Manila Standard - 2021 December 25- Saturday

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HAPPY LAD.

A boy is ecstatic as he reacts to a Christmas show for the street kids of Manila spearheaded by the Philippine National Police National Capital Region Office at the Open Park Auditorium in Luneta on Friday. Danny Pata

VOL. XXXV • NO. 313 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 •SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

By Vito Barcelo, Joel E. Zurbano and Dave Leprozo

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No Christmas break; No thanks to ‘Odette’ Gov’t, UN lead in nonstop relief efforts

Christmas greetings from nation’s leaders President Rodrigo Duterte:

Duterte

Gesmundo

Velasco

“I wish all the Filipino Christians all around the world a blessed and meaningful Christmas.

May the light that this season brings fill us with hope and courage as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“We have been blessed much with the birth of Christ, let us share this blessing with others.

Maligayang Pasko sa ating lahat (Merry Christmas to all of us).”

“May we all be united in spreading love, compassion, and happiness to our families and friends, and even those whom we need to reach out to. This will lead us to open our hearts and our homes, especially for those who are most in need so that they, too, may have joy and hope while we all work together towards better days ahead.”

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo:

“The continuing uncertainties of the current pandemic coupled with the recent devastation brought about by Typhoon Odette have had a disruptive impact on our lives.”

“These challenges and trials, however, only put into focus our resilience, Romualdez benevolence, and solidarity as a people and as a nation.”

“May those of us who are fortunate enough to be with our loved ones spare more than a thought for those who are alone, lost, and abandoned.”

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco: “As we celebrate the merriest season of the year, let us not forget to offer prayers and assistance to the victims of Super Typhoon Odette.”

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HE United Nations kicked off a campaign Friday to raise $107.2 million (about P5.36 billion) in aid for victims of Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai), which ravaged the Philippines last week.

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered all government agencies to use their assets in the recovery and rehabilitation efforts and said he would work through the Christmas holidays because people were starving and are getting sick in typhoon-struck areas.

The money will be targeted towards 530,000 people in the worst-affected areas, who are in dire need of drinking water, sanitation facilities, food and emergency shelter, the organization said.

“There is momentum for full support,” UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez told a virtual press conference earlier.

“Now the challenge is that all of this announcement and solidarity is rapidly translated into concrete actions.”

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Toll: 326 deaths, 630k displaced, 348 homes damaged

By Alena Mae Flores and Maricel V. Cruz

DISASTER officials said the death toll from Typhoon Odette hit 326 on Christmas Eve, including 14 confirmed deaths and 312 reported deaths that were up for validation. The figure

was still below police estimates of 375 deaths due to the typhoon.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said at least 58 people remain missing while 661 were injured. Almost 630,000 people were

displaced by the typhoon, the agency added.

Meanwhile, the agricultural damage caused

by Odette has reached P3.6 billion, government data as of 4 p.m. on December 24 showed.

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2,838,032 310

9,321

51,050

69

2,777,661

227

(As of 4 PM, December 24)

Comelec bares Monthly vax drive, jab for kids next year official prexy, vp, Senate aspirants

RODY IN CEBU. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte tends to the survivors of Typhoon Odette as he visits the affected areas in Tisa, Cebu City on December 23. Presidential Photo

By Willie Casas, Macon Ramos-Araneta lion doses from Dec. 15 to 22.

“This will be continuous,” Dizon said in Filiand Joel E. Zurbano THE government is eyeing a monthly run of its mass vaccination drive against COVID-19, testing czar Vince Dizon said Friday, to fend off a possible surge in infections due to the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

The first two rounds of the mass vaccination program administered 10.2 million vaccine doses from Nov. 29 to Dec. 3, and at least 6.4 mil-

pino at a briefing that aired Friday. “We need to intensify it and we plan to do that monthly.”

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meanwhile, said the country may begin vaccinating children aged 5 to 11 by January as the country expands its inoculation coverage.

State regulators have authorized the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use to proNext page

FIFTEEN contenders for next year’s presidential elections have made it to an official list of candidates released by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday.

From an initial pool of 97 individuals who registered their candidacy for president in October, the Comelec has Next page

Construction workers, kin first visitors of Manila Zoo

By Honor Blanco Cabie

THURSDAY next week, the reconditioned Manila Zoo, closed three years ago next month because of environmental issues, is up for soft launching on December 30, in time for the sparkle of the approaching New Year.

The soft launching – restricted to a limited audience given its nature before the full blast opening – of the 5.5-hectare Zoological and Botanical Garden – will have the 1,300 construction workers and their families as VIPs (very important people) or nearly 8,000 people, according to Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso, who visited the area Next page

FINISHING TOUCHES. Workers set up scaffolding to paint the new façade of the Manila Zoo on Thursday. Manila PIO

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News

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2021

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SWS: Pinoys expected happy Xmas

By Vito Barcelo

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EARLY two years after the global health emergency cut a medical swathe in this country of 110 million people, more Filipinos expected a happy Christmas in 2021, according to the latest Social Weather Stations poll.

Conducted from December 12 to 16, 65 percent of adult Filipinos expected Christmas in 2021 to be happy. Eight percent expected it to be sad while 22 percent expected it to be neither, the poll said.

The survey, however, was conducted on the week before Typhoon Odette struck a crushing blow throughout the Visayas and Mindanao regions, leaving 375 dead and millions without homes, food, water, and clothing days before Christmas and New Year.

SWS pointed out that the 65 percent

who expected a happy Christmas were more than the 50 percent who did in 2020 but less than the 79 percent who did two years ago in 2019 before the COVID-19 scourge.

The eight percent who expected a sad Christmas was seven points below the record-high 15 percent in 2020.

“The expectation of a happy Christmas was a record-high 82 percent when first surveyed by SWS in 2002,” the SWS said.

It declined to 77 percent in 2003 and to a 62-69 percent range from 2004 to 2013

Toll:...

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No Christmas...

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The amount covers the volume of production loss of 94,764 metric tons (MT) and 67,573 hectares of agricultural areas in Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao, and Caraga.

The calamity affected 47,048 farmers and fishers.

Odette slammed into the central and southern Philippines last week, knocking down power in 273 towns and cities. Power has been restored in 149 of these areas, the NDRRMC said.

Some 371 areas are still having communication problems, while three areas still have no water.

Odette damaged some 348,000 homes and around P3.9 billion worth of infrastructure, the disaster agency said.

Meanwhile, nearly 4 million households were also affected by typhoon Odette, based on the latest report by the National Electrification Administration (NEA).

NEA data showed the estimated cost of damage of electric cooperatives from typhoon Odette increased to P1.48 billion from P1.21 billion on Thursday.

Of the 939 municipalities whose power supply were affected, 673 municipalities have power, and 78 municipalities have partially restored power.

However, the power supply of 188 municipalities with a total of 2.4 million households has yet to be restored.

Eight electric cooperatives -- Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative I, Bohol Electric Cooperative I and II, Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative, Camiguin Electric Cooperative, Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperative, Dinagat Islands Electric Cooperative and Siargao Electric Cooperative — still have no power.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco Jose Matugas on Friday warned against the proliferation of what he described as fake news regarding the distribution of relief goods in Siargao Island.

Matugas, in a statement, said he was saddened by the misinformation being posted about the relief operations on the island.

“Some people are using fake news to cover up their inability to carry out relief efforts. They are using trolls to cover up their lack of coordination with relevant agencies and private benefactors. Trolling becomes a substitute for helping revive Siargao’s communities after the typhoon,” Matugas said.

Matugas also belied reports the relief good are being held in ports and are not released to the typhoon victims.

But he acknowledged that some victims have yet to receive their goods, citing transportation challenges.

President Rodrigo Duterte ordered all government agencies to use their assets in the recovery and rehabilitation efforts and said he would work through the Christmas holidays because people were starving and are getting sick in typhoon-struck areas.

“I visited Palawan earlier today and then I came here before I go home to Davao. I came here to let you know that the government has not forgotten you,” Duterte said during a visit to typhoon victims in Cebu on Thursday. “The government is working very hard, and the government is doing all that it can to find money for you.”

Duterte said the Department of Social Welfare and Development already has the list of beneficiaries so those who are qualified to receive the aid will get their fair share.

He also noted that the money will be distributed among the local government units and Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año will oversee its implementation.

“So, the only thing we need now is your cooperation. We in government are ready, we are ready to provide. So, what we’re aiming for now is a peaceful implementation because everyone will get their fair share anyway,” he said.

Odette devastated swathes of the southern and central regions of the archipelago when it hit as a super typhoon, leaving at least 375 people dead

Christmas...

From A1 “It is quite unfortunate and heartbreaking that Odette—one of the strongest storms to hit the Philippines in recent years—barreled through the archipelago and left massive devastation just a week before Christmas. Let us help the typhoon victims in whatever way we can as they try to recover and rebuild their lives.”

“On behalf of your House of the People, we wish everyone a safe, joyous and blessed holiday season.”

House Majority Leader Ferdinand Martin Romualdez:

“May we all find it in our hearts to lend a helping hand to those in need

Monthly...

From A1 tect children from the threat of Omicron variant, which is spreading rapidly around the world.

The Philippines logged 310 new COVID-19 cases on Friday bringing the total case load to 2,838,032.

The positivity rate went up to 1.4 percent, based on test results of samples from 28,561 people on Dec. 22. The positivity rate was slightly higher than the 1.1 percent positivity rate recorded on Thursday.

Both are within the World Health Organization’s requirement target of under 5 percent.

FDA Director General Eric Domingo told ABS-CBN’s TeleRadyo the government may begin using the Pfizer vaccine for children in that age group in January.

The government will still have to procure the anti-virus jab for children, which is a lower dose than those for adults, he said.

Domingo said unvaccinated children were left vulnerable to Omicron, which is more infectious than other variants.

“Most omicron cases we’ve seen

this Christmas time. Feed a hungry kid. Give whatever you have in store to the needy. Help build a home for the homeless. Or just give a hug to those in pain.”

“This year’s celebration may not be as joyous as in the past years given the series of tragedies that struck the nation. We lost family members and loved ones to COVID-19. Precious lives were also stolen from us by the recent typhoon that ravaged the Visayas and Mindanao. The typhoon also left thousands of our countrymen starving and homeless.”

“Rather than be distraught and hopeless, this dire situation gives us an opportunity to make the celebration of Christmas a more meaningful one. Let us give f lesh to the real meaning of our savior’s birth.

Love of mankind, and compassion for our fellowmen.”

St. Luke’s, firms step up private sector support

before it improved to 71 percent in 2014 and 79 percent in 2019. It dropped to a record-low 50 percent in 2020 before rising to 65 percent in 2021,”it added.

Meanwhile, in developments overseas, Omicron’s rise has heralded another pandemic-tinged Christmas for billions, with Santa’s arrival and longed-for family reunions overshadowed by the prospect of yet more COVID restrictions.

Festive jokes about reindeer having “herd immunity” and millions isolating “Home Alone” may be wearing thin, but the emergence of the ultrainfectious Omicron variant means the pandemic isn’t going anywhere.

For a second straight year, surging infections have complicated yuletide plans from Sydney to Seville.

In Bethlehem -- the city Christians believe was Jesus’ birthplace – ho-

teliers expecting an influx of tourists have been disappointed.

After a near-total pandemic lockdown last year, Israel’s borders are again closed.

This year, like last, midnight mass in the city on Christmas Eve will be reserved for a small circle of people by invitation only.

In Europe, governments are reimposing misery-inducing safety measures that are draining the fun from Christmas for many.

The Netherlands is back in lockdown while Spain and Italy have made wearing masks compulsory outdoors.

And with the United Kingdom recording a record high number of COVID-19 infections on Thursday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggested getting a vaccine booster shot as a Christmas gift for relatives. AFP

and hundreds of thousands homeless.

It destroyed houses, uprooted trees, wiped out crops, shattered fishing boats and knocked out power across entire islands.

The military, coast guard and humanitarian organizations are racing to get food, drinking water and temporary shelter to the hardest-hit regions.

But the scale of the destruction, lack of mobile phone signal or internet in many areas, and depleted government coffers after the COVID-19 response has hampered efforts to distribute aid.

“Odette intensified from a tropical storm to a super typhoon within hours and I think that this is a lesson learned in terms of the impact of climate change,” Gonzalez said Thursday, referring to the typhoon’s international name.

The storm caught everyone by surprise, he said, noting it did not follow the usual “trajectory” of typhoons in the Philippines, which tend to make landfall further north.

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

The Philippines -- ranked among the most vulnerable nations to its impacts -- is hit by an average of 20 storms every year.

In 2013, Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) was the strongest storm ever to have made landfall, leaving over 7,300 people dead or missing.

In other developments: * State-owned Land Bank of the Philippines announced on Friday that it has

allocated P20.9 million in financial assistance to assist in the recovery of 195 local government units (LGUs) affected by Typhoon Odette. Landbank said that out of the P20.9 million in financial aid, it has set aside P200,000 each for affected provinces, as well as P150,000 and P100,000 each for cities and municipalities, respectively. Among the LGUs that have already received Landbank’s financial assistance are the Province of Southern Leyte; the City of Maasin; the municipalities of Malitbog and Padre Burgos in Southern Leyte; and the municipalities of Hilongos and Matalom in Leyte. * The Bureau of Customs on Friday turned over imported foodstuff and footwear to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for donation to families affected by Typhoon Odette. Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero said the donation was spearheaded by officials of the bureau’s Auction and Cargo Disposal Division. The donated goods consist of 5,200 sacks of rice, 91,200 canned goods, and 81,200 pairs of footwear, which arrived at the Port of Batangas, Manila International Container Port, and Port of Manila, respectively, and later declared abandoned. * A truckload of Benguet vegetables arrived at the compound of the Department of Public Works and HighwaysCordillera Autonomous Region to be distributed to typhoon victims. Some 3.5 tons of potatoes and sayote—which can last about a month and can stand the rigors of long trips—were part of the relief goods.

globally were mild but of course we don’t want it to spread. We’ve also noticed it spreads faster compared to the Delta variant,” he said.

