Manila Standard - 2021 March 27 - Saturday

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SLOW ROLLOUT THREATENS RECOVERY BID—WB

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POOR NATIONS SEEN TO TAKE A HIT WITH INDIA, EU MOVES

VOL. XXXV • NO. 45 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Cases nearing 10,000/day

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DOH tally a new record; NCR Plus gets more vaccines to stem the surge

By Willie Casas

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HE Philippines logged a record-high 9,838 daily new cases of COVID-19 Friday, bringing the total number of infections to 702,856, the Department of Health (DOH) reported.

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM MARCH 26)

702,856 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

9,838 109,018 NEW

ACTIVE

13,149

54

580,689

663

NEW

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

NEW

Fifty-four more people died from the disease, bringing the COVID-19 death toll to 13,149, which is 1.87 percent of the total cases. On the other hand, the DOH also reported that 663 persons recently recovered from the disease, bringing the total recoveries to 580,689, which is 82.6 percent of total infections. This left a record high of 109,018 active cases, which was 15.5 percent of the total number of cases. The previous highest daily increase was recorded on Thursday at 8,733. Of the active cases, 95.1 percent are mild; 3 percent are asymptomatic; 0.7 percent are critical; 0.8 percent are severe; and 0.42 percent are moderate. Next page

PH bet ready to soar in int’l beauty pageant FIRST DOSE. A medical health worker shows his COVID-19 vaccination card at the Andres Bonifacio Integrated School in Welfareville Compound, Mandaluyong on Friday, March 26, 2021. Eligible front-liners may register at the MandaVax to get their jabs. Joey Razon

POOR NATIONS SEEN TO TAKE A HIT WITH INDIA, EU MOVES INDIA is holding up export licences for COVID-19 vaccines destined for poor countries due to increased domestic demand as its own cases rise, Covax facility co-leader Gavi said. The AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is

being produced under licence in India for the Covax scheme, also led by the World Health Organization, which is meant to ensure that low-income countries can access Covid-19 jabs.

By Nickie Wang PHILIPPINE bet Samantha Bernardo has emerged one of 10 standouts at the live broadcast of Miss Grand International preliminary competition Thursday night in Bangkok, Thailand. For the opening segment, the 28-year-old model wore a gown designed by Filipino designer Next page

READY TO SOAR. Palawan lass Samantha Bernardo.

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Churches get go-ahead to allow for 10% capacity Graft raps vs. line-jumping By Vito Barcelo THE government finally gave in to the Catholic Church’s request to ease restrictions on religious gatherings as churches were allowed to accommo-

date up to 10 percent of seating capacity for a four-day period during the observance of the Holy Week from April 1 to April 4. However, no gatherings or religious activities will be allowed outside the

church or venue. The use of audio-video screens or public address systems outside the church while the Mass is being celebrated is prohibited. Attendance through various online platforms, Next page

execs, local officials—DOJ By Rey E. Requejo and Maricel V. Cruz

THE government may file administrative cases against public officials who jump the line to get inoculated against COVID-19, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Friday. “Possible administrative liability

24 colleges may hold face-to-face classes—CHED

[may be filed] if they are government officials who are not in the priority list,” Guevarra said in a text message. While the new vaccination law does not provide penal provisions against erring government officials who jump ahead of the line in getting jabs, they may be held liable for violating the Next page

VIETNAM BLASTS CHINA PRESENCE Story on A4

By Willie Casas and Maricel V. Cruz FRIDAY MASS. Around 100 people attend Mass at the Quiapo church in Manila Friday after the church administration has imposed a 10% limit on the church capacityamid the rising cases of coronaviruz disease in Metro Manila. The limit stands until April 4, 2021. Norman Cruz

SLOW ROLLOUT THREATENS RECOVERY BID—WB

By Julito G. Rada and Maricel V. Cruz

pines due to people’s hesitancy on the from the potential gross domestic vaccines and the government’s strug- product growth this year. gle to conduct large-scale inoculaAaditya Mattoo, the bank’s chief THE World Bank warned on Friday tions could delay economic recovery economist in the Asia-Pacific Region, Next page that slow vaccinations in the Philip- and take away 1-percentage point

THE Commission on Higher Education is allowing 24 higher education institutions (HEIs) to hold “limited face-to-face classes” starting in the second semester of the academic year 2020-2021. CHED Chairman J. Prospero de Vera III said these colleges and universities passed stringent retrofitting and had fully complied with the guidelines of the Department of Health and Next page

RARE VAN GOGH FETCHES $15.4 M Story on B2

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SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021

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Duterte signs law on tax incentives By Maricel Cruz

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act that mandates tax and other fiscal incentives reforms in a bid to attract more foreign investments and help the economy recover from the pandemic.

CREATE would lower the corporate income tax rate to 25 percent for big firms and 20 percent for small enterprises from 30 percent – the highest in Southeast Asia – by 2029. The chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Ways and Means welcomed the signing even as some items were vetoed.

“I thank President Duterte for approving the CREATE Act, a reform I first filed as a freshman congressman in 1998, and a reform I was happy to finally help bring to the finish line as principal author and sponsor,” Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda said in a statement. “I have received word from friends in the Palace that the core of the reform,

Slow... From A1

Cases... From A1

said in an online briefing that the Philippines might grow this year by 5.5 percent from the record contraction of 9.5 percent in 2020, the worst since the end of World War 2. This latest projection was lower than the 5.9-percent GDP estimate it made in December 2020. For 2022, Mattoo expects the Philippine economy to expand by more than 6 percent. “The big problem in the Philippines is the hesitancy or people’s skepticism about the COVID vaccines. Also, [another problem] is the [government’s] capacity to implement a large-scale vaccination,” Mattoo said. Mattoo said that compared to China and Vietnam that recovered faster to the levels seen before the pandemic struck, the Philippines might return to the pre-pandemic levels latter part of 2022 due to “deep scarring caused by the pandemic.” Mattoo said the slow pace of vaccination could also result in the emergence of new variants of the virus. “Indonesia and the Philippines relied on prolonged lockdowns that resulted in heavy economic cost,” Mattoo said. Mattoo said the government should not rely on vaccinations alone. He said it must be accompanied by testings and isolations. Mattoo also said the government should make sure that the vaccines must go to the sectors of the society where they are needed most, or the priority sectors. Latest reports said some individuals not included in the socalled priority sectors have already availed of the vaccinations in the country. These include some local government officials and an actor. Authorities currently are investigating this report. The bank’s report titled “Uneven Recovery” released on Friday said that the developing economies of East Asia and the Pacific are facing a markedly uneven recovery. It said only China and Vietnam are experiencing a V-shaped rebound where output has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels because the two countries have succeeded in suppressing the spread of the virus. In the other major economies, output remained on average around 5 percent below pre-pandemic levels. Hardest hit of all have been the Pacific Island countries. Economic performance has depended on the effectiveness of virus containment, the ability to take advantage of the revival of international trade, and the capacity of governments to provide fiscal and monetary support. “The economic shock caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has stalled poverty reduction and increased inequality,” Victoria Kwakwa, vice president for East Asia and the Pacific at the World Bank, said. “As countries begin to rebound in 2021, they will need to take urgent action to protect vulnerable populations and ensure a recovery which is inclusive, green and resilient.”

