Manila Standard - 2021 November 18 - Thursday

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(Story on A4) RODY WOOS SOLONS FOR GO-SARA; LAKAS, PARTIDO FEDERAL SET BBM-SARA

VOL. XXXV • NO. 276 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SEN. BONG GO

By Maricel V. Cruz, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Vito Barcelo PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has sought the support of congressmen for the Christopher Go-Sara Duterte-Carpio tandem for the May 2022 national elections.

In a meeting at Malacanang Tuesday night, Duterte also sought the support of the congressmen for his own candidacy for senator.

Diwa Party-list Rep. Michael Edgar Aglipay, one of the congressmen who attended the supposed “relaxed dinner-meeting” with the President said about 100 congressmen led by Next page

Sara new Lakas chairman as Revilla gives way

By Maricel V. Cruz DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio accepted Wednesday the chairmanship of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), the political party leading her campaign for the second top post in the May 2022 polls.

This comes after Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. earlier in the day offered his position to the presidential daughter.

“I am honored to accept the chairmanship of Lakas-CMD,” DuterteCarpio said in a statement released by her spokesperson, Liloan, Cebu Mayor

MAYOR SARA DUTERTE-CARPIO

Christina Frasco.

“Together with the party, I look forward to waging a successful campaign for Uniteam BBM-Sara, with the invaluable support of our fellow Filipinos,” she added.

On November 11, she joined LakasCMD after leaving Hugpong ng Pagbabago, the regional party she founded.

Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez belied rumors about a supposed coup to effect a change of leadership at the chamber which would have come from Lakas-CMD. Romualdez, Lakas-CMD president Next page

EX-SEN. BONGBONG MARCOS

By Rey E. Requejo THE tandem between former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas and Davao City Mayor Inday Sara DuterteCarpio of Lakas-CMD as presidential and vice presidential candidates, respectively, in 2022 national elections has been successfully firmed up and finalized.

Both camps confirmed that the Marcos-Duterte-Carpio tandem would be the team-up that the PFP and Lakas-CMD would be strongly campaigning for under the banner of “unifying leadership” for the country should they win the 2022 elections.

Next page

Govt gears up for reopening Dominguez sees Alert Level 1 by new year, tells businesses to operate at full capacity

By Julito G. Rada, Othel V. Campos and Willie Casas

F

INANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said he and the entire economic team are optimistic the country will shift to the looser Alert Level 1 by the start of 2022 due to the government’s aggressive vaccination program, which will boost the economy in the coming months.

In his message on Wednesday during the 47th Philippine Business Conference and Expo organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Dominguez said the arrival of an adequate supply of vaccines and an aggressive COVID-19 inoculation program starting in the third quarter allowed more people to return to work.

Under Alert Level I, all businesses are allowed to operate at full-site capacity, subject to minimum public health standards.

Dominguez urged businesses to prepare to thrive under the terms of this new economy, particularly

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III administers a Pfizer booster shot against COVID-19 to a health worker of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute in Quezon City on Nov. 17, 2021 as vaccine czar Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. looks on. The government started its booster shot program yesterday for health care workers.

Next in line are senior citizens and people with comorbidities.

Manny Palmero

Next page

2,820,494 1,190

23,846

46,117

309

2,750,531

2,759

(As of 4 PM, NOV. 17)

House extends '21 budget to use remaining infra outlays

By Maricel V. Cruz THE House Committee on Appropriations extended Wednesday the validity of the 2021 General Appropriations Act until December 31, 2022.

The committee, chaired by ACTCIS Rep. Eric Go Yap, approved House Bill 10373 that seeks to extend the availability of the 2021 appropriations from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2022 to allow the agencies to fully utilize the allocated budget for 2021.

Under the bill, the appropriations for infrastructure capital outlays, including subsidy releases to governmentowned and -controlled corporations for infrastructure projects, shall be valid for obligation until December 31, 2022, while the completion of construction,

inspection, and payment shall be made not later than December 31, 2022.

The bill also provides that appropriations for maintenance and other operating expenses and other capital outlays shall likewise be valid Next page

India’s Covovax Frontliners can pick booster brand Ramos-Araneta okayed for use ByandMacon Willie Casas to 18 yrs old up

By Willie Casas

A naval squadron consisting of five ships of the Russian Pacific Fleet is docked at the Manila South Harbor for a port visit. 'The Russian Navy contingent is composed of corvette Gremyashchiy, two submarines, tanker Pechenga, and support vessel Alatau,' Philippine Navy spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza said. Danny Pata

THE Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the emergency use authorization (EUA) application of the Covovax vaccine against COVID-19, FDA director-general Eric Domingo said on Wednesday.

Domingo, during a televised briefing, said the nanoparticle vaccine may be administered to individuals 18 years old Next page and above.

FULLY vaccinated health care workers can choose the COVID-19 vaccine brands--Sinovac, Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna--as their booster shot, the Department of Health (DOH) said after it approved a heterologous (mixed brand) approach.

The approved booster shots for health

care workers are a single dose of Pfizer, Sinovac, and AstraZeneca, and half the regular dose of a Moderna shot.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Eric Domingo has approved the amended emergency use authorization (EAU) given to the four COVID-19 vaccine brands to be used as booster shots and as an additional dose.

Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje, Next page

IATF OKAYS PHASED IN-PERSON COLLEGE CLASSES NEWS / A2

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News

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IATF okays phased in-person college classes

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The IATF-EID, in its Resolution 148-G approved Tuesday, adopted the proposed resumption of limited faceto-face (F2F) classes for all degree programs following the phased and nationwide implementation of Alert Levels System for COVID-19, acting Presidential Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said.

"Under the proposal, the CHED is mandated to execute the phased implementation program to ensure the safe reopening of higher education campuses," Nograles said in a press statement.

Under the guidelines on the nation-

wide implementation of ALS, limited F2F classes are now allowed in areas placed under Alert Levels 1, 2 and 3, subject to certain conditions.

The reopening of classes will be allowed, on conditions that the room capacity is only at 50 percent, participants only include fully-vaccinated teaching and non-teaching personnel and students, and concerned local government units give their approval.

Nograles said Phase 1 of the implementation of limited F2F classes will commence in December 2021 onwards, while Phase 2 will begin in January

2022 onwards.

During the implementation of Phase 1, all HEIs in areas under Alert Level 2 may apply for the resumption of physical classes, Nograles said.

He said all HEIs in areas under Alert Level 3 might apply for limited F2F classes during the implementation of Phase 2.

"The phased implementation of faceto-face classes in HEIs shall be done consistent with Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2021-001, or the Guidelines on the Gradual Reopening of Campuses of Higher Education Institutions for Limited Face-to-Face Classes during the COVID-19 Pandemic, issued by CHED and the Department of Health," he said.

The circular, Nograles said, would serve as a guide for HEIs that intend to hold limited F2F classes and are willing to assume the responsibilities for the reopening of their campuses.

He said HEIs must comply with health and safety protocols, retrofit their

Govt..

enough to the rapid changes in our economy. We cannot be slow-footed in keeping up with the challenge,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez said the country should take full advantage of its demographic sweet spot, in which its workforce is made up mostly of young and talented people ready to swiftly adjust to the transformations taking place in the new economy.

The PCCI, for its part, urged the government to fully open the economy now, even before achieving herd immunity from COVID-19, to rescue and rejuvenate commerce and industry.

This and nine more proposed resolutions will be submitted to the President Thursday, during the concluding ceremonies of the two-day Philippine Business Conference.

PCCI president Benedicto Yujuico shared his optimism that the government will heed the call of the business sector to implement the short, medium, and longterm proposed solutions to not only go back to normal but to rebound to become more resilient, competitive, innovative, and sustainable.

“We will not concede this projected future amid all the grim outlook from many sectors. We, at PCCI, believe we still have what it takes for a nation to become one of the most robust economies in the world.

The Philippine business sector will lead this change,” he said at the opening of the two-day conference.

The resolutions covered 10 specific areas including reopening the economy,

jobs generation, internet connectivity, innovation advocacy, ease of doing business, agricultural productivity, education, environment,. energy efficiency, and infrastructure.

Specifically, PCCI called on the government to institutionalize innovation for economic development; assist businesses to create new and preserve existing jobs; fully implement ease of doing business; improve internet connectivity at competitive rates; modernize agriculture for food security; innovate and digitize the education system; balance industry growth and environmental protection; assure adequate power supply at a competitive cost; and, make infrastructure a cornerstone of economic development under Build.

Build, Build.

PBC chairman Jeffrey T. Ng said the resolutions will be addressed to the outgoing government and aspiring new leaders of the country as the country braces for the 2022 national elections.

PCCI is the country’s largest business group with an estimated membership of 35,000 enterprises from direct and indirect members, which are mostly micro, small and medium enterprises.

Meanwhile, the independent OCTA Research Group said the number of new daily COVID-19 cases could drop to as low as 500 by December and 200 before the year ends.

OCTA fellow Guido David offered this projection during an interview on radio dzBB.

The Philippines logged 1,190 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, bringing the total number of cases to 2,820,494.

There were 309 new fatalities, bringing the COVID-19 death toll to 46,117.

The Department of Health (DOH) said the deaths reported Wednesday represented several days worth of data that was encoded late.

The DOH reported 2,759 new recoveries, bringing the total recoveries to 2,750,531.

The COVID-19 positivity rate was at 3.5 percent, based on samples of 33,567 people on Nov. 15. The positivity rate is already below the World Health Organization's (WHO) requirement.

There were 23,846 active cases, of which 58.1 percent were mild, 5.2 percent were asymptomatic, 5 percent were critical, 12 percent were severe, and 19.6 percent were moderate.

The active case count is the lowest since 23,532 were recorded on Jan. 12.

Nationwide, 33 percent of ICU beds, 29 percent of isolation beds, 21 percent of ward beds, and 21 percent of ventilators, were in use.

In Metro Manila, 33 percent of ICU beds, 25 percent of isolation beds, 25 percent of ward beds, and 22 percent of ventilators, were in use.

Also on Wednesday, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said mall security should bar the entry of unvaccinated people as some restaurants were not strict about requiring

The President is joining the senatorial race in next year's election under the Partido ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS) where Go is the PDDS' standard bearer.

Initially, Go filed his certificate of candidacy under the ruling PDP-Laban, but due to a leadership rift, he opted to run under PDDS. It is also for the same reason why Duterte is seeking a Senate seat under PDDS. According to Go, he promised House members he would continue the good programs of the President and expand them to help more people.

Acting Presidential spokesman Karlo Nograles said the President was expected to join more similar gatherings with “friends and allies” considering the steady decline of COVID-19 cases.

Nograles did not identify the names of the lawmakers in the meeting with President Duterte.

“It was, for the President, an opportunity to see friends he had not personally seen since the onset of the pandemic due to the restrictions that had been put in place,” Nograles said.

Rody...

and asked for support for Bongbong Marcos and for me after I accepted your challenge and call,” she said.

She indicated that Lakas-CMD president House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez had committed the party's support for Marcos' presidential candidacy.

"Our standard-bearer has spoken," Romualdez said, when asked to comment on the party's support for Marcos.

The PFP said it took pride in the formalization of the ticket for next year's polls.

“We believe that through this formidable tandem, our nation can recover, heal, and be great once again,” it said.

“Through their unifying partnership, with the help of the PFP-Lakas CMD coalition and our allies, we can begin the noble task of nation building,” it said.

Duterte-Carpio revealed the PDPLaban turned down her appeal for support, but she said she understood the party's position. Her father, President Rodrigo Duterte, is the chairman of the ruling party.

“But I just want to clarify -- no name is being tarnished, no one isbeing run over, no one is aggrieved, fought, forced to cry or oppressed,” she said.

HE Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has approved the Commission on Higher Education's (CHED) recommendation to carry out the phased implementation of in-person classes in higher education institutions.

From A1

adapting more quickly to the new market realities created by digital technology.

“This event happens at a more buoyant time. We contained the Delta variant and sustained our economic expansion even as stringent quarantines were in place for certain periods. Our strategy was correct.

The results are clear,” Dominguez said.

As of Nov. 15, the total number of vaccine doses administered has reached 70,677,771. Fully protected Filipinos are now at 31,868,120.

With its goal of vaccinating 70 percent or 77 million of the Philippines’ total population, the national government is on track to fully inoculate half of this number and administer at least one shot to 54 million Filipinos by the end of the month.

The government is set to hold a threeday national COVID-19 vaccination drive from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, President Rodrigo Duterte said in his “Talk to the People” on Tuesday.

The economic managers led by Dominguez recently said in a joint statement that the economy’s third-quarter growth of 7.1 percent year-on-year and year-to-date expansion of 4.9 percent means that it is “on track to reach the high-end of our 4 to 5 percent growth target for 2021.”

“As the main drivers of wealth and job creation in our economy, I trust our private enterprises are adjusting quickly

Rody...

From A1

Speaker Allan Velasco attended the meeting.

“The President delivered a short speech where he endorsed the Bong GoSara Duterte tandem,” Aglipay told reporters.

"Standing order, SBG (Senator Bong Go), Sara for 2022 in his (Duterte's) speech," Aglipay added.

The meeting was open to all House members, regardless of their party affiliations. Some were directly called by Malacañang or through Velasco's office.

Sources said the dinner had been organized since Sunday or a day after Sara filed her certificate of candidacy for vice president.

It was not immediately known if Duterte pushed for a reorganization at the House of Representatives.

Go himself said: "We had a get-together last night in the Palace together with congressmen."

"They want to show their support to my candidacy and that of (sic) the President," Go said.

House...

From A1

for obligation until December 31, 2022, while the delivery, inspection and payment shall be made not later than December 31, 2022.

The bill mandates the Department of Budget and Management is authorized to issue the necessary guidelines for the effective implementation of the cash budgeting system.

It also requires the submission of a report on these releases and disbursements to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Senate President, the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance.

Last year, the Congress extended the availability of the funds appropriated under the 2020 General Appropriations Act to support economic stimulus efforts and pending infrastructure projects of the government.

Sara...

From A1

and representative of Leyte's First District, made the statement in response to insinuations of DIWA party-list Rep. Michael Aglipay on the issue.

"There is also absolutely no basis to Rep. Aglipay’s insinuations that rumors of a supposed coup to oust the Speaker and the Majority Leader may have come from 'them' – meaning Lakas. This is utterly preposterous. Once again, these rumors

did not originate from us and we don’t have any intention of changing the leadership in the House of Representatives," Romualdez said in a statement.

Romualdez also said President Rodrigo Duterte did not make any categorical statement blaming Lakas-CMD for the decision of Mayor Sara to run as Vice President.

"We would like to refer Rep. Mike Aglipay to the interview of the President last Sunday with regard to Mayor Sara’s decision. Nowhere in his statement did the President blame Lakas-CMD or any member of the party for the Mayor’s decision."

From A1

“Mayor Inday Sara Duterte and I have gone through the process for the tandem that our supporters are looking forward to: the BBM-SARA in 2022,” Marcos said in a statement.

“And we and our parties have agreed to advance united leadership in case we prosper in the coming elections on May 9, 2022,” he added.

Marcos said the tandem would continue the achievements of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, which ends on June 30, 2022.

“With the goal of the two of us to continue and extend the good achievements of the Duterte government, we now call on you to join hands in trusting and supporting the leadership of our dear President,” the former lawmaker said.

“I agree with Inday Sara when she said that `We have only one dream… to have a more stable, more peaceful, more developed country.’”

In a video message on Tuesday night, Duterte-Carpio, the vice presidential candidate of the Lakas-CMD, asked her supporters to back the presidential bid of Marcos.

“My party has formed an alliance

facilities, and get the support of their stakeholders.

"The IATF would like to reiterate that the phased implementation of limited face-to-face classes in HEIs should be done alongside the continued implementation of proactive measures and restrictions that have been put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and have contributed to the steady decline in COVID-19 cases in the country," he said.

Nograles also reminded all individuals qualified to participate in the reopening of classes to continue wearing face masks, observing social distancing, and washing their hands.

"As we slowly and cautiously open our college classrooms, we urge all stakeholders involved to work together to ensure the safety of our students so that they may be able to return to their schools secure in the knowledge that every effort has been made to safeguard their health," Nograles said.

“This is a new kind of vaccine, this is what we call the protein subunit… it will replicate a part of the pure part of the antigenic portion of the virus. This will then be injected to elicit an immune response,” Domingo said.

Clinical trials showed the vaccine pro-

duced "very mild" adverse effects and has an efficacy rate of 89.7 percent in preventing COVID-19, he said in a televised public briefing.

The vaccine will be given in two doses with an interval of at least three to four weeks, Domingo said.

The Serum Institute of India Private Limited, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, had applied for the EUA in the country.

"Mayor Sara is now the standard bearer of Lakas-CMD and the acknowledged guiding light of the Party. We are constantly guided by her instructions to continue forging alliances and maintaining good relationship with all forces supportive of the administration’s efforts to improve the living condition of the Filipino people," Romualdez added Meanwhile, Romualdez, chairman of the House committee on rules, maintained the House leadership as well as the LakasCMD continued its "strong and unequivocal support to President Duterte and his

bid for the Senate in the 2022 elections."

"We will continue to work closely with Malacañang to push for the President’s legislative agenda in the remaining months of the 18th Congress."

He said "finger-pointing and destructive politics" must stop.

"We should all stop these fingerpointing and destructive politics and concentrate on passing the 2022 budget and other significant measures that will help our country recover from the ill-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic."

India’s...

From A1

Frontliners...

From A1

head of the National Vaccine Operations Center, said the vaccine booster would strengthen the health and morale of medical frontliners.

Most health care workers got China’s Sinovac vaccine—the first brand to arrive in the Philippines-- when the government rolled out its vaccination program in March.

Fully vaccinated health care workers can receive only one booster shot. It should be given at least six months after they received Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac, Sputnik V, or AstraZeneca vaccines.

However, if they received the singleshot Janssen vaccine, the booster shot can be administered three months after.

Booster shots are given to those whose immunity is going down over time after completing their first series.

This is based on the guidelines of the administration of booster doses to health workers, who are under the A1 priority group issued by the DOH. The DOH has recommended using Pfizer or Moderna as a booster if the health worker got AstraZeneca as the first series.

It also said those who received AstraZeneca as their first two doses can receive the same brand as their booster, but it should be used with precaution based on the emergency use authorization granted by the Food and Drug Administration.

