Manila Standard - 2021 November 5 - Friday

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VOL. XXXV • NO. 263 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER5, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

LIGHT AMID DARKNESS. Giant traditional parol or Christmas lanterns made of capiz adorn the center island of Ayala Avenue in Makati City following the official lighting of Yuletide decorations Wednesday night. The government sees a better holiday season ahead as COVID-19 cases continue to drop. Norman Cruz

NCR eases to Alert Level 2

Effective Nov. 5-21 as OCTA notes ‘virus weakening’ in most PH areas

By Willie Casas, Maricel V. Cruz and Darwin G. Amojelar

M

ETRO Manila will shift to a looser Alert Level 2 community quarantine starting today (Friday) until Nov. 21, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said late Thursday evening, hours after the OCTA Research Group said most areas in the country have returned to a level before the Delta variant surge.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases earlier extended the Alert Level 3 classification of Metro Manila until Nov 14, but decided to deescalate the community quarantine level yesterday as COVID-19 cases fell below the 2,000-mark for the second straight day.

The IATF also approved a recommendation to base the alert level assignments in NCR on data that is nearest to the implementation date.

The alert levels may be raised any time within the implementation period, Next page

70 PERCENT? A member of I-ACT (Inter Agency Council for Traffic) inspects a bus along Commonwealth in Quezon City to ensure that public utility vehicles observe the 70 percent seating capacity limit set in Metro Manila, which eases to a more relaxed Alert Level 2 today until Nov. 21.

(Inset) A jeepney driver from Project 2 in Quezon City removes plastic dividers inside his vehicle after the Department of Transportation said these were no longer required. Manny Palmero

DILG: 30% of LGUs remiss in jab reporting PhilHealth vows to pay debts to private hospitals this month

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Joel E. Zurbano

records of their vaccination status will be asked to explain why they should not be sanctioned, the government said Thursday.

LOCAL government units (LGUs) Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya of that fail to consistently submit updated the Department of the Interior and Local

Government (DILG) noted that delays in reporting could have caused some 10 million jabs to go unreported.

"It is possible that the DILG will issue a show cause order to LGUs that Next page

Govt to vax 5m in 3-day nat'l thrust

Teenagers aged 12 to 17 are given candies and snacks while waiting for their turn to receive their COVID-19 vaccine at the Marikina Sports Center. Manny Palmero

JOBLESS RATE ROSE TO 8.9% AMID ECQ IN SEPTEMBER—PSA BUSINESS / B4

THE government is eyeing a threeday national vaccination drive this month where all available health workers, pediatricians and dentists will be deployed to do inoculations, including house-tohouse campaigns and vaccination by clusters.

“We will be doing vax to the max,” said the country's vaccination czar, Sec. Carlito Next page Galvez.

’Non-filing of ITR, not tax evasion’ returns was different from tax evasion.

Vic Rodriguez, Marcos’ THE camp of presidential candidate spokesperson, said the petition for Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. said disqualification against the former Thursday the non-filing of income tax Next page

By Rey E. Requejo

By Willie Casas FACING a boycott by some private hospitals, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) said on Thursday it aims to settle unpaid claims before December.

"PhilHealth is doing everything it can to release those payments,” PhilHealth Corporate Communications Senior Manager Rey Baleña said in a press briefing.

“It won't take too long because we have mobilized all that we need to mobilize here,” he said.

The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc (PHAPI) last week said some of its members might not renew their accreditation with PhilHealth because most claims for the Next page

2,795,632 1,766

37,159

43,825

239

2,714,658

2,591

(As of 4 PM, NOV. 4)

SSS to condone P11b in penalties AROUND 20 percent or some P11 billion in penalties out of the P55 billion arrears by employers and employees in the private sector will be covered by the latest round of condonation program of the Social Security System.

“Total amount of delinquencies is about P55 billion and at least 20 percent of that are penalties to be condoned,” SSS senior vice president Mario Sibucao said in a virtual briefing on Thursday.

About 700,000 employers whose businesses were affected by the pandemic and calamities are qualified under the condonation program.

The latest condonation program aims to help both the employers and employees who are affected by the pandemic, SSS president and chief executive officer Aurora Ignacio said.

Ignacio said the four relief and Next page

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2021

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Ex-DBM exec cited in contempt

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

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INCE he is not covered by President Rodrigo Duterte's Executive Order barring Cabinet members from attending a Senate hearing on the purchase of allegedly overpriced COVID-19 medical supplies, a former Budget Undersecretary was cited in contempt for failing to appear in the Blue Ribbon committee probe yesterday.

Former Undersecretary Christopher Lloyd Lao, who used to head the Procurement Service of the DBM (PS-DBM) failed anew to appear at the resumption of the hearing.

Committee chairperson Richard Gordon asked Senator Francis Pangilinan if he would issue an order of contempt or a show cause to Lao who has not been at-

tending the hearings. Senator Risa Hontiveros seconded the motion.

“I don’t think we need to issue a show cause order to him to ask why he should not be declared in contempt. We are now issuing that [contempt] order,” Gordon said.

Gordon said Lao was no longer a government official and was thus not covered by the President's EO.

NCR...

PhilHealth...

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but de-escalations can only be done at the end of the two-week assessment timeframe or every 15th and 30th of the month.

Earlier this week, the government lifted the curfew in the National Capital Region, except for minors, and allowed the increase in capacity of public utility vehicles and mass transportation systems to 70 percent.

OCTA Research fellow Guido David, in a press briefing yesterday, said Metro Manila and seven other urban areas—Davao City, Bulacan, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, and Rizal – are now classified as "low risk" for COVID-19, while Cebu City is now considered as "very low risk.”

"This is hopeful because it means the virus is weakening. It’s weakening especially in these areas. It’s a reversal.

There were still surges happening in other provinces but fortunately we’re able to contain [them and] almost all provinces are on a downward trend," David said.

"We have reversed the Delta surge already in NCR (the National Capital Region). We were back to where we were before the surge in July. And the good news is it's not just in the NCR," he added.

The decline in cases could be attributed to wide vaccine coverage, the public's adherence to minimum public health standards, and the enforcement of lockdowns, David said.

The Philippines logged 1,766 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, bringing the total number of cases to 2,795,642.

There were 239 new fatalities, bringing the COVID-19 death toll to 43,825.

The Department of Health (DOH) also reported 2,591 new recoveries, bringing the total recoveries to 2,714,658.

There were 37,159 active cases. This is the lowest number of active cases since March 8, when 37,320 active infections were reported.

Of the active cases, 68.9 percent were mild, 5.3 percent were asymptomatic, 3.5 percent were critical, 8.2 percent were severe, and 14.11 percent were moderate.

The positivity rate was at 6.6 percent, based on test results of samples from 34,190 people on Nov. 2.

Nationwide, 43 percent of ICU beds, 34 percent of isolation beds, 28 percent of ward beds, and 28 percent of ventilators, were in use.

In Metro Manila, 37 percent of ICU beds, 28 percent of isolation beds, 28 percent of ward beds, and 28 percent of ventilators, were in use.

In the House of Representatives, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said more jobs are gradually being made available to the workforce as a result of the increased reopening of the economy following almost two years of lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The September Labor Force Survey (LFS) indicates that jobs are beginning to solidify as the wholesale and retail trade and motor vehicle-repair establishments have started to reopen, growing the number of employed persons by 353,000,” Salceda said.

He added that although unemployed persons increased by around 370,000, this was largely due to seasonal effects in agriculture, which lost around 862,000 jobs. At this stage, most rice crops for the season have already been planted and harvest season is still some months away.

The job decline in manufacturing is mildly concerning however, Salceda said. The sector lost some 343,000 jobs month-on-month when Christmas season manufacturing should begin to pick up.

“I expect the recovery in retail trade to eventually pull up manufacturing once stocks begin to be sold out,” he said.

Also on Thursday, the Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) said it is ready to accommodate more passengers after the government has approved the increase in passenger capacity in rail public transport from the current 30 percent to 70 percent.

"By ensuring efficient operations for LRT1, we are able to shorten headways or waiting times between trains so people will have less exposure time in their daily commute. We assure our passengers that safety remains a top priority for LRMC,” said Juan F. Alfonso, LRMC president and chief executive said.

Each LRT-1 train set will now be able to increase capacity from the current 337 to 785 passengers (Gen-1 trains); from 407 to 951 (Gen-2 trains); and from 416 to 972 (Gen-3 trains).

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treatment of COVID-19 patients last year remained unpaid.

PhilHealth has enough funds for the unpaid claims, Baleña said.

It has paid some P152.8 billion from January 2020 until last Oct. 8, which represents 75 percent of all claims it has received.

The payment of some claims

SSS...

From A1

restructuring programs of SSS are for borrowers and employers with pastdue payments on their employees’ compensation contributions as well as salary or housing loans.

“But given the circumstances we face, we do not want to add burden to those who are already encountering hardships but rather help them get back on their feet. With that in mind, we are launching four new pandemic relief and restructuring programs (PRRP),” Ignacio said.

Applications for Contribution

‘Non-filing...

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senator was just a propaganda orchestrated by “yellow wannabe political assassins.”

“This is just propaganda of the yellow wannabe political assassins.

There is no tax evasion in the case of presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos. His case is simply about his non-filing of ITR (income tax returns),” Rodriguez said.

“It is wrong to call him a tax evader because the judgment was on the basis of his failure to file income tax return,” he added.

From 1982 to 1985, Rodriguez said Marcos was sitting as governor of Ilocos Norte and his taxes should have been filed by the provincial capitol.

“If that is 1985, then I think he was sitting as a governor. There is someone from the capitol who manages the filing

DILG:...

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are not submitting their updates up until now," Malaya said.

Malaya's comment came after Interior Secretary Eduardo Año reported that 30 percent of LGUs were not consistent in submitting their vaccination data.

Malaya said that the supply of vaccines nationwide has become stable enough for LGUs to ramp up their vaccination efforts.

He said the DILG is looking at the daily performances of LGUs in their vaccination rollout.

"We are giving them some time to be able to reach the target. If we see that the target is not moving, then we can say that there is negligence,” he said.

"In the next few weeks the DILG could already tell if there are LGUs that need to be issued a show cause order and charged with negligence or misconduct," he added.

Año said the DILG is set to meet with local chief executives to thresh out issues affecting their vaccination drives.

Govt...

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The three-day program, he said, aims to inoculate some 5 million individuals across the country.

“Based on our initial coordination, it will run for more or less three days,” he said.

Galvez said he is also in favor of making COVID-19 vaccination

Deaths of drug lords, narco-pols on me—Duterte

Senator Panfilo Lacson previously said he would file a contempt motion against Lao if he would not attend the present hearing.

He had also recommended the filing of graft charges against Lao for allowing Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation to bag huge contracts despite its lack of financial capacity.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, meanwhile, asked concerned agencies to file charges against Pharmally executives for “material misstatements” in their income tax returns.

Asian Consulting Group president and chief executive officer Raymond Abrea said Pharmally had material misstatements such as P74 million in unaccounted cash, P3.4 billion in unsupported purchases, P898 million in VAT due, P92

million in forex gains, P121 million in inventory, P33 million in donations, P60 million in undisclosed trade payables and P32 million in overstated expenses.

"Let me place on record, Mr. Chairman, that these material misstatements as being pointed out, can be considered as false entries, at least a prima facie case of false entries," said Drilon.

Under the National Internal Revenue Code, specifically Sec. 257, false entries, Drilon said violations are punishable by imprisonment ofanywhere from two years and one day to four years. In case those involved are foreigners, they will be deported.

Gordon also deplored the exclusion of Filipino manufacturers in favor of Chinese companies in the procurement of supplies for the government’s COVID-19 response.

is delayed due to a shortage in PhilHealth's manpower, and errors and inconsistencies in hospitals' documents, he said.

To speed up the claims processing, PhilHealth has augmented its workforce and implemented a debit-credit method where 60 percent of claims are paid while they are still under review, Baleña said.

He noted PhilHealth president Dante Gierran also met recently with PHAPI president Dr. Jose Rene De Grano, who

said PhilHealth owed private hospitals some P20 billion in unpaid claims.

PhilHealth has yet to receive any letter or notice from hospitals planning to cut ties with the insurer, Baleña said.

“We fully understand the situation and how this affects our partner hospitals. We ask for some more patience and support.

Moving forward, they will receive the delayed payments,” he said.

“If some of our hospitals indeed have plans to disengage with PhilHealth, we hope they could reconsider,” he added.

Condonation Penalty Program; Enhanced Installment Payment Program; Housing Loan Restructuring and Penalty Condonation Program; and Short-Term Member Loan Penalty Condonation Program will be opened for applications this month.

“Employers will be able to pay overdue SSS contributions free of penalties in full or installment for a period of four to 24 months depending on the total amount of delinquency,” Ignacio said.

The program will be applicable to unremitted or unpaid contributions from March 2020 onwards and will be offered to qualified employers for six months starting November 2021.

SSS EVP Rizaldy Capulong said the agency's fund life remains strong even as expenditures as of August have surpassed contributions collections.

He said total contributions collected by the state-owned insurance agency for the private sector have reached P155.59 billion as of August.

On the other hand, spending has reached P159.6 billion, of which P154 billion was accounted for by benefits extended to members.

“However, because we have investment income of about PHP20 billion, that P4 billion difference has been provided for,” he said.

of their taxes.

Nonetheless, the issue here is there's no conviction on tax evasion, only for the non-filing of ITR because the courts can penalize you for the non-filing, and in this case, he was just asked to pay for the penalties,” he said.

Rodriguez also branded the petition against Marcos as “nuisance.”

“There is no moral turpitude in his case. This is, by any stretch of imagination, a very weak case,” he said.

“We feel sorry for the Comelec because they are being used as their propaganda venues, a launchpad for propaganda,” he added.

Rodriguez maintained that the tax case against Marcos had been litigated and answered many years back.

On Tuesday, several human rights groups raised Marcos’ conviction on July 27, 1995 for failure to file income tax returns several times from 1982 to 1985.

The petitioners said Marcos was

ineligible to run for office on ground of moral turpitude due to the controversial tax case.

Meanwhile, the process of resolving petitions for the cancelation of certificates of candidacy could take at least six weeks, Comelec spokesman Director James Jimenez said.

In an interview on Dobol B sa TV, Jimenez explained the process of how the poll body would resolve a certain petition calling for a cancellation of a COC. He said the petition would first be raffled off to one of the Comelec divisions, which would issue summons.

"Two separate days were given. Five days to respond and three days to submit a memorandum but that five days depend on when they will receive the notice,” Jimenez said.

"So, we will send a notice. Maybe next week, we will conduct a raffle and after that we will send a notice. So it might take at least six weeks to resolve the issue.”

He expressed dismay over the slow inoculation pace in Central Luzon and Calabarzon when these are just adjacent to Metro Manila, which has a high vaccination rate.

“They are very slow. The other regions outperformed them. Davao City, for example, outpaced them. So there is something wrong,’’ he added.

While saying he does not have the exact figures, Año said the vaccination rates in these regions are significantly lower when they should have reached a vaccination rate of 60 percent to 70 percent by this time.

He said they would find out what problems were holding them back.

“Is it a lack of cold storage facilities? How do you transport the vaccines from the provincial capitol to the municipalities [and] to the barangays?” he said. “This is why the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces and the Bureau of Fire Protection will make all their resources available for the local government unit to bring the vaccines closer to the people. How will they also bring people to vaccination centers? We will discuss that," he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte, in his Talk to the People on Wednesday,

expressed dissatisfaction over the current COVID-19 vaccination rollout.

Año added the DILG will also put up a monitoring system that will determine the number of vaccines delivered to each LGU and how many of these were administered “on a day to day basis."

In other developments: • Senator Imee Marcos said LGUs should not be entirely blamed for the delay in hitting vaccination targets.

She agreed with the President that LGUs that delay vaccinations should be punished, but said these are few and far between. LGUs in the more distant provinces, she added, are desperate to get their hands on vaccines. She cited a Bloomberg report released Tuesday that said “a shocking 40 million doses remain unused not because of LGU negligence, but rather because of logistical logjams either at the DOH (Department of Health), BOC (Bureau of Customs), or somewhere in our chaotic distribution and storage chains.” The other major cause of delay, Marcos said, was still vaccine hesitancy, which has not yet been addressed in a coherent way.

