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Murders, mayhem in Tarlac

Cop indicted for double slays of mother, son; CA justice found dead

HE Department of Justice (DOJ) has found probable cause to indict the policeman who shot dead a 52-year-old mother and her 25-year-old son at pointblank range in Paniqui, Tarlac, on Sunday, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Monday.

Video of the shooting taken by an eyewitness sparked public outrage after it was posted on social media. After an inquest, the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Tarlac found probable cause to charge the respondent, police Senior Master Sgt. Joel Nuezca, for two counts of murder, for the deaths of Sonya

Rufino Gregorio and her son, Frank Anthony, Guevarra said. No bail has been recommended for the accused. President Rodrigo Duterte ordered authorities to make sure Nuezca remains in jail. In a televised briefing on Monday

night, Duterte said the shooting incident was too brutal. "From the time you are arrested up to the time that you are haled to court… walang bail ka. Pag nahuli, diretso diresto na yan and I don’t think that you can escape the rigors of justice because nakuha sa TV pati ako napanganga," he said. Next page

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 291 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT

Indicted cop fired while daughter looked POLICE Senior Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca and his young daughter walked away from the lifeless bodies of Sonya Gregorio and her son Frank Anthony Gregorio “as if nothing happened,” an eyewitness to the horrific shooting after an argument in a village in Tarlac told ABS-CBN radio on Monday. “He took his daughter and they left as if nothing was wrong. I really saw how he shot them, then I just turned off my

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM DEC. 21)

461,505 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

1,721 23,341 NEW

ACTIVE

8,957

429,207

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

NEW

video,” the witness, who is a minor, told the radio program in Filipino. “I was so close to them, but I couldn’t even do anything… When they (Gregorios) were about to be shot, I thought I would be shot too,” the witness added. The 30-second video of the shooting went viral as it showed Nuezca shooting the 52-year-old Sonya Gregorio and Frank Anthony, 25, at point blank range following an argument over the use of a

“boga” or an improvised cannon, used as a noisemaker for the holidays. The eyewitness said the argument began when Anthony used the “boga” after he went swimming at a nearby river with a man named “Pipoy.” The witness said Nuezca arrived and hit Anthony in the face, which other witnesses corroborated. Anthony then told the witness to video the incident. Next page

After Covovax, Moderna next? By Rey E. Requejo Willie Casas and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Philippines has been assured of at least 30 million doses of the Indian version of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine with possibly no cash advance required, Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said Monday, adding that negotiations with US-based Moderna may begin before the year ends. On Sunday, the local procurement partner of the Serum Institute of India, which makes the vaccine, said if negotiations are successful, delivery could be made by the third

quarter next year. Covovax is the Indian version of the original vaccine formulated at the Serum Institute of India (SII) in collaboration with the US-based Novovax. At the same time, Locsin said, the country’s vaccine czar Carlito Galvez is going to start talks with the American biotechnology company Moderna may start on Dec. 30. Moderna became the second company after Pfizer to receive emergency use authorization (EUA) from the US Food and Drug Administration for its COVID-19 vaccine. This would pave the way for Moderna to apply for an EUA in the Philippines. Next page

‘Vicky’ exits PAR, leaves eight dead AT LEAST eight people were killed during the onslaught of Tropical Depression Vicky in Mindanao and the Visayas during the weekend, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) confirmed Monday. In its latest update, the NDRRMC said deaths were recorded in Region 8 (2), Region 11 (1), and in Caraga (5). The two injured were in Region 13 and the one missing in Caraga. Families affected by "Vicky" were placed at 8,924 or equivalent to 36,030 individuals residing in 149 barangays in Regions 7, 8, 11, and the Caraga. Of these, 3,815 families or 15,803 persons are being served in 123 evacuation centers while 2,266 families or 8,286 individuals are being aided outside. A total of 12 road sections and five bridges in Regions 8, 11, and Caraga were damaged, of which seven roads and four bridges are still impassable as of this posting. Next page

FINAL MOMENTS. In these screen grabs from a video that went viral on Monday, Police Sr. MSgt. Jonel Nuezca -- with his young daughter just an arm's length away -- accosts Sonya Gregorio and her son Anthony before shooting both at point-blank range, killing them instantly, after an argument in Paniqui, Tarlac. Nuezca is later shown being booked by authorities after surrendering in neighboring Rosales town (inset photos).

Deadly coincidence: NBI finds missing CA justice body in Tarlac By Rey E. Requejo THE remains of former Court of Appeals Justice Normandie Pizarro, who has been reported missing since Oct. 23, were confirmed on Monday, the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation said. Pizarro’s remains were found in Capas, Tarlac on Oct. 30, but the NBI needed to run DNA tests and other analyses on the cadaver since its fingers had been cut off, render-

WITH only three days to Christmas eve, Malacanang gave assurances there will be no lockdown for Metro Manila's 12 million people from December 23 to January 3, three days before Epiphany. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, speaking in Tagalog to reporters, described that lockdown report as “fake news by people who would want to destroy the

PACQUIAO DENIES PLANS FOR PREXY NEWS / A2

'LOOPHOLE' SEEN IN CASHLESS TOLL NEWS / A2

IDENTIFIED.

Former Court of Appeals Justice Normandie Pizarro is shown in this file photo. The magistrate handled and dismissed cases filed against pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles and former Palawan governor Joel Reyes.

‘ECQ lockdown’ fake news, AFP says By Willie Casas

BIG CATCH. Members of the Taguig Police and Scene of the Crime Operatives on Monday gather evidence at the site where four suspected drug pushers were killed during a buy-bust operation that led to an encounter with authorities in Barangay Sta. Ana, Taguig City. The bust yielded 40 kilos of 'shabu' worth P272 million (see story on A2). Norman Cruz

ing fingerprint identification impossible. His hand was also amputated, GMA News reported on ’24 Oras’. “Our DNA test results showed that the cadaver recovered in Tarlac are the remains of retired CA Justice

Christmas celebration, adding President Rodrigo Duterte would announce quarantine qualifications before the holidays. At the same time, Malacanang said the inter-agency task force leading the country's efforts to check the COVID-19 pandemic would discuss whether or not to follow the example of other countries and ban travelers from the United Kingdom, where a new strain of coronavirus was reported. Next page

News

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Pacquiao brushes off prexy talk S

More ‘loopholes’ with cashless toll, says Gatchalian

Rumors quickly spiralled when he year after he took his presidential oath was installed as national president of told Pacquiao he wanted to make him the PDP-Laban party, the same party president. of President Rodrigo Duterte, who one The lawmaker also recently launched

PayPac, an online payment platform envisioned to make cross-border transactions easier, especially for overseas Filipino workers. But the often Bible verses-quoting Pacquiao, replying to a question in an interview on ANC's Headstart, admitted he would be a hypocrite if he did not think about Duterte's line, adding though that the presidency needed anointing from God, not only from his fellow resident of Mindanao. Asked if he would consider run-

ning for president in case Duterte chose to endorse another candidate in the 2022 polls, when Duterte is prohibited under the Constitution to run for another six years, said he would rather not talk about his plans for the elections right now. "This is not the right time to talk about politics,” said Pacquiao, who was part of the United Nationalist Alliance under which he ran under its presidential standard bearer Jejomar Binay of Makati. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go showed Duterte the video on a smartphone, a photo released by the lawmaker showed. The Department of Justice earlier vowed to that justice would be served for the murder of the mother and son. Guevarra said he was “disturbed” by the incident. "The DOJ will closely monitor developments in this case and ensure that justice is done," Guevarra said. Nuezca, 46, detailed at the Parañaque City police Crime Laboratory Office, surrendered in Rosales, Pangasinan, hours after the shooting, said Bgen. Valeriano De Leon, Central Luzon police director. Investigators said Nuezca went to the house of the victims after hearing an explosion caused by a “boga,” and improvised cannon made of PVC pipe usually used during New Year celebrations. Police said Nuezca and the victims had a previous altercation regarding right of way and the issue resurfaced during the confrontation. As the mother tried to hold back her son, the police officer shot both of them twice in the head. The police report said the victims were shot at point-blank range. Before the fatal shooting, De Leon said Nuezca confronted the younger Gregorio who was playing with a "boga." The victim reeked of alcohol and was unruly, police said. De Leon condemned the shooting and guaranteed there would be no whitewash. “Any infraction or wrongdoing committed by any member of the PNP will never be tolerated,” De Leon said. “We assure the public as well as the victims' families, of our total commitment to ensure that justice will be swiftly given to them.” Malacañang on Monday vowed to give justice to the two unarmed civilians who were shot to death by Nuezca, who was off duty at the time of the shooting. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the President will not tolerate such behavior and said Nuezca must be punished for his actions. “Why would the President protect him ? It (the shooting) was not service-related.

It was a private matter. He’s a policeman and should pay for it,”Roque said. He said the case would be treated as an ordinary murder case and would be investigated accordingly. Nuezca’s daughter, as video of the incident showed, also witnessed the killings. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said the shooting of the Gregorios reflected a pattern of violence involving policemen against hapless victims. “The police force is expected to be disciplined, discerning, and professional,” said CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia. “The Philippine National Police ought to live by their motto of ‘To Serve and Protect.’ Each and every police is expected to protect our rights. As such, it is unacceptable when they are the ones...at the forefront of perpetuating such human rights violations.” PNP and Department of Interior and Local Government officials described the incident as isolated case but they assured the public that justice will be given to the family of the victims, and that administrative and criminal cases will be filed against Nuezca. DILG secretary Eduardo Año said "the shooting is an unfortunate but isolated incident." "While there are unfortunate incidents like this, the vast majority of our PNP personnel perform their sworn duties everyday with honor and integrity to protect and serve the people. The sin of Nuezca is not the sin of the entire Philippine National Police. As we have seen during this pandemic, they place their very lives on the line as frontliners in our COVID response," he said. Senator Panfilo Lacson, a former PNP chief, urged the police to show no mercy to Nuezca. "They should spare no effort to make sure that he rots in jail. He's the last policeman that they need in the force," Lacson said. As a policy recommendation, he said policemen should turn in their issued firearms to their unit's armorer or supply officer when on off-duty status. He also said policemen should not be issued Permits to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR) while still in the active service. Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon branded the shooting as "pure evil.”

"That devil who committed an evil act in front of his own daughter deserves to rot in jail. I have no words to describe his unspeakable act. He should spend Christmas and a lifetime in jail," he said. “So long as the culture of impunity exists in the country, and whenthere is a system that rewards misdeeds instead of punishing them, police abuses and violence will continue. Impunity breeds trigger-happy cops,” he said. Senator Francis Pangilinan said the incident was the result of condoning abusive and corrupt policemen. Senator Nancy Binay called for a topto-bottom value re-orientation of all law enforcement institutions to end the culture of impunity, police abuse and undesirable practices. Binay also called for a more rigid psychological evaluation alongside physical fitness tests of officers to ensure higher standards are enforced and scalawags are rooted out. “Something is deeply wrong when you have both top cops and rank-and-file who flout the law,” she said. The senator expressed her anger at what she said has been “a long list of transgressions” by the police. “Rather than being the people’s assurance of law and order, lately many of our cops are becoming the face of terror and impunity, blatantly disregarding the rule of law and spitting on our values,” she said. House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco denounced the shooting incident, saying it "highlights the need for the leadership of the Philippine National Police to remind its ranks on the proper and responsible use of their weapons and that they should, as much as possible, apply non-violent means at all times." "We share the anguish that many feel about a mother and her son, who were shot dead by a police officer in Paniqui, Tarlac, over the weekend,” he said. “The public outrage over the incident is totally understandable." "It is our fervent hope that the circumstances surrounding their deaths are investigated thoroughly and that justice is ultimately served. The culprit, Police Officer Jonel Nuezca, must not go unpunished,” Velasco said. Other lawmakers also denounced the shooting.

