially if their online account was not set to private. Rey E. Requejo (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

stiff front flips and a flawless half flip on his way down.

Yulo’s routine was one of the many popular routines in men’s gymnastics, known as the "Dragulescu", a handspring double front somersault vault with a half twist.

Later, Yulo took the lead in the parallel bars and held it until it was Chinese rival Hu Xuwei’s turn.

The 24-year-old Hu then came up with a more difficult routine to win the gold medal.

The gold-silver haul more than made up for Yulo’s fifth place finish in his favorite floor exercise last Saturday.

Yulo, who was given a .3 penalty in the floor exercises finals, thereby denying him the gold, had an average score of 14.566.

Hu, who was the sixth performer on the floor, averaged 15.46 points to claim first place, snatching the lead from Yulo, who settled for the silver with 15.3.

In the early stages of the parallel bars, Yulo led after the judges gave him an 8.9 rating with execution and 6.4 points for difficulty.

But Hu outpointed Yulo by tallying 8.866 points on execution and 6.6 for difficulty.

Another Chinese, Shi Cong, settled for the bronze medal with 15.06.

As he quickly executed his moves in the vault finals, Yulo scored 14.98 points, before he was given a higher tally of 15.033 on his second attempt, to finish with 14.916.

Yodenobu Hinekura of Japan stayed in second all the way to the end behind Yulo, with his score of 14.866 (15 and 14.733) good for the silver.

Andray Medvedev of Israel outscored two others for third place and grabbed the bronze with 14.649.

Nicola Bartolini of Italy, who led an Italian charge to collect one of their team’s four medals in the men’s division, topped the men’s floor exercise.

Meanwhile, Bartolini averaged 14.800, while doing the more difficult routines, handing the 25-year-old Italian his first world gymnastics' medal at his fourth championship stint.

Bartolini’s performance set the tone for more medal conquests for the Italians, from Asia D’Amato and Marco Lodadio, who earned silver medals in the women’s vault and rings, respectively, while Salvatore Maresca finished tied for the bronze on the rings with newcomer Grigorii Klimentev (Russia).

Gymnasts Lan Xingyu and Wei Xiaoyuan added golds for the People’s Republic of China, while Stephen Nedoroscik became the first US competitor to earn a world title on the pommel horse, even as Rebeca Andrade became the first Brazilian to win the women’s vault.

track the hearings of the bill, saying: "With another big-time oil price hike in the offing, it is imperative that the downstream oil industry be again placed under regulation to protect our muchburdened consumers."

Unioil Petroleum Philippines announced over the weekend gasoline would increase by P1.10 to P1.20 per

liter while diesel will increase by P0.40 to P0.50 per liter.

The move will trigger the ninth weekly consecutive oil price hike due to the tight supply of oil products in the global market.

World oil prices went up by P8.65 per liter for diesel and P7.20 perliter for gasoline for the past eight weeks alone.

On October 19, the oil companies

implemented a price increase in domestic oil products of P1.80 per liter for gasoline, P1.40 to P1.50 per liter for diesel and P1.30 per liter for kerosene.

These resulted in the year-to-date adjustments to stand at a total net increase of P19.65 per liter for gasoline, P18 per liter for diesel and P15.49 per liter for kerosene.

The Department of Energy has

monitored that improving COVID-19 situation, easing of mobility restrictions and re-opening of borders by many countries fueled the prospects of higher oil demand.

It said re-opening of borders and resumption of interstate travel in Thailand and Malaysia, respectively, added to bullish market sentiment. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

By Rey E. Requejo

A

CCUSED Julian Ongpin has assailed the ruling of the Department of Justice on illegal drugs charges as he asked the Regional Trial Court of San Fernando City, La Union to defer the issuance of a warrant of arrest and suspend the proceedings on the illegal drugs case against him.

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be the first island destination in the Philippines to waive the RT-PCR COVID-19 test travel requirement, as the island is set to hit full vaccination status of all tourism workers and eligible residents by November 2021.

On Saturday, the DOT also unveiled a new promotional video welcoming back the public to the country’s top destinations.

The video “It’s More Fun With You,” is part of the DOT’s domestic tourism campaign called “Have A Safe Trip, Pinas,” was launched virtually at Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila.

The video is scored with Rivermaya’s 1997 hit song “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita,” referring to the public’s yearning to go back to normal. It shows a dog unable to contain its excitement as it welcomes a friend back to the beach after a long absence.

Meanwhile, with only 61 days until Christmas, health and law enforcement officials are reminding the public it isn't the time yet for large parties or trick-or-treating.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said in a video message Sunday that although they are aware of Filipinos’ penchant for celebrations, it is not yet time to be complacent.

Earlier, the Department of Health (DOH) noted that inviting people outside the immediate family bubble increases the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III also noted potential superspreader events like the crush of over 4,000 visitors that descended on Manila Bay's dolomite beach early on Sunday, forcing city authorities to close the area for at least an hour.

Officials later declared that the beach would be closed to the public on Fridays.

Eleazar also warned establishments to follow protocols or face the possibility of closure.

The country logged 5,279 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, bringing thetotal number of infections to 2,756,923.

Metro Manila is under Alert Level 3 until Oct. 31, with 30-percent indoor capacity allowed for those who are fully vac-

Sara...

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“You can ask him (Marcos) since he is the one who is a candidate for a national position.”

Marcos filed his certificate of candidacy for president on Oct. 6, after taking his oath as a member of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, which is allied with the Duterte administration.

On Sept. 1, the PFP endorsed Marcos for the 2022 presidential race.

Marcos earlier said the PFP considered President Rodrigo Duterte as its vice-

PH,...

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deployed three aircraft in the West Philippine Sea last week, but they did not detect unlawful Chinese activities.

“We are not expecting that they will stop because we have defense against their intrusions in our waters. Nevertheless, we will continue to insist that we do not recognize their authority there, so we won't stop protesting,” Enriquez said.

He was reacting to reports that Chinese vessels reportedly were still harassing Philippine authorities in contested waters.

Last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs filed more than 200 diplomatic protests against China over its "unlawful issuance of over 200 radio challenges, sounding of sirens, and blowing of horns" while Philippine authorities were conducting patrols in its territorial waters.

However, China on Thursday insisted its law enforcement activities in the

Oil...

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party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate dared Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi to ask President Rodrigo Duterte to certify House Bill 4711 to regulate the oil industry.

He urged fellow lawmakers to fast

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warrant of arrest) and dismiss the case outright for lack of probable cause in accordance with Section 6, Rule 112, Rules of Court.”

“In the alternative and in view of the doubt on the existence of probable cause, the Honorable Court orders the DOJ to present additional evidence within five days from notice to establish probable cause against the accused."

Besides being an accused in an illegal drugs case for possession of cocaine, Ongpin was a person of interest in the death of his companion, artist Breana “Bree” Jonson, who was found dead in a La Union hostel on September 18. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

700 machines to detect COVID unused—solon NO LESS than 700 mostly donated GeneXpert machines, capable of detecting the COVID-19 virus in 45 minutes, remain largely untapped in the country’s fight against the pandemic, Anakalusugan Party-List Rep. Michael Defensor said Sunday.

“The automated GeneXpert units, once brought into play, can easily triple to almost 1,000 the country’s COVID-19 testing laboratories and improve in a big way public access to screening services,” Defensor said.

This developed as the Department of Health gave the go-signal for booster and additional shots of COVID-19 vaccines for healthcare workers and the elderly within the year, and for eligible priority groups by 2022.

The booster shots and additional shots were upon the October 13 recommendation of the Health Technology Assessment Unit (HTAU) and later approved by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. Meanwhile, the country welcomed 3 million more doses of the Sinovac vaccine on Sunday. The shipment arrived at past 6 p.m. at Terminal 2 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Two million doses of the vaccine were procured by the government, while 1 million were donated by China.

The Geneva-based Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria donated the bulk of the country’s inventory of GeneXpert machines to the DOH to help in the rapid diagnosis of TB cases, including multidrug-resistant TB, according to Defensor.

“Many of the GeneXpert units are already installed in the TB diagnostic laboratories of public hospitals, and they can also be used for COVID-19 testing,” he said. Rio N. Araja

Yulo..

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

BEACH (and more) PLEASE : Here’s what awaits you at San Vicente, Palawan

By Carlos Pala

A

S BORDERS around the country continue to open to domestic tourists, many are already hard at work planning their first big outdoor adventure after more than a year of being cooped up at home due to the pandemic.

A quick look around travel groups on social media can easily give you this idea: that a lot of Pinoys are looking for destinations where they can bask under the sun, sand, and sea—a refreshing, more exciting change from stuffy rooms and offices.

In the Philippines, it’s not a tall order to pick out a beach to visit. What’s trickier is discovering a new place—a hidden gem, so to speak—where there are not only relatively fewer tourists (a must for many, for social distancing, health, and safety reasons) but also offer new sights, sounds, and even tastes to enjoy.

Here’s a suggestion: Head to the town of San Vicente on the northwest side of Palawan, recently hailed as one of the world’s best islands at Conde Nast Traveler’s annual Reader’s Choice Awards 2021. It’s strategically located just a few minutes away from the San Vicente Airport, which hosts regular flights to and from Manila and Clark.

Charming and laidback, San Vicente rivals its more popular neighbors through its breathtaking vistas and abundant natural resources—minus the seemingly endless trickle of crowds.

It is for travelers who wish to live the island life, and seek a slow, more mindful, and eco-friendly way of living and unwinding close to nature.

WHAT TO DO IN SAN VICENTE San Vicente is home to several iconic, must-visit attractions. First is Long Beach which, at 14.7 kilometers long, is three times the length of Boracay’s White Beach. It also holds the distinction as the Philippines’ longest coastline, while also ranking second in the entire Southeast Asia.

Next is Port Barton, a village by the sea from which tourists usually go off for island hopping tours. Port Barton’s reach extends to several islands, which tourists can explore and do fun activities like snorkeling and swimming.

There’s also the so-called Bato Ni Ninging, a huge rock perched atop a hill. From here, visitors can enjoy and take photos of majestic views of the Sto. Niño Beach, Mount Capuas, Imuruan Island, and the blue sea and verdant mountains.

Going inland, tourists can go on a mangrove river cruise along the Inandeng River aboard a kayak to see

Verdant lands meet the blue sea in San Vicente

San Vicente mesmerizes with its crystal blue waters.

and learn more about these essential habitats that serve as home to many different species, help prevent erosion, and more.

San Vicente is home to two waterfalls,

An 83-hectare property in Kemdeng, which has its own beach line, will soon be part of Paragua Coastown.

too: the Pamuayan Waterfalls and Bigaho Falls. Take a dip into their cool waters as you marvel at the waterfalls’ height and listen to the sounds of the surrounding lush forests.

ENJOY THE BEST OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AND GREEN LIVING IN SAN VICENTE With its rustic beach vibe and remote

location, San Vicente makes for an ideal place where one—whether as a tourist or a future homeowner—can pursue the island life they’ve always dreamed of.

And soon, San Vicente’s guests and residents can experience the seamless convergence of sustainable tourism and green living in new and exciting ways, as Megaworld will soon transform a portion of the island into a world-class, sustainable, and cross-generational ‘eco-tourism’ community.

To be called Paragua Coastown after Palawan’s old name in the early 1900s, the planned 462-hectare community will highlight the natural beauty of San Vicente through facilities inspired by sustainable architecture while encouraging a holistic lifestyle: health and wellness sanctuaries, a cultural center, and even a mangrove reserve park, just to name a few.

“While we transform San Vicente into a world-class development, we also commit to the preservation of the island’s biodiversity. Aside from the preserved natural surroundings of the beach, mountains, and cliffs of San Vicente, we will also provide the facilities and amenities for holistic wellness for our future residents.

More than just sustainable tourism, our vision for Paragua Coastown is to provide an opportunity to those who want to live the island life and even raise their families on this side of Palawan,” said Kevin L. Tan, chief strategy officer, Megaworld.

So, if you’re looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, albeit momentarily, you can look forward to visiting or even settling down at San Vicente in Palawan—the closest you can get to enjoying nature’s best right at your doorsteps.

In addition to pristine white sand beaches, San Vicente is also home to vast greenery.

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‘Blue Wave’ caravan rolls on Isko’s bday

By Rey E. Requejo A DRIZZLE on Sunday morning did not prevent supporters of Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso from holding a motorcade where around 1,000 motorcycle riders and at least 100 cars and vehicles joined what organizers dubbed as “The Blue Wave Caravan.”

The “Blue Wave Caravan” was held during Domagoso’s 47th birthday. He was born on Oct. 24, 1974. His running mate, Dr. Willie Ong, has the same birthdate and turned 58 years old.

Despite the light rains, the participants assembled in Plaza Moriones in Tondo as early as 6 am.

Most of the motorcycle riders belong to various rider organizations in Manila.

From Moriones, Tondo, the “Blue Wave” caravan proceeded to Smokey Mountain and passed through the Manila City Hall then to Quiapo Church and proceeding to Quezon Boulevard.

The motorcade was scheduled to pass thru Quezon Memorial Circle going to Commonwealth Avenue toward Litex Market before going to Caloocan City and returning to Manila on Plaza Moriones.

Last Friday, Domagoso administered the oath to dozens of leaders and volunteers from sectoral and volunteer groups who pledged their support to his presidential campaign.

Groups and organizations based in different parts of the country who took their oath of support before the mayor include Pilipinas God First: Samahang Agila para kay Kuya Isko; Pilipinas God First Movement: One Sulu for Isko; Pilipinas God First: United Bangsamoro Isko for President Movement; Barangay Isko and Barangay Isko Youth (NCR and CALABARZON); Spread Salam Association; Scouts Royale Brotherhood (Oriental Mindoro); Sangguniang Kabataan (SK); and Tau Gamma. The groups represent fraternities, businesses, and youth sectors.

Leni says DOJ sees ‘lapses’ in Duterte drug war

MOTORCADE FOR ISKO. Supporters of presidential aspirant Manila Mayor Isko Moreno hold a motorcade around the Philippine capital on a rainy Sunday morning.

Norman Cruz

GREEN BIKERS. Hundreds of bikers in Quezon City join others in five Asian countries to demand urgent climate action ahead of a climate change summit.

Gatchalian: Malampaya deal approval ‘defective’

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HERE’S enough evidence that the decision rendered by the Department of Energy (DOE) to approve the sale of Chevron Malampaya’s 45-percent stake in the Malampaya gas project to the Udenna group of Dennis Uy is defective and invalid, Senator Win Gatchalian said.

“My opinion of this is that it is a defective approval, therefore the approval is invalid because there’s a lot of inconsistencies and any major transaction like this should not lead to confusion.

Instead of us appreciating it, we got more confused by the DOE’s own admission that there is indeed confusion,” Gatchalian said in scrutinizing Udenna’s buy-out of Chevron in Malampaya during the hearing of the proposed 2022 budget of the DOE. The Senate Energy Committee Chairperson made the statement after being told by DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi that no prior approval by the gov-

ernment is needed in the Chevron’s transfer of its stakes to Udenna’s UC Malampaya Philippines Pte Ltd. and that it was based on an evaluation using the so-called “farm-in process,” which according to Gatchalian made DOE’s explanation all the more confusing.

“Nowhere in the documents that the DOE submitted can you find the argument of using the farm-in (rule). From day one, we were made to understand that this should be approved by the government and the process will follow PD 87 and DC 2007,” Gatchalian pointed out.

The senator was referring to DOE’s Department Circular 2007-04-003

which prescribes the guidelines and procedures for the transfer of rights and obligations in petroleum service contracts under Presidential Decree 87.

“The DOE earlier said the government should not review and approve it.

But the DOE is now saying it approved the transaction but used a different method. When I reviewed the documents, there’s no such disclaimer that the DOE used a different method. So, all along in our minds the transaction went through the normal process of DC 2007,” the senator said.

Gatchalian sought clarification from Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi during the budget hearing as he dug up the statements given by DOE officials to the Senate Energy Committee hearing in November 2020 affirming that the transaction between Udenna and Chevron requires prior approval of the DOE as stated under Section 11 of PD 87.

By Rio N. Araja VICE President Leni Robredo believes there are lapses in the Duterte drug war, following the Department of Justice (DOJ) findings on 52 deaths from drug operations.

During her weekly radio program, Robredo said based on report, the DOJ contradicted the claim of the Philippine National Police of “nanlaban” or the victims fought back during drug operations.

“Actually, the DOJ’s investigation is not yet done but initial findings confirmed that there are really many lapses,” she said.

“There is a lot of things done that are not within the bounds of the law.

So it is good to know that the DOJ is reviewing them. Only a few are under investigation. But it is better that these are being reviewed,” she added.

She said she is hoping that justice be served on the victims.