• The chief implementor of the National Task Force Against

COVID-19, Secretary Carlito Galvez, said the government aims to fully protect 90 percent of Metro Manila's general population, including children, from COVID-19 by the end of the year. “Our target is before the end of the year, at least in Metro Manila, almost 90 percent fully vaccinated including the children,” he said.

Galvez emphasized that vaccinating children will be crucial in ensuring the nation’s future. "We’re not only protecting our lives, our economy, but also we’re protecting our future and that’s one of the most important things. The pandemic is not a fight for our lives, not only for our health, for the economy, this is also a fight for our future,” he said.

• Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso on Thursday called on parents and guardians who have family members aged 12 to 17 that are bedridden, wheelchair-bound or physically incapable of going to the vaccination sites, to register for home vaccination. He said they should register with the barangay which, in turn, will forward the list to the Manila City Hall for proper scheduling, which will be done on a first come, first served basis.

mandatory as he called on Congress to pass such a measure.

"Yes. I am in favor of that because if we are all vaccinated, that's only when we can have complete safety and protection," he said.

“If we do not vaccinate everybody, we’ll have a sizable amount of 20 million people roaming around – those anti-vaxxers roaming around.

They Will then threaten those who are vaccinated,” Galvez added.

San Jose del Monte City Rep. Florida Robes earlier filed a bill seeking to require COVID-19 vaccination for eligible Filipinos and residents of the Philippines.

Earlier, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) confirmed that employers cannot fire their unvaccinated workers or impose vaccination as a prerequisite for employment.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said members of the task force agreed on Oct. 26 that vaccination cannot be used as a prerequisite for employment.

“I emphasized that the ‘COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021’ was clear on the non-compulsory nature of vaccination as an additional requirement for employment,” Guevarra said.

“Unless amended or modified

by Congress, it is the existing and applicable law,” he added

By Rey E. Requejo PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said the killing of suspected drug traffickers and so-called narco-politicians are on him as the International Criminal Court begins its probe on the thousands of deaths in relation to the government's anti-narcotics campaign.

"Those drugs who were killed during raids, those mayors—they are all on me.

All raids that killed mayors are on me," the President said in a speech during the inauguration of the Puerto Princesa Seaport Expansion Project in Palawan yesterday.

"I assume full responsibility. And if there’s anybody who should go to prison, it should not be the police nor the PDEA [Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency]. It should be me because they were acting upon my orders," Duterte added.

The President, however, insisted that he will not be tried by a non-Filipino judge nor will he accept jurisdiction of the ICC. "They want me to go to prison. Well, maybe. But it has to be a Philippine prison and I must be judged by a judicial court of the Republic of the Philippines. And I must be prosecuted by a Filipino.

What is their [ICC] problem? Why do they want to come here?" (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

PH fifth country with biggest drop in tourist arrivals

By Othel V. Campos and Vito Barcelo THE Philippines emerged as the fifth tourist destination with the highest drop in tourist arrivals since the start of the pandemic until end-2020, a survey done by travel platform Next Vacay showed.

Data revealed the Philippines lost 82.4 percent of its travel traffic in 2020 for an average of 123,545 monthly visitors from 688,409 visitors, monthly in 2019.

Macau was ranked first in terms of tourist drop at 85.04 percent to 491,419 from more than 3.38 million tourists in 2019.

This was followed by Cyprus with an 84.12 percent decline to 52,634 from 331,398 visitors; Malaysia with an 83.4 drop to 361,060 from 2.17 million; and Thailand with an 83.15 percent drop to 558,415 from over 3.31 million in 2019.

Rounding up the top 10 countries that suffered the biggest decline in tourist arrivals were Mauritius at 77.67 percent; Portugal at 74.71 percent; New Zealand at 74.38 percent; Sri Lanka at 73.47 and Greece at 72.51 percent.

The report noted the Philippine tourism sector, which used to contribute about a fourth to the annual gross domestic production (GDP) during better times, had lost $9.76 billion in potential revenues in 2020. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

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Law on longer jail time for perjury signed

By Vito Barcelo

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law that would impose a longer jail time for persons who commit perjury and offer false testimony.

Republic Act No. (RA) 115941, signed

by Duterte on Oct. 29, amended Article 183 of RA 3815 or the Revised Penal Code (PRC), which penalizes perjury.

Under RA 115941, persons who would commit perjury face a higher penalty of prision mayor in its minimum period, to prision mayor in its medium period, from six years and one day to 10 years of imprisonment.

Previously, persons guilty of perjury were only sentenced to arresto mayor in its maximum period to prision correcional in its minimum period, or from four months and one day to two years and four months of imprisonment.

For public officers or employees who would commit perjury, RA 115941 states that the penalty of imprisonment will be imposed in its maximum period, along with a fine of P1 million, as well as perpetual disqualification from holding any appointive or elective position in government.

RA 115941 also amended Article 184

to include the “willingness” of a witness to provide false testimony in any judicial or official proceeding.

If any provision of RA 115941 is declared unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other provisions thereof. All laws, rules, and regulations that may be inconsistent with the provisions of RA 115941 are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

The new law is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 1354 and House Bill No. 8268 was passed by the Senate and House of Representatives on Aug. 23, 2021 and Aug. 31, 2021, respectively.

Perjury is committed by someone who, “knowingly making untruthful statements… shall testify under oath, or make an affidavit, upon any material matter before a competent person authorized to administer an oath in cases in which the law so requires,” RA 11594 stated.

ONLINE TEACHING. Japanese teacher Chihiro Nakagawa introduces to her Japanese elementary students the jeepney during an online class at the Manila Japanese School in Taguig City. The start of limited face-to-face classes will be on November 15 for 100 public schools and November 22 for private schools in Metro Manila. Only students with complete vaccination will be allowed to attend and with written consent from their parents. Danny Pata

Bello orders probe on P4.6-b OFW claims from KSA

By Vito Barcelo LABOR Secretary Silvestre Bello III has ordered the creation of a technical working group (TWG) to expedite the claims of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) amounting to P4.6 billion from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) who were forced to return home in 2016 without getting paid their salaries and other benefits.

In a statement, Bello also ordered the in-

clusion of OFW representatives in the group that will meet with its counterpart from KSA to hasten the processing of claims by some 9,000 OFWs. The directive came after the successful talks between the Philippines and KSA governments led by Bello and KSA Labor Minister Ahmed al-Rajhi during the Abu Dhabi Dialogue held in Dubai last week.

During the meeting, Al-Rahji agreed to

pay the P4.6 billion worth of unpaid wages and benefits to affected OFWs. “The Department will set up a technical working group which will comprise significant DOLE agencies, such as the labor office in KSA, OWWA, POEA, as well as representatives from the KSA workers’ group, to determine all details relevant to the release of the full settlement,” the labor chief said.

Bill seeks to move barangay and SK elections to 2024

By Maricel V. Cruz A BILL has been filed at the House of Representatives postponing the country’s barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to May 6, 2024.

Rep. Joel Mayo Almario of Davao Oriental, in filing House Bill 10425, said the conduct of village and SK elections on December 5, 2022, would be impractical even as he cited “an urgent need to continue addressing the needs of the Filipinos to fully cope from the adverse effects of the pandemic.” This, Almario said, “notwithstanding the

results of the (May 2022 national) election(s).”

The country will hold general elections on May 9, 2022.

In seeking a term extension of village and SK officials for another two years amid the pandemic, Almario said, “barangay officials are effectively the frontliners in the delivery of basic government services.

They are the foot soldiers of the Executive. They are primarily responsible for disseminating relevant and vital information from the national government.

They serve as the backbone and the first line of defense of local governance.”

IN BRIEF Cimatu supports bill to preserve critically endangered Tamaraw ENVIRONMENT Secretary Roy Cimatu on Thursday expressed support for a bill seeking to conserve the critically endangered Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis).

He called for the passage of House Bill 8299 or the proposed Tamaraw Conservation Management Act in response to the pressing need to conserve the remaining population of the Tamaraw, a dwarf buffalo that is endemic to Mindoro Island.

“We hope that the House of Representatives and the Senate will keep this bill in mind in choosing priorities to ensure that one of our country’s biodiversity treasures is conserved and protected,” he said.

He said he also “thoroughly supports the proposed crafting of a department administrative order for the Tamaraw conservation program while the bill is not yet a law.”

The country observed the National Tamaraw Month in October under the theme: “Tamaraw atin ito, Ipagmalaki mo bilang Pilipino!” Rio N. Araja

Authorities nab three suspects in P2-m drug buy bust in Paranaque POLICE arrested three members of a family suspected to be involved in drug dealing and seized more than P2 million worth of shabu in Paranaque City.

The suspects were identified as Angela Arichea, alias Angel, 49; Rene Robido, alias Ton, 26, and Razal Doronila, 38, all residents of Barangay San Antonio, Paranaque City.

Members of the city’s Drug Enforcement Unit and Police SubStation arrested the suspects in a buy-bust operation conducted late Wednesday night at Block 8, Lot 7, Scoop Street, Fourth Estate in Barangay San Antonio.

Recovered from suspects were 300 grams of shabu worth P2 million, a Mark and Spencer paper bag, two mobile phones, and the money used in the entrapment operation.

The suspects are temporarily detained at the Paranaque City Police Station Custodial Facility pending the filing of criminal charges against them before the city prosecutor’s office. Joel E. Zurbano

Eleazar orders investigation on police ‘intrusion’ of TUCP headquarters PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar on Thursday has directed an investigation into the alleged harassment by police officers at the compound of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) in Diliman, Quezon City.

Citing reports reaching his office, Eleazar said six police officers allegedly went to the TUCP compound last Nov. 2 without any permission or a search warrant.

“I have tasked the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Quezon City Police District to look into the allegation against our personnel. Kailangang matukoy ang mga personnel na nagtungo sa opisina ng TUCP at pagpapaliwanagin natin sila kung ano ba ang dahilan ng kanilang pagpunta doon (We need to determine who are these personnel who went to the TUCP office and we will ask them to explain why they went there),” Eleazar said.

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5 ex-Cabinet men pledge support for Moreno bid

By Rey E. Requejo FOLLOWING high-preference ratings for Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso as the top choice to become president in the 2022 elections in recent surveys, former Cabinet secretaries threw their full support behind the presidential bid of the Manila City Mayor on Wednesday.

Former Executive Secretary Ruben Torres, former Agrarian Reform Secretary Hernani Braganza, and former Trade and Agriculture Undersecretary Ernesto Ordoňez went to City Hall to personally convey their full support behind the Aksyon Demokratiko presidential tandem of Mayor Isko and his running mate, Dr. Willie Ong. Former Agriculture Secretary Leonardo Montemayor also held a virtual conference with Moreno to ask for his plan and seek his commitment to the agriculture sector if he becomes president.

He was joined by Bong Inciong, president of the United Broiler Raisers Association (UBRA), and Danilo Fausto, national chairman of the Dairy Confederation of the Philippines.

Torres served under former President Fidel Ramos while Braganza and Montemayor were in the Cabinet of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

“Mayor, what you said was that you had big ears, meaning you are ready to listen, those words were all resoundingly loud to our people. You also said before, in your declaration speech, that ‘our’ plan, that is ours, is like the flag of the Philippines that we will weave from fiber and thread that will come from you,” Montemayor said.

Montemayor’s group sent to Moreno their proposed 12-point agenda for a better Philippine agriculture sector.

Tingog urges 200 in TUPAD to use cash aid

DEMOLITION. The Philippine Coast Guard, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Manila Bay Inter-Agency Task Force demolish 32 ‘sapra’ or illegal fishing structures in the Cavite City area along Manila Bay on Thursday, after the deadline given by the DENR for fishermen to take down the structures from October 28 to November 4. JR Josue

Ping, Tito meet 15 envoys, pitch greater role for LGUs

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

T

HE tandem of Senator Panfilo Lacson and Senate President Vicente Sotto III laid down their “governance platform” during a dinner meeting with the country’s 15 ambassadors Wednesday night.

Presidential candidate Lacson, standard bearer of Partido Reporma, said they discussed a wide range of issues with ambassadors from European Union countries, Australia, United Kingdom and South Korea.

They delved on politics and climate change issues, noting the just-concluded COP 26 climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland, he said.

According to Lacson, they also explained to the envoys why they teamed up for the 2022 national elections.

Meanwhile, Lacson and Sotto reiterated their support for local government units (LGUs), vowing to empower them once elected as President and Vice President,

respectively, in the 2022 elections.

Also, the Serbisyo sa Bayan Party (SBP) in Quezon City on Thursday endorsed the candidacy of Sotto for vice president in the 2022 elections.

Mayor Joy Belmonte, who will seek a second term in Quezon City under the SBP banner, expressed support for Sotto’s vice presidential bid.

Sotto is the father of Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, who will also seek reelection under SBP. In their first “Meet the Press” conference with reporters on Thursday, Lacson and Sotto said they told the diplomats that despite 42 years of legislative experience, the execution of the laws they authored left much to be desired.

GEARING UP.

Firefighters arrive at the Manila Police District headquarters after smoke came out due to a chemical fire as the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) personnel were working on the inventory of evidence on Thursday.

Norman Cruz

By Maricel V. Cruz TINGOG Party-list nominee and popular actress-singer Karla Estrada has urged more than 200 beneficiaries of Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program to make good use of the government’s assistance.

Estrada, the mother of actor and recording artist Daniel Padilla, underscored the importance for the beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DoLE) program under the leadership of Secretary Silvestre Bello III to effectively use the cash aid to gradually recover from the adverse economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While leading TUPAD’s payout at the town’s largest barangay, Lemon, in Capoocan, Leyte Estrada also expressed Tingog’s deep gratitude to Bello for the trust and confidence entrusted to the party-list group led by Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, chairperson of the House Committee on the Welfare of Children.

She stressed that Tingog has always been the government’s major partner in mitigating the impact of the pandemic and preventing further serious disruption in bringing aid to the most vulnerable sector.

Estrada said Tingog has been also at the forefront of the administration’s mission to reduce COVID-19’s lingering consequences on the socio-economic wellbeing of Filipinos by delivering their needs and providing other forms of relief.

Due to this, they decided on a team-up to run for president and vice president in the coming May elections.

“The bottom line is before we ran (for 2022), before we made a decision, we told (the ambassadors) that we learned all that we can about our existing problems, especially the heaviest ones caused by the pandemic, and that we have solutions made with the help of experts, and we are ready to give these solutions to the country,” Lacson said.

Earlier, Lacson also spoke before to the American Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday, and at the FINEXFederation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry forum earlier in the week, where he also presented Partido Reporma’s platform of governance.

Sotto, the president of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), said their discussion with the diplomats floated around the bills pending in the Senate and House of Representatives, and the laws he and Lacson had passed before.

With Rio N. Araja

VP unveils ‘comprehensive’ plan vs. COVID

By Rio N. Araja VICE President Leni Robredo is batting for a comprehensive plan to “free” the country from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We arrived at the plan based on the consultations with the experts, sectors, and first and foremost, on what we see on what the Filipinos are going through,” the presidential aspirant said.

Once elected as president, Robredo said she would improve the country’s

health-care system by doubling the government’s spending on it from P113 billion or just 0.6% of the country’s gross domestic product, based on the recommendations of the Department of Health in its Philippine Health Facility Development Plan 2020-2040.

Apart from increasing hospital beds nationwide to bring its number closer to that of Singapore’s and Vietnam’s, where there are 2.5 beds and 2.6 beds for every 1,000 people, respectively, the Vice President said there is a need

to recruit more health-care workers, purchase more medical equipment, and reorganize medical staff.

She said P216 billion from the national budget must be distributed quickly using the national ID system, and that a stimulus package of P100 billion for small businesses is needed to keep their workers employed.

Robredo said a National Unemployment Insurance Program must also be put up for workers who are laid off to provide 80% of their salary for three months.

Bato getting fit for rigorous campaign WHILE other presidential contenders are already going around the country and wooing the Filipino electorate, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has been boosting his health, including exercising, to prepare himself for the official campaign period.

Since he’s up for a “very rigorous” campaign trail, Dela Rosa stressed he needs to condition his body, otherwise he will bog down.

He said part of his preparation is strengthening his body, so he won’t easily get sick.

Dela Rosa is the standard bearer of the Cusi faction of the ruling PDP-Laban party.

Insisting that he is 100 percent sure of running for President in the upcoming polls, Dela Rosa noted he is willing to give way if Davao Mayor Sara Duterte- Carpio decides instead to join the presidential race

instead of seeking re-election in her city.

