Manila Standard - 2022 February 7 - Monday

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(Story on A4) PROCLAMATION RALLIES TO KICK OFF OFFICIAL CAMPAIGNING TOMORROW

VOL. XXXV • NO. 357 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Quiboloy raps US for poll meddling

CANDIDATES will hit the hustings Tuesday for the official start of campaigning, with the son and namesake of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos leading the presidential race.

Marcos and his running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio, will hold their proclamation rally at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, a facility owned by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. His closest rival, Vice President Leni Robredo and her running mate Senator Francis Pang-

ilinan plan to move around her home province of Camarines Sur to start her campaign.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and his running mate Dr. Willie Ong will hold their proclamation rally at the Kartilya ng Katipunan, near the Manila City Hall.

Senator Panfilo Lacson and his vice presidential running mate, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, will kick off their campaign at the Grandstand in Imus, Next page Cavite.

PRAYERS FOR HEALING. A week

after Metro Manila and neighboring provinces were downgraded to the more relaxed Alert Level 2 as COVID-19 cases eased, devotees flock to the shrine of Regina Rica to pray and meditate in Tanay, Rizal.

Manny Palmero

Lawyer: Case aims to destroy Rody, undermine BBM, Sara

By Rio N. Araja

T

HE camp of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder and pastor Apollo Quiboloy yesterday said his accusers are hitting him to indirectly destroy President Rodrigo Duterte after US Federal Bureau of Investigation released a “most wanted” poster against the church leader over sex trafficking and bulk cash smuggling charges.

His lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, said three months after the federal grand jury the timing of the release of the FBI post- indictment was made on November 10, er was “very suspect” as it came almost 2021.

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3,609,568 8,361

126,227

54,526

312

3,428,815 18,431 (As of 4 PM, FEBRUARY 6)

Most provinces post downtrend in cases—OCTA

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By Willie Casas ALMOST all provinces in the Philippines are experiencing a downward trend in new COVID-19 cases, the independent OCTA Research Group said on Sunday.

OCTA fellow Guidoa= David, in an interview with ABS-CBN's TeleRadyo, said only a few provinces—about five-have recently reported positive growth rates in COVID-19 cases.

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Parents’ consent needed for 160k kids ages 5-11 up for jabs in NCR

By Willie Casas and Macon Ramos-Araneta SOME 160,000 children aged 5 to 11 years have so far been registered for the pilot COVID-19 vaccination in Metro Manila that will start today (Monday, Feb. 7, 2022).

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año also

clarified on Sunday that the consent of parents or guardians is needed for the pediatric vaccination amid a pending case before a Quezon City court over a provision that will allow the government to act as parens patriae for kids whose parent or guardian refuses the inoculation.

Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Next page

Mass vax drive targets 5m people

By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE government targets to vaccinate five million individuals during the third round of “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” this week, National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) co-lead Dr. Kezia Lorraine Rosario said.

She said the two-day mass inoculation drive would be held on Feb. 10 and 11.

She said

A RARE SIGHT. The University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao over the weekend held a face-to-face graduation – its first on-site graduation during the nearly two-year pandemic – with social distancing and health protocols strictly implemented.

Bar examinees disqualified for infractions

By Rey E. Requejo SEVERAL examinees have been disqualified from taking the country’s first online 20202021 Bar examinations for violating policies and breaching honor code, according to the Supreme Court.

In a Bar Bulletin released Sunday, the SC through Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, chairperson of the Bar examinations committee, revealed that 219 examinees were unable to take the examinations “after having tested positive for

COVID-19.”

Leonen added the Office of the Bar Chairperson, in the course of the Bar examinations, had received reports on examinees who deliberately entered the local testing centers without disclosing that they had previously tested positive for COVID-19; who smuggled mobile phone inside the examination rooms; and who access social media during lunch break inside the premises.

“For their infractions, I am exercising my prerogative as Bar Chairperson to disqualify Next page

DONE WITH THE BAR.

Family members, friends and other well-wishers welcome Bar examinees with flowers and balloons outside the UST campus in Manila Sunday afternoon.

Norman Cruz

preparations were going on "so we cannot say yet how many have registered."

The government, she said, is looking into designating more vaccination sites, especially in industrial parks, universities, and schools to reach more Filipinos.

"We will give many vaccines, especially booster doses," she said.

The first two rounds of the national vaccination drive happened in December last year.

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News

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2022

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

ALL FOR LOVE.

Shoppers flock to Juan Luna Divisoria in Manila to buy gifts for their loved ones ahead of Valentines Day on February 14.

Norman Cruz

Tolibas Dandan and Helen Panilag.

Topacio said he is not fomenting conspiracy theories, “but we all have to be in a state of abject denial to say that the United States has not been interfering with our elections since as far as we can remember.”

“The only logical reason here is that they are using the closeness of Pastor Quiboloy with President Duterte to indirectly destroy Duterte...Indirectly, it is [also] undermining the candidacy of Sara Duterte.

Indirectly, it may be undermining the candidacy of Bongbong Marcos, or whichever candidate the United States does not want to win in this country,” he added.

Quiboloy, a spiritual adviser of

Duterte, is "wanted for his alleged participation in a labor trafficking scheme that brought church members to the United States, via fraudulently obtained visas, and forced the members to solicit donations for a bogus charity, donations that actually were used to finance church operations and the lavish lifestyles of its leaders," the FBI said.

For its part, the Department of Justice said it will handle any extradition petition, once the US makes a request, against Quiboloy according to law, chief state counsel George Ortha II said.

“If we receive the request, we will do our job within the bounds of the law and processes in our department, re-

gardless of the personality involved,” Ortha said.

“We will just follow what is stated in our law,” he added.

Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas on Sunday urged the DOJ to issue a hold-departure order against Quibology.

“It is a big challenge for the Duterte regime as well as the Bongbong-Sara tandem for them not to coddle Quiboloy, especially as he was recently endorsing the administration’s tandem. They are complicit in coddling the wanted sex trafficker and in causing further injury to those victims who have come forward to expose Qui-

boloy crimes," she said.

“We again ask the DOJ to do whatever is necessary to facilitate the attainment of justice to all the victims of Pastor Quiboloy,” she said.

In an online sermon late Saturday evening, Quiboloy likened himself to a “modern-day Joseph” who has to face tribulations “before all that my Father promised to me is fulfilled.”

“If a person is in the hands of God, do not underestimate because miracles and miracles will take place. I do not like that to happen to those who are running after me. Will Pastor Quiboloy be known without these tribulations” he said.

May 9 polls, with most interest in the contest to succeed firebrand leader Rodrigo Duterte.

Voter surveys showed Marcos heading toward a landslide victory as a massive social media campaign cranks up support and, critics said, whitewashes the clan's history.

Boosted by a formidable alliance with first daughter and vice-presidential candidate Sara Duterte, Marcos has vowed "to unify the country and give our fellowmen the future that they deserve."

Efforts to disqualify Marcos over a decades-old tax conviction sparked a public spat between election of-

ficials, while allegations of cocaine snorting and corruption among presidential candidates have fueled a political atmosphere of chaos and skulduggery.

"This will be a campaign dominated by personalities and political dynasties, rather than a contest over policies or economic ideologies," said Eurasia Group analyst Peter Mumford.

Outgoing presidents usually identify their preferred successor, who they hope will keep them out of prison as much as protect their legacy.

But Duterte has been silent since his choice, loyal aide Senator Christopher

Go, pulled out of the contest.

Polls showed Marcos with a huge lead in a field of five credible candidates for president.

Some analysts are still cautious about calling a winner in a race that only requires the victor to get more votes than anyone else.

Robredo -- the opposition candidate and nemesis of both Marcos and Duterte -- is second in the polls, ahead of celebrity mayor Domagoso, retired boxing champion Pacquiao and ex-police chief Lacson.

"Nothing is set in stone -- it's a very fluid race," political analyst Richard Heydarian told a briefing. AFP

Mass...

only to those who risked their lives just to make the 2020/21 Bar Examinations From A1 happen despite all odds, but most especially to those examinees who these examinees from the 2020/21 Bar could have taken the Bar Examinations were it not for their positive COVID-19 Examinations,” Leonen declared.

“I take my constant message of honor test results,” Leonen said.

For those who have been disqualified, to the examinees seriously. I owe it not

Leonen said: “Your disqualification applies only for the 2020/21 Bar Examinations.”

The SC did not disclose how many examinees were disqualified as a result of the alleged violations of the policies and the honor code.

It also did not disclose how many examinees actually reported back for

the tests this morning, February 6, the last day of the two-day examinations in 31 testing centers nationwide.

During the morning examinations held on the first day last Feb. 4, Leonen said that 11,378 out of 11,790 law graduates who paid their registration fees took the tests.

Quiboloy...

From A1

“Supposedly, according to a post on the FBI website, there was a warrant also issued on that day [in November].

Common sense dictates that if you have a warrant, you immediately put up a wanted poster.

Why wait until now to release the poster when the campaign for the national elections is about to start?” Topacio said in an online press conference.

Aside from Quiboloy, the FBI also issued “most wanted” posters against two other church members, Teresita

Proclamation...

From A1

Senator Manny Pacquiao will hold his proclamation rally at the Oval Stadium in General Santos City at 3 p.m., joined by his vice presidential running mate Lito Atienza.

Leody De Guzman and his running mate Walden Bello will hold his proclamation rally at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City at 6 p.m.

Political scions, celebrities and exconvicts are among the contenders vying for more than 18,000 posts in the

Bar...

Most...

From A1

"I would say almost all the provinces are now on a downward trajectory," he said.

The average new daily COVID-19 infections dropped to 8,422 from Feb. 1 to 5, from the previous week’s 17,025, David said. He added that this could decrease to 5,000 next week, and about 1,000 to 2,000 by the end of February.

Parent’...

From A1

Jr. also assured the public the 780,000 doses of reformulated Pfizer vaccines are safe for children.

“We are happy to announce that our vaccination rollout will continue for children ages 5 to 11 on Monday. I want to assure our parents that this vaccine is safe and thoroughly studied by the best scientists in the world,” he said in Filipino.

The vaccination of children will bring a greater sense of normalcy to the lives of Filipinos as it will provide an increased level of protection against COVID-19, Galvez said.

“We know it's very emotional to us, we say it has struck the heart because we see the family coming out," said Galvez.

“Second, our young people will not be restricted and they can play and have face-to-face learning. We need this to

“We're getting close to the situation that we saw in November to December last year, when the number of new cases was really low,” he said.

On Saturday, the country's positivity rate was 23.3 percent, which was the lowest in more than a month or since Jan. 1.

The number, however, is still far from the World Health Organization's benchmark of under 5 percent, which suggests that the spread of COVID-19 in an area is under control. protect the social development of our next generation,” Galvez said.

As of now, only the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for use by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration for 5 to 11 year-olds.

The formulation for the said age group is lower compared to those administered to the older groups.

Galvez said the government purchased 30 million doses of the reformulated Pfizer vaccines, of which 7.5 million will arrive in the first quarter and another 7.5 million in the second quarter.

“They are very eager to participate in this vaccination program because we all know that we are not safe until everyone is safe, and we saw that the people are suffering also,” Galvez said.

Among the initial vaccination sites identified in Metro Manila are the Philippine Heart Center, National Children's Hospital, Philippine Children's Medical Center, FilOil Gym in

The Philippines logged 8,361 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, bringing the total to 3,609,568, the Department of Health (DOH) reported.

The positivity rate was at 21.5 percent, based on 38,675 people tested on Feb. 4.

There were 126,227 active cases, of which 4,864 were asymptomatic; 116,598 were mild; 3,008 were moderate; 1,447 were severe; and 310 were critical.

There were 312 new fatalities reSan Juan City, Manila Zoo, and SM North Edsa.

Año, for his part, made this comment after Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian, Malabon City Mayor Antolin "Lenlen" Oreta III, and Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco issued the condition separately.

In justifying their decision, the four mayors said they have a responsibility to their constituents whom they must guide and protect.

The head of the National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) said no rights were being violated in the government’s push to vaccinate children aged 5 to 11 against COVID-19.

Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje, the NVOC head, said vaccination of the age group is not compulsory.

Parental consent must be given before a child can be vaccinated, she said.

The Philippines is set to start inoculating children aged 5 to 11 against COVID-19 today, Monday, despite a court

ported Sunday, bringing the COVID-19 death toll to 54,526.

The DOH also reported 18,431 new recoveries, bringing the total recoveries to 3,428,815.

Nationwide, 42 percent of ICU beds, 39 percent of isolation beds, 37 percent of ward beds, and 22 percent of ventilators, are in use.

In Metro Manila, 35 percent of ICU beds, 31 percent of isolation beds, 33 percent of ward beds, and 20 percent of ventilators, are in use. petition from two parents to stop the immunization drive for the age group.

The vaccination will begin in Metro Manila before the nationwide rollout on Feb. 14.

Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Chief Persida Acosta, whose office is representing two parents who petitioned against the pediatric vaccination at a Quezon City court, cited a provision that may allow the government, through representatives from the Social Welfare Department, to give consent for vaccination of a minor in case the latter wants to get vaccinated but the parent or guardian refuses.

That makes the vaccination for the age group "indirectly" mandatory, she said.

Domingo Cayosa, former president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), said the Department of Health (DOH) should clarify the policy on consent.

“The provision did not say 'the DSWD shall', but 'may'... We call on the

From A1

For February alone, Rosario said the government hoped to vaccinate more than 25 million individuals.

As of Feb 4, the country had administered a total of 128,473,507 vaccines.

Around 59.80 million Filipinos have been fully vaccinated while 60.65 million individuals have received their first dose. A total of 8,012,011 booster shots have been administered.

Meanwhile, the NVOC is mulling the nationwide rollout of pediatric COVID-19 vaccination for the 5 to 11 age group on February 14.

The planned Valentine’s Day activity will be held a week after Monday’s initial rollout in six vaccination sites in the National Capital Region.

Rosario said the pilot run would be expanded to 32 more vaccination centers in NCR – hospitals, malls, gymnasiums, and schools. Each pilot site can cater to 500 vaccinees daily.

Five hospitals in Central Luzon, three in Calabarzon, and one in Cotabato City will also begin their 5-11 age group vaccination next week.

“In this pilot run, we will study how to effectively implement it, operationally. So we are also looking at where it should be implemented – should it be in hospitals or should we include schools and other vaccination sites," Rosario said.

DOH to clarify that provision,” he said.

Cabotaje reiterated that COVID-19 vaccines are generally safe, noting that the Philippines is not the first country to immunize children against the respiratory illness.

