Manila Standard - 2022 January 18 - Tuesday

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ILOCOS, CAGAYAN, CORDILLERA NOW AT CRITICAL RISK; PH CASES AT 37,070

By Joyce Pangco Pañares and Willie Casas

in his report during President Rodrigo Duterte’s Talk to the People late Monday.

Metro Manila, Calabarzon and Central THREE more regions were classified at Luzon were now joined by Ilocos, Cagay“critical risk” for COVID-19 infections, an Valley, and the Cordillera Autonomous Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Region at critical risk classification.

Meanwhile, the independent OCTA Research Group said Monday the growth rate of COVID-19 in the National Capital Region has dropped to -4% from -1% and its reproduction rate has decreased to 2.37 from 2.67 -- but is still

at “very high risk.”

This was as the Philippines logged more than 30,000 new COVID-19 cases for the sixth consecutive day amid the surge of cases fueled by the more contagious Omicron coronavirus variant,

which the Department of Health has confirmed is now the dominant strain in Metro Manila.

Metro Manila’s average daily attack rate (ADAR) stood at 103.59 from Next page

BIG-TIME PRICE HIKES FOR DIESEL, GAS, KEROSENE

LOTTO JACKPOT WON FOR 3RD STRAIGHT DAY

NEWS / A2

NEWS / A2 VOL. XXXV • NO. 337 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 •TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Duterte: Public good priority Justifies curbs on unvaxxed as ‘greatest good for greatest number’

By Joyce Pangco Pañares and Rio N. Araja

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday defended his “no vax, no ride” policy as part of mobility curbs for unvaccinated people amid the soaring cases of COVID-19.

CARD CHECKS. Members of the Land Transportation Office hold up tarps as they check commuters’ vaccination cards on buses and jeepney along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Monday. Elsewhere, passengers show their vaccination cards at the checkpoint conducted by the Dasmariñas police in Cavite and to the highway patrol officer before boarding Edsa-Carousel buses at the Nepa Q-Mart station along Edsa. Manny Palmero, JR Josue and Joey O. Razon

Comelec junks DQ case vs. Marcos, upholds eligibility to run for prexy

By Vito Barcelo, Rey E. Requejo, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has denied for lack of merit the petition seeking to cancel former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s certificate of candidacy (COC) for president, saying his failure to file his income tax returns does not constitute a crime of moral turpitude.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the poll body’s second division dismissed the petition filed by Task Force Detainees chairman Fr. Christian Buenafe for lack of merit.

The 32-page ruling was signed by Presiding Commissioner Socorro Int-

Duterte made the statement as the Department of Transportation warned that public utility vehicle drivers who violate the policy will be slapped with a P5,000 fine for their first offense.

“Public good remains high in the hierarchy of things. The greatest good for the greatest number – that is a dictum that must be remembered when Constitutional provisions are being put to issue,” he said.

“The duty of government in a democracy is the greatest good for the greatest number. It means in a democracy, the majority prevails,” the President added.

Duterte said when the interest of the community comes into play with existing Constitutional provisions, and taking into consideration the prevailing state of the country – such as the ongoing pandemic – “government can always come up with measures that can Next page

ing and concurred in by Commissioners Antonio Kho and Rey Bulay.

The petitioners had argued that the former senator cannot run for public office because he was convicted by a Quezon City court for his multiple failure to file his income tax returns from 1982 to 1985.

The Second Division ruled that the

3,242,374 37,070

290,938

52,929

23

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AID VS. COMMUNISTS. Partido

Federal ng Pilipinas standard-bearer Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is pictured in this file photo. On Monday, he vowed full support for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC) in its battle against insurgency if he gets elected in the 2022 elections (see related story on A4). Ver Noveno

2,898,507 33,940 (As of 4 PM, January 17)

Pichay: SC rule China commits to work with PH ‘to properly handle’ SCS dispute not final, won’t stop his poll bid

By Rey E. Requejo

CHINA on Monday expressed its commitment to closely work with the Philippines to “properly handle” the dispute over the South China Sea. State Councilor and Foreign Minis-

By Maricel V. Cruz DEPUTY Speaker and Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay on Monday said the Supreme Court ruling against him was not yet final and executory and did not question his fitness to run for reelection.

Pichay made the statement after the SC’s First Division junked the consolidated petitions filed by him that questioned the ruling of the Office of the Ombudsman on his perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

Pichay’s case stemmed from the purchase by the Local Water Utilities Administration of about 445,377 shares of Express Savings Bank Inc. (ESBI) when he was the government agency’s chairman.

“The recent Supreme Court decision Next page

ter of China Wang Yi assured Manila that Beijing “will not use its strength to bully smaller countries.”

Speaking at the Manila Forum for China-Philippines Relations, Wang said he hopes the two countries will find ways to properly manage and resolve

the issue and do away with stressing “only one side’s claims and imposing one’s own will.”

“China will join hands with the Philippines to properly handle the South China Sea issue. We each have a respective claims and positions. Before

an agreement can be reached, it is important that we put the issue in a proper place and prevent it from affecting or even taking hostage the overall bilateral relationship,” Wang stressed.

“Stressing only one side’s claims and Next page

House approves higher discount for seniors on water, electric bills

By Maricel V. Cruz

TRAIN INSPECTION. Light Rail Transit 1 passengers present their vaccination cards

to security personnel while another LRT staff flashes a placard inviting them to undergo a one-day antigen testing on Monday. The random testing is a moved by the Light Rail Manila Corporation to intensify its fight against COVID-19. Danny Pata

THE House of Representatives on Monday unanimously approved on final reading a measure increasing the discount granted to senior citizens on their monthly electric and water consumption and exempting such bills from value-added tax.

With 203 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and no abstention, the chamber passed on third and final reading House Bill 10568, which would amend Republic Act 7432 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

The bill proposes to raise the rate of

discount granted to senior citizens on their monthly electric and water consumption from the present 5 percent to 10 percent.

It was among a number of vital measures passed by the House, which included aid for higher education, rural financial inclusion, and tax cuts to help the live entertainment industry recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco expressed his gratitude to his fellow House members for responding to the roll call and taking part in Monday’s session despite the challenges posed by the latest COVID-19 surge driven Next page

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News

TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Big hikes on kerosene, diesel, gas

By Alena Mae S. Flores

T

HE country’s oil firms raised pump prices by as much as P2.30 per liter effective 6am Tuesday to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market.

The oil firms raised the price of kerosene by P2.30 per liter, diesel by P1.80 per liter and gasoline by P0.90 per liter as global worries over the Omicron variant eased.

This is the third consecutive weekly oil price hike for the month of January.

“Petron will implement the follow-

ing price increases effective 6 a.m. on Jan 18: P0.90/li for gasoline; P1.80/li for diesel and P2.30/li for kerosene. These reflect movements in the international oil market,” Petron said in its advisory.

Seaoil, PetroGazz, and Cleanfuel also raised pump prices, while other oil firms are expected to follow suit.

Comelec...

From A1

Duterte:...

From A1

National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1994 did not apply to the case, because that would have resulted in a retroactive application since the NIRC took effect only in 1986, “whereas the cases involved in this case were in ’82, ’83, and ’84,” Jimenez said in a press briefing.

The Comelec also ruled that Marcos is eligible to run for president since he is not perpetually disqualified from seeking elective office and did not commit any misrepresentation in the filing of his COC. “So, for this reason, when respondent Marcos Jr. checked the item on the COC saying that he has no disqualifications, it was not a misrepresentation,” Jimenez added, citing the Comelec division’s ruling.

He also said that the division noted that failure to file an income tax return is not a crime involving moral turpitude.

The Palace on Monday said it respects the Comelec decision.

“Comelec is an independent constitutional body. We respect the independence of the Comelec.,” acting presidential spokesman Karlo Nograles said.

Marcos spokesperson Vic Rodriguez said the petition was “way too frivolous and unmeritorious to override the basic precepts of the Constitution.”

The Marcos camp also thanked the Comelec “for upholding the law and the right of every bona fide candidate like Bongbong Marcos to run for public office free from any form of harassment and discrimination.”

Meanwhile, the Comelec’s First Division decision on the disqualification cases against Marcos have been delayed by COVID-19.

Comelec Director 3 Elaiza Sabile David said staff members of one of the commissioners handling the petitions against Marcos have tested positive for COVID-19.

In a Twitter post, presiding Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said one of the commissioners was in isolation due to close contact with COVID-positive staff.

Marcos is facing at least six complaints urging Comelec to bar him from running, mainly over a 1995 tax evasion conviction.

Marcos, 64, was convicted of nonpayment and non-filing of tax returns from 1982 up to 1985.

intrude into your rights.”

Meanwhile, the Transportation Department warned of fines and penalties against erring drivers as the government on Monday enforced its “no vaccination, no ride” policy in Metro Manila, prohibiting the unvaccinated from taking public transportation.

The policy also exasperated some would-be passengers who were denied a law. No person can be denied equal protection of the law.”

“I think the policy of the mayors is highly unconstitutional and against the law because RA 11525 states that vaccine cards shall not be necessary for education, any transactions and yet they are…violating the law indirectly,” she told an interview over ANC’s Headstart.

The PAO chief said she has not yet

House...

From A1 by the fast-spreading Omicron variant.

“We thank our colleagues for their unwavering dedication and commitment to enacting meaningful and relevant laws that will benefit Filipinos even in the face of overwhelming challenges,” Velasco said.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, said the exemption for seniors would still be subject to a cap on consumption, but for electricity consumption, the limit is also increased in the bill from 100-kilowatt hours to 150. The cap on water is kept at 30 cubic meters.

Salceda said the measure contains a safeguard against abuse.

“The measure explicitly states that the senior has to be living in the household subject to the exemptions and discounts,” he added.

House Bill 10568 directs the National Commission of Senior Citizens, in consultation with the Energy Regulatory Commission, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System and other concerned utility regulatory agencies, as well as national organizations of senior citizens, to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the measure.

Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes, meanwhile, urged his

Ilocos,...

From A1 Jan. 4 to 17. Calabarzon had the secondhighest ADAR at 36.65. All the other regions, Duque said, are at “high risk.”

The country remained at critical risk, Duque said, with the ADAR nationwide at 24.82 percent during the same period.

Duque, however, said Metro Manila’s hospitalization rate as of Jan. 16 remained at moderate risk – beds utilization at 55.26 percent, mechanical ventilation utilization at 29.83 percent, and ICU utilization at 57.58 percent.

The National Capital Region will remain at Alert Level 3 until the end of the month despite the soaring number of COVID-19 cases because the hospitalization rate did not breach 70 percent.

Duterte, for his part, appealed to Filipinos to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“What do you want? Let’s just fill up our cemeteries?... Please listen to us and get vaccinated,” the President said.

The trend in virus cases in Metro Manila still needs to be observed for another week or so to determine if it is really declining, OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David said.

The group noted that the sevenday COVID-19 moving average for Metro Manila has gone down to negative 1 percent and that the positivity rate also decreased from 54 percent to 15 percent.

David said although Metro Manila was near the peak of its latest surge,

colleagues to continue giving the country’s 10 million elderly institutionalized relief in basic social services.

“This is our continuing response on rising to the challenge of coming up with important legislative initiatives that will significantly affect the lives of our marginalized elderly, and bridge their participation and access to the benefits of a sustained and improved quality of life,” he said.

Ordanes said aside from the bigger discounts, the proposal would remove the value-added tax on electricity and water bills that are registered under the name of senior citizens.

“That’s why the ease (in financial burden) would really be felt by the elderly once these get enacted into law,” Ordanes said.

With only a few weeks to spare before Congress adjourns for the election period, the House wasted no time to approve on third and final reading the following bills of national significance: * House Bill (HB) 10541 or the proposed “Film and Live Events Recovery Act” aims to ensure that livelihood opportunities are made available to Filipinos working in the creative industries including film, music and live events by lowering from 10 percent to five percent the amusement tax collected from proprietors, lessees or operators of theaters, cinemas, concert halls, boxing stadiums, and other places of amusements.

Over the weekend, Unioil Petroleum Philippines announced its forecast oil price hike of P1.80 per liter for diesel and P0.90 per liter for gasoline “to reflect the changes in the international oil market.”

On January 11, the oil companies implemented a price increase in domestic oil products. Gasoline increased by P0.75 per liter, P1 to P1.10 per liter for diesel and kerosene by P0.90 per liter.

These resulted in the year-to-date adjustments to stand at a total net increase of P2.60 per liter for gasoline, P3.50 per liter for diesel and P2.75 per liter for kerosene.

Crude prices started on a bull-

ish tone this year as the market saw limited impact on demand recovery from the Omicron coronavirus variant, according to the Department of Energy’s monitoring.

“Despite rising cases, the hospitalization and death count remain low, allowing countries to do away with demand sapping lockdowns,” DOE said.

The gas and diesel market also got a boost from the sudden ban in coal exports by Indonesia, as Asian utility producers could possibly be switching to gas oil to cover the coal-fired power generation shortfall.

taken the jab since she is still waiting for a protein-based COVID-19 vaccine.

She, however, spared President Rodrigo Duterte from any accountability for the nationwide no-vaccine no-ride policy.

“We cannot blame the President because he believes the only way to curb the pandemic is by vaccination,” Acosta said.

“I respect the President. He’s like a father to us. He’s just doing his best so that people will be saved from the pandemic. He has not told anyone to violate the Constitution,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Quezon City government said residents who are unvaccinated but who have existing medical conditions are exempted from undergoing reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests and can still go to work as long as they present a medical certificate.

City Ordinance No. 3076, s-2022, and Metro Manila Council Resolution

No.22-01, s-2022, issued early January, limit the movements of unvaccinated people and impose fines on violators.

Based on the ordinance, unvaccinated people are allowed to go to work but must undergo COVID-19 swab tests every two weeks at their own expense.

The city government said an employer may give the unvaccinated employee up to one month before requiring the swab test.

Violators of the ordinance will be fined P500 for the first offense, P1,000 for the second offense, and P3,000 for the third offense.

Establishments that will allow entry of unvaccinated individuals for nonessential activities will also be fined P3,000 for the first offense, P5,000 with the suspension of business permit and temporary closure order for the second offense, and P5,000 and cancellation of business permit and closure order for the third offense.

other areas in the country may continue to see cases rise.

He pointed out that Metro Manila recorded 13,543 new COVID-19 cases on January 17, 2022, the fewest new cases since January 6 this year.

“NCR is still at very high risk. We need to continue to be vigilant until NCR becomes a moderate risk again,” David said.

Nationwide, the DOH registered 37,070 new infections Monday, bringing the total number of cases to 3,242,374.

The positivity rate was at 46 percent, based on samples from 77,410 people tested on Jan. 15.

COVID-related deaths increased by 23, resulting in a total death toll of 52,929.

There were 33,940 more recoveries, raising the total number of recuperations to 2,898,507.

There were 290,938 active cases, of which 9,187 were asymptomatic; 277,020 were mild; 2,947 were moderate; 1,480 were severe; and 304 were critical.

Nationwide, 49 percent of ICU beds, 47 percent of isolation beds, 50 percent of ward beds, and 22 percent of ventilators, were in use.

In Metro Manila, 58 percent of ICU beds, 48 percent of isolation beds, 62 percent of ward beds, and 30 percent of ventilators, were in use.

Also on Monday, the chief of the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium, also known as Tala Hospital in Caloocan City, said 510 of its workers are under home quarantine due to COVID-19.

Tala Hospital medical director Dr. Alfonso Famaran, Jr. said this a day after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 37,154 new COVID-19 cases for Jan. 16, just slightly below the record-high 39,004 new COVID-19 cases recorded on Jan. 15.

“We have 510 health workers under quarantine out of the 1,300 we have,” Famaran said during an online briefing.

Famaran, however, said the DOH and the PNP General Hospital have sent them 229 additional health workers to augment the hospital’s staff amid the surge in COVID-19 cases.

The Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital is a COVID-19 referral hospital and as such, prioritizes COVID-19 cases deemed severe or critical, or those with comorbidities, elderly whether or not with comorbidities, and high-risk pregnant women, as per DOH’s guidelines.

Famaran said the hospital is currently treating 297 COVID-19 cases, which occupy 53 percent of its COVID-19 bed capacity.

“It (getting infected with COVID-19) is really due to non-compliance of minimum public health standards. Mainly [lack of social distancing], and failing to wear a face mask,” Famaran said.