“We hope to give justice to those who died. It is important for the bereaved families to have clear data as to who killed their relatives, why they were killed, what could be the circumstance behind their deaths, if there were lapses, and if they were really victims of extrajudicial killing. We have to hold those behind these accountable,” she stressed.

MODULAR TENTS.

Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco and Congressman John Rey Tiangco receive 400 modular tents from Senator Migz Zubiri during a turnover ceremony at Navotas City Hall. The tents can be used in evacuation centers during emergencies.

Andrew Rabulan

VACCINES. Members and officers of the Tingog Party-list pose with local government officials after a meeting regarding the party-list group’s commitment to administer 500 free pneumococcal polyvalent vaccines (PPV) next month in Brgy. San Lucas.

HELP DESK. Tingog officer John Paul R. Sanchez (left), Pakil, Laguna Mayor Vincent L. Soriano (2nd from left), Tingog political affairs officer III Rioneil R. Morquianos (2nd from right) and Sangguniang Kabataan Laguna Federation president Carville Auditor (right) pose for posterity after agreeing to establish the Tingog Help Desk in Pakil town. Pakil Municipal Councilor Jeffrey Cotoner

Lacson thinktank bares national health agenda

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Panfilo “Ping” Lacson’s health agenda just got a big boost when former Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral, former Food and Drug Administration Director General Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go and Eye Bank Foundation president Dr. Minguita Padilla formally presented their proposed national health agenda to the presidential candidate.

The agenda was delivered on the first week of October to Lacson’s policy team upon their request, to which Lacson has formally accepted.

The proposal, entitled “Health Agenda 2022 and Beyond,” is the product of Cabral, Hartigan-Go, and Padilla’s collective experience in the health sector and in government.

It was prepared as a guide for all interested presidential candidates in health care policy.

Padilla, who is also a senatorial candidate of Partido Reporma chaired by Lacson, said that the group’s philosophy is that health should be beyond politics.

The three proponents also hope that the next president will have sound health policies.

The group has since been joined by other former and current health officials and members of the academe.

Lacson and his team have assured the three that they will closely study the health agenda as a guide for their health policies and programs.

These include action plans that will address the country’s COVID-19 response and long-term plans to improve healthcare in the Philippines beginning 2022 and beyond.

Earlier, Lacson said May 2022 general elections should not be about personalities but about finding solutions to the enormous problems facing the country.

Pakil-Tingog help desk to improve access to medical assistance

By Rio N. Araja THE Tingog party-list and Laguna’s Pakil government have reached a collaboration agreement to establish a Tingog help desk to improve people’s access to medical assistance and other social services.

Rioneil Morquinos, Tingog political

affairs officer III, said the party-list, led

by Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, along with Jude Avorque Acidre and actresstelevision host Karla Estrada would remain relentless in the implementation of a more efficient and effective services and programs to the people.

Romualdez is the chairperson of the House Committee on the Welfare of

Children in Congress.

“The Tingog party-list, led by Romualdez, Sir Jude and Ma’am Karla, will always be at the forefront of delivering various compassionate social services to the people, especially the most vulnerable individuals and families. Tingog will make these services

conveniently available to them,” Morquinos said.

He met with Pakil Mayor Vince for the establishment of a Tingog help desk.

Estrada, mother of actor Daniel Padilla, and Acidre, the chief of staff of Romualdez and national president of Junior Chamber International Philippines, are both nominees of the party-

Lawmaker wants permanent field offices for four key gov’t agencies

By Rio N. Araja ILIGAN City Rep. Frederick Siao wants permanent field offices for the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Commission on Audit (COA), Civil Service Commission (CSC), and Office of the Ombudsman in the regions, provinces and cities.

He said a budget of P1 trillion is needed in 10 to 15 years for the outlay, maintenance, and other operating expenses (MOOE) of the four agencies.

“The constitutional independence and autonomy of Comelec, CSC, COA, and Ombudsman must also be realized in how the permanent official buildings and facilities of these

constitutional bodies are designed, located, built, operated and maintained as well as how the temporary and rented offices of these bodies are acquired and maintained,” he said.

Siao is the civil service and professions committee chairperson in Congress.

A P1-trillion multiyear infra and MOOE plan “envision(s) government centers where the field offices of these constitutional bodies are either distinctly located or separate from the local executive and local legislative offices, so the people can see and feel that these offices are NOT under the authority of the mayor or the governor,” he said.

Opinion

NAKED THOUGHT

MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2021

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

CHARLIE V. MANALO

To be apolitical is impossible THE FIFTH GOSPEL JUDE ACIDRE IT IS not uncommon to hear people say, “I’m apolitical.” Or, “I am politically neutral.”

But more often than not, it is difficult, if not impossible, for one to be apolitical.

This is for the simple reason that political OPEN neutrality is a privilege that many of us could notTHOUGHTS afford.

Man, Aristotle famously said, is a politiORLANDO cal animal. In fact, society itself cannot be OXALES politically neutral. We are governed by law, and ruled by politicians. The entire social apparatus of our everyday life—what and how we believe society should be—will always have political interest. Our schools, businesses—and even churches—cannot escape living a political existence.

The truth of the matter is that politics affects us more in our everyday lives than most people realize.

Politics affects our everyday lives more than we can imagine.

Some people think it is possible to always stay on the sideline, trying to ignore the prevailing political issues of the day.

But sooner or later, politics will always be personal.

Ask that of a father who recently lost his job. Or a mother who continues to worry where the next meal is going to come from. Or the children who were forced to stop going to school.

Or a landless farmer, the abused OFW, the wrongly accused or the helpless PWD. None of them will ever have the privilege of ignoring politics. Whether they know it or not, their plight requires a political solution.

That is why to be neutral in politics is simply impossible for many. Not only will our choices matter, making a choice is of fundamental importance in building the future for our families and in creating society as a whole.

Even those who may have the luxury of detaching themselves from politics—the moneyed and the powerful—mustn’t do so, for their own neutrality could impact the lives of the people around them.

For example, the employer in reference to their employees. Artists and writers with regard to their craft. Even the Church in connection with the common good.

Politics will affect us, even if we deliberately detach ourselves from it.

Sooner or later, when the economy begins to hit the workers, it will be a matter of time before business is hurt badly.

When artists and writers are repressed from expressing themselves freely, sooner or later, their craft will turn hollow and empty.

If the Church fails to attend to the bodily welfare of their faithful, how can they convince them that it cares for their souls.

We may have opposing political and moral views, and may disagree on how the

issues of the day would be best resolved, but making a political choice is crucial in identifying what the problem is, and recognizing that in many ways it requires a collective solution.

Our choice of leaders, for example, will always be the primary criterion in the quality of our political governance.

The actions of these leaders will then inevitably determine the course of our nation’s future.

It is not possible to escape the political consequences of our everyday decisions by simply ignoring politics, because it will always redound to our own individual rights.

People will always tussle on delicate issues such as divorce, or reproductive rights. Some people will agree to uphold it, others would think otherwise. But no matter the side of the debate you stand, realizing that your way of life—or your conscience is on the line—should be more than enough reason for you to consider making a political choice.

People try to ignore the important part of our lives that politics play just to avoid conflict. Some think that political discussion only ever brought division andSO debate.

But the sad truth is, while avoiding politics I SEE may be bliss for you, your inaction could LITO be detrimental to others. After all, as it is BANAYO often said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

Holocaust survivor and Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel said it right: “We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” CROSSROADS In fact, it is our responsibility that we J.A. inform ourselves about politics, learn as DELA CRUZ much as we can about all sides of the issues of the day, and in the end, develop our own opinion and take action. Fence sitting cannot be not an option. In fact, choosing not to have a political choice— simply put, is in itself a political choice.

But unlike those who stand on opposite sides of the divide, the unquestioning and the hypocritical shamelessly hide behind their privilege. It is a political choice that in the end benefits no one.

There is no neutral gear when it comes to the important things in our lives. We cannot slide sideways into a rewarding career, a lasting relationship, or a meaningful sense of self. There is similarly no coasting into a thriving future for our communities.

There are really only two gears: Forward and reverse. In the end, if we are not pushing forward on the things that really matter and keeping close and constant watch over our path, we are always at risk of slipping into reverse. When we choose to be neutral, or so to speak, “take our feet off the gas,” we do not only deny a lasting cure to injustice and poverty, we allow inequality and oppression to become part of the normal state of things.

In eight months, our nation will cast the votes for the next leader of the nation, possibly the most important political decision that we will make for the next six years. We cannot afford to stay neutral, not when the lives and welfare of our people is at stake.

“Let not any one pacify his conscience by the delusion that he can do no harm if he takes no part, and forms no opinion.

Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.” – John Stuart Mill (1867)

The EU’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific region

By Josep Borrell High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy THE world’s center of gravity is moving to the Indo-Pacific region, in geo-economic and geo-political terms. Recently, the decision by Australia, the UK and the US to deepen their security and defence ties (the so-called AUKUS group) has certainly triggered a lot of debate on the underlying dynamics in the region and how partners can best respond.

As the EU, we have a big stake in the future of the region and, we believe, a big contribution to make as well. That is why we published our own Indo-Pacific strategy last month. Its central message is that the EU is ready to step up its engagement in and with the region, working on issues where we have long cooperated, such as trade and investment, but also expanding this to areas where there is scope to do more. For example, collaborating on shared global challenges like climate action and the digital transition, or on common security challenges like cyber and maritime security.

Why is the EU adopting a new Indo-Pacific strategy now? Amid all the economic dynamism of the Indo-Pacific, we see that the regional order is increasingly chal-

lenged, due to growing geo-political competition. We can observe the consequences around the world, but most sharply in this region. As the EU, we have a vital interest that the regional order remains open and rules-based. To that end, we want to enhance cooperation with all Indo-Pacific partners who share our goals.

Cooperate whenever possible, protect whenever necessary.

What do we have in mind? Concretely, we have identified several priority areas where we seek to deepen cooperation in practical terms. Take connectivity. The EU is and remains a connectivity super power, in terms of setting standards that are globally relevant and in terms of mobilizing finance. We want to build links not dependencies and that is why we favor a sustainable and rules-based approach to connectivity.

A big priority will be our cooperation on global challenges. Climate change is on everyone’s mind. It is an urgent global challenge so we need to join forces to fight, mitigate and adapt to climate change by increasing the level of ambition of our

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A word from and for the young

G

UESTS of honor at graduation ceremonies are usually older individuals with notable accomplishments, solid experience, and unassailable experience.

But for Ateneo de Manila Univerity’s Class of 2021, this year’s speaker was Pasig Mayor Victor Ma. Regis Sotto, who himself obtained his bachelor’s degree from the same university just 10 years before.

Speaking plainly in a mix of English and Filipino, eschewing the pompous Let’s hope the style we have come to associate with youth truly realize the long and rambling speeches, Sotto power they hold, and acknowledged the unprecedented circumstances that this batch of that they use it well. graduates faced: completing their education from behind computer screens amid the raging health, Sooner or later, he said, their character economic and governance challenges.

NAKED be tested, and if they truly intend to The mayor, who made history in his will live as true men and women for others, city by trouncing a political dynasty THOUGHT that had been in power for almost three the road ahead will never be easy.

Sotto V. said that this generation decades, exhorted the graduates to CHARLIE of would-be leaders have all the look inward and ask themselves what MANALO was important in their lives and what tools at their disposal to gather information, communicate, organize, kind of leader they wanted to be.

It is so easy, he said, to find something get things done and effect change. But wrong with the government, point technology, specifically social media, fingers, analyze where ourTHE society FIFTHalso presents a danger: that of trapping is erring. What is more difficult is to the youth in their echo chambers and GOSPEL recognize that we ourselves could be limiting their circles and their mindsets part of the problem, especially JUDE in the to those who think and believe as they small things that we fail toACIDRE notice. do. Meanwhile, those hungry for

power are able to use social media as a weapon to sow hate and manipulate people without them realizing it.

Sotto thus posed a challenge—and it is a tough one especially during this time of noise, discourse, and discord: respecting others, going out of our comfort zones, listening to our neighbors and engaging those who hold views that might be different from ours.

And then, remain friends afterward instead of mocking and blocking those with different perspectives.

The mayor’s message does not just apply to Ateneo graduates. Young and not-so-young Filipinos will do much by tempering their boldness with reasonability, open-mindedness and respect. True engagement means relying on verified information instead of churning out manufactured “truths” or resorting to incivility when all else fails.

These are trying times for the Philippines, and even more so with the runup to the coming elections in May. With the great percentage of young voters, they do have the ability to effect change and truly help end the country’s ills. Let’s hope they realize the power they have—and, more importantly, the danger of squandering it by being less than circumspect about their votes.

Rogue moves against private schools again? of Finance and both Houses of Congress.

The BIR itself suspended the implementation of Revenue Regulation (RR) No. 5-2021 that imposes a 25-percent corporate income tax on private schools back in July. Even more significant is the laudably responsive and speedy action of the House of Representatives and the Senate in passing the rectifying legislation amending problematic provisions through a clarificatory bill that PACU President Dr. Anthony Tamayo said, “would serve as the lifeline of these educational institutions from the incorrect implementation of Sec. 27B of the Tax Code that puts them at the brink of closure.”

OPEN THOUGHTS ORLANDO OXALES WITH all the raging controversies and multi-layered crisis of the pandemic plus heating political intramurals, it looks like another issue has emerged. There have been news reports that some regional offices of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) are still imposing the alreadysuspended onerous provisions of BIR Revenue Regulation 5-2021 that slapped a 300-percent increase in income tax because of an apparently arbitrary interpretation of the CREATE Act and violated the 10% preferential tax for private schools provided in the Constitution.

The recent statement of groups representing 2,500 private educational institutions with over 300,000 school personnel – the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations, Davao Colleges and Universities Network, Association of Private, State Colleges, and Universities in Region XI, Bicol Association of Private Colleges and Universities, CESAFI Association of Cebu Private Schools, and the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU) -- raised the sector’s alarm over reports from their members that, “some BIR regions continue to impose a 30-percent income tax rate citing BIR RMC-67 series of 2012” and that “these BIR regions continue to argue that RR 14-2021 which suspended RR 5-2021 applies prospectively and does not apply to assessments involving prior fiscal years.”

This is yet another instance of the bureaucratic disconnect in the BIR or, if I am to put on my mischievous thinking cap, may be an attempt by some quarters of the agency to shake down some hapless private schools in their territory. Pure speculation, of course, but not impossible -- and should prompt a serious probe by the Department climate action ahead of COP26 in Glasgow.

At the same time, we should address broader environmental degradation including plastic pollution and biodiversity loss. We welcome the Philippines’ commitment to take ambitious steps on climate action in particular addressing plastic litter and accelerating the clean energy agenda. The EU will work hand in hand with the Philippines in those areas.

Under the strategy, we have stressed that we want to enhance our digital partnerships, including by working closely together on setting the standards that will shape our digital lives.

We also want to deepen our security engagement including counter-terrorism and cybersecurity, seeking to make that cooperation as concrete as possible. Under the strategy, we commit to an open and rules-based regional security architecture, including secure sea lines of communication, capacity-building and enhanced naval presence by EU Member States. In the Philippines, we are working with the Navy and the Coast Guard in providing assistance in

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

The President should immediately pass the law.

Since this issue was raised in June, there was wide outrage in what is characteristically a meek and wellmannered sector already in deep crisis and before the lockdowns closed down all face-to-face classes. According to latest enrollment data, private schools have been hit hard with only 1.9 million students enrolled compared to 4.3 million before the pandemic.

The socio-economic implications are nothing short of catastrophic. For every school affected, there are hundreds of linked businesses and thousands of stakeholders displaced when operations close down. Schools are not just critical to the development of our human capital; the education sector is in itself a key economic driver as it supports an interlinked network of businesses and livelihood ecosystems.

According to Department of Education data, there are over 800 small private schools facing closures due to low enrollment and lack of capacity to conduct distance learning. This means that millions of stakeholders that rely on school the maritime awareness domain area. Furthermore, the EU will seek to conduct more joint exercises and port calls with Indo-Pacific partners, including multilateral exercises, to fight piracy and protect freedom of navigation in the region. The EU will also support Indo-Pacific partners’ capacity to tackle cybercrime.

In terms of who we want to partner with, the EU’s strategy is inclusive of all our partners wishing to cooperate. Certainly, ASEAN and the Philippines lie at the heart of this SO crucially important region. Indeed, ASEAN is a strategic I SEE partner for the EU and naturally it has a prominent and privileged place in our InLITO do-Pacific strategy.

BANAYO We do also include China in our IndoPacific plans. In many areas, such as climate and biodiversity for instance, China’s cooperation is essential. At the same time, we want to deepen our cooperation with democratic, likeCROSSROADS minded partners.