Over 60 percent of Filipino children aged 12 to 17 years have been fully inoculated against COVID-19 since the rollout of the vaccination drive for the age group in November 2021, Cabotaje said on Sunday.

“Our coverage for the rest of the pediatric population is doing well," said Cabotaje, in an interview on radio dzBB. “Seventy-seven percent received the first dose and 65.6 percent for the second dose,” she said.

But for children with comorbidities, only 23 percent or 299,000 out of 1.2 million children are fully vaccinated against the severe respiratory disease, she said.

“Parents of these children are still hesitant,” she said.

News

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2022

TURNOVER. The former head of the Quezon Police

District in the National Region Police Office (NCRPO) Brig. Gen. Antonio Yarra, assumed his new post as director of the Calabarzon police. Former Calabarzon police director, Brig. Gen. Eliseo Cruz, who was promoted as Deputy Commander of the Area Police Command (APC) in Visayas, turned over the post to Yarra in a ceremony on Friday afternoon. JR Josue

Salceda cites financing need of agri sector

‘Betrayal of public trust’ raps may not stand vs. Rody—Ping

By Rio N. Araja

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

ALBAY Rep. Joey Salceda, House ways and means committee chairperson, is batting for the inclusion of the agricultural sector under Republic Act 11534 or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act with more financing coming with agri-agra amendments.

He welcomed the lower inflation rate recorded in January at three percent showing that the Philippines is “well on the road to economic recovery.”

He, however, warned that “we need to sustain momentum, especially on the supply side by investing in basic sectors such as agriculture.”

“I am especially pleased by the food price deflation in NCR. Food and beverages actually got cheaper by three percent in the region, which of course means well for metro workers and working families, who can buy more food,” he said.

“In fact, even when we had weather disturbances last month, we still saw good price stability. I attribute this to normalizing supply chains, especially as Omicron, even if infectious, was not as disruptive or lethal as the other variants,” he added.

Prices outside of Metro Manila “still need vigilance,” he stressed.

“Prices outside the National Capital Region have settled between 3 to 4 percent which is not yet to a level I would feel completely at ease about.

We need a little more breathing room in those areas, especially if we want to keep inflation rate low for the rest of the year,” the Albay lawmaker said.

Agri investments need to be promoted under the CREATE law, he stressed.

According to Salceda, to be able to achieve stable food prices for the rest of the year, he is working with Agriculture Secretary William Dar to ensure that investments in agriculture sectors would be eligible for investment incentives.

ARTIDO Reporma standard-bearer Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is not convinced that ‘betrayal of public trust’ can be applied to some of the personalities involved in the multibillionpeso Pharmally scandal, but there is no doubt in his mind that those found liable should be held accountable.

P

The Senate Blue Ribbon committee, in its partial report, said it is considering that President Rodrigo Duterte could be liable of betrayal of public trust.

Stressing he had strong reservations about the contents of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee report on the Pharmally issue despite signing off on its release, Lacson said he is ready to interpellate the report if or when it reaches

the Senate plenary in May. Lacson noted that the evidence gathered by the Blue Ribbon panel pointed mainly to the greed and lack of competence of officials of agencies like the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management in dealing with Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation.

The small firm was granted a total of P11 billion in government contracts to

supply medical equipment to combat the COVID-19 pandemic despite not having the financial capacity to guarantee the purchases.

Lacson said the phrase “betrayal of public trust” contained in the report had to be discussed at length because it could lead to the impeachment of a sitting President.

“When I signed the report, I did so as vice chairman of the committee. But I did so with reservations, so it doesn’t mean I support all its contents,” Lacson said.

Lacson said the issue should be treated the same way as other health carerelated exposes he made in the past— with relentless pursuit of the facts to make those involved accountable.

HUGS AND PRAYERS. A son hugs and shares a prayer with family members before taking the bar examinations at the University of Sto. Tomas on Sunday. Danny Pata

Imee: Mock elections lacked pandemic health, safety protocols

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Imee Marcos has expressed worry that mock polls held last year did not thoroughly run through pandemic protocols and may lead to voters losing their way at election centers and being disenfranchised in the May 9 elections.

Marcos, who chairs the Senate

committee on electoral reforms and people’s participation, said that overcrowding took place during last year’s mock polls due to technical and logistical glitches.

Participants spent much time looking for their names and assigned precincts, vote-counting machines jammed or rejected ballots, and a weak internet sig-

nal delayed the voting process.

Marcos questioned the Comelec on the role of the Department of Health (DOH) in implementing health protocols in polling precincts nationwide, after the Comelec reported that it took 10 minutes and 47 seconds for each voter to cast a vote during the mock polls.

“What exactly is the role of DOH?

With the overcrowding that took place, did we not fall short in applying Covid-19 protocols?” Marcos said.

Marcos recommended that another round of mock polls be held with more participation from DOH personnel and for the Comelec to immediately release guidelines on how election campaigns should be conducted.

‘Russian Embassy is secured’ THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) assured the Russian Embassy in Manila that it will uphold the inviolability of its premises following a massive fire that broke out on the night of February 4.

“The Department assures the Russian Embassy that it upholds the inviolability of the mission’s premises and its right to protection from intrusion or disturbance as provided under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations,” it said in a statement on Saturday.

The DFA said Russian Ambassador Marat Pavlov himself communicated that all his personnel have been ac-

counted for and are safe.

At present, the embassy is taking measures to ensure the integrity and security of the chancery premises and the properties inside.

According to a Bureau of Fire Protection report, the blaze started on the second floor and reached the second alarm.

It was declared out at 2:10 a.m. Saturday. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The DFA, for its part, extends support to the authorities in the expeditious investigation of the incident, consistent with the relevant principles of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

NEW HALL. Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman leads the groundbreaking ceremony of Barangay Mariroc's multipurpose hall. Norman Cruz

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Fresh HIV surge in PH feared, says Defensor REP. Michael Defensor (Anakalusugan) has warned that the Philippines could see a fresh surge in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in the years ahead due to disruptions in health services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“A total of 12,341 new HIV infections were diagnosed in the country in 2021, up by 54 percent from the 8,036 new cases detected in 2020,” Defensor said in a statement on Sunday.

Defensor said the country’s cumulative confirmed HIV caseload could breach the 100,000-mark within the first half of this year.

Last year’s new infections brought to 94,337 the aggregate number of confirmed cases in the National HIV/ AIDS Registry, Defensor said.

“The next Congress may have to increase annual funding for HIV prevention and treatment to cope with the surge in new infections and the demand for treatment,” Defensor said.

“There’s no question that the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the delivery of and access to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services,” Defensor said.

“As we see it, difficulties associated with the pandemic may have discouraged many Filipinos from seeking HIV testing, even if theysuspect that they may be infected,” Defensor said.

“If a person living with HIV is not diagnosed right away, then that individual could be unknowingly spreading the infection,” Defensor said.

HIV is being spread in the country mainly through sexual contact, with 81 percent of all cases due to males who have sex with males.

HIV causes AIDS, or the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, which destroys the human body’s natural ability to ward off all kinds of infections.

Although HIV still does not have any known cure, early diagnosis and antiretroviral therapy (ART) slows the progression of the virus to a near halt and reduces the risk of transmission.

“We are worried that a significant number of Filipinos living with HIV may have fallen out of treatment, also due to complications related to the pandemic,” Defensor said.

Bounty given for death of NPA’s Ka Oris CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – “Ricky”, the informant who led government troops to the neutralization of ranking New People’s Army (NPA) leader Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos last year, has received his P7.8-million bounty.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Gen. Andres Centino, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), awarded the money on February 2 at the headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) at Camp Evangelista here, according to a news release.

Madlos, 71, was killed in a 30-minute encounter with the troops of the 4ID’s 403rd Infantry Brigade in Barangay Dumalaguing, Impasugong, Bukidnon on Oct. 30, 2021.

Also killed was Eighfel Dela Pena (alias Pika/Maui), a medic of the National Operations Command of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) - NPA Komiteng Mindanao.

The bounty has been put up since 2000 through the AFP-Philippine National Police Joint Order of Reward under the Department of National Defense and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

“Ricky” had mask and dark eyeglasses on when he received the money for security reasons.

Lorenzana commended him for his bravery and thanked him for trusting the government despite the risks.

The DND chief hoped that aside from the monetary reward, other civilians would emulate what “Ricky” did, an act of shared responsibility and commitment to fast-track the government’s goal to end the local communist armed conflict.

In a statement released Saturday, Brig. Gen Wilbur Mamawag, the new commander of 4ID, also expressed his appreciation to the informant.

“We all wanted to live in peace. But all of us must contribute our share to attain peace. Hence, I salute the likes of Ricky who stand courageously against the communist terrorist group. This also proves that the support coming from the civilians have altered the balance in an overwhelming favor toward the government and peace partners,” he said.

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2022

News

Sara junks ‘unpleasant’ talks of replacing BBM V

ICE presidential aspirant and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Sunday said she is not entertaining the possibility of replacing her running mate, former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., calling such talks as “exceptionally unpleasant” especially since neither of them has yet to win the elections.

“Personally, I find talks about me possibly replacing a President Bongbong Marcos exceptionally unpleasant as, in reality, both of us are yet to win the elections. It is putting the cart before the horse,” she said in a press statement.

“I am not entertaining the thoughts of a possible replacement as I also do not look forward to a scenario of a disqualified BBM — before or after the elections,” she added.

She said there is no discussion between her and Marcos about the disqualification charges against him.

“I maintain that the disqualification cases filed against BBM have no basis at all — orchestrated by anti-Marcos forces desperate to regain control of our country, never mind if they sow divisiveness

among our people, never mind if they undermine our freedom, never mind if they make a mockery of our laws,” she said.

Duterte is vying for the vice presidential seat under the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party while Marcos is running under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas.

They decided to run as a tandem, calling themselves the “UniTeam.”

In an interview with TV host Korina Sanchez aired on Saturday, Marcos admitted being worried about the disqualification cases filed against him but acknowledged the possibility that his running mate, Duterte-Carpio, could become president if the petition against him is granted.

A DANGEROUS OCCUPATION.

Meralco linemen fix a transmission pole along Banawe Avenue in Quezon City on February 5, 2022.

Manny Palmero

WARM WELCOME. Lakas-CMD Vice Presidential aspirant and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte greets supporters along Maharlika Highway in Naga City in Camarines Sur during the 6th day of her ‘Mahalin Natin Ang Pilipinas Ride’ campaign. Ver Noveno

Robredo halts COVID-19 initiatives pending Comelec exemption

By Rio N. Araja

VICE President and presidential candidate Leni Robredo said Sunday the Office of the Vice President had temporarily stopped its COVID-19 initiatives until such time that the Commission on Elections had come up with a decision whether to allow the pandemic response

to continue during the campaign period.

In her weekly BISErbisyong LENI radio program, Robredo said they could not go on with their COVID-19 programs, including Bayanihan E-Consulta, vaccine express swab cab and other medical assistance projects.

“We have suspended it (COVID-19 response) because we are awaiting the

Comelec’s decision. We are seeking the exemption ban for three of our programs.

These are the Bayanihan E-Consulta, vaccine express and swab cab,” she said.

The Vice President has filed a petition with Comelec to allow the OVP, not her, to continue the COVID-19 pandemic response at the start of campaign period on Feb. 8.

She vowed to isolate the programs from the issue of politics, saying she would abstain from showing up during the project implementation.

“We are asking for an exemption amid the decrease in COVID cases. We have shown the number of those requesting our help every day. Some of them have nowhere to go,” she said.

Isko opens Manila’s ‘last lung’ park

By Rey E. Requejo

PRESIDENTIAL candidate and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has formally opened to the public the redeveloped Arroceros Urban Forest Park, considered as the capital city’s “last lung.”

“Many of you will visit open green space and I do believe, with a little knowledge, it will help the mental health issue that our countrymen face today; that we are all under the fear of this pandemic that could cause danger to our lives,” Moreno said in a speech Friday night during the inauguration of the redeveloped park.

The redevelopment was a product of the City of Manila’s planned development under the leadership of Mayor Isko.

The City government of Manila purchased the 2.2 hectare land in 1992 along with the more than 3,000 trees of 61 varieties and 8,000 ornamental plants.

The Arroceros park is also home to 10 bird species.

In February 2020, Moreno signed Ordinance No. 8607, officially declaring the park along Arroceros Street as a permanent forest park.

“The trees have been taken care of and there are many plants and other things that our grandparents can use.

I am happy for you and you can bring your grandchildren, your family here,” Domagos said.

“I’m happy with those who do Zumba, Taichi, and calisthenics because there is a space for you there. We allot those spaces to be useful and you are safe inside,” he said.

SOCIALLY-DISTANCED. A toddler looks amazed by the number of people attending mass outside the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or Quiapo Church. Danny Pata

Pacquiao to probe graft, EJK under Rody admin PRESIDENTIAL aspirant and Senator Manny Pacquiao has vowed to investigate allegations of corruption and extrajudicial killings (EJK) under the Duterte administration if he wins the May 9 elections.

“First, corruption, because it is the worst cancer in our country. Second,

the reported EJK which is against the law. Justice must be served to those who have been abused and oppressed,” he said in Filipino when asked what issues involving the present administration he intends to probe during a television interview aired Saturday.

Pacquiao, however, said he is not a venge-

ful person, and is even open to appointing his rivals to a Cabinet position should he win the upcoming presidential race.

“If they have the skills and the requirements for me to accomplish my goals for our country, why not? We want development in our country, so anyone who can help a lot is welcome to join,” he said.

Lacson belies report he is top ad spender

By Macon Ramos-Araneta PARTIDO Reporma standard-bearer Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Sunday debunked reports by Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) claiming he was the top spender on traditional media ads among presidential aspirants in 2021.

The PCIJ said it based the amounts it reported on published rate cards “before discounts were given to his campaign team.”

“No way we could have spent what we didn’t have,” Lacson said.

Lacson said he asked his campaign team, volunteers and supporters about the PCIJ report, which said he spent the most on advertisements on traditional media in 2021 among the presidential aspirants.

Citing a study by data company Nielsen, the PCIJ report said the senator spent nearly one billion or about P915.3 million last year on traditional media like television, radio, print and outdoor billboard advertisements.

Lacson said he was informed by his staff that they never saw, much less had this much money.

“No way we could have spent what we didn’t have,” said Lacson.

“I asked them to check again – same answer,” he added.

Of the almost a billion spent, PCIJ said P496.68 million were used in November, a month after the filing of certificates of candidacy.

The report also said Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso came in as the second highest spender with P735.44 million spent, followed

by Vice President Leni Robredo with P500.47 million expenses.

PNP apprehends 836 for violating election gun ban THE number of people apprehended for violating the election gun ban rose to 836, the Philippine National Police said on Sunday.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said over 90 percent of those accosted were civilians.

