Manila Standard - 2021 January 19 - Tuesday by Manila Standard

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Palace: Sinovac deal sealed

Roque says Chinese drug costs only P650/dose, not P1,814.75 per DOH By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Wille Casas

HE PALACE on Monday contradicted its own vaccine czar, saying the Philippines has a binding contract with China for its Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine.

The statement from presidential spokesman Harry Roque came after vaccine czar Carlito Galvez testified before the Senate that the purchase of Sinovac vaccines was not yet a done deal. Finance Undersecretary Mark Joven last week also told senators that while the term sheet for Sinovac’s vaccine states that the Chinese firm will sell doses to the Philippines, it does not mean that the latter is already committed to buying them. But Roque said both officials were wrong. The term sheet states that the purchase will push through if Sinovac’s vaccine gets approval from the Philip-

pine drug regulator, Roque told reporters in an online briefing. “But that is already a binding obligation,” said Roque. Galvez earlier said he expects Sinovac to obtain an emergency use authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration next month, as the first 50,000 doses of its vaccine arrives. Roque said the government will disclose the vaccine’s price after settling the payment. On Sunday, he said it would be about P650 a dose.

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Gov’t eyes house-to-house vax drive for high-risk senior citizens

By Maricel V. Cruz, Willie Casas, Macon Ramos-Araneta, Vito Barcelo and Joel E. Zurbano

Galvez assures fund integrity in buying vaccines

THE government is considering conducting vaccination house calls for high-risk senior citizens, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said at a briefing at the House of Representatives Monday. “The house-to-house [vaccination program] is possible and doable. It is included in our planning for the very, very vulnerable and high-risk senior citizens,” Duque told the House committee on health. But Duque was quick to say the idea is “more of an exception rather than the rule” because the original objective is

VACCINE czar Secretary Carlito Galvez on Monday assured the integrity of funds that will be used to purchase 148 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine for Filipinos. In a televised briefing, Galvez told President Rodrigo Duterte that the stringent clauses on transparency and anti-corruption implemented by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, from which the country will borrow funds to purchase the COVID-19 jabs, ensured that the government would not lose money in the process. “Malinis po yung deal natin. Wala po akong hawak na pera (Our deals are clean. I’m not holding any money),” Galvez told Duterte. In fact, the vaccine czar said, the Philippines had saved $700 million (about P33.6

DRIVE-THRU TESTING. Members of the Manila Health Department prepare for the city’s free RT-PCR test for pre-registered persons at the Quirino Grandstand on Monday. The test, according to MHD Acting City Health officer Dr. Arnold Pangan, is open to both Manileños and non-Manileños as long they are pre-registered. Norman Cruz

Duterte: Choose Guides for new normal in virus-free areas up; Rock concerts ruled out Pfizer if you wish to follow Norway By Willie Casas

By Willie Casas and Jimbo Gulle WHILE everybody “seems to be scrambling” to buy the coronavirus vaccine made by Pfizer, President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday warned of the experience of Norway with the COVID-19 jab, even as he stressed the government isn’t stopping anyone from being inoculated with the cure of their choice. “Almost everybody na kilala ko are scrambling to buy itong Pfizer. To me it is a good one. If you want to follow the experience of Norway, go ahead, nobody will stop you. We never prohibited anybody from buying from the government. We are not selling (the vaccine). We are buying for the people, libre (free for them),” Duterte said in a televised briefing. Next page

MALACANANG said Mondau an inter-agency task force leading the country’s COVID-19 response had “approved in principle” a “new normal”

quarantine level for areas which have had no transmission of the respiratory disease for a while. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said “This way, we will have hope that this COVID-19 pandemic has an end,

because although there is no vaccine denly have a rock concert. We will claryet, there are areas with no transmis- ify that.: sion.” He said authorities were drawing up Holiday surge guidelines for these places, adding “if The Philippines logged 2,163 new there is a new normal, they might sudNext page

Meet the Bidens:

America’s new ‘first family’

MEET THE BIDENS. Incoming US President Joe Biden takes the stage with his family

in this file photo. The Bidens include Joe’s second wife Jill, an English professor; sons Hunter and Beau; and daughter Ashley. Biden takes office on January 20 (Wednesday) as America’s 46th President. AFP

PRESIDENT-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill will become the new White House residents when he takes office on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila). Biden has made his family a major focus throughout his career, and his 2020 presidential campaign thrust them fully into the spotlight -- with some members causing controversy but others breaking barriers. Next page

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM JANUARY 18)

502,736 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

2,163 26,839 NEW

ACTIVE

9,909

DEATHS

465,988 RECOVERIES

NEW

New round of oil price hikes at P1/l rolls out today By Alena Mae S. Flores

NEW BANKNOTE.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas launched on Monday a commemorative P5,000 banknote and medal in honor of the 500th anniversary of national hero LapuLapu’s victory in the Battle of Mactan. The launch also kicks off a 99-day countdown to the actual anniversary this year. Although legal tender, the P5,000 banknote is not for circulation and will only be available for purchase by the public. BSP Photos

The oil firms raised the price of diesel by P1.05 per liter, gasoline by P1 per THE country’s oil firms raised pump liter and kerosene by P0.95 per liter. “PTT Philippines to implement the prices by as much as P1.05 per liter effective 6am Tuesday to reflect the movement following price adjustments effective 6am Tuesday, January 19, 2021: Gasoof prices in the world market.

BTS stirs PH kids to live with passion, purpose Global superstars RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, collectively known as BTS, are officially partnering with leading local telco brand Smart Communications for a world-class ad campaign.

Story on C3

line, increase of P1 per liter, diesel, increase of 1.05 per ltier,” PTT Philippines said in its advisory. Aside from PTT, Seaoil Philippines, Cleanfuel, PetroGazz and Total Philippines Next page

Vilma files new ABS-CBN bill DEPUTY Speaker and Batangas Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto has filed a new bill seeking to renew the shuttered ABS-CBN network’s 25-year franchise.

Story on A3

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021

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Drilon: Postpone Cha-cha to ‘22 By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

UESTIONING the timing of moves to amend the 1987 Constitution, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon yesterday recommended to postpone deliberations on Charter change until the 19th Congress in June 2022.

amendments to the 1987 Constitution. He said that there are many pending measures that we could approve and “we won’t need constitutional amendments in order to make our investment climate more liberal than where we are.” Among these measures include amendments to the Public Service Act and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act. He said proposed Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives Reform Act, meanwhile, is pending bicameral approval. Furthermore, he ssid there are a lot of factors that prevent the Philippines from attracting foreign direct investments other than “restrictive” economic provisions under the 1987 Constitution. “For instance, our rule of law regime

and our peace order issues,” said the Senate leader. By legislation, he said the so-called economic provisions can be liberalized. “The inconsistency of our rule of law, which should be the rule followed rather than the exception, the matter of peace and order, the matter of our problems insofar as corruption and red tape is concerned.” “I am saying that currently, there are opportunities to liberalize our investment climate through legislation,” also said Drilon. The House of Representatives has started debates to amend the “restrictive” economic provisions of the Constitution. House committee on constitutional amendments chair Alfredo Garbin said proposed changes to economic clauses could be approved soon.

Speaking in a zoom interview, Drilon however clarified he was not objecting to charter change (chacha) as long as it would tackle only the easing of the economic provisions of the Constitutuon. “I am not opposing to ease the Constitution when it comes to economic provisions,” he said. “The questions is- is it this at time? Can we not defer it until June of next year?” asked Drilon. Aside from the lack of time for chacha, Drilon also cited the current health

crisis the country is are facing. “Given all the problems that we have – pandemic, budget deficit, lack of revenues – would we have enough time to prioritize all these problems? “ “For me, we should prioritize our attention to current problems that need immediate solutions,” also said the minority leader. Drilon also noted liberalizing the country’s investment climate can be achieved by passing pending legislation in Congress and would no longer need

Gov’t... From A1

House approves Media Workers’ Welfare Act

for individuals to go to designated vaccination sites to receive the vaccines. Duque told congressmen that the COVID-19 vaccines that will arrive before the first quarter of the year ends will be safe, equitable and cost-effective. National Task Force Against COVID-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and health experts from the public and private sectors attended the briefing. Galvez reiterated his earlier announcement that the first doses of the vaccines are expected to arrive before the first quarter of this year ends. The vaccine roadmap, Duque said, seeks to promote sustainable public immunization for the next three to five years. He added that the country may reach herd immunity within the year if there is enough global supply of COVID-19 vaccines that the country can access and use. Duque earlier said the government identified 4,512 fixed COVID-19 vaccination points across the country. He said this system will be similar to election poll sites and that existing medical centers and rural health facilities will be used. The Philippines aims to inoculate 50 million to 70 million people within the year. Galvez said areas with a high COVID-19 incidence such as Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Davao will be given priority in the vaccination rollout where 24,668,128 sectoral priorities have been selected–1,762,994 frontline health workers; 3,789,874 indigent senior citizens; 5,678,544 remaining senior citizens; 12,911,193 remaining indigent population; and 525,523 uniformed personnel, which accounts for more than 22 percent of the country’s projected population of 108.8 million, as of the third quarter this year. Galvez said that those who will be vaccinated also includes teachers and social workers in the public and private sectors followed by all remaining government workers; essential workers in agriculture, the food industry, transportation and tourism; sociodemographic groups in significantly higher risk areas other than the senior citizens and indigent population such as those persons deprived of liberty, persons with disabilities, and Filipinos living in highdensity areas; overseas Filipino workers; other remaining workforce; and the remaining Filipino citizens. Quezon Rep. Angelina Tan, who chairs the committee, emphasized the need to expedite the COVID-19 immunization program and ensure that it is safe and effective and that all agencies concerned are on the same page.

THE House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading a measure seeking to provide enhanced protection, security, and benefits for media workers. With an overwhelming 218 votes, the chamber approved House Bill 8140, or the proposed “Media Workers’ Welfare Act.” The measure aims to ensure that me-

dia workers are paid sufficient wages, allowances, and benefits that the law provides to all employees, and promote an atmosphere conducive to a productive and free media. Under the bill, media workers and entities in the private sector are entitled to minimum wage prescribed by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productiv-

Palace:... From A1

Drilon cited Galvez’s earlier statements that the term-sheet has already been signed by the government and Sinovac to “lock in” 25 million vaccine doses for production. Since the term-sheet has already been signed, he said its content should no longer be covered by the confidentiality agreement. Drilon also remarked on the dramatic drop in the price of Sinovac, from the DOH estimate of P3,629.50 for two doses to only P600 for the same two doses, based on Roque’s latest announcement. When the issue of pricing was raised, the government suddenly reduced the price of Sinovac, he said. Lacson said clearly, the oversight by the senators was effective in bringing the price of the vaccine down—a view that Galvez later disputed. In his privilege speech, Lacson also mentioned Roque’s dismissal of the initial quoted price of P3,600 “fake news.” Galvez, on the other hand, said the comparative table that was released by the DOH should have tagged the P3,600 price to Sinopharm, not Sinovac. Noting that the data was released by the DOH, Lacson said: “We dare ask: are Secretary Roque and Secretary Galvez saying that (Health) Secretary Francisco Duque was the peddler of that fake news?” “Looking back to last week’s Committee of the Whole two-day hearings, I couldn’t help but think that we’ve been had. Instead of having the information

In December, Senator Juan Edgardo Angara presented Department of Health estimates that showed two doses of Sinovac would cost P3,629.50, or P1,814.75 per dose, making it the second most expensive among COVID-19 vaccines being considered. Roque labeled the DOH data as “fake news” in a Sunday radio interview. Senator Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday clarified he was not prepared to accuse anybody of corruption in he procurement of China’s Sinovac vaccine. “But let’s just stick to the facts available,” Lacson said. “It is just logical to suspect corruption when there is an attempt at overpricing.” On Sunday, Lacson said the sharp differences in the prices of Sinovac vaccines in the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries may signal corruption. Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said the price of Sinovac to be sold to the Philippine government should no longer remain confidential. “You have the obligation to inform the people, these are public funds,” said Drilon, adding the right to information is a basic rule under the Constitution. Although the government can invoke a non-disclosure agreement when the deal is still under negotiation, he said it should no longer be the case once an agreement has been signed.

Guides... From A1

talities, with total recoveries rising to 465,988, with only two recorded. There are 26,839 active cases, or 5.3 percent of the cumulative total.

coronavirus infections on Monday, bringing the country’s cumulative total of COVID-19 cases to 502,736, the Department of Health reported. TheDOH said the tally does not include data from 4 laboratories that failed to submit their results on time. Topping the list of areas with the most number of additional COVID-19 cases are Davao City with 134, Cagayan province with 100, Quezon City with 99, Leyte province with 93, and Cavite province with 75. The DOH also reported 14 new COVID-related deaths, or a total of 9,909 fa-

Individuals vaccinated against COVID-19 may not be exempted yet from travel protocols set by the government as there is currently no sufficient data showing that the available vaccines can prevent virus transmission, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said. He made the statement during the House committee on health inquiry into the government’s COVID-19 vaccination program. Duque said that while the available COVID-19 vaccines might prevent the

“Kaya ang nangyari po, yung dating plano po namin ni (Health) Secretary (Francisco) Duque na 70 million doses, umangat po ng 148 million billion) due to the government’s nego- doses,” Galvez said. tiation efforts, allowing it to buy more He noted that the vaccine manufacvaccines from various manufacturers. turers the country is dealing with have

also agreed on a “low-cost, no profit” principle, which Duque reiterated to Duterte in the same briefing. The President praised Galvez for his efforts and told Filipinos: “Pagkatapos ng lahat na ito, at the end of my term, you will see kung paano namin kayong

amid colder temperatures that fuel heating demand, optimism over the continuing rollout of vaccines, the announcement of Saudi Arabia of new production cuts, increased consumption from China, among others. According to the Department of Energy, Saudi Arabia and its Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries+ partners jolted prices higher on January 5 by adjusting February and March production plans well below market expectations. DOE, however, said depressed demand from European countries is expected to affect world oil prices. Europe announced more stringent restrictions in a bid to curb surging COVID-19 infections, including the new highly transmissible strain. On January 12, the oil companies

raised the price of gasoline by P0.85 per liter, diesel by P0.30 per liter and kerosene by P0.25 per liter. These resulted to the year-to-date adjustments to stand at a net increase of P1.30 per liter for gasoline, P0.60 per liter for diesel and P0.65 per liter for kerosene. On January 5, the oil firms also raised the price of gasoline by P0.45 per liter, P0.30 per liter for diesel and P0.40 per liter increase for kerosene. Meanwhile, Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI) which markets the Caltex brand announced it recently opened new service stations in Pampanga, Pangasinan, Bataan, Batangas, Cebu, and Bukidnon in support of the reopening of the economy. This brings the total number of newly-opened Caltex stations in 2020 to 30.

