Manila Standard - 2021 December 14 - Tuesday

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COMELEC JUNKS 3 PETITIONS TO INTERVENE IN MARCOS ‘DQ’ CASE

NEWS / A4

Duterte warns of recontamination in rallies, tells Comelec to monitor THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) should ensure social distancing is followed by those attending campaign rallies ahead of the 2022 general elections, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday.

Duterte repeated his promise to push for peaceful and honest elections in

2022, which he reported at the Summit for Democracy hosted by US President Joe Biden, in his taped “Talk to the People” message.

The President warned about the “danger of recontamination” if safety protocols on VOL. XXXV • NO. 302 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 •TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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PhilHealth losing hospitals Private hospitals in NCR, other areas may follow lead of 7 in Iloilo

By Willie Casas

H

OSPITALS in the National Capital Region, Quezon province, northern Luzon and General Santos City are following the lead of seven hospitals in Iloilo and are also planning to cut ties with state health insurer PhilHealth over unpaid claims.

include areas from the Cagayan Valley (Region 2), Central Luzon (Region 3), Bicol Region (Region 5), Western Visayas (Region 6), and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Dr. Jose Rene de Grano, Private Hospital Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI) national president, said this Monday in a Teleradyo interview even as the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. was celebrating a three-day PhilHealth Summit broadcast on its Facebook Live page.

Although he did not identify the other hospitals planning to leave, De Grano stressed that private hospitals that cut ties with PhilHealth would still serve the firm’s members -- but the patients or their families would be the ones who would directly transact with the state insurer.

“Our private hospitals will still give them the same service,” the PHAPI president said. “But they will have to pay, and we will give them a statement of account, which they will refund directly to PhilHealth for their benefits.”

Last month, PhilHealth Spokesperson Shirley Domingo appealed to hospitals to rethink their plans of disengaging with the firm as it was working to settle the unpaid claims.

But with the non-renewal of the contracts, patients will have to process their claims and will have to pay in advance before they are reimbursed

by PhilHealth.

This developed as the president of a

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INDIA WINS MISS U, PH BET IN TOP 5 NEWS / A2

FIVE QUEENS. The top five Miss Universe contestants (from left): eventual winner Miss India, Harnaaz Sandhu; Miss South Africa, Lalela Mswane; Miss Paraguay, Nadia Ferreira; Miss Colombia, Valeria Ayos; and Miss Philippines, Beatrice Gomez. They pose on stage during the 70th edition of the beauty pageant in Israel’s southern Red Sea coastal city of Eilat on December 13 (Story on A2). AFP

PNP tags 458 towns, 58 cities as potential hot spots in coming polls

By Vito Barcelo

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has identified 488 towns and 58 cities as potential election hotspots for next year’s national and local elections.

Brig. Gen. Michael John Dubria,

head of the PNP Directorate for Intelligence, said in a news briefing Monday the data is still up for verification and subject to validation with their military counterparts.

The election hotspot list has four categories -- Green, Yellow, Orange, and

Velasco seeks direct vax purchase by private sector for its employees

By Maricel V. Cruz and Willie Casas

2,836,803 360

11,083

50,341

61

2,775,379

519

(As of 4 PM, December 6)

TO SUSTAIN the momentum of COVID-19 vaccination, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco on Monday urged the government to consider giving the private sector a much wider role in the inoculation drive against the deadly coronavirus.

“Since there is now ample supply of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines globally, it is time that the national government consider allowing the private sector to deal directly with manufacturers to ensure a more sustainable and dependable supply of life-saving vaccines for Filipinos,” Velasco said.

Under the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021, private companies and local government units Next page

Red but Dubria did not disclose specific towns and cities and their respective categories.

He said only 3 percent out of the country’s 1,438 towns and about 5 percent of 146 cities are under the red category.

Among those under the red category

Rody orders data on seized shabu submitted to ICC

By Joyce Pangco Pañares PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte directed Interior Secretary Eduardo Año to compile all data on the volume of shabu seized during his term, which in turn will be submitted to the International Criminal Court.

Duterte, in his late-night Talk to the People on Monday, said the report will show the ICC why he should not be investigated for alleged crimes against humanity in the context of his administration’s bloody war on drugs.

“Maybe when the time comes, we will use it to show to the ICC that this is the reason why I am not going to bow down to their jurisdiction…They would see the enormity of the problems of shabu in the country,” the commander-in-chief said.

Año, for his part, said he will prepare the report immediately.

The Interior chief said based on his estimate, the Next page

President Rodrigo Duterte

Duque, Locsin trade syringe barbs Oil price hiked

By Willie Casas

HEALTH Secretary Francisco Duque III on Monday denied claims the government passed up the chance to obtain 50 million syringes from the United States, saying the price of the supplier went over the approved budget.

Duque issued the remark after Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. claimed a government official had “dropped the ball again.”

“Wala, wala ‘yun, hindi totoo ‘yun.

Kasinungalingan ‘yun, puro kasinungalingan ‘yun. Hindi totoo ‘yan (No,

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Solon eyes bank hacking probe Justice for Jess —Romualdez

Fil-Am is TIME’s top entertainer

NEWS / A4

NEWS / A4

By Maricel V. Cruz, Macon Ramos- plement laws against financial cybercrimes in the country.

Araneta and Julito G. Rada Albay Rep. Joey Salceda filed House THE chairperson of the House Ways Resolutions 2406 and 2407 in response and Means Committee sought Monday to recent reports of hacking of digital a congressional inquiry into the safety bank accounts.

HR 2406 urges the House Commitfeatures in digital banking and the ability of law enforcement agencies to imNext page

by P1.60 to nix rollback streak

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE country’s oil firms raised pump prices by as much as P1.60 per liter effective 6 a.m. Tuesday to reflect the movement of prices in the world market.

The latest oil price hike of P1.60 per liter for gasoline, P1.35 per liter for diesel, and P1.20 per liter for kerosene ended several weeks of consecutive oil price rollbacks due to concerns over the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

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A2

News

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2021

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Romualdez asks for justice for Jess H

OUSE Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez has joined other lawmakers in condemning the shooting death of Manila Standard and Reuters correspondent Jesus “Jess” Malabanan in Calbayog City, Samar last week.

punta siya sa Calbayog, kaya nakakalungkot na nangyari ‘yon,” added Eleazar, who recently retired as PNP chief.

The PNP’s Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) on the fatal shooting of Malabanan is looking into a land dispute as the motive. PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos, on Monday said they already have a person of interest but are still determining whether Malabanan’s job has something to do with the slay.

“I talked to the Regional Director, Brig. Gen. Rommel Cabagnot, and he updated me that actually, there is an ongoing case conference of SITG Malabanan as we speak. Initially, the angle they are looking at is a land dispute,” he told reporters during a press conference after Monday’s flag ceremony.

Carlos cited information from the vic-

tim’s family and colleagues who attested that they are not aware of any death threats that Malabanan received lately.

“This strengthens the possibility that the killing of Malabanan may have been more personal than work-related,” Carlos said. “We are exerting more efforts to establish the motive, identify the perpetrators, and build a strong case leading to a successful prosecution.”

Malabanan was shot dead inside their store in Barangay San Joaquin, Tinambacan District at around 6 p.m.

Police reports showed Malabanan was watching television when his family heard gunshots.

Witnesses saw two motorcycle riders, one of whom was the gunman who aimed for the victim’s head. Malabanan was declared dead on arrival at a hospital.

“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the murder of Manila Standard correspondent Jesus ‘Jess’ Malabanan, who was shot to death in Calbayog City in Samar. I call on the authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice,” Romualdez said on his official Facebook page.

“My condolences to the loved ones of Jess, a long-time stringer of Reuters.

May you rest in peace,” he added.

In Catarman, Northern Samar, Partido Reporma presidential aspirant Sen. Panfilo Lacson and former Philippine National Police chief Guillermo Eleazar

said authorities should focus on crime suppression and prevention as they condemned the murder of the veteran journalist on December 8.

“If you are not able to prevent, at least, i-solve mo iyong hindi mo na-prevent, (solve what you were not able to prevent),” said Lacson, who headed the PNP before becoming a senator, as he visited Catarman on Sunday for Partido Reporma’s “Online Kumustahan.”

“Actually, Jess Malabanan is a friend of mine. I was assigned in Region 3 at kasakasama [ko siya noon], at alam ko na pu-

PhilHealth...

From A1

Olivia Rodrigo TIME’s pick as top entertainer

private hospital in Iloilo City said Monday PhilHealth still owed it some P93 million, which is part of the P545 million in unpaid hospital claims that has prompted seven hospitals in Iloilo province to cut ties with the government health insurer.

“We still have a balance of about P93 million... this is a cumulative amount which started since 2018,” said Metro Iloilo Hospital and Medical Center President and CEO Danilo Encarnacion.

According to “24 Oras Weekend” report, the hospitals that will not renew their contracts with PhilHealth in January 2022 are St. Paul’s Hospital, Iloilo Doctors Hospital, Iloilo Mission Hospital, The Medical City - Iloilo, Medicus Medical Center, Qualimed Hospital Iloilo, and Metro Iloilo Hospital and Medical Center Inc. Elmer Pedragosa, president of the PHAPI Western Visayas Chapter, said hospitals have been waiting for the payments to be made, but have yet to receive the full amount.

“We waited for October 31 for payment. We were expecting like 70 percent to 80 percent to be paid by Philhealth, but we only got an average of 15 percent to 20 percent payment,” said Pedragosa.

In 2018, PhilHealth owed the hospitals some P136 million but the insurer was able to gradually pay, Encarnacion said, during an interview with ABS-CBN’s Teleradyo.

“But the balance that remains is still big because not all claims are being honored,” he said.

PhilHealth returns many claims to their hospital, often with unclear reasons, Encarnacion said.

“PhilHealth’s evaluation, explanation is unclear. Most of the time, we don’t know why they are returning the claims because we don’t have much communication because we can’t directly contact them. What they want is to correspond through email... which is very difficult,” he said.

Under its mandate, PhilHealth is tasked to administer the National Health Insurance Program which aims to provide health insurance coverage and ensure affordable, acceptable, available, and accessible health care services for all citizens of the Philippines.

Spokesperson Domingo said among the unpaid claims are those involving COVID-19 cases, which takes time to validate.

“It’s the COVID claims that are delayed and we are already addressing the issue through our DCPM — debit credit payment [method]. Previously, we were giving 60 percent of the amount of claims, good claims that are with us already, and we reconcile and then we give the remaining 40 percent if ever,” she said in the same report.

PhilHealth last month said it was seeking to settle unpaid claims to private hospitals by December, as it blamed the lack of manpower amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

FIL-American pop star Olivia Rodrigo was hailed as TIME Magazine’s Entertainer of the Year for 2021.

According to the magazine, Rodrigo was chosen for her nostalgic choices in the lyrics of her songs, giving a big impact to her listeners.

“Rodrigo has a gift for picking the best of the past — whether a well-worn shirt, the faded feedback of a guitar, or the intensity of first love — and finding just the right way to situate it in the

present,” the article read.

“Her songs have hit with audiences of all ages, in large part because she renders adolescence so viscerally: she’s resentful, seething, crushed, itching to just grow up already,” it added.

Rodrigo said it feels surreal to have this kind of accolade.

“I’ve gotten to do some crazy things this year but this one feels particularly surreal. thank u [TIME] !!! entertainer of the year !!!!!!” she said in an Insta-

PNP...

From A1

them to focus more on helping the Comelec ensure that the May 2022 polls are “orderly, honest, and credible.”

He ordered intelligence units to step up their operations, as he vowed to push needed resources to all Army units.

Meanwhile, the PNP said it will assist the Comelec in conducting mock polls on Dec. 29, which will enable it to observe the actual process flow for the May 2022 elections.

In a statement Sunday, PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said the activity would help them determine and evaluate the strategic plan for the deployment of personnel.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, the PNP personnel are not allowed to get inside the different voting precincts but are assigned to maintain peace and order in the vicinity.

The PNP will also be tasked to secure the transportation of ballots and other election paraphernalia.

The mock polls, which will be held in several places in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, would be an end-to-end demonstration of the whole process.

Also on Monday, the Comelec said it will work with social media platforms Facebook and Twitter for the verification of 2022 election candidates’ accounts.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez confirmed this after he announced

over the weekend that the poll body will be teaming up with YouTube to verify candidates’ official channels for the 2022 national and local elections.

“Yes, we are working with Facebook and Twitter and with of course, Google, which is the parent company [of] YouTube,” he said in an ANC interview.

Jimenez said Comelec does not see this rule as “inequitable,” explaining that this is part of the poll body’s steps to fight disinformation and misinformation.

On Dec. 1, Google announced that it would temporarily stop accepting election-related advertisements, saying this would help prevent online trolls from misleading the public.

The tech giant said it will instead focus on election-related activities that “aim to help people access useful and accurate information via product features and media literacy programs, encourage participation in the voting process, and help protect the integrity of the elections.”

The Comelec, meanwhile, said a petition seeking to postpone the 2022 national and local elections was unconstitutional and would not prosper.

Jimenez issued the statement after the Coalition for Life and Democracy filed a petition to suspend the May 2022 polls until 2025 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The House leader said he was also amenable to devolving some responsibilities and functions in the COVID-19 vaccination program from the national government to LGUs. Velasco said that granting the private sector the authority to directly purchase COVID-19 shots will “relieve pressure on government resources considering that vaccine procurement and administration entails a lot of logistical challenges.”

“By granting the private sector greater participation in the vaccination campaign, the government can focus its resources on the inoculation of frontliners, uniformed personnel and vulnerable sectors,” the Speaker said.

“The amount the government will save can be channeled to efforts to help economic recovery post-pandemic,” he added.

Given the high level of efficiency associated with the private sector, Velasco said its greater involvement in COVID-19 vaccination would enhance government efforts to ensure rapid and efficient rollout of available vaccines.

At the same time, the Speaker urged the DOH and NTF to make public any findings as to how long vaccine-induced immunity lasts.

“They should inform the public how long a certain vaccine brand lasts so that people would know when they should get a booster or get inoculated again,” Velasco said.

The ICC earlier granted the government’s request to suspend the probe.

The Duterte administration said that it had been looking into the deaths, retotal volume of shabu seized during the ferring to the Department of Justice’s past five years under Duterte is worth at (DOJ) referral to the National Bureau of least P80 billion.

Investigation (NBI) of 52 cases where

the Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service found administrative liability on the part of police officers.

But families of people killed in the Duterte administration’s war on drugs have asked the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor to resume its investigation.

my motives,” said Locsin, who also revealed the issue on the social media platform.

Duque said they were offered P411.5 million for 50 million syringes with each syringe priced around P2.38.

However, he said taking the contract would lead to a violation of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act. “What he’s saying doesn’t make sense.

First of all, we backed out because we cannot provide the budget. Why would we follow that? We will be charged with graft,” the health chief said.

Locsin previously said that the Department of Health’s (DOH) offer of 4.7 US cents a syringe is “hallucinatory.”

phishing, hacking, and other financial services scams.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas earlier said it is looking into complaints of hacked bank accounts posted on social media by some bank customers.

The BSP said it was in close coordination with BDO Unibank Inc. and Union Bank of the Philippines regarding the reported hacking incidents of several BDO online banking accounts last weekend, central bank Governor Benjamin Diokno said.

Diokno issued the statement after several BDO account holders reported unauthorized transactions on social media. They said they noted unauthorized transactions to a certain “Mark

Duque,...

From A1 that’s not true. That’s a lie, it’s all a lie.

It’s not true),” Duque said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB. “What Locsin wanted was for us to cater to the price of the supplier. But that’s not allowed. We’re not stupid to do that. We have a law for that—RA 9184,” he added.

This drew the ire of Locsin, who later Monday on Twitter rebuked the health secretary for denying that his department lost the opportunity to obtain cheaper syringes.

“Don’t ever, Duque, ever question

“So those are the figures translated into just 39 towns and seven cities.

Those are the critical areas that we are focusing on,” he added.

Green refers to areas that do not have security concerns and are generally peaceful and orderly, while Yellow are areas of concern, which means that these have a history of election-related incidents in the last elections, possible employment of partisan armed groups, occurrence of politically motivated election-related incidents and had been previously declared under Comelec control.

Category Orange, meanwhile, means areas of immediate concern where there is serious armed threat; while Red means areas of grave concern, which exhibit combined factors under the Yellow category with serious armed threats that may cause the Commission on Elections to declare control over an area.

The PNP was earlier tasked by the Department of the Interior and Local Government to identify election hotspots to ensure an orderly and peaceful poll.

Meantime, newly appointed Philippine Army chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner said defeating the insurgency would allow

Velasco...

From A1 (LGUs) are authorized to procure vaccines which have been given emergency use authorization through a tripartite agreement with manufacturers and the national government, represented by the Department of Health (DOH) and the National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF).

Velasco, the principal author of the law in the House of Representatives, said he was open to amending it to allow private companies to directly purchase vaccines for their workers and their dependents.

Rody...

From A1

Solon...

From A1 tees on Public Order and Safety, and Public Accounts to conduct hearings, in aid of legislation, on the capacity of law enforcement agencies to apprehend, detect, investigate, and prosecute financial cybercrimes.

Meanwhile, Salceda called on the Senate to pass its own version of the bill that enhances consumer protection, that has been passed by the lower chamber.

The bill aims to protect users of banking and other monetary services and was recently passed in the House in response to recent incidents of

gram post.

Rodrigo tackled sorrow and her childhood in her debut album “SOUR,” mostly written with Daniel Nigro under record label Geffen.

The highly anticipated album caught the attention of new supporters with its “angst-filled” and “heartbreak” tracks.

This is evident in her first three singles “drivers license,” “deja vu,” and “good 4 u” which were relatable to many fans, who dedicated them to their exes.

Miss India wins Miss U, PH bet lands in Top 5 MISS India Harnaaz Sandhu was crowned Miss Universe in the Israeli city of Eilat early Monday, with several contestants defying pressure to boycott in support of the Palestinians.

The 70th edition of the annual pageant, held in Israel for the first time, has also faced complications from the coronavirus pandemic.

During the live coronation night at Universe Dome, Filipino fans went wild when the Philippines’ Beatrice Luigi Gomez was announced the fifth in the Top 5, ending a two-year streak in which the country did not make it into the Top 10. Gomez did not advance further, however.

Sandhu took the top prize in the Red Sea resort with Paraguay’s Nadia Ferreira first runner-up and Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane taking the second runner-up spot.

Philippine actress Marian Rivera and Indian actress Urvashi Rautela were among the members of the selection committee this year.

The 21-year-old Indian beauty, who’s pursuing her master’s degree in public administration, made the most impact during the tough Top 3 round, giving a powerful and convincing answer to the final question “What advice would you give young women watching on how to deal with the pressures they face today?”

“I think the biggest pressure the youth is facing today is to believe in themselves. The youth need to know that they are unique and loved for these make them stronger,” the Chandigarh native started.

Malacanang commended Gomez for bringing joy to the Filipino people and honor to the country for being one of the top 5 finalists at the 70th Miss Universe competition in Israel.

Oil...

From A1 “Petron will implement the following price increase effective 6 a.m. on December 14: P1.60 per liter for gasoline; P1.35 per liter for diesel and P1.20 per liter for kerosene. These reflect movements in the international oil market,” Petron Corp. said.

Aside from Petron, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Cleanfuel, Flying V, PTT Philippines and Seaoil Philippines also raised pump prices while other oil companies are expected to follow.

World oil prices went up last week as worries over the Omicron variant eased and prospects of a strong US economic recovery.

On December 7, the oil companies implemented a price cut of P2.40 per liter for gasoline, P2.65 per liter for diesel and P2.70 per liter for kerosene.

These resulted in the year-to-date adjustments to stand at a total net increase of P15.70 per liter for gasoline, P13.05 per liter for diesel and P10.49 per liter for kerosene.

Duterte...

From A1 COVID-19 are not followed during the unofficial campaign season.

The official three-month campaign season starts February 9, 2022.

“The problem here is that although many have been vaccinated and we have lesser casualties now, but (still) do not tempt the gods. Don’t ask that it comes to that if you keep allowing this to happen,” Duterte said in Filipino.

“I’d like to call the attention of the Comelec. You are the ones supervising the elections, as a matter of fact, you are running the show... Could you not just issue a... or just maintain social distancing?” he added.

Nagoyo,” purportedly the beneficiary account for these illegal transactions.

