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UP team bares second wave A year after lockdown, MECQ looms; hospitals almost at full capacity

By Willie Casas

Vax avalanche in 2nd quarter to ramp up inoculation

YEAR after the country entered one of the world's longest COVID-19 lockdowns, the Philippines is once again contemplating more stringent quarantine measures as it enters what one member of the University of the Philippines (UP) Pandemic Response Team described as the “second wave” of infections.

VOL. XXXV • NO. 33 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Pope thanks Filipinos for spreading Christianity By Joyce Pangco Pañares

St. Peter's Basilica Sunday to mark 500 years of Catholic faith in the Philippines. “Five hundred years have passed since the Christian POPE Francis hailed Filipinos, especially women migrant workers for being “smugglers” of faith in spread- message first arrived in the Philippines. You received Next page ing Christianity wherever they go, as he offered mass in

In an interview on radio dzBB, a consultant of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF), Dr. Ted Herbosa, said the government may once again impose a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) once hospitals become fully occupied. “Usually, we will go back to MECQ when hospitals and temporary treatment facilities are already fully occupied,” he said. “When hospitals are full, more people may die because they cannot treat them. They are waiting in line for admission.” On Saturday, the Quezon City General Hospital said that since March 9, the occupancy rate of the hospital's COVID-19 ward beds had exceeded 100 percent. An independent research group that has been monitoring the pandemic said on Sunday that the Philippines might record up to 8,000 daily new COVID-19 cases by the end of the month, and 18,000 to 20,000 by mid-April if the current reproduction rate does not change. The OCTA Research Team said in Metro Manila, daily virus cases could reach 5,000 to 6,000 by the end of March and 14,000 by mid-April. OCTA Research fellow Guido David said the projection is based on a 1.9 reproduction rate, which estimates the

By Willie Casas THE bulk of COVID-19 vaccines will arrive in the second quarter this year, National Task Force Against Covid-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. said Sunday. Galvez, also the vaccine czar, said once the vaccines arrive, the government will be able to significantly scale up its immunization program to attain herd immunity against COVID-19. Amid criticism of the slow pace of the vaccination effort, Galvez said the limited supply of vaccines is a global problem. "The current production capacity of vaccine manufacturers simply has not been able to keep up with global demand," he said, adding that most of the COVID vaccines have been pre-ordered by developed countries. Next page

‘Lawyers should be given arms to protect selves’ By Rey E. Requejo and Rio N. Araja JUSTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Sunday said the government may help lawyers in expediting the issuance of license to possess and permit to carry firearm should they decide to arm themselves for protection amid an alarming number of killings involving members of their profession. "Lawyers know that their job exposes them to danger, and there is no law prohibiting them from arming themselves," Guevarra said, in an interview on radio dzBB. “If they wish to arm themselves, there's no problem with that. The government may even help facilitate the issuance of appropriate permits,”

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM MARCH 14)

621,498 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

4,899 48,157 NEW

ACTIVE

12,829

DEATHS

NEW

560,512 13,371 RECOVERIES

NEW

500 YEARS. Pope Francis (right) thanks Philippine Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle after he addressed a message during a mass to mark 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines, on March 14, 2021 at St. Peter's Basilica in The Vatican. AFP

MIDDLEWEIGHT ICON HAGLER DEAD AT 66 SPORTS/ C2

Task force quizzes cops on use of lethal force By Rey E. Requejo JUSTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Sunday that the task force formed to investigate extrajudicial killings will determine why law enforcers used lethal force when they served search warrants for loose firearms and explosives, killing nine activists in the process on March 7. He said the task force, created by Administrative Order 35, would find out if violence was necessary when

members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) served search warrants in joint operations in several areas in Calabarzon. “While it is true what they say that their operations were legal because they had search warrants, the questions are first, is it true what the law enforcers said that these groups served as fronts and they are actually members of violent groups, the New People’s Army,” Guevarra said, in a radio interview over

radio dzBB. “Secondly, if it was necessary that there would be violence in the serving of the warrants,” he said, casting doubt on police claims that the suspects fought back. Under the 2012 Administrative Order No. 35, the inter-agency committee is mandated to investigate EJKs, enforced disappearances, torture and other violations of the right to life, liberty, and security of persons. Next page

Sinas avoided protocol? Lacson pushes probe PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas

Gasoline should increase by P1.10 to P1.20 per liter,” Unioil Philippines said in its weekly advisory. On March 9, the oil firms cut pump prices byP0.10 per liter of gasoline, P0.35 per liter of diesel and P0.55 per liter of kerosene. These resulted in a year-to-date net

PHILIPPINE National Police Chief Debold Sinas should be investigated for supposedly skipping COVID-19 health protocols when he visited Oriental Mindoro last week, Senator Panfilo Lacson said Sunday. He told Dobol B TV an investigation on Sinas' supposed failure to observe health protocols was most proper as it is already his second infraction, the first being the "mañanita" crowd during his birthday in May last year. Meanwhile, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director General

Oil prices swing high: P1.20/liter By Alena Mae S. Flores CONSUMERS can expect hefty price increases of as much as P1.20 per liter next to reflect the movement of prices in the world market. “Expect fuel prices to go up next week [March 16 to 22]. Diesel should increase by P0.80 to P0.90 per liter.

TOURIST ARRIVALS. Burnham Park in Baguio City is abuzz with tourists over

the weekend. Dave Leprozo

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2021

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

News

State of calamity over ASF pushed By Macon Ramos-Araneta

NSTEAD of lowering the tariffs on imported pork, the government should declare a state of calamity due to the African swine flu, Senator Francis Pangilinan said Sunday.

industry,” Pangilinan said. “We're not saying do not import. What we are saying is to import just enough to address the lowering of prices. But do not resort to excessive importation.” The hog industry has lost about P60 billion due to ASF. With the declaration of a state of calamity, Pangilinan said, calamity funds could be used to augment the Department of Agriculture’s funds allocated to control the ASF. He said this should help revive the hog industry. “The DA said it needs 8 billion [pesos] for the campaign against ASF, but it only has 2.6 billion [pesos] available. “So the declaration of a state of calamity is important because they will have additional funds from

the 20-billion calamity fund of the government. Without the state of calamity nationwide, they cannot source the funds,” Pangilinan said. He said a similar response to previous calamities that struck the agriculture sector addressed funding problems. He cited the foot-and-mouth disease in 1995 and the “cocolisap” infestation in 2014. Furthermore, he said, lowering the tariffs on imported pork was problematic because it would not ensure that imported pork is ASF-free while reducing government funds that could be used to help hog-raisers. On March 10, Pangilinan filed his proposed Senate Resolution 676 urging the President to declare a state of calamity due to the ASF.

That, he said, would unlock the funds to indemnify the hog raisers who voluntarily culled their pigs to stop the spread of the disease to other pigs. Earlier in the week, the Senate committee on agriculture and food called on the government to declare a national state of emergency amid the ASF outbreak that has reportedly resulted in about P50 billion in swine industry losses.

The panel, headed by Senator Cynthia Villar, approved a motion issued by Pangilinan for a declaration of a state of emergency in Luzon so that public funds might be realigned to address the outbreak. Pangilinan noted that imported meat should not flood the market because of the slump in the local industry. "This cheap imported meat will also be competing as if we are killing the

UP...

ID-19 cases, Rabajante said. The rise in cases may be due to increased mobility in densely populated places and the possibility of more transmissible coronavirus variants, including a new one first detected in the Philippines, he added. “I don't want to say we should go on lockdown. Many have COVID-19 fatigue already. We need a new strategy. We need to promote, in terms of education, that there's still [a threat from] COVID-19,” he said. The Philippines logged 4,899 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, bringing the country’s total to 621,498. Sixty three more deaths were reported from the illness, bringing COVID-19’s death toll in the Philippines to 12,829. The Department of Health (DOH) also reported 13,371 new recoveries, pushing the total number of Filipinos who recovered from the disease to 560,512. This means that the country has 48,157 active cases. The new coronavirus variant first detected in the Philippines could have developed locally and may be more transmissible but does not suggest it has increased pathogenicity, the Philippine Genome Center said. The DOH on Saturday confirmed the P.3 variant, with a total of 98 cases so far detected.

“In my opinion, we can say it’s really a local variant.... We have not seen that in the 600,000 deposits in the database. So, we believe that it developed locally," PGC executive director Cynthia Saloma told ABS-CBN's TeleRadyo. “What's good among the variants of concern that we have seen is that they don't suggest increased pathogenicity... It means, they don't cause severe symptoms, they don't cause death if the patient is not immunocompromised,” she said. “When you talk about pathogenicity, the symptoms become severe. We don't see that, even in the three variants of concern - P.1, B.1.1.7, and B.1.351. They are not associated with severe symptoms,” she said. The Philippines had sequenced 33 samples from Central Visayas on Feb. 4 and found mutations of concern E484K, N501Y, and P681H, Saloma said. "We thought it merited a new lineage. We requested the Department of Health to allow the Philippine Genome Center to have it deposited in the global initiative on influenza data," she said of the P.3 variant. “We saw Germany deposited a sample on the database. We don't know if it came from our islands but we saw 1 out of 34 samples was a deposit from Germany. They collected it Feb. 11,” she said.

Saloma said it is not true that Japan was the first to announce the existence of the P.3 variant, saying that the Philippines' successful biosurveillance efforts resulted in the assignment of such lineage on March 10. The “mutations of concern” E484K and N501Y were previously detected in Central Visayas and are also present in other COVID-19 variants, Saloma said. The N501Y was detected in the B.1.1.7 variant or the variant first detected in the UK, which is attributed to increased transmissibility, Saloma said. The E484K, meantime, has also been detected in the B.1.351 variant first detected in South Africa and the 3.1 variant first reported in Brazil, Saloma said. The Philippines, which launched its vaccination program against COVID-19 nearly three weeks ago, has detected all three recently reported variants of COVID-19. Some analysts say these variants partly caused the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the country. “The mutation suggests it is more transmissible,” she said. “We're still studying this, so the epidemiology bureau needs to get data on the ground,” she added when asked to compare its transmissibility with other variants, underscoring the need to conduct better contact-tracing.

minimum health standards and community quarantine protocols is still a must. “For us to fully reopen the economy, we must not forget the most important lesson we have learned over the past year: We cannot be complacent," he said. On Saturday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said Russia’s Gamaleya Institute has completed its documentary requirements for its application for emergency use authorization for its COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V, which is now up for evaluation. The Sputnik V vaccine is 91.6 percent effective against COVID-19, based on results published in the medical journal the Lancet. Earlier this week the FDA said a team will fly to Russia to conduct a GMP (good manufacturing practice) inspection. “Upon review on Monday, the team will evaluate if an inspection will be needed before we grant the EUA. We are only concerned about the vaccine. The focus is not on the GMP inspection but in

the proof of GMP that the manufacturer is able to produce the vaccine consistently based on the approved specification that will be granted by the FDA,” said Dr. Oscar Gutierrez Jr., the FDA’s deputy director general for field operations. Sputnik V has been approved in more than 15 countries. The Philippines plans to buy 20 million doses of Sputnik V. Also on Sunday, a spokesman for the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) said the number of personnel willing to receive China’s Sinovac vaccines has increased. PGH spokesman Dr. Jonas del Rosario, in an interview on Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar’s Cabinet Report program, said acceptance of the China-made vaccine among health care frontliners in the PGH has increased from about 8 percent to 25 percent in a week. On March 1, the PGH became the Philippines' first official recipient of a vaccine against COVID-19. At least 600,000 Sinovac doses

arrived in the country. “Around 1,400 [personnel] have already received this vaccine,” Del Rosario said, noting that most of those vaccinated have not reported any adverse side effects. “Majority still like another brand but 25 percent is a big jump from 8 percent,” he said. Del Rosario said that authorities conducted town hall meetings to explain the pros and cons of receiving the vaccine, which could have helped increase its acceptance among the hospital’s personnel. “The best vaccine that you have is the vaccine that you have in your arm. So even if we want some of the other vaccines but they are not available, it’s useless,” Del Rosario said. “And the problem is the cases are increasing again, we have variants coming in and really the rule is you have to get yourself vaccinated as soon as possible,” he said.

He said the DOJ has already created its own inventory of cases to track their investigations and trial. Unless lawyers report threats to their safety, Guevarra said it would be difficult for the DOJ and police to determine the dangers they are facing. “So it is up to them to alert, warn law enforcement or the DOJ if there is a danger to their lives,” he said. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), meanwhile, said it is alarmed by the request of Philippine National Police for a list of lawyers representing the “Communist Terrorist Group personalities in court.” Commission spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia took a swipe at Lt. Fernando Calabria Jr., Samar intelligence chief, for his request to identify the lawyers of the accused. “This kind of action is unbecoming of a police officer that transcends all legal and statutory basis and threatens the legal profession by failing to appreciate the role of lawyers in upholding the people's constitutional rights,” she said. “The right to an independent counsel of an accused, preferably of their own choice, is guaranteed by the Constitution, our laws, and the rules of court. By targeting lawyers, the concerned police officer equally threatens the rule of law,” she added.

Task... “The root of the violence, that is what the special investigating teams created by the DOJ would investigate,” said Guevarra, who heads the task force as Justice secretary. Members of the task force include the chairperson of the Presidential Human Rights Committee, the secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the secretary of the Department of National Defense, the Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs, chief-of-staff of the AFP, director general of the PNP, and the director of the National Bureau of Investigation . Guevarra said they have also requested the Commission on Human Rights to join them in the investigation. “We were the ones that took the initiative to talk to CHR because that is one of the promises I made with the United Nations that we would work more closely from here on with our own Commission on Human Rights,” he said. Guevarra said they have already informed the CHR that they have formed the special investigating teams under the AO 35 Committee and have asked for their cooperation in the case

build-up. The CHR reportedly said they are willing to cooperate with the AO 35 Committee. At the same time, he brushed aside the statement from the UN Commissioner for Human Rights that criticized the “arbitrary killings” that occurred on “Bloody Sunday.” “I do not know what was the basis of the comment because they are not here in the Philippines. What they only know may have come from the news reports so they are not in possession of any facts. I think it is still too early to make a conclusion on what happened here,” Guevarra said. Meanwhile, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said police units should be trained to subdue their targets without firing a single shot. “Based on recent horrific incidents, it would seem that many of our police officers tend to react violently, particularly by shooting, at the slightest provocation, or even without any provocation at all,” Pimentel said. Also on Sunday, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines denounced the Department of Interior and Local Government's tagging of its 180,000-strong teachers' organization as a “known communist terrorist group” in its official memorandum, dated March 10, 2021.

Please take the necessary precautions,” the PDEA chief said. Pressed for comment on Sinas' latest misdemeanor, Lacson said the top cop "might be stricken out soon." As in baseball, he said, Sinas was already at a disadvantage because after

two strikes he had no ball yet. The provincial government of Oriental Mindoro on Friday claimed that Sinas skipped the health protocols when he visited the province the day before. The same day, Sinas was confirmed to have been infected with the COVID-19.

From A1

number of people who will be infected by a virus patient. “We're not trying to scare people. We're just telling them that's what the science says. There's no fear-mongering in science. Our projections had come true. In fact, the virus spread is faster than our original projection, so we readjusted it,” David told ABS-CBN's Teleradyo. A member of the University of the Philippines (UP) Pandemic Response Team said the recent spike could be considered a second wave of the pandemic. The country on Saturday reported 5,000 fresh cases, the highest in nearly seven months, raising the country’s total number of infections to 616,611. “This could be considered a second wave because in terms of peak, the number of cases is really increasing. I hope this second wave's peak is not higher than the first, unlike in other countries,” Jomar Rabajante said in an interview on ABSCBN's TeleRadyo. “We have projections. The number of new daily cases can decrease to 2,000, or it can reach as high as 7,000, 7,500 in a day,” he said. Quezon City and Manila City lead the areas with the highest increase in COV-

Vax... From A1

“As much as we would like to conduct a full-scale vaccination program, we are however constrained by the current limited supply of vaccines in the world market. And this is the same problem being faced by most nations around the world,” he said. The government is doing its best to ensure the proper containment of the COVID-19 pandemic through improved testing, contact tracing, treatment, and isolation capacity, Galvez said. "And as we ramp up the implementation of our vaccine program starting with our health workers, inoculating 1 million Filipinos is only the beginning of our aggressive and sustained campaign to achieve herd immunity and finally put an end to the pandemic," he said. Galvez said the vaccination rollout will not immediately end the pandemic, so the public must continue to adhere to

‘Lawyers... From A1

said Guevarra, who described the recent spate of lawyers being killed as “alarming.” Earlier this month, Angelo Karlo Guillen,one of the petitioners against the Anti-Terrorism Law, was stabbed in the head and shoulder by two unidentified assailants. The Justice secretary said lawyers are prone to what he described as “murderous incidents” due to the nature of their work and many of such attacks are well-planned so that authorities find them hard to solve. He said lawyers need to take measures to improve their personal security. "They should be more aware of the danger or the risk that they are facing," he said. "They may collaborate with their own association of lawyers, with their IBP (Integrated Bar of the Philippines) chapters, [and] with law enforcement agencies for their protection," he added Guevarra said that the Department of Justice, through its investigatory arm the National Bureau of Investigation, will continue in their investigations into cases involving attacks on lawyers.

took an RT-PCR test at the Chinese General Hospital on Saturday as a requirement for From A1 attending a Senate hearing on Monday. “This morning, I received the result. I Wilkins Villanueva announced Sunday tested positive,” Villanueva said. “I'm sorry to all the people that I had he had tested positive for COVID-19. In a Facebook post, Villanueva said he close contact with for the past days.