State regulators had already granted an emergency use authorization for the Pfizer vaccine to children aged 12 and above.

There are some 13.5 million children aged 5 to 11 in the country, according to the Department of Health. Guidelines for the administration of COVID-19 vaccines for this age group have yet to be released.

As of Dec. 20, the Philippines has administered over 101 million COVID-19 jabs.

More than 44 million people are fully vaccinated while 56 million others have received the first dose. Meanwhile, some 1.1 million people have also received the booster shots.

There were 69 new fatalities, bringing the COVID-19 death toll to 51,050.

The Department of Health (DOH) also reported 227 new recoveries, bringing the total recoveries to 2,777,661. There were 9,321 active cases, of which 474 were asymptomatic; 3,295 mild; 3,382 moderate; 1,795 severe; and 375 critical.

Nationwide, 19 percent of ICU beds, 23 percent of isolation beds, 11 percent of ward beds, and 10 percent of ventilators, were in use. In Metro Manila, 20

percent of ICU beds, 19 percent of isolation beds, 16 percent of ward beds, and 14 percent of ventilators, were in use.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian urged local government units to prepare to vaccinate children aged 5 to 11, saying this would boost confidence in safely reopening schools.

In a Senate panel hearing on the expansion of face-to-face classes held on Dec. 17, the DOH reported that 7.1 million minors aged 12 to 17 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with 2.7 million of them now fully vaccinated.

In other developments: * More than 1.5 million doses of German-donated Moderna COVID-19 vaccines arrived in the Philippines on Thursday. “With the pandemic continuing, it’s very important to build on our strongest instrument which we have and it’s still the vaccination. The Philippines [has] a very good and well-functioning vaccination program,” said George Maue, economic counselor of the German Embassy, following the arrival of the vaccines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. To date, more than 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines donated by Germany have arrived in the country.

trimmed the list to 15 contenders, including Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., whose bid is being challenged by six separate groups.

Marcos Jr. has emerged as the most preferred contender for the top job in a Pulse Asia survey released this week.

He enjoys a wide lead of survey support at 53 percent over Vice President Leni Robredo’s 20 percent.

The list also included Robredo, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Sen. Panfilo Lacson, and labor leader Lady De Guzman, among others.

Meanwhile, vice-presidential bets have been slashed to 9 from 28 in the initial list, and senatorial candidates are down to 70 from 174.

The names of candidates on the list will appear on the ballot. It is still subject to change, depending on the outcome of pending cases against challenged candidates (see related story on A5 – Editors).

The list of official party-list groups, organizations, and coalitions to appear on the ballot was earlier released, following the Dec. 14 electronic raffle for their placement on the ballot.

A total of 166 party-lists are included in the list.

Construction...

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is well-lighted and night visitors will be treated to the attractions of several dancing fountains and mini-falls around the zoo’s lagoon.

And it now has its own state-of-theart sewage treatment plant.

Domagoso has ordered city officials to provide free food and drinks for the workers and their families so they would enjoy the fruits of their labor while spending quality time with their loved ones in the zoo.

“They will be the ones to open the zoo.

It will be a family day. They are high-end, they worked hard to reconstruct the facility, reason they deserve the treatment,” Domagoso said in Tagalog.

The remodeled zoo, first opened in July 1959, features elevated viewing decks and pathways, animal museum, botanical and butterfly gardens, and a separate area for Filipino endemic animals.

The Manila City government earlier

said it was starting a partnership with the Cebu Safari and Adventure Park for future exchanges of animals and medicines.

Domagoso, whose roots are from Antique, added the zoo in Cebu could supply Manila Zoo with wildlife since several species have been successfully breeding in the animal reservation in Carmen, Cebu.

The refurbished zoo will be a fulfillment of Domagoso’s dream of having a facility that can compete with the world-famous Singapore Zoo, which has been a favorite attraction among local and foreign tourists.

Having undergone no major renovation since it opened in July 1959, the new Manila Zoo now boasts of fresh and exciting facilities that include world-class animal enclosures – especially for Mali the elephant – that are surrounded by transparent glass where visitors can get up close to the animals.

days earlier.

Domagoso had said before the public could enjoy the unique experience of touring the newly-renovated zoo, he wanted the families of around 1,300 construction workers to be the VIP guests during the soft opening “as a tribute to their hard work and ingenuity in creating a facility that is at par with the world’s best zoological and botanical gardens.”

The construction workers will have their day off and will bring their families to the soft opening, dubbed Family Day, Domagoso said, nearly three years after it was closed in January 2019 due to environmental issues.

The facility, a stone’s throw from the busy Roxas Blvd. fronting Manila Bay,

By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Alena Mae S. Flores and Darwin G. Amojelar ST. LUKE’s Medical Center has launched St. Luke’s Bayanihan, a relief operation for the communities in Visayas and Mindanao hit by Typhoon Odette, the 15th and strongest typhoon to hit the storm-prone country this year, as other private firms also pitched in.

Manila Water, AC Energy, PLDT/ Smart and Globe Telecom also supplied water, electricity, and communications to areas hit by the typhoon, they said in separate statements.

Volunteers gathered at the Henry Sy Sr. Auditorium at SLMC-Global City and prepared the food packages distributed to families in need.

“Typhoon Odette has brought unimaginable damage to thousands of Filipino families. There is a need for each one of us to join together to help those in need,” Dr. Arturo S. de la Peña, President and CEO of SLMC. “We earnestly hope that St. Luke’s Bayanihan will be part of a broader effort by Filipinos in successfully enabling their kababayans to rise from this natural disaster.

“We also thank our volunteers for their support, especially now as we count the days before Christmas.

The spirit of Christmas is all about giving back to others and giving selflessly, and we thank our volunteers for embodying this spirit,” Dr. Dela Peña said He also expressed hope that St. Luke’s Bayanihan will inspire other stakeholders in society to aid the victims of Typhoon Odette.

“As individuals, we may not be able to give much to the communities in need. However, if we join hands together, we can make a difference in their lives,” Dr. de la Peña said.

“The SLMC family prays that more Filipinos will band together in helping our country surpass one of its greatest challenges in recent history.”

Comelec...

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Opinion

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Christmas path to peace SINCE the dawn of history, the human race has advanced by leaps and bounds. We would think that these advancements would bring peace, serenity and contentment. But no, on the contrary, external conflict and inner turmoil have truly escalated and continue to escalate, perpetually plagued by a vexatious spirit. It is as if we are a generation that exists for the sole purpose of trudging along the path of discord, violence and pain. True, our forefathers had gone through tumultuous episodes of conflict like the First and the Second World Wars.

But never before has humankind encountered a confluence of existential threats and ferment as what we are facing now.

Today, we have climate change, the deafening drums of war and this COVID-19 pandemic which has continued to evolve.

The reality of climate change has manifested harshly through Typhoon Odette and its aftermath. Countries are beefing up their arsenals and weaponry due to external threats of aggression. Russia is threatening to invade Ukraine and China’s aggressive posture in the China Sea and Indian Ocean is keeping many countries on tenterhooks. And finally, the two-year old COVID pandemic which has caused and is causing catastrophic health and economic devastation all over the world.

Reflecting on these realities, I have decided to devote my Christmas Day and New Year columns to Pope Francis’ message entitled “Dialogue between generations, education and work: tools for building lasting peace” given during the 55Th World Peace Day, last 8 December 2021 from the Vatican.

In this message, the Holy Father lays down prescriptions that will bring about lasting world peace or at the very least mitigate the ill effects of the phenomena we mentioned.

In this message, the Pope makes clear that , “Today the path of peace, which Saint Paul VI called by the new name of integral development, remains sadly distant from the real lives of many men and women and thus from our human family, which is now entirely interconnected. Despite numerous efforts aimed at constructive dialogue between nations, the deafening noise of war and conflict is intensifying. While diseases of pandemic proportions are spreading, the effects of climate change and environmental degradation are worsening, the tragedy of hunger and thirst is increasing, and an economic model based on individualism rather than on solidary sharing continues to prevail.”

To address these problems that deprive us

of peace, the Holy Father presents three indispensable elements, “without which every project of peace turns out to be insubstantial.” First, dialogue between generations or intergenerational dialogue as the basis for the realization of shared projects. Second, education as a factor of freedom, responsibility and development. Finally, labor as a means for the full realization of human dignity.

What does dialogue entail?

On the first element, i.e. dialogue, Francis explains that dialogue between generations to build peace in a world still gripped by the pandemic that has created untold problems.

All honest dialogue, in addition to a correct and positive exchange of views, demands basic trust between the participants. We need to learn how to regain this mutual trust. The current health crisis has increased our sense of isolation and a tendency toward self-absorption. The loneliness of the elderly is matched in the young by a sense of helplessness and a lack of a shared vision about the future. The crisis has indeed been painful, but it has also helped to bring out the best in people. Indeed, during the pandemic we encountered generous examples of compassion, sharing and solidarity in every part of the world.

What does dialogue entail? To the Pope, it consists of “listening to one another, sharing different views, coming to agreement and walking together. Promoting such dialogue between generations involves breaking up the hard and barren soil of conflict and indifference in order to sow the seeds of a lasting and shared peace.” For instance, during this pandemic, dialogue is essential for the equitable distribution of life saving vaccines so that the poorer countries will be given the opportunity to acquire lifesaving equipment and medicine to fight the raging health crisis. It is as much important to defuse the tension of countries in conflict areas like the South China Sea or to create a more conducive environment for cooperation to arrest the worsening climate change or for that matter, any other issue that may affect all of us.

As we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace this Christmas, let us try to create an atmosphere conducive to peace by bridging the gap between ourselves and God, ourselves and the people around us through sincere dialogue and heartfelt communication. This way we can inch closer to achieving a lasting peace and, with Christ’s mercy, experience the peace that He alone can give.

A peaceful Christmas to all!

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Hopelessly hoping to sink her campaign before it could even be launched until wiser heads prevailed and ‘Let Leni Lead’ moved up her numbers to make her a viable candidate,” Quezon said.

But their wisdom proved temporary, Quezon said as Robredo’s “first campaign salvo was beyond a flop.”

First of all, I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. As John Lennon once said, “Let’s hope next year will be a good one.”

Well, finally, there’s something I have something to praise about former spokesman Barry Gutierrez. That is for being a good leader to what is left over at the Pinklaw camp.

Early this week, Gutierrez, Pinklaw presidential candidate Leni Robredo’s spokesperson, in reaction to to the results of the Pulse Asia poll survey showing Robredo with a 20 percent rating, a far second to Marcos with a 53 percent rating among the presidential bets for next year, declared that that the presidential race has now become clearly a one-on-one tussle between Robredo and Marcos.

“The 12-point jump in Vice President Leni’s numbers, which more than doubles her results from the last survey, is definitive affirmation of the energy and momentum of the people’s campaign that emerged following her declaration of candidacy on Oct. 7,” said Gutierrez.

“2022 is now clearly a Robredo versus Marcos contest. We are confident that in the next four months, Vice President Leni’s consistent, hands-on leadership and the enthusiastic efforts of our volunteers, will continue to broaden and increase her support,” he added But beyond Gutierrez’s bravado lies a grim scenario of hopeless hopes and their soon-tobe shattered dream. For no less than three of the hardcore Yellows, precursor to the Pinklaws, have already waved their white flags, long giving up on Robredo’s chances of emerging victor in May 9.

In their articles published in other dailies, Manuel Quezon III, Randy David and Richard Heydarian, whom Rigoberto Tiglao has branded as Yellow ideologues, warned their readers of an impending Marcos victory.

Quezon even criticized Robredo’s handlers saying she “lost the chance because her ads were weirdly angled to please perhaps those who made them and approved them, but not the voters.”

“In a similar manner there was a ridiculous motherhood-oriented pitch that threatened

How to deal with demoralization David, in his column, appears to have already admitted defeat as people now view BBM to be messianic.

“There is a long messianic thread deeply embedded in our political culture. It runs through the series of mass uprisings that preceded the 1896 revolution, furnishing the primal motive that powered the rapid recruitment into Andres Bonifacio’s Katipunan. I would not be surprised if someone or a group that understands the power of this messianic thread is behind the design of the precise messaging of the Marcos presidential campaign,” David wrote.

“The projection of Bongbong Marcos as a unifying figure is the key element in this clever appropriation of the messianic motif,” he added.

Heydarian, for his part, is already accepting a Marcos victory saying the Philippines is now confronted with “the prospect of a century of Marcosian politics, where authoritarian nostalgia trumps democratic truth.”

Except for the admission of defeat for their candidate, I can’t find anything else to agree with them, as their eloquence doesn’t seem to impress anyone else but themselves.

Of course, equally dismissible is Gutierrez’s display of bravura that outspoken Yellow critic, Kilusang Bagong Lipunan senatorial bet Larry Gadon averred Robredo’s spokesman, along with the rest of her propaganda team, might have wrongly evaluated the numbers laid down by Pulse Asia survey when they claimed that the 2022 presidential race is showing to be a fight between her and Bongbong Marcos.

Gadon said that “clearly, the presidential trial poll by Pulse Asia conducted between Dec. 1 and Dec. 6, 2021 showed that BBM is a sure winner with at least 53 percent respondents’ preference; while Leni scored 20 percent and Isko got an 8 percent.”

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EDITORIAL

The gift of God’s Son T

ODAY, predominantly Christian Philippines reaches the high point of the celebration of Christmas, one of the biggest holidays of the year, marked to remember the birth of Jesus Christ who, Christians believe, is the Son of God. Although the “reason for the season”

has begun to get lost amid all of our traditions and “stuff,” many start to wonder: is Christmas really that important?

The name Christmas comes from the Mass of Christ (or Jesus), a Mass service (sometimes called Communion or Eucharist) where Christians remember that Jesus died for the faithful and then came back to life.

For Christians, believing that God came into the world in the form of man to atone for the sins of humanity, rather than knowing Jesus’ exact birth date, is considered

to be the primary purpose in celebrating Christmas.