In short, the EU’s J.A.Indo-Pacific strategy is about scaling upCRUZ and diversifying our DELA

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

operations are now suffering from this economic fallout.

The crisis of the private educational institutions is part of an even bigger and long-term socio-economic disaster that Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Chua disclosed during a Senate hearing in September. He raised the damaging consequences of continued closure of schools.

Sec. Chua said, “We estimate that productivity loss over the next 40 years is going to be around P11 trillion for the one year where we had no face-to-face schooling. This is over the entire working life span of a person.”

He pointed out that the lack of face-toface (classes) will limit the learning ability of students and that has a permanent effect over the lifespan of students while they are in the labor force.

This is a disturbing outlook that emphasizes the urgency to safely re-open our school system. The fact that we are among only two countries (Venezuela is the other) unable to resume classroom teaching reflects on how the country is lagging behind in handling the pandemic crisis.

Quite obvious, the key to reopening our schools is the full vaccination of all students and school personnel.

The strategic impact of the education sector and linked industries offer a myriad of reasons why the government must help our whole school system -- not just to survive, but to have the capacity to be globally competitive, if not excelling in molding a nation of highly productive citizens ready to thrive in the new post pandemic world.

Going back to this issue of what I would speculate may be rogue moves by some BIR regional branches (hard to believe they did not get the memo) to violate their own order to suspend imposition of BIR 5-2021, it would best for all to have the law immediately signed by the President already so our private schools can have their much deserved tax relief mandated by the CREATE Act and focus on their mission to educate our children.

MORE OPINION ONLINE

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

Megawide’s losing streak THE FIFTH

political and economic partnerships GOSPEL across the region. This is our overall JUDE whenever possible, motto: Cooperate ACIDRE protect whenever necessary.

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Erdogan expels 10 envoys over Kavala support A

NKARA—Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday told his foreign minister to expel the ambassadors of 10 countries, including Germany and the United States, who had appealed for the release of a jailed civil society leader.

Colombia most-wanted drug lord ‘Otoniel’ caught BOGOTA—Colombia’s most-wanted drug trafficker “Otoniel” has been captured, officials said Saturday, a major victory for the government of the world’s top cocaine exporter.

Dairo Antonio Usuga, who headed the country’s largest narco-trafficking gang known as the Gulf Clan, was captured near one of his main outposts in Necocli, near the border with Panama.

Images released by the government showed the 50-year-old Otoniel in hand-

cuffs and surrounded by soldiers.

“This is the hardest strike to drug trafficking in our country this century,” president Ivan Duque said in a message, adding that the arrest was “only comparable to the fall of Pablo Escobar,” the notorious Colombian narco-trafficking kingpin.

Some 500 soldiers backed by 22 helicopters were deployed in the Necocli municipality to carry out the operation, which left one police officer dead. AFP

CAUGHT. Handout picture released on October 23 by the Colombian Army press office showing a Colombian soldier escorting Colombia’s mostwanted drug lord and head of the Gulf Clan, Dairo Antonio Usuga (right), alias ‘Otoniel’, after his capture in Bogota. Usuga, for whom the United States offered a reward of $5 million, was captured by Colombian authorities in Necocli, Antioquia department, the government reported. AFP

The envoys issued a highly unusual joint statement on Monday saying the continued detention of Parisian-born philanthropist and activist Osman Kavala “cast a shadow” over Turkey.

The escalating row with the Western countries -- most of which are also NATO allies -- caps a torrid week for Turkey in which it was added to a global money-laundering and terrorism-financing blacklist and its currency plunged over fears of economic mismanagement and the risk of hyperinflation.

“I have ordered our foreign minister to declare these 10 ambassadors as persona non grata as soon as possible,” Erdogan said, using a diplomatic term meaning the first step before expulsion.

“They must leave here the day they no longer know Turkey,” he said, accusing them of “indecency”.

Several European countries said late on Saturday they had received no official notification from Turkey.

“We are currently in intensive consultation with the nine other countries concerned,” the German Foreign Ministry said.

“Our ambassador has not done any-

thing that would justify the expulsion,” Norwegian foreign ministry spokeswoman Trude Maseide told media in her home country.

She vowed to continue pressing Turkey on human rights and democracy -- comments echoed by Danish and Dutch officials.

The United States was aware of the reports and was seeking clarity from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a State Department spokesperson said.

‘Speedy resolution’

Kavala, 64, has been in jail without a conviction since 2017 on charges linked to 2013 anti-government protests and a failed military coup in 2016.

The Western ambassadors had called for a “just and speedy resolution” to his case.

But on Saturday, Erdogan described Kavala as the “agent in Turkey” of Hungary-born American billionaire George Soros -- a regular target of right-wing and anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.

Kavala’s supporters see him as a symbol of the sweeping crackdown Erdogan unleashed after surviving a 2016 coup attempt. AFP

N. Ireland Brexit issues lead UK talks with EU

Blast in Uganda capital ‘terrorist act’—President

LONDON—Talks between Britain and the European Union to resolve problems with the Brexit agreement regarding Northern Ireland will move to London next week with the UK government warning on Saturday that “substantial gaps” remained.

A negotiating team from the European Commission will travel to London on Tuesday “for several days of intensive discussions”, according to a statement issued by London on Saturday.

British minister David Frost and EU Commission Vice President Sefcovic are due to meet for talks at the end of the week to “take stock and assess progress so far”.

London added that talks over the previous days had been “constructive” but that “substantial gaps” remain.

Brussels has put forward a raft of proposals to try and ease tensions within the loyalist community over the Northern Ireland Protocol, the part of the Brexit deal that deals with the British province.

The proposals include reduced customs checks and paperwork on British products intended for Northern Ireland, which loyalists complain are driving a wedge between Belfast and London and building momentum for the republican push for a united Ireland.

KAMPALA—Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said Sunday that an explosion in the capital Kampala that killed one and injured five was “a terrorist act” and vowed to hunt down those responsible.

“It seems to be a terrorist act, but we shall get the perpetrators,” Museveni said in a Twitter post about the explosion late Saturday at a popular restaurant strip in northern Kampala.

Police in Uganda on Saturday said one person had died and seven others were injured in a “serious blast” in the capital Kampala.

The explosion occurred at around 9 pm (1800 GMT) at a popular streetside restaurant strip in Kawempe in northern Kampala.

“The police... have responded to a serious blast which occurred... at around 9 pm, at Digida eating point,” Uganda Police Force spokesman Fred Enanga said in a statement posted on Twitter late Saturday.

“One person has been fatally wounded and seven others rushed to Mulago National Referral hospital, with serious injuries.

“The scene has been cordoned off, and our joint task teams from the bomb squad called to thoroughly document the scene, to help determine whether the explosion arose out of an intentional act or not.”

Police were asking the public to remain calm until the “true circumstances” surrounding the explosion were clear. AFP

Article 16 threat

Despite moving on customs checks, the European Union has said it will not accept London’s demands for an alternative arbitrator to settle post-Brexit trade disputes involving Northern Ireland.

CAMPAIGNER. Former US President Barack Obama speaks during an early vote rally for New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on October 23 in Newark, New Jersey. People are heading to the polls in New Jersey for early voting as Murphy faces Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli. AFP

Obama hits the stump in US battleground Virginia

RICHMOND—Former US president Barack Obama was due to campaign Saturday in a neck-and-neck state election touted as a bellwether of public opinion on Joe Biden’s first year in the White House.

Democrat Terry McAuliffe, who is vying for a second term as Virginia’s governor, is battling Republican Glenn Youngkin ahead of the November 2 vote.

The McAuliffe camp fears turnout among supporters in an off-year election may be low and has brought in

some of the party’s heavy hitters in the final stretch, in a bid to rouse lethargic Democrats.

Obama, who was due to speak at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, follows First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and rising Democratic star Stacey Abrams into the state, with the president himself expected next week.

Biden won Virginia by 10 points in 2020 and the last time Republicans won a statewide race there was 2009.

But the McAulliffe-Youngkin battle

Russian torture video whistleblower on wanted list MOSCOW—Russia on Saturday placed a former prison inmate who leaked harrowing videos of rape and torture inside a Russian prison on a wanted list.

A notice on the interior ministry’s website said Sergei Savelyev -- a Belarus national who is seeking asylum in France -- was wanted in connection with an unspecified criminal case.

Savelyev smuggled footage of abuse out of a jail in the central city of Saratov. Fearing reprisals, he f led the country in February and last week arrived in France, where he asked for asylum.

While serving 7.5 years for drug trafficking, he worked as an IT maintenance officer, earning access

to the prison’s internal server and those of other jails, where he found several videos.

He saved them on a USB stick that he hid near the prison exit.

Some of the videos were then published by the Russian rights groups Gulagu.net, prompting an official probe and the sacking of several officials. AFP

Reform-touting Uzbekistan strongman poll shoo-in TASHKENT—Voting was underway in Uzbekistan’s presidential election Sunday, with incumbent Shavkat Mirziyoyev facing no real opposition but plenty of challenges as he bids to reform the ex-Soviet country while maintaining its authoritarian foundations.

Mirziyoyev has been credited for launching what he calls a “New Uzbekistan”, ending a decades-old system of forced labour and introducing limited media freedom.

He came to power in 2016 after the death of his mentor, dictator Islam Ka-

rimov, who ruled the Central Asian country for 27 years.

Mirziyoyev has presided over an unprecedented boom in foreign tourism in the country that borders Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and counts China and Russia among its partners. AFP

has been tightening for weeks and the latest polling has the candidates well within the margin of error.

A McAuliffe win would boost Washington Democrats’ push for twin infrastructure and social welfare mega-bills that are the cornerstone of Biden’s vision for remaking the economy.

But a loss could spook moderates already nervous over the high price tag on the legislation, which they are trying to chisel down from a combined total of almost $5 trillion to around $3 trillion. AFP

DISAPPEARED.

Roberto Martinez poses holding the portrait of his sister Lourdes, who disappeared in 1974, in Culiacan, state of Sinaloa, Mexico on October 18.

Roberto has renewed hopes of finding a nephew presumed to have been born during his mother’s captivity, a victim of Mexico’s repression of political opponents between the 1960s and 1980s. AFP

News

MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Villar to challenge Manila Bay ruling

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

S

ENATOR Cynthia Villar will file a motion for reconsideration before the Supreme Court over its go-signal to reclaim the Manila Bay areas in the cities of Las Pinas and Paranaque, as she urged the High Court to take a “different and fresh appreciation” of the Environmental Impact Assessment rules.

Villar has been asserting that any reclamation project in the areas would impede the flow of the six rivers emptying into Manila Bay, which would cause massive flooding.

They are the Imus River in Imus City, Bacoor River in Bacoor City, Molino River in Bacoor City, Zapote River between Bacoor and Las Piñas cities, Las Pinas River in Las Piñas City, and Parañaque River in Paranaque City.

In fact, Villar said, the damage from the Imus River caused the filing of a case by lawyer Antonio Oposa, the Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Environ-

mental Law, which resulted in the issuance of a mandamus on the Manila Bay by the Supreme Court.

As the country marks the first year of the UN Decade for Ecological Restoration, the senator called on the magistrates to revisit their ruling that favored Alltech Contractors’ proposed projects to develop hectares of land in Las Piñas and Parañaque, both along the coastline of Manila Bay, which had been given up and declared illegal with its ECC (environmental compliance certificate) expired.

“This and the declaration by Congress of the existence of a climate crisis, and the

two reports of the Nobel-Laureate group Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, have long since rendered any decisions of the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) made in 2012 irrelevant,” stressed Villar.

She said the SC can also take judicial notice of the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (E-NIPAS) Act or Republic Act 11038, which was enacted in 2018.

“This legislated the now-renamed Las Piñas Parañaque Wetland Park into a protected area,” said Villar.

She noted this area was included in the Ramsar Convention list of Wetlands of International Importance, in 2013.

A legislated protected area, the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland is entitled to a buffer zone in Manila Bay which cannot be reclaimed, Villar noted.

She related that the DENR is also determining the extent of the buffer zone needed for the conservation of the protected wetland park.

“The DENR’s procedures on EIA should take into consideration all these

94 newly-established Protected Areas (PAs),” said Villar, chairperson of the Senate Environmental committee.

“We have long imagined that the ecological services like the flood drainage mechanisms and the filtering capacity of the soil will be there forever. But without proper care, and paying the costs of that care, these services will dissipate. The EIA system must account for this degeneration,” she added.

The SC recently affirmed a Court of Appeals decision denying the petition for a Writ of Kalikasan filed by Villar and 315,000 petitioners to stop a reclamation that is beside the important international wetland.

According to Villar, the SC issued the decision eight years after the CA junked her petition to stop any reclamation project in the area.

She emphasized the DENR’s decision to allow the reclamation “has long since been overtaken by multiple studies, many scientific and valuation findings, most of which were not in the case file.”

IN BRIEF Cabie, mediamen lead seminar for The Bedan FIVE media practitioners, led by Manila Standard night editor Honor Blanco Cabie, will be resource speakers during the twoday virtual workshop-seminar this weekend sponsored by The Bedan, news publication of the Benedictine-administered San Beda University in Manila.

Organizers said the seminar, via Zoom, now in its third year, coincides with the 80th anniversary of The Bedan, first published in 1941 before the second world war left the country’s capital in ruins.

The Bedan, according to the organizers, envisions a society that would “encourage a well-founded political discourse with arguments based on facts and help aspiring campus journalists become credible sources of information who can present to the people truth with integrity.”

The two-day event, which starts Saturday with the theme “Mulat (Awakening), Responsableng Journalismo sa Nagdaang mga Taon,” will be keynoted

by Cabie, who has experiences in international news agency, broadcast and print journalism, who covered among others international events the return of Prisoners of War from Indochina following the fall of Saigon in the 70s.

The next day Cabie, book author and who has taught in various colleges and universities in Metro Manila, will also deliver a lecture on editorial writing before tertiary level students from San Beda, University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University, University of Batangas, Bulacan State University, and high school students fom Del Pilar Academy in Cavite.

Mangaldan gets dump trucks from nat’l gov’t THE municipality of Mangaldan in Pangasinan received three additional dump trucks from the national government on Thursday, Oct. 21.

This is due to the initiative of Presidential Adviser for Northern Luzon Secretary Raul Lambino, in cooperation with Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino, and Mangaldan Mayor Marilyn Lambino.

Mayor Lambino on Saturday expressed her gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go for their unwavering assistance to the local government of Mangaldan in delivering quality and efficient government services to the people.

“We thank President Duterte, and Senator Go for their continuous support to our municipality. These new dump trucks will benefit our communities and the people,” Mayor Lambino said.

The mayor said since President Duterte assumed office in 2016 and Sen. Go in 2019, support has been received by the town by providing all types of assistance that would benefit the people in Mangaldan.

To date, the town has five dump trucks that can be used for the town’s waste management as well as for emergency response to disasters, and other purposes.

LAUDING 4PS. Recognizing the families who graduated as beneficiary members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4PS), Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman leads the distribution of P1,000 each to 155 beneficiary-graduates over the weekend, with the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Norman Cruz

Sandigan clears LRay over fuel supply deal THE Sandiganbayan has cleared Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte of any liability in the bulk purchase of fuel by the provincial government when he was CamSur governor in 2010.

In a 55-page decision, Associate Justice Karl Miranda of the Sixth Division ruled that the prosecution “failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt” that Villafuerte conspired with the provincial government’s “long-time” fuel supplier in the approval of the huge procurement of P20 million worth of petroleum products without a public bidding.

The provincial government even incurred savings in purchasing petroleum products from its supplier given the locked-in prices at the time of procurement, which meant that the provincial capitol was protected from subsequent surges in the pump prices of fuel, he said.

Villafuerte approved the procurement to offset the volatility in fuel prices in 2010.

The anti-graft court said the transaction was not disadvantageous to the provincial government since it did not lose any money, but even saved money from the fuel deposit arrangement because as the exclusive wholesaler of Petron in the province, Petron Naga offered the lowest possible fuel prices compared to those of other Petron gas stations.

“If there is one lesson to be learned from the present pandemic gravely affecting the nation, it is that the government must be able to adapt to change and act with dispatch in addressing emergencies before these could turn into crises. In doing so public officials will need all the guidance they can get from concerned government agencies to make sure their exercise of such power, including that of procurement, will be in accordance with law,” the decision read. Rio N. Araja

Manila

Solon to DND: Fly commercial while C-130s unavailable A SENIOR member of Congress on Sunday urged the Department of National Defense (DND) to tap commercial airlines to fly soldiers pending the acquisition of five new C-130J Super Hercules aircraft for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

“Assuming Camp Aguinaldo is in a rush to deploy soldiers somewhere, and no military aircraft is readily available, we would recommend the use of either commercial or chartered flights,” said Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, House strategic intelligence committee chairperson.