Galvez... From A1

New... From A1 also raised pump prices. This is the third consecutive weekly oil price increase for the month of January. Unioil Philippines said over the weekend diesel prices are expected to go up by P1 to P1.10 per ltier and gasoline by P0.90 to P1 per liter. “Expect fuel prices to go up next week (January 19-25, 2021).Diesel should increase by P1 to P1.10 per liter. Gasoline should increase by P0.90 to P1 per liter,” Unioil said in its advisory. This will be the third consecutive weekly oil price increase for the month of January. World oil prices rallied in the past weeks

Travel protocols

ity Board, as well as to overtime pay, night shift premiums, hazard pay, and other forms of compensation provided under the Labor Code of the Philippines and other related laws. The measure also ensures security of tenure for media workers after the probationary work period of six months of continuous work. needed to aid us in our legislative work mainly because some people in the panel of our resource persons who are in charge of the vaccine program were not forthright and honest in their responses to the questions raised by the members of this august chamber.” Lacson said Sinovac was the best- and the worst-defended among at least seven brands of vaccines that the Philippine government put on the table for consideration. He said Galvez and Duque III, particularly, both claimed that the country has already secured 25 million doses of the Sinovac vaccine. “They claimed that we sealed the deal and have a locked-in agreement with Sinovac, and an initial 50,000 doses are already available for our vaccine delivery by Feb. 20 onward.,” said Lacson. Then, in a seemingly coordinated communication strategy, he said Roque was announcing in a press conference that Sinovac vaccines are the only vaccine available from February to June, and Filipinos cannot be “choosy.” “When the Senate hearings raised more questions than answers about Sinovac, our officials were both tongue-tied and stuttering, leaving us with a string of flip-flopping pronouncements,” Lacson said. Lacson and Drilon both asked why government officials are keeping the public in the dark when it comes to price negotiations with Sinovac, when the country’s neighbors can be more transparent about it. occurrence of mild to severe symptoms of the disease, there was no sufficient evidence yet that they can prevent the transmission of the novel coronavirus from one person to another. “Right now the policy of the IATF, based on the recommendation of our experts, is that they (vaccinated individuals) will continue to follow all these existing protocols,” he said.

Medical emergencies

Filipinos with medical emergencies arriving from countries with new COVID-19 variants are allowed to enter the Philippines as long as they follow strict pandemic protocols, said National Task Force spokesperson Retired Gen. Restituto Padilla. pinrotektahan.” Duterte also took a swipe at critics of the government and Galvez, adding: “Gusto nila pure and pristine sila. What is the easiest for them to appear white? They will paint you black.” Jimbo Gulle

Meet... From A1 A look at the members of America’s new “first family.”

The First Lady

Jill Biden, an educator, is set to transform her new role before she even moves into the White House. While first ladies traditionally only fulfill ceremonial duties, “Dr B,” as her students call her, intends to keep her full-time job as an English professor. As first lady, Jill is expected to work on education issues and relaunch Joining Forces, a mission to rally around military families that she and prede-

NBI finishes forensic exam on Dacera By Rey E. Requejo JUSTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Monday revealed that the National Bureau of Investigation has completed the forensic examination of tissues taken from the remains of flight attendant Christine Angelica Dacera. Guevarra said he was leaving it up to the NBI to disclose the results of the forensic examination conducted by the NBI forensic team. “The NBI has completed its forensic examination of tissues obtained from the subject’s remains,” Guevarra said in a text message to reporters. The NBI’s forensic team earlier extracted tissues from Dacera’s internal organs as well as her urine. The NBI is also coordinating and would be comparing their findings with the Makati Medical Center that reportedly also conducted laboratory tests on the 23-year-old Dacera. Guevarra said that the NBI would also be examining the contents of the information in the mobile phones of those who have been tagged as persons of interests in the investigation. “The NBI digital forensic team will now proceed to examine the data in the mobile phones of the persons of interest,” he said. According to Guevarra, some of the occupants of room 2207 and 2209 at the City Garden Grand Hotel in Makati City were also subjected to drug tests by the NBI. “I understand that some of them have undergone drug testing, and the rest will also be tested. I’ll leave it to the NBI to divulge the results,” he said. On Jan. 1, after a New Year’s Eve party with some friends, Dacera was found unconscious inside an empty bathtub inside room 2209.

Duterte:... From A1 In contrast, the President said no one has died from using the vaccine made by Sinovac, the Chinese firm that Duterte’s critics say is being favored by the government. “Yung Pfizer ng mga senador... 25 died after receiving their vaccine. There you are, mamili kayo,” he said. This developed as the Department of Health said there will be no changes to the emergency use authorization (EUA) for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine in the country, as the government awaits a report from the pharmaceutical company following the reported deaths of 29 elderly people who were given the drug in Norway. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said so far, the Norwegian authorities have not stated that the vaccine caused the deaths. She said studies must be conducted before causality can be established. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also said studies need to be done, she added. “Pfizer will have to submit to the Philippine Food and Drug Administration a report regarding this matter,” she said. After the report has been evaluated, the FDA can decide on Pfizer’s EUA, she added. The FDA granted an EUA to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine last week, the first out of four applications it has received so far. The three other applicants are AstraZeneca, Gamaleya Institute of Russia and Sinovac from China. “For now, while we do not have sufficient evidence to say that those deaths were caused by the vaccine, we will still be on status quo for the EUA we issued to Pfizer,” Vergeire said in Filipino. Vergeire said the deaths should be understood in the context that the vaccine was given to critically-ill elderly patients in a facility. cessor Michelle Obama started in 2011. The Bidens met in 1975, a few years after the Delaware senator had faced the unthinkable -- his young wife and daughter were killed in a car crash. Biden often says his second wife “put us back together.” The couple wed in 1977, and she became “Mom” to his sons Hunter and Beau, who survived the car accident. They also have a daughter, Ashley, together. While raising her family, Jill, 69, also earned two Master’s degrees, and would eventually earn a doctorate in education. She supported her husband through his three previous presidential bids and was one of his most vocal advocates and tireless campaigners during his most recent run.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Ombudsman Defense ends accord with UP to keep military off campuses zaps complaint vs. PAO execs By Rio N. Araja OMBUDSMAN Samuel Martires has dismissed the criminal complaint of graft and corruption, falsification of public documents, misuse and illegal use of public funds of property against Public Attorney’s Office chief Persida Acosta and Erwin Erfe of the forensic division for lack of evidence. He also dropped the administrative complaint of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, grave abuse of authority and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service filed against the duo. “WHEREFORE, the criminal and administrative complaints against the respondents are hereby dismissed for insufficiency of evidence,” the Oct. 3, 2019 resolution read. PAO received the order on Jan. 14 this year. On Oct. 22, 2018, Wilfredo Garrido, a lawyer from Leyte, filed the “malicious, baseless and unsubstantiated” complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman against Acosta and Erfe, accusing PAO, along with the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, of stepping into the investigation involving school children whose deaths were linked to the Dengvaxia vaccine, followed by the filing of 21 counts of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide charges against former and active health officials. He questioned PAO’s creation of a forensic laboratory using its medico-legal findings on the remains of the deceased children as evidence in court. At a media briefing in Quezon City, Acosta praised the Ombudsman for the case’s dismissal, the Office of the President for the veto of a budget insertion removing the budget of PAO’s forensic laboratory, and the Supreme Court for the designation of one family court to handle and litigate all Dengvaxia-related cases.

THE Department of Defense has ended a decades-long agreement with the University of the Philippines to keep military forces from entering the campuses of the state university, a report by the school’s student paper The Philippine Collegian said on Monday. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had written to UP President Danilo Concepcion that the deal had been terminated

beginning January 15, the Collegian reported on its Twitter account. The accord holds that the military and police cannot enter any UP campus “except in cases of hot pursuit and similar occasions of emergency” or when assistance is requested by university officials. The DND cited claims that the university is a breeding ground for the armed

communist movement in ending the agreement, first signed in 1989 between then-UP President Jose Abueva and Defense chief Fidel Ramos, who would become President. Lorenzana said: “By reason of national security and safety of UP students, this department intends to remedy this situation by terminating or abrogating the existing agreement in order for us to perform our

Palace keeps tariff on deboned meat By Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order retaining the 5-percent import tariff on mechanically deboned meat from poultry until Dec. 31, 2022 to ease the possible impact on the prices of meat.

FALLEN AIRMEN. Caskets draped with Philippine flags are set to be unloaded from a C295 aircraft at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Monday, with the remains of seven passengers of an Air Force Huey helicopter that crashed in a rice field in Bukidnon over the weekend. PAF Photo

Vilma files new ABS-CBN franchise bill; panel probes DBP link By Maricel V. Cruz DEPUTY Speaker and Batangas Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto has filed a new bill seeking to renew the shuttered ABS-CBN network’s 25-year franchise. Santos-Recto’s House Bill 8298 was immediately referred to the House committee on legislative franchises after it was passed on first reading (committee referral) in plenary session Monday. The bill was filed last Jan. 5. Meanwhile, a panel in the House of Rep-

resentatives began its initial hearing on the alleged loan condonation of the Development Bank of the Philippines in favor of companies controlled by or affiliated with the Lopez family, which owns ABS-CBN. The House of Representatives’ Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, led by Michael Edgar Aglipay, held the hearing in response to House Resolution 1040 filed by Reps. Claudine Diana Bautista of Dumper-PTDA, Paolo Duterte of Davao City, Elpidio Barzaga Jr of Dasmariñas City, Michael Defensor of

Abalos seeks HPG help on traffic By Joel E. Zurbano METRO Manila Development Authority chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. is seeking the help of the Police-Highway Patrol Group to help the agency in managing the traffic on the major thoroughfares in the National Capital Region. Abalos on Monday met with HPG officials and discussed issues concerning traffic management in the metropolis, particularly the lack of traffic enforcers. He said he sought assistance from HPG-NCR commander Lt. Col. Joshua Alejandro to augment the workforce of the to add visibility in Metro Manila’s major thoroughfares. According to Abalos, Alejandro initially pledged to provide 180 HPG members to man the traffic along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue. A recent study showed that the NCR has the second-worst traffic situation in the world among 416 cities in 57 coun-

legal mandate of protecting our youth against CPP-NPA recruitment activities, whose design and purpose is to destroy the democracy we have all fought for.” He added that the nixing of the DNDUP accord follows after the newly created Anti-Terrorism Council designated the Communist Party of the PhilippinesNew People’s Army as a terrorist organization.

tries. It said drivers expect to spend an average of 53 percent extra travel time being stuck in road congestion. Meanwhile, the MMDA is now accepting individuals applying to become traffic enforcers to supplement the manpower of the agency. The hiring process is expected to be completed within three months. “We need additional traffic enforcers to improve our traffic management efforts,” said Abalos. The MMDA has 2,187 traffic enforcers manning the major thoroughfares in Metro Manila, and a quarter of them are senior citizens. Teroy Taguinod, MMDA Traffic Discipline Office head, said those in the vulnerable sector like senior citizens, pregnant women and those with medical conditions were exempted from reporting for work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those not reporting for work are 64 senior citizens, 25 of them with comorbidities, and six are pregnant women.

URDANETA ROAD. Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar leads the

ceremonial inauguration of the Urdaneta Bypass Road Project on Monday. Villar said the road’s completion is seen to address the traffic bottleneck during peak hours along Manila North Road in Urdaneta City and establish an improved national road system in the Province of Pangasinan. DPWH photo

Anakalusugan, Eric Yap of ACT-CIS and Rodante Marcoleta of Sagip. In filing the bill, Santos-Recto said that ABS-CBN is “the Philippines’ largest entertainment and media conglomerate in terms of revenue, operating income, net income, assets, equity, market capitalization, and the number of employees.” “Despite the growing popularity of social media, television still remains as a preferred mass medium in our provinces and far-flung areas,” said the lawmaker, who as an actress had films shown on

ABS-CBN. “ABS-CBN has remained steadfast in its commitment to reach out to as many Filipinos as possible by delivering their quality core programs closer to our countrymen by taking advantage of emerging broadcast technologies,” she added. Santos-Recto’s bill was different from a bill she earlier filed along with several bills seeking renewal of franchise to operate the broadcast giant-- a move that was turned down by the House legislative franchises committee last July.

He signed on Jan. 15 Executive Order 123, citing the “urgent need” to adopt measures aimed at mitigating the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives and livelihoods of Filipinos. Senator Christopher Go says the new order modifying the rates of import duty on certain agricultural products will have a huge impact on keeping prices low by keeping the tariffs low and preventing any inflationary effect. He says the EO will further maintain the reduced tariff rates on mechanically deboned meat of chicken and turkey until next year as a way of helping curb hunger and prevent prices of said products from going up amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “This will be a big help to our countrymen especially our poor people in the midst of the crisis we are facing. Many have lost their jobs and livelihoods,” Go said. Malacañang said the 5-percent tariff on mechanically deboned chicken and turkey meat would prevent a jump in the prices of processed meat products. “It is necessary for the government to provide an enabling environment that ensures the continued supply of essential food products at stable prices, help businesses recover and sustain their operations, and preserve and create employment opportunities, all for the purpose of supporting the economy in bouncing back and resuming its growth momentum,” the EO says.

Liberal Party marks 75th year with new logo By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Liberal Party will unveil its new logo, a modern redesign of the original emblem in use since the party’s founding in 1946, during its 75th founding anniversary today, Tuesday, said Liberal Party president Francis Pangilinan. He said the logo launch will then be followed by a series of presentations from LP chapters, many of which have actively mobilized to conduct outreach and relief initiatives in their own communities. Eighteen more new LP chapters will be awarded via a charter from Pangilinan. The theme for the anniversary celebrations, “Liberal@75: Tuloy lang!,” is a play on the two-fold meaning of the Filipino word “tuloy”, which means both “to persist” and “to invite in”. In 2017, the LP opened membership applications to the general public, reorienting its identity as a “people’s party.” Since then, it has recruited over 10,000 members organized into more than 100 new chapters and organizing committees The year-long celebrations will kick off with a message from Pangilinan, followed by presentations from the party’s various chapters across the nation and abroad. There will also be messages from friends and liberal stalwarts from the Philippines and the international community. Vice President Leni Robredo will close the day’s festivities with a message. The program will be broadcast on the Liberal Party’s official Facebook page. The event will also broadcast anniversary greetings from allies and stalwarts in the international Liberal community, including Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party Director Chih-Cheng Lo, former Democratic Party Hong Kong Chairperson Emily Lau, Liberal International President Hakima el Haite, and Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) President Hans van Baalen.

BIKES FOR WINNERS. Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna pose with the winners of brand new bicycles from the Tiktok Manila Dance Challenge at Kartilya ng Katipunan on Monday. Norman Cruz

12k Pinoys saved from bad recruiters By Vito Barcelo THE Bureau of Immigration has prevented nearly 12,000 Filipino workers from leaving the country last year who were allegedly victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking. But their number was 70 percent lower compared to those intercepted in 2019. Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said immigration officers at the different ports deferred the departure of 11,706 passengers, of whom 9,411 were stopped at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The number of passengers whose travel were deferred was 70 percent lower than the 38,522 travelers who were stopped from leaving in 2019. “Travel restrictions and international flight suspensions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic naturally caused a tremendous drop in the number of Filipinos who traveled abroad in 2020,” Morente said. He noted that it was only during October that the government started the gradual

lifting of travel restrictions, including the ban on non-essential travel by Filipinos. Nonetheless, Morente said it was evident that the pandemic did not stop human traffickers and illegal recruiters from continuing with their activities. “Thanks to our vigilant immigration officers at the ports, many of these suspected human trafficking victims were intercepted and rescued before they could leave,” Morente said. Immigration intelligence chief Fortunato Manahan Jr., who supervises the agency’s travel control and enforcement unit, also reported that 295 passengers were turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking as possible trafficking victims. Manahan said the most common reasons for preventing a passenger from leaving were failure to present required documents, the carrying of fraudulent documents and misrepresentation. Meanwhile, Morente reminded aspiring Filipino workers not to fall prey to illegal recruiters and human traffickers.