Sinas...

From A1

DOJ remands Dacera case to Makati prosecutors By Rey E. Requejo JUSTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Sunday the Department of Justice will remand the complaints filed by the National Bureau of Investigation against 11 people in connection with the death of flight attendant Christine Dacera to the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office for preliminary investigation. “The DOJ's plan, when I talked to the Prosecutor General, is that we might return or forward this case to the City Prosecutor's Office of Makati, which is filed with the DOJ proper . . . for them to investigate, conduct a preliminary investigation,” Guevarra told DZBB radio. He said the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office may resolve the rape case with homicide charges along with the complaints filed by the NBI last Friday before the DOJ. "The DOJ or the City Prosecutor's Office of Makati will conduct an appropriate preliminary investigation on the new cases,” Guevarra said. “So they will send a subpoena to these respondents in these cases to submit their counter-affidavits and controverting evidence if there is regarding these new complaints that were filed against them.” Last Friday, the NBI filed a complaint for obstruction of justice before the DOJ against Dacera’s companions at a Makati hotel where she celebrated New Year’s Eve. The respondents named in the complaint include Mark Anthony Rosales, Rommel Galido, John Pascual dela Serna III, Darwin Joseph Macalla, Gregorio Angelo Rafael de Guzman, Jezreel Rapinan, Alain Chen, Reymar Englis and Louie Delima. Their lawyer Neptali Maroto was also included in the complaint. The NBI also said Rapinan, Chen, Delima and dela Serna should be prosecuted for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide for neglecting Dacera’s condition, which “led to her untimely death.” It also accused Rosales of administering illegal drugs. Galido and Rosales were also accused of allegedly attempting to give away illegal drugs. The NBI recommended perjury raps against Dela Serna, Galido and Macalla.

Pope... From A1

the joy of the Gospel: the good news that God so loved us that he gave his Son for us. And this joy is evident in your people. We see it in your eyes, on your faces, in your songs and in your prayers,” he said in his homily. “In the joy with which you bring your faith to other lands. I have often said that here in Rome Filipino women are 'smugglers' of faith. Because wherever they go to work, they sow the faith. It is part of your genes, a blessed 'infectiousness' that I urge you to preserve,” the Pope added. The first Catholic Mass and first baptism took place in the country in 1521. There were no native clergy for the first 300 years of Catholicism in the Philippines. In 1905, the first Filipino-born bishop, Jorge Imperial Barlin, was appointed. Barlin is buried in Rome, where he died during an ad limina visit in 1909. Today, the Philippines has the third largest number of Catholics in the world, accounting for an estimated 86 percent of the country's 108 million population. “On this very important anniversary for God’s holy people in the Philippines, I also want to urge you to persevere in the work of evangelization – not proselytism, which is something else. The Christian proclamation that you have received needs constantly to be brought to others. The Gospel message of God’s closeness cries out to be expressed in love for our brothers and sisters,” the Pope said, “Never be afraid to proclaim the Gospel, to serve and to love,” Francis said.

Oil... From A1

increase of P6.10 per liter of gasoline, P5.35 per liter of diesel and P4.50 per liter of kerosene. World oil prices declined for most of the week last week amid signs of a global fuel consumption recovery as vaccination programs gained traction. However, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies have warned that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to be felt in the next two quarters.

News

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2021

Cimatu hits out at improper waste disposal By Rio N. Araja AFTER the recent discovery of singleuse face masks entangled in the coral reefs of Anilao, Batangas, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu on Sunday said the increasing amount of improperly discarded household health-care wastes amid the COVID-19 pandemic has become a serious cause for concern. “The recent discovery of disposable face masks, plastic face shields and other household health-care wastes in our reefs isalarming. These wastes will harm both marine life and divers,” he said. While it is vital to follow minimum public health protocols to curb the spread of COVID-19, it is as important to be aware of each person’s responsibilities to the environment, he said. As remedial measures, Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and Local Government Units Concerns Benny Antiporda said: “We have coordinated with the Philippine Coast Guard to ensure that all international and interisland vessels, and even fishing vessels, have placed yellow bins for the proper disposal and storage of generated COVID-19 related healthcare waste such as, used face masks, gloves, cottons, tissue papers and testing kits.” Solid waste ending up in our waterways, especially the oceans, must be avoided, he said. The DENR is also working closely with the Department of the Interior and Local Government that has a directive to LGUs on handling household health-care wastes, cleaning of esteros and reminding those living near waterways to not throw wastes directly in the bodies of water.

PSA told: Clarify validity of birth documents

SENATOR Joel Villanueva called on the Philippine Statistics Authority on Sunday to clear the air with all government agencies on the lifetime validity of birth certificates, and do away with the unnecessary need of securing the document issued within the past six months. Villanueva said the concern weighed heavily on Filipinos, particularly jobseekers as it meant inconvenience and extra expense which could be easily dealt away with if government agencies requiring it recognize the lifetime validity of the document. At the hearing of the Senate civil service committee on Thursday, Villanueva asked PSA officials on the agency’s efforts to raise awareness of other government entities about the lifetime validity of birth certificates. Replying to the lawmaker’s query, PSA deputy national statistician Leo Malagar said the agency changes every six months the security paper where birth certificates are printed on, but that does not mean issued documents expire. He said PSA has to actively coordinate with government agencies to correct this misconception and confusion. PSA is in a position to do something about this. “This issue only shows that we really need to pass this measure,” Villanueva said of Senate Bill No. 1281, which he earlier filed and was tackled in the committee hearing. The bill seeks to prohibit requiring applicants to government services to “submit birth records printed on the most recent version of the security paper used by PSA, or those certified by the PSA within the past six (6) months. Macon Ramos Araneta

BACLARAN BARRICADE. The local government of Parañaque barricades the north bound lane of Quirino Avenue to motorists going to Barangay Baclaran on Sunday, March 14, 2021, as it imposes border controls in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID 19. Avito Dalan

P’Health bares 9,200 fraud cases

HE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation uncovered 9,200 cases of fraud in 2020 and another 325 in January 2021.

Cases olved breach of warranties of accreditation, misrepresentation of claims, among others, Corporate Communications Manager Rey Baleña said on Sunday. In 2020, Philhealth’s investigating body received nearly 9,200 cases under investigation from regional offices, Baleña said in an interview over the radio. PhilHealth hassigned an accord with the

National Bureau of Investigation ( ) to combat fraudulent health insurance schemes. PhilHealth signed a memorandum of agreement with the NBI to go after “illicit activities that are potentially defrauding the National Health Insurance Program.” Both agencies agreed on a shared set of responsibilities to detect, deter, and prosecute fraud committed by health

care facilities and professionals, and even those made in collusion with its own officers and employees. Under the agreement, PhilHealth may request for investigative assistance from the NBI including surveillance, investigation, and entrapment of violators, if needed. PhilHealth said that 95% of the ₱15-billion allegedlylost to fraud has been liquidated. PhilHealth said a total of ₱14.21-billion Interim Reimbursement Mechanism or IRM funds have already been accounted for. The money went to 711

hospitals nationwide for their COVID-19 response. Of the 711 hospitals, 516 have been fully settled, 153 have liquidated at least 50%, while 42 have only declared below 50% of their share so far. PhilHealth data showed Metro Manila hospitals have liquidated over ₱4.1 billion, followed by CALABARZON or Region 4-A with about ₱1.14 billion. PhilHealth President Dante Gierran said the liquidation of the ₱15-billion fund allegedly lost to corruption is expected to be completed within the first quarter of this year.

DICT, watchdog launch telecom tower monitor

BORDER CONTROL. A

Quezon City Police District personnel manning a checkpoint along Kamuning Road checks on motorcycle riders on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Robert Alfiler

Senator sees need to fight gender-based violence

By Macon Ramos Araneta

SENATOR Win Gatchalian reiterated the need to ensure continued education and protection programs for vulnerable girls to combat gender-based violence amid new lockdown and curfew measures. The Senator cited the results of the Commission on Population and Development recently cited the results of a Social Weather Stations survey which revealed that for 25 percent of Filipi-

nos, harmful acts in various forms--including physical (11 percent), sexual (7 percent), and emotional (7 percent) violence---are among the most pressing problems of women. Gatchalian added that since schoolage girls have been confined to their homes since the start of lockdowns a year ago, they are also more vulnerable to domestic violence and dropping out. The senator emphasized that even if schools are implementing remote learning, they should continuously provide

safety nets to learners, including child protection programs.” The lawmaker also flagged the role of school closures in the increased exposure of young girls to early pregnancies. A two-month study by the Department of Science and Technology -National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) identified school closures, dysfunctional family, and lack of access to sexual and reproductive health education as among the factors of teenage pregnancy.

THE Department of Information and Telecommunications Commission (DICT), in partnership with consumer advocacy group CitizenWatch Philippines launched a close monitoring initiative “Telecom Tower Watch” to address delays in the building of digital infrastructures amidst soaring demand for broadband services. In a recent online forum organized by think tank Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute (ADRi) on “Building Digital Infrastructure for a Digital Philippines”, Stratbase ADRi President, Professor Dindo Manhit said that “Telecom Tower Watch is a multi-sectoral initiative to help push the fast development of digital infrastructure in the Philippines and will promote the transparency and accountability of all relevant parties in accelerating the building pace of telecommunications towers nationwide.” “Building a robust broadband backbone is a long-term infrastructure asset that will boost the country’s competitiveness in an emerging digital economy and indispensable, not just to survive this crisis, but to rebound and push for an acceptable pace of recovery,” Manhit said. In his keynote message, DICT Undersecretary for Digital Philippines Emmanuel Caintic said, “The current digital infrastructure of the country is still not enough to realize an affordable and fast Internet connectivity. One of the major issues we have identified is the regulatory constraints that hinder telecommunications companies to further invest in infrastructure of the country.”

Party-list solon denies Iriga mayoralty bid By Rio N. Araja

ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Niña Taduran flatly denied speculations that will seek the mayoralty position in Iriga City, Camarines Sur in the 2022 local election. She said it has never crossed her mind to join local politics as she would rather seek a second term as party-list representative. “Whatever happens in the next elec-

tions, I will continue to be of service to my fellowmen. If I won’t be given the chance to serve again as a party-list representative, I can always go back to the media, where I have been doing public service for many decades,” she said. Talks about Taduran running as Iriga mayor surfaced when she led the ACT-CIS in putting up an action center in the city and helped in the distribution of cash assistance, face masks and

other supplies as part of her continuing project for people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Actually, it is not only in Iriga that our projects are centered. We have similar projects in other areas in Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Benguet, Abra, Pangasinan, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Marinduque, Bohol, Cebu and Metro Manila. We reach out to whoever needs help,” Taduran said.

74 earthquakes recorded at Taal Volcano—Phivolcs FOILED. Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Cavite nab

suspect Jhon Rex Llamera in a buy-bust operation at Brgy. Molino 3 in Bacoor City Saturday evening. Authorities seized 500 gms of suspected shabu with a street value of P3.4 million.

THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said 74 volcanic earthquakes were recorded at Taal Volcano over the past 24 hours on Sunday. Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 2 (increased unrest), which means sudden steam-driven or phreatic

explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ash fall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within the Taal Volcano Island, which has been declared a permanent danger zone. Of the total 74 volcanic earthquakes, 46

tremors lasted from one to four minutes. Phivolcs said at the main crater, weak steam-laden plumes rose 10 meters high. Phivolcs urged local governments to ensure adequate preparations are in place should the volcano show more renewed unrest.

QC adds more guidelines to curb COVID

News

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2021

By Rio N. Araja

HONORING THE FALLEN.

Sisters Isabella, Katrina and Melissa Orteza – daughters of a COVID-19 victim who passed away last year – joined artists in honoring and remembering fallen frontliners through a public art installation held in front of the UP-PGH main entrance along Taft avenue in Manila on March 14, 2021. The art installation, Whispering Flower Beds , was created by visual artist Toym Leon Imao in collaboration with Zena Bernardo, Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, the Concerned Artists of the Philippines, and the families and colleagues of falled Filipino frontliners. Norman Cruz

Solon: Inflation has weakened family defenses INFLATION has weakened families’ coronavirus disease 2019’s (COVID-19) defenses amid new variants, BHW party-list Rep. Angelica Natasha Co said on Sunday. She said rising prices have forced families to spend less on personal hygiene. “I suspect inflation contributed to the reasons people in Metro Manila became more vulnerable to COVID and contributed to the current upsurge of new COVID cases. Humina ang depensa ng pangkaraniwang mamamayan kasi kapos na sila sa pambili ng face mask, sabon, rubbing alcohol, at iba pang depensa sa COVID,” Co said. “If elevated inf lation persists, then we can expect continued weak minimum health standards compliance in the weeks and months ahead,” she added. According to Co, food prices have not yet stabilized and at this time when food becomes expensive, people would tend to spend much less on face masks, face shields and personal hygiene essentials, making them vulnerable to COVID-19. She said local governments must be wise to mobilize wellness influencers with appropriate training on COVID-19 safety. Rio N. Araja

Virus cleanup forces SC to shelve hearing

By Rey E. Requejo

HE Supreme Court has cancelled the continuation of the oral arguments on the 37 petitions seeking to invalidate the AntiTerrorism Act of 2020 slated on Tuesday to pave the way for a thorough disinfection of its compound amid an alarming rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country.

The cancellation was a result of a memorandum issued by Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta that extended the suspension of work in all the Court’s offices along Padre Faura in Manila until March 16. “More time is needed to complete and accomplish a more thorough disinfection of the Supreme Court offices in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and its new variant,” Peralta explained. Last week, the SC announced a four-

day work suspension from March 11 to 14 to give way to a massive disinfection and sanitation of its offices. The cleanup would include different buildings and offices inside the SC compound. “After consultation with the other Justices and Chiefs of offices, a continuation of the disinfection, cleaning, and sanitation of the different buildings and offices of the Supreme Court is hereby

TUPAD DISTRIBUTION.

House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez (center), assisted by Tingog partylist second nominee Jude Acidre (second from left) representing Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, and Sta Fe Mayor Amparo Montesa (right) distribute P4,875 to each of the 199 beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displace Workers (TUPAD) at the Multipurpose Center of Sta Fe, Leyte. They were joined by Department of Labor and Employment Region 8 Director Henry John Jalbuena and Ferdinand Martin ‘Marty’ Jr. Ver Noveno

Senator: Push rules but spare jail for violators SENATOR Joel Villanueva has asked law enforcers to enforce quarantine rules but spare violators from jail, saying it could simply add to cases of coronavirus infections. While police need to step in to enforce health protocols, there is no need to jail those caught violating these, he said. “We cannot invoke public health in jailing quarantine violators and then throw them to jampacked jails where they will surely get infected,” said Villanueva, chair of the Senate labor committee. “I hope there’s no mass incarceration because what we need now is mass vaccination,” he added. The senator said it was important to enforce public health measures like social distancing and wearing of face masks during the rollout of the vaccine program. The role of the police would be to enforce these measures if the outbreak gets out of control, Villanueva said. “Whatever task is given to our police force, they should do it with compassion and kindness,” he said. These considerations are needed especially by people on their way to work and have no means of transportation, he said. “Our workers will surely have difficulty going to their jobs because of limited public transportation,” said Villanueva. Macon Ramos-Araneta

ordered to be undertaken to minimize the possible spread of the infection,” the memorandum stated. Peralta has given the chairperson or head of certain committees whether to proceed with previously scheduled meetings. “Court sessions shall proceed via videoconferencing, but the Oral Arguments scheduled on Tuesday, March 16, 2021… is suspended,” the memorandum said. Meanwhile, on-duty personnel of the Medical and Dental Services (skeleton force), Security and Maintenance Division, Office of the Administrative-Services were allowed to report for work on March 15 to 16. From March 17 to 19, the SC said all officers are required to maintain a skeleton force of 50 percent to maintain physical distancing of at least six feet.