Jesus was the fulfillment of a promise.

Christians celebrate Christmas each year to show their gratitude to God for what he did, to remember the birth of Jesus Christ by giving gifts, worshipping him and thinking of the poor and less fortunate.

But what is the true meaning of Christmas? It is a time of God showing His great love for us, can be a time of healing and renewed strength – particularly in this difficult time of the coronavirus pandemic.

Certainly, we enjoy the season, with the relaxed restrictions and all during Yuletide. but we must remember to rejoice as well, given that the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of God’s

ultimate gift: the birth of Jesus, the Christ child.

God’s plan for redemption did not begin with Jesus. His plan had been in effect since The Fall, 2,000 years prior. His plan really begins to take shape, however, with Abraham.

In Genesis 12, God makes a covenant with Abraham promising that he would make his [Abraham’s] name great, that he would be a father to many nations, and that he would bless him so that he could be a blessing to others.

Jesus was the fulfillment of that promise.

By sending Jesus, who was a descendent of Abraham, to earth, he fulfilled his promise that all nations, Jew or Gentile, would be blessed. Blessed by the grace of God for the forgiveness of sins.

Christmas, a long season in the Philippines, is a day of remembrance, to commemorate the gift of God’s Son, who walked on this earth knowing what was ahead of him, yet he persevered.

Distinguishing public utility from public service MANY of our legislators up to now cannot distinguish industries engaged in public utility and from those engaged in public service. If they cannot differentiate what the two strand for, then they have no business styling themselves as legislators who should always act in the interest of the people.

Many were astonished, including those supporting the Duterte administration, on why there is a need to amend Commonwealth Act No. 146 or the Public Service Law approved on November 7, 1936. This law has been incorporated in Section 11, Article II of the 1987 Constitution, which means they cannot introduce any law that would alter the substance of the constitution. To quote Section 11, Article II of the Constitution: “Sec. 11. No franchise, certificate or any form of authorization for the operation of public utility shall be granted except to citizens of the Philippines or to corporations or associations organized under the laws of the Philippines at least sixty per centum of whose capital is owned by such citizens, nor such franchise, certificate or authorization be exclusive in character or for a longer period than fifty years. Neither shall such any franchise or right be granted except under the condition that it shall be subject to amendment, alteration or repeal by Congress when the common good so requires. The State shall encourage equity participation in public utilities by the general public. The participation of foreign investors in the governing body of any public utility enterprise shall be limited to their proportionate share in the capital, and all the exertive and managing officers of such corporations or association must be citizens of the Philippines.”

Most revealing, the proponents representing the neoliberal ideology did not take into account that granting foreign corporations or associations franchise to operate public utility, they set aside the nationality principle that the majority of the stockholders should be Filipino citizens; can operate public utilities, and must state the citizenship of those who serve as officers or are managing said corporation.

Our legislators have equated the term “public service” to “public utility.” Though both use the word “public,” the difference is that in one industry referred to as “utility” means the need by the people. It is something indispensable and necessary, while the other refers to the use or convenience to the people. It is in the application of public service which gives the grantor the liberality to grant toll and service fees, etc. to compensate for their services and capital requirement.

H.B. No. 78 was certified as urgent by President Duterte yet it simply stated the following as public services being treated as “non-rivalrous or imbued with public interest.” These are: Marine repair shop; Wharf or docks; Canal; Public market; Irrigation system; Gas; Electric light; Heat and power; Water supply and power; Petroleum; Sewer-

age system; Telecommunication system; and Wire and wireless telecommunication system.

Non-rivalrous means no competitor is allowed but just the same they are imbued with public interest if looked upon on the basis of importance to our people.

At best, Gadon says, “next year’s presidential derby is a fight between Leni and Isko for the second place because of the proximity of their survey numbers,” as Isko needs only 12 percent to catch up Leni’s 20 percent trial poll rating, while BBM’s 53 percent is far and away.

“Gutierrez’s unbridled and unfounded optimism is baseless at the very least and utopian at the most,” said Gadon, who had visibly toned down after taking flak for his social media rant last week.

“How in the world can you say that somebody who is tailing the leader of the pack by overwhelming numbers could be in a position

to challenge, much less be in a so-called showdown. That’s simply preposterous. He must be in another world,” Gadon stressed.

Gadon has a strong point. For the past two months, BBM has been lording it over all the surveys and consistently walloping the perceived oppositions in all polls — SWS, Publicus, Kalye-Survey, DZRH, RMN and Pulso ng Pilipino by The Center.

“When did it ever happen that someone who is tugging the coattails of the leading candidate with a double-figure deficit is being branded as a contender? Gutierrez must have been drinking in Shangrila to even think of it. Ano ito perde

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

Anita F. Grefal

Baldwin R. Felipe

Edgar M. Valmorida

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

Why can we not punish stupid legislators for enacting laws violative of the Constitution?

Note that the authors of the bill could not distinguish the difference between public utility from public service. Public utility industries are referred to as God-given and intended to be owned for the common good or res communes. They are essential to the survival of humanity and to the continuity of civilization.

Examples are water and air, and industries residually created for their purpose. This is the reason why President Duterte was fuming mad after knowing how the private operators of our water supply manipulated to create shortages to justify the jacking up of price per liter. The franchisee forgot that MWSS remains the owner of water, and Manila and Maynila Water are merely supervising their distribution.

The old layout made by NPC for the country’s electrification program remains viable to this day. To hasten electrification, mostly private operators purchase their electricity generated by NPC, and sell them to the various distribution utilities. Many electric companies were allowed to operate their missionary lines and even encouraged to organize electric cooperatives which led to the creation of the National Electrification Administration.

It was the neoliberal ideology that led to the closure of the NPC after it failed to pay the huge loan incurred by the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. It was not corruption as alleged by the puppet and coup- installed president that caused the financial collapse of NPC. This also explains why the transmission grid was separated as a function of NPC and sold to foreigners to pay the World Bank.

H.B. No. 78 limits the definition of public utility to any person or entity that operates, manages or controls for public use the distribution of electricity, transmission of electricity, water pipeline distribution, and sewerage pipeline. Added to this is the requirement for industries to secure a franchise from Congress.

The franchise is a grant to prevent undue competition, especially those needing enormous capital. It is the franchise that has become the basis for allowing them to operate and not on the nature and necessity of the industry.

Many of our legislators are confused, forgetting it was Congress that passed the

EPIRA Law, particularly Section 28. To quote: “In compliance with the constitutional mandate for dispersal of ownership and de-monopolization of public utilities, the holdings of persons, natural or juridical, including directors, officers, stockholders and related interests, in a distribution utility and their respective holding companies shall not exceed twenty-five (25%) percent of the voting shares of stock unless the utility or the company holding the shares or its controlling stockholders are already listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE): Provided, That controlling stockholders of small distribution utilities are hereby required to list in the PSE within five (5) years from the enactment of this Act if they already own the stocks. x x x. ” This bill directly contravenes H.B. No. 79 and S.B. 2094. Aside from not mentioning the giving away 100 percent to foreign corporations the country’s public utilities, the bill seeks to annul the EPIRA Law and the Constitution without going through the process of having it ratified by the people.

Even on this specific provision of Section 28 which requires owners of distribution utilities to reduce their holdings to 25 percent, many still refuse to comply with the requirement. The inability of Congress to implement the “de-monopolization” provision simply means that the problem is not foreign or lack of capital but the refusal of public utility operators to obey the law.

Some were allowed to own public utilities in addition to what they already have and control.

This attempt to monopolize several franchises by family corporations to operate in various provinces and districts ideally located to their source of power prevents others from competing. This is beyond the idea of giving 100 percent foreign ownership but a total takeover by foreign companies of our public utilities from their source of power like ownership of the country’s hydroelectric dams to ownership of electric companies which is their mainstay in business.

Besides, if by law, judges are punished for knowingly or by negligence rendering an unjust judgement as in Article 204 and in Article 205 of the RPC, is it not possible for the people to file a case against those buffoons for legislating a law contrary to the constitution law or even against our own interest?

This is asked because if we can punish judges for gross ignorance of the law by wrongly interpreting or applying it, why can we not punish stupid legislators for enacting laws violative of the Constitution? It could hardly be said they were not goaded much that they have enough time to deliberate on the bill together with their legal and technical consultants. They should be punished for making a travesty of our constitution that they committed treason by legislating the bills contrary to our interest. rpkapunan@gmail.com gana?” Gadon quips.

But nevertheless, we have to laud Gutierrez. At least he isn’t abandoning his people even if it means giving them false hope while they engage their opponents in the political battlefield.

I have to admit he is a dependable leader, never the one who would cause demoralization among his troops even as they wordlessly waits for the proverbial last nail on the coffin to bury them and their dreams to oblivion. But other than his ability to uplift the sagging morale of whatever remains of his Pinklaw troops, I refuse to comment any further.

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors Joyce Pangco Pañares News Editor

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

News

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

BBM, Sara continue aid in wake of super typhoon

IN BRIEF QC richest LGU with P452b assets THE Quezon City government on Friday credited efforts to properly record properties that have helped it regain the richest local government unit title with its P452.333 billion in total assets.

The city regained the distinction as the country’s richest LGU with total assets of P452.333 billion in 2020.

From P96.423 billion in 2019, the latest Commission on Audit’s 2020 Annual Financial Report on Local Government showed that the city’s assets increased by 369 percent or P355.91 billion.

The huge increase vaulted Quezon City to the top of the list, overtaking Makati City, which recorded total assets of P238.464 billion from P233.781 billion in 2019.

The city attributed the growth in assets to its concerted effort to properly record its assets as well its hardworking employees.

Donated lands with transfer certificate of titles, deed of donations and Sangguniang Panlusod Resolutions were identified during a robust inventory conducted by the city’s General Services Department and valued based on the latest zonal valuation of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. Rio N. Araja

Govt eyes criminal raps against ‘terrorist groups’ JUSTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Friday said the inter-agency task force on extrajudicial killings has recommended the filing of criminal complaints involving alleged violations of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) against communist terrorist groups.

Guevarra said the recommendation was made by the committee’s Technical Working Group (TWG) based on the 1,500 cases submitted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“For those cases where it has found sufficient evidence, the TWG has recommended the filing of the appropriate complaints,” Guevarra, chairman of the committee said without giving details.

“The TWG has also advised law enforcement agencies and the AFP on what further steps to take in order to build up their cases against communist terrorist groups for various violations of the IHL,” the Justice Secretary stressed.

Guevarra noted that some complaints have been filed in the past, but it they did not cover violations of the international humanitarian law. Rey E. Requejo

OWWA should extend aid to seafarers’ families REP. Sandro Gonzalez of MARINO partylist group on Friday urged the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to extend financial assistance to families of seafarers and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) for the reconstruction or repair of their houses destroyed by typhoon “Odette.”

Gonzalez issued the call amid the massive relief effort launched by the government and the private sector for the typhoon victims in Visayas and Mindanao.

“I am calling on OWWA to extend financial assistance to families of seafarers and OFWs specifically for the reconstruction or repair of their houses destroyed by the typhoon.

It can be the start of rebuilding their lives. I suggest this should be the priority of OWWA while the other government agencies are addressing the immediate basic needs of the victims,” Gonzalez said in a statement.

The MARINO party-list group represents in Congress Filipino seafarers, seabased OFWs, and fisherfolk.

Maricel V. Cruz

By Maricel V. Cruz

SIMBANG GABI. Devotees attend the 9th “Simbang Gabi” at the Quiapo Church in Manila on Friday, December 24. Norman Cruz

TRO vs. denial of party-lists may impact poll preparation

T

he temporary restraining orders (TROs) issued by the Supreme Court (SC) against the denial of the accreditation of some partylist organizations may affect preparations for the May 2022 polls, an official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Friday.

In a Twitter post, Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said this may delay the printing of the ballots, which is set to start early next year.

“Those who filed cases to stop COMELEC from printing ballot numbers of the party list, I hope you realize what you have done,” Guanzon said. “If ballots are not printed by January, the May elections is at risk,” she added.

Earlier, the poll body denied applications for accreditation of 107 party-list groups. Several groups have asked for relief from the high court and were able

to secure a TRO. Among them were: Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Conference for Peace and Development; the Lingkud Bayanihan Party; Ang Tinig ng Seniors; Igorot Warriors International; and Alliance for Resilience, Sustainability, and Empowerment (Arise).

Last week, the SC ordered Comelec to comment on the petitions within a non-extendible period of 10 days and in the meantime, honor the restraining order by not enforcing its registration dismissal orders.

The Comelec earlier released guide-

BIBLE STORIES.

Different floats depict biblical scenes such as “Adam and Eve” in celebration of the “Maytinis Festival” every Christmas Eve at Kawit, Cavite.

There is also retelling of the Virgin Mary and Joseph search in Bethlehem for a place to stay called “Panunuluyan.” The Maytinis Festival has returned after two years.

Jr Josue

Manila LGU grants cash aid to workers

By Rey E. Requejo PRESIDENTIAL candidate and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso on Wednesday signed Ordinance No. 8797 granting financial assistance to job order workers, contract of service, or other similar employment schemes in the city government of Manila.

Under the City Ordinance No. 8797, those eligible are expected to receive financial assistance amounting to P5000 in cash each, as an early Christmas gift. The assistance total P51,150,000.

Moreno also approved the 2022 budget for special education fund amounting to P2,556,546,510.

Moreno approved the budget proposal during last week’s meeting with the Local School Board attended by Division of City Schools (DCS) Superintendent Dr. Magdalena Lim and other officials of DCS. Included in the budget is the reconstruction of Ramon Magsaysay High School located along Espana St. in Sampaloc District. Under the plan, the school will be transformed into a 10-story building with 232 classrooms.

Ramon Magsaysay High School is the leading secondary school in the City of Manila and has the highest population of students.

“I always wanted the best for our people. It doesn’t have to be bigger but better in terms of facilities. This type of school will be built as if this is a private school.

This should be the model of a private education system,” Moreno pointed out.

