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PH to set own sea ‘dash line’

Congress rushing law on maritime zone to counter China’s WPS claim By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

Rody can craft own policies on SCS issue—SC

ONGRESS moved with a sense of urgency Wednesday on pending measures that define the country’s maritime zone in the wake of last week’s Chinese water cannon attack on Philippine fishing boats in the West Philippine Sea.

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has upheld President Rodrigo Duterte’s exclusive power as the “chief architect of foreign policy” to conduct and manage the country’s dealings with other states and governments.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III urged President Rodrigo Duterte to certify as urgent Senate Bill 2289, which declares that the “maritime zones of the Philippines comprise the internal waters, archipelagic waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf.” “In this way, the country can further preserve and protect the country’s maritime rights. Just like the intention of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas, this bill may preclude any unwarranted and undesirable dispute with other nations involving our maritime areas,” Sotto said. “Let us make our own map, similar to China’s nine-dash line. Let’s insist on our own maritime zones. It is just a matter of really setting our foot down,” Sotto added. The bill defines the Philippines’ internal waters and archipelagic waters, over which the Philippines “exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction.” The country’s territorial sea, mean- PUSHING BACK. Members of the militant groups Pamalakaya and Anakpawis on Wednesday troop to while, refers to the adjacent belt of sea the Chinese consulate in Makati City to protest the latest attack by Chinese Coast Guard vessels in the West measured 12 nautical miles from the Philippine Sea. Norman Cruz and Danny Pata baselines of the territorial sea, while the

Europe battles new upsurge in cases, deaths

2,828,660 890

17,864

47,682

200

2,763,114

1,710

(As of 4 PM, November 24)

VOL. XXXV • NO. 283 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 •THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Expert sees virus under control, Duterte touts trend By Willie Casas and Vito Barcelo A MEDICAL adviser of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 said he believes the country now has the infectious disease under control, given

the low positivity rate over the last two weeks. In a briefing Wednesday, Dr. Ted Herbosa said the country’s positivity rate of 2.3 percent was well under the World Health Organization (WHO)

benchmark of 5 percent. The Philippines logged only 890 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, bringing the total number of cases to 2,828,660. Next page

By Macon Ramos-Araneta EMPLOYEES from various Department of Health hospitals renewed Wednesday their demand for the ouster of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III over the gross neglect in upholding the people’s right to health and health workers’ benefits and welfare. “It’s almost three months now since health workers set an ultimatum with the DOH and the Duterte administration to release the much deserved COVID-19 benefits of health workers. But until now, the DOH and this government failed to provide the COVID-19 benefits such as special risk

‘CLOSURE ORDER.’ Health workers symbolically padlock the main gate of the Department of Health in Sta. Cruz Manila on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, citing its incompetence and gross negligence in upholding their rights and welfare. Danny Pata

USHERING IN THE HOLIDAYS. The National

EUROPE remains “in the firm grip” of COVID and the continent’s death toll could top 2.2 million this winter if current trends continue, the World Health Organization warned. Europe is battling an upsurge in the pandemic that saw Austria return to lockdown this week while Germany and the Netherlands are poised to announce new restrictions. A further 700,000 people in the 53 countries that comprise the WHO’s European region could die by March 1, the global health agency said, in addition to the 1.5 million who have already succumbed to the virus. It expects “high or extreme stress in intensive care units (ICUs) in 49 out of 53 countries between now and March 1, 2022.” Europe’s return to the pandemic’s epicentre has been blamed on sluggish vaccine uptake in some nations, the highly contagious Deltavariant, colder weather moving people indoors again and the easing of restrictions. In the European Union, 67.7 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.

Hospital staff demand promised benefits

Parks Development Committee lights up a colorful belen (nativity scene) at the Rizal Park in Luneta. Danny Pata

Senate sets budget approval by Dec. 1

Workers to get jab on Vax Day free from work By Vito Barcelo and Joel E. Zurbano

SENATE President Vicente Sotto III said Wednesday the Upper Chamber intended to pass the proposed P5.024-trillion national budget for 2022 by Dec. 1 after the end of the plenary deliberations on the measure. In an interview on CNN Philippines, Sotto said amendments to the committee version of the national budget would now be made before its second and third reading in the Senate. Many of the amendments made by the Senate finance panel to the submitted version were focused on boosting the government’s pandemic response, including the benefits of health frontliners, booster vaccine shots, as well as assistance to affected sectors.

PUBLIC and private sector employees who will be vaccinated during the “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” National COVID-19 Vaccination Days will be exempted from work, according to a new proclamation signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday. Proclamation No. 1253 formally declared November 29 to December 1 as “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” National COVID-19 Vaccination Days. “Employees and workers of the government and the private sector, who will be vaccinated during the period, shall not be considered absent from their work, provided that they present proof of vaccination to their respective employers, subject to rules that may be issued by the Department of Labor and Employment and the Civil Service

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

News

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Gov’t starts fuel subsidy rollout By Darwin G. Amojelar

HE Department of Transportation said Wednesday it started the distribution of the P1 billion fuel subsidies for public utility jeepney drivers amid the COVID-19 pandemic and rising fuel costs.

Zona Tamayo, director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board National Capital Region (LTFRB-NCR) said during a virtual briefing that the Land Bank of the Philippines credited the amount of P7,200 to some 78,000 beneficiaries as of November 23.

More than 136,000 valid franchise holders of PUJs nationwide will benefit from the Pantawid Pasada Fuel Program. Each recipient will receive a one-time Pantawid Fuel card containing P7,200 as fuel subsidy for this year. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tu-

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In a decision written by Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda that was uploaded to the Court’s website on Nov. 22, the Court declared that it has no power to compel President Duterte on what specific actions he should take to defend the national territory, which includes the West Philippine Sea (WPS), against Chinese incursions. “The Constitution vests executive power, which includes the duty to execute the law, protect the Philippines, and conduct foreign affairs, in the President — not this Court,” the 15-member bench ruled. “Being the head of state, he (President Duterte) is free to use his own discretion in this matter, accountable only to his country in his political character and to his own conscience.” “Ultimately, the decision of how best to address our disputes with China (be it militarily, diplomatically, legally) rests on the political branches of government,” the Court said. The Court issued the ruling even as it resolved to dismiss the petition for mandamus filed by lawyer Romeo Esmero who named the President as the sole respondent. Mandamus is “a special civil action brought by an aggrieved party against a tribunal, corporation, board, officer or person unlawfully neglecting the performance of an act which the law specifically requires as a duty resulting from an office, trust or station.” In his petition, Esmero argued that his petition should be an exception to the general rule on presidential immunity from suit. The petitioner said it is the prime duty of the government “to serve and protect the people and their rights, including those to the national territory.” “Given China’s aggression, the President is not prohibited from (and by implication, should consider) engaging in a defensive war and, in so doing, call upon the people to defend the state against China’s aggression,” he said. Esmero accused President Duterte of “unlawful neglect or inaction in the performance of his constitutional duty” to the detriment of Filipino fishermen and their families who are living in the coastal areas of the many islands facing the West Philippine Sea. The petitioner also insisted that the filing of diplomatic protests against China is not a defense by our country on the issue of the West Philippine Sea. “The proper way for the Philippines to act now is to go to the United Nations Security Council and invoke the Uniting for Peace Resolution of 1950 and sue China before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to demand payment and damages for taking the Kalayaan Islands,” Esmero said. However, the Court said it could have dismissed Esmero’s petition outright since the President is immune from suit, regardless of the nature, during his incumbency. “Even if for the sake of argument, the Court was inclined to overlook this fatal flaw and consider the case filed

contiguous zone refers to the waters beyond and adjacent to its territorial sea and up to the extent of 24 nautical miles from the baselines. Sotto accused China of bullying the Philippines with its repeated incursions not just in contested waters but also inside the country’s exclusive economic zone. “I hate to say this, but they are practically bullying us,” he said. “They are supposed to be our neighbors, and we should be friendly to our neighbors, but what the Chinese Coast Guard is showing is that they do not have any regard for anything except what they think is their property,” the senator added. In this zone, SB 2289 says the Philippine government would also exercise control necessary to “prevent infringement of its customs, fiscal, immigration or sanitary laws and regulations within its territory or territorial sea” and “punish any infringement committed within its territory or territorial sea.” The bill also seeks to institutionalize the country’s EEZ as defined under the Presidential Decree No. 1599, and to the extent consistent with the provisions of the UNCLOS. The bill also maintains that the country has sovereign rights to explore and exploit the mineral, petroleum and nonliving resources, and establish and use of artificial islands, and installations and other structures over its continental shelf, and other rights provided under existing laws and the UNCLOS. The bill also asserts the July 12, 2016 arbitral award favoring the Philippines and scrapping China’s sweeping ninedash line claim over the West Philippine Sea. The House of Representatives, meanwhile, is consolidating measures defining the country’s maritime areas and territory. One of these bills is House Bill 6156 or an “An Act declaring and defining the maritime zones under the jurisdiction of the Republic of the Philippines”

Hospital... From A1 allowance, active hazard duty pay, and meal, accommodation and transportation benefits,” said Cristy Donguines, president of the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center Employees Union-AHW. She said health workers in DOH-retained hospitals only got 30 percent of the funds for their meal, accommodation and transportation benefit for the period of September to December 2020. The remaining 70 percent were withheld by the DOH, Donguines said. Likewise, she said many of their fellow health workers in DOH hospitals like RITM, and some private and local

Europe... From A1 But rates vary widely between countries, with low levels in many eastern countries. Only 24.2 percent of Bulgarians are fully vaccinated, compared with 86.7 percent in Portugal. According to WHO data, COVIDrelated deaths in Europe increased last week to almost 4,200 a day, doubling from 2,100 a day at the end of September. It said evidence was growing that vaccine-induced protection against infection and mild disease was declining. Several countries, including Greece, France and Germany, are moving towards requiring a third booster shot for someone to be considered fully vaccinated. Chancellor Angela Merkel has warned that Germany is not doing enough to curb its “highly dramatic” fourth wave of the pandemic. With intensive care beds swiftly filling up and its weekly incidence rate at an all-time high of 399.8 new government unit-run hospitals did not receive their COVID-19 benefits. “Stop fooling us Secretary Duque. Where did the funds go? The fact is that we are still here on the street fighting for what is supposedly ours,” Donguines said. Ernesto Bulanadi, president of the Tondo Medical Center Employees Association-AHW, said: “It is very frustrating that every year we repeatedly call the attention of the DOH to release our performance-based bonus.” “It is more demoralizing that apart from the withheld, unpaid and long overdue benefits, the DOH and the Duterte government intentionally did not allot funds for COVID-19 benefits to all health workers for the year 2022.” Donguines said.

Expert... From A1 There were 200 new fatalities, bringing the COVID-19 death toll to 47,682. The Department of Health (DOH) also reported 1,710 new recoveries, bringing the total recoveries to 2,763,114. There 17,864 active cases, of which 53.4 percent were mild, 4.8 percent were asymptomatic, 6 percent were critical, 14.4 percent were severe, and 21.39 percent were moderate. The COVID-19 positivity rate remained below 5 percent, at 2.5 percent, which was slightly higher than the 2.3 percent positivity rate recorded on Tuesday. Nationwide, 31 percent of ICU beds, 28 percent of isolation beds, 16 percent of ward beds, and 19 percent of ventilators, were in use. In Metro Manila, 29 percent of ICU beds, 25 percent of isolation beds, 21 percent of ward beds, and 21 percent of ventilators, were in use. President Rodrigo Duterte renewed his appeal to the public to continue adhering to government-mandated health protocols to sustain the current gains as the country has gained momentum in its fight against COVID-19. “One, we are slowly but surely making progress in our COVID-19 campaign. Second, I am very pleased to inform the entire nation that we continue to beat COVID-19. Recent statistics affirmed this,” Duterte said in his weekly public address on government interventions on the pandemic. “We thank God for the declining cases of COVID 19. But we still have to follow health protocols being implemented by the government if we really want to make a headway,” he added. He warned Filipinos that while the developments in the past few weeks show that the country is steadily beating COVID-19, they must remain careful and continue practicing mask use, physical distancing, hand hygiene, and getting COVID-19 shots whenever possible. Citing the importance of immunization, the President said Europe and the US have been experiencing a surge in cases due to the large number of people who remain unvaccinated and relaxation on the implementation of health protocols. The President said 76.5 million vaccine doses have been administered throughout the country as ofTuesday. Of this number, 41.9 million are given the first dose, while more than 33.5 million are given a second dose and single-dose shots.

gade said the fuel subsidy program of the government aimed to help jeepney drivers and operators to cope with the impact of COVID-19 and the rising petroleum prices. For those without Pantawid Pasada Program Card, Tamayo said account enrollment form has been coordinated by the LTFRB with Landbank for printing of the cards. Fuel subsidy shall be deposited to the individual account once accounts are opened. Beneficiaries can then proceed to their designated Landbank branch to claim their PPP cards.

The Pantawid Pasada Fuel card is valid for fuel purchases only at participating petroleum retail outlets or gasoline stations, with the “Pantawid Pasada Card Accepted Here” sign posted. Any violation in the use of the card (purchase of other products aside from fuel using the card) will automatically disqualify the card owner from the Pantawid Pasada Fuel Program and its benefits. Initially implemented in 2018 and 2019 in compliance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10963, otherwise known as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

of Deputy Speaker and Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez. He said the bill’s enactment would strengthen the country’s position on the West Philippine Sea. “This will counter the Chinese law allowing its coast guard to fire at perceived intruders in the entire South China Sea, which illegally includes our West Philippine Sea,” he said. Rodriguez’s proposed definition of the country’s maritime territory includes the Chinese-occupied Scarborough or Panatag Shoal off Zambales and Pangasinan, locally known as Bajo de Masinloc, a traditional fishing ground of Filipinos. In HB 6156, Rodriguez said the Philippines, as a signatory and party to the 1983 UNCLOS, “recognizes the establishment of various maritime zones and jurisdiction of coastal states, including its own, over which sovereignty and appurtenant sovereign rights can be exercised.” “Thus, the country exercises sovereignty over its internal waters, archipelagic waters, territorial sea and airspace over it, as well as its seabed and subsoil in accordance with UNCLOS and other existing laws and treaties,” he said. He added that the Philippines also exercises sovereign rights over its “contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, including the right to explore and exploit living and nonliving, organic or non-organic resources.” The House leader pointed out that UNCLOS allows party-states to define their maritime territory. Under the Rodriguez bill, the country’s maritime territory includes its 200-mile EEZ that is measured from its shoreline and its continental shelf. A House committee has finished deliberations on the various measures that involved the country’s maritime boundaries. Magdalo Rep. Manuel Cabochan III said “most of our proposals are based on the UNCLOS, and our own archipelagic baselines law.” Cabochan was referring to bills that have been heard by the House committee on foreign affairs chaired by Zamboanga Sibugay Rep. Ann Hofer. National Security Adviser Hermo-

genes Esperon Jr. on Wednesday said he considered the water cannon incident a form of harassment. He said Chinese Coast Guard vessels had no right to go to Ayungin, and that it was they that were trespassing. Esperon added that the Code of Conduct (COC) being worked out by member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is among the measures to ensure peace and stability in the South China Sea. A week after the incident, the Philippines resumed its resupply mission to the Ayungin Shoal. However, reports said Chinese Coast Guard personnel aboard a rubber boat allegedly took pictures and videos of the mission. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Chinese Ambassador to Manila Huang Xilian has vowed to look into the incident, an act which Manila views as a form of intimidation and harassment. On Tuesday night, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the government has filed 231 diplomatic protests against Chinese activities in the West Philippine Sea since 2016. DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez, in a text message to reporters, said the notes verbales were all lodged during the time of President Rodrigo Duterte as of Nov. 18. On Nov. 18, the DFA publicly condemned and protested the Chinese Coast Guard for blocking and firing a water cannon on two Philippine boats that were en route to resupply Filipino troops who are stationed at the Ayungin Shoal. The boats, identified as Unaizah May 1 and Unaizah May 3, had to abort their mission on Nov. 16 after one of them had its outrigger damaged by the water cannon. Lorenzana said the two resupply boats returned and safely arrived at the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin on Nov. 23. The incident not only drew outrage from the Philippine government but also raised concern among several nations, including the United States, Japan, Germany, France, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the European Union (EU).

infections per 100,000 people, Germany’s worst-hit regions have ordered new shutdowns. The German military is expected to add coronavirus jabs to the list of mandatory vaccines for soldiers “soon,” a defense ministry spokesman said. The move would make troops the first German public servants to be obliged to be jabbed against the virus. It comes as the army is preparing to deploy soldiers to help local authorities with vaccinations, tests and other efforts to counter soaring infection rates expected in the weeks ahead. The US State Department has urged Americans not to travel to Germany or neighbouring Denmark because of the surging COVID case numbers. The rise in cases and hospitalizations have ignited a fierce debate in Germany about whether to follow Austria’s example and make vaccination mandatory for all citizens. Austria meanwhile closed shops, restaurants and festive markets on Monday, the most drastic restrictions seen in

Western Europe for months. Israel, which is part of the WHO’s European region, on Tuesday rolled out vaccinations for children aged five to 11, one of only a handful of countries to inoculate minors that young. About half of its recently confirmed cases were among those below the age of 11, it said. And France’s fully vaccinated Prime Minister Jean Castex went into isolation late on Monday following a positive test, after his daughter caught the virus. The regional director for WHO Europe, Hans Kluge, said Europe and Central Asia “face a challenging winter ahead.” He called for a “vaccine plus” approach, consisting of a combination of vaccinations, social distancing, the use of face masks and hand washing. The WHO said face masks reduce COVID incidence by 53 percent according to a recent study, and “over 160,000 deaths could be prevented (by March 1) if universal mask coverage of 95 percent was achieved.” AFP

Senate finance committee chairman Senator Juan Edgardo Angara said many of the committee report amendments were still about COVID-19 response and health-related interventions. “Even the recommendations of our vice-chairpersons for the departments they handle are to learn to cope or live with the virus: help to affected sectors; helping our school system adjust to the resumption of face to face classes, among others,” Angara said. Senator Panfilo Lacson added: “We cannot overemphasize the importance of next year’s budget because it will be the first for the new administration as it faces humongous problems – including the heavy task of leading the nation to recover from the effects of the pandemic.” Earlier, Angara said the Malacanangproposed 2022 national budget did not include several key items related to the country’s response to the pandemic. “Funds are very tight this year because, as noted by our colleagues during the DBCC, it would seem that the budget submitted by the Department of Budget and Management is not COVID budget,” said Angara. He cited the absence of allocation for contact tracing and for testing outside of the booster shot.