“We have some personnel of the PNP

and the Armed Forces of the Philippines who were also apprehended because they passed by checkpoints without the necessary gun exemptions,” Fajardo said.

She said firearms confiscated from law enforcers were being held temporarily until proof of exemption is presented.

She said several of the apprehended

civilians were authorized to carry firearms but their exemptions were still being processed.

“Even if their papers are still being processed, that’s not an excuse to carry firearms outside of their homes.

They have to wait for their exemptions so when they arrive at checkpoints,

they can present documents that grant them the authority to carry firearms,” she said.

Meanwhile, Fajardo said the PNP would increase the number of deployed personnel as the campaign period for the May 9 national and local elections begins on Tuesday.

Opinion Tinig

IN FIVE months, the three-year term of the members of the House of Representatives will end, including those elected through the party-list system of representation. Among the party-list groups sitting in the 18th Congress is Tingog Party-List, currently represented by Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez. Despite the uncertainty and challenges caused by the pandemic, Tingog Party-List has worked hard and successfully delivered on its promise to its constituents from within and outside Eastern Visayas.

The name of the party-list group, “tingog” which means “voice” or “tinig” in Filipino, echoes clearly the mission that it has embraced for itself – to be the voice of the people of Eastern Visayas and a champion for regional development. Becoming the voice of its people points out to its core regional constituency, after all Tingog Party-List started as a regional political party based in the islands of Leyte, Samar and Biliran. But championing regional development brings to the fore its commitment to help local communities in the regional countryside achieve progress and prosperity.

How does Tingog Party-List envision regional development in the concrete sense?

What it has done so far as to make it happen?

When Tingog Party-List ran for Congress in 2019, it pushed a four-point development agenda – first, higher family incomes; second, increased social services; third, innovative and proactive governance and fourth, sustained economic growth.

Each of this four-point agenda included concrete indicators, by which the party-list group and its constituents alike would measure its accomplishments.

In terms of higher family incomes, for example, Tingog Party-List identified three indicators: more industries, more jobs; sustainable support for SMEs; and increased farm and agribusiness output. These priorities were drawn from the actual socioeconomic situation in Eastern Visayas. In a region where close to a third of the population live below the poverty line, and struggle to put food on the table, increasing family incomes is an important economic priority.

Industrialization, of course, is a reliable engine for jobs generation. Unknown to many, one of the first industrial parks in the country, the Leyte Industrial Development Estate, can be found on the western part of Leyte island.

However, its overall economic benefits in terms of jobs creation and economic productivity, though, have yet to be fully realized.

To this end, Tingog Party-List championed the passage of House Bill 6489 which proposes the creation of the Leyte Ecological Industrial Zone (LEIZ), an economic growth triangle composed of three production and processing centers: Isabel where LIDE is located; Baybay City along the west coast facing Cebu City and the regional center Tacloban City. A feasibility study prepared by Palafox and Associates concluded that such an undertaking would not only increase direct investments but actually generate tens of thousands of jobs, which would of course result in higher family incomes for many households in the region. House Bill 6489 was passed by the House of Representatives in 2020, and is now awaiting Senate approval, before it finally becomes a law.

Enhancing social services is second on Tingog’s development agenda. Three indicators have been identified: free ALS and TVET education, quality and accessible healthcare services and stronger conditional cash transfer.

Tingog Party-List worked hard to deliver on improving the quality of social services in the region. Three key healthcare-related legislation were filed by the party-list group and all three were eventually approved by Congress. Two were already passed into law: Republic Act 11567 which increased the capacity of Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center from 500 to 1,500 beds, making it one of the largest healthcare facilities in the country today, as well as Republic Act 11566, converting the Schistosomiasis Hospital in Palo, Leyte into a general hospital and increasing its capacity from 25 to 100 beds. These two laws will contribute significantly in closing the gap in the hospital bed to population ratio in the region.

The third legislation, House Bill 8195, presents a durable solution to a long overdue healthcare problem in the island of Samar.

Until today, there is no government tertiary hospital in the entire island, requiring patients and their families to travel to as long as six hours just to get the needed medical service. True to its campaign promise, Tingog

What is regional development in a concrete sense?

Party-List worked hard to push for the establishment of the 300 bed Samar Island Medical Center, which was approved by the Senate on third reading just a week ago. Tingog Party-List is confident that the measure will be signed into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte, and thus making quality healthcare more accessible and affordable to the people of Samar.

The Alternative Learning System is one of Tingog’s key advocacies and in 2020, the first of its proposed legislative measures was enacted into law as Republic Act 11510, otherwise known as the Alternative Learning System Act. Through this law, additional funds and other resources, including the provision of plantilla positions for mobile teachers will be guaranteed thus strengthening the role of alternative learning as the “other lung” of our educational system.

Tingog’s commitment to strengthen governance, the third point in its development agenda, is best reflected in its other priority measures. The most important of which is House Bill 5989, which proposes the creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience.

In fact, Rep. Romualdez chaired the technical working group which prepared the final version of the bill in the lower house. Rep. Romualdez was also among the principal authors and sponsors of Republic Act 11463, the Malasakit Center Act; Republic Act 11589, the BFP Modernization Act; and Republic Act 11641, the Department of Overseas Filipinos Act. As chairperson of the House Committee on the Welfare of Children, Rep. Yedda Romualdez also championed the passage of several landmark child protection legislation into law: Republic Act 11642 which introduced an administrative to replace the current judicial process for domestic adoptions and Republic Act 11596 prohibiting child marriages in the country. Presently awaiting the president’s signature are House Bill 0135 which imposed stiffer penalties on child abuse, abuse and discrimination; House Bill 7836 which increases the age for sexual consent and determining statutory rape; House Bill 7679 which ensures to protect the rights of deserted and abandoned children; House Bill 10658 which introduces stronger child protection provisions to the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and House Bill 10703 which seeks to prohibit both offline and online sexual exploitation of children.

Full version on www.manilastandard.net

Is it all over but the shouting?

THE campaign for the May 9 polls for those running for national positions will officially commence tomorrow, Tuesday.

But even as of this early, the camp of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard bearer, former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. is projected to score a landslide victory based on the results of different surveys conducted nationwide.

Except for those conducted among students inside campuses (even when there are obviously no classes which shows Pinklaw candidate Leni Robredo winning), all survey results show Marcos or BBM to his followers garnering the support of around 55 percent of the respondents on the average.

The latest – Pulso ng Pilipinas (I’m not sure if this is related to Ed Malay’s The

Center), a compilation and summation of all Kalye Survey results produced by information and statistical data provider Splat Communications, working jointly with consulting firm Simplified Strategic Solutions, show BBM emerging as a runaway winner in the coming presidential polls, “leaving the other presidential bets biting the dust by more than 27 million votes.”

Allowing for a voter turnout of 82 percent of the total 67-million registered voters, or 54.94-million voters, Marcos will get 33,128,820 votes. Robredo, a very far second, will get 5,637,638 votes. This figure indicates a lead of 27,491,182 votes for Marcos.

Isko Moreno will place third with 4,603,972 votes, while Manny Pacquiao and Panfilo Lacson will garner 3,483,196 and 1,395,476 votes, respectively.

Splat Communications explained that they decided to do an estimation to give a clear picture of the statistical data obtained.

Based on the January 1 to 31 results, Marcos got a total of 8,170 or 60.30 percent; Robredo got 1,323 or 9.77 percent.

Moreno got 1,135 or 8.38 percent; Pacquiao, 859 or 6.34 percent; and Lacson,

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EDITORIAL

T

Selecting in earnest

HE campaign for national posts for the May 2022 elections will begin tomorrow, Tuesday – as though we needed any reminding, when Filipinos have been preoccupied with politics since the filing of certificates of candidacy began in October. other groups find them acceptable. Of course, the funding would take them a long way.

It only means that starting tomorrow, the national candidates no longer have to pretend to not be campaigning, going by strict definitions, or to be skirting election laws.

They can already ask the people to vote for them directly, even though they have been doing it in a number of ways since they declared their intentions to run.

As voters, we should take advantage of the campaign period as an opportunity to open our minds and evaluate the candidates based on a checklist ideally drafted according to the values we hold dear.

Philippine elections have long been derided as based on personality instead of platform. Political parties are meaningless – only a vehicle that would carry candidates when no

We conveniently forget it is we who make that first decision.

In the past few weeks, the public has caught more than a glimpse of what the candidates are, and espouse.

The people have been aided by what they read and hear over traditional and social media, especially now that physical interaction remains limited due to the pandemic.

It is our earnest hope that the Filipino

electorate prove itself more discriminating, more exacting, and less given to sweet talk or motherhood statements. Our beloved nation has been overdue for take-off – we do not need anybody holding us back any further.

In choosing our next set of leaders, perhaps it would be helpful to identify a set of values or attributes we think are a must in our next leaders.

And then, examine each candidate, based on their public statements, on how well or how bad they fall under each criteria.

We should also pledge to not believe anything we see on social media immediately, but to verify if they are lies or exaggerations.

We always attribute the success or failure of our country to government officials. We conveniently forget it is we who make the first decision – whether to vote for them or not.

We truly get the leaders we deserve; let that impress upon us the sheer weight of the choice we will make in May. Let us not leave that to chance, or to the machinations of politicians’ clever handlers.

Power supply influences the economy’s pace

CONSUMER advocacy group CitizenWatch Philippines, where I serve as a convenor, has released a statement calling on government power regulators and industry players to act with urgency to prevent power outages during the country’s national elections in May which is in the middle of brownout prone summer months.

We are still in the cool and somewhat rainy La Niña months, but the Luzon grid had already been placed on Yellow Alert on January 10 and 11, 2022. Posted information from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reported that on January 10, Yellow alert was raised because of Forced Outage of the following power plants: GNPower Dinginin Unit 1 (668 MW), GNPower Unit 1 (316 MW), Calaca Unit 2 (300 MW), Avion 1 (47 MW). Adding to that were these power plants operating at derated capacities: Ilijan at 695 MW (derated by 505 MW from 1200 MW), Masinloc Unit 2 at 305 MW (derated by 39 MW from 344 MW), Magat at 160 MW (derated by 180 MW from 340 MW), and San Gabriel at 210 MW (derated by 210 MW from 420 MW). Total unplanned unavailable capacity for that day was 2,265 MW. This situation continued until the next day.

In 2021, over 4,000 MW were affected by the outages, both planned and unplanned.

Majority of the disruptions were due to unplanned outages and derated plants. When these outages occur, all consumers are affected. Everything becomes more difficult and more expensive. Just checking our electricity bills will show us that our consump-

344 or 2.54 percent.

There were 113,548 respondents for the said period, 12.67 percent of which were undecided.

The surveys seem to say so.

This Kalye Survey projection, is of course backed up by groundswell of support BBM is gaining.

Just recently, the UniTeam of BBM and Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte got another huge lift in its campaign after big and influential families from Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao provinces recently expressed their full support for the ticket, during the 5th Kudaraten Festival in Sultan Kudarat town.

The gathering was attended by Maguindanao Governor Mariam Mangudadatu, Sultan Kudarat Governor Suharto ‘Teng’ Mangudadatu, Maguindanao Vice-Governor Lester Sinsuat, Member of Parliament

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

tion increases during hot weather months when we have to keep our electric fans and air-conditioning units on for longer hours.

Working and schooling from home has also increased our consumption because we consume power in our domiciles instead of being out all day at work or school. While we are trying to get through as best as we can in this pandemic crisis, another power shortage will spark high spot market prices that power distribution utilities (DUs) will be forced to purchase to meet consumer demand and avert brownouts.

Another contributing factor is the depleting natural gas from the Malampaya gas field which is having its own set of issues.

This forces many major power plants supplying the Luzon grid that are dependent on Malampaya’s supply to operate below its rated capacity and aggravating the already tight power supply.

In September 2021 when Malampaya suddenly shut down, base load power plants affected were the 414-Megawatt (MW) San Gabriel which temporarily powered off while the 1,000 MW Sta. Rita and the 500 MW San Lorenzo plant had to shift to more expensive liquid fuel. These are some of the biggest baseload power plants for the Luzon Grid. Supply dropped by approximately 1,900 MW due to the three-day disruption which then caused an increase in the generation charge in the next billing cycle.

As we are now coming out of the Omicron surge and alert levels are easing, less mobility restrictions will spur more business activities in all sectors and of course

increase power consumption. God forbid, should another surge hit the country in summer and safety protocols force another economic slowdown, the DOE’s Interruptible Load Program (ILP), which has been serving as an effective stop-gap measure to avoid or lessen rolling brownouts, may become inadequate if industries are not operating at full capacity. ILP reduces consumption from the grid by allowing participating electivity customers – usually big enterprises with back-up power systems – to operate their generating sets and collectively reduce electricity drawn from the grid to at least minimize power interruptions during red alerts.

The DOE’s decision to allow Meralco to conduct a Competitive Selection Process for the supply of 170 MW of peaking power is a good move in the right direction to at least build up power reserves for the looming summer shortage. The contract was awarded to San Miguel Corp.’s South Premiere Power Corp for submitting the lowest bid of P6.8198 per kWh, below the total delivered headline reserve price of P7.2989 per kWh. To compensate for the reduction of Malampaya’s natural gas supply to major power plants, Meralco has a pending application for another CSP to add another 180 MW for baseload capacity. Considering the very limited options and expecting temperatures to start rising in a month or so, the DOE should immediately approve Meralco’s CSP as we cannot expect any improvement on Malampaya’s chronic situation.

To move forward towards recovery, the government must do more to speed up the building of new power plants with the best technologies that can deliver reliable and more affordable electricity. The stability of the country’s power supply influences the pace of economic growth and should be a top priority of the next administration.

Datu Tucao Mastura, Sultan Kudarat Municipal Mayor Datu Shameem Mastura, Talayan Mayor Datu Ali Midtimbang and some incumbent officials who will run in the two provinces.

Also present at the celebration were Davao City Mayor Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte who represented his sister Sara; Narvacan, Ilocos Sur Mayor and LMP President Chavit Singson, former presidential spokesperson and senatorial aspirant Harry Roque, and representatives of Tingog Partylist.

During the event, the local leaders pledged their support to the tandem and explained the reasons why they were supporting Bongbong and Sara for the upcoming May 2022 elections.

Sultan Kudarat Governor Suharto ‘Teng’ Mangudadatu said they were giving their solid support for Bongbong and Sara because they are convinced that they are the right team who can usher in progress, peace, and stability in the region.

The so-called Family Alliance includes the families of Midtimbang, Sinsuat, Mastura, Ampatuan and several other influential families in the two provinces.