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lines for the implementation of the liquor ban and setting up of checkpoints during the election period, beginning Jan. 9 up to June 8, 2022.

Separate resolutions were issued by the poll body for the purpose: Resolution No. 10746 for the liquor ban and Resolution No. 10741 for checkpoints.

The guidelines are intended for the effective implementation of these election-related activities.

The Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), regional election directors, provincial election supervisors (PES), election officers (EOs), and the Comelec election law enforcement team, if any, shall implement the liquor ban.

Comelec checkpoints shall be set up by the PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to implement the firearms ban, which is also in effect during the election period.

THE UniTeam humanitarian mission led by former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte has continued its relief operations to help victims of Super Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) in Butuan City, Dinagat Islands, Cebu, and Southern Leyte.

“Christmas is coming and we know this simple help is not enough to erase the tragedy that typhoon Odette has brought to thousands of families especially in Visayas and Mindanao but, we are here to give them hope,” House of Representatives Majority Leader and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin G. Romualdez, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) president, said.

“These difficult times call for even stronger camaraderie and I hope that our people will courage on and remain resilient. Rest assured that we will continue to help them overcome this devastation and hopefully, rebuild their homes and lives as soon as possible,” added Romualdez.

On Thursday, the UniTeam turned over 2,000 food packs to Dinagat Islands Rep. Alan 1 B. Ecleo and 1,000 food packs to Butuan City Vice Mayor Jose Aquino II to help the typhoon victims.

The UniTeam also handed over 2,000 food packs to Lapu-Lapu City Rep. Paz Radaza whose district was also hit by Odette.

Romualdez also said his office and the Tingog party-list have been sending additional 1,000 food packs to Southern Leyte.

“The Tingog party-list is still preparing other items like hygiene kits and blankets for typhoon victims and the relief mission continues until today (Friday) and will resume on December 26,” Romualdez, Southern Leyte’s caretaker following the appointment of former Rep. Roger Mercado as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), said.

Leni delivers message of hope to victims of typhoon ‘Odette’

By Rio N. Araja VICE President and presidential aspirant Leni Robredo on Friday urged the Filipino people to “hold on tightly to hope” amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the destructive typhoon “Odette.”

“There will be those among us who will celebrate Christmas without the presence of their loved ones,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Filipino families would still have the time to gather and celebrate the Christmas season no matter how small or humble the celebration would be, she said.

“We hang lanterns and lights so that those around us feel the message Christmas brings: That hope is found in togetherness, in opening oneself to one’s fellow human beings, in letting them feel that they are not alone, that we always have someone beside us, whether in times of trial or along the path towards our dreams,” she said.

She appealed the public to “fervently give thanks for any blessings we receive” on Christmas.

Robredo’s running mate, Sena-

tor Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan meanwhile said non-working wharves, nonavailable RORO ships, and ships ran aground make the delivery of donations the delivery difficult.

“Water, food, gasoline, electricity, transport, and communication are very much needed in Cebu. Metro Cebu Water District cannot provide water yet so a deep well is a source,” Pangilinan said after speaking with several local government officials and residents on the postdisaster situation in the province.

“In Olango Island, tourism and fishing are the means of livelihood of the people.

It’s difficult to bring relief goods because the chopper cannot do it. It should be the ship,” he said.

He also cited fears of an oil spill because of the presence of sea vessels, after conferring with Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan.

Pangilinan said he will contact Energy Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella to ask that Cebu’s fuel supply be assured so that generator sets for water refilling, phone charging, and other activities may be done even as electricity is still out.

Lacson: Congress needs ‘real’ doctor to address health care PARTIDO Reporma standard-bearer Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said it would be wise if the Filipino electorate could give a seat to a real doctor in the next Congress to address matters related to health care.

Lacson expressed these thoughts when he addressed a question on the renationalization of the Benguet General Hospital (BeGH) during his party’s visit to La Trinidad over the weekend that segued into his endorsement of the maiden senatorial bid of seasoned medical expert Dr. Minguita Padilla.

In a brief public forum after their “Online Kumustahan” gathering in Benguet, Lacson was asked how come the bill proposing to renationalize BeGH did not make it in the Senate when its counterpart measure in the House of Representatives passed.

Lacson, who is a member of the

Senate Committee on Health and Demography said it was because their committee chairperson, neophyte Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go, failed to defend the measure when fellow veteran lawmaker Senator Franklin Drilon interpellated it.

While he is not questioning the competence of Go, who won a Senate seat in 2019, Lacson said the newbie legislator had a hard time answering the questions of Drilon during their extended period of interpellation on the bill.

“E, siyempre, hindi naman talaga doktor si Senator Bong Go, tapos neophyte, medyo nahirapan siyang mag-defend ng budget. ‘Yung iba naipasa—‘yung number of hospital beds, ‘yung mga ganoon—pero may mga bills na kasama ‘yung sa Benguet na hindi nailusot,” Lacson said.

FOR STREET CHILDREN. Members of the National Capitol Region Police Office (NCRPO) and the Manila Police District (MPD), led by NCRPO Chief P/Major General Vicente Danao Jr., and MPD District Director P/Brigadier General Leo M. Francisco, give gift items during their “Pamaskong Handog para sa mga Street Children” activity, held at the Luneta Park in Manila, on Christmas eve. Norman Cruz

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World

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Trump blocks Capitol riot records release F ORMER US president Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court to block the release of White House records to a congressional committee investigating the January 6 assault on the Capitol by his supporters.

Trump asked the nation’s highest court to stay a ruling this month by a federal appeals court which rejected his attempt to keep the documents and records secret.

Trump, who has been accused of fomenting the assault on Congress, is seeking to exercise his privilege as a former president to keep White House

records and communications that might relate to the attack under wraps.

The appeals court agreed with a lower court this month that ruled President Joe Biden could waive executive privilege on the records so they could be handed over to the panel investigating the violence by Trump supporters.

In a filing with the Supreme Court,

Trump’s lawyers argued that “a former president has the right to assert executive privilege, even after his term of office.”

They condemned the congressional records request as “strikingly broad” and accused the committee in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives of conducting an investigation of a “political foe.”

“Congress may not rifle through the confidential, presidential papers of a former President to meet political objectives,” Trump’s lawyers said.

“In an increasingly partisan political climate, such records requests will be-

come the norm regardless of what party is in power,” they said.

Trump’s lawyers defended executive privilege, saying it affects “the ability of presidents and their advisers to reliably make and receive full and frank advice, without concern that communications will be publicly released to meet a political objective.”

The US Court of Appeals agreed to delay the release of the White House records until lawyers for the former Republican president could file their appeal to the Supreme Court.

Trump’s lawyers asked the conserva-

Upholding rule of law, Japan officials to skip China Olympics JAPAN will not send government representatives to February’s Beijing Olympics, Tokyo said Friday, as it called on China to respect human rights and the rule of law.

Government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno did not describe the decision as a diplomatic boycott – already announced by the US and others – but said there were “no plans” for officials to attend the Games.

“Japan believes it is important that common values shared by the international community such as freedom, human rights, and the rule of law are also respected in China,” he said.

“As Tokyo 2020 demonstrated to the world, the Olympics and the Paralympics are festivals of peace and sports that give courage to the world.”

The United States, Britain, Australia and Canada this month announced diplomatic boycotts of the Games over what they consider to be widespread rights abuses by China, including against the Muslim Uyghur minority.

Their boycott stops short of not sending athletes to the Winter Games, which start on February 4.

But Beijing has warned the four nations will “pay the price” for the US-led campaign.

Japan, which hosted the virus-postponed Tokyo Olympics this year, is in a tricky position as tensions simmer between the US and China – both key trade partners. AFP

tive-majority Supreme Court to schedule a hearing on whether the probe request is constitutional and to block release of the documents in the meantime.

In response, the House select committee investigating the Capitol insurrection reportedly asked the Supreme Court to expedite consideration of Trump’s filing, with a House counsel writing to the justices that a delay “would inflict serious injury” on the committee and the public.

In its ruling, the appeals court said “the right of a former president certainly enjoys no greater weight than that of the incumbent.” AFP

At least 32 dead in Bangladesh ferry fire tragedy

GIFT-GIVING DUMBO. An elephant hands out gifts to children during Christmas celebrations at the Jirasart Witthaya school in Ayutthaya on December 24, 2021. AFP

Ecuador mandates jabs as Omicron variant rages ITALY reintroduced mandatory masks outdoors and Ecuador made vaccines compulsory for nearly all in an effort to combat coronavirus infections fired globally by the Omicron variant ahead of Christmas.

More stringent than most, China shut down a city of 13 million people to extinguish a tiny Delta variant outbreak, pursuing its zero COVID-19 goal, while Spain will require masks in some outdoor settings.

British experts said the risk of hospitalization was as much as 70 percent lower among people infected with Omicron compared to the previously dominant Delta strain.

Scientists have welcomed the similar conclusions of two British studies, but warned that Omicron is highly contagious and could still lead to more overall severe cases.

As families across a swathe of the world prepared for Christmas, a raft of new mea-

sures curtailed planned festivities.

Italy reimposed the mandatory wearing of face masks in outdoor spaces, with a higher-grade version required for cinemas, theaters or on public transport.

“It’s a difficult phase,” said Health Minister Roberto Speranza, whose country has banned all celebrations and closed nightclubs until the end of January.

To the north, France and the United Kingdom on Thursday announced all-time records of COVID-19 daily infections. AFP

AT LEAST 32 people died when a packed ferry caught fire in southern Bangladesh on Friday, police said, in the latest maritime tragedy to hit the impoverished low-lying nation.

The incident happened early in the morning near the southern rural town of Jhalokathi, 250 kilometers (155 miles) south of the capital Dhaka.

The vessel was carrying around 500 people.

“The three-storey Obhijan 10 caught fire mid-river. We have recovered 32 bodies. The death toll may rise. Most died from the fire and a few by drowning after they jumped into the river,” local police chief Moinul Islam told AFP. Islam said the fire was believed to have originated in the engine room and then ripped through the ferry packed with people returning home from Dhaka.

“We have sent some 100 people with burn injuries to the hospitals in Barisal,” he said.

The accident was the latest in a string of similar incidents in the delta country crisscrossed by rivers.

Experts in the South Asian nation of 170 million people blame poor maintenance, lax safety standards at shipyards and overcrowding.

Fires are also a regular source of tragedy. In July, 52 people perished in a blaze in a food and beverage factory in Rupganj, an industrial town outside Dhaka.

At least 70 people died in February 2019 when fire tore through Dhaka apartments where chemicals were illegally stored. AFP

Two more Hong Kong universities remove Tiananmen protest artwork TWO Hong Kong universities on Friday removed sculptures marking Beijing’s 1989 crackdown on Tiananmen Square democracy protesters, as authorities steadily remove all remaining traces of the deadly event from the southern Chinese territory.

The removals come a day after Hong Kong’s oldest university took down a statue commemorating the bloody crackdown, sparking outcry by activists and dissident artists in the city and abroad.

Hong Kong was for a long time the only place in China where mass remembrance of Tiananmen was tolerated, with thousands gathering each year to mourn democracy protesters killed by Chinese troops.

The city’s university campuses marked the crackdown with statues commemorating the events in a vivid illustration of the freedoms the semi-autonomous territory enjoyed.

But early Friday, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) removed the “Goddess of Democracy” from its campus.

The sculpture by Chen Weiming—a sixmeter (21-foot) replica of the giant statue that students erected in Tiananmen Square – was a potent symbol of Hong Kong’s democracy movement.

Around the same time, the Lingnan University of Hong Kong removed another relief sculpture marking the Tiananmen crackdown, also created by Chen. AFP

GONE IN A FLASH. This combination of

files pictures created on December 24, 2021 shows people looking at the ‘Goddess of Democracy’ statue in the Chinese University of Hong Kong, seen draped in photographs depicting the 2019 campus siege at the height of the city’s prodemocracy protests at an exhibition held on the campus premises; and the site after the ‘Goddess of Democracy’ statue was removed Friday. AFP

China punishes Xi’an officials amid virus outbreak

Majority Leader & Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and Tingog Partylist Representative Yedda Marie K. Romualdez

DOZENS of officials have been punished over a virus outbreak in the locked-down city of Xi’an, China’s disciplinary body said Friday – the latest state reprimands under Beijing’s strict zero-COVID approach.

China, where the coronavirus was first detected in late 2019, is on high alert for new infections as it prepares to hold the Winter Olympics in February in the capital Beijing.

The world’s most populous nation has reduced cases to a minimum thanks to a zeroCOVID strategy of tight border restrictions, lengthy quarantines and targeted lockdowns.

But cases have been bubbling up in recent weeks—with Xi’an, home to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, telling all 13 million residents to stay home from Thursday,

shuttering businesses and launching several rounds of mass testing.

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said Friday that 26 Communist Party officials had been punished for “insufficient rigor in preventing and controlling the outbreak”.

Xi’an reported another 49 cases on Friday, bringing the total outbreak to more than 250 in recent weeks.

Chinese officials who are deemed to have failed at controlling the virus in their region are regularly sacked or reprimanded.

The statement said inspections had revealed there had been a lax approach to testing and an uncoordinated response that hindered contact tracing in Xi’an.AFP

Business PSEi December 24, 2021

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TOP LOSERS

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE

1 OPM 0.01 -0.001 -9.09% 2 PHES 0.51 -0.04 -7.27% 3 SEVN 87.8 -6.2 -6.60% 4 PERC 4.05 -0.27 -6.25%

A7

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2021 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market corrects; SM Prime, ICTSI down

T

HE stock market retreated Friday on profit taking after rallying the day before in an early Santa Claus rally that sent the benchmark index past the 7,200-point mark.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index fell 66.19 points, or 0.9 percent, to 7,181.86 on a thin value turnover of P2.1 billion after a shortened trading session. Gainers, however, edged losers, 84 to 81, with 39 issues unchanged.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. of the Sy Group declined 2.3 percent to P34.55, while International Container Terminal Services Inc., the biggest port operator owned by tycoon Enrique Razon Jr., dropped 2 percent to P193.60.

