Manila Standard - 2021 December 20 - Monday

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POPE PRAYS FOR PH: ‘MAY STO. NIÑO BRING CONSOLATION, HOPE’ POPE FRANCIS has assured the many victims of Typhoon Odette that struck the Philippines Thursday last week that they are close to his heart as he expressed hope that the Sto. Niño (Child Jesus) will bring them comfort.

"I express my closeness to the people of the Philippines struck by a strong typhoon, which has destroyed many homes. May the Santo Niño bring consolation and hope to the families most in need; and may he inspire concrete help in all of us," the Pope

said after leading the midday Angelus on Sunday.

"The first concrete help is prayer," the Holy Father added.

In 2013, when the country was devastated by super typhoon Yolanda, the leader of the 1.2-billion member Catholic Church also asked the faithful to join him in prayer for the Philippines.

Two years later, he visited the Philippines and even held mass in Tacloban City, one of the worst-hit

by Yolanda.

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Typhoon deaths soar to 169 PNP expects more fatalities as Odette's full horror begins to unfold

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HE death toll soared to 169 four days after Typhoon “Odette” barreled through Mindanao and Visayas, as efforts to deliver water and food to devastated islands ramped up.

A consolidated report sent to Philippine National Police chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos showed that Central Visayas had the most number of casualties with 129, followed by Western Visayas with 22, Caraga with 10, Northern Mindanao with seven and Zamboanga Peninsula with one.

The PNP report also said that 107 others were injured and 50 were missing.

The number of fatalities was likely to rise as disaster agencies assessed the full extent of the death and destruction from the storm across the vast archipelago.

Close to half a million people or about 181,500 families have fled their homes and beachfront resorts as Odette ravaged the southern and central reNext page gions of the country.

ODETTE SURVIVORS FACE BLEAK CHRISTMAS. Fallen

electric pylons block a road while a signage asking for food is displayed along a road in Surigao City on December 19, 2021, days after super typhoon Odette devastated the city. (Inset, left) In Carcar in Cebu province, residents gather next to their destroyed house waiting for aid, while in Cebu City, people line up for potable water. (More photos on Page 7) AFP

Vax wastage, infection surge feared in Odette-hit areas

2,837,577 203

9,729

50,739

64

2,777,109

395

By Willie Casas and Macon Ramos-Araneta

COVID-19 vaccine wastage in areas hit by typhoon Odette as a former adviser to the government's pandemic response THE Department of Health (DOH) said it warned of a possible surge in infections in is trying to gather more reports on possible the Visayas and Mindanao as hundreds of

thousands of people were forced to stay in evacuation centers, exposing them to the risk of getting the virus.

“We are coordinating with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), even our military

SOLID FAITH IN DARK TIMES LIVING ON A PRAYER.

(As of 4 PM, DECEMBER 19)

Residents attend a dawn mass without electricity at a church in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte province on December 18, 2021, days after super typhoon Odette passed over the city.

AFP

Bad weather drives down cases to 203

By Willie Casas THE Philippines logged on Sunday 203 new cases of COVID-19 – the lowest in almost 19 months – with a low case reporting due to Typhoon Odette, the Department of Health said.

“The low case report is due to the suspension of the operations of four labs on December 17, and failure to submit data from 41 labs to the COVID-19 Document Repository System because of Typhoon Odette,” the DOH said in its Case Bulletin 645.

“Based on data in the last 14 days, the 45 [laboratories] contribute, on average, 15.4 percent of samples tested and 1.8% of positive individuals,” the DOH added.

The DOH also reported 64 new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 50,739.

“This issue is currently being coordinated with the Epidemiology and Next page

so that we can check the condition of our vaccines," said Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje, who said some coronavirus shots may have been affected by the power outages.

Next page

STANDING at the pulpit of his ty- delivers a sermon by candlelight to Hundreds of devotees flocked to day as part of the traditional Christmas phoon-ravaged church in Surigao the faithful seeking solace after a the San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathe- season celebrations – but there was City, Catholic priest Dennis Llogon deadly storm devastated their city. dral for the pre-dawn service on Satur- little rejoicing.

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UK: ‘Variant zone’ for highest risk THE United Kingdom is now considered a "variant zone" of COVID-19 – a category reserved for nations where the risk is the highest – Germany's health authority said.

"The United Kingdom and Northern Ireland are very strongly affected

by COVID-19. A new variant, very contagious, has also been found," the Germany Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on its website.

More than 65,000 new COVID cases were confirmed in London over the

past seven days, with 26,418 cases reported in the last 24 hours – the highest number since the start of the pandemic.

Britain has been added to Germany's list of COVID high-risk countries, which will mean tighter travel restrictions.

The decision is a response to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, which forced London's mayor Sadiq Khan to declare a "major incident" on Saturday in the British capital.

Next page

JUMP-START A STARTUP. In its continuous efforts

to support local MSMEs, SM Supermalls launched the SM StartUp Market in 13 initial malls nationwide. The StartUp Market provides opportunities for small entrepreneurs to swiftly transition from a solely e-commercebased platform to a physical store in SM Malls by offering friendly rates, asset provision, marketing assistance, financial assistance with BDO, and valuable mentorship programs. Shown in photo are SM Supermalls President Steven Tan (left) and SM Investments Group Sustainability Adviser and SM Retail Marketing & Digital Strategy Vice President Mara Sy Coson.

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WARM EMBRACE.

Pope Francis poses for a photo with a boy during an audience with children cared for by the Santa Marta Dispensary on December 19, 2021 at Paul-VI hall in The Vatican. AFP

UK reaffirms arbitral ruling support T

During a meeting with Foreign Amanda Milling, UK Foreign and Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Commonwealth Development Office

Minister of State for Asia and Pacific, stressed that “we‘ve consistently said that everyone needs to abide by the 2016 Arbitral Award.”

Locsin welcomed Milling’s pronouncement reaffirming the importance the UK attaches to United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and a stable South China Sea and expressing concern at “recent incidents that have raised tensions and urge against actions that hinder the peaceful settlement of disputes.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs

earlier filed a diplomatic protest against China when its Chinese Coast Guard recently blocked and water cannoned Philippine supply boats on its way to Ayungin Shoal, an act considered by the Philippine government as illegal.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhance the two nations’ long-standing partnership, with 75 years of diplomatic relations.

“Our relations are on a fine trajectory. We look forward to continued collaboration under your and FCDO Secretary (Elizabeth) Truss’ able leadership, especially as we mark

the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relations,” Locsin told Milling.

They also discussed the ongoing bilateral cooperation in the field of defense, the UK’s role and contributions in the Indo-Pacific, the outcomes of COP26, and post-pandemic recovery efforts.

Locsin also thanked UK for donating AstraZeneca vaccines to the Philippines, saying that by the end of 2021, UK would have given the Philippines more than 5.8-million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines in direct donation and through the COVAX Facility.

Thousands of military, police, coast guard and fire personnel are being deployed to assist in search and rescue efforts in the worst-affected areas.

Coast guard and naval vessels carrying food, water and medical supplies are being dispatched, while heavy machinery – like backhoes and front-end loaders – are being sent to help clear roads blocked by fallen power poles and trees.

"It's going to be a long, tough road for people to rebuild and get their lives back on track," said Alberto Bocanegra, head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the Philippines.

An aerial survey of damage to parts of Bohol – known for its beaches, rolling "Chocolate Hills," and tiny tarsier primates – showed that people have suffered greatly, Yap said.

There has also been widespread destruction on Siargao, Dinagat and Mindanao islands, which bore the brunt of Odette when it slammed into the Philippines.

Aerial photos shared by the military showed severe damage in the Siargao town of General Luna, where many surfers and holidaymakers had flocked ahead of Christmas, with buildings stripped of roofs and debris littering the ground.

Tourists were being evacuated from the island on Sunday by plane and boat.

Dinagat Gov. Arlene Bag-ao has said the damage to the island's landscape was "reminiscent if not worse" than that caused

by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

Yolanda was the deadliest cyclone on

record in the country, leaving more than 7,300 people dead or missing.

"I saw how Typhoon Odette tore the provincial capitol apart, piece by piece," Dinagat PIO Crisostomo told radio station dzBB. "Big tables as heavy as a man went flying during the onslaught of the storm," he said.

In Surigao City, on the northern tip of Mindanao, shattered glass from smashed windows, roofing, power lines and other debris were scattered in the streets.

Tricycle driver Rey Jamile, 57, braved flooded streets and "flying" sheets of corrugated iron roofing to get his family to safety at a school evacuation center.

"The wind was very strong," he said, adding that now that the storm was over he was struggling to find water and food.

Odette's wind speeds eased to 150 kph as it barreled across the country, dumping torrential rain, uprooting trees and destroying wooden structures.

It emerged over the South China Sea on Saturday and headed towards Vietnam.

The National Electrification Administration (NEA) said about 6 million people or 1.2 million households were still without power due to the typhoon.

The Department of Energy (DOE) said it aimed to complete restoration in time for Christmas amid concerns over the possible impact on COVID-19 vaccines that need refrigeration.

"We are still in the process of consolidating all these things, but our primary target is to complete everything before

Christmas," said Electric Power Industry Management Bureau Director Mario Marasigan, who cited the importance of restoring power to areas where COVID-19 vaccines are stored.

"We need to identify the DOH (Department of Health) and LGU (local government units) facilities where they keep their vaccines,” he said, while keeping hospitals and health centers in operation.

President Rodrigo Duterte has directed the DOE to restore electricity to areas ravaged by typhoon Odette, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said.

Nograles said some areas, particularly Dinagat Islands, still do not have electricity.

Nograles said Duterte also ordered the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to install very small aperture terminal (VSAT) equipment in Siargao as well as satellite phones to ensure coordination with the Office of the Civil Defense for calamity response.

He said Navy and the Coast Guard will send their boats and ships to augment the delivery of needed supplies, equipment and food in Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Eastern Mindanao Command is committed to send medical personnel through two Navy ships for Siargao and Dinagat Islands.

Also, the Department of Health will send medical supplies and frontline health workers to Dinagat Islands, Nograles added.

Nograles said Duterte designated Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Bau-

tista to act as the crisis manager to ensure government response is coordinated in Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands.

The DSWD said it has provided P3.5 million worth of assistance to Caraga, Eastern and Western Visayas, and Mimaropa.

A department spokesperson, Irene Dumulao, said the DSWD has more than P900 million worth of available stockpiles and standby funds to aid those affected by the onslaught of typhoon Odette.

Typhoon Odette maintained its strength while moving over the West Philippine Sea. The center of the typhoon was located 430 kilometers northwest of Pag-asa Island, Palawan, outside of the Philippine area of responsibility.

Packing maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 240 km/h and central pressure of 915 hPa, it was moving west northwestward at 15 km/h.

Odette hit the Philippines late in the typhoon season – most cyclones typically develop between July and October.

Scientists have long warned that typhoons are becoming more powerful and strengthening more rapidly as the world becomes warmer because of human-driven climate change.

The Philippines – ranked among the globe's most vulnerable nations to the impacts of climate change -- is hit by an average of 20 storms and typhoons every year, which typically wipe out harvests, homes and infrastructure in already impoverished areas. Rio N. Araja, Alena Mae Flores, AFP

By Rey E. Requejo

HE United Kingdom has reaffirmed its support to upholding the 2016 ruling rendered by the United Nations-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration that affirmed the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea and invalidated China’s massive ninedash line claims over almost the entire South China Sea.

Typhoon...

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The storm knocked out communications and electricity in many areas, causing a delay in the reporting on the death toll and the damage caused by Odette, which was previously classified as a super typhoon.

An estimated 6 million people were still without power. Damage to agriculture stood at P127 million while infrastructure damage was initially placed at P213.9 million.

Arthur Yap, governor of the popular tourist destination Bohol, said on his official Facebook page that mayors on the devastated island had so far reported 72 deaths in their towns.

Ten people also died on the Dinagat Islands, provincial information officer Jeffrey Crisostomo said.

In Cebu province, the death toll reportedly stood at 21.

Local officials said at least 18 people died in Surigao del Norte. Of these, 12 came from Siargao Island, where the typhoon first made landfall Thursday.

The other deaths were from Surigao City and the municipalities of Claver, San Francisco and Tubod.

The provincial administrator said the death toll is expected to rise as reports from Siargao Island, where communication lines are still down, continue to come in.

Odette smashed into the country Thursday as a super typhoon packing wind speeds of 195 kilometers per hour.

UK:...

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The change, which takes effect at the end of the day Sunday at midnight, means arrivals from Britain will have to observe a two-week quarantine regardless of whether they are vaccinated, said the country's health agency, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).

In addition to the quarantine measure, only German nationals or foreigners residing in Germany will be allowed to come to the country from Britain.

The rule applies to all means of transport and a PCR test will be required for all

Bad...

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Surveillance Units to ensure information is up to date,” the Health department said.

The country also logged 395 new recoveries, bringing the total recoveries to 2,777,109.

Active cases stood at 9,729, of which 485 are asymptomatic; 3,685 mild; 3,379 moderate; 1,800 severe; and 380 critical.

Earlier Saturday, the country received

Solid...

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Super Typhoon Odette [international name: Rai] was packing wind speeds of 195 kilometers (120 miles) per hour when it slammed into the coastal city of Surigao on the northern tip of Mindanao island on Thursday, ripping roofs off buildings, toppling concrete power poles and shattering glass windows.

Some people sought shelter inside the

persons traveling to Germany.

Berlin's new health minister Karl Lauterbach has already sounded the alarm in the face of the risk of a new wave that could soon sweep over the country, hard hit since the beginning of the autumn.

"The more we can push back... the better," he said on Saturday.

Several other European countries, including France, have already taken steps to limit the entry of travelers from the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, German authorities have placed France and Denmark among the "high risk" contamination zones, a level below the UK. AFP 811,980 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine given by the government of France through the COVAX facility.

According to the National Task Force Against COVID-19, the fresh batch of vaccine doses landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 past 9 p.m.

NTF special adviser Ted Herbosa expressed gratitude to the government of France for the donation.

The Philippines had 43.3 million fully vaccinated individuals as of December 17. sturdy church but had to flee to the second floor of a building next door when it flooded.

Part of the cathedral's ceiling was peeled off by the ferocious wind, leaving a gaping hole, and the building lost power.

Despite the devastation brought by the typhoon – the strongest to hit the archipelago this year – Father Llogon used candles to light the cavernous church as he welcomed back believers.

"We're in this journey together, we help each other, also inspired by the faith in

Vax...

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“We may have some vaccines that have been compromised because of power outages," she said.

She added that while they were prepared for this eventuality, the outages might last longer than expected, and the generators may run out of fuel.

Cabotaje said vaccine deliveries were hampered by the typhoon due to flight cancellations.

Dr. Tony Leachon said it is important to monitor the COVID-19 situation in the country's two major island groups in the coming weeks, noting as well the low vaccination rates there.