Bankers Association of the Philippines president Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso called on the public to be more vigilant against cyberattacks, following reports of fraudulent schemes involving one of the country’s biggest lenders.

In a statement released Sunday, Veloso reminded the public to refrain from giving out sensitive information which could lead to their accounts being compromised.

In related developments, Sen. Joel Villanueva sought to heighten cybersecurity measures to foil digital pickpockets preying on workers’ e-wallets and bank accounts.

News

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2021 A4 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PLEAS SEEK TO INTERVENE IN MARCOS’ CASE

Comelec junks three petitions T HE Commission on Elections has dismissed all petitions-in-intervention filed by different parties in the first plea filed urging the cancellation of presidential aspirant Ferdinand“Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ‘s certificate of candidacy.

The Comelec’s Second Division did other parties from the Partido Federal ng not admit and treated as “mere scraps of Pilipinas. paper” the petitions-in-intervention filed Marcos is PFP’s standard-bearer. by ten tax professionals, represented “Further, no future motions for interby lawyer Howard Calleja, and by two vention and/or petitions-in-intervention

relative to the instant case shall be entertained by this Commission,” the division held in a 14-page order promulgated on Monday.

The Comelec said allowing the petition filed by tax professionals, led by Rommel Bautista, “shall unduly delay or prejudice the adjudication of the rights of the original parties in this case.

If the instant motion for intervention is granted, this will necessarily result in unduly delaying the resolution of the

main petition.”

Allowing the intervention would also encourage other would-be litigants, which would result in further delay in the resolution of the case, Comelec said.

The Comelec is looking to finalize the list of candidates for national posts in December.

Marcos and his campaign team played down the petitions and branded these as “nuisance cases” and “pathetic stunts.”

IN BRIEF Cayetano opens Taguig online payment portal MAYOR Lino Edgardo Cayetano on Monday announced the opening of the Taguig Online Payment Portal (TOPP) for local stakeholders to pay Real Property Tax (RPT) and Business Tax faster, safer, and more convenient.

The new payment system, according to the city chief executive, is part of Taguig’s campaign in transitioning to the new normal.

Cayetano said TOPP aims for a hasslefree process of making payments for taxes to all Taguigeños and it can be accessed through Taguig TRACE (trace. taguig.gov.ph).

The system requires a valid cellphone number and an Internet connection to access the portal. The public can use WiFi ng Bayan Kiosks available at 107 sites all throughout the city for easy access and internet connection.

TOPP could be used to pay Real Property Tax for taxpayers who have an updated RPT payment and remaining Business Tax obligation, provided that the business owner has paid the Quarter Business Tax obligation.

“We want to provide you with the most convenient and safest ways in this new normal. With our newest TOP Portal, paying taxes would be very easy and secure. You can settle your taxes with the tip of your fingers, so I encourage every taxpayer that once the TOP Portal is available, use it. It’s for you,” said Cayetano.

Payment options for TOPP are Credit or Debit card (Visa/Mastercard), Gcash, and Paymaya. Taxpayers can claim their official receipt after five (5) working days by booking an appointment first through TOPP. Joel E. Zurbano

Tiangco OKs Navotas pandemic assistance MAYOR Tobias Tiangco signed City Ordinance No. 2021-63 or the Navotas Pandemic Recovery Assistance Program.

Under the ordinance, non-delinquent taxpayers or those who are punctual in paying their dues will be given discounts when they settle their 2022 taxes.

Navotas will grant a five percent discount to all real property taxes, business taxes and fees, except for the barangay business clearance and fire safety inspection fees which are directly paid in the barangays and the Bureau of Fire Protection.

All other local taxes, regulatory fees and service charges, including city parking fees, will be given the same consideration.

“We would like to thank and give back to the individual and business taxpayers who pay their dues promptly even during this difficult time.

For our city to continue giving adequate services, we need our people’s support, especially their faithful and timely payment of taxes,” Tiangco said.

The Navotas Pandemic Recovery Assistance Program also exempts marginalized Navoteños from paying business taxes, fees and other regulatory costs and service charges.

The tax immunity includes all registered businesses whose gross sales in 2021 did not exceed P120,000; tricycle and pedicab drivers and operators, except non-Navoteños with supervision permit; and registered fisherfolks who are in good standing and have no overdue accounts. Jun David

LIGHT BANTER. House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep Martin Romualdez (2nd from left) shares a light moment with former Quezon City Mayor and senatorial candidate Herbert Bautista (left), 3rd District of Manila Rep. and vice mayoralty candidate Yul Servo (2nd from right) and Senior Citizens party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes (right) at the House of Representatives. Ver Noveno

Ensure safety of returning OFWs this Xmas—Marcos

By Rey E. Requejo THE UniTeam tandem of presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio urged the government to ensure the safety of up to 100,000 overseas Filipino workers against COVID-19 who are expected to return home this Christmas.

“It’s a Filipino tradition that every Christmas and New Year, the Filipino family comes together, especially the OFWs who have a return schedule every Christmas to be with the family. We need to make sure that they are safe from COVID-19 when they return to the country,” the tandem said in a statement.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said they are expecting an influx of 80,000 to 100,000 OFWs to celebrate the Yuletide season this month.

The tandem said they support the government’s decision to continue providing the free use of quarantine facilities for returning OFWs to reduce their expenses.

They also urged the government to intensify its strict implementation of health protocols, especially now that there is a threat of Omicron, the new variant of Covid-19.

“We need to make sure that OFWs are safe so that their families will also be safe.

Let’s have them celebrate safely with their families,” they said.

OWWA will shoulder the seven-day quarantine of returning OFWs. They will be subjected to a swab test on the fifth day, and if a negative result is released, they will be allowed to go home.

The quarantine rules also depend on the local government unit or province of the returning OFW. Currently, there are 178 government-run quarantine facilities for use by OFWs returning to the country.

Robredo: Boost opportunities for Cebu’s BPO, maritime industries

By Rio N. Araja VICE President and presidential aspirant Leni Robredo wants to maximize untapped opportunities for Cebu’s maritime and BPO industries.

“Cebu has too many opportunities in its maritime industries, and that is one of the four industries that we’ll be focusing on,” she said.

If elected, she said she would build enough infrastructure in the area so the industry could flourish.

“We must have a flag-carrying logistics vessel with a global route.

The Philippines could become a global logistics hub,” she said.

She vowed to focus on technology, manufacturing, maritime and climate industries to create more job opportunities.

Over the weekend, Robredo expressed her gratitude for the recognition received by her office for its processes and programs that have encouraged its staff to be excellent public servants and for making the delivery of services to the people more effective and efficient.

“Blessings came thrice for OVP yesterday.

First, we were awarded by the Civil Service Commission the PRIME-HRM Level II Ac-

creditation for Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management. Then, two of our programs - Community Learning Hubs and Free Shuttle and Ferry Services for frontliners - were among the 6 Government Best Practices for COVID 19 Response recognized by the Development Academy of the Philippines. Last week, we were also awarded our ISO Certification which we have been achieving every year since we first got our ISO Certification in 2017,” Robredo said in a tweet.

PRIME-HRM, or the Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management, is a certification

given by the CSC to government agencies’ human resource systems that support their employees in achieving excellence.

The OVP was awarded with a Certificate of Recognition by the CSC as the office’s four pillars of human resources met the standards under PRIME-HRM Level II. The OVP’s Community Learning Hubs and Free Shuttle and Ferry Services for frontliners are programs implemented by the OVP in response to the pandemic with help from the private sector while its ISO certification attests that the office meets internationally accepted quality management standards.

Isko hits changes in new P1,000 bill

By Rey E. Requejo PRESIDENTIAL candidate and Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Monday slammed the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for its decision to replace the pictures of the three heroes of World War II on the new plastic polymer P1,000 bill with that of the Philippine eagle.

“I’m trying to call the attention of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to reconsider their decision. While it is true that the eagle should be there also, maybe it can be halfway. On the other hand, our heroes can still be there, and on the other side, our national treasure, important things or unique to our country, must still be there like our Philippine eagle,” Moreno said after the flag raising ceremony at the Kartilya ng Katipunan monument.

Moreno said he has some reservations on what the BSP did since they are replacing hero-martyrs who gave their lives for their principles rooted in the love of their country and refused to give allegiance to a foreign

power that will make them traitors in the eyes of their countrymen.

Moreno was referring to Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos, Josefa Llanes Escoda and Gen. Vicente Lim whose photos in the P1,000 bill will be replaced by the Philippine eagle in the bill made of plastic polymer.

“I would rather have our heroes there (on the P1,000 bill). So, you know the truth, maybe it’s high-time for us to create a Department of National History and Culture,” Moreno said.

If elected president, Moreno said he will push for the creation of a Department of National Culture and History that will inculcate love, promotion and appreciation of our history and culture.

Among the agencies Moreno plans to put under such a department are the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA), Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), National Historical Institute (NHI), National Library, National Museum, National Archives and other related agencies.

MESSAGE OF HOPE. ‘Never underestimate the children who grew up in the streets,’ Partido Reporma standard-bearer Senator Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson said in a speech before the residents of Catarman, Northern Samar on Sunday. Lacson, the son of a jeepney driver and textile vendor, rallied thousands of Nortehanons who gathered for his ‘Online Kumustahan’ in their province.

Lacson-Sotto seeks removal of N. Samar from ‘poor’ list

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

DRUG TESTING MANDATE. Members of the Philippine National Police comply with the mandatory drug testing of personnel inside the Manila Police District (MPD) General Headquarters at UN Avenue in Manila on December 13, 2021. Norman Cruz

CATARMAN, Northern Samar— Partido Reporma chairman and standard-bearer Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III aim to pull this province out of the “poorest provinces” list by ensuring good government once they are elected following the 2022 national elections.

Lacson said their flagship Budget Reform Advocacy for Village Empowerment (BRAVE) program can easily solve Northern Samar’s constant lack of funding for its own development projects in a press conference Sunday at the provincial capitol here.

“We learned from Governor Edwin Ongchuan that the province only received P1.7 billion in IRA [Internal Revenue Allotment] – which is very, very small considering it has 24 municipalities and 569 barangays,” he said.

The IRA is the local government unit’s share of revenues from the national government.

Provinces, independent cities, component cities, municipalities, and barangays each get

a separate allotment.

This allotment is largely based on the type of government they are and a formula based upon their land area and population. Section 284 of the Local Government Code of the Philippines (Republic Act 7160) sets up the formula for the distribution of the allotment.

“We explained that our number one platform, our main program of government, is BRAVE – the downloading of resources. We will bring down the national budget to the local government units to improve the living conditions in Northern Samar,” Lacson said.

The Lacson-Sotto tandem sees BRAVE as the most effective solution to uplift the lives of Filipinos living in the country’s poorest areas, including Northern Samar.

Based on data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority last year, 27.4 percent of families in the province are living in poverty, drawn from a study starting in 2018.

This number had already improved from the 51.5 percent poverty incidence in Northern Samar last 2015, according to the PSA.

But owing to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, it is not surprising if this number goes up again.

Under BRAVE, Lacson said local governments could bring progress to their areas because they would be given additional funding based on their needs and priorities.

The program would help greatly in creating more opportunities for the residents of Northern Samar, which could then stimulate their local economy and allow them to finally leave the poor house, the former national police chief added.

Agriculture, fishing and tourism are the primary sources of livelihood of Northern Samar, which has a population of 639,186 in the Eastern Visayas region, according to the PSA’s 2020 census.

Based on the 2020 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index of the National Competitiveness Council, Northern Samar ranks 71st out of 81 provinces in the Philippines in terms of total annual income, which hit only P213.8 million last year.

to develop COVID-19 Race toMORE develop COVID-19 MORE Congress requires OPINION vaccine heats up MORE OPINION vaccine heats up vaccine heats up OPINION a tested leader MORE MORE ONLINE

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PhilHealth thieves PhilHealth thieves friend Baby Nebrida, film producer and Jesus sees him coming and comments, deterrence against the powerful navies of the then Jail barangay, him to heed this latest Marian appeal. for the sand was actually less than P30 milwithout first giving up their guns. for the brilliant conservative justice, the PNoy administration that was—to quote and independence of the nation and free the * * * proves deadly id One”, the One”, long-feared earthquake along white dolomite sandEven ontosand stretches ofstretches the the Marikina fault that could hit 8.5 on the Those groups did become fertile recruitManila Bay shoreline.

Congress has the long-feared earthquake along ent grounds for the NPA. And when they white dolomite onto of the Those groups did become fertile recruitBUSINESS the Marikina fault that could hit 8.5 on the Manila Bay shoreline.

Even Congress has ment grounds for the NPA. And when they mobility in escale Wuhan, with an annual production capacity scale manufacturing. manufacturing.

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There isthat no duplicity US By andBay its allies.

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Asa aconnection mother of toseven, can lion, the P389 million being alleged.

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When Nathanael asks Jesus, “How we’ve been forced to participate simply to the President—in a private letter that’s had a exception in a long history of Philippine including two adopted Haitians and a special eon provide adequate social services, promote Ambassador Huang Xilian told the meI attended a webinar sponsored Readers can write at gbolivar1952@ in Manila, and will end at a connection to the tion (SMC) to build the P95.4 billion Pasig where did the rest of the pesos come from? ty-listers are disclaiming any connections to Richter.

Baby subsequently confided to meconfided to me been inveigled into agarnered probe. bombed the LPthe rally in 1971 Plaza MiranHow didlaunching one The Sinopharm reference Richter.

Baby subsequently been inveigled intolawmaker launching a probe. bombed LP rally inat1971 at Plaza Miranthat similar visions had also been received DOH has already assured the public arhat to provoke martial law, the armed Left that similar visions had also been “Before received The DOH has already assured the public tosince provoke martial law, the armed Left yaulation. progressed.

Rodrigo Duterte less production capacity, the annual output will Jail barangay, Jail barangay, docally you know me?”

Jesus answers, because of geography.

And if other issues Jail barangay, hat the coronavirus outSouth East Metro Manila Expressway at River Expressway (PAREX) that would basisince the coronavirus outbreak, China has been actively engaging in The Southcumferential East Metro Manila Expressway at CirCir-US at CirRiver Expressway (PAREX) that would basiRoad 6 Metro (C6). follow the path of the waterway. presidents seeking ever-friendlier relations gone viral—a Marian appeal for him to lead urned child, Judge Barrett if confirmed by the full employment, a rising standard of living, the Association for Philippines China that similar visions had also been received The DOH has already assured the public yahoo.com. da to provoke martial law, the armed Left Well, probably from the same folks who the CPP-NPA-NDF. But on the other hand, BUSINESS -stid RUDY dia recently that since the coronavirus outSouth East Manila Expressway River Expressway (PAREX) that would basiBUSINESS BUSINESS that similar visions had been received The far?

DOH has already assured the public da to they provoke martial law, armed Left is by others like her, the Virgin Mary crythat have nothing to fear d will serve notice that bloody well meant byPhilip others like her, with the Virgin Mary crythat we we have nothing to fear from dolomite, serve notice that they well meant than 17 million votes outfrom ofto total voting possible. reach 800 million towas 1bloody billion doses in the the fucalled you, I with saw you under figalso tree.” come up—such as fishing rights, or access tofollow with China.

The Sinopharm get this in consecrating the country toadolomite, Our Lady vaccine research and Just as noisy theof yellow-led youth It willRoad have 6entry and exit points at bodies the vaccine is likely be And what's good about it isthe that the project be aPhilHealth been actively engaging in cumferential cally the path of the waterway. has been actively engaging in cumferential Road 6 (C6).

(C6). cally follow the path of the waterway. and an improved quality life for all.”uproar by others like her, the Virgin Mary crythat we nothing to fear dolomite, did serve notice thatdevelopment. they bloody well meant were then thrown into the trench ddhas PhilHealth thieves break, China has been actively engaging in meant cumferential Road 6 (C6). follow the path of the ROMERO Ewith see them PhilHealth thieves by others like her, with the Virgin Mary crythat we have nothing tonegotiating fear from did DENR’s serve notice that they bloody well thieves CLASS me ing tears of blood. either in its bulk or granulated into oody business. ing tearscally of blood. either inher itshave bulk state or granulated into business.

Nathanael then exclaims, “Rabbi, you arewaterway. thePasig our undersea mineral wealth—our population ofstate almost 60from million.

Mr. dolomite, gloody ture, according to the Chinese ambassador.

CLASS CLASS PNoy’s suing for the arbitral award was BUSINESS mobility in and Son, on pains of suffering “the Big over the decision to pour tons of CPP. The World Health Organization (WHO) University Belt area, San Juan, Buendia, would also revive the heavily polluted ch and development.

Effective leadership of the House requires It will have entry and exit points at the And what's good about it is that the project rch and development. ing tears of blood. ted by the either in its bulk state or granulated into It will have entry and exit points at the bloody business.

And what's good about it is that the project and covered.

Lim’s body was never found. .cruitout in the market by ing tears of blood. either in its bulk state or granulated into bloody business. vaccine research and development. mavaccine is likely to be It will have entry and exit points at the And what's good about it is that the project Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” stance will benefit from a warmer, instead of nd It’s been amply documented in the past beach sand.

It’s also being used in other Today the same Left is well represented Duterte is a plurality-vote president, and It’s been amply documented in the past beach sand.

It’s also being used in other Today the same Left is well represented arguably a case of undue provocation and everyday, but tinst the long-feared earthquake along white dolomite sand onto stretches of the One”, mahas reported that there are 34represented vaccines Mandaluyong, Makati, Rockwell, Edsa,leaves Pi-Josefa Llanes Escoda was a civic River.

Citizens Actheavily ofdocumented 2010, Strengthening the Magna CLASS As Belt for acts Velasco, his track record ddnm amid the the Speaker to be able to unite 250 lawmakers It’s been amply in thePasig past beach sand.

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But thatEven it’s inCongress hand, Duterte Warning: PhilHealth RUDY The World Health Organization (WHO) Belt area, San Juan, would also revive heavily polluted not an plurality at that visions presaged great disasters beaches all over the world.

And ifif Congress by the Makabayan folks, -orted insuch Manila, and will end atthe agreat connection to the (SMC) build the P95.4 billion Pasig that such visions presaged disasters beaches all impressive over the world.

And you’re nld Congress itself by thenow Makabayan folks, the Marikina fault that could hitthat.

8.5 onby the Manila Bay shoreline. has they to nhat Cayetano enjoys aworld. distinct advantage over Carta for PWDs, and the Domestic Workers Act Pasig muchSt., toUniversity be desired.Rockwell, He practiced lawbefore in the Buendia, already innow clinical evaluation around the the end of oneer Bonifacio Global City,Edsa, C5, According to SMC president and CEO that such visions presaged great disasters beaches all to over the And ifyou’re you’re inisare Congress itself theparty-list Makabayan folks, from various districts and groups as tion barely give ainto out in the ulation. leader, social opened his mind and heart to the immediate *December. *over *market there 34 vaccines Mandaluyong, Makati, PiRiver. hat there are now 34 vaccines Mandaluyong, Makati, Rockwell, Edsa, Piety River. obliged to use itby to his advantage.

Building sal to build that such visions presaged great disasters beaches all the world.

And if you’re in Congress itself by the Makabayan folks, ROMERO are we consigning to Those who saw the trend ofamounts Mr. Duterte’s has reported that there are now 34 vaccines Mandaluyong, Makati, Rockwell, Edsa, Pi-worker, a suffragette and River. (www.manilastandard.net) -though Richter.

Baby subsequently confided to me been inveigled into launching avaccines probe.

South East Metro Manila Expressway at Ciriranif unheeded, but turned defeats victoRiver Expressway (PAREX) that would basidumb enough to inhale large of they remain unmoved by this unif unheeded, but turned defeats into victodumb enough to inhale large amounts of lthough they remain unmoved by this unBUSINESS RUDY ROMERO ROMERO Velasco in track record and experience in safety BUSINESS (Kasambahay) Law. BUSINESS Supreme Court office of his father, former sth is dangerous to your health if unheeded, but turned defeats into victodumb enough to inhale large amounts of although they remain unmoved by this unglobe.

Of the eight candidate in terminating at C6.

Ramon Ang, they will “not only be building well as political parties behind the President’s ninical his The Sinopharm understanding of Jesus’ Divinity.