"Vector-based vaccines such as AstraZeneca are recommended to be boosted with a different vaccine platform due to the theoretical possibility of pre-existing immunity attenuating or weakening the immune response on the second or third dose," a DOH memorandum said.

The DOH issued the 15-page guidelines on the administration of booster doses for the A1 priority sector.

The agency said health workers should inform the vaccination site what brand they prefer, so it can be prepared in advance.

They can opt to use the same vaccine brand (homologous) or a different one (heterologous) from the initial series they received, but this will be based on the brand mixing approved by the government The DOH rolled out the giving of booster shots for health workers beginning Nov. 17.

An infectious disease expert on Wednesday advised pregnant health care workers to choose a homologous booster vaccination against COVID-19 to reduce the likelihood of a possible adverse reaction.

Dr. Anna Ong-Lim, during a DOH town hall briefing, said that though she sees no issues with pregnant women receiving booster shots, she would advise choosing a homologous vaccination.

“Coming from the perspective that we are protecting occupational risk and considering that we are using inactivated vaccines, I would not expect any issues with pregnant women receiving a boost,” said Ong-Lim, chief of the DOH Infectious and Tropical Disease Section.

“On a personal note, I would probably advise homologous rather than a heterologous platform just to decrease the variables and decrease the likelihood of any adverse reactions,” she added.

She also advised the public to follow guidelines and refrain from getting boosters before the six-month period after completing their primary dose series.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the inoculation of senior citizens and immunocompromised individuals will follow.

The DOH also reminded health care workers to stick to its guidelines and receive only one additional dose.

"From the safety principle standpoint, we want to give the lowest possible dose that is effective, otherwise you raise the risk for reactions. We don't know what will happen to them, and that is why we say, please follow the guidelines." said Dr. Edsel Salvaña of the DOH Technical Advisory Group.

Getting a booster shot before the advised six months since the second dose is also highly discouraged, said Ong-Lim. Vergeire said the EUA granted by the FDA only allows booster shots for three sectors: health care workers, seniors, and those with comorbidities.

Vergeire also clarified that "boosting is voluntary, as long as you have already gotten your first and second dose, you are already fully vaccinated," and thus are protected from severe and critical disease from COVID-19.

Also on Wednesday, the National Task Force against COVID-19 chief implementor Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the best Christmas gift one can give their loved ones this holiday season is to get vaccinatedagainst COVID-19.

“Get the COVID-19 jab now so we can have a better and safer Christmas,” he said in a news release.

About 3.5 million doses of Sinovac vaccine procured by the national government arrived Wednesday morning, moving closer to the goal of protecting more Filipinos by the end of the month.

In the past weeks, the Philippines has seen a steady delivery of vaccine supplies from various manufacturers.

News

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

A3

RiteMed begins distribution of anti-COVID-19 oral medicine RITEMED Philippines Inc. (RiteMed), in partnership with Faberco Life Sciences Inc., (Faberco), announced that it will start its distribution in the Philippines of the first batch of the antiCOVID-19 oral drug Molnupiravir under the brand name “Molnarz.”

The company said the anti-COVID-19 drug will initially be given to hospitals, medical institutions, and treatment sites that have secured compassionate special permits (CSP) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

RiteMed president Jose Maria Ochave said depending on the issuance of necessary approvals and conditions from the FDA and the Department of Health (DOH), the company hopes Molnupiravir will be more accessible to Filipinos via drugstores.

He noted this is in line with RiteMed’s longtime advocacy of giving the public better access to quality affordable medicines. He said Molnupiravir can be used for home treatment of mild and moderate symptoms of COVID-19.

Patients with mild to moderate symptoms will need to take the pill for five days to prevent the disease from progressing. Clinical studies have shown that it is effective against Delta, Beta, and other variants.

“But we need to make sure that its use is subject to supervision by doctors and comply with the FDA requirements,” Ochave said.

To date, Molnupiravir is the first oral drug clinically proven to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 by 50 percent.

Molnupiravir, developed by Merck & Co. (known outside the US and Canada as MSD), prevents further replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus by targeting its ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerase— an RNA-dependent enzyme.

SC appoints Villanueva as OIC for court administrator

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday designated Deputy Court Administrator Raul Villanueva as the officer-in-charge of the Office of the Court Administrator following the promotion of Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez to the 15-member bench.

In a memorandum order, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo directed Villanueva to exercise the “functions and perform the duties as head of the office” effective upon the issuance of the memorandum and until the appointment of the regular Court Administrator.

Under Presidential Decree No. 828, the Office of the Court Administrator was created with a mandate to “assist the said Court in the exercise of its power of administrative supervision over all courts as provided in Section 6, Article X, of the Constitution.”

The law provides that a new Court Administrator must be appointed by the Chief Justice.

“However, since the same law also provides that the Court [Administrator] may be removed by a vote of not less than 8 SC Justices, traditionally the imprimatur of the En Banc as to the choice of the Court Ad is also sought,” SC Public Information Office chief Brian Hosaka said, in a message to reporters.

Following his appointment, Marquez took his oath as the 192th associate justice of the Supreme Court before Chief Justice Gesmundo on Tuesday.

‘INCREASE BUDGET FOR HEALTH.’ In connection with the ongoing Senate budget hearing, health care workers and advocates staged a motorcade and protest action today led by the Coalition for People’s Right to Health to urge senators to raise the proposed 2022 national budget for health. Norman Cruz

Gordon: Palace lawyer visited detained Darganis S

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

ENATOR Richard Gordon said the two Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. executives who were arrested after trying to board a private jet at the Davao City Aiport were visited by a Malacanang lawyer.

Gordon said Atty. Daryl Valles who is from the Office of the Special Assistant to the President (SAP) visited siblings Mohit and Twinkle Dargani at the Senate detention facility Tuesday.

“Yesterday, a lawyer who introduced himself as Daryl Ritchie Valles came to seek permission to visit Mohit and Twinkle Dargani. He presented himself as the siblings’ legal counsel. Before he was allowed entry we looked into who he was; and we found out that per Office of the President Directory he is a Director IV at the Office of the Spe-

cial Assistant to the President (SAP), the position then occupied by Senator Bong Go,” said Gordon.

But Gordon said the Darganis are entitled to counsel. “That is a right we intend to always honor. They can hire whichever lawyer their money can buy. Or, they can hire a decent lawyer too,” he said.

Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go said that he resigned as SAP in 2018. He is no longer connected with the said office for the past 3 years as he is serving as senator. He heard that Valles had resigned from the Office of

the President and had moved to other jobs.

He said this can be confirmed by Palace officials or Valles himself.

“Like what I and President Duterte have repeatedly said, those with committed any wrongdoing should be arrested, charged, and held liable,” Go said.

Malacañang Acting spokesperson Cabinet Sec. Karlo Nograles also said Valles is no longer connected with Malacanang at the time of his visit to the Dargani siblings.

Based on the records of the Human Resources Management Office, he said the lawyer was formerly under the Office of the President, and resigned on March 1, 2021.

“Further inquiries revealed that upon leaving the Office of the President, Atty. Valles thereafter worked in an office under the House of Representatives,” added Nograles.

Sought yesterday for further details Gordon said, “facts speak volumes.”

With Maricel V. Cruz

TOP COP VISITS NORTHERN LUZON.

‘E-sabong bets outside PH not allowed’ THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has instituted a regulatory framework which will not allow betting from outside the Philippines.”

E-sabong or online cockfighting continues to be very popular among Filipinos.

However, despite institution of regulatory policies and controls, certain sectors have expressed their concern on the increasing patronization by the Filipino public of online games, or E-sabong.

Of note is the emerging concern on the active participation of our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the said games.

PAGCOR said the regulatory framework “provides, in part, that the E-sabong platform shall not accept bets emanating outside the Philippines and shall not be accessible in any way whatsoever outside the Philippines.”

“To ensure that this standard is met, applicants for E-sabong operations are required to submit a certification from a gaming laboratory attesting that the gaming websites are not accessible outside the Philippines and that Internet Protocol (IP) addresses emanating from other countries are blocked or restricted from accessing such websites,” PAGCOR said.

Agents arrest US fugitive in Mindoro

PNP chief Police General Dionardo B. Carlos paid visits to Armed Forces of the Philippines - Northern Luzon Command based in Tarlac City on Wednesday and was warmly welcomed

by NOLCOM Commander PLtGeneral Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr, Philippine Army. Carlos vows to intensify the joint operations of the Army and PNP on hunting down the remaining local communist-terrorist members in Central and Northern Luzon.

Duterte to visit Calapan areas free from Reds

By Maricel V. Cruz PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to visit Calapan today to personally oversee the progress of the projects under the Barangay Development Fund (BDP), the flagship program of the administration.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, vice chairman of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said the President’s second visit to Region 4-B or MIMAROPA, formally known as the Southwestern Tagalog Region, will highlight the turnover of several programs and projects to the beneficiaries, including the rebels.

President Duterte is the NTF-ELCAC chairman.

Several barangays from Region 4-B are the latest inclusion in the BDP after the national government has successfully addressed the peace and security issues and the dismantling of guerilla fronts.

Esperon disclosed that only one guerilla front of the CPP-NPA-NDF Terrorist Triad remains in MIMAROPA. Esperon added that from 2016 to 2021, the region has seen the surrender of 455 former rebels who are now being assisted by government agencies in their transition into peaceful and productive lives.

“Region 4-B’s peace and security is

effectively managed through the joint efforts of security forces and civilian agencies in the region.

Through the combined efforts of the Regional Development Council (RDC), supported by numerous line agencies of the national government, the region has had a thriving economic development,” Esperon said.

Under the BDP, communities, which were formerly under the guerilla fronts, will be given P20 million worth of projects including farm-to-market roads, school buildings, water sanitation, health centers and even livelihood and assistance to indigents.

Cops seize P2.3-m shabu in Taguig raid

By Joel E. Zurbano

VAX FOR MINORS. These two brothers are among the 400 minors to be vaccinated with the first dose of Pfizer in Dasmarinas City, Cavite.

The vaccination was conducted in preparation for face-to-face classes in CALABARZON. Jr Josue

IN BRIEF

POLICE busted a suspected drug dealer and seized P2.3 million worth of shabu Tuesday night in Taguig City.

Southern Police District director Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg said the suspect Omie Salik, 24, was arrested by a composite team from Taguig Police SubStation 9, Mobile Patrol Unit (MPU) and Taguig Peace and Order Unit (TPOU).

Macaraeg said the team conducted the police operation around 8:15 p.m. along Road 19 Maguindanao Avenue in Barangay New Lower Bicutan.

He said the operation is in line with the SPD’s Oplan Galugad anti-crime campaign.

Confiscated from the suspect were 350 grams of shabu valued at P2.3 million; one weighing scale; P5,000 cash, and one black sling bag.

Macaraeg said Salik and the recovered pieces of evidence were brought to Taguig Police-Station Drug Enforcement Unit for proper documentation

and proper disposition.

The suspect is now detained pending the filing of criminal charges against him before the city prosecutors office.

Metro Manila police director Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. commended the composite team under the supervision of Taguig City Police commander Col. Celso Rodriguez for the successful operation.

“The arrest of the drugs personality and confiscation of the large amount of illegal drugs is a great accomplishment on our campaign not only in our region but also in our neighboring provinces. And I commend our team for a job well done,” said Danao.

Authorities vowed that the government’s crackdown on drug dealing in the country will continue with the goal of catching traffickers.

Methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu; marijuana and party drug ecstasy are the top three narcotics distributed in the streets and these prohibited substances are manufactured by Chinese, Taiwanese and Mexican drug syndicates.

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) agents arrested an American fugitive wanted in the US since 2018.

BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) Chief Rendel Ryan Sy identified the fugitive as Paul Scott Finch, 51, was arrested at Sito Paraway, Brgy.Dulangan in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro following a warrant of deportation issued earlier this month.

“Our counterparts from the US government recently shared information about his (Finch’s) crimes. We conducted a manhunt and discovered that he had been hiding in Mindoro,” he added.

Finch is reportedly the subject of two arrest warrants issued in Walton County Superior Court in Monroe, Georgia for possession of firearm by a convicted felon and for failure to appear with underlying charge of tampering of evidence.

“His passport has already been revoked by the US government, making him an undocumented alien as well,” Sy stated.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente commended the FSU for the arrest of the fugitive.

Finch will be temporarily detained at the BI’s holding facility in Taguig pending the implementation of his deportation. His name has been included in the Bureau’s blacklist, barring him from re-entering the Philippines once deported. Vito Barcelo

Navotas gives P3K grant to TB patients THE City Government of Navotas granted livelihood assistance to Navoteños who recovered from tuberculosis.

Some 191 patients have received P3,000 each after completing the 6-8 months treatment for TB. Another 116 are due to get their cash aid once processing has been completed.

“TB is deadly, but it can be cured. We want to encourage Navoteños who contracted TB to get themselves treated early and avoid spreading the disease to their family members and community,” Mayor Toby Tiangco said.

“Though life-threatening, TB is not a death sentence. Patients who recover from it can continue with their lives. That’s why we also want to help jumpstart their livelihood endeavors,” he added.

Under City Ordinance No. 2020-05, Navotas allots P3 million yearly for the City TB Control Program.

Navoteños who experience symptoms of TB may go to the nearest barangay health center for free check-up and treatment.

Symptomatic patients who refuse to be screened or those who miss their dose of anti-TB medicines will get a home visit from city health and barangay staff. Jun David

News

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021 E-mail: mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Carbon testing, reforestation keys to Lacson climate plans

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

PAINFUL MEMORY. Activists light candles and offer flowers spelled as “never again” at the stairs of the Manila Film Center in Pasay City on Thursday. Demonstrators remember the 169 workers who died during the construction of the film center 40 years ago. Norman Cruz

Bong Go calls for unity among Duterte’s allies PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday called for unity especially among President Rodrigo Duterte’s allies and supporters to help the country combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the political differences and the upcoming elections, he emphasized the priority should remain the same -- the welfare of Filipinos during these trying times.

Amid the simmering political landscape, Go said what is important for him is to be able to serve the people and give Filipinos a fair chance to choose their leaders.

Go stressed that despite his candidacy, he will continue to focus on his duties and responsibilities as a public servant and work to assist the country overcome the pandemic.

“They need our services. I don’t want to talk politics at this point in time. I first one to overcome this crisis brought by COVID-19,” he said.

“Politician will come in February.

The filing (of candidacy) has come to an end,” related Go, Chair of the Senate committee on health.

He assured that the country’s pandemic response will not be derailed with the President’s running for a Senate seat.

As presidential aspirant, Go vowed to continue efforts towards pandemic recovery, solidifying Duterte legacy and protecting future of the nation.

He also reminded his fellow candidates to “take to heart” the reason why they chose to seek public office and that is to provide genuine public service to the people.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Nat’l Education Portal via Web in Marcos plans PARTIDO Federal ng Pilipinas presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. on Wednesday vowed to implement a program called the National Education Portal (NEP) to hasten the digital shift of the country’s education system.

Marcos said that if he wins the presidency in next year’s elections, he will establish the NEP as an online platform accessible to students and teachers to simplify and secure e-learning for both public and private institutions.

It will also serve as a central hub to allow students and teachers to communicate securely and provide digital learning materials, he added.

According to him, the portal will be developed collaboratively between concerned government agencies together with I.T. experts from the private sector.

Marcos stressed that the program would go hand in hand with the current administration’s Build, Build, Build program as he is also looking to integrate a digital infrastructure thrust.

He also observed that due to the onset of Covid-19 and the country’s protracted lockdowns, Internet access, particularly for students and employees consigned to their homes, has become indispensable.

Rey E. Requejo

126 party-list groups axed; Gun ban takes effect Jan. 9

T

HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has rejected the applications of 126 groups that sought to participate in the party-list elections next year.

Comelec has yet to provide the list of groups whose applications were denied by the poll body.

“126 applicants for [party-list] registration were denied by Comelec,” poll commissioner Rowena Guanzon said in a tweet on Wednesday.

As of October 8, 270 groups had filed their certificates of nomination and acceptance.

Voters are only allowed to choose one party-list group during the general elections on May 9, 2022.

Meanwhile, the gun ban will take effect on January 9 until June 8 next year, the election period for the May 9 polls, the

Comelec said.

In Resolution No. 10728, the poll body said the bearing, carrying and transporting of firearms and other deadly weapons are prohibited during the period.

“No person shall employ, avail him/herself or engage the services of security personnel or bodyguards, whether or not such security personnel or bodyguards are regular members or officers of the PNP, AFP, other law enforcement agencies of the government or from a private security service provider, unless authorized by the Commission, through the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns (CBFSC),” the resolution read.

The committee is composed of one Comelec commissioner as chairperson and one senior officer each from the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines and not lower than officer grade 07, brigadier general and police brigadier general, respectively, as members.

Those who were able to secure a certificate of authority (CA) issued by the CBFSC are exempted from the ban.

The certificate may be issued to the following: regular officers, members and agents of the Office of the President, Presidential Security Groups, Office of the VicePresident, Comelec chairman, commissioners, and officials of the commission, Regional and provincial election heads and election officers, Comelec organic security officers, AFP, PNP, BFP, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Philippine Coast Guard officers and personnel.

FIST BUMP.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III (right) gives Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra a fist bump after the Senate ended its interpellation on the proposed budget of the Department of Justice and attached agencies during the hybrid marathon plenary session Wednesday.

Joseph Vidal/ Senate PRIB

Under Isko, Manila tops 2020 DTI competitive cities index

By Rey E. Requejo UNDER the stewardship of Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, Manila City has been adjudged No. 1 in the 2020 rankings of so-called “Highly Urbanized Cities under the Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index.”

Domagoso’s camp said this is a clear testament the presidential candidate of the Aksyon Demokratiko has the capability to deliver to Filipino people, if given the

mandate to lead the Philippines in 2022.

Meanwhile, Former Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) president Vince Dizon has joined the team pushing for Domagoso’s 2022 presidential bid, the Manila Mayor’s campaign strategist said Wednesday.

Dizon, who resigned last Oct. 15 as BCDA president and chief executive officer, is already among the campaign strategists of Domagoso, the 2022 stan-

dard bearer of Aksyon Demokratiko, Lito Banayo told ABS-CBN News.

Dizon’s status as the Philippines’ COVID-19 testing czar and deputy chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 is not immediately known.

The City of Manila bested 32 other local government units across the country after it garnered an over-all score of 65.9782, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced on Tuesday.