"This is what happens when the 'kill, kill, kill' culture becomes prevalent and reigning supreme among the police and the millitary; this is the same system that also enabled this worsening state of impunity that is running amuck in our country today," House deputy minority leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said. Assistant Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro blamed the Duterte administration for what she described as the "worsening culture of impunity" among law enforcers. "The Duterte administration's legacy is creating monsters that recklessly use their guns,” Castro said. Castro said the Gregorio killing "is not an isolated incident." "There is systematic and chronic abuse of power in the police and military that the Duterte administration cannot deny especially when 'shoot-to-kill orders come straight from the mouth of the commander-in-chief," Castro said. Human Rights Watch condemned the killings. “As with many incidents of recent police violence, the killing by Nuezca of Sonya Gregorio and her son Frank was brazen and underscores the impunity that prevails in the Philippines,” said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at HRW. “It took place in the context of an enabling environment for police violence that President Rodrigo Duterte himself has encouraged,” he added. Data obtained by GMA News Online from Police Brigadier General Valeriano De Leon indicated that Nuezca had faced grave misconduct (homicide) cases in May and December 2019. Both, however, were dismissed due to lack of substantial evidence. In 2016, Nuezca was also slapped with serious neglect of duty after failing to attend a court hearing as prosecution witness of a drug-related case. The case was dropped and closed, De Leon said. Less grave neglect of duty was filed against the Nueza in April 2014 for refusing to take a drug test. Records had shown that he had left the testing area without permission from authorities. Due to his refusal to take the drug test, he was penalized with a 31-day suspension. Rey E. Requejo, Jess Malabanan, Vito Barcelo, Rio N. Araja, Joel E. Zurbano, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

Indicted...

‘ECQ..

bringing the total to 461,505, as five laboratories failed to submit data on time, the Department of Health reported. Top cities and provinces with new cases are Davao City, 151; Quezon City, 142; Rizal Province, 85; Laguna, 81; and Manila, 77. There are 23,341 active cases which is 5.1 percent of the total cases. Of the active cases, 82.2 percent are mild; 8.5 percent are asymptomatic; 5.9 percent are critical; 3 percent are severe; and 0.34 percent are moderate. There are 82 new recoveries, bringing the total recoveries to 429,207, which is 93 percent of the total. There are 10 new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 8,957, which is 1.94 percent of the total. No new strain The Department of Health said they have yet to see a new strain of the virus that causes COVID-19 in the Philippines. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario ergeire was responding to a query on a new strain of the virus that causes COVID-19 and linked to mutations involving spike protein that COVID-19 uses to infect human cells seen in the United Kingdom.

European countries to restrictions on travels from the UK. Vergeire said while health authorities were continuing to monitor the situation, there was no need to impose stricter travel restrictions given that the country only allows entry for diplomats, individuals with businesses in the Philippines and Filipino citizens. Health workers The Department of Health reported that 244 more health workers contracted the coronavirus disease 2019 over the past week, raising the total to 13,262 as of December 19. In its daily COVID-19 report, the DOH said total recoveries among health workers rose to 12,939 after 246 more recovered from the respiratory disease, while the death toll remained at 76. The other 247 medical workers are active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine. Nurses logged the highest number of COVID-19 cases within their ranks with 4,670 infections, followed by doctors with 2,197, nursing assistants with 992, medical technologists with 657, and midwives with 445 cases.

what he knows,” he added. DOJ Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar also confirmed the NBI finding in a message to reporters, asking them to contact bureau spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin. “Initial investigation also shows that Justice Pizarro was brutally killed in Tarlac seven days before he was found dead last October 30,” Distor added. Pizarro handled and dismissed cases filed against pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles and former Palawan governor Joel Reyes.

The CA justice was last seen in Pampanga on October 23. He was reported missing by his relatives shortly afterward. On October 30, authorities found Pizzaro’s car abandoned in San Simon town, bearing traces of blood. Last week, senators called for an investigation on the recent spate of killings and disappearances in the country, including that of Pizzaro. The NBI said it would continue investigating the case to determine Pizarro’s cause of the death and the motive behind it, as well as persons of interest.

POLICE killed four suspected drug dealers in a buy-bust operation in Sta. Ana village in Taguig City early Monday morning. They recovered 40 kilos of shabu worth P272 million during the anti-drug operation that resulted in the shooting encounter along Circumferential Road 6 around 5:35 a.m. Two of the suspects were identified as Christopher Ocarol and Allan Catalan, both tagged as "drug suppliers" in Cebu. The two others have not been identified. Taguig City police commander Celso Rodriguez said a composite team from the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group and Taguig City police launched the operation a few days following information about the drugdealing activity of the suspects. "Our policemen made a retaliation after the suspects fired at them," he said. Rodriguez said two bags containing the prohibited substance concealed in tea plastic bags were recovered. "We asked the help of a chemist to determine the content of the tea bags," he said. Metro Manila Police Commander Vicente Danao said he ordered his men to identify the suspects to determine if they were members of a drug syndicate.

and Pfizer. On another front, the Philippines is guaranteed access to COVID-19 vaccines good for about 22 million people from the COVAX facility, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Monday. The COVAX initiative is a global collaboration that seeks to accelerate the development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines. "Sa [through] COVAX, we are

guaranteed [enough vaccines] for 20 percent of our population, but we won’t get it all at the same time," Vergeire said. She said health care workers would get the first doses, while the rest would get shots in the second or third quarter. Also on Monday, vaccine retailer Family Vaccine & Specialty Clinics through IP Biotech and Ambica International Corp. signed an exclusive agreement with Bharat Biotech International Ltd. to import and distribute

Covaxin, India’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate, upon completion of ongoing Phase 3 clinical trials and FDA approval. Senator Christopher Go, meanwhile, said the government is exploring multiple sources of vaccines to ensure access to safe and effective vaccines to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. Go also said the private sector has also been raising funds so they may assist the country in acquiring sufficient numbers of vaccines for Filipinos.

ENATOR Manny Pacquiao, a boxing icon-turned politician, made a body swerve when he saw a right straight coming Monday on his possible presidential ambition in 2022, only six years after he was elected to the Senate.

Murders,... From A1

From A1

“A little later, the policeman charged at him. I didn’t see it, but others who saw it said (Anthony) got hit by a punch. I was already panicking them, but they were telling me ‘go ahead, video it, Kuya Anton said so,” the witness said. Sonya Gregorio then arrived and embraced Anthony to protect him from being arrested, the witness added. She was pleading with Nuezca and tightened her embrace on her son, but the policeman forcibly grabbed Anthony until his shorts were ripped, the witness added. “Lola Sonya didn’t want to let go of him even with his shorts getting ripped.” The policeman’s daughter was also poised to grab the Gregorios by their hairs, the witness claimed. “The daughter was here, she tried to join the fray, pull their hair. She acted so tough, then told Lola [Sonya] ‘My father is a policeman.’” Sonya then shouted “I don’t care” to the tune of a popular K-pop group’s song, then Nuezca threatened the Gregorios and pulled the trigger. The video showed Sonya was shot first in the head, then Anthony, then each of them as they lay on the ground.

’Vicky’... From A1

Infrastructure damage, mostly of roads and flood control facilities, was placed at P110.4 million in Regions 5 and Caraga. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Eastern Visayas suffered P96.4 million in damage, while Bicol lost P5 million. The DPWH said nine out of the 23 road sections have been so far cleared while the clearing operations are being conducted in the remaining 14 national road sections in Luzon and Visayas that were rendered impassable due to landslide, mudflow, flooding, fallen trees, and damaged road and bridges brought by Tropical Depression Vicky.

From A1

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Saturday the new strain had led to spiraling infections, prompting his government to tighten COVID-19 restrictions for London and nearby areas, and also reversed plans to ease restrictions over the Christmas period. (See related story on B2 -- Editor.) The task force recently allowed foreign nationals with visas who will leave the Philippines starting Dec. 17 to reenter the country as long as their visas remained valid on the day of their arrival. They should also have a pre-booked quarantine facility, and a pre-booked COVID-19 testing at an airport laboratory. Countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, El Salvador, Iran and others have placed restrictions on British travelers and flights in response to Johnson's announcement. COVID-19 updates The Philippines logged on Monday 1,721 new cases of coronavirus disease,

Deadly... From A1

Normandie Pizarro. Dental evidence gathered by our forensic team matched with the dental records of the former member of the CA,” NBI Director Eric Distor said. “The NBI forensic chemistry division report showed a 99.99 percent DNA match,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra told reporters in a Viber message. “The NBI is focusing on four persons of interest. One of them is willing to divulge

After... From A1

The Philippines and private companies earlier signed a supply agreement with British drugmaker AstraZeneca involving at least 2 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine. The government is also looking into the vaccines of China’s Sinovac Biotech, Russia’s Gamaleya Research Institute,

By Macon Ramos-Araneta MORE loopholes were uncovered in the implementation of cashless transactions in toll ways, Senator Win Gatchalian said Monday. Due to this, he told Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to accede to the overall impression of failure of leadership and failure of enforcement of regulatory officials manning the expressways. Senators were told during the recent hearing on radio-frequency identification (RFID) that the mandatory cashless toll collection proceeded even sans any clearcut policy and sanctions against erring toll operators, plan on the site for installation and reloading lanes, and without ensuring first whether there were still glitches in the system. Tugade subscribed to ineptness in overseeing the accountability of toll operators due to the absence of any specific sanctions or penalties and key performance indicators. “Whose leadership are you alluding to? You said leadership, whose leadership?” Gatchalian, vice chairman of the Senate Public Services Committee, asked during the hearing to which Tugade candidly replied with “The head of the Toll Regulatory Board, the executive director among others.” Tugade sits as the chairman of the board in the TRB, the executive director of which is Abraham Sales. Sales told the committee the matter on the glitches in the RFID system was only discussed in a consultation meeting after the DOTr issued Department Order 2020-012– the policy mandating cashless transactions in all toll roads in the country beginning December 1, 2020. He admitted those glitches are still currently being addressed by toll operators. Gatchalian and committee chairperson Sen. Grace Poe highlighted the lack of existing schedule of penalties in the concession agreement of the TRB with NLEX Corporation, operator of the 101-kilometer North Luzon expressway (NLEx), the gateway of Metro Manila to Central and Northern Luzon, as well as in the implementing rules and regulations of DOTr’s department order. Three years since the memorandum of agreement for toll interoperability and electronic toll collection was inked by the government and toll concessionaires, the basis for the issuance of DO 2020-012, senators noted the lack of any existing sanctions and performance standards which could hold toll operators liable on issues such as the radio frequency identification mess.

Taguig buy-bust yields P272m worth of ‘shabu’ By Joel E. Zurbano

News

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Review emission-testing replacements’ By Maricel V. Cruz

EVERAL leaders of the House of Representatives led by Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez urged the Department of Transportation to defer and review the opening of more motor vehicle inspection centers, which are supposed to replace emission-testing facilities.