Leachon said to avoid a rise in cases, local officials should put up separate tents for evacuees, provide more face masks and alcohol, and conduct rapid antigen testing.

He added that people could be vaccinated at the evacuation centers.

The country confirmed its first two cases of the highly infectious Omicron variant of COVID-19 on Wednesday in a Filipino man who arrived from Japan, and a Nigerian man who came from his home country.

All eight close contacts of the two tested negative for COVID-19, the Department of Health said.

The World Health Organization classified

God," Llogon told AFP. "There are a lot of questions around why this happened, why this Christmas season. What is important is our faith – I can see their faith is solid," he added.

The majority of Filipinos identify as Catholic and December is one of the most important months on the religious calendar, with many attending pre-dawn masses in the nine days leading up to Christmas.

Rico Amolares, 19, said he felt the "presence of God" during the sermon.

Omicron as a variant of concern late November.

It has so far reached 78 countries, including the Philippines.

The WHO said last Friday that the omicron variant is "very likely" to replace the delta variant as the dominant COVID-19 lineage in the Philippines.

According to the government's latest vaccination report, some 43.35 million people have already been fully inoculated against COVID-19, while more than 56.1 million others have received their first dose, as of Dec. 17.

More than 1 million booster doses have also been administered.

The government aims to fully vaccinate at least 54 million people this year as the country hopes to achieve herd immunity against the respiratory disease.

Cabotaje said LGUs may decide to vaccinate people in evacuation centers, but said they must focus first on providing aid to their constituents.

During the second round of the three-day vaccination drive, Cabotaje said the government administered 2.3 million COVID-19 vaccine doses from Dec. 15 to Dec. 17.

These administered doses include boosters, first dose and second dose as well as vaccination of the pediatric population or those aged 12 to 17 years old.

The government has suspended the second leg of vaccination in calamity-hit areas and moved it to Dec. 20 to 22.

"Despite the difficulty, our priest conducted a mass with very few candles," Amolares told AFP. "There's still a light we can see from people, giving hope to everyone."

More than 80 people have been reported killed in the typhoon that devastated several islands as it swept across the archipelago, according to official tallies.

Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matugas has said that three people died there in the storm.

Electricity and communications have

been knocked out in many areas, hampering efforts of disaster agencies to assess the extent of the death and destruction.

There were long queues for drinking water in Surigao where streets were being cleared of fallen tree branches, corrugated iron roofing and debris.

"It was unimaginable, I thought all of us would die," a woman told AFP. "I prayed the divine mercy prayer, but I was rattled and didn't know what to do. I had a panic attack." AFP

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2021

SC acquits 6 persons on drug raps

By Rey E. Requejo

T

HE Supreme Court (SC) has acquitted six persons, one of them a woman, of violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act for the failure of law enforcers to comply strictly with the handling of the seized illegal drugs provided for in the law.

In four separate resolutions made public last Dec. 17, the SC also ordered their release from jail within five days from receipt of the orders.

Ordered to be released “unless being held for any other reason” were Melchor B. Amante, Roxanne C. Guevarra,

Glenn M. Ampaso, Joel B. Taub, Roderick E. Linihan, and Philip S. Camat.

Their convictions either for sale, possession, or use of prohibited drugs handed down by the trial courts were affirmed by the Court of Appeals, prompting them to file an appeal with

the SC, which granted their petitions.

The SC stressed that in illegal drugs cases, the prosecutors have the burden not only of proving the elements of the crime but also the corpus delicti (body of the crime) itself. The prohibited drugs seized from suspects constitute the corpus delicti, it said.

“Prosecution establishes that the identity and integrity of the dangerous drugs were duly preserved in order to support a verdict of conviction. It must prove that the substance seized from accused-appellant is truly the substance offered in court as corpus delicti with the same unshakeable accuracy as that required to sustain a finding of guilt,”

Bill on creative industry sector filed in Congress ALBAY Rep. Joey Salceda has filed House Bill No. 10613 or the “Build, Build, Build for Creative Industries,” measure saying that the “future of Philippine exports is service-based industries, including culture.”

As early as February 2020, he proposed the creation of the House panel on creative industries in an aide memoire to the House leadership, citing the Philippines must make investments in its cultural industries “similar to what Korea did in the wake of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, as a way to diversify their then-manufacturing dependent economy.”

“Culture is resilient. It’s crisisproof. When one aspect of it, such as tourism, suffers, other alternatives such as art and digital content can emerge. That’s why the creative industries are an excellent hedge against economic crises,” he stressed.

the high court ruled.

The SC cited Section 21 of Republic Act No. 9165, the dangerous drugs law, which provides that “the apprehending team having initial custody and control of the drugs shall, immediately after seizure and confiscation, physically inventory and photograph the same in the presence of the accused or the person/s from whom such items were confiscated and/or seized, or his/her representative or counsel, a representative from the media and the Department of Justice (DOJ), and any elected public official who shall be required to sign the copies of the inventory and be given a copy thereof.”

PARADE OF STARS.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Parade of Stars for the 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) rolls on the Pasig River on Sunday, despite the rain. Instead of the usual motorcade, the fluvial parade will feature ferry boats representing the competing films, carrying the celebrities starring in these films. The fluvial parade showcases the ferry service and at the same time encourages the public to ride the agencyoperated Pasig River Ferry Service, alternative transportation across Metro Manila. Danny Pata

By Rio N. Araja

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4 Taguig cops under custody for robbery case

FOUR Taguig City cops are under restrictive custody after their alleged participation in the robbery of a Japanese national and his Filipina partner in Pasig City on Saturday.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos on Sunday ordered the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to hold under custody Staff Sgt. Jayson Bartolome, Cpl. Merick Desoloc, Cpl. Christian Jerome Reyes, and Pat. Kirk Joshua Almojera.

The four, assigned at the Taguig City Police Station, were among eight suspects who allegedly staged a robbery in Barangay Kapitolyo at about 12:10 a.m.

They reportedly held at gunpoint domestic partners Joana Marie Flores Espiritu, 26, and Japanese Kani Toshiro, 42.

Carlos also instructed NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. to place the commander of Taguig SubStation 1 on administrative relief to preclude any possibility of undue influence in the investigation.

NCRPO has stepped up pursuit operations against two other suspects, dismissed cop Ferdinand Fallari and a certain Ruwel Galang, who eluded arrest.

AJ Mary Agnas, 22, who allegedly works for the victims, was also arrested while a certain Jhon Carlo Atienza, 30, was found dead with a gunshot wound at the corner of Kalayaan Avenue and Tolentino Street in Barangay Pinagkaisahan, Makati City.

Housing czar signs authorization of TLS to real estate firms

By Rio N. Araja DEPARTMENT of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) chief Eduardo del Rosario on Sunday disclosed that he has signed an order authorizing the issuance of a temporary license to sell

(TLS) to developers to sustain vibrancy in the housing sector and contribute to the country’s economic recovery.

He issued Department Order 2021008 to address the concerns of the private sector on the issuance of other prerequisites from national and local

agencies before they can secure a license to sell.

The prerequisites coupled with restrictions in movement brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic pose a substantial delay in the issuance of the letter to sell by the department to housing developers.

“With this order, we expect continuity and sustainment of the vibrancy in the housing and real estate sector. It’s a huge boost to our private developers. Of course, the issuance of TLS comes with strict conditions and guidelines to protect the interest of homebuyers,” Del Rosario said.

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BBM IN SOUTHERN LEYTE.

IN BRIEF

Presidential candidate and former senator Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. assisted

by Lakas-CMD Party president and House Majority leader Martin Romualdez (right) and representing vice presidential candidate and Lakas-CMD Party chair and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and Tingog Party List Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez hand over a P2 million cash donation and P2.5 million worth of relief goods to Southern Leyte Governor Damian Mercado (center) intended for the victims of super typhoon Odette in the province of Southern Leyte, also in photo are DPWH Secretary Roger Mercado ( left) and Maasin City Mayor Nikko Mercado (2nd right). Ver Noveno

Manny mobilizes team to deliver relief goods PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Senator Manny Pacquiao has mobilized resources to help victims of typhoon “Odette” and has dispatch the first batch of relief goods going to Cebu and Bohol.

Reports said more than 30 tons of assorted relief items have been packed and airlifted to Cebu. The relief items included rice packs, assorted food packs, canned goods, coffee, and bottled water.

Pacquiao said the relief goods will be turned over to the office of Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia. The governor’s office will reportedly lead the distribution of the relief goods to communities hit by typhoon “Odette.”

The governor earlier said she will not support Pacquiao’s candidacy.

However, Pacquiao said it is time to set aside “politics” and instead focus on helping victims of the disaster.

“This is the time to set aside politics. Kailangang magtulungan ang lahat para maiparating natin ang tulong sa mga nangangailangan (We need to help each other to make sure that help will reach the needy),” Pacquiao, in a GMA News report, said.

According to the GMA News report, 5,000 bags of reliefs goods have also been packed by Pacquiao’s team in General Santos City and are ready to be transported and distributed to disaster-stricken areas.

Pacquiao reportedly supervised the repacking at his family warehouse at Brgy. Labangal, General Santos City.

Pacquiao said the relief items are part of the first salvo of his team’s “United Relief Operation” which seeks to mobilize a multi-partisan relief operation for the victims of “Odette,” according to the GMA report.

Villar wants to revise wildlife conservation act

Uniteam visits several provinces hit by ‘Odette’

By Rio N. Araja

T

HE BBM-Sara UniTeam on Sunday visited several provinces hit by super typhoon “Odette” and turned over to local officials their assistance for displaced residents.

Ex-senator and presidential bet Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos from the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, along with House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, met with Southern Leyte Gov. Damian Mercado at the provincial capitol and handed over P2-million financial assistance and P2.5 million worth of relief goods from UniTeam in a simple ceremony.

Maasin City Mayor Nikko Mercado and his father, Department of Public

Works and Highways Secretary Roger Mercado, witnessed the event.

They all expressed their gratitude to UniTeam, its allies, and friends led

by Tingog party-list for bringing assistance to their constituents.

Romualdez, campaign manager of vice presidential aspirant and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, said the BBMSara Uniteam and their allies have worked together to respond quickly to the devastation caused by “Odette.”

“We would like to assure our kababayans that help is available. We will work tirelessly until we ensure that all those who need assistance would be given the same,” he said. “We also call on local leaders to reach out, if they can and coordinate with each other. It is very important that we focus our relief efforts on areas that need our help,” he added.

Romualdez is the Lakas-CMD president.

“We have survived worse typhoons, including super typhoon ‘Yolanda’ before and we are currently enduring the pandemic so I am confident that if we continue to work hand-in-hand, we will get through this challenge,” he said.

RELIEF ITEMS FOR CEBU AND BOHOL. Presidential aspirant Sen. Manny Pacquiao has dispatched the first batch of relief goods for disaster-hit areas in Cebu and Bohol to help those affected by typhoon “Odette.” More than 30 tons of assorted relief items consisting of complete food packs, rice packs, assorted food packs without rice, food packs with rice but without canned goods, and food packs without coffee have been airlifted to Cebu.

Domagoso visits Cebu, delivers donations to disaster-struck areas

By Rey E. Requejo PRESIDENTIAL candidate and Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso on Saturday thanked donors and supporters who responded to his call for help in cash or in-kind for thousands of families affected by super Typhoon Odette in the Visayas and Mindanao and vowed to keep the donation line

open to assist more people.

Hundreds of sacks of rice and boxes of food donations were brought to a repacking station along P. Noval Street where Manila volunteers were busy sorting out the food packs for immediate distribution in typhoon-hit areas.

On Friday, Moreno launched “Tulong ng Manilenyo sa mga Nasalanta ni Odette” donation drive and ap-

pealed to Manila residents and business groups to pitch in as a way of helping communities in the southern and central Philippines devastated by the super typhoon.

“Many thanks to those who sent help.

We will continue to carry out Bayanihan for our compatriots devastated by Typhoon Odette in the Visayas and Mindanao,” Moreno posted on his Fa-

Lacson says ‘up to people’ to decide on giving more autonomy to CAR

By Macon Ramos-Araneta PARTIDO Reporma chair and standard-bearer Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said he would let the people of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) decide on whether it should receive greater autonomy.

The topic was raised during a brief public forum that followed shortly after their “Online Kumustahan” with provincial and municipal government officials and residents at the Benguet Sports Complex.

“I would always rather focus on consul-

tation. How do the people feel about having local autonomy or full autonomy here in the Cordilleras,” Lacson said.

He said they should get the pulse of those who live here. After all, they are the ones who will be most affected by it.

As far as Partido Reporma senatorial aspirant Dr. Minguita Padilla is concerned, there are stakeholders from CAR who feel strongly about legalizing the autonomy of the region. Padilla traces her heritage to Benguet province, specifically Baguio City.

cebook page.

At the same time, Moreno thanked Dr. Honey Lacuna, his vice mayor in Manila, and the City Government Council for the speedy approval of a resolution that allocated P2.5 million in assistance for the recovery efforts in the typhoon-hit areas in Cebu (P1 million), Bohol (P500,000), Leyte (P500,000), and Surigao del Norte (P500,000).

SENATOR Cynthia A. Villar is seeking to revise the country’s Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. Villar said this will strengthen the two-decades-old Wildlife Act to address the growing scale and sophistication of wildlife crimes.

Villar, chairperson of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee, sponsored Senate Bill No. 2465 or “An Act Strengthening the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Mechanism in the Philippines, Amending for this Purpose Republic Act No. 9147, Otherwise Known as the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.” “Strengthening wildlife protection is crucial to the Philippines, which is considered as one of the world’s 17 megadiverse or biodiversity-rich countries, which collectively hosts two-thirds of the Earth’s biodiversity and contain about 70 to 80 percent of the world’s plant and animal species,” stressed Villar. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Lawmaker seeks help for Cebu power lines HOUSE Assistant Majority Leader Eduardo Gullas has sought the help of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) in quickly restoring Cebu’s power distribution lines that were knocked down by Typhoon Odette.

“We are appealing to our good friend, Meralco chairman Manny Pangilinan, for help,” Gullas, who represents Cebu province’s first district in Congress, said.

“It might be possible for Meralco to send equipment and personnel to help reinstall Cebu’s downed electricity poles and lines,” Gullas said.

While the Visayan Electric Co. (VECO) and other power stakeholders are doing their best to fix the lack of power, Gullas said Cebu needs all the help it can get in swiftly reviving electricity supply to households.

‘Rody should stop drama and focus on aid’ PRESIDENTIAL bet Leody De Guzman urged President Rodrigo Duterte to hasten measures to help victims of typhoon “Odette.”

De Guzman, Partido Lakas ng Masa standard-bearer was reacting to reports quoting Duterte as saying that government funds had been depleted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Duterte, in several reports, said his administration was “trying to raise money” and that the national budget was “depleted” due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

De Guzman further said the chief executive should “stop the charade” and the “drama” and should instead focus on helping typhoon victims.

The candidate said the government should now focus on helping the Visayas and Mindanao regions According to the labor leader, there were billions of pesos in unused calamity funds from the 2021 budget.