Workers... From A1

70 percent of the country’s total population. The NTF said Wednesday a total 34,199,500 individuals were now fully vaccinated while 43,290,294 received the first dose. A total of 70,500 vaccines have also been administered as booster shots to qualified recipients. “Considering the goal to vaccinate at least 70 percent of the total population, including individuals aged 12 to 17, and that approximately 53 million doses of COVID- 19 vaccines have yet to be administered, there is a need to cultivate the Bayanihan spirit of the Filipino people by forging unity and cooperation among relevant stakeholders to expedite and intensify the government’s vaccination program against COVID-19,” the proclamation read.

With the launch of the “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” program, 15 million Filipinos across 16 regions outside Metro Manila are expected to be vaccinated. Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte directed all LGUs, police and military personnel to work side-by-side for the vaccination program. “I urge all national government agencies as well as provincial and local government units to use all available resources, especially human resources, to help in the vaccination efforts during these three days of vaccination,” Duterte said. “I also call upon AFP, PNP and all enforcement agencies — to assist in the vaccination and mobilization of resources to help bring our people to the vaccination sites,” he added.

Commission,” the proclamation read. Under the proclamation, the Department of Health and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, in cooperation with the National Task Force Against COVID-19, shall lead the observance of mass vaccination. All health workers, including doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, dentists, and medical technologists, are called upon to extend their full support and cooperation in providing COVID-19 vaccination during the three-day vaccination campaign. The Philippines aims to vaccinate at least

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News ‘Policy reforms, competence still needed for nation’s recovery’ TOP Philippine economists outlined key economic reforms and emph sized the importance of public-private partnerships, and the choice of good, very competent leaders as critical to sustaining post-pandemic economic recovery during the launch of the week-long 6th Pilipinas Conference 2021 online sessions of the Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute (ADRi) held Monday. In his keynote address, Former NEDA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary, Dr. Ernesto M. Pernia said, “Sustaining economic recovery post-pandemic requires that we know what were the antecedents in terms of the health system capacity, both human infrastructure and social infrastructure, and what were the amounts of spending, the timing and the allocation of COVID-19 response spending by the government, and of course it is important that we can dissect the ability of the country’s leadership and authorities in orchestrating needful for the COVID-19 pandemic.” Pernia pointed out that, “We spent only $31 billion in 2021, and even less in 2020, the lowest in ASEAN. $72 billion less $31 billion is around USD 41 billion. So, the question is, where has this $41 billion gone or how can this huge differential be accounted for?” He hopes that the next President will be “sufﬁciently intelligent, competent, insightful and foresightful, an integer— meaning a whole and not a broken and corrupted leader—and has the country and people’s welfare at heart.” Former Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo raised the need for massive investments from both government and the private sector which can open in periods of stress, address healthcare deﬁciencies, and boost economic transition for the post-pandemic world and the digital economy.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

DOJ warns public on text scams T By Rey E. Requejo

HE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday warned the public against the latest text scams on job offerings.

The DOJ through the Ofﬁce of Cybercrime urged the public to ignore the work opportunities being offered by unknown senders of short message service as it is part of text scams. “Be cautious before taking up an opportunity to work offered by unknown SMS (short message service) senders,” said the DOJ-OCC in its advisory issued Tuesday. It said the senders of these text messages “will ask the applicant to pay for application or training fees and will promise

high wages.” The DOJ said the messages “would also require the applicant to answer an extensive personal information questionnaire that would then be used by the scammers to commit identity theft.” Globe Telecom and Smart Communication said they have intensiﬁed their efforts to stop the sudden rise of text spam in compliance with the National Telecommunications Commission’s order to warn customers on dubious text messages. Globe Telecom said it is ready to col-

laborate with other stakeholders to help protect Filipino customers from “smishing” and other fraudulent activities. Smishing occurs through mobile text messaging in which scammers deceive victims into giving their personal data. Scammers then use this data to take over a victim’s financial accounts. “Globe fights spam everyday. We reiterate our position that fraud prevention and detection is in Globe’s and our partner-banks and online retailers’ shared legitimate interest as Personal Information Controllers, in order to ensure uninterrupted business operations, and ultimately, to protect our customers,” Atty. Irish Salandanan-Almeida, Globe’s Data Protection Officer said. Angel Redoble, PLDT and Smart’s Chief Information Security Officer,

said the recent SMS spamming activities are speciﬁc to job hiring. “If mobile users open the link from any of these scam text messages, they will be redirected to the WhatsApp platform, in which they will be offered an attractive salary package, ranging from P500 to P10,000.” Redoble likened this scheme to “digital pyramiding.” PLDT and Smart have designed Indicators of Compromise (IOC) to identify such malicious activities and to address potential cyber threats to the network. Through a multiple layer blocking system, CSOG protects subscribers by ﬂagging mobile numbers, domains, and IP addresses that the system finds threatening. With Darwin G. Amojelar and Macon Ramos-Araneta

IN BRIEF

Bill on offenders passes 2nd reading THE House of Representatives has approved on second reading the measure seeking the establishment of a separate facility for high-level offenders. House Bill 10355 , or the Separate Facility for High-Level Offenders Act, calls for the establishment and maintenance of a separate, secured and sanitary penitentiary for the custody of high-level offenders serving sentence in the facilities of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor). High-level offenders as defined in the bill as individuals convicted of heinous crimes and identified by the BuCor director general as high-risk or high-profile, taking into consideration the offense for which the inmate is convicted, criminal record or history of the inmate, and the affiliations. Under the bill, the Justice secretary will determine the location of the facility and that this should be isolated from the general population and other inmates. ‘The bill proposes that the facility be situated within a military establishment or on an island separate from the mainland. It added that Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao should have separate facilities. Maricel V. Cruz

Manila RTC clears 2 activists nabbed in 2019 Police nab suspect in deadly Jolo cathedral bombing PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS. Workers are busy installing Christmas trees at the Quezon City Hall lobby in preparation for the city hall’s holiday activities. Manny Palmero

TWO activists arrested in October 2019 have been cleared by a Manila regional trial court on Wednesday. Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 19 Judge Marlo Magdoza-Malagar acquitted women’s rights activist Cora Agovida and urban poor organizer Michael Bartolome. The two have been cleared “due to the prosecution’s failure to prove beyond reasonable doubt that they owned or possessed the firearms and explosives allegedly recovered from them,” an ABS-CBN online report said. Records show that the couple was arrested in their Paco, Manila apartment in Paco based on search warrants issued by Quezon City Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert. Reports said this is “the same judge who issued warrants that led to more than 60 activist arrests in Manila and Negros around the same period.” The Manila regional trial court also cited the “conflicting versions” of members of the group who arrested the couple. “Notably, PSSgt. Marcelo testified that they implemented the search warrants at 5:00 in the morning precisely because the subjects were usually asleep at that time. Moreover, they all testified that they were already inside the place to be searched when the a cused were informed of their authority, the purpose of the search and the object to be seized,” Magdoza-Malagar said in the ruling. “These raised doubt on the reasonableness of the search that followed, for ‘a lawful entry is the indispensable predicate of a reasonable search,” the judge said.

POLICE arrested an alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf group suspected of participating in the deadly bombing of a cathedral in Jolo, Sulu in January 2019. Reports said the Zamboanga City Police Ofﬁce conﬁrmed that Kalmi Mustala was served a warrant of arrest in Barangay Sinunuc, Zamboanga. The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the suspect is an “explosives expert.” Mustala was also reportedly involved in the kidnappings of foreigners in the country.

The PNP said it is readying charges against the suspect including illegal possession of explosives, homicide, frustrated murder, and double attempted murder In January 2019, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Jolo, was attacked in what authorities said was a “suicide bombing.” The Sunday explosion killed several churchgoers and state troops The PNP earlier said the case was declared “closed” after arresting a man said to be connected to the bombers.

Wood producers to hold 70th assembly CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—Some 300 members of the Philippine Wood Producers Association would be holding its 70th General Assembly on Friday (Nov. 26) to discuss on matters vital to the forestry sector and its industry and ﬁnd ways to contribute to the economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic. This years’ event is anchored on a theme “Sustainable Forestry for Economic Recovery”, aimed at providing the members of the PWPA with information about how the forestry sector and the forest industry can contribute to the economic recovery of the country. Albay second district Representative Joey Salceda will be the guest-of-honor and speaker during the much anticipated event by the forestry sector. As member of Congress and known economist, Salceda would be sharing his views about sustainable forestry as an agent for economic recovery and how it can promotes inclusive growth. Jess Malabanan

Parents urged to bring kids for heart checkups

LUNCH FOR NEW TOURISM EXEC. Tourism leaders met at Conrad Hotel to welcome and congratulate newly -appointed Tourism Usec. Robby Alabado ( 3rd from left standing). Shown with Alabado (from left seated ) are Farid Schoucair, Heritage Hotel GM, Skal Makati chairman Bobby Lim Joseph, and Skal Makati president Jimmy Bautista. Standing from left are Skal treasurer Angel Bognot, Marriott GM Bruce Winton, Michael Jaey Albaña, Conrad Hotel commercial director and Teody Espallardo, director of sales and marketing , Altabriza Resort Boracay.

PEDIATRIC cardiologists are urging parents not to be afraid to take their children suffering from heart ailment to a hospital or clinic for a face-to-face consultation. At the “Usapang Puso sa Puso’s Mommy sa Mommy” webinar, Dr. Aurora Gamponia, Philippine Heart Association director and from the Philippine Heart Center’s Pediatric Department, said medical checkups of non-COVID-19 cases have already increased as infection cases continue to decline every day. But children with heart diseases whether congenital or acquired are at a greater risk to get COVID19 and are more symptomatic, she said. Dr. Shela Ruffert, PHA member from Western Visayas, urged parents to closely monitor the entire well-being of their children, including their dental conditions. She raised the alarm that cavitycausing microbes could invade the heart tissue of a child with a heart ailment, causing dangerous and sometimes lethal infection. Rio N. Araja

Foodpanda, 7-11 team up with Caloocan on food project TWO private companies—foodpanda PH and Philippine Seven Corp.—are linking up with the Caloocan City government through its Caloocan Anti-Drug Abuse Office or CADAO, and a local non-profit group called ASCORP today to launch a livelihood program called BuyAnihan Palengke. BuyAnihan Palengke seeks to provide a source of income to underserved sectors including those who lost their jobs during the pandemic. Representatives of foodpanda PH, a leading online food and goods delivery and quick commerce platform provider, and Philippine Seven, which operates 7-11 24hour retail stores nationwide, will sign an agreement with officials of Caloocan City, which would serve as a pilot area for the

BuyAnihan Palengke program. BuyAnihan would link up beneﬁciaries with sources of agricultural produce which they could resell as a source of income. The project’s target beneﬁciaries include drug rehab graduates of CADAO and Diocese of Caloocan programs, who are now being cared for by BuyAnihan’s precursor program, Salubong Carrots Atbp, of the city government and diocese. Caloocan City Rep. Dale Malapitan and lawyer Bok Labastilla, head of CADAO, will sign the memorandum of agreement for BuyAnihan Palengke with Daniel Marogy, foodpanda PH managing director, and Victor Paterno, Philippine Seven CEO. Also signing the agreement are Dr. Angelita Catedral, of the Asian Society of Community Rehab Practi-

tioners (ASCORP) and a representative from the Caloocan diocese, who are involved in Salubong Carrots, too. Marogy said one of the objectives of BuyAnihan is to provide a source of income to its beneﬁciaries including families of foodpanda riders and those who lost their jobs during the pandemic such as former OFWs, out of school youths and solo parents. Paterno, Philippine Seven CEO, on the other hand added that BuyAnihan intends to pave the way for r formed drug dependents / drug rehab graduates to be productive members of society. Malapitan vowed to support the BuyAnihan Palengke program, saying foodpanda and Philippine Seven were showing the way forward for other companies.

FOOD PROJECT IN CALOOCAN.

Representative Along Malapitan poses during the launching of the “Buyanihan Palengke” food project held in front of the Caloocan City hall yesterday. Jun David

News

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021 E-mail: mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘LUGAW’ SERVICE. Vice presidential aspirant Sen. Kiko Pangilinan (right) and Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman (left) prepare to serve ‘lugaw’ to the public during his visit to the Albay city on Wednesday. Norman Cruz

Lacson stresses P147b duplicate DPWH projects SENATOR Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday questioned the P147.283 billion in duplicate projects present in the budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for 2022. He pointed out the duplicate projects under the “Convergence and Special Support Program” in the agency’s proposed budget. “We note that under the program ‘Convergence and Special Support Program,’ there is apparent duplication of projects, particularly under the Sustainable Infrastructure Projects Alleviating Gaps (SIPAG) and Basic Infrastructure Program (BIP),” Lacson said in the deliberations on the DPWH budget for 2022. In all, he said the duplicate projects include P110.118 billion under SIPAG and P37.164 billion under BIP. He cited the need to distinguish between the projects under SIPAG and BIP with similar descriptions: • Roads leading to strategic public buildings: P47.976 billion under SIPAG and P10.2215 billion under BIP • Flood mitigation structures: P38.623 billion under SIPAG and P6.378 billion under BIP • Roads that traverse multiple LGUs: P11.801 billion under SIPAG and P1.501 billion under BIP • Multi-purpose buildings: P9.622 billion under SIPAG and P17.205 billion under BIP • Coastal roads/causeways: P1.842 billion under SIPAG and P215 million under BIP • Roads leading to IP communities: P253 million under SIPAG and P1.643 billion under BIP As such, Lacson said the DPWH should distinguish between such projects of “similar description” under SIPAG and BIP. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Marcos pushes organic farming PH framework PRESIDENTIAL candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. on Wednesday said he will push for the crafting of a comprehensive organic farming framework that would finally allow the sector to become a viable option for Filipino farmers. Marcos, standard-bearer of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, stressed that while the country institutionalized organic agriculture with the passage of Republic Act No. (RA) 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, there has been a slow growth of hectarage turning to organic farming. “The law mandates that the government has to promote, propagate, develop further and implement the practice of organic agriculture which will cumulatively condition and enrich the fertility of the soil, reduce pollution and destruction of the environment, and prevent the depletion of natural resources,” Marcos said. “But the promotion of Organic Agriculture in the Philippines faces many challenges such as policy gaps, lack of production support, promotion and awareness activities; fragmented and inadequate research and development, extension and capability building activities; and poor market systems.” “We need a clear and comprehensive framework or roadmap to encourage our farmers and fishermen to try organic agriculture. There may also be shortcomings in the law so its purpose was not fulfilled,” he added. Rey E. Requejo

PNP: Poll bets taking tests won’t stop probe on drugs By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Rio N. Araja and Rey E. Requejo

RESIDENTIAL candidates undergoing voluntary drug testing will not stop the Philippine National Police from starting an investigation in case there is valuable information that will link a candidate to the illegal drug trade or drug use, new PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said Wednesday. Meanwhile, Vice President Leni Robredo said a drug test among politicians must be unannounced, even as Aksyon Demokratiko presidential candidate Isko Moreno Domagoso has asked the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to have him tested for illegal drugs. Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on

Wednesday said he is also willing to undergo a complete drug test, as two other presidential aspirants have done. Meanwhile, Senator Manny Pacquiao, an admitted drug user in his youth, said: “Let’s jail the bigtime drug traffickers and save the users.” The PNP on Wednesday welcomed

the initiative of some presidential candidates to undergo voluntary drug testing. “We will document the results, of course. It’s good that they are serving as good examples to the public,” said PNP chief Carlos, who reiterated that while the law does not require a mandatory drug test for all candidates vying for public office, the police will support such a measure once it is implemented. He added the PNP is willing to assist through its competent Forensic Group with any request from both local and national candidates to undergo drug tests. In a letter to PDEA Director General Wilkins Villanueva on Wednesday, Domagoso said he will make himself available for drug testing at the agency’s office in Quezon City at the soonest possible time.