“We really have to strictly follow the minimum public health standards,” he said.

Given the situation, Famaran said that the shortened quarantine period for fully vaccinated health workers infected with or exposed to COVID-19 from zero to five days is a welcome development.

Pichay:...

From A1

he said.

Pichay noted that Section 21 of Republic Act 6770 provides that the Office of the Ombudsman shall have disciplinary authority over all elective and appointive officials of the government and its subdivisions, instrumentalities and agencies, including members of the Cabinet, local government, government- owned or controlled corporations and their subsidiaries -- except over officials who may be removed only by impeachment, or over members of Congress and the judiciary.

“Notably, CSC (Civil Service Commission) Resolution 01-0365 further clarified that the penalty of perpetual disqualification from reemployment in the government service pertains to appointive positions and does not apply to elective positions,” Pichay explained.

He added: “The malicious filing of nuisance petitions has been the hobby of my opponents and the digging of my old cases has become part of their political tools. Clearly, my opponents fear the voice of the people in Surigao del Sur come election day.”

In the 40-page resolution, the SC’s First Division also upheld the October 18, 2016 and November 17, 2017 resolutions of the Sandiganbayan, which upheld the finding of probable cause by the Ombudsman to indict Pichay and several others for violation of the Man-

only resolved the complaints filed against me before the Office of the Ombudsman,” Pichay said in a statement.

“It must be emphasized that this Supreme Court decision is not a petition for disqualification of my candidacy as congressman,” he said in response to the SC First Division’s 40-page resolution dated November 11, 2021, released only on January 14, 2022.

“In other words, the subject matter of said decision has no relation whatsoever to my fitness to run and hold an elective public position, because it did not specifically and categorically rule on my qualification or disqualification to run as congressman,” Pichay added.

While he respects the ruling of SC, Pichay said he appealed for reconsideration, stressing the Ombudsman had no authority or disciplinary power over House members, impeachable officials and members of the judiciary.

“This Supreme Court decision is not yet final and executory. I respect the decision of the Supreme Court; however, I am determined to exhaust all possible legal remedies accorded to me by law.

Given this, I stand by my position that the Ombudsman has no authority to discipline the Members of Congress,”

P142m jackpot as lotto won on 3rd day in a row FOR the third straight day, another bettor became an instant millionaire after winning the P142 million jackpot of the Super Lotto 6/49 on Sunday night.

In an advisory on Monday, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) said the lucky bettor guessed the winning combination of 02-05-0431-01-46 with a jackpot of P142,679,606.

The ticket was purchased in Abuyog, Leyte.

The bettor can claim his/her cheque at PCSO’s main office in Mandaluyong City and present the winning ticket and two identification cards.

As provided under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law, lotto winnings of more than P10,000 shall be subject to a 20-percent tax.

Fourteen other bettors guessed five out of the six two-digit winning combinations and won P50,000 each, the PCSO said.

About 1,543 bettors got P1,200 each for getting four of the winning combinations while 28,597 bettors won P50 each for guessing three right combinations.

The 6/49 Super Lotto is drawn every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.

This is the fourth time this month wherein a sole bettor bagged the jackpot prize of the state lottery’s games.

On Saturday night, a lone bettor from Tabaco City, Albay bagged the lottery jackpot prize, winning over P65 million in the Grand Lotto 6/55.

China...

From A1 imposing one’s own will on the other is not a proper way for neighbors to treat each other, and it also goes against the Oriental philosophy of how people should get along with each other,” the official said.

The foreign minister also stressed that “China will absolutely not use its strength to bully smaller countries,” saying they “never believe in a winner-takes-all approach.”

According to him, two nations will be able to find ways to properly manage and resolve the issue in the spirit of goodwill and pragmatism.

“We need to come up with the resolve as soon as possible to advance joint development without prejudice to either side’s rights and claims, so that we can turn the South China Sea issue from a challenge into an opportunity and a positive factor conducive to the development of the Philippines and the friendship between our two peoples,” Wang said.

He also expressed a commitment to the Philippines that China will join hands with the country in maintaining peace and stability in the region amid “repeated provocations” from outside forces.

“East Asia, the shared home for China and the Philippines, is the region with the greatest development potential in the world. This has not come by easily, and should be doubly cherished. However, some forces outside the region are trying to frustrate this good momentum with repeated provocations,” Wang emphasized.

ual of Regulation for Banks and three counts of violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices.

The high court denied Pichay’s consolidated petitions seeking to nullify his administrative and criminal liabilities over LWUA’s purchase of 445,377 ESBI shares, its deposit of P300 million, and advance payment for subscription in the anticipated increase in capital stock of ESBI in the amount of P400 million.

The SC junked Pichay’s argument that his right to due process was violated when the Ombudsman ordered his dismissal from the service, which was approved by the Court of Appeals in its October 23, 2013 decision and February 24, 2014 resolution.

In his appeal, the lawmaker asserted the complaint did not raise allegations pertaining to the requirement of presidential approval under Administrative Order 59 and the approval of the Monetary Board under the Bangko Sentral ng PilipinasMORB, thus, he could not be held administratively guilty for these acts.

The tribunal also said that based on the evidence, Pichay committed “flagrant disregard of the rules” in obtaining ESBI shares.

It pointed out that Pichay, as chairman of LWUA, allowed the purchase of ESBI despite the absence of approval by the MB as required by the banking laws and regulations.

News

TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Fishing firms decry order on e-reporting tool for vessels

Makati gives home health kits for COVID THE Makati City government has distributed home health care packages to 12,138 residents with COVID-19 symptoms.

Mayor Abigail Binay said the initiative started in August last year so that city residents who have tested positive can monitor and care for themselves even when they are quarantined at home.

“We ensure that our residents who have tested positive have the right equipment that can help them monitor themselves at home, especially with the highly contagious Omicron variant now in our midst.

We want to be able to boost their recovery in the comfort of their homes,” she said.

Each COVID-19 home care kit contains 20 tablets of Biogesic, 30 capsules of Ascorbic Acid, Bactidol, Kamilo San spray, Betadine throat spray, Green Cross 500ml Alcohol, Kool Fever, 1 box of face mask, a pulse oximeter, and an infrared thermometer “We also ensure that these home care kits are delivered right at their doorstep by assigned MAC personnel and we also provide food packages to the individuals that are home quarantined upon their request,” Binay said.

The city chief executive also reported that personnel from the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) are calling up residents who test positive so they can be pr filed and instructed on the next steps of their quarantine.

Aside from the COVID-19 home care kit, the city government has continuously combatted the spread of the virus through rigorous identification and isolation of positive individuals, and contact tracing of the close contacts of those who tested positive. Joel E. Zurbano

IN BRIEF Army dismantles HQ of Reds in S. Mindanao MAWAB, DAVAO DE ORO – The 1003rd Infantry (RAPTOR) Brigade under the 10th Infantry (AGILA) Division, Philippine Army successfully dismantled and decimated the Sub-Regional Committee 5, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) of the CPP-NPA in Southern Mindanao.

The entire leadership of the Headquarters SRC5, SMRC, and its SubRegional Guerilla Unit (SRGU) surrendered to 1003rd Infantry Brigade under Colonel Consolito P Yecla on January 10, 13, and 16, 2022, respectively at Sitio Minalong, Brgy Kahusayan, Kitaotao, Bukidnon and Sitio Sambulungan, Brgy Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

According to alias “Mandy” during the initial interview, “Game over na kami, sir.”

(It’s game over for us, sir.)

Meanwhile, MGen Ernesto C Torres Jr, Commander 10ID, lauded the brigade’s accomplishment as no such brigade has this kind of accomplishment especially in dismantling the whole Sub-Regional Committee that previously had three guerilla fronts. Also, the dismantling of SRC 5 is way ahead of the timeline set by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

By Rey E. Requejo

BAYANIHAN. A group of fisherfolks push a boat after it got stuck during a strong wave along the shoreline of Brgy. Labac in Naic, Cavite. Fisherfolks have limited their movements due to COVID-19 but they take the effort to fix their fishing boats. Danny Pata

‘Wait for swab test results before going to airports’ T

By Joel E. Zurbano

HE Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on Monday urged air travelers to wait first for the result of their COVID-19 swab test before going to airport terminals to prevent the spread of the virus.

“I am appealing to passengers to be responsible travelers and to mind both their safety and that of others who will be taking the same flight with them,” said MIAA general manager Eddie Monreal.

Monreal made the appeal on the heels of multiple apprehensions made by airport guards tasked to inspect travel documents of departing passengers bound for both local and international destinations.

From January 1-15, 2022, at least 68 passengers were intercepted at departure areas. Most of the travelers claimed that they did not check their results before heading for NAIA. In 2021, more than 570 passengers were also intercepted by airport and

airline authorities and prevented from boarding their flights after having found to be carrying positive RT-PCR results.

“We can’t tolerate this. The airlines are duty-bound to follow the regulations of the country of destination. There is no chance that a passenger can skip being checked of this very important requirement -no way at all,” he said.

On the “No Vaccination, No Fly” domestic passengers are also reminded to be ready with their vaccination cards and valid government-issued ID with photo as these documents will be required from them upon check-in.

A lawmaker meanwhile said COVID-19 swab test prices “are not written in

stone” and the rules in determining them call on the government to order price cuts whenever market conditions warrant.

Senator Joel Villanueva also said “the mandated price for RT-PCR test is not forever,” he said, referring to the “gold standard” in detecting COVID-19. He urged government agencies in charge of test pricing to be more proactive in bringing down mandatory RT-PCR price ceilings “to reasonable levels.”

He noted that RT-PCR tests could cost as much as the “equivalent of more than eight days’ pay” of a minimum wage earner in Metro Manila. A plate-based RT-PCR test taken at home is capped at P4,360, some P1,000 of which is the home service fee.

The cheapest, at P1,000, in public hospitals and facilities, could still be astronomical for families who earn just enough for basic necessities. The current prices are set by Department of Health Circular No. 374, which took effect on Sept. 7, 2021. With Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel Cruz.

GOODBYE FOR NOW.

A couple bid each other goodbye in one of the country’s airports. One will go back abroad to continue working after spending Christmas with the family.

Danny Pata

Laws declare heritage zones in Cebu, Ilocos PRESIDENT Rodrigo Roa Duterte has signed into law two measures declaring heritage zones in the provinces of Cebu and Ilocos Sur. Duterte signed both Republic Act 11644 or the “Carcar City Heritage Zone Act” and RA 11645 or an act establishing a heritage zone within the municipality of San Vicente, Ilocos Sur on Jan. 14, 2022.

In signing RA 11644, Duterte recognized that the Constitution “mandates the State to conserve, develop, promote, and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as its artistic creations.

The Constitution also provides that all the country’s artistic and historic wealth “constitute the cultural treasures of the nation and shall be protected by the State, which may regulate its disposition.”

Under the law, Carcar City will be accorded priority development by the Department of Tourism (DOT), in coordination with the provincial government of Cebu, the city government of Carcar, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and its affiliated cultural agencies, and other concerned agencies of the government, subject to the rules and regulations governing the conservation and preservation of heritage zones.

A3

Villar vows to address concerns of livestock industry

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Cynthia Villar has vowed that she would give the Philippines’ livestock industry a much-needed boost.

“The livestock sector comprising of cattle, hogs, poultry, and dairy should be able to guarantee food security and reduce poverty in the countryside by giving better income and jobs to farmers and their families,” said Villar.

“The sector’s development can improve availability and affordability of safe and nutritious livestock, poultry and dairy products for the 110 million Filipi-

nos, she added.

Villar, chair of the Senate committed on agriculture, food, and agrarian reform noted that this sector’s issues and problems should be addressed.

She said she will also seek the help of the Department of Finance to conduct a study on the competitiveness of the country’s livestock sector to be the basis of the draft bill. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) report their findings during the hearing.

There are several bills related to

this matter, which include Senate Bill No. 139 authored by Villar and Sen. Nancy Binay, that seek to strengthen and rationalize the livestock industry to promote its development, protection, and regulatory functions.

This shall cover dairy and native animals, poultry, and the establishment of a livestock development fund to secure yearly government support.

Villar said the proposed measure, along with Senate Bill 1297 filed by Sen. Lito Lapid, will further boost the country’s capacity for early detection and preventive response to livestock diseases.

Law allows PVB to increase capitalization

SURPRISE INSPECTION. The Quezon City Market Development

and Administration Department led by Ret. Gen Procorpio Lipana conducted a surprise inspection for unvaccinated vendors inside the Commonwealth Market in Quezon City. Manny Palmero

Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) begins a new chapter in its vibrant history with the recent passage of Republic Act 11597 paving the way for the revitalization of the bank as it can now increase its capitalization and include postWorld War II veterans to be shareholders while maintaining priority for World War II veterans and their immediate heirs.

Otherwise known as the “Philippine Veterans Bank Act”, R.A. 11597 was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last December 10, 2021, and is slated to take effect by January 21, 2022, repealing the Bank’s old charter (R.A. 3518 - An Act Creating the Philippine Veterans Bank) which in turn was amended by R.A. 7169 (An Act to Rehabilitate Philippine Veterans Bank).

The new PVB Charter is the consolidation

of Senate Bill No. 2368 authored by Senator Grace Poe, Senate Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Senator Franklin Drilon; and of House Bill No. 8164 authored by House of Representatives Majority Floor Leader Martin Romualdez, Congresswoman Yedda Romualdez and TUCP Partylist Congressman Raymond Democrito Mendoza.

While the newly-signed charter aims to align salient provisions with banking standards and norms, major changes to the PVB Charter include the increase of capitalization from P100 million to P10 billion which will allow PVB to issue additional stocks, increasing the number of the Board of Directors to 15 from the present 11, and move its head office to Makati City which was previously located in Manila.

A GROUP of commercial fishing companies on Monday criticized the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for allegedly disregarding a court order enjoining them from implementing an administrative order requiring the installation of vessel monitoring measures and electronic reporting system for commercial Philippineflagged fishing vessels.

The owners of commercial fishing vessels urged the Malabon City Regional Trial Court to cite BFAR, NTC, and other concerned agencies for contempt for ignoring its permanent injunction enjoining the government agencies from implementing their controversial Fisheries Administrative Order No. 266-2020.

The owners of commercial Philippine-flagged fishing vessels were referring to the permanent injunction issued by the Malabon City Regional Trial Court against the enforcement of Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) 2662020, which amended FAO 260-2018, that requires the installation of VMS100 transceivers in all commercial fishing vessels operating in domestic waters, in the high seas, and other distant waters.

FAO 266 is supposedly being implemented to further intensify the campaign against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

However, in June 1, 2021, Presiding Judge Zaldy Docena of Malabon City RTC, Branch 170 declared FAO 266 as null and void for being unconstitutional.

Docena granted the petition of Royale Fishing Corporation, Bonanza Fishing and Market Resources, and RBL Fishing Corporation seeking to stop the Department of Agriculture, BFAR and NTC from implementing Section 14 and 119 of Republic Act No. 8550, as amended, as implemented by FAO 266 for being illegal and unconstitutional.

Bohol media group slams Yap on sedition A BOHOL tri-media group has slammed Bohol Gov. Art Yap’s inciting to sedition case against his three critics before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office last October as a “ form of harassment, if not a start of press repression.”

In a statement, the Bohol Tri-Media Association (BTMA) said the complaint is a “veiled threat to press freedom and free expression enshrined under the 1987 Philippine Constitution.”

Yap could not be contacted for comment as of press time.

The BTMA added that Yap’s move is “queer” as “even Pres. Duterte, who is still facing unscrupulous criticisms, left and right, from not only his nemesis here but also from other places in the world, did not lift a finger to go after his critics in court.”

The Makati Prosecutors Office under City prosecutor Dindo Venturanza is slated to render its resolution this month after parties involved were asked to submit their respective counter- affidavits.

The BTMA said although every person has the right to file a case if one is aggrieved, it stressed that it “should not be at the expense of the media people.”

The statement of the BTMA came after Yap filed a complaint against former Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Lim, Bohol Chronicle Radio Corp. chair Peter Dejaresco, and Manila-based Boholano businessman Willy Ramasola.