Such developments are driving BBM’s opponents to desperation as his lead now appears to be “insurmountable at this stage,” according to Splat.

Elated by the survey results, subscribers of Splat Communications’ YouTube channel posted favorable comments on the video, commending Splat and expressing support for Marcos.

“And Splat Communication is fair and honest in reporting the Kalye Survey or the true Voice of the people, that BBM is the people’s choice for this coming election..,” a male subscriber said.

“BBM is undeniably the people’s choice.

That is certain. SPLAT Communications is doing a great job. Thanks again,” another affirmed.

“In my own opinion, based on almost all surveys, BBM’s lead in votes over his closest rival will even be greater,” one comment read.

Well, if all pieces fall into place as these surveys suggest, then we could only expect the Tiger of the North emerging victorious in the elections held in this Year of the Tiger.

This should be a priority of the next administration.

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

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

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

US INTELLIGENCE REPORTS:

Russia ready for full-scale Kyiv invasion R USSIA has stepped up preparations for an all-out invasion of Ukraine but it is not clear if Moscow has decided to take such a step, US officials have said citing intelligence assessments.

Russia has assembled 110,000 troops along the border with its pro-Western neighbor but US intelligence has not determined if President Vladimir Putin has actually decided to invade, according to the officials who in recent days briefed members of Congress and European allies.

The officials warned lawmakers that the assembled Russian force on the frontier is growing at a rate that would give Putin the force he needs for a fullscale invasion – some 150,000 soldiers – by mid-February.

They said Putin wants all possible options at his disposal: from a limited campaign in the pro-Russian Donbas region of Ukraine to a full-scale invasion.

Russia denies that it is planning to invade Ukraine.

If Moscow does opt for a fullscale attack, the invading force could take the capital Kyiv and topple President Volodymyr Zelensky in a matter of 48 hours, the officials said.

They estimated such an attack would leave 25,000 to 50,000 civilians dead, along with 5,000 to 25,000 Ukrainian soldiers and 3,000 to 10,000 Russian ones.

Manila andard It could also trigger a refuTODAY gee flood of one to five million people, mainly into Poland, the o ff icials added.

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT of ESTATE Presiwith ABSOLUTE of SALE dent Joe Notice is hereby given Biden has that the estate of the late MAIDA S. MONTEIRO has decided been adjudicated unto her sole heir WITH ABSOLUTE to send SALE consisting of: American • TCT No. 0602010004552 – Brgy. forces to Sto. Domingo Bay, Laguna.

Poland • to protect As per Doc. No. 218; Page No. 44; Book No. CXXX; N AT O Series of 2022 before Notary Public ATTY. JULIE m e m O. CUA. bers, as

diplomats work furiously to try to persuade Russia to pull its troops back from the border with Ukraine.

The first contingent of US soldiers arrived Saturday.

Russia has also announced what it calls joint military maneuvers with Belarus, where it LET THERE BE PEACE. A demonstrator wears buttons during a protest against US military involvement with Russia over Ukraine during a rally in Times has sent several battalions to the Square, New York. AFP north of Kyiv and in the Brest region, not far from the border with Poland.

US intelligence has concluded that Russia is continuing to musNORTH Korea pressed ahead with the 15 UN Security Council members. petroleum imports last year, “but at a ter a major military force on its development of its nuclear and missile “Maintenance and development of level much lower than that of previous border with Ukraine. programs last year despite international DPRK’s nuclear and ballistic missile years.”

Two weeks ago, a total of 60 Russian army battalions were sanctions, according to a confidential infrastructure continued, and DPRK While Western countries have steadipositioned to the north, east and United Nations report seen by AFP. continued to seek material, technology ly pushed for more pressure on Pyongsouth of Ukraine, particularly in Pyongyang is under major sanctions and know-how for these programs over- yang, Beijing and Moscow have called the Crimean peninsula, which over its weapons programs, including a seas, including through cyber-means for easing sanctions on humanitarRussia annexed after an invaban on exports of coal, iron, lead, tex- and joint scientific research,” said the ian grounds and urged more flexibility sion in 2014. tiles, seafood and other products. report, using the initials of North Ko- when dealing with North Korean leader But on Friday, there were 80 battalions and 14 more were en While no nuclear tests or launches of rea’s official name.

Kim Jong Un. route from elsewhere in Russia, intercontinental ballistic missiles were The document also said North Korea Pyongyang conducted an unpreceUS officials said. reported last year, North Korea kept deresorted to cyberattacks, especially on dented seven weapons tests in January, They added that some 1,500 veloping “its capability for production cryptocurrency assets, as an important including launching its most powerful Russian special forces soldiers of nuclear fissile materials,” according source of government revenue. missile since 2017 as it hinted it could known as Spetsnaz arrived along the Ukraine border a week ago. to the report, which was compiled by The UN experts noted a sharp in- restart nuclear and long-range missile A major Russian naval force sanctions monitors and shared with the crease in the quality of illicit refined tests. AFP is also positioned in the Black CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Sea, equipped with five amphibious vessels that could be used to land troops on Ukraine’s southern coast, the US officials said.

They added that another six IN THE extravagant world of the French lux- practice from the following year. amphibious craft were observed ury industry, brands used to prefer destroying Markdowns to move goods are not an opleaving the Barents Sea north of their unsold goods rather than offering their tion in the luxury business as lower prices can Russia, sailing past Britain and IN ISRAEL’S Negev desert, far from high-priced products at a discount. undermine the attractiveness of their labels, through the Strait of Gibraltar, the skyscrapers of Tel Aviv, the town of But gone are the days of binning the coats, which thrive on their elite status. apparently on their way to the Yeruham hopes to cultivate an internahandbags and shoes pooh-poohed by shoppers “In the luxury sector, if the price tag is lower, Black Sea. tional reputation as the country’s mediafter a new anti-waste law came into force at so is the desire to buy it,” said El Ghouzzi.

In other deployments, Ruscal cannabis technology powerhouse. the start of the year.

Luxury houses are paying more attention to sia has positioned fighter planes Dozens of start-ups are already Now luxury houses are managing their the subject now, said Arnaud Cadart, a portfonear Ukraine, as well as bombworking on medical cannabis in Israel, stocks more carefully, offering deals to staff, lio manager at Paris-based asset manager Floers, missile batteries and antiwhere new legislation is expected to making donations and recycling goods. rnoy. aircraft batteries, US officials lead to further market growth in the “It’s a subject that has become important “Mentalities have changed, we’re no longer said. AFP CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW fast-expanding sector. BLACK today,” said Julie El Ghouzzi, a luxury goods in an economy that values unbridled creation Some believe that cannabis could expert at the Cultz consulting agency. above all else,” he said.

Manila Standard help Yeruham tackle unemployment She pointed to the scandal that engulfed Also gone is the mentality that “if it doesn’t TODAY among its 12,000 residents, with initial Burberry in 2018 after the British luxury brand work we’ll destroy it,” said Cadart. efforts being led by a firm called Candisclosed that it had destroyed 28 million Now luxury houses strive to fine-tune their pounds ($38 million, 34 million euros at cur- stocks.

Negev. rent exchange rates) of unsold goods in 2017 The Kering group, which owns the Gucci, The company is known as an incubaNOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING – the equivalent of 20,000 of its trench coats.

Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga labels among tor, helping foster the growth of infant Following the firestorm the revelation trig- others, has invested in artificial intelligence in firms. CanNegev shelters four start-ups On the ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AND MANAGEMENT gered, Burberry announced it would halt the order to better manage its stock.AFP PLAN (EPRMP) of the PROPOSED SANGILO MINES EXPANSION PROJECT and is Israel’s first medical cannabis

Nokor continues weapons development—UN

Israeli town aims to be a medical ‘cannabis capital’

Unsold luxe goods get 2nd chance

(MS-FEB. 7/14/21, 2022)

of the ITOGON-SUYOC RESOURCES INC. located in BARANGAYS AMPUCAO AND POBLACION, ITOGON, BENGUET.

A MATTER OF FAITH. A

Notice is hereby given to all parties who wish to give their opinion regarding the implementation of the PROPOSED SANGILO MINES EXPANSION PROJECT to attend the Public Hearing scheduled on: Date /Time

Venue

Details

15 February 2022 (Tuesday);

El Cielito Hotel, North Drive, Baguio City

https://us06web.zoom. us/j/85205558291?pwd=O UlNdEdFbjdtbTVPa2pqNWRtNEw5Zz09

09:00 AM (Registration starts at 08:00 AM)

child writes messages with chalk on a wall at the Saraswati temple on the occasion of the Hindu festival of ‘Basanta Panchami’ in Kathmandu on February 6, 2022. AFP

Meeting ID: 852 0555 8291 Passcode: 519575

The Public Hearing is being conducted in connection with the review of the EPRMP of the aforementioned project by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The following is the project information: Project Name

Sangilo Mines Expansion Project

Project Location

Barangays Ampucao and Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet

Project Capacity

182,500 MT/yr

Project Type

Resource Extractive Industry (Gold)

Proponent

Itogon-Suyoc Resources Inc.

All interested parties who wish to attend or participate in this Public Hearing should preferably confirm their attendance/participation and may give their opinion(s) in a concise position paper to the ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT DIVISION (EIAMD) of this Office through email at eia@emb.gov.ph, three (3) days before the Public Hearing schedule.

Those who will not be able to register or submit written positions may be given the opportunity to share their issues on the day of the hearing itself.

Elizabeth II wants Camilla to serve as Queen Consort

The project’s EPRMP and Executive Summary for the Public are downloadable on our website: (kindly access the Notice of Public Hearing/ Consultation link found in our website) while copies will be available in the following offices: •

EMB CAR DENR Compound, Gibraltar Road, Baguio City Tel. No. (074) 665-2905

•

MENRO- Itogon 1st Flr., Municipal Bldg., Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet

For more details, please contact the EIAMD Division at this Office at telephone number (02) 8539 4378 loc. 116 and look for the project case handlers Engr.

Joel Polintan and Engr. Jason Paolo Esguerra.

(MS-JAN. 31 & FEB 7, 2022)

technology incubator.

“We have decided to make medical cannabis the heart of our activity, here in Yeruham, one of the most peripheral towns in Israel – a forgotten city,” said CanNegev founder Zvi Bet Or. He discovered a receptive audience in Tal Ohana, elected in 2018 to be Yeruham’s first female mayor.

“My dream is to make Yeruham the capital of medical cannabis in Israel,” Ohana told AFP. “It’s not every day that a new market is born” in the country, added Ohana, 37. “I told myself I have to do everything to be at the avant-garde of science and technology in this field.”

CanNegev’s modern building, facing the desert sands, stands out almost like a mirage, a symbol of the hoped-for future in the town whose stuccoed blocks of social housing were built in the 1950s for newly arrived immigrants. AFP

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall

QUEEN Elizabeth II has announced that she wants Camilla, the wife of her heir Prince Charles, to ultimately be known as Queen Consort, as she became the first British monarch to reign for seven decades Sunday.

The 95-year-old said she hoped her daughter-in-law will be known as Queen Consort when Charles accedes to the throne, in a remarkable journey to public acceptance for Camilla after being vilified for her role in the break-up of Charles’ marriage to Princess Diana.

Addressing the nation in a written statement on the eve of the

70th anniversary of her accession to the throne, the Queen said that when Charles becomes monarch she hoped the British people would give him and Camilla “the same support that you have given me.”

Charles and Camilla, now known as the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, had a highly publicised relationship that ended their previous marriages and there had been doubts over whether the public would accept her.

They married in 2005, with a royal announcement that Camilla would become known as Princess Consort due to the sensitivity of the

issue, but she gradually won plaudits as the future king’s loyal wife.

Charles has always been adamant his “darling wife” should receive the title, The Times reported citing a source, with a spokesperson for the couple saying Saturday they were “touched and honoured” by the news.

Britain’s Sunday newspapers swiftly put the story on their front pages.

“Camilla WILL become Queen,” wrote the Daily Mail, while The Sunday Times said “Queen anoints Queen Camilla,” saying the move ended “years of controversy and confusion over Camilla’s future title.” AFP

Business

B3

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market poised to extend rally to 7,800 level over the near term period.

The market’s recent uptick, however, could trigger profit taking from invesHE benchmark tors and may push the index back to Philippine Stock 7,350.

Exchange Index Analysts said investors are turning bullish after the government reported a is expected to test the 5.6-percent gross 7,500-point level this week better-than-expected domestic product growth in 2021. on recovery hopes amid The inflation rate dropped to a declining COVID-19 cases 15-month low of 3 percent in January from 3.2 percent in December on slower and easing of quarantine increases in the prices of housing, water, restrictions. electricity, gas and other fuels.

BDO Unibank Inc. chief investment The PSEi last week surged 2.8 perstrategist Jonathan Ravelas said the cent to 7,456.35 on improving economic market’s rally has steam to try the 7,500 data, falling COVID-19 cases and eas-

By Jenniffer B. Austria

T

ing of mobility restrictions in the National Capital Region.

All six sectoral indices ended in the green led by property which advanced by 6.4 percent, mining and oil which was up by 3.6 percent and financials which climbed 2.5 percent.

Holding firms, industrial, and service also rose 2.4 percent, 2 percent and 0.5 percent, respectively.

Foreign investors were net buyers for the week by P1.28 billion. The average daily value traded reached P7.66 billion, up from previous week’s average of P6.6 billion.

Weekly top price gainers were Ayala Land Inc.., which advanced 8.5 percent

to P37.10; Manila Electric Co., which increased 6.8 percent to P345; and Aboiiz Power Corp., which climbed 6.5 percent to P36.

Weekly top price losers were Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions Inc. which declined 8 percent to P28; MREIT Inc., which dropped 5.9 percent to P21.25; and RL Commercial REIT Inc., which fell 4.8 percent to P8.4.

Global stocks, meanwhile, were mixed Friday as markets weighed a surprisingly good US jobs report against concerns over tightening monetary policy, while oil prices pushed closer to $100 a barrel. AFP

Ford reduces North American production on chip shortage WASHINGTON, United States— Major automaker Ford will cut its North American vehicle production next week due to a semiconductor shortage, US media reported Saturday.

Ford plans to suspend production of vehicles including the Ford Bronco, the popular F-150 pickup and the new Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle at its plants in Michigan, Illinois and Mexico, according to outlets including CNBC. Production will be slowed at other facilities in Missouri, Michigan and Kentucky, while overtime will be eliminated at Ford’s Oakville, Ontario operations in Canada.

The company has yet to respond to queries by AFP. A shortage of semiconductors— essential components in new vehicles, and primarily manufactured in Asia—has impacted automobile production since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, causing prices to spike and contributing to surging US inflation.