When Last Sunday I chanced across a video of US a World War II heroine. She is most on what’s been left behind by previous nical evaluation around the will be a3 in thought to who they were. oneer St., Bonifacio Global City, C5, According to SMC president and CEO evaluation around the ifSMC unheeded, but defeats victodumb enough to waterway. inhale large amounts of oneer St., Bonifacio Global City, C5,Jr.before before although remain unmoved by this According to According president and CEO EDSA. that similar visions had also been received The DOH has already assured the public Left is survey numbers perceived possible danger nting Road 6be (C6). cally follow the path of matter the ries ififif heeded. might aaturned good time for sand, itundoesn’t matter whether concession of democratic space. clinical evaluation around the the end of December. oneer St., Global City, ries heeded. might be good time for tobe SMC president and CEO sand, it really really doesn’t matter whether it’s eserved concession ofthey democratic space. public Cayetano’s political career reached a into new Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco He later ries heeded.

ItItItdeceiving might aourselves—about good time foreastern sand, it office. really doesn’t whether it’s deserved concession of democratic space.

ROMERO priority legislative agenda.

Thebefore Speaker must fading memory?

Phase trial—the final phase comThe expressway isBonifacio expected to provide an C5, before CLASS acumferential much-needed direct link between eeserved to sitalready we’re not busy President Trump as he introduced his it’s latest CLASS CLASS is another statesmanly administrations (www.manilastandard.net) be famously known for (www.manilastand campaigning for (www.manilastandard.net) (www.manilastandard.net) ries if heeded.

It might be a good time for sand, it really doesn’t matter whether it’s deserved concession of democratic space. by others like her, with the Virgin Mary crythat we have nothing to fear from dolomite, meant eight candidate vaccines in terminating at C6.

Ramon Ang, they will “not only be building eight candidate vaccines in terminating atterminating C6.

Ramon Ang, they will “not only be building and were convincing Sen. Roxas and Sen. ed by the Itkind will have entry and exit points atalso the vaccine likely to And good it skills is that the project the Church hierarchy—with whom Duterte dolomite or not. other conflict country II know about Warning: PhilHealth the Church hierarchy—with whom Duterte dolomite orwhat's not.

Cayetano’s legislative honed nber. no other conflict country know about Of thevice eight candidate vaccines in dolomite high when he was chosen as Rodrigo Duterte’s at C6. toadministrator Ramon Ang, they will “not only be building Church hierarchy—with whom Duterte assumed the of provincial of or not.

In no other conflict country know about yno toglobe. be OF dsal? not also listen tois what opposition lawmakers what of creatures we are, the reality of nominee to the USabout Supreme Court, Judge alternative andpost faster access the business and western Metro Manila, but we will While the Chinese vaccine iswere welcome, mercial use—fur are from Chinese vaccine practice—except, again, in theI be case ofus PNoydeng Warning: PhilHealth Warning: PhilHealth The presidency: women’s suffrage and as POINT the founder A HIGHLY regarded maxim tells that But for the last three decades, their the Church hierarchy—with whom Duterte dolomite or not.

In no other conflict country I know about ing tears of blood. either in its bulk state or granulated into Poe with increasing intensity to join forces —the final phase before comThe expressway is expected to provide an a much-needed direct link between eastern —the final phase before com) The expressway is expected to provide an a much-needed direct link between eastern University Belt area, San Juan, Buendia, would also revive the heavily polluted Pasig early on.

At age 22, when he was still in law shares deep mutual dislike—to take the The DILG spokesman, Undersecretary are members of an active rebellion allowed running mate in the 2016 presidential elections. shares a deep mutual dislike—to take the The DILG spokesman, Undersecretary Marinduque and headed the provincial chapter e members of an active rebellion allowed fend shares a deep mutual dislike—to take the The DILG spokesman, Undersecretary re members of an active rebellion allowed Ang earliRUDY ecember. our sins and shortcomings, the fallenness of Amy Coney Barrett, on the White House lawn. are saying as part and parcel of democratic Phase 3 trial—the final phase before comThe expressway is expected to provide an a much-needed direct link between eastern -“Boy Sisi”—who put his predecessor in jail IMPACT hubs Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global be leading a historic effort to bring the Pasig we should also consider vaccines being dedevelopers, including 2 from Sinopharm, RUDY Warning: PhilHealth bi- out RUDY dented in the market by of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines. is dangerous to your health afrom person who not look back at where It’s been amply documented in the past beach sand.

It’s also being used in other visages our one-thousand-peso note shares aMakati, deep mutual dislike—to take the The DILG spokesman, Undersecretary are members of an active rebellion allowed in order to head off pro-Duterte trend.

POINT is dangerous to your health The great mismatch POINTOF OF is dangerous to your health ct us school, he emerged as the youngest and number conciliatory steps towards convincing Jon Malaya, also clarified that the total cost to participate indoes the business of government sal Mandaluyong, Rockwell, Edsa, PiRiver.

Apart from being aManila, veteran legislator, of theand Integrated of thefaster Philippines. the world toon which we are forced by earthly Judge Barrett will be replacing the late Ruth faster access to business and western Metro Manila, but we will also While the Chinese vaccine is welcome, first conciliatory steps towards convincing fur are Chinese vaccine Jon Malaya, also clarified that the total cost participate in the business of government alternative and fasterBar access to the theaccess business and western Metro Manila, but we will also discourse. first conciliatory steps towards convincing While the Chinese vaccine isthe welcome, —fur from Chinese vaccine Jon Malaya, also clarified that the total cost on charges that were all later repudiated by oand participate in the business of government evel bialternative and toDuring the business and western Metro but wealternative willCity. also While the Chinese vaccine is welcome, mercial use—fur are from Chinese vaccine River back to health.” veloped by other countries, such as Russia, aare subsidiary of China’s leading vaccine to build ROMERO World War II, she and her POINT o G. Estabillo Publisher that such visions presaged great disasters beaches all over the world.

And if you’re olks, he has come from will probably not get to ROMERO ROMERO honored the heroism and sacrifices of first conciliatory steps towards convincing Jon Malaya, also clarified that the total cost to participate in the business of government are brave.

It is a rare opportunity for me ERWIN is dangerous to your health him to heed this latest Marian appeal. for the sand was actually less than P30 milwithout first giving up their guns.

But each of the two senators apparently life to conform—then we open the way for Bader Ginsburg, who came to be idolized one municipal councilor in Taguig City.

Cayetano also served as Secretary of Foreign At present, Velasco leads the House ejing the end of December. the justice system. oneer St., Bonifacio Global City, C5, before According to SMC president and CEO More important, from where we sit, is that him to heed this latest Marian appeal.

IMPACT for the sand was actually less than P30 milithout first giving up their guns. and him to heed this latest Marian appeal. for the sand was actually less than P30 milIMPACT without first giving up their guns. hubs Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global be leading a historic effort to bring the Pasig we should also consider vaccines being dencluding 2 from Sinopharm, hubs Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global be leading a historic effort to bring the Pasig we should also consider vaccines being dencluding 2 from Sinopharm, city No(www.manilastandard.net) has been set for and the project, “For so many even when Iappeal. wasthe Pasig States and Great Britain.

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Well, probably from the same folks who the CPP-NPA-NDF. But on the other hand, the Philippines founder Josefa Llanes Readers can write me gbolivar1952@ where did the rest of the pesos come from?

His Japanese captors later said he ty-listers are disclaiming any connections to Pateros.

There, he earned praises for his eloquence the international community while striving to far to advance the interests of energy sector. do Estabillo Publisher POINT OF separate candidacies.

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The new nominee topped her law school but we hope the government and SMC can young, the Pasig River had been synonyconcentration camps. wrote last week, even our neighbor IndoneG), 1 from Sinovac Biotech but we hope the government and SMC can young, the Pasig River had been synonywrote last week, even our neighbor IndoneG), 1 from Sinovac Biotech but we hope the government and SMC can to put China’s actions a vote.

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After completing three terms in Congress, Japanese ofFilipinos the Philippines. accept toofhim by terms aSpeaker In theoccupation Pulse Asia survey conducted insit the bythe Cayetano theoffered position Deputy Honor Blanco Night Editor anaging least three or four lawmakers.

But when the fact is splitits the anti-Duterte Jail Jail baranga Jailininbarangay, barangay, City. back health.” veloped by other countries, such asCabie Russia, eor ssador. him heed this latest Marian appeal. for sand was actually than P30 mil-it River Hospital negligence for to the brilliant conservative justice, the * fact *its * less the metropolis in theas years ahead amid the high-profile fund-raising projects andrevive similar Phase 3the clinical trial of COVID-19 vacHonor Blanco Cabie Night Editor or Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor tors husband was executed the same year, ERWIN appropriate at a time when the candidates Cayetano ran for senator in 2007 and won. to get it off the ground as soon as possible. long wanted to clean it and it, bring first week of December last year—less than six so he could prove his leadership skills, but to get it off the ground soon as possible. vaccine that we can also use to control the long wanted to clean it and revive it, bring Now, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Sinopharm has in already tapped vaccine that we can also use to control the has in fact already tapped to get it off the ground as soon as possible. member of firing squad. long wanted to clean it and revive it, bring vaccine that we can also use to control the has in fact already tapped seemed that no one wanted to give up the in Manila, and will end at a connection to the tion (SMC) to build the P95.4 billion Pasig vote.

Had they chosen to unite their forces, Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor or Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor ssociate Editors No timetable has been set for the project, “For so many decades, even when I was United States and Great Britain.

And as we lrman late Antonin Scalia.

As a mother of seven, lion, not the P389 million being alleged.

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But unfortunately, not Pasig River expressway project cine candidate inP95.4 the United Arab Emirates Emeritus, Editorial Board PhilHealth thieves PhilHealth thieves with Lim. She was last seen alive thi Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor rs Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor rs for President in the coming election - South He chaired the Blue Ribbon Committee andto TULFO proves deadly in Manila, and will end at aaconnection the months into his aits term Speaker—Cayetano (SMC) to build the billion Pasig he the chose toFilipino turn ithelp down.

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Can we expect substantial relief from to since June.

These are among more beaten and exposed several corruption scandals. or emerged as the third most trusted official in Vice-President Leni Robredo, Panfilo that he preferred keep quiet out of respect South East Metro Manila Expressway at Cirr Expressway (PAREX) that would basiSouth East Metro Manila Expressway at Cirpeso note that replaces them with the er Expressway (PAREX) that would basia term-sharing deal between the two cumferential Road 6 (C6). cally follow the path of the waterway. and a brigadier general in the fledgling Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer o G. Estabillo Publisher the metropolis in the years ahead amid the high-profile fund-raising projects and similar Phase 3River clinical of itsPhilippines COVID-19 vac-basidenied victory. child,(with) Judge Barrett if confirmed by the US the in the ahead high-profile fund-raising projects similar al trial of its COVID-19 vacthe metropolis metropolis in the years ahead amid amid the high-profile fund-raising projects and similar cal trial of its COVID-19 vacthe Association for China yahoo.com.

Well, probably from the same folks who hand, down and discuss the and terms of reference mous pollution.

Many Filipinos have sit sia is well on the trial way to developing its would own South East Metro Manila CirExpressway (PAREX) that Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer pinion Editor game-changer ifled ityears is greenlighted bythe theon It is presumed she was executed The 27-kilometer Pasig River, which links horrible traffic congestion inpoints Metro Manila than 30,000 volunteers in the world's first Jail barangay, weak.

In 2013, on his second term, heExpressway was electedatPhilippine government, garnering ait. trust rating of 76 for Cayetano but his deafening silence Lacson, Manny Pacquiao, Ferdinand It will have entry and exit at the And what's good about it is that the project frontrunners.

Estabillo Publisher Eagle.

The BSP says the new G. Estabillo Publisher cumferential Road 6 (C6). yG. follow the path of the waterway.

Philippine Army, the 41st Infantry cumferential Road 6 (C6). y follow the path of the waterway. expected growth in the urban population. initiatives to clean But unfortunately, not Pasig River expressway project cine candidate in the United Arab Emirates expected growth in urban population. initiatives to clean it.

But unfortunately, Pasig expressway project to get itdeoff the asBay, soonruns asnot possible. in Arab Emirates long wanted to the clean it five and revive it, bring Laguna expected growth in the the urbanRamon population. initiatives topercent clean it.an But unfortunately, not vaccine that we can also use to the River Pasig River expressway project edtor in the the United United Arab Emirates cumferential Road 6 to (C6). cally follow the path of Night thecontrol waterway.

Honor Blanco Cabie Editor BUSIN government soon enough.

Ang toground Manila through RUDY in, say, within next 10Buendia, years?

Phase 3also clinical trial of a vaccine.

BUSINESS Senate Majority Floor Leader and chaired andisburied in an unmarked grave.

BUSINESS orBay increase of issued 14 percentage points pressing national issues showed thatearlihe University Belt area, San Juan, would revive heavily polluted Pasig Marcos Jr., Isko Moreno and Leody de Under the term-sharing deal, Taguig Rep. airman Emeritus, Editorial Board thieves P1,000 bill, which willhelp be inmobility 2022, thatPhilHealth held offPasig the Japanese advance ItIt will have entry and exit points at the what's good about ititthe isis that the project will have entry and exit points at much the And what's good about that the project Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor naging Editor The River Expressway will be a much has changed,” he explained.

Can we expect substantial relief from since June.

These Filipinos are among more This would certainly boost inDivision it back toIt its old glory.

There were even spread of the deadly disease. end will have entry and exit points at the ehese And what's good about it is that the project The Pasig River Expressway will be a has changed,” he explained.

Can we expect substantial relief from ese Filipinos are among more The Pasig River Expressway will be a much has changed,” he explained.

Can we expect substantial relief from Filipinos are among more er said SMC already has a proposal to build the cities of Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Maybe, if the government and the private Hundreds of thousands of people have Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor ROMERO r urado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board the Senate committee on rules.

In 2016, he Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor ors from his 62 percent rating in September.

Lawmakers have begun to question the simply unprepared to take on the awesome Mandaluyong, Makati, Rockwell, Edsa, PiRiver.

Citizens Act of 2010, Strengthening theSpeaker Magna As Belt for Velasco, his Juan, track record leaves Alan Peter would sit ascampaign Guzman -Cayetano are gearing up for aGulle CLASS CLASS CLAS isthethemetropolis first in27-kilometer “a in new ofahead Philippine in Bataan, and later survived if theitinfamous University area, Buendia, ld also revive the heavily polluted Pasig University Belt area, San San Juan, Buendia, uld also revive the heavily polluted Pasig Jimbo City Editor ociate theseries years amid the high-profile fund-raising projects and similar game-changer is greenlighted by theBSP decision, but The Pasig River, which links -olunteers University Belt area, San Juan, Buendia, horrible traffic congestion in Metro Manila would also revive the heavily polluted Pasig than 30,000 volunteers in the world's first inEditors Manila, and will end at aOwen connection tovacthe asig man Emeritus, Editorial Board man Emeritus, Editorial Board game-changer if it is greenlighted by the The 27-kilometer Pasig River, which links horrible traffic congestion in Metro Manila in the world's first game-changer if it is greenlighted by the The 27-kilometer Pasig River, which links horrible traffic congestion in Metro Manila volunteers in the world's first a new highway on top of the existing EDSA. Pasig, Taguig, and the municipality of Pateros sector can get their act together. received vaccinations of Sinopharm’s over was designated chair of the Senate foreign Carta for PWDs, and the Domestic Workers Act Emeritus, Editorial Board much to be desired.

He practiced law in the As Speaker, Cayetano managed to get oneer St., Bonifacio Global City, C5, before According to SMC president and CEO responsibility of uniting lawmakers and wisdom of the perhaps Lessons must be of the House for the first 15 months, while Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer yman that officially begins on February 8, 2022.

Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor ser. currency that willBay focus on thepopulation. country’s Death March.

Later released, Lim refusedRamon Ang earliMandaluyong, Makati, Rockwell, Edsa, Pir. Editor Mandaluyong, Makati, Rockwell, Edsa, Piexpected growth inBay, the initiatives to clean it.

But unfortunately, not Mandaluyong, Makati, Rockwell, Edsa, PiPasig River expressway project sal (www.manilastandard.net) South East Metro Manila Expressway at Cirasigovernment soon enough.

Laguna de tourban Manila Bay, runs through in, say, within the next five tothe 10 years?

Phase 3River. clinical trial of“not athem vaccine.

Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer ws ce in (Kasambahay) Law. Supreme Court office of his father, former relations committee. government soon enough.

Ramon Ang earliLaguna de Bay to Manila runs through RUDY Whatever happened toBUSINESS that proposal? in Metro Manila and Taytay in Rizal province. in, say, within the next five to 10 years?

Warning: PhilHealth terminating at C6. al trial of a vaccine.

Ramon Ang, they will only be building At least there's light at the end of tunnel. cine since China launched emergency use government soon enough.

Ramon Ang earliLaguna de Bay to Manila Bay, runs through RUDY lawmakers to pass the 2020 national budget in, say, within the next five to 10 years? leading the House in crafting laws that would trial of a vaccine. the most poignant argument against this RUD Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Jay Velasco The maxim expects to review the rich flora and fauna,” it added. r any role in the puppet government installed oneer St., Bonifacio Global City, C5, ccording to SMC president and CEO oneerCEO St., Bonifacio Global City, C5,Jr.before before Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer According towe SMC president and CEO Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer learned here. cumferential Road 6substantial (C6).

The Pasig River Expressway will be asaid oneer St., Bonifacio Global City, C5, before much has changed,” he explained.

According to SMC president and Can expect relief from er.

Cayetano’s political career reached a new Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco He later er said SMC already has a proposal to build the cities of Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Maybe, if the government and the private Hundreds of thousands of people have ROME The expressway is expected to provide an Cayetano’s legislative record is impressive. much-needed direct link between eastern in only 20 working days.

He also helped steer benefit the nation in the years to come.

PAREX will stretch a total of 19.4 kilomeWe're talking about the project proposal ofawould COVID-19 vaccines on July 22, with no nion Editor take over the post for the remaining 21 er SMC already has a proposal to build the cities of Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, move comes from the heroes’ descendants.

Maybe, if the government and the private of thousands of people have er said SMC already has a proposal to build the cities of Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Maybe, if the government and the private of thousands of people have CLASS ROMERO (www.manilastandard.net) (www.manilastandard.net) record of the 2016 election in orderatto be (www.manilastandard.net) is dangerous toROMERO your health What acts ofit isbravery are we by the Japanese, and secretly funded various (www.manilastandard.net) terminating at C6. will “not only be building terminating atterminating C6. mon Ang, they will “not only be building Itthey will have entry and exit points the ject oned high when he was chosen as Rodrigo Duterte’s at C6.

Ramon Ang, they will “not only be building game-changer ifPOINT greenlighted by the assumed the post provincial administrator of The 27-kilometer Pasig horrible traffic congestion in Metro Manila ton Ang, OF alternative and faster access to the which business and western Metro Manila, but we will also me, He was the main ofRiver, 43 bills, six of links which a new highway on top of the existing EDSA. Pasig, Taguig, and theof municipality ofnew Pateros the passage of the President’s tax reform sector can getofauthor their act together. received vaccinations of Sinopharm’s vacWe therefore ask: How did he get this ernhil@yahoo.com ters and will start from Radial Road 10 (R10) of the conglomerate San Miguel Corporacases of severe adverse effects or infection. months.

Vicente Lim IV, Lim’s great-grandson, a highway on top of the existing EDSA. Pasig, Taguig, and the municipality Pateros able to determine what Davao City mayor sector can get their act together. inations of Sinopharm’s vaca new highway on top of the existing EDSA. Pasig, Taguig, and the municipality of Pateros sector can get their act together. inations of Sinopharm’s vacconsigning to fading memory and the guerrilla activities in the provinces.

He also rman Emeritus, Editorial Board The expressway isis expected to provide an uch-needed direct link between eastern The expressway expected to provide an uch-needed direct link between eastern University Belt area, San Juan, Buendia, nasig lawin, running mate in the 2016 presidential elections.

Marinduque and headed the provincial chapter The expressway isthe expected to provide an in Metro a within much-needed direct link between eastern government soon enough.

Ramonbills, Ang earliLaguna de Bay to Manila Bay, runs through RUDY say, the next five 10 years?

IMPACT hubs Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global be leading aChina historic effort toto bring the Pasig dewere passed into law.

Among these are the packages and economic priority as well faralong with nothing more thanto about overweening Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro raised a valid Whatever happened that proposal?

Manila and Taytay in Rizal province.

At least there's light at end of the tunnel. cine since launched emergency use acknowledged thatvice mostWarning: Filipinos doPhilH Rodrigo Duterte and his organization did ado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board history books when we take these heroes Whatever happened to that proposal? in Metro Manila and Taytay in Rizal province.