DUE to fears that the world might die by year 2100, Partido Reporma chairman and standard-bearer Panfilo “Ping” Lacson vowed to thwart global warming.

According to Lacson, he has been taking the issue of climate change seriously for the sake of future generations who will inherit the Philippines.

If he wins the presidency, the veteran lawmaker, committed to implement better carbon emission testing and reforestation programs as part of his initial plans to curb global warming.

He said the government must pursue more tree planting activities to revitalize our forests nationwide, which may have been denuded by illegal logging operations.

He also expressed concerns over the world’s continuing dependence on fossil fuels.

“This is the possible dire consequence. I read this somewhere. By year 2100, we might no longer have an Earth if the so-called fossil [fuel burning] continues),” Lacson said.

Countless scientific studies showed that carbon dioxide produced during fossil fuel combustion for electricity, transportation, and other human activities is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, one of the leading causes of global warming.

He warned that the next generation is going to experience what they predict as the death of planet Earth because of human environmental abuse.

“While we do not want to think about it, I believe our sea levels keep rising at two inches, two centimeters per year,” he said.

In view of these continuing developments, the Partido Reporma presidential bet said he appreciates the recently concluded 2021 United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, where global leaders met to discuss these environmental concerns.

Robredo wants 2x agri budget, stronger sector

By Rio N. Araja IF elected as the next president in 2022, Vice President Leni Robredo wants to double the budget of the agriculture sector in six years.

Speaking before the 47th Philippine Business Conference and Expo, Robredo cited the agricultural sector was able to post growth despite several community quarantines and decline in production of all sectors brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Agriculture actually grew last year. It has been resilient in the face of the pandemic. Imagine how much more it can grow if we give it enough funding,” the Vice President said.

“But we do not have to just imagine. Under my administration, we will see it for ourselves. We will change the mindset of the government. Instead of importation, we will prioritize strengthening local production,” she promised.

Robredo said she would strengthen the agriculture sector.

“We will double funding for agriculture from 1.7 percent of the national budget today to 3.4 percent by 2028. We will ensure this money is well-spent and balanced across all agricultural sectors and stakeholders in the country,” she vowed.

Robredo said there would be more job opportunities despite the COVID-19 crisis via a conditional stimulus package for micro, small and medium enterprises for as long as employers have not laid off their employees.

Solon to gov’t: Release yearend bonus early

By Maricel V. Cruz A LEGISLATOR on Wednesday urged government agencies to release the yearend incentive or bonus of their employees early so they can schedule their shopping activities ahead of the Christmas holidays.

“They will be able to avoid crowds in malls and other shopping areas if they can plan their purchases in advance, and they can steer clear of the highly infectious novel coronavirus,” Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor said.

Defensor said under Republic Act 11466, aside from the mid-year bonus equivalent to one-month salary, the more than one million government personnel are entitled to receive a yearend incentive, also equivalent to one-month salary, plus a P5,000 cash gift.

The law states that the yearend incen-

tive or Christmas bonus and cash gift “shall be given in November of every year,” he said.

At the House of Representatives, in compliance with the law, he said Speaker Lord Allan Velasco has ordered the payment of the additional emolument this week.

“Other agencies could give out the yearend benefits also this week or next week,” he added.

Defensor pointed out that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) should have already released the funds needed by agencies for the yearend bonus and P5,000 cash gift.

He stressed that in the case of government nurses, they should be getting at least P33,575 in incentive for this year, plus the cash gift, “since that is now the hiring salary in public hospitals under a recent Supreme Court decision.”

CYBER LIBEL CASE. Quezon City 5th district congressional candidate Rose Lin files a cyber libel and child abuse case against a Facebook user under the name ‘Boses ng Bayan ng QC’ for malicious and derogatory statements posted recently before the National Bureau of Investigation on Monday. Danny Pata

Opinion Comparing two Marcos presidential candidacies

ALTHOUGH former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his supporters have taken pains to frame his 2022 presidential candidacy not as a Marcos restoration but in I-didn’t-knowwhat-was-happening terms, it is both instructive and useful to compare the circumstances surrounding Ferdinand E. Marcos’ 1965 presidential candidacy with the current presidential run — still uncertain at this point because of the pending disqualification cases against him — of his son.

In 1964, then-Senate President Ferdinand E. Marcos had everything going in favor of his candidacy for the presidency as the standard-bearer of the Nacionalista Party. Everything, that is, except the wouldn’t-go-away public perception that he was wrongly acquitted of the assassination of Assemblyman Julio Nalundasan, his father’s political rival.

One has significantly heavier baggage than the other ever did.

The man who went to the presidential hustings in 1965 was brilliant — he had reviewed for the 1939 Bar examinations, which he topped, while under detention for the Nalundasan killing. He was articulate, and he had a creditable record as a representative, senator, and Senate president.

It certainly did not hurt that he had married one of the most beautiful Filipinas of the day, former Miss Manila candidate Imelda Romualdez.

The 1965 election was held at a time when the bloom had worn off the presidency of Diosdado Macapagal and talk of ineffectiveness and inefficiency increasingly filled the air.

Fully supported by a party led by respected national leaders — including Gil Puyat, Arturo Tolentino, and Lorenzo Sumulong — and campaigning under a “Make The Nation Great Again” slogan, Ferdinand E. Marcos captured the imagination of enough Filipinos to beat the opponent thought to be unbeatable because of an incumbent’s built-in advantage.

Apart from the Nalundasan stigma, Ferdinand E. Marcos went into the 1965 presidential campaign with little personal baggage. In contrast, the younger Marcos will face the electorate next year with an overflow of baggage, most of them heavy.

For starters, there is his intellectual capability, True, BBM is not without articulateness, but intellectually he is a far cry from his father. One strains to catch something, anything, said by BBM that is impressive or memorable.

But one strains in vain.

Another heavy baggage is BBM’s record of lying. A good rule, if a person has to lie, is to tell lies that will be difficult or impossible to disprove. But BBM has been lying brazenly about many things. He has over the years lied scandalously about his education — about receiving degrees from Oxford University in particular. The worst part of it all is that he has not disowned the lies.

Additional heavy campaign baggage is Ferdinand Junior’s claim that he is not at all aware of anything during his father’s dictatorial regime. All that anyone has to do to disprove this -- and BBM’s opponents will surely continually do so-- is to flash a picture, taken in the morning of Feb. 25, 1986, of a grown BBM clad in military fatigues and standing on a Malacañang balcony as his sick and beleaguered father took an oath as president of the Philippines. A man in his 20s does not know what is going on around him?

But the heaviest baggage of all — baggage with a capital B — is BBM’s claim that he and his family took absolutely no money from the nation’s coffers during their stay in power. A number of court decisions and foreign government actions have declared the Marcos family’s foreign deposits — including some made under acknowledged Marcos family foundations — to be ill-gotten and belonging to the Filipino people.

It is truly amazing how BBM can say, without batting an eyelash, that his family did nothing corrupt during his father’s two-decades-long presidency.

Indeed, circumstances have changed during the 56 years since the first Marcos presidential candidacy. And the changes have not been favorable for the current Marcos candidate.

Ferdinand E. Marcos did not have to carry the exceedingly heavy baggage that his son and namesake will have to try and bring across the 2022 election finish line.

Stability and cohesion for 2022 strength and stability of its president.

At this point where the pandemic proves to be unpredictable, we need leaders who are firm enough to be our stronghold in the years to come.

IN WHAT may be aptly described as a “whirlwind” of events, the recent electoral substitutions stirred the political climate in the country. In this regard, there are two points I would like to discuss.

First, I know how difficult it is to make a decision on running for a government position, so much so for a national position. As a candidate myself, I also go through a time of reflection that allows me to solidify my plans for the election. However, we are all aware that this period is not without limits. It is important that candidates express their intent and decision in a firm and timely manner.

With the conclusion of the period of substitution, I hope that political parties now have cleared and established, with finality, their fielded candidates. We all know that a strong government is founded upon decisive and determined leaders. In particular, the stability of the government and the nation itself are conditioned and sustained by the

Let’s think broadly in the coming elections.

Second, we all know that Filipinos have a tendency to opt for candidates they often see and hear in radio and television, social media, and on print media. As mentioned before, popularity has always been one big consideration

by Filipino voters. However, I urge everyone to look beyond the campaign materials and focus on the message and the platforms that candidates are trying to get across, especially at the local level.

Often, people are too focused on the national elections that they forget to exert the same amount of attention on local candidates. For a successful and effective government, it is important that both national and local officials are aligned with the same vision.

At the end of the day, it is the local government officials that will be left with the challenge of leading and

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021

B1

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

R

Nobody is fooled

EMARKABLY, one of the last acts of the outgoing Palace spokesman over the weekend was to take credit for the arrest of Pharmally executives and siblings Mohit and Twinkle Dargani, who had defied a Senate order to produce financial documents and gone into hiding.

The two executives are central figures in the Senate blue ribbon committee’s investigation of Pharmally, an under-capitalized company with a paid-up capital of only P625,000 in 2019 but which bagged P11.5 billion worth of government contracts for allegedly overpriced pandemic supplies such as face masks and face shields.

The purchases were coursed through the procurement service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM), under then Budget undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao, who President Duterte appointed out of gratitude for services he rendered as a volunteer election lawyer during the 2016 presidential race.

Lao contracted the purchases on behalf of the Department of Health, which had transferred P42 billion to the PS-DBM for that purpose. The Commission on Audit later flagged the transfer for lack of supporting documents, triggering the Senate investigation.

This is simply stupefying.

The Dargani siblings were arrested

by Senate security personnel in Davao City shortly before they could board a chartered flight to Kuala Lumpur.

Following the arrest, the outgoing Palace spokesman said the siblings would not have been arrested were it not for the cooperation of the executive department, since the airport is under the authority of that department. They could have been allowed to leave but they were not, he added.

The statement was stupefying, given the many times his boss, the President, came to the defense of his former elections lawyer, and the Pharmally deal itself—even though it was obvious from the evidence produced during the Senate hearings that there was something seriously amiss. The

President’s defense of the Pharmally deals were so frequent and spirited, in fact, that he must have later felt compelled to dispel the perception that he was acting like a lawyer for the company rather than the country’s chief executive.

Nor did it help that the President ordered his Cabinet official to ignore Senate summonses, and told the police not to arrest anyone who ignored Senate subpoenas.

Mr. Duterte’s more recent remarks that he didn’t care about the Pharmally executives who should have paid their taxes are now widely seen as damage control, with the President distancing himself as elections draw near from an indefensible, malodorous deal that he spent months defending.

The former Palace spokesman’s statement is astounding, too, in that it seeks to credit the executive department for doing what it really should have done in the first place—its job, to implement the law.

The erstwhile Palace spokesman says he has resigned to pursue a seat in the Senate in the elections next year—just like his boss. Surely, given their track record in opposing the blue ribbon investigation, there is some irony in that.

The failed bid of Harry Roque organizations like the Integrated Bar Association of the Philippines, the Asian Lawyers Association and to top it all, his own alma mater.

He is often likened to Doctor Faustus.

HARRY Roque’s quest for a seat at the International Law Commission has ended in failure. He received only 78 votes from the 191 voting countries.

In hindsight, it probably would have been better for President Duterte to have withdrawn Harry’s nomination.

For one, our relationship with the United Nations has not been smooth in the last few years. President Duterte when he assumed office, toyed with the idea of withdrawing from the United Nations labeling the organization as a toothless tiger. We also withdrew from the International Criminal Court and the country is now under investigation by that UN body.

The candidates from Thailand and Vietnam however, were elected easily in spite of the two countries being under some kind of strongman rule. The reason perhaps is that both countries were never confrontational in their relationships with the United Nations.

It is not only because Harry Roque’s candidature was opposed by his fellow lawyers and his alma mater which of course says a lot.

It could also be in the way we have conducted our external affairs in recent years. In world affairs, the country is nowhere near the big leagues and must therefore be circumspect in the conduct of its affairs. Trash talking is never the best way to go. In my little experience in working within the United Nations, it is always better to have friends in case we need their help someday.

What was surprising was the intensity of the opposition against the election of Roque. It did not only come from cause-oriented organizations identified with the left like Bayan but mainstream non-government

One of the major objections against the election of Roque is that he has gone way beyond his duty as a spokesman in defending the President. To them, it is not Roque’s duty to defend President Duterte regarding the accusations against him related to his anti-drug campaign that resulted in the death of thousands of Filipinos. This should have been done perhaps by his legal adviser. They are also questioning why Roque would want to join the United Nations considering that he has been criticizing it whenever he defended the president.

To his critics, Roque is like Dr. Faustus of Christopher Marlowe who sold his soul to the devil for 24 years of glory. They even criticized the reception he hosted in New York which is done by all countries in cases like this to be able to solicit votes.

Personally, having worked in government I was conflicted about the intense opposition to the candidacy of Harry Roque to the ILC. This is because of my familiarity with the culture existing within the government service. With regard to Roque’s government position, it is obvious that he is performing functions other than simply being a spokesman and this was the problem. Whenever he went to the defense of his boss, it was hard to distinguish whether he was doing it as the spokesman or as a lawyer. The lines often get blurred.

If we observe the people within the President’s inner circle, like for instance his cabinet, we know that there are cabinet members who are more equal than others and Harry Roque was

helping the communities. It is best to have national officials who fully support local officials in order to effectively carry out and implement programs at the LGU level.

I urge everyone to think broadly

about the elections. From the LGU perspective, we need unity and cohesion with the incoming administration in order to overcome the battle against COVID-19 and get the country back on its feet.

reputed to be one of them. This is not necessarily objectionable in itself but in his case, the job of a spokesperson is pretty much defined. It is simply to announce decided government positions and policies. Whether he did go beyond the call of duty defending the President is something that will be debated in the coming weeks because of his failed candidacy.

The more relevant question is how this will affect the Secretary’s future standing with the public, his alma mater and his fellow lawyers. Will he be the template of what future presidential spokespersons’ duties should be or it is something to be studied but not to be followed by future spokespersons?

With my own experiences and observations in government service, I believe we can be loyal to the people we work for while at the same time remaining within the bounds of what is allowed by regulations, propriety and morals.

Unfortunately, in the Philippine government service, we do find individuals like Dr. Faustus. Whether Roque indeed carried his loyalty way beyond the norms of what was expected of him in order to achieve his personal goals, only he can answer that question. Given his background, his election to the ILC would have been the culmination of a cherished dream.

Unfortunately, it was not to be. There are good lessons to be learned by what happened.

Lastly, I hope he can find redemption in his Senate run.

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Agoo Santo Tomas Aringay San Quintin Bagabag Solano Aliaga Bongabon Peñaranda Mallig Cabagan Gamu Cordon Claveria Ballesteros Santo Domingo Santa Lucia San Vicente Nasugbu San Lorenzo Ruiz (Imelda) San Vicente Gen. Mariano Alvarez City Of Calapan (Capital) Bansud General Luna San Miguel La Carlota City

The promo must be activated within the promo period. Promos activated after the promo period shall not take effect.

Prerequisites: a. Must have a valid and working DITO prepaid SIM card installed in one DITO compatible phone. The list of outlets selling the SIM card can be found in DITO’s website (https://www.dito.ph). b. Must have an existing DITO load of at least Php 199.00. The list of outlets selling the DITO load can be found in DITO’s website (https://www.dito. ph). c. Installed and working DITO App in device.

Promo will be available starting from November 19, 2021 – January 31,2022 in the following additional areas as approved by DTI-FTEB: La Union La Union La Union Pangasinan Nueva Vizcaya Nueva Vizcaya Nueva Ecija Nueva Ecija Nueva Ecija Isabela Isabela Isabela Isabela Cagayan Cagayan Ilocos Sur Ilocos Sur Ilocos Sur Batangas Camarines Norte Camarines Norte Cavite Oriental Mindoro Oriental Mindoro Quezon Iloilo Negros Occidental

The promo must be activated within the promo period. Promos activated after the promo period shall not take effect.

2)

How to download and install DITO App: Download and install the DITO App via the link included in the activation SMS. The activation SMS will be sent to the SUBSCRIBER after activation of the SIM card.

Download and install the DITO App via the link included in the activation SMS. The activation SMS will be sent to the SUBSCRIBER after activation of the SIM card. (note – use of the DITO App will not use or require any data allocation from the subscriber, free WiFi access shall be available in the DITO’s partner stores for application downloading and promo activation purposes, subscribers may also use the 1 GB data allocation included with the SIM card to download and activate the promo)

(note – use of the DITO App will not use or require any data allocation from the subscriber, free WiFi access shall be available in the DITO’s partner stores for application downloading and promo activation purposes, subscribers may also use the 1 GB data allocation included with the SIM card to download and activate the promo) Create and Log-in on the DITO App – initial password will be given via SMS.

Create and Log-in on the DITO App – initial password will be given via SMS. 5)

How to avail the promo: a. Log-in on the DITO App. b. Go to the App Home Page then select the 25GB Data Promo. c. Subscriber must click on the confirmation button to proceed with the purchase of the offer. d. Subscriber will receive confirmation via APP and SMS.

5) How to avail the promo: a. Log-in on the DITO App. b. Go to the App Home Page then select the 10GB Data Promo. c. Subscriber must click on the confirmation button to proceed with the purchase of the offer. d. Subscriber will receive confirmation via APP and SMS.