Manila

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Standard COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS

TODAY

ANNOUNCEMENT President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has submitted to the Commission on Appointments (CA) for the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of the following Generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), namely: To the rank of BRIGADIER GENERAL: 1. ADONIS ARIEL G. ORIO 2. RANDOLPH G. CABANGBANG The public may submit any information, written report, or sworn/notarized complaints or oppositions to the above ad interim appointments in seven (7) copies to the CA Secretariat, 6th Floor, PNB Financial Center, D. Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City, Metro Manila.

For the schedule of the public hearings, the CA Secretariat can be reached through telephone numbers 8834-2713, 8831-1824, 8831-0527, 8832-9830, 88342706 and 8551-1989.

17 January 2022.

HECTOR A. VILLACORTA Secretary (MS-JAN. 18, 2022)

News

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022 E-mail: mst.daydesk@gmail.com

House OKs bill upgrading pay of poll body’s field personnel

By Maricel V. Cruz

Isko launches drive-thru vax for PUV drivers MANILA Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Monday launched the city’s latest booster vaccination drive-thru site at the Bagong Ospital ng Maynila, this time for drivers of public utility vehicles, including jeepney, taxi, tricycle, pedicab and even delivery vans.

“This is good news for drivers of public utility vehicles,” Domagoso said.

“Bring your families, get your booster shot via drive thru so you are protected. Then you can ply the roads again,” he added.

Domagoso, together with Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, visited the Bagong Ospital Maynila yesterday to check on the first day of vaccination for drivers of PUVs and delivery vans.

The Manila Health Department proposed the additional drive thru vaccination at the Ospital ng Maynila to ease the booster drive thru vaccination site in front of the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, which is now operating on a 24-hour basis.

Domagoso said the drive-thru booster vaccination at the Bagong Ospital ng Maynila complex will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We are targeting to provide booster shots to at least 1,000 individuals who will go to the Ospital ng Maynila starting today (Monday),” he said.

The 47-year-old presidential aspirant last week initiated a 4-wheel Drive-thru Booster Shot Caravan in front of the Quirino Grandstand as part of his aggressive campaign to inoculate as many people as possible in the soonest possible time.

Domagoso said mass vaccinations could prevent possible hospitalization and even death to those who remain unvaccinated amid the rise in COVID-19 infections due to the Omicron variant.

Still ongoing at the Kartilya ng Katipunan near the Manila City Hall is the booster drive-thru caravan for 2-wheel vehicles, including bicycles, for couriers of Grab, Angkas, Lalamove, Shopee, Mr. Speedy, Food Panda, and Lazada, among others.

Marcos to back anti-communist gov’t task force PARTIDO Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) standard-bearer Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. vowed full support for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in its battle against insurgency.

Marcos assured the task force of additional funding if he gets elected in the May 9 polls.

He had previously lamented the Senate Finance Committee’s decision to slash the NTF-ELCAC’s budget, saying this may put to waste the inroads government achieved in its anti-insurgency efforts.

Marcos commended what he described as an excellent performance of the anti-insurgency body.

He also noted NTF-ELCAC’s vital role in providing rebel returnees livelihood opportunities and a chance to re-integrate into society.

“I think we should continue that. It is something that has a good effect and rebel returnees are given the chance to start anew and to rejoin the society,” Marcos said.

Marcos also pledged to give more funds to the task force’s Support to Barangay Development program that aims to provide P20 million to communities that are declared communist-free.

“We have to invest in success.

If the program is successful, we have to give it more funding,” he added.

In 2021, more than 822 villages all over the country benefited from the Support to Barangay Development program.

EXCLUSIVE FOR PUV AND DELIVERY VAN DRIVERS. Manila Mayor and presidential aspirant Francisco ‘Isko

Moreno’ Domagoso, with Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, lead the launching of the latest booster vaccination drive-thru for the exclusive use of PUV and delivery van drivers at the Bagong Ospital ng Maynila on January 17, 2022. Norman Cruz

3 ballot faces for May 9 polls out soon–Comelec T HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) will soon release the ballot faces for the May 9 synchronized national and local elections.

Elaiza David, director of the Comelec - Education and Information Department (EID), said there are three ballots with different sizes to be used in the upcoming polls.

The longest ballot, measuring 30 inches, will be used in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mind-

anao (BARMM).

Ballots for non-BARMM areas, on the other hand, will measure 26 inches while the size of the ballots for overseas absentee voters will be 25 inches.

“The longest is BARMM since their names are longer and they have more candidates,” she said in a virtual press briefing Monday.

David said the front side of the ballot will have the national and local positions for both BARMM and non-BARMM voters while party-list candidates can be found at the back of the ballot.

Overseas ballots will only contain names for national positions such as president, vice president, senators, and

party-list groups.

Based on the latest data from the poll body, there are around 1.7 million overseas voters.

As of January 11, the tentative list of candidates has 10 candidates for president, nine for vice president, 64 for senators, and 178 party-list groups.

David said they will have a virtual walkthrough of the National Printing Office (NPO) in Quezon City where the ballots will be printed today (Tuesday).

“We will have another announcement regarding when the printing will start but it is going to be after the walkthrough,” the Comelec official added.

BOOSTER SITE.

Mayor Joy Belmonte and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III inspect the COVID-19 vaccination site at Robinsons Magnolia in Quezon City where Pfizer vaccine booster shots are being administered.

Manny Palmero

Missing pre-pandemic days? Follow health protocols–Ping

By Macon Ramos-Araneta PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson urged Filipinos to practice constant vigilance in observing health protocols to hasten a return to normalcy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lacson, Partido Reporma chairman and standard bearer, posted a photo of one of his clan’s out-of-town trips on his official Facebook page, showing his children, grandchil-

dren and extended family enjoying a group photo at a highland area.

“If you miss this kind of family bonding, we all need to follow the mandatory health protocols. And always remember – you should never skip quarantine just to attend a party or any public gathering,” he said.

Lacson noted the recent incidents of returning Filipinos who left their quarantine facilities to join the revelry during the holiday season.

The three-term senator himself has recently re-

covered from a bout with COVID-19, finally testing negative over the weekend after catching the disease from his son, Ronald Jay, on January 3.

He immediately went into isolation with his wife and household staff even without showing symptoms of the disease.

On January 14, Lacson posted an image of his negative COVID-19 antigen test on his official Twitter page, saying: “Happy to be back to normal. I can feel my antibodies looking for a fight.”

THE House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading a bill that strengthens the field offices of the Commission on Elections.

The lower chamber approved House Bill 10579 by a 204 vote.

The bill, which seeks to amend the Omnibus Election Code, proposes to strengthen the field offices of the Comelec by upgrading and creating certain positions.

It provides that all existing plantilla positions in Comelec field offices shall be reclassified and their salaries will be upgraded accordingly.

It also aims to provide new classification for poll body field offices in highly urbanized cities (HUCs) with a minimum population of 200,000 as certified by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

City and municipal election offices where populations are less than 200,000 shall remain to be operational in their respective localities.

Under the measure, a Regional Election Director will be ranked Director IV and receive Salary Grade 28 (P142,683 to P159,804).

A Provincial Election Director will be ranked Director II, receiving Salary Grade 26 (P111,742 to P125,150).

The HUC Election Office, on the other hand, will be headed by an HUC Election Director with a rank of Director II.

Pacman, SpaceX discuss internet solutions in PH

By Macon Ramos-Araneta TOP executives of SpaceX, a space exploration company owned by tech magnate and billionaire Elon Musk, have met with Senators Manny Pacquiao and Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III to discuss the use of low orbit satellites to improve the country’s internet connectivity.

Pacquiao said this would provide cheap internet to Filipinos and opens the possibility of establishing a spaceship launchpad in the Philippines.

“This technology provides various uses such as advancing online learning, e-government services, and disaster relief and coordination, as well as linking our OFWs to their loved ones. Our future needs this technology,” the presidential aspirant said.

In the meeting held via zoom last Saturday, Rebecca Hunter, head of Space X Government Relations, invited the Promdi standard bearer to visit the US so that he can meet with the key leaders of one of the world’s biggest private aerospace companies.

Pacquiao also brought up the possibility of exploring other areas of cooperation with Elon Musk’s sister companies, Tesla and the Boring Company.

He said Tesla batteries can be used for the jeepney modernization program.

The planned massive subway system, on the other hand, can be done with the help of the Boring Company.

Pacquiao told the SpaceX executives to also consider the possibility of establishing a launchpad in the Philippines, especially in Mindanao, as this would not only put the country on the map of space exploration but would also generate thousands of jobs for Filipino scientists, engineers, and laborers.

New Ang Probinsyano nominee set to join House

By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives is expected to welcome its newest member, Ang Probinsyano party-list nominee Edward delos Santos, to replace their nominee who transferred to another group last year.

Rep. Ronnie Ong announced late last year that he has transferred to the Alliance of Public Transport Operators party-list as the sectors it represents are “aligned with our advocacies and the sectors we wanted to serve.”

Ong, however, said while he has resigned from the Ang Probinsyano party-list, he “remains a member” of the House until the leadership acts on the replacement.

The House leadership, through Deputy Secretary General Jocelia Bighani Sipin, earlier advised Ang Probinsyano party-list to secure a resolution from the Commission on Elections or a Certificate of Proclama-

tion recognizing Ong’s replacement.

Based on the Comelec certification signed by lawyer Maria Norina Tangaro-Casingal, Director IV, on Dec. 21, 2021, Delos Santos “is the Nominee No. 3 next-in-rank to Rep. Ronnie L. Ong of Ang Probinsyano Party-list in the 2019 National and Local Elections.”

“Upon receipt of the Comelec Resolution or COP naming the nominee entitled to sit as representative of Ang Probinsyano PartyList, the House of Representatives may proceed to admit the said nominee to the Roll of Members,” Sipin said in a letter dated Dec. 9, 2021 addressed to the group’s first nominee, Rep. Alfred de los Santos.

The Ang Probinsyano party-list group represents farmers, fishers and other marginalized groups in the provinces or rural areas of the country.

The Comelec resolution has been referred to the House’s Legal Affairs Department for appropriate action.

GRATEFUL. Residents of Cagayan De Oro City thank former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano for his donations of grocery packs, generator sets and solar lights.

Norman Cruz

Opinion Big Oil on collision course with climate movement Big Oil, that means a progressive reduction in the share of fossil fuels in the world energy consumption mix.

WHEN they made their discoveries of vast deposits of petroleum in southwestern United States, in the Middle East and elsewhere during the period from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, little did the geologists of the US and other Western countries expect that they would, a century later, undergo a drastic reputational change - from prime promoter of mankind’s progress to destroyer of planet Earth. No other sector of humankind has undergone such a rapid fall from grace in so short a time.

That fall did not happen overnight. It has been in progress since the establishment by scientific date, several decades ago, of a connection between CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions and the gradual warming of the planet. For the world oil industry there was no escaping blame, for more of the other major sources of power - nuclear, geothermal, hydro and solar - generated CO2 emissions. Only fossil fuels did.

The recent 26th Conference of the Parties to the UN-sponsored international climate change discussions - COP26 for short - held in Glasgow, placed many things beyond doubt. Arguably the most important of these is the collision course upon which the increasingly unified world anti-global warming movement and Big Oil - the collective name for the grant companies that make up the world petroleum producing industry. It could hardly be said that Big Oil was the elephant in the room at COP26: it was front and center throughout the conference.

The agreed need to put an end to global warming almost entirely depends on the production and use of fossil fuels, and there is universal agreement that the reduced-global-warming target set by the Paris Climate Accord of 2015 - a 1.5 to 2.0 percent maximum increase above the pre-Industrial Revolution average world temperature - can be attained only by a progressive reduction in CO2 emissions. For

Obviously, the world economy cannot completely shift out of fossil fuels overnight.

The world petroleum-producing industry is one of the world economy’s largest and most essential industries. It is made up of three parts, to wit, the U.S. and Canada, the members of OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) and other non-OPEC producers. Most Big Oil producers are state-owned companies, such as Saudi Arabia’s Aramco; the rest are not.

When one speaks of Big Oil, the corporate names that readily come to mind, besides Aramco, are Royal Dutch, British Petroleum and Chevron. These latter companies are truly international in scope and possess enormous industrial and political clout; they are the biggest of Big Oil’s biggies.

Dealing adequately with global warming is an existential question for Big Oil. Producing petroleum and getting the world’s people to use more of it is what their corporate lives are all about. Whether they are state-owned or not, the members of Big Oil are united in their intention to hang on to remain, collectively, the leading player in the world energy market and to keep fossil fuels as the largest part of world energy consumption for as long as possible.

Obviously, the world economy cannot completely shift out of fossil fuels overnight. Non-fossil fuel energy sources will have to be developed to replace fossil fuels as speedily as possible. The global-warming clock is ticking.

The collision course upon which Big Oil and the anti-global warming movement are embarked is, under the circumstances, inevitable. But collision courses are correctable. One side can correct its course and thereby avert disaster. Unfortunately for it, the needed course correction will have to be made by it.

IT HAS been two years since covid became a pandemic, and we still lack better mechanisms to implement workfrom-home, particularly in government.

Given coronavirus mutations and variants, the incapacity of the government to fully protect people against COVID, and many other relevant factors, there is no more going back to the old normal ways of working.

Dodging the bullet Just a couple of weeks ago, when news of Poblacion Girl broke, I wondered how much longer I could dodge the COVID bullet. Per the law of averages and given that the Omicron variant is about three to four times as transmissible as Delta, which is more than twice as contagious as previous variants, I figured, not much longer.

Even experts were saying we would all eventually contract COVID. NPR described Omicron’s spread as “lightning-quick.” This variant also infects fully vaccinated people, as I and my daughters are – and we had our boosters already.

So, after two years of dodging it, I caught COVID. Thankfully the variant is milder, or the vaccine is protecting people against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. But the illness does not hit all people the same way; the elderly, those with comorbidities, those who are immunocompromised, may experience it differently or even worse.

Community transmission Last Saturday (Jan. 16), the Department of Health confirmed the community transmission of omicron and reported 39,0004 cases, a record-high for the third straight day, while active cases at 280,813 were also at a record.

These numbers do not include those who are positive but are untested. It is pos-

This means changing old mindsets and practices.

Experts say getting Omicron could build up antibodies. However, for vulnerable populations, and even in general, in order to avoid burdening the healthcare system, we still need to avoid it as much as we can, through observing minimum health standards.

Sadly, each time the alert level comes down, people seem to think it’s license to wear their masks loosely and crowd others. It’s like all the communication programs on mask-iwas-hugas failed. They didn’t bring about the required level of behavioral change.

I surmise I caught COVID from a mother and son in front of me at a mall vaccination hub when I got my booster soon after New Year’s Day. They had their masks off and were talking almost nonstop. It might be a small thing to some, but to an immunocompromised person such as myself, it was a big deal.

Implement work-from-home better So how do we enforce mask wearing and social distancing, as we have failed to do so properly? Do we implement stricter laws against being a ‘mask-hole’? It is difficult to regulate something like this, so the best thing is still to stay home as much as possible, and continue implementing work-from-home and online learning as the first line of defense against transmitting and picking up the virus.

Government, sadly, is still behind on work-from-home. As alert levels came down, the percentage of people required to return physically to work went up, regardless of whether or not their work actually

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EDITORIAL

Kowtowing in Cagayan

F

EW things are as illuminating as a map to show us where we are.

For example, it is one thing to discuss and analyze our territorial dispute with China, but it is altogether another thing to see how much of the West Philippine Sea that Beijing is carving out for itself with its discredited ninedash line policy and its dubious historical claims.

One such map can be found in “Limits in the Seas” No. 150, a document released this month by the US State Department, which finds no grounds in fact or in law for China’s excessive claims in the South China Sea. The map on page 4 of the report illustrates China’s so-called nine-dash line, which hugs the western coastline of the Philippines, depriving it of reefs and shoals that are well within our exclusive economic zone that stretches 200 nautical miles from our baseline, as prescribed by the 1982 United Nations Convention of the Law on the Sea, of which both Manila and Beijing are signatories.

Against this backdrop, it was dismaying to hear the governor of Cagayan, Manuel Mamba, oppose live-fire military exercises in his province because these would put potential Chinese economic invest-

ments there at risk.

“It may cause a diplomatic row,” he was quoted as saying this week.

“We don’t want to anger China here in Cagayan. We see that we could get help from them.”

This is not good for the backbone.

The live-fire exercises in Claveria town were supposed to be part of this year’s Balikatan, the yearly military exercises between the Philippines and the United States.