Century Pacific Food Inc. of the Po Group, however, rose 1.9 percent to P26.90, while Solar Philippines Nueva

Ecija Corp. added 1.8 percent to P1.15.

The rest of Asian markets rose in thin trade on Friday, extending their rally as fears over the Omicron coronavirus variant faded and further positive economic data from the United States cheered investors.

Studies indicating Omicron infections are less likely to result in hospitalization and US approval of drugs from Merck and Pfizer to add to a growing arsenal of weapons against COVID have increased confidence that the pandemic will have less impact on the economy.

The optimistic mood carried over to Asia, with most markets rising, although in quiet trade with several stock exchanges shut or on shortened hours ahead of the Christmas holiday.

Hong Kong rose 0.1 percent while Singapore and Sydney added 0.4 percent after half-day sessions. Seoul, Taipei and Jakarta also enjoyed gains while Shanghai was among the few losers, ending down 0.7 percent and Tokyo

closed marginally lower.

“Omicron is looking more like a short-term disruption to the economic outlook and not a destructive headwind that knocks the economy off its course,” said OANDA’s Edward Moya.

On Wall Street, the S&P 500 ended the last session before the holiday weekend at a fresh record following a raft of mostly decent US economic data.

Commerce Department data showed consumer spending climbed in November, though at a slower rate, and new home sales rose.

Jobless benefit claims held steady from the prior week and orders for bigticket manufactured goods climbed, though mostly due to aircraft.

Inflation, however, posted the biggest increase in nearly four decades, illustrating the delicate balancing act the Federal Reserve faces between reining in inflationary pressures and keeping the economic recovery on track. With AFP

5 LBC 21 -1 -4.55% 6 LAND 0.86 -0.04 -4.44% 7 WEB 1.87 -0.08 -4.10% 8 DNL 9.03 -0.32 -3.42% 9 TECHW 0.88 -0.03 -3.30% 10 NRCP 0.59 -0.02 -3.28%

MOST ACTIVE

VOLUME

VALUE (PHP)

1 CNVRG 3,683,100 121,717,135 2 ACEN 10,481,800 118,074,936 3 SPNEC 94,050,000 108,180,950 4 CNPF 3,290,900 88,760,405 5 AC 98,680 85,756,845 6 SMPH 2,196,300 76,017,835 7 BDO

587,820 72,250,777

8 TEL

34,180 62,869,625

9 MONDE 3,645,300 58,209,192 10 ICT 293,270 56,963,512

IMF extends crunch funds by 18 months due to COVID WASHINGTON—The International Monetary Fund said Thursday it will extend its flexible access to emergency funding for an additional 18 months to help nations severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The IMF’s executive board agreed on Monday to “temporary increases to the cumulative access limits under its emergency financing instruments” through June 2023, the Washington-based crisis lender said in a statement.

In April 2020, as the world faced the first wave of coronavirus infections and deaths, the IMF eased access to such aid, including raising the level of funding that countries could obtain.

The programs have already been extended twice, in September 2020 and again last March.

The board also agreed that “all other access limits” which had been temporarily increased will be reduced to their pre-pandemic levels beginning January 1, 2022 as scheduled.

“This decision reflects the expected and ongoing gradual shift to upper-credit-tranche quality arrangements from emergency financing triggered by urgent, pandemic-related balance of payment needs,” the IMF said.

It also stressed that the decision ensures “continued access” by member countries to the IMF’s emergency financing should urgent balance of payment issues arise.

The tools include the Rapid Credit Facility, an interest-free program available to low-income nations, and the Rapid Financing Instrument, which is available to all Fund members.

The grants can be disbursed very quickly, to help member states implement policies to address emergencies.

On Monday the IMF said it had approved the fifth and final round of debt relief under a program meant to help the world’s poorest nations weather COVID. AFP

SANTA ON WHEELS. Bikers wearing Santa Claus outfits drive along Oxford Street in London on December 23, 2021. AFP

Hunger closes in on Brazilians as Christmas approaches

By Aline Azevedo RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil—Rice, black beans, oil, flour, pasta and sugar. It hardly sounds like a feast but without this 12 kilogram food parcel donation, Rita Maria De Souza would not have had enough to eat at Christmas.

In Brazil, hunger is affecting ever more families and NGO donations are vital with the holiday season fast approaching.

Almost a quarter of Brazilians suffer from food insecurity.

“It’s not much but I will be able to share it with my family,” De Souza, 59, told AFP from Duque de Caxias, a poor neighborhood in the north of Rio de Janeiro.

Widowed three years ago, she lives alone in a small brick house in the Morro do Garibaldi favela.

De Souza walks with a limp due to diabetes and struggles to eat an adequate diet.

“I need healthy food but it’s not possible with what I earn,” she said.

Unemployed for the last six years, her only income is a monthly 100 reais ($17) government allowance.

She relies almost exclusively on donations to eat.

Her son died five years ago but she has a

38 year-old daughter, granddaughters aged 22 and 24, a great grandson and soon another two as twins are imminent.

Yet since her husband died, she has spent Christmas alone or with her sisters, who live in the same neighborhood.

Hunger returning De Souza welcomed Jeferson Ribeiro, one of the founders of the Amac NGO, with open arms and a sigh of relief when he delivered her Christmas food parcel.

Amac is one of the partners involved in the Natal sem Fome (Christmas without hunger) initiative, which has already distributed 1,500 tons of food this end of year, enough to prepare eight million meals.

Launched by the Acao da Cidadania (Citizenship Action) NGO in 1994, the campaign was halted in 2007 when hunger levels in Brazil had dropped markedly.

At the time, leftist then-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (2003-2010) benefitted from a favorable economy that allowed him to implement policies that helped millions of Brazilians out of poverty.

But the Natal sem Fome program had to be restarted a decade later.

“We relaunched the operation in 2017 because we realized that hunger was on the rise again. And since then it (hunger) has only increased,” said Rodrigo Afonso, Acao da

Cidadania’s director.

‘One meal a day’ “With the pandemic we have to make do with one meal a day,” said Maria Elena Huertas Rosales, a Peruvian living in Nova Iguacu, a suburb neighboring Duque de Caxias.

“I only see meat on television and we’re always asking ourselves: ‘what will we eat tomorrow?’” added the 50-year-old, who moved to Brazil with her husband and son in 2009.

According to a United Nations report, between 2018 and 2020, close to 50 million Brazilians “had to go without food or suffered a significant reduction in the quantity or quality.”

Things have got worse in recent months due to the coronavirus pandemic and accelerating inflation in the country of 213 million.

Brazilians have been shocked by viral social media images of hungry people in Rio fighting over bones in a dumpster.

Things were already worsening before the pandemic, according to Afonso, who blames a “drastic reduction” in policies to fight food shortages.

“If these policies were put in place we wouldn’t have hungry people fighting over bones in the street,” he said. AFP Rita Maria Vitor de Souza, 59, gestures after receiving a donation of basic food from the ‘Acao da Cidadania’ (Citizenship Action) NGO, during the ‘Natal sem Fome’ (Christmas without Hunger) event in Caxias, Baixada Fluminense municipality, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on December 17, 2021.

During this Christmas season, the NGO plans to distribute among people affected by poverty, 36,000 basic baskets, totalizing 10 tons of food. AFP

Manila

Standard

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Department of Finance TODAY SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Secretariat Building, PICC Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay, 1307 MARKETS AND SECURITIES REGULATION DEPARTMENT

IN THE MATTER OF

: : CENTURY PROPERTIES GROUP, INC. : (Registrant) : : : x------------------------------------------------------x

REGISTRATION OF DEBT SECURITIES (Shelf Registration)

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that on December 17, 20211, a sworn statement was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on behalf of CENTURY PROPERTIES GROUP INC. (“Corporation”) for the Shelf Registration in the Philippines of Debt Securities in the aggregate principal amount of PhP6,000,000,000.00 to be offered within a period of 3 years or such period as the Securities and Exchange Commission may allow at an Issue Price of 100% of Face Value. The First Tranche of the Fixed Rate Retail Bonds is ₱2,000,000,000 with an Oversubscription Option of up to ₱1,000,000,000 5-Year Fixed Rate Retail Bonds due 2027 at an issue price of 100% of Face Value to be listed and traded through the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp.

According to the documents presented, the following persons are the directors and officers of the Corporation: Name of Director Amb. Jose E.B. Antonio John Victor R. Antonio Jose Marco R. Antonio Jose Carlo R. Antonio Hilda R. Antonio Ricardo Cuerva Rafael G. Yaptinchay Amb. Jose L. Cuisa, Jr. Stephen T. CuUnjieng Carlos C. Ejercito Aileen Christel U. Ongkauko David L. Almirol, Jr. Atty. Danny E. Bunyi Carlos Benedict K. Rivilla, IV Ponciano S. Carreon Julienne Cruz Atty. Isabelita Ching Sales Ritchelle T. Cordero

Position Executive Chairman Vice Chairman President and CEO Managing Director Managing Director Managing Director Managing Director Independent Director Independent Director Independent Director Independent Director Independent Director Corporate Secretary Assistant Corporate Secretary Chief Financial Officer/ Corporate Treasuer and Investor Relations Head Group Head for Corporate Communications Group Head for Legal Services and Corporate Affairs, Chief Information Officer and Compliance Officer Group Head for Human Resources and Administration

In order to implement necessary health protocols consistent with the directives and guidelines of the relevant government agencies, the Commission hereby suspends, until further notice the physical inspection of the RS and other papers/documents attached thereto (collectively referred to as “Documents”) as well as the provision of physical copies thereof to interested parties. In lieu thereof, the Commission has adopted an alternative mode of viewing and/or downloading the said Documents and any subsequent amendments thereto by enabling interested parties to access the same through the MSRD corner of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website (www.sec.gov.ph) or the Company’s website (http:// www.century-properties.com.).

signed VICENTE GRACIANO P. FELIZMENIO, JR. Director 1

The filing was paid on December 20, 2021 (MS-DEC. 25 2021 & JAN. 1, 2022)

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

A8

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2021

Business

IN BRIEF

Exporters urged to tap plant-based meat mart

FOREIGN Trade Service Corp. of the Department of Trade and Industry called on Filipino exporters to seize the huge business opportunity offered by the growing plantbased meat substitute market in Thailand and other countries.

FTSC commercial attache Enrico Mariano said the plant-based meat alternative market was valued at about $8 billion globally in 2020.

Citing Barclays report, Mariano said the global market is projected to increase up to $140 billion by 2029 with other sources estimating a revenue of $11 billion to $50 billion in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

“If we are able to just have a 1-percent share of that, that’s going to be $1.4 billion and that’s a lot for the Philippines,” he said.

Mariano identified his top three “actionable trends” that include meat/dairy substitutes, sustainability, and healthy convenience and functional food for adults and children. Othel V. Campos

2GO delivers relief goods and donations

EEI OFFERING. EEI Corp. lists its Series A and Series B preferred shares at the Philippine Stock Exchange after raising P6 billion from the share issuance which it will use to finance the company’s future projects, pay short term loans, acquire new equipment and for general corporate purposes. The preferred shares are traded under the stock symbols EEIPA and EEIPB. Joining the bell-ringing ceremony are (from left, by row) EEI president and chief executive Roberto Jose Castillo, PSE chief operating officer Roel Refran; EEI chief financial officer and senior vice president Cris Noel Torres, EEI chairperson Helen Dee, PSE president and chief executive Ramon Monzon, PSE Issuer Regulation Division head Marigel Garcia; SB Capital Investment Corp. president Virgilio Chua, RCBC Capital Corp. president and chief executive Jose Luis Gomez, Securities Clearing Corporation of the Philippines chief operating officer Renee Rubio and PSE general counsel Veronica Del Rosario.

Po acquires Ligo and Potato Corner

By Jenniffer B. Austria

T

HE Po family announced Friday two significant acquisitions to further expand and strengthen its canned food manufacturing and restaurant businesses amid the pandemic.

Century Pacific Food Inc., a listed firm led by the Po family, said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it acquired ‘Ligo’, a leading brand in the sardine category from the Tung family, while Shakey’s Pizza Ventures Inc. said in a separate disclosure it bought Potato Corner, one of the leading food kiosk

brands co-founded by businessman Jose Magsaysay Jr. The final acquisition prices for both deals were not immediately disclosed.

Under the deal, CNPF will purchase the assets and intellectual property related to the manufacturing of ‘Ligo’s’ product lineup, which is composed of shelf-stable marine products.

“Ligo is a leading brand in the sardine category. Ligo will be highly synergistic with the rest of our shelf stable marine products. We are deeply humbled that the Tung family has entrusted this brand to our company, and we shall do our utmost to honor this legacy brand and continue its heritage,” CNPF executive chairman Christopher Po said.

‘Ligo’ is one of the top shelf-stable sardine brands in the Philippines with a heritage of over 60 years. It is

a market leader in key regions in the Philippines.

CNPF, on the other hand, is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of marine products. It is home to household brands such as Century Tuna, 555, Blue Bay and Fresca.

Meanwhile, Shakey’s agreed to purchase the assets and intellectual property relating to the Potato Corner business including all company-owned stores. It will also serve as the brand-owner and franchisor of stores being operated by franchisees both domestically and internationally.

Shakey’s president and chief executive Vicente Gregorio said the acquisition of Potato Corner could further boost the company’s reopening play in the coming year.

“Its global presence in more than 10

PSE INDEX CLOSING

Gov’t budget gap jumped by 24.6% in 11 months to P1.3t

Friday, December 24, 2021 -66.19 PTS. 7,181.86

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES

3,276,004,144 24,863

TOTAL VALUE 2,106,179,710.95 ADVANCES 84 DECLINES 81 UNCHANGED 39

F oreign E xchange R ate

By Julito G. Rada THE government’s budget deficit rose 0.3 percent in November to P128.7 billion from a year ago, as both revenues and expenditures grew 15.6 percent and 10.3 percent, respectively, the Bureau of the Treasury said Friday.