Nationwide, 54 percent of the total ICU bed capacity is in use; 43 percent of the total isolation bed capacity is in use; 43 percent of the total ward bed capacity is in use, and 36 percent of the total number of ventilators are being used. In the National Capital Region, 72 percent of the total ICU bed capacity is in use; 68 percent of the total isolation bed capacity is in use; 55 percent of the total ward bed capacity is in use; and 52 percent of the total number of ventilators are being used. To stem the virus spread, the National Capital Region (NCR) and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal – known as the “NCR Plus” bubble – were placed under general community quarantine with additional specific restrictions from March 22 until April 4, with movement going in and out of the zone barred. Limited religious gatherings for the Holy Week, however, were allowed. As the pandemic raged, the Palace said 400,000 vials of the CoronaVac vaccine developed by the Chinese company Sinovac Biotech that arrived March 24 will be distributed in Metro Manila and other provinces that are most affected by the new variants of the coronavirus. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque

Churches... From A1 however, is encouraged. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) allowed religious denominations to hold religious gatherings once a day for only 10 percent of its seating capacity to attend physical Masses. Manila Auxiliary and apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila Bishop Broderick Pabillo lauded the IATF for granting the Church’s request. Local barangay units and local units of the Philippine National Police are directed to facilitate the implementation of the protocols. The IATF also approved the request

Graft... From A1 Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act 6713). President Duterte earlier warned government officials against getting themselves vaccinated for COVID-19 even though they are not in the priority list, which puts health care workers ahead of all other groups. The warning came after the Department of Interior and Local Government issued a show-cause order against five local chief executives for skipping the line and getting vaccinated against COVID-19. The President reminded the public that the vaccines were donated by the COVAX Facility of the World Health Organization and, because of this, the Philippines has an obligation to follow the list of priorities, which is a condition for receiving the donated vaccines. The DILG said seven more mayors would receive show cause orders for getting inoculated ahead of health care workers. Interviewed on CNN Philippines, DILG Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III said these local government officials have to explain and justify their vaccination. “If the approval of our OIC comes out today, we have another eight to release—seven mayors and one councilor,” Densing said. The show cause orders are expected to be issued on Friday, he added. Densing III said show cause orders were issued to the following mayors as of Tuesday: Mayor Alfred Romualdez of Tacloban City, Leyte; Mayor Dibu of the Professional Regulation Commission to conduct and administer the licensure examinations for professionals scheduled for May and June 2021 following strict health protocols as approved by the Department of Health. Examinees from areas under general community quarantine are strongly discouraged from traveling to areas under modified general community quarantine to prevent COVID-19 transmission to low-risk areas. Meanwhile, the Department of Information and Communications Technology will issue the necessary certifications and facilitate the turnover of rights of the StaySafe.ph to the Republic of the Philippines, as done, which is represented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

lower corporate income tax and fiscal incentives rationalization, is intact although some items on other areas were vetoed. I am yet to receive a full copy of the veto message, but I am certain that Corporate Income Tax is now 20 percent for MSMEs, and 25 percent for all other corporations,” he added. Salceda said he received information that provisions on key pandemic relief, such as lower Minimum Corporate Income Tax (MCIT) and percentage taxes, were also retained until June 2023. On the other hand, proprietary educational institutions and hospitals which are nonprofit will pay a corporate income tax rate of 1 percent instead of the current 10 percent, from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2023.

“This will help schools and hospitals which are crucial to the country’s postCOVID-19 recovery,” he said. “I am also happy to say that the bill has retained the pro-countryside preference of the House version. Under CREATE, places like Bicol will receive the longest and biggest tax incentives, of up to 17 years for new locators, and a bonus of three years of income tax holiday for those relocating from Metro Manila to these areas. We will also grant a bonus two-year ITH to areas recovering from calamities. This brings the maximum length of incentives for less-developed, disaster-recovering areas to 22 years, among the most generous in Asia,” Salceda said.

said the interim National Immunization Technical Advisory Group has allocated the vaccines to Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Cebu and Davao to address the surge in COVID-19 cases in those areas. Roque said medical front-liners will still be prioritized in the government’s mass vaccination campaign. “As of now, health workers remain the priority. All health workers have the option to decide whether they want Sinovac vaccine,” he said in Filipino. The 400,000 doses that arrived March 24 brought to 1 million the vaccine jabs donated by the Chinese government to the Philippines. CoronaVac is the third COVID-19 vaccine brand granted an emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration. Duterte earlier approved the recommendation to administer about 525,000 COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by AstraZeneca as the first dose to medical front-liners to provide them partial protection against the disease. The DOH said Friday it was still looking for health care workers who should be prioritized for the country’s COVID-19 vaccination program, as the country ramps up its vaccination program against the deadly virus. in a Teleradyo interview, at least 1.8 million health care workers in the country should be inoculated first against the disease.

“We have yet to find them because many of our health-care workers dealing with COVID are not affiliated in any of the institutions or facilities that we have right now,” Vergeire said. These health-care workers are reportedly doing freelance work or affiliated with private facilities, she added. The agency has called on local government units to search for the remaining health care workers so they could be vaccinated. Vergeire said those working in temporary treatment and monitoring facilities could be inoculated if health care workers were not avaiålable. Health care workers conducting contact tracing, doing research or in laboratories and also those in private nursing homes can also be vaccinated, she said. As of March, over 508,000 frontline health workers have received the first dose of COVID-19 jabs. Metro Manila led with the number of vaccinated recipients with 279,870, followed by Central Visayas with 110,760 and Calabarzon with 94,560. Also on Friday, Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said the Department of Trade and Industry hoped against the extension of tighter restrictions in Metro Manila and four surrounding provinces beyond April 4, despite estimates that the current surge in infections might take more time to get under control. The DTI, she said, was “balancing economy and health.”