RESOLVED VIRTUALLY.

House Majority Leader and Party President Martin Romualdez leads the Lakas-CMD Executive Committee hybrid meeting adopting three resolutions, one officially adopting Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as its presidential candidate and another confirming Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte as the party’s vice presidential candidate in the 2022 elections. Ver Noveno

Lakas moves to officially adopt Bongbong, Sara as top bets By Maricel V. Cruz THE Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) on Wednesday adopted three resolutions, one officially adopting Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. as presidential candidate and another confirming Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio as its vice presidential candidate in the 2022 elections. During the Lakas-CMD’s Executive Committee (Execom) virtual meeting via Zoom, the party also adopted a resolution

authorizing House Majority Leader Rep. Martin G. Romualdez, party president, to enter into alliance agreements with other political parties. Lakas-CMD Deputy Secretary General and Zamboanga Sibugay Rep. Wilter “Sharky” Wee Palma II read and moved for the adoption of the resolutions during the meeting presided over by Romualdez and attended by DuterteCarpio, the new party co-chair. The three resolutions were signed by Duterte, Lakas-CMD co-chairperson and

Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., Romualdez, and other Execom members. The party first adopted Resolution 09, Series of 2021, confirming and affirming the nomination of “Inday Sara” as the party’s candidate for vice president. “Resolved as it is hereby resolved, that Mayor Sara Zimmerman Duterte shall be the official candidate and standard bearer of Lakas-CMD for vice president in the 09 May 22 national and local elections,” the resolution said.

Go doesn’t rule out withdrawing from race SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday said he is not ruling out withdrawing from the presidential race in the 2022 elections, and admitted he actually has no ambition to become President. In an interview before he gave out assistance to fire victims in a barangay in Quezon City, Go said he is ready to sacrifice for the Filipino people, and more importantly for President Rodrigo Duterte and his family, his longtime boss from their days in Davao City. He admitted he wasn’t prepared for his presidential candidacy but followed the decision of the ruling party, who initially slotted Go as a vice-presidential candidate before Duterte urged him to run for president instead. “Habang natutulog po ako, habang nanaginip po ako, nahihirapan po ako. nahirapan po ako sa nararamdaman ko, to be honest with you (When I sleep, while I dream, I find it hard to wrestle with my feelings),” Go said. “Ngunit sa totoo lang po, nagre-resist ang

aking utak, puso at aking katawan. Nabigla po ako dito sa pagtakbo, napakahirap po ng aking sitwasyon (In truth, my mind, heart and body are resisting this. I was surprised by this candidacy, my situation is so hard,” he said. “So hindi ko napaghandaan ang kandidatura bilang pangulo (I have not prepared for my candidacy as president),” Go added. The senator is the standard-bearer of the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS) party via substitution, as the Commission on Elections continues to resolve the rift in the ruling PDP-Laban, which is split into factions headed by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi and Senator Manny Pacquiao. Still, Go insisted that he knew the job of a President, being beside Duterte over the last five years even as he was elected to the Senate in 2019 “I’ve been there sa tabi ni Pang. Duterte, alam ko po ang problema, alam ko po ang solution. Part po ako ng solution (I know the solution, I’m part of the solution),” he said.

DISTANCING AMBASSADOR. A mall security guard, wearing a ‘Social Distancing Ambassador’ vest, monitors a mall in Quezon City on Wednesday to ensure health protocol for shoppers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Manny Palmero

IN BRIEF

Solon urges haste on substitution bill

A CONGRESSIONAL leader on Wednesday urged the House of Representatives and the Senate to prioritize bills seeking to ban substitution of candidates in future elections. “I think there is a consensus that substitution is a bad practice, and that politicians and political parties do it because the law allows it. We should then stop it to promote the integrity of elections after May 9, 2022,” Deputy Speaker and Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said. Rodriguez said banning substitution and restoring the old rule that required an incumbent to resign if he is seeking an office other than the one he is holding “are important reforms that will purify the electoral process.” “We, members of the 18th Congress, should put these reforms in place for the sake of future elections. These improvements should be part of the legacy of the current Congress under the leadership of Senate President Vicente Sotto lll and Speaker Lord Allan Velasco,” he said. He added that the proposed changes would no longer apply to the 2022 polls. Rodriguez has filed House Bill 10380, which seeks to prohibit a political party from substituting any candidate unless the latter dies or is disqualified. The Omnibus Election Code allows substitution in case of death, disqualification, or withdrawal of another aspirant. The Mindanao lawmaker also authored Bill No. 10381, which would restore the old provision in the election law that declared an incumbent elective official as resigned “ipso facto” (by that very fact or act) or automatically upon filing his certificate of candidacy for an office different from the one he is holding. Maricel V. Cruz

2 more petitions vs. Marcos raffled

THE Second Division of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will handle two other petitions filed against presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. The Second Division is composed of Commissioners Socorro Inting and Antonio Kho, Jr. In an advisory on Wednesday, the Office of the Clerk of the Commission confirmed that the cases filed by Tiburcio Marcos and Danilo Lihaylihay have been raffled to the division. Tiburcio filed the petition to cancel the certificate of candidacy (COC) of Bongbong Marcos, while Lihaylihay submitted a petition seeking to declare the former senator as a nuisance candidate. The first case filed by Fr. Christian Buenafe, et al, was raffled to the division. The case seeks to cancel Marcos Jr.’s COC for material misrepresentation. The preliminary conference meeting on the case will be held on November 26. The camp of the former senator has yet to respond to requests for comment on the petitions.

GOCC exec scolded for drinking wine

SENATOR Win Gatchalian on Wednesday reminded civil servants to uphold ethical standards after seeing a government official drinking wine while attending a Senate budget hearing virtually. He warned that administrative and disciplinary cases may stem from a failure to uphold ethical standards against any public servant. Gatchalian said this after an official from a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) supervised by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) was seen to have been drinking alcohol while virtually attending the Senate budget deliberations Monday night, as witnessed by the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms. The senator called attention to the improper behavior displayed by APO Production Unit sales and marketing manager Dominic Tajon in the middle of the budget debates, emphasizing he was considered on official duty while attending the hybrid plenary session. Initially, Gatchalian advised Tajon to adhere to proper virtual etiquette, as he was observed to have been moving around, distracting the senators who were physically attending the plenary session. Minority Leader Franklin Drilon noted that Tajon was drinking liquor based on the information he received, which was confirmed by the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms. “The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has issued a strong warning on drinking wine among government employees inside their offices especially during office hours,” stressed Gatchalian. He said this has corresponding punishment “like suspension and dismissal from service during a second offense.” Macon Ramos-Araneta

Opinion Malampaya: PR damage for sellers

THE sale to President Rodrigo Duterte’s pal Dennis Uy of the combined 90 percent share of Shell Exploration Co. and Chevron Philippines in the Malampaya offshore oil/natural gas complex is generating an increasing amount of controversy with the oppositors contending that Uy’s Udenna Corporation was not qualified to be Malampaya’s buyer. The objections have been essentially legal and technical in character, but there have also been intimations of a lack of ethics. The objection on the legal side has been that the sale to Udenna was made without the Philippine government’s having exercised its contractual right of firstrefusal. The government, represented by the exploration subsidiary of PNOC (Philippine National Exploration Co.), should have been the first offence of the equity interests of Shell (45 percent) and Chevron (45 percent) in the Malampaya complex. This, the oppositors contend, was not the case; the two foreign companies’ shares were offered first to Udenna. The sale was characterized by a lack of transparency. The Filipino people woke up one morning to learn that Shell and Chevron had sold out to a close friend of President Duterte. Not only do the sale’s oppositors believe that the government should have been given the opportunity to exercise its contractual right of first refusal; they also argue that the government should have exercised that right. Because of the special character of Malampaya and its operation - it represents the Philippines’ first experience with offshore oil and natural gas exploration the oppositors believe that the government itself should continue to have a stake in Malampaya. After all the efforts exerted by the government toward the development of an offshore oil/natural gas industry including wooing industry giants Shell and Caltex (Chevron’s parent company) to make investments - why should a private Philippine company be allowed to just walk in and take over Malampaya, the oppositors want to know. Why, indeed? On the technical side, the oppositors’

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EDITORIAL

objection is the fact that the sale has been made to a non-giant company that has absolutely no experience with, and owns no facilities in, a complex and highly technical manufacturing operation. Udenna’s retort to this is that the technical complement of Shell and Chevron will stay and run the business for Udenna. This surely begs the opposite question. Would Malampaya, which still has 10 percent PNOC participation, not be better off in the hands of a buyer that is already in the business and wants to expand its operations? Why sell to a complete newbie?

Was the risk really worth taking? As stated above, the growing controversy about Malampaya’s sale has thus far focused on the buyer and its circumstances. I believe the time has come to broaden the discussion and shift the focus to the sellers. There are things that the Filipino people want to know about the decisions of two highly respected companies (1) to get out of Malampaya and (2) to sell their interests to a company controlled by a person known to have close ties to President Duterte (in Marcosian times, that person would have been called a crony). What was the explanation for Shell’s and Chevron’s decision to sell their interests in Malampaya simultaneously? Did the two companies afford the Philippine government an opportunity to exercise its right of first refusal? If they did, what reason did the government give for choosing not to exercise its right? And, most important of all, why sell to Dennis Uy’s Udenna, knowing, as they should, that Mr. Uy’s name has come to be closely associated with that of Mr. Duterte? There clearly was a popularopinion risk in selling to Udenna: was the risk really worth taking? We don’t know what factors and considerations went into the decisionmaking on the Malampaya sale to Dennis Uy by Shell and Chevron. What we can know is that these two highly regarded companies have taken a PR hit with their transaction with Mr. Uy. That means damage-control work for their PR staff.

No let up persons with co-morbidities, and immunocompromised individuals— who completed their vaccinations at least six months ago. This is a big step toward winning against the pandemic.

Vaccines work. WITH the country’s relentless fight against COVID-19, we are grateful that vaccines continue to arrive in the country. Just this week, 682,360 doses of Moderna vaccine arrived, bringing our total vaccine supply received to more than 134 million doses. The successive deliveries of vaccines, averaging at 1.5 million doses received daily, significantly boost the capability of the government to inoculate millions of Filipinos across the country. Now that we have enough supply, the challenge remains to be encouraging Filipinos to get vaccinated. At the end of month, the government will hold a three-day national vaccination drive, from November 29 to December 1, to further ease access of Filipinos to the vaccine. The first and third days are declared working holidays so that employees and workers may go to the designated vaccination sites to get vaccinated without a cut on their salaries. We are hopeful that people will take advantage of this event so that we can achieve our long sought-after herd immunity. Apart from this, the Department of Health announced the start of administering booster shots to priority populations—health workers, frontliners, senior citizens,

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

With the proven curbing effect of the vaccine in the transmission of COVID-19, I fervently hope that Filipinos have learned the value and impact of getting vaccinated. For the past weeks, we have seen a significant downtrend in the number of cases, even reaching less than a thousand new cases a day. Metro Manila, for instance, has been recording negative growth rates. As we begin to enjoy the effect of our collective efforts and conscious decision to get vaccinated, let us further encourage the rest of us to get vaccinated as well. Moreover, I urge the eligible population to get booster doses in order to increase protection against the virus. As I said before, we may not be able to completely eliminate this virus in a year’s time, but we can develop immunity and practice safety measures in order to prevent getting infected. This is our chance. In sum, let me reiterate what I said before: vaccines work. I urge the public to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19. I am hopeful that, with the cooperation and conscientious efforts of Filipinos to get protection from this virus, we may be able to have a merrier Christmas and happier new year.

Credibility problem HINA has a credibility problem, and its name is Xi Jinping.

Since Xi became the country’s paramount leader in 2012, China’s foreign policy has been increasingly aggressive—and often belligerent--toward its neighbors in the South China Sea. In that same year, China seized control of Scarborough Shoal, which is well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). It has since turned disputed islands and reefs in the South China Sea into military bases and airstrips. Domestically, Xi’s ruthless crackdown on all forms of dissent has all but destroyed the autonomy that had enabled Hong Kong to flourish. Short of threatening force, but allowing his military to make repeated incursions into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone, Xi recently suggested a similar fate might be in store for the democratically ruled island through “peaceful reunification.” This was an ominous reminder of his 2019 threat to use force to bring the island under Beijing’s control. Under Xi, who seems obsessed with image and power, censorship of the internet has ramped up significantly—best exemplified perhaps by the ban on the cartoon character Winnie the Pooh, after a meme compared his rotund physique to the popular bear of children’s fiction. As the coronavirus spread rapidly through

Wuhan, China in 2020, Chinese censors suppressed information that could have saved lives.

Good neighbors don’t grab your islands. Against this backdrop, it is difficult for us to take President Xi at his word when he told leaders of the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at a summit on Monday that Beijing would not “bully” its smaller regional neighbors, amid rising tension over Beijing’s actions. Xi also said China would never seek hegemony nor take advantage of its size to coerce smaller countries, and would work with ASEAN to eliminate “interference.” “China was, is, and will always be a good neighbor, good friend, and good partner of ASEAN,” Chinese state media quoted Xi as saying. Xi’s assurances rang hollow, however, in the wake of the Nov. 16 incident in which Chinese coast guard vessels fired water cannons at Philippine boats on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, a Philippine-occupied atoll in the West Philippine Sea.

Over Manila’s protests, the Chinese had the temerity to claim that their vessels were merely doing their jobs because the Philippine boats were “trespassing.” The Chinese action drew immediate criticism from the United States, the European Union, Japan and Australia. Even President Duterte, who has often taken an obsequious stance toward Beijing in the name of better relations, was compelled to denounce the action and referred to a 2016 international arbitration ruling that found China’s expansive claim to the South China Sea had no legal basis. But like his “friend” Xi, Mr. Duterte has a credibility problem of his own, having defended Beijing on numerous occasions during his six-year term after Chinese incursions into Philippine waters. His recent “outrage” can easily be pooh-poohed as posturing ahead of next year’s elections, where Mr. Duterte will seek a seat in the Senate—after telling the public that he would retire from politics, and after he had told his officials to ignore summonses from the very body he now wishes to join. As for Xi, we simply don’t buy the rhetoric. Good neighbors don’t grab your islands. In the wake of China’s military expansion in the South China Sea, Xi’s claims of friendship and amity simply don’t hold water.

Everything didn’t go according to plan

WITH candidate substitution over, we now have the final lineup of personages vying for various elective national and local offices. Candidate substitution has obviously been abused by politicians to the extent that what is happening is nowhere near the original intentions of the law. The Constitution does allow for a multi-party system in this country but some of the political parties where many of the presidential candidates belong are paper parties only. What the candidates are doing somehow reminds us of the Greek gods in Greek mythology where Zeus and the other gods play with mortals like us to keep themselves entertained and happy. The multi-party system has been completely bastardized by our current political leaders and no one can seem to do anything about it. This is perhaps because elections are now centered on the person leading the party rather than party philosophy. Look at what happened to PDPLABAN. Senator Manny Pacquiao and Secretary Alfonso Cusi, had a very public brawl on who should be the rightful leader of the party. As it turned out, the party ended up with no presidential candidate. The Cusi plan was for President Duterte to run for vice president under the PDPLABAN and perhaps Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio for president. As it turned out, this did not materialize. Instead, Senator Bong Go is now the one running for president. President Duterte is gunning for a Senate seat with both under another party. Mayor Duterte-Carpio is running for vice president under LAKAS CMD. What was the big quarrel all about? With Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s decision to run as vice president, it is obvious that father and daughter do not see eye to eye when it comes to politics. What she did clearly caught everyone,

including the father, by surprise. It indicates that there must have been no communication at all between the two regarding the mayor’s plans and intentions. Her unexpected decision to run for vice president instead of president disrupted all plans and greatly disappointed the father that for a while, he entertained the idea of running for vice president himself. In the end, he could not bring himself to do it.

They play with mortals like us to keep themselves entertained and happy. There is also a bit of a mystery here because for the past few years, President Duterte has been publicly discouraging his daughter from running for president. Now, he is disappointed because the daughter is running for vice president and not for president. He also had everyone convinced that he cannot wait to retire from public life. Now, he still has some unfinished business. What made the change? Is that the reason why Senator Bong Go was convinced to run for president so that the unfinished business can be accomplished in case Senator Go wins? It seems so obvious, even to the blind, that this scheme will almost certainly not work. We are even witnessing something that has never happened before in a political campaign. The President is supporting his daughter’s vicepresidential run but is criticizing her running mate. It is weird. This is another indication that the President and his surrogates have lost control on how to influence the direction of the political campaign. This will at least ensure that the incoming administration will not be beholden to anyone. It will also ensure a wide and open contest but this is assuming that the counting machines will not be manipulated to interfere. •••

The handling of the case involving pole vaulter EJ Obiena leaves us with a lot more questions than answers. If indeed Obiena’s coach Vitaly Petrov was not paid his salary as claimed, why did Petrov join Obiena during their virtual press conference? Why couldn’t PATAFA be the one to pay Petrov’s salary instead of burdening the athlete who is supposed to train and win competitions only? Obiena is right that he cannot be an accountant while training for competitions. I understand the need for government funds to be liquidated but putting the burden on the athlete is a huge distraction and may not be the best way to go about it, considering that the process is difficult if done alone. Everything must be done to free the athlete from any distraction while training. It’s hard for the athlete to do both. Also, Obiena’s living expenses in Europe cannot simply be cut off while some kind of investigation is being conducted considering the high cost of living there. He is, after all, considered innocent until proven guilty. It would be a pity if the country loses Obiena. We would be losing the chance of winning a medal in athletics during the Olympics. He has the best chance for a first Filipino medal in athletics in the Olympics. This sordid episode could have been handled in a much better way.

