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China ships block PH boats

Supply delivery to Marines in WPS aborted; DFA tells Beijing to 'back off' By Vito Barcelo and Rey Requejo

HE Philippines on Thursday accused Chinese Coast Guard vessels of firing water cannon at boats delivering supplies to Filipino marines in the disputed South China Sea/West Philippine Sea, and told Beijing to "back off." China, however, insisted that its Coast Guard was upholding its sovereignty over the maritime waters. Chinese For-

eign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian claimed the Philippines boats were in the wrong as they had no permission to enter the area on Nov. 16, Tuesday. But Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. expressed "outrage, condemnation and protest" to Beijing Next page

File photo taken on March 19, 2014 shows a China Coast Guard ship (top) and a Philippine supply boat engaged in a standoff as the Philippine boat attempts to reach the Second Thomas Shoal, a remote South China Sea reef claimed by both countries. On Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, the Philippines accused Chinese Coast Guard vessels of firing water cannon at boats delivering supplies to Filipino military personnel in the disputed South China Sea, and ordered Beijing to 'back off.' AFP

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US drug firm seeks local use Frontliners, families get 2m booster doses of 1st oral antival medicine By Joel E. Zurbano and Willie Casas

By Willie Casas MERCK & Co Inc (MSD) has applied for emergency use authorization (EUA) in the Philippines for Molnupiravir, its antiviral medicine and investigational COVID-19 drug, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director-General Eric Domingo said on Thursday.

Domingo said the American firm’s application, filed last week, is being evaluated. The COVID-19 antiviral drug is not commercially available yet in the country, but i31 hospitals that have a compassionate use special permit for it, Domingo said. Next page

THE government has allocated more than 2 million COVID-19 vaccine doses for booster shots for at least 1.6 million health care workers and their dependents. “The administration of booster shots will be carried out alongside with our more aggressive vaccination rollout for the general and younger population,” said

National Task Force against COVID-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. “With this measure, we are confident that we will be able to continue scaling up our country’s vaccine throughput, bring down our active cases and death and achieve population protection within the year,” he added. The government started administering COVID-19 booster shots for health workers on Wednesday.

Comelec sets guidelines for poll ’e-rallies’

Rody’s blind item: Prexy bet drug user PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday claimed a presidential candidate is a cocaine user. “There is even a presidential candidate who does cocaine,” he said without naming the presidential aspirant in his speech during an event of the government's anti-insurgency task force in Occidental Mindoro. He said some candidates who are “children of the rich” are using illegal drugs. “I am really puzzled. What has this candidate accomplished? I'm just asking: What contribution has he made for the Philippines?” the President said. “Why are Filipinos fooled into supporting? I will just ask you, what has he done? He uses cocaine.” “What you want is up to you. That is on you. It's just that when time comes, I already told you: His character is that of a very weak leader, except for the name. His father—but him, what has he done?

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said health care workers can opt to use the same vaccine brand (homologous) or a different one (heterologous) from the initial series they received, but will still be based on the brand mixing approved by the country’s Food and Drug Administration. The Health secretary also cited FDA guidelines warning not to mix mRNA COVID-19 vaccines like Pfizer and

MASKED BALLERINAS. As the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) allows the opening venues with live voices and audiences such as in karaoke bars, clubs, concert halls, and theaters, members of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Professional Dance Support Program (PDSP) rehearse two Christmas dance performances which will be shown live on December 12, 2021 at the CCP Main Theater. Danny Pata

THE Commission on Elections released Thursday the implementing rules and regulations for next year’s national elections that paves the way for the holding of “e-rallies” as an alternative to physical sorties amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The IRR will govern the implementation of Republic Act 9006 or the Fair Elections Act for the May 9, 2022 national and local elections. Live streaming of e-rallies shall be conducted every night, beginning February 8, 2022, on the official social media channels of Comelec. The e-rallies will cover presidential, vice-presidential, and senatorial candidates as well as party-list organizations. Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police said it would intensify a crackdown on unauthorized firearms, bodyguards, and other acts prohibited by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ahead of next year's elections. This, as PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Next page

BACOLOD CITY

2,821,753 1,297

23,158

46,422

305

2,752,173

1,956

(As of 4 PM, NOV. 18)

Marcos granted five days more 'Most business-friendly LGU for '21' to answer disqualification cases BACOLOD City has been named the “Most BusinessFriendly Local Government Unit” for 2021 by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, besting 10 other finalists in the highlyurbanized city category in the nationwide search. Mayor Evelio Leonardia received the Award in a virtual ceremony attended

by PCCI President Ambassador Benedicto Yujuico and Chamber Chairperson Alegria Limjoco at the PCCI Innovation Center at the Global City in Pasig as a highlight of the 47th Philippine Business Conference and Expo. The 2021 recognition came 14 years after Bacolod won a similar accolade in 2007, Next page

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) tion for cancellation of his certificate of canhas granted the motion for extension filed didacy (COC) for president. by former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez Next page Marcos Jr. to file his comment on the peti-

Lakas-CMD pads ranks, 28 new members latest pols to jump ship By Maricel V. Cruz

ter vice presidential aspirant Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte joined the political SEVERAL politicians have jumped party that produced two presidents: Fidel ship to the Lakas-Christian Muslim V. Ramos and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Democrats (CMD) exactly one week afNext page

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EU scrambles vs. fresh virus surge T

WHO said COVID-related deaths in all regions except Europe remained stable or have declined. Of the 3.3 million new infections reported, 2.1 million were from Europe. Infections have been falling in South-

east Asia, Africa and the Middle East, the United Nations health agency. European leaders are scrambling to contain the virus surge before the holidays. Spain will provide COVID booster shots for those aged 60 and over as well

as health staff, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said as infection numbers rise. Spain has one of the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates of Europe's big nations. Around 79 percent of Spain's entire population is fully vaccinated, compared to just 68 percent in Britain and Germany and 75 percent in France. Austria became the first country in the European Union to impose a lockdown on the unvaccinated and start inoculating children as young as five after coronavi-

China...

States. "China has no law enforcement rights in and around these areas," he added. "They must take heed and back off." Tensions over the resource-rich seas spiked this year after hundreds of Chinese vessels were detected at Whitsun Reef, which is also in the Spratly archipelago. China claims almost all of the sea, through which trillions of dollars in trade passes annually, with competing claims from Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. The contested waters also have valuable fishing grounds and are believed to sit atop vast oil and gas deposits. Beijing has ignored a 2016 ruling by The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration that its historical claim over most of the sea to be without basis. China controls several reefs in the South China Sea including Scarborough Shoal -- which Beijing seized from Manila in 2012 – and is just 240 kilometers west of Luzon. It has asserted its stance by building up small shoals and reefs into military bases with airstrips and port facilities. After China occupied Mischief Reef in the mid-1990s, the Philippines marooned a derelict navy vessel atop the nearby Second Thomas Shoal to assert Manila's territorial claim. Members of the Philippine Marines are based there. Locsin said the shoal was within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, and warned China's "failure to exercise selfrestraint threatens the special relationship" between the two countries. "We do not ask permission to do what we need to do in our territory," he said. The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte has sought to pivot away from the United States, the Philippines' former colonial master, towards China since taking power in 2016 and has appeared reluctant to confront Beijing. But facing growing domestic pressure to take a harder line, Duterte has insisted Philippine sovereignty over the waters is not negotiable.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Thursday: "We will continue to assert our sovereignty... over our territory." In July, Duterte walked back on a decision to axe a key military deal -- the Visiting Forces Agreement -- with the United States during a visit by Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin. In a joint statement issued this week, the two countries reaffirmed their treaty commitments that include "obligations to respond to an armed attack in the Pacific Area on either the United States or the Philippines." Locsin asserted that the Ayungin Shoal is part of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), which is an integral part of the Philippines, as well as the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, over which the Philippines has sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction. National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. earlier said the water cannon incident lasted an hour that forced the two Philippine vessels -- which he described as wooden-hulled boats – to abort their mission. Esperon, who also chairs the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea, said they will continue the resupply mission to Filipino troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. "We will continue the resupply and we do not have to ask the permission of anybody because that is within our territory," said Esperon. "We hope that with our protest, they will also heed our calls for them to back off," he added. The Western Command earlier reported that three Chinese Coast Guard vessels “blocked and water cannoned” two Philippine supply boats or "bancas" on Nov. 16. Esperon said he was also surprised over the unusual presence of many Chinese ships—as many as 19-- off the Ayungin Shoal. The Chinese presence off Pagasa Island has also grown significantly, Esperon said. In April 2012, the Chinese Coast Guard also fired water cannons to drive away Filipino fishermen in Scarborough Shoal,

a rich fishing ground located 120 nautical miles off Philippine territorial waters or within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone based on United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS). The 2012 incident has prompted the Philippine government to sue China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in 2013. The UN-backed PCA ruled in favor of the Philippines in July 2016 when it invalidated China's ninedash claim over the South China Sea. In the same ruling, the arbitral award ruled that the Spratly Islands, Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, and Recto (Reed) Bank are within the Philippine EEZ. The PCA also deemed Scarborough shoal as a common fishing ground and outlawed China's aggressions against Filipino fishermen there. China has repeatedly rejected the Hague ruling. Also on Thursday, the Philippine Coast Guard said two 97-meter multi-role response vessels recently acquired from Japan would boost the country’s ability to patrol the West Philippine Sea. In a Facebook post on Thursday, the PCG said the ships – manufactured by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. In Japan -- will be the PCG's largest vessels, a record currently held by the French-made 83-meter off-shore patrol vessel (OPV) BRP Gabriela Silang. These new ships, it said, are based on the Japan Coast Guard’s ‘Kunigami-class’ vessels and are capable of a maximum speed of 24 knots and an endurance of 4,000 nautical miles or more. With these ships, the PCG will be able to launch sustained maritime patrols in the country’s waters including the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Rise, and in the southern parts of the country. Earlier on Thursday, the second vessel was launched at the Shimonoseki Shipyard in Japan and is expected to be delivered to the Philippines by May 2022. The first vessel was earlier launched at the same shipyard in July 2021 and is expected to reach the country in March 2022. – With AFP

we are confident that by the end of November, half of our target population will be fully vaccinated,” he said. He noted that the country’s COVID-19 supply inventory has now reached 124,914,000 doses and will continue to grow in the coming days and weeks. The National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC), meanwhile, said health care workers who were vaccinated with AstraZeneca vaccines for the first two shots should get a different brand for their booster shot. There is a "theoretical possibility of pre-existing immunity attenuating or weakening the immune response on the second or third dose" for vector-based

vaccines such as AstraZeneca, the NVOC said in a memorandum. Recipients of the AstraZeneca vaccine may be vaccinated with Pfizer and Moderna for their booster doses, but must wait for six months after the completion of their primary series before getting booster shots. Dr. Edsel Salvana of the Department of Health-Technical Advisory Group said, however, that this was only a "theoretical risk." “There is one study that says this does not seem to be the case. It’s really more of a theoretical risk. When we’re talking about boosters, there are really just two things we’re talking about: safety and efficacy,” Salvana said at the DOH town

hall meeting. “From a safety standpoint, there doesn’t seem to be any problems with the third dose of Astra. The question then becomes efficacy,” Salvana said. The adenovirus carrier of the booster shot may be unable to deliver its viral material into the cell by the third dose due to preformed antibodies, Salvana said. “This may also hold true, again theoretical, with the other adenovirus vaccines like Jannsen and Gamaleya,” he added. The FDA said Thursday that several brands of COVID-19 vaccines could soon be sold in drugstores as early as the first quarter of 2022 once these are given full approval. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

and Local Government recognized the city government with the Seal of Good Local Governance, a measure that gives LGUs and its employees incentives or performance-based bonus. Bacolod was also recently named by the Department of Interior and Local Government as the “Best Performing LGU-City Category in Western Visayas” and was cited “Most Competitive City in the Visayas” by the Competitive Cities and Municipalities Index of the Department of Trade and Industry. In its bid book entitled, "Nurturing Businesses Amidst the Pandemic", and five-minute video presented by Leonardia before the distinguished panel of judges, the city government received high marks for increased competitiveness, for providing an enabling environment and for championing the ease of doing business in order to attract investments. It also pointed out the various innovations such as the application of information technology, mall-based and electronic processing of business permits and the accelerated release of permits in 60 minutes provided that required documents are complete and payment has been made. The city government was also credited for its promotion and support to micro, small and medium scale enterprises or the MSMEs. Among the city's top investors for the current period are SM Development Corporation, the Park Inn Hotel, Yanson Group, Ayala Land, Megaworld, Rockwell, Vista Land, Cebu Landmasters, Robinsons and Citi Malls that primarily boosted the surge in the city's economic growth, he added. Leonardia said the total registered businesses in Bacolod was a record high 25,627 in 2019 before the onset of the pandemic.

Comelec..

adapted in operations planning by lower units,” Carlos said in a statement. Comelec Resolution 10728 provides that “No person shall bear, carry or transport firearms or deadly weapons outside his/her residence or place of business, and in all public places, including any building, street, park, and in private vehicles or public conveyances, even if he/ she is licensed or authorized to possess or carry the same, unless authorized by the [Comelec], through the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns." The same resolution provides that only PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine Coast Guard, and members of other law enforcement agencies are allowed to carry and possess firearms while in agency-prescribed uniform and performing official functions during the election period. On security detail, the Comelec prohibits candidates or any public officers from employing bodyguards and private security forces. Carlos said a gradual recall would be implemented in the coming days for police personnel on security detail to local executives and other VIPs with verified threats.

HE World Health Organization said COVID-19 cases in Europe increased by five percent in the past week, making it the new global epicenter of the virus.

From A1

over the incident as the Philippine boats were traveling to Second Thomas Shoal in the contested Spratly Islands. "Fortunately, no one was hurt; but our boats had to abort their resupply mission," Locsin said in a statement on Twitter, describing the three Chinese vessels' actions as "illegal.” Vice President Leni Robredo, during a meeting with retired military generals yesterday, said the aggression must not happen again. "This kind of treatment of Filipinos must stop. WPS [West Philippine Sea] is ours as the arbitration tribunal ruled in July 2016," Robredo said in a statement. “Our resupply vessels have been harassed again. Filipinos cannot be treated in such a demeaning manner. Our win in the arbitral tribunal already provides us the tool we need to protect the areas that belong to us,” she added. Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, for his part, said the incident was “an affront to Philippine sovereign rights over its continental shelf.” “The arbitral tribunal ruled it unequivocally as part of the Philippine continental shelf which is not subject to territorial claim by any other country. Being not susceptible to a territorial claim by any other country, there can be no territorial dispute on the same. Only the Philippines has the exclusive sovereign rights over its continental shelf, including Ayungin shoal,” he said. “While the Philippine response protesting China’s action is commendable by itself, it is nonetheless disheartening to note that this aggression may be traced back to the wrong Philippine policy. We focused principally on bilateral diplomacy while neglecting the other tools in our toolbox which would have enabled us to move the tribunal’s ruling to the next level,” Del Rosario added. Locsin described the Philippine boats as "public,” suggesting they were civilian vessels, and said they were covered by a mutual defense pact with the United

Frontliners,... From A1

Moderna with traditional vaccines like Sinovac. In preparation for the Vaccination Days set on Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, Galvez said they will open up to 10,000 vaccination sites, and employ 25,000 to 50,000 vaccinators for the massive three-day inoculation drive. Galvez expressed optimism that the government’s target of achieving a 1.5 million daily jab rate can be achieved. “With our current pace and the eagerness of all sectors of society to hit and sustain a daily jab rate of 1.5 million,

Bacolod... From A1

also with Leonardia as mayor. Bacolod City has been a consistent national finalist of the PCCI Award in the last four years since 2017, organizers said in a press statement. "This (Award) is like a candle in the darkness. This reassures us that when this pandemic is over, we will all be back in business and we will row the boat together. We will accelerate. We will tread that road to recovery altogether. We thank you for this inspiration of being the Most Business-Friendly City outside of Metro Manila," Leonardia said in his message of acceptance streamed via Zoom. Observers believed the first PCCI recognition in 2007 was a major factor that attracted big investments and catapulted Bacolod to where it is today. PCCI's Awards Committee cited the Bacolod City government for its efforts to keep the local economy afloat despite the COVID-19 crisis and recognized the innovations and timely interventions made by the LGU in support to local businesses at the height of the health crisis, including the 24-hour vaccination drive for those in the Business Process Outsourcing sector and the service industry, as well as the mobile vaccination campaign that inoculated thousands of vendors in major public markets and public utility vehicle drivers, among others. Bacolod was up against Baguio City, Angeles City, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, General Santos City, Iloilo City, LapuLapu City, Mandaue City, Olongapo City and Zamboanga City for the coveted PCCI award, the PCCI said in a statement. Previously, the Department of Interior

From A1

Carlos directed the concerned PNP Directorial Staff and all area police commanders and national support units to consolidate all resources, personnel, and support systems to effectively cope with the mandated police duties to implement Comelec Resolution No. 10728. Among the provisions of the Comelec IRR, promulgated as Comelec Resolution 10730, tasked the poll body’s Education and Information Department to provide a platform for free livestreaming of erallies for presidential, vice-presidential, and senatorial candidates as well as partylist organizations. Live streaming of e-rallies shall be conducted every night, beginning February 8, 2022, on the official social media channels of Comelec. The PNP resolution covers the 2022 election period from January 9 to June 8, 2022, or a total of 150 calendar days. “I have already laid down my guidance to the PNP commanders during the Command Conference last Monday, and I expect this guidance to be cascaded and

Rody’s... From A1

He might win hands down, okay. If that is what the Philippines wants, go ahead, just as long as you know,” the President added. Duterte is supporting the presi-

rus cases surged across the continent. Latvia, which is also lagging behind on vaccination, similarly brought in tougher curbs for people who are not inoculated which will mean companies can dismiss employees who refuse the vaccine. France has re-introduced mandatory mask-wearing and toughened entry requirements from a raft of countries, while a draft German law seen by AFP would re-introduce widespread home working. With AFP

dential candidacy of his long-time aide and friend, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go. He has likewise rallied support for the vice presidential bid of his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio, who is running in tandem with former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

US... From A1

The initial shipment of the drug arrived in the Philippines on Thursday, pharmaceutical firm Faberco Life Sciences Inc. confirmed. Merck earlier said it was expecting to produce 10 million courses of the treatment by the end of this year, with at least 20 million set to be manufactured in 2022. The FDA approved the emergency use of COVID-19 treatment drug Ronapreve in October, the first to get such a grant locally. It is also called Regen-Cov in the United States, manufactured by Roche. In a statement, Faberco Life Sciences said it was appointed to distribute Molnupiravir in the Philippines by one of Merck's manufacturing licenses. Molnupiravir cuts the rate of hospitalization and death by 50 percent in a trial of mild-to-moderately ill COVID-19 patients who had at least one risk factor for the disease, according to data released earlier this month. The pill would be the world's first oral antiviral medication for COVID-19 if it gets regulatory approval. The pill, which is estimated to cost P100 to P150, is an investigational drug used for COVID-19 treatment. Faberco said they chose RiteMed Philippines, Inc. to distribute the investigational drug to private hospitals and medical institutions that have secured a compassionate use permit from the FDA.