Tuan of T’boli, South Cotabato; Mayor Sulpicio Villalobos of Sto. Nino, South Cotabato; Mayor Noel Rosal of Legazpi City, Albay; and Mayor Abraham Ibba of Bataraza, Palawan. The President also named four mayors: Elanito Peña of Minglanilla, Cebu; Victoriano Torres III, of Alicia, Bohol; Virgilio Mendez of San Miguel, Bohol; and Arturo Piollo II of Lila, Bohol. Quezon City Rep. Precious HipolitoCastelo on Friday called for swift punishment for those who have jumped the prioritization list for Covid-19 vaccine. “Show cause orders and citations of law or rules are not enough. We should have instant sanctions for vaccine queue jumpers and those with command responsibility for violations to set the example for all concerned and the general public,” Castelo said. She said it is only by imposing penalties swiftly on violators and responsible officials could the government send the message that it is dead serious about enforcing pandemic response measures impartially. “As it is, there is the perception that only the small fry like localized lockdown breakers are caught and penalized instantly, while [the guilty] in high places get away with infractions,” Castelo said. She added that she could not believe the claim of vaccine line jumpers that they got themselves vaccinated as “substitutes” for health care workers who were absent or who refused the jabs. “There are many doctors, nurses, other medical practitioners, and hospital personnel who are willing to take the vaccine to protect themselves from the virus and continue attending to patients,” she said. She pointed out that as of now, fewer

than 500,000 of the estimated 1.7 million health care workers in the country have been inoculated since the vaccine rollout on March 1. Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone appealed his fellow local government officials to strictly follow the priory listings for the vaccine rollout. “We should set the example in ensuring proper and orderly vaccination rollout. Let’s avoid jumping the line. Let’s protect first the health workers and frontliners. anyway, the national government has assured the general public that all the targeted 70 million Filipinos will be vaccinated once the supply is available,” Evardone, former congressman, said in a message to reporters covering the House of Representatives. Tacloban’s mayor said he was ready to face any investigation. “If I have violated any guidelines, I am willing to face the consequences,” said Romualdez who was inoculated with Chinese-made Sinovac on March 22, 2021. “It pains me to hear that only 50 percent of the frontliners wanted to avail of the Covid-19 jab and the remaining vials will be returned to the national government. So I did it to lead my people out of fear,” he said. But Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said it was unfair for health workers and other front liners that government officials and entertainment personalities jumped ahead of the line to get the vaccines and save themselves. “I don’t buy the reason – they did it for the people or to build confidence on the vaccines-- because the people will not have access to vaccines till July! The only qualified people as of this point are medical frontliners,” Gatchalian said.

24 colleges... From A1

University - City of San Fernando (Region III); Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (National Capital Region-NCR); University of Santo Tomas (NCR); University of East Ramon Magsaysay (NCR); Our Lady of Fatima University - Quezon City (NCR); Our Lady of Fatima University - Valenzuela City (NCR); Manila Central University (NCR); University of the PhilippinesManila (NCR); Adventist University of the Philippines (Region IV); De La Salle Health and Medical Science Institute (Region IV); University of Perpetual Help - Don Jose (Region IV); Our Lady of Fatima University - Sta. Rosa (Region IV); Naga College Foundation (Region V); West Visayas State University (Region VI); Central Philippine University (Region VI); Cebu Institute

the COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases. “They can now bring their 3rd and 4th year students for hands-on training and laboratory classes in a limited faceto-face system. CHED will continue to monitor these HEIs and I am confident that they will provide safe and healthy spaces for their students in the coming months,” he said. The schools that were able to secure CHED’s approval are: Mariano Marcos State University - Batac (Region I); St. Louis University (Cordillera Administrative Region); Our Lady of Fatima

Poor nations... From A1 But shipments planned for the rest of March and April are now being delayed. “Delays in granting further export licenses for Serum Institute (SII) of India-produced COVID-19 vaccine doses are due to the increased demand of COVID-19 vaccines in India,” a Gavi spokesman told AFP. “SII has pledged that, alongside supplying India, it will prioritize the Covax multilateral solution for equitable distribution. Covax is in talks with the government of India with a view to ensuring deliveries as quickly as possible.” SII is manufacturing vaccines for 64 lower-income countries via Covax, and for India’s domestic vaccination campaign. The European Union also warned it would block certain coronavirus vaccine exports, and British-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca could be among the pharmaceutical companies to be hit first. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen warned her bloc would not allow COVID vaccine exports to the UK and other countries until the firms make good on their own promised deliveries. “I think it is clear that first of all the company (AstraZeneca) has to catch up, has to honor the contract it has with the European member states, before it can engage again in exporting vaccines,” von der Leyen told a news conference. The Covax global vaccine-sharing scheme ensures that 92 of the poorest countries in the world can access vaccines, with the cost covered by donors. The scheme aims to distribute enough doses to vaccinate up to 27 percent of their population by the end of the year. It was supposed to deliver some 238 million doses by the end of May. This first batch comprises some 237 million doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine, being manufactured in India and South Korea, and another 1.2 million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, which requires special ultra-cold storage. AFP

PH bet... From A1 Louis Pangilinan. Called “Lipad,” the shimmering ensemble represents the yellow-throated leaf bird, which is endemic to Bernardo’s home province, Palawan. “This gown inspirits the small bird with broad wings that is undoubtedly recognizable by its green body and yellow throat,” the designer said in a social media post. “This emerald green-colored gown is premeditated with hand-embroidered beads and sequins. Accentuated with gold crystals as a representation of the yellow throat of the bird and feathers from fibers extracted by hand and worked into fine threads woven together in the lower part of the gown,” added Pangilinan, who also designed the gowns of Miss Japan and Miss Dominican Republic. Bernardo got the third highest number of online votes, following representatives from Cambodia and Indonesia. Guatemala and Ecuador rounded out the five most popular candidates in national costume. The other half of the Top 10 candidates were selected by the judges. The five countries include Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Panama. From the Top 10, only six ladies will make it to the next round. This will include the three candidates with the most number of votes, and three picked by the judges. Miss Grand International will then pick three “Best in National Costume” winners. The two-hour preliminary competition, a run-up to tonight’s coronation, was divided into two parts -- the evening gown competition, and then the swimsuit round. of Medicine (Region VII); University of Cebu School of Medicine (Region VII); Iloilo Doctors’ College of Medicine (Region VI); University of Iloilo (Region VI); Blancia Foundation College, Inc. (Region IX); Xavier University (Region X); and Liceo de Cagayan University (Region X)

Senior citizens

Senior citizens are about 63 percent of the country’s COVID-19 fatalities, the Department of Health has said. Out of the 13,039 COVID-19 fatalities, 8,225 or 63 percent were senior citizens aged 60 years and above. Healthcare workers are on top of the priority groups for vaccination against COVID-19, followed by senior citizens and other sectors.

