Manila Standard - 2021 November 29 - Monday

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COUNTRIES SHUTTER BORDERS AS FIRST CASES OF NEW STRAIN HIT THEM SCHIPHOL, Netherlands -- Several European nations on Saturday announced their first cases of a highly infectious new coronavirus strain, as governments worldwide began pulling down the shutters to contain the new Omicron variant.

Britain, Germany, and Italy confirmed their first cases of the new Covid-19 strain, while Dutch authorities

quarantined 61 passengers from South Africa who tested positive for Covid-19.

In Jerusalem, Israel closed its borders to all foreigners late Sunday in a bid to stem the spread of the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus, authorities said.

In Sydney, health officials said Sunday they had detected the Covid Omicron strain in Australia for the first time

in two passengers who were tested after flying into Sydney from southern Africa (see related story on A6 – Editors).

South Africa complained it was being punished with air travel bans for having first detected the strain, which the World Health Organization has termed a "variant of concern."

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VOL. XXXV • NO. 287 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Face shield return eyed vs. Omicron Gov't recalls ban on Hong Kong flights until IATF rules, but restricts travel on 7 EU nations

STRANDED AND SWABBED. A passenger holds his mobile phone while looking at an electronic flight notice board displaying cancelled flights at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa on November 27, while a healthcare worker conducts a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Covid-19 test on another traveler at the same airport. A flurry of countries around the world have banned ban flights from southern Africa following the discovery of the Omicron variant. AFP

Amid shortage of volunteers, Vax Day still on

By Willie Casas, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja

T

HE government is considering requiring face shields again as the threat of the more infectious Omicron variant of COVID-19 looms, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez said Sunday.

By Willie Casas, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja

In a press conference, Galvez said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III favored bringing back the mandatory wearing of face shields in response to the new variant, which first emerged in South Africa, but which has spread to Europe and Hong Kong.

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2,831,807 838

16,630

48,361

156

2,766,816

1,217

(As of 4 PM, NOV. 28)

JABBED IN BATAAN. A boy peeks through the arms of the nurse giving him a COVID-19 vaccine as the Office of Vice President Leni Robredo partnered with the local government of Mariveles to bring the Vaccine Express initiative to Bataan at Balon Anito Elementary School on Saturday. A total of 823 vaccinees were inoculated. OVP Photo

THE government is ready to roll out its three-day national vaccination drive today, Nov. 29, even though it needs 51,000 more volunteers, a spokesman for the National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF) said Sunday.

In an interview with radio dzBB, NTF spokesman Restituto Padilla Jr. said preparations were going well for Monday's rollout.

He said more volunteers were needed to man 6,000 vaccination sites and 5,000 other sites that might be added.

Padilla said the Department of Health said it needed another 51,000 volunteers, on top of the 18,000 who have confirmed their participation.

The NTF on Friday lowered their target vaccination output for the threeday vaccination drive, from 15 million to 9 million due to a shortage of syringes.

There will be another drive in December Next page

SWS says number of Pinoys rating themselves poor declines in Q3 SLIGHTLY fewer Filipinos rated themselves as poor in the third quarter of 2021, according to a survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

The latest findings of the pollster published Saturday night showed 45 percent

of Filipino families rating themselves as poor, 34 percent rating themselves as borderline poor, and 21 percent rating themselves as not poor.

“This compares to June 2021 when 48 percent felt poor, 29 percent felt border-

SEA OF RED.

Presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Lakas-CMD Party President and House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez cross a sea of redclad supporters during their visit to Barangay Basak in LapuLapu City, Cebu on Saturday.

Ver Noveno

line poor, and 23 percent felt not poor,” the SWS said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Malacañang said Sunday the decrease of Filipino families considering themselves poor shows that progress has been made in the government's efforts

to reopen the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The SWS estimated numbers of selfrated poor families are 11.4 million in September 2021 and 12 million in June Next page 2021.

Senate hears PH sea zone bill

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

that the country doesn't need a law.

"We already have the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS,” he said.

The bill, introduced by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, aims to identify maritime zones, archipelagic waters, and territorial zones of the country.

“We have to insist on our maritime zones,” Pimentel said, adding that the government can initiate a review of its Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and En-

SENATOR Aquilino Pimentel III said Sunday the Senate committee on foreign affairs will conduct an inquiry into a proposed law that seeks to declare the country's maritime zones amid China's incursions into the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In an interview with radio dzBB, Pimentel said they will seek the views of international law experts on Senate Bill 2289 or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, to determine if there is a need for hanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States to pressure such a law.

Next page He said there is a school of thought China.

Batangas bettor makes it 3 in a row for lotto

Transfer of Pharmally execs to Pasay City Jail all set PHARMALLY Pharmaceutical Corporation director Linconn Ong and corporate secretary and treasurer Mohit Dargani will be transferred to the Pasay City jail from the Senate detention facility, Senate

Blue Ribbon Committee chairperson Sen. Richard Gordon said Sunday.

He warned that if the Pasay City Jail would treat them like "royalty," the Pharmally officials would be moved to an-

other jail.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Sunday signed the commitment order that directs the detention of Ong and Dargani Next page to the Pasay City Jail.

FOR the third consecutive night, another lone bettor—this time from Batangas—became an instant millionaire after winning the P5.9 million jackpot of the Lotto 6/42 on Saturday night.

This is the seventh time this month when a sole bettor bagged the jackpot

prize of the state lottery's games.

Last Friday night, a lone bettor from Calapan City, Occidental Mindoro bagged the P378-million jackpot prize of the Ultra Lotto 6/58, while on Thursday night, another bettor from Manila City bagged the P16-million jackpot

prize of the Lotto 6/42 draw.

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News

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2021

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

ROQUE IN PFP SENATE SLATE, BACKS BBM-SARA

‘Uniteam’ takes aim at malnutrition T

By Rey E. Requejo

HE BBM-Sara UniTeam on Sunday said that if their tandem is catapulted into office in next year's 2022 elections, they will intensify the fight against the country's long-standing malnutrition problem, resulting from alarming poverty incidence in the country and exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, should their tandem win in next year’s elections.

Malnutrition is, and has always been, a se-

Countries...

From A1 A series of countries across the world began restricting travel from the region, to try to head off any threat to global efforts against the pandemic.

Scientists are racing to determine the threat posed by the heavily mutated strain, particularly whether it can evade existing vaccines.

It has already proved to be more transmissible than the dominant Delta variant.

Travellers thronged Johannesburg international airport, desperate to squeeze onto the last flights to countries that had imposed sudden travel bans. Many of these people had cut short holidays, rushing back from South African safaris and vineyards.

"It's ridiculous, we will always be having new variants," British tourist David Good told AFP, passport in hand. "South Africa found it, but it's probably all over the world already."

‘Worrisome variant’ The virus has already slipped through the net, with cases discovered in Europe, Hong

Face...

From A1

He added that Duque supported using face shields again because some people from the World Health Organization (WHO) believed the country obtained good results with the added protection against the Delta variant.

Meanwhile, the government has banned travelers from seven European countries, in addition to the seven African nations it earlier placed under the travel Red List, in a bid to cut off the entry of the dangerous variant of COVID-19.

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) said Sunday that it was placing Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy under the Red List effective Nov. 28 until Dec. 15.

South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini and Mozambique were earlier placed on the Red List amid the threat of the Omicron coronavirus variant first reported in the region.

The IATF also approved the temporary suspension of its resolution providing for the entry of fully vaccinated nationals of non-visarequired countries.

"With Omicron designated as a Variant of Concern, the IATF likewise approved the recommendations to strengthen local COVID-19 response," the IATF said.

Face shields have been widely unpopular because they are unwieldy and make it difficult to breathe. Critics have also pointed out that no other country in the world mandates the use of face shields.

Under current rules, face shields are optional in areas under Alert Levels 1, 2 and 3.

Galvez also said the authorities will reconsider the plan to lower Metro Manila to Alert Level 1 in December, given the new threat.

No case of the Omicron virus has been recorded in the Philippines so far.

SWS...

From A1 "The three-point decrease in self-rated poor in the third quarter of 2021 was due to a sharp decline in the Visayas and a slight decrease in Metro Manila, offset by a steady score in Balance Luzon and an increase in Mindanao," the SWS said.

According to SWS, the number of self-rated poor families fell in the Visayas and Metro Manila while borderline poor families rose in all areas except Mindanao.

"The three-point decrease in self-rated poor in the third quarter of 2021 was due to a sharp decline in the Visayas and a slight decrease in Metro Manila, offset by a steady score in Balance Luzon and an increase in Mindanao,” the pollster said.

Compared to June 2021, the number of Filipino families who considered themselves poor fell in the Visayas from 70 percent to 54 percent and Metro Manila from 43 percent to 34 percent.

It stayed at 38 percent in Balance Luzon from June 2021 to September 2021. However, it rose in Mindanao from 51 percent to 58 percent.

Borderline poor rose in the Visayas from 24 percent in June 2021 to 42 percent in September 2021 and Metro Manila from 19 percent to 30 percent.

Transfer...

From A1 Gordon, who is leading the probe into alleged irregularities that marred the multibillion procurement of COVID-19 supplies made by the Department of Budget and ManagementProcurement Service in 2020, noted the Pharmally officials were lying.

rious problem in the Philippines. The country

is rated fifth in the East Asia and Pacific area for the greatest frequency of stunting, and it is among the top ten countries in the world for stunted children.

Meanwhile, Former Palace spokesperson Herminio “Harry” Roque Jr. backed the presidential bid of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard-bearer Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. in the May 2022 elections.

In a November 25, 2021 letter to PFP chairman Marcos, Roque, a staunch defender of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, endorsed the presidential candidate and also expressed his desire to accept the adoption of the PFP as guest candidate for senator.

According to the duo, due to poverty, the Philippines also ranks in the world when it comes to malnutrition, which is considered one of our country's most critical concerns. They said if given the chance, they shall strengthen the campaign against it.

"Malnutrition is really a big challenge in all previous administrations. We are not missing from the global list when it comes to this problem, so our government must really intensify the campaign against it, but of course we must also solve the worsening problem of poverty in our country which is the root cause of malnutrition to end hunger,” the BBM-Sara UniTeam stated. (See full

story online at manilastandard.net)

Kong and Israel and in southern Africa.

Britain on Saturday announced tougher entry rules for all arriving passengers and the return of a mask mandate, after confirming its first two cases of the new Omicron strain of Covid-19.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said face masks would again be requiredin shops and on public transport.

A hospital in the Czech Republic confirmed a case of the Omicron variant in a female patient who had travelled from Namibia.

Germany confirmed its first two cases in travelers who arrived at Munich airport from South Africa.

Italy announced its first case of the new Covid strain in a traveler from Mozambique.

And Dutch officials said the Omicron variant was "probably" among 61 passengers who had arrived on two flights from South Africa a day

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has urged the students and parents to remain vigilant against perennial street crimes in the vicinity of the schools as it prepares for pilot implementation of face-to-face classes in Metro Manila starting Dec. 6.

PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos ordered the focus of attention on 28 schools in NCR that are being eyed by the Department of Education (DepEd) as the pioneering batch for the resumption of in-person classes.

“The PNP will secure a final list of the participating schools so I can order the chiefs of police in those areas to plan for their deployment to ensure security in these school premises,” Carlos said in a statement on Saturday.

Carlos said the Pangasinan incident where some police personnel were photographed inside a classroom with long firearms during the first day of physical class should not happen again.

“Schools are zones of peace and we will acknowledge that. Much has been done to orient our personnel regarding this policy,” he said.

He said PNP will keep students and other school stakeholders away from harm. By doing so, police will only provide a limited presence outside the school compounds except in emergencies when police assistance is

Amid...

From A1

before and tested positive for Covid-19.

People on the two KLM flights, which took off before the Dutch announced their ban on travelers from the region, were being kept quarantined in a hotel. AFP (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

MAYORS FOR 'BBM.' Presidential candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (second from right) and Lakas-CMD Party President and House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez are flanked by mayors from the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental during the meet-and-greet program at Bai Hotel in Cebu City.

Ver Noveno

The National Task Force (NTF) against COVID-19 on Sunday said flights from Hong Kong are allowed for now pending a final recommendation from the Technical Working Group.

In a statement, the NTF said it is still waiting for the formal announcement of travel restrictions from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

The NTF also apologized for any inconvenience caused by the earlier pronouncement that travelers from Hong Kong are among those banned because of the Omicron variant.

The ban stays on travelers from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Mozambique until Dec. 15.

Before the declaration of the ban on Friday, South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe were in the “green” list, which won’t require fully inoculated travelers to undergo quarantine as long as they have their vaccination certificates and negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test results taken within 72 hours before departure from origin.

Malacañang earlier said the IATF and the DOH are closely monitoring the “heavily mutated” Omicron variant that has spread in South Africa.

On Friday, the WHO declared the newly detected Omicron as a variant of concern, with early evidence suggesting it has a higher reinfection risk after it was first reported to WHO from South Africa on Nov. 24.

“The epidemiological situation in South Africa has been characterized by three distinct peaks in reported cases, the latest of which was predominantly the Delta variant. In recent weeks, infections have increased steeply, coinciding with the detection of B.1.1.529 variant.

The first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on Nov. 9, 2021,” WHO reported on Nov. 26.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos on Sunday said contingency measures are now being prepared.

“We’ve been there, done that. The implementation of the strictest quarantine protocol is not new to us and the PNP is always ready to go back to our deployment template,” Carlos said in a statement.

He acknowledged, however, that the coming elections may complicate matters.

“There will be mobilization of supporters, but we need to strike a balance between allowing them to freely express their inherent political right and the need to suppress the spread of the virus. Once this happens, we will seek the guidance of the Commission on Electionson the possible adjustment in the campaign guidelines,” Carlos said.

He said the PNP has been willing to coordinate with other agencies in providing security to the different entry points of the country and this comes after the government tightened our borders to prevent the entry of the new Covid-19 variant.

Meanwhile, the deputy director of the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) said the agency is monitoring passengers from South Africa and other nations that detected the Omicron variant.

In an interview on radio dzBB, Salvador said the BOQ and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) were directed to locate travelers who might have come from affected countries.

A leading epidemiologist in the United States, Dr. Eric Feigl-Ding, said the new variant could be 500 percent more infectious than the Delta variant.

A former adviser to the government effort against COVID-19 on Sunday suggested the government extend to 14 days the quarantine period for travelers coming into the Philippines, and the banning of flights from more countries due to the threat of the Omicron variant.

In an interview on ABS-CBN's TeleRadyo, Dr. Tony Leachon said the country should consider bringing back a 14-day quarantine period for travelers as a measure against the spread of the Omicron variant in the country.

It rose slightly in Balance Luzon from 28 percent to 32 percent.

In Mindanao, borderline poor fell from 42 percent to 34 percent.

Compared to June 2021, not poor hardly changed in all areas: it went from 7 percent to 4 percent in the Visayas, from 38 percent to 37 percent in Metro Manila, from 34 percent to 30 percent in Balance Luzon, and from 7 percent to 8 percent in Mindanao.

The SWS found that some 6.9 percent of Filipino families were "newly poor" or those who felt that they were not poor at least one to four years ago.

“The total percentage of poor families consists of 6.9 percent who were non-poor 1-4 years ago (newly poor), 4.9 percent who were non-poor five or more years ago (usually poor), and 32.4 percent who never experienced being non-poor (always poor),” the pollster said.

Of the estimated 11.4 million poor families in September 2021, 1.7 million were newly poor, 1.2 million were usually poor, and 8.2 million were always poor.

The third quarter 2021 SWS was conducted from September 12 to 16, 2021, using face-toface interviews of 1,200 adults nationwide with sampling error margins of ±3 percent for national percentages and ±6 percent for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

Be wary of street crimes, PNP tells students, parents

Senate...

From A1

“We should bring back the stricter quarantine because these variants increase the risk of transmission,” Leachon said.

Currently, travelers from "yellow list" territories who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 undergo a three-day facility-based quarantine upon arrival in the Philippines, if they have a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure.

These travelers are tested for COVID-19 on the third day, with the date of arrival considered the first day. They are discharged from facility quarantine after receiving a negative RT-PCR test.

Those without a negative RT-PCR test result need to stay in a facility-based quarantine until release of a negative test result, take a swab test on the fifth day upon arrival, and be on home quarantine for 10 days upon arrival.

Fully vaccinated Filipinos arriving from "green list" areas are not required to undergo a facility-based quarantine and on-arrival swab testing, if they present a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure.

Those without a negative RT-PCR test result need to undergo on-arrival swab testing, facility-based quarantine until the release of a negative result, and self-monitoring for 14 days upon arrival.

Fully vaccinated foreigners coming from "green list" countries, meanwhile, are required to present a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure and undergo self-monitoring for 14 days upon arrival.

They are not required to stay in facilitybased quarantine and on-arrival swab testing.

Leachon said the Philippines should prioritize banning travelers from Hong Kong after the nearby territory detected a case of the Omicron variant. Hong Kong is currently in the government's "green list".

“I would probably ban travelers from Hong Kong first because it's very near.... We have a lot of Filipinos who are coming home from there,” Leachon said. (See full story online

at manilastandard.net) Lacson filed the Senate Resolution 954 to denounce China’s continued presence and “hostile acts” within the Philippine EEZ in the West Philippine Sea. Also, the resolution seeks to enhance the country's positions in the West Philippine Sea through "defense and security agreements with other nations.”