DUE to an alarming increase of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Metro Manila, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has issued supplemental guidelines imposing emergency measures and protocols to curb the transmission of the virus in households, workplaces, and other establishments. “The drastic increase of cases is very alarming. We want to stop the transmission as early as now so that we no longer have to implement another nationwide lockdown,” she said. The guidelines shall take effect on March 15 to March 31, covering workplaces, public areas, and business establishments. Apart from the reiteration of public safety hours, strict compliance to health protocols in workplaces, and mandatory use of the Kyusi Pass digital contact tracing app, the supplemental guidelines include the reimplementation of a twoweek liquor ban. All retail sales of alcoholic beverages are suspended during the duration of the guidelines. Following a serious outbreak in one gym, the city government will also close all gyms, spas, and internet cafes for two weeks. Barangays are also advised that they may once again issue quarantine passes to their residents to limit movement. A barangay may not close down any establishment without the approval of the city government. Returning overseas Filipino workers staying in hotels and other accommodation establishments in the city organized by the national government or private entities must report to the Office of the City Administrator for documentation and monitoring, and for guidance on health, security, and logistics protocols.

Release vax tracker ASAP, Risa tells NTF By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Risa Hontiveros on Sunday urged the National Task Force on COVID-19 (NTF) and the Department of Health (DOH) to release a vaccine tracker immediately so the public can view the progress of the National Vaccination Program, after the country contracted another $900 million loan from the World Bank to buy coronavirus vaccines. “The public will pay that debt. A vaccine tracker updated daily and accurately will be especially important when we start receiving the vaccines we paid for. This will also be on our money trail to know where our billions of pesos debt went,” she said. “We should be able to see that our money is being put to good and efficient use,” the senator added. Hontiveros said the public has the right to know the progress of vaccination amid their increasing anxiety due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. “Yet again, we are mostly left in the dark. Two weeks had already passed and yet, the number on the vaccination is not yet clear,” she said.

DENR getting fresh P1.56-b fund for Manila Bay rehab—Defensor THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources is getting P1.56 billion in fresh funding this year for the rehabilitation of Manila Bay, according to Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Michael Defensor. “The amount is 16 percent greater than the P1.35-billion budget that the DENR

obtained last year for the development, updating and implementation of its operational plan for the Manila Bay coastal management strategy,” he said. The operational plan is pursuant to the Supreme Court’s 13-year-old continuing mandamus directing the DENR and 12 other agencies to clean up the

PDEA closes Mabalacat drug den MABALACAT CITY—Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) demolished a suspected illegal drug den at a government resettlement center, following a raid at a house in Barangay Dapdap here, leading to the arrest of five suspects over the weekend. PDEA3 Regional Director Christian Frivaldo said his men raided a house along Riverside 5th Street, PH-1 Madapdap Resettlement Center, after residents reported the presence of suspicious men and women going in and out of the house. “The house was abandoned and (they) made it as a place for shabu ses-

sion by drug addicts in the community,” said Frivaldo, adding that elders and community leaders were thankful for the agency’s actions. Frivaldo identified the suspects as Marissa Manaois, 44, of Riverside 5th St., PH-1 MRC, Brgy. Dapdap, Mabalacat; Ronald Padilla, 23; Robin Manaois, alias Pugay, 21; Jo Anthony Gueco, 36; and Roxane Manaois, 18, all of the Madapdap Resttlement Center in Brgy. Dapdap. He said three of the suspects are included in the PDEA and police lists of illegal drug personalities operating in Mabalacat and nearby Angeles City. Jess Malabanan

waters of Manila Bay, he noted. “If we look closely at the 2008 mandamus, the high court’s specific instruction is for the agencies to restore Manila Bay’s waters to Class B, or suitable and safe for public swimming, skin-diving and other forms of contact recreation,” he said.

Based on the DENR’s old water classification table, the fecal coliform level of Class B coastal waters “should not exceed 200 most probable number (MPN) per 100 milliliters (ml),” he said. Defensor served as DENR head for about 18 months between 2004 and 2006. Rio N. Araja

VAX DELIVERY.

At least 5,140 doses of Astrazeneca and 1,340 doses of Sinovac vaccines were delivered to government and private hospitals in Bohol.

Opinion Party president for a hundred days

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2021

EDITORIAL

Public displays of arrogance

self-proclamation so he would say it himself:NAKED SO His assistant of 21 years turned senator wants THOUGHT AST WEEK we were told that the Philippine to be the next president of the country. I SEE A visibly embarrassed Senator Bong CHARLIE V. National Police is discouraging public displays said the President must have been joking, LITO MANALO of affection, including holding hands, to curb the although qualifying that he might consider BANAYO running, but IF and only IF, the president spread of COVID-19. mismo would be his running mate. Hashtag “continuity”. TODAY we mark the “Ides” of March. This reminds us of that silly regulation But what about the Pacman, the party presIt was, or so the ancients chronicled, the last year that prohibited couples—even those These are our thoughts day when Julius Caesar’s dream of empire ident proclaimed by Koko Pimentel last Deliving in the same house—from riding in picture now? was lost, his corpus bleeding to death in the cember 3? Where is he in theTHE FIFTH as we mark the first pillion, supposedly to stop the viral transmisDid the PDP in Cebu and some in Metro halls of SPQR (Senatus Populusque RomaGOSPEL sion. Eventually, policymakers came to their anniversary of the start of Manila consult him about their clamor for nus or Senate and theCROSSROADS People of Rome). senses and did away with the rule—but not Portentous events happen during the mid- the president to run for vice? In a presser last the lockdowns this week. JUDE before numerous pairs riding together to get unauthodle of March, or so the J.A. superstitious say, Friday, he said the caucuses were he warned to work and earn a living were flagged for ACIDRE just as the Chinese never start anything, be rized by the party leadership. And CRUZ their “violation.” it moving to an officeDELA or house, or starting a Sec. Cusi “not to toy with him.” NAKED Ah, but did he, or Senator Koko consult business venture, on the seventh month of the communist-terrorist groups. Police These are our thoughts as we mark the supposed SO the President (who just happens to be the parlunar calendar. Lt. Fernando Calabria Jr. claimed this was in first anniversary of the start of the lockdowns THOUGHT installed Days before the ides, teasers from the ty chairman) when the Pacman was this week—coincidentally, the start also of a compliance with the order of “PNP higher ofI SEE president about Sen. Bong Go, his faithful as president of the new, re-invigorated PDP? fices.” He even two-week curfew across the National Capital CHARLIE V.took the trouble of guiding the the Senate, assistant, running for president to succeed Why, even the PDP stalwarts in LITO recipient of his letter by providing a blank taRegion to address the surge of new cases, one MANALO him were floated. Tagline “Continuity”, the Bato de la Rosa, Francis Tolentino and Bong year hence. Authorities say the past few days’ ble that should contain—aside from the name BANAYO they just supporters of the idea stressed, with memes Go were caught by surprise when higher count is the result of more transmis- of the lawyer, his or her affiliations and his party presidency in and Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. posts read about the Pacman’s OPEN sible variants of the virus and the failure of or her client, case and status—a column for the news. “Nagpasintabi man lang ba?” inundating the virtual atmosphere. many to observe health protocols. We would “Mode of Neutralization.” THOUGHTS So now President Duterte’s loyalists pull Then in a conference in Cagayan de Oro Calabria said he needed to submit a comlike to add to the reasons a snail-paced vactwo Sundays back, the president introduced the rug from under the Pacman’s feet. Party ORLANDO cination drive, the lack of transparency and prehensive report on the communist insurhis favorite senator as “Presidente”, goading president for a hundred days would seem to THE FIFTH strategic thinking among our leaders, the gency situation in his area of responsibility. OXALES be the fate of the world champion. the latter to stand up and wave to the crowd. The Officer-in-Charge of the PNP, Lt. misplaced priorities of those whose job it is to GOSPEL But there is an episode to the impending CROSSROADS keep order amid this protracted health crisis, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar sacked Calabria short shelf life of the PDP president that we and the sense of entitlement among those who and distanced the PNP from the letter. The JUDE This would seem will reveal here as well. The boxing hero was J.A.at the believe they are subject to differentACIDRE regula- request, Eleazar said, was unprofessional, in a one-on-one huddle with PRRD to be the political fate irresponsible, and not sanctioned by CRUZ tions as the rest of us. palace beside the river Pasig,DELA on Wednesday, March 3. For example, we were aghast at the audacity PNP top brass. We welcome this move of the world boxing A palace birdie told this writer, later conof the Chief Intelligence Officer of Calbayog by Eleazar, but still wonder whether Cachampion. firmed by someone in the Pacman’s inner City in Samar province, who asked the city’s labria was just overzealous or misintercircle, that the president advised the Pacman clerk of court for the list of lawyers representing preted what his superiors really wanted. to tame his ambitions, and lower his politiTwo days after, results of a mysteriously cal sights for 2022. In short as the Tagalogs designed rider question to a supposed Pulse would say, “pahinog ka muna sa Senado.” Still, the source from the Pacman camp Asia mid-February research appeared from OPEN nowhere. I qualify with that supposition be- proudly said: “tuloy-tuloy na kami” on their THOUGHTS cause pollsters will neither confirm nor deny march to Malacanang in 2022, with Freddie if such is their handiwork, unless they them- Aguilar’s re-lyricized Bayan Ko anthem as mand for connectivity.” ORLANDO background to their “heavenly” quest. selves publicize the survey results. “Building a robust broadband backbone So who “owns” PDP now? Senator Koko, That survey on the prospects of a Bong OXALES is a long-term infrastructure asset that will Go-PRRD tandem leading the pack with 32 who earlier abdicated, wryly comments that boost the country’s competitiveness in an points nationwide was followed by a queer it is too early to talk politics. Best to conIT LOOKS like the aggressive investments emerging digital economy and indispenscentrate on the pandemic and have the public match-up or mix-up of presidential and of the private telecommunications compa- able, not just to survive this crisis, but to vice-presidential contenders. After the “con- vaccinated first. nies are gaining momentum as significant rebound and push for an acceptable pace of Sabi na nga ba ni Isko Moreno: “Vaccine tinuity tandem”, there is a Grace Poe-Tito increases in fixed and broadband and mobile recovery,” Manhit said. Sotto team-up. But isn’t it supposed to be a Nation is the solution,” worn in a T-shirt from data speeds have been recorded in the Janspruced-up Divisoria. And now the Pacman Ping-Tito tandem? uary 2021 report of WeAreSocial – HootNext was a Bongbong Marcos-Manny Pac- chides Al Cusi, to “help” the public rather suite. As much as 34-percent year-on year There is urgency quiao match-up. But aren’t both in the running than create divisiveness in the party. improvement in mobile internet connections Would Alan Peter Cayetano’s staunch for president in 2022, and nothing but? to close the 50,000-cell and a 23.1-percent gain in average speed of Then there is a Ping-Isko. Would the defender Mike Defensor likewise chide the fi xed internet connections were seen despite site tower gap. mayor of the nation’s capital forego six more PDP’s newly-minted executive vice-presithe mobility disruptions of the lockdowns. years as mayor for the ceremonial post of dent, Inday Sara loyalist Speaker Lord VeHowever, data from Yugatech shows that lasco, and say their new president, like the vice-president? we still have low site density relative to the And last in the mix-up of that alleged Pulse emperor in Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy DICT Undersecretary for Digital Philippopulation of users. With the surging deAsia research was Leni Robredo and Kiko Pan- tale, “has no clothes.” pines Emmanuel Rey R. Caintic, in his keynote mand for broadband services there is urgenNever mind, the Pacman with his fabled gilinan. But isn’t Leni going back to her Bicol speech, said: “The ideal communications cy to close this 50,000-cell site tower gap. billions can always buy a new party, or splinroots, and Kiko running for re-election? This has prompted the launch of Telecom ecosystem is what we want to achieve in the ter the PDP. The day after, the bigwigs of the PDP-LaTower Watch, a new initiative of the Depart- country, where thousands of telecommunicaAnd to complement the new party he will ban in Cebu call upon the president to heed ment of Information and Communications tions towers erected throughout the archipelthe clamor—run for vice-president. And put up, Madame Jinkee could bring him to Technology (DICT) in partnership with our ago connected to the fiber backbone through right after, with the Energy Secretary and Hermes for a new cravat and to Brioni for a consumer advocacy group CitizenWatch fiber backhaul preferably.” vice chairman of PDP, Al Cusi in attendance new suit, to look even more “presidential”. The DICT together with other national govPhilippines. Try Milano’s Bigi for your neckties, or at a caucus, Metro Manila chapter leaders ernment agencies issued the Joint MemoranAs convenor of CitizenWatch I had the even Fiesole’s Stefano Ricci, and instead of echoed Cebu’s. honor of launching this advocacy during the dum Circular on Tower Permitting, streamlinWhile the survey with the laughable Roma’s Brioni, try Kiton of Napoli. online virtual round table discussion hosted ing the process of issuing necessary permits NAKED President Duterte and Senator Bong Go match-ups preceded the PDP caucuses, by the Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute and reduce the documentary requirements then came a Dumaguete City trip where the wear strictly locally made clothing, though THOUGHT needed to construct towers in the country. (ADRi) held last Thursday. president in a speech again told the crowd not bought in Divi but tailored by Mimi PiHowever, eight months after its implemenTelecom Tower Watch is a monitoring and that Senator Bong was just a bitCHARLIE shy about mentel V. (no relation to Sen. Koko). consultation initiative that aims to support the tation, the telcos are still suffering delays accelerated building of digital infrastructure from several local governments and private MANALO projects. This joint intervention will have an homeowner associations. Globe Telecom Vice-President for Site Aconline awareness campaign that will provide transparency on the ongoing telecommuni- quisition and Management, Vince Tempongko cations infrastructure projects and will host reported that they were able to get 1,900 pera series of consultative meetings that would mits from July to November 2020 which is alSpanish missionaries teach the Catholic regather government, private sector, and other most six times compared to the previous year. ligion, they also established an educational THE FIFTH Mr. Tempongko said that, “Telcos have stakeholders to tackle issues, find solutions, system to operate up to this day. The misand align strategies towards the fast expan- already been spending close to half its revGOSPEL sionaries introduced new crops and agriculsion and upgrading of the country’s digital enues. There is very little room for us to intural methods. They supervised the building crease our investments. We will need help of infrastructure. JUDE not only of churches, but towns (bajo de las the government to fast-track even further our During his opening remarks, Stratbase ACIDRE campanas) as well as roads and bridges. It requirements.” ADRi President Prof. Dindo Manhit emphawas much due to their efforts that the many “There are certain areas in Manila that we sized that digitization is vital to economic islands and barangays of this archipelago ON MARCH 17 this year, the Catholic cannot reach because of oppositions in the continuity and has enabled us to safely live Church in the Philippines will celebrate gradually grew into a single nation. neighborhood to villages. These continue and work in pandemic conditions.” This gift that is Christianity eventually 500 years since the arrival of Christianity He rightly points out that “The Philippine to be hotspots for us as far as coverage and took root in our Filipino culture, and conon its shores. The Augustinian priest Pedro government should invest in building digital capacity are concerned. It’s really a partnerde Valderrama served as chaplain to the tributed significantly in shaping our Filipino infrastructure to cope with increasing de- ship across the telcos, the private sector, the Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who identity and providing a uniquely Filipino believed that one can reach the famed Spice expression of the Catholic faith—finally Islands in theOPEN east by sailing westward. The showing that to be more deeply Christian is circumnavigation of the world will open a to be more truly and authentically Filipino. Second, fellowship is an important part in defended the rights of the Filipino natives, THOUGHTS new trading route for Spain, a theory that unthe way Filipinos live the Catholic faith—in our country was spared from the scourge of til then has yet to be proven. the liturgy and prayer as well as in songs human slavery. Among the first heroes of the ORLANDO Family, fellowship, fate But with the Spanish fleet came the Chrisand devotions. In fact, Filipinos find value Philippine Revolution were the martyred FiliOXALES tian faith. On March 31, 1521, Easter Sunday, in welcoming guests into their homes; this pino priests—Jose Burgos, Mariano Gomez and freedom the first Catholic mass was celebrated on the usually culminates in breaking bread around and Jacinto Zamora. In 1986, the Church, led island of Limasawa, marking the birth of the family table. Thus, many life events such by Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, Christianity in these islands. as births, marriages and deaths are marked played an important role in the restoration of The “Filipino way” of being Catholic can Half a millennium later, the Philippines is with a special meal shared with family and democracy, with priests, nun and seminarinow the third largest Catholic country in the be simply summarized into four distinctive friends and from the viewpoint of faith, this ans joining the crowds in EDSA. Today, the world, with Filipinos comprising more than characteristics: Family, fellowship, fate and fittingly parallels with the celebration of the Church remains on the forefront of the strugfreedom. half the Catholics in Asia. sacraments, especially the Mass. gle towards freedom from poverty and illiteracy First, the Filipino expression of Catholic Despite having received Christianity from Third, this willingly resignation to fate is through its many social action programs, reSpain 500 years ago, the Philippines has life is root in our strong family connectedbest reflected in the Filipino expression, “Ba- cently the Pondo ng Pinoy which was started by embraced and nurtured the faith as its own, ness. For millions of Filipinos, Catholicism hala na”—or literally, it is up to God. For this Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales. with tens of millions of overseas Filipinos is their religion at birth, and it is within the reason, Filipinos are patient and forgiving, Not only has the Christian faith significantly employed in almost every country in the family that this faith is nurtured and grows resilient and forbearing. This explains our de- shaped the culture and character of our nation, world—bringing with them their deep devo- into maturity. Likewise, it is by the way of votion to suffering Jesus Nazareno —an icon but it could be rightly said that the Church in the the Filipino family that our Catholic faith tion and loyalty to the Catholic faith. of a healing and forgiving Savior who un- Philippines, too, has contributed significantly to It cannot be denied that while the Catholic contributes not only to our sense of self-idenderstands our weaknesses, our failures, our the growth of universal Church. faith was brought by explorers who were bent tity, but also to a fuller understanding of our feelings of depression, fear and loneliness. The largest Catholic university in terms on expanding Spain’s colonial power, the early filial relationship with God—as expressed Lastly, the Catholic Church in the Phil- of enrollment and located in a single campus Filipinos received it as a gift—and not merely by the familial ways by which we address ippines has constantly accompanied the and also the oldest university in Asia is the Christ, Mary and the saints—n to the Sanas a sad consequence of colonialism. Filipino people in their struggle for freedom 400-year-old University of Santo Tomas. The same gift of faith eventually enriched to Niño, a timeless reminder that we are all and nationhood. Thanks to the insistence of our Filipino way of life. Not only did the children of God. Manila’s first bishop, Domingo Salazar who Full version on www.manilastandard.net

Then again, the top brass is never faultless. Over the weekend we learned that PNP Chief Debold Sinas—now in isolation for COVID-19 in Camp Crame, which is the reason Eleazar is temporarily at the helm of the Police—skipped health screening when he went to Oriental Mindoro last week. The health checks were being done at a Calapan pier but Sinas, who arrived on board a helicopter, immediately proceeded to the regional headquarters, according to a statement by the provincial government. We remember very clearly how Sinas tried to wiggle out of his responsibility for a well-documented birthday bash—in violation of quarantine rules—that his staff threw for him in May 2020, when he was still Metro Manila police chief. The gods have been kind to Sinas, who not only went unpunished, but was in fact promoted to the top post at the PNP. No wonder he is partying like it was 2020. We have seen enough lapses and excesses on the part of the police, whether top brass or provincial officers. Alas, we have difficulty believing they have our best interests in mind. Actions such as the prohibition of displays of affection—something already covered by the general admonition to observe heath protocols—are awkward and silly, but the boldness to “request” a list of lawyers representing certain individuals or groups, and to habitually flout health protocols are both dangerous and disgusting. Pandemic or no, we need public servants— police officers included —who truly serve the people and do not brandish their stupidity at best, and their arrogance at worst.