REWARDS FOR TIPSTERS. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director General Wilkins Villanueva gives out P14 million in rewards to confidential informants who provided information that led to successful anti-drug operations and confiscation of illegal drugs in a ceremony at the PDEA office in Quezon City. Manny Palmero

Changes to law Duterte grants one-time P10k gift to gov’t workers seen to benefit By Vito Barcelo 15m solo parents THE proposed amendments to Republic Act 8972 or the Solo Parent Law would benefit 15 million single parents, 95 percent of whom are women, officials said Monday. Reps. Alfred delos Santos of Ang Probinsyano party-list group and Lawrence Fortun of Agusan del Sur, the principal authors of House Bill 8097, said of the proposed measure that would grant additional benefits to solo parents and their children. They expressed optimism that the bill would soon get enacted as it was expected to be passed on third and final reading when Congress resumes session in January. The House approved the bill on second reading before Congress closed for a holiday break beginning Dec. 16. The two lawmakers said RA 8972, which was enacted in 2000, had provided the framework for the rights and privileges of solo parents and their children, but failed to address certain economic and social benefits that would address the pressing needs of solo parents to live a life of dignity in an otherwise very challenging situation. “The enactment of this bill will be of great help to our millions of solo parentled families who also suffer from the pandemic. We are hopeful that the Congress will prioritize the passage of this bill,” Delos Santos, an assistant majority leader, said. “It is the primary right and duty of solo parents to care for their children. As for us legislators, it is our job to provide the solo parents with all the assistance and opportunities that they need in order to fulfill that role for their children.” Delos Santos said the proposed amendments was aimed at uplifting the quality of life of solo parents and their children. Fortun, chairman of the technical working group that produced the consolidated House bill that was approved at the committee level, agreed with Delos Santos. “Raising a child takes a village and it is hoped that this bill will make each and every solo parent know that the country, its lawmakers and the government are supportive of solo parents and their struggle to provide for themselves and their child or children,” Fortun said. Maricel V. Cruz

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has authorized the grant of a one-time service recognition incentive worth P10,000 to qualified government employees. Under Duterte’s Administrative Order 37 signed on Dec. 18, the incentive will be received by workers in national government agencies, including those in state universities and colleges and government-owned or -controlled corporations and those occupying “regular, contractual, or casual positions.” “The payment of the SRI to all quali-

fied government employees shall not be earlier than 21 December 2020,” the order says. “Government employees deserve to be rewarded to recognize their collective and unceasing participation in and invaluable contribution to the administration’s continuing efforts toward the establishment of streamlined government processes and a more responsive delivery of public services,” Duterte said. The Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Bureau of

Jail Management and Penology, the Bureau of Corrections, the Philippine Coast Guard and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority will also receive the incentive, according to the order. Employees who have rendered less than four months of service are entitled to a pro-rated share of the incentive. Government workers who have not received any additional year-end benefit in 2020 over and above the benefit under Republic Act 6686 are also entitled to the incentive, according to Duterte’s order.

Romualdez, together with Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta, Deputy Majority Leader Juan Miguel Arroyo, Assistant Majority Leader Precious Hipolito Castelo and Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, who heads the committee on the welfare of children, made the appeal in House Resolution 1408. In their resolution, the five lawmakers said the Land Transportation Office had identified 209 additional sites to the original sites of 138 for PMVICs . It has to be noted that the original sites of 138 have already been approved and 8 out of this initial number has already been given the Authorization Certificate to Operate while 13 sites are still awaiting their ACTO and 6 sites are ready for inspection. These numbers will show that the first batch of 138 centers/sites are still not fully and completely operational. They said while the LTO had allowed these PMVICs to serve the public, its district offices were still accepting certificates of emission compliance issued by private emission testing centers. “The presence of PETCs and the continued acceptance of CECs as a requirement for the registration of motor vehicles create unfair competition to the prejudice of PMVICs authorized by the LTO and those that are still under construction and working towards securing their authority to operate,” the five House leaders said in their resolution. They said the motor vehicle inspection centers took two years to comply with LTO requirements and to go through the vetting and authorization process.

Police slammed Chiz, Villanueva lead early poll for Senate bets for unsolved slay A LEADER of the House of Representatives on Monday slammed the law- enforcement authorities for their alleged failure to deter crime as another lawyer was shot dead in Cebu this week. Lawyer Baby Maria Concepcion Landero-Ole was gunned down while driving along a Danao City highway on Thursday. She is the second lawyer killed in Cebu within the span of one month. “At this point we have to ask what the authorities are doing about the spate of killings of law workers. We are not asking for special protection—rather, we wish to remind our authorities to do their jobs,” Deputy Majority Leader and Rizal Rep. Fidel Nograles said. “Failure to protect law workers isn’t just a failure to protect a special branch, but the whole populace.” Nograles said the growing list of casualties of lawyers, prosecutors and judges since 2016, which now stands at 54, should “jolt our law enforcement bodies into action.” He said the fact that the killings were committed during broad daylight meant there were lapses in the law enforcement process. He also appealed to the authorities to speak out to reassure Filipinos that they were taking the issue of law enforcement seriously. “Can we rely on our police to protect us, or must we take steps to defend ourselves? We need to hear from our law enforcement agencies what they mean to do, and we need to see concrete action soon,” Nograles said. Maricel V. Cruz

SORSOGON Gov. Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Senator Joel Villanueva continued to post a strong showing at a recent polling of senatorial bets in an otherwise projected tight race in the 2022 national elections. Escudero, who completed two consecutive terms in the Senate that ended in 2019, established his lead in the latest WR Numero survey, topping its Dec. 2-7 polling with 73.6 percent of the 5,000 survey respondents. In the same survey conducted last month, Escudero registered 73.2 percent in the polls, way ahead

of the pack. Villanueva surged to the second spot with 57.4 percent, continuing to gain momentum after placing fourth in the same senatorial preference survey conducted last month, where he garnered 52.1 percent. The Bulakenyo lawmaker has been aggressively pushing for tech-voc education and workers’ welfare, particularly for displaced workers. Villanueva, who catapulted to national consciousness by his performance as director general of the Technical Educa-

CRANE OPERATOR. Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso operates heavy equipment for a photo opportunity during the groundbreaking ceremony of the ‘Basecommunity’ housing project at the Port Area district on Monday. Norman Cruz

Fake insecticide sprays confiscated

QC CHECKPOINT. Armed with rattan sticks, members of the Quezon City Police District conduct a checkpoint at the boundary of San Mateo, Rizal in compliance with government orders to check if travelers and passengers are complying with minimum health protocols and to prepare for the communist New People’s Anniversary anniversary on Dec. 26. Manny Palmero

tion and Skills Development Authority, remained mum about his political plans, although he is eligible to gun for a second consecutive term in the next general elections in 2022 after posting a strong finish in the 2016 elections. He placed second in a likewise tight field of candidates, garnering 18,459,222 votes. Trailing Villanueva, who is popularly nicknamed as “TESDAMan,” are Senator Sherwin Gatchalian (3rd, 55.4 percent) and Senate Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri (4th, 55.2percent).

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raided warehouses and stores in four areas where fake insecticide sprays were allegedly stored and sold. Boxes of the fake product were confiscated in Lucena in Quezon, Cavite, Batangas and Manila, according to GMA News’ Unang Balita on Monday. Armed with a search warrant, the NBI conducted the raids after they received a complaint from the manufacturer of the original product. The NBI said the fake items had the wrong spelling for the brand and also lacked the Food and Drug Administration number. The bureau warned consumers that although they may save money by buying the fake product, their health may be placed in danger. Tacloban Worldsun Trading assistant manager Jasmine Chua said the fake insecticide sprays may cost consumers more in the long run. “Ang chemical contents po nito ay hindi po aprubado ng FDA at sobrang napaka, kumbaga, lubhang mapanganib sa kalusugan ng tao,” she said. Willie Casas

DFA wraps up probe on envoy Mauro THE Department of Foreign Affairs will soon wrap up its administrative investigation of the country’s envoy to Brazil, who has been accused of maltreating her Filipina helper and will transmit its findings and recommendation to Malacanang for review. Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Monday said the DFA’s fact-finding panel is expected to come up its formal investigation report on the case involving former Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Marichu Mauro, who had been recalled from her post after the scandalous incident was widely publicized in the media. “The hearing panel will submit its formal investigation report and recommendations to the Board of Foreign Service Administration fol-

lowing Republic Act 7517, (or) the Foreign Service Act of 1991,” Locsin said, in an interview with CNN Philippines. “We hope to have the decision very soon… They will send it to Malacañang before the yearend,” Locsin added. Mauro’s alleged maltreatment of her 51-year old domestic staff, which was caught on video, were reported in the Brazilian media in November. Locsin earlier vowed that the DFA response on the issue will be “severe to the fullest extent of the law.” The DFA chief stressed that appropriate charges will be filed against Mauro if the DFA’s probe body finds sufficient basis to hold her administrative liable for the maltreatment of her staff. Rey E. Requejo

LGUs

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor lgu@manilastandard.net editor.lgustandard@gmail.com

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

Masungi hits back at claimants T

HE Masungi Georeserve Foundation Inc. has strongly condemned the “shameless exploitation of indigenous groups and forest lands for private interests” as it reiterated its full commitment in respecting ancestral rights in reforestation areas. “Conservation groups and indigenous peoples are natural and key allies in environment protection and restoration, and not adversaries as some interests wish to set up,” the foundation that runs the georeserve in Baras, Rizal said in a statement. “Masungi vehemently condemns any attempt to sow discord and orchestrate conflicts between conservation and indigenous groups, especially at a time when strong collaborations are needed to prevent dangerous flooding and the loss of clean water and precious biodiversity,” it added. The foundation was reacting to what it said was “false and malicious statements” made by Rublou Inc. and Green Atom, retired General Luizo Ticman, lawyer Juancho Botor, and certain members of Kaksaan Inc. (Indigenous Peoples Organization of the Dumagat-Remontados of Antipolo) last week in a press conference. “While Masungi is a firm advocate of indigenous people’s rights, these should not and cannot be used to advance exploitative and destructive interests inside the Upper Marikina Watershed,” it said. The foundation said that hiring marginalized people “as a front for destructive interests is a classic tactic for encroachments into protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries.” “Poor people are hired as a front to hide business interests,” it said, quoting Marcus Hardtke, an expert on forest issues, in a Mongabay article dated December 1, 2020. “But ultimately the land ends up in the hands of the organizers. Many of these land grabs are then later legalized in ‘compromises’.” The foundation said: “The fact is that retired Gen. Luizo Ticman and his companies, Rublou Inc. and Green Atom Renewable Energy Corp., occupied, fenced, and installed armed guards inside the declared protected area without any permits from or agreements with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which administers the land.”

DISTANCE PLEASE. A man wears

a signboard to remind people of the minimum health protocols such as social distancing and wearing of masks and face shields at the Mandaluyong City Hall on Thursday. Manny Palmero

New solid waste processing plant opens in Mexico By Jess Malabanan MEXICO, Pampanga—A solid waste processing plant that can accommodate five tons of garbage daily was inaugurated Saturday to help address the mounting garbage problem of the different local government units in Pampanga. PEDECO Integrated Waste Technology is absolutely the solution to the waste management disposal problem in the countryside through thermal fractionation, bio methanation and thermolysis process, an official of the industrial plant said in a statement. A Japanese technology, PEDECO is a P50 million investment for research and development including the construction of facility. It will help province in solid waste disposal specifically plastic bottles. “Under the framework of integrated solid waste management, first the facility can generate electricity to energize surrounding communities for a lower price. Second, its byproduct includes organic materials as fertilizers in agricultural farms,” said Agriculture Secretary William Dar. Dar, who was the guest of honor and speaker during the inauguration of PEDECO situated at Barangay San Pablo in this farming town of Pampanga, said other organic garbage once processed will be decomposed for use of farmers. “Organic waste once processed will be used as fertilizers,” Dar told reporters on the sideline of the PEDECO ceremonial ribbon cutting. PEDECO president Bernardo Perrobias said this kind of technology is the first in Central Luzon in terms of solid waste disposal. While he acknowledged the threat of solid waste and sanitary landfill to the environment, Perrobias said the industrial plant initially accepting non-hazardous wastes but it will eventually accept medical and hazardous materials. “PEDECO is committed to provide renewable energy. Garbage collected will be converted into energy,” said Perrobias. He said PEDECO will be negotiating with other LGUs in Central Luzon in establishing similar facility in solving their mounting garbage problem. In City of San Fernando alone over 120 tons of domestic garbage are being collected and transported to sanitary landfill at the Metro Clark Waste Management in Sitio Kalangitan, Bgy Cutcut ll, Capas, Tarlac.

Globe, Pasig deliver hi-speed KonekTayo WiFi STEADFAST in its mission to lead the country’s digital transformation by continuously innovating its products and services, Globe and the local government of Pasig City embarked on a new partnership to provide high-speed and affordable internet access through GoWiFi and KonekTayo WiFi.

GLOBE-PASIG PACT. Globe Telecom Chief Executive Officer Ernest L. Cu, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, and Ayala Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala (from left) sign the deal for the KonekTayo Bus WiFi to be soon deployed in select areas in Pasig.