“If necessary, Congress can provide the DND the extra funding to pay for the commercial flights,” Pimentel said.

Pimentel said the military’s use of commercial flights would not only allow soldiers to fly safely and comfortably but would also help local airlines recover financially from the COVID-19 crisis.

On July 4, one of the PAF’s two newly refurbished C-130H aircraft crashed due to “a combination of material, human and environmental factors” while trying to land at the Jolo Airport in Sulu province.

The accident killed all 50 soldiers on board, including the crew, who were being flown in from Cagayan de Oro City. Three people on the ground were also killed.

The House of Representatives earlier approved a P5.5 billion supplemental budget for the DND in the 2022 national budget.

The amount is meant to enable the PAF to make the initial payment for the procurement of five new C-130J aircraft from American aerospace and defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corp.

“We are all for the purchase of the new aircraft. Besides their military use, the new planes will improve our capacity to swiftly deploy emergency first responders as well as relief supplies to provinces hit by typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural disasters,” Pimentel said.

Global risk agencies have tagged the Philippines as one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, being at the center of a typhoon belt and within the Pacific Ring of Fire frequented by volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

Rio N. Araja

jurisdiction over the area/s applied for.

Standard

TODAY

d.) Tourism development areas as identified in the national and local tourism development plans; e.) Prime agricultural lands, in addition to lands covered by RA No. 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988, as amended, including plantations and areas devoted to valuable crops, and strategic agriculture and fisheries development zones, and fish refuge and sanctuaries declared as such by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION COSMOS EXPLORATION CORP. (Name of Company/Individual)

FOR

# Notes 1.

EXPLORATION PERMIT Notice is hereby given that pursuant to Section 21 of DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2010-21, Series of 2010, Providing for a consolidated Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order for the Implementing Rules and Regulation of Republic Act No. 7942, otherwise known as the “Philippine Mining Act of 1995”, Cosmos Exploration Corp. with office address at 1423 The Mondrian Bldg., Pablo Ocampo Street, San Antonio, Makati City, Philippines, has filed an application for Exploration Permit for the exploration of Basalt, Rock Aggregates, Silica, Copper, Gold and other metallic and non-metallic minerals and particularly described as follows: I - Registration No.

:

II - Date of Registration

:

III - Area Location Barangays Municipality of Province of Island of Barangays

: : : : : :

Municipality of Province of Island of

: : :

EXPA-000224-V

The approval of an Environmental Clearance Certificate, with all the necessary public consultations, shall be required prior to any and all mining construction, development and production.

2. The notice must be accompanied by a map/sketch plan with index map showing the nearest municipality(ies) and any major environmental feature(s).

V - Size of the Area

: One Thousand Six Hundred Sixty-Nine and 532/10,000 (1,669.5532) hectares

VI - Duration of the Permit: 1. Exploration shall have a term of two (2) years renewable for like period but not to exceed a total term of six (6) years; VII - Extent of Operation to be Undertaken:

Cantorna and Togoron Monreal Masbate Luzon Jagna-an, Bagahanglad, Mabini, Pifia Bartolabac, Danao and Roosevelt San Jacinto Masbate Luzon

IV - Technical Description of the Area: CORNER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

A7

LATITUDE 12° 33’ 00.000” 12° 33’ 30.000” 12° 33’ 30.000” 12° 34’ 30.000” 12° 34’ 30.000” 12° 36’ 00.000” 12° 36’ 00.000” 12° 37’ 00.000” 12° 37’ 00.000” 12° 36’ 00.000” 12° 36’ 00.000” 12° 35’ 00.000” 12° 35’ 00.000” 12° 35’ 30.000” 12° 35’ 30.000” 12° 35’ 00.000” 12° 35’ 00.000” 12° 34’ 30.000” 12° 34’ 30.000” 12° 34’ 00.000” 12° 34’ 00.000” 12° 33’ 30.000” 12° 33’ 30.000” 12° 33’ 00.000”

LONGITUDE 123° 39’ 00.000” 123° 39’ 00.000” 123° 38’ 30.000” 123° 38’ 30.000” 123° 37’ 30.000” 123° 37’ 30.000” 123° 37’ 00.000” 123° 37’ 00.000” 123° 38’ 00.000” 123° 38’ 00.000” 123° 38’ 30.000” 123° 38’ 00.000” 123° 39’ 00.000” 123° 39’ 00.000” 123° 39’ 30.000” 123° 39’ 30.000” 123° 40’ 00.000” 123° 40’ 00.000” 123° 39’ 30.000” 123° 39’ 30.000” 123° 39’ 00.000” 123° 39’ 00.000” 123° 40’ 30.000” 123° 40’ 30.000”

Exploration of Basalt, Rock Aggregates, Silica, Copper, Gold and other metallic and non-metallic minerals.

Any and all persons having adverse claims, protest and/or opposition to the above mentioned application(s) are hereby notified that their adverse claims should be filed within ten (10) days from the last date of publication/posting, directly with the Regional Office concerned or Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) or Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer of the DENR for filing in the Regional Office for purposes of its resolution by the Panel of Arbitrators and/or the concerned appellate body(ies). Adverse claims, protests or opposition should be accomplished in accordance with Sections 203 and 204 of DENR Administrative Order No. 2010-21, series of 2010 and a copy thereof shall be furnished to the applicant/ contractor by the adverse claimant.

For further particulars, apply or course your inquiries to the OIC, Office of the Regional Director, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Regional Office No. V, DENR Annex Building, Regional Center, Rawis, Legaspi City.

GUILLERMO A. MOLINA, JR. IV Regional Director

* Exceptions.

The proposed Contract/Permit Area shall be subject to Section 19 of RA 7942 and Section 15 (“Areas Closed to Mining Locations”) and Section 16 (“Ancestral Lands), of DENR Administrative Order No. 2010-21, Series of 2010. Among other things:

NEW TRUCKS. Department heads of Mangaldan, Pangasinan pose with pride and gratitude beside three new dump trucks from the Office of President Rodrigo R. Duterte through Sen. Bong Go and Sec. Raul Lambino, Presidential Adviser for North Luzon. Pictured (from right) are Mayor Marilyn DG. Lambino and department heads Josie Bulatao, Julieta Petonio, Aji Cabrera, Helen Aquino and Marilou Gavino. PIO Mangaldan

a.) The following shall be closed to mining locations: areas with valid and existing mining rights; mining applications and areas expressly prohibited by law; b.) The following shall also be closed to mining locations except upon the written consent of the concerned government agency or private entity subject to the evaluation and validation by the Bureau; areas near or under public or private buildings, cemeteries, archeological and historical sites, bridges, highways, waterways, railroads, reservoirs, dams or other infrastructure projects, public or private works including plantations of valuable or valuable crops. c.) Applications for mineral agreement or financial or technical assistance agreements covering; small scale mining areas; civil or military reservations; areas covered by Certificate of Ancestral Domain claims; or areas of ancestral land as may be defined by law shall require prior written consent of concerned individuals, groups or other government agencies having

1 2

SEC Official Receipt No. 1886269 for the filing fee of subject application was presented and alidated by the Cashier office on February 6, 2020.

Updated registration statement filed on October 8, 2021 thru msrd_covid19@sec.gov.ph (MS-OCT. 25, 2021)

Sports

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

A8

MONDAY,

OCTOBER 25, 2021

Magnolia’s Calvin Abueva finds himself in the land of the giants against TNT’s JP Erram and Troy Rosario in a PBA Philippine Cup championship game won by the Hotshots, 106-98.

Hotshots bounce back in 106-98 Game 3 win

By Peter Atencio

M

AGNOLIA tried to stop super rookie Mikey Williams.They could not, but the Hotshots still found a way to pull off a 106-98 beating of the Talk N Text Tropang Giga on Sunday night in Game 3 of their PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven showdown at the DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

The 6’2” Williams erupted for 39 points in 45 minutes, the highest output in a championship game by a rookie in more than two decades, but his efforts went down the drain against a determined Hotshots team that stayed alive in the series after losing the first two games.

“We changed our defense with our man-to-man. TNT knows we play manto-man. We just tried to limit Mikey

Williams. Mas maganda defense namin ngayon compared to our last two games,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero, now that the Hotshots are just behind the Tropang Giga at 1-2.

Williams came close to the performance of Eric Menk, who had 42 in Game 3 of the 1999 All-Filipino title series for Tanduay, an encounter which they still lost to

Shell, 91-81, in Ormoc City.

The Tropang Giga made their last attempt to close in on Magnolia in the final 1:11 off Williams’ 10th and final triple for the game, 95-98. Those threes were also a record, which broke the feat of NLEX’s Calvin Oftana, who had eight a month ago.

But the Hotshots, who led by as much as 12 points, frustrated TNT’s last bid with Andy Barroca’s floater, which found its mark in the last 52 seconds for a 100-95 score.

“Sabi ko sa kanila (team), we’ve been in the finals before because of our defense. So we just go back before to what happened to our defense in our playoffs with Meralco, and Rain or Shine,” added Victolero.

Paul Lee, recovering from an injured shoulder, powered the Hotshots with 21 points, making 11 of them in the first

half as they took a 52-46 halftime lead.

Lee’s trey in the remaining 8:18 of the third gave the Hotshots a 69-56 edge.

Barroca knocked in 16 points, including eight points at the start of the fourth period, lifting the Hotshots to a 9577 spread with 7:49 left.

Williams banged in eight points in the last period as TNT rallied and came to within three, before Barroca frustrated the Tropang Giga with his floater in the final minute.

Calvin Abueva struck with 14 points for the Hotshots while Jio Jalalon added 11.

Lady Generals edge Water Queens in WNBL THE Taguig Lady Generals got back to their winning ways after defeating the Pacific Water Queens, 43-34, Sunday in the Pia Cayetano WNBL Season 2021 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.

The Lady Generals had a balanced attack as they came away with their third win after five outings, bouncing back from their 65-59 loss against Glutagence last October 17.

Lorraine Capilit scored a team-high nine points, while Janeth Sison had seven points and eight rebounds for the Lady Generals, who remained in their

place behind Glutagence (4-2) in the team standings of the women’s professional basketball league.

Marichu Bacaro also gave a good account of herself after finishing with seven points, three rebounds and two steals for Taguig.

Jollina Go had 14 points and seven rebounds, and Cristine Cortizano had 10 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks but the Water Queens suffered back-to-back defeats this weekend to fall to 1-6.

The Queens also missed the services of Snow Penaranda for the second time.

The Lady Generals started the

game with an 8-0 lead including a triple by Sison. A jumper by Sison gave Taguig its biggest lead of the contest, 27-15, in the second period.

The closest Pacific Water got in the game was at 36-30 midway in the fourth but Bacaro buried a free throw and Kang Hortaleza scored a jumper with 1:42 left to end the threat.

Lady General Rose Sison

Braves oust champ Dodgers to reach World Series LOS ANGELES—The Atlanta Braves punched their ticket to their first World Series in over two decades Saturday, toppling the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers 4-2 to wrap up the National League Championship Series in six games.

The Braves, who will face the Houston Astros in Major League Baseball’s Fall Classic, rolled over the Dodgers by jumping on their starting pitcher Walker Buehler in the first inning.

The win ended a string of heartbreaking potential elimination losses for the Braves who had four previous chances in the last two years to book a trip to the World Series but failed.

Atlanta advanced to their sixth World Series all-time and their first since 1999.

“It is amazing. This organization has been around a long time and it has been a long time since we got to the World Series,” said first baseman Freddie Freeman.

“We took it to another level with what we did in the second half (regular season) and postseason.”

The World Series starts Tuesday in Houston, which will host the first two games before they switch to Atlanta.

The turning point Saturday was a

Manager Brian Snitker of Atlanta holds the Warren C. Giles trophy after the Braves defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers, 4-2, to win the National League Championship Series at Truist Park. The Braves advanced to the 2021 World Series. AFP

three-run fourth inning that featured a 361-foot home run to right field by slugger Eddie Rosario, who scored teammates Travis d’Arnaud and Ehire Adrianza. Rosario’s blast landed just inside the right outfield pole.

“I’m at a loss for words to be honest,” Rosario said. “I gave everything I had

for the team, for a World Series. I just left it all out there. I’m extremely proud of myself and the team for getting to the World Series.”

Last season the Dodgers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays to win the World Series in six games for their first championship since 1988.

Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson got the final out, snagging a ground ball and throwing to first to get Dodgers AJ Pollock out, sparking a wild celebration on the field around Braves closer Will Smith.

Last season, the Braves took a commanding 3-1 series lead in the NLCS over the Dodgers, giving them three chances to advance to the World Series.

But Los Angeles brushed aside all of those Atlanta opportunities, doing it in the neutral-site stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Saturday’s loss snapped the Dodgers’ run of winning seven consecutive playoff elimination games.

The Dodgers pitching staff were in trouble before Saturday’s game even began. Los Angeles was expected to start Max Scherzer, but the ace righthander was scratched from the start.

Scherzer gave up two runs over four innings of game two on Sunday and said that his arm was too sore to pitch in game six.

The Dodgers instead had to turn to Buehler on short rest. Buehler was initially scheduled to start a potential game seven on Sunday.

The Braves made a couple of clutch defensive plays in the top of the sixth inning, including a one-hop snag at first base by dual American-Canadian citizen Freeman to get Dodgers baserunner Trea Turner out. AFP

Ravena’s Shiga rebounds in 110-79 victory over Nagoya 5 OVI Soko and Sean Omara shone bright for the Shiga Lakestars in their 110-79 smothering of the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins on Sunday in Round 2 of their weekend showdown in the 2021-22 B.League cagefest at the Park Arena Komaki in Japan.

Soko and Omara put in 26 and 22 points, respectively, for the Lakestars, who picked up their sixth win in eight games in the West District standings.

The Lakestars, with Teppei Kashiwagura and Pinoy cager Kiefer Ravena adding 16 points apiece, hung on to a share of second place with two others.

Ravena had four triples, including three in the first half, with his third trey in the final 5:23 of the second period handing the Lakestars a 19-point cushion, 41-22.

Omara’s jumper with 3:21 to go sent Lakestars ahead at 43-28.

The win allowed the Lakestars to rebound from their 68-107 setback to the Diamond Dolphins on Saturday when Nagoya cruised to a dominant 39-point win to extend their win streak to four.

Nagoya’s Pinoy import Bobby Ray Parks, playing for 25 minutes, scored 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting, to go with four rebounds and four assists during the Dolphins’ win.

Ravena only had five points during that game, to go with his three assists, three steals and two rebounds.

The Hiroshima Dragonflies lead the West District standings, with the Lakestars sharing second with the Mikawa Seahorses and Ryukyu.

Peter Atencio

Chua sweeps swim events at PSI Nationals

CAPAS, Tarlac—Xiandi Chua went out of the thrilling women’s 100-meter freestyle victorious and captured a sweep of her three events at the conclusion of the 2021 Philippine Swimming, Inc. National Selection bubble at the New Clark City Aquatics Center here, Sunday.

Chua, the 20-year-old standout from the All-Star Swim Club, emerged fastest in the field with a time of 59.68, the only one under a minute among all ten swimmers.Camille Buico of Rising Atlantis Swim Club edged out QC Buccaneers’ Chloe Daos for second place in 1:00.34, just 0.01 seconds ahead of the latter.”My times in this meet weren’t really good because my times went up,” said Chua, who hails from San Juan City. “But I think it’s a nice opportunity to race again because I was able to see where I’m actually at and how I can I improve on it in training.”John Neil Paderes completed a treble after taking all three backstroke events. The 19-year-old from BEST Main took the men’s 50-meter backstroke in 27.77 seconds. Meanwhile, Ace Seawolves’ Shayne Lugay topped the women’s side in 32.32 seconds.Miguel Barreto ended his stint on top after taking the win in the men’s 100-meter freestyle in 53.52, 0.07 seconds faster than De La Salle Zobel’s Sacho Ilustre.The 18-year-olf from Ayala Harpoons earlier powered through the men’s 800-meter freestyle with a time of 8:48.39, way ahead of Ateneo Blue Knights Swim Club’s Joshua Del Rio’s 9:15.80.

Hannah Sanchez also bagged a double of the long-distance races after winning the women’s 800-meter freestyle. The 17-year-old from All-Star Swim Club touched at 9:57.36.

BEST Main’s Jordan Lobos and Ayala Harpoons’ Thanya Dela Cruz bested their fields in the men’s and women’s 200-breaststroke events with times of 2:21.49 and 2:43.44, respectively.

Another BEST Main standout, Ivan Radovan, ruled the men’s 200-meter butterfly with a time of 2:13.71.