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Taguig cautions OCTA: Double check your data THE Taguig City government has asked the Octa Research team tracking the COVID-19 pandemic to carefully check its data before making it official to avoid confusion, anxiety and fear among the public. Mayor Lino Edgardo Cayetano said contrary to OCTA’s report, Barangay Fort Bonifacio haf only 116 COVID-19 cases for the period March 18-24, 2021, and not 342. He said the city’s research team and the City Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit were analyzing the same data from the Department of Health. “The 342 cases OCTA stated is the total of all types of cases reported by the laboratories during the said period,” Cayetano said. “This total includes positive cases that have already recovered, cases that turned out to be negative, presumptive positive cases, equivocal cases, inconclusive cases, and those awaiting results of the tests. If these cases are excluded—as they should be—Fort Bonifacio, to repeat, will only have 116 COVID-19 cases for the given period.” As of Thursday, Fort Bonifacio had only 42 active cases. It has an estimated 100,000 residents. Cayetano said at 42 cases per 100,000 population, the barangay was well below the national count of 83 active cases per 100,000 population, and the National Capital Region number of 158 active cases per 100,000 population. He says their research team and CEDSU “painstakingly collect, countercheck, verify and analyze its COVID-19 data based on accepted epidemiologic standards. This data is published in the City’s official website and social media accounts.” Joel E. Zurbano

INCIDENT REPORT: The Philippine Coast Guard participates in the operations of the Regional Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking to rescue 13 female Trafficking in Persons victims and arrest one perpetrator at Sitio Gaunan Asibih, Barangay Gaunan, in the municipality of Maluso, Basilan, on 24 March 2021.

15 health workers test positive By Joel E. Zurbano

F

IFTEEN health workers at the Pasay City General Hospital have been infected with the coronavirus disease

But according to PCGH Officer in Charge John Victor de Gracia, all the hospital workers who tested positive for COVID-19, even after having been vaccinated earlier, are now in stable condition and are expected to recover soon.

De Gracia, who said he himself had contracted the virus, noted that most of them were asymptomatic or with mild symptoms. He said the vaccines they received could have been the big reason why the virus failed to fully impact on

their health after being infected. “Almost all of us are asymptomatic or with mild symptoms. One is admitted as moderate risk. But he is fine,” De Gracia said, stressing that he expected all of them to recover. Those who were infected were mostly nurses and doctors, one medical technologist and three administrative personnel. “Fortunately, we were vaccinated before we became infected. If it had happened before we were injected we might have had the situation become serious,” said De Gracia.

This development, however, prompted De Gracia to issue a memo ordering the temporary closure of the hospital’s Out Patient Department Teleconsultation starting March 25, 2021. According to De Gracia, they were among the city’s health workers who received their first dose of Sinovac that were given by the national government. “With any vaccine brand, there is always a possibility na ma-infect ka pa rin. Pero (the vaccine) prevents you from becoming a severe case that would need hospitalization,” he said.

Health violators Baguio subsidizes antigen test contract COVID By Dave Leprozo By Jun David

OPERATIONS. Members of the Inter Agency Council for Traffic conduct operations along Asiana Boulevard in Paranaque City on 26 March 2021. Public transport drivers who are found violating health protocols by allowing passengers to board without face masks and face shields are fined P2,000 on first offense, P3,000 on second offence and P5,000 on the third offense. Norman Cruz

Wastewater treatment launched CLARK FREEPORT—The Wastewater Treatment Plant Efficiency Improvement Project was rolled out on March 25 in this Freeport as an initial step for Clark Water Corporation’s compliance with the government’s regulation on water treatment. With the support and directive of Clark Development Corporation, the CWC carried out its preliminary steps to adhere to the requirements stipulated in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Administrative Order 201608 and for the renewal of its discharge permit. The preliminary move for the desludging of the Anaerobic and Facultative Ponds is also a response to the demands of DENR-Environmental Management Bureau Region 3 to renew the discharge permit of CWC. In a recent meeting with CDC Chairman Edgardo Pamintuan and CDC

President and CEO Manuel R. Gaerlan, EMB Region 3 Director William Trajeco said their office wished to see inceptive ground works to mobilize CWC’s compliance. However, RD Trajeco was a noshow during the event. Gaerlan underscored the importance of the event as this signals a significant action on the part of CWC and the stateowned firm to meet all the instructions of the EMB R3. The desludging activity was also initiated due to the ultimatum given by EMB R3 insinuating that a cease-and-desist order will be issued by their office if CWC does not start with the initial steps. To continuously support and to help facilitate the timely compliance of CWC to the requirements of DENR-EMB, the CDC has also recently presented a cost effective technology to address the standards set in DAO 2016-08.

SOME violators of the health protocols in Navotas have tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019. The record of apprehensions from March 16 to 19, 2021, showed that out of 209 who had undergone a swab test, 47 were confirmed to be positive. Navotas passed City Ordinance 202117 imposing a mandatory RT-PCR swab test as a penalty for violation of safety protocols including the curfew, the wearing of face masks, and social distancing. “This only shows that those who breached our safety protocols are very prone to COVID-19 infection and could become spreaders of the virus,” Mayor Toby Tiangco said. “We want the public to remain safe from this deadly disease, but our local government can only do so much. We need them to take responsibility for their health and follow the minimum safety standards.” Tiangco expressed apprehension that the steady increase in the cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 might lead to the shutdown of government services. Five of 18 barangay halls had been locked down after some of their employees tested positive for COVID-19. The barangay halls of San Jose, Bangkulasi, San Rafael Village, North Bay Boulevard North and North Bay Boulevard South-Proper had been closed temporarily for disinfection and to prevent further transmission of the virus. Tiangco reiterated his call to Navoteños to continue practicing the proper wearing of face masks and face shields, 1-2-meter social distancing, the washing of hands and staying home as much as possible. “If we are concerned about our livelihood and putting food on our family’s table, then let us follow the safety protocols. Let us make sure that our health is protected. We cannot go to work if we contract COVID-19,” he said.