High-quality connectivity is now made accessible to Pasig City residents, helping them become more digitally- empowered, especially as more resources and services shift to digital in the new normal. Formerly known as KapitWiFi, KonekTayo WiFi is a fast and secure community WiFi service that aims to provide households with affordable internet. With KonekTayo WiFi, customers simply need to connect to a KonekTayo WiFi hotspot, purchase a promo and surf all day. Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto said, “We are grateful to Globe for initiating this partnership, which will surely be of great help to our constituents. This project complements our current efforts to

advance digital equity in the city as we continue to assist our students in online learning, workers in remote working, small businesses in continuing to adapt and families in their daily lives.” Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO said, “We are honored to partner with the city of Pasig in enabling better and richer digital experiences through access to user-friendly and cost-effective internet connectivity for every Pasigueño. With this partnership, we can better help the communities in Pasig thrive amid the demands and pressures of the pandemic. More importantly, Pasig is now in a better position to become a 21st century city and achieve its digital transformation goals.”

Cagayan gains 40 patrol trucks for local cops, army By Jessica M. Bacud TUGUEGARAO CITY—Some 40 units of brand-new customized Toyota 4X4 pick-up patrol cars will be visible along the major thoroughfares of Cagayan after these were turned over on December 18 to all the police Stations in this province. Cagayan Governor Manuel N. Mamba led the blessing and turnover ceremony of the Police Patrol Vehicles and the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement in the Activation of the CAFGU Active Auxiliaries Unit at Cagayan Sports Complex here.

Mamba said these mobile cars will boost the morale of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to ensure a peaceable locale. “The additional mobility assets will help aid in safeguarding a peaceful and orderly province, Mamba stressed. The recipient municipalities were represented by 26 mayors headed by Sto. Niño Mayor Vicente Pagurayan, the League of Mayors of the Philippines Cagayan Chapter President, and Tuguegarao City Mayor Jefferson Soriano along with Cagayan Provincial Director Police Col. Ariel Quilang and the 29 Chiefs of Police.

Mamba likewise challenged the PNP to serve as good models in the community, saying this will be duplicated among the residents. Also, Mamba dared every mayor in the province, saying there will be no reason for them to involve themselves as protectors in any illegal activities like jueteng, illegal logging, and illegal drugs, noting the big funds they have in their respective towns. Instead, the governor emphasized that these leaders will be better unify themselves in utilizing the coffer of its locale that would best benefit the welfare of its residents.

AID FOR STORM VICTIMS. BDO officers and staff, many of whom were also

stricken by Typhoon Ulysses, extend assistance to their respective communities, gathering beneficiary information and helping BDO Foundation coordinate the relief work.

BDO Foundation delivers help to areas affected by ‘Ulysses’

TRUCK DONATION. With Cagayan Governor Manuel N. Mamba, who blesses the newly donated trucks, are Tuao Vice Mayor William N. Mamba, DILG Regional Director Jonathan Paul Leusen, and 5th Infantry Division Commanding General MGen. Laurence D. Mina, local officials, AFP and PNP personnel. Jessica Bacud

BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank, successfully conducted relief operations for thousands of underserved Filipinos affected by Typhoon Ulysses. In line with its disaster response advocacy, the foundation immediately distributed relief goods to more than 21,000 beneficiary-families in four provinces hit hardest by the typhoon. The relief operations covered Alcala, Amulung, Baggao, Enrile and Tuguegarao in Cagayan; Cabagan, Cauayan, Cordon, Delfin Albano,

Ilagan, Roxas, Santiago, Sta. Maria, Sto. Tomas and Tumauini in Isabela; Solano in Nueva Vizcaya; and Cainta and Montalban in Rizal. The distribution of relief packs containing food, rice and drinking water was made possible by BDO and BDO Network Bank branches in these areas. BDO officers and staff, many of whom were also stricken by Ulysses, extended assistance to their respective communities, gathering beneficiary information and helping BDO Foundation coordinate the relief work.

World

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

HK court upholds ban of face masks at protests THE Hong Kong government’s decision to use a colonial-era emergency law to ban face masks at protests last year was both proportionate and legal, the city’s top court ruled Monday. The ruling is a blow for democracy supporters who had been hoping the Court of Final Appeal would side with a lower court and overturn the order. It also confirms that Hong Kong’s chief executive—a pro-Beijing appointee—has the power to enact any law in a time of public emergency without needing the approval of the city’s partially elected legislature. But its practical consequences were unclear, given that the government has made masks compulsory in public areas to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Hong Kong was convulsed by seven straight months of huge and often violent pro-democracy protests last year. They were eventually quashed by mass arrests, a virus-related ban on public gathManila erings and Beijing imposing a new national Standard security law on the city in June. TODAY Face masks became ubiquitous to reduce the risk of identification and prosecution for those taking part in peaceful marches, or violent clashes with police. In October last year Chief Executive Carrie Lam banned anyone covering their face at public rallies, using the Emergency Regulations Ordinance, a British colonial law from 1922. Opposition lawmakers challenged both the use of that emergency law and the ban on wearing masks at permitted rallies. They argued the move breached Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, the Basic Law. A lower court had agreed with those bringing the challenge and expressed concerns about the emergency law and the proportionality of the mask ban. AFP Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region Branch 5-FC, Mandaluyong City ORLANDO M. UMIPIG, JR., Petitioner, -versusCivil Case No. R-MND-20-00888-CV For: Declaration Nullity of Marriage CINDY YONG FONG LING, Respondent. x---------------------------------------x

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION WHEREAS, as per Order dated October 27, 2020, it was DIRECTED that Summons be issued and be served upon the person of respondent Cindy Yong Fong Ling by publication, in a newspaper of general circulation. WHEREAS, notice of the following is hereby given: That “Petitioner alleges that he and the respondent met sometime in year 2000 while he was a medical staff of a hospital in Singapore. The friendly and sweet respondent was befriended by the Petitioner and the two became intimate. The parties were blessed with two (2) sons. They later stayed in the Philippines after petitioner’s employment contract in Singapore ended. Upon the request of respondent’s parents, the parties got married on November 9, 2002 in Cauayan City, Isabela. A few days after their marriage, respondent and their children returned to Singapore without the petitioner as he was banned from the country. The couple would see each other where the petitioner worked but their relationship was no longer cordial and would involve a lot of fighting and bickering. Not knowing what to do with respondent’s stubbornness and abuse, petitioner turned to alcohol and ended their relationship. He later found out that she was having an affair with a man before their marriage. At present, their common children are in the care of respondent’s parents.” That “Petitioner maintains that his marriage to the respondent is void ab initio as they are both psychologically incapacitated, and he prays that after trial judgment be rendered, to wit: “WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is most respectfully prayed to this Honorable Court that after hearing, judgment be rendered as follows: • That the record of marriage between the Petitioner and the Respondent be declared null and void; • That the Philippine Statistics Authority and the Local Civil Registry Office of the Cauayan City, Isabela be directed and to record the Decision for the nullity of the marriage of the petitioner and respondent. Xxx Other relief and remedies just and equitable under the premises are likewise prayed for.” WHEREFORE, Respondent Cindy Yong Fong Ling is hereby DIRECTED, within thirty (30) days from the last issue of the publication of the Summons, to file with this Court and serve on the petitioner and his counsel, her answer to the Petition, which must be verified by herself and not by counsel or attorney-in-fact.” She is reminded of the provision in IBP-OCA Memorandum on Policy Guidelines dated March 12, 2002 to observe restraint in filing a motion to dismiss and instead allege the grounds thereof as defenses in the answer. If she fails to answer within the time fixed, the Court shall order the prosecuting attorney to investigate whether or not collusion between the parties exists and, if there is no collusion, to intervene for the State in order to see to it that the evidence submitted is not fabricated. October 27, 2020, Mandaluyong City. (Sgd.) ATTY. ALAIN KRIS C. CONCEPCION Branch Clerk of Court (MStandard - Dec. 15 & 22, 2020)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 106, QUEZONCITY JENNIFER M. CARBONELL, Petitioner, -versus-

Civil Case No. R-QZN-18-13399 CV For: Declaration of Nullity of Marriage

NOEL F. CARBONELL, Respondent. x------------------------------------------x

ORDER OF SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION In a verified Petition for Declaration of Nullity of Marriage filed on October 16, 2018, petitioner prays that, after due hearing, her marriage to the respondent which was solemnized on October 20, 2006, by Hon. Rogelio M. Pizarro, Judge, Regional Trial Court, Quezon City be declared NULL AND VOID, AB INITIO, for being a Bigamous Marriage. Summons was issued on November 23, 2018. The Sheriff’s Return dated May 14, 2019 states that as per information of Ms. Salvacion L. Marquez, respondent’s aunt, the respondent is already in Dubai for almost five (5) years now but visits the Philippines from time to time. On February 18, 2020, petitioner filed a “Motion for Leave of Court to Serve Summons by Publication.” On March 2, 2020, the court issued an Order granting the issuance of an Order of Summons by Publication. NOW THEREFORE, respondent NOEL F. CARBONELL, whose last known address is at #5D Peso Street, Jem 10 Subdivision, Barangay Tandang Sora, Quezon City, is hereby summoned and required to file with the Regional Trial Court, Branch 106, Quezon City, National Capital Judicial Region, Bulwagan ng Katarungan, Quezon City, his answer to the Petition in the instant case within THIRTY (30) DAYS from the last date of publication of this summons in the event of failure to do so, this court shall direct the Public Prosecutor to conduct an investigation to determine whether or not collusion exists between the parties in the filing of the instant petition; and if it is determined that there is no such collusion, the petitioner shall be allowed to present her evidence in support of the petition. Let this Order be published once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in the “The Manila Standard”, a newspaper of general circulation, pursuant to P.D. No. 1079, at the expense of the petitioner. Likewise, let a copy of the summons as well as a copy of the petition be deposited in the Post Office, postage pre-paid and sent by registered mail to the respondent at his last known address also at the expense of the petitioner. Petitioner is enjoined to submit to this court proof of compliance herewith. SO ORDERED. Quezon City, July 20, 2020. (Sgd.) CLETO R. VILLACORTA III Acting Presiding Judge

CRV/trc Cc: OSG,Atty. Calugay, Petitioner, Respondent.

(MStandard - Dec. 15, & 22, 2020)

Flight arrivals from UK banned C

OUNTRIES worldwide banned arrivals from the UK on Sunday over a new highly infectious coronavirus strain Britain said was “out of control,” as the WHO called for stronger containment measures.

But there was positive news across the Atlantic where US lawmakers reached a deal for a nearly $900 billion Covid-19 financial package to help struggling Americans. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was to chair the COBR emergencies committee on Monday, his office said, after a slew of nations from Turkey to Canada blocked arrivals from Britain by air. CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Crucial transit country France moved to block people and goods crossing the Channel, while the Netherlands said passengers arriving by ferry would be deFRONTLINERS. Medical workers of the COVID-19 intensive care unit at the Santo Stefano hospital in Prato, near Florence, nied entry. Tuscany, pose wearing their PPE (personal protective equipment) with photos of themselves printed on it, on December 17, 2020 at The emergency committee would the hospital in Prato. Doctors and nurses in the ICU of Santo Stefano hospital wear protective gear with their real face pictured on it “discuss the situation regarding interto be recognized by patients and reassure them. AFP national travel, in particular the steady flow of freight into and out of the UK,” a spokesman said. The ban on all but unaccompanied freight crossing to France comes as companies scramble to shift merchanA GERMAN court is to hand down its defendant Stephan Balliet, 28, has de- basis of a “racist, xenophobic and antidise with days to go until Britain finally verdict Monday on a deadly far-right nied the Holocaust in open court—a Semitic ideology” to carry out an atquits European Union trade structures in attack in Halle last year that nearly be- crime in Germany—and expressed tack against not only those he killed but the wake of Brexit. came the country’s worst anti-Semitic no remorse to those targeted, many of “Jewish life in Germany as a whole”. Late Sunday, Britain’s critical south atrocity since World War II. whom are co-plaintiffs in the case. The events that unfolded were like a coast port at Dover said it was closing to A bolted door at the eastern city’s “The attack on the synagogue in Halle “nightmare”, he added. all accompanied freight and passengers synagogue with 52 worshippers inside was one of the most repulsive anti-Se“At the end of this nightmare, the perdue to the French border restrictions marking Yom Kippur, the holiest day mitic acts since World War II,” pros- petrator murdered two people and injured “until further notice”. of the Jewish year, was the only thing ecutor Kai Lohse told the court in the and traumatized numerous others.” Alarm bells were ringing across Euthat prevented a heavily armed assailant nearby eastern city of Magdeburg as the During the trial, Balliet insisted that rope—which last week became the first from carrying out a planned bloodbath, trial wrapped up. “attacking the synagogue was not a misregion in the world to pass 500,000 prosecutors say. The prosecution has demanded life in take, they are my enemies”. deaths from Covid-19 since the panAfter failing to storm the temple on prison for Balliet. His defense team has Dressed in military garb, he filmed the demic broke out a year ago—as the October 9, 2019, the attacker shot dead asked presiding judge Ursula Mertens attack and broadcast it on the internet, new, even more infectious strain of the a female passer-by and a man at a kebab only for a “fair sentence”. prefacing it with a manifesto espousvirus appeared to be raging in parts of shop instead. ‘They are my enemies’ ing his misogynist, neo-fascist ideology. Britain. AFP During his five-month trial, far-right Lohse said Balliet had acted on the AFP