This brought the 11-month budget deficit to P1.3 trillion, surpassing the gap registered in the same period last year by 24.6 percent or P263.2 billion, although accounting for just 72 percent of the P1.9trillion revised 2021 program.

Revenues in November climbed 15.6 percent or P38.2 billion to P284.0 billion, resulting from the gradual resumption of economic activities compared to last year. Tax revenue increased 14.3 percent yearon-year and contributed P270.3 billion or 95 percent to the total, while the remaining P13.7 billion was raised through non-tax collections which also registered a 48.70-percent increase over last year.

The P2.8-trillion cumulative revenues from January to November accounted for 96 percent of the P2.9trillion revised full-year program and were higher by 6 percent or P156.8 billion over collections achieved in the 11-month period last year.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue collected P210.7 billion (net of P1.1billion tax refund) in November, up 10 percent or P19.1 billion from last year’s comparable performance.

BIR’s total collection as of end-November reached P1.9 trillion or 7.2 percent faster than the P1.8 trillion raised in the same period in 2020 and comprised 92 percent of the revised full-year target of P2.1 trillion.

The Bureau of Customs registered a double-digit year-on-year growth of 32.5 percent or P14.2 billion with November net collections of P57.9 billion. BOC’s cumulative revenue in the 11-month period amounted to P583.3 billion, up by 18.5 percent over last year’s comparable outturn and represented 95 percent of the P616.7 billion adjusted program for the year.

countries helps to further diversify Pizza’s operations and revenue streams,” Go said.

Potato Corner has 1,000 outlets domestically and a growing international footprint in Asia and other regions.

“Over the years, the business has built a strong brand equity and demonstrated robust performance, attractive margins and the capability to scale—all aligned with Pizza’s criteria for acquisitions,” Gregorio said.

Shakey’s Pizza reported a net income of P14 million in the first half, a turnaround from the P289.96-million net loss it incurred in the same period last year.

Aside from CNPF and Shakey’s, the Po family also owns boutique property developer Arthaland Corp.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

PRICE INSPECTION. Trade Undersecretary for Consumer Protection Group

Ruth Castelo and Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau Assistant Director Marimel Porciuncula lead the inspection of prices and supply of noche buena items and basic necessities and prime commodities in three Quezon City supermarkets. The monitoring team aims to ensure there are enough stocks of BNPCs and Christmas food products this holiday season and check if retailers follow the suggested retail price as published by the Department of Trade and Industry.

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

50.1180

Japan

Yen

0.008744

0.4382

UK

Pound

1.341300

67.2233

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128228

6.4265

Switzerland

Franc

1.088969

54.5769

Canada

Dollar

0.780701

39.1272

Singapore

Dollar

0.736269

36.9003

Australia

Dollar

0.724200

36.2955

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652872

132.9566

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266340

13.3484

Brunei

Dollar

0.733568

36.7650

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.029842

1.4956

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

13.6465

Euro

Euro

1.133200

56.7937

Korea

Won

0.000843

0.0422

China

Yuan

0.156998

7.8684

India

Rupee

0.013330

0.6681

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.238209

11.9386

New Zealand

Dollar

0.682400

34.2005

Taiwan

Dollar

0.036110

1.8098 Source: BSP

UnionBank eyes P40-b stock rights offering to buy local Citi unit UNION Bank of the Philippines, the lending arm of the Aboitiz Group, plans to raise up to P40 billion from a stock rights offering to fund the acquisition of Citibank’s consumer banking business in the Philippines.

UnionBank said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Friday its board of directors, in a special meeting on Dec. 23, approved the capital-raising initiative.

“To fund the acquisition, the board approved the raising of additional capital of up to P40 billion through the issuance of additional shares from the bank’s unissued authorized capital stock

via a stock rights offering to all existing shareholders,” it said.

“The proceeds of the SRO will be utilized for the acquisition of Citigroup’s consumer banking business in the Philippines. The bank’s shareholders—Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., The Insular Life Assurance Co. Ltd. and Social Security System—are committed to fully subscribe to their respective allocations as well as to any SRO shares not taken up by other shareholders,” the bank said.

“In relation to the acquisition of Citigroup’s consumer banking business, the transaction value is not yet final and is

subject to regulatory approvals. Further disclosures will made as appropriate,” it said.

The bank on Thursday signed a share and business transfer agreement with several subsidiaries of Citigroup Inc. to acquire Citi’s consumer banking business in the Philippines for P55 billion.

The transaction includes Citi’s credit card, personal loans, wealth management and retail deposit businesses. The acquisition also includes Citi’s real estate interests such as Citibank Square in Eastwood, three full service bank branches, five wealth centers and two bank branch lites.Julito G. Rada

2GO Group,Inc.’s business arm 2GO Sea Solutions, the leader in domestic freight transportation in the Philippines, has been transporting donations and relief goods portto-port, free of charge from Manila to Cebu, Bohol, Bacolod, Butuan (for Siargao and Surigao City), Cagayan De Oro, Dumaguete (for Bais City), Iloilo and Puerto Princesa.

As of December 20, 2021, 2GO has been moving essential goods such as food, water, medicines, gen sets, including basket trucks for power restoration. The company has also released emergency funds, and provided food, medicines and accommodation for affected employees in partnership with SM Foundation.

2GO transports basket trucks to support the power restoration initiative of One Meralco Foundation in Cebu and Bohol.

“2GO is one with the nation and the Filipino people in keeping the Bayanihan spirit alive in the face of adversities. As we navigate through these challenging times, we remain true to our mission to transport our passengers reliably, comfortably, and safely, and to deliver goods consistently and in their best condition,” 2GO assistant vice president for Marketing Blessie Cruz said in a statement.

MVP Group extends help to Odette victims

TO alleviate the severe damage caused by Typhoon Odette, the Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP) Group of Companies sent immediate financial and material assistance to the victims in Visayas and Mindanao—after having raised over P50 million for relief and rehabilitation support.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, through the Philippine Armed Forces, mobilized the distribution of 200 blankets and towels to families in its coastal community partner in Del Carmen, Siargao last Sunday.

The municipality houses one of MPIF’s three mangrove centers and has been an integral partner in ensuring the protection and conservation of the local biosystems.

MPIC and MPIF are also donating P1 million for Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc.’s Feeding Program and Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation Inc. to provide financial support for their own Typhoon Odette initiatives. Five hundred ready-tocook Lugaw packs, 200 portable water filters, 100 sacks of rice, and 200 solar lamps will be sent to Surigao del Norte, Cordova in Cebu, and the province of Bohol.

NLEX boosts staff to manage holiday traffic

By Darwin G. Amojelar NLEX Corp. said Friday it is implementing additional traffic management measures to manage the expected increase in traffic volume this Christmas and New Year holidays.

The tollway company said it would beef up operations along the North Luzon Expressway and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway until Jan. 3, 2022 and deploy 1,200 patrol crews, traffic marshals, security teams and toll lane personnel to assist motorists and ensure the efficient traffic flow.

“As always, we are committed to keep our traffic flowing smoothly so our motorists will get to their destinations quickly, safely, and comfortably,” said NLEX president and general manager J. Luigi Bautista.

Traffic management teams will closely monitor Balintawak, Mindanao, Karuhatan, Bocaue, San Simon, San Fernando, Tarlac and Tipo as high volume of vehicles is anticipated in these areas. Emergency medical services and incident response teams will be prepositioned at strategic areas for immediate deployment.

Construction and lane closures along the mainline road of the NLEX-SCTEX will also be suspended unless safety repairs are necessary.

The tollway management is encouraging motorists to use RFID for faster and safer transaction. Those who have no RFID sticker may have it installed for free in any of the Easytrip installation sites and just have to pay the initial load.

Court of Appeals asks DOJ to charge former execs of Fortune Savings with estafa THE Court of Appeals’ Seventh Division reversed and set aside the previous resolutions issued by the Department of Justice and directed it to charge six former officers of the closed Fortune Savings and Loan Association Inc. for estafa through falsification of commercial documents.

It cited sufficient evidence on record to indict the executives for estafa through falsification of commercial documents, a criminal offense under the Revised Penal Code and punishable with imprisonment of up to 20 years.

The CA decision in October 2019 stemmed from the petition for certiorari filed in September 2010 by Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp., statutory receiver of the closed FSLAI, that asked the CA to reverse and effectively set aside the previous resolutions of the DOJ promulgated in 2008 and 2010 . The DOJ downgraded the charge against the former FSLAI officers from estafa through falsification of commercial documents to falsification of commercial documents.

PDIC in 2008 sought reconsideration

of the DOJ resolution that found probable cause to charge these officers for falsification of commercial documents but excluded the estafa charges. The DOJ in 2010 denied the motion for reconsideration of the statutory receiver.

The PDIC, in its complaint, alleged that the former bank officers conspired to approve and release a real estate loan in September 1993 amounting to P6.5 million, which the borrower denied when a demand was sent to him by the statutory receiver.

The borrower claimed that the respondents directed him to sign the loan documents. The CA said that the documents adduced by the PDIC (i.e., promissory note, disclosure statement on loan/credit transaction, loan release sheet, loan action sheet, subject check and credit investigation report) showed that the FSLAI former officers committed acts of falsification and deceit in procuring the loan of P6,500,102.46 from FSLAI, and that the respondents received the proceeds of the loan.Julito G. Rada

Sports

Basilan’s MPBL win, P2M prize ‘God’s gift’

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2021

B1

By Peter Atencio FOR COVID-19 survivor Philip Manalang, redemption was at hand for his team, Basilan-Jumbo Medical after they won the 2021 Chooksto-Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League on Thursday evening at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“Bawi po ito. Siguro, ito po ang plano ni God para sa amin. Pagkatapos ng mga nangyari sa amin,” said the 5’7” Manalang moments after he shot the winning triple at the buzzer, which pushed Basilan to an 83-80 overtime triumph over the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards.

Last March, Basilan Steel defaulted Game 3 of the Division Finals with the Davao Occidental Tigers after the team had many players testing positive for COVID-19, while inside the bubble in Subic, Zambales.

The 24-year-old Manalang’s winning moment came with a second left when his triple found its mark, handing them the crown and the P2-million top purse in their winner-take-all finals affair.

“For me, this win tonight is God given. Talagang gusto naming makuha ito and after we were in a situation nine months ago,” said Basilan coach Jerson Cabiltes.

The triple was Manalang’s only basket for the evening. After receiving a pass from teammate Michael Juico, who was slowed down by cramps on both legs in the last moments of the extra period, Manalang quickly flipped the shot from near the top of the key and converted the biggest shot of his career.

Manalang’s heroics earned him the finals’ MVP honors at the end of 12 days of non-stop action for the team.

Jonathan Uyloan, Encho Serrano, Jay Collado and Juico each had 15 points for Basilan.

Serrano unloaded a triple and three charities as Basilan forced three deadlocks in the remaining 52 seconds.

It was Juico’s lone freebie in the last 18 seconds of the fourth period which forced the game into an extra period, 74-all.

The Rice Vanguards had a chance to win it in regulation, but John Bryan Villarias bungled one of his two triples in the final second.

Michael Mabulac, who was hailed as the season MVP, topscored for Nueva Ecija with 24 points, while Justin Gutang added 13.

Basilan made it to the finals after they eased out Pasig-Sta. Lucia, 77-72, in the semifinals.

The Rice Vanguards reached the finals after they turned back Iloilo, 84-67.

Philip Manalang is mobbed by his Basilan teammates after he sank a ‘Hail Mary’ triple at the buzzer, lifting his team to the MPBL crown and the P2-million prize that goes with it.

WGM Frayna crowned PH women’s chess champion W

OMAN Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna turned back Shania Mae Mendoza in the 11th and final round to crown herself queen of the 2021 Philippine National Women’s Chess Championship at the PACE building in Quezon City Thursday night.

Janelle Mae Frayna

The top-seeded Frayna outplayed the second-ranked Mendoza in the opening to snatch a pawn edge, seal the win and claim her third national women’s title after reigning supreme in 2013 and 2016.

“It’s been a while since I won here because I focused on competing in the men’s event the past several years,” said the 24-year-old Frayna. “It was a tough field and I’m glad I won.”

But the impressive performance was not without a hitch as Frayna needed to overcome an opening round defeat to 13-year-old wunderkind Ruelle Canino.

The loss turned out a blessing in disguise as it lit a fire inside Frayna, who scored 7.5

points, highlighted by six victories since then to run away with the championship, the top purse worth P50,000 and a berth to the Hanoi Southeast Asian Games in May next year.

“She (Canino) is a good player and could be the future of Philippine chess.

She beat me, no excuses,” said Frayna. “It was a wake-up call for me and I decided to go for the win each game.”

Frayna ended up finishing a full point ahead of eventual runner-up Kylen Joy Mordido, who is a third and last result away from following the former’s footsteps as the country’s second WGM. The 19-year-old Mordido halved the point with Cebu pride Marian Calimbo

Junior standout Cocoy bags CTW tennis title BACOLOD—Junior standout Jufe Ann Cocoy turned back Shyryn Salazar, 4-1, to capture the women’s elite singles’ division in the recent CTW Philta Community Tennis Festival here at the NOTA Panaad Tennis Club.

Cocoy, who represented the countr y in the 2020 Junior Fed Cup pre-qualifying event in Jakarta, Indonesia, got back at Salazar who had defeated her 3- 4 (4) during the round-robin preliminaries.

In the semifinals, Cocoy edged the youthful Maria Divinagracia, 4-2; while Salazar ousted Daveaine

Gauran of Dumaguete City, 4-2.

Pete Rodriguez ruled the men’s elite singles in the nationwide tennis activity sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis association and organized by Philta-accredited Negros Occidental coach Juvan Divinagracia.

Over at the Silay Tennis Club in Silay City, ballkid Steven Tres Reyes scored a masterful 4-2 victory over Kristina Dante to capture the elite mixed singles festival division.

In the NCR leg, Jay Veran of Novaliches bucked fatigued after playing five straight matches en route

to a 4-1 finals win past club entry Joshua Diva at the Dapitan Tennis Club in Manila.