Warning: PhilHealth At least there's light atat the end of the tunnel. ina launched emergency use passed regular weekly reports Whatever happened to that proposal? in Metro Manila and Taytay in Rizal province.

Warning: PhilHealth At least there's light the end of the tunnel.

The presidency: hina launched emergency use POINT OF POINT OF mber Mandaluyong, Makati, Rockwell, Edsa, PiApart from being aManila, veteran legislator, ofPublic the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. alternative and faster access to the business western Metro Manila, but we will also alternative and faster access to the business western Metro Manila, but we will also POINT OF alternative and faster access to the business and western Metro but we will also elcome, er said SMC already has a proposal to build the cities of Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, City.

Maybe, if the government and the private River back to health.” e sia, ROMERO Employment Service Office (PESO) Act, as the PAREX Bayanihan to Heal As One Act and the ambition and meager accomplishments? point in his privilege speech last September an Emeritus, Editorial Board will stretch a total of 19.4 kilomeman Emeritus, Editorial Board We're talking about the project proposal of COVID-19 vaccines on July 22, with no not remember the three martyrs, even right and what Mr. Duterte’s opponents ERWIN out ofstretch currency?

Japanese troop movements, disposition, and Cayetano also served as no Secretary of Foreign At present, Velasco leads the House oneer St., Bonifacio Global City, C5, is dangerous yo PAREX aatotal of kilomeWe're talking about the project proposal vaccines on July 22, with PAREX will stretch total ofof19.4 19.4 kilomeWe're talking about the project proposal vaccines on July 22, with no Those who believe inofand the avoidIMPACT IMPACT hubs Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global eading aa“For historic effort to bring the Pasig hubs Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global eading historic effort to bring the Pasig IMPACT No timetable has been set for the project, so many even when Ibefore was we hubs Makati, Ortigas, Bonifacio Global be leading adecades, historic effort to bring the eing deawill new highway on top theOne existing EDSA. Pasig, Taguig, and the municipality of Pateros sector can get their act together.

-EO is dangerous your healt The great mismatch Anti-Money Laundering Act 2001, Overseas is redesign, dangerous to yourto heal Bayanihan to Recover as Act Road aimed at (R10) ernhil@yahoo.com 22 when he said that one who wants to be Pasig (www.manilastandard.net) before the but also to emphasized ters and will start from Radial 10 of the conglomerate San Miguel Corporaof severe adverse effects or infection. and their organizations did wrong.

For ascases TULFO Affairs inPasig the Duterte Cabinet.

Here, he Committee on Energy.

But this body does not Abad Santos, the fifth chief military installations that helped American terminating at C6. ing Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher repeating-mistakes maxim were ernhil@yahoo.com ters and will start from Radial Road 10 (R10) of the conglomerate San Miguel Corporaese adverse effects or infection. ernhil@yahoo.com ters and will start from Radial Road 10 (R10) of the conglomerate San Miguel Corporae adverse effects or infection.

City. r back to health.” but we hope the government and SMC can young, the River had been synonyCity. er back to health.” neCity.

River back to health.”

Russia, Absentee Voting Act of 2003, Expanded Senior Whatever happened to that proposal? inappear MetrotoManila and Taytay in Rizal bill province.

Warning: PhilHealth At least there's light quietly atthe the end the tunnel. eguig- the addressing the Covid-19 public health crisis. ernhil@yahoo.com Speaker cannot sit of inprovide one corner still have some impact on ERWIN managed topollution. protect national interests have passed any significant thus ERWIN the comparatively unknown mayor of ERWIN The expressway is expected to anin ern justice ofS.the Court Former Chief Reynato PunoSupreme Board Member &and Chiefthe Legal Adviser and Filipino military operations to liberate that images Honor greatly saddened by the failure of kilomeVicedown and discuss the terms of 19.4 reference mous (with) Many Filipinos have wnasso ManilaStandard No timetable has been set for the project, For many decades, even when II was No timetable has been set forthe the project, so many decades, even when was No timetable has been set for theJustice project, “For so about many decades, even when Isitwas nd we can be accessed PAREX will stretch aat: total of We're talking the project proposal oFor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor Jail barangay, uence the international community while striving to far to advance the interests of energy sector. is dangerous to your health POINT OF remembering heroism. a distant city to be able to defeat wellalternative and faster access to the business also TULFO TULFO TULFO acting of the Philippine the Philippines. But Lim’s involvement in manilastandard.net President Robredo and herRoad 1Sambayan to get it but off the ground as soon as possible. long wanted totheclean itbeen and revive it,been bring the Anita president F. Grefal Treasury Manager ONLINE but we hope the government and SMC can ng, the Pasig River had synonybut we hope the government and SMC can ng, the Pasig River had been synonywe hope the government and SMC can young, Pasig River had synonyIndoneernhil@yahoo.com ters and will start from Radial 10 (R10) of the conglomerate San Miguel Corpora.asig Jimbo Owen Gullea look City Editor Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors maintain cordial relations with other countries.

We understand that Velasco was offered PhilHealthrefused thieves IMPACT “TheG. Estabillo banknotes do offer into Published Monday to Sunday

by Philippine Manila StandardGlobal Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio known personages like Senators Mar This Commonwealth, to cooperate the underground and guerrilla operations Rolando would certainly help boost mobility inof reference ithubs back to its old glory.

There were even Publisher co-convenors to the anti-Duterte sit down and discuss the terms of reference sress, (with) pollution.

Many Filipinos have down and discuss terms mous (with) pollution.

Many have sit down andsit discuss theunite terms ofthe reference us (with) pollution.

Many Filipinos have its own BaldwinJail R. Felipe Head—Ad Solutions Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106conducted Paseo de Filipinos Lino M. Santos Chief Photographe In the Pulse Asia survey in the by Cayetano the position of Deputy Speaker Joyce Pangco Pañares News Editor MEMBER barangay, Jail barangay, Jail barangay, City.

Philippine history, even if to an audience Roxas, Grace Poe and Miriam DefensorRolando G. Estabillo Publisher Hospital negligence Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher with the Japanese invaders and was made him a target of the Japanese Military the metropolis in the years ahead amid the high-profile fund-raising projects and similar Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City.

Telephone administration forces and to form a ERWIN ManilaStandard won. to get it the ground asskills, soon as possible. wanted tobeen clean itit, and revive it, bring week ofitDecember lastsetyear—less thanto hePhilippine could prove his leadership but get itso the ground as soon ntrol thefirst wanted to clean revive it, bring tosix get it off off the ground as soon as possible. possible. gwas wanted tolong clean it and and revive bring Press Institute Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser can beoff accessed at: as AdelleL.Chua Editor Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Ramonchito Tomeldan Opinion Managing Editor Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager No timetable has for the ManilaStandard with just a fleeting interest in it.

I have numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting allofproject, Santiago was nothing short a feat. can be accessed at: Honor Blanco Cabie N Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor expected growth in the urban population. initiatives to clean it.

But unfortunately, not Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser executed on May 2, 1942, under a Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Police, and he was arrested in 1944 , held PhilHealth thieves thieves The National Association PhilHealth thieves single Opposition 2022 line-up.

Clearly, andto ManilaStandard TULFO proves deadly months into his term as were Speaker—Cayetano chose to turn ithelp down.

Last week, hein said ManilaStandard Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager BUSINESS ONLINE This would certainly help boost mobility inPhilHealth itold back to its old glory.

There even This would certainly help boost mobility ack its glory.

There even can be accessed at: This would certainly boost mobility in ack to its old glory.

There were even can behe accessed at:manilastandard.net Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550.

P.O. were Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors manilastandard.net but we hope the government and SMC can nyof Philippine Newspapers Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager nothing against our national bird and ONLINE Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard to be And for those national personalities The Pasig River Expressway will be a much has changed,” he explained. om Box coconut tree near a river bank.

A in Fort Santiago where he was said to have Jimbo Owen Gulle Cit Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors manilastandard.net onehe ofthe thein key lessons of the emerged as the third most trusted official in manilastandard.net that preferred toyears keepin quiet out ofelection respect 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila.

Website: www.

Anita F.F.Grefal CLASS Anita Grefal Treasury Manager Published Monday to by Philippine Manila Standard metropolis the 2016 years ahead amid the high-profile fund-raising projects and similar ONLINE EmilAssociate P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Board ONLINE the metropolis the ahead amid -profile fund-raising projects and the metropolis the ahead amid the h-profile fund-raising projects and similar BaldwinTreasury R. Felipe Manager Head—Ad Solutions Publishing Inc. at 6/FSunday Universal Re Building, 106similar Paseo de LinoIEditorial M. Santos Chief Photograph sit down and discuss the terms of reference ave Joyce Pangco Pañares News Editor Jimbo Owen Gulle City Wong/Ray S.S.Eñano Jimbo Owen Gulle CityEditor Editor Chin Wong/Ray Eñano Associate Editors MEMBER Former Chief Justice Reynato S.in Puno Board Member &silence Chief Legal national flower. am allLino forM.promoting game-changer ifbut ityears is greenlighted bythe the The 27-kilometer Pasig River, which nila beaten by an essentially provincial figure Jail barangay, manilastandard.net unday by Philippine Manila Standard Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Japanese interpreter whoHead—Ad testified at a Editor beenChin tortured, and later transferred to the Editors ected ManilaStandard Baldwin R. Felipe Solutions government, garnering ait. trust rating of 76 for Cayetano his deafening on Adviser Publishing Inc. at 6/Fbe Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de links Santos Ch Joyce Pangco News Editor has not been learned.

Hopefully, the can accessed at: as Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City.

Telephone Honor Blanco Cabie NightPañares Editor Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing MEMBER expected growth in the urban population. initiatives to clean But unfortunately, not ect expected growth in the urban population. atives to clean it.

But unfortunately, not to get it off the ground soon as possible.

Philippine Press Institute ing expected growth in the urban population. atives to clean it.

But unfortunately, not Adelle Chua Opinion Editor Baldwin R. Felipe Head—Ad Solutions Baldwin R. Felipe Head—Ad Solutions niversal Re 106 Paseo de Lino M. Santos Chief Photogra Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager Universal ReBuilding, Building, 106 Paseo deManila Joyce Pangco Pañares News Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photogra Joyce Pangco Pañares News Editor awareness of such national treasures.

BUSINESS government soon enough.

Ramon Ang earliLaguna de Bay to Bay, runs through RUDY Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City.

Telephone manilastandard.net MEMBER was nothing short of a colossal upset.

MEMBER BUSINESS aired numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all BUSINESS percent or an increase of 14 percentage points pressing national issues showed that he is Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager war crimes trial, said Abad Santos was old Bilibid Prison under a death sentence.

ONLINE PhilHealth thieves Philippine Press Institute The National Association disastrous outcome of that 2016 situation Adelle Chua Opinion Editor Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager The Pasig River Expressway will be a much has changed,” he explained. ef from This would certainly help boost mobility inThe ven Village, City.

Telephone Legaspi Village, Makati City.

Telephone Pasig River Expressway will be aa M. Valmorida Circulation h,Legaspi has changed,” he explained.

The Pasig River Expressway willto be ch has changed,” he explained. numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 all Philippine departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550.

P.O. erPress said SMC already has a proposal build the cities of Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, vate Institute ROMERO However, placing these on the P1,000 bill of Philippine Newspapers Philippine Press Institute 6, he The National Association from his 62 percent rating in(connecting September.

Adelle Chua Opinion Editor simply unprepared to take on the awesome Adelle Chua Opinion Editor ItMakati has been almost six years since Edgar Manager CLASS serene when CLASS he heard Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager CLASS heard of him afterEmil his transfer, will not be repeated next year.

Baldwin R. Felipe Head—Ad Solutions 32-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all 32-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all the Lino M. Santos Chief Joyce Pangco Pañares News Editor Nothing was Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila.

Website: www. departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550.

P.O. the metropolis in years ahead amid the ilar game-changer if itexisting is greenlighted by“magnificently the The 27-kilometer Pasig River, which links MEMBER Manila The National Association The National Association P.Photographer Jurado Chairman Emeritus, ofif Philippine Newspapers game-changer it is greenlighted by the he 27-kilometer Pasig River, which links game-changer if it is greenlighted by the he 27-kilometer Pasig River, which links a new highway on top of the EDSA. Pasig, Taguig, and the municipality of Pateros reign As Speaker, Cayetano managed to get responsibility of uniting lawmakers and comes at the cost ofEditorial erasingBoard one of the last the 2016 election and there has been al) (Advertising) 832-5550.

P.O. al)832-5554, 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550.

P.O. Manila. Website: www. his death sentence.”

All he asked for, Boxmanilastandard.net 2933, Manilagrowth Central Post Office, The other bigto mistake made by theAng earliof Newspapers ofPhilippine Philippine Newspapers Philippine Press Institute Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board Adelle Chua Opinion Editorand records pronounced Lim “missing” expected in the urban population. not government soon enough.

Ramon Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay, runs through RUDY ars?

Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager government soon enough.

Ramon Ang earliuna de Bay to Manila Bay, runs through RUDY Whatever happened that proposal? in Metro Manila and Taytay in Rizal province.

Warning: PhilHealth nel. government soon enough.

Ramon Ang earliuna de Bay to Manila Bay, runs through RUDY lawmakers to pass the 2020 national budget leading the House in crafting laws that would BUSINESS ral Post Office, Manila.

Website: www. tral Post Office, Manila.

Website: www. manilastandard.net few (ubiquitous) ways through which we The National Association plenty of time for review, analysis and Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board the interpreter said, was to speak to his in 1944.

But five decades later, a Japanese anti-Duterte forces 2016tohas was the near- to build The Pasig River Expressway will be asaid said SMC already proposal the cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, ecities private ROMERO ssive. of Philippine Newspapers in only 20 working days.

HeMakati, helped steer the nation in the years come. will stretch aMandaluyong, total ofalso 19.4 kilomeosal er SMC already has aain proposal to of Manila, Makati, er saidbenefit SMCer already has proposal toa build build cities ofPAREX Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, CLASS ROMERO ROMERO remember and honor our storied past, and is dangerous to your health dissection ofif what happened and did son Pepito, who was interred with him witness said Lim and 50 or so guerrillas universal underestimation of the challenge Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board game-changer it is greenlighted by the nks which new highway on top the existing Pasig, and theof municipality Pateros passage offrom the President’s tax reform We atherefore ask: How didofhe get this EDSA. ernhil@yahoo.com tersthe and will start Radial Road 10By (R10) oraaaofnew highway on of existing EDSA. g, and the municipality Pateros new highway on top top of the the existing EDSA. g,Taguig, Taguig, and theTaguig, municipality of Pateros not happen inenough. that election. now, in Malabang, Warning: Lanao, for 10 minutes. were taken to the Chinese Cemetery where the heroes who martyred themselves for government soon Ramonbills, Ang earliRUDY posed bynothing Davao City’s The eugh the packages and economic as well far with more thanto mayor. overweening Whatever happened that proposal? inand Metro Manila andpriority Taytay in Rizal province.

PhilHealth eetro tunnel.

Whatever happened to that proposal?

Manila Taytay in Rizal province.

Warning: PhilHealth Whatever happened to that proposal?

Metro Manila and Taytay in Rizal province.

Warning: PhilHealth The vice presidency: conclusions should have been drawn “Do not cry, Pepito,” Abad Santos told a long trench had been dug. They were our country.” er said SMC already has a proposal to build ong, ROMERO ) Act, as the PAREX palpableand attitude people in the Roxas Bayanihan to Heal AsaOne Act ambition meagerofaccomplishments? will stretch total of and 19.4the kilomeproposal is dangerous to your AREX will aatotal of kilomeAREX will stretch total ofof19.4 19.4 kilomeWe couldn’t have said it any better. andstretch lessons derived. his son.

“Show these people that youhealth a new highway on top the existing EDSA. eros all made to kneel and beheaded, and their is dangerous to your health The great mismatch rseas is dangerous to your health Bayanihan to Recover as One Act aimed at and Poe camps was that a provincial pol tersfrom and will startRoad from10 Radial Roadernhil@yahoo.com 10 (R10) ernhil@yahoo.com CorporaRolando G. Estabillo Publisher and start Radial (R10) ernhil@yahoo.com andwill will start from Radial 10 (R10) What went right forpublic Rodrigo enior Whatever happened toRoad that proposal? nce.

Warning: PhilHealth addressing the Covid-19 healthDuterte crisis. ernhil@yahoo.com like Rodrigo Duterte couldn’t possibly win

elopOPINION COVID-19 OPINION ONLINE ONLINE OPINION ONLINE heats upONLINE ONLINE

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Opinion

2016 Duterte opponents’ two biggest mistakes

Hospital negligence The The Sinopharm Sinopharm proves deadly vaccine vaccine is is likely likely to to be be out out in in the the market market by by the the end end of of December.

December.

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ef Justice Reynato S. Puno Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser meand what went wrong for his opponents aispresidential Ramonchito L. Tomeldan election.

TheyManaging continued to dangerous to your healthEditor F. Grefal Treasury Manager 10) ernhil@yahoo.com Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano attitude Associate Editors inAnita 2016?

Put another way, what did Davao maintain a complacent even as

Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor Rolando G.Rolando Estabillo Publisher Baldwin R. FelipedoHead—Ad Solutions failed to Lino G. M.Estabillo Santos Publisher Chief Photographer Joyce Pangco Pañares News Editor City’s mayor that his opponents Mr. Duterte’s survey numbers were rising Rolando G. Rolando G.Estabillo EstabilloPublisher Publisher Board Member & Chief& Legal Adviser hief Justice Reynato S. Puno er Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Board Member Chief Legal Adviser Adelle Chua Opinion Editor Honor Cabie Night Editor Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager do?

Stated still another way, what mistakes alarmingly. Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor Blanco Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor eynato Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser eynatoS.S.Puno Puno Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser F. Grefal Treasury Manager Honor Cabie Night Editor L.L.Tomeldan Managing Editor Honor Blanco Cabie City Night Editor Ramonchito Tomeldan Managing Editor JimboBlanco Owen Gulle Editor Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors Anita F. Grefal opponents Treasury Manager didAnita Rodrigo Duterte’s make thatG.Ramonchito Rolando Estabillo Publisher Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors That was a grievous mistake that the Anita Treasury AnitaF.F.Grefal Grefal Treasury Manager EmilAssociate P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Board Baldwin R. Felipe Manager Head—Ad Solutions LinoEditorial M. Santos Photographer Joyce Pangco Pañares News Editor Jimbo Owen Gulle City Chin S.S.Eñano Editors Jimbo Owen Gulle Chief CityEditor Editor ChinWong/Ray Wong/Ray Eñano Associate Editors al Adviser he did not? because she demanded accountability, is Baldwin R. Felipe Head—Ad Solutions Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer Joyce Pangco Pañares News Editor anti-Duterte forces must studiously avoid Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor Adelle Chua News Opinion dwin Felipe Head—Ad Solutions ldwinR. R. Felipe Head—Ad Solutions Lino Chief Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Joyce Pañares LinoM. M.Santos Santos ChiefPhotographer Photographer JoycePangco Pangco Pañares News EditorEditor serving her fifth year in jail. Of course, Two mistakes made byManager Mr. Duterte’s Opinion Editor TheAdelle trends of Editor the survey Jimboagain.

Owen Gulle CityChua Editor ChinM. Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors making Edgar Valmorida Circulation Manager Adelle Chua Opinion Editor Adelle Chua Opinion Editor she would also highlight ABS-CBN, our M. Circulation Manager opponents spelled the difference between M.Valmorida Valmorida Circulation Manager Lino M. Santos Chief Joyce Pangco Pañares News Editor numbers and popularity indicators all Emil P.Photographer Jurado of Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board largest broadcaster, a newsroom that she victory andAdelle defeatChua for DavaoOpinion City’s mayor.

Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board Editor the Presidential candidates - beEmil he aP.labor

Highlights of Maria Ressa’s Oslo speech

Editorial Board EmilP. P.Jurado Jurado Chairman ChairmanEmeritus, One mistake related to the structure of the leader or a formerEmil boxing champion or a Emeritus, Editorial Board Emil P.Duterte Jurado faced; Chairman dictator’s Emeritus, Editorial Board competition that Rodrigo son - need to be closely tracked the other related to the attitudes of the and carefully analyzed. A Duterte-like LAST Tuesday, I wrote about how Maria mayor’s opponents. slip-through must be avoided at all costs Ressa’s Nobel Peace Prize honors all The bigger - and decidedly the more in 2022.