German court hands verdict vs. anti-Semitic attack

S. Korea records highest daily infection SOUTH Korea banned gatherings of more than four people in the capital and surrounding areas Monday as the country recorded its highest daily coronavirus death toll since the epidemic began. While South Korea has suffered relatively lightly compared to other nations, officials said a surge in infections had left hospitals in the capital region with a chronic shortage of intensive care beds. The country reported 926 new coronavirus cases Monday, and the death toll was now at 698 after 24 people died in the past 24 hours -- a record high since the emergence of the epidemic. South Korea had previously been held up as a model of how to combat the virus, with the public largely following social distancing and other rules. But a resurgence centered on the capital and surrounding areas has seen daily cases climb to over 1,000 several times in the past week, and acting mayor Seo Jung-hyup said there were only four empty beds left in intensive care units in Seoul. At least two Seoul residents died of the disease while waiting to be hospitalized this month, according to city authorities. Starting from Wednesday, Seoul and surrounding regions—home to half the country’s 52 million people—will ban most gatherings of five people or more for about two weeks, officials said. The order applies to both indoors and outdoors, Seo said, adding the situation requires “extreme selfcontrol, sacrifice, and patience”. “If we do not tackle the explosive number of cases, what New York and London had to endure—empty streets and city lockdowns—can also happen in Seoul,” he said. AFP

END OF ORDEAL. Parents of abducted schoolboys wait outside a camp to receive their children upon their release in Katsina, Nigeria, on December 18, 2020. Exhausted and dishevelled, several hundred Nigerian schoolboys seized in a mass abduction claimed by Boko Haram experienced their first full day of freedom on December 18, 2020 after a nearly week-long ordeal. AFP

Between Brexit and virus, UK is breaking up Women are frontliners THE United Kingdom has endured in one form or another for hundreds of years but between Brexit and the coronavirus, the country is creaking and some suggest it may be on the verge of breaking up entirely. England, Scotland and Wales have been joined since 1707 with Northern Ireland added in 192—four parts of a single country—but since the late 1990s each has won more devolved powers, including over healthcare. That ability to steer the most important policies in a time of emergency has seen frequent fallouts with the UK’s central government this year over strategies to tackle the coronavirus outbreak. Britain’s departure from the European Union has largely remained on the back

burner during the global pandemic. But if Brexit goes badly, it could give a boost to the governments in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast—and stoke calls for greater powers. Scottish nationalists point out that they never wanted to leave the EU in the first place and might now try again to become an independent state and rejoin the bloc. “The pandemic is not going to help,” John Springford, deputy director of the Centre for European Reform think-tank, told AFP. “So, with Brexit running into the mix, and a Conservative government that’s very unpopular north of the border, I think the support for independence is likely to rise.” AFP

Lonely Christmas in Santa’s land as tourists stay away INTERNATIONAL visitors normally flood the Santa Claus Village amusement park, in search of reindeer rides, snow castles and a meeting with the jolly man himself. Under the pandemic travel restrictions, however, crowds in the Lapland town of Rovaniemi have dwindled to just a trickle and the joyful winter wonderland feels ghostly and abandoned. “It’s been an exceptional and difficult

year,” Santa tells AFP from behind a plexiglass screen installed in his grotto, adding that his visitors have appreciated being able to forget a tough year and enjoy the Christmas cheer. Those who can’t make it to Lapland can still purchase a remote one-on-one with Santa, at 79 euros ($97) for five minutes, and the service has proven popular. “People this year have most of all

asked me for happiness, health and then a bit more happiness,” although the children still want toys and games, he says. “Santa actually had time to chat!” Andrea Karjalainen, on a short break to Rovaniemi from southern Finland with her family, tells AFP. “You would expect that there are thousands of people now, but we’re more or less alone,” adds Teppo, her partner. AFP

in Thailand protests

DENOUNCING sexual violence, demanding abortion reform and destigmatising sex work—once-taboo issues are finding public expression in Thailand as women take up leadership roles in a youth-led pro-democracy movement. On the protest frontlines, they are urging for gender equality in a kingdom where workplaces and politics are still dominated by men. AFP met three of them. On the night police tried to stop protesters from marching to the Thai parliament, activist Chonticha Jangrew remembers rallying them to push past the barricades. “We cut the barbed wire, we approach the parliament as close as we can. We won’t back down,” she recounts herself saying during the November rally. Moments later, police fired tear gas and water cannon at the marchers -- a turning point for a movement that has brought thousands onto the streets since July. Chonticha, 27, is a familiar face at demonstrations and is often the only one trusted to negotiate with police, but her visibility has also led to a spate of criminal charges—including sedition. She said she received death threats and “sexual insults” from ultra-royalists who oppose the protest movement but insisted the struggle must continue. AFP

Business PSEi December 21, 2020

CLOSED ROADS.

A sign on the M56 motorway informs drivers that all routes into France are closed at the junction with the M6 at Lower Stretton near Warrington, northwest England, on December 21, 2020. The British prime minister was to chair a crisis meeting on December 21 as a growing number of countries blocked flights from Britain over a new highly infectious coronavirus strain the UK said was “out of control.” Crucial transit country France moved to block people and goods crossing the Channel, while the Netherlands said passengers arriving by ferry would be denied entry. AFP

TOP GAINERS 1 2

MG DAVIN

LAST PRICE 0.255 5.6

% CHANGE CHANGE 0.031 13.84% 0.55 10.89%

0.011

0.001

10.00%

4 5 6

ACEN APL AR

7.15 0.097 0.0029

0.55 0.007 0.0002

8.33% 7.78% 7.41%

VVT

0.98

6.99%

8 9 10

MB WLCON MM

0.48 17.98 6.2

0.03 1.02 0.35

6.67% 6.01% 5.98%

TOP LOSERS 1 2

CIP TECB2

LAST PRICE 125.2 0.73

% CHANGE CHANGE -29.8 -19.23% -0.07 -8.75%

MAB

0.011

-0.001

-8.33%

4 5 6

OV OPMB IPM

0.011 0.013 5.51

-0.001 -0.001 -0.39

-8.33% -7.14% -6.61%

7 8 9 10

KEP OM PRMX FJP

3.46 0.395 1.59 3.41

-0.23 -0.025 -0.09 -0.19

-6.23% -5.95% -5.36% -5.28%

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

DITO BDO ACEN GTCAP MM SMPH ALI MBT MRC URC

VOLUME 79158200 4324610 52907800 594610 58785100 8128700 6142900 4323200 309257000 1193280

VALUE (PHP) 653480378 475667324 367708689 363951360 358781349 309070545 254606595 215133550 195556020 187178391

Stock market slips; URC, GT Capital lead decliners S HARE prices fell on profit-taking, weighed down by surging global virus cases and the imposition of a strict lockdown in England.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index dropped 47.91 points, or 0.7 percent, to 7,224.89 on a value turnover of P8.5 billion. Losers beat gainers, 144 to 83, with 42 issues unchanged. GT Capital Holdings Inc. of the Ty Group slumped 4.2 percent to P609.50, while Universal Robina Corp., the biggest snack food maker, declined 3.4 percent to P155.50. AC Energy Philippines Inc., a unit of conglomerate Ayala Corp., surged 8.3 percent to P7.15, while Dito CME Holdings Corp., the third major mobile phone company, rose 5.3 percent to P8.35. The rest of Asian markets were mixed Monday as news of a US stimulus agree-

ment was offset by surging virus cases, while the pound sank by fears over stuttering Brexit talks. Oil prices also tumbled as the new containment measures hammered expectations for travel over the Christmas period, with the discovery of a mutated and more infectious strain of the coronavirus in Britain also leading several governments to ban flights from the country. Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sydney, Mumbai, Bangkok and Wellington were all in the red, though Shanghai, Seoul, Taipei and Singapore rose. “Markets have adopted a light-at-theend-of-the-tunnel approach since Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines burst onto the stage,” said OANDA’s Jeffrey Halley. “However, the weekend’s events have delivered an unceremonious Monday morning wake-up call that negotiating the first quarter of 2021 could be a torturous affair.” After months of painful, combative talks, US lawmakers on Sunday finally

announced they had reached a deal for a new economic rescue package worth nearly $900 billion. The bill includes aid for vaccine distribution and logistics, extra jobless benefits of $300 per week, and a new round of $600 stimulus checks. “We’ve agreed to a package of nearly $900 billion. It is packed with targeted policies to help struggling Americans who have already waited too long,” Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement. Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the party’s top senator Chuck Schumer added that the deal “delivers urgently needed funds to save the lives and livelihoods of the American people as the virus accelerates.” While expected, the deal’s announcement will come as a relief to markets, which have been desperate for Washington to give the world’s top economy a muchneeded shot in the arm as it struggles with the impact of COVID-19. With AFP Workers gather olives at an olive grove in village Aghios Andreas, about 300 kilometers from Athens, on December 16, 2020. Travel restrictions imposed to limit the spread of the virus have severely affected the movement of farm workers, many of whom are immigrants. The closure of the border with Albania and the obligation to obtain a certificate are causing a shortage of labor in a sector which relies mainly on seasonal workers. AFP

Singapore gets stimulus from big global drug order SINGAPORE―Scientists in protective clothing work in a high-tech laboratory at a pharmaceutical plant in Singapore, whose coronavirus-hit economy has received a shot in the arm from robust global drug demand. The city-state is on course for its worst ever recession this year but factory activity has held up, thanks partly to countries rushing to stockpile medicines during the pandemic. The nation just half the size of Los Angeles has become a center for drug makers and is home to more than 50 factories, owned by big players including Pfizer, Roche, GlaxoSmithKline and Takeda. Singapore’s drug sector “plays an important role in the global pharmaceutical industry supply chain,” Rajiv Biswas, Asia Pacific chief economist at consultancy IHS Markit, told AFP. And in 2020, “governments and private-sector firms have been building up inventories of critical drugs as a result of the severe supply chain disruptions in many countries during the pandemic,” he added. Data highlights the benefits for the trading hub―biomedical manufacturing, which covers pharmaceuticals, has grown strongly, with output expanding 90 percent on-year in September alone. Exports also defied expectations of a collapse and posted growth most of the year, helped by drug shipments, although they slipped back in October and November. While much attention has focused on vaccine development, strong demand for medicines to treat illnesses ranging from asthma to epilepsy has underpinned the continued good fortunes of the pharmaceutical giants in the city, industry players and analysts say. It is a much-needed boost after Singapore’s economy shrank more than 13 percent in the second quarter when the country introduced tough virus curbs. With borders largely closed, the key tourism sector has been particularly hard-hit with arrivals falling to just 13,400 in October from 1.7 million in January.AFP

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Labor shortage makes Greek olive harvest a family affair By Alexandros Kottis KALAMATA, Greece―Nestled amid ancient ruins overrun by vegetation, Nikos Argirakis’ estate in Greece’s main olive growing region usually has dozens of foreign workers toiling around his 1,000 olive trees. This year, the 40-year-old had to ask his sister and elderly mother to lend a hand because of labor shortages brought about by Greece’s coronavirus restrictions. “It’s how our grandparents used to do it,” he muses. “The harvest was always a family affair.” Greece last month closed its border with Albania, the main source of its seasonal agricultural labor. Fortunately, Argirakis found an Albanian couple and two Bangladeshi men who were in the country before the new restrictions were imposed. Argirakis’ one-hectare (2.5-acre) estate is in the Peloponnese peninsula near the city of Kalamata. Usually completed at the end of November, the harvest will now drag on until the end of December says Argirakis, who moonlights as a waiter in a Kalamata cafe. Olives are stripped by hand, falling into nets beneath the trees. It is an arduous task few Greeks sign up for. ‘What if we are infected?’ In the nearby village of Messini, Panayiotis Outsikas also has to rely on his family to help him bring in the harvest. “There are no workers, we will have to harvest ourselves,” laments the shepherd, surrounded by his sheep. “Many estates are family owned and the population is old, it is difficult to harvest the olives and the harvest time is likely to triple,” says Ioannis Andriopoulos, who works at a local agricultural cooperative. He also notes that in the midst of a pandemic that has claimed over 4,000 lives in Greece, many seasonal workers― who are often undeclared and fear deportation―steer clear of COVID-19 tests.