6)

Promo shall only be offered in the following areas:

6) Promo shall only be offered in the following areas: LUZON: NCR: Manila, Quezon City, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Pasay, Taguig, Pateros, Makati, Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Marikina, Las Pinas Cagayan: Camalaniugan, Lal-Lo, Claveria, Ballesteros Ilocos Sur: Santo Domingo, Santa Lucia, San Vicente Isabela: Mallig, Cabagan, Gamu, Cordon La Union: Rosario, Pugo, Bauang, Caba, Agoo, Santo Tomas, Aringay Nueva Vizcaya: Dupax del Norte, Bagabag, Solano 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, Labrador, San Fabian, Infanta, Sual, Mapandan, Jacinto, Burgos, Umingan, Asingan, San Quintin Bataan: Balanga, Dinalupihan, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Orion, Hermosa 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, Aliaga, Bongabon, Peñaranda Pampanga: Angeles, Bacolor, Candaba, Guagua, Lubao, Mabalacat, Magalang Mexico, San Fernando,San Simon, Santa Rita, Santa Ana, Arayat Minalin, Porac, Floridablanca, Apalit, Masantol 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 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, Mabini, Nasugbu Camarines Norte: Basud, Daet (Capital), Talisay, Vinzons, Santa Elena, San Lorenzo Ruiz (Imelda), San Vicente 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, San Fernando Cavite: Kawit, Bacoor, Imus, Tagaytay City, Silang, Dasmarinas, Carmona, Amadeo, Rosario, Mendez, Indang, Alfonso, General Trias, Trece Martirez, Tanza, Magallanes. Naic, Maragondon, Noveleta, Ternate, Gen. Mariano Alvarez Laguna: Bay, San Pedro, Sta Rosa, Binan, Cabuyao, Los Banos, Calamba City, Victoria, Calauan, Alaminos, San Pablo, Majayjay, Luisiana, Rizal, Nagcarlan,Lumban Oriental Mindoro: Baco, Socorro, City Of Calapan (Capital), Bansud Quezon: Candelaria, City of Tayabas, Pagbilao, San Antonio, Sariaya, Valencia, Lucban, Lucena City (Capital), Pitogo, Unisan, Lopezalnbay, Gumaca, Plaridel, Macalelon, General Luna Rizal: Antipolo, Cainta, Taytay Sorsogon: City of Sorsogon (Capital); Irosin, Casiguran, Castilla

LUZON: NCR: Manila, Quezon City, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Pasay, Taguig, Pateros, Makati, Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Marikina, Las Pinas Cagayan: Camalaniugan, Lal-Lo, Claveria, Ballesteros Ilocos Sur: Santo Domingo, Santa Lucia, San Vicente Isabela: Mallig, Cabagan, Gamu, Cordon La Union: Rosario, Pugo, Bauang, Caba, Agoo, Santo Tomas, Aringay Nueva Vizcaya: Dupax del Norte, Bagabag, Solano 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, Labrador, San Fabian, Infanta, Sual, Mapandan, Jacinto, Burgos, Umingan, Asingan, San Quintin Bataan: Balanga, Dinalupihan, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Orion, Hermosa 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, Aliaga, Bongabon, Peñaranda Pampanga: Angeles, Bacolor, Candaba, Guagua, Lubao, Mabalacat, Magalang Mexico, San Fernando,San Simon, Santa Rita, Santa Ana, Arayat Minalin, Porac, Floridablanca, Apalit, Masantol 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 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, Mabini, Nasugbu Camarines Norte: Basud, Daet (Capital), Talisay, Vinzons, Santa Elena, San Lorenzo Ruiz (Imelda), San Vicente 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, San Fernando Cavite: Kawit, Bacoor, Imus, Tagaytay City, Silang, Dasmarinas, Carmona, Amadeo, Rosario, Mendez, Indang, Alfonso, General Trias, Trece Martirez, Tanza, Magallanes. Naic, Maragondon, Noveleta, Ternate, Gen. Mariano Alvarez Laguna: Bay, San Pedro, Sta Rosa, Binan, Cabuyao, Los Banos, Calamba City, Victoria, Calauan, Alaminos, San Pablo, Majayjay, Luisiana, Rizal, Nagcarlan,Lumban Oriental Mindoro: Baco, Socorro, City Of Calapan (Capital), Bansud Quezon: Candelaria, City of Tayabas, Pagbilao, San Antonio, Sariaya, Valencia, Lucban, Lucena City (Capital), Pitogo, Unisan, Lopezalnbay, Gumaca, Plaridel, Macalelon, General Luna Rizal: Antipolo, Cainta, Taytay Sorsogon: City of Sorsogon (Capital); Irosin, Casiguran, Castilla

VISAYAS: Aklan: Nabas Ibajay, Altayas Bohol: Tagbilaran City (Capital), Cortes, Baclayon Capiz: Roxas City (Capital) 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, Ronda, Sibonga Boljoon, Malabuyoc, Oslob, Carmen Iloilo: Iloilo City, Oton, Kalibo (Capital), San Miguel Negros Occidental: Bacolod City, Kabankalan, Pulupandan, Silay City,Valladolid, Binalbagan, Murcia,Enrique B. Magalona (Saravia),Bago City,City of Himamaylan,City of Talisay,La Carlota City Negros Oriental: Dumaguete, Valencia, Sibulan, City of Tanjay, Mabinay

VISAYAS: Aklan: Nabas Ibajay, Altayas Bohol: Tagbilaran City (Capital), Cortes, Baclayon Capiz: Roxas City (Capital) 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, Ronda, Sibonga Boljoon, Malabuyoc, Oslob, Carmen Iloilo: Iloilo City, Oton, Kalibo (Capital), San Miguel Negros Occidental: Bacolod City, Kabankalan, Pulupandan, Silay City,Valladolid, Binalbagan, Murcia,Enrique B. Magalona (Saravia),Bago City,City of Himamaylan,City of Talisay,La Carlota City Negros Oriental: Dumaguete, Valencia, Sibulan, City of Tanjay, Mabinay

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

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 7)

World

TODAY

TODAY

Promo Mechanics:

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.

8)

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.

9)

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

7)

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.

8)

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.

9)

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

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

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

11) 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.

11) By availing of the promo, the subscriber confirms that he/she has read, understood, and agreed the promo mechanics, its terms, and conditions. Subscriber also agrees not to use the SIM and/or promo for illicit or illegal means.

12) 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. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-118950 Series of 2021 (MS-NOV. 18, 2021)

12) 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.

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-123441 Series of 2021

B2

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Pfizer strikes global licensing deal for cheap COVID-19 pill

U

S PHARMACEUTICAL giant Pfizer on Tuesday announced a deal to make its prospective antiviral COVID-19 pill available more cheaply in the world’s leastwealthy countries.

Pfizer will sub-license production of its promising Paxlovid pill to generic drug manufacturers for supply in 95 low- and middle-income nations covering around 53 percent of the world’s population.

Under the deal struck with the global Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), Pfizer – which also produces one of the most widelyused COVID vaccines with German lab BioNTech – will not receive royalties from the generic manufacturers, making the treatment cheaper.

The agreement is subject to the oral antiviral medication passing ongoing trials and regulatory approval.

The Pfizer drug is to be taken with the HIV medicine ritonavir.

Interim data from ongoing trials demonstrated an 89 percent reduction in the risk of COVID19-related hospitalisation or death compared to a placebo, in

non-hospitalised high-risk adults with Covid-19 within three days of symptom onset, said Pfizer.

Similar results were seen within five days of symptom onset, it added.

The Geneva-based MPP is a United Nations-backed international organisation that works to facilitate the development of medicines for low- and middleincome nations.

If approved, the pill could be on the market in “a matter of months,” MPP policy chief Esteban Burrone told AFP. Pfizer also said Tuesday that it was seeking an emergency use authorisation, or EUA, in the US for the COVID pill.

Pfizer will forego royalties on sales in all countries covered by the agreement while COVID-19 remains classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization. AFP

RHYTHMIC TWIRLING. People wave ribbons in front of a historic building in Beijing on November 17, 2021. AFP

IN BRIEF Beijing tightens COVID entry rules STRICT new COVID-19 restrictions come into force in Beijing on Wednesday for visitors to the Chinese capital, requiring negative tests and dramatically cutting domestic flights as the city raises the drawbridge against the coronavirus ahead of the Winter Olympics.

With less than 100 days to go to the games in February, China is bracing for a challenge to its zero-COVID strategy when thousands of international athletes descend on Beijing after months of strict border controls.

All visitors to the capital must now show a negative Covid test result from the past 48 hours, while flights from higher risk areas within China will be cancelled or limited to one a day at reduced capacity.

“Beijing is the capital and has strong regional and international connections...

The virus must not be introduced into Beijing and it must not spread in Beijing,” city spokesman Xu Hejian said at a press conference.

The new restrictions also include COVID tests every three days for the more than 30,000 people working with cold-chain imports in the city.

China has said that earlier outbreaks among Beijing market workers and dock workers in eastern China’s Qingdao were linked to cold-chain products. AFP

Auction smashes Kahlo work record A RARE painting by Frida Kahlo sold in a New York auction house Tuesday for almost $35 million, a record price for a work by the iconic Mexican artist.

At the same sale, a painting by French artist Pierre Soulages also broke a record for his work by reaching $20.2 million dollars.

As expected, the self-portrait of Kahlo entitled “Diego y yo” (Diego and me, 1949), where the face of the painter’s husband Diego Rivera appears on her forehead, smashed the former record of $8 million set by a Kahlo in 2016.

That made it the most expensive Latin American work of art in history sold at auction, the previous record having gone to a painting by Diego Rivera himself, whose work “Los Rivales” (1931) sold for $9.76 million in 2018.

“Diego y yo” is emblematic of Kahlo’s self-portraits, known for their intense and enigmatic gaze that made the Mexican painter, a feminist icon, famous around the world.

In the painting, Rivera’s face appears on Frida’s forehead, above her distinctive eyebrows and dark eyes from which a few teardrops fall.

The depiction of Rivera, who at the time was close to Mexican actress Maria Felix, as a third eye symbolizes the extent to which he tormented her thoughts, art experts say.

Kahlo and Rivera married each other twice. She died aged just 47 in 1954.

“Diego y yo” last sold at Sotheby’s for $1.4 million in 1990. AFP

Bodies found 11 yrs after mine disaster ELEVEN years after a New Zealand mine disaster claimed 29 lives, investigators on Wednesday said they had found the remains of at least two of the victims but were unlikely to launch a recovery operation.

The 2010 Pike River Mine disaster was one of New Zealand’s worst industrial accidents, shocking the nation and prompting multiple recovery attempts and a charged criminal investigation.

The disaster is believed to have been caused by a blast triggered by a methane build-up.

Only two of the 31 miners on the afternoon shift were able to make their way out.

Tunnel collapses have all but ended efforts to recover the bodies or gain more evidence about the disaster.

But by digging a borehole, experts have now been able to gather images from the furthest reaches of the mine.

Police said they had spotted two sets of human remains and a possible third.

“At this point, we have been unable to identify the remains, however we will consult with forensic experts,” Detective Superintendent Peter Read said, adding that because of the location, police would not be able to recover the bodies.

“Based on our investigation, we believe there were six to eight men working in the area where the remains have been located.” AFP

(MS-NOV. 18, 2021)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Business

1)

B3

Market down slightly; DITO and Converge lead decliners

T

HE stock market slipped Wednesday in step with the rest of Asia as inflation concerns continued to fan expectations that central banks will be forced to tighten monetary policy quicker than expected. effects of surging inflation, for now.

However, it also provided more support to calls for the Federal Reserve to act sooner to prevent overheating and make sure prices do not run out of control.

Top Fed official James Bullard said the bank should take a “more hawkish” shift and that the tapering of its vast bond-buying program—which has helped support an extended global equity rally—“could move faster.”

But San Francisco Fed chief Mary Daly remained on the more doveish side, believing— like Fed boss Jerome Powell— that price pressures were temporary and suggesting acting too soon could hurt the economic rebound.

In Asia, Hong Kong retreated for the first time after a six-day run-up, while Tokyo, Sydney, Seoul, Singapore, Mumbai and Wellington were also in negative territory.

However, Shanghai and Taipei reversed early losses while there were mild gains in Bangkok and Jakarta. Paris and Frankfurt were flat in initial trade. With AFP

TODAY

Promo will be available starting from November 19, 2021 – January 31,2022 in the following additional areas as approved by DTI-FTEB: La Union La Union La Union Pangasinan Nueva Vizcaya Nueva Vizcaya Nueva Ecija Nueva Ecija Nueva Ecija Isabela Isabela Isabela Isabela Cagayan Cagayan Ilocos Sur Ilocos Sur Ilocos Sur Batangas Camarines Norte Camarines Norte Cavite Oriental Mindoro Oriental Mindoro Quezon Iloilo Negros Occidental

AS IN any presidential elections, the economy should be at the heart of every political discourse. Millions of Filipinos look at the presidential elections as the time for change, and rest their hopes on the country’s new leaders.

The new president and his team will have their hands full on pressing economic issues—unemployment, poverty, low rural income, climate change and high prices. In particular, the new president has the task of improving the lot of farmers and fisherfolk, who comprise the majority of the population in the countryside.

Millions of Filipinos in the countryside still rely on agriculture as their main source of livelihood. They live and die by their crops from the farm and catch from the sea. Many of them live on a hand-to-mouth existence and are unable to break the poverty cycle. This neglected sector of the economy needs government assistance in terms of monetary, social and medical benefits How many times have we read reports of Filipino farmers and fishermen bewailing their wasted produce and selling them for next to nothing, as calamities disrupt their fields, and their families go hungry? It has even come to the point during the COVID-19 pandemic that various organizations and private persons have taken it upon themselves to buy vegetables, fruits, and fish at fair market prices from these poor farmers and fishermen— and place them in community pantries or give them away for everyone to benefit from. But there’s a way to avert hunger and give dignity to our agricultural sector workers without resorting to handouts–let the government buy their wares directly to boost its own anti-poverty and food security programs. Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, the Partido Reporma chairman and standard bearer, has proposed that the government buy 50 percent of the domestic agricultural output to avert huge potential income losses for our farmers and fisherfolk and alleviate their plight, while still stimulating the economy. It makes sense because not only does it cut out greedy middlemen who have long preyed on our farmers and fisherfolk, it would also hurt illegal food importers who constantly undercut our agricultural workers and help keep food prices competitive in local markets. This is not some idea Lacson plucked from thin air—this is being implemented now in Davao del Norte under Governor Edwin Jubahib, which has helped save farmers and fishermen whose livelihoods remain vulnerable to traditional economic pressures, on top of the negative effects of natural calamities. Lacson says this dovetails with his party’s flagship Budget Reform Advocacy for Village Empowerment (BRAVE) agenda, which gives local governments the power of the purse and allows them to plan their spending for development programs–instead of waiting for the national government to dole out assistance to them. Lacson’s running mate, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, explained: “When you disburse the money to the provinces, there is a corresponding mandate. It should be spent where it is intended. There will be a menu. You cannot use those funds inappropriately.” And we sure hope not, for our farmers and fishermen’s sake.

Agoo Santo Tomas Aringay San Quintin Bagabag Solano Aliaga Bongabon Peñaranda Mallig Cabagan Gamu Cordon Claveria Ballesteros Santo Domingo Santa Lucia San Vicente Nasugbu San Lorenzo Ruiz (Imelda) San Vicente Gen. Mariano Alvarez City Of Calapan (Capital) Bansud General Luna San Miguel La Carlota City

TODAY

Promo Mechanics: 1)

2)

The Php 199 promo + Php 40 SIM bundle is priced at Php 239.00 and is inclusive of the following: a. b. c. d. e. f.

3)

Prerequisites: a.

b.

4)

b.

c.

6)

2)

3)

Prerequisites: a.

b.

4)

Only those with device compatible with the DITO SIM card and has passed the location validation may avail the promo. Device and location compatibility shall be assessed during the online ordering process. The list of available devices shall be available at DITO’s website (https://www.dito.ph/). Network locked phones, aside from DITO’s, and phones blocked by government agencies shall be considered as non-compatible devices. DITO shall have the sole discretion on whether a particular device is compatible with DITO SIM cards. In case of dispute on device compatibility, the list, and records of DITO shall prevail.

Promo is only valid for the subscriber’s DITO compatible mobile phone where the purchased DITO SIM and Promo are installed.

How to buy the “10GB Data” package Via the DITO Website, DITO App and DITO Facebook account: a.

b.

c.

5)

10GB Data for 30 days upon activation of the promo.

Unlimited DITO-to-DITO calls for 30 days upon activation of the promo.

Unlimited DITO-to-DITO SMS for 30 days upon activation of the promo.

300 minutes of calls to other mobile networks Unlimited texts to other mobile networks

Go to DITO’s Promo Page at (https://dito.ph/promo-page.html) or DITO’s Facebook page at (https://www.facebook.com/DITO.ph/) or Go to “Purchase your DITO SIM” in the DITO App login page. Scan the promo QR code or access the promo link to access the DITO Online Store. In the DITO Online Store or DITO App, check if your handset is compatible and location covered by the promo.

Read, understand, and accept the terms and condition of the SIM card, Welcome Offer Promo, and privacy policy.

Purchase the “10GB Data” package. Customers can pay using credit/debit cards and various e-wallet as indicated in the online store. Customers will be asked to input their name, email address, contact number and delivery address where the DITO packaged will be delivered, delivery is valid within the promo areas only.

The promo package shall be delivered to the customer via third-party courier and may be subject to a delivery fee. Delivery schedule may be subject to change by the third-party couriers depending on its terms and conditions or force majeure. If you are unable to receive your order or received a damaged SIM card, you may reach out send an email to customerservice@dito.ph or send your concerns via DITO’s Facebook messenger or using the DITO App.

Promo shall only be offered in the following cities and municipalities in the following:

LUZON: NCR: Manila, Quezon City, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Pasay, Taguig, Pateros, Makati, Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Marikina, Las Pinas Cagayan: Camalaniugan, Lal-Lo, Claveria, Ballesteros Ilocos Sur: Santo Domingo, Santa Lucia, San Vicente Isabela: Mallig, Cabagan, Gamu, Cordon La Union: Rosario, Pugo, Bauang, Caba, Agoo, Santo Tomas, Aringay Nueva Vizcaya: Dupax del Norte, Bagabag, Solano 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, Labrador, San Fabian, Infanta, Sual, Mapandan, Jacinto, Burgos, Umingan, Asingan, San Quintin Bataan: Balanga, Dinalupihan, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Orion, Hermosa 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,Aliaga, Bongabon, Peñaranda Pampanga: Angeles, Bacolor, Candaba, Guagua, Lubao, Mabalacat, Magalang Mexico, San Fernando,San Simon, Santa Rita, Santa Ana, Arayat Minalin, Porac, Floridablanca, Apalit, Masantol 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 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, Mabini, Nasugbu Camarines Norte: Basud, Daet (Capital), Talisay, Vinzons, Santa Elena, San Lorenzo Ruiz (Imelda), San Vicente 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, San Fernando Cavite: Kawit, Bacoor, Imus, Tagaytay City, Silang, Dasmarinas, Carmona, Amadeo, Rosario, Mendez, Indang, Alfonso, General Trias, Trece Martirez, Tanza, Magallanes.