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After red-tagging and cocaine blitz, what’s next?

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Biden invites Taiwan to ‘Summit for Democracy’

OE Biden has invited Taiwan to a virtual summit on democracy alongside more than 100 countries – a move bound to anger China, which is not on the list.

The conference was a campaign pledge by the US president, who has placed the struggle between democracies and “autocratic governments” at the heart of his foreign policy. The “Summit for Democracy” will take place online on December 9 and 10 ahead of an in-person meeting at its second edition next year. The meeting was long advertised, but the guest list – published Tuesday on the State Department’s website – will be closely scrutinized. Unsurprisingly, America’s main rivals Manila

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China and Russia are not on it. But the United States did invite Taiwan, which it does not recognize as an independent country but holds up as a model democracy. China baulks at any use of the word “Taiwan” that lends a sense of international legitimacy to the democratic selfruled island, which Beijing claims as part of its territory and has vowed to one day seize--by force if needed. The US move is guaranteed to further inflame tensions between the two superpowers. “I agree Taiwan more than qualifies – but it does seem to be (the) only democratic govt invited that the US govt does not officially recognize. So its inclusion is a big deal,” tweeted Julian Ku, a Hofstra University law professor whose specialities include China. India, often called “the world’s biggest democracy,” will be present despite increasing criticism from human rights

defenders over democratic backsliding under Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi. So too will Pakistan, despite its checkered relationship with Washington. Turkey, a NATO ally of the United States whose President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was dubbed an “autocrat” by Biden, did not make the list. In the Middle East, only Israel and Iraq were invited. The traditional Arab allies of the US – Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates – are all absent. Biden also invited Brazil, which is led by controversial far-right President Jair Bolsonaro. In Europe, Poland is represented, despite recurring tensions with Brussels over respect for the rule of law, but Hungary’s far-right Prime Minister Viktor Orban is not. On the African side, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, South

Africa, Nigeria and Niger are invited. “For this kick-off Summit... there’s a case for getting a broad set of actors into the room: it provides for a better exchange of ideas than setting a perfect bar for qualification,” Laleh Ispahani of the Open Society Foundations told AFP. Rather than using the summit as an anti-China meeting, Ispahani urged Biden to address “the serious decline of CHINA’S birthrate plummeted to a democracy around the world – including record low last year, highlighting a relatively robust models like the US.” looming demographic crisis for Beijing This summit is being organized as caused by a rapidly ageing workforce, democracy has suffered setbacks in a slowing economy and the weakest countries where the US had placed great population growth in decades. hopes. China relaxed its “one-child policy” Sudan and Myanmar have experi– one of the world’s strictest family enced military coups, Ethiopia is in the planning regulations – in 2016, allowing couples to have two children. Earmidst of a conflict that could lead to its lier this year that was extended to three “implosion,” according to US diplochildren. mats, and the Taliban took power in AfBut the changes have failed to result ghanistan following the withdrawal of in the hoped-for baby BLACK boom, as the US troops after two decades. AFP CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

China birth rate down to lowest rate in decades

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In accordance with the NTC guidelines, here’s the mechanics for the DITO BLACK FRIDAY SALE 1.

Promo period is from November 26-30, 2021.

Repurchase and/or reactivation DITO 39 promo subscription (priced at Php39) using an existing activated DITO SIM during the promo period will entitle subscribers to receive FREE 1GB open data valid for 7 days counted from receipt of the FREE 1GB DATA. The FREE 1GB DATA shall be received within the next day from the purchase of promo.

Repurchase and/or reactivation DITO 99 promo subscription (priced at Php99) using an existing activated DITO SIM during the promo period will entitle subscribers to receive FREE 2GB open data valid for 15 days counted from receipt of the FREE 2GB DATA. The FREE 2GB DATA shall be received within the next day from the purchase of promo.

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

Prerequisites: Promo purchase must be at least the second promo subscription upon the activation of DITO SIM. FREE 1GB Data Using your existing activated DITO SIM, RESUBSCRIBE TO DITO 39 promo worth at Php39 during the promo period. Purchasing regular load and SIM cards are NOT counted as activation of call, text, or data offer. DITO 39 purchased but not activated during this period shall not receive the FREE 1GB DATA. DITO 39 offers activated before the promo period shall not be entitled to the FREE 1GB DATA. FREE 2GB Data Using your existing activated DITO SIM, RESUBSCRIBE TO DITO 99 promo worth at Php99 during the promo period. Purchasing regular load and SIM cards are NOT counted as activation of call, text, or data offer. DITO 99 purchased but not activated during this period shall not receive the FREE 2GB DATA. DITO 199 offers activated before the promo period shall not be entitled to the FREE 2GB DATA. FREE 3GB Data Using your existing activated DITO SIM, RESUBSCRIBE TO DITO 199 promo worth at Php199 during the promo period. Purchasing regular load and SIM cards are NOT counted as activation of call, text, or data offer. DITO 199 purchased but not activated during this period shall not receive the FREE 3GB DATA. DITO 199 offers activated before the promo period shall not be entitled to the FREE 3GB DATA. How to activate an offer: Subscribe to DITO 39, DITO 99, or DITO 199 promo via the DITO app, MyDITO website, DITO Experience Stores, DITO Retail Partner Stores, GCash, Lazada, LANDBANKPay, Direct Agent 5, WeChat & Alipay, Moneygment, or Sendah Direct

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

AMID THE SURGE. People stroll at the Christmas Market in Frankfurt am Main on Nov. 23, 2021 amid a fresh spike in COVID-19 cases. Germany last week announced tougher COVID curbs, including requiring people to prove they are vaccinated, cured or have recently tested negative for the virus before they can travel on public transport or go into the workplace. AFP

Australia lists Hezbollah as ‘terrorist organization’ AUSTRALIA on Wednesday listed all of Hezbollah as a “terrorist organisation,” extending a ban on armed factions to the entire movement, which wields considerable power over Lebanon. Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said that the Tehran-backed Shiite group “continues to threaten terrorist attacks and provide support to terrorist organizations” and poses a “real” and “credible” threat to Australia. Hezbollah is part political party and part militia – the only group in Lebanon to have refused to disarm since the civil war ended in 1990. The movement, which plays a pivotal role in Lebanese politics, has been accused of fuelling Syria’s civil war by sending thousands Manila

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of fighters across the border to prop up President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. In 2006, it fought a short yet devastating war against Israel. Critics have accused the movement of killing former prime minister Rafik Hariri in 2005, and more recently of blocking investigations into the cataclysmic 2020 Beirut port explosion. Some countries have sought to distinguish between Hezbollah’s political and militant factions, fearing a blanket ban could further destabilize Lebanon and hamper contacts with authorities. Australia had such a policy since 2003, when it banned Hezbollah’s so-called External Security Organization – a part of the

Republic of the Philippines

3rd& 4th Floor, Ben-Lor Building, 1184 Quezon Ave., Quezon City Tel No. (02) 8374-3987 / Fax. No. (02) 8374-2505 / Website: nta.da.gov.ph ISO9001: 2015 QMS CERTIFIED MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 001, SERIES OF 2021 TO

ALL MANUFACTURERS/PROCESSORS PRODUCTS

TOBACCO

SUBJECT :

AMENDMENT OF RULE 3 REGULATION III OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE MANUFACTURE/ PROCESSING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, TO INCLUDE FEE FOR SMALL-MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMEs)

DATE

04 OCTOBER 2021

WHEREAS, there are small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that are engaged in the manufacture of cigars for local consumption and are willing to be accredited by NTA as legitimate manufacturer/processor of tobacco products; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Republic Act 6977 (An Act to Promote, Develop and Assist Small and Medium Scale Enterprises through the creation of a Small and Medium Enterprise Development (SMED) Council, and the Rationalization of Government Assistance Programs and Agencies concerned with the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises, and for Other Purposes), all government agencies which have to do with small enterprises shall pursue the principles of minimum regulation to ensure stability of rules and to encourage entrepreneurial spirit among the citizenry. NOW, THEREFORE, in cognizance of the roles of small and medium enterprises in developing the Philippine economy and by virtue of the powers vested upon the National Tobacco Administration, there is a need to amend Rule 3 of the Rules and Regulations Governing the Manufacture/Processing of Tobacco Products is hereby amended to be read as follows: “Rule 3. Annual Accreditation Fee. The amount to be paid for the accreditation shall be determined in accordance with the following table, to wit: Number of sticks/pieces manufactured/ Rate of Annual Accreditation processed per annum (New or Renewal) Less than 1,000,000 PhP 1,200.00 1,000,000 to less than 10,000,000 3,600.00 10,000,000 to less than 100,000,000 6,000.00 100,000,000 to less than 500,000,000 12,000.00 500,000,000 to less than 1 Billion 24,000.00 1 Billion to less than 10 Billion 30,500.00 10 Billion to less than 30 Billion 36,000.00 30 Billion to less than 50 Billion 48,000.00 50 Billion and above 60,000.00 EFFECTIVITY

Promo resubscription is allowed even if the current subscription is active. The remaining data and off-net minutes allocation from the previous subscription will be carried over to the latest subscription. Subscriber shall receive FREE 1GB Data for every DITO 99 and 2GB for every DITO 199 promo purchase within the promo period.

This Memorandum Circular shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation and shall be filed with the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR), U.P.Law Center.

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

For the guidance and compliance of all concerned.

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

APPROVED UNDER BOARD RESOLUTION NO. 2063-2021 DATED 29 JULY 2021. BY AUTHORITY OF THE NTA GOVERNING BOARD:

11. By availing of the promo, the subscriber confirms that he/she has read, understood, and agreed to the promo mechanics, its terms, and conditions. Subscriber also agrees not to use the SIM and/or promo for illicit or illegal means. 12. For any concerns and/or inquiries regarding the promo, information may be sent to customerservice@dito.ph. All matters and disputes will be subject to the final decision of DITO Telecommunity. All decisions made by DITO Telecommunity pertaining to the promo will be deemed final and irrevocable, with the prior concurrence of DTI.

(MS-NOV. 25, 2021)

movement’s military wing that is chiefly focused on shadowy overseas operations. From now, membership of the entire organisation or providing funding for it will now be proscribed in Australia, which has a large Lebanese community. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett thanked his “friend” and Australian counterpart Scott Morrison for the move. “Hezbollah is an Iranian-backed terror organization in Lebanon responsible for countless attacks in Israel & around the world,” he tweeted. No reason was given for the timing of Canberra’s decision, which comes as Lebanon reels from spiralling political and economic crises.AFP

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TODAYNATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION

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

cost of living rises and women increasingly make their own family planning choices. Last year, China recorded 8.52 births per 1,000 people according to the 2021 Statistical Yearbook released in the past week – the lowest figure since the yearbook data began in 1978. It is a marked drop from the previous year’s 10.41, and the lowest figure since Communist China was founded in 1949, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. In addition, the yearbook showed the number of marriages registered in 2020 reached a 17-year low, with only 8.14 million couples tying the knot last year. During the initial COVID-19 outbreak, parts of central China were placed under strict lockdown for months and across the country many government offices were temporarily closed. For most of last year, however, there were few formal restrictions on weddings proceeding as normal. The number of divorces fell for the first time in at least 30 years, after a mandatory 30-day “cooling-off period” for divorcing couples was implemented at the beginning of 2020. AFP

ROBERT VICTOR G. SEARES, JR. Administrator/Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman,NTA Governing Board

(MS-NOV. 25, 2021)

TALLY. Graphic highlights the 20 countries with the largest number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the past week. AFP

Belarus, Poland violate human rights of migrants at their border–watchdog BELARUSIAN border guards may be guilty of torture against migrants on the country’s border with Poland, Human Rights Watch said Wednesday, adding that both nations have committed “serious human rights violations.” The group said in a report that the two governments “have an obligation to prevent further deaths by ensuring regular humanitarian access to the people stuck in the border area.” HRW researchers said they had conducted in-depth interviews with 19 people, some of whom “had been pushed back, sometimes violently, by Polish border guards.” They said these pushbacks “violate the right to asylum under EU law” and urged the EU to “start showing solidarity with the victims at the border on both sides who are suffering and dying.” In Belarus, they said that “violence, inhuman and degrading treatment and coercion” by Belarusian border guards were “commonplace.” HRW added that this treatment “may in some cases constitute torture, in violation of Belarus’s international legal obligations.” The EU and US have accused Belarus of engineering the crisis in retaliation against EU sanctions on President Alexander Lukashenko, who has crushed the opposition and independent media during his nearly three decades in power. AFP

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Business

TODAY TODAY

Samsung set to build $17-b plant in Texas SAN FRANCISCO—Samsung said on Tuesday it will build a microchip factory in Texas, a $17-billion investment that comes as semiconductor shortages are causing supply chain delays across many industries. “Welcome to Texas, Samsung!’ tweeted Texas’ Republican governor Greg Abbott, who called the planned factory “the largest foreign direct investment in Texas EVER.” The new plant, which is supposed to be operational by the end of 2024, is expected to create more than 2,000 skilled jobs and “lay the groundwork for another important chapter in our future,” said Kinam Kim, CEO of the South Korean giant’s electronics division. The chips manufactured on the site will have applications in mobile technologies, 5G or even artificial intelligence, the group said. The plant will be built in the town of Taylor, near the capital Austin. The news was welcomed by the administration of President Joe Biden, whose economics and security advisors Brian Deese and Jake Sullivan said in a statement that the plant would go a long way to “helping protect our supply chains, revitalizing our manufacturing base, and creating good jobs right here at home.” Samsung, the world’s biggest memory chipmaker, has aggressively stepped up its investment in its semiconductor business as the world battles shortages of chips that have hit everything from cars and home appliances to smartphones and gaming consoles. Samsung joins its rivals TSMC from Taiwan and Intel of the US in expanding chip manufacturing capacity in the United States, which sees the sector as an area of strategic competition with China. TMSC and Intel are building such plants in Arizona. The two presidential advisers stressed that Tuesday’s announcement was in large part the result of discussions between the heads of state of the two countries. AFP

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market rises slightly; Monde Nissin, Synergy fall

HE stock market rose slightly Wednesday but profit taking on select issues capped the gains amid concerns over rising prices here and overseas.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 17.94 points, or 0.2 percent, to 7,419.10 on a value turnover of P8.6 billion. Losers, however, edged gainers, 93 to 88, with 53 issues unchanged. Alliance Global Group Inc. of tycoon Andrew Tan gained 2.6 percent at P12.08, while SM Prime Holdings Inc. of the Sy Group climbed 1.8 percent to P37.50. Noodles maker Monde Nissin Corp., however, sank 5.1 percent to P18.02, while Synergy Grid & Development Phils. Inc., owner of the company that operates the country’s electricity grid,

fell 4 percent to P14.86. The rest of Asian equity markets, meanwhile, mostly rose Wednesday following a run of weakness but inflation worries and expectations of tighter central bank monetary policy continue to hold traders’ focus as crude extended gains despite US moves to boost output. Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Wellington, Mumbai, Bangkok and Jakarta all rose but Tokyo, Sydney, Seoul and Taipei dipped. Oil surged Tuesday in reaction to news that the United States and other countries would release less from their stockpiles than expected, dealing a blow to hopes of tempering a price spike that is causing inflation to run red hot. The announcement from Washington, which President Joe Biden said was in conjunction with China, India, Japan, South Korea and Britain, had been flagged well in advance, which analysts said had been part of the reason for a dip

in the crude market in recent weeks. Brent surged more than three percent and WTI more than two percent Tuesday and the buying carried on in Asian trade, with concern now building that OPEC and other major producers will rethink their plan to slowly reopen the taps. “The release, widely expected, is the proverbial drop in a bucket... and might just lead OPEC+ producers to scale back a bit on what they were planning to pump,” said National Australia Bank’s Ray Attrill. However, OANDA’s Jeffrey Halley said that while OPEC “refused to be cowed” he did not “expect them to fly too close to the sun and reduce their planned 400,000 (barrels per day) increase next month.” The rise in oil prices added to concerns that inflation—already at multi-year highs—will continue to rise, putting further pressure on banks to scale back the easy money policies put in place at the start of the pandemic and crucial to an 18-month market rally. With AFP

tyeight.com, Biden’s approval rating is just 42.8, with 52.2 percent disapproving. Biden said the price of gasoline in the wholesale market has fallen by about 10 percent in the last few years but the price at the pump hasn’t budged. “In other words, gas supply companies are paying less and making a lot more,” he said, accusing companies of “pocketing the difference” between wholesale and retail prices. Republican opponents were not impressed with Biden’s reassurances on tapping the oil reserve. “Joe Biden’s failed leadership caused skyrocketing prices, and now American families are paying more for gas, groceries, and everything this Thanksgiving,” Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel said in a statement.