Marcos... From A1

said the poll body's Second Division composed of Commissioners Socorro Inting and Antonio Kho, Jr. has given the former senator another five days to submit his comment. “Getting word that Comelec 2nd Div just now issued an extension in the cancellation case against former Senator Marcos. 5 days,” he said in a Twitter post on Thursday. “But since the 5th day falls on a Sunday, the last day is actually 22 (November),” he added. On the other hand, there are now four petitions filed against Marcos in the May 2022 polls before the poll body. These include two petitions for cancellation filed by Fr. Christian B. Buenafe et al. and Tiburcio Marcos and petition for disqualification filed by Bonifacio Ilagan et al. and a petition to declare as nuisance candidate filed by Danilo Lihaylihay. Of the four cases, only one petition -- filed by Fr. Christian Buenafe, Fides Lim, Ma. Edeliza Hernandez, Celia Lagman Sevilla, Roland Vibal, and Josephine Lascano -- has been scheduled for a preliminary conference meeting on November 26.

Lakas-CMD... From A1

House Majority Leader and Leyte First District Rep. Martin Romualdez on Thursday administered the oath of 28 new LakasCMD members from Quezon City led by Rep. Precious Castelo, former Reps. Bingbong Crisologo (6th District) and Nanette Daza (4th District) and actor Bobby Andrews as the party continues to increase its membership in the run up to the 2022 elections. “These leaders are the potent force and future of Quezon City. We continue to embrace those who are committed to help us in our main mission to serve the people and further boost the winning chances of Mayor Sara Duterte,” Romualdez, Lakas-CMD president, said. “As the party gears to strengthen its ranks for the upcoming 2022 national and local elections, we are united to fulfill one goal: to lead our nation compassionately, efficiently and competently,” added Romualdez, president of the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa). Malayang Quezon City mayoralty candidate Rep. Mike Defensor of the Anakalusugan party-list is a close ally of Lakas-CMD. Other notable Quezon City LakasCMD leaders are Rep. Anthony Peter Crisologo who is the National Capital Region chairman, vice mayoralty candidate Councilor Winnie Castelo, and District 1 Councilor Nikki Crisologo. Romualdez was assisted by Lakas-CMD Executive Vice President and Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel Arroyo and Deputy Secretary General and Zamboanga Sibugay Rep. Wilter Wee Palma II in the physical oath-taking of new Lakas-CMD members. Castelo was personally sworn into the party by Romualdez. She is the wife of Councilor Castelo and a former member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition. Congressional aspirants Marvin Rillo (4th District), and Bingbong Crisologo (6th District) also took their oath as Lakas-CMD members. Some of candidates for Quezon City councilors who also joined Lakas-CMD are Lorraine Carandang, Eldridge De Castro, John Nieto, and Bong.Vinzons of 1st District; comedian Roderick Paulate, Martin Leachon and Kurt Castelo Nocum of 2nd District; Andrews, Daza, and Imee Rillo of 4th District; Ali Forbes, Jaja Mantele, Karl John Paguio, Luis Saludes, Ricky Mathay, and Jemboy Castelo of 6th District, and others.

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IN BRIEF

SCAVENGERS AT TAMBO RIVER. Scavengers dig through a muddy portion of Paranaque River to collect scrap that can be sold in a junk shop. This portion is also known as Tambo River and is part of the desilting project of the MMDA that aims to ensure a smooth flow from Paranaque River to Manila Bay. Danny Pata

P867m in unemployment benefits released by SSS THE Social Security System has granted P869.99 million worth of unemployment benefits to 67,937 members for the period of January to September. “We fully understand the plight of our private-sector workers who have been laid off from their jobs. With this milestone benefit, we remain committed in providing financial aid amid the pandemic. Also, with the inclusion of the unemployment benefits application in the E-Services Tab of the My.SSS portal, involuntarily separated members have a more convenient option to submit their application online,” president and chief executive officer Aurora Ignacio said. Rio N. Araja

Agents nab overstaying American in Batangas

PDEA launches web-based data system By Rio N. Araja

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) have launched a digital system to monitor regulated dangerous drugs and prevent diversion of chemicals used in the manufacture of illegal substances. The development and implementation of the Dangerous Drugs and Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals (CPECs) Monitoring System (DDCPEC-MS) was fortified via the signing of a memorandum of agreement between DDB chairman Secretary Catalino Cuy and PDEA director-general Wilkins Villanueva. The DDCPEC-MS is a web-enabled information program designed to receive, gather, collect and collate all data and information on the importation, exportation, production, manufacture, distribution, dispensing, sale, stocks, seizures, and estimated need for any dangerous drugs and/or CPECs from any agency of the government, private person or enterprise dealing in or engaged in the activities. “The DDCPEC-MS acts a singlewindow reporting mechanism where all regulated transactions and activities of dangerous drugs, and CPECs, with legitimate medical and industrial use, including chemical mixtures, preparations, and finished products containing the same, are received from manufacturers, importers, exporters, and distributors,” Villanueva said. The monitoring system is a reportorial requirement from the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, World Health Organization, and other international organizations. According to the PDEA chief, the automated submission of reports would help prevent the diversion of legitimate substances for illegal purposes.

Energy firms urge govt to lead ‘net-zero’ efforts

By Alena Mae S. Flores

EADING energy players on Thursday urged the government to take the lead and come out with its “net zero” commitment to guide the industry on the way forward.

“I think it would be critical for the government to exercise its leadership and craft a net-zero commitment. There are already more than 137 countries and

counting who is committed to net zero,” Eric Francia, chief executive officer of AC Energy Corp. said during the 26th Conference of the Electricity Pow-

OCEAN HERO AWARDEE. Fisherfolk leader Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon, a 2021 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, was given the recognition of Ocean Hero for 2021 by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and Oceana during the celebration of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month. Oceana vice president Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos hands over the plaque to Ballon on Wednesday during his visit to Manila. Teddy Pelaez

er Supply Industry (CEPSI). “I think it’s just a matter of time that the Philippines hopefully will also commit to net-zero and again craft specific policies that will give a lot of teeth and depth to that potential...Because and hopefully it will also encourage more corporates in the Philippines to follow suit,” Francia said. Francia said having a government policy will encourage everyone to move in the same direction and reduce their respective carbon footprints. “Then it’s a level playing field and we’re all marching to the same tune. I don’t think only corporates will be sufficient. I think there needs to be a drive from the government,” he said. Emmanuel Rubio, Aboitiz Power Corp. president, and CEO said the government should take the lead and come out with a firm roadmap. “One thing I think that we can look at is also what the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and then some of the financial institutions have started about energy transition mechanism. I think we’ve had discussions with some of these banks and continue to explore,” Rubio said. He said some of Aboitiz Power coal plants can be shutdown down by 2045 or before 2050. “But then in the current process, it’s that the valuation as far as the energy transition mechanism is concerned and looking at probably 15 years,” Rubio said. “Between 15 and 20 to 25 years, a lot of value gap that you need to make up for. This is something that we have to work with the financial institutions and maybe with government support to subsidize some of these initiatives,” he said. Global Business Power Corp. president Jaime Azurin said in the same forum the road to net zero is very challenging.

Enrile says judge was ‘fair’ on decision to junk Ongpin drug rap By Rey E. Requejo FORMER Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile on Thursday said the judge who tried and heard the drug case of Julian Roberto Ongpin, son of businessman-billionaire and former Trade Minister Roberto Ongpin, was

“fair enough and was doing justice when it junked Ongpin’s case.” Enrile, a founding partner of Ponce Enrile, Siguion Reyna, Montecillo, Belo, and Ongsiako Law Offices, made the statement after President Judge Romeo Agacita Jr. of Regional Trial Court, Branch 27, San

677 loose guns seized in Pampanga By Jess Malabanan CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga—A total of 677 unregistered and unlicensed guns were surrendered to police authorities following an intensified campaign against loose firearms across Pampanga area as part of the government effort to ensure peaceful elections next year, said Central Luzon police director BGen Matthew Baccay. Baccay said Oplan Katok is part of the Philippine National Police (PNP) efforts aimed at recovering loose guns on the streets. Gun holders who failed to re-register their firearms have to surrender their licensed guns to authorities as it is al-

ready considered loose, said Baccay as encouraged others License to Own and Possess (LTOP) Firearms to visit the nearest police station for guidance. Baccay said the Oplan Katok was conducted in cooperation with the local government units (LGUs) of every town in Pampanga. “The surrender of loose firearms manifested the cooperation of different stakeholders towards a peaceful community especially during the holding of the synchronize elections next year,” said Baccay while supervising the presentation of the firearms to local media held at the Bale Katimawan at Pampanga Provincial Police Office (PPO) headquarters.

Fernando City, La Union, dismissed the criminal case against Ongpin, who was charged with violating Section 11 of Republic Act 9165 (RA) or the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.” “I learned about the case of Julian Roberto S. Ongpin for alleged violation

of Section 11 of Republic Act No. 9165 - the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002,” Enrile said, in an emailed statement. “And I also read thoroughly the decision ot.f [Agacita]...of the First Judicial Region of San Fernando City, La Union. The decision is very lucid and well-written.”

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) operatives arrested an overstaying American in Batangas who was accused of being an undesirable alien by his alleged battered Filipina common-law wife. BI intelligence chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. identified the American as 61-yearold Reuben Henry Hartfield, who was arrested on Tuesday in Tanauan City. The arresting agents were reportedly armed with a mission order from Commissioner Jaime Morente who issued the arrest warrant upon learning that Hartfield is already an overstaying alien in the country. Vito Barcelo

LGUs urged to organize face shield disposal WITH the use of face shields no longer required in many places across the country, a House leader has called on concerned local governments to organize a plastics waste drive to help ensure these are properly disposed of. “We have a mounting waste problem that needs intervention both at the local and national level. The disposal of face shields should be organized so as not to add the problem,” Deputy Majority Leader and Rizal Rep. Fidel Nograles said. The government scrapped the face shield policy on Nov. 15 in areas under Alert Levels 1, 2, and 3. Local governments under Alert Level 4 have the discretion to continue or stop the use of face shields. Maricel V. Cruz

Palace: Dizon still COVID-19 testing czar By Vito Barcelo COVID-19 testing czar and deputy chief implementer of the National Task Force on COVID 19 Sec. Vivencio Dizon remains a part of the Duterte administration. Dizon did not join the team of presidential aspirant and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Malacanang also said. “Sec. Dizon remains to be a working member of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Cabinet,” Cabinet Secretary and Palace spokesman Karlo Nograles said. “There is no truth to the reports circulating that Secretary Dizon joined the campaign team of a presidential aspirant,” Nograles said. He said Dizon is focused on the vaccination efforts of the government, and not on any political campaign. Lito Banayo, chief campaign strategist of Domagoso, claimed that Dizon joined Moreno’s campaign team. He said Dizon will serve as Domagoso’s deputy campaign manager and head of the statistical research team.

‘HIPON KOMIKS.’

(From left to right) Dr. Ernesto Morales (Tambuyog aquaculture expert), Dinna Umengan (executive director, Tambuyog Development Center), and Cesar Piscano (Tambuyog aquaculture consultant), show “Hipon Komiks” after answering media questions thru an online zoom press launch of the Farmed Shrimp Welfare Campaign, in Quezon City. The civil society group explained the importance of animal welfare in shrimp and other farmed aquatic animals. Norman Cruz

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

(F) Service through e-mail and facsimile must contain the following information: 1) NS, ND/NC and/or case numbers, and date; 2) subject or case/document title; 3) the concerned party serving the document or paper; 4) the nature of the document or paper; 5) the party or parties against whom the action or relief is sought; and 6) the nature of the action or relief sought. In service by e-mail, the sender may attach as reference the soft copy of the document, but must include in the e-mail the information enumerated above.7 (G) The concerned officials may only resort to service by registered mail if the person/s liable or concerned party had not previously given consent to be served through electronic means or facsimile. Service by registered mail shall be made within 15 calendar days from date of issuance thereof, in accordance with Item 4.3 B (i) and (ii).

TODAY

CIRCULAR

No.: 2021-012 Date: November 10, 2021 Heads of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Finance, Bureau of Customs (BOC), Bureau of the Treasury (BTr), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), DA-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, DOJ-Land Registration Authority, DTI-Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), NEDA-Tariff Commission, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice); Chief Accountants/Heads of Accounting Units of the Departments and Agencies concerned; Officials and Auditors of the Commission on Audit(COA); and All Others Concerned

Accounting Guidelines on the Utilization of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) created under Republic Act (RA) No. 11203, “An Act Liberalizing the Importation, Exportation and Trading of Rice, Lifting for the Purpose the Quantitative Import Restriction on Rice, and for Other Purposes” 1.0 Rationale

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021

CIRCULAR

Subject

The COA is mandated to promulgate accounting and auditing rules and regulations under Section 2(2), Article IX-D of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and Section 25(4), Chapter 2, Title I of Presidential DecreeNo. 1445, or the Government Auditing Code of the Philippines. Section 13 of RA No. 11203, “An Act Liberalizing the Importation, Exportation and Trading of Rice, Lifting for the Purpose the Quantitative Import Restriction on Rice, and for Other Purposes”, created the RCEF or the Rice Fund. The RCEF consists of an annual appropriation of Ten billion pesos (P10,000,000,000.00) for the next six years following the approval of the Act and shall be automatically credited to a Special Account in the General Fund (SAGF-RCEF) of the National Treasury. If the annual tariff revenue from rice importation exceed P10,000,000,000.00 in any given year within the six-year period following the effectivity of this Act, the excess tariff revenue shall be earmarked by the Congress and included in the General Appropriations Act of the following year. Thus, it is necessary to prescribe accounting guidelines, illustrative accounting entries, and financial reports on the utilization of the SAGF-RCEF, pursuant to the specific authority granted to COA under Rule 13.7 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA No. 11203.

1.0

3.0 Definition of Terms 3.1 Special Account in the General Fund (SAGF). A fund whereby proceeds of specific revenue measures and grants earmarked by law for specific priority projects are recorded. 3.2 Rice Tariff Revenue. Arevenue earned from the tax levied on the rice imported from another country. 3.3 Budget and Financial Accountability Reports (BFARs).Quarterly reports required for submission to the DBM and the COA, prescribed under COADBM Joint Circular (JC) No. 2019-1 dated January 1, 2019, or the Updated Guidelines relative to BFARs Starting Fiscal Year (FY) 2019. 3.4 Implementing Agencies (IAs).Refer to the agencies to which the funds are transferred for the purpose of implementing the project. 4.0 Guidelines and Procedures 4.1 The DBM shall issue a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) to the IAs to transfer the appropriations from the annual programmed appropriations under the DA Regular Agency Fund (RAF) to the SAGF-RCEF of IAs, copy furnished the DA, BTr and COA-Government Accountancy Sector (GAS). 4.2 The DA, upon receipt of the SARO, shall effect the transfer of appropriations through a negative entry in the “Appropriations” column of the Registry of Appropriations and Allotments (RAPAL) maintained for RAF (Fund Cluster 01). 4.3 The IAs shall post the appropriations and allotments in the RAPAL and Registry of Allotments, Obligations and Disbursements-Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses for SAGF-RCEF (Fund Cluster 3) based on the SARO received. 4.4 The BTr, upon receipt of the SARO, shall prepare a Journal Entry Voucher recognizing the earmarked amounts for SAGF-RCEF, copy furnished the IAs, DA, DBM and COA-GAS. 4.5 The DBM shall issue the corresponding Notices of Cash Allocation (NCAs) to the IAs based on the breakdown indicated in the issued SARO in Item 4.1, representing their respective shares in the SAGF-RCEF. 4.6 The IAs shall recognize earmarking of cash for SAGF-RCEF based on the SARO received from the DBM. 4.7 The IAs concerned shall maintain separate registries and books of accounts with subsidiary ledgers for SAGF-RCEF to record the allotments, receipt of NCAs, and the utilization of funds, and prepare reports specified under Items 4.8 to 4.10. 4.8 The IAs concerned shall submit theBFARs to DBM and COA (GAS and IAs Auditors concerned) pursuant to Section 4.3 of COA-DBM JC No. 2019-1 dated January 1, 2019, copy furnished the BTr and DA. 4.9 The IAs concerned shall include the Financial Statements (FSs) for SAGFRCEF in the consolidated FSs for Fund Cluster 03–Special Account-Locally Funded/Domestic Grants Fund and submit the consolidated FSs to COA Auditors concerned and COA-GAS on or before February 14 of each year. 4.10 The IAs concerned shall submit to DA, as administrator of the RCEF, a complete set of FSs for SAGF-RCEF, accompanied by a Statement of Management’s Responsibility (SMR)1 in accordance with the format provided in the Government Accounting Manual (GAM) for National Government Agencies (NGAs) Volume I, copy furnished the COA Auditors concerned within 30 days after the end of each quarter. 4.11 Based on the FSs accompanied by the SMRs submitted by the IAs, the DA shall prepare the consolidated FSs for SAGF-RCEF for proper monitoring and reporting of the RCEF. The consolidated FSs shall also be accompanied by an SMR (Annex A) and submitted to COA-DA Auditor and COA-GASon or before March 31 of each year. 4.12 The agencies including Government Corporations concerned shall follow the existing accounting policies, guidelines, rules and procedures under the GAM for NGAs prescribed under COA Circular No. 2015-007 dated October 22, 2015, and other COA issuances relative to the accounting and reporting of SAGF-RCEF. 5.0 Creation of New Sub-Object Account and Code and Revision of Description of Accounts 5.1 To facilitate the BOC’s recognition of tariff revenues from importation of rice pursuant to RA No. 11203, a new Sub-Object Account“Rice Tariff Revenue” with Sub-Object Code of “4010301022” under “Import Duties (4010301000)” is hereby created. 5.2 To properly recognize and present the financial transactions in the books of accounts of the BTr and IAs, the description of the following accounts in the Revised Chart of Accounts under GAM for NGAs, Volume III, shall be amended as follows: a) Cash-Treasury/Agency Deposit, Special Account (1010402000) This account is debited in the agency books to recognize the amount of collections remitted to the BTr under the Special Account in the General Fund (SAGF). This is also debited for the allocation of funds based on the allotment release order and adjustment of unused/lapsed NCA. This account is credited to recognize receipt of NCA, and upon closing of the SAGF. In the BTr books, this account is credited for the remittance made by NGAs for SAGF. This is also credited for earmarking of cash from the Regular Agency Fund to SAGF. This account is debited to recognize the replenishments of agencies’ negotiated checks charged to the Modified Disbursement System (MDS)-Special Account. b)

Subsidy from National Government (4030101000) This account is credited to recognize the NCA for Regular and Special Accounts; constructive receipt of Non-Cash Availment Authority (NCAA) for advanced payments made by foreign creditors and donors; constructive receipt of Cash Disbursement Ceiling (CDC) by Foreign Service Posts; Working Fund deposited to the foreign currency accounts of implementing NGAs for Foreign Assisted Projects (FAPs); constructive receipt of NCA for Tax Remittance Advices (TRAs) and Tax Expenditure Fund (TEF); and allocation of funds earmarked for SAGF. This account is debited for adjustments of lapsed NCA for Regular and Special Accounts; closing to the Revenue and Expense Summary account, and/or other adjustments.