Telecom Tower Watch

Five hundred years of faith

government and the civil society to bridge us to where we want to be as far as digital transformation is concerned,” Tempongko said. Smart Communications Vice-President for Regulatory Affairs, Atty. Roy Ibay, likewise pointed out several problem areas being confronted by telcos reporting that the 16-day timeline required by the joint memorandum circular, in reality, is still averaging from 30 to 60 days. Atty. Ibay revealed that some local government “are still imposing unjust, excessive, oppressive, and conﬁscatory regulatory fees. When you protest, they basically use that non-payment of this regulatory fees to withhold issuance of building another local permits.” Other bureaucratic barriers they are encountering are: “Special Use Permits” to secure building permits, unreasonable fees; insistence of some barangays to apply for a resolution requiring public hearing instead of a barangay clearance; requiring to secure Homeowner Association’s (HOA) consent; HOA’s opposing the construction of telecom towers within their subdivisions despite the fact that there are no other suitable sites; HOAs collecting excessive fees such as business clearance fee, proﬁt sharing agreements some of which are recurring. More issues were disclosed that showed inconsistencies with existing national laws and policies and what’s actually happening on the ground. This is just a glimpse of what will be exposed by Telecom Tower Watch. To all parties who are delaying the development of our digital infrastructure projects, you are adding to the burden of this crisis. We need the cooperation of everyone.

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MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Pentagon: Asia ties deterrent vs. China U S Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday he was traveling to Asia to boost military cooperation with American allies and foster “credible deterrence” against China.

Austin kicked off via Hawaii, seat of the American military command for the Indo-Pacific region, his first foreign visits as Pentagon chief. “This is all about alliances and

partnerships,” he told reporters on the trip that is to include meetings with key allies in Tokyo, New Delhi and Seoul. “It’s also about enhancing capabilities,” he added, recalling that while the United

States was focused on the anti-jihadist struggle in the Middle East, China was modernizing its army at high speed. “That competitive edge that we’ve had has eroded,” he said. “We still maintain that edge. We are going to increase that edge going forward.” “Our goal is to make sure that we have the capabilities and the operational plans... to be able to offer a credible deterrence to China or anybody else who would want to take on the US,” he added.

Lloyd will be joined in Tokyo and Seoul by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “One of the things that the secretary of state and I want to do is begin to strengthen those alliances,” he said. “This will be more about listening and learning, getting their point of view.” This tour in Asia of the heads of diplomacy and defense of the United States follows an unprecedented summit of the “Quad,” an informal alliance born in the 2000s to counterbalance a rising

China. Blinken will join President Joe Biden’s national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, in Anchorage on March 18 with their Chinese counterparts Wang Yi and Yang Jiechi. The Alaska talks will be the first between the powers since Yang met Blinken’s hawkish predecessor Mike Pompeo in June in Hawaii – a setting similarly far from the high-stakes glare of national capitals. AFP

Ireland recommends suspending AstraZeneca over blood clot fears

SAKURA RAIN. A woman looks at early blooming cherry blossoms in a park in Tokyo on March 14, 2021. AFP

IN BRIEF Syria’s decade of war: 388,000 dead

THE overall death toll for Syria’s civil war has reached 388,652 since it began a decade ago this month, a war monitor said on Sunday. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the figures include almost 117,388 civilians, among them more than 22,000 children. Attacks by the Syrian regime and allied militia forces accounted for the majority of civilian deaths, said the Britainbased monitor which relies on sources inside Syria for its reports. The Observatory’s previous tally was issued in December and stood at more than 387,000. Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said 2020 saw the lowest annual death toll since the war began with just over 10,000 deaths. Battles slowed this year as a ceasefire held in northwestern Syria and attention turned to containing the coronavirus pandemic. AFP

IRELAND’S vaccine taskforce on Sunday recommended temporarily suspending the rollout of the AstraZeneca coronavirus jab, following reports of blood clots in adults who received the shot. “The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has recommended that the administration of COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca be temporarily deferred from this morning,” Ireland’s deputy chief medical officer Ronan Glynn said in a statement. He said the recommendation has been made “on the precautionary principal” after “a report from the Norwegian Medicines Agency of four new reports of serious blood clotting events in adults after vaccination.” The European Union is facing further shortfalls in its coronavirus inoculation program after pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca said production problems and export restrictions would reduce planned deliveries of its vaccine.

Myanmar ‘shadow’ parliament urges united opposition to coup AT LEAST one anti-coup protester was killed Sunday as demonstrators across Myanmar continued to defy military rule, a day after a group of ousted MPs in hiding urged them to overcome the nation’s “darkest moment.” The country has been in turmoil since the military ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi from power in a February 1 putsch, triggering a mass uprising that has seen hundreds of thousands protest daily for a return to democracy. The junta has repeatedly justified its power grab by alleging widespread electoral fraud in November’s elections, which Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party had swept in a landslide.

In response, a group of elected MPs, many of whom are in hiding, had formed a shadow “parliament” called the Committee for Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) – the Burmese word for the country’s governing bloc – to denounce the military regime. The junta’s security forces are staging near-daily crackdowns against demonstrators calling for a return to democracy, deploying tear gas, rubber bullets and live rounds to quell anticoup protests. More than 80 have been killed in the unrest, according to a local monitoring group. On Sunday, fresh violence during a protest in the northern jade-producing

city of Hpakant saw one man shot dead before noon, according to a doctor and a local news outlet. “Kyaw Lin Hteik died when he arrived at the hospital... he had a gunshot on the right side of his chest and he lost too much blood,” said a local doctor who declined to be named. He added that another three people were hit by rubber bullets and had to be transferred to state capital Myitkyina, where hospitals are better equipped. Despite the growing death toll, protesters continued to take to the streets Sunday – from civil servants hoisting Suu Kyi’s poster defiantly at a march through the central city of Monywa to a

sit-in in commercial hub Yangon. “May the fallen heroes who have given their lives in this spring revolution rest in peace!” chanted protesters wearing hard hats in Yangon’s Thaketa township. Two men had been killed in the early hours of Saturday in Thaketa, after protesters had gathered at the police station to demand the release of arrested residents. State-run media New Light of Myanmar said security forces had fired “warning shots” to disperse the crowd, and “an investigation is underway regarding the cause of death” of the two men. AFP

Baltimore Sun deal a major test for nonprofit news model

Australia working on SG travel bubble AUSTRALIA is “working with Singapore” to create a travel bubble between the two nations as early as July, officials said Sunday, in an effort to restart tourism and travel put on hold by Covid-19. Early in the pandemic Australia effectively closed its international border to slow the spread of the coronavirus, with non-citizens banned from visiting except in special circumstances. Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said Australia was “working with Singapore at the moment potentially for a bubble (beginning) in July.” “As the vaccine rolls out, not only in Australia but in other countries, we will reopen more bubbles,” he told public broadcaster ABC. The Sydney Morning Herald reported the deal would allow Singaporeans and Australians who had been vaccinated to travel between the countries without quarantining. AFP

The Anglo/Swedish firm’s image has already taken a hit with several countries suspending the rollout of its vaccine over blood clot fears, even as the World Health Organization said there was no reason to stop using it. It is just the latest blow for the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is the cheapest vaccine aimed at fighting back against a pandemic that has claimed more than 2.6 million lives worldwide. Germany has already reported adverse effects due to the delay, the state of Thuringia cancelling appointments and suspending a pilot project for general practitioners to administer the vaccine. The head of the country’s disease control agency Robert Koch Institute, Lothar Wieler, meanwhile warned that “the third wave has already started in Germany.” Despite the worrying signs, thousands joined protests in German cities on Saturday against anti-COVID measures. AFP

A man cycles past makeshift barricades erected on a road by protesters taking part in demonstrations against the military coup in Yangon on March 14, 2021. AFP

Canada judge rejects Huawei request

STOP THE HATE. Demonstrators wearing face masks and holding signs take

part in a rally ‘Love Our Communities: Build Collective Power’ to raise awareness of anti-Asian violence, at the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo in Los Angeles, California, on March 13, 2021. Reports of attacks, primarily against AsianAmerican elders, have spiked in recent months—fueled, activists believe, by talk of the ‘Chinese virus’ by former president Donald Trump and others. AFP

A CANADIAN judge has rejected a request from Huawei’s chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou, who wanted testimony from employees of the Chinese telecom giant to be admitted as evidence in her fight against extradition to the United States. Meng – whose father is Huawei founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei – has been in a two-year battle against extradition over charges the firm violated US sanctions on Iran. She is accused of defrauding HSBC by falsely misrepresenting links between Huawei and its Skycom subsidiary, putting the bank at risk of violating sanctions against Tehran as it continued to clear US dollar transactions for Huawei. Lawyers for Meng, 49, believe the affidavits could show the banking giant was aware of the links between Huawei and Skycom, which sold telecom equipment to Iran. The evidence would help demonstrate the prosecution case was “manifestly unreliable,” according to the lawyers. In a decision released late Friday, Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes of the Supreme Court of British Columbia ruled that the testimony requested by Meng’s defense “relates to issues properly within the domain of a trial, not the extradition hearing.” Holmes said it was not for her to rule on issues of credibility in an extradition hearing. “The proposed evidence could do no more than offer an alternative narrative from that set out” by the United States in its case against Meng, Holmes wrote. “These would take the extradition hearing beyond its proper scope.” AFP

AFTER years of staff cuts, shrinking budgets and declining readership, the Baltimore Sun finally has some good news to report about itself: a deal for a new nonprofit group to take over, and potentially revive the struggling newspaper. The plan unveiled in February comes in response to an extraordinary movement – supported by civic and business leaders, sports figures, journalists and others – to rescue the 184-year-old newspaper and bring it back to local ownership. The nonprofit Sunlight for All Institute, led by businessman Stewart Bainum, struck the tentative deal to acquire the Sun and affiliated newspapers for $65 million as part of the sale of parent firm Tribune Publishing to Alden Global Capital. The agreement represents a major new test for the nonprofit model which has gained momentum in recent years in response to the deepening crisis in the sector. Newsroom employment at newspapers fell by half between 2008 and 2019, according to Pew Research Center, with more cuts reported during the pandemic. The idea had been circulating in Baltimore for years but gained steam with the “Save Our Sun” campaign launched last year by journalists, union and civic leaders and others. “There was a huge amount of community support,” said Sun journalist Liz Bowie, one of those behind the campaign. Bowie said Baltimoreans appeared to understand the value of the longtime news organization and what might happen if it failed or was hollowed out. AFP

Business Federal Reserve standing firm on inflation worries WASHINGTON—Skittish investors have see-sawed between celebration about the expected US economic recovery and nail-biting over a possible price spiral, but the Federal Reserve is standing firm on keeping interest rates low. In the balance between allowing faster growth—and rising prices—in order to restore some of the more than nine million jobs still missing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s message has been clear: he wants to see more people back to work. Analysts are expecting the Fed’s policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) to maintain its very “dovish” stance when it holds its two-day policy meeting next week. Powell on Wednesday is expected to stress once again that the Fed is willing to accept higher inflation to get back to full employment, a goal that took a decade to achieve following the 2008 global financial crisis. “I think it’s ‘markets be damned’ at this point,” said Robert Frick of Navy Federal Credit Union. “The Fed has said that until the real improvement in employment and in the economy, they’re not going to budge,” Frick told AFP. “I really don’t think they’re going to waver.” From a 50-year low of 3.5 percent unemployment before the pandemic lockdowns began in early 2020, the jobless rate spiked as millions of workers were sent home, but gradually fell back to 6.2 percent in February amid businesses re-openings. As vaccine rollouts have picked up speed and President Joe Biden signed a massive $1.9-trillion stimulus package, boosting the chances the world’s largest economy can soon reopen, investors have begun to fear an inflationary spiral. That is reflected in the spike in government debt yields, particularly on 10-year Treasury notes, a canary in the coal mine for coming price increases. While the jump back to its early 2020 level could be viewed as something of a market freak-out, there are real-world consequences of rising Treasury yields, since lending rates for home mortgages and car loans are linked to them. Mortgage rates have begun to creep up, which could price some buyers out of an already-hot housing market, while existing homeowners will find it harder to refinance their loans, said Kathy Bostjancic of Oxford Economics. AFP

Listless stock market trading seen TOP GAINERS S By Jenniffer B. Austria

TOCKS are expected to trade sluggishly this week as investors opt to stay on the sidelines amid rising COVID-19 cases and the slow vaccine rollout.

Analysts said investment sentiments have been dampened by the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the country due to the loose implementation of minimum health standards and the spread of more transmissible COVID-19 variants. “Although we think that the Philippine economy could show some bounce in the first quarter 2021 and that volatility will stalk the local market for most of first half of 2021, we have guarded optimism looking forward,” First Metro Investments Corp. said.

“We hope PSEi may emulate the upswing in East Asian (especially China and South Korea) economies and equities markets in January, in which ASEAN, U.S., and EU stock markets floundered. However, economic activity should accelerate as we see more quarantine restrictions/health certifications eased and/or more unified and more massive roll out of COVID-19 vaccines,” it added. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index is expected to trade between 6,700 and 6,850 points this week, although a break below 6,700 could trigger tests toward the 6,300-6,500 levels. The PSEi last week plunged 2.2 percent to 6,728.55, while the broader All Shares Index declined 2.4 percent to 4,059.58 All counters ended in red led by financial (-4.56 percent), property (-2.86 percent) and industrial (-2.24 percent).