President Joe Biden, keen to boost American auto manufacturing, wants to bring semiconductor chip production back to the United States and has held several events to promote massive domestic investments.

US lawmakers meanwhile voted Friday to green-light legislation aimed at jump-starting tens of billions of dollars in such research and manufacturing, countering China’s growing influence and easing a global shortage of the computer chips.

In late January, high-tech giant Intel announced it would begin construction late this year of two semiconductor factories in Ohio, with the aim of producing chips by 2025.

Biden called the $20-billion investment “historic.” AFP

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

19 8.49 1.94 15.9 0.246 8.06 1.08 5.28 2.99 1.36

GPH CSB MM VVT APC DD ROX DITO PA NOW

4.68 1.68 0.19 1.4 0.02 0.63 0.08 0.33 0.18 0.08

32.68% 24.67% 10.86% 9.66% 8.85% 8.48% 8.00% 6.67% 6.41% 6.25%

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE

1

ATNB

0.8

-0.11

-12.09%

2

ATN

0.8

-0.11

-12.09%

3

SPNEC

2.06

-0.15

-6.79%

4

FCG

0.85

-0.06

-6.59%

5

CAT

12.1

-0.82

-6.35%

6

PRC

5.25

-0.35

-6.25%

CANNABIS EXPO. An exhibitor (right) speaks to visitors as she sells cannabis products at her booth at the Cannabis & Psychedelic Expo at the Miami Airport Convention Center in Miami, Florida, on February 5, 2022. Cannadelic Miami is a two-day conference and expo that will explore the business and science of both cannabis and psychedelics. AFP

7

HTI

1.22

-0.08

-6.15%

8

PIZZA

9.1

-0.58

-5.99%

US hiring in January surprisingly up despite COVID-19

9

ALLHC

5.45

-0.33

-5.71%

10

LAND

0.85

-0.05

-5.56%

WASHINGTON, United States—The US economy brushed off a spike in COVID-19 infections to add 467,000 jobs in January, far better than expected and a potential sign that the pandemic’s days of disrupting businesses are numbered.

Labor Department data released Friday also showed major industries hiring, overall employment gains for 2021 revised higher, and more people entering the workforce, which pushed the unemployment rate up slightly to four percent.

The report was a welcome surprise for President Joe Biden, who has struggled to defend his economic policies as his approval ratings slid amid months of hiring data in which the surge in jobs he promised when taking office a year ago proved elusive.

“America is back to work,” the president said in a speech at the White House,

An aerial view shows wind turbine blades stored on the quayside ready for shipping at the Siemens Gamesa blade factory in Hull, northeast England, on January 28, 2022. Britain’s biggest wind turbine blade factory is abuzz with activity, under the nation’s long-term plan to slash carbon emissions, tackle climate change and cut rocketing household energy bills. AFP

KINGSTON UPON HULL, United Kingdom—On the banks of the River Humber in northern England, the winds of change are blowing through Hull, where factory workers busily craft turbine blades in a green revolution.

Hull, known for a once-thriving fishing industry, the poet Philip Larkin, rugby league, and the city’s eponymous football club recently bought by Turkish TV personality Acun Ilicali, is home to Britain’s biggest wind turbine blade plant.

That has placed Hull at the center of the UK government’s long-term plan to slash carbon emissions, tackle climate change and cut rocketing household energy bills.

German-Spanish giant Siemens Gamesa is rapidly expanding its facility to meet booming demand and keep the country’s much-trumpeted 2050 net-zero target on track.

The need for cheaper sources of energy became increasingly urgent this week, as the government scrambled to head off a cost of living crisis, faced with runaway electricity and gas costs that are fueling decades-high inflation.

Britain unveiled financial support for households after the UK energy regulator lifted prices to reflect the spiking natural gas market.

‘Cheaper and cleaner’ “We are doing our bit to tidy the world

TOP GAINERS

TOP LOSERS

Winds of change blow through England’s industrial heartland

By Roland Jackson

PSEi February 4, 2022

up and get cheaper and cleaner energy for everybody,” blade painter Carl Jackson, 56, told AFP from the factory floor.

“I think wind power is a big part of the future. It’s been a massive boost to jobs and the economy in Hull,” added Jackson, who joined when Siemens Gamesa opened six years ago.

The hub has since manufactured 1,500 hand-made turbine blades and now employs more than 1,000 people.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, host of last November’s UN climate change summit in Glasgow, has vowed to “level up” economic opportunity in places like Hull, which voted overwhelmingly for Brexit.

Siemens Gamesa built the £310-million plant jointly with Associated British Ports in 2016, and it is now undergoing a major extension to build bigger blades.

The Hull factory manufactures about 300 turbine blades per year, with each measuring 81 meters in length—about the same as the wingspan of an Airbus A380 aircraft.

A wind turbine, comprising three such blades, can power an average house for 24 hours with one single rotation.

New, even longer 100-meter blades will provide enough power for up to two days.

‘Driving down energy costs’ In the cavernous Hull factory, staff assemble balsa wood, fibreglass and resin into vast blade moulds to start a journey that will eventually harness the ferocious winds of the North Sea. AFP

cheering the “extraordinary resilience and grit” of US workers.

“This has never happened here,” he said, pointing at a chart showing employment growth alongside the records of six previous presidents. “History’s been made here.”

Many economists expected the data to show either weak hiring or perhaps a contraction in employment because the United States was weathering a massive increase in COVID-19 infections in January, during the time the survey was taken.

The unexpectedly positive report will likely bolster the Federal Reserve’s belief that the economy is healthy enough to raise the interest rate off zero.

With inflation also high, top officials have strongly signaled that at their upcoming March meeting, they will make their first rate increase since the coronavirus caused the economy to collapse

nearly two years ago.

Analysts said the figures highlighted the economy’s resilience.

“Omicron, Schmomicron,” Ian Shepherdson of Pantheon Macroeconomics said. “These data make it clear that the labor market ahead of Omicron was much stronger than previously believed.”

Overall, the economy has added 19.1 million jobs since the nadir of the COVID-19 crisis in April 2020, but it is still short 2.9 million positions, the data said.

Beyond January’s job growth, some economists say even better news was found in upward revisions the Labor Department announced to last year’s payroll data.

These showed hiring in November and December—months when the initial reports were surprisingly weak— was a massive 709,000 positions higher than first reported. AFP

MOST ACTIVE

VOLUME

VALUE (PHP)

1

SPNEC

453,471,000 952,773,140

2

CNVRG

22,618,300

646,075,825

3

BPI

4,975,060

497,212,423

4

ICT

2,320,950

486,329,232

5

TEL

179,835

342,500,940

6

MONDE

18,802,900

298,591,782

7

MER

845,250

296,704,442

8

SECB

2,408,380

275,061,067

9

BDO

1,964,020

268,475,074

10

NIKL

43,098,300

267,296,013

Bayanihan amid COVID: How businesses are leading the way WE HEAR the term ‘bayanihan’ almost on a daily basis—from news reports, speeches and marketing campaigns, to name a few. It has become a catchphrase in which we can all take refuge, considering the many challenges we continue to experience during COVID-19. For entrepreneurs, bayanihan is a term you would often hear in business communities of all shapes and sizes.

In the Entrepreneurial Resilience (EntREsilience) Project, we study how Filipino entrepreneurs were affected by COVID-19, how they responded, and what they’re looking forward to in an eventually post-pandemic world. The project aims to capture and process the narratives of Filipino entrepreneurs and later contribute to understanding how businesses can achieve postCOVID-19 resilience.

In our interviews, one of the common themes is bayanihan in the face of COVID-19. As we know, there is no single, widely-accepted definition of bayanihan, but allow me to provide some insights we gained from our research project.

We conducted in-depth interviews with a total of 12 entrepreneurs in the country, each with their own unique story to tell. Here’s what we found about how Filipino entrepreneurs contribute to the bayanihan spirit.

Businesses help other people and businesses One of our respondents, who is currently based in London but is remotely supervising her business in the Philippines, said that the Filipino business culture is quite unique.

In London, she noticed how the business culture is really more of a ‘capitalist movement’ and a different story here in the Philippines.

Filipino businesses help other people and businesses because it’s something innate to them. One of the things the business community in the Philippines could be proud of is that there seems to be a natural intersection between altruism and the practice of ‘business-as-usual.’ Filipino businesses are wired to help others because it’s in their psyche and upbringing to do so.

When we asked another of our respondents why they help other businesses, we were asked back, “Tinatanong pa ba yan?”

(Do you really have to ask that?)

To put it simply, what makes Filipino businesses unique is their propensity to help

others and not expect anything in return.

Of course, it has its limits, but this has been one of our project’s most exciting findings to date.

Solidarity among businesses highly evident You’ve seen it in social media and probably even in person—Filipino businesses are compelled to help each other during difficult times such as COVID-19. In our research, the findings are essentially the same.

From donations coming in the form of monetary and emotional support, among others, down to encouraging each other to buy one another’s products and services, Filipino businesses have evidently supported each other in these trying times. It’s not just with matters related to COVID-19— businesses also came together when typhoons hit the country.

Other businesses took it to the next level and allotted a portion of their monthly sales as donations to charitable initiatives and organizations. Meanwhile, other businesses co-organized campaigns calling consumers to support local businesses and help them survive during COVID-19. There are hundreds of initiatives to highlight, and what I’ve mentioned does not even touch the tip of the iceberg.

Regardless of which business community you come from, the bayanihan spirit ties many different Filipino businesses together.

For me, this is something that the wider entrepreneurial community can continue nourishing in the long term.

At this point—if it’s starting to sound too good to be true—here’s where the catch comes in.

Bayanihan noble but be careful A business could not operate sustainably if it were to respond to altruistic calls all the time. For Filipino businesses, this is one of the many thin lines that need clarity when it comes to the intersection between helping others and operating as a business. In other words, businesses cannot function as charitable organizations because they rely mainly on profits to continue operating.

Businesses can still have a social mission—of course—like what thousands of social enterprises are doing. But it’s important to remember that businesses also have to set a limit for themselves when it comes to helping those in need. Otherwise,

IAN BENEDICT MIA

Green Light

they risk closing down or perhaps becoming stuck in a cycle of pivoting that leads to a lack of genuine productivity.

Bayanihan is, indeed, truly noble, but businesses need to be careful when applying it in practice. By doing so, it contributes to the long-term success and balance of businesses and their capacity to help even more people in the long run.

We can also think of it in the following manner. Self-love is all the rage nowadays, and taking care of yourself is equally important before addressing the needs of others.

The same can be thought of when it comes to business. For businesses to maximize their positive impact on society, it needs to start from within, from making their operations efficient to identifying a sustainable business model. From there, businesses can confidently become positive drivers of change for society.

The Entrepreneurial Resilience (EntREsilience) project studies the learning and opportunity-seeking activities that entrepreneurs undertake during COVID-19 in five research sites: Wuhan, China; Bangkok, Thailand; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Manila, Philippines; and London, United Kingdom. The project addresses the urgent need to strengthen entrepreneurial resilience and discover the post-crisis ‘new normal.’

Ian Benedict R. Mia is currently affiliated with De La Salle University as a member of the research team for the EntREsilience project. He is a junior consultant working on Environmental, Social and Governance issues, helping organizations kickstart their materiality and supply chain sustainability efforts. He is taking ASEAN Master in Sustainability Management program at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia. You can email him via ianbrmia@gmail.com.

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

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

B4

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2022

IN BRIEF

Maxus opens new dealership in Alabang

MAXUS Philippines inaugurated a new dealership in Alabang, Muntinlupa City on Friday, making it 9th since the brand was launched in the country in June 2019.

“The socioeconomic growth in the Muntinlupa and the Calabarzon [CaviteLaguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon] areas, in which the Alabang area sits right in the middle of, provides the optimum conditions in which Maxus can showcase its full worth, for both the lifestyle and business purposes of the people. The Maxus Alabang dealership will be able to provide such products and services promptly and efficiently,” said Maxus Philippines general manager Jun Cajayon.

Maxus is the 6th global brand partner of AC Motors, the automotive distribution and retail group of Ayala Corp.

The new Maxus Alabang dealership is located at Investment Drive along Alabang-Zapote Road in Madrigal Business Park, Muntinlupa City. Othel V. Campos

SPNEC secures power supply deal

SOLAR Philippines Nueva Ecija Corp. signed a 10-year power supply agreement with Angeles Electric Corp., the third largest distribution utility in Luzon, marking its first step towards supplying renewable energy to Central Luzon.

AEC awarded the PSA following the successful conclusion of a competitive selection process or bidding, which saw SPNEC emerging as the most competitive among five bidders which is said to include Bacman Geothermal Inc. of Energy Development Corp., SN Aboitiz Power Corp. and AC Energy Corp.

AEC conducted the CSP in support of the DOE’s Renewable Portfolio Standard program.

“We wish to thank Angeles Electric for conducting a very professional CSP that will benefit the consumers of Angeles City. We are grateful for this opportunity to work with Angeles Electric, which is a pioneer of the solar industry of the Philippines,” Solar Philippines founder Leandro Leviste said.

Based on the terms published on the Department of Energy website, SPNEC would supply AEC about 97.8 megawatthours per day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for 10 years. Alena Mae S. Flores

Eastern eyes P3-b spending this year

EASTERN Communications said over the weekend it is spending up to P3 billion to expand its footprint this year as it heeds the government’s call for economic development in the countryside through telecommunications infrastructure improvement.

“As a communications and technology solutions partner, it is our ultimate goal to rally companies in different parts of the country to leverage technology, to be better, and to emerge in this pivotal year,” said Eastern Communications co-coordinator Vince Tempongko.

“This expansion will enable more businesses outside Metro Manila to accelerate their productivity, enhance their capabilities, and eventually provide more opportunities in their communities,” he said.

Eastern Communications said its cutting-edge technology and unparalleled customer service were expected to become available in Legazpi City, Sorsogon City, Naga City, Bacolod City and Dumaguete City by the first quarter.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Business Liberalization laws to boost economic recovery this year

By Julito G. Rada

T

HE Department of Finance said over the weekend it expects a sustained recovery in trade and economic activities this year, following the move

by Congress to amend the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, Foreign Investment Act and the Public Service Act.

“The recently approved amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, along with other economic liberalization initiatives such as the amendments to the Foreign Investment Act and the Public Service Act will support the continued recovery of trade

and economic activity in general,” the DOF said in an economic bulletin.

Congress passed the amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act and the Foreign Investments Act. Early this month, it also ratified the bicameral conference committee report on a bill amending the Public Service Act, which would now allow 100-percent foreign ownership in telecommunications, airlines and railways.