Subsidy to National Government Agencies (5021401000) This account is debited by the BTr to recognize replenishments made to Authorized Government Servicing Banks for negotiated MDS checks and other payments on accounts of NGAs; constructive payments through the issuance of NCAA for advanced payments made by foreign creditors and donors; constructive payments based on CDC issued to Foreign Service Posts; Working Fund deposited to the foreign currency accounts of implementing NGAs for FAPs; constructive payments through TRAs to Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and TEF; and allocation of funds earmarked for SAGF. This account is credited to close to the Revenue and Expense Summary account at year-end, and/ or other adjustments.

6.0 Illustrative Accounting Entries The illustrative accounting entries for the utilization of the SAGF-RCEF are provided in Annex B and Annex B.1. The pro-forma FSs, and the illustrative accounting entries for intra-agency transfers of funds are provided in Annex C,Annex D and Annex D.1, respectively. 7.0 Saving Clause Cases not covered in this Circular shall be referred to this Commission, through the GAS, for resolution. 8.0 Repealing Clause All circulars, memoranda, and other issuances or any parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Circular, are hereby amended, modified or repealed accordingly. 9.0 Effectivity

The involved Agency Head shall be furnished a copy of the NFD, COE, and any COA order or decision.

Reiteration of the Rules on the Proper Service of Copies of Notice of Suspension, Notice of Disallowance/Notice of Charge, Decision on Request for Relief from Accountability, Notice of Finality of Decision, COA Order of Execution or any other COA Order or Decision to all Persons Liable and Providing Guidelines Thereof

4.5

If no registry service is available in the locality of either the sender or the addressee, service of NFD, COE and any COA order or decision may be done by ordinary mail or an accredited private courier within 15 calendar days from date of issuance thereof.

4.6

If service of NFD issued by the auditor, or COE by the CD or RD, or other COA order or decision issued by the CD or RD cannot be made under the above preceding items, the office and place of residence of the person liable or his or her counsel being unknown, or e-mail address is unknown, service may be made by delivering the copy to the ComSec, through the CD or RD concerned, with proof of failure of service by electronic means, registered mail, and by ordinary mail or accredited courier, within 10 calendar days from failure of service.

BACKGROUND

The Commission Proper (CP), in the exercise of its adjudicatory function, is confronted with the recurring issue on denial of due process on account of non-receipt byNewly the aggrieved elected parties of Notice of Suspension (NS), Notice of Disallowance (ND)/Notice of Charge (NC), Decision on Request for Relief party chairman Davao City Mayor from Accountability (DRRA), Notice of Finality of Decision (NFD), COA Order Sara Duterte-Carpio delivers of Execution (COE), or anyher other order or decision of this Commission. While this Commission adheres to acceptance message during thethe pronouncement of the Supreme Court (SC) in several cases that the essence of due process is simply the opportunity Lakas-CMD National Council to be heard or the opportunity to seek reconsideration of the action or ruling complained of; however, service of copies of NS, ND/NC, DRRA, NFD, COE Meeting led by Lakas President or other order or decision of this Commission is a vital and indispensable and House Majority Leader Martin ingredient of due process, and compliance with the rules regarding proper Romualdez, Co-Chairman serviceLakas is as much as an issue of due process as it is of jurisdiction.1

NEW CHAIR.

In case of service of COE issued by the General Counsel (GC), through the Prosecution and Litigation Office, Legal Services Sector, this Commission, or other COA order or decision, or judgments rendered by the SC, cannot be made under the above preceding items, service may be made by delivering the copy to the ComSec, through the GC, with proof of failure of service by electronic means, registered mail, and by ordinary mail or accredited courier, within 10 calendar days from failure of service.

News

The ComSec is tasked to inform the CP of failure to serve the above documents, including the unserved NFD issued by its office, to the persons liable and other concerned parties despite attempts to serve through the aforementioned modes of service. The CP, in the exercise of its residual power8 as the final arbiter of this Commission’s action within its level, shall decide on the proper treatment of unserved documents to the persons liable and other concerned parties.

and Senator Ramon " Bong" Revilla ensure proper and complete service of NS, ND/NC, DRRA, NFD, COE Jr., andTo Secretary orLakas other Deputy COA order or decision, this Commission reminds its auditors and General Zamboanga all and others concerned toSibugay strictly observe the standards and rules of service of copies of NS, ND/NC, DRRA, NFD, COE or other COA order or decision as Rep. Wilter Sharky Palma via Zoom. set by procedural rules. These rules exist primarily for the benefit of litigants to Ver Noveno afford them with speedy and appropriate relief from this Commission’s action.

2.0 Purpose/Coverage This Circular is issued to prescribe accounting guidelines and procedures, illustrative accounting entries, and financial reports to ensure proper accounting and reporting of the SAGF-RCEF.

: 2021-013_______ : November 10, 2021

Heads of Departments, Bureaus and Offices of the National Government; Managing Heads and Governing Bodies of GovernmentOwned and/or Controlled Corporations, including their Subsidiaries, Self-Governing Boards, Commissions or Agencies, and State Universities and Colleges; Local Chief Executives; All Commission on Audit (COA) Assistant Commissioners, Cluster Directors, Regional Directors, Supervising Auditors, Audit Team Leaders, Audit Team Members, and all Others Concerned

SUBJECT

No. Date

The CP may order that the service upon the ComSec, CD or RD, as the case maybe, be deemed service upon the persons liable and other concerned parties. The service is complete at the time of such delivery.

Also, the following guidelines in the service of NS, ND/NC, DRRA, NFD, COE or other order or decision of this Commission are hereby provided, including some relevant provisions of the 1997 Rules of Court, as amended by Administrative Matter No. 19-10-20-SC or the 2019 Proposed Amendments to the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, which took effect on May 1, 2020, which may be applied suppletorily.

Sara is Lakas ‘guiding light’ as new chair—Romualdez V 2.0

4.7

PURPOSE

To ensure proper and complete service of NS, ND/NC, DRRA, NFD, COE or other COA order or decision, in order to apprise the persons liable and other concerned parties of the existence of the NS, ND/NC, DRRA, NFD, COE or other COA order or decision, and to afford them the opportunity to seek appropriate relief from this Commission’s actions.

3.0

Completeness of Service:

Personal service is complete upon actual delivery.

Service by registered mail is complete upon:

COVERAGE

Actual receipt by the addressee; or

ii.

After five days from the date he or she received the first notice9 of the postmaster, whichever date is earlier.

Electronic service is complete:

i. At the time of the electronic transmission of the document; This Circular lays down the guidelines/procedure for the proper service of copies of NS, ND/NC, DRRA, NFD, COE or other COA order or decision and members nationwide. ii. When Lakas-CMD is in full of her candidacy available, at the time thatsupport the electronic notification of relative to Section 7, Rule IV of the 2009 Revised party Rules ofofficials Procedure of the of the document isshe sent;isorthe true epitome of an COA (RRPC) and COA Circular No. 2009-006, prescribing the use of the her for taking on thisservice “We congratulate as we believe that Rules and Regulations on Settlement of Accounts, dated September 15, 2009. important role and we are confident that she will empowered capable of serving not just iii. Electronic service woman is not effective or complete if the party the document thatRomualdez it did not reach 4.0 GUIDELINES continue to inspire us more in working towardsserving the party but our learns nation,” said.the or person to be served. in the May 22 national elections,” he said.addressee Mayor Duterte immediately presided over the 4.1 Service of NS and DRRA shall be made by the victory auditor through personal ServiceNational by facsimile transmission is after complete upon receipt service, substituted personal service, or registered mail “In within fact,10wecalendar consider Mayor SaraD)as our Council Meeting her election. by the other party, as indicated in the facsimile transmission days from date of issuance thereof. guiding light, and there is no doubt that her Lakas-CMD officials present were printout. leadership experience and heart for public Romualdez, Revilla, Pampanga Rep. Juan For agency personnel who are still employed or connected with the agency, ServiceMiguel by ordinary mail isZamboanga complete upon the expiration of 10 service of NS, ND/NC shall be effected through personal service, service willsubstituted lead Lakas-CMD to E)greater Arroyo, Sibugay Rep. Wilter days after mailing. personal service, or registered mail within 10 calendar days from date of broader horizons in the coming Wee Palma II, Quezon City Rep. Anthony Peter issuance thereof. In case of several payees, as inheights the case and of a disallowed F) ServiceCrisologo, by accredited courier is complete upon actual receipt payroll, service shall be made to the accountant within 10 calendar days from added. months,” Romualdez Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose by the addressee, or after at least two attempts to deliver by the date of its issuance. The accountant shall be responsible for informing Revilla, who offered the post to Mayor Dalipe, Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay Jr.; the courier service, or upon the expiration of five calendar days all payees concerned within five working days from receipt of notice thereof. attempt to deliver, whichever This shall constitute constructive service to all payees listedon in the payroll,2 Duterte Wednesday, nominated Duterteafter in the first Negros Occidental Rep.is earlier. Ma. Lourdes provided that the accountant certifies that he/she took steps in notifying all the the event as Lakas-CMD party chair. Arroyo, Isabela Rep. Antonio Albano,a record Lanao payees, including the concerned officials and members of the board, if any.3 4.8 The auditor, and other concerned personnel, shall maintain ofoffered the date ofdel actual orRep. constructive service of notices/decisions for “Our chairman has graciously Sur Mamintal Adiong, Davao de Oro 4 The accountant shall submit the Accountant’s Affidavit of Service to the Chair to Mayor purposes of determining the running of the reglementary periodLani as his position as Party Inday Rep. Way Kurat Zamora, Bacoor Mayor Duringauditor the within Lakas-CMD National Council five days after the period of posting of the Notice to Payees, and provided under the RRPC. These information shall be included in the 10 others expressed their full 11 support Sara Duterte. I move that we approve the Revilla and in accordance with Section 25.1 of COA after all concerned payees have been notified through their respective e-mail Record of COA Decisions, Meeting, House Majority Leader and Leyte addresses if known, or to the official electronic mailnomination,” address of the offices of Romualdez said who Circular led theNo. 2009-006. to Mayor Duterte during the event. First District Rep. Martin G. Romualdez said each concerned employee. The posting of Notice to Payees and the sending adoption of the motion at about 1:12 in auditor the andThe Davao City Mayor andare daughter of President Mayor Duterte will serve asdone a “guiding light”for two consecutive weeks. If 4.9 The other concerned personnel reminded that the of said Notice shall be simultaneously of Service is an Duterte indispensable under personal service is notwas practicable, service shall beafternoon made through substitutedthe overwhelming Proof following support Rodrigo joinedrequirement Lakas-CMD onprocedural November of Lakas-CMD after she elected chair of in ensuring that due process has been observed. It is that piece personal service, or registered mail. of Lakas-CMD officials and members.rules 11. Twothat days she liable filed her for vice the revitalized party. of evidence proving thelater, persons havecandidacy been apprised of their possible liability on substituting an NS, ND/NC, DRRA, NFD, COE or other For government personnel who are no longer connected with the agency and Later, Romualdez nominated Revilla as co- president, Lakas’ candidate. “We are delighted and honored that Mayor for non-government parties, such as contractors, service of NS, ND/NC shall the party adopted the motion.COA order or decision. She will run in tandem with former Sen. Sara accepted the chairmanship ofcalendar Lakas-days chair be through registered mail within 15 from itsand issuance. 12 “We thank Mayor Sara for her willingness Ferdinand Marcos of the Partido Federal ng shall consist of theJr. following: Proof of Service CMD,” Romualdez, Lakas-CMD president, • In case of former government personnel, the addresses to be used are to take on the challenge. The entire force of Pilipinas (PFP). said during those the hybrid attended by Data Sheet, or the addresses A) Personal service: stated inceremony the last submitted Personal indicated in their 201 File. i. A written acknowledgment of the party served; • In case of non-government parties, service shall be made to the ii. The official return of the server; or addresses indicated in the contracts or similar documents involving their transaction with the agency. San iii. The affidavit of the party serving, containing a full statement of the date, If personal Juan City Mayor service is more practicable, the auditor may resort to such mode of place and manner of service.13 service.

By Maricel V. Cruz

ICE presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio on Thursday formally assumed the chairmanship of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), while Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. was elected co-chair.

IN BRIEF

BOOSTER JABS.

Francis M Zamora In all these witnesses a cases, if the last day for serving the NS, ND/NC or DRRA falls on a weekend health workeror holiday, service shall be made on the next business/working day. gettingofaNFD, COE, and any COA order or decision shall be made by the 4.2 Service or the Offices of the Commission Secretary (ComSec), Cluster Director COVID-19auditor, booster (CD), or Regional Director (RD), or Assistant Commissioner concerned, shot at the FilOil through registered mail or by electronic means or facsimile. Flying V Centre The modes of service of NS, ND/NC or DRRA shall be undertaken in the on4.3 Wednesday, following manner: with councilor A. Personal candidate and service is done: basketball star i. By delivering personally a copy of the NS, ND/NC or DRRA to the James Yap (right)person liable. watching. Around 1,200 healthcareSubstituted personal service workers were ii. If the person liable or other concerned party could not be served given the boosterpersonally after at least three attempts on two different dates, or to receive or sign thereon, it shall be sufficient that the copy shots. Mannyrefuses was tendered5 to him or her; or by leaving a copy within the view and Palmeropresence of the person liable;6

Leni eyes P216-b budget vs. COVID

Service through registered mail:

The affidavit of the party serving, containing a full elected themanner next ofpresident in statementONCE of the date, placeasand service, with the registry receipt issued by theLeni mailing office, and the 2022, Vice President Robredo wants registry return card reflecting receipt the party oraid his to allocate P216 billion forofCOVID-19 authorized representative. The auditor/CD/RD are directed in herwith ﬁrstthe 100mailing days. office in obtaining the to coordinate “In our ﬁrstcard. 100 days, we will focus appropriate registry return

on addressing our most urgent problem — controlling the pandemic and mitigating its impact on our people’s she said. Proof shall be made by an affidavitlives,” of service executed by the person whowill sentset theaside e-mail, facsimile, “We P216 billionorinother the electronic national transmission, together with a distribution printed prooftoof budget for ‘ayuda’ transmittal. protect families from hunger and provide D) Service by ordinary mail ortheir accredited courier:without being them with basic needs forced to go to work,” Robredo added. The affidavit of the party serving, containing a full statement The Vice Presidentof vowed increase supof the date, place and manner service,toand stating the port for theregistry health-care workers, to upgrade hosfact that there is no service available in the locality of either the sender or the addressee. pital capacity, make swab tests easily available to oftheservice public,byensure herdprivate immunity through iii. By leaving a copy of the NS, ND/NC or DRRA in the liable party’s In the case accredited courier, proof vaccination of all and beef upexecuted the capability office or regular place of business with some competent person in shall be made by an affidavit of service by the charge thereof, who shall indicate his or her printed name, signature, person who brought theunder audit the action decision to so the of health units localorgovernments position, and date of receipt on the server’s copy. A “competent service provider, together with the courier’s on official receipt they could administer vaccination their own. person” includes, but is not limited to, one who customarily receives or document tracking number. “We will not stop at vaccines. We will correspondences for the liable party therein; and 4.10 The Auditor should at stockpiling all times initiate action COVID-19 to secure a copy start different treat-of iv. In case of appealed NDs/NCs or DRRAs, if a party is represented the Proof of Service. avoid instances where them the right due mentTomedicines and deploy to to areas by counsel, service shall be made upon the counsel on record in process of the persons liable is at issue and to expedite service of According to Duterte, there was never a time By Macon Ramos-Araneta where there are shortages,” she said. accordance with Item (ii) above. NS, ND/NC, COE or other COA order or decision, the when he was heard that he’s for former Sen. DRRA, NFD, alsoCD/RD, promised toare enroll everyto auditor, the Offices ofRobredo the ComSec, or GC, expected Bongbong Marcos for the NO other presidential is being endorsed for Where candidate several counsels appear/represent one party, such party who is also vying observe faithful compliance guidelines. Filipino inwith thethese universal health-care system shall be entitled to only one copy of the ND/NC or DRRA to be by President Rodrigo Duterte, who has committed presidency. in her 100 days. served upon the lead counsel if one is designated, or upon any of “Wala, wala kayong narinig. Kailan man hindi his full support to theif there presidential run of ofSenator “All of these can be done only if we them is no designation a lead counsel. rebuild trust in our institutions—and ako nagsalita na may susuportahan ako,” he said. Christopher “Bong” Go. B. If personal service is not practicable, service shall be made through 5.0 PENALTY CLAUSE that’s exactly what we are going to do. divulged “Bong Goregistered is my bet,” shallDuterte mail.only Resortpresidential to this mode of service be accompanied byhe just talked to Marcos out of Weor will put our house in order and rea written explanation why the service was not done personally. Service Failure or negligence of the officials employees of this Commission to effectively respect, but he never gave a commitment that he emphasized Duterte, as he endorsed his long-time by registered mail is done: discharge their duties and responsibilities provided be a governbasis for store conﬁ dence herein in the shall Philippine will support them. aide for the highest post. appropriate administrative sanctions. ment,” she said. Rio N. Araja Duterte also put a spotlight on the good qualities i. By depositing a copy in the post office, in a sealed envelope, C)