Net selling by foreign investors rose to P12.5 billion from P3.1 billion in the previous week. The average daily value traded also fell to P11 billion from the previous week’s average of P13.4 billion. Weekly to price gainers included Cebu Air Inc., which rose 3.3 percent to P46.50, Filinvest Land Inc. which climbed 1.7. percent to P1.18, and Emperador Inc., which added 1.2 percent to P10.30. Weekly top losers were DITO CME Holdings Inc., which declined 25.3 percent to P11.38, MerryMart Consumer Corp., which sank 15.2 percent to P5.19, and Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Inc., which dropped 11.8 percent to P3.51. Meanwhile, US and European stocks had a mixed finish on Friday, capping a week that saw equities set new records on both sides of the Atlantic but also struggle with inflation fears. With AFP

PSEi March 12, 2021

LRW

LAST PRICE 2.05

2 3 4

SGP BKR DITO

345.8 1.77 11.38

32.8 0.14 0.88

10.48% 8.59% 8.38%

5 6 7

ARA KEP ZHI

1.32 3.01 0.224

0.1 0.21 0.015

8.20% 7.50% 7.18%

8 9 10

LAND I MFC

1.07 1.48 950

0.07 0.08 50

7.00% 5.71% 5.56%

This photograph taken from Hidirliktepe in Ankara, on March 13, 2021, shows run-down houses in a slum in Altindag district (front) and high-rise modern buildings in Kecioeren district. AFP

MAHB

LAST PRICE 2.51

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

ANS SPM SFIP RLT CEI IS DAVIN SLI MVC

6.6 2.22 1.83 0.27 0.131 0.154 3.5 2.15 4.25

ability to recognize odors—testing her nose multiple times a day. Pallas was speaking this week at a PARIS, France—No one likes to lose their sense of smell or taste—a com- virtual conference organized by the mon symptom of COVID19—but for union, which presented a study into the the sommeliers and other wine profes- impact of COVID-19 on the wine secsionals of France, it is particularly trau- tor. It interviewed 2,625 wine professionmatic. “It’s very hard to admit that we’ve als between May and July, mostly from lost these senses,” said Sophie Pallas, France but also Italy, Chile and other director of the Union of French Oeno- countries, of whom 68 had contracted logues. “I was very affected as an indi- COVID-19 in the first wave. Of them, two-thirds lost their sense vidual because wine is the central pasof smell and 56 percent their sense of sion in my life.” taste. Most—61 percent—reported a full recovery, but 32 percent said their senses had only partially returned, while seven percent said they had not recovered at all. “It’s like a musician losing their instrument,” said Didier Fages, president of the union. ‘Very disturbing’ Judging by previous coronaviruses, full taste and smell can take up to 18 months to return, and the process can be very worrying for those who rely on having finely tuned noses and taste buds. “When the fever fell and my appetite returned, I tried wine and I could immediately tell there French actress Arletty poses in her house of Belle-Ile-en-Mer during summer holidays, in the was a problem,” said Philippe 50s. AFP Faure-Brac, the 1992 best sommelier in the world and current She caught COVID-19 in January, and said she was still in the middle of president of the Union of Sommeliers, who caught COVID-19 a year ago in her recovery. “When we are robbed of these senses, the first wave. “It was very disturbing. There was no our experience of pleasure and desire is amputated. I lost my appetite and totally smell. I had sensations in my mouth but lost my desire to drink wine,” she said. they were limited and focused on basic As her senses have gradually re- flavors and not the subtleties. It lasted turned, she said, the process has at least nine days—I counted.” Basic smells began to return and he been interesting from a scientific point encouraged them with wines he knew of view. “It’s very interesting to rediscover the well—particularly fruity or spicy vinworld of aromas. As a professional, I’ve tages. “Taste took a bit longer. There was a been able to look at it very analytically.” With guidance from experts at the feeling of alcohol burn, of strong tanUniversity of Bordeaux, she has been nins... that lasted several weeks,” he rebuilding her brain’s internal database said. “It was very hard to take any pleaof smell associations that guide our sure from taste.” AFP

“It saddened all of us to hear about Lou Ottens’ passing,” Olga Coolen, director of the Philips Museum in Eindhoven, said in a statement supplied to AFP. “Lou was an extraordinary man who loved technology, even as his inventions had humble beginnings.” He died on March 6 in the village of Duizel near the Belgian border, Philips said. Born in 1926 in the Dutch city of Bellingwolde, Ottens showed his interest in technology at a young age during the occupation of the Netherlands by Nazi Germany in World War II. He built a radio to receive the “free

Dutch” Radio Oranje with a special antenna that he called the “Germanenfilter” because it could avoid Nazi jammers, Dutch newspaper NRC reported. Ottens joined Philips after studying engineering at university where he and his team developed the world’s first portable tape recorder, according to Philips. But he became frustrated with the bulky reel-to-reel system that needed manual winding and so invented the cassette in 1962. “The cassette tape was invented out of irritation about the existing tape recorder, it’s that simple,” Ottens was quoted as saying by NRC in one interview. AFP

% CHANGE CHANGE -0.38 -13.15% -0.85 -0.23 -0.14 -0.02 -0.008 -0.009 -0.2 -0.12 -0.21

-11.41% -9.39% -7.11% -6.90% -5.76% -5.52% -5.41% -5.29% -4.71%

MOST ACTIVE

Lou Ottens, father of the cassette tape, dies at 94

THE HAGUE, Netherlands—Tributes rolled in Friday after Dutch engineer Lou Ottens, credited with inventing the audio cassette tape and helping create the compact disc, died at the age of 94. Created by Ottens while working for electrical giant Philips, cassettes made music truly portable for the first time and allowed a generation of music fans to make mix-tapes of their favorite songs. Versatile if infuriatingly easy to unspool, more than 100 billion cassette tapes were produced worldwide in their heyday from the 1960s to the 1980s and have even enjoyed a recent retro resurgence.

% CHANGE CHANGE 0.5 32.26%

TOP LOSERS

CONTRAST.

For wine professionals of France, COVID smell loss is an ‘amputation’ By Eric Randolph

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2021 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

DITO BPI PHA ALI APL ACEN BDO AC TEL ICT

VOLUME 144173400 4018570 124809000 8230600 1353570000 37534900 2289220 213140 122320 1215660

VALUE (PHP) 1627760936 322839955.5 305539030 302769860 280747700 265693087 239301700 164130610 160637210 153993302

Battling COVID-19: Alone, but not quite MY FULL name was emblazoned dissertation defense under the Doctor on the page. Just below it, in a red of Business Administration program box, accompanied by the exclamation of De La Salle University. I was on a point (!) icon, stated what I dreaded— “high,” and I was excited for what lies JONNA POSITIVE. ahead for me. I was looking forward C. BAQUILLAS A few days prior, I had a fever. It was to graduating and officially earning the persistent kind, at 38.9C, and went my degree, which I worked so hard on for three days. I brought myself to for in the last three years. the emergency room, but I was sent home with “systemic But, as fate would have it, it was a different graduation that viral illness” as the official diagnosis. I was only prescribed I would earn sooner–the “graduation” from my quarantine. paracetamol and multivitamins. Fortunately, I am well, except for the loss of taste and smell. On the fifth day, while cleaning my cats’ litter box, I realized Unfortunately, although this particular COVID-19 effect I could not smell the poop. I could not smell anything at is widespread, it has not been studied well. No definitive all. My lunch that day was kare-kare, a very flavorful Pinoy answer can be provided when the senses will recover from dish, but I hardly tasted it. I did not even need to pair it with the neurological damage caused by the virus. I am currently bagoong because it hardly tasted like kare-kare. doing olfactory training to rewire my brain, so I am tasting food A day later, I voluntarily did the RT-PCR saliva test in vicariously through my friends’ food posts until I get my senses Philippine Red Cross–a cheaper, non-invasive procedure back. than the swab test and is DOH-approved. The procedure What really saved the day for me was the damayan was quick and uneventful–my schedule was at 8:10 a.m., (compassion) and bayanihan (cooperation) traits that are and I was out by 8:25 a.m. They issued a barcode for your innate among Filipinos–which have, in the past, helped specimen, which you can track (like a delivery package) as it communities recover from disasters and sparked the spirit moves throughout the day. of volunteerism (Barrameda & Barrameda, 2011). In fact, Twelve hours later, I stared at the page that confirmed my when the pandemic started in our country, different business suspicion. POSITIVE, it said. organizations, from corporations to micro-enterprises, Alone, and with only my three cats as my companions, mobilized resources to send help to wherever it was needed. how do you deal with this? Almost a year into the quarantine, individuals, groups, Thankfully, it fired up the modern-day bayanihan spirit of and organizations continue the fight against COVID, and Filipinos–of my friends, in particular. its unfortunate effect on the social and economic aspects Because I only had mild symptoms, I did not require hospital of the country. My office, Philippine Disaster Resilience care. A childhood friend who is a medical doctor provided a Foundation, never stopped in looking for ways to connect prescription for a concoction of medication. My Brazilian Jiu- the resources of the private sector to address the needs of jitsu coach bought my medicine and groceries. A friend sent me various communities in the Philippines. an oximeter, which is important in monitoring oxygen saturation Right now, I am happy to have been able to do my own in the blood. During the whole ordeal, the oximeter was my groceries, after being in isolation for almost three weeks. I best friend–it assured me, in bold, lit numbers, that my oxygen already signed up to donate my plasma that contains COVID level is normal, dismissing my worries about the difficulty of antibodies, which can help save a life or two from the serious breathing. Some friends sent lunch on separate days. My office effects of COVID-19. It is the least I can do to give back. sent me a basket of fruits. Our vets agreed to take in my cats in case I would require hospitalization. And the administration of Jonna C. Baquillas is a Doctor of Business the building where I live took care of my needs while I was in Administration candidate at De La Salle University Ramon quarantine–from bringing deliveries and packages to my door V. del Rosario College of Business. She is surviving the to picking up my trash (doused with alcohol) from outside my challenges of working from home through the antics of unit. her three adorable cats, who show up live in her virtual Alone and scared, the toughest part was dealing with meetings. She is currently connected with Philippine anxiety–will I get worse tomorrow? I’m coughing now. Will Disaster Resilience Foundation, where she leads a team I still be able to breathe when I wake up? Am I just imagining that crafts and develops e-learning courses in the disaster my chest pains? Do I need to stay in the hospital? What field for various audience groups. will happen to my cats then? How do I tell my 71-year-old mother, whom I have not seen since the lockdown started, The views expressed above are the author’s and do not that I have COVID? Will I die? necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, A week before my diagnosis, I successfully did my final and its administrators.

Green LiGht

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

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2021

Business

PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, March 12, 2021

9.37 PTS. 6,728.55

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

3,405,504,540 152,144 6,870,007,343.61 108 99 60

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.5190

Japan

Yen

0.009217

0.4472

Pound

1.399400

67.8975

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128891

6.2537

Switzerland

Franc

1.082017

52.4984

Canada

Dollar

0.798339

38.7346

Singapore

Dollar

0.746603

36.2244

Australia

Dollar

0.778700

37.7817

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655055

128.8206

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266652

12.9377

Brunei

Dollar

0.743826

36.0897

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0033

Thailand

Baht

0.032744

1.5887

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.2104

Euro

1.198800

58.1646

Korea

Won

0.000885

0.0429

China

Yuan

0.153976

7.4708

India

Rupee

0.013757

0.6675

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.243605

11.8195

New Zealand

Dollar

0.722500

35.0550

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035595

1.7270 Source: BSP

Ayala Land raising P10b from sale of 4-year bonds By Jenniffer B. Austria PROPERTY developer Ayala Land Inc. said over the weekend it plans to raise P10 billion from the issuance of four-year fixed-rate bonds. Ayala Land said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission it would issue P10 billion worth of bonds as the sixth tranche of its P50billion bond-shelf registration program approved in 2019. It hired five banks including BDO Capital and Investments Corp., BPI Capital Corp., ChinaBank Capital, East West Bank and SB Capital as joint lead underwriters and book runners of the offering. Ayala Land already issued five tranches of fixed-rate bonds and raised P37.25 billion out of its P50-billion bond securities program. It said the net proceeds from the new offering would be used to refinance short-term loans that would be drawn to finance the early redemption of the P8-billion fixed-rate bonds due 2025, acquisitions of properties in Laguna, Cavite and Quezon City and other general corporate purposes. Ayala Land reported a net income of P8.7 billion in 2020, down 74 percent from the 2019 level as the pandemic hurt its mall, residential and hotel businesses. The company said that for 2021, it was expecting its businesses to recover and allocated P88 billion in capital expenditures, up from P63.7 billion spent in 2020. It also targets to launch P100 billion worth of residential projects this year. “Ayala Land believes that the Philippines continues to be fundamentally strong, having remained resilient amid the challenges in the global economy. As the Philippines is experiencing the COVID-19 global pandemic, Ayala Land has acknowledged this as a prominent risk which affected its business in 2020 with spillover effects to 2021,” it said. The property firm said the lessons from the pandemic would enable it to improve business continuity plans moving forward. “The company remains watchful of relevant macroeconomic indicators and geopolitical risks that may potentially impact the business environment. It will maintain a healthy balance sheet which will enable it to weather the risks and capture opportunities once the environment improves,” it said.

SMART Communications Inc. said over the weekend it teamed up with Zain, a leading mobile voice and data services operator in the Middle Easts to further expand its 5G roaming services in the region. Under the partnership, Smart prepaid and postpaid customers overseas will be able to access worry-free 5G roaming speeds while in Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The Middle East has the second

DTI eases cement duty on 175 countries

THE Department of Trade and Industry said it exempted 175 countries from definitive duties imposed on imported cement after a recent review showed that imports from these countries contributed only 3 percent or less to total imports in 2020. The DTI’s Bureau of Import Services conducted a review of the status of certain countries/economies considered as “developing” and noted that a few of them were considered high-income economies based on World Bank data. “Some of these countries score very high in the human development index, and are members of the OECD [Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development], which is an organization comprised mainly of high-income developed countries/economies,” said BIS director Luis M. Catibayan. The exemption of the 175 countries was contained in the amendments to the DTI Department Order No. 19-13, under Annex A, that effectively imposed safeguard duties on imported cement. Othel V. Campos

DOF pushes more tax reform measures

GOOD SAMARITAN. More than 100 children from the Aeta community at Sitio Burog in Bamban, Tarlac benefit from a onetime feeding activity through a benevolent donor. Zenaida Abubo (third from left), a private citizen from Mabalacat City, Pampanga, reaches out to the community through Clark Development Corp.. With her is CDC director Atty. Ana Liza Peralta (second from left), who also personally hands out the goodies to the children.

SteelAsia to open 1st PH steel beam plant by 2023 S By Othel V. Campos

TEELASIA Manufacturing Corp. said over the weekend it expects the country’s first steel beam manufacturing plant in Lemery, Batangas to start operations by 2023.

The new plant is expected to support the construction and infrastructure projects in the country by providing more locally-made structural steel products. SteelAsia currently produces reinforcing bars which are mainly used for house and building construction. It broke ground in 2019, but the construction of the two production lines –steelmaking and steel section rolling― was suspended last year because of the lockdown.

“The Lemery Works steel plant is of national significance as it will reduce our reliance on imports for important steel products needed for the government’s ambitious infrastructure program,” said SteelAsia president Benjamin Yao. The facility will create at least 1,500 direct jobs and thousands more from ancillary industries and businesses. Once completed, it will have a capacity of 1.1 million tons per year. SteelAsia will manufacture steel prod-

P5.7-billion long-term loan agreement with Compostela Steel Inc., a subsdiary of SteelAsia, for the construction of its biggest steel-making facility in Compostela, Cebu. Under the agreement, the loan proceeds will be used to partially finance the Compostela Works Rolling Mill, with parent company, SteelAsia, investing the balance of the required total capital amounting to P8.3 billion. The mill is the seventh of SteelAsia in the country, in addition to its other facilities in Batangas, Carcar, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Bulacan. The Philippines has zero wire-rod manufacturing capability and relies solely on imports from Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and China.

VACCINE CARGO.

Cebu Pacific again transports COVID-19 vaccines to Zamboanga City and Tuguegarao City as part of the second batch, consisting of 32,000 doses, received by both cities. CEB also carried the first batch of 21,000 doses on March 5, 2021. The vaccines were stored in a refrigerated storage container and handled with utmost precision to ensure the conditions are preserved up until they are released. CEB has already flown around 53,000 doses to both cities.

PNOC’s income dropped 25% to P536m in 2020 amid pandemic By Alena Mae S. Flores PHILIPPINE National Oil Co., the government’s oil and gas arm, said over the weekend it posted a net income of P536.743 million last year, down 25 percent from P714.136 million in 2019. Revenues slid to P1.192 billion in 2020 from P1.363 billion in 2019 while expenses rose slightly to P497.38 million from P476.393 million year-on-year, company data showed. “Despite the issues that came up in 2020, PNOC was able to generate a comprehensive income in the amount of P534 million, computed as of the end of December 2020. This is notwithstanding the remittance of P5 billion to the national government to bolster the COVID 19 fund, and the corresponding loss of our interest income on our money placements on the P5 billion,” PNOC president Reuben Lista said in a statement.

Lista said the company’s ability to stay afloat during the very trying times was a testament to the competence of its very capable management team who deserved commendation. He said 2020 challenged PNOC in ways that no other year had done before. “The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to several severe weather disturbances, has been such a great hindrance to PNOC’s operations, especially in the Energy Supply Base in Batangas and in the PNOC Industrial Park in Bataan,” Lista said. PNOC’s ESB generated gross revenue of P111.42 million last year. Meanwhile, PNOC was able dispose of 12 Costa Verde properties and signed a long-term lease contract with Wealth Horizon Development Corp. over its Sta. Mesa property. “Furthermore, PNOC is also in the process of entertaining proponents for possible partnerships in our LNG project

ventures, and is presently in talks with the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. for the sale of our remaining banked gas,” Lista said. He said the development and execution of projects by PNOC’s energy investments arm, including the strategic petroleum reserve project and the liquified natural gas project, were also greatly affected by the restrictions brought about by the pandemic, and by other legal, legislative and political matters which arose in the previous year. “Not only that, but PNOC also faced challenges in terms of the funding for its projects, matters,” Lista said. He said despite all these challenges, PNOC remained steadfast in the fulfillment of its vision that by the year 2030, it would have provided vital energy resource and development and energy infrastructure conducive to a clean environment and balanced and sustainable economic growth.