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021 lgu@manilastandard.net editor.lgustandard@gmail.com

LGUs LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Arayat ban on QC travelers ripped By Rio N. Araja

UEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday slammed the local government of Arayat, Pampanga for its travel restrictions on QC residents due to the new strain of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-29).

“We strongly denounce the Arayat local government’s decision to restrict the entry of Quezon City residents to their municipality because this decision is totally without basis, can cause undue panic, and is tantamount to discrimination,” she said. Arayat Mayor Emmanuel Alejandrino had announced the town is restricting the entry of Quezon City residents to prevent the spread of the United Kingdom variant of COVID-19. “For the enlightenment of the Arayat local government unit who obviously did not refer to official news reports and health experts, we would like to emphasize the following points again: The traveller who tested positive for the UK variant of COVID-19 DID NOT SET FOOT in Quezon City at any time upon his return to the country from Dubai last Jan. 7,” Belmonte said. “The said patient STAYED in a quarantine hotel as part of the 14-day mandatory quarantine period. He was tested on Jan. 7 upon arrival. The day after, it was confirmed he was COVID-19 positive. His sample was sent to the Philippine Genome Center.” “On the night of Jan. 13, the city government and the city health department were informed by the Department of Health that he has the so-called United Kingdom variant. Since Jan: 8, he has been staying at a facility where he remains up to this day for treatment,” she added. Moreover, the city mayor said a total of 143 individuals who are considered contacts have been identified, quarantined and are being monitored closely. Belmonte said among them are more than 30 healthcare workers and barangay workers who assisted and cared for the patient when he was transferred from the quarantine hotel in Manila to the isolation facility in Quezon City after he was tested positive for the virus.

Manila starts free RT-PCR drive-thru tests By Willie Casas THE City Government of Manila on Monday began offering free drive-thru RT-PCR COVID-19 swab testing at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila. The swab testing service is made available for free to anyone, whether a Manila resident or not. Those who will avail of the test just need to set an appointment and arrive at the venue in a vehicle. Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said appointments are necessary to ensure personal information of individuals getting tested will be secured. No walk-ins are allowed. Only 100 individuals will be accommodated each day. The testing center to be handled by the Manila Health Department (MHD) and the Manila Emergency Operating Center (MEOC) will be open from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. For appointments, interested individuals may contact the MEOC at 09052423327; 09983226367; 09636023177; and 09555875976. The city government also said no serology testing will be conducted at the drive-thru RT-PCR testing center at Quirino Grandstand.

DAR tracing NV beneficiaries By Rio N. Araja

WALKTHROUGH. DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, Rep. Christopher de Venecia (4th District, Pangasinan) and Dagupan City Mayor Brian Lim inspect the 1.2-km Tondaligan Beach Baywalk in Dagupan City.

Villar praises Tondaligan Baywalk in Dagupan PUBLIC Works Secretary Mark Villar expressed his satisfaction to the ongoing construction of the 1.2-kilometer Tondaligan Baywalk in Dagupan City, a joint project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Tourusm (DOT). “I’m very impressed,” Villar said when he inspected the project before noon of January 18 along with Pangasinan Fourth District Rep. Christopher de Venecia, who initiated the project, and Dagupan City Mayor Brian Lim. Villar came from Urdaneta City where

he inspected and inaugurated the newlybuilt Urdaneta Bypass Road leading to either Dagupan City and Binalonan. The baywalk project, which is now being given a concrete stamping surface to make it more attractive, is being constructed under the auspices of the DPWH through Highways District Engineer Edita Manuel. Villar revealed that the pedestrian infrastructure project is one of the things being promoted by the national government in the countryside, and the Tondaligan Baywalk is one concrete example. “It has a beautiful design and there are

ornamental plants that would soon be planted including a bike lane that will be provided,” Villar said, adding that barriers are also part of the plan. Noting the concrete stamping barriers being put on the surface of the structure, Villar took pride in saying that when one walks over to the place, he would likely feel as if he is in another country. “This is a big thing for the people of Dagupan City,” Villar said, as he assured Congressman De Venecia that he is now working for the funding of the second phase of the project.

THE Department of Agrarian Reform is conducting an “honest-to-goodness” tracing of farmer-beneficiaries in Nueva Vizcaya to determine the state of the country’s land reform program from 48 years ago. Secretary Brother John Castriciones says the move, dubbed “Kumustasaka,” is meant to validate the existing owners, the crops planted, and the kinds of support services needed to enhance farm productivity. He says the Kumustasaka, which is in pilot-testing stage, seeks to pinpoint the real farmer-beneficiaries to whom the DAR intends to extend much-needed assistance. “The idea here is to find out if the farm lots that had been distributed to them are still being tilled by them. We also wanted to know their current economic status and what they need to increase their farm produce and increase their income,” he said. The farm visit was called “ARBisitahan.” Undersecretary for Support Services Emily Padilla said they were also meant to pinpoint the actual farmer-beneficiaries. She says she has observed in past distribution by the DAR of farm inputs to farmer-beneficiaries that “some of them are not actually farmer-beneficiaries.”

Parañaque enforces styro, plastic ban By Joel E. Zurbano THE city government of Parañaque reiterated its call to residents and business establishments to be aware of a local ordinance regulating the use of styrofoam packaging and single-use plastics. Ordinance 18-40 Series of 2018 regulates the use, provision, and sale of styrofoam, plastic bags, and plastic for prepared food and beverage containers including plastic straws and stirrers in the City of Parañaque. Mayor Edwin Olivarez said inspectors

and enforcers will visit establishments in the city to promote awareness and monitor compliance on plastic regulation and enforce the ordinance. “This is to ensure awareness and also to give ample time for the transition from plastics to reusable materials. The city is extending this massive IEC Campaign until June 2021 to adhere to the ordinance,” he said. Olivarez said the strict implementation of the local policy will be “enforced this June with fines accompanied with every offense committed as stated on the ordinance.”

PROJECT TOUR 2021. Binan City Mayor Arman Dimaguila explains a point as he and Vice Mayor Gel Alonte, together with local government officials and different organizations, inspect the New Ospital ng Biñan Building, a four-story hospital with a 200-bed capacity and Intensive Care Unit that is expected to open in the first quarter of 2022. Roy Tomandao

Dimaguila: Binan works to push through BINAN CITY—Even in the midst of the pandemic, the projects of the City Government of Biñan will push on and continue, Mayor Arman Dimaguila said Monday. Dimaguila, along with Vice Mayor Gel Alonte and city councilors, visited the city’s on-going projects. With them were DILG Committee Members, Brgy. Chairmen, SK Chairmen and Councilors, MSKB, HOA, UPHSL, PUP Students, Priests, Biñan Pastor Movement and Media members as they toured various sites last January 15. Dimaguila said: “Tumatakbo pa rin ang

lahat ng proyekto ng pamahalaan upang ipakita natin na hindi tumtitigil ang programa natin dahil sa pandemic lang. Life continues, madami tayong tuloy tuloy pang proyekto para sa ating mga kababayan.” The tour group inspected the Elevated Parking and Hotel (Poblacion), Biñan City Hospital with ICU and an additional 200 bed capacity, Biñan City Science High School, Bgy. Dela Paz road reblocking, the Fire Station at Bgy. San Vicente, the second floor of the New Wet Market, and the Langkiwa-Timbao road widening. Roy Tomandao

VIRTUAL SIKHAYAN. Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas (inset) delivers a speech as the city, easing towards the new normal, pushed through with its annual celebration of the Sikhayan Festival on Monday, with the event streamed live on the city’s Facebook Page and on Royal Cable TV6. Participants are seen using face shields while performing. Roy Tomandao

9 arrested for illegal cockfight in Mabalacat village By Jess Malabanan MABALACAT CITY—Nine gamefowl enthusiasts were arrested by police after they were caught holding a cockfight at Barangay Dau Homesite here for alleged violations of the standing health protocol, as authorities heightened their awareness campaign on the coronavirus pandemic. Police Lt. Colonel Rossel Cejas, chief of the Mabalacat police, identified the suspects as Danilo Alfaro, Roner De Dios, Melchor Dulay, Arnel Abalos,

Jorge Montina Jr., Reyanldo Enecillo, and Randy Cunanan, all residents of this city, and Nestor Rodriguez and Fidel Nuqui, both of Angeles City. Cejas said the suspects were arrested for flagrantly violating the minimum health protocol standard while holding a cockfight without face maks, face shields. and not observing one-meter distancing. “This serves as a lesson to gamefowl and cockfight enthusiast and to the public to always observe the minimum health standard protocol to avoid arrest,” said Cejas over the phone.

Cejas said Mabalacat police confiscated seven gamefowls, a gaff, cages and P6,560 in cash bets. The suspects were brought to the community police precinct for further investigation as violation of the Provincial Ordinance 756 is being readied against them. Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) launched over the weekend the Coronavirus Awareness Response and Empowerment (CARE), a series of sociocivic activities aimed at maximizing the information and education drive against COVID-19.

World

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Biden team lays out plans for inauguration, impeachment

RESIDENT-ELECT Joe Biden’s top advisors on Sunday outlined his plans to tackle the nation’s multiple crises while balancing the impeachment trial of Donald Trump, as an historic inauguration week opens in the United States.

Washington was under the watch of thousands of National Guard troops and ringed with security barriers ahead of Biden’s swearing in Wednesday, in a nation still rattled by the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Pro-Trump protests planned at state capitols nationwide got off to a quiet start with only small groups of armed demonstrators gathering in states including Ohio, Texas, Oregon and Michigan.

“The events of the past few weeks have proven just how damaged the soul of America has been and how important is to restore it. That work starts on Wednesday,” Biden’s incoming chief of staff Ron Klain told CNN. “We’re inheriting a huge mess here, but we have a plan to fix it.” As the president-elect prepares to take power in a city where only two weeks earlier Trump supporters launched a violent

AVAILABLE CASH FOR DISBURSEMENT CASH OUTFLOWS CAPEX Requirement, PhP Force Majeure CAPEX, URSULA New Amortization for Annual CAPEX Requirement, PhP Amortization of old debt, PhP Direct RFSC Funding, PhP Permit Fee Total Cash Outflows RFSC balance,ending, PhP, excess/(shortfall)

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR CONFIRMATION AND APPROVAL OF FORCE MAJEURE EVENT CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROJECT, NAMELY: REPAIR AND REHABILITATION OF DISTRIBUTION LINES, RECONNECTION OF SERVICE DROP AND REPLACEMENT KILOWATT-HOUR METERS, REPAIR AND/OR REPLACEMENT OF COMPUTERS, PRINTERS AND RADIO COMMUNICATION FACILITIES, REPLACEMENT OF 3-PHASE VACUUM RECLOSERS WITH MICROPROCESSOR AND BASE CONTROL FOR FEEDERS’ MAIN PROTECTION, AND REPAIR OF BUILDINGS AND OFFICES, ALL DAMAGED BY THE ONSLAUGHT OF TYPHOON URSULA ON 25 DECEMBER 2019

NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING Notice is hereby given that on 23 September 2020, the Aklan Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AKELCO) filed an Application dated 22 June 2020, seeking the Commission’s authority to confirm and approve its force majeure event capital expenditure project, namely, repair and rehabilitation of distribution lines, reconnection of service drop and replacement kilowatt-hour meters, repair and/or replacement of computers, printers and radio communication facilities, replacement of 3-phase vacuum reclosers with microprocessor and base control for feeders’ main protection, and repair of buildings and offices, all damaged by the onslaught of typhoon Ursula on 25 December 2019.

AKELCO is a non-stock, non-profit electric cooperative duly organized and existing under and by virtue of Philippine laws, with principal office at Poblacion, Lezo, Aklan;

It holds an exclusive franchise from the National Electrification Commission to operate an electric light and power distribution service in the seventeen (17) municipalities of the Province of Aklan, namely: Altavas, Balete, Banga, Batan, Buruanga, Ibajay, Kalibo, Lezo, Libacao, Madalag, Makato, Malay, Nabas, New Washington, Numancia and Tangalan, and two (2) northern municipalities of the Province of Antique, namely: Libertad and Pandan. LEGAL BASIS FOR THE APPLICATION Pursuant to Section 3.3 of ERC Resolution 26, Series of 2009 which provides that if a Force Majeure or Fortuitous Event, as the case may be, occurs, the regulated entity shall seek the ERC’s confirmation of the implementation of capital expenditure projects arising from such event, as well as other laws and rules, AKELCO seeks confirmation and approval from this Honorable Commission of its implementation of Force Majeure Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Project subject of the instant application. THE FORCE MAJEURE EVENT (TYPHOON URSULA) Typhoon Ursula, with international name, Phanfone, was a relatively strong and deadly tropical cyclone which traversed through the Philippines on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It was December 23 when Phanfone entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and further intensified, peaking at 150 km/h (90 mph) 10-minutes sustained winds with a central pressure dropping to 970 hPa. It crossed the central Philippines and struck nearly the same region, with a track fairly similar to 2013’s Typhoon Yolanda (International Name, Haiyan). The system caused destruction in the Visayas region and left a total damage cost of $67.2 million or roughly PhP3.44 billion; With maximum sustained winds up to 140 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 195 km/h, as it crossed the Panay Island particularly the Province of Aklan on December 25, 2019, it devastated the whole coverage area of AKELCO which left the distribution utility extensive damage on its distribution lines, service drop wires, kilowatt-hour-meters, IT equipment and facilities, buildings and offices, and protective devices. The whole area experienced total black out until fully restored on January 26, 2020. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT The project involves the repair of distribution lines, reconnection of cutoff service drop and replacement of kilowatt-hour meters, repair and/ or replacement of computers, printers and radio communication facilities, replacement of 3-phase vacuum reclosers with microprocessor and base control for feeders’ main protection, and repair of buildings and offices, all damaged by the onslaught of Typhoon Ursula on 25 December 2019. ESTIMATED PROJECT COST

The estimated total cost of the project is One Hundred Forty Seven Million Six Hundred Eighty Three Thousand Seven Hundred Forty Seven and 01/100 (PhP147,683,747.01).

Repair and rehabilitation of distribution lines were immediately undertaken as soon as the typhoon left the country and will be completed by September 2020. Reconnection of cut-off service drop and replacement of kilowatt-hour meters was completed on February 15, 2020. Repair and/or replacement of computers, printers and radio communication facilities will start on July 1, 2020 and is expected to be completed on July 30, 2020. Replacement of 3-phase vacuum reclosers with microprocessor and base control for feeders’ main protection went through successful bidding on March 11, 2020 and installation will start and expected to be completed in June 2020. Finally, the repair of damaged buildings and offices was commenced in February 2020 and is expected to be completed in December 2020.