Dela Rosa denied his offer to the Davao mayor of his presidential slot means he remains undecided in vying for the presidency.

Since he filed his certificate of candidacy, Dela Rosa said he has been decisive in becoming a president.

But the former national police chief believes that the daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte had the biggest fighting chance of winning, as she has remained the frontrunner in all presidential surveys with a huge margin over the candidate next to her.

Aside from exercising, also part of his preparation is doing media interviews.

He said facing the media is more effective and safer especially at this time of a pandemic. Dela Rosa said this gives him a wider reach than going around to personally campaign. Macon Ramos-Araneta

NEW COLLEGE. Mayor Toby Tiangco and Rep. John Rey Tiangco (second and third from right) lead the groundbreaking for the improved Navotas Polytechnic College building. It will feature a 4-storey building with 28 classrooms, nine laboratories, a library, gym, and study areas. It will also house medical and dental clinics, a canteen, as well as outdoor sports and activity areas. Andrew Rabulan

75% of COCs to be purged as nuisances THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has moved to purge “almost three-fourths” of nearly 600 persons who filed certificates of candidacy (COCs) for president, vice president, senator, and party-list representative for the 2022 polls.

In a webinar Thursday, Elaiza Sabile-David, Comelec Education and Information Department Director, said the commission’s Law Department already filed petitions to declare as nuisance around 75 percent of the 569 aspirants for national posts.

“From what I’ve heard, almost 3/4 will be declared [nuisance]. The Law Department already filed petitions declaring these aspirants [nuisance].

We are just waiting for the declaration,” Sabile-David said.

Based on the latest Comelec data, 97 filed COCs for president, 28 filed for vice president, 174 filed for senator, and 270 filed for party-list seats.

The number of names in the 2016 ballots were 6 out of 130 presidential aspirants, 6 out of 19 vice presidential aspirants, 50 out of 172 Senate aspirants, and 115 party-list groups.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez earlier said the final list of names that would be in the 2022 ballots may be finalized in December.

Last week, the Comelec Law Department said it supports the bill imposing a P100,000 fine against those who would be declared nuisance candidates.

Under Comelec’s rule of procedure, a candidate can be considered a nuisance if he or she wants to put the election process in mockery or disrepute, wants to cause confusion among voters, and clearly demonstrated to have no bona fide intention to run.

Pacquiao eyes hybrid federal system for PH IF he wins next year’s elections, presidential aspirant Senator Manny Pacquiao on Thursday said he will push to shift the country’s form of government from unitary to a “hybrid federalism,” saying it will help the country to prosper further.

“What I want is federalism. I want to implement federalism in our country but a hybrid form of it,” Pacquiao said in Filipino during an online forum hosted by the Rotary Club of Manila.

“Because it is not yet possible that our country will fully adopt the full implementation of federalism, so we need a hybrid first to fix everything and I’m sure our country will develop from there,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Promdi presidential candidate has no qualms about his decision to run for President in the upcoming May elections, as he dismissed sliding down for a possible tandem with Vice President Leni Robredo.

“I am firm in my decision. I will continue and will not backtrack on this fight for the presidency,” stressed Pacquiao at the same forum.

President Rodrigo Duterte had been pushing for a shift to a federal form of government to address national economic and power imbalances.

Under the proposal, the country will be divided into states that will be formed from the existing regions.

Pacquiao also said that Filipinos are suffering because of the “lack of a concrete plan” against COVID-19 and proposed “long-term solutions” to help the country emerge from the pandemic.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Opinion Death of a party in a civil case

DEATH is a certainty of life. All of us will have to pass away at some point in time.

Thus, there is a possibility that a party may die while an action is pending in the trial or appellate court.

Only seven years into my practice, my client, a plaintiff in an action for rescission of a contract of sale of real property, died of a heart attack. His eldest daughter informed me of his death ten days thereafter. I was then faced with the question of what will happen to our case.

Will the case survive after the death of my client? The first thing I had to figure out was whether the death extinguished or terminated the case. Because it is an action to rescind a contract, his rights arising from it are generally transmitted to the heirs.

What then happens to the proceedings?

The Supreme Court, in the case of Cruz v. Cruz citing Bonilla v. Barcena, declared that “[t]he question as to whether an action survives or not depends on the nature of the action and the damage sued for. In the causes of action which survive, the wrong complained affects primarily and principally property and property rights, the injuries to the person being merely incidental x x x” (G.R. No. 173292, September 1, 2010).

If the causes of action do not survive, the injury complained is to the person, with the property and rights of property affected being incidental (G.R. No. 173292, September 1, 2010). Examples include: the death of a claimant for support, or death of a spouse in an action for nullity or annulment of marriage.

As explained in Bonilla: “x x x Article 777 of the Civil Code provides ‘that the rights to the succession are transmitted from the moment of the death of the decedent.’ From the moment of the death of the decedent, the heirs become the absolute owners of his property, subject to the rights and obligations of the decedent, and they cannot be deprived of their rights thereto except by the methods provided for by law” (G.R. No. 173292, September 1, 2010 citing Bonilla).

In the case of Cruz v. Cruz, Memoracion Cruz claimed that during her union with her common-law husband (deceased) Architect Guido M. Cruz, she acquired a parcel of land located in Tondo Manila; that the said lot was registered in her name; and that sometime in July 1992, she discovered that the title to the said property was transferred by Guido and the latter’s wife to their names in 1991 by virtue of a Deed of Sale dated February 12, 1973 (G.R. No. 173292, September 1, 2010).

Memoracion claimed that the said deed was executed through fraud, forgery, misrepresentation and simulation, and hence, was null and void. After presenting her evidence in chief, she died on October 30, 1996.

Through a Manifestation, Memoracion’s counsel, Atty. Roberto T. Neri, notified the trial court on January 13, 1997 of the fact of her death, evidenced by a certificate thereof (G.R. No. 173292, September 1, 2010).

For his part, Guido filed a Motion to Dismiss on the grounds that (1) the plaintiff’s reconveyance action is a personal action which does not survive a party’s death, pursuant to Section 21, Rule 3 of the Revised Rules of Court, and (2) allowing the case to continue would result in a legal absurdity whereby one heir is representing the defendant, who is a co-plaintiff in this case (G.R. No. 173292, September 1, 2010). The trial court ordered and the Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal of the case without prejudice to the prosecution thereof in the proper estate proceedings. However, the Supreme Court ruled that the RTC erred in dismissing the case. The petition for the annulment of a deed of sale involves property and property rights, and hence, survives the death of petitioner Memoracion (G.R. No. 173292, September 1, 2010).

The period to inform or give notice to the court of the party’s death and the legal representative/s is as important as determining whether the action survives.

Section 16, Rule 3 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure requires that “it shall be the duty of his counsel to inform the court within thirty (30) days after such death of the fact thereof, and to give the name and address of his legal representative or representatives”.

The heirs of the deceased may be allowed to be substituted for the deceased, without requiring the appointment of an executor or administrator. The court shall forthwith order the said legal representative or representatives to appear and be substituted within a period of thirty (30) days from notice (Section 16, Rule 3).

Full version on www.manilastandard.net

IMHO IN APRIL this year, the New York Times retired the term “op-ed.” The term meant “opposite the editorial.” An op-ed is an opinion piece usually written by somebody who is not a regular columnist or writer of the publication. Thus, on the one hand, there was “editorial.” Everything else went to the page opposite it.

Contributions from the public were, from then on, to be known as “guest essays.”

The Times’ opinion editor, Kathleen Kingsbury, wrote an explanation for the newspaper’s decision. She said the first op-ed page, literally opposite the editorial page, appeared in 1970. At that time, the editors were” nervous at its inception and worried whether anyone would be moved to contribute.”

Fact is not the opposite of opinion; it is its foundation.

The idea was for the page to serve as “a welcome mat for ideas and arguments from many points on the political, social and cultural spectrums from outside the walls of The Times — to stimulate thought and provoke discussion of public problems.”

For the past 50 years, the op-ed has served that purpose and has endeared itself to readers and contributions alike.

So why the change?

It reflects the changing times — the old print design of newspapers, specifically. In the digital format, there is not even an “Ed” for the “Op-Ed” to be opposite to.

“Op-ed” was also described as “clubby

newspaper jargon.”

Kingsbury adds: “Institutions — even ones with a lot of esteemed traditions — better serve their audiences with direct, clear language. We don’t like jargon in our articles; we don’t want it above them, either.”

On the other hand, guest essays are exactly that — one does not have to be an insider to know what it is.

In the past 50 years, what has made the op-ed so successful is the allure of clashing, well-expressed opinions, Kingsbury writes. But they want to take this further so that guest essays can include “voices who are new to us, on topics we may not yet understand.”

What has disappeared in recent times, she says, “are spaces where voices can be heard and respected, where ideas can linger a while, be given serious consideration, interrogated and then flourish or perish.”

Indeed the spirit of inclusiveness and respect drives us to listen to others who may hold views different from ours.

Yet how far can we push this spirit if that other voice is premised on a different set of “facts” that makes it resistant to serious consideration or interrogation, and instead stretches credulity?

••• Then again, reading the opinion pages, whether we are talking about regular columns or guest essays, has become difficult over time.

In the past, the newsroom simply had to correct grammar lapses or improve the style of the writers. It also had to make sure that the piece was not libelous. Or, if the piece trod on dangerous ground, it needed to show that the writer exerted an effort to be fair, that the sources were solid, and that the public interest was so much greater than the potential harm caused to the individual in question.

Outside of that, the opinion writer pretty much had a free hand on what to write about, and what literary style to employ. It’s his or her stomping ground. Readers were eventually able to tell, anyway, if this writer could be trusted as a thought leader, opinion

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EDITORIAL

L

The weakest link

OCAL government units and their respective chief executives from the governors and mayors down to the barangay captains may not be taking their job seriously in supervising the vaccine rollout.

other day ordered the Department of the Interior and Local Government to sanction LGUs and their chief executives who do not perform well in speeding up the government’s COVID-19 vaccination program. Mr. Duterte has every right to impose discipline on public officials who have been amiss in their job. The LGUs and their executives are at the front line of the battle against COVID-19.

The disparity in the vaccination rates in Metro Manila and the provinces remains wide despite the ample supply of doses. The logistics aspect of the vaccine rollout is very challenging, but LGUs have known this beforehand. Provincial governors and town mayors had months to prepare for the arrival of the vaccines.

They were briefed on the cold storage requirements and other logistical arrangements needed to distribute the vaccines to their constituents.

President Rodrigo Duterte the

The LGUs and their executives are at the front line of the battle against COVID-19.

Reaching herd immunity or vaccinating 70 percent of the population is not an easy task in a country comprising over 7,000 islands.

Preparations and organizing teams to administer the vaccines, however, can overcome the difficult job.

National Task Force Against COVID-19 chief Carlito Galvez Jr. should also coordinate with health officials and LGUs to achieve the government’s vaccination target of 1 million to 1.5 million jabs a day by Nov. 30. Mr. Galvez cited the need to activate around 4,000 to 5,000 vaccination sites nationwide that can each accommodate at least 500 people daily.

The vaccination sites will not be a problem. Shopping malls, private and public schools, churches, military camps and even the function halls of different government agencies have offered their facilities as vaccination centers.

But first and foremost, LGUs must communicate with concerned agencies and coordinate the vaccination rollout.

They must have built the logistical capacity and composed a team by now to man the vaccination centers. They should not be the weakest link during this pandemic.

Barangay Biñan in Laguna loses fund mess case filed by SK

IN DECEMBER 2020, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Biñan in Biñan City, Laguna, filed a petition for mandamus against the sangguniang barangay (barangay council) of Barangay Biñan and its treasurer.

It was lodged with Branch 153 of the Biñan City Regional Trial Court.

The SK petitioned the court to order the barangay council and its treasurer to release the public funds the SK is entitled to under the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015. Ever since the SK assumed office in July 2018, the council and the treasurer did not remit to the SK the funds that are legally due them.

Despite repeated demands for two and half years, the barangay council and its treasurer foolishly refused to remit to the SK the funds legally due the latter.

Unable to withstand the non-feasance of the barangay council and its treasurer any further, the SK filed the petition for mandamus.

At the time the petition was filed in court, the punong barangay (barangay captain) was Reingel Pelaez, and the barangay treasurer was Joel Neil R. Trinidad.

During the first several months after the petition was filed in court, most members of the barangay council and the treasurer himself belittled the petition, particularly after officials of Biñan City assured them that the petition will not prosper. It appears that these recalcitrant barangay officials were advised by the powers-that-be in city hall to just ignore the case.

In the interest of fairness, two barangay councilors, Joel Aviso and Daniel Vito, were in favor of releasing the funds legally due the SK, but they were outnumbered by the others, namely, Punong Barangay Pelaez and Councilors Rudy Ella, Ricardo Tolentino, Jr., Narlito Cambal, Josephine Deveza and Reynaldo Bonifacio.

The chairman of the SK, who is an ex officio member of the barangay council, was almost always excluded from the meetings of the council when the SK fund was discussed.

As expected, the barangay council, as a collective entity, was unable to offer any plausible excuse to the court as to why all the funds legally due the SK were never remitted.

The exception was Kagawad Aviso, who manifested to the court that he agrees with the SK. When the news media started revealing the fund mess of Barangay Biñan and the seemingly nonchalant attitude displayed by government officials in city hall, the political situation changed. Punong Barangay Pelaez and the barangay treasurer were forced to resign. Pelaez was replaced by Kagawad Ella. The current treasurer is Humberto Gonzaga, Jr.

Public officials in city hall are up for re-election next year.

The court eventually granted the petition for mandamus. In a decision dated October 24, 2021 and written by Presiding Judge Vernard V. Quijano, the court ordered the barangay council to remit to the SK all of the funds legally due the latter. In particular, the court ordered the council to immediately remit the more than P3-million pesos already due the SK. With this welcome development, the SK is considering the option of filing criminal and administrative charges against Pelaez, and the members and officers of the barangay council, including those who resigned, who were involved in the non-remittance of the SK funds.

Meanwhile, Kagawad Vito, one of the two barangay councilors who sided with the SK, requested the barangay council and the barangay secretary, Enrico Santos, for copies of pertinent barangay documents relating to specific expenditures, including certain alleged “donations” given by the barangay to private entities.

Vito also asked for copies of the minutes of past meetings of the council, particularly the meetings held without due notice given to him, to Kagawad Aviso, and to the SK chairman as ex officio member of the council.

After giving Vito the run-around, Santos

eventually told Vito that the barangay documents he wants are with the barangay records officer at the Biñan City Hall. In other words, Santos has no barangay documents in his custody.

As far as Vito is concerned, that excuse tendered by Santos is very flimsy, considering that under the Local Government Code, Santos, being the barangay secretary, has to keep a file of all documents relating to the official transactions of the barangay council.

The failure of the barangay secretary to maintain official records of the barangay council makes him and his cohorts in the council liable for the crime of, inter alia, infidelity in the custody of public documents punished under the Revised Penal Code, and under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. In fact, several concerned citizens of Barangay Biñan are contemplating filing administrative and criminal cases against the barangay recalcitrants anytime soon.

Elective public officials in city hall are up for re-election next year. It is almost certain that this large scale fund mess involving their underlings in Barangay Biñan will be an election issue.

Abangan ang susunod na kabanata.

MORE OPINION ONLINE

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Slow but sure stride to recovery

Climate change blah blah blah shaper, an engaging read — or someone with conflicts of interest.

Today, disinformation has muddled up the equation, The newsroom now finds itself with the additional burden of verifying the information that the writers include in their pieces. That one would only form an opinion from verified facts used to be a given. These days, with the proliferation of manufactured quotes, made-up figures, misleading press releases and half-truths peddled as entire truths, one has to make sure that the writer is not knowingly or inadvertently propagating lies. Sometimes, despite best efforts, the exercise fails.

Worse, not many readers are conscious of the vast difference between a news story and an opinion piece. Thus, when they read an opinion piece they see on their news

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

feed (shared by a friend or suggested by the platform), they have no opportunity to remind themselves that this is not gospel truth, and that this is only one person’s interpretation of facts — wherever those facts might have come from.

So how do we marry open-mindedness, inclusiveness, respect for different points of view on the one hand, and critical thinking and a healthy dose of skepticism on the other?

Unfortunately, there are no easy answers. We have to navigate this tricky road and figure out things as we go along, one news story, one opinion piece at a time.

Then again, don’t take my word for it.