Meanwhile, an oceanographer with the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) said Filipino scientists conducting research in the West Philippine Sea also experienced intimidation at the hands of China.

Chinese vessels have chased Filipino researchers from UP-MSI during their expeditions in the West Philippine Sea, said Deo Onda, a microbial oceanographer.

“They don't run over us or hit us. But we know that they follow us…

What we do is we just keep our distance from them,” he told ABS-CBN's Teleradyo, speaking in Filipino.

“Because MSI's ship can navigate through shallow waters, we go there which the big Chinese ships cannot reach.”

Onda said researchers have also received calls from China's coast guard,

(See full story online at manilastandard. net)

“If China will learn that we are reviewing our MDT and EDCA with the US, I'm sure they will think twice before fighting us on this issue,” he said.

Pimentel reiterated his proposal that the government tap the vast maritime treasures in the WPS. Pressed on the resolution condemning recent Chinese ships' water cannon attack, Pimentel said he will seek to clarify the resolution's aim, saying he did not want a militarized approach in resolving the disputes in the South China Sea. “There is a part there on entering defense and security arrangements with other nations. We need to talk about that and its meaning.

Personally, I don't want it to be militarized... if there is a disputed area let's not have it militarized. Let's make international law as our rule," Pimentel said.

Like all the other senators, he said Ayungin Shoal is within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

"Since quick action is needed in issues which are sensitive or charged with tension, let us allow the Executive branch to take charge of the current situation," he said.

who claim that they were entering Chinese territory. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

During this procurement, Pharmally bagged more than P8 billion in government contracts for PPEs, which were believed to be overpriced.

Ong and Dargani have repeatedly refused to divulge their knowledge on the whereabouts of Pharmally's financial records.

The documents can supposedly help the Blue Ribbon committee shed light on the Senate's investigation of the company.

The immediate transfer of Pharmally's officials was recommended by Senate Sergeantat-Arms Rene Samonte on Sunday.

Samonte proposed to the Senate leadership to produce the transfer order of Ong and Dargani to the Pasay City Jail.

"I recommended to give the transfer order ASAP. I will see and talk to them when there is already a commitment order to Pasay City jail," he added.

Ong and Dargani refused to provide the Senate Blue Ribbon committee details of the documents that indicated the firm's financial records.

In a video message, Gordon shared a text message from Samonte, which said the Pharmally officials even asked their legal counsel, Roy Kapunan, about the whereabouts of the documents but the lawyer did not know about it. Macon Ramos-Araneta (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

to reach the target of fully vaccinating 54 million people by the end of the year.

The Philippines logged 838 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, bringing the total number of cases to 2,831,807.

There were 156 new fatalities reported, bringing the COVID-19 death toll to 48,361.

The DOH also reported 1,217 new recoveries, bringing the total recoveries to 2,766, 816.

There were 16,630 active cases, of which 47.8 percent were mild, 7.1 percent were asymptomatic, 6.5 percent were critical, 15.2 percent were severe, and 23.36 percent were moderate.

The COVID-19 positivity rate was at 2.4 percent. The country's total COVID-19 tests were 34,241, conducted on Nov. 26.

Nationwide, 27 percent of ICU beds, 26 percent of isolation beds, 16 percent of ward beds, and 16 percent of ventilators, were in use.

In Metro Manila, 27 percent of ICU beds, 24 percent of isolation beds, 23 percent of ward beds, and 20 percent of ventilators, were in use.

Meanwhile, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said he is aiming to open COVID-19 booster shots to fully vaccinated government workers and economic frontliners or those under the A4 category in December.

Galvez also said a second vaccination drive from Dec. 15 to 17 would be for second doses, and possibly boosters for government workers and economic frontliners.

Galvez said the country reached a milestone Saturday with 80 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered.

Data from the National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) indicated that as of Nov. 26, Friday, 80,613,849 vaccine doses were administered nationwide.

Of the number, 35,391,519 Filipinos are now fully vaccinated, 45.88 percent of the country’s target population, while 45,056,508 individuals have received a first dose.

On Nov. 26, 1,010,869 doses were administered nationwide.

Galvez said this showed that the government has made headway in its fight against the virus.

“We are determined to end this pandemic and bring back a greater sense of normalcy to the lives of our countrymen,” he said.

“As we move closer to hitting our target of fully vaccinating 54 million Filipinos by the end of the year, I appeal to our local government units to continue ramping up their vaccination output,” he said. (See full story

online at manilastandard.net)

Batangas...

From A1 In an advisory on Sunday, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office said the lucky bettor guessed the winning combination of 07-13-05-30-24-12 with a jackpot of P5.94 million. The ticket was purchased in Tanauan, Batangas.

To claim the check, the bettor must proceed to PCSO's main office in Mandaluyong City and present the winning ticket and two ID cards.

As provided in the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, lotto winnings of more than P10,000 shall be subject to a 20-percent final tax. Once the jackpot is claimed by the winner, it would be less 20 percent.

A total 73 other bettors who guessed five out of the six winning combinations won P24,000 each, the PCSO said.

About 2,403 bettors got P800 each for getting four of the winning combinations while 30,802 bettors won PHP20 each for guessing three right combinations.

The 6/42 Lotto is drawn every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Last Nov. 13, a lone bettor from Laguna became an instant millionaire after winning the P8.48 million jackpot of the Lotto 6/42, while last Nov. 9, another bettor from Quezon City bagged the P15-million jackpot prize of the Super Lotto 6/49.

On Nov. 7, another bettor from Misamis Oriental also won the P8.24 million jackpot of the Lotto 6/42 while on Nov. 4, a sole bettor from San Carlos City, Pangasinan bagged the P125 million jackpot prize of the Super Lotto 6/49. (See full story online at manilas-

tandard.net)

News

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2021

Leni lauds AFP but hit for ELCAC stand

By Rio N. Araja

V

ICE President Leni Robredo on Sunday lauded the Armed Forces of the Philippines for being able to maintain its autonomy as an institution.

During her radio program BISErbisyong LENI over dzXL, she said she is “very appreciative” of the AFP despite its imperfections.

“To me, I am very appreciative even if the AFP is not perfect. Until now, it has really maintained its independence as an institution. It has not allowed it-

self to be an instrument (of anyone),” she said.

“I am always thankful to the AFP,” Robredo added.

However, Bayan Muna chairperson Neri Colmenares slammed Robredo’s change on her previous stance to abolish the National Task Force to End Lo-

cal Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC), saying the Vice President’s turnaround is “worrisome.”

He said just like Bayan Muna, Robredo shares the same view that insurgency could only be resolved by “decisively addressing its roots and by pursuing peace negotiations,” Earlier, the Vice President said different agencies under the task force ended up terrorizing the countryside, illegally arresting activists, and red-tagging persons, including her.

The government’s anti-insurgency task force on Sunday expressed grati-

Robin Padilla: PH zaps COVID under Duterte “DUTERTE delivers.”

This, according to administration senatorial candidate Robin Padilla, sums up the government’s COVID-19 pandemic response efforts, which has resulted in the whole country now minimal to low risk for COVID-19 according to the Department of Health.

“Nakikita na natin na sa ilalim ng liderato ni Pangulong Duterte ay nauupakan na natin ang COVID,” said Padilla, a longtime supporter of the President.

“Dati––tulad ng buong mundo–– bugbog na bugbog tayo sa virus na ito.

Ngayon na may bakuna tayo at maayos ang vaccination program ng gobyerno, ang virus ang bugbog naman sa atin dahil humihina na ang pagkalat nito,” he added.

Padilla said that like the President, he is throwing his support behind the government’s “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” project, which aims to vaccinate 15 million Filipinos from November 29 to December 1.

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tude to Vice President Leni Robredo for supporting its mandate, especially efforts to bring development to former conflict-ridden communities.

On Friday, Robredo, who previously called for the abolition of the NTF-ELCAC, said she supports its mandate but the “careless” statements of its members put the body in a bad light.

“The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict would like to thank Vice President Leni Robredo for her support of the task force,” spokesperson for Sectoral Concerns Lorraine Marie Badoy said in a press statement.

HEARTY APPLAUSE.

Residents of San Rafael, Bulacan from all walks of life applaud vigorously for Partido Reporma chairman and standard bearer Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and running mate Vicente “Tito” Sotto III as the tandem hold their “Online Kumustahan” at Tambubong Elementary School on Saturday, Nov. 27.

Isko talks SME recovery, plans for agriculture

By Rey Requejo and Othel V. Campos PRESIDENTIAL candidate Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso on Sunday vowed to prioritize the recovery of micro, small and medium enterprises from the pandemic slump and will use as a model the highlysuccessful “Sugbo Negosyo” of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.

“Gov. Gwen’s Sugbo Negosyo is a brilliant and doable idea which is similar to what I plan to do when I become president. I would encourage the LGUs (local government units) to help businesses, particularly MSMEs, recover and sustain jobs and livelihood,” Moreno said.

“In these times where the whole world is suffering from the economic ravages of the pandemic, we have to look to ourselves and seek creative ways like Gov. Gwen’s Sugbo Negosyo, to survive and recover,” Moreno added.

The first round of the Sugbo Negosyo launched in August 2020 and benefited over 8,000 entrepreneurs across Cebu province.

Meanwhile, Domagoso said he will support agricultural initiatives that will boost the production of seaweed, locally known as “agar agar” to create jobs and alternative rural livelihood while sustaining exports averaging $200 million yearly.

Lacson-Sotto tandem meets broad evangelical coalition in Marikina

By Macon Ramos-Araneta A COALITION of evangelical groups recently met Partido Reporma chairman and standard bearer Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and running mate Vicente “Tito” Sotto III in Marikina City, the veteran tandem revealed on Saturday.

The church leaders and members, Sotto said, supported the longtime public servants’ stand on various issues, including on the death penalty, the illegal drug war, the fight against corruption, and the distribution of financial aid under the Bayanihan Act. In a press conference ahead of Par-

tido Reporma’s “Online Kumustahan” leg in San Rafael, Bulacan on Saturday, Sotto disclosed they had a lengthy dialogue with the evangelicals on a broad range of issues and came away impressed by the stance of the leading aspirants for the 2022 national elections.

“Yes, it was beautiful, we met leaders of various evangelical groups — like a coalition of evangelical groups. We had a lengthy dialogue. I only gave a short opening statement, they had a lot of questions, but they were very supportive of the stand of Senator Lacson and I,” said Sotto.

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Coming and waiting

THIS week, the Church begins a new liturgical year, with the four weeks of the season of Advent. This season of expectant waiting for Christ’s coming started yesterday and will end on the eve before Christmas. But with all the cultural and social hype on Christmas— with all the Christmas decorations that we see around us, the Christmas carols that fill the air, and of course the many Christmas parties that would soon fill up our schedules—all seem to distract us from awaiting the joyous feast of Christ’s nativity.

Our faith story takes a different turn.

The idea of waiting seemed to never properly fit comfortably into our uneasy and impatient human nature. In the midst of a consumer culture that goes for fast, instant and usually affordable service —waiting seems to be an unwelcome inconvenience. Delayed gratification is a thing our generation talks about, but it is not something we are ready to practice, at least not as often as this time of the year.

What makes waiting even difficult for many is that we already know how the story ends. After Advent comes Christmas, in the same way that Easter Sunday comes after Good Friday.

Familiarity, it is often said, breeds contempt, and with every year that we mark Advent, the story tends to become too ordinary, losing the dramatic impact that it should have in our salvation history.

Our elder brothers in the faith, the Jews, knew perfectly how waiting meant to their faith story. The first among the patriarchs, Abraham, waited for decades before God’s promise to make him the “father of many nations” was realized.

The ancient Hebrews waited for many centuries before Moses delivered them from slavery, only to spend another 40 years in the desert before they finally would set foot in the promised land.

The Jewish nation waited for a long succession of judges to pass before God granted them David to be their king, and for many years of worshipping in a tent to happen before Solomon finally built a temple for their religion. Many of the Israelites were later exiled to foreign lands, and waited for many generations before finally returning to the land of their ancestors. Even until today, the Jews of our times continue to wait for the coming of the Messiah.

For us, Christians, the Messiah finally came in Jesus Christ, and for that reason, our faith story takes a different turn. The waiting would now be attuned to Christ’s second coming, and the yearly celebration

EDITORIAL

of Christ’s birth would serve to remind us our salvation has finally come, so that amidst the trying circumstances of our daily life, we would not easily give into despair and loneliness. Christmas reminds us not to forget God’s saving power, made manifest in Christ being born in the flesh.

This is why in addition to expectantly waiting for the celebration of Christmas, Advent also invites us to focus on the coming of God’s kingdom. As Christ himself took our human nature and embraced our humanity, we are also asked to respond affirmatively to live according to an exceedingly beautiful story of salvation. Realizing that Christ came two thousand years ago, we cannot behave as if the Savior had not come. We need to confront in us a true yearning for salvation, and an authentic openness to God’s grace.

So, Advent is not only a time to await the feast of Christ’s birth or his second coming at the end of time. It is a thoughtful call for us to live as we pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “Your kingdom come.” It is by accepting the folly of our ways, and the wickedness of our sins, can we honestly say with conviction, “Lord, your kingdom come.”

The coming of Christ’s reign means to accept with greater fidelity, God’s authority over our own lives – no matter how demanding or difficult it may be.

It means allowing our faith to permeate every area of our lives, including matters like citizenship and politics. It requires that as Christians, we cannot keep our lives – our politics included – secular, but instead for us to be willing to always perceive even the most mundane matter with the eyes of faith. It implies that it is our Christian duty to be engaged in the world, and enable our faith to contribute towards the flourishing of a human society based on justice, peace and freedom.

Perhaps, of all Christian traditions, Christmas has made the deepest imprint on human society. The fact alone that Christmas Day is observed as a non-working holiday in more than 90 percent of all countries around the world tells us so much about how the story of Christ’s birth two thousand years ago means to many people of diverse cultures, languages and even faith. In fact, Christmas contributes significantly to our year-end spending, consequently upping our economy.

It has become a fitting time for families to reunite and reconnect, and for communities to do many acts of goodness for others.

In many ways, the pervading influence of Christmas reminds us that the promise to establish Christ’s reign in this world is more than just a theological proposition.

It is a reality that as Christians, we are all called to create in our society and in our economy, in our businesses and our professions. It is to the same extent that Advent reminds us that the correct ordering of society is inseparably connected to the unfolding of God’s redemptive work.

So, we wait for the coming of Christ and his kingdom – in our time and in the world to come. Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus.

Shooting the messenger

LAST week, the second disqualification case against Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard bearer Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. was filed by 1Sambayan spokesperson lawyer Howard Calleja. As in the first disqualification case filed earlier by members of left-leaning groups, the second case is founded on the supposed Marcos conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude - tax evasion.

Of course this could be farthest from the truth as the tax evasion case against Marcos was dismissed by the Court of Appeals and upheld by the Supreme Court. Marcos was only found guilty of failure to file an income tax return and was meted a fine of P30,000.

This piece however is not about the legal merits of the disqualification case against Marcos as this is for the Commission on Elections to decide. We only cited what was already decided by the court. Further, this writer is not a legal expert, thus, is not in a position to do so.

This piece is about the credibility of the complainant Calleja as exposed by senatorial bet, lawyer Larry Gadon.

Before we accused Gadon of shooting the messenger instead of addressing the issues raised in the complaint and confront the respondent, we have to take into consideration that in the wake of the proliferation of fake news today, shooting the messenger, which is to unfair-

ly blame a person who has aired a bad news or information, when the one to blame should instead be the people who are really responsible for the situation, has become a worn-out argument used by these peddlers of fake news to shield themselves.

In fact, the essence of not shooting the messenger today, has become the complete antithesis to the clean hands doctrine, which is if, if someone is to accuse someone, especially in court, he or she has to be sure that he or she comes with clean hands.

Who, then, is peddling fake news?

Let’s take into account what Gadon has to say about Calleja. According to the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan’s senatorial bet, Calleja has no credibility to speak of as he was suspended by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines for running away with the money of his client in the amount of P6.635 million,” Gadon said.

Calleja, Gadon says, had been suspended for two years by the IBP and the Supreme Court for absconding with the money of one of his clients in 2013. To validate his allegation, Gadon posted in social media a copy of the decision of the IBP involving Calleja and complainant, Myrna Torres, docketed under Administrative Case 1851.

The document disclosed that last February 10, 2009, Torres filed a complaint against Calleja before the Supreme Court “for failure to discharge his obligations

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Here comes Omicron

ND just like that, all our hopes of finally being able to proceed with the so-called new normal have been upended by this new COVID-19 variant, the Omicron.

As recently as early last week, we were already taking initial steps to open up all aspects of life that were put on hold by the months-long lockdown.

We did away with the face shields. We allowed greater mobility among the public. Schools started preparing for face-to-face classes, starting with their pilot runs. Resorts, restaurants, hotels and other establishments relaxed their requirements to accommodate more customers.

It seemed we were stirring back to life. The timing seemed fortuitous —the holidays were coming around, and it was a good time to see relatives, friends and colleagues in the flesh once again, so long as we continue to take precaution. There was cause for hope for the coming year—for the first time, it looked as though things were finally, decisively looking up.