PROJECT SCHEDULE

PROJECT FINANCING The cost of the restoration and rehabilitation works shall be sourced partly from AKELCO’s collection of Reinvestment Fund for Sustainable Capital Expenditure (RFSC), and partly from government subsidy should the cooperative’s application therefor be granted. INDICATIVE RATE IMPACT 10. The table below simulates the indicative rate impact of the implementation of the project on the cooperative’s existing RFSC. All of AKELCO’s other proposed CAPEX projects were taken into consideration in the computation. This projection covers Years 2020 to 2023. Indicative Rate Impact of the Projector RFSC 2020 2021 Energy Sales, kWh 306,587,865 319,557,563 RFSC balance, beginning, PhP, excess/(shortfall) 96,651,914 8,512,585 CASH INFLOWS Current Year Collection 89,033,116 92,799,516 50% Income on Properties Loan Proceeds from Financial Institutions, PhP 193,552,899 308,335,568 Government Subsidy for Government Finance Proj. 65,885,552 CAPEX Advanced by Contestable Customer 62,498,000 Total Cash Inflows 410,969,567 401,135,084 Particulars

547,364,158

61,338,308

321,936,451 147,683,747

308,335,568 -

426,994,840 -

74,850,528 -

17,903,643 8,062,904 3,522,151 499,108,897 8,512,585

31,274,036 41,479,499 6,950,406 43,870,190 189,377,260 203,278,072 2,312,517 3,202,461 561,379 385,792,311 661,054,060 285,640,386 23,855,358 (113,689,902) (224,302,077)

SUBMISSIONS 14. Finally, in support of the instant application, AKELCO is submitting herewith the following documents to form integral parts hereof as follows, to wit: Annex Nature of Document Markings A Notice of Force Majeure Event B Executive Summary of the Force Majeure Event Capital Expenditure Project C and Proof of furnishing of copies of the Application to the series Sangguniang Bayan of Lezo and Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan D and Proof of publication of the Application in a newspaper of series general circulation within AKELCO’s franchise area or where it principally operates

THE APPLICANT 1.

409,647,669

13. The immediate and simultaneous reconstruction and repair of the damaged distribution lines restored the power to government offices, vital facilities and to all consumes in general. The reconnection of cut-off service drop and replacement of kilowatt-hour meters re-energized all of the affected member-consumer-owners. The repair and/or replacement of computers, printers and radio communication facilities is needed in order to continue the operation of the Ibajay Area Office and to support the communication facilities needed by the engineers and maintenance personnel in the performance of their daily activities. Replacement of 3-phase vacuum reclosers with microprocessor and base control for feeders’ main protection are needed in order to maintain the safety standards and to attain reliable electricity distribution services to the consumers. Finally, the damaged buildings and offices must be restored to their original condition in order to provide an environment conducive for working to effectively maintain and sustain the daily operations of the cooperative.

The pertinent portions of the said Application are hereunder quoted as follows:

507,621,481

JUSTIFICATIONS OR BENEFITS TO BE DELIVERED BY THE PROJECT

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:

Information Office on January 18, 2021, shows President Nicos Anastasiades receiving a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Latsia health centre in Cyprus’s capital Nicosia. AFP

12. On the other hand, annual CAPEX requirements for year 2020 will be outsourced from other financing institutions as shown above. This will be simulated in a different application. Thus, for year 2020, there will be no rate increase to member-consumer-owners.

ERC CASE NO. 2020-026 RC

SECOND DOSE. A handout picture provided by the Cypriot government’s Press and

11. Based on the above projection, in year 2020, the beginning balance of the RFSC together with RFSC collections for the year is sufficient to cover for the requirements of the instant application. Government subsidy was not considered in computing the rate impact.

AKLAN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (AKELCO), Applicant. x-----------------------------------------------------x

attempt to overturn the election, Biden faces overlapping crises: not only the pandemic but a struggling economy, climate change and racial tensions. Biden wants the Congress to act quickly on a massive, $1.9-trillion stimulus package to revive the economy, and he plans a blitz to accelerate America’s stumbling Covid vaccine rollout. His target of seeing 100 million doses of coronavirus vaccine injected within his first 100 days in office is “absolutely” achievable, top US scientist Anthony Fauci told NBC on Sunday. “The feasibility of his goal is absolutely clear, there’s no doubt about it,” said Fauci, who will be Biden’s chief advisor on the virus, as he was Trump’s. AFP

2022 2023 332,348,347 344,964,473 23,855,358 (113,689,902) 96,513,960

100,177,683

426,994,840 523,508,800

74,850,528 175,028,211

PRAYER WHEREFORE, premises considered, AKELCO respectfully prays of this Honorable Commission that after due notice and hearing, the repair and rehabilitation of distribution lines, reconnection of service drop and replacement kilowatt-hour meters, repair and/or replacement of computers, printers and radio communication facilities, replacement of 3-phase vacuum reclosers with microprocessor and base control for feeders’ main protection, as well as repair of buildings and offices, all damaged by the onslaught of Typhoon Ursula on 25 December 20l9be confirmed and approved accordingly. Other reliefs, just and equitable in the premises are likewise prayed for. The Commission hereby sets the instant Application for the determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, pre-trial conference, and presentation of evidence on 11 February 2021 (Thursday) at nine o’clock in the morning (09:00 A.M.), through a virtual hearing using the Microsoft Teams as the online platform for the conduct thereof. Any interested stakeholder may submit its comments and/or clarifications at least one (1) calendar day prior to the scheduled virtual hearing, via electronic mail (e-mail) at records@erc.gov.ph and records.erc.gov.ph@gmail.com, copy furnish the Legal Service through legal.erc.gov.ph@gmail.com. The Commission shall give priority to the stakeholders who have duly submitted their respective comments and/ or clarifications, to discuss the same and propound questions during the course of the expository presentation. Moreover, all persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission via e-mail at records@erc. gov.ph and records.erc,gov.ph@gmail.com, copy furnish the Legal Service through legal.erc.gov.ph@gmail.com, a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) calendar days prior to the date of the initial virtual hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following: 1)

The petitioner’s name, mailing address and e-mail address;

The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and

A statement of the relief desired.

Likewise, all other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may likewise file through e-mail at records@erc.gov.ph and records.erc.gov.ph@gmail.com, copy furnish the Legal Service through legal.erc.gov.ph@gmail.com, their Opposition or Comment thereon at least five (5) calendar days prior to the initial virtual hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following: 1)

The name, mailing address and e-mail address of such person;

A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and

The grounds relied upon.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application may request from Applicant that they be furnished with the same prior to the date of the initial hearing. Applicant is hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Application and its attachments, through any of the available modes of service, upon their agreement, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the Application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the standard office hours. In the alternative, those persons who wish to have an electronic copy of the Application may request the Commission for the e-mail addresses of the Applicant by sending an e-mail to records@erc.gov. ph and records.erc.gov.ph@gmail.com, copy furnish the Legal Service through legal. erc.gov.ph@gmail.com. Nonetheless, any person may also access the Application as posted by the Commission in its official website at www.erc.gov.ph. Finally, all interested persons may be allowed to join the scheduled initial virtual hearing by providing the Commission, thru legal.virtualhearings.erc.gov.ph@ gmail.com, with their respective e-mail addresses and indicating therein the case number of the instant Application. The Commission will send the access link/s to the aforementioned hearing platform within five (5) working days prior to the scheduled hearing. WITNESS, the Honorable Commissioners ALEXIS M. LUMBATAN, CATHERINE P. MACEDA, FLORESINDA G. BALDO-DIGAL and MARKO ROMEO L. FUENTES, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 6th day of October 2020 in Pasig City.

AGNES VST DEVANADERA Chairperson and CEO

M. Standard – Jan. 19 & 26, 2021

Global vaccination drive gains; Brazil gives first jabs THE global Covid-19 vaccination drive gained pace Sunday as Brazil gave its first injections and India pushed on with its massive campaign, while European authorities sought to allay concerns about delays in supplies. Brazil’s health regulator gave the green light for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and China’s CoronaVac to be used as the Latin American giant suffers a devastating second wave of the coronavirus. Monica Calazans, a 54-year-old intensive care nurse in Sao Paulo became the first person in Brazil to receive the Chinese CoronaVac jab after the Anvisa watchdog’s highly anticipated ruling. Growing concerns over different strains of the virus have meanwhile prompted governments to tighten curbs in a bid to stem a global death toll that has already surpassed two million. Good start in India India’s vaccination drive got off to a successful start on Saturday with more than 224,000 people receiving their first jabs and just three people hospitalized after side effects, the health ministry said Sunday. The government plans to immunize some 300 million people out of its population of 1.3 billion by July -- equivalent to almost the entire US population. In Europe, both France and Russia were gearing up for a key week in the vaccine effort. Russia starts mass immunisations on Monday using its homegrown Sputnik V vaccine, while the French government is hoping to overcome fierce criticism of a sluggish rollout as it begins inoculating the over-75s. Across the European Union there have been concerns that delays in the delivery of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine could further slow a campaign which critics have condemned as less agile than in the United States or Britain, a recently-departed EU member. AFP

Japan’s PM pledges to tackle COVID-19 cases JAPAN’S Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged Monday to tackle surging coronavirus cases and restore normal life “as soon as possible” as polls showed plunging support for his government. Suga, who was speaking at the opening of a new parliament session, has only been in office since September, but has seen approval ratings nosedive over his government’s handling of a third wave of infections. The latest wave in Japan and abroad has also cast doubt on whether the pandemic-postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics can go ahead this year, but Suga repeated he was still committed to holding the Games as “proof of mankind’s victory over the virus”. “To protect the lives and health of the Japanese people... I will get the situation back to normal as soon as possible,” Suga said in a policy address to the Diet as it opened for a 150-day session. The greater Tokyo region and several other parts of Japan are under a virus state of emergency set to last until February 7, but the government has been accused of waiting too long to impose the measure and sending mixed messaging on the situation. A weekend survey by the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper showed approval for Suga’s cabinet sank six percentage points from December to 39 percent, against a disapproval rate of 49 percent. The latest readings compare with a 74 percent approval rating for his government in the same survey when he took office in September. A poll from private broadcaster ANN over the weekend showed similar results, with approval dropping to 34.8 percent from December. Suga’s government has stressed the need to balance infection measures against economic impact, but was slammed for continuing to back a domestic travel campaign even as infection rates spiked. AFP

UN forces recapture C. African City from rebels fighting the government UN PEACEKEEPING troops said they have retaken control of a city in the Central African Republic captured two weeks ago by armed groups waging an offensive against the government of President Faustin Archange Touadera. Rebels abandoned their positions in Bangassou, 750 kilometres (470 miles) east of the capital Bangui, and fled the city following an ultimatum on Friday from the UN peacekeeping force MINUSCA, the mission’s spokesman Vladimir Monteiro said late Saturday. “The city of Bangassou is under the complete control of MINUSCA,” Monteiro said, though he added that the UN force “remains on alert” to prevent any rebel return or other actions against civilians, the state authority and UN troops. Armed groups waging a nationwide offensive captured the city on January 3, forcing many residents to flee across the border to the Democratic Republic of Congo. “It’s a great joy,” Juan Jose Aguirre, the bishop of Bangassou, told AFP, following the UN operation to regain control of the city. “After 13 days sleeping outdoors, people will be able to return to their homes,” he added. Lieutenant Colonel Abdoulaziz Fall, spokesman for MINUSCA’s military component, said the UN force intervened to stop attempts at looting overnight Friday to Saturday. “The situation is calm and under control and positions that had been occupied by armed groups are no longer,” Fall said. AFP

Business

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Samsung chief imprisoned over corruption case

PSEi January 18, 2021

TOP GAINERS 1 2

BCP AR

LAST PRICE 27 0.0076

% CHANGE CHANGE 9 50.00% 0.0025 49.02%

0.019

0.006

46.15%

4 5 6

OPMB OPM PA

0.019 0.02 6.2

0.006 0.006 1.8

46.15% 42.86% 40.91%

BSC

1.86

0.43

30.07%

8 9 10

APO VUL APVI

1.13 1.54 17

0.26 0.33 3.6

29.89% 27.27% 26.87%

JAILED. Lee Jae-yong (center), vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, arrives at a court for a trial in his bribery scandal involving former South Korean president Park Geun-hye in Seoul on January 18, 2021. (Story below) AFP

TOP LOSERS 1 2

CEU MAH

LAST PRICE 6.5 3.21

% CHANGE CHANGE -1.46 -18.34% -0.48 -13.01%

DWC

2.82

-0.38

-11.88%

4 5 6

KPHB COL AB

4.5 4.25 7.51

-0.56 -0.51 -0.84

-11.07% -10.71% -10.06%

7 8 9 10

ECP T TBGI PXP

7.95 1.97 0.51 11.7

-0.73 -0.18 -0.04 -0.78

-8.41% -8.37% -7.27% -6.25%

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

BSC AR APL MM SM DITO TBGI ALI SMPH PHA

VOLUME 870821000 144655000000 1958890000 47999900 328055 28055300 609216000 8178000 8206200 100915000

VALUE (PHP) 1560450630 909039700 597827550 381652358 344288525 335154576 326510300 324163915 321637970 288824820

Stock market down slightly; BDO and Puregold decline

TOCKS fell again Monday as investors took a breather following a recent rally, with some investors waiting on the sidelines for any signs of a market uptick.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index slipped 35.02 points, or 0.5 percent, to 7,203.44 on a value turnover of P10.4 billion. Losers beat gainers, 137 to 95, with 43 issues unchanged. BDO Unibank Inc., the biggest lender in terms of assets, declined 2.2 percent to P109.50, while Puregold Price Club Inc. of retail tycoon Lucio Co dropped 1.4 percent to P37.75. Basic Energy Corp., however, surged 30.1 percent to P1.86, while Abra Mining & Industrial Corp. jumped 49 percent to P0.0076. The rest of Asian markets fell Mon-

day, though Hong Kong and Shanghai enjoyed gains after data showed China’s economy grew more than expected last year. While broadly welcomed on trading floors, Joe Biden’s $1.9-trillion stimulus proposal was unable to fuel fresh gains with the spending spree largely factored into prices, while analysts warned it could be watered down by the time it reaches his desk for signing. Concern about a frightening spike in new virus cases was also keeping a lid on buying sentiment as governments are forced to impose fresh lockdowns while battling to roll out vaccines. However, the general consensus remains upbeat for the long-term outlook. “Markets needed a breather or even a pull back to justify reflationary expectations,” Ben Emons, at Medley Global Advisors, said. Tokyo, Sydney, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Mumbai and Wellington led losses following a negative lead from

(MS-JAN. 19/26, FEB.2, 2021)

A mask-clad Israeli tourist photographs a falconer holding a falcon during a visit to the historic al-Fahidi neighborhood of Dubai on January 11, 2021. As much of the world tightens lockdowns to stem the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, Dubai has flung its doors open, branding itself as a sunny, quarantine-free escape—despite a sharp rise in cases. AFP