“That’s live fire. They’re going to test all armaments. What will happen to our relationship with our neighbors, especially China? We are trying to reconnect ourselves to China,” Mamba told Inquirer.net.

Under the governor’s watch, the province’s antidrug and peace and order councils and its anti-insurgency task force opposed the live-fire drills in almost identical resolutions, saying they “may be perceived by some states as provoking posture.”

Given the opposition, the mili-

tary is said to be planning to push through with the joint exercises in Cagayan, but without the live-fire component. This acquiescence begs the question: Do local government executives have the authority to dictate defense policy and practices?

Mamba, who is seeking re-election next year, says Chinese investors have seen Cagayan’s potential and expressed interest in investing in many areas, saying they are “trying to invite them to come in.”

This statement suggests that in the six years since the administration pivoted to Beijing, very few of these “expected” investments, in fact, have poured into the province of Cagayan, save perhaps for a few offshore gambling operations.

Do we really need elected officials—national or local--who kowtow to a foreign power at the expense of the country’s territory and sovereignty?

In everyday life, what China has been doing to us is akin to a neighbor who draws a line at the boundary of your property and says he owns the sidewalk and the street around it. This is not what good neighbors do, and we need leaders who recognize this and act accordingly.

All this kowtowing cannot be good for the backbone.

Called to be a teacher From Xavier University, I learned the basics of writing and computing (I was not very good with the latter). It instilled in me a love for reading. As early as grade school, having a Headmaster like the late Fr. Theodore Daigler, SJ showed me how music and drama could bring a mind and soul to faraway places, making one dream of traveling to unimaginable great places (turns out I ended up being able to visit many of those places). How could I forget Miss Teodoro who, in second year high school, made us read Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice and Antoine de Saint Exupery’s The Little Prince?

‘New normal’and work-from-home sible that the actual number of cases are much higher than recorded.

Some people are taking for granted that their flu-like symptoms point to COVID, and are treating their illnesses as such by isolating themselves at home and self-treating with over-the-counter cold medicines, causing shortages at drugstores.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

THERE are five things I am immensely grateful for in my life.

First, the education I have been fortunate to have, the best in the world; Second, my Christian faith and the fact that I belong to the Catholic Church which, even as it is imperfect, has never failed me in the more important matters like dealing with suffering, sickness, and death; Third, my nuclear and extended family - the fact that I am a husband, father, son, brother, cousin, uncle and friend which makes everything I do in law, governance and politics personal; Fourth, my role as a governance practitioner, social innovator and mediator of public disputes, a good place to be in a conflict-ridden society with problems that keep repeating themselves; and Fifth and last, but definitely not the least, which unifies many of the hats I wear, my being a teacher.

Starting with this article, I begin a series on my calling as a teacher. Why did I become a teacher? The answer for me is simple and clear. It is about paying forward and making a difference. Teaching has always been a call, a vocation.

Teaching is paying forward. I consider myself to have been very fortunate for the opportunity to attend the best schools in the Philippines and the world – Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro for my basic education, Ateneo de Manila University for my philosophy degree, University of the Philippines for my first degree in law, and Yale Law School for my masters and doctoral degrees. These schools taught me skills and more importantly values that I in turn now share with my students. required them to report to the job site.

I experienced this by running a government media unit, working from home.

Then the memos came one after another – 30 percent presence required onsite, then 50 percent, then 80 percent. This was last month, before the explosion of Omicron cases. HR told me I and my teammates – who work entirely on digital news – would eventually have to show up at the office. I quit at the end of the year.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC), despite it now being the 21st century, and

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

Anita F. Grefal

Baldwin R. Felipe

Edgar M. Valmorida

It unifies the many hats I wear.

With religion teachers like the late Fr. Tony Cuna, SJ, who surprised our senior high school class one day by teaching us the meaning of the Eucharist while actually celebrating the sacrament, Xavier University gave me the first experience of what my faith and religion really meant. And how could I not be grateful to the young Jesuit Scholastic Alex Benedicto who was my first guide when I got conscientized and became aware of the social problems and conflicts of the Philippines?

From the Ateneo de Manila, I was taught to think and about thinking (an amazing experience, the first time you became aware of and understanding thinking) and how to apply that thinking to real life problems like I-thou relationships and social and political problems (plenty of them in the Martial Law years).

The most important lesson I learned from my years studying philosophy in Ateneo comes from the late Fr. Roque Ferriols, SJ, who taught me Ancient and Medieval Philosophy and introduced me to the Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard. despite seeing how the pandemic has devastated public health, is still operating on antiquated “hand-holding” mindsets of getting people to physical work.

What some government agencies have done is to get their services online, which should be the case. Work should no longer be tied to physical presence but to output.

The CSC, with all their expertise, should be able to devise metrics for that. How many government offices have we entered where we have seen employees napping or underperform during office hours. But per

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

Because Fr. Roque also taught or inspired the professors who influenced me the most – Dr. Ramon Reyes, Dr. Leovino Garcia, Prof. Ramon Sunico, Dr. Manny Dy, Fr. Joel Tabora SJ, and now Court of Appeals Justice Pablito Perez – I consider myself his student not only in these two subjects but in many other subjects as well.

Fr. Roque, through Sulyap/Glimpses, his memoirs as a young Jesuit during World War II, has been my most important teacher during the pandemic. We are living in wartime conditions now and Fr. Roque is guiding me in this time, especially in dealing with death, suffering, and grief, as well as in seeing hope in the darkness.

I still remember that day when Fr. Roque lectured about truth as aletheia (disclosed or revealed Being) as understood by the Pre-Socratics and by Socrates, emphasizing how little the truth was compared to the whole of reality but because truth was our only connection to reality, there is a demand to be faithful, even die for it. I do not exaggerate when I say that this lecture by Fr. Roque changed my life and sent me to many quests and pilgrimages seeking the truth and what is right.

I consider my crossing to law a necessary detour and not the end point of my professional journey. I still hope to end my working years as a philosophy teacher and give this same gift of insight to students as Fr. Roque and my philosophy teachers gave it to me.

I am proud of many of my first philosophy students. Many are leaders now in society, including in government, politics, and business, in Jesuit universities and other academic institutions, social development organizations, etc. Quite a number also joined the Jesuit Volunteers, inspired in part by what they saw in me, and continue to be close to me.

Website: tonylavina.com Facebook: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs the CSC, they are physically present and so are “working.”

The “new normal” means living with COVID and its ever-present threat.

Work-from-home is one of the best ways to keep people apart, prevent the spread of deadly viruses, and keep vulnerable sectors safe.

But it will mean changing old mindsets and practices. Let’s hope the CSC realizes that it can lead the way in this regard. ### FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

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

Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

B2

World

TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Tonga cut off by volcanic blast

S

YDNEY—Tonga was virtually cut off from the rest of the world Monday after a massive volcanic blast that crippled communications with the Pacific island nation, and experts warned internet connection may not be fully restored for weeks.

It is two days since the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haa’pai volcano exploded, cloaking Tonga in ash, triggering a Pacific-wide tsunami, and releasing shock waves that wrapped around the entire Earth.

But still neighbouring countries and international agencies are clambering to try to grasp the scale of the damage,

with New Zealand’s leader Jacinda Ardern stating Sunday it is believed to be “significant”.

Wellington and Canberra scrambled reconnaissance planes in an attempt to get a sense of the damage from the air on Monday, with both also putting C-130 military transport aircraft on standby to drop emergency supplies or

to land if runways are deemed operational.

What is known is that the volcanic blast Saturday seriously damaged the ash-covered capital Nuku’alofa and severed an undersea communications cable -- which could take two weeks to restore.

The eruption was recorded around the world and heard as far away as Alaska, triggering a tsunami that flooded Pacific coastlines from Japan to the United States.

“We know water is an immediate need,” Ardern told reporters.

She added New Zealand was relying

on satellite phones to communicate with the island nation that is home to some 100,000 people.

The reconnaissance flights would help to advise Tonga’s government of the scale of the volcanic and tsunami damage and help to identify aid needs, Ardern added.

The premier, who has spoken to the New Zealand embassy in Tonga, has described how boats and “large boulders” washed ashore north of Nuku’alofa.

Wellington’s defense minister said he understood the island nation had managed to restore power in “large parts” of the city. AFP

Nokor fires more ballistic missiles, flouts sanctions SEOUL—North Korea fired two suspected ballistic missiles Monday, Seoul said, its fourth weapons test this month as Pyongyang flexes its military muscle while ignoring offers of talks from the United States.

Despite biting international sanctions, Pyongyang has conducted a string of weapons tests this year, including of hypersonic missiles, as leader Kim Jong Un pursues his avowed goal of further strengthening the military.

Reeling economically from a self-imposed coronavirus blockade, impoverished North Korea has not responded to Washington’s offers of talks, while doubling down on weapons tests and vowing a “stronger and certain” response to any attempts to rein it in.

The launches come at a delicate time in the region, with North Korea’s sole major ally China set to host the Winter Olympics next month and South Korea gearing up for a presidential election in March.

Two suspected “short-range ballistic missiles” were fired east from an airport in Pyongyang early Monday, the South Korean military’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said, with Japan also confirming the launch.

Fired just before 9 am (0000 GMT), they flew 380 kilometres (about 240 miles) at an altitude of 42 km, the JCS added.

The frequent and varied tests this year indicate North Korea “is trying to improve its technology and operational capability in terms of covert actions”, Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi told reporters. AFP

WHITE OUT. Pedestrians walk along the National Mall during a winter storm in Washington, DC, on January 16. The strong storm over the Southeast/Southern Appalachians will move northeastward inland from the coast to Southeastern Canada by Tuesday, the National Weather Service said on its website. AFP

Russia demands FB unblock foreign ministry-linked page MOSCOW—Russia’s media regulator has demanded that Facebook “immediately” lift all restrictions on the official page of the country’s delegation for arms control talks in Vienna.

The Facebook page, which is affiliated to Russia’s foreign ministry, was taken down on Friday for publishing “illegal content”, according to delegation head Konstantin Gavrilov.

Media watchdog Roskomnadzor said Sunday evening that it has sent a letter to Meta, Facebook’s parent company, “with the demand to immediately lift

all restrictions” from the Facebook page and “explain the reasons for introducing them”.

“Such actions of the administration of the Facebook social network violate the key principles of free distribution of information,” Roskomnadzor said.

The regulator added that it considers this an “act of censorship”.

The page was still unavailable on Monday morning.

Gavrilov told state news agency TASS on Sunday that the delegation uses the Facebook page to post statements from Russia’s leadership or the

foreign ministry.

“This is a blatant act of censorship in the information space,” Gavrilov said in a statement on Twitter, requesting support from the Vienna-based Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

In February 2021, the delegation’s account on Twitter had also been temporarily blocked, TASS reported.

Russia has repeatedly fined US tech giants, including Meta, for ignoring content moderation requests as the country ramps up its control of internet platforms. AFP

Ex-Kazakhstan president’s relatives lose major gov’t posts after unrest

QUAKE MEMORIAL. This overhead view shows people taking part in memorial services to mark the 27th anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake, which devastated the city of Kobe, in the Chuo district of Kobe early on January 17. AFP

NUR-SULTAN—The influential son-in-law of Kazakhstan’s expresident resigned as head of the leading business lobby Monday after public anger at perceived corruption in the Central Asian country precipitated a power struggle and a deadly crisis.

Following days of internet shutdown, prosecutors said Saturday the unrest that began at the start of the year with peaceful protests over energy price hikes had left 225 people dead, including 19 law enforcement and military personnel.

Timur Kulibayev, 55, confirmed his resignation from the Atameken business lobby in a statement posted on the group’s website in the latest sign that the former first family has lost out in a tussle at the top.

“From today, I decided to resign as the elected Chairman of the Presidium of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs ‘Atameken’,” Kulibayev said in the statement.

Kulibayev is married to Dinara Kulibayeva, the middle daughter of Kazakhstan’s founding president Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Much of the popular anger in the protests appeared directed at Nazarbayev, who ruled for more than a quarter-century before stepping down in 2019 and handing over power to a hand-picked loyalist.

Nazarbayev has not been seen in public since the end of last year.

Declining fortunes His successor, Kassym Jomart-Tokayev, last week for the first time openly criticised the former president, accusing his mentor of failing to share the vast national wealth with ordinary people.

In another potential sign of the Nazarbayev family’s political decline, Tokayev’s office confirmed Monday that the octogenarian’s nephew Samat Abish had been dismissed from his post as first deputy chief of the national security committee. AFP

Pioneering Tuskegee Airman Charles McGee dies at 102 WASHINGTON—US war pilot Charles McGee, who faced military segregation as he became a legendary member of the all-Black flying force known as the Tuskegee Airmen, died Sunday at age 102, officials said.

“Today, we lost an American hero,” Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin—himself a barrier-breaker as the first African American to lead the Pentagon -- said on Twitter about the aviator who was one of the last surviving members of the famed unit.

“While I am saddened by his loss, I’m also incredibly grateful for his sacrifice, his legacy, and his character,” Austin added. “Rest in peace, General.”

McGee served in World War II as well as the conflicts in Korea and Vietnam, flying more than 400 missions in total.

During World War II, American units and training

were segregated by race, as were military facilities.

In 1941 Congress ordered the Army Air Corps to launch an all-Black combat unit, and the training of Black men to become pilots and mechanics began at a new air base in Tuskegee, Alabama.

McGee decades later expressed pride at the unit’s achievements—and how it helped pave the way for full integration in the US military.

“Don’t let circumstances be an excuse for not achieving,” said on American History TV. “We could have bowed our heads and said, ‘They called me names, they don’t like me, said I can’t do something,’ and gone off and not serve the country. But what would that have accomplished?”

The Tuskegee Airmen’s performance, he said, “helped bring about a change to the country.” AFP

Millions gird for storm on eastern US WASHINGTON—Millions of Americans hunkered down as a major winter storm hit the eastern United States with heavy snow and ice knocking power out for an estimated 130,000 customers as of early Monday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) said the storm was bringing a miserable combination of heavy snow, freezing rain and high winds, impacting the southeast and coastal mid-Atlantic before moving up to New England and southern Canada.

A swath from the upper Ohio Valley north to the lower Great Lakes region could expect more than a foot (30 centimeters) of snow Monday, it warned.

In all, more than 80 million people fell under the winter weather alerts, US media reported.

About 235,000 were without power Sunday but by early Monday that had fallen to around 130,000 along the east coast and Kentucky as supplies were restored, according to the website PowerOutage.US. The storm spawned damaging tornadoes in Florida and flooding in coastal areas, while in the Carolinas and up through the Appalachians icy conditions and blustery winds raised concerns.

Transport was seriously disrupted, with thousands of flights canceled, and a portion of busy interstate highway I-95 closed in North Carolina.

More than 3,000 flights within, into or out of the United States were canceled Sunday.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina was the worst-affected with 95 percent of its flights grounded, according to the FlightAware website. A further 1,200 flights had been canceled early Monday. AFP

Ex-Ukraine leader returns to ‘defend’ country vs. Russia KYIV—Ukraine’s ex-president Petro Poroshenko returned to Kyiv from Europe on Monday despite the risk of arrest, vowing to help protect the exSoviet country from a possible Russian invasion.

Poroshenko, who served as president from 2014 to 2019, was placed under investigation for high treason and left Ukraine in December.

He returned to Kyiv early on Monday on a flight from Warsaw and passed through passport control amid chaotic scenes, saying later that border guards had tried to prevent him from entering the country.

A court in Kyiv was to decide later Monday whether to place Poroshenko in pre-trial detention.

Thousands of his supporters gathered near the airport to meet Poroshenko.

He told them he had returned to help Ukraine face the “growing threat of Russian invasion” and accused his successor, President Volodymyr Zelensky, of “betrayal” of the country.

Tensions are at an all-time high between the West and Russia, which Ukraine accuses of having massed troops on its border ahead of a possible attack.

On Friday, Washington accused Moscow of sending saboteurs trained in explosives to stage an incident that could be a pretext to invade the proWestern neighbor.

“We are here to unite and defend Ukraine,” Poroshenko told the crowd, which held up posters reading “We Need Democracy” and “Hands off Poroshenko.” AFP

EARLY SHOPPING.