Naic, Maragondon, Noveleta, Ternate, Gen. Mariano Alvarez Laguna: Bay, San Pedro, Sta Rosa, Binan, Cabuyao, Los Banos, Calamba City, Victoria, Calauan, Alaminos, San Pablo, Majayjay, Luisiana, Rizal, Nagcarlan,Lumban Oriental Mindoro: Baco, Socorro, City Of Calapan (Capital), Bansud Quezon: Candelaria, City of Tayabas, Pagbilao, San Antonio, Sariaya, Valencia, Lucban, Lucena City (Capital), Pitogo, Unisan, Lopezalnbay, Gumaca, Plaridel, Macalelon, General Luna Rizal: Antipolo, Cainta, Taytay Sorsogon: City of Sorsogon (Capital); Irosin, Casiguran, Castilla

LUZON: NCR: Manila, Quezon City, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Pasay, Taguig, Pateros, Makati, Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Marikina, Las Pinas Cagayan: Camalaniugan, Lal-Lo, Claveria, Ballesteros Ilocos Sur: Santo Domingo, Santa Lucia, San Vicente Isabela: Mallig, Cabagan, Gamu, Cordon La Union: Rosario, Pugo, Bauang, Caba, Agoo, Santo Tomas, Aringay Nueva Vizcaya: Dupax del Norte, Bagabag, Solano 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, Labrador, San Fabian, Infanta, Sual, Mapandan, Jacinto, Burgos, Umingan, Asingan, San Quintin Bataan: Balanga, Dinalupihan, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Orion, Hermosa 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, Aliaga, Bongabon, Peñaranda Pampanga: Angeles, Bacolor, Candaba, Guagua, Lubao, Mabalacat, Magalang Mexico, San Fernando, San Simon, Santa Rita, Santa Ana, Arayat Minalin, Porac, Floridablanca, Apalit, Masantol 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 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, Mabini, Nasugbu Camarines Norte: Basud, Daet (Capital), Talisay, Vinzons, Santa Elena, San Lorenzo Ruiz (Imelda), San Vicente 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, San Fernando Cavite: Kawit, Bacoor, Imus, Tagaytay City, Silang, Dasmarinas, Carmona, Amadeo, Rosario, Mendez, Indang, Alfonso, General Trias, Trece Martirez, Tanza, Magallanes.

Naic, Maragondon, Noveleta, Ternate, Gen. Mariano Alvarez Laguna: Bay, San Pedro, Sta Rosa, Binan, Cabuyao, Los Banos, Calamba City, Victoria, Calauan, Alaminos, San Pablo, Majayjay, Luisiana, Rizal, Nagcarlan,Lumban Oriental Mindoro: Baco, Socorro, City Of Calapan (Capital), Bansud Quezon: Candelaria, City of Tayabas, Pagbilao, San Antonio, Sariaya, Valencia, Lucban, Lucena City (Capital), Pitogo, Unisan, Lopezalnbay, Gumaca, Plaridel, Macalelon, General Luna Rizal: Antipolo, Cainta, Taytay Sorsogon: City of Sorsogon (Capital) Irosin, Casiguran, Castilla

VISAYAS: Aklan: Nabas Ibajay, Altayas Bohol: Tagbilaran City (Capital), Cortes, Baclayon Capiz: Roxas City (Capital) 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, Ronda, Sibonga Boljoon, Malabuyoc, Oslob, Carmen Iloilo: Iloilo City, Oton, Kalibo (Capital), San Miguel Negros Occidental: Bacolod City, Kabankalan, Pulupandan, Silay City,Valladolid, Binalbagan, Murcia,Enrique B. Magalona (Saravia),Bago City,City of Himamaylan,City of Talisay,La Carlota City Negros Oriental: Dumaguete, Valencia, Sibulan, City of Tanjay, Mabinay

VISAYAS: Aklan: Nabas Ibajay, Altayas Bohol: Tagbilaran City (Capital), Cortes, Baclayon Capiz: Roxas City (Capital) 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, Ronda, Sibonga Boljoon, Malabuyoc, Oslob, Carmen Iloilo: Iloilo City, Oton, Kalibo (Capital), San Miguel Negros Occidental: Bacolod City, Kabankalan, Pulupandan, Silay City,Valladolid, Binalbagan, Murcia,Enrique B. Magalona (Saravia),Bago City,City of Himamaylan,City of Talisay,La Carlota City Negros Oriental: Dumaguete, Valencia, Sibulan, City of Tanjay, Mabinay

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

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

Via Lazada Mall: a. b. c. d. e.

Open Lazada and search for DITO in the Lazada Mall (DITO Telecommunity) account or DITO SIM. Click on DITO SIM product in DITO’s shop in Lazada Mall.

Go thru handset validation using the link displayed in the Product Description Section.

Select the SIM type compatible exactly to your handset and click Buy Now. The promo package shall be delivered to the customer via Lazada partner courier and may be subject to a delivery fee. Delivery is subject to the terms and conditions of Lazada and their partner couriers.

If you are unable to receive your order or received a damaged SIM card, you may reach out send an email to customerservice@dito.ph or send your concerns via DITO’s Facebook messenger or using the DITO App. You may also reach out to Lazada or its partner couriers pursuant to their terms and conditions.

6)

a. b. c. d.

b. c. d. e.

a.

b.

Insert the DITO SIM in the prescreened DITO compatible device or other DITO compatible devices. The 25GB high-speed data, on-net call, and on-net text promo shall be automatically enabled upon activation of the SIM Card. To activate the SIM card, subscribers may turn on their data, attempt a call or send an SMS. Subscribers will receive confirmation via SMS for the activation of the SIM card and the promo.

8)

Once availed, the promo is non-refundable / non-replaceable / non-exchangeable. The promo must be availed and activated within 30 days from the date the DITO SIM was successfully delivered. The SIM card shall expire if not activated within “1” year from purchase.

9)

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

10)

The promo cannot be converted to cash, credit, or other goods and services of DITO.

11)

By availing of the promo, the subscriber confirms that he/she has read, understood, and agrees to the promo mechanics, its terms and conditions, the terms and conditions of the SIM card. Subscriber also agrees not to use the SIM card and/or promo for illicit or illegal means.

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. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-122325 Series of 2021

(MS-NOV. 18, 2021)

Open Lazada and search for DITO in the Lazada Mall (DITO Telecommunity) account or DITO SIM. Click on DITO SIM product in DITO’s shop in Lazada Mall.

Go thru handset validation using the link displayed in the Product Description Section.

Select the SIM type compatible exactly to your handset and click Buy Now. The promo package shall be delivered to the customer via Lazada partner courier and may be subject to a delivery fee. Delivery is subject to the terms and conditions of Lazada and their partner couriers.

If you are unable to receive your order or received a damaged SIM card, you may reach out send an email to customerservice@dito.ph or send your concerns via DITO’s Facebook messenger or using the DITO App. You may also reach out to Lazada or its partner couriers pursuant to their terms and conditions.

Via Shopee:

Open Shopee and search for DITO in the Shopee Mall (DITO Telecommunity) account or DITO SIM. Click on DITO SIM product in DITO’s shop in Shopee.

Select the SIM type compatible exactly to your handset and click Buy Now. The promo package shall be delivered to the customer via Shopee partner courier and may be subject to a delivery fee. Delivery is subject to the terms and conditions of Shopee and their partner couriers.

If you are unable to receive your order or received a damaged SIM card, you may send an email to customerservice@dito.ph or send your concerns via DITO’s Facebook messenger or using the DITO App. You may also reach out to Shopee or its partner couriers pursuant to their terms and conditions.

7) How to Activate the Promo

Via Lazada Mall: a.

Via Shopee:

12)

The promo is priced at P99 and is inclusive of the following: a. b. c. d. e.

Go to DITO’s Promo Page at (https://dito.ph/promo-page.html) or DITO’s Facebook page at (https://www.facebook.com/DITO.ph/). Scan the promo QR code or access the promo link to access the DITO Online Store. In the DITO Online Store, check if your handset is compatible and location covered by the promo. Read, understand, and accept the terms and condition of the SIM card, Welcome Offer Promo, and privacy policy.

Purchase the “25GB Data” package. Customers can pay using credit/debit cards and various e-wallet as indicated in the online store. Customers will be asked to input their name, email address, contact number and delivery address where the DITO packaged will be delivered, delivery is valid within the promo areas only.

The promo package shall be delivered to the customer via third-party courier and may be subject to a delivery fee. Delivery schedule may be subject to change by the third-party couriers depending on its terms and conditions or force majeure. If you are unable to receive your order or received a damaged SIM card, you may reach out send an email to customerservice@dito.ph or send your concerns via DITO’s Facebook messenger or using the DITO App.

Promo shall only be offered in the following new cities and municipalities in the following:

Agoo Santo Tomas Aringay San Quintin Bagabag Solano Aliaga Bongabon Peñaranda Mallig Cabagan Gamu Cordon Claveria Ballesteros Santo Domingo Santa Lucia San Vicente Nasugbu San Lorenzo Ruiz (Imelda) San Vicente Gen. Mariano Alvarez City Of Calapan (Capital) Bansud General Luna San Miguel La Carlota City

The promo must be activated within the promo period Promos activated after the promo period shall not take effect.

Only those with device compatible with the DITO SIM card and has passed the location validation may avail the promo. Device and location compatibility shall be assessed during the online ordering process. The list of available devices shall be available at DITO’s website (https://www.dito.ph/). Network locked phones, aside from DITO’s, and phones blocked by government agencies shall be considered as non-compatible devices. DITO shall have the sole discretion on whether a particular device is compatible with DITO SIM cards. In case of dispute on device compatibility, the list, and records of DITO shall prevail.

Promo is only valid for the subscriber’s DITO compatible mobile phone where the purchased DITO SIM and Promo are installed.

How to buy the “25GB Data” package Via the DITO Website and DITO Facebook account: a.

5)

SIM card 25GB Data for 30 days upon activation of the SIM card.

Unlimited DITO-to-DITO calls for 30 days upon activation of the SIM Card.

Unlimited DITO-to-DITO SMS for 30 days upon activation of the SIM Card 300 minutes of calls to other networks Unlimited texts to other networks

Promo will be available starting from November 19, 2021 – January 31,2022 in the following additional areas as approved by DTI-FTEB: La Union La Union La Union Pangasinan Nueva Vizcaya Nueva Vizcaya Nueva Ecija Nueva Ecija Nueva Ecija Isabela Isabela Isabela Isabela Cagayan Cagayan Ilocos Sur Ilocos Sur Ilocos Sur Batangas Camarines Norte Camarines Norte Cavite Oriental Mindoro Oriental Mindoro Quezon Iloilo Negros Occidental

The promo package must be purchased within this period. SIM and promo must be activated within 30 days from delivery. Promo will not activate beyond the 30-day delivery period.

Agriculture, economy should dominate the political debate

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com

Manila

Manila

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index lost 17.60 points, or 0.2 percent, at 7,349.82 on a value turnover of P7.4 billion.

Gainers, however, bet losers, 101 to 87, with 58 issues unchanged.

Fiber broadband services provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. dropped 4.8 percent to P34, while DITO CME Holdings Corp., the third mobile phone company, sank 5.9 percent to P5.60.

GMA Network Inc., the biggest broadcasting firm, fell 3.3 percent to P14.16, while PLDT Inc., the largest telecommunications firm, declined 2.4 percent to P1,078.

The rest of equity markets in Asia, meanwhile, turned lower Wednesday while the dollar and pound strengthened.

New York’s three main indexes rose again after data showed a forecast-busting rise in retail sales as well as solid earnings from shopping giants Walmart and Home Depot.

The news reinforced optimism about the recovery in the world’s top economy and showed consumers were brushing off the

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Standard

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Standard

a. b. c. d.

7)

Open Shopee and search for DITO in the Shopee Mall (DITO Telecommunity) account or DITO SIM. Click on DITO SIM product in DITO’s shop in Shopee.

Select the SIM type compatible exactly to your handset and click Buy Now. The promo package shall be delivered to the customer via Shopee partner courier and may be subject to a delivery fee. Delivery is subject to the terms and conditions of Shopee and their partner couriers.

If you are unable to receive your order or received a damaged SIM card, you may send an email to customerservice@dito.ph or send your concerns via DITO’s Facebook messenger or using the DITO App. You may also reach out to Shopee or its partner couriers pursuant to their terms and conditions.

How to Activate the Promo a.

b.

Insert the DITO SIM in the prescreened DITO compatible device or other DITO compatible devices. The 10GB high-speed data, on-net call, and on-net text promo shall be automatically enabled upon activation of the SIM Card. To activate the SIM card, subscribers may turn on their data, attempt a call or send an SMS. Subscribers will receive confirmation via SMS for the activation of the SIM card and the promo.

8)

Once availed, the promo is non-refundable / non-replaceable / non-exchangeable.

The promo must be availed and activated within 30 days from the date the DITO SIM was successfully delivered. The SIM card shall expire if not activated within “1” year from purchase.

9)

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

10)

The promo cannot be converted to cash, credit, or other goods and services of DITO.

11)

By availing of the promo, the subscriber confirms that he/she has read, understood, and agrees to the promo mechanics, its terms and conditions, the terms and conditions of the SIM card. Subscriber also agrees not to use the SIM card and/or promo for illicit or illegal means.

12)

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.

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-124998 Series of 2021 (MS-NOV. 18, 2021)

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

B4

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021

IN BRIEF PNR Clark to use portions of SCTEX

THE Department of Transportation signed an agreement with NLEX Corp. over the construction of columns for the P150-billion PNR Clark Phase 2 Project.

Under the agreement, columns for PNR Clark will be constructed in the shoulders and median island that will cross above the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway to allow seamless operations of both the expressway and the railway.

The DOTR and NLEX will also coordinate for the project design, traffic management plan, safety plan and security plan. DOTR Undersecretary Giovanni Lopez said the government gained the private sector’s trust with the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program.

The second leg of the NSCR Project, the 53-kilometer PNR Clark Phase 2, will connects cities and municipalities in Central Luzon to Metro Manila and will link the railway system with the country’s first ever Airport Express Service going to Clark International Airport.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Destinations welcome vaccinated passengers

AIRASIA Philippines said Wednesday all its domestic destinations no longer require COVID-19 test for fully-vaccinated individuals.

“AirAsia is very excited for all these exciting developments in the travel and tourism sector. Slowly but surely, we will achieve that sense of normalcy we all have been praying for,” said AirAsia Philippines spokesperson Steve Dailisan.

“Likewise, there is no room for complacency. AirAsia will continue to strictly implement established health and safety protocols for the protection of all our guests and staff,” he said.

Puerto Princesa, Caticlan (Boracay), Bohol, Kalibo, Tacloban, Bacolod, Iloilo, General Santos, Cagayan De Oro, Zamboanga and Davao already eased travel requirements for fully-vaccinated guests.

AirAsia will also resume its international routes beginning Dec. 4 with weekly flights to Singapore and twice weekly flights to Hong Kong to service overseas Filipino workers and business travelers. Darwin G. Amojelar

Banks, DOJ to tie up against cyber crimes

THE 42-member Bankers Association of the Philippines formed a partnership with the Department of Justice to intensify the campaign against cyber crimes, the group’s president said Wednesday.

BAP president Wick Veloso said in an online briefing the partnership would involve the training of cybercrime enforcers and prosecutors.

“Filipinos have become comfortable in conducting bank transactions online [especially during the pandemic]... We will partner with DoJ to train cybercrime enforcers and prosecutors,” Veloso said.

“Filipinos are among those active in social media around the world, so it is important for them to be aware [of the risks],” Veloso said.

The BAP and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas also virtually signed a memorandum of understanding to intensify the campaign against cyber crimes. The MOU seals the partnership in the fight against cybercrime and fraud.

The collaboration aims to elevate cybersecurity awareness to help better protect the banking and general public from cybercrime activities. Julito G. Rada

Business

Luzon faces tight power supply in election period L

By Alena Mae S. Flores

UZON will have a tight power supply in the dry months next year, or the election period, amid increasing demand, depleting reserves from the Malampaya natural gas project in northwest Palawan and the inability of the plants to hold regular maintenance amid the COVID-19 pandemic, an industry executive said Wednesday.

“I think it’s going to be a very difficult summer. I think only one new power station has come into the energy mix in Luzon, up north, a 660-megawatts super critical coal power plant. Aside from that, there are no new power stations coming into the market,” Frank Thiel, managing director of Quezon Power (Philippines) Ltd. Co. and general manager of San Buenaventura Power Ltd. Co., said during the virtual Asian Power Thermal Energy Conference.

QPPL operates a 440- MW coal-

fired power plant, while SBPL owns a 500-MW coal-fired station in Mauban, Quezon. SBPL is the Philippines’ first supercritical coal-fired power plant that was switched on in October 2019.

“This can be a very tight situation. I think we will have barely enough provided all the plants are there at the same time, and we will don’t have any surprises,” Thiel said, in response to questions about supply forecast for 2022.

Thiel said that as demand continued to rise, some power plant projects

were put on hold while others were not able to conduct most of their scheduled maintenance last year because of the pandemic.

“Pre-pandemic, we had a certain demand. During the pandemic, the demand dropped and I think a lot of projects were put on a lull because of that situation,” he said.

“In Luzon, the economy started taking off again. Demand has increased and was back to pre-pandemic levels and increasing. Next year is going to be very tough,” Thiel said.

Thiel said he was worried that several power plants were not able to have adequate maintenance procedures in the past two years because of the pandemic restrictions. Periodic maintenance allows power plants to operate reliably and avoid outages.

“We were not able to bring technical advisors. We rely on technical advisors to come in and help us for maintenance during the planned outages of the units,” he said.

OSM Group, a Swedish company that manufactures consumer electronics, engineered soft goods and other industrial products, inaugurates its production facility at the PhilExcel Annex area in Clark Freeport Zone. Attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony are (from left) PhilExcel president Ian Packham, OSM Clark general manager Ronald Catignas, Sweden Ambassador to the Philippines Annika Thunborg and Clark Development Corp. president and chief executive Manuel Gaerlan. OSM Clark employs 103 workers and provides services such as end consumer driven design, product development, scalable mass production with retail packaging capabilities and supply chain management solutions.

Swedish electronics manufacturer opens facility in Clark

By Othel V. Campos SWEDISH manufacturer OSM Group opened a production facility for consumer electronics and industrial products at Clark Freeport Zone, Clark Development Corp. said Wednesday.

CDC president and chief executive Manuel Gaerlan said the new investment in Clark would strengthen the Freeport’s stature as a prominent destination of choice among foreign and local investors.

“This event is one of the many signs that Clark Freeport Zone continues to play a major role in the dynamic progress of our country. Despite the chal-

lenges brought by the pandemic, Clark continues to be a choice investment hub in the Philippines,” he said.