This budget, he said, was then justified as a “stand-by fund” for emergencies such as calamities, epidemics, crises, and catastrophes.

De Guzman also quoted the Office of Civil Defense which earlier showed that a fund of P12 billion is still available for the government to use. This fund, he said, is also for emergencies.

De Guzman also assailed the government, citing that Duterte’s administration does not seem to be prepared for disaster response.

WARM WELCOME FOR PING.

Supporters in Lingayen, Pangasinan welcome Partido Reporma chairman and standardbearer Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and and his running mate Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sot to III. Walking with Lacson in the photo is Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil.

Opinion

MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

God in the distraction

THE yearly cycle of liturgical fasts and feasts reflects the Church’s witness to the life and mission of Christ. With the liturgical seasons in place, the Church recalls and relives the fundamental truths of our Christian faith. Thus, the liturgical calendar begins by preparing to celebrate Christ’s birth during Christmas, and is punctuated with the solemnity of his resurrection on Easter. Given the importance of these two feasts, Christians observe two seasons of preparation, the four weeks of Advent that lead to Christmas, and the five weeks of Lent prior to Easter.

Without Advent – or Lent – celebrating Christmas or Easter would be bereft of its deep spiritual and theological meaning. For example, similar to New Year’s Day, Advent signals the beginning of a new liturgical year, and thus provides an opportunity for a fresh start for our Christian life, faith and worship. This becomes particularly timely, as Christmas brings back to mind the start of our salvation history, and in a more personal manner, the very beginnings of our own life journey.

Christ is coming to us this Christmas, in the face of fresh opportunities and the lessons It is in this spirit that Advent prepares us not only to celebrate the yearly feast of Christ’s birth, but also for his coming at the end of time. The liturgical readings remind us to remain alert as we await his return – in the same way that the prophets of old such as Isaiah, Daniel and John the Baptist have foretold the Messiah’s coming.

Throughout history, Christians around the world have steadfastly held to the truth of the coming of the Messiah in Christ Jesus. We believe that Christ came two thousand years ago, and by his coming as man, restored our broken humanity. But what does that exactly mean to all of us?

Has Christmas been reduced to one of those yearly holidays that we mindlessly observe year in and year out – or does it give us the chance to intently reflect on its significance in our spiritual lives?

More often than not, the rush and glitter of Christmas makes it easy for us to be distracted from the true meaning of Christmas. Many are too distracted with the year-end demands of the workplace, while others would be busy finalizing their holiday plans. Still some spend money on their last minute Christmas shopping, while others would work to squeeze in whatever limited

EDITORIAL

time they have on attending Christmas parties. A few would take the chance to finalize travel plans for the Christmas holiday, while many more could only wish they had the money and resources to share a sumptuous Noche Buena meal.

But even the seeming distractions that seem to pervade the celebration of Christmas in our time has its own lesson to teach. In the nine days of the traditional Misa de Gallo, the Gospels share with us several characters that seem to deal with distractions in their own lives. Mary found herself astonished by an angel’s announcement that she would bear a child.

Joseph faced the dilemma of quietly leaving Mary because of her pregnancy outside their marriage. Zechariah the priest lost his ability to speak, having been confounded by the fact that his wife, Elizabeth, was now pregnant in her old age.

Interestingly, it was in the distractions that they faced that Mary, Joseph, Zechariah and Elizabeth found God’s new purpose for their lives. They must have their own plans for their future, their own cares to worry about. Joseph and Mary must have been preparing not only for their wedding, but for their married life together. Zechariah and Elizabeth must have given up all hopes of having their own children, and they must have already contently accepted it as their fate. Imagine the confusion that they had when they realized that God was leading them towards another path. God did not wait for them to be certain or ready – God interrupted them and met them in their distraction, in the middle of their own cares and concerns and instead drew them into his will and purpose.

We may have our own everyday challenges, and at times we end up wondering what purpose has God stored for us. But this is one lesson of Advent that we must not miss: it is in the ordinariness of the lives that we lead, in those moments that we are distracted that God hopes to emerge in our lives, and to work for our good. The mystery of the incarnation implies that Christ has embraced our lowly human condition, and in the same manner, God takes our own imperfections – our own distractions – so that his love may be born anew within our hearts.

In this way, we realize that by welcoming God in the midst of our seeming distractions, we are invited to allow Christ into our lives, sometimes in ways that are far different than we would expect. While we may celebrate Christmas the same way year after year, the truth is every year we come face to face with different realities, moved by different insights or changed by varying circumstances – and every Advent season, God “interrupts” us in the middle of these distractions, so as to remind us that his concern for us is never diminished.

So, Christ is coming to us this Christmas, in the face of fresh opportunities and the lessons of the memories of how and who we are this year. Yet even with the shifting realities of time, the genuineness and hopefulness of God’s love made incarnate in Jesus – and the message of the Christmas story will be constant and always with us.

BBM leads the way President which is a possibility given the fact that the major players in Moreno’s campaign staff are closely allied with Sen. Bong Go and Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano.

DESPITE the intensified vitriol against former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. hurled by his opponents from all fronts, the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard bearer continues to lead the way as these attacks in whatever form fail to dent the soaring popularity of BBM In the most recent non-commissioned Pulso ng Pilipino survey conducted by The Center on Dec. 6-12, 2021 with some 1,200 respondents, Marcos emerged as the preferred choice of 43 percent of the 1,200 respondents who were asked as to whom they will vote for if the elections were held during the survey period. Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III who is seeking the vice presidency in tandem with Sen. Panfilo Lacson posted a higher percentage at 44 percent.

Ed Malay, director of The Center, said this is the first time in the country’s political history when the candidates for the top two positions have posted winning margins so early in the game.

But while Marcos appears to be pulling away with a 27-percent margin from his closest pursuer Sen. Manny Pacquiao, a 30 percent difference from Lacson and a 31 percent lead over Vice President Leni Robredo, the more exciting contest is in the vice-presidential race which has turned the election for the second highest position in the land into a two-way contest with the other vice-presidential candidates being relegated to that of being spectators.

Early frontrunner Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso appears to have slid into a precarious position with just 11 percent to show following a costly flip flop relative to his off-and-on critique of President Rodrigo Duterte. As of this writing, the only hope for Moreno to keep abreast with the frontrunners is an endorsement from the

This is the kind of leader we need.

Notwithstanding what appears to be the insurmountable lead of Marcos the other presidential wannabes can still close the gap depending on the kind of campaign strategy they will put in place. But one thing is certain – no amount of mudslinging and character assassination that is thrown at Marcos is working. In fact, the reverse is what seems to be happening in that the more the other candidates gang up on him particularly from the camps of Robredo and Moreno the more popular he gets. This reality should send the strategists of these two camps back to the drawing boards to retool their respective action plans.

Tailing Marcos in the Pulso ng Pilipino presidential survey is Pacquiao with 16 percent, Lacson is in third with 13 percent.

Robredo, who actually started the caravan fad is fourth with 12 percent and Domagoso with a rating of 11 percent has openly sought the endorsement of President Duterte to keep his candidacy viable.

The other presidential wannabees are Leodegario ‘Ka Leody’ De Guzman with 2 percent, retired Army General Antonio Parlade Jr. 1 percent, former Palace spokesman Ernie Abella .25 percent and former National Security Adviser Bert Gonzales (25 percent. Some 1.5 percent of those surveyed said they still don’t know whom they will vote for.

For the vice-presidential race, The Center has Sotto leading at 44 percent with Davao city Mayor Sara Duterte running in second with 36 percent.

The other vice presidential candidates are Sen. Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan with 8 percent), former Buhay Party-List Rep. Lito Atienza 5 percent, Doc Willie Ong 4 percent, Prof. Walden Bello 1 percent while 2 percent

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No contest

W

HEN tragedy strikes near an election, everything the candidates do is immediately suspect; every gesture, however noble the intention, could be easily mistaken for posturing.

In the wake of the destructive super typhoon “Odette,” presidential candidates, in varying promptness and approaches, have descended into affected areas.

The truth is, it’s difficult to draw the line.

We have to assume that each of the candidates, out of their own innate goodness, concern for the people, and mindfulness of their job, genuinely wish to commiserate with the survivors and lend them any help they can.

But we also have to assume it is natural for them to, at the corner of their minds, wish to be perceived as a compassionate leader who is there in times of need.

Senator Manny Pacquiao was the first to call on his fellow presidential candidates to set aside politics and work together to help the people.

President Rodrigo Duterte slammed Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo who had flown to Bohol as soon as flights were cleared and from there went to various typhoon-affected places to extend help. Her staff had also organized a donation drive to gather help from people who wish to provide assistance in cash and in kind. In typical fashion, such donations are acknowledged and accounted for.

“Do not compete with me,” Mr. Duterte said to Robredo. In contrast, Mr. Duterte was again criticized by some sectors for making his presence felt too late. He also only did an aerial survey of Odette-devastated regions –

after admitting that he still had to look for funds to help the people because the money had been used up in the government’s COVID response.

How can we tell if it’s genuine compassion or mere posturing?

Other candidates have done their bit, some drawing from their party funds and other sources. Others have criticized their competitors for making their efforts public. Then again, it would be correct to say that any presidential aspirant who is not on the ground and personally, physically commiserating with people can be seen as not doing enough, In all this, how can we tell who is genuine, and who is driven by politics?

First, we have to remind our people that they are under no obligation to vote for that candidate who gave them a bag of goods, or showed up in their town, or posed for photos with the backdrop of devastation. There are no conditions attached to the relief.

Second, we should look at the track record of that candidate during previous unfortunate events. Do they have a history of being at the scene of destruction soon after it happened? Are they historically

able to raise funds and make judicious use of them for such a purpose? Are they able to tell you where the money came from and how it was spent? Do they appear to know what they are doing because they have done it many times before? Are they able to coordinate with local governments and civil society to reach those who may not easily be accessible?

Third, what plans do they have in dealing with disasters in the future? Those who are in it for the “points” may only be preoccupied with the optics of shortterm response. Those who know what they are doing, on the other hand, know the roots of the problem and the need for mitigation and preparedness even before disaster strikes, and for rehabilitation and recovery weeks and months after the photo opportunities end.

It’s a tragic acknowledgment that Odette will be but one in a string of disasters that will hit our country in the foreseeable future.

We can only hope that people are wise and discerning enough not to pile disaster upon disaster by voting for the wrong leaders next year. After all, candidates who can afford to hire high-powered communication teams can create the illusion that they are the candidate to beat.

Helping those in need is never a competition – only those who do not feel secure in their own efforts would dare accuse others of upstaging them. At this crucial time, people need all the help they can get from anyone. Only narcissistic fools would be concerned about how others make them appear.

So when the rain stops, the debris clears and as election day draws nearer, we need to educate ourselves to be able to separate the grain from the chaff. We should know better.

Tempestuous thoughts (NDRRMC) data then recorded 1,268 people killed, 4,102 people injured, and 241 missing. More than 698,000 people from nine regions were affected.

Yolanda, the strongest tropical cyclone ever to hit land at Signal No.4, caused 6,300 deaths and injured 28,689. About 16 million people from ten regions were affected.

ANOTHER super typhoon, “Odette,” has created a swath of destruction from northeastern Mindanao, the whole of Visayas, all the way west to Palawan and parts of southern Luzon. As of this writing, news reports and sad images of destroyed homes, commercial buildings, and public infrastructure are starting to reveal what may be one of the worst extreme weather disasters in our climatological history.

This is yet another blow that we all know is going to make things even worse just as we are slowly starting to try to engage in Christmas cheer with friends and loved ones as safely, affordably, and happily as we can. The aftermath of this new crisis will again test the preparedness, the speed, and efficiency of disaster response of local and national government.

Very disappointing – to put it politely – is President Duterte’s statement last Saturday promising to still look for funding sources to help Typhoon “Odette” victims because of the “immensely depleted” national budget due to COVID-19 pandemic. At the risk of sounding like a hopeless cynic, I believe this kind of narrative will surely spark questions and suspicions of misuse of resources masked by pandemic response expenses.

Unless there is a credible reckoning of COVID-19 expenses, we will never know.

Or it could be just another set-up for another political spin.

Likened to typhoon Sendong, which first made landfall on the same date and also on Siargao, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said they are still undecided Not only does BBM lead uncontested in all presidential surveys, but also in relief operations for those affected by Typhoon Odette.

Yesterday, the BBM-Sara UniTeam of Marcos and Duterte led a series of relief operations in typhoon-affected areas in Leyte, Butuan, Bohol, Cebu and Masbate.

To recall, Marcos immediately called on his supporters and volunteers as early as Wednesday, a day before Typhoon Odette entered the Philippine area of responsibility, to repack relief goods in anticipation of a massive relief effort.

Minutes after his call, donors and volunteers trooped to the BBM-Sara warehouse in Taguig City, bringing with them sacks of rice, tons of canned goods, and other essentials.

Marcos personally delivered some of the relief goods at the provincial capitol in Maasin City, Southern Leyte that were received by Gov. Damian Mercado and House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez.

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

Gestures of charity are always appreciated.

Relief efforts from various sectors have been mobilized to intervene and we can count on the private sector and civil society to quickly give direct aid to typhoon indigent victims expected to be in the hundreds of thousands. After all these major catastrophes and being in crisis mode since the pandemic struck, there’s hopefully better preparedness.

On cue and expected are the relief operations initiated by politicians vying for the national leadership, congressional seats, and local governments. Like past disasters, this will be maximized as a communications opportunity to demonstrate a candidate’s sense of “malasakit” and spark a social media battle of sorts to gain public appreciation and build trust that would hopefully bring voters to vote for them in the May 2022 national elections. Not to discredit the good motivation and certainly the need to fill in the usual gaps of government’s relief efforts, these gestures of charity are always appreciated.

This importance of having this caring image is actually confirmed by a recent Social Weather Stations Survey commissioned by think tank Stratbase ADR Institute, where respondents were asked what “characteristics candidates running for national positions should have/ possess.” The top five are: at number one at The BBM-Sara UniTeam next visited Butuan City, where an estimated 7,000 families from 43 barangays have been affected.

Another team delivered relief assets in Bohol, and was met by weary residents who were still reeling from their losses.

Marcos also appealed to electric cooperatives from Luzon and Mindanao spared by Typhoon Odette to send linemen and materials to regions affected by the weather disturbance, and assist in the immediate restoration of electric power in hardest hit areas.

“In the spirit of unity, I appeal to all coops who were not affected by the onslaught of the typhoon to help in restoring electric power in the areas badly hit by the calamity so we can all have a brighter Christmas,” Marcos Jr. said minutes after being informed of the extent of damage that the typhoon has left behind.

Well, that’s the kind of leader the country needs. Not the kind who has to tweet the plans in their minds first before going to action. And maybe that’s the reason why BBM continues to lead the way in all aspects.