China GDP grows at slowest pace in over four decades BEIJING, China―China’s GDP grew at the slowest pace in more than four decades in 2020, official data showed Monday, but it was still expected to be the only major economy to grow at all after a strong rebound from the coronavirus crisis. COVID-19, which has ravaged the world economy, first emerged in central China in late 2019. But the world’s second-largest economy also became the first to bounce back after imposing strict lockdowns and virus control measures. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said last year was a “grave and complex environment both at home and abroad” with the pandemic having a “huge impact.” The 2.3-percent expansion in 2020 was a marked slowdown from 2019’s revised growth of 6.0 percent―itself already the lowest in decades―with the country hit by weak domestic demand and trade tensions. But it is better than that forecast by an AFP poll of analysts from 13 financial institutions, who had predicted a 2-percent expansion. In the last three months of 2020, China’s economic rebound continued with a better-than-expected 6.5-percent growth on-year, a sustained improvement since the second quarter. This brings it back to a pre-pandemic trajectory, although full-year 2020 growth is still its worst performance since a 1.6 contraction in 1976, the year Chairman Mao Zedong died. That was two years before former leader Deng Xiaoping set in motion a shift away from communist-style central planning, turning China into an industrial, trade and tech powerhouse. NBS commissioner Ning Jizhe told reporters the foundation for China’s economic recovery “is still not yet firm.” “There are many uncertainties in the changing dynamics of the pandemic, as well as the external environment,” he said. According to the latest data, industrial production grew 2.8 percent on-year for 2020, slowing further from previous years. Retail sales, whose recovery has lagged behind that of industrial activity, shrank 3.9 percent for the full year with consumers wary of spending as the pandemic lingered. AFP

SEOUL―The de facto chief of South Korea’s Samsung business empire was convicted Monday over a huge corruption scandal and jailed for two and a half years, in a ruling that deprives the tech giant of its top decision-maker. Lee Jae-yong, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, the world’s biggest smartphone and memory chip maker, was found guilty of bribery and embezzlement in connection with the scandal that brought down president Park Geun-hye. Lee “actively provided bribes and implicitly asked the president to use her power to help his smooth succession” at the head of the sprawling conglomerate, the Seoul Central District Court said in its verdict. “It is very unfortunate that Samsung, the country’s top company and proud global innovator, is repeatedly involved in crimes whenever there is a change in political power.” ManilaIt jailed him for two and a half years, Standard concluding TODAY a retrial that was the latest step in a long-running legal process that has hung over Samsung for years. The multi-billionaire Lee―who had earlier walked into court grim-faced and wearing a face mask, without reWall Street. sponding to reporters’ shouted ques“After the early week exuberance of tions―was immediately taken into the first week of 2021, investor appetite custody. for risk has taken a little bit of a knock He has efin the last week or so, largely down to fectively been concerns that the recovery story being NOTICE at the head priced in may well be a little premaof the entire NOTICE is hereby given that Extrajudicial Settlement ture,” said Michael Hewson at CMC S a m s u n g an of the Instestate Estate of the Markets. group for Late Spouses Buenaventura “It probably hasn’t helped that expecseveral years U.V. Angtuaco and Susana C. Angtuaco, consisting of tations of a shock and awe Democrat after his fa- a real properties (with & fiscal plan, are also starting to get pared ther was left without improvements) was by their heirs and back a touch as well, as details of the bedridden by executed notarized on 12 January new $1.9-t fiscal aid plan start to come a heart attack, 2021 per Doc No. 494; Page 100; Book No. I; Series of into clearer focus.” finally dying No 202 of Notary Public Tomas However, stocks in Hong Kong and in October. B. Baga, Jr. of Quezon City, Shanghai rose after official figures AFP Metro Manila showed China’s economy expanded a forecast-beating 2.3 percent last year. While the reading was the weakest inNotice of Publication four decades, it showed growth wasNotice is hereby given to the effect that picking up again after a devastating starta Deed of Extrajudicial Partition of the to 2020 as swathes of the country wereEstates of the late Carmen P. Villaroman, shut down to contain the deadly corona-the late Cristina P. Villaroman, and the late Catalina P. Villaroman was virus. With AFP executed by their heirs namely: Carmen’s

Escaping coronavirus lockdowns, tourists flock to Dubai By Shatha Yaish DUBAI, United Arab Emirates―As much of the world tightens lockdowns to stem coronavirus, Dubai has flung its doors open, branding itself as a sunny, quarantine-free escape―despite a sharp rise in cases. While mask-wearing and social distancing are strictly enforced, life in the tourism-reliant emirate looks much like normal, with its restaurants, hotels and mega-malls open for business. Images of sports stars and television personalities enjoying life at beach clubs and cocktail bars have flooded social media―sometimes to disapproval back home. Emirates, which restored its network to about three quarters of pre-pandemic levels, is again operating A380 superjumbos―the world’s largest commercial airliner―ferrying in visitors from Britain and Russia. Russian tourist, Dmitriy Melnikov, said he came to Dubai because his choices were otherwise limited, with many destinations in partial or full lockdown. “I am not scared,” the 30-year-old told AFP. “If you look at people here, everyone has a mask, and I think it’s cool.” But the downside to becoming one of the world’s most open destinations has been a sharp rise in coronavirus cases. Daily detected cases hover in the mid-3,000s across the United Arab Emirates, which has a population of under 10 million, with 745 deaths from COVID-19 since the pandemic began. “There are significant risks in Dubai remaining so open,” said Scott Livermore, chief economist at Oxford Economics Middle East. “A renewed outbreak of COVID-19 would set the recovery back quite some way.” ‘Willing to take the risk’ With a negative PCR test in their home countries―and possibly another upon arrival, depending on the place of departure―tourists can freely enter Dubai, where winter temperatures average a pleasant 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). The neighboring emirate of Abu Dhabi, which with large oil reserves is less dependent on tourism, has taken a much more conservative approach, generally requiring quarantine

on arrival. In the Al Fahidi historical neighborhood in Dubai, maskclad tourists walk through alleyways, taking pictures of the recreation of life a century ago. Hand sanitizers and floor stickers warning people to maintain their distance are everywhere, while most restaurants have replaced their menus with digital QR barcodes, that can be displayed on a smartphone. “Before the coronavirus, tour groups were up to 100 or 250 visitors with each tour guide, but now things are different, only 20 visitors maximum for each tour guide,” said the district’s director Nasser Juma bin Sulaiman. Andi Pitman, from the US state of Alabama, said it was her first trip abroad since the start of the pandemic. “We are very excited to be here and a little nervous, but happy to be out again,” she told AFP, strolling through AlFahidi with her husband and two children. “None of us have had the vaccine yet, but we have small kids that need to be out and need to see the world, so we’re willing to take the risk.” Sophia Amouch, from France, said she was not too concerned about the rise in cases in the UAE. “Everything is run better here,” the 25-year-old told AFP, adding that she felt “safer in Dubai, where everyone abides by all the measures.” ‘Growth strategy’ Tourism has long been an economic mainstay of Dubai, which welcomed more than 16 million visitors in 2019. Before the pandemic, the aim was to reach 20 million by 2020. The economy―the most diversified in the Gulf―was decimated by the crisis. The government was counting on the six-month Dubai Expo 2020 global trade fair―delayed by a year and now set to open in October―to attract millions of visitors and boost the economy. Now it is seeking to find what benefits it can from the crisis. “Dubai seems to be positioning itself as the destination of choice for those wanting to escape lockdown conditions and have a winter break, especially given ski resorts in Europe are largely closed,” said Livermore. AFP

son and the latter two’s brother Jorge P. Villaroman as per Doc. No. 3725; Book No. I; Page No. 68; Series of 2020 before Consul Melanie Rita B. Diano in and for Sydney, New Wales, Australia; Carmen’s children and the latter two’s siblings Teresita V. Valencia, Hernando P. Villaroman, and Nelia V. Navato; and Carmen’s grandchildren and the latter two’s nephews Alfonso A. Villaroman, Fernando A. Villaroman, Felipe A. Villaroman, and Rodrigo A. Villaroman as per Doc No. 371, Page No. 75, Book No. I, series of 2020 before Notary Public Atty. Angelyn H. Sy. (MS-JAN. 19/26 & FEB. 2, 2021)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 217 – QUEZON CITY IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR CANCELLATION OF THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CIVIL REGISTRAR OF QUEZON CITY OF MARIA LARRAINE RAMOS TINIO. MARIA LARRAINE RAMOS TINIO Petitioner, -versus-

SP CASE NO. R-QZN-20-06072-SP

OFFICE OF THE CIVIL REGISTRAR, QUEZON CITY, OFFICE OF THE CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL AND OTHER PERSON CONCERNED, Respondents. x--------------------------------------x

ORDER This is a verified petition for the cancellation of the Certificate of Live Birth of Maria Larraine Ramos Tinio issued by the Office of the Civil Registrar of Quezon City filed by the petitioner. The petition alleges that petitioner Maria Larraine Ramos Tinio is the biological daughter Arsenia David Tinio and Rozalina Anilao Ramos, both deceased; that she was born on November 7, 1962 at Malawak Street, Barangay Guyong, Municipality of Sta. Maria, Province of Bulacan; that immediately after her birth, no certicate of live birth was filed at the Civil Registrar of Sta. Maria, Bulacan; that sometime in December 2011, when petitioner went to the Philippine Statistics Authority to secure a PSA copy of her certificate of live birth, she found out that there was no record that matches the information she provided; that she was advised by a lawyer that she can register her certificate of live birth in Quezon City, although delayed registration; that giving her full trust and confidence that delayed registration of her certificate of live birth in Quezon City is a valid remedy and legal, she was lured and persuaded to just signed the no. 20 Informant, No. 21 Prepared by Informant and the Affidavit for Delayed Registration Birth in her certificate of live birth; that in May 2018, to put things in order and reflect the true place of her birth, she sought the assistance of the Civil Registrar of Sta. Maria, Bulacan to correct whatever error done in registering in Quezon City; that petitioner filed the instant petition to correct the error and also in order to avoid confusion and problem in the future, as well as use for false claims. WHEREFORE, thus petition is hereby set for hearing on February 19, 2021 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning before this Court located at Room 604 Sixth Floor, Hall of Justice-Annex, Diliman, Quezon City at which place and on which date and time, all interested persons must appear and file their opposition/s to the petition. Let a copy of this Order be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation throughout the Philippines. Further, let a copy of the petition, and of this Order be served upon the Civil Registrar of Quezon City who may file its opposition thereto within fifteen (15) days from notice of this petition. SO ORDERED. Quezon City, Philippines, October 21, 2020. Cc:

(Sgd.) SANTIAGO M. ARENAS Judge

ALFEROS ARMAS & ASSOCIATES LAW OFFICE Atty. John Thomas S. Alferos III Counsel for the Petitioner Unit K, No. 1143 San Francisco Del Monte Avenue, Barangay Paltok 1105, Quezon City Office of the Solicitor General Makati City Office of the Local Civil Registrar Quezon City Philippine Statistics Authority Quezon City

(MStandard-Jan. 19, 26 & Feb. 2, 2021)

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021

IN BRIEF Diokno undergoes medical procedure

BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno is recovering from a medical procedure done Sunday to address a blood clot caused by a minor head accident. The BSP said in a statement Monday Diokno designated BSP Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. as officer-in-charge while he was recovering. Diokno said in a message to the Monetary Board and the BSP staff that “the procedure went well and I’m now on my way to recovery. Meanwhile, I’m designating Francis Dakila as OIC BSP governor while I’m recuperating.” According to the medical report, prognosis for the governor’s complete recovery was “very good” as he was awake and conversant an hour after the procedure. He is expected to be discharged from the hospital in four to five days and is anticipated to return to work subsequently. Julito G. Rada

Fruitas eyes P500-m net profit in five years

FRUITAS Holdings Inc., the country’s leading food and beverage kiosk operator, said Monday it expects net income to reach P500 million and revenues to hit P5 billion over the next five years on aggressive store rollout. Fruitas said in a disclosure to the stock exchange net income and revenues would likely post a strong rebound in 2021. The company aims to register a compounded annual revenue growth of 30 percent to 40 percent up to 2025. It also aims to increase net margin to 10 percent by 2025 from around 6 percent in 2019. The company said to achieve the five-year plan, it would double the store network to 2,000. For this year, the group targets to put up 100 new kiosks and 70 community stores. It also earmarked capital expenditures of P270 million for store expansion, acquisitions and development of new concepts. Jenniffer B. Austria

Business

2 exchanges ask Congress to swiftly pass CREATE bill statement sent to Finance Secretary By Julito G. Rada Carlos Dominguez III, expressed strong support for CREATE, which they deHE Philippine scribed as “a landmark bill in a series Stock Exchange and of reform measures undertaken by this administration.” Philippine Dealing “We respectfully urge both houses System Holdings Corp. on of Congress to prioritize the immediate Monday asked Congress to passage of the CREATE bill so that the country can fully reap the benefits of swiftly pass the proposed this reform bill without delay,” they said Corporate Recovery in a statement. and Tax Incentives for The statement of support was signed by PSE president Jose Pardo, PDS Enterprises Act to make the chairman Cezar Consing and Ramon Philippines an attractive Monzon, the president-CEO of both the investment hub in the region PSE and PDS. The PSE and the PDS thanked the Deand the domestic capital partment of Finance under Dominguez’s market a viable venue for leadership “for tirelessly working to ensure the timely approval” of CREATE raising funds. The two local exchanges, in a joint which represents the second package of

the Duterte administration’s Comprehensive Tax Reform Program. The immediate reduction of the corporate income tax to 25 percent for large businesses and foreign corporations and to 20 percent for micro, small and medium enterprises with net taxable income of P5 million and below and total assets of not more than P100 million excluding land, will leave more funds in the hands of publicly listed companies either for business expansion or distribution to stockholders, the PSE and the PDS said. “The investment of said tax savings in other business undertakings or investment vehicles can set off a chain of positive economic consequences such as employment generation, higher spending, and increased domestic business activity as a result of the multiplier effect,” they said.

Anti-trust body okays Scatec-SN transaction

THE Philippine Competition Commission said Monday it approved the acquisition by Scatec Solar ASA of 100-percent shares in SN Power AS (SN Power) valued at $1.16 billion. The Mergers and Acquisitions Office of the PCC said in a decision on Jan. 14 the transaction was not expected to result in substantial lessening of competition in the markets of renewable power generation and electricity supply as there is no horizontal or vertical relationship between the acquiring entity, including its notifying group, and the acquired entity and the entities it controls. The Scatec Solar-SN Power transaction is the first approved transaction for 2021 following the new thresholds of P50 billion or $1 billion under the Bayanihan II Act, and the 208th overall transaction cleared by the PCC. Until this transaction, acquiring entity Scatec Solar has no operations in the Philippines, but is engaged in developing, building and operating renewable energy power plants globally. Scatec is based in Norway and is known to invest in green energy companies in emerging markets. Othel V. Campos

FUEL MARKING. The Department of Finance reports that 18.29 billion liters of fuel were marked by the government from Sept. 4, 2019 to Jan. 14, 2021 under the Fuel Marking Program. Data from the department show that of the total volume of fuel marked, Petron Corp. accounted for 4.19 billion liters, followed by Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. with 3.6 billion liters and Unioil Petroleum Philippines Inc. with 1.9 billion liters. The Bureau of Customs raised P154.43 billion in duties and taxes as of Jan. 14, while the Bureau of Internal Revenue collected P24.37 billion in excise taxes from gasoline, diesel, kerosene and other fuel products as of Jan. 7, 2021.