After all, this is also an opinion piece. See for yourself if it holds true.

My could have beens

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US journalist jailed in Yangon hit with third charge—lawyer AN AMERICAN journalist detained for months by Myanmar’s junta has been denied bail and hit with a third criminal charge, his lawyer told AFP on Thursday.

Danny Fenster, managing editor of Frontier Myanmar, was held in May as he attempted to leave the country.

He is currently on trial for allegedly encouraging dissent against the military and unlawful association, and faces six years in jail if convicted on both counts.

At his latest hearing inside Yangon’s Insein prison on Wednesday, “he was told another charge was added” for allegedly breaching immigration law, his lawyer Than Zaw Aung told AFP. The charge carries a maximum of five years in jail and the trial was expected to begin on Friday, he said.

“We do not know the exact reason

for adding (the) immigration charge,” he said, adding Fenster’s visa was still valid when he was detained.

The new charge comes a day after former US diplomat and hostage negotiator Bill Richardson met junta chief Min Aung Hlaing in the capital Naypyidaw, handing the increasingly isolated junta some rare publicity.

Richardson is in the country on a “private humanitarian mission,” his organization said in a statement announcing the trip that did not mention whether he would seek Fenster’s release.

The former governor of New Mexico has negotiated “the release of hostages and American servicemen in North Korea, Cuba, Iraq and the Sudan”, according to his centre’s website.

Fenster, 37, “is in good health physically but he’s upset because of increased charges,” Than Zaw Aung said. AFP

Manila

Standard NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC TODAY In accordance with the NTC guidelines, here’s the mechanics for the DITO 3GB Bonus Data promo: 1.

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2.

Repurchase and/or reactivation DITO 199 promo subscriptions (priced at Php199) via the GCash app using an existing activated DITO SIM during the promo period will entitle subscribers to receive 3GB Bonus Data open data valid for 15 days counted from receipt of the free 3GB. The 3GB Bonus Data shall be received within the next day from the purchase of DITO 199.

3.

Prerequisites: Promo purchase must be at least the second promo subscription upon the activation of DITO SIM. FREE 3GB Data Using your existing activated DITO SIM, RESUBSCRIBE TO DITO 199 promo worth Php199 during the promo period via the GCash app.

Purchasing regular load and SIM cards are NOT counted as activation of call, text, or data offer. DITO 199 purchased but not activated during this period shall not receive the free 3GB data. DITO 199 offers activated before the promo period shall not be entitled to the 3GB Bonus Data.

How to activate an offer: Subscribe to DITO 199 promo via the GCash App.

4.

Promo shall only be offered in the following Cities/ Municipalities: LUZON: NCR: Manila, Quezon City, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Pasay, Taguig, Pateros, Makati, Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Marikina, Las Pinas; Pangasinan: Basista, Bayambang, Binmaley, Dagupan, Manaoag, Mangatarem, San Manuel, San Carlos City, Lingayen (Capital), San Nicolas, Alaminos, Bolinao, Urdaneta, Urbiztondo, Bani, Bugallon, Mangaldan, Laoac, Dasol, Aguilar, Bautista, Binalonan, San Jacinto, Tayug, Santa Barbara, Malasiqui, Mapandan; Bulacan: Pandi, San Jose del Monte, Malolos, Meycauayan, Marilao, Bocaue, Hagonoy, Bulacan, Plaridel, Baliuag, Guiguinto, Bustos, San Ildefonso, San Miguel, Santa Maria, San Rafael, Pulilan, Norzagaray, Balagtas (Bigaa), Angat Nueva Ecija: Cabiao, Llanera, Palayan City, Santa Rosa, Santo Domingo Science City of Munoz, Talavera, Cabanatuan, Gapan City, San Leonardo, San Jose, General Mamerto Natividad, Rizal, Zaragoza, General Tinio (Papaya), Licab, Jaen, Quezon, Lupao, San Isidro, Guimba, San Antonio Nueva Vizcaya: Dupax del Norte Pampanga: Angeles, Bacolor; Candaba, Guagua, Lubao, Mabalacat, Magalang Mexico, San Fernando, San Simon, Santa Rita, Santa Ana, Labrador, San Fabian, Infanta, Sual, Arayat, Minalin, Porac, Floridablanca Tarlac: Capas, Tarlac City, Concepcion, Gerona, La Paz, Mayantoc, Moncada, Pura, Ramos, San Clemente, San Manuel, Victoria, Camiling, Paniqui; Zambales: Olongapo, Subic, San Marcelino, San Narciso, Santa Cruz; La Union: Rosario Bataan: Balanga, Dinalupihan, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Orion Albay: Camalig, City Of Ligao, Daraga (Locsin), Legazpi City (Capital), Malilipot, Oas, Polangui, Libon, Malinao, Guinobatan; Batangas: Alitagtag, Bauan, Cuenca, San Jose, Ibaan, Batangas City, Malvar, Mataas na Kahoy, San Pascual, Santo Tomas, Lipa City, Talisay, Tanauan City, Taysan, Balete, Padre Garcia, San Juan, Balayan, Calaca, San Luis, Taal, Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Lian, Calatagan, Tuy, Laurel, Lobo Cavite: Kawit, Bacoor, Imus, Tagaytay City, Silang, Dasmarinas, Carmona, Amadeo, Rosario, Mendez, Indang, Alfonso, General Trias, Trece Martirez, Tanza, Magallanes, Naic, Maragondon, Noveleta, Ternate Laguna: Bay, San Pedro, Sta Rosa, Binan, Cabuyao, Los Banos, Calamba City, Victoria, Calauan, Alaminos, San Pablo, Majayjay, Luisiana, Rizal, Nagcarlan; Quezon: Candelaria, City of Tayabas, Pagbilao, San Antonio, Sariaya, Valencia, Lucban, Lucena City (Capital), Pitogo, Unisan, Lopez, Rizal: Antipolo, Cainta, Taytay; Sorsogon: City of Sorsogon (Capital); Irosin, Casiguran, Castilla Camarines Norte: Basud, Daet (Capital); Talisay, Vinzons; Camarines Sur: Baao, Bato, Bombon, Bula, Canaman, Iriga City, Libmanan, Naga City, Ocampo, Pamplona, Pili (Capital), Sagnay, San Jose; Sipocot, Tigaon, Camaligan, Magarao, Cabusao, Lagonoy, Milaor, Calabanga VISAYAS: Aklan: Nabas Ibajay, Altavas Bohol: Tagbilaran City (Capital), Cortes, Baclayon Cebu: Toledo City, Balamban, Barili, Carcar, Cebu City, Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, Danao, Liloan, Mandaue, Minglanilla, Naga, San Fernando, Lapu Lapu, Dumanjug, Talisay, Moalboal, Bogo City, San Remigio, Sogod, Alcantara, Santander, Ginatilan, Daanbantayan, Aloguinsan Rona, Sibonga, Boljoon, Malabuyoc, Oslob, Carmen Negros Occidental: Bacolod City, Kabankalan, Pulupandan, Silay City, Valladolid, Binalbagan, Murcia, Enrique B. Magalona (Saravia), Bago City, City of Himamaylan Iloilo: Iloilo City, Oton, Kalibo Negros Oriental: Dumaguete, Valencia, Sibulan, City of Tanjay, Mabinay Capiz: Roxas City MINDANAO: Agusan Del Norte: City of Butuan, Buenavista; Agusan del Sur: Rosario, San Francisco, Trento, Bayugan, Santa Josefa, Prosperidad Compostela Valley: Monkayo; Davao del Norte: Santo Tomas, Braulio E. Dujali, Panabo, Tagum, Carmen, Island City of Samal; Davao del Sur: Santa Cruz, Bansalan, Davao City, Digos, Hagonoy, Sulop Davao de Oro: Montevista, Compostela, Nabunturan, Maco; Cotabato: Kidapawan, Makilala; South Cotabato: General Santos City, Polomolok; Bukidnon: Malaybalay, City of Valencia, Quezon, Don Carlos, Manolo Fortich, Baungon, Libona, Impasug-ong, Maramag, Kitaotao; Lanao Del Norte: Linamon, Baloi, City of Iligan; Misamis Oriental: Balingasag, Cagayan de Oro, Claveria, Talisayan, Manticao, Sugbongcogon, Medina, Kinoguitan, Binuangan, Balingoan, Naawan, Villanueva, City of El Salvador, Jasaan, Opol, Tagoloan, City of Gingoog, Lugait; Gitagum, Laguindingan, Libertad, Initao; Saranggani: Alabel Sultan Kudarat:City Of Tacurong

5.

Promo resubscription is allowed even if the current subscription is active. The remaining data and off-net minutes allocation from the previous subscription will be carried over to the latest subscription. Subscriber shall receive FREE 3GB Data for every DITO 199 promo purchase within the promo period.

6.

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

7.

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

8.

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

9.

By availing of the promo, the subscriber confirms that he/she has read, understood, and agreed to the promo mechanics, its terms, and conditions.

Subscriber also agrees not to use the SIM and/or promo for illicit or illegal means.

10. For any concerns and/or inquiries regarding the promo, information may be sent to customerservice@dito.ph. All matters and disputes will be subject to the final decision of DITO Telecommunity. All decisions made

by DITO Telecommunity pertaining to the promo will be deemed final and irrevocable, with the prior concurrence of DTI. (MS-NOV. 5, 2021)

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS. Sikh devotees light candles on the occasion of ‘Bandi Chhor Divas’ at the illuminated Golden Temple, early in the morning in Amritsar on November 4, 2021. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Reality check: Global CO2 emissions near record levels

G

LOBAL CO2 emissions caused mainly by burning fossil fuels are set to rebound in 2021 to preCOVID levels, with China’s share increasing to nearly a third of the total, according to an assessment published Thursday.

Overall, CO2 pollution this year will be just shy of the record set in 2019, according to the annual report from the Global Carbon Project consortium, released as nearly 200 nations at the COP26 climate summit confront the threat of catastrophic warming.

Emissions from gas and highly polluting coal will rise this year by more than they

dropped in 2020 due to the pandemic-driven economic slowdown.

Capping the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels – as per the Paris Agreement – would limit mortality and damage, but requires slashing carbon emissions nearly in half by 2030 and to net zero by 2050, the UN’s climate science authority has warned.

“This report is a reality check,” co-author Corrine Le Querre, a professor of climate change science at Britain’s University of East Anglia, told AFP. “It shows what’s happening in the real world while we are here in Glasgow talking about tackling climate change.”

The new report will come as bad news at the 13-day COP26 meeting, where a diplomatic spat saw the United States accuse China and Russia of failing to step up their

climate action ambitions.

China on its own will account for 31 percent of global emissions this year after its economy accelerated out of the economic lull ahead of others.

Carbon pollution from oil remains well below 2019 levels, but could surge as the transport and aviation sectors recover from pandemic disruption, said the study in the journal Earth System Science Data.

Taken together, the findings mean that future C02 emissions could eclipse the 40-billion tonne record set in 2019, which some have predicted – and many hoped – would be a peak.

“We cannot rule out more overall growth of emissions in 2022 as the transport sector continues to recover,” Le Quere said. “We are bound to have ups and downs over the next few years.” AFP

China censors #MeToo claims vs. top politician

SILHOUETTE. The Statue of Liberty is seen during sunset on November 3, 2021 in New York City.

AFP

America blacklists maker of Pegasus spyware US AUTHORITIES have put the Israeli maker of the Pegasus spyware at the center of a scandal over surveillance of journalists and officials on a blacklist of restricted companies.

The company, NSO, was engulfed in controversy over reports that tens of thousands of human rights activists, journalists, politicians and business executives worldwide were listed as potential targets of its Pegasus software.

Smartphones infected with Pegasus are essentially turned into pocket spying devices, allowing the user to read the target’s messages, look through their photos, track their location and even turn on their camera without them knowing.

“These tools have... enabled foreign governments to conduct transnational repression, which is the practice of authoritarian governments targeting dissidents, journalists and activists outside of their sovereign borders to silence dissent,” the US Commerce Department said in a statement.

NSO fired back at the decision, saying its “technologies support US national security interests and policies by preventing terrorism and crime.”

“We will advocate for this decision to be reversed,” a NSO spokesperson told AFP, adding its compliance controls have resulted in “multiple terminations of contacts with government agencies that misused our products.”

Washington also targeted Israeli company Candiru, as well as Singapore-based Computer Security Initiative Consultancy PTE (COSEINC) and Russian firm Positive Technologies that were accused of trafficking in hacking tools.

The companies’ addition to the so-called “entity list” means exports to them from US organizations are restricted – and it is now far harder for American researchers to sell them information or technology.

In a statement, Positive Technologies said the listing would have “little or no effect on our business” and did not come as a surprise. AFP

CHINA’S online censors Thursday scrubbed out a tennis star’s reported allegations that a powerful politician sexually assaulted her, the first time that the #MeToo movement has reached the highest echelons of the ruling Communist Party.

Peng Shuai, an ex-world number one doubles player, purportedly made the claim about former vice premier Zhang Gaoli in a post on the Twitter-like Weibo on Tuesday.

Peng reportedly alleged that Zhang, who is now in his seventies, had “forced” her into sex and they had an on-off relationship that lasted several years.

The post appeared to have been deleted quickly and AFP was unable to verify the authenticity of the screenshots containing the allegation, or substantiate the claims made in them.

Weibo data indicated that Peng did post something on Tuesday on her verified account and the post was viewed more than 100,000 times, but the contents are unknown.

There was no further word from the 35-year-old Peng and also no public response from Zhang, a former member of China’s powerful seven-member Politburo Standing Committee and reportedly close to Premier Li Keqiang.

Chinese censors have since blocked all mention of the claims apparently made by Peng, a former Wimbledon and French Open doubles champion.

Searches on China’s tightly controlled Internet, including on Weibo and the Baidu search engine, also show no results when Peng and Zhang’s names are entered together. AFP

HPV vaccines ‘substantially’ reduce cervical cancer risk—study CERVICAL cancer cases plummeted among British women who received a vaccination against the human papillomavirus, according to a study published Thursday.

In comparing cervical cancer and precancer rates before and after an HPV immunization program was introduced in England in 2008, the researchers found a “substantial reduction,” especially among the youngest women to have received the jab, according to results published in The Lancet medical journal.

“Our study provides the first direct evidence of the effect of HPV vaccination using the bivalent Cervarix vaccine on cervical cancer incidence,” the authors wrote.

The estimated risk reduction was most notable among those who had been vaccinated at the earliest possible ages of 12-13 years old, with an 87 percent drop. Those immunized between ages 16-18 saw a 34 percent dip, the study found.

Cervical cancer, which is caused by HPV – a common sexually transmitted infection – is preventable with reliable and safe vaccines, and also curable if caught early and treated.

Last year, the World Health Organization launched a global strategy to eliminate the disease, which is one of the most common female cancers and kills hundreds of thousands annually.

While the latest study appears to support

the broad use of HPV vaccines, uptake and availability of the shots pose an issue, according to a commentary accompanying the results.

“Even in a wealthy country, such as England with free access to HPV immunization, uptake has not reached the 90 percent vaccination target of girls aged 15 years set

by WHO,” wrote gynaecologists Maggie Cruickshank and Mihaela Grigore.

“COVID-19 is an additional challenge to delivering HPV vaccination but only adds to a long list, including access to affordable vaccines, infrastructure for low temperature-controlled supply chains, delivery, and waste disposal.” AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Business

Manila

Standard

TODAY

B3

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2021 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks up slightly; Converge, AREIT rise S TOCKS rose slightly Thursday as investors weigh foreign developments after the Federal Reserve said it will start tapering its pandemic support program this month.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 19 points, or 0.3 percent, to 7,203.72 on a value turnover of P7.7 billion. Losers, however, beat gainers, 123 to 80, with 42 issues unchanged.

Fiber broadband services provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. rallied

4.6 percent to P33, while AREIT Inc., the real estate investment trust company of major property developer Ayala Land Inc., climbed 4.8 percent to P47.15.

Jollibee Foods Corp., the biggest fastfood chain, gained 2.6 percent at P238, but grocery chain AllDay Marts Inc. of the Villar Group fell 17.8 percent to P0.74 on profit taking.

The rest of Asian markets rose Thursday to track another record on Wall Street after the Federal Reserve said it would be patient in hiking interest rates as the economy continues to recover.

The announcement brought to an end months of speculation about the bank’s

plan for the bond-buying program, and removed some unease among traders who were concerned that officials were leaving it too late to respond to rocketing inflation.