Ezri Joy Oligo of Cainta stopped Muntinlupa’s Marianne Hipolito, 4-2, in the women elite singles.

The kick-off NCR venue at the Greenview Tennis Club in Fairview saw age grouper Dane Basijan deny Marianne Hipolito a first-ever women singles crown with a 4-3 (5) victory.

Iggy Illescas won the elite men singles with a 4-2 pressured win over Marlo Fortaleza in 2-leg NCR tournaments organized by Gerber Mamawal and Ronald Roces.

PBA brings back Christmas Day game AFTER four years, the Philippine Basketball Association brings back a special Christmas Day presentation in celebration of the season of joy and in part to continue to help the nation in an endeavor to slowly get back to normalcy.

Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia are pitted in a repeat of their Christmas Day faceoff at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan in 2017—a duel of unbeaten teams ushered in by the NLEX-Phoenix Super LPG match at 4 p.m.

It’s a special bill—dubbed Season of Joy—full of meaning especially with the league’s host local government unit throwing full support.

The pro league is expressing its gratitude to Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte for making possible these festivities spread Saturday and Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Quezon City Mayor’s Office, for its part, is only too willing to partner with the PBA to give joy to their constituents and pay tribute to the biggest heroes in this period of time.

Belmonte is thankful to the Quezon City government frontliners, who continue to risk their lives and sacrifice their time and effort to make the

city’s vaccination program and observance of health protocols a great success.

“Their relentless efforts, along with the support and cooperation of QCitizens and the national government, contributed to the significant lowering of COVID cases as well as achieving more than 1.8 million fully individuals ahead of target,” said Belmonte.

The Gin Kings (3-0) and the Hotshots (2-0) are both looking to preserve their clean slate heading to 2022.

Back in their 2017 Christmas Day tiff, the Gin Kings smothered the Hotshots, 89-78.

On Sunday, it’s San Miguel Beer versus Terrafirma at 4 p.m. then TNT Tropang Giga opposite Rain or Shine at 6:45 p.m.

All four matches are expected to be humdinger, with the Road Warriors, the Gin Kings and the Hotshots among the early frontrunners in the fight for the Top Four that reward twice-to-beat incentive in the quarters.

The Beermen, the Elasto Painters and the Fuel Masters are in the middle of the pack with their identical 2-2 slates, with the Tropang Giga right behind them at 1-2, followed by the Dyip at 1-3.

Scottie Thompson of Barangay Ginebra

in 34 moves of an English Opening.

The Dasmarinas, Cavite bet went for the win and, in fact, seized a slight positional advantage.

But Mordido saw Frayna seal the deal, making it moot for her to just draw.

Mendoza slipped to joint third with third pick Jan Jodilyn Fronda, who split the point with Marie Antoinette San Diego, with six points apiece but clinched third place via tiebreak.

Rounding out the rest of the placings were San Diego, Bernadette Galas, Rinoa Mariel Sadey, Allaney Jia Doroy, Canino, Lexie Grace Hernandez and Calimbo.

The event was 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 head Butch Pichay, Atty. Roel Canobas and Barkadahan Para sa Bansa party list nominees Petchi Ragos and Atty. Juman Paa.

Meralco, TNT keep top 2 spots in 3x3 MERALCO and TNT maintained their Top 2 positions while two-leg winner Limitless catapulted to No. 3 as they led the 10 qualifiers to the PBA 3x3 Lakas ng Tatlo First Conference Grand Finals on Dec. 29.

The Bolts, winner of Leg 2 and runner-up in Legs 1 and 4, amassed 420 tour points after the six-leg hostilities to take No.1 seeding going to the conference championship supported by 1Pacman Party List led by Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero.

The Tropang Giga, who won the opening leg and finished second in the fifth and sixth, matched Meralco’s tally but got the No. 2 ranking.

With their historic triumphs in the last two legs, the Appmasters soared to third position with 361 slightly ahead of guest team Platinum Karaoke (360) at fourth spot in the rankings finalized Friday.

By finishing in the Top 4, Meralco, TnT, Limitless and Platinum gained outright seeding to the quarterfinal round of the Grand Finals set at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where P750,000 will go to the champion, P250,000 to the runner-up and P100,000 to the third-placer.

Also advancing were Terrafirma (325), Leg 4 ruler Purefoods (316), Pioneer Pro Tibay (253), Leg 3 conqueror Sista (218), San Miguel Beer (206), and Barangay Ginebra (167), who will figure in the preliminary round to dispute the four remaining quarterfinal berths.

The Gin Kings caught the last bus to the conference finale on the strength of their sixth place finish in Leg 6, which allowed them to bump Cavitex (140) off the cutoff No. 10 ranking.

Joining the 11th-ranked Braves in the exits were NorthPort (100) and the Zamboanga Valientes (74).

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2021

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor E-mail: jdlacsamana@gmail.com

Home/Design

‘Great return’ for real estate in 2022?

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ANILA –Investment management firm Colliers recently forecasted the recovery of the Philippine real estate sector in 2022 on the back of improving vaccination rates, complemented by rising consumer and business confidence and governmentprojected economic recovery.

In its property market outlook report for 2022, Joey Roi Bondoc, Colliers associate director and head of research, predicted that the office, residential, retail, and industrial sectors will benefit from a macroeconomic rebound. “Landlords should prepare to capture pent-up demand while tenants and investors should maximize opportunities as the market is on its way to recovery,” he advised..

In the first nine months of 2021, Colliers recorded 302,600 square meters of office deals, up a decent 2% from the 295,800 square meters recorded in the same period in 2020.

Traditional occupiers (or non–business process outsourcing firms) covered 61% of the total transactions from January to September of this year.

Colliers retained its vacancy forecast of 15.6% by the end of 2021. Improvement in business sentiment in the next 12 months complemented by greater vaccination rates, will likely lead to potential rebound in office space absorption in 2022, the report said.

Future-proofing Colliers also predicted that the adoption of sustainable office spaces will play a crucial role in future-proofing office towers beyond 2022.

“There will likely be a heightened preference for sustainable buildings that provide natural lighting and optimize air quality, among other features,” the report noted. “Over the next 3 to 5 years, these features should result in utility and talent acquisition cost savings and contribute to

healthier and more productive workforce.”

Rise in the north The completion of major infrastructure projects, such as the NLEX–SLEX Connector, North–South Commuter Railway, and the Central Luzon Link Expressway, will likely benefit key provinces in Northern-Central Luzon, including Pampanga and Bulacan.

These projects will be complemented by the completion of the New Manila International Airport (or Bulacan International Airport) and the expansion of Clark International Airport. Aside from improving connectivity, these infrastructure projects should also raise land values outside the capital region.

Revenge shopping, dining to spur recovery Colliers observed that developers have been cautious in completing new malls and this was evident in 2020 when only 53,100 square meters of new space was completed. This is significantly lower than the annual average of about 323,200 square meters of new retail space from 2017 to 2019.

For 2022, Colliers forecasts vacancy in the retail sector rising to about 17%,

partially due to the substantial new supply of about 523,700 square meters likely to be delivered and tepid demand because of the changeable lockdown situation in Metro Manila.

Although the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has reported that malls and restaurants are already recording consumer traffic of between 50% and 80% of pre-Covid-19 levels following the easing of quarantine restrictions since November 2021, Filipinos’ growing propensity to shop online remains an important factor that will likely influence physical mall space absorption beyond 2022.

In the first 9 months of 2021, retail rents dropped by 5%, from a 10% decline in the same period in 2020. Colliers expects rents to recover slowly starting 2022 with an improved vaccination program, and a government-projected economic recovery spurring an increase in consumer spending.

Local tourism to stoke demand Colliers believes that recovery in the leisure sector will likely be anchored by domestic tourism. The Department of Tourism (DOT) is expecting domestic trips

to reach 84.8 million in 2022 or 90% of the total number of domestic trips in 2019.

Revenge travel among local travelers should also help increase occupancies of selected hotels across the country.

In 2021, about 1,027 hotel rooms are likely to be delivered, with the Bay Area accounting for about 81% of the new supply. The delivery of new hotel rooms is likely to remain tepid up to 2022 before gradually rebounding in 2023.

E-commerce to sustain demand for industrial Colliers believes that the growth of industrial sector beyond 2021 will likely be driven by sustained demand in e-commerce, logistics, and manufacturing across the country.

The rising demand for cold storage facilities will sustain demand for industrial assets in the next 12 to 36 months. To meet the growing demand, Colliers encourages developers to consider expanding their industrial portfolio to include cold chain facilities or refurbish existing supply by incorporating specialized cold storage features such as pre-installed chillers, increased floor load capacity, and higher ceiling heights.

SAVE THE CHILDREN. Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) recently made a P500,000 donation to health workers and first responders of Metro Manila’s lone municipality, Pateros, through Save the Children Philippines (SCP). The donation provides health and hygiene essentials and equipment such as oxygen tanks and regulators, nasal cannulas, thermometers, pulse oximeters, masks, goggles and will also support the COVID-19 room improvements, the maintenance of the municipal’s water and sanitation facility. Standard Chartered also donated holiday gift packs for 250 municipal health workers and staff. The turnover activity was held in Pateros Municipal Hall attended by Mayor Miguel “Ike” Ponce III; Standard Chartered Bank Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing Head Mai Sangalang; Save the Children Corporate Partnerships Manager Natalia Tabal; and representatives from the bank, SCP, Municipal Health Office, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) and barangay emergency response team.

PUEBLO DE ORO SNAGS DOUBLE GOLD. Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation (PDO), the property development arm of the ICCP Group, recently bagged two gold awards in the Property and Real Estate Excellence Awards organized and presented by FIABCI (Federation Internationale des Administrateurs de Bien-Conselis Immobiliers). FIABCI, or The International Real Estate Federation, is a business networking organization for real estate professional worldwide.

Pueblo de Oro was recognized for Westwoods subdivision, a master-planned development at the heart of Pueblo de Oro’s 400-hectare Township in Cagayan de Oro City. At the awarding ceremonies were (from left) FIABCI-Philippines chairman Arch. Nestor Mangio; PDO special projects manager Marc Terence Liamson; PDO president and COO Prim Nolido; and FIABCI-Philippines chapter president Dr. Reghis Romero II. TAPPING THE SUN. Filinvest-ENGIE Renewable Energy Enterprise, Inc. (FREE), a joint venture company of FDC Utilities, Inc., the power utility arm of Filinvest Development Corp (FDC), and ENGIE Services Philippines, recently kicked off its first project, a 2.8 MWp solar rooftop solution at Filinvest Land Inc.’s Festival Mall in Alabang. The intelligent system will supply about 28 percent of the mall’s peak demand and save close to 41,000 tons of CO2, an equivalent to removing approximately 9,000 cars off the roads of Metro Manila.FREE had signed a 20-year solar power purchase agreement with Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) in 2020. It had since completed the installation of 5,303 photovoltaic solar panels on the rooftops of Festival Mall. The mall benefits from the project’s

build, own, operate and transfer model because it requires no upfront capital expenditure. FREE invests solely and recovers the cost through an electricity tariff paid by Festival Mall over the course of the contract. “Our strategic alliance with ENGIE has established past track records of success and proven end-to-end low carbon expertise,” said Juan Eugenio Roxas, president and CEO of FREE.

ENHANCING COMMUNITIES. Technology and homebuilding company PIK recently donated garden soil, vegetable seedlings and ornamental plants to Mandaluyong City’s sustainable gardening program. Country Manager Mai Yang personally turned over the materials to City District II Councilor and head of the environment committee Benjamin Abalos III;Mandaluyong City Environmental Management Department representatives Emmanuel Oblea, Jr. and Shirley Dizon; and Sambahayan Condominium Association President Jean Candelaria.

The developer also received a special recognition award for Environmental and Social G over nance.

“We at PIK are committed to bringing sustainable l i v i n g solutions to Filipinos, not just in how we design our developments but also in communities we are present in,” said Yang. “

Tech & Gadgets

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2021 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

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DIGITAL-FIRST future is just around the corner, and the pandemic has shown that the new normal inadvertently calls for technological solutions and digital transformation in the country. Public-Private Partnerships fund, design, and implement infrastructure to drive innovation and digitalization.

Cisco Philippines' Officer-in-charge and Managing Director Robin Llamas said, "As the worldwide leader in technology, Cisco is committed to publicprivate coordination to make a positive impact on the people in the communities that we serve and drive an inclusive future for all. We are developing digital solutions that are designed to help various industries and communities cope with the accelerated digital adoption and thrive in a digital-first future. Through our Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program called ‘UGNAYAN2030’, we hope to build the foundation of digital resilience by improving digital literacy, accelerating digitization, and strengthening local capacities for innovation."

UGNAYAN 2030 commenced with several initiatives across different sectors focusing on three key pillars of digitalization – Collaboration, Connectivity, and Cybersecurity. The fourth pillar, COVID-19 response, was added when UGNAYAN 2030 was launched in response to the ongoing pandemic. Through this program, Cisco has implemented several projects like the Cisco-PLDT Joint 5G Trial, which provided a trial lab for 5G technologies, and the Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Assessment to study the security framework of select government agencies. Cisco also worked with local government units to build the infrastructure for Smart Cities and aided the Department of Health with Digital Healthcare solutions at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon entry of

PH public-private pacts crucial in achieving digital resilience vaccines in the country, Cisco also provided the Meraki COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Solution, which is designed to ensure the security and maintenance of critical conditions for the storage and transportation of vaccines through sensors and AI technology.

The pandemic revealed the need for a digital pivot. According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, PPPs result in standardized guides that improve public services and the implementation of facilities.

“Opportunities for economic and societal change make partnerships between the public and private sector critical. This is why, at Cisco, we welcome every chance to work with the government towards digital resilience and an inclusive future for all,” Llamas shared.

The Philippine Public-Private Partnership Center also notes that “PPP provides a ‘quicker and more effective way’ of building infrastructure since the technology, development, and delivery are supported by the private sector.”

Give gift of music with LG Audio THINKING about the perfect holiday gift for your friends, loved ones, or even yourself? One of the best presents to give out is something functional and can be used on a daily basis and LG fits the bill.