PAMPI welcomes executive order keeping 5% tariff on MDM By Othel V. Campos PHILIPPINE Association of Meat Processors Inc. on Monday welcomed the issuance of Executive Order 123 that maintains the tariff on imported mechanically deboned meat of chicken and poultry at 5 percent. MDM, a vital raw material used in the processing of low-priced canned goods, is a meat product produced by forcing bones, with attached edible meat, under high pressure through a sieve or similar device to separate the bone from the edible meat tissue. PAMPI, the biggest group of meat processors in the country, said the EO was consistent with the government’s well-

defined policy to promote the domestic manufacturing sector, generate employment, protect consumers and ensure economic growth. The group, in supporting the retention of the 5-percent tariff on MDM, asked the government to assess minimum tariffs on imported raw materials used in manufacturing that are not locally available. “MDM is not locally produced. It is a primary raw material in the production of processed meats such as hotdogs, sausages, canned meat products and similar items which provide the protein needs of our people at affordable prices,” said PAMPI president Felix Tiukinhoy Jr. He said “canned products using MDM are among the “must’” items in relief food

packs that are produced by PAMPI members and distributed by government agencies to our people during national emergencies arising from natural calamities or disease outbreaks.” The retention of 5-percent tariff on MDM prevented any huge price increase in the processed and canned meat products, according to PAMPI. The Department of Trade and Industry earlier reported that the Committee on Tariff and Related Matters, co-chaired by the DTI and the National Economic and Development Authority, recommended to keep the MDM tariff rates at 5 percent to avert any increase in production cost of mass-based canned and processed meat products.

PSE INDEX

Monday, January 18, 2021

-35.02 PTS. 7,203.44

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

169,047,254,019 218,846 10,382,498,970.87 95 137 43

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.0530

Japan

Yen

0.009635

0.4630

Pound

1.360200

65.3617

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128972

6.1975

Switzerland

Franc

1.123469

53.9861

Canada

Dollar

0.785299

37.7360

Singapore

Dollar

0.752219

36.1464

Australia

Dollar

0.770600

37.0296

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655549

127.6071

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266617

12.8117

Brunei

Dollar

0.749400

36.0109

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000071

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.033311

1.6007

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.0835

Euro

1.208600

58.0769

Korea

Won

0.000907

0.0436

China

Yuan

0.154281

7.4137

India

Rupee

0.013676

0.6572

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.247831

11.9090

New Zealand

Dollar

0.714100

34.3146

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035726

1.7167 Source: BSP

DOE names Philodrill as Mindoro lead oil company By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Department of Energy approved the transfer of operatorship of Service Contract 53, or the onshore Mindoro block, to Philodrill Corp. Philodrill said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday it received the DOE letter dated Jan. 11 assigning the company as operator of SC 53. “After thorough review of the technical, legal and financial qualifications of the continuing partners, the request for redistribution of participating interests among the continuing partners and the assignment of Philodrill as the operator, is hereby approved,” the DOE said in the letter. Philodrill now holds 81.48 percent of SC 53, while Anglo Philippine Holdings Corp. owns the remaining 18.52 percent. The DOE in June 2020 terminated SC 53 because of the failure of the former block operator, Mindoro-Palawan Oil and Gas Inc., to comply with reportorial obligations. Philodrill said in a previous disclosure the company, along with nonoperator partners Anglo Philippine Holdings and Basic Energy Corp., were surprised by the decision of DOE as they had all been demanding MPOGI to rectify the operator’s operational deficiency. The company said they were not informed by DOE or by the operator of the contract termination as they were only able to learn of the decision during a verbal inquiry on July 4, 2019. The joint venture partners immediately appealed the SC termination on July 8, 2019. The partners also manifested their intention to reconstitute the joint venture and agreed to continue the service contract and deliver the SC 53 commitments. Philodrill acted as the de facto operator pending the appeal and negotiated for the settlement of the outstanding obligations of the joint venture which MPOGI failed to settle. SC 53 covers 6,600 square kilometers of the onshore areas of Mindoro Island within the North Palawan micro-continental block.

LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project is 50.61% complete, says DOTR By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Transportation said Monday the construction of LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project is now more than halfway to completion. The agency said the overall progress rate of the P64.9-billion LRT 1 Cavite Extension Project, funded by Light Rail Manila Corp., was 50.61 percent as of December 2020. “The recent construction activities of this highly anticipated project features the bored piling, pier/portal column works, and the MIA station foundation works, altogether with the launching of PI girder which is the chief horizontal support in the structure made for turn back slots,” the DOTr said. It said the accelerated pace of construction also included the expansion of the depot in Baclaran and the building of a new satellite depot at Zapote. The 11.7-kilometer LRT-1

Cavite Extension project, which will extend LRT line 1 from Baclaran to Niog, Bacoor in Cavite, is expected to reduce travel time between Baclaran and Bacoor from 1 hour and 10 minutes to 25 minutes. It is also projected to increase the line’s capacity to serve 500,000 to 800,000 passengers daily. The agency said that with a mandate to fast track the construction of said project, the partial operation is expected by the end of 2021. Phase 1 covers 7 km. of the 11km. LRT-1 Cavite Extension, including the Redemptorist Station, MIA Station, Asiaworld Station, Ninoy Aquino Station and Dr. Santos Station. The remaining stations between Las Piñas and Niog are scheduled to become fully-operational by 2022. LRMC won the bidding for the 11.7-km. Cavite extension project and took over the operation of LRT Line 1 on Sept. 12, 2015.

SITEL-PTC PARTNERSHIP. Sitel Group, a global leader in end-to-end customer experience products and solutions, signs a memorandum of understanding with Pateros Technological College to provide world-class brand of business outsourcing and communication training to PTC students. The program will be made available to over 1,000 first and second-year students from 28 classes across the various disciplines in the college. Attending the signing ceremony are PTC president Dr. Analiza Arcega, vice president for administration and finance Prof. Rolando Baylon, and college secretary Prof. Catalina Yolanda Banaobra. Sitel is represented by Tigas and Learning specialist Eliane Lansigan.

CDC chief pushes innovations to improve Freeport’s business climate demic,” Gaerlan said in a statement. He said the recovery of businesses in CLARK FREEPORT—Clark Develop- Clark would redefine Clark’s global comment Corp. president and chief executive petitiveness through best services that are Manuel Gaerlan outlined Monday innova- at par with international standards or in tions to support economic recovery and any other countries in Southeast Asia. improve the investment climate in the “Clark is not in battle between cities Freeport zone. and provinces. It is not competing against “There is a need to boost the investors’ Manila. Clark’s competition is Indonesia, confidence in Clark. CDC has to re-focus its Vietnam, and even China,” he said. attention to economic reset, rebound and reGaerlan encouraged members of the cover to arrest the effects of the global pan- CDC management team to come up with

By Jess Malabanan

a comprehensive business recovery plan and contribute to the national government in cushioning the effects of COVID 19 with the economy. The CDC aims to make the Freeport a modern and sustainable aerotropolis and preferred meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions and tourism destination in the Asia-Pacific region by 2030. Gaerlan said Clark Freeport was capable of competing with other investment destinations in other Asian countries.

Sports

PH gymnasts find home at Green Sun Hotel in Makati

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021

By Peter Atencio A HOTEL in Makati City is now hosting the training of members of the national gymnastics’ team for the coming 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam. The gymnasts have begun their physical workouts at the Green Sun Hotel following the inauguration of its gymnasium last Thursday. “It’s our new home for our athletes. We’re training our athletes for the SEA Games,” said Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion. Carrion explained that hotel owner David Lim gave them access to their gym facilities, a 1,000-square meter space located at the third floor of the Green Sun Hotel, along Chino Roces Avenue Extension and will serve as the new venue for the activities of the GAP. The assistance of Mayor Abby Binay, who is also a member of the board, was also welcomed, since the City of Makati was able to provide assistance in the needed health and safety protocols that they are putting up for the training. The Philippines placed third in gymnastics in the last SEA Games, with Olympian Carlos Yulo leading the country’s 3-5-4 gold-silverbronze medal haul. Initially, 14 national team members will be using the facilities. This includes Daniela Dela Pisa, who clinched the Philippines’ first gold medal in rhythmic gymnastics in the biennial meet. The GAP needed to look for a new venue after facilities used to train gymnasts at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex have not been available since March last year. Since the lockdowns were put up to control the spread of the coronavirus, some of the venues inside the Vito Cruz venue are still being utilized as isolation facilities for those who have been afflicted by the virus. Binay has been helping the GAP after she was accepted into board of directors as head of the education and training committee, Carrion said the new set of officers are now involved in their plans for a new facility, which is among the priorities they have in the development of its grassroots programs and in its bid to win the country’s first gold medal in the Olympics.

Olympic Rings and a Japan flag are seen on the Japan Olympic Museum building in Tokyo as Tokyo Olympics organizers insisted that the coronavirus-postponed Games will still go ahead despite Japan declaring a state of emergency less than 200 days before the opening ceremony. AFP

Olympics to cut back on athletes in opener T

OKYO—Tokyo Olympics organizers said Monday they will slash the number of athletes at the opening and closing ceremonies of this year’s coronavirusdelayed Games, as a report said thousands fewer will attend.

More than 11,000 athletes are expected to compete at the Tokyo Games, but anti-virus measures limiting the time they can spend in the Olympic Village mean not all will be able to attend the opening and closing festivities. Organizers said they would also “reconsider” how many athletes can take part in the ceremonies, and how to get them into the stadium safely. “In order to ensure the safety and security of the athletes and simplify operations at the Tokyo 2020 Games, we believe it is necessary to reconsider the number of participants at the opening and closing ceremonies and how they will enter the stadium,” the organizing committee said in a statement. A report in Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper on Monday said the International Olympic Committee expects only

6,000 athletes to take part in the July 23 opening ceremony, citing unidentified sources. Tokyo 2020 organisers said the details are still being worked out in discussions with the IOC and other organisations, and “a specific approach has not been decided yet”. ‘Anything can happen’ The organizing committee has insisted the Games can go ahead even if the virus has not been brought under control, and unveiled a raft of anti-virus measures in a 53-page interim report in December. Athletes cannot check in to the Olympic Village—which can accommodate 18,000 people—more than five days before their event, and must leave two days after finishing their competition. A surge in infections in Japan and else-

where around the world has cast fresh doubt over the Games, just over six months before the opening ceremony. A Japanese cabinet minister last week admitted “anything can happen” with the Games, while reports at the weekend said a former IOC vicepresident suggested the United Nations could be consulted on whether the event should go ahead. Public support for the Games has plummeted in Japan, with a poll earlier this month finding that more than 80 percent believe the event should be cancelled or postponed again. Japanese government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said Monday that Japan is committed to holding the Games as scheduled. “There is no change in the government’s stance on the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics,” he said. “The people in charge of the Games are united in preparing for them to be a success and the government will take appropriate measures to support them.” AFP

Bulls overcome Doncic’s historic NBA triple double LOS ANGELES—Lauri Markkanen scored a team high 29 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the Chicago Bulls overcame a historic triple double from Luka Doncic to beat the Dallas Mavericks 117-101 on Sunday. Garrett Temple scored 17 of his 21 points in the first half as the Bulls snapped a four-game losing streak. The Bulls shot 50 percent in the first half and led by 19 points at one stage en route to a 67-52 lead heading into the third quarter. Slovenian sensation Doncic finished with 36 points, 16 rebounds ad 15 assists to record his 29th career triple-double to pass Michael Jordan and move into 15th spot on the all-time list. A frustrated Doncic said the blame for the loss rested squarely on his shoulders because he played selfishly. “The second half, I played terrible,” Doncic said. “That’s on me, that game. I was being selfish a little bit because I had 30 points in the first half. “That wasn’t me in the second half.

I’ve got to do way better in the second half. That’s just on me.” Doncic shot 11-of-18 from the floor in the first half. He finished with six three pointers. Doncic became only the fourth player in NBA history to record at least 35 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists in a game and the youngest to do so. Oscar Robertson did it five times. The Bulls had six players in double figure scoring as their bench outscored the Mavericks reserves 61-22. Chicago’s ball movement was outstanding and their defence compiled a season high 14 steals. This was Markkanen’s second game back after missing seven because of Covid-19 protocols. “I was a little short on my shot and trying to get my legs back,’” Markkanen said the Finnish flash. ‘’Conditioningwise, I feel pretty good.” Kristaps Porzingis added 20 points and eight rebounds for Dallas in his third game back since recovering from offseason surgery on his right knee. Elsewhere, the New York Knicks

Lauri Markkanen of the Chicago Bulls handles the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. AFP

snapped their five-game NBA losing streak in emphatic style, holding the host Celtics to a season-low total in a 105-75 blowout win. Julius Randle scored 20 points and pulled down 12 rebounds and RJ Barrett

added 19 points and 11 boards for the Knicks, who spoiled the season debut of Celtics All-Star guard Kemba Walker, absent the first 11 games with a left knee injury. AFP

Adiwang tries to bounce back IT WILL be an interesting fight for Team Lakay’s Lito Adiwang when he seeks to bounce back from an earlier loss to a Japanese. Understanding the Japanese’ style of fighting has now prepared the 27-year-old Adiwang in his coming clash with replacement fighter Namiki Kawahara. “I need to have a good game plan and finish this with a KO, a submission or a good decision. Hindi kasi basta-basta ang kala-

ban ko,” said Adiwang on Zoom. Adiwang was supposed to be going up against Mongolian bet Hexigetu, also known as the “Wolf of the Grasslands,” when he steps inside the cage for one of the undercard of ONE: Unbreakable. But, Hexigetu won’t be available for the fight that is slated at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday, Jan. 22. Coach Mark Sangiao said that with Adiwang on his second training day in Singapore, it will

not be difficult for him to adjust against a taller rival. “Mas matangkad at mas payat ito. At mahihirapan mag-adjust dahil 9-day notice lang kasi siya,” said Sangiao on Adiwang’s encounter with Kawahara. Nevertheless, Adiwang won’t be underestimating the 5’7” Kawahara. That’s because the Japanese are known for the toughness and never-say-die mentality. “That’s their main weapon,”

said Adiwang, who speaks from experience. Last November, Adiwang took a split decision loss to Hiroshi Minowa following their encounter in Singapore. In this Friday’s main event, Alaverdi “Babyface Killer” Ramazanov defends his ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship for the first time when the the Russian star meets second-ranked contender Capitan Petchyindee Academy. Peter Atencio

Brady-fueled Bucs advance; Mahomes hurt in Chiefs’ win WASHINGTON—Tom Brady threw for two touchdowns and ran for another Sunday to lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over New Orleans in the NFL playoffs while defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City withstood Patrick Mahomes suffering a concussion to oust Cleveland. Six-time Super Bowl champion Brady and a defensive unit that forced four turnovers sparked the visiting Bucs over the Drew Brees-led Saints while Mahomes threw for one touchdown and ran for another before exiting in the third quarter of the Chiefs’ 22-17 triumph. “The defense was the key to the game. It was huge,” Brady said. “Our defense really balled out, got the turnovers we needed.” Both winners advanced to within one game of next month’s Super Bowl in Tampa, the Buccaneers booking a date next Sunday at chilly Green Bay in the NFC Championship game while the Chiefs will host the Buffalo Bills in next Sunday’s AFC Championship game. In his first Bucs season after 20 years in New England, 43-year-old Brady beat 42-year-old Brees in a duel of the all-time NFL passing yardage leaders. That earned a showdown with star quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, who lost 38-10 to Tampa Bay in October. “It’s great for our team. We worked hard to get to this point,” Brady said. “We’re going to be playing a great football team. Aaron Rodgers is playing incredible.” Mahomes, last year’s Super Bowl Most Valuable Player, completed 21of-30 passes for 255 yards but suffered a concussion when slammed to the turf by Browns linebacker Mack Wilson.”When any of our teammates go down, we all step up for one another,” Chiefs receiver Tyrann Mathieu said. Mahomes must complete NFL concussion protocols before he can return to face the Bills, who lost to the Chiefs 26-17 in October. “He’s actually doing very well. He’s feeling pretty good,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “He got hit in the back of the head and kind of knocked the wind out of him and everything else with it. AFP

Sports

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021

Messi sees red as Bilbao stuns Barca to win Super Cup

PBA SPECIAL AWARDS. Philippine Basketball Association officials (from left) Gov. Erick Arejola, Gov. Atty. Raymund Zorrilla, PBA Chairman/Governor of TNT Ricky Vargas, PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial and Gov. Richard Bachmann are shown during the 55th Special Awards held virtually on Sunday night.