Service by electronic means and facsimile:

Rody: No other prexy blessing but Go

In an online interview, the President stressed it plainly addressed to the person liable or the that counsel, at 6.0 REPEALING presidential aspirant possessesCLAUSE that makes was him who pushed Go to run for president after the latter’sthe his or her office address, if known; and Isko vows ‘fearless’ the saidand other issuances senator withdrew his vice-presidential bid following him a highly deserving candidate All circulars, for memoranda, or any parts thereof inconsistent ii. If the office address of the person liable is unknown, a copy with this Circular are hereby revoked, amended or modified accordingly. position. Davao City Mayorshall Sara Duterte’s decision to run for fight for WPS rights be sent to his or her residence, if known, with instruction Go’s7.0 “malasakit” for the the country’s second highest post.to return the mail to the senderEmphasizing to the postmaster after 10 days, SEPARABILITY CLAUSE MANILA Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso on undelivered. “Ayan bukas if ang presidente, tumakbo ka,” Filipinos, the President likewise said that it is Go Thursdayofsaid if he isiselected president In the event that any of the provision thisthat Circular declared invalid in or who will be the most suitable public servant to Duterte said. (C) If service of NS, ND/NC, and DRRA cannot be made despite attempts unconstitutional, all the provisions notnext affected thereby shall remain valid and with legal year’s elections, his administration will through personalAnd service registered mail, service may be by foreffect. continue hismade legacy the benefit of his fellow “I gave him guidance. he or said Kaya sabi be “fearless” in ﬁghting for the country’s terridelivering the copy to the CD or RD concernedcountrymen with proof of failure of and women. Inday will run so he will just withdraw, and he no torial waters amid reports of another incident personal service or through registered mail, within 10 calendar days from 8.0 EFFECTIVITY never boasted longer wantsfailure to run. So, I told him, you of service. Service upon the already CD or RD shall“He be deemed service he’s capable of doing such in the West Philippine Sea. upon the to persons liable and otherSo, concerned parties.but TheI service is is honest Thissince Circular effect after 15“We dayswill frombe publication in aﬁghting newspaper of fearless in for what thing, know he heshall hastake served started so you have run for President. that complete at the time of such delivery. general circulation. is ours. We will insist on the Hague Rulme for a long time,” further stated Duterte of his was what they did to you so fight it off,” also said ing. But at the same time as being fearless, 4.4 The modes of service of NFD, COE or other COA order or decision former aide. shall be the President.

we are going to be fair with our discussion of the situation on both sides,” Moreno said. (B) If personal service is not practicable, service of NFD, COE, and any COA “We will be faithful to our farmers and order or decision shall be made via electronic mail (e-mail) or facsimile fisherfolks. Fishermen should be able to fish provided that the liable party previously consented to be served through within our territorial sea. And that is what will C. PONDOC such mode. The consent shall be in writing, clearly indicating the e-mail Partido Reporma chairman and standard The Partido Reporma chairman led all ROLAND Commissioner address or facsimile number of the bearer person/s liable or other concerned happen: undeterred, peaceful, and productive Sen. Panfilo Lacson emerged as the top preferred presidential aspirants among survey respondents party. fishing opportunities under our rules. Filipino Note: and Annexes A to C ofCity, the Circular may be accessed in the COA website @ www. choice for president in at least two provinces, in Amlan, Negros Oriental Mandaue fishermen first,” Moreno said. coa.gov.ph Service to the persons liable, either through e-mail or facsimile shall be Negros Oriental and Cebu. Quoting a report from the AFP’s Westmade within five days from the date of issuanceCebu thereof.with 46-percent and 64-percent of votes Lacson bested current frontrunner Ferdinand tallied in those areas respectively. ern Command in Palawan, Foreign Affairs Carmelita T. Borlongan vs. Banco De Oro, G.R. No. 217617, April 5, 2017. (C) Marcos Service by means shall be made: “Bongbong” Jr.electronic in the two areas considered The independent poll included Section 7, RuleVice IV, 2009President Revised Rules of Procedure of the Commission on Audit (COA), and Section 12.1, COA CircuSecretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr., said three lar No. 2009-006, September 15, 2009 (Prescribing the use of Rules and Regulations on Settlement of Accounts). the top vote-rich provinces. Robredo, who three in Chinese Coast onDelilah November A samplenumber format of the Accountant’s Affidavit of Service is attached heretoGuard as Annexvessels “A.” See also J. Ablong, et i. By sending an e-mail to the person liable orLeni to the email address of ranked vs. COA, G.R. No. 233308, August 18, 2020. his orsteady her counsel, or 16 blocked and water cannoned two PhilipLacson is making progress in terms of Northern Luzon, Centralal. Luzon, and“A.”Southern See attached Annex Advising the persons liable of the notice issued against them and informing them of their right to file an appeal within six pine supply boats who itsOng, way his ranking inii.theThrough 2022 presidential race, based on Tagalog regions, as well as Manila Isko months from receiptMayor thereof. In the case of Spouses Benedict and Sandra Manuel vs. on Ramon G.R.to No.trans205249, other electronic means of transmission as authorized by, or October 15, 2014, it was held that tendering summons is itself a means of personal service as it is contained in Section port food supplies to Philippine military an independentlyupon commissioned opinion poll three Metro Rule 14, 1997 Rules ofin Court. written instruction of, the CDheld or RD. Moreno, who also stood at6,number Section 5, Rule 14, Administrative Matter No. 19-10-20-SC or the 2019 Proposed Amendments to the 1997 Rules of Civil personnel in Ayungin Shoal. earlier this month. Manila and Cebu. Procedure, effective May 1, 2020. (D) Service by facsimile shall be made by sending a facsimile copy to the A sample format is attached hereto as Annex “B.” The Ayungin Shoal, also known as the Around 6,176 respondents in the given pre- facsimile Meanwhile, Lacson’s running mate, As applied by analogy in theSenate case of Heirs of Eliza Q. Zoleta, et al, vs. Land Bank of the Philippines and Department of person liable or toparticipated his or her counsel’s number. Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board, G.R. No. 205128, August Thomas 9, 2017. Second shoal, is a shoal or atoll election survey for president conducted between President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III of the Nationalist The postmaster’s certification as to the sending of the first notice should include the data not only as to whether or not the corresponding notices were issued or sent butin also as toSpratly how, when Islands and to whomof the the delivery thereof was made. the South China (E) In case the party changes his or her e-mail address or facsimile number November 6 while to 12theshowed Lacson improved his People’s Coalition, maintained his Hernandez, etsubstantial al. vs. Navarro, etlead al. G.R. No. L-28296, November 24, 1972. action is pending, the party must promptly file, within five days Section 12.4, COA Circular No. 2009-006, September 15, 105 2009. nautical miles west of Palawan. Sea, ranking in four regions: Metro Manila, Northern over three of his rivals in a similar pre-election The Auditor shall maintain an ROCD showing the NDs and NCs issued to his agency, the appeal/s taken thereon, the from such change, a notice of change of e-mail address or facsimile appeal/s, the NFDs and COEs issued and the NSSDC settlements have been made. Ibid.shoal is Claimed byif several nations, the number withand the Southern CP, CD orTagalog. RD, AuditHe Teamsurvey Leader conducted or Supervising Luzon, Central Luzon, for the decision/s 202217,onvice Section Rule 13,presidential supra, note 6. currently occupied by the Philippines. A sample Affidavit of Service of Items 4.9 (iii) is attached hereto as Annex “C.” Auditor, as the case maybe, and serve the notice or decision on all other currently occupies the No. 2 spot. (VP) race. Macon Ramos-Araneta parties concerned. Rey E. Requejo (MS-NOV. 19, 2021) undertaken in the following manner:

(A) By personal service, following the procedures under Item 4.3 (A) above.

Lacson tops Negros Oriental, Cebu surveys

MICHAEL G. AGUINALDO and management Chairperson

1 2

This Circular shall take effect immediately.

4 5

MICHAEL G. AGUINALDO Chairperson

6 7 8 9

ROLAND C. PONDOC Commissioner

Note: Annexes A to D of the Circular may be accessed in the COA website @ www. coa.gov.ph 1

The Statement of Management’s Responsibility shall be submitted at year-end only.

(MS-NOV. 19, 2021)

12 13

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Opinion Workings of administrative agencies

SOME people think that only the courts can render decisions or resolutions; however, administrative agencies have the power to resolve disputes and controversies. This is known as the adjudicatory or quasi-judicial functions of administrative agencies such as the Civil Service Commission, Department of Agrarian Reform, and National Telecommunications Commission, among others. This power to hear and determine questions of fact must be in accordance with the standards laid down by the law that gives such power. It is quasi-judicial when an agency performs an act that is essentially executive or administrative in nature, or necessary for the performance of its duty (G.R. No. 183173, August 24, 2016).

They can also make rules and regulations to implement a law. Administrative agencies can also make rules and regulations to implement a law, and this is known as its quasi-legislative power. The power to make rules and regulations is rooted on delegated legislation, and must be within the confines of the latter (G.R. No. 183173, August 24, 2016). In simpler words, the rules, regulations, or guidelines issued by these agencies must not go beyond the policy, intent, and wording of the law. What it should provide are the necessary details in the execution or enforcement of the policy and objectives of the law. In the case of The Chairman and Executive Director, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), et al. v. Ejercito Lim, Petitioners PCSD’s officers were tasked with the duty of executing and implementing A.O. No. 00-05 and the Notice of Violation and Show Cause Order. The PCSD is responsible for the governance, implementation, and policy direction of the Strategic Environment Plan (SEP) for Palawan (G.R. No. 183173, August 24, 2016). Respondent Lim was the operator of a domestic air carrier doing business under the name and style Bonanza Air Services, with the authority to engage in nonscheduled air taxi transportation of passengers and cargo for the public. His business operation was primarily concerned with the transportation of fish from Palawan to fish traders (G.R. No. 183173, August 24, 2016). The PCSD issued A.O. No. 00-05, requiring that the transport of live fish from Palawan would be allowed only through traders and carriers who had sought and secured

accreditation from the PCSD. Thereafter, the Air Transportation Office (ATO) relayed to the PCSD that ATO-authorized carriers were considered common carriers, and as such, were exempt from the PCSD accreditation requirement (G.R. No. 183173, August 24, 2016). Respondent Lim asserted that he had continued his trade without securing the PCSD required accreditation; that the PCSD Chairman had started harassing his clients by issuing Memorandum Circular No. 02, Series of 2002; and that the said Memorandum contained penal sanctions, including the cancellation of their PCSD accreditation, and perpetual disqualification from engaging in live fish trading in Palawan if they will avail of the services of unaccredited aircraft carriers (G.R. No. 183173, August 24, 2016). Disregarding the prohibition, the respondent Lim continued his business operation in Palawan until a customer showed him the Notice of Violation and the Show Cause Order issued by the PCSD; and that he should explain his actuations within 15 days, otherwise, he would be sanctioned with a fine of P50,000.00 (G.R. No. 183173, August 24, 2016). With the foregoing factual antecedents, the question to be answered is whether A.O. No. 00-05, Series of 2002, Resolution No. 03-211, and the Notice of Violation and Show Cause Order are null and void for having been issued in excess of the PCSD’s authority under R.A. 7611 (G.R. No. 183173, August 24, 2016). The Supreme Court explained that the PCSD had the explicit authority to “fill in the details” for how to carry out the objectives of R.A. No. 7611 in protecting and enhancing Palawan’s natural resources consistent with the SEP. In that task, the PCSD could establish a methodology for the effective implementation of the SEP (G.R. No. 183173, August 24, 2016). Moreover, the PCSD was expressly given the authority to impose penalties and sanctions in relation to the implementation of the SEP and the provisions of R.A. No. 7611. As such, the PCSD’s issuance of A.O. No. 00-95 and Resolution No. 03-211 was well within its statutory authority (G.R. No. 183173, August 24, 2016). In another case, the Supreme Court agreed with the Alliance for the Family Foundation Philippines, Inc. that the authors of the Reproductive Health (RH) Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) gravely abused their office when they redefined the meaning of “abortifacient” under the RH Law (Imbong, et al. v. Ochoa, et al., G.R. No. 204819, April 8, 2014). An abortifacient is “any drug or device that induces abortion or the destruction of a fetus inside the mother’s womb or the prevention of the fertilized ovum to reach and be implanted in the mother’s womb upon determination of the (Food and Drug Administration) FDA”. However, Section 3.0l(a) of the IRR redefined “abortifacient” by inserting the word “primarily” before the verb “induces” (G.R. No. 204819, April 8, 2014). Full version on www.manilastandard.net

The audacity of Leody

(Part 1) THESE days, election news has become all about candidates’ personalities: What A or B is up to, what the latest political stunt is, what controversies or statements they are making. And while these big names seem to think they are keeping the public entertained with their antics, feeling entitled to bask in the attention we so generously shower them, there are those who are devoid of a larger-than life personality, or a penchant for gimmickry, and who are running solely to advance a platform of government that speaks for itself in its audacity, and, in some places, its eminent sense. Like Leody de Guzman. His great reveal Ka Leody says his family was shocked when he first revealed his plan to run for president. “The opposition was strong,” he said in Filipino. His partner and two of his three children feigned concern about his health. “I noticed they did not have an explanation to their friends for why their father was running for president. Perhaps they were worried that we would be a laughingstock.” He had the hardest time convincing his eldest child, who left their family group chat after giving him the equivalent of an online sermon. As of the time of the interview, in late October, they had yet to be on speaking terms again.

“I thought it would be all right with them, I had pretty much done what I felt like doing in the past 35 years. Even when I ran for a partylist seat in 2016 and for the Senate in 2019, they took it in stride. But the presidency was a different thing,” he said. Even his relatives and neighbors initially looked at him differently. He wondered if they thought he was crazy. Imagine a labor leader, no money stacked anywhere, a virtual unknown. So why, indeed, did he run?

He has no largerthan-life personality, no penchant for gimmickry, and no money. “I have spent more than three decades immersed in issues of the ordinary worker. I have been constantly interacting with them, being one myself, and I know the root of all our problems. The laws and policies of our country themselves legitimize the pursuit of the rich to amass more riches, and also to make it difficult for the ordinary worker to prosper. This is what we have to change.” None of the mainstream candidates – “mga makikinis,” he jokes – offer any substantial support to the working class based on their track record. They live in comfortable, secure villages, and their interests are vastly different from the interests of the masses. They may utter a promise or two to entice people to vote for them, but in the end they renege on their promises and simply go back to preserving the status quo.

ManilaStandard

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021

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EDITORIAL

Full reopening

HE Philippines has dodged a bullet, so to speak. It contained the spread of the more virulent Delta variant, resulting in daily COVID-19 cases of just around 1,000, and allowed many workers to go to their job site at the same time.

a full reopening of the Philippine economy. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III the other day sounded out a shift to the looser Alert Level 1 given the aggressive vaccination drive in the Philippines. The less restrictive alert level allows businesses to operate at full-site capacity, subject to minimum public health standards.

Current health statistics also point to a safer economy.

The ramped-up vaccination of the population and neighborhood quarantines, instead of regional lockdowns, significantly helped in curbing the spread of the virus. The government did not totally shut down the economy, unlike in previous lockdown episodes. No great damage was done on the economy as the government allowed more people to get out and participate in numerous activities. The favorable COVID-19 numbers that we are now seeing, thus, justify

To paraphrase Mr. Dominguez, the Philippines did well despite the pandemic odds and it was now time to thrive under new economic conditions and adapt to market realities created by digital technology. The current health statistics also point to a safer economy. The Philippines has

administered 70.68 million doses, with the full protection given to 31.9 million Filipinos. Full vaccination in time will cover the target of 70 percent, or 77 million Filipinos. The Filipino working class suffered the most during the economic lockdown. The underground economy as well bore the brunt of COVID-19. But the country’s demographic transition will back up the recovery. With a workforce comprising mostly of young Filipinos, the Philippines has entered a demographic sweet spot in which the greater population in the working age level will fuel the economy. The full reopening of the economy is the right window that will make the country’s expanding young workforce more productive. To put it simply, more job opportunities will accelerate economic expansion and raise the country’s living standards.

Isko Moreno should be disqualified from presidential run

MANILA Mayor and presidential candidate Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso should be disqualified. Moreno is abusing his powers and prerogatives as city mayor of Manila. Elected city mayor in 2019, Moreno is expected to do his job at city hall. If he is to travel outside of his city on official time, it must be in relation to his duties as city mayor. Anything outside of those parameters constitutes graft and corruption. This neophyte city mayor, in office for a little more than two years, is so full of himself that he is now running for president. Moreno enjoys the financial support of undisclosed oligarchs, as seen in his endless expensive pre-election television commercials promoting his image. The continuous television broadcasts of Moreno’s commercials cost hundreds of millions of pesos. Moreno refuses to explain where he got the money for those commercials. His salary as city mayor is not enough to shoulder those expenses. That’s not all. After Moreno announced his presidential run, Moreno has been busy campaigning nationwide. His handlers refer to his many visits to the provinces as “listening trips” — a euphemism for partisan campaign sorties. By my own tally, Moreno recently presided in an oath-taking ceremony of his supporters at the Quezon Circle in Quezon City, and in Pampanga. He also attended the inauguration of the Mactan-Cordova Bridge in Cebu, and he visited Subic in Zambales to “listen to the people” there. What involvement the City Mayor of Manila has in activities in Quezon City, Pampanga, Cebu and Zambales is a mystery. The partisan nature of Moreno’s campaign sorties in those areas is confirmed by streamers “There has to be a new face, even if that face is not fair and smooth, that would bring neither money nor false promises, but principles and a genuine platform.” In other words, Ka Leody is acting on the off chance that Filipino workers finally get sick of a system that has always given them the raw end of the deal, and of politicians who pretend to be concerned for them but who break their promises or say nothing about oppressive practices. A sector’s problems, a people’s problems Since his factory days in 1978, Ka Leody has observed that the problems of workers have only gotten worse. Today, he says, contractualization is rampant, wages never catch up to the prices of goods, rice tariffication favors importers and places local farmers at a disadvantage, the poor bear the brunt of taxes — “why the VAT on instant noodles,” he asks — while the rich get away with paying only a small percentage of their income to the government. The irony is that the 45 million workers who are directly affected by these practices themselves willingly participate in their entrenchment – by electing leaders who do not even attempt to strike a balance between the interests of the poor workers and Big Business,

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

extolling him, and subtle references to his being the next president of the Philippines. Moreno’s partisan activities outside of the City of Manila took place on official time, and have absolutely nothing to do with his duties as city mayor. Every time Moreno leaves Manila for his “listening” sorties in the provinces, Moreno is not in his office to perform his duties and responsibilities as city mayor. While he is busy outside Manila, Moreno continues to draw his salary as Manila’s mayor.