Smart teams up with Zain for 5G roaming in Middle East; Globe activates VoLTE in 4 areas By Darwin G. Amojelar

IN BRIEF

largest population of overseas Filipinos, next to North America. This makes Smart the first Philippine operator to have the widest roaming coverage in the territory. “Smart’s 5G roaming service allows a Smart subscriber to enjoy worry-free 5G service even while abroad through Smart’s 5G roaming partners. This is part of our commitment to deliver the best experience to our customers,” said Alice Ramos, vice president for international roaming and consumer business at Smart. “Customers with 5G-ready SIMs and

5G-capable handsets can enjoy 5G roaming speeds for better video experience, and seamless data connectivity for the productivity or social platforms that they need to access when they visit other countries for work or vacation,” she said. Like Smart, Zain KSA was recognized by Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analysis, as the telco with the “fastest fixed network speed in the Kingdom.” Other 5G roaming partners of Smart are UAE’s Etisalat and du; Taiwan’s FarEasTone; and South Korea’s KT Corp.

Meanwhile, Globe Telecom Inc. said it completed the activation of Voice over LTE in the National Capital Region, Rizal, Cavite and Bulacan. VoLTE is the standard high-speed wireless communication for mobile phones using 4G LTE instead of the traditional voice networks being used by 2G and 3G. “VoLTE is the better solution for customers who need voice connectivity indoors as this technology is superior to 2G/3G,” said Globe chief commercial officer Issa Guevarra-Cabreira.

THE country should continue to adopt fiscal reforms, particularly tax reforms still pending in Congress, to sustain the fiscal gains achieved by the government in the past years, the Department of Finance said over the weekend. Finance Undersecretary and chief economist Gil Beltran said in an economic bulletin that fiscal reforms enabled the country to fund the unprecedented fiscal requirements imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and protect its strong macroeconomic fundamentals. “The fiscal reforms adopted by the Duterte administration, including tax reforms and the utilization of idle savings in the public sector, boosted the revenue effort to its second highest level in history, eclipsed only by the 2019 level attained during the period of an economic boom,” Beltran said. “These reforms made the country one of the six strongest emerging economies to meet the challenges of the pandemic,” he said. Beltran issued the statement following latest reports that the national government’s revenues dropped by 9 percent in 2020 due to the pandemic. Julito G. Rada

Seaversity pioneers gamified education

VIRTUAL gaming and education―two things that traditionally could not go together but matches perfectly well in the modernized world of e-learning. This innovation, the first of its kind in Philippine maritime education, is pioneered by Seaversity, a company that offers maritime schools and training centers with gamified learning systems brought to life by augmented reality and virtual reality programs and applications to simplify blended learning. The AR/VR programs are the brainchild of Filipino IT experts, seafaring veterans and training specialists led by Ephrem Dela Cerna Jr., a marine engineer who was part of Project Alpha scholars of the University of Cebu. Dela Cerna’s inventions were conceptualized five years before the pandemic heeled the world to its knees. It was 2015 when, as a maritime educator, he ultimately hit the wall in trying to illustrate to cadets how massive a ship’s engine is. “I had to give them an idea of how enormous an engine is, its internals, and flow of dynamics. Words and pictures were not enough,” Dela Cerna said.

Solon warns gov’t officials acting as foreign NGO reps A LAWMAKER warned the government against officials and personnel who are advancing the interests of foreign private organizations with anti-vaping agenda. Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Alfredo A. Garbin Jr. made the statement, as he called on Congress to proceed with the investigation on the Philippines Food and Drug Administration following reports that the agency received grants from foreign lobby groups while it was drafting the guidelines regulating e-cigarettes/vapor products and heated tobacco products. “The FDA must issue science-based regulations and probe into erring officials who are serving the private agenda of foreign private organizations by advancing anti-vaping policies instead of objective and workable regulations,” said Garbin. This followed the admission by FDA officials during a public consultation in October 2020 that the regulatory agency received grants from the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) and Bloomberg Philanthropies. The latter funds The Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use Grants Program, a campaign that is dedicated to tobacco and vaping control policies which is co-managed by The Union. The FDA conducted public consultations on the draft regulations for vapor products (e-cigarettes) and HTPs on Oct. 6 and 8, 2020. The public hearing, however, was postponed after several stakeholders and government officials raised issues about the lack of meaningful discussion and FDA’s failure to address the concerns of consumers and industry players. Meanwhile, the FDA issued Administrative Order No. 2020-0055 in January 2021 allegedly without completing the public consultations on the guidelines for the regulation of vapor products and HTPs, according to the lawmakers. Concerns over potential conflict of interest emerged when FDA officials admitted receiving grants from Bloomberg Philanthropies and The Union―two lobby groups that promote bans on vapor products and HTPs in low- and middleincome countries.

Sports

Boxing body named NSA of Year at PSA Awards THE Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) managed to send two Filipino boxers to the Tokyo Olympics just in time before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world of sports last year. Middleweight Felix Eumir Marcial and flyweight Irish Magno booked berths in the 2020 Olympiad during their campaigns in the Asia and Oceania Boxing Qualification Tournament in Amman, Jordan, with Marcial even bagging the gold medal in the 75 kg division. The boxing body headed by President Ricky Vargas is keeping its fingers crossed two more will be able to qualify once the International Olympic Committee Boxing Task Force (BTF) comes out with its final list of qualified boxers to the Tokyo Games after the scheduled final qualification tournament set in Paris this May was officially cancelled. ABAP is putting its hopes on flyweight Carlo Paalam and world women’s champion Nesthy Petecio (bantamweight) to make it based on their current Asian rankings. For its consistent work of qualifying Filipino pugs in the Olympics, ABAP will be the recipient of the NSA (National Sports Association) of the Year honor in the coming SMCPSA (Philippine Sportswriters Association) virtual Awards Night on March 27 at the TV5 Media Center. This marks the second straight year the boxing federation is being bestowed the special award in the event co-presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Cignal TV, with 1-Pacman Partylist and Rain or Shine as major backers. Pro golfer Yuka Saso headlines the 2020 honor roll of the country’s oldest media organization headed by President Tito S. Talao, sports editor of the Manila Bulletin, as she will be recognized with the prestigious Athlete of the Year honor. ABAP qualified two boxers in the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympics in Rogen Ladon (light flyweight) and Charly Suarez (lightweight), although none of them was able to get past the round-of-16. This time, the federation hopes to surpass the numbers should Petecio and Paalam make it to the final qualifying list. But the 25-year-old Marcial looms as boxing’s biggest hope for a possible first ever gold medal following his impressive triumph during the AsiaOceania qualifiers last year. Now fighting as a pro, the native of Lunzuran, Zamboanga eked out a close 3-2 decision against Abilkhan Amankul of Kazakhstan to win the gold and make it to the Olympics.

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

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2021

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) attacks the hoop during the game against the Washington Wizards defenders Robin Lopez (15) and Deni Avdija (9) at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. AFP

Terrafirma picks Munzon first in stacked PBA Draft

HERE were no surprises in the Philippine Basketball Association Season 46 Rookie Draft with the top ﬁve players in almost all mock drafts—Joshua Munzon, Jaime Malonzo, Calvin Oftana, Mikey Williams and Santi Santillan – being picked as projected. Munzon, a product of Cal State-Los Angeles product, was selected first overall in the stacked, talent laden field by Terrafirma Dyip. He was the Dyip’s third consecutive No. 1 overall pick after CJ Perez (since traded to San Miguel Beer) and Roosevelt Adams. The 26-year-old Munzon—who showcased his talent in the Asean Basketball League (ABL), the PBA D-League and in 3x3 basketball—was the consensus best player in the Draft. The NorthPort Batang Pier selected Malonzo, who played college ball with Portland University and then with De La Salle University where he played one season in the UAAP.

The NLEX Road Warriors selected former San Beda star and former National Collegiate Athletic Association MVP Oftana at fourth. The TNT Tropang Giga used the fourth pick, obtained via trade, to grab athletic guard Williams. The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters used their own pick to select undersized big man Santillan as fifth overall pick. The first surprise pick was made by the Alaska Aces when they took legit big man Ben Adamos, who played for San Beda and Perpetual Help in the NCAA, as the sixth pick in the first round. The Phoenix Super LPG took Larry Muyang at seventh. James Laput was taken

at eighth by Terrafirma as their second pick in the first round. Alvin Pasaol was selected by the Meralco Bolts at ninth. The Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok selected former Adamson University guard Jerick Ahanmisi at tenth. Troy Rike was selected by NorthPort at eleventh. Barangay Ginebra completed the first round by selecting Ken Holmqvist. Meanwhile, Jordan Heading was made the No. 1 pick by Terrafirma in the special Gilas draft. Former Ateneo standout William Navarro was taken second by NorthPort; Tzaddy Rangel was picked third by NLEX; and Jaydee Tungcab was selected by TNT with the final pick of the round. The players will be on loan with Gilas and will play for their respective PBA team after their duties with the national team under an agreement between the PBA and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

GM Barcenilla powers Laguna Heroes past Cagayan GRANDMASTER Rogelio Barcenilla’s skillful endgame maneuvers powered the Laguna Heroes team to a 17.5-3.5 whipping of Cagayan Kings in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines online tournament at the chess.com last weekend. A knight fork in the king side of the Arizona, US based Barcenilla forced Jojo Foz to resign after 42 moves of an English Opening in their top board encounter. Barcenilla, a two-time (1989 and 1990) Asian Juniors champion in India and Dubai and 1991 Bronze medalist in World Juniors championship in Romania, gained the upper hand with a beautiful knight to c6 square check in the queen side to take control of the end game with a rook, knight and five pawns against Foz who had a bishop, knight and four pawns. “GM Banjo’s play was always razor-sharp, rational and brilliant.” said Arena Grandmaster Dr. Alfredo “Fred” Paez, one of the four co-team owner of the Laguna Heroes that include Benjamin Dy, Jonathan Mamaril and David Nithyananthan. Also delivering for the Laguna backed up by Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic and Rotary Club of Nuvali were Fide

Master Austin Jacob Literatus, Woman National Master Jean Karen Enriquez, Fide Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad, Grandmaster John Paul Gomez and Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo in board 2 to 7. Literatus defeated Danilo Bartolome in 31 moves of an Alekhine defense; Enriquez subdued Krizza Mae Biggayan in 50 moves of a Sicilian defense, Grand Prix Attack; Bagamasbad trounced Jonito Tumaliuan in 65 moves of another Sicilian defense; Gomez smashed Emerson Aquio in 38 moves of a Queen’s Pawn Opening Mikenas defense; while Lorenzo crushed Jefferson Tugade in 56 moves of Sicilian defense, Dragon variation. Roberto Mania upset Vince Angelo Medina in 27 moves of Caro-Kann defense in board 6 to prevent a possible shutout loss for Cagayan in the rapid event. Mania also beat Medina in the blitz portion while Tugade split the point with Candidate Master Arjie Bayangat. According to AGM Fred Paez, Laguna beat Cagayan, 5.5-1.5, in blitz format and 12-2 victory in the rapid play. This allowed Laguna Heroes to gain a share of the top spot with 27-4 record in the Northern Conference together with San Juan Predators. Laguna, earlier beat Antipolo Cobras, 19-2. United States Master Rodolfo

Grandmaster Rogelio ‘Banjo’ Barcenilla Jr. (left) and Grandmaster Wesley So (right) play a friendly blitz game while National Master Glenn Bordonada and Reggie Tee watch.

“Jun” Panopio Jr. and Sonny dela Rosa Laguna’s remaining games beprovided the twin wins in the blitz por- fore the quarter finals against Isabela tion for the McDaniel Ebao-owned Knight Raiders, Manila Indios Bravos Antipolo chess team. and Quezon City Simba’s Tribe.

Giannis lifts Milwaukee past Wizards LOS ANGELES, United States—Giannis Antetokounmpo’s triple-double of 33 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists propelled the Milwaukee Bucks to a 125119 NBA victory over Washington on Saturday (Sunday Philippine time), despite Russell Westbrook’s 42-point triple-double for the Wizards. It was part of an explosion of five triple-doubles on the day—an NBA single-day record. Westbrook added 10 rebounds and 12 assists for Washington, but even with his league-leading 11th triple-double of the season the Wizards missed the production of NBA leading scorer Bradley Beal, who sat out with a sore knee. Jrue Holiday added 10 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter for Milwaukee as the Bucks held on in the back-and-forth battle despite a fierce late challenge from the Wizards, who knotted the score at 119-119 with 41 seconds remaining. Milwaukee’s Khris Middleton made two free throws with 32.9 seconds to play then forced a driving Westbrook into a miss with 25 seconds left. “No doubt, that’s the game right there,” Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer said. “You talk about wanting to win a game with stops and that’s what we were able to do.” On the other end, Middleton drained two more free throws to help the Bucks seal the win. Antetokounmpo’s triple-double was his second straight and his sixth of the season. He was just one of eight Bucks players to score in double figures as Milwaukee won their third straight and solidify their hold on third place in the East behind the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets—who beat the Detroit Pistons 10095 on Saturday behind a triple-double from James Harden. Aggressive Harden Harden scored 12 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter. He added 10 rebounds and 10 assists and the Nets hung on after the Pistons took a one-point lead with less than three minutes remaining to pull off the gritty win. Kyrie Irving added 18 points for the Nets, who remained without star Kevin Durant as he recovers from a hamstring strain. The game was tied at 92-92 with 1:47 remaining. Two Harden baskets—the second after a steal by Irving, put the Nets up 96-92, and his floater with 19.1 seconds left put Brooklyn up 98-93. Two free-throws from Harden effectively sealed the win. “I had to be aggressive,” Harden said. “Things weren’t going great for us offensively. I think defensively we were playing hard and it showed, but it was one of those nights where we’ve just got to find a way to win. AFP

Ayonayon leaves mark in MPBL Lakan Cup

Mike Ayonayon holds up the sign after winning the MPBL Sportsmanship award.

SUBIC—This Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Cup bubble in Subic is Mike Ayonayon’s swansong for San Juan-Go for Gold, and he is making the most of it. The shifty shooting guard tallied his first tripledouble in the league on Wednesday, doing just enough with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in just over 21 minutes of playing time. More importantly, his Knights advanced to the National Finals after dumping the five-man Makati squad in Game 3 of the North Finals, 131-54, at the Subic Bay Gymnasium here. Ayonayon was not aware that he was nearing a triple-double when he got subbed out at the start of the payoff period. By that time, he has already produced eight points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. However, the league’s statisticians informed him

that he was oh-so-close to notching his first-ever triple-double. He re-entered the game with 7:15 left. “Nasabihan ako ng mga nag-stastats kaya binalik ako nila coach, na ipag-triple double ako,” the 29-year-old said in jest. And in just two minutes and 47 seconds, the third overall pick of the 2019 PBA draft collected two markers, two boards, and three dimes to achieve the feat. Already in the PBA, Ayonayon still held on to his commitment to the Knights, joining his team in their quest for back-to-back championships. But for Ayonayon, he is just simply giving back to the team’s support to him. “Yung San Juan mahalaga sa akin. Kung hindi rin naman dahil sa San Juan hindi rin ako makikilala ‘di ba? Give and take lang,” said Ayonayon, who was also awarded the Manok ng Bayan and Sportsman-

ship post-game awards as well. With the MPBL Datu Cup Finals MVP in tow, head coach Randy Alcantara is just delighted to have him back for one last dance. After all, Ayonayon is one of the key pieces of the team, having started in 35 of the 37 games played by the Knights this season with averages of 12.0 points, 4.6 boards, 3.8 dimes, and 1.4 steals. “Pasalamat kami na binibigay pa rin ni Mike yung best niya at talagang nagpakita siya ng maturity at leadership ngayon. Siyempre, iba na yung level na nilalaro niya eh,” said Alcantara. “Alam namin malaking tulong siya sa campaign namin sa Finals.” San Juan is currently waiting for the league’s decision on the South Finals decider between Davao Occidental and Basilan.