Until we heard of omicron.

We know little yet of this variant that reports say has now reached several European countries and, closer to home, Hong Kong. While it is thought to be

It seemed we were stirring back to life. more contagious than the unlamented Delta variant which brought much damage to the world earlier this year, we have no information yet on whether it is deadlier, whether it strikes the vaccinated and unvaccinated indiscriminately, or if it renders certain segments of the population more vulnerable than others.

It is precisely because the information is scant that this new variant is scary. What is the extent of its potential damage to our country and to the world? Have we learned our lesson? Have we strengthened our health care systems? Can we afford another round of extreme lockdowns, an overflow of ICU cases? Will our battered medical frontliners be in any shape to wage battle again?

Is there no end to this crisis?

We hope, however, that today’s circumstances might make a difference.

First, even as we are spooked by the specter of this new variant, the Philippines on Sunday logged the lowest number of fresh cases this year.

We have ample time to anticipate and prepare. Let us not squander this.

Second, we are starting a major vaccination drive today amid the arrival of millions of doses from various sources. This is supposed to complement the relatively good coverage in Metro Manila while also closing the inoculation gap between the capital region and the rest of the country.

As for our leaders and decisionmakers, another specter should haunt them: that of the coming elections.

Their political success will no longer depend on their gimmickry, but on how they are perceived to respond to this protracted crisis that has taken much from us, and threatens to take more.

The rest of us should brace ourselves for the eventual coming of this variant to our shores, given global mobility and our porous borders. We will see this, too, as an opportunity to judge political candidates for who and what they really are—whether they are mere stunt-pullers, or genuine public servants.

Pathways and strategies for a new and better government COVID-19 infections by reviving the economy and ramping up international trade and foreign investments.

Makati Business Club Treasurer, Ms. Rizalina Mantaring called for the passing of the Public Services Act, the Foreign Investments Act, and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act to increase trade and invite more foreign investment.

Dr. Aniceto Orbeta, Jr., President of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, emphasized the need for continuous learning and to invest in human capital as increasing the scale of high-tech firms in the country will also need increasing avenues for knowledge transfer.

THE 6th Pilipinas Conference of the Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute (ADRi) culminated an impressive and inspiring five-day series of discussions in an extraordinary assembly of what former International Criminal Court Judge Raul Pangalangan aptly described as a rare gathering of “distinguished public intellectuals.”

Philippine and international thought leaders representing government, various industries in the private sector, the academe, scientists, and civil society gave impassioned presentations to help guide the yet uncertain set of leaders of the next administration. Here are some snippets of wisdom from the conference.

The first day was on “Sustaining Economic Recovery Post-Pandemic Towards 2022 & Beyond” with top economists identifying key economic reforms. It emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships and having competent leaders.

Former NEDA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary, Dr. Ernesto M. Pernia asked a US$41-billion question.

He pointed out that since only US$31 billion was spent, how can this huge differential in debt be accounted for? He also hopes, like many of us, 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.”

Mr. Diwa Guinigundo, Former BSP Deputy Governor, sees the devastation brought by the pandemic as an effect of underinvesting in the health sector and called for the development of the other collateral of other sectors thru massive investments from both public and private to prepare for a post-pandemic world.

The second day focused on “Philippine Trade Relations in the Pandemic Context: A Part of EU-PH Trade & Sustainability Discussions 2021” which was organized in partnership with the European Union Delegation. In this session, panelists representing Philippine private industries and think tanks called on the government to take advantage of the declining rate of as a lawyer of the complainants” involving the settlement of tax obligation and settlement of properties left behind by Torres’ late husband, Jaime.

The complaint further stated that in exchange for his services, Calleja received a total of P18 million from the Torres family.

But instead of faithfully discharging his obligations, the IBP, in its investigation, found out that Calleja decided to “loan” some of the money to someone else, a relative of the complainant.

In the IBP recommendation dated October 4, 2012, Calleja was found guilty of violating Canon 16 of the Code of Professional Responsibility of those in the legal profession and called for his suspension

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

The Pilipinas Conference gave us words of wisdom from dozens of experts.

On the third day, the theme was ]“Strengthening Cooperation for a Green & Sustainable Recovery,” a continuation of the EU-PH Trade & Sustainability Discussions. Environmental groups called on all sectors of society to plan smart, harness technology-driven solutions to mitigate climate change threats and accelerate towards a sustainable ecosystem.

Environment Undersecretary Analiza Teh outlined several opportunities in the circular economy models such as clean energy, sustainable transportation and urban development, regenerative agriculture, and productive oceans. She proposes the adoption of nature-based solutions which can actually provide 37% of the emission reduction needed to keep global temperature increases under 2 degrees Celsius by 2030.

Dr. Carlos Primo “CP” David, Trustee and Program Convenor of Stratbase ADR Institute and Convenor of the Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship, for his part, warned that we will need to prepare for extreme weather that will bring worsening droughts and swings of widespread flooding if the warming trend continues.

Anticipating a possible food crisis, Dr. David proposed a more strategic approach in farming development that

from law practice until Calleja can properly account for the missing money totaling P6,635,867.57.

Under Resolution XX-2013-487 dated April 16, 2013, the IBP not only ordered Calleja to return the money but also suspended him from law practice for the next 2 years as a disciplinary measure.

Calleja shot back at Gadon saying the senatorial bet “is acting like your garden-variety internet troll and is spewing fake news here and there in a desperate attempt to misdirect the public from the fact that Marcos Jr. is facing several credible disqualification cases before the Comelec.”

Again, using the worn-out “Don’t

shoot the messenger” adage as a shield.

If Calleja would really want us to focus on the case (which, as I have stated before and horde of legal experts before me, had already been decided by the courts), he should have asked someone “with clean hands” to file the case instead of him.

But apparently, he wants a share of the limelight.

Calleja adds Gadon and his group’s “weapon is fake news.”

But didn’t Gadon present a copy of the IBP resolution approving his suspension?

Who then, is peddling fake news? I read his statement and nowhere could I find even a phrase attributed to him refuting Gadon’s allegation.

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

harmonizes the area, the weather, and the type of crops, with smallholder farms thriving with industrial scale farms.

The fourth day on “Advancing Multilateralism and Strategic Partnerships: 2022 Philippine Foreign and Security Policy Outlook” was attended by geopolitical authorities from government and the academe.

They affirmed, to quote Stratbase ADRi President Prof. Dindo Manhit, “the need for a multilateral system that can contribute to achieving regional goals on peace and security.”

“The next administration has the opportunity to rectify our foreign policy that we need a stronger and more responsive foreign and security policy. It must be built for further strengthening the country’s existing security partnerships,” Prof Manhit said.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, recognizing the uncertainties in the Indo-Pacific region, said “the Philippines therefore should take a more active role in promoting multilateralism. It should lead and call on ASEAN to be more proactive in asserting the interests of its member-states, instead of being a passive stakeholder.”

The fifth session delved into “Recovering Philippine Democracy Beyond 2022”, where Former Ombudsman and Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales critiqued the current type of government vis-a-vis the essential elements of democracy which are: separation and balance of power, independence of the judiciary, pluralistic system of political parties and organization, respect for the rule of law, accountability and transparency, free and independent media, and respect for human and political rights.

“We have to be clear that democracy cannot coexist with dictatorship or any tendencies thereof,” she said.

Each astute insight from the over 50 experts to the benefit of over 3,000 online attendees over last week’s Pilipinas Conference was aligned in a spirit of genuine love for country and visions of sustainable and inclusive prosperity.

These will be published in an e-book that Stratbase ADRi will share with our country’s spectrum of leaders and candidates hoping this will help shape a better government.

You’re welcome to access the video recordings and presentations, just search “Pilipinas Conference 2021” online.

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BIKE SAFETY FOR KIDS.

IN BRIEF

Children ride through the kiddie bike trail at the open area at SM Taytay City, Rizal as part of the mall’s effort to promote bike safety to kids and in observance of the National Bicycle Day every fourth Sunday of November.

Norman Cruz

New set of officers for Pampanga Press Club CLARK FREEPORT – The Pampanga Press Club (PPC), one of the oldest and most prestigious media organizations in the country, has elected its new set of officers and board of directors during an election held Saturday at Bale Balita I (House of News) in Clark Freeport.

The new set of officers is led by Noel Tulabut of Sun Star Pampanga (SSP), who will serve as PPC President from 2022 to 2024.

Other officers-elect are Minerva Arceo (SSP, Executive Vice-President), Ria Isidro-De Fiesta (Pampanga News Now, Secretary), Marna Dagumboy Del Rosario (Philippines News Agency, Treasurer) Charlene Cayabyab (SSP, Auditor) and Rendy Isip (Pampanga News Now, Business Manager). Jess Malabanan

Lawmaker: Govt should focus on R&D CAMARINES Sur Rep. Luis Ray Villafuerte wants the Duterte administration to give priority in the homestretch of its term to a two-pronged “brain gain” strategy seeking to utilize digital technology and increase the state’s budget for research and development to expand the country’s corps of scientists and engineers and entice them to stay and work here.

“We need to produce not just graduates of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses, but to keep them here and encourage those that have been working overseas to come back and help the country,” he said.

The Department of Science and Technology is on the right track in using digital tools, such as its planned online portal for the Balik Scientist Program, in an effort to lure future Filipino scientific experts and researchers back to the country. Rio N. Araja

SSS offers program for members with past dues MEMBER-borrowers with past due short-term loans may apply for the Social Security System’s penalty condonation program via online using their My.SSS accounts until Feb. 14, 2022.

President and chief executive officer Aurora Ignacio said the short-term member loan penalty condonation program (STMLPCP) is part of the pandemic relief and restructuring programs being offered by SSS. Rio N. Araja

‘Govt deficit less than expected as revenues rise’

By Rio N. Araja

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LBAY Rep. Joey Salceda on Sunday said the government’s deficit in 2020 would be smaller than expected by the Development Budget Coordinating Committee as revenues recover and spending mildly decelerates.

“The deficit cap is P1.9 trillion this year, or around 9.3 percent of gross domestic product. As of October, we are just at 1.2 trillion. That’s around 63 percent of the deficit, with just one quarter left,” he said.

“We are very likely to see deficit hit just P1.7 trillion when the year ends. That’s lower by around P200 billion, which is of course good for our fiscal space,” he added.

Salceda is the chairperson of the ways and means committee in Congress.

“It’s mostly good news, because the lower-than-expected deficit is largely due to revenue recovery. In 2020, we raised P2.855 trillion in revenues. After three quarters, we are now at 87.2 percent of that figure, or P2.49

trillion. I am confident we will be very close to 2019 levels, or pre-pandemic revenues, once all the revenues are totaled in,” he said.

“I credit this recovery in revenues to the resiliency of our tax system due to the comprehensive tax reform program. I am proud of the work the committee has done to ensure that tax effort does not collapse,” he noted.

The tax effort is likely to be the highest since 1997, the year when the first Comprehensive Tax Reform Program was enacted, under the Ramos administration, he said. Tax effort is the ratio of tax collections to GDP.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTING. Mayor

Joy Belmonte and Vice Mayor Gian Sotto attend the giant Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Quezon City Hall on Friday evening. Manny Palmero

Defensor says bike accidents surging in metro REP. Michael Defensor (Anakalusugan) has warned of “a creeping surge in bicycle road accidents” – some of them fatal – owing to the country’s severe lack of safe mobility infrastructure.

“In Metro Manila alone, we saw a 48-percent jump in bicycle road crashes in 2020. The rate of increase in accidents this year is bound to be even higher, considering that more people are choosing to go to work in bicycles,” Defensor said in a statement on Sunday.

Public transportation avoidance due to the COVID-19 pandemic and soaring fuel prices have brought about a dramatic growth in bicycles on the road.

“We have to restructure and redesign our streets to accommodate the influx of bicycles,” Defensor said.

“Right now, bicycle riders have very little leeway to safely navigate through motor vehicle traffic in our heavily congested roads, thus causing many accidents,” Defensor said.

ANTI-FAKE NEWS.

Miguel Bermundo, Globe senior manager for sustainability integration explains the company’s initiatives against fake news, protection of children, and support of the government’s vaccination drive.

DENR bats for proper disposal of antimicrobials

By Rio N. Araja THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Sunday underscored the importance of enforcing policies on the proper use and disposal of antimicrobials to maintain the country’s ecological sustainability.

To stop the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, Undersecretary for Field Operations and Environment Juan Miguel Cuna echoed the campaign of the Department of Health against antimicrobial resistance during the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week HighLevel Media Forum.

“Important policy measures that target specific high-risk environments with elevated concentrations of antibiotics, such as wastewater treatment plants in hospitals, health care facilities, and pharmaceutical industries are of utmost importance,” he said.

“The proper use and disposal policies of these antibiotics are vital in maintaining ecological sustainability,” he added.

Secretary Roy Cimatu emphasized the parallel importance of behavior change in addressing antimicrobial resistance and in caring for the environment.

“Just like addressing environmental issues, the Filipino people need behavior change to combat antibiotic misuse and abuse and prevent antimicrobial resistance in the country,” he said.

He said the rise in antibiotic consumption could bring permanent damage to the environment, and could also endanger the health of humans and animals.

“Increased antibiotic consumption can cause irreversible environmental contamination and threaten human and animal health,” he said.

CCLEX seen to drive tourism; Cordova braces for visitor influx THE once sleepy town of Cordova is preparing for the expected influx of tourists with the opening of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in March 2022.

Guenevere Flores, the town’s consultant on tourism, said the creation of a Tourism Code is now being crafted at Cordova’s Sangguniang Bayan, which will also create a Tourism Division.

The P30-billion CCLEX will serve as an alternative route to from Cebu City to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and to the world-class resorts and beaches in Lapu-Lapu City and Cordova.

The 8.9-kilometer CCLEX is a project of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway Corp (CCLEC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways

Corporation (MPTC). CCLEX is the expressway giant’s first tolled roadway outside of Luzon. Construction started in 2018, and the bridge is slated for full commercial operations in March 2022.

Cordova, one of two local government units in the island of Mactan, has lined up several activities not just for local tourists, but for the many visitors

from other parts of the country who will now have the chance to see the town’s tourist attractions.

Cordova town sits approximately 19.4 km away from the bustling City of Cebu.

To get to Cordova, people had to pass by the congested Mactan Bridge or the Marcelo Fernan Bridge, negotiate traffic through Lapu Lapu City’s inner roads.

Globe backs Vax Day anti-fake news campaign DIGITAL solutions platform giant Globe is supporting the upcoming National Vaccination Day through an antifake news campaign.

Globe joined the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine Medical Association (PMA), Family Vaccine Specialty Clinic (FVSC), GeiserMaclang Marketing Communications Inc., (GMCI), and the Vaccine Solidarity Movement (VSM) in encouraging the public to support and participate in the National Vaccination Day on Nov. 29 to Dec. 1.

With Globe’s Truth in Action campaign, the public is encouraged to be discerning online and be confident about the COVID-19 vaccination. Globe is a very strong supporter of this campaign, said Globe senior manager for sustainability integration Miguel Bermundo who explained the company’s initiatives against fake news, protection of children, and support of the government’s vaccination drive.

Bermundo encouraged Filipinos to be more discerning and responsible social media users. He provided in-

formation on Globe-initiated public programs that would better help netizens protect themselves from the rising threats and dangers of the online world, stating that, “Globe encourages its customers to stay educated and protected when online.“ Bermundo discussed several examples of fake news which have been circulating online such as vaccination site shutdowns and various misleading information regarding vaccine efficacy in the country. “Even more serious is how disinformation is being spread about vaccines.”

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In slap at China, US lauds S. Africa’s detection of new coronavirus strain

WASHINGTON—The United States praised South Africa Saturday for quickly identifytandard ing the new Covid strain called Omicron and sharing this information with the world—a TODAY barely veiled slap at China’s handling of the original outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with South Africa’s international relations and cooperation minister, Naledi Pandor, and they discussed cooperation on vaccinating people in Africa against Covid-19, the State Department said.

“Secretary Blinken specifically praised South Africa’s scientists for the quick identification of the Omicron variant and South Africa’s government for its transparency in sharing this information, which should serve NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL as a model for the world,” the statement said.

SETTLEMENT OF First under Donald Trump and now under President Joe ESTATE Biden, the United States has repeatedly criticized China as not Notice is hereby given being forthcoming on the origins of the coronavirus, which was that the estate of the late ERWIN D. SAMONTE first detected in December 2019 in the Chinese city of Wuhan has been extra-judicially settled among his wife before spreading around the world. It has now killed nearly 5.2 and heirs on the 30 of million people.

March, 2021 as per Doc. No. 292; Page No. 59; In August of this year the US intelligence community reManila Book No. 25; Series of leased a report in which it said it could not reach a firm conStandard 2021; under the Notarial RegisterTODAY of Atty. Marty clusion on the origins of the virus—among animals or in a reFranz F. Toralba, for and search lab were top scenarios—because China had not helped in Camiling, Tarlac. in the US probe. AFP (MS-NOV. 15/22/29, 2021)

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NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION The public is hereby notified that RITTAL SYSTEMS INC., a corporation organized and existing under Philippine laws, with registered address at 88 Corporate Center, 141 Valero Street corner Sedeño Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines, will be DISSOLVED through shortening of its corporate term in accordance with Section 136 of the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines. The corporation’s dissolution will automatically take effect on the day following the last day of its shortened corporate term as stated in the corporation’s amended articles of incorporation, without the need for the issuance by the Securities and Exchange Commission of a certificate of dissolution.