A customer shops for festive ornaments ahead of the Lunar New Year of the Tiger in Hong Kong’s Wanchai area on January 17. AFP

Business

B3

TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

World’s 10 richest men doubled wealth during COVID

PSEi January 17, 2022

TOP GAINERS

LAST %

PRICE CHANGE CHANGE 1 ECP 4.48 0.48 12.00% 2 TBGI 0.345 0.025 7.81% 3 ACR 1.05 0.07 7.14% 4 NOW 1.43 0.09 6.72% 5 HTI 1.6 0.1 6.67% 6 SPNEC 1.61 0.1 6.62% 7 ALCO 0.64 0.03 4.92% 8 LODE 0.65 0.03 4.84% 9 GSMI 124 5.6 4.73% 10 NIKL 5.87 0.26 4.63%

TOP LOSERS

1 X 2 MAH 3 DITO 4 JOH 5 MED 6 COAL 7 SFI

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE 0.475 -0.08 -13.64% 1.02 -0.15 -12.82% 5.15 -0.52 -9.17% 5 -0.49 -8.93% 0.285 -0.025 -8.06% 0.27 -0.02 -6.90% 0.101 -0.005 -4.72%

8 ROX 1.04 -0.05 -4.59% 9 CIC 20.1 -0.85 -4.06% 10 VMC 2.4 -0.1 -4.00%

MOST ACTIVE

1 SPNEC 2 URC 3 HTI 4 MONDE 5 EMP 6 BDO 7 ICT 8 DNL 9 CNVRG 10 DITO

VOLUME VALUE (PHP) 253,242,000 397,694,270 2,928,630 371,402,067 220,619,000 354,122,000 16,413,500 282,903,714 11,932,300 233,327,074 1,680,420 216,661,189 988,980 202,294,888 21,284,800 184,163,743 4,877,800 153,200,030 29,239,400 152,723,363

COAL EXPORTS. Heavy machinery (right) is used to load coal onto trucks at the Karya Citra Nusantara (KCN) Marunda port in Jakarta on January 17, 2022, after Indonesia eased an export ban on the commodity. AFP

Stock market retreats; Haus Talk, SPNEC rise T HE stock market slipped Monday on mild profit taking, with many investors staying on the sidelines amid the still high number of COVID-19 cases in the country.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index fell 37.51 points, or 0.5 percent, to 7,223.83 on a value turnover of P5.8 billion. Losers beat gainers, 104 to 78, with 61 issues unchanged.

DITO CME Holdings Corp., the third mobile phone player, sank 9.2 percent to P5.15, while D&L Industries Inc. dropped 3.2 percent to P8.60.

Haus Talk Inc., a residential property developer, advanced 6.7 percent to P1.60 in its market debut, while Solar Philippines Nueva Ecija Corp., which is building what is touted to be the

largest solar farm in Southeast Asia, rose 6.6 percent to P1.61 The rest of Asian stock market investors started the week on a broadly positive note Monday but uncertainty remained ahead of an expected series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve, while data showed growth in China’s economy slowed at the end of last year.

While the fast-spreading Omicron coronavirus variant continues to cast a shadow across trading floors, the focus is on the US central bank’s plans to tighten monetary policy to fight surging inflation.

Fed officials were out in force last week flagging the merits of raising borrowing costs as soon as March, though boss Jerome Powell said they would be careful to ensure they do not knock the recovery in the world’s top economy off course.

Still, expectations that the era of cheap cash that has helped power markets to record or multi-year highs has weighed heavily for months, while

data showing consumer prices rocketing at a pace not seen in four decades has added to the downbeat mood.

A weak reading on retail sales for December caused by concern about the latest COVID wave and higher prices was compounded by a University of Michigan survey showing consumer sentiment fell sharply in January.

That saw Wall Street turn in a tepid performance Friday, with disappointing bank earnings also dragging sentiment.

Despite the uncertain start to 2022 for global markets, Eli Lee at Bank of Singapore remained upbeat about the outlook.

“As we head into 2022, we believe that the post-pandemic bull market remains broadly intact,” he said in a commentary.

“Historically, bull markets do not end at the beginning of rate hike cycles, and positive trends in global economic growth and earnings continue to be positive fundamental drivers for the market.” With AFP

China’s birth rate plummeted to record low in 2021—official data BEIJING, China—China’s birth rate plunged to a record low last year, official data showed Monday, as analysts warn that faster-thanexpected aging could deepen economic growth concerns.

Beijing has been grappling with a looming demographic crisis as it faces a rapidly aging workforce, slowing economy and the country’s weakest population growth in decades.

The birth rate of the world’s second-biggest economy slipped to 7.52 births per 1,000 people, according to National Bureau of Statistics data, down from 8.52 in 2020.

The figures are the lowest since records began in 1949, when Communist China was founded, according to NBS data.

It also marks the lowest figure logged in China’s annual Statistical Yearbook data—a yearly assessment of the country’s economy— dating back to 1978.

Although officials relaxed the nation’s one-child policy in 2016—allowing couples to have two children and easing some of

Chart showing China’s population pyramid in 2019. AFP

the world’s strictest family planning regulations—the changes have failed to bring about a baby boom.

Last year, Chinese authorities extended the policy further to allow

couples to have three children.

But in 2021, the country logged 10.62 million births, according to official data, bringing its population to 1.41 billion.

The natural population growth rate plunged to 0.34 per 1,000 people, from an earlier 1.45 figure.

“The demographic challenge is well known but the speed of population aging is clearly faster than expected,” said Zhiwei Zhang, chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management.

“It also indicates China’s potential growth is likely slowing faster than expected,” he said.

Last year, results of a oncein-a-decade census showed that China’s population had grown at its slowest rate since the 1960s.

Higher costs of living and a cultural shift, with people now used to smaller families, have been cited as reasons behind the lower number of babies.

The one-child policy was introduced by top leader Deng Xiaoping in 1980 to curb population growth and promote economic development, with exceptions for rural families whose first-born was a female and for ethnic minorities. AFP

Macau’s casino giants rally after changes in gaming regulations unveiled HONG KONG, China—Shares in Macau’s casino giants surged Monday morning after the world’s biggest gambling hub announced changes to its regulations, reducing the uncertainty that has plagued the lucrative sector’s six operators.

The Chinese territory’s multibillion-dollar industry has been on tenterhooks ever since officials announced plans to overhaul the sector last September, but new rules unveiled on Friday were less punishing than expected.

Shares in all six casino operators rallied early Monday in Hong Kong, with Sands China seeing the greatest gain at almost 13 per-

cent, followed by Wynn Macau at 9.6 percent.

MGM China—which operates two massive properties in Macau—saw an 8.1-percent jump, while Galaxy Entertainment and Melco International gained 7 percent and 6.2 percent, respectively.

SJM Holdings saw the smallest bump, though still substantial, at about 5 percent.

The former Portuguese colony is the only place in China where casino gambling is allowed. Before the coronavirus pandemic, it raked in more in a single week than Las Vegas makes in a month.

Under a proposed bill unveiled Friday—all but certain to pass Macau’s rubber-stamp legisla-

ture—the number of gaming concessions will remain at six.

But the length of the concessions—which come up for renewal in June for all six—”will not exceed 10 years,” slashing the previous terms by half.

In exceptional situations, concessions can be extended by an additional three years.

It also plans to increase the proportion of local ownership in casino firms from the current 10 percent to 15 percent.

Under the new rules, Macau’s Executive Council on Friday also said gaming must not undermine China’s national security.

Since the industry liberalized in 2002, the sector has exploded into

a $24-billion cash cow, its operations accounting for about 80 percent of government revenue and more than half of gross domestic product.

But Macau—with its gleaming, palatial fortresses and neonlit boulevards—was also a playground for wealthy officials and tycoons, allowing them to skirt China’s strict rules on how much cash can be taken out of the country.

Under Chinese President Xi Jinping, authorities have cracked down on money laundering as well as VIP junkets, and Macau authorities in recent years have tried to diversify away from the gaming sector. AFP

PARIS, France—The world’s 10 wealthiest men doubled their fortunes during the first two years of the coronavirus pandemic as poverty and inequality soared, a report said on Monday.

Oxfam said the men’s wealth jumped from $700 billion to $1.5 trillion, at an average rate of $1.3 billion per day, in a briefing published before a virtual minisummit of world leaders being held under the auspices of the World Economic Forum.

A confederation of charities that focus on alleviating global poverty, Oxfam said the billionaires’ wealth rose more during the pandemic more than it did the previous 14 years, when the world economy was suffering the worst recession since the Wall Street Crash of 1929.

It called this inequality “economic violence” and said inequality is contributing to the death of 21,000 people every day due to a lack of access to healthcare, gender-based violence, hunger and climate change.

The pandemic has plunged 160 million people into poverty, the charity added, with non-white ethnic minorities and women bearing the brunt of the impact as inequality soared.

The report follows a December 2021 study by the group which found that the share of global wealth of the world’s richest people soared at a record pace during the pandemic.

Oxfam urged tax reforms to fund worldwide vaccine production as well as healthcare, climate adaptation and gender-based violence reduction to help save lives.

The group said it based its wealth calculations on the most up-to-date and comprehensive data sources available, and used the 2021 Billionaires List compiled by the US business magazine Forbes.

Forbes listed the world’s 10 richest men as: Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, former Microsoft CEOs Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer, former Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, US investor Warren Buffet and the head of the French luxury group LVMH, Bernard Arnault. AFP

Beijing says GDP growth slowed in final months of ‘21 BEIJING, China—China’s pandemicdefying GDP growth slowed in the final months of 2021, official data showed Monday in a worrying signal for the global economy as Beijing’s central bank cut a key interest rate.

The world’s second-biggest economy also reported the lowest birth rate since the founding of Communist China in 1949, adding to a looming demographic crisis.

China’s economy, a key driver of global growth, expanded 8.1 percent in 2021 on its strong virus recovery, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data showed, beating forecasts of 8.0 percent in an AFP poll.

But much of that growth came in the first half of the year, with the economy shaken by a series of shocks towards the end of 2021.

China has been grappling with recent virus outbreaks, a cascading property market slump and a series of far-reaching regulatory crackdowns on some sectors.

Monday’s figures showed growth in the fourth quarter was the slowest in over a year, at four percent, down from 4.9 percent in the third quarter.

China’s central bank also cut the rate on its one-year policy loans to 2.85 percent— the first drop since early 2020 at the height of the pandemic and a clear signal that the year’s outlook remains uncertain.

NBS spokesman Ning Jizhe warned Monday that “the domestic economy is under the triple pressures of demand contraction, supply shock and weakening expectations.”

The NBS also said the country’s birth rate hit a record low at 7.52 births per 1,000 people, with analysts warning faster-than-expected aging could deepen economic concerns.

Changes to the strict “one-child policy” since 2016 have failed to result in a hopedfor baby boom, as changing mindsets and soaring costs of property make many young couples reluctant to have more than one child. AFP

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

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

Haus Talk up 6.7% in stock market debut

By Jenniffer B. Austria THE share price of Haus Talk Inc. sizzled in its debut at the stock market, rising 6.7 percent to P1.60 from the initial public offering price of P1.50.

Haus Talk, the first company to list on the local bourse this year, raised P750 million from the sale of 500 million common shares.

Haus Talk president Maria Rachel Madlambayan said in a news briefing following the listing ceremony that the firm would use the net proceeds from the offering to launch new affordable housing projects and land acquisitions.

“The company’s developments focus on meeting the demand for midto low-income families who want to live in an affordable gated community,” said Madlambayan.

“When we started, there were only a handful of developers for the socialized and mid-market segment. We came in knowing that we would be able to provide something extra. We studied our market and we looked at the factors that affect their decision-making, their ‘sweet spot’ when choosing a home or community,” she said.

Haus Talk’s housing projects are located in Antipolo City, Rizal; Laguna province; and Metro Manila. More horizontal developments are ongoing in these areas.

The property firm plans to launch Eastview Condominiums in Antipolo; and 50 Jocson Residences, a highend development in Quezon City.

Also in the pipeline are developments in Mariveles, Bataan and Calasiao, Pangasinan.

The decision to go public after almost three decades amid the pandemic came at a time when HTI saw a 43-percent growth in the past two years.

“Haus Talk prides itself in building and providing quality homes for the everyday Filipino,” said Terence Madlambayan, Haus Talk chairman and vice president of business development.

“With our IPO, we plan on continuing this on a much larger scale to help more families achieve their dream of having their own home—and, hopefully, motivate more small and medium enterprises in the Philippines to aim for their own IPO, too,” he said.

Business San Miguel’s P10-b Davao cement project gets perks

By Julito G. Rada

T

HE Fiscal Incentives Review Board, chaired by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, approved on the recommendation of the Board of Investments the grant of tax incentives to a proposed P10-billion cement manufacturing project of San Miguel Corp. in Davao del Sur province.

“Its application for tax incentives was approved by the FIRB last Dec. 15, 2021 during the 10th FIRB board meeting,” Dominguez said in a statement Monday, referring to the Mindanaobased Oro Cemento Industries Corp., a unit of San Miguel.

The project is estimated to produce around 50.4 million cement bags per

year to help meet the growing infrastructure requirements in Mindanao.

Voting unanimously, the FIRB board approved the grant of a two-year income tax holiday, followed by five years of enhanced deductions and duty exemption on importations of capital equipment, raw materials, spare parts, or accessories for the project, which is set to start commercial operations in July this year in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Trade Secretary and FIRB co-chair Ramon Lopez said that approving the grant of incentives will “help achieve the country’s goal of reducing dependence on cement imports and stabilizing the price and supply of the product, on top of the economic benefits of more jobs and business activity generated by the project.”

The FIRB said that in deciding on the application, it considered the costs and benefits of granting incentives to the project.

Finance Assistant Secretary and FIRB Secretariat head Juvy Danofrata said the projected direct and indirect benefits

from the project would outweighs its projected costs, which include the foregone revenues from the tax incentives.

The project is expected to stimulate forward linkages, promote the use of energy-efficient equipment that can lead to a transfer of knowledge and improvement in productivity, especially in the underdeveloped area where the project is located.

The FIRB is an interagency government body created by Republic Act No. 11534 to grant tax incentives to registered business enterprises. It also grants tax subsidies to government-owned and -controlled corporations.

The law harmonizes the tax incentives given by different investment promotion agencies and reduced the corporate income tax rate of micro, small and medium enterprises from 30 percent to 20 percent and the rate on large corporations from 30 to 25 percent.

It also provides generous and flexible tax incentive system that is performance-based, time-bound, targeted and transparent.

PHILEX Mining Corp., one of the country’s largest producers of copper and gold, said Monday it plans to prolong the life of its underground mine in Padcal, Benguet, potentially overlapping with the start of the commercial production of its Silangan mine in Mindanao by 2025.

The decision to extend Padcal’s mine life beyond 2024 will depend on the study of the remaining mineable reserve, favorable price of copper and gold, cost of producing the metals moving forward and ob-

Monday, January 17, 2022

-37.51 PTS. 7,223.83

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES

1,128,589,644 77,499

TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) 5,776,899,489.79 ADVANCES 78 DECLINES 104 UNCHANGED 61

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • MONDAY, JANUARY 17, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

51.0700

Japan

Yen

0.008760

0.4474

UK

Pound

1.367800

69.8535

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128455

6.5602

Switzerland

Franc

1.096251

55.9855

Canada

Dollar

0.797639

40.7354

Singapore

Dollar

0.742280

37.9082

Australia

Dollar

0.721200

36.8317

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652590

135.4678

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266496

13.6100

Brunei

Dollar

0.739536

37.7681

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.030120

1.5382

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

13.9057

Euro

Euro

1.141400

58.2913

Korea

Won

0.000840

0.0429

China

Yuan

0.157403

8.0386

India

Rupee

0.013486

0.6887

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.239406

12.2265

New Zealand

Dollar

0.680100

34.7327

Taiwan

Dollar

0.036271

1.8524 Source: BSP

IN BRIEF

HSBC PH names new president, CEO

HSBC announced the appointment of Sandeep Uppal as president and chief executive of HSBC Philippines, subject to regulatory approval. Sandeep succeeds Graham FitzGerald, who is moving on from HSBC at the end of February after 18 years with the bank.

Sandeep joined HSBC in 1993 and is based in Hong Kong as global co-head of International Subsidiary Banking, responsible for managing the bank’s large corporate and mid-market subsidiary clients across 49 markets. He has over 30 years’ banking experience working in Hong Kong, India, Mauritius, the Philippines and the UK. “Sandeep’s extensive international banking experience will be invaluable to our retail and wholesale banking growth strategies in what is ASEAN’s third-largest economy, particularly as we set course to grow market share in the country’s mid-market enterprise sector,” said Surendra Rosha, co-chief executive of HSBC Asia Pacific.