“As the country continues to grapple with the risks posed by the COVID-19 virus and its variants, the country needs to continue to be vigilant and be ready to respond with the appropriate measures lest the recovery momentum be lost,” the DOF said.

It said the sustained vaccination drive for Filipinos and a calibrated reopening of the economy would be key to helping the Philippines preserve the gains in containing the virus.

Total external merchandise trade in December reached $17.8 billion, up 25.4 percent from a year ago, which the DOF said was an indication of a “sustained economic recovery.”

Imports jumped 38.3 percent in December to $11.5 billion, while exports improved 7.1 percent to $6.3 billion.

Total merchandise in 2021 went up by 24.1 percent year-on-year to $192.4 billion, and also exceeded the pre-pandemic 2019 figure by 5.4 percent.

Exports reached $74.6 billion in 2021, up by 5.2 percent from the 2019 level, while the imports of $117.8 billion were 5.5 percent larger than the 2019 level.

The Philippine economy grew by 7.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2021, higher than the median outlook of 6.5 percent by 28 analysts polled by various news outlets. For three straight quarters, actual figures outperformed the median outlook.

PESONET MBS LAUNCH. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno (top left) leads the launching of the PESONet Multiple Batch Settlement facility in support of broader efforts to digitalize half of retail payments volume and onboard 70 percent of adult Filipinos to the formal financial system by 2023. The MBS facility increases the frequency of batch settlements from one to two in a move that is expected to boost person-to-government, government-to-person and business-to-business payments.

With Diokno are Monetary Board members, other officials of BSP, PESONet steering committee and partner agencies.

JG Agroventures signs P2.5-b LandBank loan to lift swine sector

By Othel V. Campos COMMERCIAL hogs breeder JG Agroventures Inc. closed a P2.5-billion loan agreement with the Land Bank of the Philippines to finance a large-scale swine breeder program.

Myrna Galicia of JG Agroventures said the project would initially support a 5,000-sow breeder nucleus farm in Barangay Sta.Rita, Quezon, Nueva Ecija.

JG Agroventures teamed up with Pig Improvement Co., an international leader in the provision of continuous genetic improvement in swine breeding stock, to develop excellent quality sow stock.

PIC general manager Vino Borromeo stressed the importance of the private sector in the DA’s initiatives to revive the

swine industry.

“Through this collaboration, we can provide livelihood, food security and eventually improve the economy. Together, let us turn the pig industry into a globally competitive sector, by increasing production and quality,” he said.

Once operational, the state-of-the-art facility will be stocked with PIC great grandparent breeders, whose offsprings or grandparent piglets will be sold and distributed to commercial and clustered backyard swine raisers in Nueva Ecija and the rest of Luzon.

Galicia said the Department of Agriculture was continuously supporting the livestock sector and forging partnerships to provide livelihood and revive the hog industry.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the the DA would provide P80 million in counterpart funding to help speed up hog repopulation efforts under the agency’s Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion program.

The National Livestock Program will draft a memorandum of agreement to formalize the partnership with JG Agroventures and PIC. “We envision JG Agroventures to supply the DA initially with 1,000 GP quality breeders for every farrowing, which we will distribute to commercial and clustered backyard swine raisers, and farmers’ cooperatives and associations participating in our INSPIRE program,” Dar said.

PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, February 4, 2022

73.58 PTS. 7,456.35

TOTAL VOLUME

1,748,877,756

TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP)

98,682 8,640,461,633.91

ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

110 80 54

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

51.0410

Japan

Yen

0.008699

0.4440

UK

Pound

1.360300

69.4311

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128325

6.5498

Switzerland

Franc

1.087311

55.4974

Canada

Dollar

0.788892

40.2658

Singapore

Dollar

0.744214

37.9854

Australia

Dollar

0.714000

36.4433

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652872

135.4052

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266553

13.6051

Brunei

Dollar

0.741455

37.8446

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.030175

1.5402

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

13.8978

Euro

Euro

1.144200

58.4011

Korea

Won

0.000834

0.0426

China

Yuan

0.157011

8.0140

India

Rupee

0.013398

0.6838

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.239120

12.2049

New Zealand

Dollar

0.665800

33.9831

Taiwan

Dollar

0.036006

1.8378 Source: BSP

Listed companies disbursed P402-b dividends in 2021

By Jenniffer B. Austria LISTED companies declared combined cash dividends worth P402 billion in 2021 despite the impact of the pandemic on corporate earnings, according to the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Data from the PSE showed the amount of cash dividends paid out by publicly-listed companies to common shareholders in 2021 rose 17.3 percent from P342.88 billion in cash dividends disbursed in 2020.

The dividend payouts in 2021 were based on 2020 earnings, the period when business operations were disrupted and the cash-flow of companies eroded because of the pandemic.

The PSE said despite the disruption, 28 of the 30 main index members were able to pay out dividends amounting to P157.58 billion, giving common shareholders a 1.72-percent dividend yield.

“The gradual reopening of the local economy allowed companies to generate better income, which resulted in bigger dividends for shareholders.

We hope that earnings growth among PLCs continues to improve to ensure steady dividend income for stock market investors,” said PSE president and chief executive Ramon Monzon.

About 108 of 276 total listed firms gave out cash dividends last year, up from 105 of 271 in 2020.

“With around 40 percent of PLCs giving out dividends to their common shareholders, we deemed it necessary to showcase companies that provide high dividend income to investors by coming up with a dividend yield index.

This thematic index will be one of the new indices that we will be introducing within the semester,” Monzon said.

The PSE said of the main six sectors in the PSE, financials declared the largest dividend payout at P187.55 billion.

Real estate investment trusts including AREIT Inc., DDMP REIT Inc., Filinvest REIT Corp., RL Commercial REIT Inc. and MREIT Inc. had an aggregate cash dividend payout of P5.77 billion, resulting in 2.16-percent dividend yield, even as three of the five REITs were only listed for an average of four months.

US ship management firm to provide more jobs to fresh Filipino seafarers

GOKONGWEI GROUP AID.

URC Sugar and Renewables plant in La Carlota City prepares emergency relief good for distribution to their employees and communities in the city and the nearby municipality of Pontevedra affected

by Typhoon Odette.

The Gokongwei Group, composed of JG Summit Holdings Inc., Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. and Summit Media, through the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, immediately set out with a disaster relief response to aid the victims of the super typhoon.

A US-BASED ship management company leaned on the reputation of the Philippines as the most sought-after maritime nation and teamed up with a local shipping firm to provide opportunities to budding Filipino maritime professionals, as competition became tougher in the global seafaring arena.

Before the pandemic hit the country, deployment of Filipino seafarers was dwindling because of several factors, including the tough competition with emerging maritime nations China, India, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Seafair US, a global ship management firm that operates in the US, Greece, Ukraine and Germany, selected the Philippines and sealed partnership with local manning partner Laurel Carriers PH to democratize maritime crewing and provide opportunities for seafarers in a sim-

ple and fair way.

Founded in Greece, Seafair US is a technology savvy company that offers innovative, full digital recruitment of officers and crew by ushering a reliable platform to link foreign shipowners with seafarers from major sources worldwide, including the Philippines, which is considered one of the biggest providers of seafarers to the global fleet.

It offers SaaS or software as a service where shipowners can take advantage of using the company’s crewing software to provide a reliable platform to link them with seafarers from major sources worldwide.

Seafair US has offices in New York, Athens and Berlin and is licensed to operate as a manning agency in Ukraine. Its license to make business in other countries is also underway.

PPA move to hike port fees draws flak; NEDA regional council seeks suspension of new tariffs in Visayas THE Philippine Ports Authority’s decision to raise tariffs on inter-island shipping and the subsequent hike in port fees continues to draw flak from various quarters, with fears the action will result in dramatic increases in the prices of consumer goods shipped by sea before landing in retail outlets.

The latest to contest the hikes in fees was the National Economic and Development Authority regional council, which is seeking the suspension of the new tariffs in the Visayas.

NEDA’s Regional Development Coun-

cil VIII passed a resolution asking the PPA to suspend the implementation of the new tariffs in the ports of Tacloban, Ormoc and other parts of Eastern Visayas.

The request was supported by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tacloban-Leyte Inc., which is seeking a comprehensive consultation with stakeholders affected by the increases.

The PCCI said, “local traders will find it difficult to engage shipping companies to transport their cargoes.”

The Tacloban City Sangguniang Pan-

glunsod earlier passed a resolution asking for a reconsideration of the new tariffs.

Fears were raised that the hike in port fees would result in higher prices of consumer goods in the region, which was badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Typhoon Odette also caused severe damage to infrastructure in the area, compounding the problem of high prices.

PCCI said local businesses were not consulted on the PPA’s plan to impose higher tariffs by virtue of the agency’s Port Terminal Management Regulatory Frame-

work, which provides for uniform port tariffs nationwide.

The new order did not take into account the vast differences in collections and earnings of the country’s ports managed by the PPA. The smaller ports in the regions would be charging the same rates as the biggest ports, thus hurting the regional economies.

Under the most extreme case, the 360-percent increase in port tariffs would result in higher prices of the most essential commodities such as rice,

cement, sugar and feeds.

The higher fees are then passed on to consumers, already reeling from the effects of the pandemic.

Aside from Tacloban, the port of Zamboanga City also sought the suspension of the increased tariffs to 700 percent.

The Philippine Inter-Island Shipping Association also requested the House committee on transportation to review the new tariffs as the rates appeared to be higher in areas which could least afford to pay the new fees.

Sports

Gilas, TNT get less than 3 weeks of practice time

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor MONDAY,FEBRUARY 7, 2022

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By Peter Atencio WITH just three weeks left, newly appointed Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes said he will have to content himself with building a national team with only six available players from the previous batch.

There’s no time to bring in the others, since the February window of the FIBA World 2023 will happen at the Smart Araneta Coliseum starting on Feb. 24.

“The timing is a difficult issue because when I took over, I did not have enough players on the roster.

And there are six players that we can muster from the original lineup of Tab (Baldwin),” said Reyes, who was surprised when he was picked to replace former coach Baldwin last Tuesday.

For now, the six available players of Gilas in Dwight Ramos, Angelo Kouame, Tzaddy Rangel, William Navarro, JD Tungcab and Javi Gomez de Liano will have to familiarize themselves with members of the TNT Tropang Giga in less than three weeks.

Reyes, who last handled the national team in 2018, said he wanted to have players like Carl Tamayo and Justine Baltazar back in the lineup, but they won’t be available because of their commitments with their respective schools.

He discussed his situation with the Gilas team during Saturday’s weekly program,”Power and Play.”

Tamayo recently transferred to the University of the Philippines and is preparing for their campaign in the coming season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

Baltazar begged off due to his stint with La Salle.

Seven-foot-two Kai Sotto won’t be playing as well, since he is occupied with his participation with the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League in Australia.

The Gilas pool is currently doing scrimmages at the Malarayat Golf and Country Club facilities in Lipa, Batangas.

Reyes said he was surprised at the sudden departure of Baldwin, who will now focus preparing Ateneo in its UAAP title defense.

Hidilyn Diaz ended the Philippines’ long 97-year search for Olympic glory.

Diaz unanimous choice for PSA Athlete of Year T

HE choice was easy.

For giving joy to the country and providing its proudest sports moment in history, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz will be honored as the 2021 Athlete of the Year during the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association Annual Awards Night on March 14 at the grand ballroom of the Diamond Hotel.

Diaz ended the Philippines’ long 97-year search for Olympic glory by bagging a historic breakthrough gold medal in the women’s 55-kg event of the Tokyo Olympiad.

The exploit eventually snowballed in the Filipinos’ inspired Olympic bid in the midst of the pandemic, as boxing delivered three more medals behind silver winners Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam and bronze medalist Eumir Mar-

cial to cap the country’s most productive campaign ever in the Summer Games.

The 30-year-old Diaz leads the compact list of top achievers from last year who will be recognized during the affair that counts on the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and Cignal TV as major backers.

“Hidilyn Diaz winning the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal was definitely the highpoint of what had been

a truly memorable year for Philippine sports. The PSA was unanimous in its choice of Hidilyn as our Athlete of the Year for 2021,” said PSA president Rey C. Lachica, sports editor of Tempo.

The event annually mounted by the country’s oldest media organization, is presented by MILO, 1Pacman, Philippine Basketball Association, Rain or Shine, ICTSI, Chooks To Go, Smart, Philippine Racing Commission and the MVP Sports Foundation.

The feat was just among the many honors Diaz, the pride of Zamboanga City, has brought to the country, but this one certainly topped them all.

Diaz did it in record style. She established a new Olympic mark with a lift of 127 kgs in the clean and jerk, and another one behind a total lift of 224 kilogram in beating Chinese rival and record holder Liao Qiuyun in

Malditas’ next target: SEA Games

Camille Rodriguez

PLAYING and beating Thailand and Indonesia again, this time in the coming Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam, is the immediate goal and direction that the Philippine Malditas national women’s team is looking forward to take.

“Our last tournament before the qualifiers was the SEA Games and I think it’s clear that that’s the direction we’re going and that will prepare us for the World Cup in 15 to 18 months’ time,” said veteran player Camille Rodriguez, one of the remaining senior players of the squad for the last 11 years.

“Definitely, we’ll go for wins because it will help us towards our goals, and at the same, it will help us keep breaking barriers, make history not just for us and for the entire nation,” said Rodriguez, a midfielder.

Rodiguez and her teammates reflected on the team’s accomplishments in the Asian Football Confederation Women’s Asian Cup in India in a live-

streamed press conference Sunday at the Seda Hotel, following their return to the country.

Fourteen members of the team went back to the Philippines after their stint in India, while coach Alen Stajcic headed straight home to Sydney.

Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta joined the online gathering with secretary general Ed Gastanes and manager Jeffrey Cheng.

The Filipina booters made history when they clinched a first-ever berth in the World Cup after pulling off a dramatic 2-1 win over favored Chinese Taipei via penalty shootout during the quarterfinals.

They eventually settled for fourth after absorbing a 0-2 loss to South Korea in the semifinals.

To make it to the quarterfinals, the Malditas won over Thailand, 1-0, and SEA Games silver medallist Indonesia, 6-0.

They have not yet met SEAG host

Vietnam, which beat Chinese Taipei, 2-1, in the repechage to earn the last Asian slot to the World Cup. The Philippines and Vietnam assured themselves of seats in the World Cup with host Australia, South Korea, along with China and Japan, which met in the Asian Cup finals.