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IN THE MATTER OF PETITION FOR JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE INTESTATE ESTATE OF DECEASED PATRICIA LYN VICTORIO MONASTERIAL (also known thru her Married name Patricia Lyn Monasterial-Eusebio) ROSARIO YUMI MONASTERIALVILLANUEVA, ROWENA MONASTERIAL-GARCES, MARIA RAQUEL JOY MONASTERIALRASING, and JOSE ANTHONY V. MONASTERIAL, Petitioners, -versus-

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BIG THINKER. A woman stands in front of the 12-meter-tall (40-foot) art installation “Man” by Amanda Parer displayed at the Expo 2020, in the Gulf Emirate of Dubai, on November 24. “Man” is a giant inflated and illuminated sculpture based on artist Auguste Rodin’s “The Thinker” (1881), a piece often used to represent man’s pursuit of intellectual thought and philosophy. AFP

AUSTRALIA DETECTS FIRST OMICRON CASES

Israel closes to all foreigners

J

ERUSALEM—Israel closed its borders to all foreigners late Sunday in a bid to stem the spread of the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus, authorities said.

“The entry of foreign nationals into Israel is banned except for cases approved by a special committee,” the prime minister’s office said in a statement, adding that the measure would take effect on Sunday evening.

Israeli citizens will be required to present a negative PCR test and quarantine themselves for three days if they have been vaccinated against the coronavirus and seven days if they have not.

In Sydney, health officials said Sunday they had Both people are fully vaccinated,” NSW Health said. detected the Covid Omicron strain in Australia for It was only four weeks ago that Israel reopened its the first time in two passengers who were tested after borders to foreign tourists after a prolonged closure flying into Sydney from southern Africa. due toCYAN Covid.MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK The eastern state of New South health auThe measure was decided by a cabinet committee RepublicWales’ of the Philippines 30 January 2014 Php3,233,689.63 TRIAL COURT thority said it had conductedREGIONAL urgent genomic testing tasked with79516916 overseeing Israel’s Covid response and National Capital Judicial Region TOTAL Php9,676,709.13 and confirmed the new strainBranch was present in the two must be approved by the whole cabinet on Sunday 100, Quezon City people who landed in Sydney on Saturday. morning. For the first check, plaintiff issued Official Receipt No. 107618 Both passengers came from southern Africa and The government’s latest cameOfficial just dated 13 November 2013announcement and for the second check, IGROS MARKETING CORPORATION Reoeipt No. 107644 dated 12 March 2014. However, the Plaintiff, flight via arrived in Australia on a Qatar Airways hours before the start at sundown of the eight-dayremaining balance of Php3,209,329.87 was unpaid. Despite Doha, NSW Health said in a statement. long Hanukkah, of several holiday demands toof defendants, the last ofthe whichFestival were dated 27 - versusR - QZN - 14 - 06813 - CVJewish They tested positive for Covid shortly after arriv- Lights. March 2014, to settle the same, the same fell on deaf ears.

DEVELOPMENT The imposed issue is whether plaintiff isof entitled to its claim. measures ing, leading to anPEREGRINE urgent analysis for possible infecIt already a series emergency INTERNATIONAL INC., (Foreign Corporation), tion by the heavily mutatedPERIGRINE Omicron strain. late Friday to protect its heavily vaccinated populaThis Court answers in the affirmative.

DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL, “The two positive cases, who were asymptomatic, tion after identifying a case of the new COVID-19 INC. (Domestic Corporation), A contract is a meeting of minds between two persons whereby EDWIN BIRKINS IV are in isolation inMARSHALL the special health accommodation. variant. AFP one binds himself, with respect to the other, to give something

BOAT MIGRANTS. Migrants are helped by an RNLI (Royal National

16

17

18

and DENNIS LLOYD WRIGHT, Defendants. x----------------------------------------------x DECISION This case for Sum of Money and Damages arose out of broken promise to pay their joint and solidary monetary ondefendants’ obligations with plaintiff.

Lifeboat Institution) lifeboat before being taken to a beach in Dungeness, the southeast coast of England, on November 24 after crossing the English Plaintiff prayed in their Amended Complaint that: Channel. The past three years have seen a significant rise in attempted Channel crossings by migrants, despite warnings of the dangers in the busy shipping WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed of this Honorable Court that after trial on the merits, judgment be rendered as lane between northern France and southern England, which is subject to strong follows: currents and low temperatures. AFP (i) Defendants PEREGRINE DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL,

DOMINADOR ALMODIEL EUSEBIO, THE REGISTRY OF DEEDS FOR QUEZON CITY, Thru its Registrar of Deeds of Quezon City LRA Complex, East Avenue, Brgy. Pinyahan, Quezon City; THE REGISTRY OF DEEDS FOR TAGAYTAY CITY, thru its Register of Deeds, Atty. Roberto R. Salcedo, Akle St., Kaybagal South, Tagaytay City; THE REGISTRY OF DEEDS FOR THE PROVINCE OF CAVITE, thru its Registrar of Deeds Region 4 Corporate Office, Cavite Provincial Capitol Compound, Governor’s Drive, Brgy. San Agustin, Trece Martirez City, Cavite Respondents. x-------------------------------------------------x

INC., - PHILIPPINE BRANCH (FOREIGN CORPORATION), PEREGRINE DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (DOMESTIC CORPORATION), EDWIN BIRKINS IV and DENNIS LLOYD WRIGHT be ordered to pay to IGROS MARKETING CORPORATION the principal amount of Three Million Two Hundred Nine Thousand Three Hundred Twenty - Nine and 87/100 Pesos (P3,209,329.87) plus legal interest of 6% p.a. computed from the filing of the case ON 25 JULY 2014 up to the time the principal amount is fully paid and actually paid to the plaintiff; (ii) Defendants be ordered to pay to plaintiff the amount of Three Hundred Thousand Pesos (P300,000.00), as and by way of exemplary damages; (iii) Defendants be ordered to pay to plaintiff the amount of One Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php100,000.00), as and by way of reimbursement for attorney’s fees incurred by the plaintiff; and (iv) Defendants be ordered to reimburse plaintiff for the litigation expenses incurred by plaintiff and proved during the trial, plus legal interest and cost of suit.

Other reliefs just and equitable under the premises are likewise prayed for.

ORDER A verified petition was filed on June 21, 2021 by petitioners through counsel praying that a Judgment be rendered or an Order be issued to settle the real and personal properties of the deceased Patrica Lyn V. Monasterial-Eusebio to and in favor of herein petitioners in accordance with existing applicable laws and jurisprudence particularly granting ½ share/portion from the exclusive property of the decedent covered by TCT No. N-290740 of the Registry of Deeds of Quezon City, situated at No. 14-A Scout Chuatoco St., Brgy. Paligsahan, Quezon City – to and in favor of herein petitioners; and ½ share/portion from that real property covered by TCT No. 076-2017000798 of the Registry of Deeds of Tagaytay City, and ½ share/portion from that real property identified as Lot No. 2225-A, Plan No. Psd -042465431, situated at Brgy. Pasong Kawayan 1, Municipality of General Trias, Province of Cavite, containing an area of 5,000 square meters-particularly that portion thereof registered in the name of respondent Dominador Eusebio - to and in favor of herein petitioners, and from each of these aforementioned ½ shares/portions from the properties covered by TCT No. 0762017000798 (Tagaytay lot) and TCT No. 057-2017058281 (Gen. Trias, Cavite lot), to be further divided or distributed equally among herein named petitioners.

That the names and residences of the surviving heirs of the decedent are as follows: Names

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Addresses

Rosario Yumi V. Monasterial-Villanueva

140-7 General Pio Valenzuela St., Caloocan City

Maria Raquel Joy Monasterial-Rasing

Winnipeg, Canada

Rowena MonasterialGarces

Melbourne, Australia

Joseph Anthony Monasterial

V.

Blk. 2 Lot 7 Francisco Compound, Road 23, Project 8, Brgy. Bahay Toro, Quezon City

Dominador Almodiel Eusebio (surviving spouse)

No. 14-A Scout Chuatoco St., Brgy.

Paligsahan, Quezon City

Finding the verified petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the Court gives due course thereto.

WHEREFORE, let copy of this Order and petition be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at petitioner’s expense, upon coordination with the Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Quezon City. Hearing on the verified petition is hereby set on December 2, 2021 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning, at 7th Floor, Hall of Justice Annex Building, Quezon City, at which time and place, any person having interest in the petition may appear.

Let copies of this Order be posted by the Branch Sheriff thirty (30) days before the hearing date at the following places at the expense of petitioners: 1. at the main entrance of the City Hall Building of Quezon City; 2. on the Bulletin Board of the Court, Hall of Justice, Quezon City, and 3. at the Barangay Hall of the barangay where the petitioners resided.

Let copies of this Order be furnished all the surviving heirs who are hereby ordered to be present on the hearing date and time above-mentioned.

Further, petitioners through counsel are ordered to furnish the surviving heirs, namely: Maria Raquel Joy Monasterial-Rasing and Rowena Monasterial-Garces with a copy of this Order and their petition as well as its annexes at their given addresses outside the Philippines and to show proofs of compliance before the hearing date.

SO ORDERED. August 3, 2021, Quezon City, Metro Manila.

(Sgd.) MARIA LUISA LESLE G. GONZALEZ-BETIC Presiding Judge CC: Atty. Portia Flores-Diesta / Atty. Eliseo S. Calma Jr., - Padilla Adaza Diesta Calma & Associates AFIC Padilla Bldg., G/F No. 77 Anahaw St., Veterans Village, 1105 Quezon City Rosario Yumi V. Monasterial-Villanueva 140-7 General Pio Valenzuela St., Caloocan City Maria Raquel Joy Monasterial-Rasing – Winnepeg, Canada Rowena Monasterial-Garces – Melbourne, Australia Joseph Anthony V. Monasterial – Blk. 2 Lot 7 Francisco Compound, Road 23, Project 8, Brgy. Bahay Toro, Quezon City Dominador Almodiel Eusebio – No. 14-A Scout Chuatoco St., Brgy. Paligsahan, Quezon City The Registry of Deeds of Quezon City – LRA Complex, East Avenue, Quezon City The Registry of Deeds of Tagaytay City – Akle St., Kaybagal South, Tagaytay City The Registry of Deeds for the Province of Cavite – Region 4 Corporate Office, Cavite Provincial Capitol Compound, Governor’s Drive, Brgy. San Agustin, Trece Martirez, Cavite (Mstandard-Nov. 15, 22 & 29, 2021)

or to render some service.19 As shown by the Purohase Order herein, parties entered into a contract of sale for the delivery of construction materials, whereby defendants bound themselves, to pay the purchase price indicated therein. The effects of which are elaborated, thus:

Britain snubbed as France hosts talk on Channel migration flow

A contract of sale is defined in Article 1458 of the Civil Code, to wit:

ART. 1458. By the contract of sale, one of the contracting parties obligates himself to transfer the ownership of and to deliver a determinate thing, and the other to pay therefor a price certain in money or its equivalent.

A contract of sale may be absolute or conditional.

The Court in Sps. Ramos v. Sps. Heruela (Ramos) differentiated an absolute sale from a conditional sale as follows: Article 1458 of the Civil Code provides that a contract of sale may be absolute or conditional. A contract of sale is absolute when title to the property passes to the vendee upon delivery of the thing sold. A deed of sale is absolute when there is no stipulation in the contract that title to the property remains with the seller until full payment of the purchase price. The sale is also absolute if there is no stipulation giving the vendor the right to cancel unilaterally the contract the moment the vendee falls to pay within a fixed period. In a conditional sale, as in a contract to sell, ownership remains with the vendor and does not pass to the vendee until full payment of the purchase price parktakes of a suspensive condition, and non-fulfillment of the condition prevents the obligation to sell from arising.

CALAIS—France hosts a meeting of European ministers on Sunday to discuss ways to stop migrants crossing the Channel in dinghies, but without Britain, which has been excluded following a row last week.

Ministers from France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium will meet in the northern French port of Calais on Sunday afternoon to disPursuant to Ramos, the DAS is an absolute sale because there cuss how to tackle people-smuggling is no stipulation in the contract that title to the property remains with the sellers until full payment of the purchase price and there is The antecedents: gangs that provide boats to migrants no stipulation giving the vendors the right to cancel unilaterally the This case was originally raffled 0ff to the Regional Trial Court, narrow contract seeking the moment to the cross vendee the fails to pay withinwaterway. a fixed period.

Quezon City, Branch 224.

It will be recalled that after were the execution of thefollowing DAS, Norma The talks called Immediately took possession of the subject lot and there was no Upon service of the summons, original defendants Peregrine the shocking deaths of 27 people last retention of ownership by the heirs of Vicentico until full payment Development International, Inc., Marshall Edwin Birkings IV , and of the purchase price by Norma that was stipulated in to the cross DAS. Wednesday as they attempted Dennis Lloyd Wright filed the Motion to Dismiss (ad cautelam) What then is the legal effect of the non-payment of the purchase dated 16 September 2014. The same was denied in the Order from France England in a dinghy price of P50,000.00

by Normato to petitioners? dated 14 January 2015.

Pursuant to Article 1468 of the CiVilair Code, a contract sale in that began losing while at ofsea is a reciprocal obligation to give; and the prestation or obligation After asking for several extensions, said defendants filed their cold winter temperatures. of the seller or vendor is “to transfer the ownership of and to Answer Ad Cautelam (With compulsory Counterclaim) dated deliver a determinate the prestation obligation of The aimthing” of while the meeting isor“improv15 May 2015. The mediation proceedings before the Philippine the buyer or vendee is into pay therefor a price certain in money Mediation Center failed as shown by the Mediator’s Report dated ing operational cooperation in the or its equivalent.”

08 October 2015.

The fullfight paymentagainst of the purchase price is the buyer’s prestation. people-smuggling beThe non-payment of the purchase price by the buyer after the Defendants then filed their Motion for Production and Inspection cause these are international networks seller has delivered the object of the sale to the buyer constitutes and to Reset Pre-Trial (ad cautelam) dated 19 October 2015. operate inin different European a breachwhich of the buyer’s prestatlon a contract of sale.

The buyer contravened the very tenor of the contract.

The subsequent Judicial Dispute by the NAYPYIDAW—Ousted Myanmar democracy icon Resolution from theconducted political arenahas countries,” an aide to Code, French Interior Generally, under Article 1594 of the Civil “[a]ctions for Court was unsuccessful. Hence, the case was re-raffled to this leader Aung San Suu Kyi is expectfor good.

Gerald told breach Minister of the contract of saleDarmanin of goods shall be AFP. governed Branch. the provisions of this Chapter 6 on to ‘Actions ed to hear the verdict in her inciteBut the junta’s plans for Suu Kyi re-particularly byThe main focus had [Chapter been set be for Breach of Contract of Sale of Goods], and as to matters not The case main was covered under A.M. No. 14-03-02-SC. In the ment trial on Tuesday, the firstOrder in adated unknown, they add, and authoritalks between Darmanin and his Britspecifically provided for herein, by other applicable provisions of 18 July 2017, defendants’ Motion for Production and this Title ish [Title VI on Sales].” catalogue of judgements to be handed tiesto Reset could also(ad delay thewas verdict. counterpart Priti Patel after both Inspection and Pre-Trial cautelam) denied. down in a junta court that couldPlaintiff jail then submitted Journalists have been barred fromOne remedy countries into Wit: the immediate is providedvowed Article 1595, its Omnibus Motion dated 11 September . 1595. Where, of under a contract sale, the ownership her for decades. in the special court in the Aaftermath the massofdrownings to 2017 prayingproceedings that: the goods has passed to the buyer, and he wrongfully The Nobel laureate has been detained military-built capital Naypyidaw and of cooperate more together. neglects or refuses to pay for the goods according to the WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Igros Marketing Corporation respectfully terms Working of the contractmore of sale, closely the seller may maintainrean since the generals ousted her governher lawyers would prays that this Honorable Court:are banned from speaking action again him for the price of the goods. ment in the early hours of February 1, to the media. quire Paris and London to overcome In addition, the buyer may be held liable for damages under 1. Grant Plaintiff leave to file its Amended Complaint; ending the Southeast Asian country’s Days Amended after the coupintoSuu Kyi was years ofwit:ill-will caused by Britain’s Article 596, to 2. Admit the attached Complaint the records of the hit ART 1596, Where the buyer wrongfully neglects or refuses above – captioned and be considered in resolving the same; brief democratic interlude. with case obscure charges for possessing departure from the European Union, to aceppt and pay for the goods, the seller may maintain an 3. Order the issuance and service of summons and the Amended More than 1,200 people have Complaint been unlicensed walkie-talkies, and for vio- action as against well him asforoften frosty ties between damages for nonacceptance. anew to all Defendants in the instant case; and The measure of damages is the estimated loss directly and killed and over 10,000 arrested 4.inOrder a the lating coronavirus during deferment of the filing of restrictions the Plaintiff’s Terms of their governments. naturally resulting in the ordinary course of events from the another time convenient to this Honorable Court, but crackdown on dissent, accordingReference to a toelections her National League for De- buyer’sWithin 48 hours of the accident, breach of contract. only after the resolution of the present Omnibus Motion. local monitoring group. mocracy wonofinrelief 2020.