OSM Group is a maker of consumer electronics, engineered soft good, and other industrial products. It inaugurated its facility within the PhilExcel Annex area inside Clark Freeport.

Swedish Ambassador Annika Thunborg cited Clark Freeport Zone as a suitable investment destination given its strategic location, connectivity and ideal business climate.

“It is important for Swedish companies to look outside of Metro Manila for investment and trade opportunities, and Clark should be a top priority due to its

strategic location, proximity to transport hubs and its support to the investors,” she said.

OSM Clark employs 103 workers from the different communities near the Freeport. It provides services such as end-consumer driven design, product development, scalable mass production with retail packaging capabilities and supply chain management solutions.

The company was established in Sweden in 2004. It continuously added various offices and invested in new manufacturing sites in other countries.

OSM has presence in Hong Kong, China, Sweden and the Philippines.

TRAVELLERS INTERNATIONAL HOTEL GROUP, INC. 10/F Newport Entertainment & Commercial Centre, Newport Boulevard Newport Cybertourism Economic Zone, Pasay City, Philippines Telephone Number: (+632) 7908-8000 NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING TO ALL SHAREHOLDERS: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting (“ASM”) of Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc. (the “Corporation”) will be held on 10 December 2021, at 9:00 a.m. Given the current circumstances, the ASM will be conducted virtually and voting conducted in absentia through the link that may be accessed at the Corporation’s website at https://travellers.com.ph/annual-stockholdersmeeting-2021/.

In light of the current conditions, the Presiding Officer shall call and preside the ASM at the Corporation’s principal office in Pasay City, while stockholders may attend the meeting and vote via remote communication only. The Corporation is in the process of finalizing the details of the online facilities and the procedures for the pre-registration of the stockholders of the Corporation. The Corporation will immediately provide the necessary information, disclosure, and notices as soon as the foregoing details are finalized.

The agenda of the meeting shall be as follows: 1. Call to Order 2. Certification of Notice and Quorum 3. Approval of the Minutes of the previous Annual Stockholders’ Meeting 4. Approval of Annual Management Report 5. Amendment of Sections 4 & 6, Article 1 and Section 2, Article II of the Amended By-Laws 6. Ratification of Acts and Resolutions of the Board of Directors, Board Committees, and Management 7. Appointment of External Auditor 8. Election of Directors for 2021-2022 9. Other Matters 10. Adjournment The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on 15 October 2021 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to the notice of meeting, participate via remote communication, and vote in absentia at such meeting and any adjournment thereof.

The conduct of the meeting will be streamed live, and stockholders may attend the meeting by registering via https://travellers.com.ph/annual-stockholders-meeting-2021/ and submitting the supporting documents listed there until 30 November 2021. All information submitted shall be verified and validated by the Corporate Secretary.

We are not soliciting your proxy. If, however, you will appoint a proxy to represent you in the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting, you may submit a proxy form on or before 30 November 2021. Given the current circumstances, scanned forms will be accepted via e-mail at legal@rwmanila.com. Paper copies shall be sent to the office of the Corporate Secretary at the 10th Floor, Newport Entertainment and Commercial Centre, Newport Boulevard, Newport Cybertourism Economic Zone, Pasay City, Philippines. Validation of proxies shall be on 03 December 2021.

Stockholders who successfully registered can cast their votes in absentia through the Corporation’s secure online voting facility for this meeting. In order to participate remotely, they will also be provided with access to the meeting that will be held virtually. The “Guidelines for Participation via Remote Communication and Voting in Absentia” as indicated in Item 19 of the Definitive Information Statement, which will be posted in the Corporation’s website at https://travellers.com.ph/annual-stockholdersmeeting-2021/.

For queries, please contact Atty. Roberto Rey S. Rodrigo at telephone no. 7908-8000, local 8116, or via e-mail to robert.rodrigo@rwmanila.com.

Pasay City, Philippines, 16 November 2021.

(SGD.) RONALD MARK C. LLENO Corporate Secretary

URC AWARDS. Universal Robina Corp.’s subsidiaries in Vietnam and Thailand clinch top awards that continue to enhance the reputation of their brands and image in both key markets. In Vietnam, URC was named among the country’s top 10 most prestigious beverage companies in the nonalcoholic category for a second year in a row. Fun-O, meanwhile, continues to be the most loved biscuit in Thailand, with the brand being recognized by BrandAge magazine as not just the market leader, but also the most admired.

GCash transactions expected to top P3.5t this year

By Darwin G. Amojelar DIGITAL wallet GCash expects to end the year with more than P3.5 trillion in gross value transactions as digital payment adoption among Filipinos continues to rise despite the reopening of the economy, a top executive said Wednesday.

“With more frequent transactions as of today, we have already breached the initial GVT projection of P3 trillion. We are tracking to end 2021 with over P3.5 trillion GVT,” GCash president and chief executive Martha Sazon said.

“We think that digital adoption has reached the tipping point already where the convenience of GCash products will continue to contribute towards its relevance,” she said.

GCash has more than 51 million users with 13 million daily transactions. “We don’t see any slowdown even as the economy opens up because the adoption has been so really massive,” Sazon said.

She said that GCash also posted four straight months of net income after tax.

Mynt, the operator of GCash, earlier became the country’s first unicorn or privately-held startup company with a value of over $1 billion, after it raised more than $300 million in its latest funding round.

The investment round, which brought Mynt’s value to over $2 billion, was led by global investment giant Warburg Pincus, New York-based global private equity and venture capital firm Insight Partners and Bow Wave Capital, one of Mynt’s current investors.

PSE INDEX CLOSING

Wednesday, November 17, 2021 -17.60 PTS. 7,349.82

TOTAL VOLUME

832,911,909

TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE

95,722 7,456,790,297.04

ADVANCES

101

DECLINES UNCHANGED

87 58

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

50.2720

Japan

Yen

0.008709

0.4378

UK

Pound

1.343100

67.5203

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128422

6.4560

Switzerland

Franc

1.075500

54.0675

Canada

Dollar

0.796178

40.0255

Singapore

Dollar

0.737028

37.0519

Australia

Dollar

0.730200

36.7086

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652379

133.3404

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266617

13.4034

Brunei

Dollar

0.734322

36.9158

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.030572

1.5369

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

13.6884

Euro

Euro

1.132300

56.9230

Korea

Won

0.000845

0.0425

China

Yuan

0.156453

7.8652

India

Rupee

0.013431

0.6752

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.240125

12.0716

New Zealand

Dollar

0.699100

35.1452

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035934

1.8065 Source: BSP

Figaro, CREIT obtain SEC nod to launch IPOs

By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Securities and Exchange Commission said Wednesday it approved the initial public offerings of Citicore Energy REIT Corp. and Figaro Coffee Group Inc., and the preferred shares offering of Arthaland Corp.

CREIT, the real estate investment trust company owned by Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. and Citicore Solar Tarlac 1 Inc., plans to sell up to 3.2 billion common shares at a price of P3.15 apiece.

The IPO will enable the company to raise up to P10 billion in proceeds, which it will use for the acquisition of properties in Bulacan and South Cotabato provinces. Assuming the overallotment shares are fully exercised, CREIT will have a public float of 49 percent, while shareholders will continue to hold 51 percent.

The offering will run from Nov. 26 to Dec. 3 in time for the shares to be listed in the PSE on Dec. 13, according to the latest timetable submitted to the SEC. As mandated by the REIT law, CREIT should redistribute to shareholders at least 90 percent of its annual distributable income as dividends.

CREIT aims to focus on incomegenerating renewable energy real estate properties, including land and properties used for harnessing power.

The company owns the Clark Solar Power Plant operating on land leased from Clark Development Corp., pursuant to a 25-year lease which will expire in September 2039.

Meanwhile, the SEC also approved the P1.77-billion IPO of Figaro. Under the plan, Figaro will sell 1.26 billion common shares at up to P1.28 apiece, with an overallotment option for another 126 million common shares.

Medilines pegs initial offering at P2.30 per share MEDILINES Distributors Inc. set the final offer price for its initial public offering at P2.30 per share.

Medilines will raise up to P1.89 billion in proceeds from the sale of up to 825 million common shares, based on the final price offer.

Medilines chairman Virgilio Villar said the IPO would provide investors an opportunity to invest in the fast-growing healthcare industry especially in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are now one step closer to our vision of providing the public an investment opportunity that is set to rapidly grow amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond as everyone realizes the importance of the healthcare industry,” Villar said.

Net proceeds from the sale of primary shares amounting to P541 million will be used for working capital in relation to the procurement of existing products and the build-up of medical consumables inventory and debt repayment.

The company allocated P743.1 million to retire debt which was used primarily to fund working capital.

“We believe that pursuing this strategy will increase the overall shareholder value of the company, as this will decrease our financing cost. We further believe that we will still be able to access debt funding from our various relationship banks as the need arises,” Medilines said.

The offer period will be from Nov. 22 to 26, while the shares will be listed on the main board of the Philippine Stock Exchange on Dec. 7. Jenniffer B. Austria

ONE year after the first restart following an eight-month hiatus due to pandemic, the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour returns to Riviera for another two-leg swing starting next week with a promise of a tight, fierce title chase that has marked the circuit’s third resumption in Cavite and Tagaytay a couple of weeks back.

Harmie Constantino and Sunshine Baraquiel, who pulled through in scrambling fashions at Eagle RidgeAoki and Highlands, respectively, top-bill the cast in the ICTSI Riviera Ladies Challenge on Nov. 24-26 at the Couples course and in the ICTSI Riviera Ladies Championship on Dec. 1-3 at the adjacent Langer layout with a slew of others beefing up the cast that has stepped up its buildup for the two of the last three events the organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. has lined up for the touring ladies for the rest of the season.

The circuit will head back to Tagaytay for the ICTSI Midlands Ladies Classic on Dec. 14-16.

Constantino, who marked her pro debut with a victory over multi-titled Princess Superal at Aoki last March, made a triumphant return to one of Eagle Ridge’s four championship courses by outduelling amateur Mafy Singson in the stretch on her way to a one-stroke victory.

But the former national champion, along with the rest of the field, succumbed to Tagaytay Highlands’ harsh challenges although one player stood out in the end of a punishing week to accomplish a personal mission.

Baraquiel, a lady pilot who decided to pursue a golfing profession than make a career out of flying during the threemonth respite, bucked overwhelming odds and endured the tests to emerge a first-time winner at Highlands.

Heading to Riviera, the 30-year-old former Southwoods mainstay in various Interclub championships hopes to build on her morale-boosting breakthrough win but stressed the need to work on her long game in anticipation of an another exacting grind both at Couples and Langer.

“There are some things that came out from the pressure,” said Baraquiel, referring to her gutsy stand in the closing holes that turned what had been a wild chase into a three-shot win over Chihiro Ikeda and Daniella Uy. “I was able to swing the club well and hit my targets. My decision-making was also on point,” she added.

She will need more of the same as she sets out for another stab at an LPGT championship at Riviera, so do the rest of the field, ensuring another spirited charge for top honors in the back-toback P750,000 events at two of the country’s premier courses.

Ikeda and Uy, in fact, have also propped up their preparations during the break along with Chanelle Avaricio and a bunch of gritty amateurs who have spiced up the title chase in the last two tournaments, led

by Mafy Singson, who lost to Constantino by one at Aoki and claimed the low amateur honors for the second straight time with a fifth place effort at Highlands.

But the likes of Laurea Duque, Arnie Taguines, Burberry Zhang, Keena Puzon and Eagle Ace Superal will also be coming into the Riviera events brimming with confidence, toughened up by their Highlands experience held in bubble setup under strict health and safety measures.

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021

Touring ladies brace for 2-leg Riviera swing

C1

Sunshine Baraquiel top-bills the cast in the ICTSI Riviera Ladies Challenge and the ICTSI Riviera Ladies Championship.

1st Champions League makes volleyball history T

HE country’s first-ever volleyball Champions League, the only national sports associationorganized league during the COVID-19 pandemic outside of the professional basketball tournaments, kicks off with the women’s tournament on Saturday, followed by the men’s contest a week later at the Aquamarine Recreational Center gym in Lipa City, Batangas.

Six clubs are competing in the six-day, single-round robin women’s side that will be staged in a bubble setup, according to the organizing Philippine National Volleyball Federation.

PetroGazz will test the mettle of Baguio City at 10 a.m., while F2 Logistics will take on California Precision Sports at 1:30 p.m.

Chery Tiggo and Tuguegarao Perlas Spikers cap the opening day tripleheader at 4 p.m.

There will be three games every day until November 25. The team with the most number of victories will claim the bragging rights as the first-ever title holder in the Champions League.

“This is the first time that the country is staging its Champions League, which is a staple among members of the International Volleyball Federation or FIVB,” PNVF Ramon “Tats” Suzara said. “And

Jamie Lim

we’re glad that health protocols have eased and we have a very cooperative local government unit in Lipa City.”

The men’s Champions League will start on November 29 with a three-match schedule featuring Go for Gold-Air Force against VNS, Sabong International Spikers against MRT-Negros and Global Remit against Team Dasma Monarchs.

The men’s contest will use the same format as the women’s competition.

The bulk of the PNVF delegation entered the bubble on Wednesday morning, while the teams will arrive in batches starting on Thursday afternoon.

All participants—players, coaches, team managers, officials, media and other personnel—are fully vacinnated and were made to undergo PCR tests before entering the bubble. Everyone will also be Antigen tested before entering the bubble.

The PNVF Champions League has Rebisco, Top Speed, 1Pacman Partylist, Pitmaster Foundation Inc., Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee as platinum sponsors and F2 Logistics, PLDT, MVP Sports Foundation, Asics, Mikasa, BCDA, Philippine Red Cross, Puso Pilipinas and Lipa City as gold sponsors.

The games will be streamed over iWantTFC for local and international audiences, and Smart Sports Facebook pages and YouTube channels.

Details on the Champions League are also available at the PNVF official website volleyballphilippines.com.

The Champions League Most Valuable Player, as well as members of the Dream Team—top two outside hitters and two middle blockers, one opposite spiker, one setter and one libero—will be named after the tournament.

With the short tournament, every point and set point matters.

In case of a tie, the first tiebreaker will be the most points gained—teams will be ranked by the most points gained per match, with the winner via three or four sets will gain three points, winner via five sets will get two points, loser via five sets will grab one point and loser via three or four sets will get zero.

Lim bows to Tokyo Olympics’ veteran from Ukraine

By Peter Atencio SOUTHEAST Asian Games gold medallist Jamie Lim made it as far as the fifth round before bowing out of contention in the hunt for a gold medal in the World Karate Federation Senior World Championships 2021 on Wednesday in Dubai.

The 24-year-old Lim absorbed a 1-2 setback at the hands of Ukraine’s Anita Serogina in the quarterfinals of the -61 kg female kumite category.

Because of this, Serogina, a veteran of the Tokyo Olympics, advanced to the semifinals,

where she dominated her match against Canadian Haya Jumaa to earn a finals berth against Serbian Jovana Perkovic.

Lim will still have a chance for the bronze medal after being relegated to the repechage, to be held on Thursday.

She is now competing in a lower weight level since winning the gold medal in the +61 kg category in the 2019 SEA Games.

Earlier, Lim prevailed over Russia’s Alana Kochieva, 4-2, in her opening encounter.

Then, Lim won scoreless encounters with Xhunashi Caballero of Mexico and Sarara Shimada of Japan via domination in the second and third rounds,

AICC Manila grabs FilBasket semifinal seat AICC Manila booked a semifinal berth while Pasig-Sta. Lucia forged a do-or-die quarters affair against Nueva Ecija in the FilBasket Subic Championship at the Subic gym Tuesday.

The Manila dribblers trounced MTrans Batangas City, 75-65, to become the first semifinalist in the tournament while the Pasig-Sta. Lucia Realtors routed the Nueva Ecija Bespren, 99-79.

Both AICC Manila and Nueva Ecija enjoy twice-to-beat quarters advantages after finishing the round-robin eliminations at first and fourth places.

But AICC Manila refused to waste time with Hesed Gabo and Michael Mabulac leading the charge.

Gabo paced with 16 points while Mabulac chipped in 14 points and 11 boards for AICC Manila, who limited MTrans with nine points in the second quarter to pad its 23-21 first-quarter lead to a 39-30 halftime cushion.

Jeff Viernes pumped in 20 points and eight rebounds for eighth-seeded MTrans, but his efforts went futile.

Meanwhile, the fifth-seeded Pasig lived for another day by imposing its might against Nueva Ecija early on with a 25-20 opening-quarter lead.

Nueva Ecija closed the gap in the last 6:01 of the second period after James Martinez completed a three-point play, 33-all, but Jeckster Apinan led Pasig-Sta. Lucia’s assault to regain the 51-45 upperhand at the half.

Six players scored in double digits for the Realtors with Justin Arana erupting for 25 points and 11 rebounds, and Ryan Costelo chipping in 16 points, six boards and nine assists.

4 teams win in Red Bull Mobile M.E.O PUBG tourney THE first Red Bull Mobile E-Sports Open in the Philippines has found its winners after the National Finals held last October 16.

Featuring a Players Unknown Battleground mobile tournament with a total of 128 teams competing at the national qualifiers, four teams emerged victorious and earned the chance to qualify for and represent the Philippines during the regional finals on November 21.

The four teams that came out on top were Demigod Incognito - 101 points; KHI Esports - 73 points; UTG International - 54 points and Anarchyst Interpid - 40 points.

With their wins, Demigod Incognito, KHI Esports, UTG International, and Anarchyst Interpid secured their spots in the Red Bull M.E.O Season 4 Asia Regional Final against the top teams who qualified from Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and the 12 other teams from international qualifying events.

Red Bull Mobile Esports Open, the multi-game global mobile gaming competition, in its 4th season includes PUBG MOBILE and League of Legends: Wild Rift as feature games, with other additions made on a regional basis, including World Cricket Championship in India and Sri Lanka. 30 countries are taking part in the competition which have been

Red Bull participants whoop it up

running from July till December, featuring both National and Regional Qualifiers and Finals. Open to all, won by one, Red Bull M.E.O. is a fully

open and free to enter tournament which gives competitive mobile players across the world the chance to compete, win, and build their reputation as the best mobile gamer in their country.