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66% is “concern for the poor” or to translate to our cultural equivalent “may malasakit sa mahirap”, second is they should be “honest and trustworthy” (49%), third is “not corrupt,” fourth is “has a clear plan for the country’s problems”, fifth is “fulfills his/ her promises,” in other words, is honest and trustworthy (22%).

My personal appreciation of these findings is that the responses are actually a reflection of the Filipinos’ most important concern, which is very economic – employment, how to escape poverty. Also, quite interesting, and very encouraging, is how the respondents are able to link the need for trustworthy leaders who can stop corruption and who will not succumb to the temptation of corruption. Leaders who can be trusted and have the competence to govern and execute solutions to solve the country’s deeply complex problems.

The next time you see a political ad in the media or on your social media feed, the message will relate to these concerns paired with some populist reform promises presented in a variety of creatively executed styles. For those who have the big resources, their narratives will be supported by an army of trolls who will affirm the narrative and attack oppositors and critics. I can actually think of only one tandem that has this.

We will surely pull through the devastation of super typhoon “Odette” – as we always do. Aside from controlling the spread of the new Omicron variant which requires a sustained safety discipline from each of us, we should do our part in fighting the daily storm of disinformation now infecting the minds of our people who have been frustrated by decades, even generations of economic hardship and are now being hypnotized by well-crafted propaganda.

Each of us must exert real effort in exposing lies and helping our people see the truth beyond the political deception designed to produce unwise votes. If the patrons of this grand deception come to power, we may have to fight a crisis that will be more catastrophic than Yolanda, Sendong, Odette, and the pandemic.

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HK elites elect new ‘patriots only’

H

ONG Kongers began casting ballots for city lawmakers on Sunday under Beijing’s new “patriots only” rules which drastically reduce the number of directly elected seats and control who can run for office, with turnout muted at the midway point.

It is the first legislature poll under the new political blueprint China imposed on Hong Kong in response to massive and often violent pro-democracy protests two years ago.

All candidates have been vetted for their patriotism and political loyalty to China and only 20 of the 90 legislature seats will be directly elected.

The largest chunk of seats – 40 – will be picked by a committee of 1,500 staunch Beijing loyalists.

The remaining 30 will be chosen by re-

liably pro-Beijing committees that represent special-interest and industry groups.

At 3:30 pm (0730 GMT) – halfway through the 14 hour voting period – just under 19 percent of the 4.5 million-strong electorate had cast votes, the lowest midway turnout rate since the city’s 1997 handover to China.

In 2016, 27 percent had cast votes by the same point.

Daniel So, a 65-year-old who works in technology, was among the first queuing at a polling center in the wealthy Mid-

Levels district.

“The young people are not so interested in this election because they are misled by foreign politicians and media,” he told AFP. “China is doing so great now.”

As Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam arrived to cast her vote, three protesters from the pro-democracy League of Social Democrats party chanted: “I want genuine universal suffrage.” “(Lam) said this was an improvement of the electoral system, but in reality, it stripped Hong Kongers of their right to vote,” activist Chan Po-ying told reporters.

The government bought up newspaper front pages and billboards, sent flyers to every household, pinged mobile phones with reminders to vote and made public transport free for the day.

Despite the publicity blitz, the latest

polls showed only 48 percent of respondents said they would vote – a record low – and 52 percent said they found no candidate worthy of support.

Starry Lee, chair of the biggest proBeijing party, the DAB, urged people to participate.

“The polling stations’ feedback showed that not many people are voting,” she told reporters.

An accountant in her 20s, who gave her name as Loy, said she had no plans to use her ballot.

“My vote won’t mean anything because ultimately it’s Beijing’s people winning,” she told AFP. In North Point, a district known for pro-government support, a 74-year-old man who gave his surname Lo said he did not know most of the “new faces” on the candidate list but still voted. AFP

SURFIN’ SANTA.

A surfer dressed as Santa Claus rides an artificial wave in a 0.6 degree (33 degrees Fahrenheit) cold water in the Alaia Bay surf wave pool surrrounded

by Swiss Alps, in Sion.

AFP

IN BRIEF Two adults, two kids die in light plane crash TWO adults and two children died after a light plane crashed off the coast of the Australian city of Brisbane, police said Sunday.

Queensland state police said the four were killed when the small aircraft crashed in shallow waters near Redcliffe, a bayside suburb in the city’s north, just after 9:00 a.m. local time.

The bodies of the 69-year-old pilot and three passengers – an adult male and two children – were later recovered by police divers. The passengers are yet to be identified.

Police inspector Craig White described it as a “tragic accident” in the lead-up to Christmas.

“This is the last thing that any family needs to go through this time of the year,” he said.

Local media images showed the fourseater plane upside down in the water.

Early reports indicated it crashed shortly after take-off, authorities said, but a full investigation had been ordered to determine the cause.

The Air Transport Safety Bureau said additional investigators would be sent from the national capital Canberra to assist in the probe.

Queensland police commissioner Katarina Carroll earlier told local media the initial response had encountered challenging conditions. AFP

Two rockets fired at Iraq’s Green Zone

Floods in Malaysia displace over 30,000 people across eight territories MORE than 30,000 people were evacuated from their homes in Malaysia on Sunday as the country battles some of its worst flooding in years.

The tropical Southeast Asian nation often sees stormy monsoon seasons towards the end of the year, with flooding regularly prompting mass evacuations.

Downpours since Friday have caused rivers to overflow, submerging many urban areas and cutting off major roads, leaving thousands of motorists stranded.

More than 30,000 flood victims across eight states and territories were recorded on an official government website, with over 14,000 of them in the central state of Pahang.

Nearly 10,000 people fled their homes in the country’s richest state of Selangor – which surrounds the capital Kuala Lumpur – with Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob expressing surprise at the severe flooding there.

“The amount of rain that fell in Selangor yesterday, what fell in one day would usually fall in one month,” he told a Sunday press conference.

The premier promised swift aid for the flood victims and initial funding of 100 million ringgit ($23.7 million) to repair damaged houses and infrastructure.

A government website showed water exceeding dangerous levels in six central and northeastern states Sunday afternoon.

As floodwaters receded from the capital, business owners went back to their shops to clean up the damage left by the downpours.

Lee Joon Kee, the owner of a tourist information centre and souvenir shop, said he had only reopened a few days ago after closing for nearly two years due to coronavirus restrictions.

“It’s very sad but we have no choice. The only choice (we have is) to move on and clean out the mess, then we will continue our new chapter.”

Dozens of bus routes in and around the capital have been suspended along with train services to the port city of Klang. AFP

New unverified footage of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai posted online

RED SUNSET. This photograph taken on Tuesday shows a general view of the “Baie des Anges” at sunset on the French Riviera in Nice. AFP

Russia ready to ‘fight’ for dominion over global space tourism industry AFTER a decade-long hiatus, Russia is relaunching an ambitious bid for dominion over the world’s budding space tourism industry, jostling with zealous billionaires, the United States, and rising China.

Russia flaunted its comeback this month dispatching two cosmic adventurers – Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa and his assistant – to the International Space Station (ISS) in its first launch of tourists in 12 years.

Buoyed by the success, firebrand space chief Dmitry Rogozin talked up Russia’s next steps to supremacy: a special module at the ISS for Russia’s visitors, spacewalks outside the station, and — down the line – trips around the moon.

“We will not give this niche to the

Americans. We are ready to fight for it,” he told reporters at a press conference as Maezawa was blasting towards the ISS on a 12-day mission.

Yet Russia’s path to industry dominance is dotted with new obstacles that have emerged since it was last in the game a decade ago.

Back then, the Russian space agency Roscosmos had a monopoly on sending the cash-flushed curious to space.

That changed when US agency NASA retired its own shuttle for astronauts in 2011 and snatched up every seat to the ISS Roscosmos had on offer for the next decade.

Then, last year, billionaire Elon Musk’s SpaceX barged onto the scene with its first successful ISS mission and NASA dropped Roscosmos. AFP

FRESH unverified footage of Peng Shuai was posted online by a state-affiliated journalist on Sunday as international concern persists for the Chinese tennis star after she publicly accused a former vicepremier of forcing her to have sex.

Qingqing Chen, a reporter for the stateowned Global Times, tweeted a video of Peng appearing to speak with Chinese basketball icon Yao Ming.

Chen said the video was sent to her by a “friend” and that it was taken at an event to promote cross-country skiing in Shanghai.

The seven-second clip shows the tennis player smiling and listening as Yao speaks indistinctly.

Chen also posted a photo of Peng posing with Yao and two other Chinese sports figures – Olympic sailing champion Xu Lijia and retired table tennis player Wang Liqin.

The foursome were standing next to a banner for the “FIS Cross-Country Skiing China City Tour” with Shanghai’s Yangpu bridge in the background.

The Shanghai stop of the cross-country

ski tour took place on Saturday, according to the state-run CGTN news site.

Twitter is blocked in China and only people with a VPN-type workaround can access it.

However, many Chinese diplomats and official state media have accounts to defend China’s point of view.

Peng, a former Wimbledon and French Open doubles champion, took to Chinese social media in early November to allege that former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli – who is in his 70s – forced her into sex during an on-off relationship spanning several years.

Her message was quickly scrubbed from the Chinese web, but not before screenshots were posted on Twitter, sparking a worldwide outcry.

The Women’s Tennis Association has called for Peng’s allegations to be investigated fully and transparently.

The sporting body announced earlier this month that it was suspending all tournaments in China, including Hong Kong, over concerns about Peng’s safety. AFP

MIGRANT BOAT. Migrants are helped ashore by an RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) lifeboat at a beach in Dungeness on the southeast coast of England on December 16.

A report by prison inspectors and independent monitors has found that conditions for migrants detained on the Kent coast after arriving in small boats remain very poor. AFP

TWO rockets targeted Baghdad’s ultrasecure Green Zone that houses the US embassy early Sunday, Iraq’s security forces said in a statement.

“The Green Zone in Baghdad was the target of two Katyusha rockets. The first was shot down in the air by C-RAM defense batteries, the second fell in a square, damaging two vehicles,” the statement said.

A security source told AFP that the shot down rocket fell near the US embassy, while the second came down roughly 500 meters (1640 ft) away.

Previously, the source told AFP that two rockets had been shot down near the US embassy.

No one claimed responsibility for the attack.

In recent months, dozens of rocket assaults or drone bomb attacks have targeted US troops and interests in Iraq.

The attacks are rarely claimed but are routinely pinned on pro-Iran factions in Iraq.

The latest rocket salvo comes after the country this week announced the end of the “combat mission” on its territory of the anti-jihadist coalition led by Washington.

But roughly 2,500 American soldiers and 1,000 coalition soldiers deployed in Iraq will remain in the nation to pursue a role of training, advice and assistance.

Pro-Iran factions in Iraq are calling for the departure of all US forces stationed in the country. AFP

Pentagon papers reveal US air war ‘deeply flawed’ NEWLY obtained Pentagon documents show that the US air wars in the Middle East have been marked by “deeply flawed intelligence” and resulted in thousands of civilian deaths, including many children, the New York Times reported Saturday.

It said a trove of confidential documents covering more than 1,300 reports of civilian casualties undercuts the government’s portrayal of a war fought with precision bombs.

Pledges of transparency and accountability, it said, had regularly fallen short.

“Not a single record provided includes a finding of wrongdoing or disciplinary action,” the paper reported in what it said was the first of a two-part series.

While several of the cases mentioned by the Times have been previously reported, it said its investigation showed that the number of civilian deaths had been “drastically undercounted,” by at least several hundred.

Among three cases cited was a July 19, 2016 bombing by US special forces of what were believed to be three Islamic State group staging areas in northern Syria. Initial reports were of 85 fighters killed. Instead, the dead were 120 farmers and other villagers.

Another example was a November 2015 attack in Ramadi, Iraq after a man was seen dragging “an unknown heavy object” into an Islamic State position.

The “object,” a review found, was a child, who died in the strike.

Poor or inadequate surveillance footage often contributed to deadly targeting failures, the report said.

More recently, the United States had to retract its claim that a vehicle destroyed by a drone on a Kabul street in August had contained bombs. Victims of the strike, it turned out, were 10 members of a family, including children. AFP

News NBI zeroes in on scammers using Labor chief’s name LABOR Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Sunday criticized again the people behind the devious use of a fake Facebook account for their personal gain which tended to put his name in disrepute.

For months, unethical people have been using a bogus FB name “Silvestre H. Bello III” to dupe unsuspecting victims, but the labor chief said the long arm of the law would soon catch up with them.

Bello said the National Bureau of Investigation was zeroing in on several suspects and could soon provide identification of the scammers.

“Our law enforcers are doing a great job. Arrests can be made earlier than expected,” Bello said.

He said it was lamentable that these individuals were continuing to prey on friends, acquaintances and ordinary netizens.

“We renew our warning to those behind this nefarious scheme of soliciting gifts, in cash and in kind, that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up on them. Stop now and spare friends, acquaintances and ordinary netizens from your evil designs,” Bello added.

First, the scammers solicited assistance through the fake FB account purportedly for the labor chief’s community pantry.

The pantry and donations from people and organizations were supposedly meant to boost his supposed senatorial bid.

Then, the scammers proceeded to announce that Bello was distributing tons of rice as assistance, only that the recipients needed to shoulder the cost of shipping.

In all the schemes, the would-be victims were asked to deposit on certain bank accounts. A number of Bello’s friends obliged, forking out negligible amounts to substantial sums.

“Given that this has become deliberate, the scam is seemingly intended to also damage my reputation,” Bello said.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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Hackers face economic sabotage raps

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HE cybercriminals involved in the hacking of BDO Unibank Inc. deposit accounts are bound to face economic sabotage charges, Anakalusugan partylist Rep. Michael Defensor said Sunday.

“The act of breaking into a bank’s computer system and stealing money from at least 50 deposit accounts constitutes economic sabotage,” Defensor, who is running for Quezon City mayor, said.

“Under the law, the offense is punishable with life in prison plus a fine of up to P5 million,” he added.

Defensor was referring to Republic Act No. 11449, the 2019 law that increased the penalties for the unlawful use of electronic access devices such as cards, codes, personal identification numbers (PINs), user names, and passwords, among others.

Union Bank of the Philippines earlier said it had identified at least six persons suspected of complicity in the hacking of BDO accounts the

previous weekend.

The hacking was discovered after more than 700 BDO depositors reported unauthorized Instapay transfers out of their accounts to the fictitious account of a certain “Mark Nagoyo” with Union Bank.

The exact number of accounts and the aggregate sum of money stolen by the hackers remain unclear.

However, one report suggested that at least P5 million of the stolen funds were subsequently stashed by the cybercriminals in cryptocurrency.

Meanwhile, Defensor said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) should require banks to routinely go on high alert against potential cybercriminal activities on weekends and holidays.

“We already know that most cyberattacks on banks happen on weekends and holidays, so the practical solution is for them to heighten their vigilance on these slow days,” Defensor said.

Besides the BDO hacking, Defensor recalled that the $101 million Bangladesh Bank cyberheist in 2016 also happened on a weekend when the bank’s offices were closed.