Many issues hound this neophyte mayor. That’s enough ground to file anti-graft charges against Moreno. Any taxpayer can file the anti-graft complaint in the Office of the Ombudsman. Basic decency demands that if Moreno is going to be occupied with his campaign for the presidency, he should resign as city mayor so as not to prejudice the interests of the City of Manila and its people. Apparently, Moreno does not understand the meaning of “decency.” Observers suspect that Moreno refuses to resign his lofty post as city mayor because Moreno gets his campaign funds from big businessmen in Manila who need to be in the good graces of city hall in order to keep their trade viable. City hall, after all, can make entrepreneurs endure a lot of hardship through permit requirements and other bureaucratic red tape. Since Moreno’s aforesaid sorties outside of the City of Manila have absolutely nothing to do with his duties as city mayor of Manila, the inevitable conclusion is that Moreno is already campaigning outside of the authorized campaign period set under the Omnibus Election Code. That is enough ground for a disqualification case against him before the Commission on Elections. Other issues hound Moreno. Aside from his suspicious refusal to explain the source of the money for his television and who look upon the export of labor as a permanent government policy instead of a stopgap measure that is symptomatic of what ails our country. “There is no dearth of stories of overseas Filipino workers getting duped, abused, insulted, or taken advantage of. They are carrying the heavy burden of leaving their families and working in a foreign land, sometimes under a hostile environment. And the government tries to make them feel a little better by calling them heroes,” he says. In fact, it’s not only the OFWs and their families who make the sacrifice. Our nation suffers too because of skills and human capital that we lose to other countries. They would have been invaluable contributors to nation-building. Ka Leody acknowledges that there are no quick solutions to the OFW phenomenon because we first have to develop an economy that provides sustainable jobs to its citizens. “I believe that even if our OFWs can’t earn as much as they would in other countries, if they had stable jobs here and the opportunity to be with their loved ones, they would stay.” (Continued next week)

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Enrile on Ongpin case; Ilocano presidents

Clear guidelines on face shields

It’s PDDS, not PDP

Why Ongpin case was dismissed

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

commercials, there are complaints of ghost employees in city hall. Also, Moreno has not explained his prime real estate acquisitions. Many have noticed that the extent of Moreno’s wealth is in stark contrast to the way Moreno’s television advertisements portray Moreno as the poor boy from Tondo. The national government has not lifted the requirement that people outdoors must wear a face shield, in addition to the mandatory face mask. Moreno defied that requirement by directing that wearing face shields is not compulsory in Manila. Moreno is not yet president, but he already behaves like a dictator with no regard for the rule of law. His defiance of national health regulations is enough ground for the national government to take legal action against him. Undoubtedly, Moreno is campaigning only on himself, and is drooling for the presidency. Moreno’s vice presidential running mate is only for show, so that Moreno will not look like he is interested only in his personal political advantage. Take note that Moreno’s running mate is a physician who could not even get himself elected to one of 12 seats at stake in the 2019 senatorial race. Also, Moreno has only three senatorial candidates, one of whom lost miserably in the 2019 senatorial elections. He probably conned them into running so that he will not look like an isolated presidential candidate, one with nobody on the political stage with him. Moreno does not deserve to be president.

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

Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

021

an ent ce, ent nal ng ent cal riff nd on, ds ed; ers

ess No. of ce,

CIRCULAR

and Rice, ts of t six ecial nual year enue ct of ative CEF, nting

2.0

and and n the

cher the

CAs) 4.1,

n the

unts pt of ems

3.0

4.0

The accountant shall submit the Accountant’s Affidavit of Service to the auditor within five days after the period of posting of the Notice to Payees, and after all concerned payees have been notified through their respective e-mail addresses if known, or to the official electronic mail address of the offices of each concerned employee. The posting of Notice to Payees and the sending of said Notice shall be done simultaneously for two consecutive weeks. If personal service is not practicable, service shall be made through substituted personal service, or registered mail.

Service by registered mail is complete upon: i.

Actual receipt by the addressee; or

ii.

After five days from the date he or she received the first notice9 of the postmaster, whichever date is earlier.

Electronic service is complete: i.

At the time of the electronic transmission of the document;

ii.

When available, at the time that the electronic notification of service of the document is sent; or

Service by facsimile transmission is complete upon receipt by the other party, as indicated in the facsimile transmission printout.

Service by ordinary mail is complete upon the expiration of 10 days after mailing.

Service by accredited courier is complete upon actual receipt by the addressee, or after at least two attempts to deliver by the courier service, or upon the expiration of five calendar days after the first attempt to deliver, whichever is earlier.

The auditor, and other concerned personnel, shall maintain a record of the date of actual or constructive service of notices/decisions for purposes of determining the running of the reglementary period as provided under the RRPC. These information shall be included in the Record of COA Decisions,10 in accordance with Section 25.111 of COA Circular No. 2009-006.

4.9

The auditor and other concerned personnel are reminded that the Proof of Service is an indispensable requirement under procedural rules in ensuring that due process has been observed. It is that piece of evidence proving that the persons liable have been apprised of their possible liability on an NS, ND/NC, DRRA, NFD, COE or other COA order or decision.

A. Personal service is done:

e by m the e the ified

iii.

By leaving a copy of the NS, ND/NC or DRRA in the liable party’s office or regular place of business with some competent person in charge thereof, who shall indicate his or her printed name, signature, position, and date of receipt on the server’s copy. A “competent person” includes, but is not limited to, one who customarily receives correspondences for the liable party therein; and

iv.

In case of appealed NDs/NCs or DRRAs, if a party is represented by counsel, service shall be made upon the counsel on record in accordance with Item (ii) above.

If personal service is not practicable, service shall be made through registered mail. Resort to this mode of service shall be accompanied by a written explanation why the service was not done personally. Service by registered mail is done: i.

By depositing a copy in the post office, in a sealed envelope, plainly addressed to the person liable or the latter’s counsel, at his or her office address, if known; and

ii.

If the office address of the person liable is unknown, a copy shall be sent to his or her residence, if known, with instruction to the postmaster to return the mail to the sender after 10 days, if undelivered.

(C) If service of NS, ND/NC, and DRRA cannot be made despite attempts through personal service or registered mail, service may be made by delivering the copy to the CD or RD concerned with proof of failure of personal service or through registered mail, within 10 calendar days from failure of service. Service upon the CD or RD shall be deemed service upon the persons liable and other concerned parties. The service is complete at the time of such delivery.

Service by electronic means and facsimile:

By sending an e-mail to the person liable or to the e- mail address of his or her counsel, or Through other electronic means of transmission as authorized by, or upon written instruction of, the CD or RD.

(D) Service by facsimile shall be made by sending a facsimile copy to the person liable or to his or her counsel’s given facsimile number.

4.10

The Auditor should at all times initiate action to secure a copy of the Proof of Service. To avoid instances where the right to due process of the persons liable is at issue and to expedite service of NS, ND/NC, DRRA, NFD, COE or other COA order or decision, the auditor, the Offices of the ComSec, CD/RD, or GC, are expected to observe faithful compliance with these guidelines.

The UN’s trade and development agency (UNCTAD) said global import price levels could increase by 11 percent and consumer price levels by 1.5 percent between now and 2023. “Global consumer prices will rise significantly in the year ahead until shipping supply chain disruptions are unblocked and port constraints and terminal inefficiencies are tackled,” UNCTAD said in its Review of Maritime Transport 2021 report. Global supply chains faced unprecedented demand from the second half of 2020 onwards as consumers spent on goods rather than services during coronavirus lockdowns. But the upswing in demand hit several practical constraints, including container ship carrying capacity, container shortages, labour shortages, congestion at ports and COVID-19 restrictions. The mismatch led to record container freight rates “on practically all container trade

routes,” according to the report. “The current surge in freight rates will have a profound impact on trade and undermine socioeconomic recovery, especially in developing countries, until maritime shipping operations return to normal,” said Rebeca Grynspan, UNCTAD’s secretary general. “Returning to normal would entail investing in new solutions, including infrastructure, freight technology and digitalisation and trade facilitation measures,” she said. UNCTAD said the pandemic had magnified pre-existing industry challenges, particularly labour shortages and infrastructure gaps. It also exposed vulnerabilities, such as when China’s Yantian Port shut in May due to a coronavirus outbreak, causing significant delays, or when the giant container ship Ever Given blocked the Suez Canal in March, snarling global trade. AFP

Failure or negligence of the officials or employees of this Commission to effectively discharge their duties and responsibilities provided herein shall be a basis for appropriate administrative sanctions. 6.0 REPEALING CLAUSE All circulars, memoranda, and other issuances or any parts thereof inconsistent with this Circular are hereby revoked, amended or modified accordingly. 7.0 SEPARABILITY CLAUSE In the event that any of the provision of this Circular is declared invalid or unconstitutional, all the provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and with legal effect. 8.0 EFFECTIVITY This Circular shall take effect after 15 days from publication in a newspaper general circulation.

MICHAEL G. AGUINALDO Chairperson

Note: Annexes A to C of the Circular may be accessed in the COA website @ www. coa.gov.ph

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6 7 8

10 11 12 13

a religious festival to mark the full moon, at Kelaniya Temple in the Kelaniya suburb of Colombo on November 18, 2021. AFP

IN BRIEF Malcolm X suspects to be exonerated

TWO men found guilty of the 1965 assassination of civil rights leader Malcolm X are to have their convictions thrown out, one of them posthumously, in an admission by US authorities of a historic miscarriage of justice. Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance will hold a press conference on Thursday to announce the exoneration of Muhammad A. Aziz and Khalil Islam, his office said Wednesday. Aziz, 83, was sentenced to life in prison in 1966 but was released in 1985. Also sentenced to life, Islam was released in 1987 and died in 2009. “These men did not get the justice that they deserved,” Vance said in an interview with The New York Times. “What we can do is acknowledge the error, the severity of the error.” The newspaper said that a 22-month investigation conducted jointly by the Manhattan district attorney’s office and lawyers for the two men found that prosecutors, the FBI and the New York Police Department withheld evidence that would likely have led to the acquittal of the two men. AFP

ELON Musk said Wednesday that the Starship developed by his company SpaceX and selected by NASA for the Americans’ return to the Moon would attempt its first orbital flight early next year. “We’ll do a bunch of tests in December and hopefully launch in January,” Musk said in a talk for the National Academies Space Studies Board. “There’s a lot of risk associated with this first launch,” he said. “So I would not say that it is likely to be successful, but I think we will make a lot of progress.” Starship has already made several sub-orbital flights. After multiple tests that ended in impressive explosions, SpaceX finally succeeded in landing the spacecraft, which is designed to be reusable. For the upcoming orbital test, it will be decked out with an ultra-powerful first stage dubbed Super Heavy. Authorization from the US Federal Aviation Administration is expected “around the end of the year,” Musk said. The billionaire entrepreneur – who also founded electric carmaker Tesla – said he hoped to have completed the launch pad and launch tower this month, before carrying out a series of checks. After the proposed January test launch, he aims for a dozen additional launches or more through the end of 2022. He said Starship would be operational to transport loads outside the framework of tests “in 2023.” AFP

Poland detains 100 migrants at border

ROLAND C. PONDOC Commissioner

LIVING ON A PRAYER. A Buddhist monk prays during Poya,

Orbital flight for Moon rocket in ‘22

5.0 PENALTY CLAUSE

(E) In case the party changes his or her e-mail address or facsimile number while the action is pending, the party must promptly file, within five days from such change, a notice of change of e-mail address or facsimile number with the CP, CD or RD, Audit Team Leader or Supervising Auditor, as the case maybe, and serve the notice or decision on all other parties concerned.

Service by ordinary mail or accredited courier:

In the case of service by accredited private courier, proof shall be made by an affidavit of service executed by the person who brought the audit action or decision to the service provider, together with the courier’s official receipt or document tracking number.

(A) By personal service, following the procedures under Item 4.3 (A) above.

Service to the persons liable, either through e-mail or facsimile shall be made within five days from the date of issuance thereof.

The official return of the server; or

The affidavit of the party serving, containing a full statement of the date, place and manner of service, and stating the fact that there is no registry service available in the locality of either the sender or the addressee.

4.4 The modes of service of NFD, COE or other COA order or decision shall be undertaken in the following manner:

(B) If personal service is not practicable, service of NFD, COE, and any COA order or decision shall be made via electronic mail (e-mail) or facsimile provided that the liable party previously consented to be served through such mode. The consent shall be in writing, clearly indicating the e-mail address or facsimile number of the person/s liable or other concerned party.

A written acknowledgment of the party served;

ii.

Proof shall be made by an affidavit of service executed by the person who sent the e-mail, facsimile, or other electronic transmission, together with a printed proof of transmittal.

Where several counsels appear/represent for one party, such party shall be entitled to only one copy of the ND/NC or DRRA to be served upon the lead counsel if one is designated, or upon any of them if there is no designation of a lead counsel. B.

HE United Nations warned Thursday that a surge in container freight rates could mean higher prices for consumers next year unless pandemic-fuelled problems are untangled.

Service through registered mail:

By delivering personally a copy of the NS, ND/NC or DRRA to the person liable. Substituted personal service

nt of neral d on This f the

The affidavit of the party serving, containing a full statement of the date, place and manner of service, with the registry receipt issued by the mailing office, and the registry return card reflecting receipt of the party or his authorized representative. The auditor/CD/RD are directed to coordinate with the mailing office in obtaining the appropriate registry return card.

4.3 The modes of service of NS, ND/NC or DRRA shall be undertaken in the following manner:

If the person liable or other concerned party could not be served personally after at least three attempts on two different dates, or refuses to receive or sign thereon, it shall be sufficient that the copy was tendered5 to him or her; or by leaving a copy within the view and presence of the person liable;6

UN: Soaring prices in 2022 due to freight rate increases

Personal service:

4.2 Service of NFD, COE, and any COA order or decision shall be made by the auditor, or the Offices of the Commission Secretary (ComSec), Cluster Director (CD), or Regional Director (RD), or Assistant Commissioner concerned, through registered mail or by electronic means or facsimile.

ii.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

iii. The affidavit of the party serving, containing a full statement of the date, place and manner of service.13

In all these cases, if the last day for serving the NS, ND/NC or DRRA falls on a weekend or holiday, service shall be made on the next business/working day.

World

Proof of Service12 shall consist of the following:

If personal service is more practicable, the auditor may resort to such mode of service.

ooks ts in ll be

2021)

Personal service is complete upon actual delivery.

4.8

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www.

Completeness of Service: A)

iii. Electronic service is not effective or complete if the party serving the document learns that it did not reach the addressee or person to be served.

For agency personnel who are still employed or connected with the agency, service of NS, ND/NC shall be effected through personal service, substituted personal service, or registered mail within 10 calendar days from date of issuance thereof. In case of several payees, as in the case of a disallowed payroll, service shall be made to the accountant within 10 calendar days from the date of its issuance. The accountant shall be responsible for informing all payees concerned within five working days from receipt of notice thereof. This shall constitute constructive service to all payees listed in the payroll,2 provided that the accountant certifies that he/she took steps in notifying all the payees, including the concerned officials and members of the board, if any.3

In case of non-government parties, service shall be made to the addresses indicated in the contracts or similar documents involving their transaction with the agency.

are d or

4.7

4.1 Service of NS and DRRA shall be made by the auditor through personal service, substituted personal service, or registered mail within 10 calendar days from date of issuance thereof.

•

ough

GUIDELINES

CEF, nt of ided ment rned

are ative nnex

This Circular lays down the guidelines/procedure for the proper service of copies of NS, ND/NC, DRRA, NFD, COE or other COA order or decision relative to Section 7, Rule IV of the 2009 Revised Rules of Procedure of the COA (RRPC) and COA Circular No. 2009-006, prescribing the use of the Rules and Regulations on Settlement of Accounts, dated September 15, 2009.

In case of former government personnel, the addresses to be used are those stated in the last submitted Personal Data Sheet, or the addresses indicated in their 201 File.

made ecks ents eign ed to ency ents and d to and/

•

ecial ority nors; eign ency APs); Tax AGF. gular mary

COVERAGE

AGFcally COA ear.

tion

4.6

PURPOSE

For government personnel who are no longer connected with the agency and for non-government parties, such as contractors, service of NS, ND/NC shall be through registered mail within 15 calendar days from its issuance.

ollow r the ober rting

BACKGROUND

d IAs 19-1

e DA oring nied on or

4.5

s are

ions ry of uster

The involved Agency Head shall be furnished a copy of the NFD, COE, and any COA order or decision.

rice

e IAs ions copy ).