There’s something for everyone with LG’s wide range of audio products, whether you’re gifting speakers to a friend who constantly belts out Jose Mari Chan on Sept. 1 every year like clockwork, wireless earbuds for your parents to use on your weekly calls, or a soundbar for yourself for your Netflix binge watching sessions.

For home audio gifts for people who love dancing and hosting parties, you can’t go wrong with the LG XBOOM CL98-FB and the LG XBOOM CL88.

The former has a thunderous 3,500 watt sound while the latter boasts of a powerful 2900 watt sound with booming bass. Colored lights flash in sync with the beat of the music, adding excitement and atmosphere to parties. You can take the party in your hands and control the music remotely with the DJ App. Have fun using a variety of DJ sound effects straight from your smartphone. It’s not a Filipino party without some karaoke! Singing is easy and enjoyable with a voice canceller to reduce in-track vocals and a key changer that tunes the music to your voice. You can also choose 18 different vocal effects to sing with.

You can connect multiple speakers together wirelessly using Bluetooth to create an even more immersive audio experience.

For a more understated audio gift, getting the LG SP8YA or LG SP7Y soundbar is a good option. The exquisite design of LG Sound bars are made to complement your home. Every design element has been carefully considered so that they become a part of your interior and add style to your space. To make matters more con-

With the country’s critical need for digital adoption, Llamas adds that "In line with Cisco’s commitment to providing accessible and secure technology, Cisco is open to partnering with institutions to acquire solutions and implement pilot runs so technology can be universally accessible to all Filipinos and economically beneficial for the recovery of the country."

UGNAYAN 2030 is on-going, and it tackles digital resilience through its collaboration with national government agencies, non-government orga-

nizations, and key industry partners.

Llamas emphasizes, "The pandemic has impacted businesses as well as the economy. However, we also saw that those with the right connectivity, digital infrastructure, and remote work technologies thrived. Collaboration between stakeholders from the private and public sectors is critical to boost growth as we work towards a post-pandemic recovery. With this, Cisco will continue to develop initiatives that aid in digital resilience and inclusivity through insight-driven IT innovation."

French shipping giant CMA CGM inks partnership with XLOG

venient, you can operate the speakers using LG’s Magic Remote. With Sound Bar Mode Control, you can control the sound bar’s power, volume, and even sound modes.

If you’re using the speakers with an LG TV, you’ll be in luck as TV Sound Mode Share allows the sound bar to use the TV's processing power and AI Sound Pro to make everything you hear clearer and more consistent, even from different content sources. Both soundbar models boast of award-winning Meridian technology to deliver a wide soundstage with quality ear level sound.

Looking for a gift to yourself? Try out LG’s wireless FP9 TONE Free earbuds. The newest iteration of LG’s earbuds makes life even simpler. As travel restrictions slowly easing up, a vacation is on everyone’s mind.

The FP9 lets you connect your earbuds to devices even without Bluetooth capabilities with its Plug and Wireless function. The FP9 is the only wireless earbud that can be plugged on an airplane’s in-flight entertainment system. Its charging case also kills 99.9% of bacteria on the speaker mesh.

FRENCH shipping and logistics giant CMA CGM (Compagnie Maritime d'Affrètement and Compagnie Générale Maritime) has finalized the details of its partnership with Filipino-developed fully integrated end-to-end shipping and logistics platform XLOG to allow shippers and forwarders access to digital services.

In addition, CMA CGM customers can onboard the XLOG platform to book and schedule their shipping requirements.

“The partnership between CMA CGM and XLOG creates a perfect synergy between our platforms,” said Eric Vitug, head of Sales and Marketing at Shiptek Solutions, the

developer of XLOG. He went on to say, “The French shipping and logistics company is digitizing its services globally, including the Philippines. Fortunately, XLOG has already developed and had a fully-functioning, fully-integrated shipping and logistics solutions that they can use and offer their customers.”

Joey Ynion, chief of operations at XLOG, described the collaboration as a “win-win” for both parties.

“This is a great development in the shipping and logistics space.

Our XLOG platform offers a slew of digital solutions our subscribers and users can utilize for their operations.

CMA CGM’s customers can now have access to our platform,” Ynion

Filipinos are the top new e-cash adopters in the Asia Pacific region at 37%.

The partnership between CMA CGM and XLOG creates a perfect synergy between the two platforms.

added, although the collaboration is currently limited to booking shipping requirements.

Moving forward, XLOG is also offering all its digital services to the French shipping giant and other shippers. Customers need to reach out to XLOG to take advantage of having a singular platform to orchestrate their logistics requirement.

One of the most significant advantages offered by XLOG is its costeffectiveness, as companies who will onboard its platform will not have to spend millions in digitizing their system. The XLOG platform will only cost them a fraction of that cost.

Another integral feature of the platform is its embedded financing through its partnership with the Unionbank of the Philippines.

Ynion described embedded banking as an "anchor financing" that offers a seamless trading solution in the logistics space while eliminating the risk of bogus transactions.

"It's like a community-based financing with the freight forwarders acting as the "anchor," he said. "As the anchor to the financing facility, these freight forwarders will undergo a credit assessment from UBP. The trucking firms will not be required for any credit assessment. Once they are onboard the credit line, the forwarders can onboard all the trucking companies they work with, and in turn, the bank will automatically onboard the trucking companies in the system."

Celebrate ‘22 with Windows 11 Update on your favorite Lenovo devices

AS we welcome the Year 2022, rewarding yourself or your loved ones with a device that can help you accomplish your goals is muchneeded. With Lenovo’s dedication to addressing different needs of customers through continuous product innovation, your favorite devices now come with Windows 11.

Windows 11 has been designed to increase productivity, creativity and to be used with ease. Windows has always been about helping consumers work how they want by offering the flexibility of multiple windows and the ability to snap apps side by side. In Windows 11, Snap Layouts, Groups and Desktops have been added to provide an even more powerful way to multitask and stay on top of what needs to be done.

For gamers, Windows 11 unlocks the full potential of your system’s hardware by putting some of the latest gaming technology for you. Like: DirectX 12 Ultimate which enables breathtaking, immersive graphics at high frame rates; DirectStor-

age for faster load times and more detailed game worlds; and Auto HDR for a wider, more vivid range of colors for a truly captivating visual experience.

Here’s a lowdown of the devices that can be updated to the latest Windows 11: Yoga Slim 7 Carbon 14 - 82L0003DPH The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 Carbon 14 combines high craftsmanship with portability. Featuring up to an 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 5800 U Series Mobile Processor with AMD Radeon Graphics, the laptop is available with optional NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics for supercharged creation.

Packed with up to 16GB LPDDR4x of memory, the Yoga Slim 7 Carbon 14 also brings up to 1TB PCIe Gen 3.0x4 of internal storage and a powerful 61WHrs battery that delivers the ease of Rapid Charge Express while on the go. The OLED panel optimized on a four-sided narrow bezel guarantees the user an immersive experience. It also mounts a stunning 14-inch 2880x1800 designed for

ultra-vivid picture quality with Dolby Vision.

A VESA Display HDR True Black 500 certification for enhanced video quality reproduction in a 16:10 display format with less scrolling and more content.

IdeaPad Slim 5 Pro - 82L500KKPH “Premium” and “Better Value” do not often come in one sentence but that’s exactly what you get with Lenovo’s IdeaPad Slim 5 Pro. Worth every penny, the laptop comes in a classy all-metal finish and weighs 1.9kg that easily lets you bring it to any cafe or business meeting without any second thought.

Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H Processor, you are guaranteed to get any job done.

The IdeaPad Slim 5 Pro is also accompanied by the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, creating high-resolution and immersive graphics.

IdeaCentre AIO 3i - 90NB00JEPH The IdeaCentre AIO 3i is the one for you if you are looking for a sleek performer.

Equipped with the NVIDIA GeForce GT 730 and powered by the latest 11th-Generation

Intel Core processors, the PC is designed to increase productivity and withstand multitasking on different programs.

With 8GB of RAM that is upgradeable up to 32GB of DDR4 and a 512GB SSD for storage, the IdeaCentre AIO 3i is also engineered with a power supply of 260W 85% Energy Star.

Legion 5i Pro 82JD003VPH Designed to balance style, adrenalin and engineered to deliver devastation in and out of the arena, the Lenovo Legion 5i Pro offers excellent gaming performance with the latest 11th Generation Intel Core H-series processors with 45W of dedicated pro-

cessing power. Accompanied with the 130W NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070, it dishes highresolution gaming at optimal-frame-rates for greater visual fidelity in the latest games.

The Legion AI Engine, the Legion 5i Pro is optimally cooled via the Coldfront 3.0 thermal system with the Legion AI Engine.

IdeaPad Slim 5 Pro

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2021

Motoring

Calax, Cavitex ready for holiday surge

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PCALA Holdings Inc., (MHI) and Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation (CIC), subsidiaries of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), recently activated Oplan Biyaheng Ayos for the expected influx of motorists this holiday season along the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) and the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX).

MPTC 'Happy Holideals' to run until January 1 CALLING all motorists!

There’s still a chance to be one of the two lucky winners of a brand new Geely Okavango Urvan or one of the lucky 20, who will take home P100,000 each.

Metro Pacific Tollway Corporation (MPTC) has launched 2022 Happy Holideals, a raffle promo from December 20, 2021 to 11:59 of January 1, 2022. Up to P4-million worth of prizes will be given away to registered Easytrip RFID account holders plying MPTC’s toll roads — North Luzon Expressway (NLEX); Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), CAVITEX C5 Link, and the CaviteLaguna Expressway (CALAX) - during this holiday season.

At present, the toll road company has already recorded more than 1,000,000 motorists who are qualified for the promo. MPTC encourages more motorists to participate in the ongoing raffle.

To join, motorists must ensure that their Easytrip RFID accounts are registered. They may visit https://mptc.outsystemsenterprise. com/EasytripRegistration/SeRF to check their registration status.

Motorists are also required to have at least one passage during the promo period from December 20, 2021 until 11:59pm of January 1, 2022, in any of the MPTC toll roads and must maintain a positive Easytrip RFID load balance.

Cash-paying motorists are encouraged to install Easytrip RFID stickers for free in any Easytrip station, in order to qualify for the promo.

MPTC stated that each motorist is eligible to win only once. The raffle draw will be held on January 3, 2022 and winners will be announced on January 06, 2022 in MPTC’s Official Facebook accounts (@NLEXexpressways, @ cavitexpressway, @OfficialCALAX) and Easytrip Services Corporation (@easytripPH).

Visit https://www.easytrip.ph/2022happyholideals/ for the complete details. Promo runs from Dec. 20, 2021 - Jan. 1, 2022 per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-133862 Series of 2021.

This year, with the government loosening land travel restrictions to help bounce back the economy, MPTC anticipated a 10% increase in numbers of vehicles vying CALAX from yesterday, January 23, 2021, to January 4, 2022 while a 7% increased has been forecasted for CAVITEX. The toll road operators placed on both the expressways’ operations are on heightened alert status to guarantee safe, secure, reliable, and convenient toll passages for travelers during the holiday rush.

As of today, CALAX operates from Binan, Laguna up to the east of Silang, Cavite and services about 18,000 vehicles on weekdays. A volume high of about 32,000 vehicles has been recorded during the weekends from the start of December.

MHI will continue to render 24/7 Patrol and Security personnel for motorist assistance, as well as placing the Emergency Medical Service Team, towing service provider, and Incident Response Team on optimum level and positioned at Greenfield compound to respond to motorists’ emergency situations within 15 minutes upon notice.

On the other hand, CIC continues to extend its 24/7 motorist assistance among toll users. Deployment of

manpower at toll plazas, patrol vehicles, ambulance, towing services, maintenance vehicles, and personnel will be at optimum level. The toll road operator as well coordinated with local government units (LGUs) to ensure smooth flow of traffic at entries and exits of the expressway.

Customer Service Centers will also be available 24/7 for both CALAX and CAVITEX, anticipating RFID installations for seasonal motorists with no Easytrip RFID stickers, and reloading services for regular account holders to avoid inconvenience at the toll plazas.

Moreover, both expressways shall also offer free towing for Class 1 vehicles (to the nearest exit only) from 6am of today, December 24, until 6am of December 27, 2021, and from 6am of January 1 to 6am of January 3, 2022.

MPTC also continues to remind motorists to comply with the road safety laws such as Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act and Seat Belts Use Act; and to follow government’s minimum health protocols to help avoid COVID-19 transmission and its occurring variants.

Enter the Land Dragon

PROFESSIONAL off-road racing is familiar territory to anyone who’s ever explored the Philippine hinterlands. Uneven, muddy terrain strewn with rocks the size of basketballs, unpredictable weather that can turn a sunny day in the field into a raging river of soil and debris – its conditions that tell any off roader to either go big or go home.

And it’s exactly the terrain and road conditions that call for the big guns like CST’s Land Dragon CL-18.

There is no mistaking that this professional grade tire i s

A wide groove in the middle of the Land Dragon CL-18's tread and the convex strip lets the tire expel mud and drain water off the tire.

made for serious off-roading on 4x4 SUVs. One look and you’ll know it can’t possibly be legal for use on ordinary roads.

The aggressive, all-terrain look is specially made for roughing it.

The treads on the Land Dragon CL-

18 are chunky, and there is no mistaking that they are meant to go through mud and rocks.

The quadrate design in its shoulder improves traction, the square sidewall’s extreme look is thanks to large shoulder lugs that dramatically improves side protection for the tire.A wide groove in the middle of the tread and the convex strip on the underside boosts the tire’s capacity to expel mud and drain water off the tread. The tread

is designed to eject rocks and provide that extra protection against tread damage from sharp rocks and other debris that will puncture lesser tires.

The tire is constructed with an extreme off-road bias tire with a special design that roll with whatever terrain it encounters.

It will get you anywhere and ahead in professional off-road competitions. Clearly, CST’s Land Dragon CL-18 is only for those who mean to rule.