Palace hopes PH to regain happiness lost to virus By Vito Barcelo MALACAÑANG is hoping that Filipinos will regain their happiness and confidence once the country overcomes the coronavirus 2019 pandemic, which has caused the majority of Filipinos to be less happy in 2020. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Filipinos will become happier once the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available to everyone. According to the United Nation-sponsored 2021 World Happiness Report, the Philippines’ ranking fell in the latest World Happiness Report due to prolonged

lockdowns, disruptions and deaths as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Philippines dropped to 61st out of 149 countries in terms of happiness from its previous ranking of 52nd. Found to be least happy were those from Afghanistan followed by Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Haiti, Tanzania, Yemen and Burundi. Among the Southeast Asian Nations, the Philippines ranked third after Singapore at 32nd and Thailand at 54th. In a press briefing, Roque agreed that the COVID-19 pandemic made Filipinos less happy last year, saying “we are saddened that there are only a few Filipinos

who are happy but this is because of the effect of the pandemic. “Our hope is already here with the arrival of the vaccines. So we expect that once everyone is vaccinated, Filipinos will also be happier.” He said the government’s vaccine program will inoculate up to 70 million Filipinos this year to achieve herd immunity. He also assured that there would be no prolonged or widespread lockdowns in the country to stop the spread of the virus, similar to last year where most of the country were placed under the very strict enhanced community quarantine for three months.

SOME 12,000 visitors are expected to benefit from the subsidized antigen test that will be rolled out by the local government on April 5 to help in gradually, safely, surely and responsibly opening the local tourism industry. Supervising City Tourism Operations Officer Aloysius C. Mapalo says for the meantime, the city will be charging visitors P500 for the antigen test while residents who are frequent travelers will be charged P350 per test. By April 5, 2021, tourists will be charged P350 for their antigen test—on a first come first served basis and until the budget lasts—because of the subsidy from the local government got from the Tourism Promotions Board to entice

visitors despite the re-imposition of the stricter border controls requiring people entering Baguio to present their negative COVID-19 test results. The local government was able to get a subsidy amounting to P1.8 million from the TPB courtesy of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat for the aggressive marketing and promotion of the local tourism industry that was heavily impacted by the prevailing pandemic. Mapalo says the subsidy will be applied for visitors who opt to have their antigen test conducted in the city’s central triage prior to their entry to the city after having registered in the city’s online registration platform www.visita.baguio. gov.ph, following the submission of the required documents and the issuance of their QR-coded tourist pass.

PCSO AID. Team Leader Louise Serojales from the Office of PCSO general manager Royina Garma hands a relief pack to an evacuee as men try to salvage materials from their burned homes. Erik Imson of the Corporate Planning Department also distributes relief bags.

‘Marawi rehabilitation 50% done’ By Rio N. Araja THE rehabilitation of Marawi City in Lanao del Sur is halfway done, according to the Task Force Bangon Marawi chief Eduardo del Rosario. He says Marawi’s rebuilding process is now about 45 percent to 50 percent complete, adding that the efforts to rehabilitate the country’s only Islamic city after the five-month siege laid by Daeshinspired terrorists remain on track. “Last month I said it was about 40 percent. Now I can say that we are about 45 percent to 50 percent [complete],” he said. Del Rosario heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development. “You may notice na ‘yung mga project natin ay nasa different stages of com-

pletion. Mayroong 60 percent, may 70 percent, may 35 percent, mayroong 40 percent. So I would say on the average, it’s between 45 percent and 50 percent accomplishment for the whole rehabilitation,” he said. He said the most important ongoing government project or public infrastructure is the road network being undertaken by the National Housing Authority. “The most important is the road network kasi from this, makikita natin ngayon yung magiging alignment, ano ‘yung magiging hitsura ng ating open space, and we are targeting that this would be completed by September or October [this year]. And we are on target, actually we are over the targets by three percent, so matatapos natin talaga itong road network on time,” the TFBM chief said.

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Vietnam blasts Chinese reef presence too Delos Santos V also retiring By Rey E. Requejo

IETNAM said Friday the presence of nearly 200 Chinese militia and fishing vessels in the Julian Felipe Reef, where it has overlapping claims with the Philippines, is a “serious violation of its sovereignty.”

SUPREME Court Associate Justice Edgardo Delos Santos has opted to retire early due to health reasons, a Court official said on Friday. SC Public Information Office chief and spokesman Brian Keith Hosaka confirmed that Delos Santos wants to retire ahead of his mandatory retirement age of 70 on June 12, 2022. “According to Justice Delos Santos, due to health reasons he is considering the possibility of retiring ahead of his 70th birthday on 12 June 2022,” Hosaka said in a text message to reporters. He said the SC justice wrote to his staff advising them as early as March 19, 2021 to look for other employment “knowing the difficulty of finding a job during this pandemic.” “Justice Delos Santos further added that he remains an incumbent member of the Supreme Court until after a specific date of retirement, as may be indicated in a formal letter from him to the En Banc, is accepted and acted upon by the Court,” Hosaka explained. Since last year, Delos Santos is the third magistrate of the 15-member bench to opt for early retirement, and the second to cite health reasons. In November last year, the Court accepted the early retirement of Associate Justice Priscilla Baltazar-Padilla, who was supposed to retire in 2028. The high court did not provide specific details on her reason for retiring early except that she applied for “disability retirement.” Last December, Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta also opted for early retirement. Today he bows out as the 26th top magistrate of the Supreme Court.