And the upbeat mood filtered through to Asia, with Tokyo up almost one percent as it reopened after a one-day break, while Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Seoul, Mumbai, Bangkok and Jakarta also rallied.

The Fed is the latest bank to move away from its emergency measures and it comes after rate hikes in several countries including Canada and South Korea, while the Bank of England is expected to follow suit later in the day.

It also makes the Fed the latest monetary authority to begin winding back the measures put in place at the start of the pandemic which have been crucial to the global rebound and an 18-month equity rally to multi-year or record highs.

Policymakers had said at the outset that they would only start tapering when they were satisfied the world’s number one economy was well on the recovery track with unemployment under control and inflation running hot for an extended period.

Inflation has been surging for months, while jobs creation continues to scorch along, albeit with the rare blip—rein-

forced by data Wednesday showing private businesses hired far more people than expected in October.

However, while bank boss Jerome Powell was pleased with the economic recovery, he said he wanted to see the labor market heal more before hiking interest rates from record lows, telling reporters: “We think we can be patient.”

The expectation is still for borrowing costs to rise in the middle of next year, soon after the bond-buying has come to an end.

“I don’t think we are behind the curve.

I believe policy is well-positioned to address the range of plausible outcomes,” Powell said. With AFP

Major oil producers to assess production as prices escalate

BREXIT ROW. A fisherman of the boat Laurent Geoffray, France unloads fishes in the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer on November 3, 2021. Nine months after the conclusion in extremis of the post-Brexit agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom, in which the questioned fishing rights are supposed to have been settled, nothing has changed for some fishermen who still cannot fish in English waters due to a lack of license. France finally postponed the application of retaliatory measures against Britain for three days over fishing licenses. AFP

LONDON—Major oil producers on Thursday are expected to continue planned moderate output increases despite pressure to further ramp up production amid soaring prices.

The 13 members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and their 10 allies meet from 1300 GMT for their regular monthly meeting via videoconference and are expected to reconfirm their July decision.

The powerful producers led by Saudi Arabia and Russia in the so-called OPEC+ grouping agreed in July to modestly step up production after steeply slashing it last year as the pandemic hit global markets.

“While there is plenty of pressure on OPEC+ to increase output more aggressively, members continue to resist and instead seem to prefer to stick to their plan of easing cuts by 400,000 barrels per day per month,” ING analysts said in a note this week.

With prices for the benchmark WTI contract rising to $85, the highest since 2014, US President Joe Biden appealed on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Rome over the weekend to OPEC to

Meet the finfluencers: TikTok’s investment gurus

By Andrew Leeson with Jennifer Gonzales Covarrubias and Jean Philippie Lacour SYDNEY, Australia—Trying to figure out how the stock markets work? These days you’re as likely to turn to a social media influencer for advice as a financial adviser dressed in a suit.

Across the globe, baby-faced investment gurus in their twenties are building huge followings on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok by offering tips on how people can better manage their finances.

TikTok, the most downloaded app of 2021, may be best known for dance routines and weird recipes. But posts by so-called “finfluencers”—financial influencers—have proved an unexpected hit.

The hashtag “StockTok” has 1.7 billion views and counting, while “FinTok” (financial TikTok) has more than 500 million. Variations on “investing” rack up millions or even billions of views depending on the language.

Australian finfluencer Queenie Tan regrets that the app wasn’t around six years ago when she was first wading into the intimidating world of investing. At the time, she mostly turned to books for pointers.

“It’s so much better now, because it’s so much more accessible,” said the 25-year-old, who boasts 100,000 followers on her “Invest With Queenie” TikTok account and tens of thousands more on Instagram and YouTube.

Filmed in her living room in Sydney, her videos range from simple explainers of investment vehicles to the money lessons you can learn from hit Netflix series “Squid Game.”

Like many finfluencers, Tan’s posts have an aspirational quality: she already holds assets worth some $400,000. She encourages

viewers to invest young, like her, to build more wealth over a lifetime.

But she stresses that her own success came from living frugally and then investing her savings wisely.

A period of living under the poverty line at 19 “really taught me how to budget and how to value money,” she said, adding that she still lives simply and doesn’t plan to “buy a mansion anytime soon.”

‘Anyone can invest’ Tan’s background is in marketing, and like many FinTok personalities she cautions that she doesn’t have any financial qualifications.

Mexican finfluencer Andres Garza, who is nearing a million followers, is unusual in that he is a certified investment strategy advisor.

Like Tan, his videos are popular among youngsters who prefer getting investment ideas from people their own age, with an innate understanding of how to communicate well on platforms like TikTok. “People like me turn something complicated into something fun,” the fresh-faced 22-year-old told AFP from his home in the northwestern city of Monterrey.

Like the easy-to-use trading apps that have popped up around the world, Garza sees social media as widening access to wealth.

“The financial system has always left the ordinary investor lagging behind,” he said.

“But increasingly, anyone can invest.”

‘Duff’ advice?

In the West at least, millennials and their younger Gen Z counterparts are sometimes derided as financially frivolous—often unfairly, given their huge generational disadvantages compared to baby boomers.

The trend towards financial self-education is helping to bust stereotypes. Tan thinks it’s “awesome” that so many people are “feeling

empowered to start investing.”

“But on the flip-side, there’s lots of dodgy stuff happening as well,” she said, pointing to some finfluencers’ involvement in “pump and dump” schemes—hyping an asset, then selling after the price rockets.

There’s also the question of the videos’ reliability. Regulators from Spain to New Zealand have urged young investors to be careful about following their advice.

Plaxful, a cryptocurrency trading platform, rated around one in seven of the FinTok videos it analyzed as misleading. AFP

Manila

Standard

TODAY

HEAD OFFICE: PBCOM Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, 1226 Makati City Customer Care: (02) 8777-2266 or 1-800-10-777-2266 (Domestic Toll Free) *Email: customercare@pbcom.com.ph*Website: www.pbcom.com.ph

BALANCE SHEET (Head Office and Branches) As of September 30, 2021

As of June 30, 2021

ASSETS Cash and Cash Items Due from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Due from Other Banks Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Available-for-Sale Financial Assets - Net Held-to-Maturity (HTM) Financial Assets - Net Loans and Receivables - Net Interbank Loans Receivable Loans and Receivables - Others Loans and Receivables Arising from RA/CA/PR/SLB General Loan Loss Provision Other Financial Assets Equity Investment in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures - Net Bank Premises, Furniture, Fixture & Equipment - Net Real and Other Properties Acquired - Net Other Assets - Net

P

1,741,078,929.59 13,118,616,932.28 3,973,778,852.87 6,679,846,149.47 10,356,591,919.93 65,876,299,273.31 1,530,000,000.00 62,502,587,167.02 2,331,105,383.00 487,393,276.71 378,038,699.82 20,329,839.94 1,479,979,513.35 788,410,861.41 4,925,367,408.89

P

1,557,087,305.90 12,901,820,999.49 1,019,646,295.91 1,697,506,862.79 8,361,384,139.12 10,234,993,655.95 60,880,052,149.16 57,596,029,360.92 3,749,386,283.00 465,363,494.76 506,772,127.45 20,267,343.11 1,498,432,474.60 571,510,331.24 5,114,023,382.75

TOTAL ASSETS

P

109,338,338,380.86

P 104,363,497,067.47

LIABILITIES

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that LIMA PARK HOTEL, INC. with office address at Lima Commercial Estate, Malvar, Batangas is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) for the Modernization of Tourist Accommodation Facility (Lima Park Hotel) under R.A. 11534 (CREATE LAW) and the Special Law – Tourism of the 2020 IPP with a capacity of 136 rooms, with project site located at Lima Commercial Estate, Malvar, Batangas.

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

(SGD.) ANGELITA F. ARCELLANA Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service (MS-NOV. 5, 2021)

Manila

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Standard Department of Finance

TODAY

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Secretariat Building, PICC Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay, 1307 MARKETS AND SECURITIES REGULATION DEPARTMENT IN THE MATTER OF

:

REGISTRATION OF COMMERCIAL PAPERS

CITYLAND, INC.

: : x-------------------------------------------x NOTICE Notice is hereby given that on 25 October 2021, a sworn Registration Statement was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on behalf of CITYLAND, INC. for the registration of Five Hundred Million Pesos (₱ 500,000,000.00) worth of Commercial Papers.

According to the papers presented, the following persons are the directors/ officers of the Corporation: NAME Stephen C. Roxas Dr. Andrew I. Liuson Grace C. Liuson Josef C. Gohoc Peter S. Dee Anastasia Y. Dy Helen C. Roxas Benjamin I. Liuson Emma A. Choa Rudy Go Melita M. Revuelta Melita L. Tan Romeo E. Ng Rosario D. Perez Winefreda R. Go Dorothy U. So Jocelyn C. De Asis

The financial TikTok star Benjamin Schliebener poses in his room in Munich, southern Germany, on October 21, 2021. Benjamin Schliebener, a 24-year-old German with more than 50,000 TikTok followers, mostly sticks to encouraging his viewers to invest in diversified exchange-traded funds. AFP

pump more.

“The idea that Russia and Saudi Arabia and other major producers are not going to pump more oil so people can have gasoline to get to and from work, for example, is not right,” he said.

Other oil-consuming nations, such as India and Japan, have also called for more output to lower prices.

Helima Croft of RBC Capital Markets said she would not rule out that Saudi Arabia could greenlight a rise beyond 400,000 barrels per day “given the intensity of the White House pressure and from other key consuming countries like India.”

OPEC Secretary General Mohammed Barkindo last week re-iterated “the need to remain cautious and attentive to an ever-evolving market situation,” according to a statement.

While higher prices benefit producers in the form of increased revenues— particularly after the lean period of the coronavirus pandemic—there are concerns that they could stifle the fragile economic recovery and thus demand for oil. AFP

POSITION Director/Chairman of the Board Director/Vice Chairman of the Board Director/Deputy Vice Chairman of the Board Director/President Independent Director Independent Director Director Director Executive Vice President/Treasurer Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer/Compliance & Corporate Information Officer/Data Protection Officer/Investor Relations Officer Vice President/Assistant Corporate Secretary/Alternate Compliance & Alternate Corporate Information Officer Vice President Vice President Vice President - Executive Affairs Vice President - Purchasing Department Assistant Vice President - Head of Internal Audit Department Corporate Secretary

In order to implement necessary health protocols consistent with the directives and guidelines of the relevant government agencies, the Commission hereby suspends, until further notice, the physical inspection of the RS and other papers/documents attached thereto (collectively referred to as “Documents”) as well as the provision of physical copies thereof to interested parties. In lieu thereof, the Commission has adopted an alternative mode of viewing and/or downloading the said Documents and any subsequent amendments thereto by enabling interested parties to access the same through the MSRD corner of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website (www. sec.gov.ph) and the Company’s website (www.cityland.net.)

(MS-NOV. 5 & 8, 2021)

signed VICENTE GRACIANO P. FELIZMENIO, JR. Director

Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Deposit Liabilities Bills Payable: Interbank Loans Payable Other Deposit Substitutes Other Financial Liabilities Other Liabilities

P

20,734,064.55 82,727,124,400.84 8,150,781,405.67 8,150,781,405.67 895,724,887.23 2,534,039,248.91

P

5,551,809.95 80,105,571,834.55 6,239,072,643.10 195,200,000.00 6,043,872,643.10 936,003,953.89 2,343,742,166.57

TOTAL LIABILITIES

P

94,328,404,007.20

P

89,629,942,408.06

14,278,374,781.56 2,556,188,089.70 -1,824,628,497.60

P

14,278,374,781.56 2,279,808,375.45 -1,824,628,497.60

P

14,733,554,659.41

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Capital Stock Other Capital Accounts Retained Earnings

P

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

P

15,009,934,373.66

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

P

109,338,338,380.86

P 104,363,497,067.47

CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS Financial Standby Letters of Credit Commercial Letters of Credit Trade Related Guarantees Commitments Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts Trust Department Accounts Trust and Other Fiduciary Accounts Agency Accounts Others TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS

P

894,271,866.28 556,709,269.30 858,058,505.27 2,206,500.00 3,229,057,720.91 8,567,820,081.22 1,772,029,382.85 6,795,790,698.37 93,993,586.37

P

753,919,185.65 2,320,068,369.74 594,655,126.56 2,000,000.00 3,273,948,253.99 8,773,833,054.89 1,733,183,322.22 7,040,649,732.67 147,990,205.51

P

14,202,117,529.35

P

15,866,414,196.34

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Gross total loan portfolio (TLP) 68,347,561,983.79 Specific allowance for credit losses on the TLP 1,983,869,433.77 Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) a. Gross NPLs 3,404,015,826.64 b. Ratio of gross NPLs to gross TLP (%) 4.98% c. Net NPLs 1,694,380,194.46 d. Ratio of Net NPLs to gross TLP (%) 2.48% e. Ratio of total allowance for credit losses to gross NPLs (%) 72.60% f. Ratio of specific allowance for credit losses on the gross TLP to gross NPLs (%) 58.28% Classified Loans & Other Risk Assets, gross of allowance for credit losses 16,160,685,714.91 DOSRI Loans and receivables, gross allowance of credit losses 2,041,834.72 Ratio of DOSRI loans and receivables, gross of allowance for credit losses, to gross TLP (%) 0.00% Gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables Ratio of gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables to TLP (%) 0.00% Percent Compliance with Magna Carta (%) a. 8% for Micro and Small Enterprises 5.47% 5.91% b. 2% for Medium Enterprises Return on Equity (ROE) (%) 9.92% Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) on Solo Basis as prescribed under existing regulations a. Total CAR (%) 17.49% b. Tier 1 Ratio (%) 14.88% c. Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio (%) 1/ 14.88% 1/

63,331,575,344.80 1,986,159,700.88

3,615,396,082.37 5.71% 1,785,863,869.65 2.82% 67.81% 54.94% 14,067,706,838.25 1,932,084.16

Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio (%) is only applicable to all Universal and Commercial Banks and their subsidiary banks.

0.00% 0.00%

5.27% 6.47% 9.39% 18.48% 15.70% 15.70%

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) City of Makati ) S.S. We, Arlene M. Datu and Patricia May T. Siy, of the above-mentioned bank do solemnly swear that all matters set forth in the above balance sheet are true and correct to the best of our knowledge and belief.

(SGD.) ARLENE M. DATU Comptroller, SVP

(SGD.) PATRICIA MAY T. SIY President & CEO

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 27th day of October 2021 at City of Makati, affiants exhibiting their SSS nos. 0356633451 and 0373099955, respectively.

Doc. No. 46 Page No. 11 Book No. XXVII Series of 2021.

(SGD.) ATTY. GERVACIO B. ORTIZ JR. NOTARY PUBLIC City of Makati until December 31, 2022 IBP no. 09729 - Lifetime Member MCLE Compliance No. VI - 0024312 Appointment no. M-82 -(2021-2022) PTR No. 8531011 Jan 4, 2021.

Makati City Roll no. 40091 101 Urban Ave., Campos Rueda Bldg. Brgy. Pio del Pilar, Makati City Member: Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation Maximum Deposit Insurance for each Deposit P500,000.00

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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

B4

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2021

Figaro Group seeks SEC nod for P1.77-b IPO in December

By Jenniffer B. Austria COFFEE and restaurant chain operator Figaro Coffee Group Inc. plans to raise P1.77 billion through an initial public offering as it aims to more than double its store network over the next eight years.

Figaro said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission it planned to sell 1.26 billion primary common shares with an over-allotment of 126 million common shares at P1.28 apiece.

It said it would use the net proceeds from the maiden share offering to fund store and commissary expansion, outlet renovation, debt repayment and potential acquisitions.

Figaro operates 90 restaurants and branches nationwide, including 52 Figaro coffee shops, 31 Angel’s Pizza outlets, five Tien Ma’s Taiwanese cuisine restaurants, a TFG Express outlet and a Café Portofino outlet.

Figaro said that as part of growth plans, it planned to have 150 systemwide stores by the end of 2022 and more than 300 system-wide stores throughout by the end of 2029.

It plans to focus store openings in National Capital Region, Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, Pampanga and Batangas.

Figaro is also looking to acquire other food service businesses within the next three years.

“We are still in the early stages of studying and evaluating these potential acquisitions which are intended to accelerate our growth, expand our business segments and add value to our brands and product offerings,” the company said.

Figaro will have a market capitalization of P6.25 billion, based on the indicative price of P1.28 per share.