Filipinos of good will. Her speech in Oslo damaging - of the mistakes made by last Friday as she accepted the award Sen. Mar Roxas et al. in 2016 was their ERRATUM: The “Tax Code” in confirms my view that not only does she failure to present a united, formidable the second sentence, 4th paragraph of deserve this award together with Russian challenge to Mr. Duterte, who steadily my Dec. 10 column should have been journalist Dmitry Muratov, but that thus rose in opinion surveys as the campaign “OEC.” was the right and critical moment for these two great journalists to be given this recognition.

As Maria eloquently stated, at the beginning of her speech: “I stand before you, a representative of every journalist around the world who is forced to sacrifice so much to hold the line, to stay true to our people that only the economic provisions values and mission: to bring you the truth of the charter will be amended. and hold power to account.” After citing For many years, local and foreign several journalists who have been killed, businessmen have been demanding the attacked, or arrested in many parts of the lifting of the repressive and restrictive world, Maria then turned to the Philippines 60-40 provision of the charter to no avail. and pointed to the detention of Tacloban I believe it’s time for such change in the based journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, wake of a very challenging problem like still in prison after nearly two years, and IN A recent column, I listed the many joblessness and underemployment giving the brutal assassination of Jess Malabanan, challenges that the next president must rise to more poverty and hunger. I see no who worked among others for this paper face. Santa Banana, with joblessness other way but an amendment of the charter. and was killed with a bullet to his head. now at 3.5 million adult Filipinos, *** Incredibly, Undersecretary Undersecretary and underemployment at 7.5 million I don’t know what’s keeping the Joel Sy Egco of Presidential Task Force adult Filipinos, the rising incidence of Senate from enacting the creation of two on Media Security (PTFoMS) dismissed poverty and hunger has become the most much needed departments which have the latter’s death as probably not related to challenging problem. been pending for so long at the Senate Malabanan’s work as a journalist.

With economic recovery just around the - the DDR or Department of Disaster Maria was also kind enough to mention corner—unless the COVID-19 pandemic Resilience and Department of OFWs or my profession, citing that more lawyers again turns for the worse – the next Overseas Filipino Workers. have been killed than journalists in the president must start preparing a roadmap The Philippines is a disaster and Philippines—at least 63 compared to the on how to face this kind of a challenge. calamity prone country for cyclones and 22 journalists murdered after President This needs a tremendous amount of money typhoons, floods, landslides, earthquakes, Rodrigo Duterte took office in 2016. She in creating jobs and the cooperation of the volcanic eruptions and storm surges also pointed to how Karapatan, a human private sector. during typhoons, there is definitely a need rights organization, has had 16 people We need more domestic and foreign for a DDR. killed, and how Senator Leila de Lima, investments. Since domestic investments Sure, there is the NDRRMC which are limited, the country’s biggest bet are has been devolved, but it’s only an ad hoc foreign investments. But with the restrictive body under the Department of National provisions in the 1987 Constitution, the Defense which is activated only during Philippines must find ways and means to times of emergency. The National Disaster Investments are the attract them. This means amending the Risk Reduction Management Council has charter on the economic provisions of the to depend most on private donations and answer.

1987 Constitution. The best time to amend contributions and from foreign aid during the charter is with a newly-elected President. disasters and calamities.

Amending the Constitution demands a My gulay, it’s time that the NDRRMC new kind of leadership from a president became a department with its own budget the country can meet its targeted immunity who can whip Congress in line. It is staffed with experts who can focus and goal during the half of 2022. Another good Congress that must decide on what mode strategize on what should be done in times news is that the dreaded Omicron variant is the amendments must be. still not in the Philippines. There is also the of disaster.

If Congress approves the mode of Then, there is the critical need for hope that three shots of Pfizer doses of vaccine constitutional convention, there will be a separate Department for OFWs or can neutralize the effect of Omicron. And of questions. Will it be a joint constitutional Overseas Foreign Workers to focus itself course, the continuing decline of COVID-19 convention of the House of Representatives on problems of OFWs which would make cases has placed the entire Philippines at the and the Senate or separate? That’s the the Overseas Employment office, the “lowest risk” category. big question since the Senate has only 24 Overseas Workers Welfare Administration The bad news, however, is that according senators, and the house has 305 members. and related agencies into one department. to the World Health Organization (WHO), Since the people have become allergic Then it could devote itself to overcoming there are now 57 countries infected with the to the possibility of a constitutional all the abuses and maltreatment the OFWs Omicron variant. Another bad news is that amendment with the fear that self-serving get into while working abroad. thousands of Filipinos are coming home members of Congress may go so far to for the Christmas and New Year holidays, ** extend their terms of office, the leadership some from the “red list” countries where the There’s both good news and bad news. of the next president is needed to assure the The good news is that there’s a chance that COVID-19 pandemic cases are surging and

once led, which, last year, lost its franchise to operate.

Maria then shared the story of Rappler, now ten years old and which I have been a part of as a source for many of its reporters, a thought leader who publishes articles frequently, and as a board member since 2018. According to Maria:

Here’s what she said.

The big challenge

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Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandard.net

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can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

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

“I helped create a startup, Rappler, turning 10 years old in January—we’re getting old—our attempt to put together two sides of the same coin that shows everything wrong with our world today: the absence of law and democratic vision for the 21st century. That coin represents our information ecosystem, which determines everything else about our world.

Journalists—that’s one side—the old gatekeepers. The other is technology, with its god-like power, the new gatekeepers. It has allowed a virus of lies to infect each of us, pitting us against each other, bringing out our fears, anger, hate, and setting the stage for the rise of authoritarians and dictators around the world.

“Our greatest need today is to transform that hate and violence, the toxic sludge that’s coursing through our information ecosystem, prioritized by American internet companies that make more money by spreading that hate and triggering the worst in us. Well, that just means we have to work harder. In order to be the good, we have to believe there is good in the world.”

Maria shared her own story as a journalist for more than 35 years: “I’ve also from other countries.

But still, we should be thankful that COVID-19 cases have declined so that some hospitals no longer have wards for COVID-19 cases. This means that we can have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank God for that! ** A good question is: Who will the billionaire tycoons and taipans support in the 2022 elections, and to whom will they contribute the most?

I ask this question because it’s customary for the taipans and tycoons to donate to presidential and vice-presidential aspirants.

These donations and contributions are already set aside in their budgets.

I know for a fact that tycoons and taipans have their ways of finding out who are the probable winners, having their own ways of knowing who will win and who will lose. San Miguel, for instance, has their own thousands of retail outlets nationwide from the SMC conglomerate to get the list

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

worked in conflict zones and war zones in Asia, reported on hundreds of disasters, and while I have seen so much bad, I have also documented so much good, when people who have nothing offer you what they have. Part of how we at Rappler have survived the last five years of government attacks is because of the kindness of strangers, and the reason they help— despite the danger—is because they want to, with little expectation of anything in return. This is the best of who we are, the part of our humanity that makes miracles happen. This is what we lose in a world of fear and violence.”

Maria recalled the last time a journalist, Carl von Ossietzky, was given the Nobel Peace Prize in 1936, awarded in 1935 but who never made it to Oslo because of the Nazi government in Germany: “By giving this to journalists today —thank you—the Nobel committee is signaling a similar historical moment, another existential point for democracy.

Dmitry and I are lucky because we can speak to you now (Yay for court approvals)!

“But there are so many more journalists persecuted in the shadows with neither exposure nor support, and governments are doubling down with impunity. The accelerant is technology, when creative destruction takes new meaning.”

Maria quoted from David Beasley, who heads last year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner, the World Food Programme: “We are standing on the rubble of the world that was, and we must have the foresight and courage to imagine what might happen if we don’t act now, and instead, please, create the world as it should be—more compassionate, more equal, more sustainable.”

Next Tuesday, I will write what we are up against, according to the first Filipina individual to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Website: tonylavina.com; Facebook: deantonylavs; Twitter: tonylavs of probable winners and losers. San Miguel, too, has its thousands of Petron gasoline stations to provide Ramon S. Ang, the possible winners and losers which serve San Miguel to know who are winning and who are losing. This is also true with billionaires like Andrew Tan, who owns half of McDonalds. The network can easily find out who is also winning and losing. This is also true with Jollibee’s Tony Caktiong who can get facts about the national elections.

The other tycoons and taipans have already poll surveyors that provide them with results. Manny Villar, for instance, is listed

by Forbes as the richest Filipino.

The Iglesia ni Cristo with its solid three million voters here and abroad has its own sources like their ministers and diakonos to gather poll results.

The winners get the bulk of contributions, tycoons and taipans also provide token funds for losers. Don’t make any mistakes, the tycoons and taipans know beforehand who will be the next president and vice president.

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Joyce Pangco Pañares

Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor

Emil P. Jurado

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

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

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News

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2021

PH has ‘dynamic’ anti-terror law with Supreme Court decision

By Willie Casas THE Supreme Court (SC) decision on the Anti-Terrorism Law (ATL) is “a victory that will ensure the Philippines has a dynamic law at par with other countries aimed at vanquishing terrorism balanced with the protection of human rights.”

This was how Assistant Solicitor General Angelita Miranda described the High Court’s decision that upheld the constitutionality of substantially all of Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 during the weekly “virtual” press briefing on Monday of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) “The final arbiter has finally spoken. The ruling exhibits the Supreme Court at its finest. It is a victory of the Republic and the victory of the people,” Miranda said.

Miranda debunked the claims being peddled by some sectors that the ATL was declared by the SC as “unconstitutional,” pointing out that what the High Court decided to remove were just two small “collatila” or conditions.

With the ruling, she added that the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) is now fully equipped to designate groups or individuals who have links with terror groups.

“It (SC Rule) also served as a stern warning, to those who sow terror or plan to carry out terroristic acts to derail the country’s democratic form of living,” she said.

With an overwhelming majority vote of 12-3, the SC upheld the law’s validity except for a small portion of Section 4 and Section 25. All other challenged provisions of RA 11479 were declared constitutional.

For his part, Undersecretary Severo Catura, Executive Director of Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat, and NTF-ELCACspokesperson on International Affairs, Peace Process and Human Rights Concerns said that while he is also happy for the SC ruling which he called as a “law worth having”, others sectors continue to spread fake news about the ATL. Catura explained that during the crafting of the law at the House of Representatives where 173 lawmakers participated, 25 percent of them identified themselves as representatives of peasant farmers, fisherfolk, academe, youth etc., only a ‘handful’ called for its junking but was overturned by the majority.

Portugal in state of calamity with Omicron, says PH envoy P

ORTUGAL has been placed under a state of calamity following the detection of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in the country.

Philippine Ambassador Celia Ann Feria also said the country will be under a state of calamity until March. She added that about 2,000 Filipinos are currently in Portugal.

Feria said a majority of Filipinos in Portugal are with their families, adding that it is not a “big problem” that Portugal was included in the Philippines’s ‘red list.’

The official said Filipinos in Portugal are being advised to complete their vaccinations in Portugal before traveling to the Philippines.

Portugal’s vaccination rate currently

stands at 90 percent, she said. The official also said some Filipinos in Portugal are planning to make the trip to the Philippines.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) meanwhile has decided not to add any more countries into the Philippines’ red list amid the threat of the Omicron variant, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Tuesday.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire earlier reported that a total of 42 countries or jurisdictions had detected the variant.

“Napagkasunduan po sa IATF na hindi po muna natin dadagdagan dahil padagdag na ng padagdag ang mga bansa. Ang gagawin natin, i-intensify natin ang ginagawang control sa ating borders (It was agreed in the IATF that we will not add more countries because

the number of countries reporting the variant keeps increasing. What we will do is to intensify our border controls.),” Vergeire said in a radio interview.

Meanwhile, the latest additions to the list of countries suspected of having a local transmission of the variant include Australia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Australia is included in the country’s yellow list, Zambia is on the green list and Zimbabwe is part of the red list.

The IATF has recently changed the testing and quarantine protocols for travelers arriving from countries that are not on the red list.

Vergeire has also said that the Philippines can only prepare for and delay the entry of the Omicron variant as the government cannot control this.

A total of 532 individuals globally have tested positive for the Omicron variant as of December 5. With Vito Barcelo

FOR THE CHRISTMAS FEAST.

Shoppers line up to purchase ham and other meat products at the popular Excelente Chinese Ham store in Quiapo, Manila.

Prices of Christmas food staples such as ham, lechon (roast pig), and fruits are expected to increase as Christmas Day approaches.

Norman Cruz

Lawmakers seek to regulate use of motorcycle taxis

By Joel E. Zurbano MOTORISTS and commuters, especially low-income workers continue to experience heavy traffic in Metro Manila daily.

The latest study shows that motorists in the National Capital Region lose 20 minutes per 30-minute trip during rush hour in the morning and 29 minutes per 30-minute trip during rush hour in the evening. This meant commuters loss 188 hours — equivalent to seven days and 20 hours.

Lawmakers agree with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority which said that the Philippines need an efficient, safe and comfortable mass

transport system. The one possible solution: Motorcycle Taxi.

Both the Senate and the Lower House have proposed a bill seeking to allow and regulate the use of motorcycles as public utility vehicles. The bill acknowledged the role of “safe, reliable, and affordable” public transportation as a means to provide people with a better quality of life.

Thus, the use and regulation of motorcycles as an alternative mode of public transportation has been proposed to provide convenience and ease the commute in urban and rural areas.

Transportation department spokesperson Goddess Hope Libiran said the government at present is allowing mo-

torcycle taxi operators -- Angkas, Move It and Joyride -- to operate after the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) endorsed the resumption of the motorcycle taxi pilot study program.

Senator Ralph Recto is optimistic that President Rodrigo Duterte, who he described as “biker-in-chief” (for being a motorcycle rider), will sign into law the Motorcycle Taxi Bill, which lifts the 56-year ban on two-wheelers as a PUV. But Recto said the motorcycle taxis should only be allowed on the road again if they will meet “stringent health and safety standards” that the government will impose.

‘Parade of stars’ features Pasig River in ‘21 Manila Film Festival on Dec. 19

WATCHING MISS UNIVERSE. Beauty shop workers in Quezon City react

THE parade of stars for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) will be held on Dec. 19 via a fluvial parade that will highlight the beauty of the Pasig River.

The event will feature ferry boats which will serve as floats carrying celebrities of the eight official movie entries.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and MMFF concurrent chair Benjamin Abalos Jr. said the fluvial parade, replacing the traditional motorcade parade, is one of the highlights of the MMFF making a comeback at cinemas for the holidays.

“The fluvial parade will showcase the ferry service and at the same time encourage the public to ride the agencyoperated Pasig River Ferry Service, an alternative transportation across Metro Manila,” said Abalos.

“Through this fluvial parade, we hope

to encourage the public to ride the ferry service which sails from Pinagbuhatan in Pasig to Escolta in Manila. This alternative transportation is traffic-free and you’ll get to appreciate the beauty of the river and the arts along the riverbanks,” he added.

The parade will start from Guadalupe Ferry Station and will go straight eastbound to before C-5 Bagong Ilog Bridge.

It will take a U-turn, stop at the Pasig City side, and then straight to Makati Circuit which will be the endpoint.

One lane along J.P Rizal from Guadalupe Ferry Station up to University of Makati will be utilized as a drop-off point for MMFF guests and participants.

No parking is allowed along the road.

Last year, the MMFF Parade of Stars was held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions. Joel E. Zurbano

while watching the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant as Miss Philippines candidate Bea Gomez placed 5th while Miss India wins as the new Miss Universe. Manny Palmero

Magnitude 5.3 earthquake jolts Batangas MANILA—A magnitude 5.3 earthquake jolted Batangas on Monday afternoon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.

The tectonic quake struck 24 kilometers southwest of Calatagan at 5:12 p.m., based on Phivolcs data.

It had a depth of 99 kilometers. Intensity III was felt in Quezon City, while intensity II was experienced in San Felipe, Zambales.

Instrumental intensity I was also recorded in Quezon City, Tagaytay City, Batangas City, and Calatagan, Batangas.

“Intensity” is the measure of

shaking at each location, and this varies from place to place based on reports by people who felt the earthquake, while instrumental intensity is measured using intensity meter that measures ground acceleration.

Aftershocks are likely, but damage is not expected from the magnitude 5.3 quake. Damage starts at intensity VI based on Phivolcs’ scale.

The magnitude 5.3 earthquake is said to be of tectonic origin and its location was at 24 kilometers west of Calatagan, Batangas. San Felipe, Zambales recorded an intensity II jolt. With Rio N. Araja

MUSLIM DANCE. A student dancer from Lahing Batangan Dance Troup of

Lyceum of the Philippines University Batangas performs a Muslim dance at the opening ceremony of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) “2021 Philippine National Skills Competition” held recently in Taguig. Danny Pata

IN BRIEF

Lawmakers OK ‘solo parents’ act

THE Senate has approved the proposed “Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act.” Senate Bill 1411, approved on third and final reading, seeks the expansion of government assistance to solo parents.

SB 1411 seeks to mandate the government to give a cash subsidy of P1,000 per indigent solo parent, coverage from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and access to programs from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for eligible solo parents and their children.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, chair of the Senate women, children, family relations and gender equality committee, dependents of solo parents could still receive the statutory benefits until they turn 22 years old instead of 18 years old. Hontiveros is also the principal sponsor of SB 1411.

SB 1411 also expands the definition of a “solo parent” to include the spouse of a low or semi-skilled overseas Filpino worker who has worked abroad continuously for at least 12 months.

Foster parents, legal guardians, and relatives recognized by the court and the Department of Social Welfare and Development can also be included and considered as “solo parents.”

DAR promotes 61 officials in Mimaropa AGRARIAN Reform Secretary Bernie Cruz is challenging the agency’s 61 newly promoted Mimaropa personnel to help in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

The newly appointed and promoted employees of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in the region recently took an oath of office before Cruz through a physical and virtual ceremony to help the department in its intensified implementation of CARP. DAR has loads of programs and projects to carry out to uplift the economic lives of agrarian reform beneficiaries, and that the newly promoted personnel are expected to give their best in serving them, he said.

“I challenge you to double your efforts in delivering the social justice our farmers deserve. We need to provide lands to the landless farmers, support services to make them selfreliant, and help them in their agrarian legal issues and concerns,” he added.

Apart from the oath-taking ceremony, the DAR-Mimaropa region also held its soft launching of a coffee table book entitled “Lawyers to the Benepisyaryo.”

Lawyers to the Benepisyaryo is based on the Agrarian Justice on Wheels (ARJOW) program of the DAR, a free legal assistance program where the DAR’s lawyers reach out to the farmer-beneficiaries and farmworkers in the countryside who require legal counseling. Rio N. Araja

Marcos bill seeks cheaper net access SENATOR Imee Marcos has proposed cheaper internet access for lowincome groups so that more Filipinos can benefit from working, learning, and doing business online.

“If lifeline rates are being given to water and electricity consumers, why can’t we give similar discounts for internet access?” Marcos said.

She said the socialized pricing mechanism is a solution amid the slow expansion of free wifi access in poorer areas.

She said this can already be put in place by the government and telecommunications firms, according to Senate Bill 2102 or the “Public aid Telecommunications Policy Act of the Philippines.”

The Marcos bill prescribes a lifeline rate for broadband and data use based on consumption thresholds of not lower than one gigabyte (1GB) per month.

“Low-income end-users need more than just the occasional mobile promo, with internet access becoming a necessity just like water and electricity. Work-fromhome arrangements, online education, ecommerce and internet banking are here to stay,” the Senate economic affairs committee chairman said.

Although the Philippines ranked 48th overall out of 110 countries in the Digital Quality of Life Index 2021, its internet affordability ranked 72nd the lowest among the five criteria on which digital well-being was assessed by the Netherlands-based cybersecurity firm Surfshark.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

World

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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Scramble for survivors as US tornado death toll now at 94 MAYFIELD ― US emergency workers searched Sunday for survivors of ferocious tornadoes that killed dozens of people across several states and left towns in ruins, but the governor of hardhit Kentucky warned that cadaver dogs were still finding bodies.

President Joe Biden called the rare late-season burst of twisters in the US heartland “one of the largest” storm outbreaks in American history, and both federal and local officials cautioned the death toll, for now at 94, could still rise.

The Democratic president sent the heads of the Homeland Security Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to Kentucky to assess the situation, and promised the full gamut of federal aid.

Indeed, local authorities were starting to get aid to stunned residents sifting through the rubble of their homes and

businesses — but the devastation was intense.