Daos averted a personal shutout as she bested BEST Main’s Michaela Mojdeh in the women’s side at 2:22.57 against the latter’s 2:25.22.

The three-day event was supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, and the Clark Development Corporation.

Business 4 firms keen on Meralco’s 70-MW power supply deal

By Alena Mae S. Flores FOUR companies expressed interest to participate in the bidding for Manila Electric Co.’s 70-megawatt supply contract covering the period January 2022 to January 2037.

“Representatives from the four interested bidders were present, along with three DOE [Department of Energy] observers, led by Engr. Rodel Limbaga of the Power Bureau,” Lawrence Fernandez, Meralco vice president and head of utility economics, said. Meralco held the pre-bid conference on Friday.

Fernandez said all the interested bidders have power plants registered at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, the trading floor of electricity, since 2017.

Meralco is bidding out the 70-MW baseload capacity, which was affected by the Supreme Court ruling requiring distribution utilities to conduct a competitive selection process in the procurement of their supply requirement.

The capacity involves the power supply agreement of Meralco with supplier Panay Energy Development Corp.

“The SC ruling on the ABP case affected the PSA of Meralco with PEDC. The ruling means that the 70 MW should undergo CSP in compliance with the DOE’s 2018 CSP guidelines,” Fernandez said earlier.

He said PEDC could still participate in the bidding. Bid submission is scheduled on or before 9 a.m. of Nov. 19.

Under the TOR, the bidder’s proposed price and its levelized cost of energy are both subject to a predetermined reserve price, which will only be revealed by the third-party bids and awards committee to qualified bidders during the opening of the bids.

The TOR also states that the winning bidders will have to provide 100-percent guaranteed availability of supply or no outage allowance.

Economists see average inflation at 4.3% this year PRIVATE sector economists see higher inflation rate this year on increasing global oil prices and supply disruptions because of quarantines imposed by the government to curb the spread of COVID-19, according to a survey conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Results of the BSP’s survey of private sector economists for September showed higher mean inflation forecast for 2021 at 4.3 percent, up from 4.1 percent based on the June 2021 survey. The mean inflation forecast for 2022 was unchanged at 3.2 percent, while the mean inflation forecast for 2023 was higher at 3.2 percent from 3.1 percent.

“Analysts expect inflation to remain slightly above the upper end of the government’s target range [of 2 to 4 percent] in 2021, with broadly balanced risks surrounding the outlook,” the survey said.

The upside risks to inflation include supply disruptions brought about by the reimposition of stricter quarantine measures, adverse weather conditions during the rainy season, persistence of African swine fever, rising global crude oil prices and weakening of the peso against the US dollar.

The downside risks to inflation are seen to emanate mainly from subdued domestic demand due to low purchasing power (brought about by high unemployment) and the prolonged and stricter lockdown measures amid the local transmission of the Delta variant, which could weigh down on recovery efforts.

Another downside risk revolves around increased food importation following the implementation of lower import tariffs on pork and rice, which are seen to augment domestic food supply and lower food prices.

“The BSP is seen keeping current policy settings unchanged for the rest of 2021 to support the economy’s gradual recovery,” the survey said.

Julito G. Rada

PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, October 22, 2021

-22.11 PTS.

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2021

B1

Higher foreign investments to support long-term growth

By Julito G. Rada

T

HE Department of Finance said over the weekend the year-on-year recovery of foreign direct investments suggests positive long-term prospects for the country.

“The considerable year-on-year increase in net debt instruments has contributed significantly to the growth in FDI in recent months. The proposed Capital Markets Developments Act [House Bill 9343] will increase demand for financial securities and support the continued growth of FDI,” the DOF said in a statement.

It said other reforms still in the legislature, such as amendments to the Foreign Investment Act, the Commonwealth-era Public Service Act and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act would also be instrumental in mobilizing more investment, in the form of both debt and equity and introduce more dynamism in

the economy.

Latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that net inflows of foreign direct investments jumped 52 percent to $1.3 billion in July from the $831 million net inflows a year ago, as the country remained attractive to investors despite the global health crisis.

This brought the cumulative FDI net inflows in the first seven months to $5.6 billion, or 43.1 percent higher than the $3.9 billion net inflows in the first seven months of 2020. This was mainly on account of the 78.7-percent expansion in non-residents’ net investments in debt instruments to $3.9 billion from $2.2 billion.

7,289.61

Reinvestment of earnings reached $677 million, up by 19.3 percent from $567 million recorded a year ago. However, non-residents’ net investments in equity capital (other than reinvestment of earnings) declined by 12.4 percent to $1 billion from $1.1 billion in the comparable period last year.

Meanwhile, non-residents’ net investments in equity capital contracted by 58.3 percent to $34 million in July ]from $81 million in the comparable month in 2020. This developed as the increase in equity capital withdrawals by 634.7 percent to $57 million from $8 million more than offset the increase in equity capital placements by 2.6 percent to $91 million from $89 million.

Data showed that in the first seven months, net investments in equity capital decreased by 12.4 percent due to the downturn in placements by 9.5 percent to $1.2 billion from $1.4 billion and the increase in withdrawals by 6.0 percent to $223 million from $210 million.

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE

785,356,672 79,333 5,317,377,188.13

ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

82 105 57

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

50.8150

Japan

Yen

0.008773

0.4458

UK

Pound

1.379700

70.1095

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128617

6.5357

Switzerland

Franc

1.089206

55.3480

Canada

Dollar

0.808473

41.0826

Singapore

Dollar

0.742390

37.7245

Australia

Dollar

0.746700

37.9436

Bahrain

Dinar

2.653364

134.8307

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266617

13.5481

Brunei

Dollar

0.739645

37.5851

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000071

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.029958

1.5223

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.8355

Euro

Euro

1.162800

59.0877

Korea

Won

0.000848

0.0431

China

Yuan

0.156446

7.9498

India

Rupee

0.013358

0.6788

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.240616

12.2269

New Zealand

Dollar

0.715400

36.3531

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035947

1.8266 Source: BSP

IN BRIEF DOTR upgrades Camiguin airport

THE Department of Transportation said it completed the improvement of Camiguin Airport in Northern Mindanao to boost tourism and trade in the island province.

Secretary Arthur Tugade said as Camiguin reopens its economy and welcomes tourists starting Oct. 25, the completed transport facilities and infrastructure projects would augment the recovery not only of the province but also the whole region.

He said with Camiguin island being part of a bigger archipelago, there is a need to meet the demands in maritime and road transportation. He said developments are not exclusive for big provinces but also for small areas like Camiguin.

The completed projects include the fire station building, passenger terminal building, administration building, CAAP Security and Intelligence Service building and runway asphalt overlay.

Future projects such as the expansion and improvement of check-in and pre-departure area, the provision of a control tower and the improvement of the vehicular parking area will also be undertaken for the airport.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Toyota expands TGR lineup in PH

BAYANIHAN FLIGHTS. Cebu Pacific brings home 1,417 Filipinos from Dubai, through seven special commercial or Bayanihan flights, to support the government’s repatriation program. The CEB special commercial flights from Dubai-Manila on October 11, 13, 18 and 20 and Dubai-Davao on Oct 21 to 23 were mounted in coordination with the Philippine government’s special working group. Aside from meal upgrades, each passenger on these flights received an additional 25 kg baggage allowance.

National Grid owner pegs final offering price at P12 a share

By Jenniffer B. Austria SYNERGY Grid & Development Phils. Inc. set the final offering price of its shares at P12 each, the bottom end of the price range.

Synergy Grid at this price level will raise P13.85 billion from the sale of 1.15 billion shares, including the overallotment option.

BDO Capital and Investments Corp. president Eduardo Francisco said the demand was strong during the bookbuilding process.

Francisco said while the company could have priced the deal at P13.50 apiece, the company decided to price it at the low end of the price range to enable wider investor participation.

The offering period will begin on

Oct. 26 and end on Nov. 2. The shares will be listed on the local bourse on Nov. 10.

The share sale is expected to increase Synergy Grid’s public float to 22.12 percent, making it compliant with the minimum public ownership requirement for listed firms.

The trading of Synergy Grid shares was suspended on May 30 after its public float fell to 0.25 percent following the completion of the share swap deal in exchange for shares in OneTaipan Holdings Inc. and Pacifica21 Holdings Inc. OneTaipan, controlled by Henry Sy Jr., owns controlling shares in Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp., which holds 30 percent plus one share in National Grid Corporation of the Philip-

pines.

Pacifica21, controlled by Roberto Coyuito Jr., owns controlling shares in Calaca High Power Corp., which holds 30 percent minus one share in NGCP. Synergy Grid is the holding company of NGCP, the sole and exclusive operator of the Philippines’ nationwide transmission network linking power generators and distribution utilities to deliver electricity to end-users across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

It owns a 60-percent stake in NGCP while State Grid Corp of China holds 40 percent stake.

The net proceeds from the share sale will be used to subscribe to nonvoting preferred shares to be issued by NGCP, subject to applicable laws and regulations.

TOYOTA Motor Philippines is expanding its local Toyota Gazoo Racing lineup as its popular models Fortuner and the Hilux get the GR Sport badge.

TMP president Atsuhiro Okamoto said the new heart-racing reinventions of Toyota’s reliable Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle models would spruce up the lineup even better.

“We mark another milestone as we combine the reliable IMV platform with Toyota Gazoo Racing’s spirit of thrill,” he said at the official model launch Saturday.

The GR-S badge symbolizes the development of the vehicle guided by TGR―Toyota’s global motorsports division focusing on specialized research and production of cars built with racing DNA. “When Toyota Motor Philippines first introduced the IMV series in 2005, we had a vision of bringing dependable and durable vehicles perfect for the needs of Filipinos. 15 years later, our IMVs continue to be a worthy companion for adventures, daily trips, and tough demands of the country’s many roads,” Okamoto said.

Othel V. Campos

PH ranks 24th in renewable index THE Philippines climbed four spots to rank 27th in the 58th EY Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index as it aims to 35 percent RE share by 2030.

“The Philippines’ renewable energy agenda and private sector support are key enablers for our country’s rise in the RECAI Index.

Through stronger collaboration between the government and private sector in the future, we anticipate that the country will continue to increase its renewable energy share as we continue with our target to achieve a total energy mix of 35 percent renewable energy by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040,” said SGV Power & Utilities sector leader Jhoanna Feliza Go. SGV is the largest professional services firm in the Philippines and is a member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited. RECAI 58 ranks the world’s top 40 markets on the attractiveness of their renewable energy investment and deployment opportunities.

“Our country has risen in ranks in the global Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index and we continue to have the highest renewable energy share among all of the ASEAN countries,” said Benjamin Villacorte, SGV climate change and sustainability services partner. Alena Mae S. Flores

STI Education recovers with P101.7-m net income STI Education Systems Holdings Inc., owner of one of the country’s largest network of schools, registered a net income of P101.7 million in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, a reversal from the P117.5-million net loss in the same period last year.

STI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange while enrollment significantly dropped because of the pandemic, the cost management measures implemented by the group helped the company deliver positive results.

“Even as enrollment dropped due to the pandemic, we purposely chose to stay committed to the education of youth in these challenging times. In doing so, we innovated our technology-enhanced programs that will enable our students to continue learning even through a different setup to ensure their health and safety,” said STI Holdings president and chief executive Monico Jacob.

STI, led by the Tanco family, said enrollment in the school year 2020-2021

reached 70,223, down 6.1 percent from 74,798 in the school year 2019-2020.

A survey conducted by STI’s unit STI Education Services Group showed that some students did not pursue education in the last school year amid financial difficulties brought about by the pandemic.

“While our learning setup has worked this past school year, we certainly are looking forward to better and brighter times ahead. With the downtrend in the number of new COVID-19 cases, we hope to be able to return soon to a flexible blended learning mode that is a mix of online and face-to-face classes and hands-on learning activities, which would benefit our students and faculty members in the long run,” Jacob said.

Operating expenses fell 16 percent to P1.03 billion from P1.21 billion. The group’s cash and cash equivalents also went up by 76 percent to P1.47 billion from P836.2 million.

Jenniffer B. Austria

BEVERAGE PARTNERS. Kenny Rogers Roasters, one of the country’s largest restaurant chains, teams up with Coca-Cola, the leading beverage company in the country, to deliver perfect dining pairings to Filipinos across the Philippines. After more than a decade, the two powerhouse brands reunited for diners to enjoy their favorite Kenny Rogers Roasters meals with their favorite Coca-Cola products. Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. vice president for commercial Richard Schlasberg (right) presents a Coca-Cola contour bottle to Frederick Siy, president and owner of Epicurean Partners Exchange Inc., as a symbol of their partnership and commitment to serve awesome meals and beverages to Filipinos across the country.

Business

B2 || MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2021 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Ukraine offers more gas supplies to Europe KIEV, Ukraine―Ukraine offered Friday to send an additional 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Europe as President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of orchestrating Europe’s energy crisis and urged action against Russian “gas aggression.”

Europe is in the throes of an energy crisis with gas prices soaring to record highs as economies come back online after the end of pandemic lockdowns and renewables like energy and wind see a slowdown in supplies.

Critics in Western capitals blame Russia for the price hikes, saying Moscow is not upping deliveries to pressure Europe to agree more long-term contracts and for the certification of the recently completed Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

The controversial pipeline, which bypasses Ukraine, has a total annual capacity of 55 billion cubic meters.

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow was ready to ramp up natural gas supplies to Europe as soon as the pipeline receives regulatory approval.

The Ukrainian leader insisted on Friday that Russia had “enough gas” and accused Moscow of orchestrating Europe’s energy crisis which he called “artificial.”

“Ukraine has something to offer its European partners,” the Ukrainian president said in exclusive written comments to AFP. “Existing capacities for pumping gas through Ukraine are enough not only to normalize the situation now, but also to ensure Europe against such price shocks in the coming years.”

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of Ukraine’s national security and defense council later Friday, its head Oleksiy Danylov said the post-Soviet country could offer Europe more gas supplies on special terms.

“You know that a crisis is raging in Europe,” Danylov said.

“Today Manila we have a contract with RusStandard sia for 40 billion cubic meters of gas, but todayTODAY we can additionally offer our European friends an additional 55 billion cubic meters of gas.”

No other details were provided. AFP

PSEi OCTOBER 23, 2021

TOP GAINERS

COVID HOTSPOT.

People, some wearing masks, travel in a packed London Underground tube train in London on October 23, 2021. Daily virus cases in the UK on October 21 soared to over 50,000 a day for the first time since July but the government again resisted calls to reimpose restrictions. AFP

Market likely to advance on third-quarter earnings

By Jenniffer B. Austria

S

HARE prices may inch higher this week as companies start reporting their third-quarter results.

Analysts said the positive third-quarter results of listed companies will confirm macro-economic conditions have stabilized and that the economy is on its way to recovery.

“With election spending shifting to full gear plus key industries meaningfully getting some traction, the market is incentivized to front load holdings ahead of 2022, which may explain some premium valuations over the medium term,” online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia.com said.

Investors have become optimistic given the recent decline in COVID-19 infections in the country.

Worries on rising inflation data caused by spike in food prices due to typhoons and higher fuel prices, however, could temper market gains.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno last week has also hinted no policy adjustments for the remainder of the year. The BSP has maintained key interest rate at a record low of 2 percent.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose 1.1 percent to 7,289.61, while the broader All Shares Index climbed by 0.3 percent to 4,462.70.

Sectoral indices were split. Holding firms gained 3.5 percent while property and industrial climbed 0.7 percent and 0.6 percent, respectively.

The mining and oil index dropped 2 percent while services and financial fell 1.4 percent and 0.5 percent, respectively.

Foreign investors for the week were net buyers by P1.03 billion while the average daily value traded stood at P8.9

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

REG BKR DFNN ALCO BC ARA IMI MA PHR BCB

LAST PRICE 2.88 0.99 3.32 0.68 6.4 1.1 9 0.0096 0.96 5.96

CHANGE 0.36 0.1 0.28 0.05 0.35 0.04 0.3 0.0003 0.03 0.18

% CHANGE 14.29% 11.24% 9.21% 7.94% 5.79% 3.77% 3.45% 3.23% 3.23% 3.11%

TOP LOSERS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

FJP OPM ATN ZHI MACAY CAB PRMX SHLPH TECH PXP

LAST PRICE 2.52 0.011 0.49 0.175 6.56 48.05 2.08 22.7 4.36 6.82

CHANGE -0.28 -0.001 -0.04 -0.014 -0.44 -3 -0.12 -1.15 -0.22 -0.33

% CHANGE -10.00% -8.33% -7.55% -7.41% -6.29% -5.88% -5.45% -4.82% -4.80% -4.62%

billion, down from previous week’s average of P10.8 billion.