“We wish to thank Graham for his 18 years with the Group and for his leadership in the Philippines since 2018,” said Rosha.

Globe expands roaming coverage

PORT SERVICE. Subic Bay International Terminal receives the first call of Wan Hai Line’s consolidated Mindanao-Hong Kong-Taiwan service in December 2021. The earlier MHT service—the fastest connection from Mindanao to Hong Kong and Taiwan as per Wan Hai—is being integrated with the Subic Express Service. The port rotation of the MHT service now includes Subic, Batangas, Cebu, Davao, Shekou and Hong Kong. As the first port of call in the Philippines, Subic benefits from the upgraded service’s improved transit time for mostly raw materials and imported products. Wan Hai consolidated the two services to optimize its offering in the intra-Asia trade, utilizing larger-capacity ships to meet increasing demand during the holidays and the run-up to the Chinese New Year.

Philex bares plan to extend life of Pacdal underground mine in Benguet

By Othel V. Campos

PSE INDEX CLOSING

taining the required government permits, the company said.

“Studies are ongoing. The extension of Padcal’s operation will be dependent on the study of the remaining mineable reserve, favorable price of copper and gold, as well as cost of producing the metals moving forward and obtaining the required government permits. If prices hold on to the levels where they are now, which we consider high, then there is a possibility of extension,” said Philex president and chief executive Eulalio Austin Jr. Padcal, where copper and gold, were

extracted beginning 1958, is scheduled to cease operation by the end of 2024 after several extensions of its mine life.

Philex said it would begin the development of a starter mine in Silangan in Surigao del Norte this year. The copper and gold mine will start commercial operation by early 2025, limiting any major impact to Philex’s income flow even if Padcal ceases operation as scheduled in 2024.

An overlap in Padcal and Silangan’s operation could bolster Philex income stream, officials said.

Philex said it secured all regulatory ap-

provals for Silangan, including the nod of the local government units, indigenous people and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The mineral production sharing agreement, which was scheduled to expire in 2024, was also extended by the full 25-year term or up to 2049.

An initial investment of $224 million is needed to develop a starter mine that will produce around 2,000 metric tons of ore per day. Production, under the current development plan, will be ramped up to 12,000 MT a day or 4 million MT annually by the 12th year. With Jenniffer B. Austria

GLOBE Telecom Inc. said Monday it expanded its 5G roaming coverage in Europe with Belgium, Luxemburg, Spain, France to serve more Filipino travelers despite the global pandemic.

The telecom unit of Ayala Group said Latvia, Netherlands and Austria would also be incuded the list in the coming weeks, bringing the number of Globe 5G roaming-ready countries to 40.

Outbound Globe customers can enjoy 5G roaming through the following telecom partners: Belgium (Proximus), Luxembourg (Tango), Spain (Telefonica), and France (Bouygues). Likewise, visiting subscribers of Belgium’s Proximus, Luxembourg’s Tango, Spain’s Telefonica and Netherlands’ KPN may also enjoy the benefits of 5G Roaming while in the Philippines.

Globe said it continues to explore more partnerships in different parts of the world to ensure that the company meets the needs of customers for 5G speeds once it is safe to travel again.

“While we strive to increase Globe’s 5G presence in the Philippines, we are also working hard to widen our footprint for 5G Roaming,” said Coco Domingo, Globe vice president for postpaid and international business.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Petron restores typhoon-hit stations

PETRON Corp. said Monday all its stations that sustained damage in the Visayas and Mindanao were restored and became operational less than a month after the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.

The company said that from its terminals down to its stations, it demonstrated the strength and resilience of its operations amid challenges posed by the typhoon.

Petron said its on-ground teams worked double-time to fast-track the restoration and reopening of stations that had to close down to undergo damage assessment and repair.

The company said repair works were still ongoing in a few more stations in Bohol, Cebu and Siargao—among the hardest hit areas by the typhoon.

“The recovery of Visayas and Mindanao regions from typhoon Odette is just beginning.

There are still so many damaged structures and properties, business operations have yet to normalize, and a lot of our kababayans are still facing uncertainty in their daily lives. We’re committed to doing all we can to help in their recovery and gatting all our operations back on track,” Petron chairman Ramon Ang said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Taiwan’s largest leasing firm vows to pursue case vs CAPP A LISTED Taiwanese company that leased an Airbus helicopter in 2016 to a local company, led by businessman Christopher Pastrana that allegedly defaulted, vowed to pursue legal challenges all the way to the Supreme Court.

The Chailease Group, with a market capitalization of $11 billion and assets of over $21 billion, said it has “overwhelming documentary evidence” to prove CAPP Industries Inc. of Pastrana was not the owner of the subject helicopter, but was instead a lessee.

Pastrana, who also heads JAM Liner, Philtranco Service Enterprises and FastCat operator Archipelago Philippines Ferries Corp., secured an early victory against

Chailease when the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office issued a resolution late last year saying CAPP was the owner of the helicopter.

The prosecutor also filed a case of qualified theft against the officials of Chailease based in Manila.

Chailease said in a statement the prosecutor based its finding partly on an unsigned bill of sales. It said the helicopter was subject to a lease agreement signed at the Alabang office of Pastrana in the presence of his lawyers. It also said that Singapore or New York should be the venue in resolving any dispute between the parties.

Chailease said it declared Pastrana in default on Oct. 21, 202, terminated the contract, took back the unit and got a re-export permit from

the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, which listed Chailease as the owner.

Chailease said aside from fighting in the local court, it was planning to bring the case to arbitration in New York as required in the agreement.

Jose Bernas, legal counsel of Chailease, said the findings by the prosecutor’s office were “without basis” as “we have all the documents that would show Chailease as the owner, that it was a financial lease, that we notified Mr. Pastrana of his several failures to pay rent on time, and informed him that we had to cover for his failure to pay the insurance premiums since the unit must be insured at all times, among other default events”.

Duterte asked to make Vape Bill his lasting legacy to save smokers

AIRSPEED’S ASSISTANCE. Integrated logistics firm Airspeed, a part of SM Investments Corp.’s portfolio investments, offers the use of its warehouses in Manila and Cebu for free for storage of relief goods to be transported to areas hit by Typhoon Odette. Airspeed also offered its air freight forwarding services and six and 10-wheeler trucks to bring tons of essential cargo such as power generator sets, bottles of water, mattresses and rice to areas affected by the typhoon.

FOUR medical experts asked President Rodrigo Duterte, an anti-smoking advocate, to make a significant dent on the smoking prevalence in the country by signing the vape bill into law and give millions of Filipino smokers less harmful option to move away from cigarettes if they find it hard to quit.

Dr. Rafael Castillo, former president of the Philippine Heart Association-Philippine College of Cardiology and the Philippine Society of Hypertension, said the Vaporized Nicotine Products bill, when signed into

law, “will be a historic legislation that will become part of the legacy of the Duterte administration.” VNP products refer to smoke-free alternatives such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, which various studies found to be significantly less harmful than cigarettes.

“It will be the country’s first comprehensive law that will regulate vapor products and provide strict rules on its use to protect minors. It also provides for detailed regulation so that the 17 million Filipino smokers can access these less harmful alternatives,”

said Castillo, a top cardiologist at the Manila Doctors Hospital and the only Filipino sitting as trustee at the International Society of Hypertension. He is also past president of the Asian Pacific Society of Hypertension.

Former National Kidney and Transplant Institute chief executive Dr. Dante Dator, one of the country’s leading urologists and, said the approval of the VNP bill by Congress is a historic win for public health as this will substantially diminish the impact of smoking on society.

Sports

Members of the Philippine Rowing Team, led by Olympian Cris Nievarez (second from left, standing), are shown prior to their campaign in the 2022 Asian Rowing Virtual Indoor Championships.

PH rowers bag 6 silver medals, 2 bronzes in virtual Asian meet

By Randy Caluag

A

LADY rower and an Olympian provided the spark needed by Team Philippines in hauling six silver and two bronze medals in the 2022 Asian Rowing Virtual Indoor Championships held over the weekend.

Kristine Paraon came through with a pair of runner-up finishes in the women’s U23 2000m and 500m to bag two silver medals, even as veteran Olympian Cris Nievarez bagged the silver in the men’s Under-23 (U23) 2000-meter race with a time of six minutes and 25.9 seconds.

Nievarez was just a few ticks behind gold winner Wong Ho Yin of Hong Kong (6:19.6), while Wong Wai Chun, also of HK, placed third with a

East Asia Super League gaining ground IT has yet to formally take off, but interest on the East Asia Super League is fast gaining ground around the region.

I n q u i ries about the fledgling league set for an early Oc- Matt Beyer tober launch have been non-stop since its formation was first unveiled in December of last year.

EASL CEO and co-founder Matt Beyer admitted being deluged with queries by other leagues that were not yet included as part of the four major groups comprising its initial cast.

“Since we made this global announcement, there have been several leagues all around the region asking to be a part of this. People are paying attention to the concepts, not only in Asia, but all over the world,” said Beyer, the former NBA interpreter of Chinese superstar Yi Jianlian.

“It warmed the heart and encouraged me a lot because one of our objectives is to become one of the top 3 leagues in the world in basketball by 2025,” he said.

For now, Beyer said the league will stick with its eight-team roster representing the Philippine Basketball Association, Korean Basketball Association, Japan B. League, P.League+ of Taiwan, and from Greater China.

At the most, Beyer said expansion could come in by the third year of the league.

“In Season 3, the league will expand into 16 teams and will increase teams from the member leagues,” he added. “Hopefully, the PBA will feel that this partnership is good, and that they would want to send more teams in the future. We’ll be expanding into new geographies.”

6:28.3 clocking.

Also taking silver medals were Zuriel Sumintac in the men’s lightweight 500m, Joachim de Jesus (U23 lightweight men 500m), and Alyssa Go (U23 lightweight women 500m), while Christian Joseph Jasmin and Kharl Julianne Sha got a bronze medal each in the men and women’s Under-23 500m, respectively.

Philippine Rowing Association president Patrick Gregorio was elated

with the performance of his athletes and vowed to produce more outstanding rowers in their bid to qualify anew for the next Olympics in Paris.

“We are so happy with the performance of our athletes and they will continue to improve, especially our young rowers,” said Gregorio.

“We will work hard and even double our efforts for our rowers to improve in order for us to be ready for major tournaments like the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games and the Olympics,” added Gregorio.

A total of 788 entries from 17 Asian countries competed in the online tournament organized by the Asian Rowing Association and hosted by the Hong Kong China Rowing Association.

Rowing was among a handful of National Sports Associations from the

Philippines that sent athletes to the last year’s Tokyo Olympics, where the 21-year-old Nievarez competed.

Nievarez placed 23rd overall out of 32 participants in the men’s single sculls event of the Tokyo games rowing competition.

The 2022 Asian Rowing Virtual Indoor tourney was one of the sanctioned events for qualification to the World Rowing Indoor Championships set on Feb. 25 and 26, 2002.

The top 3 for each race category may qualify for the said World Rowing Indoor Championships (pending verification of their scores), which was initially supposed to be an in-person event in Hamburg, Germany. But it has been announced it will go fully virtual because of the surge of COVID-19 cases around the world.

ONE Championship ‘most watched’ on Facebook in 2021 IN the meta world of Facebook, ONE Championship is king.

The Home of Martial Arts topped other global sports properties last year in terms of organic video views, according to the social media conglomerate CrowdTangle.

ONE had a massive 8.84 billion organic video views on Facebook to top the list while also growing its global following by 21.75 percent, or 5.7 million additional followers, for 2021.

“It is an honor to be recognized as the #1 sports property in the world in Facebook organic video views in 2021,” ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong said.

“Once again, we could not have achieved this feat without the greatest fans in the world and our superstar team at ONE Championship. While this data represents a great milestone, we are poised to reach even greater heights in 2022.”

World Wrestling Entertainment was second, with 7.92 billion views and a 27 percent follower leap. The International Cricket Council (ICC) came third with 2.61 billion views.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) rounded up the top five with 1.86 and 1.65 billion organic views, respectively.

It has been a stellar year for ONE in social media, mainly because of the promotion’s passion to distribute digital content to every fan.

ONE has consistently delivered free fights on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram to engage existing fans while garnering new ones.

It’s the second straight year that ONE has flourished on social media, as it picked up from its tremendous rise from 2020, wherein Nielsen reported a 113-percent increase in global followers.

Enjoy ONE’s next offering by catching ONE: ONLY THE BRAVE on Friday, 28 January, via the ONE Super App.

POC thanks government sports body for Winter Olympics support THE Philippine Olympic Committee thanked the Philippine Sports Commission for approving the release of P3.3 million for the country’s campaign in the Beijing Winter Olympics.

POC President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino also thanked Asics for continuing to be Team Philippines official outfitter for both the Summer and Winter Olympics.

Filipino-American alpine skier Asa Miller is the country’s lone representative to the Beijing Games set from February 4 to 20. But the Beijing organizers require a minimum six-member delegation that will accompany Miller who will compete in men’s slalom and giant slalom.

“The POC expresses its gratitude to PSC and Asics for their valuable support to our participation in the Winter Olympics,” Tolentino said.

Accompanying Miller are Chef de Mission Bones Floro, Philippine Ski and Snowboard Federation President Jim Palomar Apelar, COVID-19 liaison officer Nikki Cheng, athlete and administrative officer

Dave Carter, athlete welfare officer Jobert Yu and Asa’s coach Will Gregorak.

“We are very grateful for the generous support of the POC and PSC inspite of this very difficult time,” Floro said. “It is our hope that our continuous participation in sporting events bring some hope and national pride to our countrymen.”

Floro will be flying to Beijing on January 27 while the rest of the delegation will follow on January 28. They are expected back on February 18.

The slalom races are set from February 13 to 16 at the Xiaohaituo Alpine Skiing Field in Yanqing, China.

COURTESY VISIT. Tokyo Olympics boxing

bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial (right) pays Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino a courtesy visit in Tagaytay City ahead of his flight on Monday afternoon to the United States where he will resume his professional career.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

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

PH judokas try to outdo SEA Games performance FILIPINO judokas will aim to surpass their previous gold medal haul as they prepare for the coming 31st Southeast Asian Games Vietnam in May. Philippine Judo Federation secretary general David Carter said the three golds they won during the 30th SEA Games hosted by the Philippines in 2019 will be most likely duplicated by their FilipinoJapanese judokas.

The national sports association’s homegrown best bets, however, are raring to pitch in their contribution in breaking the record to help Team Philippines’ campaign gain a podium finish in the biennial event originally scheduled in November/ December of 2021 in Hanoi, but was reset midyear of 2022 due to the COVID-19 surge.

“Minimum of three golds.

Aside from Fil-Japanese Kiyomi (Watanabe) and the Nakano brothers (Shugen, Keishei and Kado), our local talents are also capable of winning for our country,” said the former PJF president, who after a recent election, handed the NSA reins formally to Ateneo judo club top brass and judo head coach Alexander Sulit, a collegiate judo multi-medalist during his prime.

“With president Ali (Sulit) at the helm, let’s brace for another golden moment in the judo event of the 31st SEAG in Hanoi for our country,” said Carter.

Other gold hopefuls in the national pool are Francis Teves, Alvin Mendoza, Daryl John Mercado, Bryan Quillotes, Gilbert Ramirez, Carl Dave Aseneta, John Viron Ferrer, Rick Jason Senates and Marco Tumapad in the men’s side and Helen Dawa, Jackielou Escope, Maria Jennalane Lopez and Krizzie Pabulayan in the women’s division.

Other Fil-Japanese potentials, who could also spring a couple of surprises are Shin Matsumura, Megumi Delgado, Rena Fur ukawa, Mariya Takahashi and Ryoko Salinas.

The national pool judo team was expected to undergo a comprehensive training for the SEAG in January at the RMSC judo gym, but was resheduled due to the latest surge of COVID-19 cases in the national capital region and nearby suburbs.