It set the offer period on Dec. 16 and the listing date on Dec. 31, 2021.

The company hired Abacus Capital and Investments Corp., China Bank Capital Corp. and PNB Capital and Investments Corp. as joint issue managers and lead underwriter for the offering.

Jollibee buying 51% of Taiwan’s bubble-tea chain JOLLIBEE Foods Corp. is venturing into the beverage business with the acquisition of a 51-percent stake in a company that owns bubble-tea chain Milksha.

Jollibee said in a disclosure to the stock exchange wholly-owned subsidiary Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. would purchase the majority ownership in Milkshop International Co. Ltd. for $12.8 million (P646 million).

“This gives JFC the opportunity to participate in this fast-growing beverage category and together with Milkshop’s founder, grow the Milksha brand globally,” Jollibee said.

One of the co-founders of Milkshop will continue to retain the 49-percent ownership of the company.

The completion of the transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, and the final purchase price will be confirmed after closing. Founded in Taiwan in 2008, Milkshop has been benefitting from increasing popularity of bubble tea across various markets.

It has over 250 outlets, with 231 outlets in Taiwan, four in Hong Kong, two in Melbourne, two in Vancouver and 12 in Singapore.

Despite the pandemic, Milkshop generated system-wide sales of $74.7 million in 2020, up 12.3 percent from $66.5 million in the previous year.

Milkshop is also generating modest net income and positive earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation.

Jollibee announced in June that it would bring Milksha to the Philippines via a licensing agreement.

Milksha products will soon be sold at Chowking stores.

Jollibee is one of Asia’s largest food service companies with a worldwide network of 5,853 stores with 17 brands operating in 34 countries.

It was operating 3,202 restaurant outlets in the country and 2,651 stores overseas as of end-September.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Business September’s jobless rate rose to 8.9% amid MECQ T

By Julito G. Rada

HE unemployment rate widened from 8.1 percent in August to 8.9 percent in September, the highest since July 2020, as Metro Manila remained under the modified enhanced community quarantine until Sept. 15 and a typhoon led to job losses in the agriculture sector, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Thursday.

National statistician and civil registrar general Dennis Mapa said in an online briefing the 8.9-percent jobless rate in September was also the highest this year, when the PSA started to release labor survey data on a monthly basis.

Prior to 2021, PSA was releasing the data on a quarterly basis.

“There was a decline in agriculture employment because of the end of the harvest season and the other factor was the bad weather condition,” Mapa said.

The top five sub-sectors with the biggest drop in the number of employed persons from August to September were agriculture and forestry, -862,000; manufacturing, -343,000; information and communication, -126,000; mining and quarrying, -75,000; and, real estate activities, -69,000.

Typhoon Jolina affected some 30,000 hectares of agricultural land across Central Luzon, Calabarzon, MIMAROPA, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas, and contributed to around 900,000 employment loss in the sector. The decline came after the sector regained 1.9 million employment in August.

Economic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said the unemployment also slightly increased as the country’s economic centers remained under stringent quarantines and as weather distur-

bances affected agriculture, but added that employment prospects remained promising as the country shifted to granular lockdowns.

“These results were expected as many parts of the country remained under stringent and blanket quarantines for most of the survey period. In particular, the modified enhanced community quarantine was extended in the National Capital Region up to Sept. 15,” Chua said in a statement following the release of the labor data.

Chua said better labor outcomes could be expected in October when the country started the implementation of granular lockdowns in NCR. This strategy was effective in bringing down cases from its peak in early September, he said.

“Overall, the economy has generated 1.1 million employment above the prepandemic level. This signals the Philippines’ continuing recovery. We look forward to the expansion of the alert level and granular lockdown system to the whole country to recover more jobs and livelihoods,” Chua said.

PSE INDEX CLOSING Thursday, November 4, 2021 19.00 PTS. 7,203.72

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES

4,685,353,206 118,551

TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES

7,683,725,822.08 80

DECLINES UNCHANGED

123 42

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

50.5400

Japan

Yen

0.008774

0.4434

UK

Pound

1.368800

69.1792

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128469

6.4928

Switzerland

Franc

1.096852

55.4349

Canada

Dollar

0.807298

40.8008

Singapore

Dollar

0.742005

37.5009

Australia

Dollar

0.744900

37.6472

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652590

134.0619

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266588

13.4734

Brunei

Dollar

0.739262

37.3623

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.030021

1.5173

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.7606

Euro

Euro

1.161500

58.7022

Korea

Won

0.000848

0.0429

China

Yuan

0.156099

7.8892

India

Rupee

0.013435

0.6790

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.240848

12.1725

New Zealand

Dollar

0.715500

36.1614

Taiwan

Dollar

0.036009

1.8199 Source: BSP

IN BRIEF China Bank posts 35% profit growth CHINA Banking Corp. said Thursday it posted a 35-percent year-on-year increase in consolidated net income in the first nine months to P11.2 billion on the back of sustained core business growth and effective cost management.

China Bank president William Whang said in a statement the results exceeded expectations. “We will continue to support our customers, especially those who are still struggling amid the global pandemic, as we push for greater efficiencies and sustainable growth through digitalization and optimization of our branch and ATM networks,” he said.

The bank was able to ride out the economic headwinds, recording quarterly income growth since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the third quarter, China Bank saw net earnings grow 29 percent to P3.9 billion from the same period last year.

The strong performance in the first nine months of 2021 translated into a higher return on equity of 13.6 percent and an improved return on assets of 1.5 percent. Net interest income rose 13 percent to P28.2 billion as interest expense dropped by 48 percent. Julito G. Rada

AC Energy’s 9-month net earnings hit P4.3b

ENERGY TRANSITION. The Philippines, Indonesia and the Asian Development Bank launch the Energy Transition Mechanism facility in Glasgow, the United Kingdom. The Philippines will work with the ADB and some private sector partners in developing an innovative ETM-supported project that will allow the country to accelerate its transition from coal to clean energy in a just and affordable manner. Attending the meeting in Glasgow are (from left) Per Heggenes, chief executive of IKEA Foundation; Philippine Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez; Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani; ADB president Masatsugu Asakawa; and Dr. Raj Shah, president of The Rockefeller Foundation.

ICTSI’s net income soared by 73% in nine months to $316.4m

By Darwin G. Amojelar INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. said Thursday said net income grew 73 percent in the first nine months from a year ago on improved domestic and international trade this year.

The port operator led by businessman Enrique Razon Jr. said net income amounted to $316.4 million in the ninemonth period, up from $182.6 million it earned in the same period last year.

“We have seen a considerable improvement in trade activities and outperformance in Asia, the Americas and EMEA [Europe, the Middle East and Africa], as economies continue to recover from the impact of the COV-

ID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions ease,” said Razon, chairman and president of ICTSI. “This is extremely encouraging, and the company’s robust financial position provides a foundation to fund capital expenditures entirely through our strong cash flows and continue to grow ICTSI sustainably for the long term benefit of all our stakeholders,” he said.

Razon said ICTSI remained mindful that the pandemic continued to create challenges throughout the industry.

“We have good momentum to deliver further disciplined growth and we look to the future with confidence,” he said.

Gross revenues from port operations went up 24 percent in the first nine months to $1.365 billion from $1.104

billion it reported in the same period in 2020 on the back of higher volume.

“The increase was partially tapered by decline in trade activities at certain terminals primarily due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic,” it said.

ICTSI handled consolidated volume of 8,266,621 twenty-foot equivalent units in the first nine months, 11 percent more than the 7,426,307 TEUs it handled in the same period in 2020.

“The increase in volume was primarily due to volume growth and improvement in trade activities as economies continue to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions, and new shipping lines and services at certain terminals,” ICTSI said.

AC ENERGY Corp. said Thursday consolidated net income attributable to parent company jumped 22 percent in the first nine months to P4.3 billion from P3.5 billion in the same period last year.

“ACEN continues to be a direct beneficiary of the steady resurgence in consumer confidence in both the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific. The company continues to aggressively roll out renewable energy investments in the Philippines and across the region, and is well-positioned to address the tightening supply-demand dynamics, as electricity demand continues to recover and fossil fuels become more expensive,” AC Energy president and chief executive Eric Francia said.

Net income reached P6.373 billion in the first nine months, up 23 percent from P5.163 billion in the same period last year.

“Net income growth was mainly driven by the growth in operating capacity from acquisitions made in 2020 as well as recently completed renewable energy projects,” the company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange. Alena Mae S. Flores

8990 Holdings says income up by 6.5% MASS housing developer 8990 Holdings Inc. said Thursday net income rose 6.5 percent in the third quarter on the back of double-digit growth in sales.

8990 Holdings said in a disclosure to the stock exchange net income in the third quarter reached P1.94 billion, up from P1.84 billion recorded in the same period last year as real estate sales increased 11 percent to P5.33 billion from P4.82 billion.

“Our outstanding results, both for the third quarter of 2021 and for the first nine months of the year, definitely show an increase in confidence for the future from our core market of first-time homebuyers and end users,” 8990 Holdings president and chief executive Anthony Vincent Sotto said.

The company said net income in the first nine months climbed 63 percent to P5.4 billion from P3.3 billion a year earlier. Real estate sales were up by 57.7 to P15.35 billion from P9.7 billion in 2020, led by higher sales in low-cost mass housing, medium-rise condominium units and high-rise condominium units. Jenniffer B. Austria

PLDT income down 4% to P18.8b in 3 quarters PLDT Inc. said Thursday net income fell 4 percent in the first nine months from a year ago on higher expenses and a weak peso.

The country’s largest telecommunications company said net profit dropped from P19.6 billion from January to September last year to P18.8 billion “after taking into account revaluation losses due to the peso’s depreciation this year vis-a -vis the peso appreciation last year.”

PLDT said net income in the third quarter dropped 20.2 percent to P5.9 billion from last year’s P7.4 billion. Telco core income, excluding the impact of asset sales and Voyager Innovations, rose 10 percent to P23.1 billion, helped by lower tax rates.

PLDT said it remained on track to reach full-year core income guidance of P30 billion.

“We are cautiously optimistic that as the economy reopens, we are best positioned to serve our customers through the new normal, as evidenced by our strong results for the first nine months of 2021,” said PLDT president and chief executive

Al Panlilio.

“While all business units continue to show solid performance, this is more apparent in the Home business, where we pushed record installations in recognition of the connectivity needs of our customers,” he said.

Consolidated service revenues amounted to P135.9 billion, up by 7 percent from last year’s P126.58 billion.

The company’s expenses, on the other hand, grew by 14 percent to P113 billion in the first nine months from P127.8 billion in the same period last year.

PLDT’s Home revenues grew by 25 percent to P35.3 billion, boosted by the revenue increase in the third quarter.

Individual wireless revenue grew 3 percent to P65.1 billion despite the challenging market conditions due to limited mobility, economic difficulties and competition.

PLDT’s Enterprise segment recorded a revenue growth of 2 percent to P31.1 billion in the first nine months of the year.

Darwin G. Amojelar

RICE DONATION. Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko (left) and United Nations World Food Program representative and country director Brenda Barton sign and exchange notes for rice donation worth 350 million yen (P162 million) to WFP and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao government. The donation will support farming and fishing households, including decommissioned combatants, indigenous people and their families facing food insecurity in the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao.

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2021

Curry, Embiid carry Sixers past Bulls; Nuggets win

Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball against Tony Bradley of the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. AFP

Taguig Tenement court one of FIBA’s top venue choices

By Randy Caluag

T

HE famous Taguig Tenement basketball court is one of the top choices by the International Basketball Federation for its street basketball play.

In a Facebook post, FIBA came out with six basketball venues from different parts of the world and asked netizens to choose where they think is the best for them to play street basketball.

The courts of choice are found in Taguig, Philippines; Los Angeles, California; Paris, France; Dubrovnic Croatia; Munich, Germany and in the Adriatic Sea which is part of Slovenia.

“You can choose only one spot to play! Which one is your pick?” said the FIBA post.

Eight hours later, Taguig has emerged as the frontrunner thus far with 2.7 re-

actions and 100 comments, followed

by Slovenia with 1.7K reactions and 44 comments.

The Taguig Tenement court, located south of Metro Manila, has become an emotional favorite due to the mural featuring the black and white image of the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant hugging his daughter Gianna.

Made by the members of the Tenement Visual Artists, the Kobe-Gigi mural came about in January this year as a commemoration of the death anniversary of the father and daughter, who died in a helicopter crash in California.

Taguig Tenement court

The mural instantly went viral and was even shown at the Staples Center video board in Los Angeles during the Lakers’ tribute to Kobe prior to the first game of the team’s 2021 NBA Season.

C1

The Kobe-Gigi mural has already been changed last August with the portraits of Tokyo Olympic medalists Hidilyn Diaz, Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, and Eumir Marcial to honor their feats.

The Tenement court, which has become a landmark where basketball and arts meet, regularly rotates mural images—from Michael Jordan, Manny Pacquiao to LeBron James and Steph Curry and the Filipino frontliners during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A landmark in the local hoops scene, the famed court has become a venue where sports meets art.

Among those who visited the Tenement courts were NBA stars James, Bryant, and Filipino-American Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz.

The Slovenia basketball court, constructed in a barge beside a yacht, is majestically situated at the Adriatic sea.

LOS ANGELES—Seth Curry and Joel Embiid led the way as a depleted Philadelphia 76ers handed the Chicago Bulls only their second defeat of the season on Wednesday.

The Sixers, missing unsettled star Ben Simmons as well as Danny Green and Tobias Harris—out with a hamstring injury and Covid-19, respectively—led almost from start to finish at the Wells Fargo Center to clinch a 103-98 victory.

Curry led the scorers for Philadelphia with 22 points while Embiid and Georges Niang both had 18 points as the Sixers improved to 6-2.

Chicago’s DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls scorers with 37 points while Zach Lavine had 27.

Only one other Bulls player— Lonzo Ball with 13 points— made double figures.

Elsewhere Wednesday, Nikola Jokic posted a game-high 34 points but it was not enough to stop the Denver Nuggets from falling to a 108-106 defeat to the in-form Memphis Grizzlies.

Reigning NBA MVP Jokic had 11 rebounds with five assists while Will Barton added 26 points for Denver.

But the visitors were undone by another potent all-round offensive performance from Memphis who spread the scoring with six players in double digits.

The Grizzlies combined for 16 threepointers throughout a hard-fought game which was only settled in the final seconds after Denver recovered from a 3719 first quarter mauling.

Jaren Jackson Jr. had 22 points while Ja Morant added 18. Desmond Bane and Kyle Anderson chipped in with 16 points each.

Memphis improved to 5-3 with the win while the Nuggets fell to 4-4.

In New York, the Brooklyn Nets romped to a third straight victory with a 117-108 defeat of the Atlanta Hawks.

Kevin Durant delivered 32 points, seven rebounds and five assists with support from Joe Harris (18 p oi n t s), James Harden (16) and Patty Mills (14). AFP

Medical Tolentino thanks Saso for donning PH colors Depot hands SJ 1st setback in Filbasket MEDICAL Depot dealt San Juan its f irst loss in four matches with a 6967 victor y Wednesday in the Filbasket Subic Championship at the Subic gym.

Simon Camacho posted a double-double of 19 points and 16 rebounds to pace Medical Depot and even its win-loss tally to 2-2.

Christian Moralde also helped with 19 points on top of six rebounds, three assists and two steals as Medical Depot rose from a 54-51 third-quarter deficit en route to the win.

(See C2 for related Filbasket story) Medical Depot’s victory overshadowed the efforts of Alvin Abundo, Adrian Nocum and Arvin Gamboa for the San Juan Knights after the trio combined for 38 points.

In the nightcap, Burlington EOG Sports edged Mtrans Buracai de LaiyaBatangas City Tanduay, 86-83.

John Paul Maguilano drained 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds, while Jeymark Mallari and Jhan Mernal added 11 points as Burlington improved to 2-2.

Mtrans-Batangas City fell to 2-2.

PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino thanked Yuka Saso for having represented the country in major global competitions with a flourish and expressed belief that despite her decision to embrace Japanese citizenship, “she remains a Filipino by heart.”

“Still, she was born here in the Philippines so by heart she represents both,” said Tolentino the day after Saso told Japanese media that she will opt for her father’s nationality when she turns 22 in two years.

“I would like to thank her personally for representing our country for the past years,,” Tolentino said. “Her per-

sonal business decision will develop her more as a person and athlete … carrying a Japanese passport for every international tournament helps a lot, imagine no visa needed.”