Expensive holiday trips US employment is rapidly rising, wages are up and the stock market is climbing ever higher, but inflation, especially for fuel, is spoiling the mood. Average fuel prices at filling stations are $3.41 a gallon, the highest level since 2014, according to latest figures from the AAA motorists’ association. This represents an increase of $1.29 over gasoline prices a year ago. Like millions of Americans, Biden and his wife Jill are traveling to see family or friends ahead of Thanksgiving, although in his case it was to be on Air Force One later Tuesday for a short flight to the picturesque island of Nantucket. AFP

WASHINGTON—President Joe Biden tapped the US strategic oil reserves Tuesday in a bid to reassure Americans angry about inflation and goods shortages as they head off to Thanksgiving—and to buoy up his sinking poll ratings. Facing growing discontent around the country over inflation and especially the soaring price of fuel in filling stations, Biden announced a coordinated plan with other big consumers to release national oil reserves onto the market. The White House said that following weeks of negotiations, “this release will be taken in parallel with other major energy consuming nations including China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom.” “It will take time but before long you should see the price of gas drop,” Biden said in a speech at the White House. While the US economy is rebounding strongly from the COVID-19 lockdowns, supply chain disruption and inflation is Roles Roles and and responsibilities: responsibilities: stirring anxiety as the • • Responsible Responsible forfor thethe over-all over-all business business plan, plan, vision, vision, and and strategy strategy forfor Engineering Engineering and and Fleet Fleet holiday season begins Management Management with Thanksgiving on • • Lead Lead allall airworthiness airworthiness management management functions functions (configuration (configuration management, management, reliability. reliability. Thursday. planning, planning, projects, projects, material material management, management, and and technical technical records) records) and and ensure ensure compliant compliant “Moms and dads are and and cost cost effective effective strategies strategies areare implemented implemented worried asking will • • Implement Implement a robust a robust engineering engineering safety safety and and quality quality strategy strategy to to proactively proactively assess assess risk risk and and oversee oversee thethe development development and and Implementation Implementation of of risk risk mitigation mitigation Initiatives Initiatives there be enough food we can afford to buy for • • Implement Implement benchmark benchmark processes processes related related to to world-class world-class airline airline engineering engineering to to ensure ensure optimal optimal performance performance of of line line operations, operations, fleet fleet technical technical and and materials materials management management the holidays? Will we be able to get Christ• • Lead Lead thethe pursuit pursuit of of digitalization digitalization strategies strategies to to enable enable new new and and innovative innovative aircraft aircraft maintenance maintenance opportunities. opportunities. mas presents to the kids on time?” Biden said, Qualifications: Qualifications: acknowledging that for • • Must Must bebe a bachelor`s a bachelor`s degree degree holder holder of of any any engineering engineering or or business business management management course course many the price rises are • • Must Must have have at at least least twenty twenty years years experience experience In In aeronautical aeronautical engineering engineering and and airline airline “painful.” industries, industries, holding holding a senior a senior leadership leadership role role However, he pushed • • Must Must have have at at least least fifteen fifteen year year experience experience In In engineering engineering operations, operations, line line maintenance, maintenance, back at critics who acand and fleet fleet management management cused him of failing • • Must Must have have strong strong acumen acumen and and understanding understanding of of thethe airline airline business business with with thethe ability ability to to to grasp the challenge. Identify Identify future future trends trends and and developments developments and and translate translate to to long-term long-term strategies strategies Biden noted that the two biggest trading ports, both in southern California, were now working 24/7, as opposed to just 40 hours a week. In the latest average of polls from fivethir-

TOP GAINERS LAST PRICE

% CHANGE CHANGE

APL

0.08

0.008

11.11%

FPI

0.29

0.02

7.41%

3 4

LODE SEVN

0.68 95

0.04 5

6.25% 5.56%

HLCM

5.69

0.29

5.37%

6 7

ORE IRC

0.8 1.21

0.04 0.06

5.26% 5.22%

EURO

1.57

0.07

4.67%

9 10

KPPI NI

3.75 1.05

0.15 0.04

4.17% 3.96%

TOP LOSERS LAST PRICE

% CHANGE CHANGE

WIN

0.242

-0.018

-6.92%

SLF

2620

-180

-6.43%

3 4

BC MONDE

5.2 18.02

-0.31 -0.96

-5.63% -5.06%

5 6 7

MB WEB ROCK

0.41 2.06 1.51

-0.02 -0.1 -0.07

-4.65% -4.63% -4.43%

8 9 10

SGP ION AB

14.86 0.74 5.93

-0.62 -0.03 -0.24

-4.01% -3.90% -3.89%

MOST ACTIVE

THANKSGIVING DAY. Travelers collect their luggage at the airport in Los Angeles, California on November 23, 2021, where up to two million people are expected to travel over the Thanksgiving Day holidays. AFP

Biden dives into US oil reserves to reassure Americans on inflation By Sebastian Smith

PSEi NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Oil pump jacks stand in the Inglewood Oil Field on November 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. President Biden announced a plan to release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in an effort to curb high gas prices. AFP

MONDE

VOLUME VALUE (PHP) 100,485,900 1,825,052,210

2 3 4

CNVRG ACEN BDO

18,549,000 41,501,600 2,508,010

586,576,295 494,364,756 331,395,140

5 6 7

ICT SMPH AC

1,634,440 7,934,500 313,810

319,605,237 291,475,350 280,401,145

GLO

75,305

272,950,710

9 10

GTCAP TEL

399,910 121,630

247,197,910 212,386,145

Roles Rolesand andresponsibilities: responsibilities: • • Responsible Responsible forfor Network Network Control Control Center Center and and Operations Operations Support Support groups. groups. • • Responsible Responsible forfor establishing establishing Operation Operation procedures procedures forfor effective effective implementation implementation that that improve improve cost, cost, fuel, fuel, time, time, and and systems. systems. • • Oversee Oversee team team structure structure and and any any automation automation projects projects that that help help improve improve cost, cost, fuel, fuel, and and time. time. • • Ensure Ensure compliance compliance to to allall applicable applicable regulatory regulatory and and statutory statutory requirements requirements and and applicable applicable company company policies policies forfor thethe operations operations of of thethe Airline Airline including including audits audits with with regulatory regulatory boards. boards. • • Lead Lead decision decision making making onon thethe technical technical aspects aspects of of fleet fleet planning. planning. • • Preside Preside over over Business Business Continuity Continuity Plan Plan in in thethe event event of of natural natural disasters, disasters, civil civil unrest, unrest, health health and and safety safety issues, issues, asas well well asas ITIT issues issues and and others. others. • • Lead Lead thethe projects projects regarding regarding OTP OTP improvement improvement and and cancellation cancellation reductions. reductions. • • Protect Protect thethe integrity integrity of of thethe real real time time schedule, schedule, through through management management of of aircraft, aircraft, customer, customer, and and crew crew resources. resources. • • Identify Identify and and manage manage robust robust contingency contingency solutions solutions to to enable enable thethe return return to to thethe operating operating plan plan asas soon soon asas practical practical and and safe. safe. • • Implement Implement best best practice practice processes processes regarding regarding quality quality of of airline airline operations operations and and customer customer service service delivery, delivery, establish establish and and maintain maintain quality quality frameworks frameworks to to ensure ensure optimal optimal levels levels of of operational operational performance, performance, customer customer service service and and revenue revenue recoveries recoveries • • Implement Implement ITIT systems systems and and applications applications forfor use use in in Network Network Control Control Center. Center. • • Responsible Responsible forfor thethe Operations Operations Data Data and and tapping tapping into into thethe data data to to make make data data driven driven decisions decisions through through Data Data Analysis Analysis and and Data Data Engineering. Engineering.

Qualifications: Qualifications: • • Must Must bebe a bachelor's a bachelor's degree degree holder. holder. Any Any post-graduate post-graduate course course oror program program is is anan advantage advantage butbut notnot required. required. • • Must Must have have at at least least fifteen fifteen years years experience experience in in thethe aviation aviation industry, industry, in in a senior a senior leadership leadership role. role. • • Must Must have have at at least least seven seven years years experience experience in in project project management management and and operations operations optimization. optimization. • • Must Must have have at at least least seven seven years years related related experience experience in in Operations Operations management management specifically specifically under under Network Network Control Control and and Flight Flight Dispatch. Dispatch. • • Must Must have have at at least least five five years years experience experience in in Business Business Continuity Continuity Planning, Planning, Crisis Crisis Management, Management, Technical Technical Publications. Publications. • • Must Must have have a proven a proven record record of of optimizing optimizing operations operations and and improving improving OnOn Time Time Performance. Performance. • • Handles Handles thethe overall overall CAPEX CAPEX and and OPEX. OPEX.

CYAN CYANMAGENTA MAGENTA YELLOW YELLOWBLACK BLACK

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

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

POGOs expected to return in the 1st semester of 2022 By Othel V. Campos THE expected return of Philippines offshore gaming operators will help in the recovery of the office space sector as the government continues to relax the restrictions on mobility and opens up more business categories and establishments, a property consultancy firm said Wednesday. Leechiu Properties Consultant Inc. said during the International Innovation Summit 2021 that POGOs would benefit from the easing of border restrictions and the government’s willingness to open up to business travelers and leisure visitors. “Since the borders are slowly opening up and people are able to travel more freely, we do expect that the current operators in the Philippines will start again,” LPC said. It said that from being the largest demand driver in 2019, POGOs took a downturn amid the pandemic. In the last two years, the segment has not taken any space except for 1,000 square meters “which is more of an outlier.” “As far as we can tell, the overall industry has taken this on a positive light and now. They may start to return to operations maybe by 2022. We may see some expansion from that industry,” the consultancy firm said. It said while the POGO segment continued to hibernate, information technology and business process outsourcing companies were taking most of the available space in the market. Estimates showed the office sector has a visibility of 228,000 square meters of live and active leasing transactions, with the possibility of take-up in the next six months. This should contribute to the overall demand that may end at 500,000 square meters for 2021. The overall projected demand by yearend would exceed the 2020 numbers, but still below 2019’s landmark demand of 1.7 million square meters, LPC said.

SM Prime to open Grand Central mall in Caloocan Friday By Jenniffer B. Austria PROPERTY developer SM Prime Holdings Inc. said Wednesday it will open SM City Grand Central in Caloocan City on Friday. SM Prime said in a disclosure to the stock exchange SM City Grand Central will have 116,000 square meters of gross floor area across six levels of retail spaces. “As the economy starts to reopen given the improving COVID-19 condition in major key areas in the Philippines, primarily here in Metro Manila, we are pleased to welcome customers to our newest mall, SM City Grand Central. The same standard of health and safety protocols will be implemented for a safe and comfortable shopping and dining experience when you visit an SM mall,” SM Prime president and chief executive Jeffrey Lim said. SM City Grand Central is located at the heart of the commercial district of Caloocan with connections to various transportation terminals, including LRT 1 via Monumento Station. The property was the former location of Ever Gotesco Grand Central Mall, which was destroyed by fire in March 2012. The new mall will house more than 700 parking slots, four digital cinemas, two director’s club, two regular cinemas, foodcourt, Cyberzone, Department of Foreign Affairs satellite office, Chapel of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary and The Skylight Park indoor garden. SM City Grand Central will also offer an indoor park that will offer a breather from the bustling city scene, while enjoying al fresco dining in style and selfcare activities in its health and wellness zone. “As when this pandemic started, SM will continue to support the government’s COVID-19 response program so that we can all look forward to a better and brighter year ahead,” Lim said. SM Prime reported a 9-percent increase in consolidated net income in the first three quarters to P 15.6 billion from P14.4 billion in the same period last year despite the 6-percent drop in consolidated revenue to P56.8 billion from P60.7 billion.

Business

BOP surplus hit 6-month high of $1.14b in October T By Julito G. Rada

HE country’s balance of payments posted a surplus of $1.14 billion in October, the highest in six months, putting the 10-month figure in the positive territory, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show. “The BOP surplus in October reflected inflows arising mainly from the national government’s net foreign currency deposits with the BSP and the BSP’s income from its investments abroad,” the BSP said in a statement Wednesday. It said the BOP surplus in October was lower than the $3.44-billion surplus registered in the same month last year. The surplus in October brought the cumulative BOP in the first 10 months to $476-million surplus, reversing the deficit of $665 million in the first nine months. The figure, however, was lower than the $10.31-billion surplus recorded in the same period last year when imports were sluggish amid the pandemic and

border restrictions. Imports began to recover this year, posting faster growth than exports that led to a widening trade deficit. “Based on preliminary data, this cumulative BOP surplus was partly attributed to net inflows from personal remittances, net foreign borrowings by the national government, foreign direct investments and trade in services,” the BSP said. The BOP position reflects an increase in the final gross international reserves level to $107.89 billion as of end-October from $106.6 billion in September. The GIR level represents a more than adequate external liquidity buffer equivalent to 10.8 months’ worth of im-

ports of goods and payments of services and primary income. It is also about 7.9 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 5.5 times based on residual maturity. Michael Ricafort, chief economist of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the BOP data could still improve in view of the seasonal increase in OFW remittances and conversion to pesos in preparation for the Christmas season in the latter part of the year. Ricafort also cited the increase in various corporate fund-raising activities/ investment banking transactions in the pipeline especially from November to December ahead of the Christmas holiday break. He said these could be offset by the recent widening trade deficit/net imports amid any additional measures to further reopen the economy in view of increased vaccinations against COVID-19 that already significantly reduced new COVID-19 cases.

PSE INDEX CLOSING

Wednesday, November 24, 2021 17.94 PTS. 7,419.10

TOTAL VOLUME

1,474,628,722

TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE

115,504 8,624,838,309.92

ADVANCES

DECLINES UNCHANGED

93 53

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

50.6770

Japan

Yen

0.008687

0.4402

Pound

1.338200

67.8160

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128301

6.5019

Switzerland

Franc

1.071926

54.3220

Canada

Dollar

0.789640

40.0166

Singapore

Dollar

0.732601

37.1260

Australia

Dollar

0.722700

36.6243

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652309

134.4111

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266574

13.5092

Brunei

Dollar

0.729927

36.9905

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.030230

1.5320

UAE

Dirham

0.272279

13.7983

Euro

1.125000

57.0116

Korea

Won

0.000841

0.0426

China

Yuan

0.156438

7.9278

India

Rupee

0.013435

0.6808

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.238265

12.0746

New Zealand

Dollar

0.694700

35.2053

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035995

1.8241 Source: BSP

IN BRIEF Jollibee to open 33 new stores in China

JOLLIBEE Group said Wednesday it plans to add 33 stores in mainland China before the end of the year as part of an aggressive overseas expansion. Jollibee said in a statement it already opened 80 stores in China this year across three brands including Tim Ho Wan, Yonghe King and Hong Zhuang Yuan. “The expansion efforts of these brands will play a huge and important role in generating revenue and strengthening the Jollibee Group’s growth, especially since China is one of the company’s four pillar markets,” said Jollibee president and chief executive Ernesto Tanmantiong. Since the opening of its first store in China in September 2020, Michelin-starred Tim Ho Wan now has six stores across Shanghai. Jollibee targets have about 100 restaurant outlets of Tim Ho Wan in China over the next five years. Meanwhile Yonghe King opened 62 new stores in 2021 to boost store network to 383 stores. It is targeting to reach 1,000 stores in five years. Jenniffer B. Austria

SN Aboitiz helps host communities

MERALCO SAFETY SEAL. Manila Electric Co. organizational safety and business continuity management head Antonio Abuel Jr. (center) and corporate occupational safety and health and environment head Jose Rafael Atienza (right) receive from the Department of Labor and Employment– NCR Pamamarisan Field Office the safety seal certification issued to the Meralco Operating Center. Since the start of the outbreak last year, Meralco has established its own COVID-19 health and safety protocols based on the guidelines set by DOLE and Department of Health to help ensure the public and its employees are protected from the virus.