Sports

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2021

Ex professional boxer Marvin Hagler of the US reacts to the crowd before the Gennady Golovkin of Kazakhtan versus Japan’s Nobuhiro Ishida middleweight WBA boxing match, on March 30, 2013 in Monaco. Hagler, the undisputed middleweight champion from 1980 to 1987, has died at age 66, his wife said Saturday, March 13. In a posting on the famed fighter’s Facebook page, Kay G. Hagler said her husband died at the family home in New Hampshire. AFP

Late birdies lift Westwood to lead at Players’ golf MIAMI—Lee Westwood birdied two of the last three holes to seize a twostroke lead over American Bryson DeChambeau after Saturday’s third round of the US PGA Players Championship. The 47-year-old Englishman dropped his approach to four feet at the par-5 16th and made the putt to seize the outright lead, then rolled in a 25-footer for birdie on the famed par-3 17th island green. Westwood, who parred his way through the front nine, saved par from five feet at the 18th to finish off a bogey-free four-under par 68 and stand on 13-under 203 after 54 holes at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. “I’m delighted with the way I played,” Westwood said. “I needed to be patient and I was. I thought it was a professional round from a 47-year-old veteran.” It sets up a second final-group Sunday showdown in as many weeks with reigning US Open champion DeChambeau, who beat Westwood last week at Bay Hill in the Arnold Palmer Invitational. “The Rematch. I love it,” Westwood said. “I like plying with Bryson... he has a game I enjoy watching. He strikes it. What’s there not to like?” DeChambeau closed with a 14-foot par putt to shoot 67 and stand on 205, saying “it’s everything” to make such clutch par putts. “You’ve got to make those to win tournaments,” DeChambeau said. “Fortunately I was able to make that one at the last. I didn’t want to leave a sour taste in my mouth after playing so well all day.” The world number six is ready for a rematch with Westwood. “It’s going to be a battle again tomorrow,” DeChambeau said. “Westy is playing some incredible golf.” Justin Thomas, winner of the 2017 PGA Championship, was one off the course record with a 64 to match fellow American Doug Ghim in third on 206. AFP

Middleweight icon Hagler dead at 66

ASHINGTON—Boxing legend Marvin Hagler, the undisputed middleweight champion from 1980 to 1987, died on Saturday at age 66, his wife said.

In a posting on the famed fighter’s Facebook page, Kay G. Hagler said her husband passed away at the family home. “I am sorry to make a very sad announcement. Today unfortunately my beloved husband Marvelous Marvin passed away unexpectedly at his home here in New Hampshire,” she wrote. “Our family requests that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.” “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler fought from 1973 to 1987 and delivered some of the epic bouts in a golden era of the sport, finishing with a record of 62-3 with two drawn and 52 knockouts. The southpaw’s most heralded triumph came in a 1985 matchup at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas against Thomas “Hitman” Hearns that lasted only a tick over eight minutes but was regarded as a classic. After a first

round filled with power punches in which Hearns suffered a broken right hand, Hagler suffered a cut to the head early in the second. A ringside doctor examined Hagler in the third round and the fight went on. Hagler wobbled Hearns with a powerhouse right and sent him to the canvas moments later, Hearns rising only to collapse into referee Richard Steele’s arms. Hagler won the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association middleweight titles in 1980, stopping Britain’s Alan Minter in the third round at London’s Wembley Arena, and added the International Boxing Federation’s inaugural title in 1983. Hagler defended the undisputed crown 12 times, including a 15-round unanimous decision victory over Panama’s Roberto Duran in 1983 and his final triumph, an 11th-round knockout of unbeaten Ugandan John Mugabi in 1986. “Marvelous Marvin Hagler was among the greatest athletes that Top Rank ever

promoted,” legendary US promoter Bob Arum said. “He was a man of honor and a man of his word, and he performed in the ring with unparallelled determination. “He was a true athlete and a true man. I will miss him greatly,” Arum added of Hagler, a member of the middleweight division’s “Four Kings” of the 1980s along with Hearns, “Sugar” Ray Leonard and Duran. Over a decade from 1976 to 1986, Hagler went unbeaten with 36 wins and a draw. Named Fighter of the Year in 1983 and 1985 by the Boxing Writers Association of America, he was named Fighter of the Decade in the 1980s by Boxing Illustrated. He carried a 16-fight win streak into what proved to be his final fight, a showdown with Leonard in 1987 at age 32. Leonard, coming off three years of retirement at age 30, captured a controversial 12-round split decision and launched his return to the ring as Hagler—angered by the scoring—bid farewell. After stepping out of the ring, Hagler pursued acting and a career as a boxing commentators. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993. AFP

Ancajas puts title on line vs Mexican on April 10 INTERNATIONAL Boxing Federation super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas defends his world title against Mexican mandatory challenger Jonathan Javier Rodriguez on April 10 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. It’s also the first time Ancajas will be fighting under the Premier Boxing Champions, the promotional outfit of Al Haymon. Ancajas’ ninth title defense was announced by international matchmaker and Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons on Sunday “This fight will be under Tom Brown or TGB Promotions, same as Manny [Pacquiao] under the PBC, yes with Al Haymon,” said Gibbons, clarifying that Ancajas (32-1-2 winloss-draw record with 22 knockouts) can still fight under Bob Arum’s Top Rank outfit. “We can still fight with Top Rank if we want,” added Gibbons. “His contract expired a couple of years ago.” Rodriguez (22-1 record with 16 knockouts) last fought on December 4, when he kayoed fellow Mexican Julius Yedras in their hometown. The Ancajas-Rodriguez bout was postponed twice (November 2, 2010 and April 11, 2020) in the United States because of passport issues. Meanwhile, undefeated Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo (21-0 record with 14 knockouts) takes on with Houston native Pablo Cruz (21-3 record with six knockouts) in a non-title featherweight bout for the Filipino’s second fight in the US. In a controversial US debut fight last October 3 in Los Angeles, Magsayo won via a split decision over American Rigoberto Hermosillo. The 29-year-old Ancajas is training at the Wildcard gym under trainer/ manager Joven Jimenez, with the help of sparring partner Jonas Sultan. Supported by the Big Boss Cement of Gilbert Cruz, the fighter from Panabo, Davao del Norte last fought under Top Rank on December 7 in Puebla, Mexico, where he pulled off a sixthround technical knockout of Chilean challenger Miguel Gonzalez.

Valientes celebrate in Balesin; Lingganay, Jumao-as join team

Valientes land in Balesin Island

ZAMBOANGA Valientes MLV hopes to duplicate its success in Australia with an all-homegrown team in NBL-Pilipinas. The Valientes clinched four straight titles in the Champions League Basketball (CLB) 3x3 and they want to bag a local jewel in 5x5 as well. To achieve their goal, the Valientes recruited Zamboanga stars Rudy Lingganay and Gino Jumao-as to spearhead the squad which they believe would be competitive in the fledgling pro league. Lingganay and Jumao-as are both former University of the East Warriors and Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League players. According to Lingganay, who also had

Hidilyn Diaz lurking in the shadows THE COACH MIKE OCHOSA I RECALL the first time I interviewed Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz. It was in March of 2016, months before the Rio Olympics. I braved the traffic of Manila and caught her training at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on a rainy weekday afternoon. I caught her deep into her routine. She was doing her reps, lifting weights changing the plates, fixing the bar. Remarkably, she was doing all these with no one assisting her. She was literally on her own. It was odd that not much was being written about her way back then. She was hidden from everyone else, while preparing for her third Olympic stint. There were no paparazzi around and for all intents and purposes, there were no fans hovering over her. In most other countries, an athlete of this caliber attracts a lot of interest. Local PBA players were getting more media mileage and support. It could be argued that this is because of her lackluster performance in the past two Olympiads, which did not seem to indicate that she had a chance at all in Rio. This was highlighted by a “failed” lift in London. But when I saw her that afternoon, I had a gut feeling that something good was going to happen in Rio. But as history unfolded, Hidilyn Diaz

brought home a silver medal in the women’s 53-kg weight division, ending the Philippines’ 20-year Olympic medal drought. A key move in winning in Rio was that she chose to strategically compete at 53 kilograms. In that category, she successfully lifted a total of 210 kg. (Snatch- 88kg. /clean and jerk- 112kg.) LIFE CHANGING MOMENT “Noong paglapag ng eroplano sa ‘Pinas, ‘di ko in-expect na ganu’n ang pag-welcome sakin, ‘di ko inaakala na napalaking bagay pala ‘pag manalo sa Olympics. Then after that, narealize ko, ‘di pala ‘yun medal medal lang, may responsibilidad na ko sa young generation kasi public figure na ko.” (When the plane landed in the Philippines, I did not expect that kind of welcome, I didn’t know that winning in the Olympics was that big. I realized then that it’s not about the medal only, I have a responsibility to the young generation because I became a public figure.) Suddenly, all eyes were on Diaz. Everybody loves a champion. After also wresting the gold in the Asian Games in 2018, she was eventually promoted to sergeant in the Philippine Air Force. More notably, financial incentives began pouring in. Her life changed for the better. She was able to purchase a house and lot and as a way of giving back, she has been able to build a center to start the youth into weightlifting. THE ROCKY ROAD TO TOKYO Diaz continued with her winning ways, collecting more medals in various competitions after Rio. In 2020, the call to represent the

country for maybe one last time in the world’s biggest sporting event presented itself. Early last year, Diaz flew to Malaysia to train for the Asian qualifiers with the hope of competing in the Olympics. Then, the pandemic hit. Rather than be rattled by the situation, team Diaz remained in Malaysia and adjusted its training program. After a year of waiting, they now find themselves in the same situation. The qualifiers are scheduled in April of 2021. AWAY FROM THE CROWD, WORKING IN THE SHADOWS It is remarkable that once again, Diaz is training away from the lights, the media frenzy, the expectations and attention of fans and followers. Training in Malaysia, away from all these, seems to have brought her back to those lonely days or working out alone. A setting she seems to be comfortable with. But, being a champion has its perks. When in the past she seemed to be doing everything alone, this time she is surrounded by a group of individuals, who actively add value to her preparation. Team Hidilyn is composed of Head Coach Kaiwen Go, Assistant and Strength and Conditioning Coach Julius Naranjo, Sports Nutritionist Jeaneth Aro and Sports Psychologist Karen Trinidad. Clearly having a counsel of many is favorable for Diaz as she prepares for her fourth Olympics. Hidilyn shares that this time, she will be competing in the 55-kg category. While this is a higher weight class, Hidilyn is assured that they have prepared the correct strategy and have

a stint in the PBA, it will be an honor to represent his hometown in the NBL. Jumao-as, on the other hand, spurned offers from other teams to play for Zamboanga Valientes MLV, co-owned by businesswoman/philantrophist Cory Navarro and Mike Venezuela. Fulfilling a longtime dream of the Navarro family, the Valientes will be parading an all-Zamboangueno roster bolstered by RR De Leon, RJ Argamino, Das Easa, Jon Rebollos, Med Salim and Jolo Belorio, all MPBL veterans. Completing the team are local leagues standouts Jef Bernardo, David Sebastian, Alex Mohamad and Mark Tano. been focused on proper preparation. In fact, the COVID-19 situation, which delayed the qualifiers for a year, she says has given them more time to formulate, organize and plan. Aside from being the third Filipino to clinch an Olympic silver medal (the first two were boxers Anthony Villanueva in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and Mansueto Velasco in the 1996 Atlanta games), she was also the first to win a medal of any color in a non-boxing event. Also, she was the first Filipina to win an Olympic medal and as mentioned the first Filipino to compete in 4 Olympiads. Even with these accolades, many sports enthusiasts are amazed why she does not get more attention or support than what she is enjoying now. Hidilyn shares that she is happy with what she achieved and content with what she has received. She will continue training in a foreign country with the sole objective of hopefully winning another medalº regardless of the level fan following or size of financial support. At this point of her career, she is more focused on a much larger and significant pursuit. She yearns to use weightlifting as a platform to encourage and inspire the next generation. “Come and join Weightlifting. ‘Wag kayong matakot sumubok mag-weightlifting, masaya ang weightlifting. Less injury ang weightlifting at ‘di totoo mga myths about weightlifting na ‘di ka tatangkad at ‘di ka mabubuntis. Look for good coaches na tuturuan kayo ng tamang technique. I hope to see you in the Olympic podium. Kaya niyo ‘yan at isipin ‘di madaling maging atleta, kailangan talaga ng disiplina at consistency sa training. At parating paniwalaan at mahalin ang sarili.” (Come and join weightlifting. Do not be afraid to try weightlifting, weightlifting is fun. In weightlifting there are less injuries and the

Tapped by Junie Navarro as head coach is Joseph Romarate, also a Zamboangueno. To celebrate Zamboanga Valientes MLV’s victories (3x3 Christmas Hustle in Canberra, CLB 3x3 In Bendigo, CLB 3x3 Portland Opens, and the Champions League in Hamilton), the team management, coaches and players, including other pool members, went to the exclusive Balesin Island, where the Valientes were formally presented by Navarro on Saturday night. Zamboanga Valentes MLV is being backed by MLV Accounting, Gaisano Mall, Smart, Bahnhof Language Training Center, Kings Manpower, and Kamiseta Mindanao. myth that you will not grow tall or get pregnant is not true. Look for good coaches that will teach you the right technique. I hope to see you in Olympic podium. You can do it and remember that it is not easy to be an athlete; you need discipline and consistency in training. And always believe and love yourself.) HIDILYN DIAZ LURKING Weightlifting is not a popular sport in the Philippines. It is a wonder why someone like Hidilyn Diaz would give a huge amount of her life to it. Individuals with a weaker resolve would have given up long ago. But still, she pushes on proving that discipline and commitment are the most important traits required to succeed. Even without the loud affirmation of crowds and supporters, Diaz continues to barrel through the challenges and roadblocks. Her motivation is not simply to lift the plates laid out to her, but to raise and boost the hopes and dreams of tomorrow’s generation. And if staying in the shadows is the way to go, Diaz will continue lurking until the time her light shines through once again. *** Mike Ochosa is an avid sportsman. He has written for various broadsheets and on line publication providing his thoughts and insights on various sports. He is a freelance TV boxing analyst having sat ringside in 14 of Pacquiao’s fights and for various international sports networks as well. He was President of Punchout Boxing Club and is currently President and Program Director of Philippine Habagat Baseball. Follow him on social media: Website: mikeochosa.com FB: https://www. facebook.com/coachmikeochosa/, IG: @ coachmike.O Twitter account, https://twitter.com/mikeochosa

Entertainment Filipino filmmaker Maria Diane Ventura on the set of her European debut film 'Your Color' (Deine Farbe).

is supposed to find her the right actors for her heart’s project in this foreign country.” Ventura’s European debut film Your Color (Deine Farbe) continues to reap accolades all over the world, including her home country the Philippines. Maria Diane Ventura was cited by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) recently as one of the 62 honorees in the Directors’ category for this year’s 5th Film Ambassadors’ Night (FAN), an annual event recognizing Filipino film industry creatives, artists, filmmakers, and films of various formats that gained recognitions from established international film festivals and awardgiving bodies in the past year. “Deine Farbe’s” international recognition includes the following: Best Woman Filmmaker and Best Feature, Vegas Film Awards, USA ; Best Director and Best Actor, Calella Film Festival, Spain; International Feature Debut , Diorama, New Delhi, India; Best Cinematography and Best Feature, Canadian Cinematography Awards; Best Ensemble Cast, Couch Film Festival, Toronto, Canada; Citation, Cyrus Film Festival, Canada; Nominations for Best Feature Film, SOHO International Film Festival, New York City and at Lonely Wolf: London International Film Festival; and Best Feature, Best Actor and Best Director, Queen Palm International Film Festival 2020, Palm Springs. Maria Diane Ventura’s 2012 short film project TheRapist was cited as among the Best Short Films at the International Film Festival Manhattan and was shortlisted as among the Best Short Films in Asia while her first feature-length student project Awaken led to Best Director wins at the 2015 Manhattan Festival and Best Narrative Feature at the 2016 World Cinema Festival in Brazil. She considers Deine Farbe (Your Color)” to be her international debut feature. Her next film project, Luz Oscura (Dark Light will be shot in Mexico and Los Angeles, USA. Your Color (Deine Farbe) can be streamed at https://www.amazon.com/ gp/product/B08W1F86FX?pf_rd_ r=AHCNYPNXS5QMHV1JG9N2&pf_ rd_p=89879054-2e37-4233-9fd7bd5a93dd076a&pd_rd_r=91c21b5a3001-4067-9c31-96e4bfe1609c&pd_rd_ w=BxPVC&pd_rd_wg=MDyIy

FIVE THINGSS

to watch for at the Grammys

KEEN to keep viewers glued to the Grammys, the Recording Academy has asked the music world's powerhouse performers to anchor yet another awards gala forced to go virtual. The Grammys gala falls nearly a year to the day that the coronavirus pandemic shuttered clubs and halted touring, dealing a crippling blow to the industry. Here's a guide to the event, which comedian Trevor Noah will host: Women take center stage Beyonce is the leading nominee with nine—despite not releasing an album in the past year—while Taylor Swift and Dua Lipa both nabbed six nods for records they dropped during quarantine. Bluesy rocker Brittany Howard— known for her leading vocals with the band Alabama Shakes—jumped into the spotlight on her own with five nominations for her first solo album Jaime. Rapper Megan Thee Stallion is poised to make a splash, with four nominations including for Best New Artist—a category featuring seven women out of eight nominees. Mea culpa to Beyonce? Beyonce is the most nominated woman in Grammy history with 79, and is tied with Paul McCartney for the second most nods ever. They're each just one nomination behind top dogs Jay-Z (Beyonce's husband) and Quincy Jones, who both have 80. Pandemic performances Both Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B are scheduled to perform, though it's unclear if they'll appear together: the duo's summer smash "WAP" was a fan favorite, but its graphic content is perhaps too much for network television. Lipa, rapper Roddy Ricch and Post Malone will grace the stage, as will Latin