French President Emmanuel Macron Plaintiff likewise prays for(NLD) other measures just and proper Yet, defendants failed to comply with their obligations. Only under if the premises.

Suu Kyi faces three years in jail The junta has steadily added a slewpartial amount had was accused British Minister paid by them, that is, Prime the amount covered by checks.

The balance Php3,209,329.87 remained found guilty of incitement againstAttached the thereto of other indictments, including violat-the two (2) Boris Johnson of ofbeing “not serious” is the Amended Complaint whereby the following unsettled.

Despite several demands made upon them to pay the made defendants: International, Inc. military—just one of the chargesarethat ing the Peregrine officialDevelopment secrets act, corruption, in unusually personal criticism that said obligation, the latter failed to do so. In the absence of any (Foreign Corporation), Peregrine Development International, Inc. evidencepushed to the contrary, plaintiff’sto evidence Defendants’ analysts say are aimed at removing the Corporation), and electoral fraud. relations freshsuffice. lows.AFP (Domestic Marshall Edwin AFP Birkins IV and Dennis

China cops nab Myanmar’s Suu Kyi expected to hear North Korean first verdict in junta trial on Tuesday convict on run 1

2

BEIJING—Chinese police have captured a North Korean prisoner who staged a daring escape from jail in October and had been on the run for more than forty days, authorities said Sunday.

Officials in northeast China were offering a $23,000 bounty for the recapture of the escapee, in a manhunt that has sparked massive interest on social media.

The 39-year-old prisoner, identified by the Chinese name Zhu Xianjian, was jailed in China after fleeing reclusive North Korea.

He escaped the facility in Jilin city by scaling a shed and vaulting the outer wall on October 18 and managed to stay at large before being captured Sunday.

A one-line statement from Jilin police said he had been reprimanded at about 10 am Sunday morning, without giving more details.

Videos shared by state-run Beijing News showed an emaciatedlooking man being carried by several officers, with a photograph of him then lying on the ground with his hands behind his back.

Zhu was convicted of illegal entry into China, larceny, and robbery, and was due for release and deportation back to the North in 2023, prompting online speculation that he broke out to avoid being sent back.

He illegally crossed a river separating North Korea from China in 2013. He then raided several houses in a nearby village, stealing money, mobile phones and clothes, court records show. AFP

3

20

Lloyd Wright.

‘Barbados will spur others to ditch Queen Elizabeth’

In the Order dated 27 December 2017, the said Omnibus Motion was granted. Per Officer’s Return dated 09 May 2018 summons to the said defendants could not be served. The service thereof was endorsed to the Office of the Clerk of Court (OCC) and ExOfficio Sheriff, Third Judicial Region, Regional Trial Court (RTC), City of San Fernando, Pampanga per letter of the Branch dated 15 May 2018. However, in a letter dated 25 June 2018, the same was returned to the LONDON—On a rainy night in Hong Kong in Branch as it appears that OCC, RTC, San Fernando Pampanga had no jurisdiction over the given address 1997, Prince Charles read a message from his of defendants. Hence, plaintiff filed its Ex-Parte Motion for the Issuance of Alias Summons dated 10 July 2018 praying that the mother Queen Elizabeth II, as Britain handed back summons be served upon defendants’ resident agent, Rodrigo sovereignty of the territory to China after more Berenguer & Guino Law Offices. The same was withdrawn in open than 150 years of UK rule.

Court on 26 March 2019.

liability is already established by preponderance of evidence. The concept of “preponderance of evidence” refers to evidence which is of greater weight, or more convincing, that which is offered in opposition to it, at bottom, it means probability of truth.21

Said amount is still subject to 6% interest from date of extrajudicial demand until full satisfaction. As stated by the Supreme Court: Thus, in the absence of any stipulation as to interest in the agreement between the parties herein, the matter of interest award arising from the dispute in this case would actually fall under the second paragraph of the above-quoted guidelines in the landmark case of Eastern Shipping Lines, which necessitates the imposition of interest at the rate of 6%, instead of the 12% imposed by the courts below.

The 6% interest rate shall further be imposed from the

finality of the judgment herein until satisfaction thereof, in On Monday, nearly a quarter of a century on, light of our recent ruling in Nacar v. Gallery Frames.

For the meantime, the Branch endorsed the service of the Charles will be present at another handover, when summons to the OCC and Ex-Officio Sheriff, RTC, City of Angeles, Note, however, that contrary to FBI’s assertion, we find Barbados becomes the world’s newest republic, Pampanga, through a letter dated 06 August 2018. Per Sheriff’s no error in the RTC’s ruling that the interest shall begin Return of Summons (Unserved) dated 02 April 2019 of Claude B. with an elected president—not the queen—as head to run from August 30, 1991 as this is the date when FBI Balasbas, Sheriff IV, of OCC, RTC, Angeles City, the diligent efforts extrajudicially made its claim against FBI through a letter of state. to locate the office addresses of defendants were rendered futile, demanding payment for its services. thescale summons The ceremony will not be on thehence same aswas unserved. in Hong Kong, when military marching bands and While defendants may be made liable for the foregoing, they, Plaintiff submitted its Motion for Leave of Court to Effect Service however, cannot be made answerable for other damages. There bagpipes provided the backdrop toofaSummons momentous

by Publication dated 23 April 2019. In the Order are no factual bases forwarded to support the same. As the dated 27 May 2019, occasion that was described as “the epilogue ofit was ruled: Supreme Court held: empire”.

WHEREFORE, premises considered, let Alias Summons On the matter of the spouses’ prayer for moral damages, issueof together But the Caribbean island’s abandonment con- with the Amended Complaint and annexes the Court holds that aside from their bare allegations, the concerning defendant foreign corporation, Peregrine stitutional monarchy is significant, not just for the Spouses Serrano failed to show compelling reason to Development International Inc., to be served c/o the warrant the award the containing same, considering the filing monarch and her heir, but for the new republic— FREEDOM WALL. People look for their names on a ofwall thethat names Securities and Exchange Commission. alone of a civil action should not be a ground for an award and others that may follow. of Barbadians at the official opening of ofmoral the damages GoldeninSquare Freedom Park in the same way that a clearly unfounded In the Order dated 05 July 2019, plaintiff’s Motion for Leave of Joe Little, the managing editor of Court Majesty Magis not Osbourne among the grounds for an moral damages.

Bridgetown, Barbados, on Novembercivil 27.action Clement Payne, advocate to Effect Service of Summons by Publication was granted.

The same holds true for their claim for exemplary damages azine, said the declaration was a “natural progres- for labor reform and one of ten National Heroes of Barbados, delivered a speech in view of the fact that they failed to prove their entitlement Plaintiff filed its Compliance dated 20 February 2020 as regards sion” of a trend that began soon after the queen at Golden Square in 1937, urging black Barbadians up todamages the white to moral, temperateto or stand compensatory as required the service of the summons and other documents to defendants.

by Article 2234. Similarly, the Court finds that the Spouses took the throne in 1952. AFP plantation owners.

In its Manifestation dated 27 October 2020, it statedAFP among others 22

that publication of the required documents were already made on 13 October 2020.

Serrano are likewise not entitled to attorney’s fees for it is a

Plaintiff submitted its Manifestations with Motion to Declare Defendants in Default dated 21 March 2021. The same was granted in the Order dated 26 May 2021 and it was allowed to

automatic grant of attorney’s fees.23

rule that no premium should be placed on the right CYANsettled MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK to litigate and that not every winning party is entitled to an

WHEREFORE, premises considered, judgment is hereby

Business

A7

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2021 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market wary of new COVID-19 strain

By Jenniffer B. Austria

S

HARES prices are expected to consolidate this week as financial markets are gripped by fears of the possible negative effects of a new coronavirus strain on the recovery of global economy.

Analysts said investors were concerned the discovery of a new strain from South Africa, named Omicron, might result in renewed mobility restrictions and lockdowns, which could un-

ravel economic gains.

The World Health Organization last week said the variant has a large number of mutations and that preliminary evidence suggests it may be more infectious than other variants.

“Fears of a new virus strain that was discovered in Southern Africa is causing a wave of caution across global markets,” BDO Unibank Inc. chief investment strategist Jonathan Ravelas said.

The anxiety will provide investors an opportunity to lock in on previous gains.

“Expect the market to consolidate within the 7,200-7,400 levels in the near-term. A break below the 7,200 level will signal a near-term top is in place at 7,475.75 and may see further losses to-

wards the 7,000 levels,” he added.

The Philippine Stoxk Exchange Index last week ended nearly flat a 7,278, while the broader All Shares Index slipped 0.2 percent to 3,871.

Mining, oil holding firms and financials registered week-on-week gains of 1.9 percent, 0.5 precent and 0.4 percent, respectively.

The industrials index declined 0.8 percent while property and services fell 0.3 and 0.2 percent, respectively.

Foreign investors were net sellers for the week by P737 million, while the average daily value traded reached P10.9 billion from the previous week’s average of P8.8 billion.

Weekly top price gainers were Union

Bank of the Philippines which advanced by 13 percent to P107.50; Wilcon Depot Inc., which climbed 3.6 percent to P31.10; and Semirara Mining and Power Corp., which rose 3.6 percent to P23.

Weekly top price losers were Megawide Construction Corp., which declined 9.8 percent to P5.40; Petron Corp., which dropped 4.8 percent to P3.33; and Megaworld Corp., which shed 4.8 percent to P3.14.

Global stock markets and oil prices, meanwhile, plunged Friday over fears of a new coronavirus variant that scientists warn could be more infectious than the Delta strain and more resistant to vaccines, potentially dealing a heavy blow to the global economic recovery. With AFP

Anti-smog teams in Pakistan target urban factories LAHORE, Pakistan—The anti-smog squad van careens through choking traffic in Lahore, on its way to track down factories belching out smoke— a seemingly futile task in one of the world’s most polluted cities.

Inside the white vehicle sits an armed escort protecting the six members of the team, who clutch a list of locations they plan to inspect that day.

They scan the grey, heavy sky for telltale plumes of toxic smoke that indicate a factory is breaking environmental laws.

“All we need to do is follow the smoke to get to the source, we don’t even need the lists,” says Ali Ijaz, the environment department official in charge of the new operation, which is due to run for a month until midDecember.

The operation’s five squads are the latest effort by authorities in Lahore, near the border with India, to curb an annual pollution spike that has left more than 11 million residents gasping for air.

Ijaz says they intend to visit 300 industrial factories in the sprawling metropolis that have been identified as being responsible for the worst emissions.

Air quality in India and Pakistan has deteriorated in recent years, with winter’s hazardous pollution driven by a mixture of low-grade diesel fumes and smoke from seasonal crop burn off, worsened by the colder temperatures.

Lahore is routinely ranked as one of the world’s most polluted urban centers, and frequently tops daily rankings.

The hazardous air quality can cause breathing issues that range from discomfort to respiratory tract and heart diseases. AFP

PSEi November 26, 2021

TOP GAINERS 1

MAHB

LAST PRICE 1.69

% CHANGE CHANGE 0.26 18.18%

2 3

IDC ECP

2.12 4.6

0.22 0.4

11.58% 9.52%

4 5 6

ABG DIZ PRIM

5.7 5.49 1.36

0.43 0.37 0.07

8.16% 7.23% 5.43%

7 8 9

ROCK LOTO EURO

1.57 2.09 1.55

0.07 0.08 0.05

4.67% 3.98% 3.33%

10

LR

1.55

0.05

3.33%

TOP LOSERS

Sunny Butler, owner of Sunny’s Accessories, charges customers in her store on Black Friday in downtown El Paso, Texas on November 26, 2021. AFP

‘Black Friday’: Shoppers back but many bought early NEW YORK—Americans returned to stores for the “Black Friday” kickoff of the holiday shopping season, but online data show that consumers have been spending big for weeks amid worries over shortages.

The day after the US Thanksgiving celebration is the traditional start to the holiday shopping season, and normally sees Americans line up outside stores before they open to clinch deals on popular items.

After the pandemic kept crowds away last year, many shoppers were out in force Friday, a sign of how COVID-19 vaccines have returned life in the United States to something closer to normal.

“I just wanted to make sure that this Christmas was a good Christmas for all my friends and family,” said a masked Sylvia Gonzalez as she waited in line

line outside the jewelry chain Pandora in New York.

But even before retailers opened their doors early Friday morning, ecommerce shoppers in the United States had already spent $76 billion since early November, up more than 20 percent from the year-ago period, according to data from software company Adobe, which has projected somewhat fewer promotions this year in light of rising costs.

The jump has added to companies’ optimism about the season, suggesting some shoppers heeded calls from businesses to purchase items early this year after port backlogs and other logistics problems sparked worries that popular goods would be in short supply.

Toys led the buying spree, with Adobe pointing to actions by “anxious par-

PHES

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

BCB OPMB I PHA ZHI APVI DITO BKR MARC

4.8 0.01 0.91 0.72 0.175 18 5.61 1.67 1.38

% CHANGE CHANGE -0.18 -22.78% -0.6 -0.001 -0.09 -0.07 -0.015 -1.26 -0.39 -0.11 -0.09

-11.11% -9.09% -9.00% -8.86% -7.89% -6.54% -6.50% -6.18% -6.12%

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

MONDE ACEN ALI SMPH BDO GLO SM CNVRG TEL MBT

VOLUME 73,281,400 70,164,400 14,954,700 14,082,000 3,932,730 85,685 256,170 8,256,000 133,135 4,289,260

VALUE (PHP) 1,311,036,314 832,373,298 544,562,070 515,155,235 500,494,867 295,186,130 250,939,480 249,912,080 228,494,265 214,408,401

A new perspective on Climate Change

Laos eyes economic stimulus from $6-b Chinese-built railway

By Lisa Martin and Pathom Sangwongwanich BANGKOK, Thailand—A new $6-billion Chinesebuilt railway line opens in Laos this week, bringing hopes of an economic boost to the reclusive nation, but experts are questioning the benefits of a project that has seen thousands of farmers evicted from their land.

The 414-kilometer (260-mile) route, due to open on December 3, took five years to construct under China’s trillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative, which funds infrastructure projects aimed at increasing Beijing’s clout globally.

Struggling strawberry farmer Anouphon Phomhacsar is hoping the new railway will get his business back on track.

His farm usually produces up to two tons of the red heart-shaped fruits a year, but the pandemic has hit the 2021 harvest hard.

It currently takes Phomhacsar three to four hours to send his strawberries to Vientiane by road, but he hopes the new railway will cut this delivery time in half.

And he says it will also be easier for tourists to travel to camp under the stars and pick berries.

“In the future, foreign tourists coming to the farm could be in the tens of thousands,” he told AFP. The train route will connect the Chinese city of Kunming to the Laos capital, with grand plans for high-speed rail to ultimately snake down through Thailand and Malaysia to Singapore.

Infrastructure-poor Laos, a reclusive communistrun country of 7.2 million people, previously had only four kilometers of railway tracks.

But now sleek red, blue and white bullet trains will speed along the new line at up to 160 kmh (100 mph), passing through 75 tunnels and across 167 bridges, stopping at 10 passenger stations.

Economic boost Despite registering only dozens of COVID cases until April, Laos’ economy took a pandemic battering—economic growth declined to 0.4 percent in 2020, the lowest level in three decades, according to the World Bank.

Hopes for a 2021 rebound were dashed—Laos

ents increasingly aware of supply chain challenges.”

The National Retail Federation projects overall spending could rise as much as 10.5 percent to $859 billion.

Nonetheless, out-of-stock listings online are up 261 percent compared with two years ago, according to Adobe.

Retailers and market watchers are broadly optimistic about the holiday shopping season in light of low unemployment and relatively strong household finances due in part to pandemic stimulus bills enacted by the government.

Countering those positive trends are lingering supply chain problems, spiking consumer prices that have affected household staples such as food and fuel, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which is still far from over. AFP

1

LAST PRICE 0.61

This frame grab from Lao National TV video footage taken on October 16, 2021 via AFPTV shows the Lane Xang bullet train at the Vientiane Railway Station in Vientiane. AFP

locked down as it clocked up roughly 70,000 infections in the past eight months.

And while the railway could boost tourism, freight and agriculture, according to a World Bank report, the government needs to undertake substantial reforms, including improving border clearance processes.

“The new railway is a major investment that has the potential to stimulate the Lao economy and allow the country to take advantage of its geographical position at the heart of mainland Southeast Asia,” Sombath Southivong, a senior World Bank infrastructure specialist, told AFP. The tourism industry is desperate for a pick-me-up after the pandemic caused an 80 percent downturn in international traveller numbers in 2020—4.7 million foreign tourists visited the previous year.

Pre-pandemic young nomads crammed on to buses at Vientiane for the four-hour ride to adventure capital Vang Vieng—a journey that will now take about an hour by train.

The town, which has a former CIA airstrip, was notorious for backpackers behaving badly at jungle parties before it re-branded as a eco-tourism destination.

But the kayaks, river rafts, ziplines and hot air balloons have been empty of late.

Inthira—a boutique hotel nestled on the banks of the Nam Song River—shifted from a full occupancy rate to only a trickle of domestic travelers on weekends, says general manager Oscar Tality.