In Asia, the showdown is held on November 21 as the top 32 teams will face each other in PUBG MOBILE, a popular battle royale online multiplayer video game title in the region. The teams will start their battle for the win in two groups and the top eight from each group will then go head-to-head for the winning title. The competitors will face each other in a sequence of matches played across 4 maps and the final map will be voted by the team captains during the tournament.

The number one team will receive the title of Red Bull M.E.O Season 4 Asia Regional Champion and a wildcard invitation for top-level esports series by Tencent.

The Red Bull M.E.O is an open-to-all amateur gaming event that promotes healthy competition among gaming enthusiasts and provides them the opportunity to showcase their skills underneath the spotlight of a global setting. The success of the first-ever Red Bull M.E.O in the Philippines had over 500 players from all around the country register to participate and experience this iconic event.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Standard Manila

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC TODAY In accordance with the NTC guidelines, here’s the mechanics for the DITO 3GB Bonus

Standard

TODAY

In accordance with the NTC guidelines, here’s the mechanics for the DITO 39 Promo:

Data promo: Mechanics:

Promo Mechanics: 1) Promo will be available from November 19, 2021-January 31,2022 in the following additional areas: La Union La Union La Union Pangasinan Nueva Vizcaya Nueva Vizcaya Nueva Ecija Nueva Ecija Nueva Ecija Isabela Isabela Isabela Isabela Cagayan Cagayan Ilocos Sur Ilocos Sur Ilocos Sur Batangas Camarines Norte Camarines Norte Cavite Oriental Mindoro Oriental Mindoro Quezon Iloilo Negros Occidental

Sports

Manila

Agoo Santo Tomas Aringay San Quintin Bagabag Solano Aliaga Bongabon Peñaranda Mallig Cabagan Gamu Cordon Claveria Ballesteros Santo Domingo Santa Lucia San Vicente Nasugbu San Lorenzo Ruiz (Imelda) San Vicente Gen. Mariano Alvarez City Of Calapan (Capital) Bansud General Luna San Miguel La Carlota City

1) The DITO Starter Pack will be available starting November 19, 2021- January 31,2022 in the following additional areas as approved by DTI-FTEB: La Union La Union La Union Pangasinan Nueva Vizcaya Nueva Vizcaya Nueva Ecija Nueva Ecija Nueva Ecija Isabela Isabela Isabela Isabela Cagayan Cagayan Ilocos Sur Ilocos Sur Ilocos Sur Batangas Camarines Norte Camarines Norte Cavite Oriental Mindoro Oriental Mindoro Quezon Iloilo Negros Occidental 2)

The DITO Starter Pack is priced at Php 49.00 and is inclusive of the following: a. DITO SIM Card (pre-numbered and dynamic SIM) b. 3GB Data valid for 15 days c. Unlimited DITO-to-DITO calls for 15 d. Unlimited DITO-to-DITO SMS for 15 days e. 100 minutes of calls to other mobile networks for 15 days f. Unlimited texts to other mobile networks for 15 days.

3)

Prerequisites:

The promo must be activated within the promo period. Promos activated after the promo period shall not take effect.

2) The promo is priced at Php 39.00 and is inclusive of the following: a. b. c. d.

3GB Data for 15 days upon activation of the promo.

Unlimited DITO-to-DITO calls for 15 days upon activation of the promo.

Unlimited DITO-to-DITO SMS for 15 days upon activation of the promo.

100 minutes of calls to other mobile networks for 15 days upon activation of the promo. e. Unlimited texts to other mobile networks for 15 days upon activation of the promo.

a. Only those with device compatible with the DITO SIM card and has passed the location validation may avail the promo. Device and location compatibility shall be assessed during the online ordering process. The list of available devices shall be available at DITO’s website (https://www.dito.ph/). Network locked phones, aside from DITO’s, and phones blocked by government agencies shall be considered as non-compatible devices. DITO shall have the sole discretion on whether a particular device is compatible with DITO SIM cards. In case of dispute on device compatibility, the list, and records of DITO shall prevail. b. Promo is only valid for the subscriber’s DITO compatible mobile phone where the purchased DITO SIM and Promo are installed.

3) Prerequisites: a. Must have a valid and working DITO prepaid SIM card installed in one DITO compatible phone. The list of outlets selling the SIM card can be found in DITO’s website (https://www.dito.ph).

Agoo Santo Tomas Aringay San Quintin Bagabag Solano Aliaga Bongabon Peñaranda Mallig Cabagan Gamu Cordon Claveria Ballesteros Santo Domingo Santa Lucia San Vicente Nasugbu San Lorenzo Ruiz (Imelda) San Vicente Gen. Mariano Alvarez City Of Calapan (Capital) Bansud General Luna San Miguel La Carlota City

4)

How to download and install DITO App: Download and install the DITO App via the link included in the activation SMS. The activation SMS will be sent to the SUBSCRIBER after activation of the SIM card.

4) How to download and install DITO App: Download and install the DITO App via the link included in the activation SMS. The activation SMS will be sent to the SUBSCRIBER after activation of the SIM card. (note – use of the DITO App will not use or require any data allocation from the subscriber, free WiFi access shall be available in the DITO’s partner stores for application downloading and promo activation purposes, subscribers may also use the 1 GB data allocation included with the SIM card to download and activate the promo)

(note – use of the DITO App will not use or require any data allocation from the subscriber, free WiFi access shall be available in the DITO’s partner stores for application downloading and promo activation purposes, subscribers may also use the 1 GB data allocation included with the SIM card to download and activate the promo)

Create and Log-in on the DITO App – initial password will be given via SMS.

c. Unlimited DITO-to-DITO calls for 15 days upon receipt of the 2GB additional data. d. Unlimited DITO-to-DITO SMS for 15 days upon receipt of the 2GB additional data. e. 100 minutes of calls to other mobile networks for 15 days upon receipt of the 2GB additional data. f. Unlimited texts to other mobile networks upon receipt of the 2GB additional data.

 Create and Log-in on the DITO App – initial password will be given via SMS lid for 7 days upon activation of the SIM card.*  2GB valid for 15 days upon activation of the SIM card.

5) How to avail the promo: Own Channels

* Balance of the 1GB, if any, shall be automatically extended following the validity period of the 2GB data.

Via DITO App: a. Log-in on the DITO App. b. Go to the App Home Page then select the 3GB Data Promo. c. Subscriber must click on the confirmation button to proceed with the purchase of the offer. d. Subscriber will receive confirmation via APP and SMS.

5) How to avail the DITO Starter Pack:

Via DITO Experience Stores, SMS 185

Via DITO App: a. Log-in on the DITO App. b. Go to the App Home Page before c. Subscriber must click on the confirmation button to proceed with the purchase of the offer. d. Subscriber will receive confirmation via APP and SMS.

Partners

Via Lazada Mall:

The promo can also be availed through the following partners and channels:

a. Open Lazada and search for DITO in the Lazada Mall (DITO Telecommunity) account or DITO SIM. b. Click on DITO SIM product in DITO’s shop in Lazada Mall. c. Go thru handset validation using the link displayed in the Product Description Section. d. Select the SIM type compatible exactly to your handset and click Buy Now. e. The promo package shall be delivered to the customer via Lazada partner courier and may be subject to a delivery fee. Delivery is subject to the terms and conditions of Lazada and their partner couriers.

If you are unable to receive your order or received a damaged SIM card, you may reach out send an email to customerservice@dito.ph or send your concerns via DITO’s Facebook messenger or using the DITO App. You may also reach out to Lazada or its partner couriers pursuant to their terms and conditions.

a. b. c. d. e. f. g.

MLhuillier Load Central Paymaya Telepreneur LoadManna PDMN (WeChat, Alipay) Ayannah (Tambunting, Panalo Express, Brigada, Sendah Direct, GoVIP Center) h. Gcash i. Lazada j. Moneygment

Via Shopee: a. Open Shopee and search for DITO in the Shopee Mall (DITO Telecommunity) account or DITO SIM. b. Click on DITO SIM product in DITO’s shop in Shopee. c. Select the SIM type compatible exactly to your handset and click Buy Now. d. The promo package shall be delivered to the customer via Shopee partner courier and may be subject to a delivery fee. Delivery is subject to the terms and conditions of Shopee and their partner couriers.

6) Promo shall only be offered in the following areas: LUZON: NCR: Manila, Quezon City, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Pasay, Taguig, Pateros, Makati, Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Marikina, Las Pinas Cagayan: Camalaniugan, Lal-Lo, Claveria, Ballesteros Ilocos Sur: Santo Domingo, Santa Lucia, San Vicente Isabela: Mallig, Cabagan, Gamu, Cordon La Union: Rosario, Pugo, Bauang, Caba, Agoo, Santo Tomas, Aringay Nueva Vizcaya: Dupax del Norte, Bagabag, Solano 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, Labrador, San Fabian, Infanta, Sual, Mapandan, Jacinto, Burgos, Umingan, Asingan, San Quintin Bataan: Balanga, Dinalupihan, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Orion, Hermosa 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, Aliaga, Bongabon, Peñaranda Pampanga: Angeles, Bacolor, Candaba, Guagua, Lubao, Mabalacat, Magalang Mexico, San Fernando,San Simon, Santa Rita, Santa Ana, Arayat Minalin, Porac, Floridablanca, Apalit, Masantol 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 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, Mabini, Nasugbu Camarines Norte: Basud, Daet (Capital), Talisay, Vinzons, Santa Elena, San Lorenzo Ruiz (Imelda), San Vicente 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, San Fernando Cavite: Kawit, Bacoor, Imus, Tagaytay City, Silang, Dasmarinas, Carmona, Amadeo, Rosario, Mendez, Indang, Alfonso, General Trias, Trece Martirez, Tanza, Magallanes. Naic, Maragondon, Noveleta, Ternate, Gen. Mariano Alvarez Laguna: Bay, San Pedro, Sta Rosa, Binan, Cabuyao, Los Banos, Calamba City, Victoria, Calauan, Alaminos, San Pablo, Majayjay, Luisiana, Rizal, Nagcarlan,Lumban Oriental Mindoro: Baco, Socorro, City Of Calapan (Capital), Bansud Quezon: Candelaria, City of Tayabas, Pagbilao, San Antonio, Sariaya, Valencia, Lucban, Lucena City (Capital), Pitogo, Unisan, Lopezalnbay, Gumaca, Plaridel, Macalelon, General Luna Rizal: Antipolo, Cainta, Taytay Sorsogon: City of Sorsogon (Capital); Irosin, Casiguran, Castilla

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Via DITO Experience Stores, Retail Partner Stores 6) The DITO Starter Pack shall only be offered in the following areas: LUZON: NCR: Manila, Quezon City, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Pasay, Taguig, Pateros, Makati, Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Marikina, Las Pinas Cagayan: Camalaniugan, Lal-Lo, Claveria, Ballesteros Ilocos Sur: Santo Domingo, Santa Lucia, San Vicente Isabela: Mallig, Cabagan, Gamu, Cordon La Union: Rosario, Pugo, Bauang, Caba, Agoo, Santo Tomas, Aringay Nueva Vizcaya: Dupax del Norte, Bagabag, Solano 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, Labrador, San Fabian, Infanta, Sual, Mapandan, Jacinto, Burgos, Umingan, Asingan, San Quintin Bataan: Balanga, Dinalupihan, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Orion, Hermosa 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, Aliaga,Bongabon, Peñaranda Pampanga: Angeles, Bacolor, Candaba, Guagua, Lubao, Mabalacat, Magalang Mexico, San Fernando,San Simon, Santa Rita, Santa Ana, Arayat Minalin, Porac, Floridablanca, Apalit, Masantol 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 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, Mabini, Nasugbu Camarines Norte: Basud, Daet (Capital), Talisay, Vinzons, Santa Elena, San Lorenzo Ruiz (Imelda), San Vicente 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, San Fernando Cavite: Kawit, Bacoor, Imus, Tagaytay City, Silang, Dasmarinas, Carmona, Amadeo, Rosario, Mendez, Indang, Alfonso, General Trias, Trece Martirez, Tanza, Magallanes.

Naic, Maragondon, Noveleta, Ternate, Gen. Mariano Alvarez Laguna: Bay, San Pedro, Sta Rosa, Binan, Cabuyao, Los Banos, Calamba City, Victoria, Calauan, Alaminos, San Pablo, Majayjay, Luisiana, Rizal, Nagcarlan,Lumban Oriental Mindoro: Baco, Socorro, City Of Calapan (Capital), Bansud Quezon: Candelaria, City of Tayabas, Pagbilao, San Antonio, Sariaya, Valencia, Lucban, Lucena City (Capital), Pitogo, Unisan, Lopezalnbay, Gumaca, Plaridel, Macalelon, General Luna Rizal: Antipolo, Cainta, Taytay Sorsogon: City of Sorsogon (Capital); Irosin, Casiguran, Castilla

VISAYAS: Aklan: Nabas Ibajay, Altayas Bohol: Tagbilaran City (Capital), Cortes, Baclayon Capiz: Roxas City (Capital) 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, Ronda, Sibonga Boljoon, Malabuyoc, Oslob, Carmen Iloilo: Iloilo City, Oton, Kalibo (Capital), San Miguel Negros Occidental: Bacolod City, Kabankalan, Pulupandan, Silay City,Valladolid, Binalbagan, Murcia,Enrique B. Magalona (Saravia),Bago City,City of Himamaylan,City of Talisay,La Carlota City Negros Oriental: Dumaguete, Valencia, Sibulan, City of Tanjay, Mabinay

VISAYAS: Aklan: Nabas Ibajay, Altayas Bohol: Tagbilaran City (Capital), Cortes, Baclayon Capiz: Roxas City (Capital) 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, Ronda, Sibonga Boljoon, Malabuyoc, Oslob, Carmen Iloilo: Iloilo City, Oton, Kalibo (Capital), San Miguel Negros Occidental: Bacolod City, Kabankalan, Pulupandan, Silay City,Valladolid, Binalbagan, Murcia,Enrique B. Magalona (Saravia),Bago City,City of Himamaylan,City of Talisay,La Carlota City Negros Oriental: Dumaguete, Valencia, Sibulan, City of Tanjay, Mabinay

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

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

7) 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.

7)

8) Once availed, the promo is non-refundable / non-replaceable / non-exchangeable.

Promo is only valid for the subscriber’s DITO compatible mobile phone where the purchased DITO SIM and Promo are installed.

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.

8)

Once availed, the DITO Starter Pack 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.

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

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

11) 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.

12) 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. 18, 2021)

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

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

11) 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.

12) 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.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021

Beijing tightens COVID-19 entry rules ahead of Winter Olympics

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EIJING—Strict new COVID-19 restrictions come into force in Beijing on Wednesday for visitors to the Chinese capital, requiring negative tests and dramatically cutting domestic flights as the city raises the drawbridge against the coronavirus ahead of the Winter Olympics.

With less than 100 days to go to the games in February, China is bracing for a challenge to its zero-Covid strategy when thousands of international athletes descend on Beijing after months of strict border controls.

All visitors to the capital must now show a negative Covid test result from the past 48 hours, while flights from higher risk areas within China will be cancelled or limited to one a day at reduced capacity.

“Beijing is the capital and has strong regional and international connections... The virus must not be introduced into Beijing and it must not spread in Beijing,” city spokesman Xu Hejian said at a press conference on Tuesday.

The new restrictions also include Covid tests every three days for the more than 30,000 people working with cold-chain imports in the city.

China has said that earlier outbreaks among Beijing market workers and dock workers in eastern China’s Qingdao were

linked to cold-chain products.

Case numbers in China remain far lower than in most countries, with only eight domestic infections on Wednesday.

But authorities are taking no chances as international attention focuses on Beijing in the run-up to the winter games.

No spectators from outside China will be allowed to attend the Olympics, which will be held from February 4 to 20 in a “closed-loop” bubble.

And the estimated 2,900 athletes must be fully vaccinated or face 21 days’ quarantine upon arrival. They will also be tested daily.

China has already imposed extremely strict border controls since last March, leaving families separated and many unable to return to work from outside the country.

This year, rules have eased slightly, but those entering the country still need to undergo weeks of hotel quarantine, monitoring and testing.

Norman Black vs. Vic Sanchez, and more IT turned out to be a very interesting Saturday morning for me last week.

An old friend, radio talk show host Teddy Perena inLITO vited me to join him and his CINCO co-hosts DJ George Boone and sportscaster Bob Novales on their year-old show Boomer’s Banquet aired and shown via Streamyard on YouTube, Spotify and Facebook.

Hard to turn it down as I was busy doing nothing that day and the guests were Meralco Bolts’ coach Norman Black, whom I have featured in sports magazines in the early 80s, when he signed up with Tefilin in the PBA, while the other guest was Wilson Ball’s Almond Capeje. Subject matter was NBA’s turning 75, but the truth was we talked about a lot of things, including the PBA, of course.

Norman was his usual gentleman self, willing to answer any question thrown at him. So among others, I asked him if he could reveal the time he lost his cool in a game, the first and last time.

He then referred to his not-so friendly encounter with one of the PBA’s feared enforcers then, Vic “Rambo” Sanchez, who took off where defensive guard Padim Israel, his teammate in Tanduay then, left off in his guarding chore of stopping Norman.

This was the time Norman referred to as the “No Blood No Foul” time in the PBA, something he learned fast in the league. Fortunately that time, he failed to catch up with Vic, who ran away from a furious Norman.

But since the subject was supposed to be more on the NBA, we also asked one another on each of our “fearful” predictions in the ongoing NBA season. I picked the Warriors to win, maybe against the Heat, Norman liked the Brooklyn Nets, citing the fact that the team is doing well even without Kyrie Irving.

But then I reminded him Golden State was still waiting for shooter Klay Thompson and yet the team is in the top spot currently with only one loss. That made Norman rethink a little.

We also tackled the never-ending argument on who is the Greatest of All Time. This time, Norman and I agreed it is Michael Jordan, Teddy picked LeBron James, while George’s choice was Julius Erving. The other host had to leave early so we did not get a chance to ask him.

We agreed that people will always have their own way of ranking players based mostly on their own generation’s time, which explains why present fans are more enamoured with the current superstars of the league and not familiar with the legends of before.

This also explains why the selection of the Top 75 players by the league has also resulted in heated discussions as to who should have been in and who should have been out. A common name among many is that of Dwight Howard, but as Norman pointed out, the character of Dwight had its effect on his chances.

Taking advantage of my comfortability with Norman, who even came to my birthday celebration in Mandaluyong, so many pounds and black hair ago, I asked him on the opinion of some fans that the current generation of NBA players seem soft.