Australian Open rebuffs tennis stars’ quarantine complaints

ELBOURNE — Dozens of tennis stars stuck in hotel quarantine ahead of the Australian Open were told Monday they would get no “special treatment” to leave their rooms to train, despite complaints from some players. Australian health authorities rejected demands for tough isolation rules to be eased, as players resorted to hitting balls off windows, walls and upturned beds in the hope of being ready for the year’s first Grand Slam.

The Australian Open is due to make a delayed start on February 8, but its troubled build-up hit further problems after positive coronavirus cases were detected on three of the 17 charter flights that carried players and staff. The 72 players on the three planes have been deemed close contacts of the four COVID-19 cases and barred from training outside for 14 days, as largely virus-free Australia tries to prevent community transmission. Several players have taken to social media to complain about the situation. World number one Novak Djokovic —who arrived on a virus-free flight and is being allowed to train in a biosecurity bubble—reportedly sent a list of demands to tournament organisers that included allowing players to move to private homes with tennis courts.

Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews smashed back that request, saying authorities would not bend strict health rules any further for the players. “There’s no special treatment here. Because the virus doesn’t treat you specially, so neither do we,” he said. The arrangements have sparked a backlash in Australia, with some social media users questioning why more than 1,000 players and staff were flown in for the sporting event, when tens of thousands of Australians remain stranded overseas. The country closed its international border in March and has since limited the number of its own citizens who can return each week. ‘Privilege and entitlement’ Meanwhile the majority of players are allowed out to train for five hours a day, unlike

other returned travellers who are confined to their hotel rooms for the full 14 days. Andrews said all players knew about Australia’s strict quarantine rules ahead of their flights. “The notion that there’s been any change, the notion that people weren’t briefed, I think that that argument really has no integrity whatsoever,” he said. Some pointed out that the host city of Melbourne had endured a gruelling four-month lockdown last year after a virus outbreak. “Our health safety is more important to us than your feelings of privilege and entitlement,” one Twitter user wrote. “Most of us here in Melbourne do not want tennis players here potentially reintroducing the virus and causing us to go back to harsh restrictions,” another added. French player Alize Cornet issued an apology to Australians on Twitter after earlier deleting a tweet that called the quarantine “insane”. “Your reaction to this tactless comment made me realize what you’ve been through last year & how much you suffered,” she wrote. “I guess I feel a bit anxious about all this & I better have shut my mouth.” AFP

Na birdies final hole for 1-shot win at Sony Open

Kevin Na of the United States display his trophy after winning the Sony Open in Hawaii at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, Hawaii. AFP

LOS ANGELES—South Korean-born American Kevin Na birdied the 72nd hole to claim a one-shot victory Sunday in the US PGA Tour Sony Open at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, Hawaii. Na followed up a career-low 61 in the third round with a five-under par 65 for a 21-under par total of 259. He finished one stroke in front of Chris Kirk, who was first in the clubhouse on 260 after a final-round 65, and Chile’s Joaquin Niemann, who capped his 66 with backto-back birdies. “All these experiences—playing 18 years on tour—it’s paying off right now,” said the 37-year-old Na, who turned pro in 2001 and joined the US PGA Tour in 2004 but didn’t win his first US Tour title until 2011. It would be another seven years until he claimed a second, but he’s now taken his tally to five. “I felt pretty confident all day,” said Na, who began the round two strokes behind overnight leader Brendan Steele. Birdies at the second and ninth kept him in the hunt, but after he let a seven-foot birdie chance go begging at 11 he fell back with a three-putt bogey at the 12th. Na responded with three birdies in a row at 13, 14 and 15. “I played a pretty good front nine,” he said. “Made a little mistake missing the putt on 11 and 12 I misjudged that down grain and three-putted. “But I knew there were a lot of birdie holes left and just played my game, hit a lot of solid shots. “I was having fun out there.” He was just right of the fairway off the tee at 18, where

his second shot tracked the flag but rolled off the back of the green. His chip on left him less than two feet for birdie and the win. Kirk shook off two early bogeys to climb the leaderboard with seven birdies in his 65. Niemann, who began the day tied for second with Na, carded a 66 to join Kirk on 260. “I’m just happy the way I played the last two holes,” said Niemann, who chipped in for birdie from just off the green at 17 and birdied the par-five finishing hole despite finding both a fairway and a greenside bunker. “Just another good week, so happy with that,” added the Chilean, who was coming off a playoff loss in the Tournament of Champions last week. Steele didn’t find his first birdie until the seventh, but he had consolidated his lead with a 21-foot eagle putt at the ninth. Bogeys at 10 and 14, however, proved too much to overcome. His one-under par 69 left him sharing fourth on 261 with Webb Simpson (64) and Australian Marc Leishman (65). “Obviously super disappointed,” Steele said. “Playing really well, feeling really good about it. Thought I hit a perfect shot on 10. Got a weird lie there, totally changed the momentum. “Every single shot I hit after that ended up with a weird lie, one foot through the fairway, really struggling after that. Completely changed the momentum and super bummed.” AFP

American Magic wiggles out of capsized yacht AUCKLAND, New Zealand—The crew of American Magic had to cut themselves free in a heart-stopping moment after being trapped beneath the capsized yacht during the America’s Cup challenger series in Auckland, skipper Terry Hutchinson revealed Monday. The high-tech yacht, estimated to be worth $80 million, was “flying” on its foils at 47 knots while racing Italian entry Luna Rossa on Sunday when it was dramatically hoisted out of the water and slammed back down by a freak wind gust before rolling on its side. “We ended up with knives out, cutting ourselves out. Fortunately we were all out within a minute. Underneath the mainsail is unnerving to say the least,” Hutchinson said as he relived the ordeal. The force of the impact tore a hole in the hull and the yacht was taking in water when rescuers rushed to the scene with pumps and flotation devices to prevent it sinking. The American Magic syndicate are now faced with a race against time to rebuild the yacht and reinstall its intricate electronic equipment before the Prada Cup regatta semi-finals begin in 11 days. Hutchinson admitted an appearance in

Terry Hutchinson of New York Yacht Club American Magic speaks at a press conference after round two races of the 2021 Prada Cup, the challengers series of the 36th America’s Cup in Auckland on January 18, 2021. AFP

the final two rounds of preliminary racing beginning on Friday was unlikely. “It’ll be a big effort to get the boat to go sailing for the semis ... we’re going to do whatever it takes,” he said. “It’s too early to suggest a time when we’ll be back out on the water but we

know we have a hard deadline of a week from Friday for the semi-final.” There are only three entries in the regatta to determine who will challenge defending champion Team New Zealand for the America’s Cup. The winner of the preliminary

round-robin races will go through to the challenger final to meet the winner of a semi-final series between the other two yachts INEOS Team UK have made an impeccable start with four wins from four races, ahead of Luna Rossa with two while American Magic are yet to register a point. The luckless Americans appeared certain of their first win when they held a commanding lead over Luna Rossa before disaster struck with a powerful wind gust as helmsman Dean Barker steered the around the final mark. Hutchinson said they could have made a different manoeuvre but there was no guarantee that would have given them a safe run to the finish. “Had we taken the right turn and a lazy gybe we probably would’ve hooked into it and we wouldn’t be having this conversation. But you don’t know, and when we make the decision we make the decision and we live and die by those decisions,” he said. “Dean made the correct decision to tack around the left gate, keep us in the pressure and just try to deliver us down to the finish. We got hit by a reasonably big gust.” AFP

MADRID—Lionel Messi was sent off for the first time playing for Barcelona as Athletic Bilbao stunned the Catalans to win the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday, a dramatic final finishing 3-2 after extra-time. Moments before Bilbao’s momentous triumph was confirmed, Messi threw an arm at Asier Villalibre, who had earlier scored a 90th-minute equaliser in normal time to deny Barca victory. Antoine Griezmann’s double looked to have sealed the trophy but Villalibre intervened before Inaki Williams’ fabulous strike three minutes into extra time proved decisive. Messi shook off a thigh problem to start in Seville and was required to play all 120 minutes as Barcelona attempted to take the game to penalties. Instead, the 33-year-old lost his temper at the end of a combative contest, reacting to a late challenge from Villalibre by swiping his hands across the back of his opponent. It meant a first ever red card for Messi in 753 appearances for Barcelona, to go with his two reds for Argentina in 2005 and 2019. “After so many years in football, Leo knows perfectly well when he is fit to play,” said Barca coach Ronald Koeman. “We talked and he said he was in a good place to start. He has survived the game, given the maximum, nothing more.” Messi’s anger will take some of the limelight away from Bilbao, who had already denied the competition a Clasico final by beating Real Madrid in the semi on Thursday and now have completed the set. It means a title and the perfect start for Marcelino Garcia Toral, who only took over as coach less than two weeks ago. But there was praise too for his predecessor Gaizka Garitano, who oversaw this team reaching the Copa del Rey final last season, which earned qualification in the first place. “This is for Gaizka Garitano and his coaching staff as well who brought us here,” said Williams. Organizers at the Spanish Football Federation might have hoped for the global attraction of a Clasico, especially as the coronavirus pandemic had already kept the tournament in Spain rather than the lucrative Saudi Arabia, where it was played last year. Yet this was a frantic final, with a hugely surprising result. Barca arrived on the back of a ninegame unbeaten run and a trophy, even a minor one, would have turned encouraging signs in recent weeks into more tangible evidence of a revival under Koeman. “It is not a step back,” he said “Always winning titles is helpful to show that we are on the right track, but it is only one game, it is a Super Cup, and we will show in the next few games that we are on the right track.” Bilbao were the better side in the first half, more decisive in possession and more aggressive out of it. But both teams created little for 40 minutes and then in two minutes both had scored. AFP

PSA Forum to discuss Laguna bubble PHILIPPINE Sports Commission National Training Director Marc Velasco and Karate Pilipinas Inc. President Richard Lim share the spotlight in Tuesday’s session of the Philippine Sportswriters Association webcast Forum. Velasco will give his inputs about the bubble training being done by three National Sports Associations inside the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna in preparation for their respective Olympic qualifying tournaments. Lim, whose NSA is among those in Laguna, also talks about the karatekas’ bid for an Olympic berth as well as the postponed staging of the 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games of which he is the Chef De Mission of the Philippine delegation. The 10 a.m. session is presented by San Miguel Corp., Go For Gold, MILO, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. Powered by Smart and Upstream Media as the official webcast partner, the forum is livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and also shared by Radyo Pilipinas 2 Facebook page.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021

Smart Communications launches its 2021 banner campaign headlined by Grammy-nominated music act BTS. Entitled “Live Smarter, Live with Purpose,” the campaign aims to inspire the Filipino youth to live their lives with passion and purpose.

Global act BTS inspires Filipino youth to live with passion and purpose

HE long wait is finally over. Global superstars RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, collectively known as BTS, are officially partnering with leading local telco brand Smart Communications for a world class ad campaign.

Billed ‘Live Smarter, Live with Purpose,’ the telco’s banner campaign for 2021 is set to be released in the first quarter of the year. In a 30-second announcement video shared by the telco on Facebook, the septet

began by saying “Hello, Philippines,” before introducing themselves individually. “We’re here to support Smart’s goal to inspire our Filipino fans to live their lives with passion and purpose ... no matter the challenges that lie ahead. And with that ... we’re proud to announce,” RM, the band leader started before his bandmates exclaimed the telco’s signature mantra, “Simple, Smart Ako.” In a statement sent to Manila Standard Entertainment, the telco described the campaign as something that will showcase BTS’ support of Smart’s goal to inspire the Filipino youth to live their lives with passion and purpose. “Aside from their remarkable talent, BTS emerged as the biggest band in the world because of their meaningful and uplifting music that brings hope and encouragement to fans especially in the bleakest of times. It is therefore a big honor to welcome BTS

to the Smart family so we may inspire more Filipinos to find purpose in everything they do and ultimately live Smarter for a Better World,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, Smart President and CEO. Considered as the world’s biggest band, BTS has become a powerhouse on the global pop scene with a legion of followers among the youth that cuts across geographies and genres. While 2021 looks promising and even brighter for BTS, 2020 was also considered a banner year for the group. BTS reached no. 1 on Billboard Global 200 and US Billboard Hot 100 with its single “Dynamite,” which music video has amassed almost 800 million views in just five months since its release. BTS, an acronym of Bangtan Sonyeondan or “Beyond the Scene,” is a South Korean boyband that has been capturing the hearts of millions of fans globally since their debut in June 2013. Since its debut in June 2013, the members

Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration live on CNN Philippines CNN Philippines gives viewers a frontrow seat to a special live coverage of the swearing-in ceremony of the 46th President of the United States on Thursday, Jan. 21 (Wednesday, Jan. 20 in the US). Entitled America United: The Presidential Inauguration of Joe Biden, the network‚—with its unique and exclusive access to CNN’s resources from all around the world, from correspondents to analysts and subject matter experts, for comprehensive coverage of global stories that matter—gives viewers unparalleled multi-platform coverage of the latest developments in the U.S. in the wake of the deadly attack on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on Jan. 6. From the network’s daily news programs to live breaking news events, CNN Philippines will guide viewers through the significant events leading up to the day when Biden is inaugurated, along with Kamala Harris, who made history as the first female, first black and first Asian-American Vice President.