“I’m optimistic we can resume training next month after the lifting of COVID Alert Level 3 in Metro Manila, depending on the Philippine Sports Commission’s recommendation and a go-signal from the IATF (Intser-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases),” said Carter, who is also a Board Director of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

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Sports

TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

Djokovic lands in Dubai after deportation DUBAI—Tennis world number one Novak Djokovic landed in Dubai on Monday after his sensational deportation from Australia over his coronavirus vaccination status shattered his dream of scoring a record 21st Grand Slam title in Melbourne.

As the Australian Open got under way, the men’s defending champion stepped off an Emirates plane carrying two bags and wearing a mask—his final destination unknown.

The dramatic deportation followed a protracted and high-stakes legal battle between the unvaccinated Djokovic and the Australian authorities that polarised opinion and tarnished reputations on both sides.

Djokovic said he was “extremely disappointed” after a Federal Court unanimously upheld the cancellation of his visa on public order grounds.

He now faces a possible three-year ban from Australia, where he was won nine of his 20 Grand Slam titles—a tally that equals the all-time record alongside Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who is wrestling with record coronavirus numbers, said “there was a very clear message sent”.

But he hinted that Djokovic could be allowed to return within three years “in the right circumstances”.

“It (the ban) does go over a three-year period, but there is the opportunity for them to return in the right circumstances and that would be considered at the time,” he said in a radio interview.

Legal drama The humbled Djokovic boarded a flight from Melbourne’s Tullamarine airport for Dubai late Sunday, accompanied by a retinue of aides and officials.

Emirates flight EK409 took off at 10:51 pm local time (1151 GMT), according to an AFP reporter on board, and landed before dawn in Dubai.

Twice in the last 11 days Australia’s government had ripped up Djokovic’s visa and placed him in immigration detention—saying his presence could fuel anti-vaccine sentiment amid a wave of Omicron cases.

Twice the Serbian star fought the decision in court, winning one round but losing Sunday’s decider in Australia’s Federal Court, James Allsop, ending a week of legal drama.

“I hope that we can all now focus on the game and tournament I love,” Djokovic said, acknowledging the game was up. AFP

Marcial, Vargas to discuss PBA plans in face of virus surge

Japan’s Naomi Osaka serves against Colombia’s Camila Osorio during their women’s singles match on Day 1 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne. AFP

No. 13 Osaka breezes into nd Australian Open 2 round

M

ELBOURNE—Defending women’s champion Naomi Osaka breezed into the second round as the Australian Open finally began on Monday after a chaotic build-up dominated by the visa saga engulfing world number one Novak Djokovic.

The unvaccinated Serbian landed in Dubai early on Monday after his sensational deportation from Australia, his dreams of becoming the first man to win 21 majors over, at least for now.

But it was business as usual for Japan’s Osaka, who registered her 23rd win in her last 24 matches at Melbourne Park with a 6-3, 6-3 win against Colombia’s Camila Osorio.

Seeded 13 after a disrupted 2021 season in which she said she had suffered “long bouts of depression”, Osaka raced to a 5-0 lead before cruising through in 68 minutes.

“I played pretty well, I didn’t have much info on my opponent,” said the 2019 and 2021 champion.

“She played amazingly and fought for every point. I’m just happy to be here. It definitely always feels special

to come back here.”

Germany’s Tatjana Maria had the honour of striking the first serve on the showpiece Rod Laver Arena before falling to Greece’s Maria Sakkari, the fifth seed, 6-4, 7-6 (7/2).

“We all know how hard first rounds can be and that wasn’t easy,” said the athletic Sakkari.

Olympic gold medallist Belinda Bencic said she was still feeling the effects of COVID-19 a month after falling ill, as she moved into round two by overcoming Kristina Mladenovic 6-4, 6-3.

“I mean, my pulse was getting very up in the practices. I think it’s getting better day by day,” she said.

Nadal begins

Djokovic will continue to cast a dark shadow over the tournament, but there will be relief from players that they

can finally get on with the business of winning tennis matches.

Prime among them in Monday’s first round is Rafael Nadal, also targeting a 21st Grand Slam, who begins his title charge against the 66th-ranked American Marcos Giron.

After injury and contracting COVID-19 in December, the 35-year-old is happy just to be back on court in Melbourne, where crowds have been capped at 50 percent because of the pandemic.

“When you’re coming back from injuries and from a period of time that you are not going on the tour, you need to accept things are not going to be perfect,” said Nadal, whose brilliant career has been blighted by injury.

Also playing on day one in the men’s draw are third seed Alexander Zverev and seventh seed Matteo Berrettini.

There will be no Roger Federer this year, with the Swiss great battling injury.

The night session on Rod Laver A r e n a will be headlined by world number

WHAT lies ahead for the PBA Governors’ Cup following the abrupt postponement of its games with the current spike of COVID-19 cases in the country?

Commissioner Willie Marcial will provide answers on the matter as he appears in the virtual Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum this Tuesday.

Session starts at 10:30 a.m.

The league’s season-ending meet had to take an indefinite break starting the year when Metro Manila and nearby provinces were placed again under Alert Level 3 after the surge in cases of COVID-19 following the holiday season.

PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas is also invited in the weekly program presented by San Miguel Corporation, MILO, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and social media and webcast partner Prime Edge.

The Forum is livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and officially shared by Radyo Pilipinas 2 Facebook page.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial

one Ashleigh Barty, who is chasing her first title in her home Grand Slam.

The 25-year-old will be under intense pressure from an expectant crowd, but Barty—who won the singles and doubles titles in a warm-up tournament—was playing it characteristically cool.

“Regardless of the number next to my name, that doesn’t change the way we approach it,” said Barty of being top seed. AFP

Matsuyama rallies for dramatic playoff victory at Sony Open LOS ANGELES—Hideki Matsuyama eagled the first playoff hole to comefrom-behind and beat Russell Henley at the Sony Open for his eighth PGA Tour victory, lifting him into a tie for the most wins ever by an Asian-born player.

Masters champion Matsuyama sank a three-foot putt on No. 18 for a dramatic win as he overcame a five-shot deficit Sunday with a stunning back nine rally at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, Hawaii.

He continued his storybook play of late recording his second win of the season and third in his last 17 starts.

He is now tied with KJ Choi of South Korea for the most career PGA Tour wins by an Asia-born player with eight.

He helped seal the win in the playoff with a dramatic 277-yard, three-wood shot from the middle of the fairway on

the par-five 18 that landed just under three feet from the pin.

“I got on a roll and I am glad it came out this way,” said Matsuyama, who has shot 13 straight rounds in the 60s. “I am over the moon.”

Matsuyama kept bogeys off his card Sunday, finishing with seven birdies in regulation for his second straight 63. He shot 66 and 65 on Thursday and Friday.

Matsuyama was pleased to follow in the footsteps of Isao Aoki, who became the first Japanese player to win on the PGA Tour in 1983 at the Sony Open when he holed out from the fairway for an eagle.

“I am really happy this is the first tournament that a Japanese player won,” said Matsuyama, who had a massive gallery following all week in Hawaii.

Henley won the first of his three USPGA titles in his tour debut at the Sony

Open in 2013.

He began the fourth round with a two-stroke lead and got off to a hot start. The American made four birdies and an eagle on the front nine to extend his lead to five shots.

But Henley failed to hold off the charging Matsuyama on the back nine despite making just one bogey in his round. Henley had a chance to win it with an eight-foot putt on 18 in regulation but missed.

He found the bunker off the tee on the 18th hole and did the same off the tee in the playoff. After a decent second playoff shot, Henley sailed his third shot over the back of the green which set the stage for Matsuyama to easily win it with an eagle.

“I am disappointed to lose,” said Hen- Hideki Matsuyama of Japan displays his trophy after winning in a one-hole playoff against ley. “It stings, but I played some great Russell Henley (not pictured) of the United States during the final round of the Sony Open in Hawaii at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, Hawaii. AFP golf. I just got to keep chugging.” AFP

Brady leads Bucs in Eagles rout, 49ers stun Cowboys

Ryan Kerrigan of the Philadelphia Eagles sacks Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. AFP

LOS ANGELES—Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers outclassed the Philadelphia Eagles as the San Francisco 49ers upset the Dallas Cowboys in NFL playoff action on Sunday.

Seven-time Super Bowl champion Brady delivered a clinical performance as the defending NFL champions romped past the Eagles 31-15 at the Raymond James Stadium.

Brady threw for 271 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions, making 29 completions from 37 attempts.

“We did some good things,” Brady said. “I think we’re just going to have to keep doing what we did today. It only gets tougher from here.”

The second-seeded Buccaneers, who will face either the Los Angeles Rams or Arizona Cardinals at home in next weekend’s divisional round, dominated the Eagles throughout.

Although Philadelphia finally got on the board with two fourth quarter touchdowns from Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell, the final scoreline flattered the Eagles, who were outplayed and trailed 31-0 heading into fourth quarter.

Running backs Giovani Bernard and Ke’Shawn Vaughn scored Tampa Bay’s opening two touchdowns in the first quarter before a Ryan Succop made it 17-0 at halftime.

Brady then found long-time offensive partner Rob Gronkowski to make it 24-0, the 105th time the duo have combined for a touchdown.

A superb interception by Bucs linebacker Shaq Barrett then handed Brady prime field position once again, and the 44-year-old arrowed a 36-yard touchdown pass to receiver Mike Evans to make it 31-0.

The only blemish for Bucs coach Bruce Arians came in the form of the two late Eagles touchdowns.

“When you have a chance to shut someone out you don’t relax,” Arians said. “But for three quarters they were fantastic.”

Niners dig deep In the other NFC wild card game on Sunday, San Francisco produced another gutsy victory on the road to stun Dallas 23-17 in Arlington.

The 49ers, who squeezed into the playoffs with a nerve-jangling win over the Rams in Los Angeles last week, dug deep

once again to prevail at the AT&T Stadium.

Elijah Mitchell’s first quarter touchdown and three Robbie Gould field goals—two from over 50 yards—had helped San Francisco into a 16-7 halftime lead with Amari Cooper’s touchdown catch the only score for Dallas.

Wide receiver Deebo Samuel then weaved over for a superb 26-yard rushing touchdown to break the game open for San Francisco at 23-7 heading into the fourth quarter.

Injuries to San Francisco defensive stars Nick Bosa and Fred Warner gave Dallas a lifeline however, with Dak Prescott scoring a touchdown in a Cowboys rally to close the gap to 23-17.

But Dallas failed to score in either of two late possessions, and the game finished on a comical note when Prescott rushed up the middle of the field—rather than attempt a pass into the end zone—and ran out of time before managing to stop the clock.

“It was a dogfight, hell of an atmosphere and the fans were nuts,” said 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who finished with 172 yards from 16-of-25 attempts. AFP

Entertainment Neve Campbell (left) and Courteney Cox in ‘Scream’ (2022)

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

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‘Scream’ dethrones ‘Spider-Man’ in box office tally NEW Paramount release Scream leapt to the top of the North American box office this weekend, showing the continuing lure of horror films while finally toppling Spider-Man, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday.

The latest reimagining of the Scream franchise earned $30.6 million for the Fridaythrough-Sunday period en route to an expected $35 million for the full four-day Martin Luther King Jr. holi-

‘The Broken Marriage Vow’ streaming kicks off ABS-CBN, Viu content deal ABS-CBN Entertainment, the Philip- premium Asian content to the Filipino pines’ leading content provider, and people. Thanks to this partnership with Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional ABS-CBN, we’re able to solidify our over-the-top (OTT) video streaming commitment to not only showcase the service, have forged a content partner- best of Filipino content, but also to repship to bring the best entertainment resent and strengthen the presence of shows to Filipino viewers.

Filipino talent in the region,” said AriTo kick off the partnership, ABS- anne Kader-Cu, Viu Philippines counCBN’s highly anticipated upcoming try manager. drama series The Broken Marriage The partnership was made offiVow, the local adaptation of the hit BBC cial during a contract signing event at series Doctor Foster, will be available ABS-CBN with Vidanes, Kader-Cu, on Viu in the Philippines on Jan. 22, 48 Dreamscape Entertainment head Deo Endrinal, and Viu Philippines content hours before its TV broadcast.

The collaboration accelerates ABS- development manager Garlic Garcia.

CBN’s vision to reach more audiences The Broken Marriage Vow tells and promote Filipino talent worldwide the story of Dr. Jill Ilustre (Jodi Sta. as it evolves into a global content crea- Maria), a dedicated wife and mother tor and strengthens Viu’s commitment whose life turns upside down when she to bringing premium Asian entertain- suspects that her husband David (Zanment to its users with its massive and joe Marudo) is having an affair Directed by Concepcion Macatuno and diverse content catalog.

“With Viu as our partner, we will be Andoy Ranay, the series also stars Sue Ramable to champion excellent Filipino con- irez, Zaijian Jaranilla, Jane Oineza, Angeli tent and talent. Thank you very much to Bayani, Bianca Manalo, Ketchup Eusebio, Viu for trusting ABS-CBN Entertainment Rachel Alejandro, Art Acuña, Empress as a partner. We look forward to many Schuck, Joem Bascon, Brent Manalo, Malou Crisologo, more collaboFranco Laurations as we rel, Sandino work towards Martin, Lao bringing the Rodriguez, best of FiliJet Gaitan, Jie pino enterAnne Armero, tainment to Migs Almenthe world,” dras, Avery said Cory ViClyde, and JB danes, ABSAgustin, with CBN COO of the special parbroadcast. ticipation of “ Vi u ’s Susan Africa goal has aland Ronnie ways been (From left) Viu Philippines’ Garlic Garcia and Arianne to provide Kader-Cu, with ABS-CBN’s Cory Vidanes and Deo Endrinal. Lazaro.

Operation Bayanihan extends hand to over 112,000 Typhoon Odette survivors FROM providtimated 43,000 ing COVID-reindividuals is lated assistance also ongoing in to immediate Bohol, Siargao relief efforts Island in Surigao during cadel Norte, and lamities, GMA Limasawa IsNetwork’s soland in Southern cio-civic arm Leyte.

GMA Kapuso In total, Foundation GMAKF will (GMAKF) was GMAKF Operation Bayanihan in San Vicente, Palawan. be able to reach able to deliver over 112,000 much-needed aid to thousands of affect- individuals from various provinces nationed families of super typhoon Odette in wide. The relief packs were quickly delivered through the help of the Armed Forces Visayas and Mindanao.

Under GMAKF’s Operation Bayani- of the Philippines as well as with the donahan disaster relief program, it proactively tions gathered from the public and multipre-positioned its teams in key areas prior sectoral partners. GMAKF continues to to the typhoon’s landfall in the country. accept donations to help affected Filipinos The Foundation has so far conducted two get back on their feet as they welcome the waves of aid distribution in badly dam- New Year with renewed hope. aged areas of Southern Leyte, Surigao del For details on how to donate, visit www.

Norte, Siargao Island, Cebu, and Negros gmanetwork.com/kapusofoundation/donate.

Occidental.

Donations may also be sent through CeAs of Jan. 6, a total of 69,080 individuals buana Lhuillier or online via GCash, Paywere given food, Noche Buena packages, Maya, Globe Rewards (Globe Bridging bottled water, and hygiene kits. A third Communities), Lazada, Metrobank Card, wave of relief goods distribution to an es- ZALORA, and Megamart PH.

day — more positive news for an industry still struggling with COVID-19.

David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research called it a strong opening for the slasher film, even if the latest Scream sequel didn’t scare up numbers like Halloween 12, which opened to $49.4 million last October. Still, Paramount has already managed to recoup its relatively modest $25 million budget.

As in the original Scream from 1996, Neve Campbell, Courteney

Cox, and David Arquette star.

Sony’s Spider-Man: No Way Home slipped to second place, taking in a still-healthy $20.8 million ($26 million for the four-day weekend) as its monthlong box office reign came to an end. It has now earned Sony $704 million domestically and $926 million internationally.

In third was Universal’s familyfriendly Sing 2, at $8.3 million ($10 million for four days). The voice cast of the animated musical includes Reese Witherspoon,

Is Vivamax the new Netflix Killer?

Scarlett Johansson, Matthew McConaughey, Bobby Cannavale, Pharrell Williams, and Bono.

Fourth spot went to another Universal film, spy thriller The 355, at $2.3 million ($3 million). It stars Jessica Chastain, Penelope Cruz, and Lupita Nyong’o.