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2021

Entertainment editors’ group reveals 4th Eddys nominees

Maria Diane Ventura’s ‘Your Color’ debuts on Amazon Prime THE multi-awarded European debut film of Filipino filmmaker Maria Diane Ventura billed Your Color (Deine Farbe) is now available worldwide via Amazon and Amazon Prime. Written and directed by music producer and artist manager Ventura, follows a tale of friendship between two young men who leave their German hometown for a freer life in majestic Barcelona, where fate and choices threaten their once unbreakable bond. It is a multi-cultural production from Europe, Asia, and America. The story revolves around reluctantly studious Karl and free spirit Albert who document their youthful adventures and provocative ideas whilst breaking free from their small town and their predetermined futures. Although they dream of becoming voices of their generation, their new lives in the big city are not as easy as they had once envisioned. As the adolescents ponder their purpose on camera, diverging ambitions take a dark turn. This film serves as a timely commentary on mental health, self-limitations, and connection in the digital age. Ventura wrote the film as a reflection of her own internal state and feelings of displacement after leaving her comfort zone. “As an immigrant myself, who moved to New York to find a better future for my family and at the same time immerse and acclimate to a new culture and environment, I started writing this film while I was still living in Manila dreaming of a better life thinking that, if I move away, all my problems and suffering would magically disappear,” she said. “I wrote this film about two boys wanting to escape their small town only to find themselves with a different set of problems in the real world.” Your Color (Deine Farbe) stars established German actors Jannik Schümann (The Aftermath and Monster Hunter) as Karl and Nyamandi Adrian as Albert. Adrian stars in Tribes of Europa, one of the rare German films with a person of color in a leading role. The film also stars Juan Carlos Lo Sasso (Another Cloudy Day) as Julio and Romina Küper (Baby Bitchka) as Kristina. This is how Schümann, also the film’s co-producer, sums up the experience of working with his director. "The whole project is built on immense courage and a dash of craziness: A woman comes to Europe with her best friend as producer, and is just carrying a script in her luggage. She doesn’t know the German market at all — but she entrusts herself to a casting director who

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

Will Beyonce, seen here in 2017, strike Grammys gold again?

trap superstar Bad Bunny, along with pop nominees Harry Styles and South Korean boy band sensation BTS. Oddballs A little less than a month after his chaotic presidential bid ended, Kanye West notched a 2021 Grammy nomination -- but it had nothing to do with rap. No, the artist who shook hip-hop with his 2004 album The College Dropout is up for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album, in recognition of his ode to evangelism, "Jesus Is King." The spoken word category that regularly features unexpected Grammy contenders -- both Michelle and Barack Obama are past winners -- this year includes journalists Rachel Maddow and Ronan Farrow, as well as Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea. Posthumous nominations The field features a number of posthumous nominations, including two for the revered American songwriter John Prine, who died of coronavirus complications in April. Leonard Cohen, who died in 2016, received a Best Folk Album nomination for "Thanks for the Dance," a collection of raw vocals the Canadian legend's son finished for him. The late artist will compete in that category with another rapper who died young: Nipsey Hussle, who won two posthumous awards last year, is nominated for "Deep Reverence," a collaboration with Big Sean. AFP

Vying for the top acting plum at the 4th EDDYS Entertainment Editors' Choice are (from left) Charlie Dizon ('Fan Girl'), Coleen Garcia ('Mia'), Bela Padilla ('On Vodka, Beers and Regrets'), Cristine Reyes ('UnTrue'), and Sylvia Sanchez ('Coming Home').

WHILE the year 2020 had seriously hampered filmmaking due to quarantine restrictions arising from the pandemic, the entertainment industry came out with finished works that The Eddys, an annual awarding ceremony organized by the Society of Philippines Entertainment Editors (SPEEd), now honors in its anticipated event. Five titles are vying for the top plum in this year’s Best Film category: Fan Girl, Hayop Ka! The Nimfa Dimaano Story, He Who Is Without Sin, The Boy Foretold By The Stars, and UnTrue. The competition is intense among the nominees in the major awards, the announcement of which will be aired virtually on March 22, Monday, in cooperation with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). In the Best Actress category, nominees Charlie Dizon (Fan Girl), Coleen Garcia

(Mia), Bela Padilla (On Vodka, Beers and Regrets), Cristine Reyes (UnTrue), and Sylvia Sanchez (Coming Home) are contenders for the trophy. Actors who made it to the shortlist are John Arcilla (Suarez: The Healing Priest), Paulo Avelino (Fan Girl), Elijah Canlas (He Who Is Without Sin), Adrian Lindayag (The Boy Foretold By The Stars) and JC Santos (Motel Acacia). For Best Director, the nominees are Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo (UnTrue), Antoinette Jadaone (Fan Girl), Jason Paul Laxamana (He Who Is Without Sin), Avid Liongoren (Hayop Ka! The Nimfa Dimaano Story), and Irene Emma Villamor (On Vodka, Beers and Regrets). For the Best Supporting Actor category, nominated are Ricky Davao (Sunday Night Fever), Matteo Guidicelli (On Vodka, Beers and Regrets), Edgar Allan

Guzman (Coming Home), Zanjoe Marudo (Isa Pang Bahaghari), and Enzo Pineda (He Who Is Without Sin). Via Antonio (Alter Me), Rhen Escaño (UnTrue) Agot Isidro (Motel Acacia), Sanya Lopez (Isa Pang Bahaghari), and Shaina Magdayao (Tagpuan) are the nominees for the Best Supporting Actress race. The 4th EDDYS will stream on the SPEEd Facebook page, FDCP Channel, and other platforms. Major sponsors are Beautederm Corporation and Toktok with support from San Miguel Corporation, Tiger Crackers, Smart Shot, Aficionado of Joel Cruz; House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, Rep. Alfred Vargas, Rep. Niña Taduran (ACT-CIS partylist), Raffy Tulfo, Willie Revillame, and Maris Pure Corp. Visit manilastandard.net for the full list of nominees.

SANYA LOPEZ as strong, loving Melody in ‘FIRST YAYA’

TV star Sanya Lopez as the high-spirited and diligent Yaya Melody

Sanya is paired for the first time with seasoned actor Gabby Concepcion in 'First Yaya.'

OR television star Sanya Lopez, Yaya Melody Reyes’s strongest traits are her being responsible, caring, and loving person. She may be naive at times but she knows when to assert her rights and fight for the things she believes in.

“She always puts other people’s welfare first. She cares so much about her family and the people she loves,” the 24-year-old actress told Manila Standard Entertainment in a virtual interview. Yaya Melody is the character she plays in the series First Yaya, which premieres tonight. “She knows when to voice out her opinions especially when she thinks that the situation is unfair. Alam niya rin kung kailan dapat lumaban, paano rumespeto at higit sa lahat ay kung piano magmahal,” she added. The series follows the aspirational story of Yaya Melody who gets to lead an extraordinary life as the nanny of the President's children and along the way, falls for the country’s highest officer. According to Sanya, Melody is a highspirited and diligent woman from a humble background. Strapped for cash and being the sole breadwinner of the household, Melody strives to provide for her family despite the numerous adversities life throws at her including an unresolved mishap. "I am new to rom-com, it was our director who introduced me kung paano siya atakihin at may movies na pinapanood siya para makatulong sa akin. But he always told me to be myself, kahit wala ka ng ibang gagayahin, 'wag kang umarte at ikaw na si Yaya Melody,” Sanya talked about how she gets into character. The original drama introduces the newest and highly-anticipated pairing of Sanya with award-winning actor Gabby Concepcion as President Glenn Acosta. Playing important roles in the series are Pilar Pilapil and Pancho Magno. Set to make their love team debut in their very first drama series together are Cassy Legaspi as Nina Acosta, the rebellious and eldest daughter of the President who initially rejects Yaya Melody; and promising actor Joaquin Domagoso as Jonas, a student activist and critic of President Glenn who unintentionally falls

for Nina. Also starring are the characters from President Glenn's life are Gardo Versoza, Maxine Medina, Kakai Bautista, Cai Cortez, Thou Reyes, Hailey Mendes, Patricia Coma, Clarence Delgado, Thia Thomalla, Jon Lucas, and Glenda Garcia. Joining them are the members of the Sanya's family, the Reyes family are Sandy Andolong, Buboy Garovillo, Analyn Barro, Anjo Damiles, and Jerrick Dolormente. First Yaya also features the special participation of Boots Anson-Roa and Jean Garcia. Completing the all-star cast with special guest roles are: Andre Paras, Allen Dizon, Frances Makil-Ignacio, Tommy Abuel, Kiel Rodriguez, Mikoy Morales, Issa Litton, Lovely Rivero, Jenzel Angeles, Murielle Lomadilla, Wilma Doesnt, Atak, Cecile Paz, Michael Roy, Dennis Marasigan, Rollie Inocencio, Nicki Morena, Julius Miguel, Isabel Frial, Chinggay Datu, Lourdes Conde Serrano. The series also showcases the famous and historic Manila Hotel as one of its taping locations. First Yaya, under the helm of esteemed director LA Madridejos and associate director Rechie del Carmen premieres tonight on GMA Network. ***

‘Love of My Life receives rave reviews from netizens, viewers

Well-loved family drama series Love of My Life continues to capture the hearts of viewers with its riveting scenes and interesting characters making the show a constant trending topic online and a hit among Filipino households. The plot thickens as Adelle (Carla Abellana) strives to conceal her feelings for Nikolai (Mikael Daez) who, on the other hand, has conceded in pursuing her and has decided to marry Kelly (Rhian

Ramos) who is also bearing his child. In an effort to forget the groom-to-be and to keep the Gonzales family together, Adelle seeks aid from their matriarch, Isabella (Coney Reyes), to help keep her feelings for Nikolai a secret. Meanwhile, as seen on numerous social media and streaming platforms, avid viewers and fans of the series took to social media to express their appreciation and feedback over the show's well-rounded plot and relatable characters, with some even asking for an extension or a book 2 of the series. Since the beginning, the show has garnered a significant worldwide following and for this, esteemed director Don Michael Perez expressed his utmost gratitude to their loyal Kapuso viewers and supporters. "I am so thankful for the overwhelming positive viewer response we have received since day 1. At first, I was a bit apprehensive because this is not your typical teleserye where there’s a clear delineation between bida and kontrabida. In LOML, all the characters are real in the sense that they all have flaws along with their good qualities, and that makes them all relatable and lovable. The rave reviews and excellent ratings are a validation of the talent and hard work of the entire team," he said. The director also shared what he believes is the most important takeaway from watching the series, "I think the lesson we can take away from LOML is that there is no greater joy than the happiness that our family can give, no truer pain than the tragedy of losing the ones we love, and no sweeter sacrifice than giving ourselves willingly and selflessly for the loves of our lives." Don't miss the exciting and hearttugging story of the Gonzales family in the finale week of Love of My Life until March 19 on GMA Telebabad.

The cast of 'Love of My Life.'

Life

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

FOOD

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2021

What awaits at buffets:

Unlimited food, safety procedures By Monica Sanchez

LL-you-can-eat has long been part of Filipinos’ dining out culture, so much so that important occasions and milestones are often celebrated at buffet restaurants.

After their brief hiatus due to the pandemic, buffet restaurants have reopened and begun welcoming diners into their premises—offering the same experience of enjoying unlimited servings of food but with a few changes on how they’re served. When the Department of Trade and Industry allowed the reopening of buffet restaurants, new policies were put in place. Only food servers are allowed to access the food and all food trays are covered to prevent contamination. Temperatures are checked at the entrance, diners must wear face masks and face shield upon entry, and social distancing is implemented. Quezon City-based SM North Edsa, home to many buffet restaurant brands, highlights the safety procedures implemented in its all-you-can-eat establishments. “As it ensures quality time, good talk, and safety of food, each restaurant implements safety protocols such as checking of temperature, alcohol or sanitizer upon entry, and no face mask/ no face shield no entry. And of course, social distancing,” it said in a statement. Buffet restaurants open at the mall include Vikings Luxury Buffet, Cabalen, Prime Steak House, Tong Yang Plus, and Yakimix.

Diners can still choose from a wide array of dishes presented at buffet stations, but only designated servers are allowed to get them. Food trays are covered, while in some outlets, a transparent acrylic cover separates the diners from the food and food servers. Face mask must be worn when not at the dining table. Vikings Luxury Buffet serves hundreds of delicacies spread through various stations, with food assistants manning each station. Cabalen serves Filipino and Asian (in Cabalen Plus) cuisines, as well as exotic food, appetizers, and desserts. To ensure everyone’s safety, the restaurant requires customers to wear their face masks and face shield while getting their food. Food servers are also present to assist customers. Prime Steak House offers steak-allyou-can and quality T-bone, NY Strip, Flat Iron, Salisbury Steak, and Beef Salpicao with Hickory Pork Ribs, all served with unlimited servings of fries, mashed potato, buttered corn, and rice. Tong Yang Plus serves a variety of Filipino, Chinese, Japanese and Korean specialties, while Yakimix offers Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino food on smokeless grill and in hot pot. Both restaurants also serve unlimited cooked meals, desserts, drinks, and more.

Buffet restaurants allowed to reopen require diners to wear face masks (and face shields in some establishments) while getting their food from designated servers/assistants manning the stations.

From left: Grill-all-you-want at Yakimix; Prime Steakhouse’s T-bone comes with unlimited servings of side dishes; Vikings’ grazing platter includes deli meats, cheeses, and crackers; Tong Yang Plus’ appetizers and desserts.

McDonald’s marks lockdown anniversary,

treats delivery riders to breakfast

FAST food giant McDonald’s marks the first year of Metro Manila lockdown by treating delivery riders to a free breakfast meal. On March 16, the chain will be giving each rider a free Cheesy Eggdesal with Minute Maid for every McDonald’s delivery made between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. The free breakfast treat includes deliveries made via McDelivery, GrabFood, and foodpanda.

Biggs diner’s bestsellers (clockwise) Classic Pork Barbecue, Pork Cordon Bleu, and barbecue ribs—available in ready-to-cook variant.

“Delivery riders have been our lifeline in these challenging times, and their sacrifices and hard work have made the past year much easier for everyone. As we mark the first year of the lockdown, McDonald’s honors and gives thanks to these delivery riders with a hearty breakfast to start their day,” said McDonald’s Philippines marketing director Oliver Rabatan.

Ribs cooked in four ways

BICOLANO’S favorite diner, Biggs makes it easier for its patrons to enjoy its bestselling barbecued ribs at home with a ready-to-cook variant. The restaurant chain’s frozen premarinated ribs, first made available in major supermarkets last year, can be ready in four ways: grilled over charcoal, braised in a pan over a stove,

baked in an oven, or reheated in a microwave. Biggs has a video on its YouTube channel showing how to prepare its bestseller. Biggs’ ribs come in one-piece, twopiece, three-piece, six-piece packs, and 12-piece packs. In addition to ribs, other ready-tocook meals include Honey Glazed Ham

and Pork Cordon Bleu. Biggs also offers Grill Party Pack that serves six to eight people with six pieces ribs and 12 sticks of classic pork barbecue. Biggs’ ready-to-cook meals are available in major supermarkets in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Batangas, Laguna, and Cavite, and can be ordered through the chain’s website (biggs.ph).

Panda Express’ Honey Walnut Shrimp now in PH STARTING Monday, March 15, Panda Express branches in the Philippines will start serving the chain’s award-winning seafood dish. A Canton dish inspired by Western influence, the Honey Walnut Shrimp is made with large and crispy tempura-battered shrimp, wok-tossed in a honey sauce and topped with glazed walnuts. Traditionally, the dish features whole walnuts but Panda Express serves it with crushed walnuts for a crunchier texture in every bite. The dish first appeared on Panda Express’ US menu in 2010 and received the prestigious MenuMasters Award for Best New Menu Item of the Year. Due to popular demand, the Jollibee Group, toHoney Walnut Shrimp is now available at Panda Express’ gether with Panda Restaurant Group, adds Philippine stores. this dish to the Philippine menu. press in SM Megamall and SM North Edsa. It’s also Honey Walnut Shrimp joins other Panda Express signature dishes including the Original Orange Chicken, available for delivery via the restaurant’s Facebook MessenBroccoli Beef, and Eggplant Tofu served at Panda Ex- ger, GrabFood, and foodpanda.

Delivery riders will be treated to a breakfast meal on March 16.

SIP The joy of soy SOY milk brand Vitasoy introduces a creamy plant-based milk variant packed with nutrients. According to Vitasoy-Universal Robina Corporation, Vitasoy Plus Milky is high in calcium, has zero cholesterol, low in saturated fat, and only has 2.4 percent sugar per serving. It features a rich and creamy taste akin to dairy milk. It’s available in supermarkets nationwide and on Lazada, Shopee, and Vitasoy Plus Milky Zalora in 1-liter pack for P85.