‘America United: The Presidential Inauguration of Joe Biden’ is a special live coverage of the swearing-in ceremony of the 46th President of the United States. The weekly program Front and Center brings viewers a half-hour special on the impact of the U.S. insurrection to the longstanding relationship between Manila and

Washington, and to Filipinos living in the States on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., with replay at 10:00 p.m.. CNN Philippines will carry the historic ceremony live on the steps of the U.S. Capitol starting at 12:00 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21. The network will also bring you reaction, insights, and analysis at 5:00 a.m. with CNN’s political team in Washington D.C. And in case you missed it, President Biden’s full speech will be seen again at 7:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.. Features and photos of the event will also be available on CNN Philippines online. Be informed and connected, follow CNN Philippines on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates on The Presidential Inauguration of Joe Biden. Tune in to CNN Philippines on Free TV channel 9, Sky Cable channel 14, Cignal TV channel 10, live streaming through CNNPhilippines.com/Videos and facebook. com/CNNPhilippines.

After ‘Eat Bulaga’ guesting, Villanueva seeks more education to curb domestic abuse SENATOR Joel Villanueva has sought increased education and awareness on the various protection mechanisms the country’s laws afford victims of domestic abuse, after hearing the plight of seven women suffering various kinds of maltreatment committed by their partners. Villanueva took to social media his condemnation of the domestic abuse experienced by the contestants, who bravely recounted the horrors they experienced at the hands of their partners on last Saturday’s “Bawal Judgmental” segment of the long-running noontime show Eat Bulaga. “Hearing their stories breaks my heart. We don’t want that to happen to our women. We’ll get in touch with Dith, Michelle, Rhyza, Chelle, Len, Heidi, and Jessan. Magpapadala po tayo ng abogado o anumang professional help kung kailangan,” Villanueva wrote. The wildly-popular segment tackled the issue of domestic abuse featuring seven women who suffered physical, emotional, and psychological abuses from their respective partners, and some of them even from their partner’s families. Some of the women admitted allowing the abuse to happen for years―two of them explaining they did not want their children to grow in broken families. As one of the contestants recalled how her mother-in-law fed her child with alcohol, a visibly-shaken Villanueva encouraged viewers to “disengage with their abusers right there and then,” supporting the advice given by clinical psychologist Dawn dela Cruz, who was on deck to help the show process the situations of the women. “Yung violence against women, may batas po doon. Pwede po tayo humingi ng tulong sa ating barangay, sa ating kapulisan,” Villanueva said on the show On social media, Villanueva said he supported the bill filed by Senator Nancy Binay who sought to expand the Violence Against Women and Children law to include forms of abuse in electronic forms. Another bill Villanueva pursued is a measure

Senator Joel Villanueva in his latest guesting in Eat Bulaga’s trending segment ‘Bawal Judgmental.’ increasing the penalties on child labor violations. The lawmaker praised the show’s handling of the sensitive topic, saying that his experience guesting at the segment reinforces “the value of television which serves as a conscience of society.” “Sa pagpunta po natin sa EB’s #BawalJudgmental, lalo po nating nakita ang halaga ng media at telebisyon. Nagsisilbi itong konsensya ng bayan para itama ang mali sa ating lipunan, lalo na po ang mga pang-aabuso sa mga bata at kababaihan,” he wrote. “Habang nasa #BawalJudgmental tayo, nakita rin po natin ang importansya ng trabaho lalo ang edukasyon. Kailangan po ang sapat na kaalaman sa pagpapamilya at ating mga karapatan para maprotektahan ang ating sarili at mahal sa buhay. Walang puwang ang mga abusado sa ating bayan,” Villanueva continued. After the show, Villanueva reached out to the contestants and sought to help them get back on their feet.

of the group have been gaining recognition for their authentic and self-produced music, top-notch performances, and the way they interact with their fans. The band has established itself as a global music act with breaking countless world records. While imparting a positive influence through activities such as the ‘Love Myself” campaign and the UN ‘Speak Yourself’ speech, BTS has mobilized millions of fans across the world (named ARMY), topped prominent music charts, performed multiple sold-out stadium shows across the world and has been named as one of TIME 100: The Most Influential People of 2019. The act has been nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for the 63rd Grammy Awards and recognized with numerous prestigious awards like the Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards. Meanwhile, with its partnership with

Smart, BTS reinforces its position as one of the global acts known for sending timely messages of comfort and hope to fans everywhere through their music. “Just like BTS who are able to inspire millions of young people all over the world through their music, Smart Prepaid aims to bring about amazing experiences to the Filipino youth through technology to make life easy, fast, and simple. This way, the young generation are empowered to immerse in their interests and succeed with their pursuits,” said Jane J. Basas, SVP and Consumer Wireless Business Head at Smart.

Nadine speaks out IN A recent podcast, Nadine Lustre admitted that at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it occurred to her that she might become a showbiz “hasbeen.” While locked in, she wasn’t getting enough projects, and she was under stress and pressure. “I had not much work so I was really struggling. I was thinking to myself, ‘I have no work. I might eventually be a hasbeen.’ It really reached that point,” she said. The dusky actress also added that during those times, she also thought of what she really wants in life. “I had so much time thinking about what it is I simply wanted and then, lots of things happened. I would have conversations with myself and I would always tell myself, ‘Just take your time. There’s no rush. The world’s not going to end tomorrow,” she confessed. “I realized so many things at the height of the pandemic and one is to just be myself and not to look for validation from other people. I will just do whatever it is that I want to do. If I don’t have projects, then that’s fine. I’ll do something else. My life is not solely dependent on that,” she added. Nadine believes that the pandemic has brought about new insights to people. “Actually, it gave us time to look inside. In my case, I’ve been working non-stop in the last five years -- always busy, no halt. So, there was really no time to think about what I really wanted. Because I was very busy doing projects and there were people who were telling me what I should be or what I should even wear. There were also people online who would tell me what and what not to do. They’ve put me in a mold that they made for me,” she related. In the process, the actress said that it affected her so much that she almost lost herself. “I didn’t know who I was and I didn’t know what I want. It’s like I was lost.” It’s good that at this point, the award-winning star values the lesson she learned out of the experience. “I realized that I should be kinder to

myself. Before, I used to be a perfectionist. I’d beat myself up when I feel that I’ve not done something perfectly or 110 percent. I’d always feel that I’m a great failure. Now, my perspective changed and I’m grateful,” ended Nadine. *** After headlining the hit soap opera My Korean Jagiya in 2017, Heart Evangelista is back with a new show in GMA-7. The public was officially informed about the project through an omnibus plug during the Kapuso station’s recent New Year Countdown. Interestingly, the new soap’s title is, I Left My Heart in Sorsogon where her husband Chiz Escudero currently serves as governor. It also serves as her second home. According to the actress, she’s excited to go back to television and highlight her love for Sorsogon. “It has an interesting storyline. It is about a young fashion socialite whose status gets shaken up when she returns to her hometown, rediscovers her roots, and rekindles her love for family, community, and a previous lover. Viewers will surely like it. For one, we’ll be showing a lot of fashion and Chanel,” H e a r t shared.

Nadine Lustre speaks about her struggles during lockdown and not being able to get many projects like she used to.

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021

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Life

Since it takes time, you tend to give up before reaching the result. So ask yourself, Why? Discover the real reason to motivate you.

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

You made New Year’s

resolutions —now what? By Steph Llarena

AYING you’ll do something is hundreds of miles away from actually doing this “something,” much like how making a list of New Year’s resolutions requires more than promising yourself to change for the better.

Several studies reveal about half of people make New Year’s resolutions every year, but another bunch of studies also show majority or 80 percent (others go as high as 92 percent) of these resolutions fail and are abandoned come February. The top all-time resolutions people always include have something to with health and wellness: “lose weight,” “exercise more,” “eat healthier food.” Easy, right? Wrong. Many hurdles await those who make resolutions but are not making them right. A psychotherapist in the US said resolutions that were too general or too vague and not specific enough was the usual reason they fail. Framing them with negative language and making a list that does not reflect what a person actually wants are likewise culprits, according to Jonathan Alpert in an interview with Business Insider. The Benilde Well-Being Center of the

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, meanwhile, adds that “at this point, it is the common time for your determination to wane and finally give up on the promises made during the turn of the year.” The center cites three possible issues: difficulty of breaking old habits, focus on specific outcomes, and problems with purpose. Experts offer a few hacks to help save those resolutions that get recycled every year because they are never accomplished.

Break down big plans into small steps

Instead of making a long list of resolutions, think first of the three or five major milestones you’d like to achieve and the reasons for choosing these goals. Those who are hoping to adopt healthier eating habits, for example, should evaluate their attitude toward eating to help

them better control what they consume. Dr. Charles Herrick, psychiatry chief of non-profit health system Nuvance Health, recommends finding purpose, without focusing on a specific outcome to avoid the feeling of delayed gratification. “Since it takes time, you tend to give up before reaching the result. So ask yourself, Why? Discover the real reason to motivate you. Remember: Early success inspires you to do more.” Once the milestone and the purpose are identified, Dr. Herrick’s advice is to set realistic points for each component. “If you are more exhilarated, the more likely you will find the time to focus on them,” said the BWC. Resolutions are rarely accomplished in one go, let alone overnight. Thus, wearable fitness company Fitbit says, “come up with easy, doable tasks that will allow you to slowly reach your goal.” Want to be more active? Start by attaining a certain number of steps each day, then increase the steps and add more activities as you go. Looking to sleep better each night? Slowly adjust sleep schedule, and assess where changes must be applied. Wearing a smart tracker can help easily monitor these data and more.

According to a time management firm, one third of ‘resolutioners’ don’t make it past the end of January, with 80 percent of resolutions— studies reveal—failing come February.

BREAK IT DOWN. One of the reasons resolutions fail, experts say, is that they are often too general or not specific enough. Psychiatrists suggest breaking down big goals into small steps with realistic points or doable tasks for each component.

Make a public commitment

assist in your pledges. Fitbit seconds this tip, further elaborating that a workout buddy increases the amount of exercise people will motivate themselves to do, especially when there’s a layer of emotional support. The wearable company offers its users way, via the app, to join larger communities and track their individual progress.

This one could be a little tricky, especially for those who are not fond of making public announcements. But Dr. Herrick says doing this helps motivate a person to actually follow through. Besides, it’s pretty straightforward: “You avoid the feelings of shame and embarrassment if you deliver on your promise.” Making a promise known by others, Reward yourself the psychiatrist says, reveals that innate Motivational coach and author Tony desire to evade letting others down. A public announcement is a simple way to Robbins emphasizes the importance of celebrating each goal with a rehold yourself accountable. ward. In an article published on his website (tonyrobbins.com), his team Find your community If making a public commitment is not said, “by rewarding yourself in the enough or not your thing, another way moment, your brain elicits positive to help you power through those resolu- emotions, leading to the realization tions throughout the year is connecting that your efforts result in a positive with others who have similar challeng- reward. By doing this continuously, es—this is your tribe, your community, your brain will start to link pleasure to accomplishing the task or objective so to speak. According to Dr. Herrick’s insights, and move towards it in the future.” It’s also vital to never give up because as cited by the BWC, a person tends to adapt to the behavior of the people sur- of one slip-up. It’s better to lose your rounding them—hence it’s vital to be footing and stand up again, than staying around those who reinforce habits that on the ground.

Web wellness: Mikey Bustos on life as an online celebrity

Makati Medical Center receives the Excellence Award for Patient Safety in the 2020 Asian Hospital Management Awards.

Makati Med bags 2 int’l awards for best COVID-19 practices LEADING healthcare institution Makati Medical Center recently received two recognitions for its COVID-19 response. MakatiMed won the Excellence Award for Patient Safety in the 2020 Asian Hospital Management Awards for its “MMC: Beyond Malasakit – the Hospital with a Stronger Heart” for best practices in its COVID-19 response. According to Rose Onilongo, AHMA 2020 conference manager, “This year, we received 200 entries from 89 hospitals in 16 countries. Winning the Gold or Excellence awards is recognition that the entry was the most outstanding for this category in the region.” The International Hospital Federation, meanwhile, commended MakatiMed for its demonstration of outstanding efforts in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The hospital joins the select roster of awardees from 27 different countries around the world. “These achievements only show

how we are as a team in achieving our goals and ensuring that the safety of our patients is the number one priority of MakatiMed,” enthuses MakatiMed president chief executive Atty. Pilar Nenuca Almira. As one of the hospitals at the forefront of the pandemic, MakatiMed found itself in a central role with the first surge of COVID-19 patients back in March and April 2020. With the timely and effective implementation of protocols, and collaboration among doctors across demographic and expertise, the hospital, led by medical director Dr. Saturnino Javier, was able to respond quickly to manage the influx of cases and ensure the safety and welfare of patients and frontliners. MakatiMed consistently posted a high rate of recovery for the COVID-19 patients it has under its care. As of October 16, it recorded 95 percent recoveries (5,072 out of 5,321 cases) and 2.6 percent deaths (140).

WHEN social media personality Mikey Bustos’ career began taking off—thanks to his relatable content that captured the hearts of many and endeared him to Filipinos—he found it both rewarding and challenging. “It’s been such a learning curve,” said Bustos about his career, despite years of creating countless viral videos such as “Adobo,” a parody of the song “Let It Go” from Frozen, and “Balikbayan Box,” a parody of the Miley Cyrus hit “Wrecking Ball.” “You just have to navigate through,” he added. While having to constantly think of new ideas is already a challenge in itself, having an audience that can directly interact with you via a comments section is another. He has to deal with insecurities, second guessing himself, and managing his schedule. His online job had taken a huge chunk of his waking hours that there was even a time when Bustos was juggling multiple YouTube channels while traveling, performing, and managing his ant business. While it was a challenge for him to do all these simultaneously, all these “trades” brought plenty of opportunities. With these opportunities, however, came crucial choices he needed to make. “For me, to be successful, you need to take calculated risks,” said Bustos who mentioned that one of the biggest risks he made in his life was moving to the Philippines from Canada. “Signing contracts, teaming up with brands, expanding a team, collaborating with other content creators—these are all risks and choices you have to calculate and think about. You can’t just throw all your chips in and wish for the best,” he stressed.

What’s in Mikey’s bag? Phone, face mask, face shield, rubbing alcohol, and antidiarrheal medicine.

Mikey Bustos incorporates reading and running into his daily routine to help combat stress.

With all these decisions and challenges, not to mention having to sustain his career and business, stress and risk of burnout frequent Bustos’ life. To combat stress, he turns to exercise and meditation. “I always try to incorporate exercise into my routine. I go to the gym a few times a week, and now I’ve taken a love for running—making sure I go 10 kilometers every day. In terms of mentally staying in shape, I do a lot of meditation and prayer.” To lessen the risk of burnout, the 39-year-old online celebrity also makes sure to explore his hobbies, which is sometimes integrated in his work. He explores his hobbies without feeling the need to bring a camera with him. Another way Bustos reduces the stress is working with people he trusts. In the time of the pandemic, he shared that bringing “trusty” items with him wherever he goes is key to having an extra “peace of mind.” “Lately, I always bring all sorts of protective gear—masks, alcohol, face shields, and the like. I also make sure to bring a lip balm because ‘you never know when you’ll be on camera,’” he shared. He continued, “I also make sure that I bring Diatabs (Unilab’s anti-diarrheal brand) with me wherever I go, especially when I’m running. It helps because I’ve been having ‘banyophobia’—when I’m far from the house and I really have to go, it’s hard for me to use the public toilet because of the fear of acquiring the coronavirus. That’s why it’s always good to have Diatabs around.”