Araneta said discussions are now going on with Stajcic on having the Australian coach stay on and handle the Malditas not only in the SEA Games, but also in the ASEAN Football Championships in Manila and the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

“The main priority was building a foundation of team mentality, the discipline within the team, structures within the team. I think it’s pretty clear that the players know their role with the group when we have the ball, and when we don’t. When you have all the ingredients, you have a chance for success,” said Stajcic while in Sydney.

Beijing’s closed loop anti-COVID-19 system impressive YANQING, China—Having been to the Tokyo Summer and Beijing Winter Olympics in a span of halfa-year, Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino can’t help but notice how both hosts are countering Covid-19 and preventing alarming cases of infections.

So which host is enforcing a sterner countermeasure?

“Beijing,” said Tolentino, who stayed a week in Beijing to oversee alpine skier Asa Millers preparation for the men’s giant slalom and slalom competitions that are due on February 13 and 16, respectively.

Beijing organizers are using a “closed loop” approach during the 17-day Games, one Tolentino described as stricter than Tokyo’s “Playbook.”

“I’m really impressed with the closed loop system, it’s very effec-

tive,” said Tolentino, also the PhilCycling president, after observing how health and safety protocols are being implemented in the three clusters in Beijing, Yanqing and Zhangjiakou. “You break the loop and you get penalized.”

Tokyo’s “Playbook” was a bubble setup, but in Beijing, Tolentino said, the loop is a sort of a pointto-point system where athletes, officials and Games staff move around through a bus route system that’s practically impregnable from the outside and in.

“China is implementing a zerotolerance policy against Covid-19 and the implementation is very superb,” the congressman from Cavite’s Eighth District said.

“When we were in Tokyo, we can go out [of the village or hotel] and buy a coffee at Starbucks. But here, you can’t do it,” he said. “Everything is in the hotel or inside

the three Olympic Villages. You can buy it there.”

He added: “There’s no loophole, and there’s a big scanner in every entrance where your face will appear on a big screen and verify if you’re okay to get in.”

Around 27,000 volunteers were quartered in hotels for two months and weren’t allowed to to out. home.

The open loop, Tolentino said, is the people outside the closed loop and they are not allowed to go inside the Olympic perimeter area.

Stores, hospitals, recreational areas, banks and restaurants, among others, are inside the loop.

Chef de Mission Bones Floro said it is understandable why the Chinese authorities are very strict.

“We are still in a pandemic. And it is our responsibility to protect ourselves and others in the bubble as well as our gracious hosts in China,” he said.

Asa Miller with POC chief Rep. Abraham Tolentino

a dramatic finale for the gold.

The lady weightlifter also went down in history as only the second Filipino athlete to win multiple Olympic medals after the late swimmer Teofilo Yldefonso (two bronze medals).

It will be the third Athlete of the Year honor to be bestowed by the country’s oldest media organization to Diaz in the last six years.

She first won the award in 2016 when she bagged a silver in the Rio De Janeiro Olympics, ending the country’s 20-year medal drought in the quadrennial showpiece.

Two years later, she shared the same honor with the golfing trio of Yuka Saso, Bianca Pagdanganan, and Lois Kaye Go, along with skateboarder Margielyn Didal when they accounted for the four gold medals the Philippines won in the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

Training goes smooth for Asa on 5th day YANQING, China—Asa Miller completed another full routine of training on Sunday—his fifth since arriving here a week ago— and believed he had adjusted to the Chinese snow.

“Today’s training was good,” said the 21-year-old Miller, now on his second consecutive Winter Games but is competing by his lonesome this time unlike in Pyeongchang four years ago with figure skater Michael Martinez.

Stockier this time in his 5’8” frame, Miller said the demands of alpine skiing takes toll on all athletes.

“No soreness and less pain this time,” said Miller, whose dad Kelly constantly monitors his routine at the National Alpine Skiing Centre on Xiaohaituo Mountain.

“His fifth-day [training] was good. He had a few good training runs,” said Kelly Miller after father and son descended from the glacier.

Beijing’s challenged by the lack of snow especially in the alpine skiing venue and organizers had to pump snow from a snowmaking equipment. A wires story described the process as spraying atomized water into the air along with mechanically created nucleators—tiny ice crystals—that act as seeds for the manufactured snowflakes.

The Portland-based Asa Miller will compete in the men’s giant slalom starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday and will return three days later for the slalom also at 10 a.m.

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Sports

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2022

Hayatou wins CAS appeal over FIFA 1-year ban PARIS—Former African football boss Issa Hayatou has won his appeal over a one-year ban imposed for a breach of FIFA’s code of ethics.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport announced its ruling in the 75-yearold’s favour on Saturday, declaring there was “insufficient evidence” to support FIFA’s allegations of commercial malpractice.

Hayatou’s ban was lifted on the eve of the Africa Cup of Nations final staged in his native Cameroon.

FIFA had sanctioned him last year over his role in a controversial $1 billion TV and marketing rights deal with France’s Lagardere Sports.

The deal, signed in 2015, gave exclusive rights to Lagardere of CAF-run competitions for 12 years from 2017 to 2028.

Hayatou was president of the Confederation of African Football for 29 years before being ousted

by Ahmad Ahmad in a 2017 election.

He served as interim FIFA boss for a short spell following the suspension of Sepp Blatter and before the election of Gianni Infantino in February 2016.

The deal with Lagardere was scrapped once his near three-decade spell running football in Africa came to an end. AFP

Argentine tennis player Juan Martin Del Potro, 33, attends to a press conference in buenos Aires. The former US Open champion said Saturday his comeback next week after two and a half years of injury is “more a farewell than a return” to tennis. AFP

Del Potro set for farewell bid at ‘22 Argentina Open B

UENOS AIRES—Former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro said Saturday his comeback next week after two and a half years of injury is “more a farewell than a return” to tennis.

Del Potro is set to announce his retirement after he plays at the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires, his first tournament since fracturing his kneecap in June 2019 at Queen’s in London.

The former world number three has undergone four surgeries on his knee for that injury while slipping to 757 in the world rankings.

The 33-year-old Del Potro, who beat Roger Federer in the 2009 US Open final, said his knee troubles had him “living a nightmare”.

“It’s more a farewell than a return. I’ve tried different treatments and seen doctors for many years, and I never imagined retiring from tennis without playing,” he said at a press conference.

“I couldn’t find a better tournament than

Buenos Aires to be able to do it. After this week, I’ll think about the future.”

The injury-prone Argentine also broke his knee at the Shanghai Masters in October 2018 and before that suffered multiple wrist injuries that also required four surgeries.

Del Potro won the last of his 22 tour titles at the Indian Wells Masters in 2018.

He took silver and bronze at the Olympics and helped his country win the Davis Cup in 2016.

Del Potro last played the Argentina Open as a 17-year-old in 2006, losing in the first round to former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero.

‘People love him’ Should this week see the end of Del Potro on tour, he will leave with his peers hailing

his game and his character.

“He treats others the way he wants others to treat him,” Djokovic said of the respect Del Potro commands in the locker room after defeating him in the 2018 US Open final.

“I think that’s why people love him.

“He respects everyone. He fights every match from the first to the last point. I think people can relate to that and appreciate what he brings to the tennis.”

However, the big Argentine was never to conquer his physical demons.

Unable to defend his US Open title in 2010, Del Potro reached a low point in 2015, playing just four ATP matches.

“I was close to quitting this sport because I couldn’t find a way to fix my wrist problems,” he said. “I got depressed for couple of months also. That was the bad moment for me.”

There was plenty to appreciate in his game which also took him to the semi-finals at Wimbledon (2013) and the French Open (2009 and 2018). AFP

Putnam, 2 others share PGA lead at Pebble Beach SAN FRANCISCO—Andrew Putnam shook off a nightmare start to card a four-under par 68 on Saturday and grab a share of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am third-round lead alongside Beau Hossler and Tom Hoge.

Putnam’s seven birdies included five in a row on the par-72 Pebble Beach Golf Links—one of three courses in use over the first three rounds along with par-72 Spyglass Hill and the par-71 Monterey Peninsula Shore Course.

Hossler had an eagle and five birdies in a seven-under 65 at Pebble Beach and was the first in the clubhouse on 15-under 200.

He and Putnam were joined by firstround leader Hoge, who had four birdies in a four-under 68 on the demanding Spyglass Hill layout.

Putnam, seeking to add a second US PGA Tour title to his 2018 Barracuda Championaship crown, teed off on 10 and had a three-putt bogey at the 12th and a double-bogey at 13 before turning things around.

After birdies at 15 and 17—where he drained a 29-foot putt, Putnam birdied five in a row from the fourth through the eighth for his share of the lead.

“It was pretty ugly that first nine,” Putnam said. “You know, it was a really bad start, a three-putt, kind of a stupid mistake and then kind of got a bad break, ball got kind of buried up in a lip.

So it can happen out here.

“I kind of kept it in play and started hitting some good shots and the putter started working pretty good on that front side.”

Putnam launched his five-birdie burst with a 16-footer at the fourth. He drained birdie putts of four feet at the fifth and sixth and one from inside three feet at the seventh before rolling in a 20-footer at the eighth.

“That got me back in the tournament,” he said of the run.

Hossler, who is seeking his first PGA win, said a conservative approach paid off for him.

“I was fortunate to not have any misses really get me in significant trouble,” he said. “It was as fairly stress-free as you can be around here. AFP

Lakers claw out victory over Knicks; Suns rise

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers takes a shot against RJ Barrett of the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. AFP

LOS ANGELES—LeBron James returned from a five-game injury absence with a triple-double on Saturday fueling the Los Angeles Lakers’ thrilling 122-115 come-from-behind overtime triumph over the New York Knicks.

James, who had been sidelined by swelling in his left knee, scored 29 points, pulled down 13 rebounds and handed out 10 assists as the Lakers authored their biggest comeback of the season after trailing by as many as 21 in the first half and by 15 at the interval.

“Feels good to be out there with my teammates, trying to put guys in position both offensively and defensively and giving what I’ve got,” James said.

“It was a great win for us,” added James, who watched the Lakers go 1-4 while he was out.

It was a sweet one, too, for a team that heard boos from Lakers fans rain down on Russell Westbrook after he clanked a shot off the rim in the first half amid the team’s struggles.

Center Anthony Davis scored 28 points and pulled down 17 rebounds and rising star Malik Monk was instrumental in the second-half turnaround with 25 of his 29 points coming after halftime.

“That third quarter was electrifying. He

got hot,” James said of Monk’s 18-point outburst in the period. “We needed that.”

The Lakers took their first lead of the contest late in the third and went into the fourth with an 87-84 lead.

They pushed the advantage to as many as nine points, but RJ Barrett’s three-pointer with 8.1 seconds left knotted the score at 111-111 and James missed a three-pointer at the buzzer to send it to overtime.

The Lakers dominated the extra session, James setting a tone with a thundering dunk after a steal by Talen Horton-Tucker for a 113-111 edge.

Julius Randle’s two baskets accounted for all four of the Knicks’ points in overtime.

Barrett led the Knicks with a career-high 36 points. Former Laker Randle scored 32 points with 16 rebounds and seven assists, but the Knicks fell to 12th in the East, outside the post-season play-in berths.

At ninth in the West, the Lakers are in play-in position and hoping they can improve to grab direct entry into the playoffs.

“It’s all about taking accountability for your own actions,” James said of what the erratic Lakers must do to improve.

“If you want change, you’ve got to look at yourself in the mirror and demand more out of yourself.”

In other games, the league-leading Phoenix Suns bounced back from Thursday’s defeat in Atlanta that ended their 11-game winning streak with a 95-80 victory over the Wizards in Washington.

Deandre Ayton scored 20 points and pulled down 16 rebounds and Chris Paul scored 14 points and handed out nine assists for the Suns, who improved to 42-10 and moved 2 1/2 games ahead of the Golden State Warriors for best record in the league.

Phoenix led by 27 points at halftime, allowing the Wizards just 11 points in the second quarter and 32 in the first half.

Morant magic Ja Morant was the star of the Memphis Grizzlies’ 135-115 blowout over the Magic in Orlando.

Morant scored 22 points in the first half and sat out the fourth quarter with the Grizzlies well on their way to a fifth victory in six games.

Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 21 points and Steven Adams contributed 12 points and 11 rebounds for Memphis, who outscored the Magic 68-34 in the paint.

Morant handed out seven assists, and his many highlights included a third-quarter behind-the-back pass to Ziaire Williams, who found De’Anthony Melton for a dunk that put the Grizzlies up by 31. AFP

‘I’m back’: Hamilton ends social media exile LONDON—Lewis Hamilton ended his social media exile on Saturday amid ongoing speculation about the Mercedes driver’s Formula One future.

Hamilton has been absent from social media since he was controversially denied a record eighth world title in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December.

The 37-year-old was pipped to the crown by Max Verstappen in a hotlydebated conclusion to the Formula One season.

With talk that he is considering quitting the sport still widespread, Hamilton, who is contracted to Mercedes until 2023, gave his first public comment for 56 days.

Taking to Twitter and Instagram, Hamilton posted a picture of himself smiling at the Grand Canyon alongside the caption “I’ve been gone. Now I’m back!”

What that cryptic comment means for Hamilton’s future in Formula One remains to be seen.

Hamilton was cruising to the title in Abu Dhabi until the aftermath of a crash elsewhere on the track led to a final lap shoot-out between the British star and Verstappen.

Verstappen, driving on fresh tyres, overtook Hamilton to win his maiden world title in the most dramatic fashion.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff hinted it was possible

Hamilton might walk away when he said his driver was “disillusioned”.

Race director Michael Masi received criticism for allowing the one-lap finish, but an FIA inquiry will not be made public until the eve of the 2022 season opener in Bahrain in March.

Mercedes will launch its first car of F1’s revamped technical era at Silverstone on February 18, five days before the first winter test in Barcelona.

Hamilton, who is level with Michael Schumacher on seven world titles, is expected to be on site for the launch, alongside new team-mate George Russell. AFP

Lewis Hamilton

Entertainment

Getting high with MUSIC W

HEN she was still flying, flight attendant Pat Cardoza joined a songwriting search. She submitted songs to a competition without high expectations. In fact, she even forgot about it.

“I submitted three entries and to be honest, I really forgot about the contest until January last year when I received a call from Viva. I was told that one of my songs was chosen as winner of the search,” the 29-year-old singer-songwriter told Manila Standard Entertainment.

It was also in January when the airline company she was working for made an announcement that members of junior cabin crew would be retrenched.

“So, I lost my job but Viva opened its doors for me because they also offered me a recording contract. They wanted me to sing the songs that I wrote,” she added.

While the challenges in the airline industry have remained unrelenting, Pat decided to grab the opportunity noting that building a career in music is her childhood dream, too.