“It’s hard to trust undocumented workers. They haven’t been tested for fear of being arrested, but what if you’re infected?” the 50-year-old wonders. Up to half of the seasonal agricultural workers are illegally in the country, according to industry insiders. Greece’s ‘green gold’ As far as the eye can see, thousands of olive trees stretch to the sea in the Peloponnese’s Messinia peninsula. Olive oil, also called Greece’s “green gold,” fetched 790 million euros ($957 million) in 2019, according to data from EU agency Eurostat. But because of the lockdown, a fall to around 650 million euros ($796 million) is expected this year. With a production of 275,000 tons last year, Greece is the world’s fourth largest olive oil producer behind Spain, Italy and Tunisia. Around 60 percent of its output is exported, mainly to Italy. Giannis Pazios, the local cooperative’s general secretary, says the closure of restaurants nationwide earlier this year, and again from November 7 onwards, has dealt a blow to demand for olive oil, a staple cooking ingredient in Greek cuisine. “We can’t sell to restaurants or grocery stores, and exports will slow down this year,” says Dimitris Karoumpalis, who owns an olive press. “We have some room for maneuver but we must succeed in turning to new markets, such as Russia,” he adds. The sector counts some 600,000 small-scale producers, who are fragmented and poorly organized. Many producers prefer quick cash to a longer-term strategy requiring marketing and promotion costs. “The olive oil culture in Greece is more of a family tradition, an amateur practice rather than an economic activity,” says Vassilis Zambounis, a publisher, website operator and co-author of a 700-page tome on olive oil. AFP

US lawmakers reach deal on nearly $900-b virus package WASHINGTON—US lawmakers agreed on a nearly $900 billion COVID-19 relief package for millions of Americans on Sunday, in a deal that follows months of wrangling and comes as the nation battles the world’s largest coronavirus outbreak. The package includes aid for vaccine distribution and logistics, extra jobless benefits of $300 per week, and a new round of $600 stimulus checks—half the amount provided in checks distributed in March under the CARES Act. Months of partisan debate and finger-pointing, as well as last-minute negotiations, culminated in a deal lawmakers said they hoped to formally approve on Monday. Talks had taken place amid a highly contentious campaign for the US presidency and Donald Trump’s subsequent refusal to concede defeat to Democrat Joe Biden. “We’ve agreed to a package of nearly $900 billion. It is packed with targeted policies to help struggling Americans who have already waited too long,” Republican Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement. Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer confirmed an agreement had been reached with Republicans and the White House on a deal that “delivers urgently needed funds to save the lives and livelihoods of the American people as the virus accelerates.” The agreement also contains $25 billion in housing aid to prevent evictions and nearly $100 billion to help schools and childcare facilities re-open, a statement from Pelosi and Schumer said. Congress was working under a deadline of midnight Sunday, needing to reach consensus to avoid a government shutdown. Number two House Democrat Steny Hoyer said he expected the deal to pass on Monday and then head to the Senate. AFP

Fisheries dispute threatens to sink Brexit trade deal BRUSSELS―The scramble for a post-Brexit trade deal headed into a new week Sunday after talks were overshadowed by the coronavirus crisis and broke up with no breakthrough on fishing rights. As Belgium, France and many of their EU neighbors closed rail and air links to Britain, which had warned it has discovered a new strain of the virus, debate dragged on in Brussels. After EU negotiator and Michel Barnier and his UK counterpart David Frost met at EU headquarters, the former French minister tweeted: “In this crucial moment for the negotiations, we continue to work hard. “The EU remains committed to a fair, reciprocal and balanced agreement. We respect the sovereignty of the UK. And we expect the same,” he said. And Barnier stressed that, while both sides would control their own laws and waters, “we should both be able to act when our interests are at stake”―a reference to a mechanism that must be agreed to ensure future fair competition. A senior UK government source said the talks were expected to continue on Monday but “remain difficult and significant differences remain. “We continue to explore every route to a deal that is in line with the fundamental principles we brought into the negotiations,” he said. Time is running out for a trade deal, with Britain due to leave the EU single market in 11 days, but both sides of the intense negotiations in Brussels now expect the talks to run on for three or four days until Christmas. Without a deal, Britain’s participation in the European project ends at midnight on December 31 (11 p.m. UK time) with a new tariff barrier to sharpen the shock of unravelling a half-century of partnership. A European diplomat told AFP that Brussels had made its best offer and it was down to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson―distracted by the worsening coronavirus crisis at home―to decide whether he wants a deal.AFP

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

IN BRIEF RCBC sees signs of market recovery

RIZAL Commercial Banking Corp., a member of the Yuchengco Group of Companies, said it sees encouraging developments for investments in the offshore markets on the back of strong signs of economic recovery. RCBC Trust and Investments Group head Robert Ramos said in a statement the positive growth of different countries signaled a positive recovery amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “With the recent announcement of Pfizer and BioNtech’s more than 90-percent effective vaccine testing, the market is now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. We also saw quarter-on-quarter improvement in terms of GDP on a per country basis globally,” Ramos said. He said while there were still challenges in terms of offshore investments as the direct and indirect impact of the pandemic varies per region or country, corporates should grab opportunities to convert their investments to income. Ramos said that before investing funds in offshore markets, factors such as risk assessment on the financial instrument should be initiated and analyzed. Julito G. Rada

Aboitiz Power eyes P30-b bond offering

Business

Megawide appeals MIAA order on airport proposal By Darwin G. Amojelar

EGAWIDE Construction Corp. on Monday appealed with the board of Manila International Airport Authority to reverse an order that revoked the company’s original proponent status in the P109-billion rehabilitation project of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“We respectfully move for reconsideration of the MIAA board of directors’ resolution to revoke said OPS for the unsolicited proposal for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Comprehensive Capacity Enhancement Project, and pray for the reinstatement of such OPS,” Manuel Louie Ferrer, authorized representative of Megawide GMR Consortium, said in a four-page letter to MIAA. “We respectfully state that we submitted all the necessary docu-

ments to prove our financial capability to MIAA and DOTr [Department of Transportation] weeks before the MIAA board decided to revoke our OPS,” Ferrer said. Ferrer said Megawide submitted support documents proving its financial capability on Nov. 20 and Dec. 1, 2020. He said in the letter that the NAIA project would be financed through a combination of 70-percent debt amounting to P76.1 billion and 30-percent equity amounting to P32.6 billion.

ABOITIZ Power Corp. said Monday it filed the registration statement for its proposed P30-billion fixed-rate retail bonds with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Aboitiz Power said the bonds would be under the shelf-registration program of the SEC. It said the first tranche of the bonds― with a base issue size of up to P4 billion and an oversubscription option for another P4 billion―is expected to be offered to the general public during the first quarter next year. “Aboitiz Power expects to issue subsequent tranches of the bonds under this shelf registration statement, as the need arises and as market conditions permit,” the company said. Philippine Ratings Services Corp. assigned an issue credit rating of “PRS Aaa” with stable outlook for the first tranche bonds. Aboitiz Power intends to use the proceeds from the first tranche bonds for refinancing and/or for other general corporate purposes. Alena Mae S. Flores

SMC waives P138-m toll for front liners

SAN Miguel Corp. said Monday it waived P138 million worth of toll for medical frontliners using its expressways as of Dec. 20. SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said the program, which continued non-stop since March, when the country was first placed under lockdown, remained in place because it is the company’s way of honoring and showing gratitude for front liners. “It has been nine months since we started this program. And while our situation these days may be a little different since we have less restrictions, make no mistake: We are still in a pandemic, and our medical practitioners have not stopped fighting. They are still battling COVID-19 and sacrificing so much to save lives. That is why we have also not stopped showing our appreciation for them” Ang said. “This privilege will still extend indefinitely. This year has been quite difficult for our country, and for all of us Filipinos. Through it all, our front liners have worked tirelessly and selflessly to save lives and help contain this virus. This Christmas season especially, let us be reminded that they are a gift and a blessing to all of us,” he said. Darwin G. Amojelar

JTI CENTER IN TAGUIG. Japan Tobacco International, a leading global tobacco company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, inaugurates the office of its Manila Global Business Service Center. The office occupies one and a half floors of West Campus, 20 Le Grand Avenue, McKinley West, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. JTI’s Manila GBS Center is the company’s third of its kind globally, with the other two located in Warsaw, Poland and St. Petersburg, Russia.

PAL increases domestic flights as tourist routes reopen By Darwin G. Amojelar PHILIPPINE Airlines said Monday it ramped up domestic flights on various routes in line with network restoration plan and in time for the holiday season. The expanded line-up of flights is the flag carrier’s biggest ramp-up of domestic commercial operations this year―a 103-percent increase in PAL flights compared to November 2020 levels as the local travel industry continued to bounce back gradually with the calibrated easing of travel requirements, re-opening of tourist routes and enhanced health and safety protocols. PAL doubled services on the prime trunk route between Manila and Cebu, from 14 to 28 round trip flights weekly

since Dec. 1. Flights between Manila and Cagayan de Oro increased to three times daily, while flights between Manila and Tacloban were doubled to two times a day. The flag carrier launched or resumed services to Antique, Catarman and popular tourist destinations Coron (Busuanga), Siargao and Boracay. PAL operates up to two flights daily to Boracay’s Caticlan Airport from Manila. PAL’s Cebu hub continues to expand with flights to Clark, Puerto Princesa, Legazpi, Bacolod, General Santos and Siargao. PAL is also operating regularly from Davao to Zamboanga and vice versa. PAL revived its service to Tagbilaran (Panglao airport) in November after the reopening of Bohol province to domestic

SEC agrees to give real estate sector time to comply with accounting rules By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Securities and Exchange Commission said Monday it deferred the implementation of certain accounting rules until 2023 to allow the real estate industry more time to assess impact of these issues amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It issued SEC Memorandum Circular No. 34 on Dec. 15 to defer the application of Philippine Interpretation Committee Question and Answer No. 2018-12 with respect to the accounting for significant financing component and the exclusion of land in the calculation of the percentage of completion. The real estate industry will also have three more years to comply with the International Financial Reporting Standards Interpretations Committee’s Agenda Decision on over time transfers of constructed goods under Philippine Accounting Standards 23-Borrowing Cost. “The real estate industry has suffered from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as other sectors,” SEC Chairperson Emilio Aquino said. “With the deferral of the accounting rules, the real estate industry will have enough time to further evaluate and

“The debt portion equivalent to P76.1 billion is covered by a financing facility amounting to P76.7 billion [submitted on Sept. 1, 2020],” Ferrer said. He said that Megawide’s share in the equity requirement equivalent to P19,575,138,130.74 would be fulfilled by a combination of net worth amounting to P17,998,512,696.00 and set-aside deposit of P1,576,625,434.74. GMR’s audited financial statement for the period covering April 2019 to March 2020 showed it had net worth of P78.6 billion which was more than sufficient to meet its P13.1-billion equity requirement share. “Since these documents were submitted before the MIAA decision was made, the decision naturally was based on an incomplete set of facts/documents. As a result, the decision should be reconsidered in light of new and material information addressing the very issue raised prompting MIAA’s decision,” Ferrer said.

resolve the remaining implementation issues,” he said. Real estate companies may still opt to comply in full with the requirements of PIC Q&A 2018-12 and IFRIC Agenda Decision beginning Jan. 1, 2021. Those opting for the deferral will have to disclose in the Notes to the Financial Statements the accounting policies applied, a discussion of the deferral of the subject implementation issues and a qualitative discussion of the impact in the financial statement had the concerned application guidelines been adopted. The regulatory reliefs are not considered in accordance with the Philippine Financial Reporting Standards. As such, real estate companies who adopt and record them for financial reporting purposes should specify in the “Basis of Preparation of the Financial Statements” section of their financial statements that they were prepared in accordance with PFRS, as modified by the application of the above financial reporting reliefs. The external auditor should also state in the opinion paragraph that the financial statements were prepared in accordance with the compliance framework described in the notes to the financial statements.

tourism. The airline is increasing flight frequencies on most domestic routes, including those from Manila to Laoag, Legazpi, Puerto Princesa, Kalibo, Cotabato, Butuan, Ozamiz and Pagadian; and likewise between Cebu and both Davao and Butuan. “We are mobilizing more aircraft and hiking flights throughout our network to further help boost the recovery of the economy, including the tourism sector which is a major provider of jobs and business. At the same time, we are here to help our fellow Filipinos come home to be reunited with their families this Christmas and fly them back to their residences and work sites abroad,” said Harry Inoferio, PAL senior assistant vice president for Philippine sales.