The Philippines’ banking system got entangled in the Bangladesh central bank cyberheist after $81 million of the stolen funds were diverted to five fictitious deposit accounts with Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC).

“We also want banks to put an end to their practice of going on slow mode when it comes to providing customer support on weekends and holidays,” Defensor said.

“Banks must respond instantly to customer complaints of potential hacking of their deposit or credit card accounts 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Defensor said.

Defensor also said he expects the BSP and the National Privacy Commission to separately impose administrative fines on banks whose computer systems were breached, and whose depositors lost money as well as sensitive personal information.

“These administrative fines are absolutely necessary to compel banks to constantly find ways to protect their systems and safeguard their customers,” Defensor said.

“Actually, it is not true that the banks themselves are absorbing the financial losses from cyberattacks,” Defensor said.

All depositors end up paying for a bank’s financial losses when money from an account gets stolen, according to Defensor.

“In fact, every time the banks seek an increase in their automated teller machine (ATM) withdrawal or credit card fees, they always claim that they need the higher charges to pay for financial losses due to fraudulent transactions,” Defensor said.

War-torn Lanao Norte town lights up Christmas display spot in the conflict between government soldiers and Moro rebels since KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte— the 1970s, switched on its colorful This once war-torn town, usual hot Christmas display early this month.

By Richel V. Umel | PPI

HOLIDAY LIGHTS OF HOPE. Residents of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte came in droves to witness the opening of the municipality’s Christmas display. Richel Umel / PPI

It gave joy and hope to its Christian and Muslim residents as hundreds came gathered at the municipal hall compound to witness the opening night after being locked down in their homes for almost two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The municipal hall façade was covered with multi-colored Christmas lights. Atop are the words “Sikad Pa Kauswagan”—short for Sustainable Integrated Kauswagan Development and Peace Agenda.

In March 2000, shortly after the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) attacked the town and occupied its municipal government compound, tanks and other armored vehicles were stationed at the public plaza fronting the municipal hall.

The attack prompted former President Joseph Estrada to declare an “allout war” against the MILF, a war that spread in many parts of Mindanao and lasted several months.

Excited residents, showing their vaccine cards, came to the municipal government compound to see fireworks, a giant Christmas tree and globe, and colorful

lights radiating around the flagpole.

Voices of local singers filled the air.

“It’s nice seeing all these, considering we missed Christmas last year with the lockdowns,” said Randy Queruela, 52, a resident of Upper Tacub.

“Together we fought and survived for almost two years fighting the unseen enemy, COVID-19,” Mayor Rommel Arnado said in his message.

“This is a symbol of peace, hope and strength. We thus celebrate life together and thank God that we survived in spite of the hardship and trials. Let us pray for the eventual recovery of our economy,” the mayor added.

Arnado hoped that most of the residents will be fully vaccinated “to achieve herd immunity before the end of December.”

The following day, the municipal government distributed rice and grocery items to residents as part of its Christmas offering.

Noraisa Bansil, 50, of Baraason, said she received five kilos of rice and various grocery items. “I’m glad they treat us Muslims and Christians equally during this season,” she added

Odette Watch: Scenes of Devastation and Relief

(Clockwise) A destroyed house stands along the coast in Ubay town, Bohol province, a day after super typhoon Odette devastated the town. In Talisay, Cebu, motorists pass a fallen electric pylon caused by the storm. Volunteers unload sacks of rice at the Leni-Kiko Headquarters in Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City that will be brought to typhoon-hit provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao while members of the Philippine Coast Guard load relief goods at the BRP Gabriela Silang for its transport mission to Surigao Del Norte on December 19, 2021.

Manny Palmero, Norman Cruz and AFP

Sports

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

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2021

San Diego, 3 others share PH chess lead ANTOINETTE San Diego sent 13-year-old wunderkind Ruelle Canino back to earth with a 52move win of a King’s Indian Defense to seize a share of the lead with three others after two rounds of the 2021 Philippine Women’s Chess Championship at the PACE building in Quezon City yesterday.

San Diego, an Olympiad veteran, pounced on an opening blunder by Canino to emerge a piece up and nursed it until the end and extract the full point, forging a four-way logjam on top with Kylen Joy Mordido, Shania Mae Mendoza and Jan Jodilyn Fronda with 1.5 points each.

Mordido and Fronda battled to a 34-move standoff of an English Opening, while Mendoza turned back Lexie Grace Hernandez in 66 moves of a Queen’s Pawn opening.

It was a heartbreaking defeat for Canino, who was hoping to follow up with a win her shock 96-move triumph over top seed and the country’s first and only Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna of a Jobava System of the London Opening in the first round Saturday night.

Frayna was quick to bounce back from that stinging defeat by outlasting fellow national team mainstay Bernadette Galas in 57 moves of a French encounter in this event staking P50,000 to the champion and a slot to next year’s Hanoi Southeast Asian Games.

Rinoa Mariel Sadey likewise barged into the win column following a 44-move win over Allaney Jia Doroy of an English Opening.

The event is backed by PSC chair Butch Ramirez, Chess Movement, Inc. chair Dr. Ariel Potot, PCSO general manager Royina Garma, Endgame Sports founder Atty. Cris Aspiras, POC president Bambol Tolentino, NCFP chief Butch Pichay and Atty. Roel Canobas.

Magnolia’s Calvin Abueva leaves Rain or Shine’s Jewel Ponferada behind with his quick first step for an easy layup in a PBA Governors’ Cup game won by the Hotshots, 109-98.

Hotshots turn back Painters, nd march to 2 straight victory

By Peter Atencio

second loss in four games.

Meanwhile, the fight for a top 10 finHE Magnolia Hotshots took control early and ish and the final leg championship are on the line when the PBA 3x3 Lakas put away the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, Ng Tatlo resumes Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

109-98, on Sunday in the 2021 Philippine Teams are expected to go all-out in Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the the two-day competition for Leg 6 of the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig. three-a-side tournament presented by 1Pacman Party List, in a bid to advance in Import Mike Harris delivered 23 points widened the Hotshots’ edge to 14, with the conference’s grand finale set on Dec. for the Hotshots as they marched to their 4:58 left in the third period, 74-60.

29 also at the Big Dome. second straight triumph. His lone charity Jio Jalalon, playing his best game so Only the top 10 teams at the conclusion and Ian Sangalang’s driving layup in the far, had 14 points and 10 rebounds, with of the six-leg event will compete for the last 33 seconds of the first period set the his two freebies in the final 7:40 handing P1.1 million event, where the champion tone for the Hotshots early as they slowly the Hotshots an 18-point spread, 96-78. team receives the top prize of P750,000. moved out of range, 34-31.

“We wanted to control the pace of the So far already assured of progressing With contributions from their second game. I told my players that we need to have are Leg 2 winner and twice runner-up unit in the second period, the Hotshots that mental toughness because we knew Meralco, which is on top with 370 accuwent on to nurse a 55-48 halftime spread. that this is going to be a physical game,” mulated points, followed by maiden leg Harris struck again with 10 points in said Hotshots’ coach Chito Victolero. champion TNT (340), Leg 4 titlist PureImport William Henry Walker and foods TJ Titans (300), and guest team the third canto as the Hotshots took an Rey Nambatac tallied 23 points each for Platinum Karaoke (290).

11-point spread, 86-73.

Calvin Abueva, who had 18 points, the Elasto Painters, who picked up their All the rest remains in the running in-

T

Dolphins, Parks move into quarterfinals BOBBY Ray Parks Jr. and the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins pulled off their second win over the Toyama Grouses, 101-75, on Sunday to reach the quarterfinal playoffs of the 2021-22 B.League at the Dolphins Arena.

This time, Parks fired 14 points for the Diamond Dolphins, who picked up their fifth straight triumph and remained in second place in the West District standings.

Coty Clarke showed the way with 19 points as the Diamond Dolphins moved ahead on baskets by Parks in the first and second periods.

Two charities from Parks in the last 9:44 of the third period saw Nagoya cut loose, 48-39.

Nagoya moved up to 14-7 in the West, while Toyama fell to two straight losses at 7-14.

Last Saturday, the game was tied at 81-all with 4:31 left, when Parks passed

to Scott Eatherton for the go-ahead basket that allowed Nagoya to grab the lead for good.

It was a battle of Filipino imports as Parks bucked foul trouble to produce 15 points on three triples with three assists and two rebounds, winning his showdown with the Grouses’ Filipino import Dwight Ramos, who had 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Peter Atencio

Southwoods nails Seniors’ Fil golf crown Bobby Ray Parks Jr.

GlobalPort-PH stuns Argentina in Miguel Romero Cup GLOBALPORT-PHILIPPINE team used its chemistry to its advantage as it rampaged early to produce a stunning 10-9 win over a fancied team from Argentina in the Miguel Lorenzo Romero Cup held recently in Calatagan, Batangas.

GlobalPortPhilippine team members (from left) Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero and wife Sheila, Jake Gordon, Adrian Garcia and Anthony Garcia (with daughters Bailey and Bea).

Playing in the field named after his son Miguel Lorenzo, Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero (1Pacman Partylist) joined forces with grizzled veteran Anthony Garcia in scoring the team’s first win over a squad backstopped by well-decorated Argentinean players.

cluding bottom teams Barangay Ginebra, NorthPort, and Zamboanga Valientes.

Previous leg winner Limitless App also tries to win in back-to-back fashion as it opens its campaign right away in Pool A. The Appmasters, composed of Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Jorey Napoles, Reymar Caduyac, and Marvin Hayes, clash with Pioneer Pro Tibay at 2 p.m. in the first of another heavy 16-game schedule on opening day of pool play.

In another Pool A game at 2:25 p.m., Platinum Karaoke takes on Zamboanga Valientes, before Purefoods faces San Miguel to open hostilities in Pool B at 2:50 p.m.

Terrafirma versus Sista Super Sealers go up against each other in Pool C action at 3:15 p.m., while Cavitex makes its debut opposite Pioneer at 3:40 p.m. in Pool A. Four teams then play their first game in succession, with TNT battling NorthPort at 4:30 p.m. (Pool B), followed by Meralco versus Barangay Ginebra at 4:55 p.m. (Pool C).

“It was unbelievable beating the Argentineans,” said Romero, who scored a crucial goal late in the game that helped Globalport repel Argentina’s determined comeback. “We made a good start because of the team’s chemistry.”

Behind Garcia’s attacking f lair, GlobalPort raced to a commanding 6-2 lead to the cheers of a small but highly-appreciative crowd that enjoyed the hospitality of the host organization.

GlobalPort’s lead, however, dwindled after the half as the Argentineans intensified their attack to pull to within 9-8.

But Romero and Garcia—along with Adrian Garcia and Jake Gordon—refused to be intimidated with Anthony Garcia sealing the deal with his 6th goal with still two minutes.

Though Argentina made another goal, time was not on its side as GlobalPort rotated the ball with razor-sharp precision to deny Argentina from tying the game.

What made GlobalPort’s victory more impressive was that eight of its goals were from the field, while the two others were scored the foul line courtesy of Adrian Garcia.

The tournament was the first to be held at the Miguel Lorenzo Romero field since the 2019 SEA Games, where the Romero- and Garcia-led team secured a bronze medal in the event that lured several rich and powerful players from the region

MANILA Southwoods (‪114-423‬) took the Seniors’ Fil Championship crown over tournament co-hosts Camp John Hay (‪111-398‬) and Baguio Country Club (‪104-355‬) at Camp John Hay Golf Club at the close of the 71st Fil-Am Golf Invitational in Baguio City.

Drajdan scored 95 points on the last day for 330, while CJH Hotels had 83 and 305 total. Residences at Brent finished third after a 66 and 273.

EK Amigos weathered a last round rally by Baguio City Golf Team and win the Seniors’ Am A by 276. The Amigos ended with 61 for a sevenshot win over first-round leader Baguio City. LMG Construction finished third with 268 after a 61.

Team Mcder slowed down with 59 and 269 to win Fil B by 24 points over IGC Seniors – Xentromall, which had a 65 and 245, actually in tie with Yutong Philippines, which finished with 73.

IGC Senior took the higher spot as Yutong had no fifth player in the fiveto-play, four-to-count tournament.

Meanwhile, Ryan Monsalve edged Southwoods teammate Ramos for the Fil Champ individual crown. Monsalve closed with 35 and 130, while Ramos had 32 for 129.

Richard delos Santos of Batangas Barakos finished tied with Junjun Plana of champion Time Cargo at 1323 but won via countback with his 33 on the penultimate round against Plana’s 26.

Group 2 honors went to Yancy Siladan of Benlife with 115 points, Group 3 to Goody Ignacio of BCC with 104and Marty Manayos of Razcals I taking the Group 3 frown with 71.

Raul Monoza of Southwoods walked away with the Seniors’ Group 1 title with 124 points, Rudy Lockey of CJH the Group 2 title with 104 and Larry Mendoza of EK Amigos the Group 3 crown with 85 points.

IN BRIEF

Business PEZA expects sharp increase in investments

By Othel V. Campos THE Philippine Export Zone Authority said over the weekend it expects a hefty increase in investments next year, as it anticipates new projects from Japanese companies and the rollout of expansion plans from current locators inside the economic zones.

“We are looking forward to a three-digit increase [in investments], especially in this coming 2022 because of our aggressive marketing and promotion, and creation of different types of economic zones nationwide,” said PEZA directorgeneral Charito Plaza in a recent Global Biz Forum with Japanese companies.

She said Japanese firms played a big role in sustaining investment flows during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021.

“We increased export income to as much as 30 percent in 2020, because of the trust and confidence conveyed to us by our Japanese investors and all other export companies and our ecozone operators,” she said.

Plaza said Japanese firms stayed in the Philippines despite the threats and challenges brought by the pandemic.

About 90 to 95 percent of PEZAregistered companies maintained their operations. There were 4,670 locator companies inside ecozones as of end-October 2021, data showed.

About 27 percent of the locators are Japanese investors engaged in warehousing and storage, fabricated metal products except machinery and equipment, rubber and plastic products, radio, television, communication equipment and apparatus and software development.

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2021

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SEC to disqualify convicted company officers, directors

By Jenniffer B. Austria

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HE Securities and Exchange Commission is drafting rules to enforce the disqualification of convicted directors, trustees and officers from companies.

Directors and officers of companies, according to the draft guidelines, will be disqualified if they were convicted by final judgment of an offense punishable by imprisonment for a period of more than six years within their tenure, .

They may also lose their positions or be disqualified from being elected in other companies for violating the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines and the

Securities Regulation Code.

Officers found administratively liable for any offense involving fraudulent acts, or found liable by a foreign court or equivalent regulatory authority for acts, violations or misconduct similar to the same conditions will also be disqualified.

The SEC said the drafting of the rules is part of its efforts to promote good corporate governance.

It said it would operationalize Section 26 of RCC, which provides that a person should be disqualified from being a director, trustee or officer of any corporation if, within five years prior to their election or appointment, the person was convicted by final judgment of an offense punishable by imprisonment for a period exceeding six years.