To ensure proper and complete service of NS, ND/NC, DRRA, NFD, COE or other COA order or decision, this Commission reminds its auditors and all others concerned to strictly observe the standards and rules of service of copies of NS, ND/NC, DRRA, NFD, COE or other COA order or decision as set by procedural rules. These rules exist primarily for the benefit of litigants to afford them with speedy and appropriate relief from this Commission’s action.

ures, and

ports COAated

: 2021-013_______ : November 10, 2021

The Commission Proper (CP), in the exercise of its adjudicatory function, is confronted with the recurring issue on denial of due process on account of non-receipt by the aggrieved parties of Notice of Suspension (NS), Notice of Disallowance (ND)/Notice of Charge (NC), Decision on Request for Relief from Accountability (DRRA), Notice of Finality of Decision (NFD), COA Order of Execution (COE), or any other order or decision of this Commission. While this Commission adheres to the pronouncement of the Supreme Court (SC) in several cases that the essence of due process is simply the opportunity to be heard or the opportunity to seek reconsideration of the action or ruling complained of; however, service of copies of NS, ND/NC, DRRA, NFD, COE or other order or decision of this Commission is a vital and indispensable ingredient of due process, and compliance with the rules regarding proper service is as much as an issue of due process as it is of jurisdiction.1

and and ment

eeds ecific

SUBJECT

1.0

No. Date

Carmelita T. Borlongan vs. Banco De Oro, G.R. No. 217617, April 5, 2017. Section 7, Rule IV, 2009 Revised Rules of Procedure of the Commission on Audit (COA), and Section 12.1, COA Circular No. 2009-006, September 15, 2009 (Prescribing the use of Rules and Regulations on Settlement of Accounts). A sample format of the Accountant’s Affidavit of Service is attached hereto as Annex “A.” See also Delilah J. Ablong, et al. vs. COA, G.R. No. 233308, August 18, 2020. See attached Annex “A.” Advising the persons liable of the notice issued against them and informing them of their right to file an appeal within six months from receipt thereof. In the case of Spouses Benedict and Sandra Manuel vs. Ramon Ong, G.R. No. 205249, October 15, 2014, it was held that tendering summons is itself a means of personal service as it is contained in Section 6, Rule 14, 1997 Rules of Court. Section 5, Rule 14, Administrative Matter No. 19-10-20-SC or the 2019 Proposed Amendments to the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, effective May 1, 2020. A sample format is attached hereto as Annex “B.” As applied by analogy in the case of Heirs of Eliza Q. Zoleta, et al, vs. Land Bank of the Philippines and Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board, G.R. No. 205128, August 9, 2017. The postmaster’s certification as to the sending of the first notice should include the data not only as to whether or not the corresponding notices were issued or sent but also as to how, when and to whom the delivery thereof was made. Hernandez, et al. vs. Navarro, et al. G.R. No. L-28296, November 24, 1972. Section 12.4, COA Circular No. 2009-006, September 15, 2009. The Auditor shall maintain an ROCD showing the NDs and NCs issued to his agency, the appeal/s taken thereon, the decision/s on appeal/s, the NFDs and COEs issued and the NSSDC if settlements have been made. Ibid. Section 17, Rule 13, supra, note 6. A sample Affidavit of Service of Items 4.9 (iii) is attached hereto as Annex “C.” (MS-NOV. 19, 2021)

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POLISH forces detained a group of about 100 migrants who were attempting to cross the border from Belarus during the night, the defense ministry said on Thursday. The ministry said on Twitter that Belarusian forces had first carried out reconnaissance and “most likely” damaged the barbed wire fence along the border. “Then the Belarusians forced the migrants to throw stones at Polish soldiers to distract them. The attempt to cross the border took place several hundred meters away,” it said. “A group of about 100 migrants was detained,” it said, adding that the incident happened near the village of Dubicze Cerkiewne. Video footage released by the defence ministry showed Polish soldiers surrounding a large group of people crouched down in a wooded area at night next to barbed wire. Thousands of migrants are estimated to be near the EU border on the Belarusian side, hoping to cross over. The EU has accused Belarus of artificially engineering the crisis by encouraging migrants to come to the country with the promise of an easy crossing into the European Union. Belarus denies this and has asked Poland to take the migrants in. AFP

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Business

Manila

Standard

TODAY

PSEi November 18, 2021

TOP GAINERS 1 2

PRMX OPM

LAST PRICE 1.98 0.011

% CHANGE CHANGE 0.23 13.14% 0.001 10.00%

3 4 5

MARC FAF WIN

1.1 0.63 0.245

0.08 0.04 0.015

7.84% 6.78% 6.52%

6 7

ALCO PNX

0.65 11.7

0.03 0.46

4.84% 4.09%

8 9 10

ARA FILRT MG

1.05 7.98 0.175

0.04 0.28 0.005

3.96% 3.64% 2.94%

TOP LOSERS 1 2

JOH CAB

LAST PRICE 4.61 50.2

% CHANGE CHANGE -0.78 -14.47% -7.8 -13.45%

3 4 5

ABA NRCP MB

1.04 0.65 0.405

-0.1 -0.05 -0.03

-8.77% -7.14% -6.90%

6 7 8

TCB2A BKR CNVRG

0.96 1.82 32.3

-0.06 -0.11 -1.7

-5.88% -5.70% -5.00%

9 10

ALLDY DIZ

0.77 5.2

-0.04 -0.27

-4.94% -4.94%

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market tumbles; Converge, DITO down T HE stock market fell Thursday on another bout of profit taking, tracking losses on Wall Street fueled by growing inflation concerns and talk that central banks will have to tighten their monetary policies quicker than anticipated.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index lost 50.48 points, or 0.7 percent at 7,299.34 on a value turnover of P7.8 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 141 to 55, with 45 issues unchanged. Fiber broadband services provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. sank 5 percent to P32.30, while grocery chain AllDay Marts Inc. of the Villar Group dropped 4.9 percent to P0.77.

DITO CME Holdings Corp., the third mobile phone operator, declined 3.2 percent to P5.42, while conglomerate Ayala Corp. of the Ayala Group shed 2.6 percent to P880. The rest of Asian markets fell Thursday, While recent data and healthy corporate earnings indicate that consumers continue to spend, traders are increasingly fearful that more than a year of massive financial support—coupled with rocketing demand and supply chain snarls—could send prices out of control. All three main indexes on Wall Street ended in the red, and Asia followed suit. Hong Kong, which fell Wednesday after six straight days of gains, extended losses with tech firms among the biggest losers, while Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, Wellington and Jakarta also saw sizeable selling. Still, Sydney and Singa-

pore edged up. Mumbai also fell, with Indian mobile payments giant Paytm losing a quarter of its value on its debut, after raising $2.5 billion in the country’s biggest ever IPO, as traders questioned whether the loss-making firm would ever turn a profit. Figures Wednesday showed inflation in the United Kingdom at a decade high and an 18-year peak in Canada—a week after US figures came in at levels not seen since 1990. The data—which mirror big gains in other countries—have ramped up pressure on policymakers to act soon, with some commentators warning of a possible recession if they did not. And eyes are focused on the Federal Reserve—the central bank of the world’s top economy—whose massive bond-buying program has been a key pillar of support to the global recovery and rally in stock markets. With AFP

MOST ACTIVE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MONDE CNVRG SGP URC ACEN GLO SM JFC TEL ICT

VOLUME 46,521,600 19,191,500 20,088,400 2,348,290 24,311,700 83,495 264,690 918,360 129,030 1,110,380

VALUE (PHP) 829,317,052 620,289,145 310,505,346 308,959,344 291,748,076 286,997,280 257,921,580 226,637,296 218,395,305 214,779,550

CASH-STRAPPED. People walk past the Huarong Asset Management building in the financial district in Beijing on November 18, 2021, a day after the cash-strapped debt collector announced plans to raise US$6.6 billion by selling shares and divesting more assets to stay afloat. AFP

Millennial ‘new farmers’ opt to live off the land in China By Dan Martin SHANGHAI, China—Hu Siqin had a promising career in Shanghai with a Fortune 500 company and more than enough money, but something was missing under the bright lights of the big city, a sense of what she calls “roots.” So the 33-year-old chucked it all in to lay down literal roots as part of a nascent back-to-the-farm movement in which young Chinese professionals are quitting the rat race for the simple joys of an organic, agrarian lifestyle. “People like me don’t feel that material comforts stimulate us, and deep down we remain unsatisfied,” said Hu. “So we’ve started thinking, what is the purpose of our lives? What am I living for?” In many ways, it’s a homecoming. Before the 20th century China was a primarily agrarian country for thousands of years, most of its vast population scratching out a life from the soil. The ruling Communist Party, however, has for decades officially encouraged urbanization and migration to growing cities to help lift millions out of rural poverty and build a more modern, consumer-oriented economy. But with a measure of national prosperity now reached, attitudes are reversing among some people. Millions of young Chinese are increasingly uninspired by modern society’s long work hours and meager pay, urban congestion and high living costs, and parental pressure for success and grandchildren—spawning a succession of viral online memes encapsulating millennial despair. Empty inside Hu, who has worked in marketing and supply chains for French companies like personal-care giant L’Oreal and sports retailer Decathlon, said that in her career she “appeared happy on the outside, but felt empty inside.” She now sows organic, pesticide- and fertilizer-free sweet potatoes, long beans and other crops on rented plots of land with like-minded friends on Chongming, a large, primarily agricultural island on Shanghai’s outskirts. Hu, a petite dynamo with a shovel, can barely contain her delight as she pops sweet potatoes out of the soil and samples sorghum plants that tower over her. “So sweet!” she exclaims, biting into a stalk of the grain. AFP

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING TO ALL STOCKHOLDERS: Please be informed that the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of NiHAO Mineral Resources International, Inc. (“NiHAO”) shall be held and conducted virtually via secure online meeting platform on Wednesday, 16 December 2021, at 10:00 a.m., for the following purposes: AGENDA 1. Call to Order 2. Certification of Notice and Quorum 3. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on 9 December 2020 4. Management Report 5. Approval of Parent Company and Consolidated Audited Financial Statements for the period ending 31 December 2020 6. Ratification of all legal acts, resolutions and proceedings of the Board of Directors and of Management, done in the ordinary course of business from 9 December 2020 up to 16 December 2021 7. Election of Directors 8. Appointment of External Auditors 9. Other Matters 10. Adjournment The record date for stockholders entitled to notice and vote at the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting is set on 29 October 2021. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure the welfare and safety of our stockholders, the 2021 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of NiHAO will be conducted virtually. Stockholders of Record may attend/ participate via proxy, remote communication, or vote in absentia. For the detailed registration and voting procedures, please visit https://www. nihaominerals.com and refer to the “Guidelines for Participation via Remote Communication and Voting in Absentia and through Proxy.” Stockholders who wish to participate in the meeting via remote communication and to vote in absentia should notify the Office of the Corporate Secretary through a Letter of Intent to be sent via e-mail to nihao.8888@yahoo.com on or before 26 November 2021. Validated stockholders will be provided access to the live streaming of the meeting and can cast their votes in absentia on or before 4 December 2021 through NiHAO’s secure online voting facility. All votes cast shall be subject to validation. NIHAO is not soliciting for proxies. Stockholders who are unable to join the meeting but wish to vote on items in the Agenda by proxy must submit their duly accomplished proxy forms via e-mail to nihao.8888@ yahoo.com, not later than 4 December 2021. Stockholders of Record may send their inquiries and comments to the Management Report and other items in the Agenda to nihao.8888@ yahoo.com on or before 4 December 2021. The Definitive Information Statement containing the attendance/ voting (via remote communication) and election procedures, along with the Notice, Agenda, Proxy, Management Report, SEC Form 17-A, and other information related to the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting can be accessed at http://www.nihaominerals.com and at the disclosure made through the Electronic Disclosure Generation Technology of the Philippine Stock Exchange (“PSE Edge”).

(MS-NOV. 12,19 & 26, 2021)

TO ALL STOCKHOLDERS: Please be informed that the Annual Stockholders‟ Meeting of GEOGRACE RESOURCES PHILIPPINES, INC. (“GEOGRACE”) shall be held on Thursday, 16 December 2021, at 1:00 p.m. and conducted through remote communication via secure online meeting platform for the following purposes: AGENDA 1. 2. 3. 4.

5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Call to Order Certification of Notice and Quorum Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders‟ Meeting held on 11 December 2019 and 9 December 2020 Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws 4.1. Change of Principal Office Address to 1505 Princeton Street corner Shaw Boulevard, Barangay Wack-Wack, Greenhills East, Mandaluyong City Management Report Approval of the Parent Company and Consolidated Audited Financial Statements as of 31 December 2019 and as of 31 December 2020 Ratification of all legal acts, resolutions, and proceedings of the Board of Directors and of Management, done in the ordinary course of business from 11 December 2019 to 16 December 2021 Election of Directors Appointment of External Auditor Other Matters Adjournment

The Board of Directors of GEOGRACE has fixed the RECORD DATE for stockholders entitled to vote at this annual meeting to be on 29 October 2021. In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure the welfare and safety of our stockholders, the 2021 Annual Stockholders„ Meeting of GEOGRACE will be conducted virtually. Stockholders of Record may attend/participate via proxy, remote communication or vote in absentia. For the detailed registration and voting procedures, please visit https:// geograceholdings.com/ and refer to the “Guidelines for Participation via Remote Communication and Voting in Absentia and through Proxy”. Stockholders who wish to participate in the meeting through remote communication and to vote in absentia should notify the Office of the Corporate Secretary through a Letter of Intent to be sent via e-mail to g.geograce@yahoo.com on or before 26 November 2021. Validated stockholders will be provided access to the live streaming of the meeting and can cast their votes in absentia on or before 4 December 2021 through GEOGRACE‟s secure online voting facility. All votes cast shall be subject to validation. GEOGRACE is not soliciting for proxies. Stockholders who are unable to join the meeting but wish to vote on items in the agenda by proxy must submit their duly accomplished proxy forms via email to g.geograce@ yahoo.com, not later than 4 December 2021. Stockholders of Record may send their queries and comments to the Management Report and other items in the Agenda to g.geograce@yahoo. com on or before 4 December 2021. The Definitive Information Statement containing the attendance/voting (through remote communication) and election procedures, along with the Notice, Agenda, Proxy, Management Report, SEC Form 17-A, and other information related to the Annual Stockholders‟ Meeting can be accessed at https://geograceholdings.com/. Very truly yours, Original Signed ARSENIO C. CABRERA, JR. Corporate Secretary

Original Signed ARSENIO C. CABRERA, JR. Corporate Secretary (MS-NOV. 19 & 20, 2021)

LONDON—British inflation spiked close to a ten-year high in October on increased energy bills and resurgent post-lockdown demand, data showed Wednesday, sparking talk of a preChristmas interest rate hike. The annual rate jumped to 4.2 percent, the highest level since November 2011, the Office for National Statistics said. That followed 3.1 percent in September and was more than double the Bank of England’s 2.0-percent target. In reaction, the pound jumped against the euro and dollar as traders priced in a December interest rate hike from the BoE. The data “now makes it odds-on that all the pre-Christmas headlines will be of the Bank of England steals Christmas variety, if they do bite the bullet and belatedly nudge rates higher,” said CMC Markets analyst Michael Hewson. Rising consumer prices ramp up the cost of living, especially when wages fail to keep pace. The data “makes for uncomfortable reading and goes to show the punishing effects of higher energy and food prices on family finances,” said Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell. “It almost certainly means the Bank of England will raise interest rates soon, potentially as soon as next month,” he added. Inflation leapt on higher prices for domestic electricity and gas, as well as motor fuel which faced shortages, the ONS said. Second-hand car prices are surging as a worldwide semiconductor shortage dents new vehicle production. A global supply crunch across various sectors and the soaring cost of raw materials are also fueling inflationary pressures. “Costs of goods produced EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT of by factories and ESTATE the price of raw Notice is hereby given materials have that the estate of the MARTIN AUGUSTO also risen sub- late ARAULLO MANJON has stantially and been extra-judicially settled his heirs consisting are now at their among of: highest rates • 1/3 Condominium Unit No. 1110 Brent Bldg. Pasig for at least 10 City. years,” said ONS As per Doc. No. 217; chief economist Page No. 45; Book No. CCCXXX; Series of 2021 Grant Fitzner. before Notary Public ATTY. AFP DOMINGO B. TEJERO.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

Very truly yours,

This photo taken on October 28, 2021 shows farmer Zhang Yunzhuo picking beans in a field in Chongming island in Shanghai. Millions of young Chinese are increasingly uninspired by modern society’s long work hours and meagre pay, urban congestion and high living costs, and parental pressure for success and grandchildren—spawning a succession of viral online memes encapsulating millennial despair. AFP

UK inflation hits 10-year high on higher energy costs

(MS-NOV. 19 & 20, 2021)

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

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021

Solar PH Tarlac seeking to raise P4.15b from sale of green bonds By Jenniffer B. Austria SOLAR Philippines Tarlac Corp., a joint venture of Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings Inc. and Prime Metro Power Holdings Corp. of businessman Enrique Razon, plans to raise P4.15 billion from the issuance of green bonds. The company plans to use the net proceeds from the bond offering to refinance a P2.225-billion loan used for the construction of Solar Tarlac’s operational 100-megawatt solar plant in Concepcion, Tarlac and fund the expansion to 150 MW. The proposed bond offering received a credit rating of PRS Aa plus with a stable outlook from Philippine Rating Services Corp. Obligations rated PRS Aa are of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong. PhilRating considered Solar Tarlac’s significant market position in the solar energy industry despite its short track record. It said the company also has very manageable construction risk and market risk because of its 20-year take-or-pay power purchase agreement with Manila Electric Company. Solar Tarlac’s supply agreement with Meralco covers almost all of the power expected to be generated by the plant. Any excess will be sold at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market. Solar Philippines and Prime Metro signed a strategic partnership in 2020 to develop the country’s largest portfolio of solar projects. Solar Tarlac’s sister company Solar Philippines Nueva Ecija Corp. is also raising P2.7 billion through an initial public offering slated next month. SPNEC is the developer of a 500-MW solar project that is envisioned to be the largest solar project in Southeast Asia. Net proceeds from the IPO will be used to complete the first 50 MW of the project and acquire land to expand the project beyond 500 MW.

Business

BSP maintains borrowing rate at a record low of 2% By Julito G. Rada

HE Monetary Board, the policy-making body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, on Thursday retained the overnight borrowing rate at a record low of 2 percent to continue supporting economic recovery amid the pandemic.

It was the eighth straight monetary policy meeting where the policy rate was kept at 2 percent since Nov. 19, 2020. Bangko Sentral Governor Benjamin Diokno, who is also the board chairman, said in an online briefing following the board meeting the MB also retained the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities at 1.5 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively.

“Latest baseline forecasts are broadly unchanged from the previous assessment round. Average inflation is seen to slightly exceed the upper end of the target band of 2 to 4 percent in 2021,” Diokno said. “Meanwhile, inflation is projected to settle close to the midpoint of the target range in 2022 and 2023, as the recent rise in global crude oil prices, the stronger recovery in domestic economic activity and the slight depreciation of the peso were mostly offset by the lower-than-expected inflation outturns in recent months. Inflation expectations have also remained firmly anchored to the baseline projection path,” he said. He said the risks to the inflation outlook shifted towards the upside for 2022 even as they remained broadly balanced for 2023. Upside risks are mainly linked to the potential impact of weather disturbances on the prices of key food items, petitions for transport fare hikes and the possibility of a prolonged recovery of domestic pork supply.