Weekly top price gainers were Petron Corp., which rose 9.7 percent to P3.96; Robinsons Land Corp., which climbed 7.8 percent; and First Gen Corp., which added 6.7 percent to P30.30.

VOLUME VALUE (PHP) Top losers were 8990 Holdings Inc., which declined 12 percent to 1 ACEN 53,115,100 600,498,996 P9.77;Semirara Mining and Power CNVRG 17,020,400 525,535,020 Corp., which dropped 8.6 percent to 2 P27.50; and Globe Telecom Inc. which 3 MONDE 14,093,800 230,024,958 decreased 5.6 percent to P3.038.

Meanwhile, the Dow finished at a re- 4 SMPH 6,009,400 216,865,875 cord Friday, capping a strong week for SM 196,005 202,777,465 US stocks, while European and Asian 5 equities mostly rebounded as risks of 6 TEL 95,855 154,265,745 CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK contagion from troubled Chinese prop7 URC 1,051,180 147,156,892 erty giant Evergrande eased.

While both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 8 DMC 16,414,900 143,642,656 dropped Friday, all three major Wall AC 152,340 132,376,910 Street indices scored weekly gains fol- 9 lowing mostly solid corporate earnings 10 JFC 520,760 117,566,136 that have offset worries about inflation.

MOST ACTIVE

Thailand’s bars battling to overcome booze ban battering fects, came off the Thai government’s banned list in August.

The move threw Teens owner Niks BANGKOK, Thailand―As gin bottles gathAnuman-Rajadhon a lifeline, though er dust, a Bangkok bar owner is trying to kratom mocktails sell for just $4 comkeep his joint going through a COVID booze pared with regular gin and tonics at $11. ban with fruity mocktails seasoned with kra“We don’t have any choice, 15-20 tom, a recently decriminalized tropical herb. percent of income is enough to pay the The Thai capital’s once-legendary nightteam, pay the rent. That’s it,” Niks told life has been hammered by a seven-month AFP. ban on alcohol service imposed to curb the Industry collapse coronavirus, leaving pub and bar owners Draconian travel curbs imposed to with a major headache. fight the coronavirus have battered the Thailand has registered around 1.7 mileconomy in Thailand, where tourism lion infections, the lion’s share since April accounted for nearly 20 percent of nawhen the government called last orders after tional income pre-pandemic. an outbreak traced to a cluster of high-end This picture taken on October 9, 2021 shows a member of Visitor numbers have collapsed from nightclubs. the bar staff preparing a kratom-infused mocktail at the nearly 40 million a year to a trickle, With no government support, bar owners Teens of Thailand cocktail bar in Bangkok. AFP leaving the hospitality industry strughave been left with the choice of struggling gling to survive.

Now Teens has reopened at 60 percent cato survive, flouting the prohibition rules or Thanakorn Kuptajit, the head of the Thai Alpacity serving mocktails made with kratom, a getting creative.

Before the pandemic hit, bar-hopping gin leaf from the coffee family long used in parts cohol Beverage Business Association, told local media he expects a 50-percent drop in the lovers flocked to Teens of Thailand, a lively of Southeast Asia as a mild stimulant.

Kratom, which stimulates the same brain re- value of the $9-billion sector as a result of the cocktail bar on the fringe of Bangkok’s Chinaceptors as morphine but with much milder ef- ban. AFP town.

By Lisa Martin

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING DEAR STOCKHOLDERS: Please be informed that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center- Tacloban, Inc. (“ACEMCTacloban”) will be held on November 15, 2021 (Monday) at 8:00 o’clock in the morning, via Zoom Webinar, in light of the COVID pandemic.

For the conduct of the Webinar, please register on or before November 3, 2021, through the following link: https://us06web. z o o m . u s / w / 8 11 3 2 8 9 2 9 1 5 ? t k = e I H V 2 W 0 d 0 K x N 1 Tw x 9 W u v E T T R v - 4 F Y 7 8 R D t 9 _ t W J Z 6 B s . D Q M A A A A S 4 - W y 8 x p m Y W t l LT d f SjdSS3BTUEtyOHdxeVVkNzZZZwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AA AAAAA AA&pwd=R0c0G1JUzUwNVJEeklaRnI1RTErdz09 Once you have successfully registered, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about the webinar meeting.

The link will provide you the process for the registration. You will receive a confirmation email once you have successfully registered in the platform, including the details and procedures in the conduct of the meeting. Voting will be done via the online tool which you can access once you have logged in to the Webinar; voting in the election of directors may also be done in absentia through the above link.

The meeting shall be recorded (visual and audio) for future reference.

The Agenda: I. II. III. IV. V.

Call to Order Invocation Determination of Quorum Welcome Message Reading and Approval of the Minutes of the Y2020 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting VI. Presentation and Approval of the Y2020 Audited Financial Statements VII. President’s Report VIII. Ratification of the Acts and Proceedings of the Board of Directors, Officers, and Management of the Corporation for the period December 30,2020 to November 14,2021 X. Election of the Board of Directors 2021-2022 XI. Appointment of External Auditor for the year 2021 XII. Other Matters XIII. Adjournment Only stockholders of record at the close of business on October 27, 2021, Thursday, shall be entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. If you cannot personally attend the meeting, you may opt to send your proxy to attend in your behalf. Kindly submit your duly executed proxy form with the undersigned, via email, at acemctacloban2015@gmail.com not later than 5:00 p.m. on November 14, 2021, but preferably, on November 3, 2021, to enable your proxy to register in the Zoom Webinar. Attached is a sample proxy form for your reference. [NOTE: Management is not soliciting proxies.]

The Information Statement and Management Report and SEC Form 17-A are available at the Corporation’s website at https://acemctacloban.com You may contact the undersigned via email at acemctacloban2015@gmail. com through mobile number 09178178394 if you have inquiries/concerns regarding the meeting.

Very truly yours,

LA RHAINE G. VIERNES Corporate Secretary (OCT. 25 & 26, 2021)

Life in the province or life in the city?

KORINA CENTENO

Green LiGht

IT’S been a year and four months since I have permanently moved to my hometown in Mexico, Pampanga, due to our company’s work from home setup. Before the pandemic happened, I used to rent a condominium unit on Taft Ave. because my office is just near the area. Before that, during my college days, I lived in Diliman, Quezon City, where my school was located. All in all, I have stayed in Metro Manila for almost 10 years now.

As an original probinsyana, I have been contemplating which setup is better and more sustainable―life in the province or life in the city. To answer this, I would like to analyze living situations using three factors: carbon footprint for sustainability, time spent with family and career growth.

The first is the carbon footprint. The Nature Conservancy defined carbon footprint as the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) generated by people’s actions. When I lived in Taft, my carbon footprint was higher than now that I am living in Pampanga. In Taft, I used to commute every day, eat out in fast food restaurants that utilize single-use plastic utensils, buy coffee placed in plastic cups, etc. Those day-to-day activities alone

contribute to the increase of my carbon footprint.

On the other hand, when I moved back to my hometown because of the new workfrom-home setup of our company, I think that I significantly reduced my carbon footprint.

Because of our work-from-home arrangement, there is no need for me to commute every day. In terms of food sources, my mother serves home-cooked meals daily. There is no need to buy coffee in plastic cups because I could prepare my own in the morning.

Little did I know that my regular daily routines back in Metro Manila is contributing to the increasing carbon footprint in the environment.

Next important factor for me in choosing which setup is better is the chance to spend time with my family. When I was staying in Taft, I go home in Pampanga every after two weekends. I travel every Saturday morning via bus. The commute takes around two hours. So, I just have less than 24 hours to stay in our house to rest and catch up with my family. Then I go back to Taft every Sunday afternoon. This has been my routine for the past years. The time that I spent at home was not enough to fuel me for the incoming workweek. There were also some months that I only go to Pampanga at least once a month because of the school and workload that I have.

Now that I’m staying in Pampanga, I get to see my family every day. We eat breakfast, lunch and dinner together. I get to catch up

with them the whole weekend. This rest and catching up with my family help me to regain energy every weekend that helps me push through with every incoming workweek.

Lastly, I also consider my work setup to assess which living setup is more sustainable.

During the time when I report daily to work, I get to see my colleagues and my work friends every day. We get to converse and chat about how work is going, making work-related stress more manageable.

Now that we are already working from home, my colleagues and I get to meet only virtually. Catching up became harder as everyone in our team is busy doing his or her own work deliverable. It seems that workload became heavier because we are closely monitored to ensure that we still deliver outputs despite the work from home setup.

So, going back to the question, which setup is better and more sustainable for me? In general, I feel that living in the province is better and more sustainable for me right now. But I hope that one day, Metro Manila would also become a sustainable place.

The author is an MBA student at the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business, DLSU. She can be reached at korina_centeno@dlsu.edu.ph The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2021

B3

An intriguing new tale of family and sisterhood VERY WANG NICKIE WANG

D

Jason Abalos and Albert Martinez play important roles in the series.

IRECTOR Monti Puno Parungao helms a new drama series that tackles an intriguing tale of family and sisterhood. Entitled Las Hermanas, the afternoon soap banks on its cast, and the plot that gives the adage “blood is thicker than water” a whole new different meaning.

Yasmien Kurdi, Thea Tolentino, and Faith Da Silva play the lead characters in GMA's newest afternoon drama 'Las Hermanas.'

as sisters Dorothy, Minnie, and Scarlet respectively. The series also features the comeback of Albert Martinez as Lorenzo Ilustre, the charming, self-made businessman who will captivate the heart of Scarlet and be the root of the sisters’ falling out.

“Most family series have the same premise, but what’s intriguing about Las Hermanas is how the central characters antagonized each other, and how these The drama stars Yasmien Kurdi, siblings caused their being apart,” series Thea Tolentino, and Faith Da Silva director Parungao shared during the

Saga of Aljur Abrenica-Kylie Padilla scandal continues THE consume-it-now-while-it-lasts scandal, involving new-generation Machete Aljur Abrenica, ex-wife Kylie Padilla, and young actress AJ Raval, is a source of amusement to those who are bored in the house and fretful of the pandemic.

As spectators of this scandal, we just can’t get enough of the dirty linens being washed in public and the coming soon secrets that will be outed.

This bizarre love triangle offers more titillation with the allegation of Abrenica written in a public Facebook post that it was Padilla, who first succumbed to one of the seven deadly sins and broke the sixth of the Ten Commandments.

With this profession, observers opine that it’s high time for the man of the moment to come squeaky clean with his version of the truth by way of another revelation, the identity of the “love interest” of Padilla.

Some even suggest that Abrenica brings the matter of the other party in a boxing match, slug it out mano y mano, and may the best man, win.

As far as the still Mrs. Abrenica is concerned, several agree that she must put to a stop all the cryptic and mysterious social media posts that she employs as her means to retaliate.

What she must do now, especially from the standpoint of those whose morals are unadulterated, is to gather evidence that

ARIAS ALWIN IGNACIO she can present to a legal counsel of her choice, so that her maligned reputation gets its vindication at the proper venue, not on social media but in court.

Her emotional and mental health, as well as the welfare of her two sons, are also premium concerns and that by all means, must be protected.

We all know that the divorce bill, a dream and a wish that Padilla’s heart makes, is just like the equality bills for the members of the pink community. Both bills will not become laws in this lifetime.

Padilla has a certain republic act that may offer salvation from what is next to happen. What was written on her social media, for sure, is just the tip of the iceberg. Read full article on manilastandard.net

TV5 extends its early Yuletide festivities to Visayas and Mindanao.

province with their mother.

And it’s just the beginning of the story.

Another scandal ravages their family when their mother was suddenly arrested for several counts of estafa.

Lost and still grieving, the three sisters will try to take matters into their own hands. But their personalities and dreams clash and one unfortunate incident follows another. Suddenly, sacrifices have to be made and not all of them are willing to make it.

By Nickie Wang PEOPLE were surprised when former showbiz personality Joed Serrano filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) on Oct. 8. He decided to run for the Senate after learning that most candidates failed to mention the promotion of LGBT rights in their platforms.

Speaking to Manila Standard Entertainment, the film and concert producer said that he is determined to push for the LGBT community’s rights and be the “voice and torchbearer” of those who were oppressed mainly because of their gender preference and identity.

“I am the first Senatorial candidate who is vocal about my sexual orientation. I know marami dyan pero they were never vocal about their sexual orientation. It’s true that gays are tolerated but not fully accepted. We need more numbers, we need more people in the government who are openly gay like me to push for the community’s rights and create laws that will protect every member from discrimination, laws that will give them equal rights,” Serrano said adding that he would push for Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity or Expression (SOGIE) Bill to finally become a law.

“And apart from that, if ever I get elected, I will find ways to lower the electricity and water bills, as well as increase the minimum wage of ordinary

Joining them is a powerhouse cast composed of Jason Abalos, Jennica Garcia, Lucho Ayala, Madeleine Nicolas, and Melissa Mendez.

Also portraying very special roles in the series are Rita Avila and Leandro Baldemor. Completing the cast are Rubi Rubi, Robert Ortega, Orlando Sol, and Coleen Paz. Las Hermanas begins telecast today and airs weekdays after Eat Bulaga on GMA Afternoon Prime.

Joed Serrano’s political color

Film and concert producer Joed Serrano guns for Senate seat in the May 2022 elections.

workers,” he added.

Serrano believes that running for a national post would be easier for him to push for the causes and issues that he wanted to focus on. He would have more power to expedite the process since all the projects that he’d like to bring forward need immediate attention.

“I could have run for a local post but these issues that I have mentioned are

of national importance. I believe, the Senate is the best place for me to address these concerns,” Serrano said.

Asked for his political color, Serrano said that he wanted to wear all the colors to symbolize unity.

“If you saw me when I filed my COC, I was wearing almost all the colors.

Kulang na lang yung green. I think we need more unity in the government than being divided by our political beliefs,” he stated.

Serrano made a name in show business as a former member of the variety show That’s Entertainment Monday group and film producer of various films such as Anak ng Macho Dancer.

“I am a businessman now and if I were given a chance to be in the government, my businesses will still continue. That’s my bread and butter,” he clarified.

Serrano plans to harness the power and extensive reach of social media to campaign believing that the pandemic has created a paradigm shift where people get their information using their mobile devices.

As a film producer, Serrano also plans to organize the inaugural Godfather Productions festival that will showcase eight films he produced this pandemic, including a movie starring Nora Aunor (Kontrabida), a producer’s cut of Anak Ng Macho Dancer, and his biopic topbilled by Wendell Ramos and showbiz newbie Charles Nathan.

Guns on film: How are they used safely?

Estranged couple Aljur Abrenica and Kylie Padilla have been the talk of the town since they announced their separation.

TV5 makes Christmas brighter in Visayas, Mindanao THE world's longest Christmas celebration is in full swing all over the Philippines, with Visayas and Mindanao joining the festivities as spearheaded by TV5 via its symbolic Tree Lighting Ceremony in key areas in Cebu and Davao.

Following the successful launch of its "Atin ang Paskong Ito, Kapatid" Christmas campaign on Sept. 1, commenced through the Tree Lighting Ceremony held at the TV5 Media Center in Mandaluyong City, with Kaisa sa Pagbibigay Saya, Lady’s Choice, in partnership with Safeguard, brought to them by Unilab, and its regional venue partners, the network extends the Yuletide celebrations to Kapatids in Visayas and Mindanao with the ceremonial Christmas Tree Lighting at Center Point Plaza Davao on Oct. 17 and Parkmall Cebu on Oct. 20.

program’s virtual press conference.

“What’s also good about this series, there’s no character that is too small.

Every character plays an important role in making Las Hermanas family together.

Everyone is relatable,” Parungao added.

Las Hermanas revolves around the central characters whose lives are turned upside down when their father died and left their family bankrupt. From their ostentatious and glamorous home, they had to move to a fishing village in the

TV5 makes this Christmas a lot brighter despite the pandemic challenges by bringing hope and cheer to viewers across the country. The network recently launched its “Himig ng Ating Pasko: Guess the Lyrics Promo” where viewers who can win P20,000 (three each from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao) in the weekly draws, three lucky winners (one each from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao) will win P100,000 each and one lucky winner will win the jackpot prize of P1 million in the Grand Draw.

Viewers in Visayas and Mindanao can easily participate in the Christmas promo with LBC as TV5’s official logistics and dropbox partner nationwide. To join, viewers simply need to guess the missing lyrics of the featured Christmas song of the week, which TV5 will be airing during program gaps throughout the promo period.

Valid entries must include the missing lyric and the specific Christmas promo plug’s telecast date; the participant’s name, address, mobile number, email, signature, birthdate, and age; and a proof of purchase of any of the participating Lady’s Choice and Best Foods products.