Tality hopes the railway and reduced travel times will give the industry a shot in the arm.

“Along the way people will see magnificent views of the mountains and will cross over bridges and tunnels. It will be a wonderful trip for those on the train,” Tality told AFP. White elephant?

Despite local optimism, some Laos watchers are concerned about the long-term viability of the project. AFP

WHEN I read Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si, it opened a lot of perspectives that I was not conscious of before. When I think of climate change, I only think of the scientific and economic views. And these views only give me explanations on the effects of climate change and not why I should do something about it. Looking at it from a spiritual perspective gives you understanding, purpose and motivation. We are stewards of God’s creation, and it is our responsibility to take care of our common home. I guess this is also why most people don’t act on Climate Change—because they don’t have the purpose. It is very moving to have these Catholic social teachings because they give authority to all believers. It is our responsibility.

I am also drawn on the Pope’s message that “We are part of nature, included in it, and thus in constant interaction with it.”

When I think of taking care of the environment, it is no longer a burden because I am part of nature. I am one with nature.

My decisions will affect not just me, the future generations, but also everything around me. I am now aware that part of the reason I was not conscious of the effects of climate change before is that I am not directly affected, I did not feel that there was a water shortage, so I did not use it with care. I was selfish, and the way I consume is not considering what is good for everything around me. I realized the effects of my actions, and I can say that I am now an informed consumer. I realized that less is more, and I should change my mindset.

I was also a fan of new technology advancements because I felt that it would make my life easier, but as I read more articles, I realized that a “technocratic” mindset is not good. Yes, advancements in technology are promising, but we should always be aware of its consequences on the environment. Before we participate in

DANISH BERNADETH MAHUSAY

Green LiGht the new advances in technology, we should always evaluate the effects of the advancements on the environment.

One example is using too many gadgets that I don’t need. As I looked at the gadgets at home, I realized that they use a lot of electricity and will be part of the electronic waste. I realized that I don’t really need a new smartwatch because I already have one, I don’t need a new phone just because there’s a new model, I don’t need to buy a new charger just because the cord is too short, or I need a new smart TV just because the old one is not big enough. These little things will make a huge impact on the environment because there will be less waste. Because of this, I also realized that less is more. Not having more gadgets will help me focus more, look at the things that really matter, and not waste my time on things that will not appear anymore in the future.

Because of this encyclical, I am more aware, and I feel more connected to God as a steward of His creation. It is our responsibility, and there are many things that we could do on our end. We need to be more conscious of our actions and always consider how they affect everything around us.

The author is an MBA student at the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business, DLSU. She can be reached at danish_mahusay@dlsu.edu.ph.

The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

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

A8

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2021

IN BRIEF

PSALM studies Casecnan valuation

STATE-RUN Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. said it is studying the valuation of the Casecnan hydro power plant, a 165-megawatt combined irrigation and power generation facility in preparation for its planned privatization next year.

“We are working on the valuation of Casecnan,” PSALM president and chief executive Irene Besido-Garcia said.

PSALM lined up the Casecnan power facility as one of the big-ticket power projects for privatization in 2022. CE Casecnan Water and Energy Company Inc. operates the facility by virtue of an independent power producer Build-Operate-Transfer contract with the National Irrigation Administration which will expire on December 11. After the agreement expires, NIA will own 40 percent, while PSALM will own 60 percent of Casecnan.

NIA allowed PSALM to handle the procurement of operation and maintenance service contract and to start the preparation for privatization of the Casecnan facility.

Alena Mae S. Flores

MPT South promotes road safety, tourism METRO Pacific Tollways South teamed up with the Department of Interior and Local Government to embark on road safety education campaigns and tourism promotion for the Cavite-Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon region.

Under a memorandum of understanding, MPT South and DILG IV-A agreed to jointly pool knowledge and expertise on various facets of local governance and social development, utilizing the Local Governance Resource Center facility.

LGRC is a dynamic, interactive and virtual program that will serve as a center of learning for innovation and knowledge sharing on local government, and as a complement strategy in the development of local government unit capacities.

“We are honored to partner with DILG IV-A on our social development projects for road safety and tourism promotion for the region,” said Arlette Capistrano, MPT South spokesperson.

“With this partnership, and now that the government loosens travel restrictions, we aim to help with the economic recovery of the region by boosting socio-economic activities through tourism,” she said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

INAEC submits UNFCCC pledge INAEC Aviation Corp. became the first general aviation operator in the Philippines to submit its Climate Neutral Now Pledge to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change on Sept. 15, 202.

By signing the UNFCCC Pledge, INAEC joined a global initiative to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or earlier. INAEC committed itself to measure its greenhouse gas (emissions, plan and implement actions to reduce these emissions and consider contributing to the reduction of GHG emissions through credible carbon credits.

INAEC has been monitoring its carbon emissions as early as 2018 despite the fact that the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation which took effect on Jan. 1, 2019, does not apply to general or business aviation operators.

“This is a natural step for INAEC as part of the Lopez Group of Companies,” said Jay Lopez, INAEC president.

He said the Lopez Group firmly established itself as firm advocates of environmental protection and climate action, as manifested by our ‘no-to-coal’ declaration way back in 2016.

Business Vaccine rollout, economic reforms to create more jobs

By Julito G. Rada

T

HE Department of Finance said over the weekend the faster pace of vaccination rollout and passage of vital economic reforms will generate more employment that are crucial to sustaining the recovery from the devastating impact of the global health crisis.

“The administration of vaccines will help the country live with the virus and pave way for more opening of the economy,” it said in an economic bulletin.

It cited the amendments to the Foreign Investment Act, Public Service Act

and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act as among the vital economic reforms.

“Medium- to long-term, the passage of the amendments to the Foreign Investment Act, Public Service Act, and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act will help bring in more capital, generate more employment [and possibly better wages], and make the economy more competitive,” it said.

The DOF issued the statement in the wake of latest government report showing that the country’s unemployment rate rose from 8.1 percent in August to 8.9 percent in September, the highest since the 10-percent recorded in July 2020, mainly due to job losses in the agriculture amid inclement weather and manufacturing sectors.

National statistician and civil registrar general Dennis Mapa said in an online briefing the 8.9-percent jobless rate in September was the highest this year, when PSA started to release labor

survey data on a monthly basis. Prior to 2021, the PSA was releasing the data on a quarterly basis The top five subsectors with the biggest drop in the number of employed persons from August to September 2021 were agriculture and forestry, -862,000; manufacturing, -343,000; information and communication, -126,000; mining and quarrying, -75,000; and real estate activities, -69,000.

The slight loosening of quarantine restrictions, however, boosted employment in the services sector (414,000) and the continued implementation of infrastructure projects created additional jobs in the construction sub-sector (105,000), partially offsetting the loss in employment in agriculture.

The government said that more than 80 million COVID-19 vaccine doses were already administered under the national vaccination program.

BARMM- STRADCOM DEAL. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications, one of the ministries in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, signs an agreement with Stradcom Corp. to organize and automate land transportation systems in the Muslim region. Stradcom is Land Transportation Office’s long-time IT partner and the proponent of the multi-billion peso LTO-IT project, which automated the core processes of the agency. At the signing ceremony at the Bulwagang Edu of the Land Transportation Office are (from left) BARMM-LTO regional director Anwar Upham, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante, BARMM-MOTC Minister Dickson Hermoso, Stradcom president and chief executive Anthony Quiambao and Stradcom senior vice president and chief operating officer George Tan.

Cebu Pacific receives first environment-friendly Airbus A330neo

By Darwin G. Amojelar CEBU Pacific said over the weekend it received its first Airbus A330neo (New Engine Option), that paves the way for it to become the greenest airline in Asia.

The low-cost carrier said its newest aircraft features 459 lightweight Recaro seats, ergonomically designed for comfort over long distances.

This also allows more travelers to be carried in a single flight, resulting in the lowest carbon footprint per passenger, making CEB the greenest airline in Asia.

Cebu Pacific’s first A330neo brings us closer to our target of having an

all-Neo fleet by 2027, and shows our commitment to making air travel accessible, while ensuring environmental and social sustainability,” said Alex Reyes, chief strategy officer at Cebu Pacific.

“We believe that growth and sustainability are not mutually exclusive and should in fact be inclusive if we want to work towards the greater good. This is why we will always choose the greener options-- increased aircraft efficiency, reduced noise and carbon emissions to ensure that more low fares will be available for everyJuan,” Reyes said With the the help of latest technologies, the eco-plane uses 25 percent less fuel than previous generation aircraft as

it consumes as little as 1.4 liters per seat per 100 kilometers, thus, burning less fuel and emitting less carbon.

Powered by Rolls-Royce’s latest-generation Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo also features a new composite wing with increased span for enhanced, fuelbeating aerodynamics.

As one of the world’s youngest fleets, CEB’s newest aircraft is set to enter service next month to fly to various destinations across CEB’s international and domestic network.

Cebu Pacific operates the widest domestic network in the Philippines covering 33 destinations, on top of its 12 international destinations.

PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, November 26, 2021 -90.83 PTS. 7,278.44

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

1,040,765,939 103,897 9,974,648,713.77 66 135 43

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

50.4600

Japan

Yen

0.008669

0.4374

UK

Pound

1.332400

67.2329

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128264

6.4722

Switzerland

Franc

1.068490

53.9160

Canada

Dollar

0.790639

39.8956

Singapore

Dollar

0.731208

36.8968

Australia

Dollar

0.719000

36.2807

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652801

133.8603

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266610

13.4531

Brunei

Dollar

0.728544

36.7623

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.029985

1.5130

UAE

Dirham

0.272279

13.7392

Euro

Euro

1.121200

56.5758

Korea

Won

0.000840

0.0424

China

Yuan

0.156585

7.9013

India

Rupee

0.013427

0.6775

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.236518

11.9347

New Zealand

Dollar

0.685900

34.6105

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035982

1.8157 Source: BSP

URC eyes P5b in savings from transformation of supply chain

By Jenniffer B. Austria UNIVERSAL Robina Corp., the biggest snack food maker, said over the weekend it expects to generate P5 billion in savings over the next five years from the expanded and accelerated supply chain transformation.

URC said in an investors presentation it finalized a five-year roadmap that would enable the company to harvest P5 billion in savings.

It said the program, which relies on digital transformation, will be achieved by having lean manufacturing, production efficiencies and improved productivity from scale and shared services.

The program also aims to eliminate waste and optimize conversion and logistics costs.

URC piloted this supply chain savings program in 2019, with a target to generate P1 billion in savings over a period of three years. The company generated P200 million in savings in the first year.

URC initially implemented the program in its manufacturing facilities around the country. It recently expanded to other activity systems like formulation, packaging and logistics.

The company recorded net income of P11.2 billion in the first nine months of 2021, up 38 percent from the same period last year. The increase was driven by continuing benefits from the Comprehensive Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act and gain on sale of idle land.

Nine-month sales inched up by 3 percent to P102.6 billion from P99.8 billion.

Operating income continued to be challenged by higher input costs and production inefficiencies brought about by COVID-related supply disruptions in several markets.

Higher pricing and cost savings initiatives helped reduce impact to margins.

URC reported last week it would buy 100 percent of Malaysian biscuits company Munchy Food Industries Inc. for P22.9 billion.

Unity Digital of Aboitiz Group spending P6b to construct 1,000 cell sites in 2022

SCORCHED EXPANSION.

A group of young entrepreneurs takes advantage of the easing of quarantine restrictions as they open their fourth branch of Scorched Smokehouse at SM City Grand Central in Caloocan City. Scorched put up its first and pioneering restaurant along Asturias corner Laong Laan Sreet in Manila in April 2019. It was followed by a second branch at SM Center Las Pinnas in March 2021 and by a third branch at SM City Manila near the City Hall in August 2021.

Scorched is the only food shop that serves authentic meat cooked in a smoker using the hickory wood chips.

Jess Malabanan

UNITY Digital Infrastructure Inc., a unit of Aboitiz Group, said it will spend P6 billion in 2022 to build 1,000 cell sites in Visayas and Mindanao.

“Over the next 12 to 15 months, we forecast to develop over 1,000 operating sites across the country,” Unity chief executive Robin Sarmiento said.

“The demand for this infrastructure is nationwide. We are actually rolling out in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, but for 2022, we see that much of our sites will focus on VisMin areas,” he said.

Sarmiento said the company would spend about $100,200 per tower or about P5 billion to P6 billion for the 1,000 cell sites.

Aboitiz InfraCapital formed in April this year a joint venture with leading

global private market firm Partners Group, acting on behalf of its clients, to establish a telecommunications infrastructure platform called Unity Digital Infrastructure.

Through Unity, Aboitiz InfraCapital and Partners Group will build and operate telecommunication towers and supporting infrastructure across the country.

Parent firm Aboitiz InfraCapita allotted about P20 billion next year to fund various infrastructure projects.

“For next year, our capex would be around P20 billion. The bulk of our capex would be for our economic estates and our digital infrastructure business,” said Cosette Canilao, president and chief executive of Aboitiz InfraCapital. Darwin G. Amojelar

Resumption of Malampaya gas operation leads to lower average price at electricity spot market

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE average electricity price at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market declined this month to P5.20 per kilowatthour from P6.51 per kWh in October on higher power generation capacity following the resumption of the Malampaya natural gas field in northwest Palawan.

Data from WESM operator Independent Electricity Market Operator of the

Philippines showed the average available capacity for Luzon and Visayas rose to 14,246 MW in November from 13,374 MW in October.

The average demand at WESM, the trading floor of electricity, also improved to 10,379 MW from 10,207 MW in October.

“The reason why rates are lower [for November] is because of increase in supply... Our supply went up after the Malampaya maintenance outage.

The other gas plants are already available, so from 13,300 MW it went up to 14,200 MW,” IEMOP manager for simulation and analysis John Paul Grayda said.

The Malampaya maintenance outage from Oct. 2 to 25 resulted in significant decrease in available supply, triggering an increase in average rate to P6.51 per kWh. Grayda said they were expecting lower demand in December based on his-

torical data amid cooler weather.

“In December, we experience lower demand and if the outage is not significant, then next month we see close to P5 or a lower price for the next month,” he said.

Grayda said WESM has a registered capacity totaling 21,404 MW with 17,752 MW coming from Luzon and the remaining 3,652 MW from Visayas.

The WESM in Mindanao is targeted to initially operate by Dec. 26, but full

commercial operation is expected by March next year.

The three-month leeway is intended to give Mindanao participants time to familiarize themselves with the process and infrastructure of the new market.

Meanwhile, Grayda said customer consumption from January to October reached 67,312 MW, up 5 percent yearon-year which is “a good indicator that the economy has already restored and improving economic growth.”

Sports

Pacquiao’s sparmate Kambosos unifies 3 titles NEW YORK—Manny Pacquiao’s former sparmate George Kambosos used a relentless attack and a stinging overhand right to become the undisputed lightweight boxing champion with a shocking split decision victory over Teofimo Lopez on Saturday night in New York.

Both boxers came into the fight undefeated but the Australian Kambosos, who survived a 10th round knockdown, made sure he was the one to leave with the 135-pound straps.

The 28-year-old Kambosos snatched the WBA, IBF and WBO belts in a close slugfest at New York’s Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden that left both fighters bloodied and bruised by the end of the 12th round.

“I wasn’t hurt,” said Kambosos of the knockdown. “I said to my corner ‘Let’s go hard. I am going to punish this kid.’”

Kambosos, who served as Pacquiao’s sparmate when the eight-division world champion prepared for his title fights against Jeff Horn and Lucas Matthysse, won by 115-111 and 115-112 on two judges’ scorecards to improve to 20-0, with 10 KOs. One judge gave the fight to Lopez 114-113.

The American-Honduran Lopez was coming off a career-long 13-month layoff for a fight that was a year in the making.

The soap-opera buildup to the showdown included eight postponements, six proposed locations and numerous legal challenges because of in-fighting between boxers, promoters and lawsuits.

There were fireworks from the opening bell as Kambosos knocked Lopez down in the first round. The pair both landed several hard rights in the round, but Lopez got caught with a looping overhand right to the temple that Kambosos would go back to over and over with great success throughout the fight.

In the 10th, Lopez knocked Kambosos down with a chopping right hand of his own halfway through the round.

Lopez suffered a bad cut over his left eye in the 11th and the fight was stopped briefly so the ring doctor could take a look at it. The fight continued into the 12th as Lopez’s corner was unable to stop the bleeding between rounds.

Lopez interrupted Kambosos’ postmatch interview to say he was robbed and only lost two of the 12 rounds.

Kambosos responded by saying “you are delusional.”

“I won tonight,” Lopez said. “The ref didn’t raise my hand. I am not a sore loser. I came out here and did what I had to do. I won 10 of 12 rounds.” AFP

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2021

B1

George Kambosos punches Teofimo Lopez during their championship bout for Lopez’s Undisputed Lightweight title at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. AFP

PATAFA not burning bridge with Obiena

By Peter Atencio

T

HE Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association is not burning its bridge with pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena.

PATAFA president Philip Ella Juico said this after submitting to the Philippine Sports Commission’s efforts to mediate the ongoing conf lict involving the association and Obiena.

“We can still talk about it. But first, let us finish the investigation so we will know that needs and bounds of our discussion,” said Juico during the weekly program, ‘Power and Play’.