Tolentino added: “Health care and social benefits, too, plus the big sponsorships from Japan.”

The Philippines lost a gem after reigning US Women’s Open champion Saso announced on Wednesday her decision to choose Japanese citizenship when she turns 22 on June 20, 2023.

Japanese laws allow its people with dual citizenship to choose their nationality when they turn 22.

Saso was born to a Japanese fa-

ther and a Filipino mother in San Ildefonso, Bulacan.

“I chose Japan because of its nationality law,” Saso told Japanese media on Wednesday. “I have in my heart that I am both Japanese and Filipino no matter which one I choose.”

“I am full of gratitude for being able to play in Japan again,” said Saso, a two-time winner in the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour.

Saso won individual and team gold medals at the Jakarta 2018 Asian Games and represented the Philippines at the Tokyo Olympics along with Bianca Pagdanganan and Juvic POC president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino Pagunsan. with Yuka Saso

Constantino storms to 2-stroke lead at Aoki classic

Harmie Constantino

GEN. TRIAS, Cavite—Harmie Constantino shouldered herself past amateur Mafy Singson with a scorching finish, shooting a 70 to rally from four down and into a two-stroke lead after 36 holes of the ICTSI Aoki Classic at Eagle Ridge here yesterday.

Constantino shook off another rollercoaster frontside 37 with three birdies in the last six holes then watched Singson succumb to pressure and yield strokes on Nos. 16 and 18 to move 18 holes away from completing back-to-back feat here after beating absentee Princess Superal by two in the ICTSI Eagle Ridge Challenge last March.

“It was a little rough start in the first nine holes but I made it up at the backnine and shot three-under,” said Constantino, whose 143 aggregate gave her a twoshot cushion over Singson, who actually padded her lead with a gutsy 36 after nine holes.

But she wavered when the going got tougher, fumbling with four bogeys against a birdie in the last eight holes as she limped with a 75 after she and fellow amateur Laurea Duque upstaged Constantino and the other pros with 70 and 72, respectively, in Wednesday’s opener of the P750,000 event marking the third restart of the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour put up by ICTSI. “My game is okay but I’m not so happy with it,” said Singson, who rued a number of missed putts that led to bogeys in the closing holes.

She, however, remained confident of her chances but stressed the need to toughen up in the last 18 holes to at least measure up with Constantino.

“I need to play steady and consistent, try to hit more

greens and make the putts,” said Singson.

Despite her lead, Constantino, who slowed down at Sherwood (third) and Eagle Ridge-Norman (fourth) last July after spiking her pro debut with a victory, also underlined the need for consistency to post another top podium finish again in the bubble tournament organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. “I must play steady and try not to make many mistakes,” she said.

Though no lead is safe at Aoki, the rest will need to go low to contend as Sunshine Baraquiel matched par 72 and Chihiro Ikeda carded a 73 to tie Duque, who skied to a 77, at third at 149, six strokes off Constantino.

Baraquiel turned in an impressive two-birdie, one-bogey card at the front but bogeyed Nos. 10 and 13 before birdying the par-5 16th to salvage a 35-27 while Ikeda missed seizing solo third with a bogey on the last hole for a 37-36.

Duque failed to match her opening 72 with a slew of miscues at the front then holed out with a doublebogey for a 38-39 marred by five bogeys against two birdies.

Chanelle Avaricio, runner-up to Superal in the last two events before the circuit took a three-month break, recovered from a disastrous opening 79 with a one-birdie, onebogey round. But her 72 and a 151 kept her way behind Constantino.

Marvi Monsalve also struggled trying to equal her first round 74 as she fumbled with a 77 and slipped to joint sixth with Avaricio while Burberry Zhang, another amateur, carded a 75 for a 152 and Daniella Uy also turned in a threeunder card for a 153.

C2

Sports

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2021

Registration for PSC’s MAKE It Sports starts Friday

COCOLIFE Tigers maul Makati Army THE Davao Occidental COCOLIFE Tigers dominated dangerous FSD Makati Army, 82-69, in the elimination round of the new Filipino Basketball League Wednesday night at Subic Bay Gymnasium, SBMA in Olongapo City.

The reigning MPBL Lakan Cup national champion Tigers from Mindanao, owned by Davao Occidental Gov. Claude Bautista, Rep. Claudine Bautista-Lim, manager Dinko Bautista and supported by COCOLIFE president Atty. Jose Martin Loon, SVP Joseph Ronquillo, VP Rowena Asnan and EVP Franz Joie Araque, took control of the game in the second quarter after a close 1718 advantage by the Armymen in the opening salvo.

FILBASKET’s Best Player of the Game in Chris Lalata waxed hot with a trey and a pair of twinners, and was ably supported by Alwyn Alday, Paulo Hubalde and Gab Dadangon, while big men Jerwyn Gaco and Allen Santos silenced Army gunners Bren Motol, Paul dela Pena and Jopher Custodio to erect a double-digit lead of 40-27, 1:30 left before halftime.

Veteran Billy Ray Robles, prized shooter John Wilson and playmakers Bonbon Custodio and Robbie Celis then joined efforts in the third canto to widen the gap, 68-53, going to the final period.

Jopher Custodio’s treys and Motol’s strong drives to the hoop ignited a minor uprising by the Makati squad, but was thwarted easily by Davao on both ends.

Lalata, Robles, Dagangon, Celis and Santos stayed focused in protecting the Tigers’ lead to prevent another meltdown they suffered against Nueva Ecija Besprens a couple of games ago.

Davao COCOLIFE now totes a 3-1 win-loss card, snapping an attempt of a back-to-back win by the Makati Armymen, who disposed of the Novo Ecijanos last Tuesday at the basketball bubble.

“Ready lang palagi at stay focused every game. Anybody kasi sa amin puwedeng mag-excel anytime,” said Lalata, who had 11 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals as he acknowledged the motivation and confidence extended to him by coach Matt Makalintal, deputy team manager Ray Alao and management.

Hamilton hopes Mercedes can avoid altitude sickness Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton races during the Formula One United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. AFP

M

EXICO CITY—Lewis Hamilton will be hoping his Mercedes team have overcome their occasional altitude sickness this weekend as he bids to beat Red Bull’s Max Verstappen at the Mexican Grand Prix.

The defending seven-time world champion, who is bidding to overhaul the Dutchman’s 12-point advantage in the drivers’ championship, knows he needs to respond after losing to his rival in Texas last month.

With five races to go, both men will be seeking a third win in five Mexican outings since 2016 in the rarefied atmosphere at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, which is 2,285 metres (7,500 feet) above sea level and frequently the scene of high drama.

The thin air usually plays a part by diminishing the performance of teams’ power-units, with the turbo-chargers required to spin faster to make up for lost performance. In turn, this can create other problems and often deliver surprise results.

‘Layer of the unknown’ Mercedes have often struggled with the altitude while Red Bull have done well, Verstappen winning in 2017 and 2018. But Hamilton won in 2016 and 2019, when the race was last held before the COVID-19 pandemic, and Mercedes retain optimism that this year they will cope better.

“Red Bull have gone well here in the

past and it hasn’t been our strongest circuit, but this year has shown that anything is possible and circuits where you were previously weak, you are suddenly strong—and vice versa,” said team boss Toto Wolff.

“It adds a layer of the unknown in the build-up, which only increases the excitement. We’ll keep taking things race by race and preparing the best we can and we’ll be ready to hit the ground running on Friday.”

Hamilton’s team-mate Valtteri Bottas was also relatively upbeat. “Mexico, we know, has usually been a bit of a weakness for us. It feels like in recent years quite a big chunk has been taken from the power unit with the high altitude.

“But I think we’ve been able to optimise a lot since so I expect us to be in a better place than in recent years.”

Like Hamilton, Bottas will have his work cut out as he bids to beat his Honda-powered Red Bull counterpart and local hero Sergio Perez as Mercedes seek to retain or consolidate their 23-point lead in the constructors’ championship.

Both teams will make reliability a

priority and therefore not take great risks, knowing that a non-finish at this stage of the season could prove decisive, but the drivers are sure to be intensely motivated as their closely-fought title duel approaches a climax.

That could lead to more spectacular incidents on a fast track that offers slipstreaming opportunities in front of a raucous crowd, packed into towering grandstands around the baseball stadium section.

Hamilton and Verstappen have collided already at the British and Italian Grands Prix and three-time champion Jackie Stewart warned both drivers to avoid getting “too carried away with the need to win a race”, adding: “I think they are both overdoing it a bit.”

Speaking to Motorsport-Magazin. com, Stewart said Verstappen would not have survived his Silverstone accident—when he flew into the barriers after contact with Hamilton —in his racing era in the 1960s and 1970s.

“The accident that happened at Silverstone—in my time he would have died,” he said. “They both did things they shouldn’t have done so early in the race.”

Behind the title contenders, Ferrari are expected to make the most of their new power-unit in their scrap with McLaren for third place, a battle likely to see Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz racing closely against Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo. AFP

THE Philippine Sports Commission is inviting sports-minded individuals to an open learning experience called MAKE It Sports.

The project is a module-based, asynchronous learning opportunity for people from all involvements in sports.

Registration for the program will start on Friday.

MAKE in “MAKE It Sports” stands for Modules for Asynchronous Knowledge Enhancement. The aim is to provide information on different topics in everyday life which touch the boundaries of sports like law, medicine, economics, technology, among many other topics. This project is an offshoot of the National Sports Summit and will invite prominent speakers.

PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez explained that “learning never stops. For some of our athletes, studies gave way to their training, but learning should never stop. We must find a way.”

MAKE It Sports will feature modules that participants can learn at their own pace and time. They can opt to apply for certification by getting the exam. The courses will be given exclusively to registered learners for the first three months, after which the courses will be uploaded to the PSC’s website for public access.

Ramirez cites the topics as practical and can be applied to daily life as it intersects with their sports life.

“They can be an athlete, a teacher, a coach, an administrator but knowledge on the law as it applies to sports is very useful,” explained Ramirez, a coach, and teacher before he became the PSC’s man-at- the-helm.

The first module to be released will deal with Sports Law, to be discussed by sports law-for-all advocate and Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation President, Atty. Alberto Agra. Two other modules which will be available this month are courses on Arbitration in Sports and Netball.

MAKE it Sports is an off shoot of the National Sports Summit 2021, the participants of which requested the continuation of similar learning activities. The NSS gathered more than 13,000 participants in the course of its first phase’s conduct.

Tsitsipas retires with arm injury; seeds fail PARIS—French Open finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas headed a long list of seeds to exit the Paris Masters on Wednesday as an arm injury forced him to retire from a match for the first time in his career.

The 23-year-old Greek was clearly out of sorts from the beginning of his second-round match with Australian lucky loser Alexei Popyrin and gave up the ghost when trailing 4-2 in the first set.

Tsitsipas, ranked three in the world, said he was more concerned about ensuring he is fit for the season-ending ATP finals in Turin.

“I haven’t retired once in my life, and it was something that I had to do today,” the Greek said.

“Also I’m trying to be cautious for the next tournament which is the most important one for me.”

Tsitsipas refused to divulge what the exact nature of the problem was, but said it had been an issue for a while.

Unlike Tsitsipas, fourth seed Alexander Zverev saw out his match against Serb Dusan Lajovic, despite struggling with a painful neck, winning in straight sets 6-3, 7-6 (7/5).

Earlier, US Open semi-finalist Felix AugerAliassime slumped to a straight sets defeat to Dominik Koepfer, who had knocked out former world number one Andy Murray in the first round.

The 21-year-old Canadian’s disappointment was compounded by the fact the 6-3, 7-5 defeat also ended his hopes of reaching the ATP Finals.

The ninth seed had required three sets on Tuesday to overcome Italian qualifier Gianluca Mager but there was no way back against lucky loser Koepfer and Auger-Aliassime’s cause was not helped by eight double faults.

“I fought against myself some times,” he said.

“I was motivated to have a good week here, so of course I’m greatly disappointed.”

Taylor Fritz, who knows what it is like to lose to Koepfer having fallen to him in this year’s French Open, sent fifth seed Andrey Rublev packing 7-5, 7-6 (7/2).

A broad grin spread over the big-serving American’s face, a stark contrast to the grimace of pain as he exited Roland Garros in a wheelchair having injured his knee in his defeat by Koepfer.

Fritz plays the in-form British number one Cameron Norrie in the last 16 after he beat another powerful American, Reilly Opelka, 6-3, 6-4.

‘It is cool’ There was joy for the sizeable home crowd as French qualifier Hugo Gaston, ranked 103rd in the world, beat Spanish 12th seed Pablo Carreno Busta 6-7 (3/7), 6-4, 7-5.

Gaston, 21, refused to compare his victory

to that of last year’s French Open when he beat Stan Wawrinka, but enjoyed the moment all the same.

“I had nothing to lose, it was crucial that I play my natural game so I had no regrets at the end of the match,” he said.

“It is cool to have the chance to play another game here.”

Gaston will play fast-rising Spanish 18-yearold Carlos Alcaraz after he ousted another seed, the in-form Jannik Sinner.

Alcaraz, who reached the US Open quarterfinals before retiring with a thigh injury against Auger-Aliassime, saw off the eighth-seeded Italian 7-6 (7/1), 7-5.

“I knew that he was going to be a top player already when I played him in 2019 on the clay in the Challenger Tour,” said Sinner of Alcaraz.

Alcaraz and indeed Sinner will aspire to challenge number one Novak Djokovic and number two Daniil Medvedev in the years to come.

Medvedev has dreams of toppling Djokovic, the man he calls his friend, as year-end world number one.

The 25-year-old Russian—who dashed Djokovic’s dreams of a Grand Slam sweep by beating him in September’s US Open final— eased to a routine 7-5, 6-4 win over Ilya Ivashka of Belarus. AFP

Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas serves the ball to Australia’s Alexei Popyrin during their men’s singles tennis match on day three of the ATP Paris Masters at The AccorHotels Arena in Paris. AFP

Catalan battles Silva in rematch at ONE: NEXTGEN III Rene Catalan

FORMER ONE Strawweight World Title contender Rene “The Challenger” Catalan marks his long-awaited return to ONE Championship in the final card of the organization’s NEXTGEN series.

Catalan takes on former ONE Strawweight World Champion Alex “Little Rock” Silva in a clash between two divisional veterans at the previously taped ONE: NEXTGEN III, which airs on November 16 from the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

The Catalan Fighting System founder is eager to bounce back, especially after being on the wrong end of a highlight-reel finish when he lost to #2-ranked Bokang “Little Giant” Masunyane

late last year.

For Catalan, there’s no better way to bounce back than by beating a former World Champion in Silva.

“I’m inspired, there’s a fire in my heart, and I’m eager to bounce back,” Catalan said.

This clash is actually a rematch of their first match back in 2013, where the Brazilian submitted Catalan in under one round. It was the Filipino’s first mixed martial arts bout after a successful international wushu career.

Much has changed between the two fighters since then, and for the better. Silva went on to win the ONE Strawweight World Title in 2017 while Catalan challenged for it after racking

up six straight victories in 2019, only to lose to reigning king Joshua “The Passion” Pacio.

Now, they meet eight years later as pillars of the division looking for one more run at the World Title.

In addition to that bout, Team Lakay’s Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang finally takes on Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks in the main event.

Moreover, in the co-main event, former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Alaverdi “Babyface Killer” Ramazanov takes on Pongsiri PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym in a threeround Muay Thai bout.

Catch all the ONE Championship action by downloading the ONE Super App.

Entertainment

From Tiktok to P-Pop fame

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2021

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New boy group crosses over to mainstream entertainment

NEW KIDS ON THE P-POP BLOCK. Beyond Zero is a seven-member boy group composed of talented social media personalities who found fame on the popular app, Tiktok.

W

HO is Beyond Zero?

On Tuesday, Nov. 2, talent management House of Mentorque staged a grand launch held at The Okada Manila to introduce a new P-pop group composed of seven talented social media personalities who are called Beyond Zero.

Speaking to Manila Standard Entertainment, House of Mentorque CEO

John Brian Diamante said that the talent management is banking on the group’s digital fame.

Collectively, the group, formed some eight months ago, has over 1.3 billion views on the popular social media app, Tiktok, where members share their talents in dancing with their millions of followers.

They also have 12.5 million digital audiences worldwide.