“It must be reiterated that Vietnam has sufficient legal basis and historical evidence to assert its sovereignty over the Spratly Islands in line with international law,” Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Thi Thu Hang said. Vietnam protested its fellow communist country’s swarming of the disputed area in the West Philippine Sea as it warned that such action could derail ongoing negotiations for a code of conduct. Hang said China’s activities in the reef violate the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). Like the Philippines, Vietnam said it also “fully enjoys sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over these waters as identified under the UNCLOS.” On Thursday, President Rodrigo Duterte asserted the international court’s 2016 arbitral ruling favoring the Philippines against China’s massive claims in the WPS during his meeting with Chinese ambassador Huang Xilian. The United States, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom have backed Manila’s diplomatic protest and called on China to withdraw from the reef - a move that angered Beijing. The presidential assertion came as Armed Forces of the Philippines chiefof-staff, Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, ordered the deployment of additional Philippine Navy ships to bolster the conduct of maritime sovereignty patrols in the disputed waterway. The National Task Force on the WPS earlier raised the alarm about a Philippine Coast Guard report that around 220 Chinese fishing vessels, believed to be manned by Chinese maritime militia personnel, were sighted in line formation at the Julian Felipe Reef on March 7.

early from SC

BRIGHTER LAGUSNILAD. Motorists pass by the repainted, better-lighted Lagusnilad underpass near City Hall in Manila on Thursday

night. Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso thanked the City Engineering Department led by Engr. Andres and Sadac ‘for a brighter underpass for the Batang Maynila.’ Manila PIO

HRET dismisses poll protest vs. Leyte lawmaker THE House of Representatives Electoral (HRET) has dismissed the election protest filed against Leyte 2nd District Rep. Lolita Karen Javier for lack of clear and convincing evidence. Javier’s challenger, former congressman Henry Ong, filed the protest for reportedly falsifying her certificate of candidacy (COC) and for “making untruthful statements” in her COC. Ong filed a petition to disqualify Javier for supposedly abandoning her residence and living in another place, which he alleged is equivalent to relin-

quishing her residency status. In the 2019 elections, Javier was proclaimed the winner for having obtained a total of 112,989 votes against the petitioner’s 88,995 votes. On May 17, 2019, Javier took her oath and pursuant to the 1987 Constitution, assumed the seat as member of the House of Representatives on June 30, 2019. On July 15, 2019, Ong filed a protest, alleging that Javier is ineligible to become a member of the House of Representatives because she is not a resident of the 2nd district of the province of Leyte.

Javier presented solid and factual evidence to establish her real legal residence status and maintained that the move was politically motivated. On February 11, 2021, the electoral tribunal dismissed the petition for quo warranto filed by the petitioner for lack of clear and convincing evidence. In a statement, Javier thanked the HRET for dismissing the election case and affirming her victory in 2019. “We thank the HRET for settling this matter once and for all,” she added. Vito Barcelo

Lacson slams FB ‘dirty hatchet job’ By Joel E. Zurbano SENATOR Panfilo Lacson on Friday slammed unscrupulous individuals who posted his photo on social media insinuating he is posturing for the May 2022 presidential elections. Lacson ordered his staff to identify the persons responsible for the malicious circulation of his picture with the caption “P-angulong I-aayos N-a muli ang G-obyerno” (the initials patterned after his nickname, Ping), which his office has already reported to Facebook as it is unauthorized. “It is a dirty hatchet job, to put it mildly -- being circulated at a time when some propagandists, with the aid of troll farms, are accusing me of politicking by criticizing the handling of the pandemic,” he said. “Now comes this photo to make it appear that I’m really politicizing the situ-

ation - and nothing can be further from the truth,” the senator added. Lacson has repeatedly said he has not decided on his political plans, if any, for the 2022 elections. He noted the photo was circulated days after Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque accused those who criticized the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic of politicking during President Rodrigo Duterte’s televised address to the nation Monday night. “Just because I criticize, pamumulitika na?” Lacson had replied to Roque, in a post on his Twitter account. In 2004, Lacson ran for president without a political party against the incumbent president, Gloria MacapagalArroyo, who won the elections. He finished third with 10.88% of the vote. The late actor Fernando Poe Jr. also ran and placed second to Arroyo in the same presidential race.

LONE VISITOR. A man walks his dog in front of the famous clasped hands statue frequently visited by local tourists in Tagaytay City on

Friday. Residents and tourists alike have chosen to stay home to avoid contamination from the coronavirus and its variants. Emerito Antonio / PonD News Asia

Cibac pushes Freelance Workers Act Defensor lauds By Maricel V. Cruz

16th ‘AYUDA’. San Juan City Mayor Francis M. Zamora supervises the repacking of the 16th wave of relief goods or ‘ayuda’ for city residents at the San Juan City Hall on Friday. Manny Palmero

TWO party-list congressmen on Friday expressed optimism that House Bill 8817 or the Freelance Workers Protection Act, which aims to provide protection to freelancers, will soon get enacted. House Deputy Speaker Eddie Villanueva and fellow Cibac nominee, Rep. Domingo Rivera of the Citizens Battle Against Corruption party-list group, said the final reading approval of the measure affirms the House leadership’s commitment to advance the rights and welfare of freelancers, to ensure their right to humane working conditions, and to receive a proper living wage. The chamber approved the bill by a 195-0 vote with no abstentions. “Freelancing gives Filipinos more choices in terms of the number of projects they want to engage in (both locally

and internationally). However, their work environment and terms of employment somehow leaves freelancers without a choice in some crucial aspects,” Villanueva, House Deputy Speaker for Good Governance and Moral Uprightness, said. “The approval of this bill is a development and considered to be a great milestone for the industry because it will guarantee the non-negotiable aspects of business transactions between an employer and a freelancer such as the existence of contract, standard fees, schedule of payments, and other benefits a regular job affords,” he added. Under the measure, which was principally authored by lawmakers of CIBAC Party-List, any hiring party obtaining the services of a freelance worker shall execute a written contract with such freelancer before said services are rendered.

Immigration bureau warns of scammer-fixers on Facebook THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has warned the public to be wary of scammers posing as immigration employees on Facebook, who were able to victimize a foreigner and asked for a certain amount. Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said an Indian student filed a complaint before the bureau regarding a fake lawyer posing as an immigration hearing officer.

“We conducted an investigation and saw that there were many similar complaints in the past about this fake lawyer who introduced herself as a certain Atty. Lisa Perez Tubban. She presented herself as a fixer than can process the application of these students,” he said. BI records showed there was no such person employed by the agency. “We suspect she’s using a fake name,

as she used the photo of one of our contractual employees as her profile picture,” Morente said. The victim, a female student in the country, started conversing with the suspect in February, following a disagreement with her school. According to the BI, current rules authorize only school representatives to process applications on behalf of the students.