PSE INDEX

Monday, December 21, 2020

-47.91 PTS. 7,224.89

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

33,484,253,579 161,930 8,488,171,039.24 83 144 42

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.0560

Japan

Yen

0.009659

0.4642

Pound

1.340600

64.4239

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129001

6.1993

Switzerland

Franc

1.130327

54.3190

Canada

Dollar

0.781677

37.5643

Singapore

Dollar

0.752389

36.1568

Australia

Dollar

0.758500

36.4505

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655126

127.5947

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266574

12.8105

Brunei

Dollar

0.749569

36.0213

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000071

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.033568

1.6131

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.0843

Euro

1.222400

58.7437

Korea

Won

0.000910

0.0437

China

Yuan

0.152940

7.3497

India

Rupee

0.013592

0.6532

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.247647

11.9009

New Zealand

Dollar

0.711400

34.1870

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035505

1.7062 Source: BSP

Basic Energy signs deal to buy 67% of real estate company M2DC By Alena Mae S. Flores LISTED Basic Energy Corp. said Monday it signed an agreement with MAP 2000 Development Corp. to acquire at least 67 percent of the outstanding capital stock of the company. Basic Energy said the acquisition would be subject to compliance by the company with the conditions precedent and other representations, warranties and undertakings as stipulated in the agreement. “The shares to be acquired by M2DC will be 9,827,990,853 primary shares to be subscribed and issued out of the increase in the authorized capital stock of the company from P2.5 Billion to P5 Billion, upon approval thereof by Securities and Exchange Commission,” Basic Energy said. M2DC is a company engaged in real estate acquisition, development and management and in investing in real properties and acquiring shares of stocks of viable corporations to exercise rights of a shareholder. It said the capital increase was approved by the company’s stockholders at the annual stockholders’ meeting held last Oct. 23. Basic Energy was originally incorporated as Basic Enterprises Inc. on Sept. 19, 1968 and became an oil and gas exploration and development company on April 26, 1971. It assumed a new name, Basic Petroleum and Minerals Inc. in 1972. Over the years, the company evolved from an operating company to a holding company under the corporate name, Basic Consolidated Inc. In 2007, in line with the inclusion among its primary purposes the production of ethanol and other biofuels and the development of other alternative and renewable energy sources, the company changed its corporate name to Basic Energy. As a holding company, Basic Energy fully owns the following subsidiaries: Basic Diversified Industrial Holdings Inc., an investment holding company; iBasic Inc., an information technology management company and service integrator; Basic Biofuels Corp., a biofuel developer; Basic Renewables, which is a renewable energy firm; Basic Geothermal Energy Corp., engaged on geothermal energy development; and Grandway Group Ltd., a Hong Kong based unit in charge of equity investments abroad.

WORLD-CLASS. Kribi Multipurpose Terminal, the Cameroonian subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Inc., implements the LogstarTerminal Operating System as part of the company’s efforts to deliver world-class service at the Port of Kribi. A major step in developing the port’s infrastructure and superstructure, this cloud-based TOS solution will facilitate efficiency. KMT is a purpose built deep water general cargo facility catering to ro-ro project and heavy lift cargo, oil and gas industry, forestry and steel products, dry bulk and other general cargo.

Umbrella group formed to promote harm reduction in PH public health GROUPS advocating awareness and acceptance of harm reduction by society come together under an umbrella organization to promote the adoption of harm reduction strategies by the Philippine government. Harm reduction is a public health strategy that was developed initially for adults with substance abuse problems for whom abstinence was not feasible. These include using a nicotine patch instead of smoking, consuming water while

drinking alcohol, using substances in a safe environment with someone they trust and needle exchange programs for people who inject drugs. “It refers to a range of practical strategies aimed at lessening the negative social and physical consequences associated with particularly risky human behaviors,” said Prof. Ron Christian Sison, lead convenor of the Harm Reduction Alliance of the Philippines―a national peer-run advocacy and capacity-building association

that aims to promote harm reduction as part of the country’s public health policy for the benefit of every individual’s right to well-being. Harm reduction, however, doesn’t just apply to the use of substances. “We engage in harm reduction in our everyday lives to minimize a risk, such as wearing a helmet when riding a bike, fastening our seatbelt when riding a vehicle, and using a condom when having sex, among others,” Sison said.

Sports

Tiger, son finish 5 behind Thomases MIAMI—Charlie Woods stole the show alongside 15-time major winning father Tiger at the PNC Championship as Justin Thomas and his father, Mike, walked away with the trophy in the family event on Sunday. But trophy or not, Woods said the outing with his 11-year-old son was something he’d never forget. “I don’t think words can describe it,” Woods said. “Just the fact that we were able to have this experience together, Charlie and I, it’s memories for our entire lives.” Team Woods, both clad in Tiger’s signature Sunday red and black, finished seventh in the 20-team field of major champions playing alongside a family member in a two-day event at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida. Charlie, the youngest competitor in the tournament’s history, displayed a sweet swing that was strikingly like his famous father’s. The similarities didn’t end there. When he rolled in a birdie putt at the 10th in their 10-under 62 on Sunday, Charlie gave a swinging fist-pump that was all Woods. “He’s not going to appreciate this at 11 years old,” Woods said. “I didn’t when I was with my dad. As the years go by, you start appreciating it more.” Justin Thomas, whose 13 PGA Tour titles include a PGA Championship, said winning alongside his father might not have been his most important victory bit it was “100 percent the most enjoyable.” Team Thomas raced to the lead with birdies at the first seven holes—and eight of the first nine. Mike Thomas drained a birdie putt at 18 to cap their 15-under 57 in the scramble format for a one-shot victory over Fiji’s Vijay Singh and son Qass. AFP

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

Former MVP Durant ready to ride, at last, with Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the preseason game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 18, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. AFP

EW YORK—Kevin Durant says the quality of his Brooklyn Nets teammates promises him a “smooth ride” in his return from an 18-month NBA absence in the wake of a devastating torn Achilles tendon.

The return of one of the NBA’s most formidable scoring threats, the league Most Valuable Player in 2014 and a two-time NBA Finals MVP with the Golden State Warriors -- has sparked excitement among fans and pundits eager to see Durant at top form and curious as to how he will mesh with star teammate Kyrie Irving. They won’t have to wait long for a first look, with the Nets hosting the Warriors in the first game of the season on Tuesday. Durant insists the clash is no grudge match, calling it “just a regular game.” In this year’s abbreviated pre-season— shortened as the league returns to action barely two months after the Lakers capped the pandemic-disrupted 2019-20 campaign with a 17th championship—Durant has offered tantalizing glimpses of his old form. But the 10-time All-Star said after a 25-point performance in a pre-season victory over the Boston Celtics that he expects to continue to improve. “I was out for 18 months not playing an NBA game, not playing against that physicality, the speed of the game,” Durant said. “So it’s going to take me some time to get my feet up under me, get my legs right. “Having a team like we have, those guys

REIGNING ONE Heavyweight World Champion, Filipino-American superstar Brandon “The Truth” Vera didn’t step foot in the ONE Circle all year. It was a tough 12 months for most everyone in the world, but Vera wants to remind everyone not to look past the positives in what has been an extra difficult year. Vera is currently in Guam with his wife Jessica, spending time with their son, Atreyu Timothy. He’s been out of action, but fully expects to resume his career in 2021. “It has been a crazy, unexpected, wild ride,” said Vera “The only thing that has come together as planned was our son Atreyu getting here this year. I honestly can’t complain being able to spend time with my family, all the way to my extended family. It is definitely a blessing not to be looked past.” Vera was last seen in action in October of 2019, when he suffered a second-round TKO loss to Aung La N Sang after dropping down to light heavyweight to challenge for the title in that division. Shortly after, ONE Championship bolstered its heavyweight ranks with a plethora of new athlete signings, many of whom called “The Truth” out. Vera has since reaffirmed his desire to hold down the fort in his natural weight class, and welcomes all tests coming his way moving forward. “I’m very much looking forward to all

support me every time I step on the floor, try to put me in great positions to be successful, and we’re just playing off of each other,” Durant said. “So if we continue to do that, this will be a smooth ride for me as I get back into the swing of things.” Durant was injured in game five of the 2019 NBA Finals, opted for free agency and signed a four-year deal with the Nets not long after having surgery. He watched the Nets from the bench throughout last season, their fortunes faltering further after a right shoulder injury ruled Irving out for the second half of the season. New Nets coach Steve Nash, a two-time NBA MVP embarking on his first season as a head coach, said he’ll be keeping a close eye on both as the season unfolds. “There’s been such a layoff for both of them,” Nash said during training camp. “In particular, Kevin coming off one of the toughest injuries to deal with as a basketball player. “We have to be careful with him and his adaptation process back into the game.” But Durant, 32, said the toll of a dozen NBA seasons is likely affecting him more now than the injury. “Even if I didn’t have an Achilles I prob-

World champ Vera ready for coming year

past year, Vera reflects on the highs and lows of his own personal experiences. “The highlight of the year for me was being in the hospital with my Nenja, and watching the moment my son was born,” said Vera. “The lowest point of the year for me was

probably shared with many citizens of the world. Not being allowed to do this or that. It’s not something I am accustomed to. From travel to everyday shopping, to whom you can have in your house, I’m definitely ready for 2020 to be over.” From the Taal Volcano eruption early in the year, to a global pandemic which brought the Philippines to its knees, to a pair of ravaging typhoons that wreaked havoc across the country, Vera says Filipinos have been through a lot. But while he knows it has certainly been a rough year for many, he also acknowledges the strength and resilience of his Filipinos. “The Truth” remains in awe of the Filipino’s ability to get past even the most dire of circumstances. “Alam ko (I know), whatever your story is, it was harder than anyone else’s because it happened to you. I like you, am looking forward to this year to come to a close and be ready to start fresh next year. No matter how hard it is, kaya naman ng Pilipino (Filipinos can get through it),” said Vera. “Help when you can, where you can, if you can and be kind when applicable. Do more coming up to help pay it forward. Alam ng Dios (God knows) the world needs it.”