UDENNA Corp. on Thursday called on energy stakeholders to respect the law and contract sanctity amid the controversy surrounding its acquisition of the shares held by Chevron Malampaya LLC and Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. stakes in the Malampaya natural gas project. Udenna president Raymundo Martin Escalona said in a virtual briefing the company did not violate any law in acquiring the combined 90-percent stake in Service Contract 38. “We strongly believe that there is a need to regard the rule of law and put importance on contract sanctity. This

Vista Land’s profit hit P6b in 9 months

VISTA Land & Lifescapes Inc., one of the country’s leading homebuilders, said Thursday net income grew 9 percent in the first nine months to P6 billion from the same period last year despite lower revenues. Vista Land said in a disclosure to the stock exchange nine-month revenues declined 7.8 percent to P23.6 billion from P25.6 billion recorded a year ago. Leasing revenues income increased 25 percent to P6.2 billion as the company’s newly-opened commercial centers contributed to the topline growth. Real estate revenues reached P14.5 billion, down 20 percent from a year earlier on the slower construction activities in the provincial areas where various levels of lockdown were implemented during the period. Vista Land chairman Manuel Villar remains optimistic about the property industry especially with the sustained increase in the overseas Filipino remittances. Jenniffer B. Austria

PH remains top source of seafarers, officers

THE Philippines remains the world’s biggest supplier of both seafarers and officers, according to a maritime report released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. UNCTAD’s Review of Maritime Transport 2021 published on Nov. 18 showed about 700,000 Filipinos were deployed on domestic or foreign-flagged seagoing vessels. Over a quarter of all global merchant shipping crew members come from the Philippines. It said that as of 2019, there were 380,000 Filipino seafarers overseas. By mid-2020, over the three months after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the quarantine imposed in the country, 50,000 Filipino seafarers were repatriated, but only 17,845 outbound or deployed seafarers were recorded by the authorities. It said that while the Philippines continued to be the top country supplying maritime crew and officers to the world, revenues from deployment fell by 2.8 percent in 2020 to $6.4 billion from $6.5 billion in 2019. In 2019, the Philippines earned more than $30.1 billion from overseas Filipino workers, including $6.5 billion from seafarers. Othel V. Campos

DOTR inaugurates 8 seaport projects

ASEAN-CANADA DIALOGUE. Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez (center) joins other trade

ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Canada Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development Mary Ng in announcing the launch of the ASEAN-Canada FTA (Free Trade Agreement) negotiations at the 10th AEM-Canada Consultation held via a video conference. The ministers announced the launch of the ACANFTA negotiations as a clear and concrete reaffirmation of the commitment to open markets, trade and investment.

Udenna asks groups to uphold Malampaya contract sanctity By Alena Mae S. Flores

He said the strong global demand amid persistent supply-chain bottlenecks could also exert further upward pressures on international commodity prices. The uncertainties in food supply require determined reforms to improve farm productivity and competitiveness, he said. “Meanwhile, potential delays in the lifting of domestic containment measures, as well as the emergence of more virulent COVID-19 variants, could dampen prospects for both global and domestic demand and thus temper inflationary pressures,” he said. The Monetary Board also observed that economic growth appeared to be gaining solid traction, driven by improved mobility and sentiment amid the calibrated relaxation of quarantine protocols and continued progress in the government’s vaccination program. “The Monetary Board noted that sustained measures to safeguard public health and welfare remain crucial to facilitate the recovery in investment and employment,” he said.

IN BRIEF

flippant attitude by some parties towards contract sanctity will further hurt any investment and exploration by international upstream companies in the Philippines,” Escalona said. He assured the sale of the Chevron and Shell stake would not impact on the government share in SC 38. Malampaya Energy XP Pte. Ltd., a unit of Udenna Corp., acquired the 45-percent stake each of both Chevron and Spex in SC 38. The remaining 10 percent is owned by state-run PNOC Exploration Corp. The Chevron sale received approval from the Department of Energy but the Spex sale was still pending and awaiting the consent of PNOC-EC.

“Government will continue to receive 60 percent of the net proceeds without contributing to the costs of operating the facilities. The joint venture partners get 40 percent of the net proceeds while shouldering 100 percent of the costs which is about $150 to $160 million annually,” Escalona said. Several groups questioned the technical, legal and financial capacity of the Udenna, led by businessman Dennis Uy, to acquire the Malampaya project but Escalona said the same highly knowledgeable and experienced staff, who were with Chevron and Shell for more than 20 years, would continue to deliver safe and reliable supply from Malampaya.

THE Department of Transportation said Thursday it inaugurated eight seaport projects in the provinces of Occidental and Oriental Mindoro. The improved and expanded seaports include the Port of Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro and the Port of Calapan, Port of Balatero, Port of Bansud, Port of Bulalacao, Port of Mansalay and the Port of Roxas in Oriental Mindoro. The agency said the simultaneous inaugurations of the seaports would pave the way for business and employment opportunities for Filipinos. It said the upgraded seaports would also enhance inter-island travel and movement of essential goods between Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro and neighboring provinces. “Once the ongoing expansion of the Passenger Terminal Building of the Calapan Port in Oriental Mindoro is complete, it will be the biggest port passenger terminal to date as it can accommodate 3,500 passengers at any given time,” said Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade. Darwin G. Amojelar

World Bank grants $500-m loan to help PH respond to climate change, diseases THE World Bank said Thursday it approved a new contingent line of credit to the Philippines amounting to $500 million to help strengthen institutional and financial capacity to manage risks from climate change, natural disasters and disease outbreaks. It said in a statement the Fourth Disaster Risk Management Development Policy Loan with a Catastrophe-Deferred Drawdown Option provides a $500-million funding that the Philippines could quickly tap to manage financial impacts brought about by disasters and disease outbreaks. “This contingent funding mechanism protects the Philippines’ fiscal health following natural disasters and disease outbreaks, helps develop sustainable risk financing mecha-

nisms for local government units, and cushions poor and vulnerable households from the impact of disasters,” said Ndiamé Diop, World Bank country director for Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand. “If not managed well, these shocks can exacerbate poverty through the loss of lives, destruction of assets, disruption of economic activities and trade, and indirect impacts on health, mobility, and access to education,” Diop said. The Philippines can access funds upon the declaration of a state of calamity by the government due to an imminent or occurring natural catastrophe or a declaration of a state of public health emergency. Julito G. Rada

Environmental Awareness Month BY P.Y. Deligero

OR so long, the world has struggled with the issue of climate change and degrading environmental conditions. The effects of these are felt all over the world, as people witnessed polar ice caps melt, water levels rise, and the decline of important species. After seeing such conditions, people have begun taking steps to protect the environment from further damage. Some of these include planting more trees to promote greener areas in cities, reducing the use of plastic and converting to renewable materials. Yet the list of ways on how to become environmentally friendly doesn’t stop there. In November, the Philippines celebrates National Environmental Awareness Month. It is in this month that people contemplate their actions to show their concern for the environment. Here are three other approaches to environmental preservation. Stopping deforestation One of the leading causes of climate change is deforestation. The lack of trees in an ecosystem bears several adverse effects, such as the loss of habitats for important species, increased carbon dioxide levels in the environment, and the absence of a safety net that prevents flooding and soil erosion. The Philippines is no stranger to deforestation as it is one of the most deforested countries in Southeast Asia. In 2020, it lost 46.8kha of natural forest due to deforestation. A possible solution against the deforestation of natural forests is to impose a stricter policy against illegal loggers to prevent an increase in the number of trees lost to logging. Companies involved in the tree cutting industry should also start looking for ways to replenish the natural resource, especially since wood is a widely used material for building and more. Private companies and institutions have also taken steps to secure the future of the Philippines through reforestation efforts. They employed various approaches such as making it their advocacy and encouraging interested parties to participate in the activity and play their part in saving the environment. Even schools across the country engaged in reforestation movements by emphasizing the importance of trees to the ecosystem and human lives. Other private individuals have also begun reforestation initiatives themselves. Lessening the pollution in the waters Aside from the trees, the waters also raise concerns due to pollution. A prime example of polluted waters in the Philippines is Manila Bay and Pasig River. For years, these two bodies of water have housed trash and human waste from the settlements located along its banks, preventing the growth of any marine life and endangering the people nearby. Fortunately, the Philippine government and some private organizations didn’t lose hope in reviving these bodies of water. They initiated clean-up drives that rid Manila Bay and Pasig River of trash and other wastes. But there are other bodies of water in the country that need cleaning up, and removing trash from the water isn’t the only way to reduce pollution. Establishing a better waste management system is also a plausible course of action as it possesses several benefits to both air and water conditions, apart from reducing pollution. A better waste management system helps conserve other natural resources like wood and minerals, minimize energy consumption, and protect human health.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021

3 ways to become more environment-friendly The good thing about creating a better waste management system is that it can be personalized to meet the requirements of households, small businesses, and large buildings. And while types of machinery are available to provide solutions to waste management problems, some solutions are more practical and easier to do. Reusing and recycling Preserving the environment can be a daunting task for a single person to take on alone. But the road to achieving cleaner surroundings

starts with small steps that ordinary people take. With the millions of households in the Philippines, the amount of waste that comes from each can amass into a large pile that leaves a negative impact on the environment. Homeowners also have a responsibility to the environment by lessening the amount of waste that comes from their homes and goes into the community. One of the easiest ways that they can fulfill this responsibility is through reusing and recycling items. For instance, plastic, paper,

glass, and cardboard are some of the most common materials that go to landfills. Aside from the mentioned materials, food waste is also prevalent in landfills. In Metro Manila alone, an estimated 2,175 tons of food scraps are thrown in the garbage. But since urban gardening has become prevalent during the past two years, there’s a way for homeowners to deal with food waste. Composting is the practice of naturally recycling organic matter such as leaves and food scraps into

a valuable fertilizer that enriches the soil and provides the proper nutrients to plants. This process can help homeowners and urban gardeners get rid of leftover food and scraps by creating a compost bin or pile. There are many ways that people can preserve the environment. Sometimes, it requires the help of the government and the collaborative effort of private individuals. Each step is taken, whether big or small, can lead us closer to preserving the environment and our way of life.

Sports

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021

VisMin Super Cup’s second conference to close season CHOOKS-TO-GO Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup will hold its second conference to close out the year. The one-month open tournament will take place from November 20 to December 19, 2021 at the Pagadian City Gymnasium. Seven teams from Mindanao will be competing is headlined by defending Southern champions Basilan-BRT Peace Riders. The rest of the field are the MisOr Kuyamis, Iligan Archangels, Kapatagan Buffalos, Pagadian Explorers, Roxas Vanguards, and the Zamboanga Sibugay Anak Mindanao Warriors. For league Chief Operating Officer Rocky Chan, ending the year with a tournament for the south’s basketball players is their way of giving livelihood to the players before Christmas. “After taking a few months off, we are excited to start again so we can provide livelihoods to our players, coaches, and the people in Pagadian,” said Chan. “We definitely want to end the year right with this tournament.” The rest of the member teams from Visayas took a leave of absence for the meantime but vowed to return come the 2022 season. The tournament will have a double round robin elimination round with the top team automatically gaining a semis berth. The semifinals will be a knockout game while the championship series will be a best-of-three. Chooks-to-Go continued its support for the league as it continues to showcase the talents of the south in basketball. “We are proud of the Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup for continuing with its goal of promoting basketball, especially in Mindanao,” said Chooks-to-Go president Ronald Mascariñas, a proud son of Butuan City. “And as promised, our relationships with the leagues we are supporting won’t be affected with us being named as the organizers for the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.”

Rocky Chan

GIANNIS' 47 POINTS LIFT BUCKS. Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to a score during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Antetokounmpo scored 47 points and Khris Middleton grabbed a slice of Milwaukee franchise history as the NBA champion Bucks beat the Los Angeles Lakers 109-102. AFP

Karate president wants Lim to be face of sport in country By Randy Caluag

HE Philippines’ Jamie Lim barely missed the bronze medal after narrowly losing to Snel Lynn of the Netherlands on Thursday at the WKF World Championship at the Hamdan Arena in Dubai. Lim gamely engaged Lynn in their female 68Kg repechage match which ended at a 1-1 tie. Tournament rules call for the four judges and referee to cast their votes in case of a tie at the end of the regulation. Lim, however, lost via a close 3-2 decision. Making her debut in the sport’s toughest and biggest stage, the Southeast Asian Games gold medalist made heads turn when she racked up three victories in the elimination round at the expense of Alana Kochieva of the Russian Federation, 4-2, Laura Sivert of France, and Sarara

Shimada of Japan, both via majority decisions. Then, she faced the reigning World Premier League champion Anita Serogina of Ukraine in the quarterfinals and lost a tight contest, 1-2. “It’s her first time, but very impressive in the world championships and she is being talked about in the Asian region as somebody to watch out in SEA Games and Asian Games,” said Richard Lim, president of the Karate Pilipinas Sports Federation. Lim’s brilliant performance has convinced the karate chief that the daughter of basketball legend Samboy Lim can be developed as the “face” of Philippine karate. Global exposure and training that were similarly given to EJ Obiena of athletics, Carlos Yulo of gymnastics and Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz will also be

accorded Lim. “That’s what we intend to do,” added the karate chief, whose federation was recognized during the WKF Congress three days ago as the official sports association for karate in the Philippines. Lim accompanied the six-man Philippine team composed of four athletes and two coaches. Another Philippine Kumite bet in FilJapanese Junna Tsukii w o n her f irst match in the Female 50kg categor y against her foe from North Macedonia, but lost to Uzbek opponent in her next bout. Philippine kata athletes John Enrico Vasquez and Sarah Pangilinan were still performing as of this writing. The two coaches who accompanied the team were Chino Veguillas and Okay Arpa. They were joined by Philippine Sports Commissioner Ramon Fernandez as a special guest of the WKF president Antonio Espinos.

Ando, Sarno follow Hidilyn’s tough career path By Peter Atencio HOPES are high that two promising weighlifters in the women’s division will come up with their best showing in the coming 2021 World Weightlifting Championships. The many challenges in the preparations that Tokyo Olympic veteran Elreen Ando and Asian Championship standout Vanessa Sarno went through have been tough. And it’s in the same level of difficulty that the country’s first Olympic gold medallist Hidilyn Diaz have experienced in the many years that she

spent training. “These kids have been joining many international competitions ever since. And what Hidilyn has went through, they are going through as well. They just have to work hard as well and win medals,” said Samahang Weighlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella. Ando and Sarno are set to lead the country’s campaign

Monico Puentevella

in the International Weighlifting Federation world championships, which will go on from December 7 to 17 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. And they will compete without Diaz, who went back to training in Malaysia last September, but has not shown her commitment in taking part in the Tashkent meet. Ando placed seventh place

in the women’s 64 kg. event during the Olympics, recording 100kg in the snatch and 122kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 222kg in her debut. Sarno gave the Philippines’ first two golds in the 2021 Asian Weightlifting Championships, coming up with a total of 229kgs in the women’s 71kg final to win the gold. They will be joined by Mary Flor Diaz, Ellen Rose Perez, Margaret Colonia and Kristel Macrohon. Forming the men’s team are Fernando Agad, John Ceniza, Dave Pacaldo and John Tabique.

2 entries share 4th leg title of Super Circuit Derby TWO entries were declared co-champions in the 4th leg of the 7 Cock/Stag Open Series Super Circuit Derby in Talisay, Negros Occidental recently. Sharing the top prize of P1.3 million equally among themselves from the P3.3 million total at stake in the leg were BF Gracie of Bong Bong Lamoste and Bamboozle ALM owned by Andrew Montelibano and Bobby Orbista. The co-champs scored 6.5 wins in seven matches during the stagfest held from the derby period of Oct. 22 to 29. The Super Circuit Derby festival offers a total guaranteed prize of P28 million for the entire 6-leg series. Runners-up of the fourth leg with 6 points each were La Estrella of Bobby Orbista and Rani Ramos, Manhatan of David Santander and Inigo’s Café OCB’s by Nene Vera. They are followed by JJ Adonai of JP Merwin Pacheco, Bugoy Boys of Calvin Randall, POSBROS of Marlon Posecion D’Breakers of John Plana and DB Yani of Dennis Braza with

Representatives of the winners of the 4th leg are shown with the championship trophy.

5.5 points each. The entr y with the highest point after the 6-leg series conducted by Sabong Inter national in cooperation with Metro Third Breeders Association and NTC Group will receive a whopping top prize of P 5,000,000 with the r unner-up taking P 1 million.

Also, the entry with the most championships in the series pockets P3 million, while the highest pointer’s handler and gaffer get P700,000 and P300,000, respectively. The rest of the series will be held until December, with the 5th leg slated this in the last week of November.

Jamie Lim (left) against Laura Sivert of France

Davao-Cocolife, San Juan barge into FilBasket semifinal round DAVAO Occidental-Cocolife and San Juan-Go For Gold bested their rivals Wednesday to barge into the semifinals of the FilBasket Subic Championship at the Subic gym. The Tigers edged Burlington EOG Sports, 88-81, while the Knights trounced Medical Depot, 88-73, to bolster their respective title bids. Enjoying twice-to-beat quarters privileges, the victories were also redemption of sorts for Davao and San Juan after losing their eliminationround matches to the same foes. Davao yielded to Burlington, 76-69, last Nov. 10, while San Juan bowed to Medical Depot, 69-67, last Nov. 3. John Wilson starred for the Tigers by finishing with 23 points and eight rebounds, while help also came from Keith Agovida and Robby Celiz, who chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively. Skipper Billy Ray Robles took charge in the paint with 14 boards. Davao actually trailed 70-65 after three quarters until the Tigers silenced Burlington in the first four minutes of the fourth period. Robles sparked a 12-0 run in that stretch to give Davao the 77-70 upperhand that set the tone of the game for good. Jhon Nermal finished with a doubledouble performance of 12 points and 10 boards, while James Castro had 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists, but their efforts fo r Burlington went futile. Meanwhile, Alvin Abundo sizzled with 28 points built on four triples while dishing off 10 assists for San Juan. The Knights imposed their assault for most parts of the game, leading by as many as 22 points, 83-61, in the final 3:44 following an Orlan Wamar trey.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021

Julie Anne explores the Visayas in second leg of ‘Limitless’ musical trilogy

Julie Anne San Jose is set to perform songs that people can resonate with in ‘Heal,’ the second part of the ‘Limitless’ musical trilogy.

INGER and actress Julie Anne San Jose wants to deliver another heartwarming performance in Heal, a fitting title for the second installment of Limitless musical trilogy.