Because of the disagreement, the victim turned to Facebook to look for someone who could help her. “The fake employee offered to process her application but requested pre-payment sent through online fund transfer. The complaint stated that the victim paid a total of P45,000 in several tranches, before the suspect stopped replying to her,” he said. Vito Barcelo

Cha-cha shelving A PARTY-LIST lawmaker on Friday welcomed the move of the leadership of the House of Representatives to abort the planned approval of his Charter change resolution before the Lenten break. With this, “the House leadership’s Chacha initiative is now virtually dead and is headed for the graveyard,” Anakalusugan Rep. Michael Defensor said. “Sensing public condemnation if he pushed for it amid rising coronavirus infection numbers, Speaker Velasco aborted the planned approval of his Cha-cha resolution before the Lenten break,” Defensor said in a statement. A member of the Independent Bloc formed by former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, he said he doubts the House will have enough time to pursue economic Charter Change. “When we reconvene on May 17, we will be in session for only nine days before we go on our annual sine die or mandatory adjournment on June 4. I don’t think the leadership will try to have the resolution passed during the nine-day sessions. Even if the House would approve it, the Senate would no longer have time for it,” he explained. Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. shared Defensor’s view, noting that “now is the wrong time to pursue it as this highly divisive issue would only sidetrack national focus and attention from the country’s exigent concerns of pandemic response and economic recovery.” Maricel V. Cruz

Opinion Misleading the public THE other night, Food and Drug Administration chief Eric Domingo presented to President Rodrigo Duterte his recommendation on what is touted as the miracle medicine against COVID-19—Ivermectin. In his recommendation, Domingo strongly rejected the use of the said drug as prophylaxis or preventive medicine, and as treatment for COVID-19, saying Ivermectin is a medicine for animal use. Again, Domingo seems to have misled the President, and the public for that matter, that what is being prescribed by doctors are human-grade Ivermectin capsules. With a 15 milligram-strength. This is not the first time Domingo had misled the public regarding medicines which are being claimed to treat COVID-19.

More on Ivermectin Last year, giving in to pressure regarding the use of Lianhua Qingwen, which former Senator Bongbong Marcos and MMDA chief Benhur Abalos both claim to have cured them from the dreaded virus, Domingo gave the Chinese traditional medicine the accreditation but not for COVID-19 treatment and on condition that it should be prescribed by a doctor with a narcotics license. He said Lianhua contains ephedra, a plant-based substance which contains ephedrine, which is included in the narcotics drugs list. However, a doctor whom I had interviewed said the FDA’s assessment is not accurate as Lianhua comes in three forms— syrup, capsule and an injectable. Among the three, only the injectable form supposedly contains ephedra. Also, both the Department of Health and the FDA had already given the go-signal for Ivermectin as early as 2017 when it included the said medicine in the 8th Edition of the Philippine National Formulary Essential Medicines List, but only for a 3-mg and 6-mgstrength tablets. So, why the 180-degree turn-around now? Why rely on the report of the National Institute of Health—University of the Philippines, whose member, Dr. Edsel Maurice Salvana, an infectious disease doctor pushing for the expensive Remdesivir, and who reportedly served as a speaker or member of the speakers’ bureau for Pfizer, Astra-Zeneca, Cathay Drug Company and Merck? Is the study of the NIH-UP more reliable than that of the NIH in other parts of the world like the United States which has recommended Ivermectin as an option in treating COVID-19? Dr. Pierre Kory, of the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance, has come up with a one-page summary of the clinical trials evidence for Ivermectin in COVID-19, which Domingo and FDA have yet to debunk. Part of the study is as follows: Ivermectin, an anti-parasitic medicine whose discovery won the Nobel Prize in 2015, has proven, highly potent, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory studies. In the past 4 months, numerous, controlled clinical trials from multiple centers and countries worldwide are reporting consistent, large improvements in COVID-19 patient outcomes when treated with ivermectin. Properties of Ivermectin: (a) Ivermectin inhibits the replication of many viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and others; (b) Ivermectin has potent anti-inflammatory properties with multiple mechanisms of inhibition; (c) Ivermectin diminishes viral load and protects against organ damage in animal models; (d) Ivermectin prevents transmission of COVID-19 when taken either pre- or post-exposure; (e) Ivermectin hastens recovery and decreases hospitalization and mortality in patients with COVID-19; and, (f) Ivermectin leads to far lower case-fatality rates in regions

By Thomas Urbain with Rob Lever in Washington TENSIONS have cooled between the news media and the White House after four tumultuous years—potentially bad news for outlets struggling with a long downtrend in the industry. The so-called “Trump bump” which boosted viewers and subscriptions at outlets such as CNN and the New York Times now appears to have turned into a slump following the departure of Donald Trump from the presidency. At CNN—which was at loggerheads with Trump for much of his tenure—viewership in prime time has slid some 50 percent in March 2021 compared with a year ago, with smaller declines for cable news rivals Fox News Channel and MSNBC, according to Nielsen data. Online visits to the New York Times fell 30 percent from November to February and 27 percent at the Washington Post, according to the research firm ComScore.

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with widespread use. FLCCC’s clinical trial involved 6,612 patients in 27 controlled trials. While this may be a small sample size, this could serve as basis for some compassionate permit as FDA has granted for the expensive Remdesivir. It would even be better if they would accept the request or challenge of the Concerned Doctors and Citizens of the Philippines for a debate on the matter. And no less than 1Pacman Rep. Eric Pineda has thrown in his support for the “miracle drug.” In a statement, Pineda called on the FDA and DoH to consider Ivermectin, which he described “as a game changer, which could be the key to saving our country from further economic downfall.” “I am calling on the FDA to acknowledge and eventually, allow the emergency use of Ivermectin for treatment against COVID19. Of course, it should only be administered by a medical doctor, being a medicine intended for parasitic treatment,” Pineda, who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Labor and Employment, continued. Pineda says that compared to Remdesivir—the current drug being used to treat COVID-19-infected patients that costs P28,000.00 per vial and administered twice daily until such time that the patient is discharged—Pineda says Ivermectin only costs around P35 pesos, to be administered once daily for three days—totaling just a little over 100 pesos, together with vitamins, to treat the illness. “If an infected patient is confined at a hospital due to COVID-19, one can only imagine the hospital bills a patient may incur, which they most likely would not be able to afford,” the legislator further said. According to doctors, 22 percent of the world is already using Ivermectin to fight COVID-19, avers Pineda. “Without sufficient vaccines, we have to look into other methods to fight the virus, which is ever evolving. New strains are popping up, the next more dangerous and infectious. I myself have been infected and have experienced the effects of the virus. Several of my family members have been infected, my eldest son twice. Given the current spike in our COVID-19 active cases and infection rate, rendering our hospitals to be at full capacity, Ivermectin can help boost our prospects in fighting the dreaded virus. I would enjoin our pharmaceutical companies to produce the drug for human use. We cannot turn our heads. Please, let’s not close the door to Ivermectin—a drug with life-saving potential,” Pineda says. Rightfully said, Congressman. And if I may add, please do not mislead the President, much more, the public. *** Here’s something from a local government official to his colleagues. With reports coming in that some local government officials are jumping the line to have their shots ahead of the front liners who are supposed to be prioritized, Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone appealed to his colleagues to strictly abide by the priority listing as contained in the vaccine rollout of the DoH and the IATF. “I’m appealing to my fellow LGUs nationwide to strictly follow the priority listings of the DOH/IATF/DOH in the vaccine rollout. We should set the example in ensuring proper and orderly vaccination rollout. Let’s avoid jumping the queue. Let’s protect first the health workers and front liners. anyway, the national government has assured the general public that all the targeted 70 million Filipinos will be vaccinated once the supply is available. we really have to understand that there’s a tight supply worldwide. As stated by President Duterte himself, our country’s allocations from the WHO consortium might be jeopardized if we don’t adhere to the terms of the donations. We also fully support the initiative of Sen bong go to encourage private sector to set up vaccine manufacturing plants in the country so that we will not be dependent on foreign sources in the long-term. Senator (Bong) Go’s initiative is very timely and extremely important. all the incentives like tax breaks should be granted to these private companies to encourage them to set up the plants in the country” Evardone’s statement read.