GDP growth forecasts by private analysts out of range, says DOF ANALYSTS from 26 private institutions failed to correctly forecast the better-thanexpected 7.1-percent year-on-year growth of the gross domestic product in the third quarter, according to the Department of Finance. The DOF said based on forecasts by economists, Michael Ricafort of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. and Mitzie Irene Conchada of De La Salle University were closest with their predictions at 6.5 percent for GDP growth in the third quarter. Emmanuel Lopez of Colegio de San Juan de Letran gave an 8-percent growth forecast, which was off by 0.9 percentage points. “The worst forecast was by [Euben Paracuelles of] Nomura who at 2.9 percent was 4.2-percentage points away,” DOF Undersecretary and chief economist Gil Beltran said in his latest economic bulletin. Beltran said the revision of the secondquarter GDP growth by the Philippine Statistics Authority to 12 percent placed two

forecasters—Jonathan Ravelas of BDO Unibank Inc. and Rajiv Biswas of IHS Markit as having correctly predicted the economic growth rate during the AprilJune period. He said the forecasts that for the third quarter were in the median of 4.6 percent. “The wide range of outlook, reaching as high as 11.7 percentage points in the second quarter and going down to 7.5 points in the third quarter, shows high level of uncertainties. Such uncertainties clouded the outlook by analysts and led many of them to understate their assessment of growth performance. To the extent that many of them also advise investors, their forecasts could have put on hold investment decisions by firms,” Beltran said. The highest forecast was 10.4 percent by Robert Dan Roces of Security Bank Corp., he said. John Paolo Rivera of the Asian Institute of Management predicted third-quarter GDP growth at 6 percent, while Alvin Jo-

seph Arogo of the Philippine National Bank and Emilio Neri Jr. of the Bank of the Philippine Islands said the economy grew 5.8 percent and 5.6 percent, respectively, during the same period. Beltran said Luis Limlingan of Regina Capital gave a 5.5 percent forecast while Suhaimi Bil Ilias of Maybank and Shreya Sodhani of Barclays predicted 5 percent; Jefferson Arapoc of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, 4.8 percent; ANZ Research, 4.7 percent; Moody’s Analytics, 4.6 percent; Ruben Carlo Asuncion of UnionBank of the Philippines, 4.6 percent, Patrick Ella of Sun Life Financial, 4.5 percent; HSBC Global Research, Makoto Tsuchiya of Oxford Economics, and Ravelas of BDO Unibank, Inc., 4.3 percent; Chua Han Teng of Development Bank of Singapore, 4.2 percent; and Bernardo Villegas of the University of Asia & the Pacific (UA&P) and Alex Holmes of Capital Economics, 4 percent. Julito G. Rada

RENEWABLE energy solutions provider SN Aboitiz Power Magat signed agreements with local government units in Isabela, Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya to address the immediate health and safety needs of communities. SNAP-Magat said in a statement Wednesday it continues to deliver on its promise of social responsibility to host communities in Ifugao, Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya through its corporate social responsibility fund. The company purchased barangay motorcycle patrol vehicles for Barangay Planas, purchased personal protective equipment and medical supplies for Barangays Ambatali and Gen. Aguinaldo in the municipality of Ramon, Isabela; constructed a quarantine facility in barangay Taliktik, Cordon, Isabela; procured food packs for around 180 families of Barangay Calimag in Alfonso Lista; purchased a COVID response vehicle of Barangay Hapid in Lamut; a bailer machine project in the municipality of Aguinaldo in Ifugao; and potable water supply projects and public comfort room upgradeing in Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya. “SNAP stays true to its commitment to making a positive impact, especially in these trying times. We understand and value the needs of our host communities and fully support efforts to improve health and safety as these are also two of our top priorities,” said Ed Bundalian, SNAP-Magat assistant vice president and plant manager. Alena Mae S. Flores

Solar Power unit prices IPO at P1

SOLAR Power Nueva Ecija Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Solar Philippines, priced its maiden share offering P1 per share to raise up to P2.7 billion in proceeds. SPNEC is offering 2.7 billion common shares to the public, which will primarily be used to jumpstart the development of its 500-megawatt solar project in Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija, which when completed would be Southeast Asia’s largest solar farm. “We are thankful for this opportunity to launch the Solar Philippines group’s first public offering, which we see as a favorable signal for future offerings,” said Solar Philippines founder Leandro Leviste. The offer period will start from Dec. 1 to 7, while listing on the main board of the Philippine Stock Exchange will be on Dec. 17. SPNEC will be the first to qualify for listing under PSE’s renewable listing rules which took effect in 2011. Jenniffer B. Austria

AirAsia PH posted 167% rise in Q3 passengers By Darwin G. Amojelar

ICTSI ASSISTANCE. International Container Terminal Services Inc., taking the lead for the Razon Group, continues its initiatives to help the government in its pandemic recovery efforts, making social investments of P1.5 billion thus far. The P250-million Solaire-ICTSI Vaccination Center at the Nayon Pilipino Foundation property in Parañaque City was built at no cost to the government. ICTSI’s vaccination drive, which started in June, administered over 300,000 doses of Moderna mRNA vaccines as of Nov. 22. Over the course of 21 months since the onset of the community quarantines, ICTSI, in collaboration with the government and the private sector, purchased vaccines and facilitated rollouts, built quarantine and testing facilities, supported programs on hunger alleviation and assisted health care workers and institutions.

AIRASIA Philippines said Wednesday its volume of passengers jumped 167 percent in the third quarter from a year ago, as the government further eased travel restrictions. The Philippine unit of Southeast Asia’s largest budget airline said it flew 180,971 passengers from July to September, up from 67,670 in the same period last year. Load factor also increased 21 percentage points to 77 percent from 56 percent last year. All AirAsia Philippines said its local destinations no longer required COVID-19 tests for fully-vaccinated individuals, lowering the cost for air travel. Nine of 11 destinations also opened their doors to leisure travelers. “We are all set to win the post-pandemic recovery with the ongoing progress of the nationwide vaccination against COVID-19,” said Ricky Isla, chief executive

of AirAsia Philippines. “Now more than ever, we focus on what’s essential, and there is no letting go of opportunities that will enhance guests’ experience and customer journey,” he said. Ray Berja, chief finance officer of AirAsia Philippines, said despite the growth in passenger traffic, the airline would continue to be cautiously optimistic by making sure it strikes a balance between cash burn and market demand. “Our goal has always been to double down on productivity to manage cash flow and operate on break-even points to efficiently manage cash burn. I am most proud of our lifestyle of cash consciousness and mindset of cost efficiencies across AirAsia. The road to recovery will take a while but what’s definite is that the trajectory is up there, and comprehensive plans are on a push button mode,” he said.

SILANG, Cavite—Amateur Mafy Singson blew an early three-under card on a backside foldup but holed out with a birdie to salvage a 72 and tie Harmie Constantino at the helm at the start of the ICTSI Riviera Ladies Challenge here yesterday. In a day of shifting fortunes in sweltering heat at the Couples course, Daniella Uy surged ahead in the last flight with one-under card after 15 holes but bogeyed Nos. 16 and 17 then flubbed a birdie putt from pin-length high on the last to drop to joint third with Chanelle Avaricio and Marvi Monsalve at 73. Chihiro Ikeda also posted a threeunder card just after five holes but like majority of the rest, she wavered on the tricky surface at the back before hitting a late birdie (No. 17) to salvage a 74 for joint sixth with Korean rookie pro Jane Jeong while another shot adrift at 75 was Florence Bisera in a tight start tipped to stretch all the way to the finish on Friday. “My game was okay but I didn’t finish well,” said Singson, who had had close brushes with a first pro title in the last two legs at Eagle RidgeAoki and Highlands but faltered in the stretch on both occasions. “The greens are tricky and wasn’t able to save par (at the back).” The 18-year-old rising star rattled off three straight birdies from No. 5 after a birdie-bogey game from No. 2. But she bogeyed three of the first four holes at the back, dropped another stroke on the 17th before birdying the 18th for a 33-39. Constantino, who made it two-in-row at Aoki early this month but struggled to finish fourth in Tagaytay Highlands two weeks ago, came out of a two-birdie, two three-putt bogey game at the front with a birdie on No. 14 to seize control. But the former national champion bogeyed the 17th, also on a three-putt miscue, for a pair of 36s, enabling Singson to draw level and a host of others to stay within striking distance heading to the last 36 holes of the P750,000 championship put up by ICTSI and held under the bubble setup. “I played pretty steady but had 3 three-putts,” said Constantino, who had actually been working on her putting stroke during the break. Like the rest, she insisted she has no expectations this week, saying: “I’ll just take the night off, get some rest and get ready for tomorrow.” Uy was all set to take the first day honors with two birdies after 15 holes but the former Junior World champion still in search of her first pro win stumbled at the finish. “I was in a bad position on No. 16 and three-putted the next,” she rued. Monsalve came away with six birdies in the heat but made four bogeys and tumbled with a thud with a triple-bogey mishap on the par-5 11th. But her 73 proved one of her best starts in years which she hopes to build on for a clear title crack in the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Ikeda turned in the best start of three birdies in the first five holes but fumbled with two double bogeys (Nos. 9 and 17) and made two bogeys against a birdie on the 17th. Sunshine Baraquiel came out steady after a breakthrough win at Highlands as she parred the first nine holes, only to hobble at the back, yielding strokes on Nos. 10, 12, 13 and 16 with no birdie to show. She fell to a share of ninth with Pamela Mariano with 76, four strokes off the joint leaders.

Sports

By Peter Atencio

IALOGUE behind closed doors will most likely be the more productive option for the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association and top pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena in their ongoing dispute.

THIS piece was supposed to revolve around the subject matter passion and leadership, though on second thought, should it be passion in leadership instead? I have long been in the corporate world, spending a lot of time on HR work, and

PSC steps in to mediate PATAFA-Obiena dispute

The Philippine Sports Commission, headed by chairman William Ramirez, said this in a statement after the PATAFA formed two committees to clarify and decide on the charges that Obiena may have falsified liquidation reports and failed to turn over payment amounting 85,000 euros for his coach Vitaliy Petrov at a specific time. “While we wish for the matter to be handled with confidentiality, we are bound by duty to mediate and call both

PSC chairman William Ramirez

RAIN or Shine’s back-up center Norbert Torres and rookie Anton Asistio signed two-year contract extensions with the team, the Painters’ management announced on Wednesday. The 6’6” stretch-big and DLSU-standout was picked eighth overall by the Star Hotshots in 2015 and had short stints with Phoenix and TNT before settling with ROS for three years. Last conference, he averaged 7.73 points, 3.64 rebounds and 0.73 assist in 11 games played. Torres provides his team with shooting and paint defense, especially when Beau Belga rests on the bench. On the other hand, Asistio, a two-time UAAP, was part of the rookie group of ROS alongside fifth-pick Santi Santillian and Fil-Am Franky Johnson (17th pick). The 5’10” gunner produced 6.29 points, 1.87 rebounds and 2 assists across seven games. The Elasto Painters also signed on November 3, their lead-guard and former Letran Knight Rey Nambatac in a max-deal.

Passion, leadership in basketball

Harmie Constantino checks the wind direction on No. 3.

By Argie Paul Candare

LITO CINCO

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

Constantino, Singson forge ahead with 72s at Riviera

Painters extend pact with Torres, Asistio

THE BOTTOM LINE

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

parties to the table in the interest of truth and arresting the damage this tussle has done on our country’s image in the international sporting world. We now demand the parties to refrain from issuing statements to the public and on social media,” the agency said in a statement. “Even before issuing our previous statement that ‘we shall intervene when appropriate,’ we have already quietly started a series of separate dialogues with each of the concerned parties, with the quick and just resolution of the issue in mind,” the PSC said. Liquidation paperwork on the receipt of Petrov’s funding allocation is being looked into by an independent PATAFA panel, which is also evaluating the affidavit of top World Athletics official Sergey Bubka and the written statements of Obiena’s coach alleging that he did not receive any monthly coach’s fees from 2018 to 2021. Bubka, who used to be the top pole vaulter of Ukraine and is now its National Olympic Committee chief, first met Obiena back in 2013 through PATAFA president Philip Ella Juico when he visited the country. A year later, Bubka endorsed Obiena for a scholarship at the International Association of Athletic Federations Training Center in Italy. Since then, Obiena found himself a

mentor in Bubka’s former coach, Petrov, who is the director of the facility. When Obiena’s scholarship ended in 2018, the PATAFA started to cover for Petrov’s monthly salary of 2,000 euros. According to Juico in an interview, the funds were sent directly to the Filipino pole vaulter, who according to his liquidation reports to the PATAFA and the PSC, were paid to Petrov, but which Obiena later admitted, were handed to the Ukrainian coach only recently. But Obiena said he will now continue seeking an audit with private firm Price Waterhouse Cooper on his financial statements on the funding, as well as legal remedies over his plight. If no resolution is forthcoming on his situation, Obiena said he will just retire from the sport. Officials are looking forward to a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the PSC will most likely step in if none is found. “The PSC believes that alternative dispute resolution is an efficient tool and alter native procedure for conflict resolution between the federation and the athlete. Should this option fail, we regret that the PSC shall be constrained to implement actions that would negatively redound to the concerned federation with regard to financial assistances,” added the PSC.

Villanueva new Manila coach CHOLO Villanueva is making management, which has gone on a his return to the MPBL and different direction. will take over as new menVillanueva joined the Pamtor of Manila beginning the panga Giant Lanterns later league’s preseason tournaon to assist former PBA ment on December 11. coach and veteran mentor Villanueva last coached Bong Ramos. the Makati Super Crunch, A former UAAP finals but had a falling out with the MVP, Villanueva entered the management of the squad. PBA in 2008, when he was After posting a 20-4 winselected 13th pick overall by loss record, Villanueva and his Air21, but his playing stint was key players from Makati --exshort lived and immediately empros Simon Atkins, Rudy Lingbarked into coaching as he became ganay, Jeckster Apinan, Juneric Cholo Villanueva a member of the coaching staff of Baloria and Cedric Ablaza and Josh Air21, JRU Heavy Bombers, and Torralba among others – decided not to show GlobalPort Batang Pier. up in the team’s game against the Bacoor He also served as head coach of the De Strikers in Cebu as a sign of protest to the La Salle Lady Archers in the UAAP.

expanding my knowledge on the many facets of HR, including recognizing leaders in organizations. Little did I realize that I would end up conducting seminars and workshops on leadership functions, traits and roles. And since I have long been involved in basketball as a writer, it was natural that the idea of dwelling on this in relation to basketball would eventually emerge and it has. But first, my understanding of real passion has changed, my idea before was that it refers to having very strong feelings over something. Now it has gone beyond that. For me, I agree now with what I found out by researching. Passion is the willingness to do what it takes, regardless of consequences, to achieve a goal, while for leadership, the one word that has stuck with me to describe it is influence. Now in basketball, many are described as passionate players, but not necessarily leaders. There may be scoring, rebound or

assist leaders, or on-court leaders, which for me comes closest to who I believe is the true basketball leader. I posted the question online and got many replies on who they think were basketball player-leaders both in the PBA and the NBA. Not surprising, Robert Jaworski was the most common choice as he has been known to lead teams he was with like Toyota and Ginebra, and for me, he has exerted a lot of influence on his players, so he qualifies. If I may add, Jaworski is one player you do not have to like to admire. The other names that came out were Hector Calma, Fritz Gaston, Alvin Patrimonio, Mon Fernandez, Freddie Webb, Ed Ocampo Jimmy Alapag, YCO’s Renato Reyes, and Allan Caidic. It’s noticeable that no current player was mentioned. Same with some of the greatest scoring leaders in the past like Vergel Meneses, Bogs Adornado, Nelson Asaytono, Atoy Co, Danny Seigle, Abet Guidaben, Bong Alvarez, and James Yap, not even Caloy

Loyzaga, but I guess more due to unfamiliarity, with the latter. They were not equated with leadership, except for Caidic, who was mentioned once, though I replied that he was more of a scoring leader. I asked Perry Ronquillo of Shell who were the leaders of his champion team. He cited Benjie Paras and Chris Jackson as the real quiet leaders, but with Ronnie Magsanoc as the court leader previously, his point guard Gerry Esplana was not included. Alaska, the super team of the 90s, I believe it was Jojo Lastimosa, who was the real leader of the team, but sharing it to a certain extent with Bong Hawkins and Johnny Abarrientos. For Crispa, Atoy Co might have come closest to performing the role, particularly when Bogs left the team, or was it let off the team. Philip Cesar sure had the potential, but only if he wanted to, unfortunately he did not want the added responsibility of being the leader. Present player June Mar Fajardo, despite

Gymnastics’ venue ready by December NATIONAL athletes in gymnastics will be training in a new venue soon. Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion-Norton said they have found another suitable place for members of the national pool so they can prepare for the 31st Southeast Asian Games. A spacious area in Intramuros, Manila is now being prepared to accommodate the training of members of the national team by December. “We have this beautiful place in Intramuros. It will be open by December,” said Norton. For now, Club Gymnastica in Pasig City is hosting the ongoing physical activities of the national pool. Since last year, the GAP had to move out of its usual venue at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Vito Cruz, Manila after the government tapped facilities that are under the care of the Philippine Sports Commission as quarantine areas for COVID-19 patients. With government restrictions easing this month, many places inside the RMSC in the City of Manila and the Philsports Complex in Pasig City can be utilized by a limited number of athletes for training by Jan. 10. As for the national training camp in Baguio, only two groups of national athletes can be accommodated. Approval from the Department of Health and the Interagency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases paved the way for the PSC board’s decision to allow national athletes to return to these places. Peter Atencio

his impressive list of individual awards, leads the team in scoring and rebounding most of the time, but he has not been identified as the team leader. I am sure a lot of fans will disagree with some of my observations just as they will with some, Filipino basketball fans are intelligent ones who understand the game and recognize the players for what they are inside the court. This is consistent with the replies I got, and that is why I need to thank those who responded. And here they are, Perry Ronquillo, of course, Sev Sarmenta, Nino Sinco, who spent time with Ginebra and Jaworski, long-time basketball fan Michael Yulo, my colleague Ignacio Dee, Dr. Rico Mesina from The Basketvault, Ariel Morales, Lee Soriano, Cebuana Lhuillier’s Richard Villaseran, Jet Orbuda, Teddy Perena, Renie Redejo, Oscar Gomez Jr., my son JM, and high school batchmate Jon Amante, all the way from Canada.. Next part, I will talk on the same subject matter but in the NBA this time.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