“The very first thing that we have to do is grieve together and we’re going to do that before we rebuild together,” Kentucky’s Governor Andy Beshear told an afternoon news conference.

More than 80 people are dead in the state alone, many of them workers at a candle factory in the ravaged town of Mayfield, Beshear said Sunday, telling CNN: “That number is going to exceed more than 100.”

Later in the day, the governor said the factory’s owner believed more of the workers had been located, and it would be “pretty wonderful” if the toll were to be revised down, but stressed he could not verify that information.

“Remember, we’re still finding bodies.

We’ve got cadaver dogs in towns that they shouldn’t have to be in,” he said. AFP

DEVASTATION. This aerial image shows tornado damage after extreme weather hit the region on December 12 in Mayfield,

Kentucky. Dozens of devastating tornadoes roared through five US states overnight, leaving more than 80 people dead on December 11 in what President Joe Biden said was “one of the largest” storm outbreaks in history. AFP

Stern G7 warnings for Iran, Russia

L

IVERPOOL ― The G7 on Sunday said time was running out for Iran to agree a deal to curb its nuclear ambitions, and warned Russia of “massive” consequences if it invades Ukraine.

Foreign ministers from the world’s richest nations held a two-day meeting in Liverpool, northwest England, seeking to present a strong, united front against global threats.

On Iran, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss,

from G7 host Britain, said resumed talks in Vienna were the Islamic Republic’s “last chance to come to the negotiating table with a serious resolution”.

“There is still time for Iran to come and agree this deal,” she told a news

conference.

The final communique from the talks said Iran “must stop its nuclear escalation and seize the opportunity to conclude a deal, while this is still possible”.

Negotiations restarted on Thursday to try to revive the 2015 deal between Iran and world powers, which the United States withdrew from under Donald Trump in 2018.

Iran claims it only wants to develop a civilian capability but Western pow-

ers say its stockpile of enriched uranium goes well beyond that, and could be used to develop a nuclear weapon.

US President Joe Biden has said he is ready to return to the agreement and Iranian officials maintain they are serious about committing to the talks.

But Tehran has been accused of backsliding on progress made earlier this year and playing for time.

Truss’s comments are the first time a signatory to the original deal has given

New Ukraine ‘escalation’ to shut pipeline

Apple Daily owner Lai ‘proud to be punished’ as HK sentencing nears HONG KONG ― Jailed Hong Kong mogul Jimmy Lai said on Monday he was proud to be punished as a court prepared to sentence him and a group of democracy activists for attending a banned Tiananmen vigil.

Lai, the 74-year-old owner of the now-shuttered pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper, was found guilty of unlawful assembly charges alongside former journalist Gwyneth Ho and prominent rights lawyer Chow Hang-tung last week.

He is among a group of eight activists who will be sentenced on Monday.

Their case wraps up a lengthy prosecution of some two dozen campaigners over a banned vigil last year and comes as Hong Kong authorities increasingly stamp out commemorations for democracy protesters killed by Chinese troops in the 1989 crackdown.

The activists were among thousands who defied a police ban to gather in Hong Kong’s Victoria Park on June 4, 2020.

Some gave speeches and interviews with reporters calling on Hong Kongers to light candles wherever they happened to be.

Others such as Lai only turned up at the event and lit a candle -- an action judge Amanda Woodcock ruled nonetheless counted as “inciting” people to join an unlawful assembly because of his fame and notoriety.

During mitigation on Monday, Lai’s lawyer Robert Pang read out a hand-written letter his client had penned from prison which his team later released to reporters.

“If commemorating those who died because of injustice is a crime, then inflict on me that crime and let me suffer the punishment of this crime, so I may share the burden and glory of those young men and women who shed their blood on June 4,” Lai wrote.

“Remember those who shed the blood but do not remember the cruelty... may the power of love prevail over the power of destruction.”

‘The candlelight will live on’ Chow, a lawyer who represented herself at the trial, used her mitigation to describe the convictions as “one step in the systemic erasure of history, both of the Tiananmen massacre and Hong Kong’s own history of civic resistance”.

She said Hong Kong’s courts were “in effect affirming the unequal power wielded by the government” against critics by convicting people like her for taking part in protests.

AFP

an ultimatum for the talks.

Russian troop build-up Britain, which hands over the G7 presidency to Germany next year, portrayed the two-day conference in Liverpool, northwest England, as a chance to stand up to authoritarianism around the world.

As well as Iran, Russia’s build-up of troops on the border with Ukraine dominated talks, given fears of a possible invasion of the former Soviet state. AFP

FIERY RED. The Cumbre Vieja volcano, pictured from El Paso, spews lava on the Canary island of La Palma, Spain on December 13. The volcano has been erupting since September 19, forcing more than 6,000 people out of their homes as the lava burnt its way across huge swathes of land on the western side of La Palma. AFP

Search amid rubble resumes in Sicily after big blast kills 3 ROME ― Rescuers in Sicily prepared late on Sunday for a second night of searching for possible survivors trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings after a massive explosion probably caused by a gas leak.

Three people have been confirmed dead by Sicily’s regional civil protection unit in the disaster that caused four residential buildings to topple to the ground on Saturday night in the southern town of Ravanusa.

Although two women were recovered alive from the debris early on Sunday after being found by sniffer dogs, six people remained unaccounted for as night fell. Rescuers had not heard signs of life from under the rubble since morning, authorities said.

“The search continues to the bitter end. We are searching in the hope of finding our six fellow citizens still alive,” Ravanusa Mayor Carmelo D’Angelo said, according to Italian news agency AGI. “We have the whole country on our side, and the best human and technological resources are in place. Hope will not be extinguished.”

The blast, which occurred around 1930 GMT on Saturday, levelled four structures, including a four-story apartment building, in the central residential district of Ravanusa, a town of nearly 11,000 inhabitants, according to the civil protection unit. AFP

S. African prexy Ramaphosa has COVID-19 after 4-nation trip JOHANNESBURG ― South African President Cyril Ramaphosa tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday and was receiving treatment for mild symptoms, the presidency said in a statement.

Ramaphosa, who is fully vaccinated, began feeling unwell after leaving a state memorial service for former president FW de Klerk in Cape Town earlier in the day but was in good spirits and being monitored by doctors, it said.

The highly mutated Omicron variant was first detected in South Africa last month and sparked global panic over

fears that it is more contagious than other variants.

Ramaphosa would remain in self-isolation in Cape Town for the time being and had delegated all responsibilities to Deputy President David Mabuza for the next week.

On a recent visit to four West African states, the president and the entire South African delegation were tested for Covid-19 in all countries, the statement said.

“The president also tested negative on his return to Johannesburg on 8 December.” AFP

BERLÍN ― The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia will not be allowed to operate in the event of any new “escalation” in Ukraine, under an agreement between Berlin and Washington, Germany’s new Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Sunday.

“In the event of further escalation this gas pipeline could not come into service,” Baerbock told German television station ZDF, clarifying earlier threats made by Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Baerbock was speaking after the weekend G7 meeting on tensions with Russia, and ahead of a sit-down with her European partners on Monday.

Scholz had earlier said during a visit to Poland that: “It would be a serious mistake to believe that violating the borders of a European country would remain without consequences.”

The pipeline, which has been backed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on the one hand and by Scholz’s predecessor Angela Merkel on the other in recent years, has been heavily criticised by many countries.

The United States and several Eastern European countries are worried that Europe is too dependent on Putin’s Russia.

Moreover, Ukraine -- until now one of the major transit countries for Russian gas to Europe, as well as fighting Russian-backed separatist forces inside its own borders -- fears that it will be economically and diplomatically weakened by the project, which bypasses its territory.

Scholz said that Germany would “do anything” to ensure that Ukraine remains a transit country for Russian gas exports to Europe.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki asked Scholz to suspend the pipeline, warning that Moscow would use it to “blackmail” Europe.

The call came as Scholz visited Warsaw for the first time since replacing Merkel last week, on his third foreign visit after Paris and Brussels. AFP

Tigray rebels retake UNESCO site town from Ethiopia

SHEET OF WHITE. A man pulls a child on a snowboard sleigh as they cross the frozen Moskva river in Moscow on December 12. AFP

NAIROBI ― Tigray rebels on Sunday recaptured the north Ethiopian town of Lalibela, home to a UNESCO world heritage site, local residents told AFP, 11 days after Ethiopian forces said they had re-taken control.

The announcement marks another dramatic twist in the 13-month-old conflict that has killed thousands of people and triggered a deep humanitarian crisis in the north of Africa’s second most populous nation.

Tigrayan fighters “are in the town centre, there’s no fighting”, said a resident reached by telephone on Sunday afternoon.

“Yes they came back. They are already here,” said a second resident, adding that they appeared to have come from the east, in the direction of Woldiya.

“The population, most of the people are scared. Some are running away.

Most of the people, they already left because there might be a revenge. We expressed our happiness before when the junta left.”

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) rebel group’s military leadership said in a statement shared with pro-TPLF media they had launched “comprehensive counter-

offensives” in numerous locations including along the road linking Gashena and Lalibela.

“Our forces first defended and then carried out counter-offensives against the huge force that was attacking on the Gashena front and surrounding areas and managed to achieve (a) glorious and astonishing victory,” it said.

On Sunday evening, the TPLF, added that “after destroying and dispersing the massive enemy force stationed in and around Gashena” it had “recaptured Gashena and its surrounding (area) and... has captured Lalibela airport and Lalibela town”. AFP

Sports

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

A8 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2021

Verstappen crowned world F1 champion ABU DHABI—Max Verstappen emerged from a Formula One season like no other as a worthy world champion, the Dutch driver prising the crown from Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the final race on Sunday.

The road to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was marked by moments of high drama, but no one could have predicted the best would be saved till last.

The tension spilled over from the track to the stewards’ room when Mercedes lodged appeals against the outcome, both of which were rejected.

The German team, which had the consolation of winning an unprecedented eighth consecutive constructors’ title, announced their intention to lodge one final appeal, so the drivers’ title could still end in the hands of lawyers.

With a handful of laps to go in the title decider Hamilton had his hands on an unprecedented eighth world title.

As the 36-year-old Briton coasted towards a win that would have bettered Michael Schumacher’s seven world crowns, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was heard to say: “We need a miracle.”

It came in the unlikely shape of Nicholas Latifi, who crashed his Williams four laps from the end, triggering the appearance of the safety car. Verstappen promptly pulled into the pits for new tyres, while Hamilton did not.

When racing resumed for the 58th and closing lap, Verstappen on his fresh tyres barged past Hamilton to take the chequered flag and his first title, sparking joy on the Red Bull pitwall and fury at Mercedes.

As 24-year-old Verstappen celebrated, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was thumbing through the FIA’s regulations to check the protocol on safety car procedures.

Sure enough, the men from Mercedes lodged appeals against the result.

- Protest rejected Long after the spectators had departed the Yas Marina track, an FIA hearing delivered its verdict, rejecting the protests to confirm Verstappen as the first Dutchman to lift the crown.

But the matter could rumble on for days, with Mercedes convinced they have a valid case.

FIA Formula One World Champion Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen celebrates on the podium of the Yas Marina Circuit after the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix.

Verstappen became the first Dutchman ever to win the Formula One world championship title when he won a dramatic season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. AFP

PH wants competitive team th in 11 ASEAN Para Games be available next year at the Philsports, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and in Baguio.

HE Philippines wants to form a competitive Doing so will help the national para athletes train and perform at their best, team that can match or improve on its ASEAN according to Torres, who added that they Para Games performance, when it is finally are still finalizing the number of athletes, held next year, most probably in Indonesia, which who will join.

“It’s not easy to find accessible trainis bidding to host the biennial meet that has been ing facilities. I hope our para athletes can postponed twice already. return to the facilities since most of them Philippine Paralympic Committee PPC officials are hoping that they are from the provinces,” said Torres.

PPC president Michael Barredo, after secretary general Walter Torres, who has can match or outdo their previous perbeen named the national delegation’s chef formance in 2017, when the Philippines attending a virtual meeting of the 11th de mission, refused to put a number on placed fifth with its 20-20-29 gold-silver- ASEAN Para Games Sports Federation, said he is now seeking the support of the how many medals the team is expected bronze haul. to secure, but they are looking to form a “In the last ASEAN Para Games in Philippine Sports Commission on the fighting team for the para games.

Malaysia, we sent 120 athletes from nine country’s participation.

“With this development, we are re“It’s hard to say how many medals we sports,” said Torres, adding that they are can win since there is no list of events hoping to send a team that can represent questing for the full support of the PSC yet, but we usually get medals from ath- the country well in all 13 sports of the in funding the participation, training and equipment, as well as making the training letics, swimming, chess and probably in para games calendar. cycling, powerlifting and table tennis,” Torres said that they will also have to facilities (Philsports and RMSC) open said Torres. train using the sports facilities that will to our para athletes beginning January

By Peter Atencio

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Fiery chase seen as ICTSI Midlands golf tourney starts THE Ladies Philippine Golf Tour concludes its fivestage swing spread over two months in its third restart back in Tagaytay starting Tuesday with the compact field gearing up for another punishing week given the wind condition at Midlands.

That makes the ICTSI Midlands Ladies Classic doubly interesting with Harmie Constantino gunning for a third championship in her maiden pro campaign, and Sunshine Baraquiel, Chanelle Avaricio and Daniella Uy setting out for a follow-up to their breakthrough wins at Highlands, Couples and Langer courses, respectively.

Constantino, who swept the two Eagle Ridge-Aoki legs in March and last month but got thwarted at Highlands and Riviera, has opted to tone down expectations, expressing her concerns more on learning and making the most of the chances in the next three days of the P750,000 championship held under the bubble setup.

“I have no expectations. But it’s been fun getting to play competitively and honestly, there’s been a lot of lessons to learn so I’m just hoping to play well and enjoy the last tournament of the year,” said Constantino, who has flourished in her first crack the pro circuit, humbling Princess Superal no less at Aoki last March and edging

Sunshine Baraquiel hopes to sweep the Tagaytay legs of the circuit put up by ICTSI after ruling the Highlands stop.

amateur Mafy Singson by one last month.

Baraquiel, on the other hand, hopes to sweep the Tagaytay legs of the circuit put up by ICTSI after ruling the Highlands stop and realizing a dream win the way Avaricio and Uy did at the Couples and Langer courses, respectively.

“It’s the last tournament for the year, so I’ll do my best to finish strong,” said Baraquiel, seeking to produce the same toughness in putting up a pair of gutsy 72s in the last two rounds to prevail at Highlands.

Avaricio, who dominated the Riviera Couples leg by seven shots over Constantino and Chihiro Ikeda, braces for a tougher, exacting challenge on a course which also puts premium on mental toughness.

“I think it will be very windy,” said Avaricio. “So, I’ll try to get into the tournament with a good mentality.”

Uy, meanwhile, is keen on staying focused while hoping to sustain the momentum of her fine performance in the equally daunting Langer in an attempt to close out the season with back-to-back victories.

“My game plan is basically the same as last week. Stay focused and have fun,” said Uy. “Hopefully, I would be able to win again.”

Manila Standard’s Bautista earns 3 trophies at MOA car show FERNANDO “Boy” Bautista, editorial assistant of the English broadsheet Manila Standard, has added a ‘fourth gear’ to his collection of trophies after earning three trophies from a field of nearly 250 exhibitors at the Bumper to Bumper XVI at the Mall Of Asia Open Grounds, Pasay City on Sunday.

Bautista’s (entry number 113) Blue 2000 Toyota Corolla with Toyota Sprinter Carib facelift won last weekend the Best Toyota Medium Modification category. It also secured the 2nd Best Toyota Sedan Category and 3rd Best Sub Compact Heavy Modification Category The car, according to Bautista, is a marriage of two different Toyota vehicles -- the 8th generation Toyota Corolla and the 4th generation Toyota Sprinter Carib, which share parts and are interchangeable.

This is the last generation of Corolla to have an upmarket Sprinter Carib offshoot.

Set up includes Carib front bumper with overrider, Carib hood and fenders, Carib 2-piece rear bumper, Carib headlights, Carib corner lights and Carib foglights, Carib thick body side moldings, Carib privacy glass, JDM trunk, chrome inner and outer door handles, Silver’s fully adjustable coilover, Toyota Levin BZ-R front seats, 16” WORK Meister S1 2P wheels, slotted rear brake rotors, straight JBL sound system, TRD strut bar, TRD shift knob, Broadway anti-glare rear-view mirror, FGK chambered muffler and Mitsuba Arena II horn, with echo function.

The car previously earned the 2nd Best Millennium Award in the Midori Auto Showdown held at the Midori Hotel and Casino in Clark, Pampanga on Dec. 4, 2021 and the Best Compact Car Category in the 2nd Valenzuela Auto Show held at the Valenzuela City Hall grounds on February 18,

Boy Bautista’s Blue 2000 Toyota Corolla with Toyota Sprinter Carib facelift won the Best Toyota Medium Modification category. Inset shows his 3 trophies.

2022,” said Barredo.

During the meeting, Indonesian organizers proposed to hold the games in Solo, Indonesia, which previously staged the 2011 ASEAN Para Games.

Indonesia also successfully hosted the Asian Para Games in 2018, when the Philippines ranked 12th out of 44 countries after bagging 10 gold medals, eight silvers and 11 bronzes.

The 10th ASEAN Para Games was supposed to be held in January 2020 after the Philippines’ hosting of the SEA Games in December of 2019.

It was rescheduled to March 2020 because of financial and logistical constraints, but was reset for the second time from Oct. 3 to 9, only to be cancelled altogether because of concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vietnam also begged off from hosting the para games after its SEAG task is through, with Indonesia indicating its intention to hold the games.

Quizon splits point with De Guzman, stays on top I NTERNATIONAL Master Daniel Quizon opted to play it safe and drew with veteran IM Ricky de Guzman in just 23 moves of a Queen’s Gambit Declined to remain on top after eight rounds of the 2021 Philippine National Chess Championships at the Solea Hotel and Resort in Mactan, Cebu on Monday.

Less than a day after escaping with a draw from a hopelessly losing position to unrated Allan Pason, Quizon played a little timid and cautiously forced his way to a standoff with De Guzman to keep his grip on the lead with seven points.

It kept the World Cup vet unflappable at No. 1 with a 1.5-point lead over No. 2 IM Ronald Dableo, who also ended up with a truce against IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia in 31 moves of a King’s Indian encounter.

Dableo supplanted De Guzman at No. 2 after pulling the rug from under top seed IM Paulo Bersamina with a masterful 30-move triumph of a King’s Indian Attack in the seventh round Sunday.

The GM candidate and University of Santo Tomas coach had actually scored 3.5 points in the last four rounds after drawing his first four outings to pile up a total of 5.5 points.

And while he still trails Quizon by 1.5 points, Dableo has a legitimate title chance since they would only tackle each other in the 11th and last round Tuesday in this 12-player event bankrolled by the Philippine Sports Commission chaired by William Ramirez, JEEP, CCLEX, Metro Pacific Tollways, Alin Cargo, PCSO and RiChess Masters.

Business

PSE INDEX CLOSING Monday, December 13, 2021 5.44 PTS.

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2021

B1

Tugade orders blacklisting of 2 LRT Line 2 contractors

By Darwin G. Amojelar

Prime Infra buys 50% of Tanauan solar farm builder

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By Alena Mae S. Flores

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade also directed the blacklisting of the joint venture of Ma-an Construction Inc. and IFE Elevators Inc. for the alleged delivery of substandard escalators in LRT-2 and Kempal Construction Supply Corp. for the alleged delivery of substandard equipment such as rerailing and diagnostic tools.

“This investigation has long been delayed. Initiate it now and let us make

PRIME Infrastructure Holdings Inc., a company led by business tycoone Enrique Razon Jr., said Monday it acquired a 50-percent stake in Solar Philippines Tanauan Corp., which is building solar farms in Batangas and Cavite provinces.

Prime Infra said in a statement it concluded an agreement with Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings Inc. to acquire a 50-percent interest in Solar Philippines Tanauan.

The transaction involves an investment of P2 billion and management control for Prime Infra. It is the company’s second investment in projects with Solar Philippines, after investing P1.5 billion in Solar Philippines Tarlac Corp. in 2020.

Solar Philippines Tarlac owns the 100-megawatt solar plant in Concepcion, Tarlac and is readying the expansion to 150 MW. This brings the total investment of Prime Infra in projects with Solar Philippines to P3.5 billion, a testament to Prime Infra’s commitment to sustainability and growing its partnership with Solar Philippines.