The same provision empowers the SEC and the Philippine Competition Commission to impose other qualifications or disqualifications in its promotion of good

corporate governance or as a sanction in its administrative proceedings.

It said the the removal of a disqualified director would be without prejudice to other sanctions that the SEC may impose on the board of directors or trustees who, with knowledge of the disqualification, failed to remove such director or trustee.

The SEC said that on top of the removal of the director, trustee and/or officer, it may also issue a permanent cease and desist order and/or impose a fine from P10,000 to P400,000 for each violation of its orders or any relevant laws and regulations.

Under the proposed guidelines, an independent administrative action for the removal of an officer of a corporation may be commenced upon the motu proprio issuance of a formal charge by the SEC operating department that has jurisdiction over the subject matter, or upon filing of a verified complaint.

Kwik taps GCash for car insurance KWIK.insure, the Philippines’ first and largest multi-channel insurance platform, teamed up with mobile wallet GCash to help Filipino car owners conveniently purchase compulsory third-party liability and comprehensive car insurance policies through the GCash platform.

Under the partnership, Kwik.insure and GCash will bring the two insurance products in GInsure, an in-app feature on the GCash app that allows users to purchase and manage their insurance policies.

As the car industry continues to bounce back—with 205,078 brand new vehicles sold in the market from the first quarter to the third quarter of 2021—Kwik.insure offers a more convenient way of purchasing car insurance.

“There’s a consistent rise in car ownership here in the country and it has motivated us to further aid Filipinos when it comes to ensuring their safety and security on the road. Through this partnership, renewing and buying car insurance is now possible with just a few taps,” said Hamilton Angluben, founder and chief executive of Kwik.insure. Darwin G. Amojelar

PSALM to save P822m from EO 157 STATE-RUN Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. expects to realize savings of P822 million from the issuance of Executive Order No. 157 by President Rodrigo Duterte, a top executive said over the weekend.

EO 157 authorizes the reduction of the 2021 real property tax due on property, machinery and equipment used for production of electricity by independent power producers covered by build-operate-transfer contracts with government-owned or controlled corporations.

PSALM said its 2021 RPT obligations amounting to about P1.019 billion at 80-percent tax assessment rate would be reduced to about P200 million at 15-percent.

“We are very thankful that President Duterte signed EO No. 157. With the issuance of this EO No. 157, PSALM’s 2021 RPT obligations amounting to about P1.019 billion at 80 percent assessment rate, would be reduced to about P200 million at 15 percent assessment rate,” PSALM president and chief executive Irene Besido0-Garcia said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

INAEC gets award for COVID response

ALLHC DONATION. Ayalaland Logistics Holdings Corp. sets up the Mabalacat e-Library at Mabalacat City College Dapdap Campus in Mabalacat, Pampanga. The e-library is a joint project of the local government of Mabalacat, Mabalacat City College and Pampanga Technopark. Attending the turnover ceremony are (from left) ALLHC head of ALogis Bianca Tan, ALogis Artico head Sherri Pasquil, Mabalacat City College assistant vice president for student affairs and support services Beejay Sebastian and Mabalacat City College librarian Aileen David.

Finance defends collection of P3.49b from Pilipinas Shell’s alkylate imports

By Julito G. Rada THE Bureau of Customs’ upcoming collection of P3.49 billion in excise and value-added taxes on the alkylate imports of Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. from 2014 to 2020 “levels the playing field” as other oil companies were paying the same on their shipments of the product, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said.

Dominguez, in a recent executive committee meeting of the department, commended the BOC for the upcoming collection of the amount.

Pilipinas Shell earlier said it would remit “under protest” P3.49 billion to the Bureau of Customs, representing supposed excise and value added taxes on fuel blending components used in refinery operations from 2014 to 2020.

The country’s second biggest oil company said the BOC recognized Pilipinas Shell’s intent to pay under protest the excise tax and VAT relative to alkylate importations.

“Congratulations on collecting the tax on the alkylate imports. Even though it’s under protest, I think it’s a real move forward,” Dominguez told Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero.

Guerrero said in a letter to Pilipinas Shell

the BOC recognized the oil firm’s intent to pay the back taxes and directed it to submit its first payment on or before Dec. 27 this year.

Guerrero made it clear to Pilipinas Shell president and chief executive Lorelei Osial that the possible suspension of the oil firm’s accreditation in case it fails to pay the taxes “was not whimsically raised nor is the same a threat, but rather a proper recourse of the bureau pursuant to existing rules and regulations and in view of the dissolution by the Supreme Court of the temporary restraining order previously issued” on the government’s demand for payment.

The Supreme Court lifted the TRO that barred the government from collecting taxes on Shell’s alkylate imports in March.

The high court also remanded the case to the Court of Tax Appeals, where Pilipinas Shell filed a motion to pursue its previous TRO application to stop the government from collecting taxes on its alkylate shipments.

“In the event of default for the payment as agreed upon, the suspension of the accreditation of PSPC shall be forthwith imposed subject to existing rules and regulations, and without prejudice to any other available administrative and judicial remedies which the BOC may exercise,” Guerrero said in his letter.

Figaro Coffee eyes acquisition of other brands COFFEE chain Figaro Coffee Group Inc. plans to acquire other brands and food service businesses over the next three years to aggressively expand its portfolio.

Figaro said in the registration statement related to its planned initial public offering it would allocate P600 million or 35 percent from the planned P1.7-billion maiden share offering to fund potential acquisitions.

“We are still in the early stages of studying and evaluating these potential acquisitions which are intended to accelerate out growth, expand our business segments and add value to our brands and product offerings,” Figaro said.

“At this time, we have not yet identified any specific acquisition opportunities or targets in the immediate future,” it said.

Figaro plans to use the balance of IPO proceeds to finance rollout of additional stores, renovation of existing outlets and debt repayment.

Figaro is operating 99 stores as of November 2021, including 55 Figaro coffee shops, 35 Angel’s Pizza outlets, 5 Tien Ma’s Taiwanese

cuisine restaurants, 3 TFG Express outlet and 1 Café Portofino outlet.

It plans to have 150 stores and 300 stores by end 2029.

Figaro will offer up to 1.38 billion primary common shares at up to P1.28 per share. The final offer price will be set on Dec. 22, 2021.

The offer period will be from Jan. 10 to Jan. 14, 2022. The shares will be listed on the main board of the Philippine Stock Exchange on Jan. 24, 2022.

Figaro selected Abacus Capital & Investment Corp., China Bank Capital Corp. and PNB Capital and Investment Corp. as joint issue managers, joint lead underwriters and joint bookrunners of the IPO. Figaro group is a purely Filipino and homegrown diversified food group with over 28 years in the industry.

It is majority-owned by businessman Jerry Liu, who also runs the listed semiconductor firm Cirtek Holdings Philippines Corp. Jenniffer B. Austria

INAEC Aviation Corp. was awarded an honorable mention in the COVID-19 agility and response category in the International SOS Foundation 2021 Duty of Care Awards.

The award was given in recognition of INAEC’s program, which demonstrated the importance of implementing protocols that protect the health and wellbeing of their workers.

The awards, announced recently at the Duty of Care Summit, honor organizations and individuals making a significant contribution to protecting their employees, at home or away.

“We are honored to be recognized for our company’s COVID-19 response. While we did our best to prepare our operations when news of COVID-19 initially reached public attention in January of 2020, we did not expect just how much COVID-19 will affect our country, and the world. Because the services that we do are essential, such as transporting personnel to offshore facilities so they could bring light and electricity to Luzon or performing medical evacuations, our operations were able to continue during and after the lockdown,” said Benjamin Lopez, president of INAEC.

Good service never rests especially during challenging times THE pandemic has put emphasis on the importance of businesses having a partner bank that complements their commitment to serve the clients even amidst the threats of the prevailing pandemic.

Five maritime crew management and manning companies—Magsaysay Maritime Corp., OSM Maritime Services, Singa Ship Management Philippines, Inc., Solpia Marine and Ship Management, and Dohle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc.—shared their stories on how they coped with and hurdled the challenges of the pandemic and the lessons they have learned from it.

How was your business affected by the pandemic?

ARNOLD JAVIER, President and CEO of Magsaysay Maritime Corp: “This pandemic has brought many changes in our operation. It is good that we have adequate preparation and well-crafted business continuity plans and defined protocols because we were able to adapt to the situation and the changing needs of the industry,” Javier said. “In times like this, it is important that we have the financial means to support our plans and operations. BDO really played an important part in ensuring that our people, most especially our crew, are able to receive their allotment on time despite the lockdowns and other restrictions. BDO has been a reliable partner, providing us with the needed banking and remittance services and thus allowing us to meet our financial obligations to our crew, suppliers and vendors.”

JORGE EDWARD CHANG, Head of Finance of OSM Maritime Services: “The pandemic created a lot of challenges for both OSM and our seafarers. Thus, our seafarer remittances, were not significantly affected. It was some sort of “magic” that it continued to be a very seamless transaction for OSM and BDO, with BDO bringing the remittances to our seafarers. I cannot recall any significant hurdle or challenge that we encountered during this pandemic,” Chang said. “Every time we call on BDO, they provided immediate solutions to us.”

NACONIEL DELA TORRE, Chief Finance Officer for the Singa Group: “When the lockdown started, everyone was caught by surprise. But at the onset, the first thing I did was to call my counterpart in BDO. We still had to process a lot of allotments during that month. Our Shipping Business Development Officer assured us that everything will be ok. Singa’s seafarers and allottees were given the allotment either on the day that we received the funds from the principal or the following day. The anxiety was answered by our partnership with BDO,” dela Torre said. “BDO Remit was with us every step of the way, giving us advice on what’s the best practice, on what to do.”

ROBELYN ECLEO, Admin Accounting Manager of Solpia Marine: “In trying times like this where not many manning agencies were given the capacity to deploy their seafarers, we did everything to deploy our seafarers as much as possible. Everyday, we were dispatching a lot of seafarers because of the need of our principals,” Ecleo said. “We are very

thankful to BDO Remit because they’re not just a valuable partner, but they also helped facilitate a digital collaboration in sending remittances and made it easy for our seafarers’ families to receive their remittances on a timely manner.”

ATTY. IRIS BAGUILAT, President and CEO of Dohle Seafront Crewing Manila: “We also had the challenge of bringing home seafarers who ended their contracts, and replacing them with seafarers who will commence their contracts onboard. While people are onboard, we had to ensure that we are taking care of their families ashore.

This relationship is very important, one that w e cannot afford to have any hiccups. Meaning, they have to be paid on time, as per contract,” Baguilat said. “The presence of BDO all over the Philippines is a blessing in the sense that they are open and available in far-flung places. They are available on weekends. They make sure that they are open regardless of the COVID challenge. The main office that is taking care of the remittance remained in operations 24x7. They were transacting when we were transacting. We did not experience severe downtime. There was always someone running with us, delivering when we were delivering.”

What were the business lessons you’ve learned during the pandemic?

Javier: “Emergency response plan and disaster preparedness are really important for business continuity and sustainability. But we cannot also discount the major role of a sound and professional relationship partner like BDO to keep us afloat during this unprecedented lockdown and business cessation caused by the COVID-19.”

Chang: “Relationship matters. At the end of the day, when you’re confronted with a business challenge, you go back to the business relationship with your partners. It’s a mutual business relationship we have established with BDO. And while convenience is always there, it’s not at the cost of control and compliance. BDO is very strict in terms of compliance.

That’s very professional. That matters to me.”

Dela Torre: “You cannot always be prepared for everything. Just be responsive and make sure you have at least the ground work for digitalization. Your organization should be responsive enough to cope up with any changes. Relationships during these times are very important.

We cannot imagine if BDO was not there, if our principal was not with us during this pandemic. Even our staff, our employees, the families of our crew members, if they were not with us, staying on course. It’s just a matter of being sincere, keeping an open communication with our stakeholders with regard to the business.”

Ecleo: “We must adapt to change. As they say, change is the only constant in this world. Without the mentality of adaptability and innovation, I believe companies won’t be able to exist nowadays.”

Baguilat: “It’s important to recognize your partners in these critical times.

That’s important even when you overcome a challenge to show appreciation for the work we have done together. This is not just purely transactional, it’s also building relationships. BDO attested that we continue to serve our seafarers even during times of crisis.”

BDO, through its remittance service arm BDO Remit, earlier conferred plaques of appreciation to Magsaysay, OSM, Singa, Solpia, and Dohle, as well as to Navia Crewing Services, Inc., BSM Crew Service Center Phils., Inc., Anscor Swire Ship Management, Wilhelmsen Smith Bell, United Philippine Lines, and Diversified International Services, among others, for their continued support and partnership with the Bank especially during the pandemic.

Business

B2 || MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2021 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market to continue consolidating and 7,300 points this week after the government projected a faster economic growth this year.

HARE prices are The Development Budget Coordinaexpected continue to tion Committee (DBCC) last week raised consolidate this week raised its economic growth target for 2021 to 5.5 percent from a previous forecast of with an upward bias as 4 to 5 percent. It also kept its estimate of positive investor sentiments a 7-percent to 9-percent growth for 2022.

The government attributed the faster over the economy growth target to the reopening of the econooutweighs concerns about my in the third quarter of the year after COthe Omicron variant of VID-19 cases declined significantly due to the vaccination drive of the government. coronavirus.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index BDO Unibank Inc. said the stock mar- last week jumped 1.5 percent to close at ket may consolidate between 7,000 points 7,297.66, while the broader All Shares in-

By Jenniffer B. Austria

S

dex climbed 0.6 percent to 3,851.59 as the government maintained its policy rates.

Sectoral indices ended mixed. Holding firms rose 2.3 percent while financials advanced 2 percent.

The mining and oil index slipped 0.9 percent, while property and industrial both dropped 0.1 percent.

Foreign investors were net buyers for the week by P80 billion. The buying was boosted by the completion of the sale of Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc.’s 25-percent stake in unit Aboitiz Power Corp. to Japan’s power producer JERA Co. Inc. The average daily value turnover rose to P25.5 billion from the previous week’s P19.8 billion.

Weekly top price gainers were PLDT Inc., which jumped 9.8 percent to P1,900; SM Investments Corp., which rose 6.3 percent to P999; and Bank of the Philippine Islands, which climbed 3.7 percent to P94.

Weekly top price losers were DITO CME Holdings Corp., which declined 11.5 percent to P5.51; Wilcon Depot Inc., which dropped by 5.9 percent to P31.05; and Puregold Price Club Inc., which fell 5.2 percent to P36.55.

Meanwhile, world stock markets mostly fell Friday, giving up gains made after major central banks took action to combat soaring inflation as the fragile economic recovery appears threatened again by spiking COVID-19 cases.

Fed official sees first US rate hike in spring 2022 WASHINGTON―With inflation expected to remain high for some time, the US central bank is likely to raise interest rates soon after it ends its bondbuying program in March, a Federal Reserve board member said Friday.