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Republic of the Philippines TODAY Department of Environment and Natural Resources Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City Website: http:/www.denr.gov.ph / E-mail: web@denrgov.ph

DENR Administrative Order No. 2021 – 33 SUBJECT

: GUIDELINES GOVERNING THE TAPPING, EXTRACTION, COLLECTION AND TRANSPORT OF GUMS, RESINS, OILS AND EXUDATES (GROE)

Pursuant to the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 705, as amended (Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines) Series of 1975, in relation to Executive Order No. 192, Series of 1987, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) shall be the primary agency responsible for the conservation, management, development, and proper use of the country’s environment and natural resources, as well as the licensing and regulation of all natural resources, including non-timber forest products, to ensure equitable sharing of the benefits derived therefrom, consistent with Republic Act (R.A) No. 8371, Series of 1997 (The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act), Executive Order No. 263, Series of 1995 (Adopting Community-Based Forest Management as the National Strategy to Ensure the Sustainable Development of the Country’s Forestland Resources and Providing Mechanisms for its Implementation), Executive Order No. 318, Series of 2004 (Promoting Sustainable Forest Management in the Philippines) and R.A No. 7586 (National Integrated Protected Areas System) as amended by R.A No. 11038 (Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System). SECTION 1. Basic Policy. It is the policy of the State to encourage the sustainable use of non-timber forest products to ensure the continuous supply of gums, resins, oils and exudates (GROE). Further, the State recognizes and promotes the rights of upland communities, tenure migrants, indigenous cultural communities, private titled land owners and tenure holders, within the framework of national unity and development.

be allowed to tap/extract trees that produce gums, resins, oils, and exudates within their ancestral lands, unless otherwise, proper consent (as prescribed under the IPRA Law) has been granted by the indigenous communities to a non-member of the ethnic group. 1.5 National parks and protected areas. Tapping/extraction of trees that produce GROE shall be allowed only in multiple-use zones in national parks and protected areas and only by tenure migrants, or occupants qualified for issuance of tenure. SECTION 6. Tapping, Extraction, Collection Permit (TECP) – The concerned Regional Executive Director (RED) shall issue a TECP for the tapping, extraction, and collection of GROE. (See Annex B). 6.1 Eligible Applicants for Tapping, Extraction, and Collection of Gums, Resins, Oils, and Exudates Permit (TECP) The following are qualified to apply for Tapping, Extraction and Collection Permit (TECP): a. b.

A Filipino citizen of legal age; An Individual/Sole Proprietor, Association, Corporation, Cooperative or Partnership duly registered under Philippine laws; Holders of valid government tenure; Ancestral land holder; and People’s Organization (PO) whose members are Filipino citizens.

c. d. e.

6.2 Application for TECP. All applications for TECP shall be submitted at the concerned CENRO/Implementing PENRO with jurisdiction over the permitted area. All eligible areas for the tapping, extraction, and collection of GROE shall be required to secure this permit regardless of the quantity derived therefrom. Tenure migrants, indigenous peoples, and forest tenure holders shall be required to update their respective development/management plans should they consider venturing into gums, resins, oils, and exudates production. 6.2.1 General Requirements. The following documents shall be submitted by all applicants:

SECTION 2. Scope and Coverage. This regulation shall apply to the tapping, extraction collection and transportation of gums, resins, oils, and exudates found within forest lands, alienable and disposable public lands, private titled lands, ancestral lands/ ancestral domain, national parks, protected areas. The nationwide ban on the cutting of Almaciga trees shall remain in force and effect pursuant to Department Administrative Order No. 74 dated November 19, 1987 or the “Nationwide Ban on the Cutting of Almaciga Trees”.

a. b.

SECTION 3. Objectives. The objectives of this Order are the following: a. b.

c. d.

Enhance the guidelines on the tapping, extraction, collection and transport of gums, resins, oils, and exudates; Uplift the socio-economic condition of upland communities, tenure migrants, indigenous cultural communities, owners of trees that produce gums, resins, oils, and exudates in private titled lands, and other stakeholders through the sustainable harvesting of gums, resins, oils, and exudates; Strengthen the Research and Development programs on propagation, plantation development, resin tapping, sorting and grading system, extraction of oils and exudates, allowable volume, processing and use of GROE; and Streamline procedures in the tapping, extraction, collection, and transport of gums, resins, oils, and exudates.

d. e. f.

SECTION 4. Definition of Terms. The terms used in this order shall be defined as follows: a.

Alienable and Disposable Public Lands - refers to land of the public domain which have been the subject of the present system of classification and declared as not needed for forest purposes.

Ancestral Lands - refers to land occupied, possessed and utilized by individuals, families and clans who are members of the ICCs/IPs since time immemorial, by themselves or through their predecessors-in-interest, under claims of individual or traditional group ownership, continuously, to the present except when interrupted by war, force majeure or displacement by force, deceit, stealth, or as a consequence of government projects and other voluntary dealings entered into by government and private individuals/corporations, including, but not limited to, residential lots, rice terraces or paddies, private forests, swidden farms and tree lots (RA No. 8371).

CENRO - refers to the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office/ Officer of the DENR

Certificate of Gums, Resins, Oils, and Exudates Origin (CO) - a document issued by the concerned CENRO or implementing PENRO, to accompany the transport of gums, resins, oils, and exudates, place of loading, conveyance used, date of transport, source/point of origin and destination and consignee of the gums, resins, oils, and exudates to be transported.

Collection - the method of collecting resin by causing minor damage to tree by making a hole far enough into the trunk to puncture the vacuoles.

Development/Management Plan - a plan prepared and submitted by a tenure holder to, and for the approval by, the Department which, among others, indicates the series of sequential or simultaneous undertakings and schedules, in developing and managing tenured areas, including harvesting and utilization of the products thereof.

Exudates - Dyes, tannins and latex are other forms of exudates that can be sourced from different parts of plants and trees.

Extraction - the method of extracting oils from plant materials through removal methods that are suited to the specific plant or tree part containing the oils.

Forest Lands - includes the public forest, the permanent forest or forest reserves, and forest reservations

GROE Utilization Plan - a plan prepared and submitted by a private/titled land owner or tax-declaration holder, and for the approval by the DENR Regional Executive Director which, among others, indicates the series of sequential or simultaneous undertakings and schedules, in tapping, extraction and collection of gums, resins, oils and exudates within private titled lands and alienable and disposable public lands.

Gums - plant gums are solids, consisting of mixtures of polysaccharides (carbohydrates) which are either water-soluble or absorbs water and swell up to form a gel or jelly when placed in water. They are insoluble in oils or organic solvents such as hydrocarbons, ether and alcohol.

National park - refers to the lands of the public domain classified as such in the Constitution which include all areas under the NIPAS, primarily designated for the conservation of native plants and animals, their associated habitats and cultural diversity.

m. Multiple-use zone - refers to the area where settlement, traditional and sustainable land use including agriculture, agroforestry, extraction activities, and income generating or livelihood activities, and may be allowed to the extent prescribed in the protected area management plan.

Filled-out application form (See Annex C); Proof of juridical personality. If applicant is a cooperative, or an association or a company, a certified copy of the Certificate of Registration and Certificate of Good Standing from either the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the list of current officers. If it is a corporation registered under SEC, certified copy of Certificate of Registration and Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws (specifying in the purpose and objectives, to include among others, the development and utilization of forest lands); and list of current officers and stockholders duly certified by the Board Secretary; Endorsement from concerned LGU (Barangay Captain if within one barangay, Municipal/City Mayor or all the Barangay Captains concerned if within one or more barangays, Provincial Governor or all Municipal/ City Mayors concerned if within one or more municipalities/cities)/ Council of Elders or its equivalent of the IP community/Protected Area Management Board, whichever is applicable, interposing no objection to the tapping, extraction, and collection of GROE; Geo-tagged photograph of plantation/stand where GROE are tapped/ extracted/collected; Location map showing the area being applied for; and Payment of application fees.

6.2.2 Specific Requirements. In addition to the above requirements, the applicant whichever is applicable to the status of the area applied for, shall likewise submit any of the following: a. b. c.

d. e.

f. g.

Certified true copy of land title OCT/TCT/CADT/CADC/tenure instrument/ management arrangement, whichever is applicable; Certified True Copy of Tax Declaration, in case of Untitled A&D land; Development/management plan for tenured forest lands, tenure migrants, upland communities and Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP) for ancestral lands covered by CADC/CADT; GROE Utilization Plan for alienable and disposable public lands and private titled lands Certification Precondition (CP) to be issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), when the trees available for tapping, extraction, and collection of GROE is/are located within CADC/CADT areas and the applicant is not a member of the concerned IP group/ community; A copy of proof of possession of the land (e.g., lease, mortgage, pledge, trust and the like), in case the applicant is not the registered owner of the land; and Clearance from the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), if the area is located in Palawan.

6.3 Applicable Fees. An application fee of P3,000.00 shall be collected for the tapping, extraction and collection of GROE. 6.4 Validity of the TECP. The permit shall have a duration of five (5) years renewable for the same period, provided that the terms and conditions of the permit (see Annex D) were satisfied by the holder. The area covered by the permit shall be subjected to a performance evaluation as basis for renewal, by the concerned CENRO/Implementing PENRO. SECTION 7. Inventory of Gums, Resins, Oils, and Exudates Resources. A 100% inventory of trees to be tapped for its GROE shall be conducted, numbered and geo-tagged by the CENRO/Implementing PENRO. Only trees eligible for tapping/ extraction/collection shall be inventoried so as not to impair the productivity of the trees, e.g., for Almaciga, only ≥40cm in diameter shall be inventoried and allowed for tapping/ extraction/collection. An option for client to hire private forester to do the 100% inventory of trees to be tapped, extracted, and collected shall be allowed with the supervision of CENRO/ Implementing PENRO concerned and shall be subject to existing rules and regulations. An inventory report, duly subscribed and sworn to by all concerned DENR personnel who were involved in the actual conduct of inventory shall be prepared. It shall be supported by the original tally sheet (see Annex E), geo-tagged photographs, and other related documents. SECTION 8. Tapping/Extraction Procedure. The tapping/extraction of GROE shall be done with prescribed scientific method, without the use of chemicals to ensure the health and survival of the trees. All TECP holders shall undergo training on tapping/ extraction, care and maintenance of trees to be conducted by the government and/or private organizations, with extensive researches/or experience on tapping/extraction procedures of trees that produce GROE. Unsustainable and destructive tapping and extraction practices such as deep circumferential tapping, excessive tapping/extraction and burning shall be prohibited. SECTION 9. Transport of Gums, Resins, Oils, and Exudates. an authenticated copy of TECP shall be attached to the Certificate of Gums, Resins, Oils, and Exudates Origin (CO) (see Annex F) for the transport of GROE within and outside regions. These transport documents shall be presented by the carrier/transporter at any checkpoints should there be an inspection or whenever requested.

Oils - an essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. Essential oils are also known as volatile oils, ethereal oils, aetherolea, or simply as the oil of the plant from which they are extracted, such as oil of cinnamon. Oils are extracted from the flowers, seeds, leaves, stems, bark, trunk and roots of various plants through: cold pressing, steam distillation or solvent extraction.

PENRO - refers to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office/ Officer of the DENR

People’s Organization - a group of people, which may be an association, cooperative, federation, or other legal entity duly registered with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) or other registering agency to undertake collective action to address concerns and needs and mutually share the benefits from the endeavor.

Permitted Areas - areas allowed for the tapping and collection of gums, resins, oils, and exudates issued with a Tapping, Extraction and Collection Permit.

Private Titled lands - land(s) covered by either administrative or judicial Titles such as Free Patent, Homestead and Sales Patent, and Torrens Titles obtained under the Land Registration Act (Act No. 496, as amended), or under Public Land Act (Commonwealth Act No. 141).

Protected area - refers to identified portions of land and/or water set aside by reason of their unique physical and biological diversity and protected against destructive human exploitation.

Resins - are solid or semi-solid amorphous materials that are formed in plant secretions and are insoluble in water but soluble in certain organic solvents. The substance is usually either transparent or translucent and is yellowish to brownish in color. It is composed of complex mixture of organic compounds called terpenes. Based on its major properties, resins are classified into three sub-groups: hard, soft and fluid resins. Hard resins are usually soluble in a number of organic solvents, such as alcohol, ether and hexanes, yet are insoluble in water. There are two kinds of hard resins, copals and damars. In the Philippines, only copals from Almaciga (Agathis philippinensis) are being harvested.

Tapping - process of extracting resin from the trunk of trees by making incisions on the bark.

SECTION 13. Enhancement of Gums, Resins, Oils, and Exudates Resources in Permitted Areas. The permittee is required to conduct enhancement planting using their raised seedlings or wildlings of species that produce GROE within the permitted area.

Tapping, Extraction and Collection Permit (TECP) - a permit issued by the Department through its respective Regional Executive Director (RED) for the tapping, extraction and collection of GROE.

SECTION 14. Bases for Suspension/Cancellation/Non-Renewal of Permit. Violations of the terms and conditions of the TECP, including the following shall be the bases for suspension, cancellation or non-renewal of TECP:

Tenure migrant - refers to protected area occupants who have been actually, continuously and presently occupants who have been actually, continuously and presently occupying a portion of the protected area for five (5) years before the proclamation or law establishing the same as a protected area, and are solely dependent therein for subsistence.

Tenured Forest Lands - a Forest land covered by an agreement/contract or management arrangement for peaceful possession and use of such specific forest land and the resources found therein.

SECTION 5. Eligible Areas for Tapping, Extraction, and Collection of Gums, Resins, Oils, and Exudates. The following areas are open to gums, resins, oils, and exudates tapping/extraction: 5.1 Forest lands with tenure instruments. GROE may be tapped/extracted/ collected within forest lands, provided that it is covered by a tenurial instrument (i.e., CSC, CBFMA, IFMA, SIFMA), or any management arrangement. Tapping shall only be allowed when it is programmed/incorporated in the approved/ affirmed development/management plan (i.e., CRMP, CDMP, FYWP) or any corresponding operational/implementation plan, duly approved by the RED concerned. 1.2 Alienable and disposable public lands. Tapping, extraction, and collection of GROE shall be allowed in alienable and disposable public lands in accordance with the DENR approved GROE utilization plan (see Annex A). 1.3 Private titled lands. The tapping, extraction, and collection shall be allowed within private titled properties in accordance with the DENR approved GROE utilization plan. 1.4 Ancestral lands. The tapping of trees to produce gums and resins and the extraction of oils and exudates within areas covered by a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Claim (CADC), Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) or in the case of Palawan, areas classified as Tribal Ancestral Lands pursuant to Section 11 of Republic Act No. 71611 (Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan Act). Only members of Indigenous Peoples (IPs)/communities shall

SECTION 10. Monitoring of Tapped/Extracted Trees. A joint team composed of the permittee, CENRO/Implementing PENRO, and a representative from the municipal LGU which has jurisdiction of the area shall conduct a survey of the health condition of tapped trees, at least once a year, or as deemed necessary by the Department. The report on monitoring shall include geo-tagged photos of tapped/extracted trees. A production report on the quantity of collected resin (in kilograms), including the number of seedlings planted for enhancement, shall be submitted bi-annually by the permittee to the CENRO or Implementing PENRO. A database shall be maintained by the Department through its respective Regional Offices and shall be linked to the Enhanced Forestry Information System (eFIS). The Regional Office shall prepare a yearly report of gums, resins, oils, and exudates collection to be submitted preceding the end of each year, using a prescribed electronic spreadsheet format. This shall be endorsed by the Regional Office to the Office of the Undersecretary for Field Operations copy furnished the Forest Management Bureau for monitoring purposes. SECTION 11. Strengthening Research and Development Program. The Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) in coordination with the Forest Management Bureau (FMB), the Forest Products Research and Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FPRDI-DOST) and other concerned government agencies and private sector shall prepare a strengthened research and development program on propagation, plantation development, resin tapping, sorting and grading system, extraction of oils and exudates, allowable volume, processing and use of GROE. The FMB shall issue technical bulletins on guidelines in the conduct of performance evaluation and proper tapping/extraction methods, care and maintenance of trees where GROE are extracted. SECTION 12. GROE PO/Cooperative Formation. The DENR through the CENRO/Implementing PENRO shall assist in the formation of GROE POs/Cooperatives. The GROE POs/Cooperative shall be duly assisted in accomplishing the requirements and registration with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) or other registering agency. Further, the FMB and ERDB through the CENRO/Implementing PENRO shall develop capacity building programs for the GROE POs/Cooperative in the tapping, care and maintenance of trees that produce GROE, including its proper valuation.