And in fifth was The King’s Man from 20th Century, at $2.3 million ($3 million). Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Rhys Ifans, and Matthew Goode star in the spy action-comedy. AFP Nathalie Hart (left) and Joseph Marco pair up for the first time for the movie ‘Kunwari Mahal Kita’

M

AYBE it is, at least in the Philippines.

Netflix Killer became a hot buzz term among pundits in 2019 to describe those new services that aim to topple the streaming giant. But, like we all know, Netflix can still chill.

In the Philippines, however, Vivamax is making good numbers and interesting progress. Although it caters to a different market, Viva Entertainment’s streaming app has amplified itself, despite the presence of other local and international entertainment apps, to become the leader in its catXian Lim (left) and Julia Barretto in ‘Bahay Na Pula’ egory. Yes, even toppling Netflix.

With over two million downloads since its launch in Janu35 original films and series on the platform. ary last year, Vivamax is now Debuting with Darryl Yap’s Pornstar, films of the most downloaded entertaindifferent genres soon followed: Death of a Girlment app on Google Play, outdoing friend, Revirginized, The Housemaid, Mahjong other long-established local and inNights, Taya, More Than Blue, and Vivamax’s first ternational streaming brands. It’s original sequel, Pornstar 2. Also notable are two actually a feat it already achieved ‘Boy Bastos’ stars Wilbert Ross original series, Parang Kayo Pero Hindi and KPL. (left) and Rose Van Ginkel back in July.

Vivamax likewise features many classic films In an interview with Manila not just from the Viva library but also from other Standard Entertainment six months ago, Viva’s Vic del production companies like Star Cinema, Regal EnterRosario said that he wanted to have a massive library tainment, 1017P, Reality, IdeaFirst, Brillante Mendoza’s of local titles, a one-stop entertainment hub, which con- Center Stage Productions. Vivamax is committed to work sumers can access as easily as lifting a finger. with the country’s biggest stars—Sharon Cuneta, Sarah “We have developed an entertainment platform that’s Geronimo, Anne Curtis, Bela Padilla, Nadine Lustre, easy to be appreciated by everyone. I guess it’s the Andrew E., Yassi Pressman, Kim Molina, Jerald Nauniqueness of the offerings between the originals, the poles, Dingdong Dantes, Piolo Pascual, Carlo Aquino, Tagalized content, and the concerts that makes people Toni and Alex Gonzaga, among many others—and the like the platform,” he shared. finest directors—among them Brillante Mendoza, Law“It’s the novelty that attracts them. We also look at the rence Fajardo, Roman Perez, Darryl Yap, Joel Larenewals, some users keep on coming back after a month mangan, and Yam Laranas. or two to renew their subscription. I think we did someThe leading Pinoy streaming platform is committed thing good,” Del Rosario added. to even expanding its library this year by releasing two Starting with over 500 titles, with a mix of Filipino originals per week. content, Tagalized Hollywood, and Asian content (inViva is slated to produce at least 52 films/series this cluding the biggest offering of Korean blockbuster 2022 for a regular weekly release of Vivamax Originals. films), Vivamax continues with its commitment to proAs of December, there are 15 finished films scheduled vide new content every week — a combination of origi- to be shown in Q1 and over 40 projects greenlit in varinals, premieres, exclusives, and all-time favorites. ous stages of production. Some of the 2022 titles include Since its launch, Vivamax has produced Siklo, Hugas, Reroute, Lulu, Deception, Slip Sa Apoy, Kinsenas Katapusan, The Wife, Exorsis, Boy Bastos, Island of Desire, The Last Five Years, Sisid, Tatak Thyro, Xdeal 2, Bahay Na Pula, Eskandalo, Scorpio Nights 3, Us X Her, Kunwari Mahal Kita, Kitty K-7, Greed, Girl Friday, The Certifieds, The Velvet Skies, and Laundromat.

Paolo Gumabao Also, with the reopening (left) and Vince of cinemas, at least eight Rillon in ‘Sisid’ films will see a theatrical release for a return to the classic viewing experience. Viva stays true to its commitment of a P1 billion production budget per year despite the pandemic and will continue to support the industry workers in order to serve (From left) Diego Loyzaga, Nadine Lustre, the Filipino audiand Epi Quizon in Yam Laranas’ film, ‘Greed’ The cast of ‘The Certifieds’ ence.

How Dingdong feels working with Beauty for the first time

Dingdong Dantes (left) with Beauty Gonzales

IN THE recent virtual media conference for the latest installment of the hit GMA-7 primetime offering I Can See You: AlterNate, lead stars Dingdong Dantes and Beauty Gonzalez have only good words for each other.

“It’s such a beautiful experience working with Beauty,” said Dong. “I admire and respect her artistry. I think she’s a brilliant artist, not just in

acting but in other fields as well.”

“Oftentimes, we would talk about her deep involvement in the arts. In fact, I learned a lot from her when it comes to that. But I think, more importantly, I witnessed how committed she is to her craft. I’m hats-off to her professionalism,” he went on.

For her part, Beauty averred that working with Dingdong is a dream come true.

“When I joined the Kapuso, he’s one of the male stars who I wanted to work with. That’s why I’m so happy that GMA gave me the opportunity to share the screen with him. I’m so lucky that I got to work with him. For one, he’s very easy to work with.

He’s also professional and he would take care of you on the set. He’s intuitive as well.”

In the story, Dingdong breathes life into dual roles: that of Nate and Michael and he is pleased

that he was able to pull it off.

“Beauty is definitely one positive factor. In some scenes, I got surprised because she has given different nuances for the dual characters. I guess one key to the success of our maiden screen partnership is teamwork. It’s like a dance where you have to move as one,” Dong stated.

To which the former Kapamiya star responded, “I’m very proud with this project. The trailer is so impressive. It’s very intelligent and very well executed. There’s drama in here, romance, action, and suspense. What more can the audience ask for?”

••• The past months witnessed the transfer of various stars (particularly ABS-CBN talents) to GMA like: Bea Alonzo, John Lloyd Cruz, Richard

Yap, Pokwang, Beauty Gonzalez, Xian Lim and Albert Martinez.

For resident Kapuso wards like Gabby Eigenmann, does this development pose a threat to him?

“Threatened? Not really, but excited, yes!” he stated. “It’s nice to see artists exploring new homes.

All of us need to work anyways.”

The thought of collaborating with these stars thrills the talented actor.

“Honestly, I can’t wait to work with them in the near future. I think that’s wonderful. I hope to experience camaraderie with the new faces in the network!”

He’s been with GMA for the longest time. Interestingly, didn’t he consider at one point to switch stations?

“No, it’s not going to happen. I’m already home and is just very grateful that my home studio is taking good care of me all these times,” Gabby said.

Life

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

HOME AND STYLE

The Emma Wood and Glass Top Dining Table reinterprets iconic 1970s consoles for the modern dining room

T

HINK of these in your home: the Lechuza glasstop round table with its imaginative, asymmetrical, and curvaceous silhouette; the blue and white Cel vases with splatters and brushstrokes that celebrate painterly exuberance; the hand-blown Lucia stemware with swirling facets that give it a vintage feel; or the Enzo bar cabinet designed by Charlie Zagaroli in a modern mix of materials, with open and concealed storage.

Priem provides a high-contrast foundation for any space.

Miro tables are inspired by sculptural bronze coffee tables from the 1970s, while Nord Tables feature angles and intersecting planes.

A fresh take on home entertaining What did you feel? So pleasing and relaxing to the senses, right? Now, you can turn that into reality and experience curves that you want to trace with your fingertips, fabrics that you want to press to your cheeks, and details so full of life you can’t look away.

Crate and Barrel, the industry’s leading premium home furnishings specialty retailer, known for its exclusive designs, curated selections, and sustainable products, welcomes those we love home to a place of beautiful and easy warmth with its new collection with globally inspired designs that make your senses come alive.

The new pieces have a fresh take on home entertaining—stylish dining tables with soft sculptural lines, décor that plays with texture and scale, exquisite dinnerware, and barware items that highlight great design and great bonding moments.

Explore these fresh arrivals, a wide selection of quality furniture, housewares, and gifts to make 2022 special: Lechuza Glass Top Round Table A true work of art, this stunning table’s Douglas fir base captures the imagination with its asymmetrical and curvaceous sil-

Spruce up your abode without hurting your pocket

houette. The carved base is heavily sandblasted and given an ebonized stain to highlight the wood’s beautiful cathedral grain structure.

The Miro and Nord Collection Miro tables are presented like a precious gem set within the prongs of a ring.

Inspired by sculptural bronze coffee tables from the 1970s, Miro’s dynamic geometry plays with negative space in an airy arrangement of angular panels that support the round top.

Nord Tables, on the other hand, are all about angles and intersecting planes. Its asymmetrical design plays with positive and negative space for a look that’s as sculptural as it is functional.

Geometric Priem Vases in bold black and white Alternating matte black and crackled white glazes for maximum pop, Priem provides a high-contrast foundation for colorful real and faux botanicals.

The Cel Vase Collection Blue and white drips, splatters, speckles, and brushstrokes decorate our Cel vases with painterly exuberance. Classic silhouettes get a modern update from hand-applied glazes layered to create depth and a unique artisanal finish. A scene-stealing receptacle for dried or faux flowers, these sculptural blue and white vases are also Crate and Barrel exclusives.

White curtains filter natural sunlight well, making a room brighter than before.

Indoor plants add vibrancy to any space.

ily end up with a

By Patricia Taculao new coffee table

SINCE the lockdowns in early 2020, we’ve all spent a lot made from an old drawer or more.

Decluttering homes also make them look more inof time in the safety and comfort of our homes. Some even invested money and effort in transforming their homes viting. Apart from unleashing the inner Marie Kondo and getting rid of things that don’t spark joy, think susinto something more aesthetic and comfortable.

These were all made possible by spending hours find- tainably and start by donating old clothes, toys, books, ing the perfect “budol” on online shopping platforms or and such items to charity.

Looking into trends is another way homeowners can visiting well-known furniture stores to find the ideal piece improve their home’s aesthetics. In the past two years, the to match a space’s overall look.

However, some items can be out of our price range, and at public was crazy about gardening because it gave them an a time like this, we should value practicality more than ever. avenue to pass their time during the lockdowns.

Sturdy and easy to maintain indoor plants can even help Luckily, there are some ways that homeowners can achieve their dream home without going over budget. improve air circulation, while flowering plants add fraOne of the most budget-friendly ways that homeowners grance and a splash of color in a room. Adding a dash of can spruce up any home is by refurbishing some old fur- greenery in a room not only adds vibrancy but also brings homes closer to nature. niture.

Speaking of vibrancy, homeowners don’t have to work Most of us have pieces of furniture that we just can’t seem to let go of because they’re sentimental, sturdy, or with gaudy or harsh colors to brighten up a home. Lightvintage. Refurbishing can help bring back some life into ing plays an important role in setting the mood for a room.

Long, white curtains hanging from a winthose old pieces without having to worry dow that receives an ample amount of natabout paying too much since some pieces ural sunlight can illuminate a room well. of furniture might just need a fresh coat For dark rooms, placing more light fixof paint, modified furnishings, and new tures of varying shades can give a soothing ornaments. effect. If splurging for a particular piece of All in all, it won’t cost more than a few furniture is inevitable, try buying items durhundred pesos, and homeowners can be ing big sales to minimize costs. Looking proud of their handiwork that brought for a more affordable yet high-quality alterthem a step closer to their dream home. native can also help reduce the amount of Refurbishing isn’t the only way the money spent in sprucing up a home. homeowners can liven up old pieces of Creating a dream home is a fulfillfurniture. Repurposing is another way to ing journey, and it doesn’t have to be an transform furniture that’s outdated, broexpensive one. Hopefully, these tips can ken, or ultimately useless into something aid homeowners to achieve their goal new. Although it may take more time Refurbish old furniture of a visually pleasing and comfortable and effort because repurposing requires by layering a fresh coat of some handiwork and creativity, the results paint, installing new fixtures, home without having to burn a hole right through their pockets. are worth it since homeowners can eas- oradding ornaments

The Emma Wood and Glass Top Dining Table This reinterprets the iconic 1970s consoles for the modern dining room with its gracefully cantilevered clear glass top. Comfortably seating eight, our Emma wood and glass-top dining table is another Crate and Barrel exclusive.

The retailer offers a wide range of products with premium quality at great prices, excellent customer service with personalized attention, as well as efficient delivery and assembly. The company operates stores throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as franchise locations in Dubai, Mexico, Singapore, Peru, Costa Rica, Colombia, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

Discover Crate and Barrel’s fresh arrivals by visiting its stores, ordering by phone, or shopping online. For more information, visit Crate and Barrel Philippines’ Faceboook page at Crate and Barrel Philippines, Instagram page at crateandbarrelph or visit www.crateandbarrel.com.ph.

Contact its branches: SM Aura Premier at 09178895667; SM Makati at 09175833573; and SM Megamall at 09178704796. Browse the store catalog: www.storecatalog.crateandbarrel.com. ph, and its online selections: www.crateandbarrel.com.ph

The Lechuza Glass Top Round Table has an asymmetrical and curvaceous silhouette.

Cel vases are decorated with handapplied glazes layered to create depth and aunique artisanal finish.

‘YODO’ You only die once, so plan ahead

By Tet Defensor

WITH the pandemic comes the untimely passing of people close to our hearts. There are no words to describe the grief, yet like any other event, that peaceful journey to the light comes with a to-do list, which needs to be fulfilled.

There were probably moments in the past, or during this pandemic, when you had to arrange a wake or a funeral. It is no easy task, especially, when you are still coping with the pain.

We all want to honor our loved ones as they move on. Unfortunately, no amount of preparation can ease the emotional difficulty that comes with the unfortunate event.

Just before the holidays, St. Peter hosted a webinar to launch the eStore. The fun exchange featured actor Luis Manzano, host Cara Eriguel, and guest online personalities Janica Nam Floresca and Jay Miranda talking about their life plans, bucket lists, and YOLO, an acronym for “you only live once,” which simply means making the most out of the current moment.

Luis humorously added that aside from YOLO, equally important is “YODO,” an acronym for “you only die once.” He describes it as the “the extro of your life. When that day comes, gusto ko everything must fall into place the way it should.” (In broadcasting ‘extro’ refers to the message at the end of an episode).

Cara further explained, “Our purpose in life is to leave something beautiful and kind in the world. You want your exit, your extro, the ending of your movie which is your life, to be beautiful and kind.”

St. Peter’s eStore aims to ease the difficulties of grieving loved ones. The online portal allows customers to purchase pre-need life plans and cremation plans. And just like any online shopping portal, buyers can choose from several payment options, and even track and update their purchases.

A glimpse of St. Peter’s online store.

Host Cara Eriguel with featured guests Luis Manzano, Jay Miranda, and Janica Nam Floresca.

“We recognized the need to engage our plan holders and reach prospective clients in the digital space, and one way to do this is to launch an online store that will cater to our customers. The goal of the St. Peter Group is to help and make it easy for the Filipino Family to plan ahead so that they can enjoy life more, thus, the creation of St. Peter eStore. With St. Peter, we always live by our commitment to serving our clients fully with integrity, excellence, and compassion,” explains St. Peter Life Plan SVP & COO Jonathan Vitangcol.

St. Peter’s life plan was established in 1970. While the plan is still sold by agents, the e-store is the company’s way of adapting to the “new normal” as customers’ expectations and preferences have changed during the pandemic.

“The site has a variety of important features and functions to support our agents in selling and marketing to the digital market segment. It’s our way to further empower our sales team to help the Filipino family plan ahead by inviting them to visit the eStore,” he said.

Before purchasing a plan make sure to click the “How to buy” tab which clearly specifies the required documents and identification cards for the purchase. First-timers will also be asked to create an account.

Vitangol further emphasized that the plans are anti-inflationary. “What you buy now is the same plan you will use in the future.”

The plans are also transferable, assignable, and available in easy installments. St. Peter President and Chief Operating Officer Victor Jose Tancinco joked that the company’s product digitalization is a bit too late.

“Walmart in the U.S. has been selling coffins online. Naunahan na tayo,” he says in jest.

The company has been very vigilant in adapting to the changing times. They were the very first to offer eBurol, the 24-hour real-time online viewing, and ELibing, video memorialization service of the interment.

In the past, customers even selected memorial chapels by taking the virtual tour on their website.

Check out their e-commerce site, https://www. stpeter.com.ph/, and follow them on their official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/stpeterlifeplanandchapels.