The Fed earlier this week announced it will accelerate the end to its stimulus program after inflation last month saw its biggest jump in nearly four decades, with price increases on a wide array of goods hitting US consumers and businesses.

Fed Governor Christopher Waller said the decision announced Wednesday gives policymakers the ability to respond quickly with an increase in the benchmark lending rate, which he expects “will be warranted shortly after our asset purchases end” in the spring.

Asked to be more precise about the timing, Waller said, “We’d like to put March on the table as a possible date to start lifting (interest rates) if we need to.”

Quarterly forecasts from Fed policymakers also released this week signaled the likelihood of three interest rate hikes next year, and most economists expect the first one in May as officials try to keep inflation under wraps.

But opening the door to a more rapid move in March―at what would be the Fed’s second policy meeting of the year―was the “whole point” of the decision announced this week, Waller told the Forecasters Club of New York.

Inflation “is alarmingly high, persistent and has broadened to affect more categories of goods and services, compared with earlier this year.”

He said he expects the economy to grow strongly in coming months and rapidly return to full employment―a key criteria for the Fed before it will lift rates off zero, where they have been since March 2020 at the start of the pandemic. AFP

PSEi December 18, 2021

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OPM MAH

0.011 1.21

0.001 0.09

10.00% 8.04%

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7.6

0.49

6.89%

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ACEX OM

36.85 0.34

2.35 0.02

6.81% 6.25%

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1900

90

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6.19

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TOP LOSERS

CHRISTMAS LOCKDOWN. Shoppers walk in the center of Rotterdam. The Netherlands on Saturday announced a Christmas

lockdown as all non-essential shops, cultural and entertainment venues must shut until January 14, while schools will close until at least January 9 to put an end to the rapid advance of the much more contagious Omicron variant. AFP

Brexit negotiator David Frost quits UK gov’t—report LONDON―British Cabinet Minister David Frost, who led Brexit negotiations under Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has resigned from the government, The Mail on Sunday reported.

The newspaper said Frost would leave his post in January owing to “disillusionment” with the direction of government policy, citing a senior government source.

Johnson’s office did not immediately respond when contacted by AFP about the reported loss of a trusted ally, which would deliver another huge blow to the besieged leader.

The weekly paper reported online that Frost handed in his resignation a week ago, but was persuaded to stay on until the New Year.

An unnamed source told the paper that Frost was opposed to the government’s new coronavirus restrictions, focus on

net-zero climate targets and tax rises.

Johnson is already reeling from a rebellion by 100 of his MPs in a parliamentary vote over coronavirus measures and the stunning loss of a 23,000 majority seat in a by-election.

That was partly blamed on a slew of reports that his staff and aides held parties last Christmas despite virus restrictions in place at the time.

The deputy leader of the main opposition Labor party Angela Rayner said the resignation demonstrated “a government in total chaos right when the country faces an uncertain few weeks.” “@BorisJohnson isn’t up to the job.

We deserve better than this buffoonery,” she tweeted.

The foreign affairs spokeswoman for the smaller Liberal Democrats, Layla Moran, said: “This shock resignation is a sign of the chaos and confusion at the heart of

Laos opens scenic railway built on a mountain of Chinese debt

By Lisa Martin and Pathom Sangwongmanich BANGKOK, Thailand―Laos opened a new $6-billion rail link with China to much fanfare this month, but analysts warn the party could be short-lived as the government grapples with a potential debt crisis.

The line will connect the capital Vientiane with the southern Chinese city of Kunming, and there are grand plans for a high-speed rail network running to Singapore through Thailand and Malaysia.

Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith at the opening heralded a “new era of modern infrastructure development” for the impoverished country, adding that “the dreams of Lao people have come true.”

The government is hopeful the railway will turn a profit by 2027, but analysts are concerned about the unsustainable Chinese loans to pay for this and other projects.

With a tiny domestic market, there is “limited commercial logic for an expensive railway” to connect the country of seven million to Kunming, said Jonathan Andrew Lane in an Asian Development Bank Institute report.

His analysis found that potential benefits to Laos do not appear to outweigh the risks.

“That debt service will put further strain on the limited tax-raising abilities of the government,” Lane wrote.

Laos faces having to stump up vast sums of cash to pay for the rail line, which was set up as a Laos-China joint venture under Beijing’s vast, trillion-dollar Belt and Road infrastructure initiative (BRI).

As the reclusive Southeast Asian country’s overall debt climbs to a dizzying $13.3 billion―making up almost three-quarters of gross domestic product―experts fear Laos could be at risk of default.

That could bind it further to China, having already attracted the moniker “Chinese satellite state”―Beijing accounts for 47 percent of its borrowings.

‘Hidden debt’ Besides a $1.06-billion debt liability, Laos has exposed itself to so-called “hidden debt” in the formation of the joint venture to finance the railway, according to AidData, a research lab at American university William & Mary.

The tie-up comprises three Chinese stateowned companies and a Lao enterprise, with Beijing staking 70 percent of the $3.54-billion debt.

Considered “too big to fail,” researchers said there is some uncertainty over which country would feel compelled to bail out the joint venture if it defaulted.

If “insufficiently profitable, anywhere between 0-100 percent of the total $3.54-billion debt could become a repayment obligation of the Government of Laos,” AidData warned. AFP

this Conservative government.

“The rats are fleeing Boris Johnson’s sinking ship as he lurches from crisis to crisis. Even the Prime Minister’s once-loyal supporters are now abandoning him.”

And Arlene Foster, who stepped down as Northern Ireland’s first minister because of post-Brexit trading arrangements in the UK province, said it had huge implications.

“The resignation of Lord Frost from the Cabinet is a big moment for the Government but enormous for those of us who believed he would deliver for NI,” she wrote on Twitter.

Frost has been locked in talks for weeks over the so-called Northern Ireland Protocol, which governs trade between the British mainland of England, Scotland and Wales, and Northern Ireland, and with the European Union. AFP

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

LCB MEDIC DITO JAS PHA CAT MONDE TFHI NI MRC

LAST PRICE 0.127 1.3 5.51 1.7 0.57 13.18 15.32 124.9 1 0.255

CHANGE -0.017 -0.1 -0.34 -0.1 -0.03 -0.6 -0.68 -5 -0.04 -0.01

% CHANGE -11.81% -7.14% -5.81% -5.56% -5.00% -4.35% -4.25% -3.85% -3.85% -3.77%

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

MONDE SPNEC TEL GLO ALI SMPH CNVRG BDO SM BPI

VOLUME 287,555,800 1,717,314,000 492,810 214,470 17,623,900 12,514,800 10,880,900 2,583,450 253,940 2,620,160

VALUE (PHP) 4,417,753,218 1,612,470,800 929,739,700 762,505,520 618,641,975 440,864,650 346,191,235 322,200,521 251,839,125 245,563,699

Seeing Communities through the Peephole IN his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey mentioned that “Paradigms are powerful because they create the lens through which we see the world… If you want small changes in your life, work on your attitude.

But if you want big and primary changes, work on your paradigm.”

This statement is compelling because it will drive you to reflect on how your life is positioned in society and what impact you have made thus far. Do you belong to the upper class, middle class, or the working and underclass? How comfortable are you with your current way of living? How do you plan to live a meaningful life?

Today, the world faces various conflicts and unfortunate events such as the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, financial crisis and climate change.

However, poverty and inequality have been persistent societal dilemmas for the longest time. In a study conducted by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), 17 million Filipino people will remain poor in 2022 as the government may likely fail its poverty target (Ordinario, 2021). The Philippine government maintains that the poverty condition of the country could have improved if it were not for the imposed global pandemic measures such as mobility restrictions which led to an increase in the poverty rate due to loss of jobs (Ordinario, 2021).

On November 6, 2021, our Lasallian Business Leadership, Ethics, and Corporate Social Responsibility class had the opportunity

to have a meaningful encounter with a community organization called the Community Organizers Multiversity (CO Multiversity or COM). COM supports the livelihood projects of Soler Riverside Valley Neighborhood Association Inc. (SRVNAI). This initiative is through the Lasallian Social Enterprise for Economic Development (LSEED) Center program called Project KAagapay sa Yugto-yugto at Abot-Kayang Negosyo (KAYA).

The program promotes entrepreneurial opportunities, addresses technical challenges and develops relevant skills for the urban poor and the marginalized. During the discussion, young representatives from CO Multiversity and SRVNAI explained the challenges they are currently facing with their livelihood projects. Specifically for their “personalized advocacy” T-Shirt printing project, they aim to improve its end-to-end business operations through proper and professional training from our class and our partner organizations. Notably, though, the fact that we were having a community service conversation with the youth representatives of the said communities is incredibly fascinating for me.

True enough, the youth equipped with pragmatic idealism and determination are the hope of our nation’s future. I hope that they will be great nation-builders and servant leaders someday.

Honestly, and biases aside, I only see the world from where I stand.

Admittedly, I felt how out of touch I am with other classes of society.

JOANNA MARZEL P. CARDENAS

GREEN LIGHT Thankfully though, with the encounter that we had with CO Multiversity and SRVNAI, I have seen through a peephole how a certain community lives in a nutshell and how they strive really hard to make a sufficient source of income to sustain their daily needs.

I am now more aware that different communities seek to live daily with every opportunity they get. I am now more informed how resources and opportunities are not fair for everyone, and that certainly, this may not be how they want their lives to be. Also, I am now more aware of the benefits of community service, no matter how big or small the extended help is, as long as it adds value to their lives.

With this, I am now more inclined to pursue my dream from a few years back to support a charity, specifically for children. I want them to experience life on a more optimistic note, thereby positively impacting their lives. Someday, someday, someday.

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

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

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2021

B3

‘Nelia’ star Winwyn Marquez announces pregnancy

By P. Y Deligero ACTRESS and beauty queen Winwyn Marquez is set to close 2021 with two new roles to her name, the lead character to the 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival Nelia, and a mother.

During the official press conference for the psychological suspense thriller, Winwyn finally shared the good news and announced her pregnancy. She has

been reportedly in a relationship since early this year and hasn’t divulged much information about her beau, except that he’s a private person and they’re very much in love.

Although the gender of her child is yet to be revealed, Winwyn is around 20 weeks pregnant and excited to welcome the new addition to their family. She added that her parents Joey Marquez and Alma Moreno

were also happy to learn the news about her pregnancy.

Meanwhile, in the movie, Winwyn is Nelia, a nurse who’s slowly realizing that something’s amiss at the hospital she’s working in, particularly in room 009 where the patients admitted to it meet their demise. Nelia focuses on Winwyn’s character as she uncovers the secrets behind the deaths of her patients.

Winwyn shared that she only had a short time to prepare for the character and that she found the role of Nelia challenging. But thanks to the energy of her co-stars and the direction of Lester Dimaranan,, she was able to get into the role expected of her. s Nelia is Dimaranan’s first movie that made it into the top eight entries for the 2021 MMFF. Read full story on manilastandard.net

Winwyn Marquez is the star of the 2021 MMFF entry ‘Nelia.’

This season’s cinematic offering

‘Eleven: Eleven’ is a dreamy synth-filled track inspired how Lesha loves wishing on angel numbers specifically 11:11.

Lesha takes tougher I

challenge

T TAKES real talent, skills, and guts to thrive in the cutthroat music industry. As they say, you have to be bold and take risks to help you launch a thousand ships, exactly how fast-rising electro-pop artist Lesha is doing with her numerous tracks in the global album. All delightfully created, conceptualized and produced by her.

Lesha has already dropped three tracks and her newly released “Eleven:Eleven,” adds to her bid to become a total musician for the international stage.

“Eleven: Eleven” is a dreamy synthfilled track that Lesha produced in her bedroom studio one night when she got the idea to write about how she loves wishing on angel numbers specifically 11:11.

“I knew the concept of Numerology had to be a part of this album since it played a huge role in my journey of

manifestation and spirituality. At the time I was writing this song I already knew the title had to be ‘Eleven:Eleven’ so I used that as the direction for the lyrics. This song is my own way of reminding myself of my worth, that I’m divinely guided, and is also another way of protecting my energy from any negativity,” she said.

“Eleven: Eleven” is also a part of her soon-to-be-released global album entitled Sun Moon Rising. The shortest track in the album and probably the most chill one. As compared to her other

A still from the ‘Eleven:Eleven’ music video.

releases, Lesha is proud to say that this track is a one-woman show.

No collaborators or producers worked on this track which is another reason why she feels that this song is special because she gets to show people the most authentic sound in its rawest form.

That’s how Lesha has endeared to the hearts of her many followers through her fierce and relatable music.

“This song is all about protecting your own energy and prioritizing yourself. Above anything else learning to love yourself and allowing yourself to control the energy that you receive from other people who will help you transcend in life because you know that you’re only deserving of the best,” Lesha related.

Lesha is ready to take on tougher challenges at this point in her career “I am on the journey to getting to where I want to be, which is to represent the Filipino music industry globally and go on a world tour,” she asserted.

“Never in my life I would’ve expected to pull off releasing a global collaboration album or be under Lauv or Finneas’ label, AWAL,” she concluded.

Knowledge Channel’s Rina Lopez-Bautista in Forbes’ ‘Asia’s 2021 Heroes of Philanthropy' KNOWLEDGE Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) President and Executive Director Rina Lopez-Bautista was named one of “Asia’s 2021 Heroes of Philanthropy” by the prestigious Forbes Asia magazine for her efforts at helping make quality education accessible to as many Filipino children, especially during this pandemic.

Last year and this year, LopezBautista’s Knowledge Channel provided learners with transformative learning experiences through “School at Home.”

The campaign, which began in March 2020, made available onair, online, and offline thousands of high-quality educational videos for distance learning of prekinder, kinder, and grades 1-10 students across the country.

Lopez-Bautista’s was recognized by Forbes Asia for founding the nonprofit organization, KCFI in 1999 that produces and broadcasts/distributes curriculum-based content

for students and teachers and trains and mentors educators.

“Having co-founded the KCFI 22 years ago has opened my eyes and my heart to the plight of disadvantaged Filipinos. Improving the education of Filipino children to provide them with opportunities for a better life has become my passion, “ she shared.

“Despite class disruptions due to COVID-19, PK-10 students never stopped learning from home with

the help of Knowledge Channel’s strengthened lineup of content. The videos also helped parents and teachers become better facilitators of their children’s learning,” Bautista said.

KCFI continues to make robust its online presence by regularly conducting online webinars, training programs, and streaming educational shows— all of which were viewed by teachers, students, and parents via Knowledge Channel’s official Facebook page, which has nearly 160,000 followers, and its YouTube channel (youtube.com/ knowledgechannelorg), which recently received a Silver Button award.

Apart from the Forbes Asia magazine honor, KCFI also recently received the Outstanding CSR Project in Education award at the 2021 League of Corporate Foundations CSR Guild Awards for the same “School at Home” campaign.