Both investments will result in over 340 megawatts of solar projects located in Concepcion, Tarlac; Tanauan, Batangas; and Maragondon, Cavite.

The three projects will create over 2,000 jobs during construction and over 100 jobs during operations.

When completed, these will power over 200,000 homes and displace over 240,000 tons of coal per year or six million tons of coal for its 25-year economic life.

Prime Infra specializes in investment, development and operation of critical infrastructure in emerging markets worldwide.

Its companies operate in various industries such as renewable and sustainable energy, water and construction.

Solar Philippines is the largest solar company in Southeast Asia with over 300 MW of generating capacity and 10,000 hectares of land area conducive for solar farms.

HE Department of Transportation said Monday it will review all Light Rail Transit Line 2 rehabilitation projects after the Light Rail Transit Authority filed corruption complaints against some of its officials and private contractors. the culprits pay,” Tugade said.

The LRTA said it discovered that the 13 escalators installed at the line’s Recto Station were operating below the required carrying capacity during the renewal of its certificate to operate. The required capacity under the contract was 9,000 passengers per hour, but the installed escalators could accommodate only 6,000 passengers per hour.

It said of the 13 escalators installed, only one remained operational, with the rest having broken down before the expiration of the warranty period.

“We cannot afford to see our passengers especially the senior citizens, persons with disabilities and pregnant women suffering because of the wrongdoing of the LRTA officials and contractor,” LRTA officer-in-charge Paul Chua said.

The LRTA said on the contract for re-railing equipment, a crate containing re-railing equipment was said to have a sticker printout identifying it as having been shipped by Chinese firm CRRC Corp. as ordered by winning bidder Kempal Construction and Supply Corp.

However, it turned out that the crate contained equipment came from Bemco, an Indian company.

TOP MARKET MAKER. The Department of Finance, through the Bureau of the Treasury, recognizes Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. as the ‘Top Market Maker’ among the government securities eligible dealers. Metrobank received the top mark among 10 other GSED banks. The honor is bestowed upon the GSED that best helped the national government meet its financing requirements and supported the initiatives of the BTr to enhance the access of Filipinos to investment opportunities. Attending the awarding ceremony at the Ayuntamiento de Manila in Intramuros, Manila are (from left) BTr deputy treasurer Erwin Sta. Ana, Metrobank financial markets sector head Fernand Antonio Tansingco, National Treasurer Rosalia De Leon and BTr deputy treasurer Eduardo Marino.

ADB grants P12.5-b loan to help PH procure 40m vaccines

By Julito G. Rada THE Asian Development Bank said Monday it approved a $250-million (about P12.5 billion) loan to help the Philippine government secure additional COVID-19 vaccine supply, boost the health security of Filipinos and ensure a safe and steady economic recovery.

It said in a statement the loan would allow the government to purchase 40 million additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines for eligible children and booster shots for adults.

“The Philippines has continuously enhanced its capacities for testing, tracing, isolating, and treating COVID-19 cases and vigorously pursued COVID-19 inoculation for its popu-

lation,” ADB principal social sector specialist for Southeast Asia Sakiko Tanaka said.

“ADB is supporting the government’s drive to provide vaccines to protect its citizens and save lives, especially with the emergence of new COVID-19 variants,” Tanaka said.

“Vaccination will allow the health system to better manage the effects of the virus and will help sustain economic recovery. It is key to the country’s full recovery from the pandemic,” Tanaka said.

The project, the Second Health System Enhancement to Address and Limit COVID-19 under the Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility Additional Financing, will be co-financed by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

The new assistance builds on ADB’s active support for the country’s overall COVID-19 health response and its universal health care program.

Under the amended HEAL facility approved in January 2021, ADB provided advance payments for vaccines and purchases of micro-syringes and other vaccine-related items.

It also financed investments in health infrastructure to complement vaccine financing such as the upgrading of laboratories and construction of isolation facilities.

Through HEAL2, approved in March 2021, ADB helped purchase 85.6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines through bilateral agreements, with 81 percent of the supply delivered as of Dec. 2, 2021.

GCash teams up with BPI to provide new investment options to customers

SECURITY BANK DONATION. Security Bank Corp.’s corporate social responsibility arm Security Bank Foundation Inc. completes its classroom construction project in Meycauayan City, Bulacan and turns over 10 classrooms to the Calvario Elementary School and Malhacan Integrated School. Attending the turnover of a two-story, four-classroom school building to Calvario Elementary School are (from left) Kimberlie Sto. Domingo, officer-in –charge of Security Bank Meycauayan Branch; Michael Brian Carandang, Security Bank Bulacan and Nueva Ecija area head; Meycauayan City Mayor Linabelle Ruth Villarica; Barangay Calvario chairman Apolinario Del Rosario; Dr. Querubin Lopez, chief education supervisor of Department of Education Meycauayan; and Mary Jane Dasig, Calvario Elementary School principal.

GCASH, the country’s largest mobile e-wallet service, said Monday it teamed up with BPI Management to expand investment opportunities under its GInvest products.

GCash said it makes affordable and accessible to invest in BPI investment funds through BPI Investment Management Inc.’s ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund and the Philippine Stock Index Fund under GInvest.

Users of GInvest can start investing with as low as P1,000 in the ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund, a US dollardenominated feeder fund whose target fund is managed by the world’s largest asset managers, BlackRock.

The fund has historically provided dividends monthly while also generating long-term capital growth.

Being a feeder fund, it will invest at least 90 percent of its assets into a single

7,197.61

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

collective scheme. It invests globally in the full spectrum of permitted investments including equities, equity-related securities to guarantee dividends to the investor.

GInvest users can place a buy order for as low as P50 in the Philippine Stock Index Fund. It aims to track the performance of the Philippine Stock Exchange Index, which is composed of the top 30 largest and most traded companies in the country.

Both funds are appropriate for investors that are at least rated as aggressive by their risk profile and have a five-year investment horizon.

Through these new BIMI funds, GInvest investors can further diversify their portfolios. With this addition, there are now seven funds on the GInvest platform with an option for every kind of investor. Darwin G. Amojelar

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

1,642,972,022 93,294 6,656,049,504.81 93 96 57

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

50.3300

Japan

Yen

0.008828

0.4443

UK

Pound

1.325400

66.7074

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128231

6.4539

Switzerland

Franc

1.084716

54.5938

Canada

Dollar

0.785669

39.5427

Singapore

Dollar

0.733299

36.9069

Australia

Dollar

0.716000

36.0363

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652872

133.5190

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266574

13.4167

Brunei

Dollar

0.730620

36.7721

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.029878

1.5038

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

13.7042

Euro

Euro

1.131800

56.9635

Korea

Won

0.000848

0.0427

China

Yuan

0.156986

7.9011

India

Rupee

0.013211

0.6649

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.237530

11.9549

New Zealand

Dollar

0.680000

34.2244

Taiwan

Dollar

0.036173

1.8206 Source: BSP

IN BRIEF Shakey’s Pizza to open two Project Pie stores SHAKEY’S Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. said it revived Project Pie, an artisan pizza brand it acquired in 2019, with the opening of new stores in Metro Manila and Rizal province.

Shakey’s said in a statement it would open Project Pie at Shopwise Hypermarket in Makati and in Antipolo this year and will continue to add more stores next year.

“We are delighted to reopen Project Pie at Shopwise. It is a wellloved brand with a solid patronage clamoring for us to bring it back.

We are launching with a couple of stores, Antipolo and Makati, and are looking to build another handful of outlets next year,” Shakey’s president and chief executive Vicente Gregorio said.

“Our store formats are designed to capture specific dining occasions.

Nowadays, family shopping trips to the supermarket are often accompanied by eating out. Situating in a hypermarket with a high foot traffic is a great way to provide this captured market a convenient dining option. We believe that Project Pie is perfect for this occasion,” he said. Jenniffer B. Austria

ICTSI signs 15-year Madagascar deal INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. and Société de Gestion du Port Autonome de Toamasina signed a 15-year extension of the concession for the Madagascar International Container Terminal.

“When ICTSI, working with SPAT, first established a container terminal operation in Toamasina, it quickly became widely recognized as a center of excellence in the region,” said HansOle Madsen, senior vice president of ICTSI. “Today, in this new phase of development, we aim to maintain this momentum, drawing on our industry expertise, new technology, attention to sustainability and applying the principles of good corporate citizenship,” he said.

The concession extension runs from 2025 through to 2040.

ICTSI has held the concession since 2005 through wholly-owned subsidiary Madagascar International Container Terminal Services Limited.

Darwin G. Amojelar

First Gen unit reports damage on Avion plant PRIME Meridian PowerGen Corp., a subsidiary of First Gen Corp., said Monday it discovered damage on the compressor of one of two gas turbines that comprise the 97-megawatt Avion power plant in Batangas province.

“The damage to Avion Unit 1, which has a capacity of approximately 48.5 MW, was found during an inspection,” First Gen said in a disclosure to the stock exchange, The Avion power plant features two units that utilize General Electric LM6000 PC dual fuel aero-derivative gas turbines/generators.

“After carefully reviewing the findings, GE has advised PMPC that Avion Unit 1 cannot be operated and will require further onsite assessment to determine the extent of the damage and effect repairs necessary to place the gas turbine back into service,” First Gen said.

Avion Unit 2, which was also damaged in August and subsequently brought back to service by GE in October, was not affected.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Two industry groups turned bullish as November vehicle sales increased 14.2% to 26,456 units

By Othel V. Campos VEHICLE sales rose 14.2 percent in November to 26,456 units from 23,162 units in the same month last year, two industry groups said Monday.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and Truck Manufacturers Association said

in a joint report passenger car sales climbed 5.3 percent in November to 8,204 units from 7,790 units while demand for commercial vehicles increased 18.7 percent to 18,251 units from 15,372 units.

CAMPI president Rommel Gutierrez said the industry also surpassed 2020’s full-year sales performance by No-

vember, which also registered highest monthly sales in 2021.

“Surpassing our last year’s sales performance gives the industry a renewed hope that recovery is underway as restrictions started easing, and economic activities have resumed at improved levels. However, the industry remains cautious and on guard at the same time

on the uncertainties brought by the COVID-19 mutations,” said Gutierrez.

The two industry groups said that on a monthly basis, sales also increased 17.2 percent from 22,581 units delivered in October. Commercial vehicle sales climbed 22 percent from 14,955 units while passenger car sales grew by 7.5 percent from 7,526 units.

This brought total sales in the first 11 months to 249,642 units, up by 22.7 percent from 195,197 units registered a year earlier. Passenger car sales grew 26.2 percent in the 11-month period to 76,813 units from 60,857 units, while orders for commercial vehicles jumped 21 percent to 163,829 from 135,340 units.

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Stocks close flat; Manila Water rises

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HE stock market closed virtually flat Monday despite a record-smashing lead from Wall Street, ahead of a week of major monetary policy announcements around the world.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 5.44 points, or 0.08 percent, to 7,197.61 on a value turnover of P6.6 billion. Losers, however, edged gainers, 96 to 93, with 57 issues unchanged.

Manila Water Co. Inc., a unit of conglomerate Ayala Corp., advanced 4.6 percent to P26.35, while sister firm Bank of the Philippine Islands, the fourth-biggest lender in terms of assets, rose 3.1 percent to P93.50.

AllDay Marts Inc., the grocery chain owned by the Villar Group, however, slumped 7.4 percent to P0.63, while fiber broadband services provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. fell 5 percent to P31.25 The rest of Asia stocks held steady on Monday. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index was down 0.17 percent at the close, while Tokyo’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index closed up by 0.71 percent.

Friday’s gains on Wall Street, where the S&P 500 piled on more than 0.9 percent to finish at 4,712.02, eclipsed a record from last month—and came despite figures showing the consumer price index jumped 6.8 percent in November.

The rise in inflation suggests a tapering in the US Federal Reserve’s ultra-loose monetary policy will come sooner rather than later—a change that markets have been nervously awaiting for months.

Fed chair Jerome Powell—who will update the markets this week following a two-day policy meeting—had already signaled plans to accelerate the tapering of stimulus payments.

Many analysts expect the central bank to hike interest rates at least twice in 2022.

But traders took the data in their stride, in part because the inflation was largely expected.

In Asia Monday, Singapore, Seoul and Taipei were marginally down, with Jakarta and Shanghai slightly up.

Wellington rose more than one percent.

In Tokyo, “the market is looking at the Bank of Japan’s Tankan” quarterly business survey, released 10 minutes before the opening bell, said senior market analyst Toshiyuki Kanayama of Monex.

The latest survey showed Japan’s major manufacturers remain cautious about the economy’s trajectory, with business sentiment flat for the quarter as concerns about the pandemic linger.

Some investors may take a wait-and-see attitude ahead of the Fed meeting, analysts added.

“Global equities had a solid run last week and we’ll see if the goodwill lasts into what is a behemoth when it comes to event risk,” Chris Weston, head of research with Pepperstone Financial, wrote in a note.

The Fed, along with the latest on the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, should dictate sentiment, he added.

Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets UK, added: “For now, equity markets appear to be adopting a glass half full approach to recent events, even as US inflation came in at its highest levels in 39 years on Friday, amid a backdrop of increasing concern that central banks are massively behind the curve. With AFP

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In accordance with the NTC guidelines, here’s the mechanics for Facebook DISCOVER Zero- Rated Program Mechanics: Service Description: DITO Telecommunity in Partnership with Facebook will be launching “Facebook DISCOVER” which is a mobile app and web browser that enables DITO Subscribers to browse text on the internet without charges for up to 10Mb per day. Discover supports only low-bandwidth traffic when using free data. Video, audio, and certain other types of data-intensive traffic are not supported when using Discover without data charges. Beyond this, users can purchase data to view and access all photos and videos on the internet. Facebook Discover will be made available to subscribers even when they have 0 balance.

Service Availability This feature will be available to all DITO subscribers via mobile data access Feature Launch Date Communication and Promotion of the feature is scheduled on December 13, , 2021 and will continue to be made available until both parties decide otherwise.

HIGHER WAGES. Members of trade unions take part in a march in Skopje on December 12, 2021, to demand higher minimum wage and for Sunday to be non-working day. Members of the main trade unions gathered in Skopje on December 12, 2021, in an attempt to push lawmakers to adopt the long promised labor reforms. AFP

Japan’s major manufacturers cautious—poll

TOKYO—Japan’s major manufacturers remain cautious about the economy’s trajectory, with business sentiment flat for the quarter as concerns about the pandemic linger, a key survey showed Monday.

Among major non-manufacturers however, there was an improvement in confidence about the world’s third largest economy, offering glimmers of hope.

The Bank of Japan’s Tankan business survey—a quarterly poll of about 10,000 companies—showed a reading of plus 18 for major manufacturers, unchanged from the previous quarter and slightly lower than market consensus of plus 19.

Among large non-manufacturers meanwhile, confidence improved to plus nine from plus two in the previous quarter, the sixth consecutive improvement.

The short-term business sentiment survey reports the difference between the percentage of firms that are upbeat and those that see conditions as unfavorable.

A positive figure means more companies see business conditions as favorable than those that consider them unfavorable. It is considered to be the broadest indicator of how Japan Inc. is faring.

The latest reading comes with concerns over the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

For medium-sized manufacturing firms, confidence was unchanged at plus six, while sentiment for small companies improved to minus one from minus three.

Japan has seen a smaller virus outbreak than many countries, with fewer than 18,400 deaths despite avoiding harsh lockdowns.

Emergency virus measures that largely affected bars and restaurants as well as limiting large events were in place in parts of the country for much of the year, but were lifted finally in October. AFP

Request for NTC Approval Launch of Facebook Discover Service with free data to DITO subscribers capped at 10MB Mechanics 1.

DITO Subscribers need to turn on their Mobile Data Access while using their DITO Sim

2.

Subscribers need to download the DISCOVER APP or if they are accessing via mobile browser, they need to log-in to discoverapp.com

3.

Upon successful acceptance of Terms and Conditions, the SEARCH screen will appear. And the DITO user may start searching the web for the information they want to access

4.

If the subscriber decides that he wants to view pictures and videos, a pop- up screen will appear, and the user will need to select “See Photos” to be able see the video and image content provided he/she has data credits

Coverage and Availability Facebook Bits is available NATIONWIDE where DITO network coverage and services are available.

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NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In accordance with the NTC guidelines, here’s the mechanics for Text-Only Facebook & Messenger Zero- Rated Program Mechanics: Service Description: DITO Telecommunity in Partnership with Facebook will be launching Textonly Facebook. This program will allow DITO subscriber to LIKE, POST, SHARE, COMMENT, and MESSAGE their Friends and Family with no data charges while they are on Free Mode via mobile data access on the DITO network. Videos and images will not be available under this feature unless DITO Subscribers switch to paid mode.

Service Availability This feature will be available to all DITO subscribers in DITO via mobile data access Feature Launch Date Availability of the feature is scheduled on December 13, 2021 and will continue to be made available until both parties decide otherwise.

Request for NTC Approval Launch of Text-only Facebook service with free data to DITO subscribers How to Avail of Text-Only Facebook 1. DITO Subscribers need to turn on their Mobile Data Access while using their DITO Sim 2. Subscribers need to log-in to their Facebook Account or if they are accessing via mobile browser, they need to log-in to free.facebook.com 3. Upon successful log-in, a pop-screen will appear detailing the difference between Free and Paid Facebook. The user must select the “Free Mode” option to be able to post, like, share, comment and message without data charges. However, upload and download functions for contents such as pictures or videos will not be available. (Free Mode: is a when a DITO Subscriber turns on the Text-Only Facebook feature that will allow them to LIKE, POST, COMMENT, SHARE without incurring data charges. Viewing of videos and images will not be available under this feature but will be accessible if the subscriber decides to switch to paid mode that will incur data charges.)

4. If the subscriber decides that he wants to view pictures and videos, a pop- up screen will appear, and the user will need to select “Use Data” to be able see the video and image content provided he/she has data credits 5. If the user decides to switch back to Free Mode, he/she may do so anytime by clicking “Go to Free” button on the upper right corner of the screen.

Coverage and Availability Text-only Facebook is available NATIONWIDE where DITO network coverage and services are available.

Free Data will be enjoyed by DITO subscribers at upon entering and only while in “Free Mode” as defined herein.

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Saudi Arabia projects budget surplus after years of deficits RIYADH, Saudi Arabia—Saudi Arabia approved its 2022 budget on Sunday, projecting a surplus for the first time since oil prices collapsed in 2014.

King Salman said the improved fiscal situation for the world’s biggest oil exporter comes “after the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has overcome the economic repercussions and the exceptional stages of the coronavirus pandemic.”

Cited by the Saudi Press Agency, he said total expenditures were budgeted at 955 billion Saudi riyals ($255 billion) and revenues estimated at 1.045 trillion riyals, giving a surplus of 90 billion riyals.

Riyadh’s projections come with higher global crude prices, despite worries about the Omicron coronavirus variant which is spreading worldwide.

Crude prices finished higher on Friday to post their best week since August.

Brent North Sea crude for February delivery rose to $75.15. In New York, West Texas Intermediate crude for January delivery increased to $71.67 a barrel.

Economic experts have said Saudi Arabia needs a crude price of about $80 a barrel to balance its budget.

At a press conference, Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan did not answer AFP’s question about the price per barrel on which the budget projections were based.

The kingdom produced about 9.8 million barrels per day in October, according to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

If the projections are realized, it will be the first time that the Arab world’s largest economy will see a surplus since 2013, when it reached 206 billion riyals.

“We aim to place further attention to the security and health of citizens and residents,

human development, the continuation of economic growth and diversity, and financial sustainability,” King Salman said.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said that “the financial and economic results and indicators confirm that we are progressing positively.”

Since 2016, the kingdom has embarked on a wide-ranging program to diversify its economy away from oil, which still generates more than two-thirds of Saudi public revenues.

After prices collapsed in 2014 from more than $100 a barrel, the kingdom borrowed heavily and drew from its reserves to plug the shortfall.

It also resorted to austerity measures like cutting subsidies on fuel and power and imposing a value added tax.

In September, Jadaan had forecast a 2022 budget deficit of 52 billion riyals. AFP

Afghan families back to making carpets as economy unravels

By Caroline Taix KABUL, Afghanistan―Four Afghan brothers have hauled their family’s carpet loom out of storage in the desperate hope of earning a living as the nation’s economy teeters on the edge of ruin.