“There is no such thing as burned

bridges. We are matured people. We can always talk,” added Juico.

Even Obiena said he is will to settle matters with the PATAFA and is open for talks.

“I am willing to make peace on this case. But I must have my good name cleared. I do not hold much hope. It is clear that I am not wanted by federation in any shape or form,” wrote Obiena in a statement.

Last week, Obiena got tangled in

Philip Juico

controversy after the PATAFA alleged that he may have falsified his liquidation reports and failed to turn over payment of 85,000 euros for his coach Vi-

taly Petrov.

The PATAFA formed two investigating panels, which are now evaluating the affidavits of top World Athletics official Sergey Bubka and the written statement of Petrov, who initially alleged that he “did not receive any monthly coach’s fees for the years 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021,” for his services to Obiena.

He later retracted his statement in a zoom conference with the Filipino pole vaulter, saying he was already paid in full.

The row has prompted PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez to forward a “Mediation Submission Agreement” to the two parties so that talks can commence at the soonest time possible.

Pioneer Pro Tibay makes semis Men’s teams

Members of the Pioneer Pro Tibay team celebrate their win.

PIONEER Pro Tibay outlasted Platinum Karaoke in a thrilling 21-19 win Sunday to make the semifinals of the PBA 3x3 Lakas Ng Tatlo for the very first time.

Carlo De Chavez broke a tight 19-all game with a basket inside with 80 seconds left in the first of the four quarterfinals match up at the Ynares Sports Arena that put Pioneer on the hill.

Gian Abrigo then scored off a one-on-one play against Chris De Chavez to complete the win and book the first semifinals seat in Leg 3 of the threea-side tournament.

Abrigo finished with a game-high seven points.

Platinum Karaoke failed to reach the semifinals for the first time in three legs, including a runnerup finish behind Meralco in Leg 2 last week.

Earlier, Mikey Cabahug waxed hot from the outside to tow Barangay Ginebra past maiden leg winner TNT Tropang Giga, 21-17, to catch the last berth in the quarterfinals.

Cabahug poured in 11 points including a long two-pointer that sealed the deal for the Kings and left the Tropang Giga out of the semifinals for the first time.

The Kings meet top seed and unbeaten Terrafirma Dyip in a quarterfinals pairing still being played as of press time, with the winner facing Pioneer Pro Tibay.

No. 2 seed Sista Super Sealers followed suit in the semis, surviving Limitless Appmasters, 17-16, in a closely-fought game.

The Appmasters, who played minus Fil-Am Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, had the chance to win the game, but Reymar Caduyac missed two huge free throws in the final 10 seconds as the Super Sealers escaped with the victory.

The winner between Pool C topnotcher Purefoods TJ Titans and second leg champion Meralco will face the Super Sealers.

Avaricio seeks sweep of LPGT Riviera titles NOW unburdened by expectations and pressure to deliver a first win, Chanelle Avaricio bursts with confidence as she heads to Langer course, hopeful to make it back-to-back in the ICTSI Riviera Ladies Championship beginning Wednesday (Dec. 1) in Silang, Cavite.

Avaricio ended a two-year title hunt that included a couple of runner-up finishes this year, routing the ICTSI Riviera Ladies Challenge field by seven behind an early birdie and eagle feat in the final round that rallied her from two down to post one of the most lopsided victories on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour the last eight years.

Admitting her seven-shot victory over Harmie Constantino and Chihiro Ikeda last Friday exceeded her expectations, Avaricio hopes to build on her romp as she tries to complete a sweep of the Riviera swing of the ICTSI-sponsored circuit on a tougher, exacting course that puts premium on everything.

“Hope to score more wins,” said the Alabama State U product, who produced great shots and drained long putts to anchor her breakthrough win aided by her rivals’ breakdown in the closing holes.

But she will need to double her effort

to score a repeat since Langer remains a daunting challenge and the likes of Constantino, Ikeda, Sunshine Baraquiel, Marvi Monsalve, Daniella Uy, Florence Bisera and Korean Jane Jeong are all coming into the event eager to rebound and prick Avaricio’s growing bubble.

The 54-hole, P750,000 championship will also feature not only another spirited chase for low amateur honors but a fierce battle for the overall crown as well as Mafy Singson and Laurea Duque scale up their respective bids to upstage the pros and become the first amateur to win an LPGT crown in two years.

But Avaricio, along with Constantino, Ikeda, Baraquiel and Uy, won’t have any of that as they go all-out to impose their will over their amateur counterparts, who, however, have so far stepped up and provided the challenge that have brought out the best from the touring ladies in the last few tournaments.

Constantino, for one, is going all-out to atone for her Couples foldup and re-set her drive for a third crown in a prolific rookie season that saw her mark her pro debut with a victory over multi-titled Princess Superal last March. She followed it up with a one-

shot escape over Singson early this month, both at Aoki.

Ikeda also believes she’s due for a big finish after back-to-back joint runnerup efforts at Aoki and Highlands while Baraquiel hopes to sustain her steady form despite a fourth place finish at Couples following a breakthrough win at Highlands in windy play.

The same condition is expected at Langer where Baraquiel expects to be in the title hunt while Uy, Monsalve, Bisera and Jeong are geared up for a crack at championship while banking on the premise that no player holds even the slightest of advantage at ravine-laced Langer layout.

The winner this week will also gain the needed momentum for the Tour’s closing tournament in the LPGT’s third restart in bubble setup, the ICTSI Midlands Ladies Classic on Dec. 1416.

Chanelle Avaricio

take spotlight in spikefest Games today (Aquamarine Recreational Center) 10 a.m. – Go for Gold vs VNS 1:30 p.m. – SIS vs MRT-Negros 4 p.m. – Global Remit vs Team Dasma

LIPA City—The men’s clubs take centerstage in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League on Monday at the Aquamarine Recreational Center.

Seven teams are expected to go all out in the country’s first-ever Champions League, a historic feat achieved

by F2 Logistics in the women’s contest on Thursday.

The winner in the men’s tournament will join the Cargo Movers as the country’s representative to the Asian Men’s and Women’s Club Volleyball Championships in May next year.

Go for Gold-Air Force and VNS will open hostilities at 10 a.m., followed by the MRT-Negros and Sabong International Spikers duel at 1:30 p.m.

Global Remit and Team Dasma cap a three-match schedule at 4 p.m.

Basilan Steel Spikers Amin-Anak Mindanao drew an opening day bye and will play Go for Gold on Tuesday in the tournament that has Rebisco, Pitmaster Foundation Inc., Top Speed, 1Pacman Partylist, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee as platinum sponsors and F2 Logistics, Asics, PLDT, MVP Sports Foundation and Mikasa as gold sponsors.

BCDA, Philippine Red Cross, Lipa City, Davis Paint and Emerald PVC Pipes, Fittings and Doors are silver sponsors with PNVF godfather, Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, chairman of the Champions League, giving his full support.

B2

Sports

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2021

Booker stars as Suns rout Nets; Wolves edge Sixers LOS ANGELES—Devin Booker scored 30 points and the Phoenix Suns led wireto-wire to easily beat the Brooklyn Nets 113-107 and extend their winning streak to 16 games on Saturday.

The Suns now have the second longest winning streak in franchise history as they survived a late comeback by Brooklyn.

They are trying to equal the 2006-07 team which holds the record of 17 straight wins.

Phoenix plays Golden State on Tuesday.

Booker did most of his damage in the first and third quarters, shooting nine of 18 from the floor overall and nailing four three pointers in 32 minutes of playing time.

Chris Paul finished with 22 points, eight assists and five rebounds and recorded his 5,000th career rebound in the second quarter in front of the crowd of 18,070 at Barclays Center arena.

Kevin Durant scored a game-high 39 points for the Nets, who had their fourgame winning streak snapped.

Elsewhere, Taurean Prince made a clutch layup with four seconds remaining in double overtime to lift the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 121-120 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

D’Angelo Russell led the Timberwolves with 35 points as they had to overcome a 42 point and 14 rebound performance by Joel Embiid, who missed three weeks because of Covid-19.

Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 28 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out and Anthony Edwards scored 19 and Naz Reid chipped in 13 in the win.

The 27-year-old Embiid had a chance to win it but had his shot blocked as time expired in the second overtime.

The Timberwolves won their sixthstraight game as they were aggressive at both ends of the court.

The Timberwolves reached the .500 mark this week for the first time since the opening stretch of the season.

They began the season by winning three of their first four games before a sixgame losing streak. The winning streak includes five victories by a double-digit margin.

Tobias Harris added 17 points, Tyrese Maxey had 15 and Seth Curry 14 for the Sixers.

Center Embiid was back in the lineup after missing nine games. He tested positive for the coronavirus on November 8.

Embiid was averaging 21.4 points and 9.6 rebounds in nine games before his positive test. AFP

Germany stuns Novak’s Serbia; Medvedev leads Russia to victory

Coach Mau Belen (2nd from left) with her victorious TNT Tropang Giga 3x3 team

MAU BELEN

Lady coach’s methods work wonders for TNT

By Randy Caluag

W

HETHER it be 3x3 basketball or 5x5, lady coach Mau Belen seems to posses the magic formula that works.

Officially the first female coach in the Philippine Basketball Basketball Association, Belen motivates her players to be at their best and gets good results in return.

That’s what made her click in leading her TNT Tropang Giga to the championship of the inaugural leg of the PBA 3x3 tournament.

“Unbelievable. With short preparation, we really didn’t expect much but the team’s mindset was to win one game at a time and that’s what we did,” said Belen, who is also one of the assistant coaches of Chot Reyes with the TNT team that won the recent 2021 PBA Phil-

ippine Cup. Making her business in a man’s world, Belen knew she had to make her messages clear to her TNT bunch of Jeremiah Gray, Lervin Flores, Almond Vosotros and Samboy de Leon. And they responded well by beating Limitless Appmasters, Purefoods, Platinum Karaoke and Zamboanga Valientes on the way to the best finish among 13 teams.

“Give our best effort. It’s our 4th game that day and we really had a few left in the tank, so I told the players just give it your all and the rest will follow,” said the 29-year-old mentor.

Belen’s main job at TNT is basically working on the videos to help in scouting and analyzing statistics. It was the same job by Fil-American Erik Spoelstra in his early years with the Miami Heat before becoming an assistant coach and now the head coach of the team.

Belen said she’s not rushing things and so far she has her hands full yet again as the second leg of the PBA 3x3 went underway, with her Tropang Giga taking on the Zamboanga Valientes, Sista Super Sealers San Miguel Beermen and, Cavitex Braves.

“I am focused now on the task at hand which is the head coach of 3x3 team, plus I’m also fulfilling my task in the 5x5 team, so will see how this goes and hopefully we continue our successful campaign on both 3x3 and 5x5,” she said.

PARIS—Novak Djokovic and Nikola Cacic lost a dramatic deciding tie-break in their doubles rubber as Serbia suffered a shock defeat

by Germany in the Davis Cup Finals, while Daniil Medvedev helped the Russian Tennis Federation to an opening win.

World number one Djokovic had drawn Serbia level in their second groupstage tie by beating JanLennard Struff after Filip Krajinovic’s loss to Dominik Koepfer.

But the 20-time Grand Slam singles champion and Cacic slipped to a 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 7-6 (7/5) defeat by Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz, who got over the line on their third match point in Innsbruck.

The matches in Austria are being played behind closed doors due to new coronavirus restrictions in the country.

Germany will qualify for the quarter-finals from Group F if they can beat Austria on Sunday, which would leave Serbia waiting to see if they progress as one of the two best runners-up.

Djokovic is hoping to cap a brilliant season, which saw him only miss out on a calendar Grand Slam with defeat by Medvedev in the US Open final, by helping his country win the Davis Cup for the first time since 2010.

The Russians, among the title favourites, made a perfect start to their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Ecuador.

World number five Andrey Rublev overcame a secondset blip against 291st-ranked Roberto Quiroz to win 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 in the opening rubber in Madrid. AFP

Lewandowski tipped for Ballon d’Or as Messi eyes 7th prize PARIS—Robert Lewandowski threatens to deny Lionel Messi a record-extending seventh Ballon d’Or title as the prestigious awards ceremony returns Monday after it was cancelled last year because of the pandemic.

The Bayern Munich and Poland striker pilfered a Bundesliga record 41 goals in just 29 games last season to eclipse the long-standing mark set by the late Gerd Mueller.

Lewandowski, 33, scooped FIFA’s prize for best male player of 2020 and has the backing of both coach Julian Nagelsmann and Bayern team-mate Thomas Mueller after a prolific start to the new campaign. “’Lewy’ has to win the thing on Monday when you see the way he is playing at the moment,” Mueller said of a player who has already scored 25 times in 20 appearances this season.

Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have combined to win 11 of the past 12 editions of the Ballon d’Or, the lone excep-

Bayern Munich’s Polish forward Robert Lewandowski reacts during the UEFA Champions League football match between Dynamo Kiev and Bayern Munich at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev. AFP

tion in 2018 when Luka Modric helped Real Madrid to another Champions League triumph and inspired Croatia to the World Cup final.

“Robert deserves to win it, because in my view he has been more unbelievably consistent than any other player,” Nagelsmann said last month in an interview with Munich newspaper Abendzeitung.

While Messi has endured a stop-start beginning to life at Paris Saint-Germain, the Argentine bagged 30 league goals in his farewell season at Barcelona and also won the Copa del Rey. Further strengthening his case was a first major international trophy in July, as Argentina beat rivals Brazil to win the Copa America at the Maracana -ending the country’s 28-year wait for the title.

- Seventh heaven? “My biggest prize was what I was able to achieve with the national team,” Messi told Catalan daily Sport recently.

“After having fought and fought so much for that achievement, it was the best given all that it cost.

“If the Ballon d’Or were to arrive, it would be extraordinary for what it would mean to win one more. The seventh would be crazy.”

Ronaldo last took home the trophy in 2017. The Champions League’s alltime top scorer has struck in all five games in Europe during his second spell at Manchester United but appears an outside contender for a sixth Ballon d’Or. Karim Benzema received support from Thierry Henry, Zinedine Zidane and tennis star Rafael Nadal following a tremendous year with Real Madrid.

However the France star this week received a one-year suspended sentence for complicity in a bid to blackmail his former international teammate Mathieu Valbuena with a sex tape. He was also given a 75,000-euro ($84,000) fine. AFP

Brooks stuns in ONE debut with 1st-round submission of Adiwang AFTER months of anticiption, Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks finally met Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang inside the ONE Circle, and the encoutner was everything the American said it would be.

Brooks dominated their co-main event fight, walking away with an impressive second-round submission victory of the #5-ranked strawweight at ONE: NEXTGEN III on Friday, inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

“The Monkey God” attacked early as he shot for a double-leg takedown, scooped Adiwang, and earthslammed him into the canvas. Brooks landed on top and smothered the Filipino, who struggled to move under the wrestling giant.

Adiwang eventually broke free and rose to his feet. From there, he connected with a hook, then landed another uppercut, hook combination as the round ended.

“Thunder Kid” couldn’t muster up any more attacks though, as Brooks poured it

on the second round.

Like clockwork, Brooks dragged Adiwang back down and kept him there.

Then, the Mash Fight Team representative lived up to his moniker by jumping onto Adiwang’s back where he searched for a guillotine.

Adiwang wriggled free from the choke attempt and they ended up in the clinch.

However, the Filipino landed an unintentional knee to the groin, forcing the referee to call a recovery time out.

At the restart, Brooks decided seal the deal.

The 28-year-old changed levels for a double-leg before breezily mounting Adiwang. From there, Brooks locked in an arm triangle, transitioned to side control, and forced the tap with 1:55 left in the second round.

The win signified Brooks’ arrival in the strawweight division and may have earned him a spot in the top-five rank-

ings. Moreover, from the looks of it, Adiwang’s teammate in ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio should take note.

Like Adiwang, fellow Filipino and former top strawweight contender Rene “The Challenger” Catalan met a hurdle, this one in the form of longtime rival Alex “Little Rock” Silva.

Their rematch unfolded exactly as their first encounter had in 2013, when the former ONE Strawweight World Champion submitted Catalan by firstround armbar.

However, Catalan had his moments this time around, powering out of a northsouth choke to land in side control, but that only gave Silva his opening. “Little Rock” grabbed Catalan’s arm to score another armbar victory with 1:23 remaining in the first round.

Catch all the ONE Championship action by downloading the ONE Super App. Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2021

Ex-seminarian romances a sexy vlogger in ‘Crush Kong Curly’ A

J RAVAL and Willbert Ross are teaming up for the first time in a sexy romantic comedy Crush Kong Curly directed by GB Sanpedro Sanpedro. The film starts streaming exclusively on Vivamax on Dec. 17.

AJ Raval and Wilbert Ross take the leads in Viva’s pre-Christmas sexy rom-com ‘Crush Kong Curly.’

In the movie, AJ Raval is Elle, a once bullied ugly duckling who becomes the hottest celebrity vlogger in the country.

Elle believes that sex is power, and she knows how to use it well – be it in public or private shows. She’ll do anything for her family. She works hard to be able to build their dream home. But her grandmother does not know what she does for a living.

Elle’s friends are supportive of her, no matter how wild she gets. Her

first love broke her heart, but she’s not afraid to open her heart again.