Rina Lopez-Bautista

WE WOULD have to wait until next year before we could see Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, and Tom Holland, and the rest of the Marvel Villain’s in Spider Man No Way Home.

In December, specifically during Christmas until the feast of the Three Magis, all cinemas in the country are exclusive for Filipino cinematic offerings since it is the time of the year for the annual Metro Manila Film Festival.

Two of its films in competition, Louie Ignacio’s Huling Ulan Sa TagAraw and Adolf Alix Jr.’s Huwag Kang Lalabas had press previews recently and what you are about to read today, are my sentiments and thoughts about these motion pictures.

The on-screen chemistry of Rita Daniela and Ken Chan, can make paints on the wall shred, is this was most evident in the sexual congress moment that their characters shared.

Daniela essays the role of Luisa, an adult sex worker who had a fag attitude while Ken is Luis, a seminarian on sabbatical.

Yes, the woman of ill repute and a man of a good plot, had been used so many times and in so many ways.

In this Ignacio helmed romantic dramatic, however, its presentation of two characters who are of polar opposites, personality, and morality wise, was inventive, refreshing, and believable.

As a matter of fact, the whole movie reminded you of all the kilig and the possibilities that rammed to all of us in the Julia Roberts and Richard Gere classic Pretty Woman and the many dramatic twists

and turns employed in this one, most especially its subdued manner of giving tribute to the power of love and the beauty of life, was akin to the elements found in the Ishmael Bernal helmed, Vilma Santos starrer Pahiram Ng Isang Umaga.

Apart from its engaging narrative, what hooked the press preview audiences was no acting please, this is not a melodramatic afternoon drama attack that the protagonists gave their respective characters. What exhilarated me the most were the scenes where Ken and Daniela utter not a single line, and yet, the emotions in their eyes and facial expressions, spoke in volumes.

Huling Ulan Sa Tag-Araw perfectly blended comedic and dramatic situations that Luis and Luisa shared.

Rita Daniela and Ken Chan are not just your average and everyday television personalities after this. They are now certified movie stars as well.

The second movie with an earlier press presentation was Huwag Kang Lalabas by Adolf Alix Jr. If his intention was to make this three-in-one movie of his an allegory, on that aspect, it may be deemed as a cinematic triumph. Read full story on manilastandard.net (From left) Rita Daniela, director Louie Ignacio, and Ken Chan

GMA Network exec among Dubai-based magazine’s 2022 Top 50 Global Inspirational Women to Look Out For GMA Ventures, Inc. (GVI) President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Regie C. Bautista was named one of the Top 50 Global Inspirational Women to Look Out for in 2022 by Titanium Magazine on its maiden issue celebrated through a three-day event, which included a gala and the actual awarding ceremonies, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Dec. 7 to 9.

Bautista joins a roster of highlyaccomplished women from different fields of expertise and countries including Sri Lanka, India, USA, UAE, and Mexico. She came second on the top 50 list after Jawaher Bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Sheikha of the UAE. “It is an honor to be included in the ranks of remarkable, powerful, and progressive women who are transforming lives and communities with their hard work, dedication, and compassion. This recognition is a testament to the indispensable contribution of women around the world as we move to a more inclusive and global society. Truly, we are standing on the shoulders of giants - both men and women, who have made this moment for women in our history possible,” she said.

As GVI’s President and COO, Bautista leads the team with the mandate to explore profit pools of the future and to diversify GMA Network into being one of the country’s leading conglomerates.

At the same time, Bautista is GMA Network’s Senior Vice President for Corporate Strategic Planning and Business Development and the concurrent Chief Risk Officer and Head of Program Support. She leads the Network’s corporate strategic planning and business development, established and manages the

company’s enterprise-wide risk management system and sustainability reporting, and enabled GMA to be the first media and broadcast company in the Philippines to sign with the United Nations (UN) Global Compact.

She also oversees the Network’s Marketing Communications, Creative Services, Media and On-air Continuity, and Digital Media Divisions.

Bautista earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Ateneo De Manila University and is an alumna of the London Business School.

Titanium Magazine’s Top 50 Global Inspirational Women to Look Out For in 2022 was organized by Prodigy Global Network. Headed by Love Charmaine Uychoco, Prodigy Global Network is a company that holds legacy and life-changing events, manages worldclass talents and speakers, organizes substantial, informative, and educational workshops and training, and engages in social-awareness activities. It is also the official event organizer of the royal family in Dubai.

GMA Ventures, Inc. president and chief operating officer Regie C. Bautista

Life

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

B4

Nobu Manila’s Sunday brunch offers a visual feast.

FOOD AND TRAVEL

MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2021

Festive Sunday brunch at City of Dreams JUST in time for the holiday festivities, Nobu Manila at City of Dreams sought-after Sunday Brunch returns exclusively this month, inviting diners to rediscover the indulgence of the new-style Japanese cuisine globally popularized by the legendary Chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

Elevating the renowned ‘Nobu experience,’ Nobu Manila is taking diners into a different culinary journey each Sunday of the month with varying menu highlights until Jan. 2.

Besides indoor dining, the restaurant’s tropicalthemed patio and floating cabanas surrounded by cooling waterworks and lush garden, make Nobu Manila also the perfect al fresco venue for a leisurely Sunday brunch affair for families with children and seniors, regardless of vaccination status, in accordance with prevailing Alert 2 dining guidelines.

Available for P2, 950 net per person, the brunch provides a visual feast at every action station, of-

Nobu Manila brings back its Sunday brunch

fering the day’s specialty menu with an extensive selection of appetizers; a varied fare of kushiyaki or grilled skewered seafood, red meat, poultry, and vegetables to excite one’s palate; a carving item which varies each week, from dry-aged ribeye, kurobuta porchetta, salmon fillet new style, whole wagyu leg, to shichimi crusted ribeye.

For variety, different rice and specialty dishes are offered weekly to complement the salads and soups.

Diners choose their preferred dishes from the display counter, which chefs prepare fresh from the kitchen, and are individually served on mini plates and lacquer masu (Japanese cups) or in a familystyle plating should guests prefer sharing. From an a la carte menu, diners can add to their meal dishes such as: wagyu pastrami with ube shokupan sliders, black cod miso on butter lettuce, wagyu sliders with bao buns, and grilled baby octopus with anticucho sauce, to name a few, as they enjoy their

choice mocktail, chilled juice, soda, tea or coffee that are included in the brunch price.

Nobu’s renowned innovative cuisine also introduces touches of local flavors, and puts a spotlight on Filipino-inspired dishes, including Nobu-style wagyu sisig, Nobu-style kurobuta pork sisig, and Nobu-style salmon “tinapa” (smoked fish) fried rice, which are alternately offered alongside Nobu classic dishes that meld Japanese and Peruvian flavors. Seasonal fresh oysters, custom Nobu sashimi, sushi, and maki roll creations matched with Nobu signature sauces and dressings such as the Karashi Su Miso (KSM) and Matsuhisa dressing, are some of the appetizers uniquely Nobu, as are the various confectionery customized by Nobu Manila’s chefs.

Nobu Sunday Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For the rest of the week, Nobu Manila offers an

Chirashi from Nobu Manila’s Sunday brunch

Nobu-style sisig

a la carte,

a n d eight-course signature Omakase menus for dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Nobu’s dinner menu provides delectable choices of Japanese-Peruvian hot and cold dishes, signature sushi and sashimi fare, various dishes prepared ala minute in teppan stations, as well as options for vegetarian and sustainable seafood, among others.

With the Safety Seal certification issued to City of Dreams Manila, the restaurant can seat maximum 60 percent capacity for indoor dining, and 80 percent for dining alfresco.

Reservations are encouraged by calling 8800-8080 or e-mailing guestservices@cod-manila.com. For more information, visit www.cityofdreamsmanila. com. Explore more of City of Dreams Manila’s promotional offers, rewards, or instantly check Melco Club points with the new Melco Club App, available for free download on iOS and Android.

Hotel Industry’s Best W

E TAKE pride in our hospitality industry because other countries use it as a gauge in delivering their own brand of hospitality to their guests. This is why I always look forward to the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) Philippines’ annual Virtus Awards, chaired by my friend Rose Libongco, because I know that its winners are “The Best Of Our Best,” a source of pride for our tourism industry.

Established in 1979, HSMA is the premier organization of hotel sales and marketing leaders in the country. This year’s winners of the 7th edition of the Virtus Awards are definitely outstanding because they had to show tenacity, commitment, and determination to excel in spite of the very challenging business environment brought about by the pandemic, which shut down domestic and international travel.

Okada Manila had to be creative, to keep itself in the con- and thoughtful modifications to their sales and strategy, which sciousness of the public, given the challenging parameters of generated results and profit that met today’s challenges.

Alexis John Aquino, former Marketing and Communicathe “new environment.” It adapted ART as its “battle cry”— Adapt, Restrategize, Thrive, to survive and still excel in the tions Manager of JPark Island Resort & Waterpark Mactan, Cebu, is the Outstanding Sales and Marketing Manager, for tough “battlefield” left devastated by the surging pandemic.

Such three-pronged approach enabled this luxury inte- his out-of-the-box ideas and initiatives that created revenuegrated resort to reinvent its offerings based on the consumer’s generating business. In his keynote address, Air Asia Chief Exneed to experience a sense of normalcy again. Okada Manila ecutive Officer Ricky Isla congratulated the winners for their was bestowed the prestigious Virtus Award for Most Resilient passion and fire to power through the past two years, in spite Business - Property. Conrad Manila was awarded Outstand- of the adverse effect of the pandemic on our Tourism Industry. ing Marketing Campaign for their Meetings To Go/Signature He reminded them, and the HSMA officers, to continue to be top performers in their respective fields of Takeaway campaign, which created an endeavor and to never settle for less. effective marketing campaign that drove YOUR WEEKEND It certainly was a pleasure and an honor sales and brand equity through innovation CHUCKLE for me to join the board of judges for this that pushed boundaries and helped move the industry forward—all within a limited Why do banks leave vault doors year’s Virtus Awards: Ramon Benedicto open and then chain the pens on Alampay of UP-Asian Institute of Tourbudget. ism; Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) I enjoy attending online meetings that the countertops?

COO Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones; avail of Conrad’s Meetings To Go package because all of us, participants, receive at home, while the meet- Tourism Industry Board Foundation chair Ma. Christina ing is going on, the hotel’s Signature Takeaway Hotbox meal, Aquino; Arnel Jose Bañas, Deputy Secretary of the Philippine specially prepared by its executive chef Daniel Patterson. The Senate; Grace Fernandez of the Anti-Red Tape Authority; and delivery also includes an eco-tumbler and handcrafted bamboo Raoul Roberto Goco, owner of the Degustation Restaurant utensils, definitely elevating the standards of virtual meetings Group.

The other jurors were J Anthony Management Consultants’ because participants, albeit in separate locations, enjoy a hot, Victoria Lee; Dr. Jason Triton Ligot of Organic Intelligence sumptuous meal together.

And I marvel at the unique technology used in the Hotbox. Consulting; Plus63 co-founder Dan Matutina; Romulo Law Another awardee is the Chroma Hospitality Group that was Firm’s Shereen Gail Yu-Pamintuan; Gina Barretto-Santos, Vice given the Most Resilient - Hospitality Group Award because President at Citibank; Dr. Gloria Wong-Siy, president of the Asof its ability to keep occupancy rate up with bubble initiatives: sociation of Administrators in Hospitality, Hotel and Restaurant in Boracay, where its tourist bubble provided livelihood to the Management Educational Institutions; and Department of Tourtourism-dependent island; and in Clark, where its impressive ism (DOT) Assistant Secretary Howard Lance Uyking.

Throughout the past seven years, the DOT and the TPB have athlete bubble became home to the Philippine Basketball Assponsored the Virtus Awards. This year, they were joined by: sociation in September 2020.

The group even bannered its ability to cater to unique di- Atlantis Asia, Conrad Manila, Isentia, Cebu Pacific, Emperaetary needs when it served Kosher meals to the Israeli team dor Distillers Inc., Barefoot Wine, and PikNik. HSMA’s current that trained here in the country prior to the Tokyo roll of officers includes Chair Margie Munsayac (Bluewater Resorts), President Benjie Martinez (The Bayleaf Hotels), VP Olympics.

Loleth So, Secretary Amie Villena (The Bellevue Hotels and Individual awards were also handed Resorts), Treasurer Desiree Rose de Guzman (Astoria Hotels out. Ericka Joy Calamba,, Hotel 101 and Resorts), PR Director Carmela Bocanegra (Chroma Group’s Sales Executive for MICE, is this Hospitality), Director for Membership Tet Romualyear’s Outstanding Sales and Marketing do (The Linden Suites), Director for Programs Associate, for her initiative to improve her Michael Albaña (Conrad Manila), Director knowledge and skills while dealing with for Ways & Means Lynette Ermac (Megaproblems posed by the pandemic, by world Hotels and Resorts), attending online training and certifiand Director for Education cate programs Joanne Golong Gomez Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (Hilton Manila Hotel).

Group Director of Sales and MarFor feedback, I’m at keting Joy de Mesa is the Out-bobzozobrado@gmail. standing Sales and Marketing com Leader, for her creative, innovative, Conrad Manila was awarded Outstanding Marketing Campaign.

Chinese restaurant Phoenix Court at The Bellevue Manila

Experience authentic taste of Oriental cuisine THE locally-owned 5-star hotel The Bellevue Manila, recently announced the comeback of Malaysian Chef Cheong Kwan Loong at their Chinese restaurant, Phoenix Court as the restaurant’s executive chef.

Chef Cheong’s dishes and expertise in culinary brought him around Asia and made him one of the country’s culinary masters to look up to.

His great proficiency in Oriental dining brought this fine dining restaurant to a lot of Filipinos’ minds and hearts.

Due to the pandemic, Chef Cheong went back to his hometown to be with his family while the country was in strict lockdowns. Now as the country slowly transitions into more relaxed restrictions, he is back in Manila to bring out once again his specialties that include Deep Fried Homemade Bean Curd with Shred-ded Mushrooms, Steamed Dory Fish with Ginger Sauce, Backed Pork Ribs with Honey Sauce, Kari Laksa Noodle, and variety of Dimsums.

“I am excited to be with my Bellevue

family once again and deliver authentic Chinese cuisines to our patrons. I believe that good cooking requires more than just knowledge and experience. It also requires passion and heartfelt service to everyone.“ he said.

While many restaurants tend to focus on a particular regional cuisine, the Phoenix Court offers dishes from different parts of China. Its menu is quite liberal, and with many Asian-Chinese fusion dishes to choose from, guests will surely enjoy Chef Cheong’s various creations.

The Bellevue Manila’s Phoenix Court is now open at the 2/F of the Tower Wing for dine-in from Tuesday to Sun Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch, and 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for dinner. Guests must use the Malacca Lane entrance to get to the restaurant.

To place an order or make a reservation, guests can call (02) 8771 8181 or send an SMS or Viber mes message to 0917 622 5757.

Malaysian chef Cheong Kwan Loong