Pat began writing songs when she was just 13 years old. She was in high school when she first tried composing songs.

“I just got used to doing it when I kept writing lyrics,” said Pat, adding, “I’m

passionate about it. (writing songs) was already in my system at an early age.”

Pat did start out as a singer and her first public performance was when she was in 5th grade.

“It was just a project that I needed to do for school. My mom was surprised when I did a good job at singing. So, from there she urged me to join singing contests,” Pat recalled.

When she was 16, Pat joined GMA7’s Our Little Next Big Star. She made it far enough into the competition, but it wasn’t for her. At least it wasn’t her time yet to delve deep into music. She focused on her studies and eventually graduated and achieved her goal of becoming an international flight attendant for Philippine Airlines.

Pat was a full working flight attendant when she saw an ad from Viva for the latter’s songwriter search. She tried her

luck to see if her song composing skills can pass muster. Sure enough, Pat eventually became one of the chosen songwriters in “Viva Musika.” Subsequently signed to Viva Records, her debut came via the mid-tempo ballad “Kailan Ka Babalik.”

The single, released early last year, is of Pat’s own making. Sonically, the song is reminiscent of Imago’s “Sundo.”

As a songwriter, Pat also gets asked if she can write lyrics for existing music. She did exactly that for “Nasa Puso Ko,” which became one of the theme songs for the TV drama series Encounter. The song, originally a Korean love song, was reimagined with Tagalog lyrics, was recorded by Daryl Ong and Pat, with her own female version.

And just like that, Pat is getting her momentum as a music artist. Good thing too, especially now when being an international flight attendant isn’t exactly panning out in the age of the pandemic.

“It’s truly a blessing in disguise, I thought it was already the end of the world when I got retrenched as a flight attendant because I really love what I’m doing,” shared Pat. “But I think

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2022

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Flight attendant turned singersongwriter Pat Cardoza

this is God’s way of telling me, ‘o dito ka muna mag focus.’ I realized that the situation is like ‘bloom where you are planted.’ I just try to be at my best wherever I am now.”

And Pat Cardoza is doing exactly that.

Her most recent song “Habang Buhay” is now the theme song for the upcoming Vivamax movie The Wife, which is directed by Denise O’Hara and stars Louise delos Reyes, Diego Loyzaga, and Cara Gonzales.

“Habang Buhay” is a lovely sounding piano-decked ballad that Pat wrote.

“I like writing love songs. And writing positive-themed tunes is more my style.

My lyrics are the opposite of a ‘hugot’ song,” Pat injected with a laugh, adding “Marami nang sawi dyan, I’ more about the uplifting feeling that being in love gives.”

Needless to say, this flight attendantturned-music artist is destined to achieve greater heights, literally and figuratively.

Luis Manzano bares The true, the good, VDay plans with wife Jessy and the not so beautiful

By Patricia Taculao

While many husbands adhere to the “happy wife, happy life” mantra, LOVE month is upon us. People start the celebrity couple believes that their to plan gifts and surprises to show their relationship will work better if both affection for their significant others. So of them are happy, not just Jessy. It so it’s no surprise that flowers, chocolates, happens that the pair also share the same and romantic getaways are advertised love language.

Luis divulged that he’s the type of everywhere we look. Unfortunately, others scramble to find the perfect gift for the person to give and receive lambing, and special event, especially now that it’s just so is Jessy. This February, despite their busy schedules, the pair are planning to right around the corner.

However, that’s not the case for hold two celebrations for Valentine’s Day actor Luis Manzano. Luis, being the and their first wedding anniversary. They romantic he is, already has plans on plan to head out of town to enjoy some quality time before immersing how to spend a meaningful themselves in work. However, and romantic holiday the couple’s current goal is with his wife, actress to conceive and take on Jessy Manzano, née new roles as parents.

Mendiola.

Still, Luis is very February also excited to celebrate marks another special these two romantic occasion in Luis’s events with life as he’s expecting his wife. to celebrate his first And to make wedding anniversary Valentine’s Day with his beloved more special, wife. According to he will be giving Luis, one secret that his loved ones helped him maintain something sweet a happy and healthy yet personal with relationship with his wife To b l e r o n e ’s is to regard both their s p e c i a l happiness in every The couple will also celebrate their first limited edition situation. wedding anniversary this February.

Valentine’s pack.

“The limited-edition Toblerone packs guide Filipinos in choosing the most thoughtful gift for their loved ones and help them be more thoughtful in gift-giving,” said Toblerone brand manager Lois Locson.

Although most people view Valentine’s Day as a time for lovers, Luis sees it otherwise. Instead, he sees the holiday as a time to express love to people who have always been there, such as family and friends.

So apart from Jessy, Luis will also be giving his mother, House Deputy Speaker and former actress Vilma Santos. He also encourages others to show their love to their friends and family on Valentine’s Day as there are many levels to the Both Jessy and Luis share the same love language of giving and receiving ‘lambing’. universal emotion.

Socmed personality Sassa Gurl

HOGGING the headlines and striking the proverbial hot iron that happens to be rainbow colored this time, are three fabulous femme fairies: Felix Petate, Mark Shandii Bacolod, and Tyrone James Ortega.

Petate, known to his legion of supporters as Sassa Gurl makes pop culture history by being the first openly gay “calendar girl” of White Castle.

Generation Xers, of course, has a recollection of its iconic commercial where a lady donned in a red two-piece bikini rides on a white stallion in slow motion for dramatic effect.

Its former well-loved female endorsers include the likes of Lorna Tolentino, Carmi Martin, Cristina Gonzales, Roxanne Guinoo, RR Herrera, and Meg Imperial.

Making the Gurl the liquor brand ambassador is an astute business decision.

We can deduce that Felix’s social media digits – 4.6 million followers on TikTok, 620,000 on Facebook, 191,000 subscribers on YouTube, and 91,400 followers on Instagram – made it easier for the top brasses to give it a green light.

Let’s be frank with it, the most popular pink personalities of the present times, Vice Ganda and the devastatingly beautiful, the Other Queen P, Paolo Ballesteros, were not as “lucky” as Sassa Gurl.

For sure, the very thought of them being “calendar models” and anyone who dared to suggest them received dagger looks and could have been considered as an “outing one’s self moment” inside a corporate room.

The wittiest part of Sassa’s brand triumph, its catchphrase: “Ang laging nagpapainom tuwing may inuman.”

The politically correct members of the pink community are surely revolted by it because it highlights the “image” of the “gay person” who uses his purchasing power to gain acceptance, affection, and favor, a possible one-night-only tryst perhaps? And that what they say in the vernacular “pag may alak, may balak” is a predatory tactic that must not be encouraged and employed. After all, when it comes to matters of the heart, we all remember what mama said, “you can’t hurry love, you just have to wait”.

Tyrone James Ortega aka Juliana Parizcova Segovia

Film director Mark Shandii Bacolod

Really now?

Bacolod, aside from the online victory of his written, produced, and directed by gay drama Love At The End Of The World could not believe that he is of the endorsers of Vine Holistic Medical Aesthetics, owned by the gorgeous Dr. Emily Vine.

“I thought at first it was a joke when I received an inquiry for a meeting,” Bacolod begins. “You know, I also manage the career of Nico Locco, and when they say that he will be a model, I know that it is intended to arouse the curiosity and appeal to the male demographic, I was not surprised about that. Pero ako? Why me?” Read full story on manilastandard.net

Arjo Atayde leads all-star cast of ‘Cattleya Killer’ CATTLEYA Killer, ABS-CBN’s new international project starring 2020 Asian Academy Creative Awards Best Actor Arjo Atayde, introduces a stellar ensemble.

Joining Arjo in the thriller series set for international release are critically acclaimed artists Christopher de Leon, Jake Cuenca, Jane Oineza, Ricky Davao, Nonie Buencamino, Ria Atayde, Ketchup Eusebio, Frances Makil, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, Jojit

Lorenzo, and Zsa Zsa Padilla.

Arjo couldn’t help but gush about his co-actors saying, “It’s such a beautiful cast. I’m so happy to see everyone on board. I don’t need to explain further, but I’m just excited. Remember that I’m just one of the actors for this series and we’re going to do this together,” during the virtual story conference held recently.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN International Production and Co-Production division

head Ruel S. Bayani, also said that the team is lucky to have Christopher on board as he was part of the cast of the 1996 Star Cinema movie Sa Aking Mga Kamay, where Cattleya Killer was adapted from.

“We’re lucky that Boyet [Christopher] is here to join us dahil to me, wala ng mas inspiring pa to have Boyet on our set. To know na may nagdudugtong from the movie to this series, at sa bagong creative energy natin sa pagku-

kwento nito.”

Directed by Dan Villegas, written by Dodo Dayao, and executive produced by Ruel S. Bayani, Cattleya Killer will start production this month and will be released for international audiences as ABS-CBN continues its global march.

Cattleya Killer follows Almost Paradise, the first American TV series filmed entirely in the Philippines, which ABS-CBN co-produced with Hollywood’s Electric Entertainment.

Arjo Atayde

Life

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

C4

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2022

Tourism awards, here and there

The imposing facade of the World Trade Center Metro Manila

I

ALWAYS consider it a big boost to our industry every time I hear of any of our tourism enterprises garnering prestigious awards from various organizations. These give us more confidence in offering our attractions and services to local and international visitors.

Here are a few I gathered lately.

Dumaguete City

The Panilongon Quincentennial Landmark, inspired by the galleon Victoria, flagship of Ferdinand Magellan, stands at the two-hectare reclaimed Pantawan People’s Park along the city’s scenic Rizal Boulevard. It recently copped the top award, Best Site Development of Quincentennial Historical Markers, as part of the country’s observance of the 500th anniversary of the Philippine Part of the First Circumnavigation of the World.

The contest was participated in by 32 local government units that host historical markers, where the expedition of Magellan and Elcano sailed through in 1521.

There were 34 sites unveiled throughout the country by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and by the National Quincentennial Committee from March to October last year.

The winning marker was unveiled May 4 last year, marking the day when survivors of the Spanish expedition sailed to the waters of Negros Island after their defeat in Mactan in the hands of Lapulapu and the burning of their galleon, Concepcion, by the Bohol. natives of The recog nition came with a P250,000 cash incentive for the city.

Dumaguete Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo conceptualized the marker’s design and made sure the city government completed putting up the marker in two months, with 80 percent of materials used donated by civic-spirited residents of the city. This historical marker has now added to the charm of the picturesque Rizal Boulevard where the national hero once walked on leisurely afternoons while on a stopover from his exile in Dapitan.

World Trade Center Metro Manila

At the recent 2022 ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards held in Cambodia, our very own World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) won the MICE Venue Award in the Exhibition Category. MICE, the acronym for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions, refers to any event belonging to these categories.

The Awards is hosted by the 10 ASEAN member countries and is geared towards encouraging their respective MICE stakeholders to achieve sustainable tourism services.

The 26-year-old WTCMM is the leading MICE venue in the country and is a member of the New York-based World Trade Centers Association. It is the only exhibition venue in the country that is a member of the prestigious Union des Foires Internationales (UFI), a very exclusive global association of the MICE Industry.

Some of the delicious offerings at Conrad Manila’s China Blue by Jeremy Leung

The Panilongon Quincentennial Marker at Pantawan Peoples Park along scenic Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete City

WTCMM’s functional and wellThe hotel’s China Blue by Jeremy Le- lenges these past two years. designed exhibition halls and meeting ung recently welcomed the Chinese New Patrons of the hotel’s famous China rooms, its compliance with international Year of the Water Tiger with the tradi- Blue by Jeremy Leung are invited to bring and environmental standards, its shift to tional Yee Sang Prosperity Toss, colorful home a box of Nian Gao available in four automated LED lights and motion sen- Nian Gao Treasures, and a well-curated mouthwatering flavors and beautifully sors, its use of AHUs (air handling units) menu masterfully crafted by Executive presented in artistically designed boxes. and energy recovery ventilators gave the Chinese Chef Eng Yew Khor.

Of course, the hotel prides itself on its establishment top points needed to “Hilton CleanStay,” the heightened win the award. standard of cleaning and disinfecYOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE Of course, the facility also practiction that assures guests of an even es proper waste management, which SPOT ON DEFINITION: Yawn — The only cleaner and safer stay and dining includes toxic and chemical waste time married men ever get to open their experience. disposal, and the expert handling mouths without suffering punishment.

With all these heartwarming of noise pollution control which are events taking place, don’t you feel also among the important criteria in Amiable General Manager Linda Pec- the energizing vibe of our Industry’s redetermining the winner. oraro is looking forward to celebrating covery well on its way? “roaring” new beginnings with the hoConrad Manila tel’s guests who have triumphed over the For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ Even before it officially opened, this many seemingly. insurmountable chal- gmail.com hotel has already reaped three prestigious awards from the Annual Philippine Property Awards – Best Hotel Development, Best Hotel Architectural Design, and Best Interior Design. No wonder it LOOKING for a romantic morning tea service with a has become the favorite leisure destina- way to celebrate Valentine’s chic Design Glass Teapot and tion of countless Metro Manila residents, Day at home? Nothing says “I TWG Tea Mug or TWG Tea this columnist included.

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As a cafe created to revisit the past, and Mainstays recommend Chalmette Crab Cosmo, and Mardi Gras.

Visit TWG Tea Boutiques in Greenbelt 5, make new memories – both real and mag- Cakes, Baton, Rouge Sticks, Deli-Cious Sixty Four is open daily, from 9:00 and share the morning with your loved one.

Serve this delightful tea for two in Central Square, and Alabang Town Center. ical, Sixty Four’s well-appointed interiors Muffuletta, Ribs Po’Boy, Pasta Pronto, a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, go hand in hand with appetizing delights Gumbo Crab Soup, River House Salad, and 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. from Friday style with elegant tea accessories from A limited selection is also available online the TWG Tea collection. Accompany the on TWG Tea’s LazMall Flagship Store.

Louisiana State Ribs, and Cheesecake to Sunday.

Bombs. Have these comforting delights Sixty Four’s management strictly imon your table and create a magnificent plements health protocols and encourages experience. everybody to present their vaccination Your visit will not be complete without cards during their visit.

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The bistro serves pastries, A mural of the English rock The interior of the bistro different filling (taro, strawberry, and cream). A All indulgent but budget-friendly gift band The Beatles on the wall entrees, coffee, and is decorated with retro box of four is P100 while a box of three is P75, or sets for your special someone.

Your guide to a romantic morning tea

Metro’s new retro-themed bistro pays homage to The Fab Four

Sweet Valentine treats

Manny Villar at Sixty Four

furnishings

of Sixty Four

cocktails