Entries can be submitted at any of the drop boxes in participating LBC branches in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

For more information on TV5’s “Atin ang Paskong Ito, Kapatid” Christmas campaign and the network’s nationwide watch and win promo, visit www.tv5.com.ph and the TV5 Facebook Page.

THE fatal shooting of a crew member by actor Alec Baldwin during the making of a movie in the western United States has raised questions over the use of guns on film sets.

Hollywood armorer Guillaume Delouche -- who has been supplying weapons to filmmakers for three decades, with 75 titles to his name -- says there are usually multiple safeguards against tragedy.

Here are some of his insights into the use of guns in the movie business.

Why are guns used on a movie set?

Even though adding digital effects in post-production is relatively easy and cheap nowadays, a lot of directors and actors prefer to use real guns, says Delouche, citing added authenticity.

"The problem with dummy weapons is that you take away the recoil and the smoke, which adds something to the acting," he said.

"When you give the actor a latex or plastic gun and add the effect of the bullet

later with digital effects, there is still a clear difference."

How are guns handled on a film set?

Protocols are necessarily strict, says Delouche, comparing the double and triple checks with the way airplane safety systems operate.

"We treat blank weapons as if they were real weapons. In many cases, they are real weapons that have been modified," he explained.

"The weapons are kept in a safe. Once they are on the set, we organize the blank ammunition, which is marked and colorcoded to differentiate it.

"First, we show the crew and actors that the gun is empty before loading it. When we put blanks in a gun we announce it, several times."

What happens when a gun needs to be fired?

"We have very strict safety distances: you can't have someone less than 20 feet -or about six meters -- in front of a weapon when it is fired.

"Even with blanks, there can be small debris that is projected. It's better to never aim at someone directly, so we work with the cinematographer to frame the shot and give the illusion that the person is in the line of fire." Read full story on manilastandard.net

Props expert Guillaume Delouche, who has been providing weapons to film sets for three decades, says there are multiple safeguards in place to prevent the kind of tragedy that occurred during the filming of 'Rust.'

How ABS-CBN evolved into a content creator for worldwide viewers MEDIA company ABS-CBN is reaching more audiences worldwide as it evolves into a global content creator for different digital platforms like iWantTFC, KTX, YouTube, Kumu, WeTV iFlix, Netflix, and Spotify.

“We recognize the need to innovate and create memorable experiences to keep our Kapamilyas coming back for more,” said ABS-CBN head of digital Jamie Lopez at the IMMAP Digicon Pop recently.

Olivia Lamasan, ABS-CBN Film Productions Inc. managing director, revealed that ABS-CBN had to find ways to reconnect with its audiences even without a broadcast franchise, and this included forging partnerships and collaborating with various groups.

“Without theatrical, without our

ABS-CBN is set to produce the iQiyi series 'Saying Goodbye,' which stars Seth Fedelin and Andrea Brillantes.

own broadcast platform, we have evolved into being primarily a content company, providing content even to outside platforms, productions, and partners,” she said.

Asian streaming platform iQiyi has announced that ABS-CBN will produce two original series namely Hello Heart starring Gerald Anderson and Gigi De Lana, and Saying Goodbye that will be headlined by Seth Fedelin and Andrea Brillantes.

ABS-CBN also continues to strengthen its ties with Pinoy livestreaming and community platform Kumu, wherein it has channels like FYE, MYX Global, and SeenZone, while more than 100 of its artists have their own livestreaming channels as well. Read full story on manilastandard.net

Life

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

B4

Award-winning chef Chele Gonzalez of Gallery by Chele

FOOD

MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2021

IF CABINETS AND COUNTERTOPS WERE FOOD...

Chef Chele Gonzalez

presents kitchen-inspired menu

By Bernadette Lunas

Chocolate bonbons with ribbed texture similar to the SLX’s recessed grip.

A

WARD-WINNING chef Chele Gonzalez recently took on the challenge of creating a menu inspired by an award-winning kitchen design.

In introducing SieMatic’s Pure SLX kitchen – the improved design of the German kitchen manufacturer’s iconic handle-free concept – to select members of the press, its local distributor Focus Global, Inc. tapped the Spanish chef to capture in food the concepts that make the brand’s kitchen cabinets and countertops a class of their own.

SieMatic is known for introducing the world’s first handle-free kitchen in 1960, which paved the way for minimalist form and sophisticated design that promotes function and seamless workflow in the kitchen. Anchored in this principle, the company introduced its redefined line, the Pure SLX. The Pure SLX kitchen won the Iconic Awards 2020 - Innovative Interior, the iF Design Award 2020, and the Red Dot Design Award 2020, making it SieMatic’s “most awarded design”, according to sales director Volker Betsch.

“This award-winning kitchen concept is just as functional as it is aesthetic; just as much a kitchen as a work of art. Behind its refined surfaces, delicate proportions, and transparent panels lies the brand’s expertise in design,” the brand said in a statement.

As innovative as its design are Chef Chele’s tasting menu that highlighted the cabinet and countertop’s key concepts.

Inspired by the “weightless” drawers and countertop of the SLX kitchen, Chef Chele developed a light and airy foie gras dish served in a doublewalled glass to achieve an illusion of suspension.

The floating foie gras was topped with blackberry

The grilled tenderloin served with two shavings and two sauces represents the play of light through controllable light settings in the kitchen design.

Inspired by the suspended drawers and pullouts of SLX kitchen is Chef Chele’s floating foie gras topped with blackberry coulis.

Seethrough apple tart inspired by the glass cabinets of SieMatic’s awardwinning kitchen design.

coulis and served with brioche toast and mixed berry jam.

SLX’s drawers and pull-outs are mounted to the back panel of the glass cabinets to give off that floating effect. They also feature mitred edges that appear seamless when closed.

The island countertop, on the other hand, achieves the minimalist look with its 6.5mm proportion, five times thinner than the standard countertop thickness in the industry. It is illuminated underneath to enhance the illusion of suspension.

Speaking of illuminated, light is an important element used in the SLX kitchen to emphasize its design and create a unique mood in the room (dimmer for dramatic feel, brighter for vibrant appearance).

Chef Chele presented the play of light and darkness in his grilled tenderloin on parmesan mashed potatoes with two sauces and two shavings. The beef jus with parmesan offered a darker, saltier profile, while the béarnaise with truffle shavings gave a tart, buttery flavor.

The SLX recessed grip highlights the design’s focus on form and function. The redesigned version features “the perfect angle in terms of aesthetics and ergonomics” with its ribbed and concave design adapted to the shape of fingers.

The chef’s chocolate bonbons mirrored the ribbed design of the recessed grip, which he then filled with gooey coco sugar caramel filling inspired by the golden color of this kitchen feature.

The transparent doors and panels of the SLX glass cabinets – lending an additional weightlessness to the kitchen – inspired a unique apple tart with hazelnut and cinnamon custard which had a transparent layer made using apples and gelatin.

To those who want to experience SLX in person, Stephen Sy and Loli Sy invite everyone to visit the SieMatic Manila showrooms in Bonifacio Global City, Mandaluyong, and Cebu. Go to siematicphilippines.com/contact-us to book an on-site or virtual design consultation.

HEAT TO EAT:

Rico’s Lechon offers frozen lechon baka Dylan Patisserie’s Ube Dulce De Leche cake, Mixed Berry danish, and macarons.

FOLLOWING the launch of its handsliced lechon baka in June, Cebu’s beloved Rico’s Lechon brings its meaty, tender, smoky offering to more people as it is now available in frozen food packs.

Rico’s Frozen Lechon Baka comes in Junior Size Original (250g) for P350 and Fiesta Size Original (600g) priced at P810.

Those who prefer their lechon baka with a kick, the spicy flavor is available for both sizes, at P380 and P870.

To enjoy the beef dish, the brand recommends dipping it in its house-blend vinegar Suka Lami or transform it into lime lechon baka in tausi sauce with ampalaya, or stir-fried chili garlic lechon baka, or a savory Philly cheesesteak-inspired sandwich.

It is the latest from Rico’s line of ready-

Rico’s Frozen Lechon Baka in original and spicy flavors.

to-eat frozen food packs, which includes Lechon Baboy, Dinuguan Special, Lechon Paksiw, Lechon Sisig, Lechon Pares, Lechon Binagoongan, and Lechon Humba.

Rico’s Frozen Lechon Baka and other food packs are available in all leading

supermarkets, groceries, and convenience stores in Metro Manila and select provinces. Customers can pre-order for pickup and delivery by contacting the Lechon Fulfillment Center at 0917-8147648 or (02) 7799-0810.

BITES SOMETHING sweet is baking in Makati.

Homegrown European-style pastry shop Dylan Patisserie opened in September its flagship outlet along Jupiter Street, “spreading happiness” by serving exquisite cake selection and other sweet treats.

“We are truly excited to finally launch our flagship outlet in Manila.

Our main motivation at Dylan Patisserie is to spread joy and happiness through gifting and self-indulgence,” shared general manager Nikola Ivanov.

The patisserie offers various cakes across different price points.

“We have classic cakes such as our homemade Carrot Cake, Chocolate Mud Cake, Red Velvet, and Tiramisu. Then, we start to get a bit more creative with our Lotus Biscoff Cake, Ube Dulce de Leche, Lychee Pandan Cake, and Peanut Butter Banana Cake,” shared Ivanov.

For something extra, Dylan Patisserie offers De Hazelnut Praline, Triple Chocolate Blossom, and Nutty Nutella, which, it says, are all masterfully crafted to perfection.

Prices of whole cakes start at P720 to P1,990. Custom cakes for birthdays and weddings are also available.

In addition to cakes, the pastry shop has Belgian chocolates, cookies in a variety of flavors, macarons, and other

freshly baked bakery items.

“We are happy to cater to any further customization requests by customizing our macarons and cookies as well. If you would like any special added ingredients, we are always happy to make it happen for you and go the extra mile,” added Ivanov.

Gifts and hampers, ideal for the holiday season and beyond, are also on offer. Choices include Celebrate Hamper (P2,800), a stylish interwoven hamper with a custom handle filled to the brim with classic treats; Prestige Hamper which consists of premium treats (P3,300); and Deluxe Hamper (P6,600) with a lavish assortment of exquisite products.

Dylan Patisserie has an ongoing free delivery promo within Metro Manila until Nov. 30. Orders made through Viber or WhatsApp (0917-877-2999) and at dylanpatisserie.com will be delivered for free with a minimum purchase of P720 within 5 kilometers from the boutique, and a minimum purchase of P1,000 for beyond 5 kilometers.

Those who like a slice of cake with a cup of coffee while enjoying the sophisticated ambience of the pastry shop may visit the store at 116 Jupiter Street, Barangay Bel-Air, Makati City, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Cara Mia at Shangri-La Plaza THE store known for offering the “Best Ube Cake in Town” brings its bestselling cakes and gelato to ShangriLa Plaza.

“Cara Mia is thrilled to be part of the Shang community and be more accessible to our customers in the area.

We’re looking forward to brightening up more homes this year as we open a new branch at Shang,” says chief operating officer Philip Moran.

The Cara Mia kiosk is located in front of The Marketplace on the lower ground level of the Main Wing. It is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for takeout and delivery. To order from home, contact (02) 8822-1111 or visit www.caramia.ph.

Cara Mia’s Pistaccio Cioccolato Oreo Fizzy, orange soda-flavored cookies

Fizzy, tangy cookie SODA and cookie come together in Oreo’s new seasonal variant.

Oreo Fizzy is made with orange soda-flavored cream that features a zingy, citrus tang and a delightful fizzy sensation, sandwiched between two Oreo cookies.

The new unique variant is available for a limited time only in supermarkets and on Lazada and GrabMart.

Reopening: PH Economy On The Mend Special Report Part 2

G

C1

MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2021 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Green shoots emerge in PH as vaccination rate picks up

REEN shoots are beginning to emerge despite the lingering risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to the global economy and people’s health.

The sustained strength of the manufacturing sector, manageable inflation and unemployment rate, stable banking system, continued investors’ confidence and resilient remittances from overseas Filipino workers are some of the positive indicators that economic managers are trying to highlight in their reports.

The gross domestic product began to rebound in the second quarter this year, when it expanded 11.8 percent, although Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said he saw green shoots of economic recovery “as early as the third quarter last year.”

MANUFACTURING AND EXPORTS Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the manufacturing sector posted a three-digit rate of increase both in terms of volume and value in August.

The volume of production index grew 534.6 percent, after dropping -82.2 percent at the height of strictest lockdowns in August last year.

The value of production index also showed an annual increment of 523.3 percent in August.

The proportion of establishments that operated at full capacity (90 percent to 100 percent) was 22.2 percent of the total number of responding establishments. Meanwhile, 36.6 percent operated at 70 to 89 percent capacity, while 41.2 percent operated below 70-percent capacity.

Meanwhile, merchandise imports jumped 30.8 percent in August to $10.04 billion from a year ago, and exports increased 17.6 percent to $6.47 billion.

The growth in imports reflected improved supply and demand conditions as the economy gradually recovered from the COVID-induced recession last year.

Data showed that from January to August, imports reached $74.18 billion, up by 31.1 percent from $56.59 billion in the same period last year. Export earnings in the first eight months reached $48.93 billion, up by 19.6 percent from a year ago.

JOBLESS RATE If not for the stricter quarantines imposed in August in Metro Manila and adjacent provinces to contain the spread of the more virulent Delta variant, unemployment rate could have been lower in the same month.

Unemployment rate in August increased to a four-month high of 8.1 percent from 6.9 percent in July. The unemployment rate in August was still lower than those reported in January, February and April this year but was higher than the rates in March 2021 (7.1 percent) May and June 2021 (7.7 percent), and in July 2021 (6.9 percent).

The total number of unemployed persons in August was estimated at 3.88 million individuals 15 years old and over.

Economic managers said in a joint statement that the increase in jobless rate in August was expected, “given the stricter quarantine imposed to curb the spread of the delta variant.”

ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa said the September labor market figures should look relatively similar to the August figures with a slight improvement.

“We could see unemployment dip while underemployment will likely rise with mobility curbs and the overall downbeat economic outlook capping labor hours and wages,” Mapa said.

EASING INFLATION Inflation in September slightly eased to 4.8 percent from 4.9 percent in August, on lower annual increases in transport and food prices. The latest print was contrary to projections of some analysts that the annual increases in consumer prices for the month might breach the 5-percent level.

But the September inflation was still faster than 2.3 percent a year ago. This brought the average inflation from January to September to 4.5 percent, above the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for the year.

Food inflation decreased to 6.5 percent in September from 6.9 percent in August, on slower inflation rates in rice, fish and meat. Rice inflation recorded zero growth, following the issuance of Executive Order No. 135. Likewise, fish inflation decelerated to 10.2 percent from 12.4 percent.

In an online media briefing, BSP Department of Economic Research managing director Zeno Ronald Abenoja said inflation was expected to return within the target range in the last two months of the year after posting higher numbers in the previous months.

STABLE BANKING SYSTEM Local banks remain stable amid the COVID-19 crisis and in a strong position to service the financing requirements of the recovering economy, Diokno said in an online briefing.

The positive performance of the Philippine banking system is evidenced by sustained growth in its assets, deposits and capital as well as ample capital and liquidity buffers and loan loss reserves, said Diokno.

Based on end-July 2021 preliminary data, banks’ total assets grew by 5.4 percent year-on-year to P19.8 trillion.

Bank assets were primarily in the form of loans (52.6 percent) and portfolio

investments (26.6 percent).

Funding was sourced largely from deposits, which grew by 7.2 percent to P15.4 trillion, indicating the public’s continued trust and confidence in the banking system.

As of end-July 2021, total loans declined by a slower rate of 0.4 percent year-on-year to P10.8 trillion as of end-July 2021 compared to the 5.0 percent decline a year ago.

“Credit activity is expected to improve in the coming months amid the accommodative policy stance of the BSP, the national government’s accelerated vaccination program, as well as implementation of safety measures and granular lockdowns in the National Capital Region,” Diokno said.

INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE Net inflows of foreign direct investments jumped 52 percent in July to $1.3 billion from $831 million a year ago, as the country remained attractive to investors despite the health crisis.

This brought the cumulative FDI net inflows in the first seven months to $5.6 billion, up by 43.1 percent from $3.9-billion net inflow in the first seven months of 2020.

This was mainly on account of the 78.7-percent expansion in non-residents’ net investments in debt instruments to $3.9 billion from $2.2 billion.

C2 ||MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2021

Reopening: PH Economy On The Mend Special Report Part 2

extrastory2000@gmail.com

Economic reopening allows firms to absorb more workers

By Othel V. Campos

A

MID a slow and painful journey to recovery, the government is optimistic about building back what it lost to the health crisis and regain pre-pandemic levels in the coming months.