“Taking a breath is always the first step. We pause. But after that, comes the difficult part. We confront our inner battles. We acknowledge. Because this is how we heal,” the 27-year-old Limitless star told Manila Standard Entertainment alluding to the title of the musical’s second leg. In the previous installment of the musical trilogy, Julie Anne was joined by viewers around the globe as she began her musical journey in Mindanao last Sept.17. In the trending first leg of Limitless, she learned about the essence of the local culture and tradition. Most importantly, she saw the real beauty of the place emanating from the kindness and warmth of the Mindanaoans. Each day, she peeled a layer of Mindanao. And at the same time, she shed a layer of her wall. Embracing her vulnerability, she revealed her real thoughts and emotions. But this was just the beginning. After taking a pause and acknowledging her inner battles, she is ready to take the harder

step—facing her fears and confronting her conflicts. “In the first part, I was finally able to ‘breathe’ as I took a trip to unexplored Mindanao. I learned so much about the place, the people there, and about myself. The beautiful scenery, the warmth of the South was overwhelming,” Limitless is a story of Julie’s journey of knowing more about the people around her, the country and the world, and more importantly, about herself. And in every step of her journey, Julie wants everyone to be with her. Her next journey takes her to an island in the Visayas, where she explores the mystical beauty of its scenic locations. With every new experience, Julie unwraps the mystery surrounding the island and its locals. “Amidst a pandemic, we have never been more proud of Julie and her immense talent and willingness to explore herself, and our amazing country. The ‘Limitless’ team is honored to be part of her journey. Limitless

is not just Julie’s story but ours as well. We want to breathe. We want to heal. And with Limitless, GMA Synergy is doing just that for our Kapuso all over the globe. We hope you stay with us in this three-part journey that features the beautiful country that is the Philippines,” said GMA First Vice President and Head for Regional TV and Synergy Oliver Victor Amoroso. In Limitless Part 2: Heal, Julie will enjoy the beach and the beats of the Visayas with Rayver Cruz. Joining her as well is the proud Bisdak herself, The Clash Season 3 Grand Champion Jessica Villarubin. Limitless, A Musical Trilogy is under the creative direction of Paolo Valenciano and musical direction of Myke Salomon. Join Julie Anne San Jose as her journey continues with Limitless Part 2: Heal on Nov. 20. Tickets are available at gmanetwork. com/synergy. Ticket buyers can avail of the ticket bundle for both the Nov. 20 and Feb. 19 legs.

Most beautiful day in the Universe on ABS-CBN PAGEANT fans all over the country can watch the live telecast of The 70th Miss Universe Competition on A2Z channel 11 on Dec.13 starting at 7:30 a.m. The coronation night, which will be held in Eilat, Israel this year, will also have a same day replay on A2Z at 11:00 p.m. and will be shown on ABS-CBN cable channels Kapamilya Channel and Metro Channel, and streaming platform iWantTFC on later dates. Through this partnership, more Filipinos will get to watch and support Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez in her quest to become the fifth Filipino winner in the prestigious event. ABS-CBN also brought Miss Universe 2020 live to Filipinos via A2Z last May. Gomez, who hails from Cebu City, recently won her crown as Philippine representative to Miss Universe last Sept. 30 where she bested 27 other candidates. The 26-year-old model took home four special

awards including Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown. She also shone in the question and answer portion, saying she will rise to the occasion if she ever goes through difficulties during her reign. “I will not give up and inspire others by rising to the problems that I am encountering and by inspiring them that whatever you’re going through, you will be able to overcome it,” she said. The Pinay beauty queen will compete with delegates from around the world to be the successor of reigning Miss Universe Andrea Meza from Mexico. The public can support her bid by voting for her using the Miss Universe app for an outright slot in the semifinals.

Samantha Panlilio aims to continue Binibinis’ winning streak COMING off two consecutive wins abroad of her fellow Binibining Pilipinas 2021 queens, Samantha Alexandra Panlilio is determined to step it up to keep the streak going. Panlilio, a niece of Myrna Panlilio Borromeo, the first Bb. PilipinasUniverse 1964, is aiming to bring home the Miss Grand International 2021 title, a most elusive crown for the Filipina after several runner-up finishes since 2013. “Instead of taking it as pressure and putting all the weight on my shoulder,

Beatrice Luigi Gomez guns for Philippines’ fifth crown in Miss Universe.

Suspense thriller joins MMFF race AAND Q Productions Film, Inc.’s first motion picture offering, Nelia, is one of the official films in competition in this year’s edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival.

Starring WinWyn Marquez, the suspense thriller is directed by Lester Dimaranan with screenplay written by one of its producers, Melanie Honey Quiño. In the movie, Marquez plays the title role, a nurse whose womanly instincts and gut feel are aroused by the mysterious cases happening in the hospital where she works. To what revelations her curiosity will lead her to uncover, all of it will be unraveled in this contemporary motion picture. “I was watching from FB Live when it was announced that we’re competing in MMFF. Of course, we were nervous because the first films announced were really big movies with big stars,” Marquez’s said of Nelia’s inclusion in MMFF.

“When they started reading our synopsis naparecord ako bigla kasi di ako makapaniwala. Mixed emotions talaga. Kabado, tuwa, takot but very grateful that Nelia was chosen dahil alam ko buong cast and production binigay lahat nung ginagawa ang film,” she added. Nelia features an A-list cast that includes Mon Confiado, Dexter Doria, Lloyd Samartino, Dan Alvaro, Ali Forbes, Shido Roxas, and Raymond Bagatsing. Also in the movie are Sarah Javier, April Anne Dolot, Massey Sanshoddin, Red Atienza, and introducing Juan Carlos Galano, and Aldwin Alegre. The movie was shot in the postcardperfect and IG-friendly location of Gapan, Nueva Ecija. The power tandem behind A and Q Productions Film, Inc. are Atty. Aldwin F. Alegre and Atty. Mary Melanie H. Quiño.

After Samantha Bernardo’s first runnerup win, it’s Samantha Panlilio’s turn to continue the country’s quest to become a queen in the Miss Grand International pageant.

I’m taking Maureen and Cindy’s win as an inspiration,” said the 25-yearold, model during her send-off party, referring to Cinderella Obeñita and Maureen Montagne’s recent victories in Miss Intercontinental and Miss Globe pageants, respectively. Born in Cavite, Panlilio lived and studied in the United States earning a bachelor’s degree in information management at the University of California Irvine (UCI) in 2018. From 2016 to 2019, she worked in various capacities in California as brand ambassador of KIND in Orange County; undergraduate research assistant at UCI’s Paul Merage School of Business; account manager at OLN, Inc. and Adtaxi business development representative, both in Los Angeles. In July 2019, she worked as a senior consultant at the CEO Office of Boulevard Holdings Inc. Philippines. During the COVID-19 surge, Panlilio volunteered to help contribute for the welfare of the frontline workers. Before the pandemic, she headed a Habitat for Humanity International team of volunteers helping rebuild houses in poor communities in China, Indonesia, and the Philippines from 2009 to 2013. Panlilio has worked hard to perfect her pasarela and to learn how to do make-up and hair on her own as her final preparation for the Bangkok-based pageant. The Philippines’ Samantha Bernardo finished first runner up to Miss USA Abena Appiah in the last edition. Read full story on manilastandard.net K-Pop superstar BST is among the top music acts to grace the AMA 2021 stage on Nov. 22.

‘Nelia’ lead actress Winwyn Marquez with co-star Raymond Bagatsing

Olivia Rodrigo debuts on American Music Awards stage, BTS to perform two numbers

LEADING mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. through its new GigaPlay App is bringing the 2021 American Music Awards (AMAs) exclusively to its subscribers, live on Nov. 22 at 9:00 a.m. PHT. Hosted by multi-awarded rapper Cardi B, the 2021 AMAs is set to excite the hearts of music fans everywhere when it brings together the biggest artists at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. In this time of the pandemic, Smart makes the biggest acts available to Filipinos through amazing live streaming technology. Headlining the event is Korean supergroup and Smart endorser BTS who will be doing two separate performances during the

show. First is the remix of their hit song “Butter” live for the first time together with fellow AMAs winner and nominee Megan Thee Stallion and a performance of their recent charttopping collaboration with Coldplay, “My Universe.” The six-time AMA-winning group is also nominated for three major awards this year, including Artist of the Year—a first for any Asian act. The 2021 AMAs will also feature live performances from the hottest artists today, including Bad Bunny, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, New Edition, New Kids on the Block, Jennifer Lopez, and partFilipina singer Olivia Rodrigo, who

marks her debut on the AMAs stage. Rodrigo topped this year’s nominations with a total of seven nods including Artist of the Year while her hit single “Driver’s License” is up for trending song, music video, and pop song nominations. The Weeknd, on the other hand, earned six AMA nods in close second. For group acts, Silk Sonic is up for three nods including best duo or group, video, and soul song/R&B. To experience the whole show, simply download the GigaPlay App via smrt. ph/gigaplay. Select the 2021 American Music Awards live as long as you’re on PLDT Wifi or Smart network. The GigaPlay App is available to all Smart

subscribers and the opportunity to experience live HD concert technology is all but a few taps away on your Smartpowered devices at no extra cost. Expect more music, entertainment’s

biggest events plus Video on Deman of previous specials on the Smart GigaPlay App. Smart’s GigaPlay App is available through the App Store or Google Play.

Life

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

TRAVEL AND LEISURE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021

The First United Building, formerly known as Perez-Samanillo Building, was the tallest in Manila when it was completed in 1928.

Burke Building was the first to have an elevator in Manila.

Syvel’s

Andres Luna de San Pedro designed the Regina Building in neoclassical style.

Capitol Theater

COOL RIDES ON CALLE DE LA ESCOLTA. On Sundays, vintage cars and motorcycles are parked neatly by the roadside of Escolta — adding cool and charm to the historic east-west street in Binondo, Manila.

Gloriously vintage

Text and photos by Diana B. Noche passed on their way to Intramuros in the ture Juan Nakpil. Occupying an area an original design by Andres Luna de and housed the Manila Post Office dur-

O STROLL down Escolta Street is to walk through another era.

It’s the oldest street in Manila and despite the city’s surrender to modernity’s assault and its citizens’ appetite for laptops and cellular phones, there still exists a vague European feel to Escolta’s surroundings. Escolta Street is an east-west thoroughfare located in Binondo running parallel to the Pasig River from Plaza Sta. Cruz to Plaza Moraga and Quintin Paredes Street. It is 1.159 kilometers long. It was where the British Commanderin-Chief and other government officials

1760s during the occupation of Manila with full escort. Hence, its name “Escolta” was derived from the Spanish word “to escort”. Calle de la Escolta or Escolta was the principal business and commercial center of Manila from the 1800s to the late 1990s. The street was home to several excellent examples of early skyscrapers in the Philippines. The Burke Building, named after William J. Burke, had the first elevator in the country when it was built in the 1920s. It was designed by Tomas Arguelles. Tenants included movie production offices of Fernando Poe, Jr. and Joseph Estrada. In 1935, the Capitol Theater was built. It was in the Art Deco style designed by National Artist for Architec-

of 1,100 square meters, the theater had 800 seats. A bas-relief designed by Francesco Monti was on the building façade with the Muse of Tragedy on the left side and the Muse of Comedy on the right. National Artists for Painting Victorio Edades, Galo Ocampo, and Botong Francisco created the mural on the theater lobby called “Rising Philippines”. It was allegedly destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945. The Don Roman Santos Building was built in 1894 following the design of Juan Hervas. Initially occupied by Monte de Piedad, the first savings bank in the Philippines, the building currently houses the Bank of the Philippine Islands Sta. Cruz branch. The structure is an augmentation of

San Pedro, the son of painter Juan Luna, in 1937 and was done in neoclassical style. It became a Red Cross hospital during World War II. In 1952, it served as the headquarters of the Prudential Bank and was named after its president, Don Ramon Santos. The El Hogar was inaugurated in 1914 and was designed by Ramon Irrureta Goyena and Francisco Perez-Muñoz. It was in the Beaux-Arts style with a liberal mix of reliefs and sculptures. The building was commissioned by Spanish Count Don Antonio Melian as a wedding gift to his wife, Margarita Zobel de Ayala. The old Perez-Samanillo Building was built in 1928 in the Art Deco style. It was designed by Andres Luna de San Pedro

ing the Spanish time. In 1968 it became the First United Building. It was the site of the Berg’s Department Store. Its tenants included the offices of Nora Aunor and Dolphy. It was also where the Lyric Music House was. Over at P.E. Domingo piano store, a young Imelda Romualdez worked and sang to attract customers. The Uy-Chaco Building was designed by American architect Samuel Rowell for Mariano Uy-Chaco in 1914 in the Art Nouveau style. The Regina Building, originally known as the Roxas Building, was designed by Andres Luna de San Pedro in the neoclassical style and was completed in 1915. Read the full story at www.manilastandard.net

TREE LIGHTING Hilton Manila ushers in the holidays with festive experiences WHEN Hilton Manila lit up its Christmas tree with a retro-themed celebration, the hotel launched dining and staycation promotions in hopes of the coming of a “better future”. “We look forward to welcoming families and ‘staycationers’ back to the hotel for the holidays with the recent easing of government restrictions,” said Simon McGrath, hotel general manager, at the ceremonial lighting of the property’s Christmas tree. Joining McGrath at the intimate affair, dubbed “Back to a Better Future: A Retro Christmas”, were Pasay City Congressman Antonino Calixto, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, Tourism department assistant secretary Woodrow Maquiling, Jr., and Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Gomez. The Nov. 10 event featured a ‘throwback’ variety show called HTV or Hilton TV hosted by Sam YG. Yuletide cheer is felt around Hilton Manila with its holiday promotions. Kusina Sea Kitchens’ surf and turf premium buffet is priced at P3,200 per person for Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 dinners, and P2,900 for Dec. 25 lunch or dinner. Hua Yuan’s good-for-four Deluxe Set Menu is priced at P8,000, while the Premium Set is P20,800. The Vubble by the Vega Pool is also serving a premium Christmas menu. Dinner in the pods starts at P12,500 for two persons. Hilton Manila’s handcrafted holiday

Hilton Manila general manager Simon McGrath (center) led the hotel’s Christmas tree lighting with (from left) DOT Assistant Secretary Woodrow Maquiling, Jr., Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Gomez, and Pasay City Congressman Antonino Calixto. hampers hark back to the ‘90s as they contain traditional Christmas favorites paired and flavored with beloved Filipino sweet treats, such as Haw Haw Dipped Crinkles and Chocnut Banana Bread, among others. Prices range from P3,500 to P5,900. To complete the festive treats, the hotel’s Sweeten Your Stay room package comes with 25 percent discount on food and beverage purchases, while the Staycation 2.0 Premium Package includes a host of fun filled activities for the family. Rates start at P8,640 per night. Call (02) 7239-7788 or 0917-826-6442 or send a message through Hilton Manila’s Facebook page for inquiries or reservations.

5 Marriott hotels light up trees simultaneously ALL Marriott hotels in the Philippines on Nov. 4 united for a simultaneous virtual Christmas tree lighting. Officials of Manila Marriott, Sheraton Manila, Clark Marriott, Sheraton Manila Bay, and Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo led the beginning of the holiday season in their respective hotels. In addition to presenting their exclusive offers, all five properties worked together to curate a Charity Hamper (each containing a plush robe, two pairs of indoor slippers, and towel set with a tote bag), whose proceeds will help provide Noche Buena feasts for families from Save the Children Philippines. Another highlight of the event was the announcement of the opening of three new

From left: KC Montero, multi-property vice president Bruce Winton, and Santa Claus led the Christmas tree lighting at Marriott Hotel Manila. Marriott properties next year, namely The Westin Manila Sonata Place in Ortigas, Sheraton Cebu Mactan, and Four Points by Sheraton Puerto Princesa Palawan.

*THANK you very much, Israel, for this much-awaited and happy announcement. Sammy Yahia, Israel Ministry of Tourism director for the Philippines and India, gladly declared the other day that fully vaccinated travelers from the Philippines were now welcome to enter Israel. After kicking off the pilot reopening program in May this year, which initially allowed a select number of tour groups from different parts of the world to enter Israel, those who have completed their dosage of COVID-19 vaccines are now welcome, once again, to explore the country’s rich culture, history, religious sites and stunning landscapes. Yahia has assured visitors that Israel has taken comprehensive steps to protect its people and guests, and prides itself on ensuring a COVID-safe and an unforgettable trip. With endless opportunities for outdoor activities, the country is ready for the expected deluge of visitors anytime soon. Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, along with the ministers of Tourism, Health, and Transportation, have come together to form a well-built plan, approved by their own COVID Cabinet, monitoring closely the ongoing domestic and international developments and whatever new COVID-19 variants there may be. The complete guidelines on Israel’s entry requirements are available through this link: https://bit.ly/3nlwVRE. Let’s all get ready then to fly to the biblical Holy Land and visit Jerusalem, the Old City, the Temple Mount complex which is dominated by the golden Dome of the Rock, the historic Wailing Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, among many others. Or we can choose the country’s financial hub, Tel Aviv, known for its beautiful beaches, while we marvel at the city’s distinct architecture based on linear and geometrical forms. The last time I visited Israel, I was with a group of friends and the main purpose of

Toda raba*, Israel Jerusalem’s Old City where the golden Dome of the Rock dominates the skyline.

The Sea of Galilee, around which Jesus performed many miracles, is actually a freshwater lake. (Photo from Wikimedia Commons)

The very high salt content of the Dead Sea makes anybody float, and only backstroke swimming is allowed lest the water’s very high salt concentration hurts your eyes.

our visit was pilgrimage, so for one whole week, we immersed ourselves in nothing but religious activities and even traveled to neighboring Jordan to reenact the Baptism of Jesus in the River and to float like colorful buoys in the Dead Sea the whole day. It was a surreal, oftentimes emotional, experience to be right there in those sacred places where Jesus spent his life, from his birth in Bethlehem to his death in Golgotha.

grimage destination, and people visit the country usually for its religious attractions. But, on my next visit, I would like to see another fascinating facet of the country. I’m looking at other interesting attractions I have heard of. The art lovers among us, I’m sure, would be interested in the hidden alleyways featuring street art in Old Jaffa, the many art installations in the artistic village of Ein Hod, the well-manicured Haifa Gardens, and the character and charm of the cobblestone streets of Jerusalem’s Old Market. For those of us who are sports and wellness enthusiasts, I’m sure that taking the steep but short walk to the top of Masada would be interesting.

YOUR WEEKEND CHUCKLE Need an ark? I Noah guy.

I remember emerging from that trip, feeling like a new, refreshed human being. All those prayers and sacred rituals we had every day for 10 full days certainly added a new, edifying dimension to my existence. We all know Israel as the ultimate pil-

For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com Read the full story at www.manilastandard.net