I was never a talented ball handler. My crossover is slow I can’t remember how many times I was stripped bringing down the ball against a single cover man-to-man defense (and besides the zone, that is as basic as it gets in defense). I was fast in my youth, like a freight train barreling in a straight line, but not shifty like drifting cars negotiating turns. There is a certain comfort level in the confident, ambidextrous dribbling I never unlocked. I guess this insecurity was the reason I nurtured one particular mindset when it comes to dribbling: walang points ang dribble. With it, my disapproval for too much dribbling. Shoot it or pass it. NBA teams are hesitant to trade for James Harden not because he shoots a lot – after all, you don’t want a James Harden who is hesitant to shoot, or not even attempting. Teams don’t want to be involved in this high-value trade because they dislike the prospect of how James Harden’s style of play will influence the team’s current of-

fensive personality (and locker room). It has been too long since James Harden expressed his desire to leave Houston. It has been too long since Houston started exploring trade deals with other teams. James Harden is a former MVP and scoring champion still in his prime -- these credentials alone are enough for a team to trade for him not too long after he became available. So why is no one biting? Simple: no one wants the James Harden brand of basketball. And yes, he may get traded tomorrow or in the days to come, but I stand firm on my opinion. If James Harden is a coveted player, he would’ve been traded by now. GMs are testing how low Houston will go just to be rid of Harden which explains why this is taking so long, and no coveted, bluechip player is traded this way. I was amused at how people applauded James Harden for making difficult shots, and for making difficult shots much more difficult. Sure, a side-step or step-back three looks good considering it requires speed, agility, footwork, ball-handling skills, and impeccable shooting to

ONE Heavyweight World Champion Brandon Vera

of the challenges and all of the challengers,” said Vera. “I’m looking to fight twice a year. There are enough people that I want to compete against throughout the year to motivate me to go twice.” Taking in the lessons he learned over the

Buwaya FREE THROW SHOOTER NATHANIEL DELA CRUZ ONE thing we hate about the basketball ‘buwaya’ (ball hog) is how this overeager player is taking most of the shots during the game. We take it as an insult, and we take it personally. Right then and there we were judged as players of lesser quality and capability no less by our very own teammate, who refuses to pass the ball, enjoying his cursed tunnel vision where there is nothing but his God complex hero ball. It is only recently that I’ve realized that we seem to have forgotten about that other undesirable quality of a ball hog: dribbling too much.

ably wouldn’t be 100%, you know,” he said during training camp. “So the wear and tear over time, I guess, but I feel solid.” Durant has returned from significant injury before. After earning MVP honors in 2013-14, when he averaged 32 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Durant played in just 27 games during the 2014-15 campaign because of a foot injury. He had surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his right foot in October of 2014 and missed the first 17 games of the season. He made his season debut that December, but in February underwent seasonending surgery to address pain his foot. Durant came back strong in 2015-16, averaging 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists in his last season in Oklahoma City. It’ll come naturally He signed in 2016 with the Warriors, departing a partnership with Thunder star Russell Westbrook to join a Western Conference juggernaut and play alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. Durant’s tenure at Golden State included a scattering of injuries and two titles. They were seeking a third straight championship in 2019 when Durant suffered a calf injury in the second round of the playoffs and missed nine games— coming back for game five of the finals against the Toronto Raptors. AFP

A buwaya holds the ball too long you’ll soon hear the coach’s (and teammates’) exasperated instruction as they watch the defense converge and set a suffocating triple-team while the shot clock ticks away and expires: ipasa mo! And like a recurring nightmare, this scenario will happen over and over again. And it’s just the first quarter, mind you. If the team wins, the ball-hogging will be ignored (rather begrudgingly), but if the team loses, expect no one to hold back on finger-pointing. The childish and immature in us hated the buwaya because we want to shoot the ball, too. Our mature basketball IQ dislikes the ball hog because that kind of player is the enemy of motion offense. Four players will struggle to find his/her offensive rhythm, not just because of the absence of shooting opportunities, but because there are very few touches to the ball, and the player subbing you is now walking towards the scorer’s table. Drat.

Chiefs win 9th straight, Seahawks nail playoff berth LOS ANGELES —Patrick Mahomes tossed three touchdown passes as the Kansas City Chiefs improved to an NFL best 13-1 with a 32-29 victory over Drew Brees’ New Orleans Saints on Sunday in Louisiana. Mahomes completed 26 of 47 passes for 254 yards as the defending Super Bowl champions won their ninth straight game in front of a pandemiclimited crowd of 3,000 at the Superdome arena. “We did a great job of running the ball and when we get the opportunity to throw the ball we are executing,” Mahomes said. Brees, who was playing his first game since missing four contests with rib injuries, looked out of sorts completing 15 of 34 passes for 234 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. New Orleans dropped to 10-4 on the season losing their second straight after a nine-game winning streak. Brees’ first three passes were incomplete and his fourth was intercepted by L’Jarius Sneed, leading to Mahomes’ touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill and a 7-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. On the first play of the second quarter, Mahomes threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Travis Kelce for a 14-0 lead. “It feels awesome to win by 20 or 30 points but when you have a team that finds ways to win no matter what the score is, those are the teams that win championships,” Mahomes said. With two weeks remaining in the season and the quest for playoff seeding hitting a key stage, the Chiefs took another step toward home-field advantage while the Saints missed a chance to wrap up the NFC South. “We played their hearts out,” Saints coach Sean Payton said. “I’m proud of the effort.” Elsewhere, the Seattle Seahawks punched their playoff ticket on Sunday, rushing for 181 yards and thwarting a late Washington rally in a 20-15 victory. Seattle are back in the post-season for the ninth time in 11 seasons under coach Pete Carroll. The Seahawks appeared to be cruising toward victory when they took a 20-3 lead early in the third quarter. Chris Carson, Carlos Hyde and quarterback Russell Wilson all topped 50 yards rushing. AFP

pull this off in an NBA-level basketball game, against NBA-level defenders/defense. But why a difficulty shot when you can just pass the ball and find an open teammate? Is it flashy? Yes. Is it practical? No. Nothing can trump the efficacy of the age-old discipline of moving the ball. Good players make difficult shots. Great players avoid having to resort to attempting a difficult shot. That is another thing we hate with ball hogs: forcing a shot. When this happens, you can almost hear the collective sigh of the audience shaking their heads: pinilit (he/she forced it), followed by a disapproving “tsk”. Trading for James Harden with these things to consider is a GM’s nightmare. The rumors that surfaced recently—about his alleged partying, practice no-show, days off, etc.—are not helping anyone, neither is James Harden’s value as a trade acquisition nor Houston’s effort to be relieved of this baggage. The Rockets now appear very keen on starting the Post-James Harden Era in Houston as soon as possible, hopefully during the tip of their first game for the 2021-22 NBA season.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

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TODAY

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

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TODAY

(MS-DECEMBER 22, 2020)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Life

Bernadette Lunas, Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

MAKE IT 70. The Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using ethyl or isopropyl alcohol solution at least 70 percent to be effective in disinfecting the topical coronavirus. In photo is Beauty Elements Ventures, Inc.’s Defensil Isopropyl Alcohol.

By Steph Llarena

WO things have become our constant companions this year: face mask and rubbing alcohol. The demand for both, especially during the early days of the pandemic, has been staggering that hoarding and price surges were a great issue.

Now, most of us have settled in and found which works for us. When it comes to ensuring our hands and our immediate surroundings are clean, especially when a sink and soap are not within reach, rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizers are there to the rescue.

Ethyl alcohol that disinfects

Both isopropyl and ethyl alcohol are proven to disinfect, and while their chemical variations differ, experts say both are effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends alcohol solution at least 70 percent to be effective in disinfecting the topical coronavirus. Local brand Cleene uses ethanol for its alcohol products. According to the brand, each bottle contains 70 percent ethyl alcohol made from sugarcane, and claims to kill 99.9 percent of germs. Cleene Ethyl Alcohol features a mild formula and fresh cologne-like scent. It comes in spray format ideal for spraying on toilet bowls, door knobs, railings, and seat for quick disinfection on the go. The brand also has hand sanitizer spray with aloe vera and vitamin E to moisturize and nourish the skin. It comes in three refreshing scents: Citrus Air, Green Air, and Zest.

Isopropyl alcohol that protects

Homegrown skin care company Beauty Elements Ventures Inc., the makers The freshsmelling Cleene Ethyl Alcohol and Hand Sanitizer contain 70 percent ethyl alcohol from sugarcane.

Look ma, clean hands! Protecting the family with rubbing alcohol of Defensil Isopropyl Alcohol, assures that its product is made of pharmaceutical grade alcohol that passed the strictest quality standards of the Philippine Food and Drug Administration, and

kills 99.9 percent of germs. Isopropyl alcohols are registered under the Philippine FDA as either pharmaceutical or cosmetic grade. To know the difference, the front label of a pharmaceu-

tical grade alcohol shows the product’s generic name enclosed in a box. Meanwhile, the back label should show a DRHR number, which is the FDA Production Registration Number, proving

that the product has passed the highest FDA standards for isopropyl alcohol. “It starts to kill germs on contact and upon constant use, will provide up to 12hour protection,” the brand said in a statement. According to the brand, Defensil was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli or E. coli, and Candida albicans. Defensil Isopropyl Alcohol has teamed up with the Philippine Society of Microbiology to form the Defensil Health Defense Council and launch the “Create Your Daily Defense” campaign in a bid to arm Filipinos with science-backed knowledge on proper sanitation and hygiene. “Defensil Isopropyl Alcohol contains the concentration of isopropyl alcohol known to kill germs on the skin and on different surfaces. Regular disinfection of the hands and high-contact surfaces is a known measure to prevent the transmission and spread of germs,” said Joel Cornista, president of the Philippine Society for Microbiology.

GOING GREEN LifeProof launches phone case made from recycled plastic MADE to help address the growing problem of plastic waste that ends up in our oceans, phone case maker LifeProof launches a line made from 85 percent recycled plastic. The recycled plastic used in the WĀKE series was obtained from the ocean and meets the LifeProof standard of 6.6 feet of drop protection. WĀKE is available in three colors and features a sleek wave pattern. Taking cues from WĀKE, the rest of the LifeProof portfolio now also features sustainable materials. FRĒ for iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max has over 60 percent recycled materials and covers these new devices with 360-degree of protection. NËXT features ultra-slim protection with a clear back, and is made with more than 50 percent recycled materials. “We are pleased to offer stylish, sustainable protection for your new device while

WAKE is available in three colors and features a sleek wave pattern.

LifeProof launches a phone case line made from 85 percent recycled plastic obtained from the ocean.

helping to protect our waterways with WĀKE, NËXT, and FRĒ,” said LifeProof chief executive officer Jim Parke. To further help the environment, LifeProof, in partnership with Water.org, Coral Reef Alliance, American Rivers, and Oceana, will make a donation for every case sold to support a healthier future for our world’s water. Consumers can visit lifeproof. asia/make-waves.html to register their product and select the charity of their choice. In the Philippines, WĀKE retails at P1,990; NËXT at P3,990; and FRE, which will be available soon, will be priced at P4,790. All three ranges are available at OtterBox kiosks, PowerMac stores, select Rustan’s stores, and online at www.lifeproof.asia, www.tenkiebox.com, and Otterbox stores on Lazada and Shopee.

Watsons reaches 100 million members worldwide WATSONS, the flagship health and beauty brand of A.S. Watson Group, has recently reached a milestone of 100 million loyalty members worldwide. Having grown rapidly since its launch in 2008, Watsons says the membership program is now available in 14 markets and is No. 1 in brand loyalty program across Asia. To further cement its position, the brand launched the Elite VIP Members program with more perks and rewards for its most loyal customers in 2018. And in 2019, Watsons One Pass was launched to allow members to enjoy shopping benefits at Watsons stores globally. Malina Ngai, chief executive officer of A.S. Watson (Asia and Europe), said, “We’re now growing at roughly one million new members every quarter. This isn’t just a big milestone for us, it’s also an important one for all our members who form a community that inspires each other to look and feel good inside and outside.” “The COVID-19 pandemic has created stronger bonds between us and our members and we have been able to stay in touch and share relevant contents during this challenging time,” she added.

Watsons recently marked a milestone, with its loyalty program reaching 100 million members worldwide.

Rozanah, the 100-millionth member, signed up in October at the Pavilion Watsons store in Malaysia.