The Haidari brothers now spend their days sitting abreast on a squat bench—as generations of the family did before them—weaving the complex rugs for which Afghanistan is famed.

They work long hours each day, keeping a brave face even though there is no guarantee they will have anyone to sell their carpets to.

“We have no other option” to keep the family alive, said Ghulam Sakhi, the 70-year-old family patriarch.

Until August 15, when the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, the Haidari brothers had managed to escape the backbreaking labor of carpet making and were running a successful business supplying flowers for weddings.

The hardline movement’s austere interpretation of Islam, however, largely put paid to the lavish betrothals so loved by Afghans, and the family enterprise collapsed.

In an act of creativity in the face of adversity, they fell back on their family’s rug-making trade.

“Naturally when the Taliban took over... wedding halls didn’t have much business. That is why we started carpets again,” said Rauf, at 28 the eldest of the brothers who all live and work in Kabul.

“It’s a very old practice that our forefathers have passed down to us,” he told AFP. Now they pick strands from dangling spindles of silk before looping them into the warp and weft of the rug with precise, rhythmic energy.

And when the 12-meter (39-foot) carpet is complete, they hope it will fetch up to $6,000 dollars (5,300 euros).

‘National treasures’ Around two million of Afghanistan’s 38 million population work in the carpet sector, according to Noor Mohammad Noori, who heads the national carpet makers’ association.

But demand has taken a sharp hit since the Taliban’s

An Afghan shopkeeper selling carpets and woven items waits for customers in his shop in Kandahar on December 9, 2021. AFP

takeover sparked an exodus of expatriates working for international organizations, he says.

Afghan rugs—from intricately woven silk Persians to the simpler woolen tribal kilims—are sought after around the world.

But in the past few months, “more and more people are making carpets” says Kabir Rauf, a merchant in Kabul who describes his wares as “the national treasures of Afghanistan.”

New among the carpet-weaving workforce are women who cannot go to work, girls shut out of school, and unemployed men, he said.

In Herat, near the Iranian border, Haji Abdul Qader already employs around 150 families for his carpetmaking business.

But every day, two or three more

people contact him, desperate for work. Even those with no experience get in touch.

“There are no other jobs,” Rauf Haidari said.

‘Proud’ But those who do have skills have a chance to make a living.

“Someone who knows how to weave carpets will never be without work,” says Muhammad Taghi, whose family has worked with Haji Abdul Qader for a decade.

Taghi used to weave when he was younger, but now the work is left to his four children—aged between 17 and 24—who create carpets next to the stove in the family home.

It will take them 120 days to finish four matching, two-by-three meter rugs for which the family will earn around $500. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2021

B3

Herbert Bautista is a happy man

Senatorial aspirant Herbert Bautista

By Nickie Wang WHEN in front of the camera as an actor, Senatorial aspirant Herbert Bautista is a comedian. But when he talks about politics and public service, he transforms into a different person who enunciates his words confidently and full of wisdom.

In a casual talk with Manila Standard, we asked the three-term former mayor of Quezon City about the kind of image that he really wanted people to know him for. He said, he’s a “happy man.”

“I’m just any other person who’s happy during casual conversations.

Christmas tribute for inspiring Filipinos given new twist

I’m just an ordinary guy. So, when I decided to run for the Senate, I consulted Sen. Tito Sotto, and then had a talk with Boss Vic del Rosario who gave me encouraging words,” Bautista shared.

“Tito Sen told me I have more than 30 years of good track record – from youth sector to mayor – and that I’m very successful, so I don’t need to change and just continue what I do best, while Boss Vic advised me to keep my happy disposition. With their encouragement, I decided to reintroduce myself as a funloving person who is serious about his work,” he added.

Bautista recognizes the power of

social media and wanted to strengthen his presence on digital platforms.

Nonetheless, he still goes out and he still goes out and meets people physically to share with them his vision as a public servant.

“I had to go through all the protocols and understand how AITF works. It’s a humbling experience and everyone must go through it despite your status. Walang pinipili ang COVID so we move around the regions following necessary protocols,” he said.

As he guns for a national post, the 53-year-old Bautista wanted to offer a new face in the Senate.

“A new face who has three decades

of experience in public service. My service to the QC people, from being a youth representative to being a mayor is a vast experience,” Bautista stated further sharing that the Senate needs someone who is ready to serve, can legislate, and do administrative work.

“Some of our laws are outdated, a lot of things have changed, and I think the national government needs to adjust,” he added.

Bautista wanted to focus on digital infrastructure which he underscores as the backbone of education and numerous industries. And he wanted to work on these things while being a happy man, of course.

Programs on GMA’s primetime block strengthen lead nationwide

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HOWS in GMA Network’s primetime block continue to top the ratings charts, beating other rival programs including FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano in nationwide television ratings.

Regional Dreamboard artists

THE kindness, bravery, and selflessness of Filipinos were in full display again in MOR Entertainment and ABS-CBN Regional’s Christmas music video that also showcases the different regional languages in the country.

In their own version of “Andito Tayo Para Sa Isa’t Isa: Ang Christmas ID ng Pilipino,” shown on Dec. 1 after TV Patrol, MOR and ABS-CBN Regional shared the stories of Filipinos from different parts in the country who continue to fight and serve others and their families. They also gave the song a new twist by translating some of the lyrics to Bisaya, Waray, Ilocano, Pangasinense, Kapampangan, Bicol, Chavacano, Hiligaynon, and Cebuano.

Among the Filipinos featured is a member of the Philippine Air Force who trained as a swab testing officer to returning soldiers. The video also shared the stories of nurses, a fish vendor, and school teacher who did not let fear stop them from doing their jobs. Viewers also got to listen to the story of a pedicab driver who let go of his vices for his loved ones and the story of a mother who walked miles to sell corn and support her family.

“This is the story of Filipinos who attain success with the help of God and each other.

A story that we won’t forget this Christmas and for life,” said Dennis “David Bang”

Ba-ang, MOR creative lead and the music video’s editor and producer.

Joining David Bang in the video are MOR Entertainment on-air talents who sang along and danced to the new Christmas theme.

ABS-CBN Regional officer-in-charge Kiby Bosque shared that current and former ABS-CBN Regional employees, who still live out the slogan “in the service of the Filipino,” worked on the Christmas video.

“Our sincerest gratitude goes out to everyone that helped put together this music video.

Your unwavering love and support from our Kapamilyas in ABS-CBN, ABS-CBN Regional, and MOR fill our hearts,” she said.

Also sharing their talents in the music video were regional pride Dreamboard artists, Dhassig band, USTP Gintong Amihan Dance Troupe, and Lexter Taganas of WEE Viral. Olympic silver medalist Carlo Paalam and Miss Intercontinental 2021 Cinderella Faye Obeñita also imparted messages of hope for them.

MOR Entertainment and ABS-CBN Regional’s version of “Andito Tayo Para Sa Isa’t Isa: Ang Christmas ID ng Pilipino” is available on the Facebook pages of ABS-CBN Regional, MOR Entertainment, and ABSCBN Entertainment, as well as in the MOR Entertainment YouTube channel.

Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’ tops the tills despite lackluster debut WEST Side Story, Steven Spielberg’s remake of the hugely popular 1961 movie musical, danced to the top of the North American box office in its opening weekend, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations said Sunday.

Spielberg’s updated take on the New York-set Romeo and Juliet story — complete with music, dance numbers and a storyline that first appeared on Broadway in 1957 in a legendary collaboration of composers Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim — took in an estimated $10.5 million for the Friday-to-Sunday period.

The square-jawed Ansel Elgort —known for his roles in The Fault in Our Stars and the Divergent series — plays the handsome Tony, a former member of the Jets, a street gang drawn from recent European immigrants, while Rachel Zegler plays Maria, newly arrived from Puerto Rico and thus closer to rival gang the Sharks.

Critics say the movie has a chance to be the first remake since The Departed in 2006

to win an Oscar for best picture.

Last week’s top film, Disney’s animated musical fantasy Encanto, slipped to second place, earning $9.4 million, for a three-week total of $71.3 million.

With music composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the film recounts the story of a family in rural Colombia endowed with special powers — except for daughter Mirabel, who ends up having to save the others.

In third place was Sony’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife, the latest chapter in that supernatural franchise, at $7.1 million. Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, and Mckenna Grace star as the ghostly tale moves from 1980s Manhattan to present-day small-town Oklahoma.

Far back in fourth place was Ridley Scott’s new crime drama House of Gucci, at $4.1 million. The film stars Adam Driver and Lady Gaga in the story of how a Gucci fashion executive was murdered by a hitman hired by his vengeful ex-wife.

Disney/Marvel superhero film Eternals placed fifth, at $3.1 million. AFP

The cast of ‘West Side Story’ with award-winning director Steven Spielberg.

Based on Nielsen Philippines’ NUTAM ratings data, Legal Wives, I Left My Heart in Sorsogon, and The World Between Us were the most-watched drama programs on primetime for November.

The family drama series Legal Wives ended on a high note with an average People rating of 15.4 percent.

On social media, netizens were quick to send congratulatory messages and praises to the entire cast and production team for the incredible work they put into the series.

Led Dennis Trillo, Andrea Torres, Bianca Umali, and Alice Dixson, the ground-breaking series followed the story of a unique family where a Mranaw man married three different women for various reasons.

Since its pilot week, romcom series I Left My Heart in Sorsogon has left the viewers swooning and looking forward to each new episode. Starring Heart Evangelista, Richard Yap, and Paolo Contis, the fashion-centered original series posted an average People rating of 13.2 percent.

Recently back on primetime after its season break is the blockbuster drama series The World Between Us, starring Alden Richards, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, and Tom Rodriguez.

Already averaging 11.1 percent People rating shortly after its return, The World Between Us is set to keep viewers glued to their screens on the dramatic transformations and big revelations.

The plot thickens with the death of Dina Bonnevie’s character and the entry of Ricky Davao into

Family drama series ‘Legal Wives.’

the series as a gang leader.

Meanwhile, there are more reasons to get hooked in the finale week of the compelling series To Have and To Hold, which is top-billed by Carla Abellana, Rocco Nacino, and Max Collins. Now down to its last five episodes, the series continues to rule its timeslot ‘with an average People rating of 10.6 percent.

Heart Evangelista and Richard Yap in ‘I Left My Heart in Sorsogon.’

The cast of ‘The World Between Us’

Rabiya Mateo’s smooth showbiz transition MISS Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo is grateful to have signed up with GMA-7 in the middle of November. Right after inking the contract, she was given guest stints in some of the station’s top-rating programs like Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, The Boobay and Tekla Show, and Wish Ko Lang.

The beauty queen will also be the leading lady of Senator Bong Revilla, Jr., in the second installment of his fantasy series Alamat ng Agila.

“I’m thankful because the Kapuso has seen my potential,” Rabiya averred. “Not everybody receives this wonderful offer to be part of their stable. Especially now that we’re still in the midst of the pandemic, a lot of people have been struggling as to where they can have jobs. In my case, I’m fortunate and blessed for the network’s trust in me.”

The the25-year-old Ilongga revealed that GMA already expressed interest in getting her services even

before her reign as Miss Universe Philippines 2020 ended. It all started when GMA Films President Annette Gozon-Valdes saw her at a dinner event.

“It happened before I competed in the Miss Universe pageant. Right after that, she instantly sent feelers to my camp, contacted Jonas Gaffud), my manager (Jonas and told him that they’re interested in getting me.”

At first, Rabiya didn’t rely much on this since it was “just a verbal agreement.”

“I have nothing concrete to hold on to. But after I competed in the Miss Universe pageant, I was very surprised upon learning that GMA again communicated with my camp. They confirmed this time that they wanted me but I had to wait for my previous contracts to end so we can

start with a clean slate.”

With this development, she no longer considered other TV networks.

“After my competition for Miss Universe, my management told me that GMA wanted me so the rest is history. It was a continuous process.”

The lovely showbiz newbie is glad about this new chapter in her life since it’s a struggle for beauty queens like her to know the path to take right after their reign.

“It’s really a blessing that I was offered by the Kapuso.

It’s always a dilemma for beauty queens on what path they’ll take after their reign. On my part, even before I signed up with GMA, I already practiced acting. I would watch soaps to have an idea. I guess it paid off eventually,” she ended.

Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo

Life

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

B4

HOME AND STYLE

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2021

Music meets fashion in Tommy Hilfiger’s latest collection The brand mixes music-tour-inspired artwork with iconic Tommy Jeans streetwear.

A Britney Spears-inspired top by Tommy Hilfiger.

TOMMY Hilfiger announces the launch of the Tommy Jeans collection “Tommy Revisited: Music Edition.”

From the start, music has played an instrumental role in the life and work of Tommy Hilfiger, as well as in the unique brand DNA he infused in Tommy Jeans.

As one of the first designer brands to creatively collaborate with musicians, from hip-hop to rock‘n roll, Tommy Hilfiger revisits the Tommy Jeans archives with a new vintage merch-inspired capsule collection.

The “Tommy Revisited: Music Edition” collection combines the Tommy Jeans streetwear aesthetic with tour merchandise-inspired apparel, honoring musical legends TLC, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, and the Rolling Stones.

Gift-giving Pinoy style

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With early connections to the brand ranging from sponsored tours to offstage friendships, the collection celebrates unique moments in the brand’s musical history by mixing musictour-inspired artwork with iconic Tommy Jeans streetwear.

The collection consists of 16 various styles of tees and sweatshirts in both unisex and female sizing, all made from organic cotton, highlighting an assortment of memorable moments onstage.

Follow @TommyJeans on Instagram to join the growing Tommy Jeans community – a digital destination combining music, streetwear, and youth culture with experimental content pushing the boundaries for individualized style and selfexpression. Join the conversation on all social media channels using #TommyJeans.

Tommy Hilfiger honors musical legends like TLC

The collection consists of 16 various styles of tees and sweatshirts.

Your home for the Holidays F THERE’S anything three lockdowns have taught us, it’s that home is what you decide it should be. And you deserve one that doesn’t compromise safety, convenience, ease-ofaccess, and supports your upgraded lifestyle fully.

This holiday season, redefine what home means to you at the coziest spots all around the metro and take your pick from an array of ready-for-occupancy properties from RLC Residences.

Create the space you’ve always dreamt of in any of these six residential hotspots. Now, you have options all over Metro Manila that don’t skimp on convenience, its very accessible locations, and irresistible promos that can make your dreams much easier to manifest.

Gifting all-local this year? Go with native gift packaging to match! Kultura’s sinamay bags and wrappers, pandan boxes, and raffia ribbons will give your presents the perfect proudly Filipino finishing touch.

THE Philippines is very rich in gift-giving traditions. Filipinos love to give gifts because of their warm nature and consider this an expression of love. Giving a gift to someone we care about allows us to communicate our feelings and appreciation for them.

This Christmas, bring the heritage, artistry, and taste of Philippines to family and friends with Regalo from Kultura.

Kultura has curated artisanal gift sets for everyone. This includes Regalo para sa Pamilya at Tahanan for the home and family members, and Regalo para sa Barkada at Katrabaho for colleagues and friends.

Give a taste of the Philippines by creating your own Regalo para sa Pinoy Foodie, and Regalo para sa Coffee Lover at Chocoholic with award-winning artisanal chocolates; gourmet coffee blends; healthy snacks made from local fruits and vegetables; gifts of wellness from our fields and forests – coconuts, rice, and nuts.

Shop from home with Kultura’s Regalo Catalog. Check out its catalog here https://bit.ly/RegaloByKultura2021 and simply contact our personal shoppers to order.

The Regalo Collection is available at Kultura Stores. You can also shop thru Kultura’s Website: http://www.kulturafilipino.com or thru Call to Deliver 0917-5174096 / 0967-6093407. Kultura ships here and abroad.

Regalo for the Pinoy Foodie: Make your own Christmas hamper and send it out to your loved ones for Christmas. Fill your basket with Kultura’s selection of Philippines’ best from dried mangoes, hot chocolate mix, local coffee, wine, and premium chocolate.

The Magnolia Residences

Kalesa bookends evoking the elegance of Old Manila are sustainably handmade from recycled aluminum and coco twigs. Shop now and get your orders delivered in time for the holidays! We ship here and abroad.

Handmade tin decor depicting idyllic rural scenes is a charming antidote to homesickness. Wrapped up in pandan boxes, they’ll make lovely gifts for yourself or loved ones near or far this Christmas.

Regalo para sa Coffee Lover. Coffee sampler set from Gourmet Farms featuring premium beans from around the Philippines. The set includes Baraco Batangas coffee, Maynila Blend, Apo Coffee from Davao, and a lovely French press, encased in a reusable plastic bayong.

convenient place to live in. If this is where you wish to plant your roots, then Chimes Greenhills is the right pick. This hard-to-miss 40-story condominium along Annapolis Street is a stone’s throw away from the famous Greenhills Shopping Center. It offers studio, one, and two-bedroom units ready for aspiring homeowners to move into as early as this December, the perfect time and place to shuffle between work, rest, and some major holiday shopping. Experience affordable city living without giving up the convenience here at Chimes GreenFor those who find comfort in the bustling energy of the north, hills and get deals of up to 2.5 percent off on featured units. this award-winning property recognized as the Best Mega MixedUse Architectural Design by PropertyGuru Philippines Property Axis Residences Awards 2021 is the perfect place to be. Boasting a robust and familyYour dream home is waitcentered ambiance with its tight-knit communities and neighbor- ing for you at Axis Residenchood spirit, potential residents with love for the Quezon City area es. Located cozily within the can now plant their own roots in this master-planned residential, Robinsons Forum complex in commercial complex at the core of a home-life hotspot that is rich in Mandaluyong City, prepare culture, color, and comfort. So enjoy the city life of your dreams with to cuddle into your very own up to 10 percent off on selected units. abode at the end of a busy day.

Ready whenever you are, this The Trion Towers joint venture project of RobLocated within the ener- insons Land Corporation and gizing Bonifacio Global City, Federal Land, Inc. boasts inThe Trion Towers offers one novatively crafted studio and and two-bedroom ready- two-bedroom units with countless condo living benefits. Manifor-occupancy units that are fest your dream home with a vast selection of leisure and recreanothing short of spacious and tional amenities as well. Treat yourself this holiday season with a comfortable living areas. This discount of up to 2 percent on featured units and the dream city standout development is also life you’ve always deserved. home to top-notch amenities for fitness, wellness, and enSonata Private tertainment, making it the perResidences fect city-centered residence for With a surge in popularboth individuals and starting families. The options for comfort- ity for its upgraded standard able living and room to pursue leisure activities are endless. And of living, properties in the this holiday season, The Trion Towers offers up to 10 percent dis- Ortigas area have caught the count on selected units! attention of many potential

The Radiance Manila Bay

For those who want to embrace the cool breeze, Radiance Manila Bay is the perfect place to unwind after a long day. This property offers one and two-bedroom ready-for-occupancy units, some with balcony options, that allows future residents to come home to the impressive Manila Bay sunset spilling into their units with an unparalleled view of the country’s famous capital.

Apart from this, new residents will also be coming home to a wide array of wellness amenities, creating a pocket of paradise at the heart of the bustling city. This December, come home for the holidays and secure your own flat with a special discount of up to 30 percent on selected units.

Chimes Greenhills

One of Greenhills’ charms is that it sits comfortably at the halfway point between the north and the south, making it a

homeowners. If you’re looking for ease of access and all the support you need within your reach, consider starting fresh at the Sonata Private Residences located at the corner of Lourdes Drive and San Miguel Avenue. Safe and secure, this two-tower high-rise sanctuary is tethered to the rows of both business and lifestyle hotspots this side of town, making it incredibly easy to shuffle between premier shops, major shopping areas, medical facilities, and other lifestyle establishments. Residents can expect no less than luxurious, hotel-grade interior amenities made available in their exclusive safe spaces. And selected units come with up to 20 percent discount.

Get your fresh start in any of these energizing ready-foroccupancy properties by RLC Residences and discover what home really means in a space that’s safe, inspiring, and made for your comfort and convenience.

You can find these RLC Residences properties at the heart of the cities they’re located in, but if you want your dream home to become a reality today, connect to an RLC Residences Property Specialist via http://bit.ly/RLCResidences_OnlineAppointment. For updates, make sure to follow RLC Residences on Facebook (https://facebook.com/RLCResidencesPH) and on Instagram (https://instagram. com/rlc_residences). To learn more, visit www.rlcresidences.com.

Don’t wait for the new year for a fresh start. RLC Residences is ready for you to come home to, so you can enjoy the holidays that you deserve.