“We’re gambling on these young talents because we see their potential and there are more than a hundred people working

for Beyond Zero. Ganoong kalaki ang paniwala namin sa potential ng mga bata,” Diamante shared.

“Our dream for Beyond Zero is to go global. We will never stop. I always look into their eyes, I see fire and desire. They are as hungry as their fans. We are excited for this Pinoy talent and music to be part of the global scene,” he added.

Beyond Zero is composed of Andrei Trazona, Jester Kyle,Duke Cruz, Jieven Aguilar, Wayne Gallego, Khel Figueroa, and Mathew Echavez who all share

Miss Aura International 2021 Alexandra Faith Garcia

takes us, never doubt yourself that one day all of your dreams will come true,” Garcia said holding back her tears.

“It’s an honor and privilege to be crowned as Miss Aura International 2021. I know deep down in my heart that this crown comes with a big responsibility. I will forever take this crown as a symbol of bringing a good Aura to each and everyone,” the Olongapo native added.

Garcia will travel the world as part of her duty as Miss Aura International 2021. She said that she would continue to support the Department of Agriculture’s F.A.I.T.H (Food Always In The Home) project campaign and is opening herself for more collaborations with other organizations.

Garcia believes in promoting an agriculture-driven economy, especially, in building a resilient and fast recovery from the pandemic, as one of her advocacies.

“Growing your food in your own backyard may be the best thing we can do for our own health and family and to have food security during this pandemic,” Garcia maintained.

“A lot of people have been affected by the pandemic in many ways. We continue with our struggles but this is just a challenge for us to become tougher in life. Just continue to have faith in God and trust in oneself that in every dawn there is always a new day full of positivity waiting for us. Let’s be grateful in all the little things that we receive, and to just spread love in these most trying times,” Garcia’s message to the Filipinos.

Garcia was warmly received by her Miss Aura International Philippines team including mentor Rodgil Flores of Kagandang Flores beauty camp, fashion designer Cathy Capistrano and Mrs. Universe Tourism Philippines Chrizzie Escalante. Read full column article on manilastandard.net

name, Duke Cruz, who is also the leader, said that it’s a constant reminder for them to stay grounded.

“We all had nothing before we became social media personalities. We all started from zero, and with our effort we’re able to build our audience. So, it’s a reminder of where we came from and what we wanted to achieve as a group,” Cruz explained.

As the “newest kids” on the P-pop block, the group believes that their talents and their commitment to their craft are their advantage. And they don’t mind being compared with P-Pop’s more established boy groups.

“As all of you know, we were TikTokers before all of these happened,” Trazona said. “We really think that the fans, we may lose some, but we will gain more once we finally release our single. The more na pagsisikapan namin ito, the more confident we are about our brand.

“We know that we can actually make it. SB19 has the K-pop influence. We, Beyond Zero, came from the dance community. We have the hip-hop influence and we are very proud of that. That we are part of the hip-hop community will give us the edge to go global,” Trazona ended.

Stories of love, inspiration, hope in ‘MMK’ 30th anniversary episodes

The ‘corona’ any beauty queen wouldn’t wish for BACK in Manila from Istanbul, Alexandra Faith Garcia was a vision of pride and excitement coming home wearing the Miss Aura International 2021 crown she won in October. But she didn’t know she was also carrying another ‘corona.’

The homecoming queen had tested positive for COVID-19, the ‘corona’ that no one would ever wish for in her life, she said. Asymptomatic, Garcia took a five-day quarantine upon her arrival and spent 11 days in an isolation facility until she completely recovered.

Finally, back on her feet, the 28-yearold businesswoman and former triathlete did not show any trace of her experience with the ‘corona’, looking every inch a Miss Aura queen of beauty and grace during a homecoming victory press conference recently held in her honor.

“I so happy to be back and I’m feeling emotional to be standing before you realizing that dreams do come true as long as you don’t stop believing in yourself, in whatever paths our life

the same degree of commitment to their dreams of becoming entertainment icons.

In the virtual launch, these future idols were introduced to the media and showcased their individual skills to prove why they are worthy to be part of the group.

They were warmly supported by other social media personalities like Ken San Jose, Argie Roquero, YukiTakahashi, Franz Mialo, Ralph Alfaro, Andrea Pauline, and Austin Ong who also performed.

Beyond Zero is currently housed together undergoing rigid daily training to hone their skills. It is being filmed and will be shown in a six-part documentary series on ktx.ph starting on Dec. 18, hosted by Jessy Mendiola.

On each episode, we’ll get to know more about their personal lives and their sacrifices as a group to reach where they are today. Their million supporters are also in for a treat as Beyond Zero performs in their launching concert set on Dec. 3, to be aired globally via ktx.ph.

Guest performers include Sexbomb Dancers, Maneuvers, Ace Ramos, MarsMiranda, Quest, and JROA. Asked how the group came up with its

Enchong Dee (center) on the set of MMK’s latest episode airing tomorrow night.

LONGEST running drama anthology MMK celebrates its 30th anniversary this November with stories full of inspiration, hope,ss and love, starring Enchong Dee, Coco Martin, Anne Curtis, Dimples Romana, and Angel Locsin.

Opening the month is the story of Edwin

Pranada, played by Enchong Dee. Edwin grows up finding value in his mother’s praises for his siblings every time they bring food and money to their family.

At first, he tries to earn by collecting garbage. But then Edwin gets tired of waiting and resorts to tricking people and selling drugs. See how he will change his habits and become a renowned cosmetic tattooist giving free service for people suffering from alopecia this Nov. 6 (Saturday).

MMK re-airs the first team-up of Coco and Jodi on the small screen on Nov.13. Coco plays Ramon, who does underground boxing for a living. But for his wife Mila (Jodi) and his son, he decides to change his job. However, as Ramon tries to find another job, he commits a crime that makes his family hate him. Watch how he will realize his mistakes and be a better father and husband to his family.

Throughout her childhood, Marrz

(Anne) knows that she is not like his sisters. Because her father disapproves of her gender, Marrz goes to Hong Kong to find the freedom and independence she dreams of and help her family. Despite all the judgment from people, Marrz will inspire people to embrace themselves for who they are on Nov. 20.

Viewers can also revisit the 2018 Asian Academy Creative Awards Best Single Drama/Telemovie episode of Angel and Dimples titled “Kotse-Kotsehan. Watch Samina’s (Angel) point of view on how she found Idai’s (Dimples) son, who is perceived to be kidnapped, and how she will prove her innocence to regain her freedom on Nov.27.

MMK airs on Kapamilya Channel and A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live on ABSCBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Facebook page, and iWantTFC. For viewers outside of the Philippines, catch it on The Filipino Channel on cable and IPTV.

‘Balitanghali’ marks 16 years of serving hottest news AS IT celebrates its 16th year this November, Balitanghali remains the preferred midday news source by viewers and critics alike.

Since its launch in 2005, Balitanghali has become an alternative to the usual noontime offerings, setting a trend and prompting other networks to follow suit.

At the 42nd Catholic Mass Media Awards, Balitanghali took home the “Best Special Event Coverage’’ award for its coverage of the eruption of Taal Volcano in 2020.

Balitanghali is anchored by seasoned journalists Raffy Tima and Connie Sison.

Tima has done coverage here and abroad, with some of his stories reaping honors from prestigious award-giving bodies including the New York Festivals and US International Film and Video Festival. He is also a twotime Best Male Newscaster awardee at the PMPC Star Awards for Television.

Sison also has her own share of awards. In

2018, she represented the Philippines at the Monte-Carlo TV Festival in Monaco for her outstanding coverage of the Resorts World Attack for Unang Hirit in June 2017. She is also the very first recipient of the Department of Science and Technology’s Bantog Award for Media Practitioner in Television for Pinoy MD. Tima and Sison only have words of gratitude to the public for Balitanghali’s continued success.

“Balitanghali has immensely shaped my journalistic career since I have spent most of my years in broadcasting anchoring Balitanghali. I am able to put to use the knowledge and experience I get from field reporting when I interview big personalities and experts in the newscast,” says Tima.

Meanwhile, Sison takes pride in being able to deliver Serbisyong Totoo through the program. “Through its vast reach, I am able to

‘Balitanghati’ hosts Raffy Tima and Connie Sison

carry out one of my purposes in life—which is to give voice to our kababayans and help bring solution to their plight,” she shares.

Catch Balitanghali, weekdays at 11:00 a.m. after GTV Reality strip on GTV. Viewers abroad can watch the newscast on the network’s international channel, GMA News TV.

Life

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

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TRAVEL AND LEISURE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2021

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AXXED and bags packed, travelers are now planning their next trips.

With the easing of restrictions on leisure travel, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has started to promote the tourism circuits it had been developing throughout the year. The destinations highlighted are those with a high number of vaccinated workers.

For those looking for a gastronomic and culture-rich trip, the Tourism department offers its Pampanga-ClarkCebu City interregional tour that involves a diverse set of tourism attractions and experiences.

“We have been ramping up our efforts to vaccinate our tourism workers so that we restore confidence in people to travel again,” begins Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat.

She continues, “With the resumption of leisure travel, we are encouraging tourists to visit destinations that have a high number of fully vaccinated tourism workers.”

In Pampanga, including Clark Freeport Zone, 92 percent of the province’s tourism workers have already been vaccinated.

Tourists can safely visit the restaurants of Pampanga, the country’s culinary capital, and explore the province’s sites, such as the Bacolor Church, Mt. Arayat National Park, Diaspora Farm Resort, Lubao Bamboo Hub, and the various attractions at the Clark Freeport Zone, like Clark Natural Park, Dinosaur Island, and Clark Museum, to name a few.

In Metro Cebu, which includes Cebu City, 93.7 percent of tourism workers have been inoculated, offering a layer of Magellan’s Cross, one of the most popular destinations in Cebu.

From Clark to Cebu DOT spotlights interregional tours

Cebu City’s ‘Mini Amsterdam’, Sirao Flower Garden is filled with rows of colorful celosia and other blooms. (Photo courtesy of Cebu City Tour)

protection to travelers visiting Adlawon Farm, Sirao Flower Garden, Magellan’s Cross, Sto. Nino Church, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Plaza Hamabar, Cebu Heritage Monument, Colon Obelisk, and Museo Sugbo, among others.

This particular interregional tour showcases not only the best of PamClark Museum features four galleries devoted to the history of Clark, Pampanga.

panga, Clark, and Cebu City, but also encourages safe travel by air and highlights alternative gateways that tourists can utilize, such as the Clark International Airport and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Current available Cebu-Clark-Cebu flights are serviced by Philippine Air-

lines every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, and by Cebu Pacific every Tuesday and Thursday.

With the reopening of domestic tourism in the country, the DOT chief says they aim to provide more meaningful experience for travelers while also supporting the restart of the tourism indus-

DOT’s interregional tours highlight alternative gateways tourists can utilize, such as the Clark International Airport. (Photo courtesy of DOT Region III)

try and its allied sectors, such as the aviation industry.

For more updates about open destinations in the Philippines and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, go to www.philippines. travel or download the Travel Philippines app.

Lubao Bamboo Hub and Eco Park in Sta. Catalina. (Photo from @ bamboohublubao)

ONLINE CONCERT

Life in 3D

THERE are many beautiful quotes about good books. American novelist, author of “Little Women” Louisa May Alcott said, “Good books, like good friends, are few and chosen, the more select, the more enjoyable.” Roman philosopher and orator Cicero declared, “A room without books is like a body without a soul.”

But my favorite quote is the one that The back cover features the author’s says, “We lose ourselves in books, yet The stairway to success and excellence postscript. dominates the book’s front cover designed we find ourselves there, too!” And this by its publisher, Amazon. couldn’t have been more true as in this newly published book, Life (In 3D) Es- times, the smallest push is enough to start one go, like how Popeye immediately gets sential Skills for Self-Improvement and an avalanche. That’s exactly what I hope his strength from a can of spinach. Maybe Personal Leadership. It is so informative to happen in your life after you read this there are instances of this temporary boost that one practically loses himself leafing book. The little improvements and tips of confidence, but this feeling fades just as through its pages, yet, after going through that are in these pages are the little peb- quickly as it comes.”

There are many other interesting selfall its enlightening chapters, one finds bles that work with Gravity to make the himself again, this time, transformed into snowy mountainside cascade into a won- help tips in this book, all of them pointing a better version, ready to face the chal- derful whitewash of betterment for you towards giving the reader the key to live… and lead…in a “better, brighter world”. It and your life.” lenges of our highly competitive world.

As for the 3Ds, the author starts with Di- covers several fields of endeavor — MuAnd, just like how “3D” adds depth and dimension to an otherwise flat pho- rection by enumerating the steps involved sic, Theater, Dance, Martial Arts, Culitograph, the book harnesses 3Ds — Di- in Goal Setting, reminding the reader that, nary Arts, Ministry Work, even Power rection, Dedication, Devotion — for the “When you have a clear vision of what your Dressing, and Personal Finance. Small reader’s self-improvement and skillful goals are, you must then plan the route and wonder, because my son is a Marketing leadership, as he metamorphoses into the measure that you will take in order to jack-of-all-trades, having been in differa crystal clear, multifaceted, more im- reach that goal. That plan should ideally ent marketing positions in various fields pressive member of society, very well take the shortest possible path and incur the and companies for more than 15 years. He is also a teacher, a motivational speaker, equipped to hurdle whatever mundane least possible cost.”

As for Dedication, he starts the chap- and a financial advisor. obstacles there may be.

The book’s postscript reads, “To ter by citing Michael Jordan’s passion Most of all, bear with me as I shout for excellence, “Challenges and get ahead and stand out, you need to to the world why I’m very proud of obstacles didn’t scare MJ, they fully appreciate all aspects of Life itthis book — it is written by my motivated him. He saw them as self. Life (In 3D) breaks it down into eldest son, Juan Carlos, and those trophies for the taking…sometaking…some categories that help you improve your who have bought their copies rave times he’d win, sometimes situation regardless of what point in about how the easy-to-follow tips he’d lose, but he would always life you are. Whether you’re a parent have led them to introspection, step up to the challenge — ‘I trying to mold your children into outtowards discovering what self imcan accept failure. EveryEvery standing individuals, or a teen trying provements they have to embark one fails at something. to find your place in the world, or an on to excel in everything they I can’t accept not ordinary individual trying to be exdo. Some even exclaimed traordinary, this book will help you trying.’” that, with the first On Devotion, make your way forward and upward.” chapter alone, Your copies of the 108-page Life (In “Nothing says ‘devo‘devo they already got tion to yourself’ betbet 3D) Essential Skills for Self-Improvement back what they ter than the thought and Personal Leadership may be obpaid for…music and the belief that you tained through 0920-932-7602 or may be to the ears of a can do it. Self-confiSelf-confi ordered through Amazon.

Proud Papa here. dence is developed as Let me share with you a The book’s author, Juan Carlos, For feedback, I’m a habit and isn’t somesome few lines from the book. is my eldest son. at bobzozobrado@gmail.com thing you acquire in Its intro says, “Some-

Classical pianist Inna Montesclaros is the featured act at Sunshine Place’s ongoing online concert, Nostalgia.

Multi-awarded pianist plays the classics VIEWERS of recreation center Sunshine Place’s online concert can journey own memory lane as they listen to classical music.

Multi-awarded pianist Inna Montesclaros performs selections from Franz Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 10, Sonetto 104 del Petrarca and Harmonies du Soir as well as Liszt’s Widmung with Robert Schumann and George Enescu’s Piano Suite No. 2 for the Nostalgia online concert ongoing until Dec. 31.

Montesclaros finished her Bachelor of Music Degree at the Royal College of Music in London, and her Master of Arts Degree and Advanced Diploma at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

She won the gold at the 2009 Asia International Piano Academy Festival and Competition in Cheonan, South Korea; the silver at the 1st International Piano Competition in Ha-

noi, Vietnam in 2010; and the bronze prize and sole winner in the Concerto B Category at the 4th International Chopin Piano Competition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2010. She has performed solo concerts in various venues around the world.

To watch Nostalgia, interested viewers may purchase a ticket through Mariel Ilusorio at 0917-7092255 or marielilusorio@hotmail. com. They will get a private link to the concert upon ticket purchase.

Viewers can access the concert video as many times as they want.

The Sunshine Place, a senior recreation center under the Felicidad Tan Sy Foundation, is a venue for adults to live actively, through engaging in recreational classes and age-appropriate physical training programs.

Go to www.sunshineplaceph.com for more information.