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

Sale or assignment of Permit; Tapping/Extraction of trees that produce GROE not eligible for utilization; Tapping/Extracting/Collection with an expired permit; If mortality rate constitutes 10% or more of all tapped/extracted trees; Tapping/Extraction outside the permitted area; Non-submission of the report for two consecutive semesters; and Violation of any of the terms and conditions of the permit

SECTION 15. Forest Charges and Administrative Fees. The rate of forest charges and administrative fees for GROE shall be in accordance with existing rules and regulations. SECTION 16. Separability Clause. If any of the provisions of this Order shall be held invalid or unconstitutional, the other portions or provisions hereof which are not affected shall continue in full force and effect. SECTION 17. Repealing Clause. All Orders and other similar issuances inconsistent herewith are hereby revoked, amended, or modified accordingly. SECTION 18. Effectivity Clause. This Order shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspapers of general circulation and acknowledgement of the receipt of the copy thereof by the Office of the National Administrative Registrar (ONAR).

ROY A. CIMATU Secretary

If tapping within tenured areas, cite the name of the holder and tenure instrument issued and number. If tapping within ancestral lands/ancestral domain, cite the name of the IP organization and CADC/CADT registration number. If within A & D, private land, cite the name of the landowner and the OCT/TCT no./Tax Declaration Number, whichever is applicable. If within PA and national parks, cite the tenure migrant name, tenure instrument issued and number. (MS-NOV. 25, 2021)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

Every day of the year with calendar girl Bea Alonzo ON TUESDAY, screen star Bea Alonzo was introduced as the Tanduay Calendar Girl for 2022 trending online with her sexy yet classy photos where she flaunts her sensational curves. The theme for Alonzo’s shoot is La Dolce Vita. While she was briefed about the theme, the talented actress was given the freedom to interpret it with direction from the brand’s creative team. “I was really nervous at first because it was my first time to do a sexy photoshoot,” Alonzo

confessed. Alonzo expressed that she is more than excited to become part of the elite circle of women who became Tanduay Calendar Girls. “Each of them is not only beautiful but has many admirable attributes as well. They’re strong, independent, and talented,” she said. Previous Tanduay Calendar Girls include Heart Evangelista, KC Concepcion, Ellen Adarna, Barbie Imperial, and 2021’s Ivana Alawi, among others.

Asked how she felt when she learned that she was chosen to represent the brand for the coming year, Alonzo said that she was surprised at first and ecstatic the next. “I couldn’t believe it. It is an iconic brand that is known all over the world and has received so many international awards. To be the Tanduay calendar girl is a huge honor,” Alonzo said. Alonzo herself has numerous awards to her name. In 2019, she was declared the “Leading Lady of the Century” by the Film Development Council of

the Philippines. She also has several Best Actress awards for movies and TV, and has been a recipient of a Box Office Queen award and a Phenomenal Box Office Star award. Apart from the Tanduay Calendar Girl project, the company is also exploring other collaborations with the actress. As for her movie and TV projects for the coming year, fans can look forward to her first primetime teleserye as a Kapuso, and a movie with Embassy Whiskey brand ambassador Alden Richards, among others.

Screen star Bea Alonzo shows off her sensational curves as Tanduay’s 2022 Calendar Girl.

Instrument of liberation

Acoustic singer Princess Velasco

ALENTED guitar player Tom Morello felt that music gods forced him to stop playing during the first months of the pandemic last year. It was, in his words, such an “inhumane time” when his personal “blow torch of freedom” was “turned off for four months.”

Falling in love with Princess Velasco’s ‘Ang Ating Pag-ibig’ A RELATIONSHIP that can weather every storm is every couple’s dream and promise to their significant other. For acoustic singer Princess Velasco, this vow is immortalized in her latest single under GMA Music, “Ang Ating Pag-ibig,” released on Nov. 19. Written by her husband Mark Herbert Rosario in 2013 as a gift on their wedding day, Princess felt that the message of the song is worth sharing to the world, whether you’re a couple in love or an individual feeling the love from family and friends. “The song was written by my husband in 2013. The first and only time it was performed in public was during our wedding. It was his surprise to me. Una ko siyang narinig nung wedding reception namin. The song is not just about us. It’s about love. It’s about finding the person you’ve been praying for, waiting for, and the promise to stay with that person despite anything that the world or universe throws your way,” says Princess.

Filled with melodies of love, the song takes Princess back to her wedding day when she was standing by the church door ready to walk the aisle and marry her husband. “I remember the moment when I was about to enter the church door, I couldn’t breathe, I was nervous. That’s what the brides fee, excited ka na kinakabahan na hindi mo maintindihan. It’s a day I will never forget. It’s one of the best days of my life. Hindi perfect ang marriage namin and I am really thankful to God na because of our love and our commitment, we now have three beautiful children,” says Princess who is a wonderful mother to Kobe, Milo, and Sari. Princess considers “Ang Ating Pag-ibig” as not just a song for your husband or wife but a song for your loved one, whether it’s your child, your parents, or your friend. “Ang Ating Pag-ibig” is now available on Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, and other digital stores worldwide.

Fil-Am Olivia Rodrigo joins Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish atop Grammy nominations POP stars Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Rodrigo are leading a crop of pop stalwarts and newbies nominated for this year’s Grammy awards. But it’s Jon Batiste — the jazz and R&B artist, television personality, and bandleader, whose prizes include an Oscar for his soundtrack to the movie “Soul” — who has the most chances at Grammy gold, snagging 11 nominations including in the top categories. Megastar Bieber will vie for eight prizes at the Jan. 31 gala in Los Angeles, as will R&B favorite H.E.R. and singerrapper Doja Cat. Grammy darling Eilish is in the running for seven, as is Olivia Rodrigo, a former Disney Channel actress who exploded onto the pop scene this year with her breakout “drivers license.” The 64th annual show has once again expanded the number of nominees in its prestigious general categories, taking the count from eight to 10, in the wake of perennial criticism that it lacks diversity. Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett, the 95-year-old crooner beloved for his big Fil-Am Olivia Rodrigo, a former Disney Channel actress who exploded onto the pop scene this year with her breakout ‘drivers license,’ is nominated in seven categories.

band and show tune standards, posted a strong showing with six nominations for work related to their album Love For Sale. And rap mogul Jay-Z — a regular critic of the Recording Academy, the body behind the Grammy awards — is now the most nominated artist in the show’s history, with 83. He was previously tied with legendary producer Quincy Jones, who had 80. Kanye West meanwhile scored several nominations for his album Donda -facing off with longtime nemesis Taylor Swift in the best album category, where she has her sole chance at a 2022 Grammy for her r e c o r d “evermore.” AFP

‘The Atlas Underground Fire’ artwork (inset) by Travis Shinn reflects the current dark times and guitarist Tom Morello’s found freedom in recording guitars on

Early this month, while having a quick chat with a quartet of Filipino rock journalists to Fire he recounted his odd promote his second collaborative album The Atlas Underground Fire, experience, restrained from doing his creatively empowering 30-year routine. “From the time I was 17 years old until March of 2020, I was in non-stop mode playing, writing, recording, and performing. It all came into a dead stop. I didn’t know what I was going to do. It’s like there’s an endless future of not being able to play.” Tom playing the guitar is significantly linked to his idea of liberation, may it be political, sexual, or whatever’s on the table with that same suffix. His phone’s voice memo app came to the rescue. The moment he recorded three or four riffs on his phone, and a collaborator sent him a Facetime video while working on the song, he felt liberated. “It sounded huge and fantastic,” he said of what came out attempting to record via his smart phone, “All is not lost. There was going to be a way to hang on to my humanity. The torch was back on at full strength.” The 12-track album released on Oct.15 features a cast of collaborators including Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Vedder, Chris Stapleton, Mike Posner, Damian Marley, and more. Best acknowledged by mainstream rock audience for his work with Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave, Audioslave and Prophets of Rage, Tom is credited for “taking the instrument into the future” for his pandemicera releases. He said that each couldn’t have been made “without the chemistry that I get from working with brilliant artists.” The Atlas Underground Fire begins with “Harlem Hellfighter,” followed by his dream team collaboration with Bruce and Eddie for “Highway To Hell.” By the time you reach “On The Shore Of Eternity,” you’d feel like the world has gotten back not just to a normal state, but even better. Asked if he’d still go back to pure traditional recording, he reflected, “The good thing is now I can do it this way. No matter where I am in the world, as long as I have a guitar and my phone, I know I can make a record. If I keep my phone charged, I’m going to be okay.” He added, “I really sort of enjoy that kind of roulette wheel thrill now that I exactly don’t know what the outcome of my next recording will be. Will I have musicians in my studio improvising riffs or will I use my phone and do stuff remotely?” Last week, Tom, believing that “artistic intent supersedes genre,” released three tracks off the upcoming sister album The Atlas Underground Flood.

his phone.

GMA’s Abacan chosen as juror at 49th International Emmy Awards GMA Network First Vice President for Program Management Department Jose Mari R. Abacan was among the top-notch television executives who participated as one of the jurors in the Final Round of judging at the 49th International Emmy Awards. Each year, leading television producers from various countries across the globe showcase their programming to be recognized at the International Emmy Awards which is an annual event organized by the International Academy of

Television Arts and Sciences. The prestigious award-giving body announced its winners in a BlackTie Gala at Casa Cipriani in New York City last Nov. 22 (PST). Abacan, who has been sharing his expertise with the Emmys since 2007, evaluated the entries from four countries in the Comedy category during the final round. Last October, Abacan was honored at the Philippine Faces of Success Awards for his ingenuity and perseverance in the Entertainment industry during the pandemic.

GMA Network First Vice President for Program Management Department Jose Mari R. Abacan

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

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

Life

Hej! Ikea PH opens today What to expect on your shopping trip

HOUSEHOLD

INSPIRED LIVING. Ikea’s showroom offers design ideas suitable for different types of people. If you like to buy an item, take a photo of the product tag. Text and photos by Bernadette Lunas

XCITEMENT grows among Filipino consumers whenever there is an update about Ikea. And with natural disaster and pandemic pushing back the opening from 2020 to 2021, anticipation has further swelled to the point that a single photo of the big blue building at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay can elicit gasps of delight.

That pent-up excitement ends today – at least for those who were able to book their slots to shop on Nov. 25 – as Ikea finally opens its first store in the Philippines, also the biggest in the world. One of the bedrooms in the showroom.

Ikea items displayed for small kitchens.

You have to book a slot

Do note that the whole blue building along Marina Way does not only house Ikea, there are also a few stores and restaurants inside. But the shopping floors can still be overwhelming, at 15,000 square meters that span across the showroom, the market hall, and the café and restaurant where you can enjoy the Swedish store’s famous meatballs served with lingonberry jam. Speaking of meatballs, they (along with other food items) are also sold per pack at the food market for P199-P279 a bag. Two of the five floors of the building serve as the warehouse where they keep their stock of the over 8,000 articles available in the store.

Shoppers are required to book a slot to shop at Ikea until further notice, to limit the people inside. Ikea adheres to Pasay LGU’s guidelines for allowed capacity of business establishments, which, according to the Ikea team that led the media group Manila Standard joined during the Nov. 19 preview, they further lowered to account for the over 500 in-store employees. Shopping schedule begins at 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. While each slot runs for only Follow the arrow, bring your camera phone 30 minutes each, shoppers, once inside, can It’s best to do your window shopping take their sweet time (you’ll be needing it, anyway) because there’s no time limit. You online so you know what you want to get can bring up to two people when you book in the store. Look for the arrows on the floor or ask the Ikea staff to help you find at ikea.ph. your way around. It’s huge The showroom offers inspiration for difThe world’s largest Ikea goes up to five ferent rooms suitable for different people stories, covering an area of 68,000 square – from a single woman to a small family meters (equivalent to 150 basketball courts). with two kids – showing how the Ikea prod-

Local treasures that give back

Fluffy Abel Blanket and Inabel Good Morning Towel Be your tita’s favorite pamangkin by gifting her an abel blanket or an inabel Good Morning towel from Locano. These and other woven crafts from the local enterprise were skillfully pedal-loomed by artisan women from Vigan and Santa in Ilocos Sur and Bangar in La Union. Plain T-shirts Help update someone’s wardrobe with basic tees from HTP Basics while supporting the brand’s distributors and resellers. You can also be a reseller yourself by availing of its 1,500-peso package that comes with 10 T-shirts.

Fresh plants from a local supplier.

ucts would look like in each space. If you like something from the showroom, take a photo of the product tag (take note of the row number) so you can find it later at the Self-Serve Area. The Self-Serve Area houses rows and rows of items which customers can get on their own. You may pay and take home the item on the same day or have it delivered.

Get more bang for your buck

Ikea offers a range of quality, aesthetically pleasing products at low prices. You can get a coffee table at P490 or a coffee mug at P50. There’s a tray table priced at P890 and nesting tables at P3,290. TV units range from P990 to P6,990. You can also get a simple desk at P1,990, or, if you have more cash to spend, a standing desk at

A simple workstation setup.

about P30,000. But if you want to save more, take note of the walls painted red because it means the products featured on the wall are discounted. Green means the featured product was made sustainably. There is also an area where you can find items below P100. And if you can live with a few stains or scratches on your furniture, head to the Circular Life that houses discounted products with slight defects, those returned by customers (Ikea has a 365-day return policy), and those that were previously displayed at the showroom. If you need a curtain or a towel you bought from Ikea adjusted or customized, you can bring it to the dedicated space for Rags2Riches artisans who will do the adjustments for you.

Santa in salakot, and other Pinoy Christmas décor

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

LOOKING for a gift that keeps on giving? Globe Business makes it easier to look for local food, fashion, wellness, and household items that you can give to your loved ones or yourself this holiday season. Gift Local trains the spotlight on micro, small, and medium local social enterprises that support the livelihood of farmers, local designers, indigenous communities, and underprivileged individuals. “This year’s campaign aims to bring out the goodness behind each purchase by giving Filipinos the opportunity to choose holiday gifts that give twice the joy – to the recipient and to the local business and community that they benefit,” said KD Dizon, head of MSME Group at Globe Business. Go to globe.com.ph to check out the following products:

Kiddie Swedish meatballs meal

Malagos Chocolates Make a chocolate lover in your life happy and help the Malagos Cacao Development Center empower cacao farmers by purchasing Malagos Chocolates. The center connects its beneficiaries to opportunities such as production and marketing agreements to help them thrive. Backpack and Kimono For the friend who loves to travel, the Gouache x Spark backpack and reusable kimono cover-up are great gifts that they can bring to their next adventure (or even when just going to the grocery). The products are made by local artisans in Marikina.

A SANTA ornament wearing a barong and a salakot comes to town not with a big red sack but with a lechon. This is just one of the locally made Christmas décor available at Kultura. The ornament collection is perfect for Paskong Pinoythemed holiday decoration and as a gift to loved ones abroad who want to inject a local feel to their celebration. Each piece was handcrafted by local artisans. The foldable fabric parols in red, green, and gold were made by the Kababaihan ng Maynila Foundation, and the abaca lanterns by Sorsogon artisans. There are also elegant lanterns, nativity sets, and angel candle holders made of capiz shells, and abaca wreaths and ornaments.

Santa Claus in salakot and barong is coming to town bearing lechon and sorbetes — ornaments from Kultura’s Christmas Décor Collection.

The Christmas Décor Col- com (ships worldwide), or via lection is available at Kultura call to deliver (0917-517-4096 / stores, at www.kulturafilipino. 0967-609-3407).

iPHOTO Mask and masquerade at SM Aura

Virgin Coconut Oil For the friend who is loco over coco, choose from Greenlife Coconut Products’ range of coconut items. Purchasing the enterprise’s virgin coconut oil or coco sugar will not only make your receiver happy but also the hardworking coconut farmers in the country.

Wooden Holding Cross For that person on your list who would appreciate a tabletop wooden cross, this one from BalaiKamay Enterprise was handcrafted by underprivileged carpenters using repurposed wood and non-timber forest products.

SM PRIME Holdings executive committee chairman Hans T. Sy and Taguig City Vice Mayor Ricardo Cruz, Jr. (second and third from left) lead the lighting ceremony of the 33-foot red Christmas tree of SM Aura Premier. Also present are SM Engineering Design and Development president Hans Sy, Jr. and SM Supermalls president Steven Tan. Joining the masked city official and SM executives are the Power Impact Dancers who treated the guests to an enchanting masquerade performance beneath the Broadway-light adorned archways and chandeliers.

Enchanting SM North Edsa SINGER and theater actress Ataska (center) joins Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte (second from left), 1st District Representative Anthony Peter ‘Onyx’ Crisologo (right), SM senior vice president of marketing Joaquin San Agustin (left), and SM assistant vice president of mall operations Jocelyn Clarino (fourth from left) at SM City North Edsa’s Christmas tree lighting. The 45-foot Enchanted Christmas tree at The Block Atrium is embellished with elegant botanicals, and is surrounded by a large Victorian Greenhouse that offers an ‘Instagrammable’ walkthrough experience for mall guests.