And I liked his reply. He disagreed with the observation, saying heavy fines and suspensions are deterring players from being too physical on defense, not that they do not want to be physical though, but yes, he also wished that the game become more like it was during the 1980s.

Teddy posed a question to me and Norman, asking why there is no active PBA Players’ Union presently. Again Norman’s response was the same with mine as we both pointed out the lack of a leader among the players, and without one, things will not move.

Norman added, however, that if ever the players’s group is revived, it has to learn how to work hand in hand with the team owners and the league, and not take a confrontational stance, adding that a player-leader should have the respect of both the players and the league, floating the name of L.A. Tenorio as someone who can fit the bill.

I really thought the two-hour session was too long, but in the end, we all felt we could have tackled other subject matters on both the NBA and the PBA. By the way, just to correct my mea culpa last week, Reli de Leon’s assistant is Ronald Corpus, okay?

THE BOTTOM LINE

(MS-NOV. 18, 2021)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Entertainment Yassi Pressman (right) and JC Santos top bill the local adaptation of the 2009 Korean drama 'More Than Blue.'

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021

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A heartbreaking story of two soulmates FROM Nuel C. Naval, director of the adaptation of comedy-drama film Miracle in Cell No. 7, comes another Philippine remake of a Korean heart-wrenching romantic drama film, More Than Blue coming on Vivamax tomorrow, Nov. 19 Starring Yassi Pressman and JC Santos, Santos More Than Blue is a local adaption of a 2009 South Korean drama of the same title.

The story follows the story of K (Santos) and Cream (Pressman),

both orphans, who shared a home without any romantic ties. K was abandoned by his mother when his father died of cancer, while Cream lost her entire family in a car accident. But when K discovers that he is dying due to terminal cancer, he secretly keeps it from Cream and pushes her to marry someone kind and healthy.

Eventually, Cream meets John Louis (Diego Loyzaga), an affluent dentist, with whom she announces that she has fallen in love. It breaks K’s heart, but at

Local music artist with global sound

T

O BE described as “a Filipina with a global sound” should put any lady under pressure. At least in the local music scene, there’s usually a group of tried-and-tested male-dominated recording experts that’s behind the sound of most solo female acts.

For some reason, many of them just appear in the recording studio when it’s time for them to sing their songs already arranged.

Count Lesha, a singer-songwriter, and producer herself, out of that seemingly long-standing tradition. She has gained popularity for being DIY-type and fully independent. That she does it herself and knows the sound she wants to embrace makes her legitimate in the perception of talents abroad that collaborating with them appears like second nature to her career.

“I’ve been preparing my whole life for this,” she said with her heart beating in some cool tempo, “I’ve always wanted to represent the Philippines globally ever since I began performing and competing.

I can’t wait for that moment to arrive and for the universe to hand me that opportunity.”

Last Friday, Lesha’s latest single, actually a track off her debut album Sun Moon Rising, came out in all its electropop splendor. It’s called Twin Flames, and listening to it puts you in another place, likely in a beautiful faroff country as reflected in her collaboration with Lewis Maxwell from United Kingdom and Bahrain-based music producer Ghauri.

The song’s startling section appears in its pre-chorus that says,

“Our connection’s so magnetic and I feel it/ It’s the way we move/ We push & pull and I can’t help but think of how we set the mood.”

Let Lewis, her songwriting collaborator, describe how Lesha connects with someone in a different time zone.

“The first three hours of the call” he recalled, “me and Lesha spoke just about everything. It looks like we’re so far apart but when in fact we’re not. We just wrote together and then things just happened like we didn’t really have to try too hard.”

As you can expect from a hit YouTuber who has won both international and local music-related competitions, Lesha’s been productive amidst the pandemic, having released seven songs since the world locked down. Last August, the release of the cute pop title track, wherein she sexily asks someone’s name, number, and sign, made her unstoppable as she puts out the album’s content one by one practically every month.

To emphasize her growing reputation overseas, she has joined the prestigious British music distribution company AWAL. It is said that “not all artists can get accepted because AWAL only selects artists with a trajectory and notable milestones.” She recalled, “I went through an application process and after five days, I got an acceptance email from the team!”

She added, “AWAL empowers independent artists by giving them full control and ownership over their work.”

The thrill remains up in the air until all songs included on her album, which really showcases her capacity as producer-songwriter, are dropped in digital stores.

Lesha’s latest single 'Twin Flames,' a collaboration with Lewis Maxwell (right) from the United Kingdom and Bahrain-based music producer Ghauri, was released on Nov. 12.

How celebrity mothers ease their health concerns during the pandemic WHAT do celebrity-mommies like Ara Mina, & Sustainability Officer of Metro Pacific Gwen Zamora, Geneva Cruz, Sunshine Investments Corporation, is proud of the Cruz, Nikki Valdez, Empress Schuck, mWell Ph app because she recognizes the Miriam Quiambao, Nina Corpuz, Roxanne need for convenient healthcare for the family.

She says, “I want to provide the best Montealegre, Divine Lee Go, and Chaye possible future for my daughter. As part Cabal-Revilla have in common these days?

Apart from making the health and safety of mWell, I am able to help moms like me of their families a priority during this time receive the healthcare they deserve.”

Ara Mina says, “mWell is complete. I of the COVID-19 pandemic, these serious homemakers and star mothers rely on the can do doctor consultations and get fitness mWell PH app for their health and wellness needs. This new and ground-breaking app was launched barely three months ago by Manny V. Pangilinan’s Metro Pacific Investments group to deliver dependable telemedicine services and expert advice straight from reliable doctors and health resources with just a tap of a finger.

With mWell, these moms know they can easily reach primary care and specialized doctors including pediatricians via mWell’s growing line-up of partner-doctors from the country’s top hospitals such as Makati Medical Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, De Los Santos Medical Center, Manila Doctors Hospital and Marikina Valley Medical Center.

Chaye Cabal-Revilla, Chief Finance mWell's celebrity mom ambassadors

programs. Plus, they offer big savings also with the mWellnesss Package where we get three doctor video consultations for only P249. It’s very affordable.”

Gwen Zamora gushes at the convenience of the mWell app. “I like how I am able to book doctor appointments anytime with the option to see a doctor right away. It gives me peace of mind and it’s very convenient!”

Read full story on manilastandard.net

Sanya Lopez buys herself a Korean robot boyfriend in ‘Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko’

The cast of 'Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko's Oh My Oppa'

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

THIS November, GMA Network’s award-winning weekly magical anthology Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko is giving all the feels via its brand-new episode “Oh My Oppa.”

The episode is headlined by Sanya Lopez as Grace, together with Gil Cuerva as Gong Yoon Bin, Derrick Monasterio as Toti, Ashley Ortega as Fifi, and Jon Lucas as Alex.

Grace works as a hotel manager.

She’s a Korean drama fan so her benchmark for men has been the standard Korean “Oppa” handsome, rich, and a gentleman.

Because of this, Grace doesn’t pay attention to her friend and coworker, Toti, who doesn’t fit the bill of her perfect man. One day, Grace’s ex, Alex, arrives at the resort

with his new girlfriend, a spoiled heiress named Fifi. Not wanting to look pathetic, Grace tells Alex that she has moved on too and is in fact in a relationship with an Oppa.

While shopping online, Grace chances upon an ad for a robot Oppa. Annoyed that Alex doesn’t believe that she has a Korean boyfriend, Grace decides to buy the robot and names it Gong Yoon Bin. How will Grace’s life change now that she has a humanlike Korean robot boyfriend?

Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko’s Oh My Oppa – under the helm of esteemed director Rechie Del Carmen, head writer Agnes Gagelonia-Uligan, and writer Renei Patricia Dimla – airs on all Sundays of November, 7:00 p.m., on GMA.

the same time, it makes him feel relieved knowing that Cream will not be left alone.

True love goes with sacrifice for the sake of the person that is loved. But in the case of K and Cream, will it suffice to make the person feel all the more loved?

With the Pinoy remake of the romancedrama sensation, Santos and Pressman are now ready to make the audience feel the love and cry at the same time on their first onscreen pairing.

Pressman has expressed her

excitement to do the film. And although she received both Korean and Taiwanese versions for reference, she feels reluctant to watch them. Instead, she is motivated to create her version of Cream naturally.

Also starring in the movie is Ariella Arida playing a significant role in the heartbreaking relationship of two soulmates, K and Cream.

Stream the Philippine adaptation of “More Than Blue” this November on Vivamax, available online at web. vivamax.net.

Sibling P-pop groups BGYO and BINI kick off their 'Global Virtual Party Asia Tour' with Thai and Indonesian fans.

P-Pop sensations BINI, BGYO up close with fans in global virtual party THE fast-rising P-Pop sibling groups BINI and BGYO are ready to continue proving that they are “born to win” and can give “the baddest” performances as they get up close with their fans overseas, kicking off in Asia with the BINI & BGYO Global Virtual Party Asia Tour.

BINI and BGYO will first get to meet the members of the press, social media personalities, and fans from Thailand on Nov. 21 at 1:00 p.m. (Bangkok)/ 2 P.M. (Manila), with host Tassama “Mam” Damdaeng.

Catch the live streaming of the event on the Facebook pages of Star Music and TFC (@TFCAsia, @TFCANZP, @ TFCUSOfficial, @TFCCanadaOfficial, @ TFCEurope, @TFCMiddleEast, and @ KapamilyaTFC).

While immediately after that, they will be catching up with the members of the press, social media stars, and fans from Indonesia at 4:00 p.m. (Jakarta)/ 5:00 p.m. (Manila), with hosts John Lye and Riri.

Join the fun by watching the live streaming on the Facebook pages of Star

Music and TFC ( @TFCAsia, @TFCANZP, @TFCUSOfficial, @TFCCanadaOfficial, @TFCEurope, @TFCMiddleEast, and @ KapamilyaTFC).

Apart from answering some questions from the press during the Q&A, BINI and BGYO will also be playing some fun games and giving short performances that their fans will surely enjoy.

The BINI & BGYO Global Virtual Party Asia Tour comes after their successful first major two-day concert, One Dream: The BINI & BGYO Concert, which received raves and even trended worldwide on the social media platform Twitter.

It is also just more than a month after they released their albums, Born to Win for BINI and The Light for BGYO, where bonus tracks of their respective albums include their carrier singles “Born to Win” and “The Light” performed in different languages.

It is also a few days before the groups’ first international live performance that will happen at the 1MX Dubai 2021, which their fans in Asia can watch via live streaming on KTX.ph on Dec. 3.

GMA Artist Center talents receive ‘Baybayin’ masterclass from Howie Severino GMA Artist Center continues its Breakout Room: Master Class Series with multiawarded GMA News pillar and veteran broadcast journalist Howie Severino as mentor during the second batch of its virtual workshops last Oct. 28.

Severino, who recently retired as GMA Network’s Vice President for Professional Development and now serves as a consultant, shared the “why” and the “how” of Baybayin with more than 50 Artist Center talents who attended the online workshop session.

Kapuso artists Sanya Lopez, Bianca Umali, Kyline Alcantara, Lexi Gonzales, Radson Flores, Matt Lozano, Claire Castro, Royce Cabrera, Zonia Mejia, Jamir Zabarte, Joaquin Manansala, Jen Maravilla, Jr Royol, Migs Villasis, Hannah Arguelles, Bryce Eusebio, Gab Yabut, Elias Point, Allen Ansay, Lia Salvador, Dentrix Ponce, Dave Duque, Kirsten Gonzales, Kimson Tan, Lime Aranya, Levince Sotto, and Rain Matienzo all learned about the history and cultural significance of the Philippines’ ancient writing system.

While Baybayin can be seen in street art, on coins, on bills, and even on our passports, many still consider the writing system irrelevant. This is the main reason why Howie welcomed the chance to share Baybayin with the Kapuso artists.

“I’m very happy to meet all of you, primarily because of one reason: Bukod sa pagiging mga artista, kayo rin ay mga tinatawag na culture bearers. You represent not only our network but our

culture. Not just popular culture, but our identities as Filipinos. And our identities are a product of what has come before us, including [Baybayin],” shared Severino.

He added another reason why Baybayin should be taught and passed on.

“Maging mabuting ninuno. That’s another reason why we should all learn Baybayin. Generations from now, people will look back and [probably] say, ‘yung generation ni Howie, they tried to keep our ancient writing system alive,’ so that a single generation from now, most of the kids are reading and writing Baybayin.

Who knows? But it can’t happen if we don’t keep it alive.”

The veteran journalist asserted that for Filipinos, Baybayin speaks to the soul. “ab inga nu’ng ibang mga natuto, it feels empowering because unlike other writing systems, you realize that it speaks to our souls. The Korean language will not speak to our soul kasi hindi tayo Koryano.

Japanese will not. It becomes more of an academic thing. But Baybayin – it’s both intellectual and soulful.”

Towards the end of his class, Severino suggested several resources, including Baybayin mobile keyboards from the app store to aid the learning process.

The Breakout Room: Master Class Series is a virtual roundtable discussion where top-notch mentors share their expertise in their craft. More talented industry experts, leaders, and professionals will join in the next sessions as GMA Artist Center continues to provide international standard workshops for its artists.

From left: Howie Severino, Sanya Lopez, Kyline Alcantara, Lexi Gonzales, Allen Ansay, and Matt Lozano

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

C4

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021

Life HOUSEHOLD

The Festival of Lights: Virtual Edition 2021 consists of two parts — the first part (left) is a 360-degree animation recreating the lights and sounds show at Ayala Triangle Gardens, while the second part (right) showcases a story featuring Filipino Christmas tradition in 2D animation.

FASHION AND BEAUTY

Paskong Pinoy elements in the second part of Ayala Land and Make it Makati’s virtual Festival of Lights 2021.

Ayala’s Festival of Lights is virtual again – but bigger this time Share a toy at SM E

By Bernadette Lunas

VER since the Ayala Triangle Gardens lit up for Christmas in 2009, it has brought together family and friends from all over metro, becoming a beloved holiday tradition and attraction. On weekdays, you would see friends and colleagues posing for photos with the light display; on weekends, family with their young kids in tow took over.

“It was first envisioned to serve the Makati community, but over the years, it became wellloved that it became part of our tradition,” Chrissy Roa, marketing head of Ayala Land Estates, said in the virtual press launch of Ayala Land and Make it Makati’s Festival of Lights.

As the pandemic continues and the threat of catching COVID-19 from gatherings remains, the organizers of the crowd-drawing holiday lights and sounds show decided to once again do it online, like last year. Roa said the first virtual edition of the show in 2020 was watched by 5.5 million viewers.

“This year, we want to make our second virtual lights and sounds show even more meaningful and

(From left, 1st row) Quark Henares, Jose Mari Chan, Chrissy Roa; (2nd row) Shiella Aguilar, Mel Ignacio, Doug and Kendra Kramer; (3rd row) Sharon Vital, Leo Mercado, and Ivan Despi

special,” added Roa. In partnership with Globe Studios, the 13th edition of the Festival of Lights consists of two parts. Viewers can now watch the first part on Make it Makati’s Facebook page. The part one of the Festival of Lights: Virtual Edition 2021 recreates the light show at Ayala Triangle Gardens designed within the digital space to present a 360-degree animation.

It is an upgraded version of last year’s virtual show.

“We have more 3D holographic elements, Christmas elements, and Santa going around the garden to make it more festive,” said Quark Henares, head of Globe Studios.

The second part, which will be released two weeks after the first, will showcase a Christmas story featuring Paskong Pinoy traditions in 2D animation.

Accompanying the show is a new Christmas medley

by Jose Mari Chan. An animated version of the OPM icon will also be gracing the second part of the virtual show.

“The Festival of Lights is an event that people look forward to every year. I remember around three years ago when I was invited to perform right here at Ayala Triangle Gardens. I am glad that I was invited to be part of this festival that everyone looks forward to,” Chan earlier said.

To make the light show accessible to more people, on-ground QR code displays and digital boxes will be placed in areas of the Makati Central Business District and Csssircuit Makati.

Ayala Land is also hosting a contest for the best entries that use the Festival of Lights: Virtual Edition 2021 filters, starting Nov. 20 to Jan. 9, 2022. One grand prize winner will receive a four-day three-night all-expense paid trip to El Nido, Palawan for two, inclusive of airfare in partnership with AirSwift, free food, and RT-PCR testing.

To join, participants must post their entries on their Facebook and Instagram accounts with the official tags and hashtags: @makeitmakati @ ayalaland #FestivalOfLights, #ChristmasInOurHearts, #MakeItMakati, and #AyalaLand.

Other holiday activities happening in Makati CBD include live performances every Friday to Sunday of November and December; Simbang Gabi Masses at the Jaime Velasquez Park and Legazpi Active Park starting Dec. 15; and an online Christmas concert with Jose Mari Chan and the Manila Symphony Orchestra on Dec. 25.

SHOPPERS can play Santa to less fortunate kids this holiday season with The SM Store and Toy Kingdom’s Share-a-Toy project.

From Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, Share-aToy booths with Students of Eugenia Ravasco Day Care bags of toys, play with their new toys. sets, educational board games, and novelty items are mounted in all The SM Store and Toy Kingdom branches nationwide, where shoppers can bring and donate pre-loved or brand new toys they purchase from the department store’s Toy Express and Toy Kingdom.

For every item donated, shoppers will get a 100-peso discount coupon that can be redeemed on a minimum single-receipt purchase worth P1,000.

The toys will be donated to The SM Store and SM Foundation’s partner organizations catering to kids 10 years old and below, schools, socio-civic and government organizations, and NGOs. SM shoppers can donate pre-loved or brand new toys at Share-a-Toy booths

Coca-Cola Philippines imparts the Real Magic of Christmas by sending silver medalist and Filipino boxer Eumir Marcial Coca-Cola products that he can share with family and friends.

Filipino Olympian boxers Irish Magno, Eumir Marcial, and Nesthy Petecio received an early Christmas gift from Coca-Cola Philippines to celebrate their victory and share the real magic of Christmas by sharing bottle of coke with their friends and families.

Asia and Oceania boxing qualifier Irish Magno received an overflowing supply of Coca-Cola products as an early Christmas gift from Coca-Cola Philippines to create more magical moments with friends and family this Christmas season.

2019 Featherweight World Champion and first Filipina boxing medalist Nesthy Petecio demonstrates the real magic of Christmas by dividing Coca-Cola Philippines’ congratulatory gift with her family in Davao and colleagues and friends at the Coast Guard Base in Binondo, Manila.