But while she waits for “the one”, she’ll just keep opening her legs.

And that’s exactly how Peter finds her – legs wide open, lying on the floor, clad in a skimpy dress.

Wilbert Ross plays Peter, an architect who just moved into Elle’s neighborhood. He’s an exseminarian, a loving brother, and uncle to his sister’s children. The reason why he found Elle in an awkward position on the floor is that the wall on which she was leaning has crumbled.

The attraction between them is undeniable. Elle hires Peter for home repairs and one thing leads to another. The conservative Peter suddenly finds himself fantasizing over Elle. Elle

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feels the same way, and nothing can stop them from reaching the heights of passion.

What begins as lust turns to love, but one discovery turns Elle’s world upside down. Their lovemaking was streamed live and trending.Peter set it all up. But why?

Crush Kong Curly is AJ Raval’s first romantic comedy film after the success of her psychedelic, erotic thriller movie Taya, and Andrew E’s Shoot Shoot where she co-starred.

Wilbert, known for his singing and dancing talent, coming from the famous group Hashtag, also sang the Crush Kong Curly theme song.

For this project, Award-winning director Sampedro (Astig) teams up again with screenwriter Conn Escobar who also wrote the screenplay of Sampedro’s other sexy comedy film, Kaka.

Completing the cast of Crush Kong Curly are Maui Taylor, Gina Pareño , Chad Kinis, Loren Mariñas, Andrew Muhlach, Jao Mapa, Madeleine Red, and Gab Lagman.

Solid Kapuso

Barbie Forteza, Rocco Nacino renew ties with GMA ACTOR Rocco Nacino thanks GMA Network for the advancement of his showbiz career, while television darling Barbie Forteza enjoys her journey as Kapuso. The award-winning stars both renewed their contract with the network on Nov. 18.

Looking back on Rocco’s journey, the talented actor is filled with gratitude as Starstruck laid the right foundations for him as an artist.

“I started late in my early 20s. It was a half-hearted decision to join showbiz.

But hindi talaga ako nagsisi because the learnings that I got through Starstruck paved the way for me to be where I am right now. Kung may pasasalamatan talaga ako, of course, it’s the network, the executives, but also Starstruck,” he said.

“Three months of grueling workshops to make us into whole artists and to make our mark in

The judges and host of ‘Masked Singer’ season 2

No more politics for Aga Muhlach

By Angelica Villanueva IN 2013, actor Aga Muhlach attempted to dethrone the Fuentebellas in Camarines Sur by seeking a seat at the House of Representatives. But fate had other plans for him. He failed on this political move.

“That’s already enough,” stated the 52-year-old actor.

“I used to believe in politics but after seeing so many things, experiencing politics first hand, I realized that it’s enough that I tried. It was a nice experience. I was able to reach out sa kung saan-saan talaga, mga isla, pinuntahan namin, mga barangay sa dagat. Nakita ko ‘yung kabuhayan ng mga tunay na Pilipino.

‘Yung tunay na makita mong…wala pa ring kuryente,” he carried on.

Unlike his fellow actors, Aga had closed his doors to politics after failing to win during his first attempt. His close pal Richard Gomez had also revealed that he tried to convince Aga to give it another try since his heart also belongs to public service.

In an interview with Manila Standard Entertainment,, Aga shared that he quite content with his current life. And despite the pandemic, he feels blessed for all his projects.

The actor is one of the resident judges, alongside Matteo Guidicelli, Cristine Reyes, and Kim Molina,, of the Philippine adaptation of Masked Singer.

The show that airs on in TV5 is hosted by Billy Crawford.

“I am excited because we are more bonded now—Billy, Matteo, Kim, and Cristine. We’re all happy,” enthused Aga. Masked Singer Pilipinas is set to have it second season in 2022 with new twists and world-class performances, a

year after Daryl Ong was announced as the grand champion of the first season.

“I want to work longer pero gusto ko ‘yung happy ako. So, when Masked Singer knocked again, that we’re doing Season 2, I said, ‘Thank you, that would be nice.”

Moreover, he also has hosting gigs with two shows on Net25—Game AgadAgad and Bida Ka Kay Aga. “I am also happy with those shows because it’s a totally different environment.”

When asked if he has plans to do movie projects, the ‘80s matinee idol hopes to do acting again when “everything’s okay, and once a lot of people are already vaccinated.”

“We’re hoping next year. Kasi sabi ko kahit 50 percent lang kahit next year, ayoko pa. Sayang. I will wait na lang,” Aga said alluding to the current set up of cinema houses following the safety and health protocols implemented.

“We’re hoping next year. Sana next year, December, bakunado na lahat ng buong Pilipinas mas lalakas ang loob ng tao.”

The last movie that Aga did was the hit Miracle Cell No. 7 7, an official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival in 2019.

Aga Muhlach returns as one of the judges in the second season of ‘Masked Singer’ airing on TV5 in 2022.

showbiz...To be here, to be staying as a Kapuso, it’s something I’m very, very proud of and grateful for,” he added.

Rocco has come a long way after being named as StarStruck V’s Second Prince in 2012. His iconic role in the Pinoy remake of the hit Korean drama series, ‘Descendants of the Sun’ as Technical Sergeant Diego Ramos opened up more opportunities for him to showcase his talent and make a name for himself.

Currently, he is one of the lead stars in the top-rating GMA primetime drama series, To Have and To Hold as Gavin Ramirez.

Barbie, on the other hand, looks back on her Kapuso journey sharing that series Meant To Be and the movie Duwokan sa Tuos are among her most unforgettable projects.

From landing her first major role in the Philippine adaptation of the hit Korean drama series Stairway to Heaven to winning numerous acting awards and headlining various toprating drama series, Barbie has grown to become one of

the most versatile actresses of her generation.

“Sobrang nakaka-overwhelm dahil lahat ng friends ko sa show business ay nagparating ng mensahe. Maraming, maraming salamat. Sa mga bosses ko po dito sa GMA, maraming salamat po. I can’t ask for anything more. Thank you so much for this wonderful gift,” she said after signing her contract.

After top-billing the month-long fresh episodes of Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko: Captain Barbie, she is set to play another out-ofthe-box character in the Christmas special of Wish Ko Lang.

Kapuso stars Barbie Forteza (left) and Rocco Nacino get full support from GMA executives during their contract renewal with the network.

Film prof wins special mention prize at Dreamanila a statement he signed with head of festival A PROFESSORIAL lecturer at Far Eastern programming Joselito Altarejos, associate University recently bagged a Special programmer Robert Cerda, and creative Mention award for his documentary director Lemuel Lorca, “Even the age screenplay at the 3rd Dreamanila of modern pandemic cannot simply stifle International Film Festival. their sustained growth – and films have Maria Leonor, a short documentary become, more than ever, a powerful tool to written and directed by Seymour Barros document lived experiences.”

Sanchez in the form of an open letter, Only 56 films were selected to compete delves into the Filipino voter’s psyche as out of more than 500 submissions to the it trains its sight on the Office of the Vice festival, which had International Full President’s pandemic response efforts. It Features, International Short Features, is an offshoot of his ongoing full-length Philippine Shorts, and Screenwriting project Leading Lady funded by the ‘Maria Leonor’ is a documentary that follows Vice President categories.Altarejos and Lorca, both awardCentre for Global Business of the Monash Leni Robredo’s pandemic response efforts. winning filmmakers, and film scholars Business School in Australia.

Cerda and Jerrick David comprised the Sanchez currently teaches artist and editor John Lanbert Rafols, music Screenwriting, Documentary Production, composer Tonton Hernandez and singer Dreamanila film festival jury and board members.

The festival had 15 competing films during its Production Management and Film Marketing Jaycee Belmonte (Tuloy ang Laban), sound at FEU under the Digital Cinema track. recordist Darwin Novicio, camerapersons inaugural run at the Dream Theater of the then Collaborating with him on Maria Leonor Ariel Alarcon and Charles Cajayon, and Carl Balita Productions in 2019. Read full story are voiceover narrator and producer Eloisa production manager Kristin Joy Bactad Jor. on manilastandard.net Espino Sanchez, creative consultant Richard Founder and Executive Director Archie Del Soriano Legaspi, sound designer, graphic Mundo shared at the Dreamanila awards night

Modern-day first lady THE road to Jessy Mendiola being the first lady of the House of Manzano is not a walk in the park. Her stature as “modernday first lady” stems from the fact that she is married to Luis Philippe Manzano, the first son of Star for All Seasons, movie and former public servant Vilma Santos and esteemed character actor and host Edu Manzano.

Mendiola, of course, is one of the brightest leading ladies in ABSCBN.

Thus, prior to their marital union, the many ups and downs of their romance had its lion’s share of scrutiny, peppered with pesky rumors plus the onslaught of bashers who wanted the demise of the relationship.

During Mendiola’s contract signing as the latest brand ambassador of Cathy Valencia Advanced Skin Clinic, it is obvious how her marriage made the new Mrs. Manzano bloom and blossom. The twinkle in her eyes are apparent. The smiles are congenial and sincere. The tone of her face, confident. The reveals, exciting.

She admits that two years into their

relationship, she knew already that Luis was the one.

“He is a good man. He is caring, giving, loving, and honest. Ang dami niyang naituro sa akin, I have changed so much emotionally because of him.

Alam kong he is husband material,” she started.

“To be honest, I am not the type of woman who dates for the sake of dating.

When I go out with a guy, a part of me feels, kung pwedeng ito ang future husband ko. Yes, I date with the hope to marry this man,” she carried on.

Mendiola admitted that the age difference between her and her husband

was never an issue.

“Our age gap is around 11 years. Off camera, makulit pa rin siya pero mas marami ang times that he is serious. Some people expect him to be always delivering the punchline or the joke, but in reality, there is gentleness and seriousness about him that makes me feel secure, protected and so loved,” she stated.

“The kilig is for real every time I wake in the morning and he is the first face that I see. He has this habit na dapat yung mga paa namin laging magkadikit,” she added revealing bits and pieces about the television host. Read full story on Jessy Mendiola (right) with Cathy Valencia manilastandard.net

Bernadette Lunas, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2021

Life FOOD AND TRAVEL

Manila’s luxury

entertainment and tourism destination

opens its doors W

INFORD Manila Resort & Casino (WMRC) was given the green light by the Department of Tourism (DOT) to reopen its doors to guests with leisure bookings.

The milestone development comes 20 months after WMRC temporarily halted its operations in March of last year, in compliance with the government’s implementation of ‘enhanced community quarantine’ (ECQ) to help curb the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the country.

During this period, WMRC made the necessary upgrades throughout its property to ensure all safety guidelines and protocols set by local health authorities were met. After three months of closure, WMRC was allowed to resume operations on a restricted basis, and granted more leniency later in the year.

“Our main goal at the time was to fulfill our obligation to the country and do our part to temper the devastating effects of this dire situation,” said Jeff Evora, President & Chief Operating Officer, WMRC. “More importantly, we wanted to take care of our employees and do everything in our power to ensure they would not catch the virus. After all, they are the heart and soul of Winford Manila that keep our loyal customers coming back.”

Last July, WMRC was recognized for its unwavering commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of its members, guests, and personnel remains a top priority. The distinction came in the form of the highly-coveted Safety Seal Certification (SSC), an exclusive accolade awarded to travel & tourism establishments that diligently observe safety protocols of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to combat the spread of

Winford Hotel and Casino is the perfect place to experience Manila and its surroundings.

COVID-19.

A joint initiative of the public and private sector, SSC is an endeavor undertaken by the DOT, Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), Department of Trade & Industry (DTI), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Health (DoH).

With WMRC now authorized to accept leisure bookings, its signature heated swimming pool located on the 11th floor open air deck is now open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.

Other amenities such as a fully-equipped fitness center and Urban Smiles Dental Clinic are also open to guests, while luxury facilities such as the 600-seater ballroom are also available for banquet events like weddings, parties, and conferences—with safety protocols firmly in place.

The hotel’s 600-seater ballroom is also available for socially-distanced events like weddings, parties, and conferences.

Winford’s signature heated swimming pool is located on the 11th floor open air deck.

Bistro Group introduces Meal Boxes for Holidays IS IT possible to have a Christmas party during a pandemic? Sure is!

Introducing The Bistro Group’s Meal Boxes for the Holidays.

Delicious, appealing, and curated just for you and those socially-distanced company parties and virtual socials, whether personal or corporate, to celebrate the merriest season of the year.

There are tons of choices, so you don’t have to look any further. Consider these: Fish & Co.’s The Best Catch Boxes; Buffalo Wild Wings’ Binge Boxes; Modern Shanghai’s Lauriat Meals; Italianni’s Amore Boxes; Texas Roadhouse’s Roadies Boxes; Bulgogi Brothers Dosirak Boxes; Watami’s Bento Sets; TGIFridays’ Premium Party Boxes; Denny’s Diner Box; and BCN by Las Flores’, Rambla’s, Tomatito’s and Las Flores’ Banquet in a Box. From burgers to sushi, dimsum, pizza, pasta, and paella, look at the options.

Clearly, there’s are dishes for every craving and preference.

Level up your self-care with homeland holiday getaway Klook’s holiday getaway focuses on popular pockets of paradise-like homeland hotspots like Boracay, Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Palawan, Tagaytay, and Batangas.

THE wait is finally over. After three lock- exciting deals with an 8 percent off dis- to 18 percent off on SETIR, Tides Hotel, downs, self-care has secured its place count on all local activities with no mini- The Lind, Villas by Eco Hotel, Belmont atop personal priorities for Filipinos eve- mum spend requirement. Get in line for Boracay, Taal Vista, Pico Sands, Shangri4+1 and 20 percent off on family deals in La Boracay, Crusoe Cabins, Las Casas, rywhere.

It’s no longer possible to resist the crav- Enchanted Kingdom, Avilon Zoo, Cama- Cocoons Casobe, The Manor at CJH, ing for adventure. People are now itching yan Beach, Dinosaur Island, Cebu All At- Bluewater Panglao, Bluewater Sumilon, to stretch their legs and widen their ho- tractions Passes, Zoobic, Manila Ocean and Bluewater Maribago.

But that’s not all, because exclusive rizons. And as a gift to Filipinos at the Park, The Dessert Museum, and Skytail-end of a tough year, Klook is coming ranch. But the adventures don’t stop there. giveaways await Klook-registered users through with a holiday campaign filled Spend the holidays with up to 10 percent who use any Klook product or service with exciting activities and getaway pack- off on activities like a jetskiing, parasail, with the promo code for the holiday camages tailor-fit for the most passionate local banana boats, UFO, Boracay Island Tours paign. Doing so puts you in the running and Helmet Drives, and an assortment of for an overnight stay at Taal Vista, overthrillseekers.

If you have a love for homeland hot- fun undertakings at Plantation Bay, Blue- night stay at Pico Sands, 3 days / 2 nights spots like Boracay, Manila, Baguio, water Sumilon, and Bluewater Maribago. at Boracay Shangri-La, 3 days / 2 nights It’s only on Klook that Filipinos can at Belmont Boracay, and a Sunlight EcoCebu, Palawan, Tagaytay, or Batangas, then you’re in luck as Klook’s holiday also upgrade their self-care journey with Tourism Travel Bubble.

What are you waiting for? Level-up getaway focuses on these popular pock- STAY+ and Travel Bubble Deals of up your self-care while redisets of paradise with over 3 covering the bright, healing, million pesos worth of disand exciting wonder that is counts and prizes to give the Philippines and all its away. rich beauty with your loved Celebrate with the people ones this holiday season. you love the most as these Let Klook be your gateway homeland holiday deals cover to the fun-filled life you local theme parks and attracdeserve. There’s really no tions, All-In Travel Bubbles, place like home. Download local hotel & resort perks, the Klook app today and and tour activities in popular kickstart your new self-care places like Boracay and Cebu. Klook is coming through with a holiday campaign filled with exciting journey. You deserve it.

Anyone can qualify for these activities and getaway packages

TGIFriday’s Fish & Chips Box

Celebrations are needed now more than ever, albeit done differently, but fun just the same. Pick your Holiday boxes to build happy, wonderful memories this Christmas. Minimum order is 10 pax.

To know more, check FB: The Bistro Group; IG@thebistrogroup; website- www.bistro.com.ph or call the branch nearest you.

Bountiful feast RWM Thanksgiving Lechon celebration

RESORTS World Manila’s (RWM) signature restaurants, Casa Buenas, Silogue, and Garden Wing Wing Cafe, are serving up a special menu with exquisitely prepared Lechon Baka, Spicy Cebu Lechon Pork Belly, and Lechon Manok as centerpieces. It’s a feast for the family served with corn on the cob, savory suman, and leche flan cake for only P4,000 net, available for dine-in, take-out, or delivery until Dec. 31.

Make it a family day when you visit RWM for Thanksgiving and catch the

latest blockbuster films on the ultramodern big screens of Newport Cinemas. For more information on RWM’s Grand Fiesta Manila and other Thanksgiving offers, visit www.rwmanila.com and follow @rwmanila and @newportmall on Facebook and Twitter, and @ resortsworldmanila Instagram.

For reservations, guests may contact Casa Buenas +63 (2) 7908-8988 / 09178788312, Silogue +63 (2) 7908-8880, and Garden Wing Cafe +63 (2) 79088889 or Delishvery +63 (2) 7908-8885, or 0917-8788856.