The adoption of alert level system, initially in Metro Manila and then in other parts of the country, is expected to encourage more businesses to reopen and rehire workers.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the remaining 800,000 displaced workers may soon return to work with the reopening of the provincial economies placed under alert levels 2 and 3.

Metro Manila, which recently graduated from alert level 4, was allowed to reopen economic activities that require physical contact such as massage parlors, spas, nail salons, beauty salons, barbershops and cosmetic/aesthetic procedures.

Dine-in establishments are also allowed to operate at up to 30 percent for indoor dining and 50 percent for outdoor dining.

“If the area is over 70-percent vaccinated, then there’s an additional 20 percentage points more,” said Lopez.

For fitness studios, gyms and venues for individual non-contact exercise and sports, clients and crews are required to wear mask at all times while group activities are still prohibited.

In-person religious gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment and funerals have also been allowed.

Other permitted activities are venues for social events like par-

ties, wedding receptions, engagement parties, wedding anniversaries, debut, birthday parties, family reunions and bridal or baby showers; meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions; visitor and tourist attractions like libraries, museums, galleries, exhibits, parks, plazas, public gardens and scenic viewpoints; amusement or theme parks; recreational venues like internet cafes, billiard halls, arcades, bowling alleys, skating rinks, archery halls and swimming pools.

Creative activities like film, music and TV production subject to the joint guidelines as maybe issued by the Department of Trade, Department of Labor and Employment, and Department to Health as well as cinemas and movie houses are all permitted activities.

The government also allowed licensure examinations and entrance or qualifying exams to resume.

CONTINUOUS OPERATIONS “Now businesses are guaranteed of continuity to operate. Outdoor activities are open for both vaccinated

and unvaccinated patrons, but only vaccinated clients are allowed for indoor activities like in the gyms and indoor dining. Establishment workers are required to be vaccinated, whether the business activity is indoor or outdoor,” Lopez said.

“The only remaining activities that are yet to be reopened are those involving kids’ amusement, karaoke and other forms of entertainment.

Practically all establishments are opened,” he said.

More than the opening of businesses, the youth may start going back to physical classes as the government initiates the preliminaries to pilot face-to-face classes in selected schools and colleges.

Based on the updates released by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, more than 1,500 children aged 12 and up have been vaccinated. This signals the start of phased face-to-phase interaction in schools in areas where 70 percent of the population have received COVID-19 immunization.

The IATF said some 6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines are bound

to arrive within the fourth quarter, adding to the 90.4 million doses that arrived in the Philippines.

Vaccination in NCR already hit 70 percent.

SAFETY SEAL In its latest announcement, the DTI said business establishments with safety seal will be granted an increase of 10 percentage points in operational or venue capacity.

The latest directive is contained in the “Supplemental Guidelines Relative to the Implementing Guidelines of the Safety Seal Certification Program” signed by different agencies.

Lopez said the increase in allowable occupancy was meant to encourage businesses to apply for the safety seal and strengthen health protocols in establishments and workplaces.

“This seal is one of the government’s measures to restart the economy under the new normal and increase employment opportunities by making the reopening of business more viable for operation,” he said.

Local government units’ contact tracing applications will be considered in lieu of the StaySafe.PH while DILG is working on the integration of StaySafe.PH with other contract tracing applications.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said that in the absence of the StaySafe. ph digital contact tracing application for those establishments or offices applying for the Safety Seal Certification, the LGU-mandated applications they are currently using will be considered.

“The DILG is in the process of integrating the StaySafe.ph application with other existing applications initiated by the local government units to effectively contain the spread of COVID-19,” Año Said.

The supplemental guidelines also designated DOLE and LGUs as the

issuing authority for the safety seal for information technology and business process management and for dental clinics.

In addition, the supplemental guidelines require establishments and workplaces to designate safety officers who will be in-charge of enforcing public health standards in their areas.

“Our safety officers play a key role in boosting the overall economic productivity of our firms. When workers are assured of their safety and health at their respective workplaces, work quality and productivity are also enhanced,” said Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III. Safety officers who have not yet undergone the required occupational safety and health training may avail of the free OSH training offered at DOLE or at any DOLE-accredited training organizations.

The safety seal of tourism-oriented businesses and venues, on top of the DOT accreditation, strengthens the government’s effort to revive the tourism industry, one of the hardesthit sectors during the pandemic, said Tourism Secretary Berna RomuloPuyat.

“These new guidelines in the Safety Seal certification program heighten the confidence of the public to patronize compliant tourist-oriented establishments while ensuring the health and safety of everyone concerned,” Secretary Puyat added.

The supplemental guidelines also list some health protocols such as the promotion of proper disposal of face masks through signages in designated facilities. Proprietors of airconditioned indoor establishments and workplaces are also encouraged to procure carbon dioxide detectors to better monitor the adequacy of ventilation.

Sustainable recovery hinges on critical government response ACCELERATING the COVID-19 vaccination rollout, subsidizing booster shots, managing risks better and implementing the economic recovery program will all help the Philippine economy bounce back from the devastating impact of the pandemic.

Economic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said even though economic growth contracted in the second quarter last year to as low as 17 percent at the height of the strictest quarantines to curb the further spread of the virus, it gradually recovered and posted an 11.8-percent expansion in the second quarter this year.

Chua added while prospects for the country’s economic recovery remain promising, its sustainability depends on the actions the government takes in dealing with the virus.

“We can get back up to 4 to 5 percent growth this year and 7 to 9 percent next year by doing three important things,” Chua said in an online briefing in Malacañang.

“First is accelerating the vaccination program. By next month (October), this will be opened to the general population and will also include teenagers ages 12 years old and up.

This is the most important thing we need to do as soon as the [vaccine] supply comes in. We have seen that our vaccine rollout has been fast,

reaching half a million per day at its peak,” Chua said.

The second strategy is better risk management and the safe reopening of the economy. It involves lowering the age restrictions for those allowed to go out to enable more family activities, allowing limited face-to-face schooling in low-risk areas and imposing granular lockdowns in areas with higher risk.

Chua said the final strategy is implementing the economic recovery program that includes the timely use of the 2021 budget by addressing the gaps in education, health and human capital development.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III believes the government must subsidize COVID-19 booster shots for the entire population in the long run for the economy to recover faster from the five-quarter technical recession it experienced since the first quarter of 2020.

Dominguez said giving booster shots to those fully vaccinated is an investment in Filipino people’s health. “... Without booster shots, I don’t think the economy can safely open.

If we don’t have booster shots, we will have ups and downs in our economic recovery program. So it is really mandatory that we provide vaccines,” Dominguez said.

He said booster shots might get

Economic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua

regular budget allocation from the government.

“I cannot say beyond 2022, but I am sure that the succeeding administration will keep that in mind that these vaccines are really insurance and a necessary input now into the economy,” he said.

Early this month, Dominguez said the government was was planning to borrow around P45.3 billion ($900 million) from multilateral agencies—Asian Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the World Bank—to fund the purchase of booster shots against the COVID-19 virus.

Dominguez cited an allocation of P45.3 billion for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccine booster shots under unprogrammed appropriations in the national government’s 2022 National Expenditure Program.

“The NTF, DOH and DoF have initially identified multilateral and bilateral financial institutions as possible sources of funding for this allocation,” Dominguez said.

“In fact, exploratory discussions with the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the World Bank have been initiated to help determine possible funding sources for additional vaccine requirements in 2022,” he said.

“We expect to execute loan agreements towards the end of the year,” Dominguez said.

Government data showed that foreign financing to fund its COVID-19 response efforts already hit $22.51 billion (equivalent to more than P1.1 trillion).

COST OF PANDEMIC The pandemic has taken a great toll on the Philippine economy.

Chua said the estimated long-run total cost of the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantines for present and future generations of Filipinos is estimated at P41.4 trillion.

Over the past six months, he said the National Economic and

Development Authority NEDA, with assistance from its development partners and attached agencies, has been estimating the total cost of COVID-19 and the quarantines. The present and future costs are estimated at P41.4 trillion in net present value terms.

“Broken down, in 2020, we lost P4.3 trillion; in the next 10 to 40 years, we estimate that we will lose up to P37 trillion,” Chua said.

Chua said consumption and investments were likely to be lower in the next 10 years due to the reduced demand in sectors that require social distancing, such as tourism, restaurants, and public transportation.

Consequently, tax revenues will be lower if businesses cannot operate at 100 percent.

According to him, the estimated total loss due to lower consumption is P4.5 trillion. Meanwhile, the loss in private investment and returns in the same period is around P21.3 trillion.

“We expect the economy to converge to the pre-pandemic growth path by the tenth year. While we will recover to the pre-pandemic level by the end of 2022 or early 2023, it will take several more years before we converge to our original growth path,” Chua said.

Reopening: PH Economy On The Mend Special Report Part 2

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2021 extrastory2000@gmail.com

PH economy now ready for full reopening despite virus

By Othel V. Campos

A

FULL-SCALE reopening of the the economy while battling the pandemic at the same time is the right formula for recovery.

A worker in personal protective equipment sprays disenfectant. Inset shows workers placing signage to block off seats inside a cinema in Manila ahead of the reopening of movie houses following a sharp fall in the daily number of coronavirus infections and increased vaccinations. AFP

Macro-economic fundamentals provide shield THE Philippine economy is far from collapsing despite the onslaught of COVID-19. The past restrictive lockdown measures may have taken away millions of Filipino jobs and shut down many establishments, but they have not made a dent on the economy so far.

Economic activities admittedly have considerably slowed down in some sectors, especially in tourism, retail and personal services.

The poverty level obviously has worsened because of the number of jobless persons, and yet the overall economy is functioning and nowhere near a crisis level.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno assured financial services group and global investment bank Nomura of Japan that the macro-economic fundamentals of the Philippines had remained intact and that this Southeast Asian nation was poised for a strong economic recovery in the post-COVID-19 era.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno

Macro-economic fundamentals are a summary of the country’s economic health. They serve as guide to investors, creditor banks and traders doing business in the Philippines. A runaway inflation and volatile exchange rate, for instance, will discourage investors and watchers of the Philippine economy because it will impact on production cost and borrowing rate and, ultimately, on

one’s return on revenue.

The gross international reserves of the Philippines stood at $108.05 billion at the end of August, or higher than the foreign debt of $97 billion as of end March. The healthy level of international reserves stabilizes the exchange rate and shields the Philippine economy from a potential foreign exchange crisis.

Solid macro-economic fundamentals such as higher international reserves, flexible exchange rate, low inflation and interest rates, and a stable banking system provide a conducive business environment that, in turn, create jobs and attract both local and foreign investments.

The same solid macro-economic fundamentals will ensure recovery in the long-term period and the post-COVID era, and help keep the economic effects of the pandemic temporary. The economy bounced back with an 11.8-percent expansion in the second quarter and will likely overcome bumps in the road.

Businessmen believe the Philippine economy will fully recover and grow if the government allows a 100-percent operational capacity to key economic sectors, such as retail and services.

The Employers Confederation of the Philippines, thus, has called for the full-blast reopening of all business toward the tailend of the last quarter.

“Even before, and that was last year, there was a consensus to live with the virus. This consensus is even more pronounced today, now that we have the vaccines, and with the aggressive vaccination efforts and us maintaining the minimum health protocol,” said ECOP president Sergio Ortiz-Luis.

He said with 70 percent of the population in Metro Manila now vaccinated, it is more logical to allow full-blast reopening so that the business community, especially the micro companies, may “start their own tales of recovery.”

Many micro enterprises, for one, have been anticipating the rollout of loans to tide them over their responsibility to provide the mandatory bonus for workers.

ECOP recently met with the Department of Labor to discuss the extent of the special loan program, how many micro firms will be allowed to avail of the credit assistance and the possible requirements these firms may need to qualify for the facility.

Small Business Corp., the financing arm of the Department of Trade and Industry will start accepting applications starting November 2, 2021. The company is preparing loan packages of about P50,000 to P200,000 for micro and small enterprises “Similar to what we did last year, we see no reason to defer the 13th month pay for this year as the government stands ready to support businesses amid the pandemic. We already reached out to SBCorp to develop a facility that will provide zero-interest loans to companies needing 13th month funding,” said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.

The DTI in 2020 lent out funds from SBCorp.’s CAREs program to help micro and small enterprises provide the 13th month pay of their workers.

The CAREs program aims to assist enterprises affected by the pandemic.

The funding comes from an P8-billion allocation from the Bayanihan Recover As One Act (Bayanihan 2).

In addition to the DTI’s continued rollout of the COVID-19 Assistance to Restart Enterprises (CARES) Program, Lopez said a more sustainable solution for businesses would be the reopening of more activities, even on Alert Levels 4 and 3.

“The idea here is that we allow more business continuity and simply adjust operating capacities at different Alert Levels to safely increase mobility,” Lopez said.

Employers, meanwhile, reminded the government that safe business continuity was possible if workers are given access to a reliable and safe transport system.

“Why not bring back the pre-pandemic flow of public transport. If we want our employees to come to the office or to our stores, shops or restaurants, I believe they have a right to decent access to transportation. But the government should be able not only to address transportation issues but ensure that the long queues in passenger terminals will not start another super spreader event,” Ortiz-Luis said.

“We hope that the government will stop all these experiments on lockdown measures, transportation schemes and on all types of COVID responses,” he added.

Tourism sees recovery as gov’t lifts ban on interzonal travel THE easing of travel restrictions is one of the most encouraging developments that could help revive the tourism sector, according to Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat.

Tourism stakeholders were the most impacted sector amid the pandemic. Total losses in the sector reportedly exceeded P200 billion, including revenue losses of airlines and hotels.

Puyat said that under alert level 3, eligible individuals can now travel more easily to local destinations that have reopened.

“We welcome the opportunities that this new scheme allows for tourism, especially on traveling to areas with ample outdoor space, fresh air and minimal crowds. Specifically, the IATF has decided to permit interzonal leisure travel for children and fully-vaccinated seniors following a proposal from the Department of Tourism that those who are below

18 years old, as well as those above 65 years of age may now take trips on a point-to-point basis to GCQ or MGCQ areas as long as they are fully vaccinated, subject to the guidelines of the DOT and the regulations of the concerned LGUs,” she said.

Puyat said the DOT ramped up efforts to vaccinate A1 and A4 tourism workers, particularly in major tourism destinations, both as a preventive measure and as a way to boost travelers’ confidence.

In the NCR, 99 percent of the tourism workers employed in hotels across Metro Manila, were already fully vaccinated.

Nationwide, vaccination rate in the tourism sector reached 65.53 percent. This represented about 276,262 fully-vaccinated tourism workers as of Oct. 15.

Vaccination in key destinations is also picking up. Vaccination rate among tourism workers in Coron,

reached 91.22 percent; followed

by Boracay, with 90.62 percent; and Bohol, 76.73 percent. Other destinations like San Vicente, Palawan and Baguio City reported vaccination rate of 100 percent among target tourism workers.

Tourism initiatives “We have also put attention to building other domestic tourism initiatives that would hasten the recovery of the industry. Among the key undertakings by our regional offices are the recalibration of our current offerings and the creation of new products and tourism circuits,” said Puyat.

Beginning 2020, the DOT identified 44 tourism circuits around the country, including cross and bike trails, heritage tours and historical caravans. About 71 more circuits are in the pipeline for development.

These are awhat the travelers want during the new normal, Puyat said.

On the promotion of safe tourism, the DOT issued guidelines on the operation of tourism enterprises.

The agency noted a rise in tourism accreditation applications since the pandemic began. From 9,942 accredited tourism enterprises in 2019, there are now 11,868 accredited facilities, representing an increase of 25 percent.

Accredited businesses comply with safety standards, raising consumer or traveler confidence in the process. Local tourism establishments can also show that they have met global health and safety standards through the use of the World Travel and Tourism Council Safe travels.

The WTTC gave the DOT the authority to issue this stamp to eligible stakeholders. By displaying the safe travel stamp, establishments can help rebuild confidence among travelers.

Three premier destinations already

received the stamp—Baguio City, Boracay Island and Ilocos Norte.

Another positive development for stakeholders involved in food and beverage operation is the IATF decision to expand the seating capacity of restaurants in the National Capital Region.

“To keep the momentum going, we will continue our push for vaccination, the promotion of safe domestic travels, the creation of new or updated guidelines when necessary and the development of tourism products and circuits that reflect the changing preferences of the ‘new normal, traveler,” Puyat said.

“The DOT advocates that travel and tourism can be safe, but fun, even during the pandemic, and that as a major pillar of the Philippine economy and a provider of millions of jobs, we will continue to find possible ways for tourism operations to resume across the country,” she said.