News media see ‘post-Trump slump’ as passions cool EVERYMAN

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Some of the declines can be attributed to a falloff from the contentious election season, but they also underline the harsh economic realities facing the news media which predate the Trump era. “This is not a new economic reality, we’ve seen this downtrend for years,” said Adam Chiara, a communications professor at the University of Hartford. Chiara said the Trump years gave a “temporary bump” to news organizations like the New York Times, which has seen sharp gains in digital subscribers, and CNN, which had a strong following. But the long-term trend, Chiara said, is people moving away from traditional cable bundles and newspaper subscriptions, relying instead on online platforms. “Almost all my students are getting their news from social media,” he said. The Trump era was one of solid growth for key news outlets, especially those that served as a watchdog on the US leader. The number of CNN viewers doubled since 2014, while MSNBC’s tripled. The New York Times has boosted the number of subscribers to more than seven million, but

Amen to hearing mass—online T

OMORROW, the Sunday before Easter, the predominantly Christian Philippines will start celebrating Holy Week, with the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem marked in many Christian churches by processions in which palm fronds are carried.

Certainly, the God we know and believe in would not demand that we put ourselves in harm’s way just to prove our devotion, or punish us if we fail to do so.

Every day during the week, from Palm Sunday, also called Passion Sunday, in the Christian tradition, the first day of Holy Week and the Sunday before Easter, Masses are held in churches from Tawi Tawi to Batanes. We say hallelujah to Catholic Church officials in the National Capital Region and in Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal round Metro Manila—described by the authorities as the “NCR plus” as they are placed in one bubble from March 22 to April 4—for agreeing to hold Masses but without public participation inside churches. This is in compliance with the protocol set by the government’s Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has chewed up hundreds of thousands in infections and more than a dozen thousand in deaths. Before the weekend, after lockdown restrictions were eased, saw the rise of

infections and deaths, the percentage not seen previously since the government clamped Enhanced Community Quarantine in mid-March last year. Infections have climbed up to 702,856, deaths 13,149 deaths, with recoveries in the vicinity of 580,689. Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines executive secretary Fr. Jerome Secillano, in an interview with Manila Standard, said only those officiating the Mass during the Holy Week would be allowed inside. “We can hold Mass, that much is clear, for as long as we adhere to the limits set by the IATF on the number of people inside the church. There will be no public participation. We will hold Mass and livestream it on Facebook,” Secillano added. This followed a meeting Thursday of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Cabinet to discuss the recommendations of its technical working group that held a

BACKBENCHER ROD P. KAPUNAN THERE is really nothing wrong about our legendary boxing champion Manuel “Manny” Pacquiao entering politics. After all, people in politics are not exceptionally brilliant or honest. One thing certain is that most of them are shrewd and cunning. As they say, in politics it is everybody’s ballgame and Pacquiao now represents the new breed of politician that puts opportunism to a maximum. He personifies the desperation of someone one who can neither articulate his ideology nor provide vision for his people. Neither can the Filipino people look forward to seeing Pacquiao as having the wisdom to extricate the country from being left behind. The irony is that the US defines our policy to keep the loyalty of demagogues instead of leaders who can advance the well-being of our people based on what constitutes our national interest. Endorsing a discredited politician as his vice presidential running mate was not without motive. Despite the huge sum of money he has earned as prize fighter, the amount definitely is not enough for Pacquiao to win the position he is seeking. Getting one to substitute the wobbly financial status of the US Empire is timely. From a conquering colonialist to a financially hard-up puppeteer, the US is now saddled with politicians wanting to join our political system that is oftentimes corrupt and rowdy. The nomination of Pacquiao as president of PDP-Laban on December 2, 2020 was long hatched by his political handlers. That culminated in the announcement last March 19 to formally sound out his intention to run for president. The US is now on the crossroad to select a would-be lackey but credible to be taken by the people seriously. Nobody from among the yellow opposition has the political savvy to challenge the man who made it difficult for the US to justify its presence amidst its analysts warn that future growth may be limited. Fewer eyeballs Boston University political communications professor Tobe Berkovitz said many legacy outlets are facing a reckoning now in the on-demand digital economy after the intensity of the Trump era. “Trump was the goose that laid the golden egg and that was especially true for the

The Trump era was one of solid growth for key news outlets, especially those that served as a watchdog on the US leader. cable networks and dominant newspapers,” Berkovitz said. The lack of drama in Washington, Berkovitz said, means “fewer eyeballs” for media outlets, which translates into declining ad revenues and subscriptions, deepening their economic woes. Mark Lukasiewicz, dean of the Hofstra University school of communications, said Americans may be ready for a break from the intense period of news over the past few years during

dialogue Wednesday night with CBCP representatives. The IATF earlier prohibited all religious gatherings with the implementation of the general community quarantine bubble in the “NCR plus.” Bishop Broderick Pabillo, apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila wjic covers Manila, Pasay, Makati, Mandaluyong and San Juan, earlier insisted that allowing a maximum attendance of 10-percent capacity did not constitute mass gathering. While Secillano declined to comment on the IATF meeting “because the CBCP was not involved in that meeting,” he said the Archdiocese of Manila “will not defy” the limitations set by the government, stressing that “Bishop Pabillo already said he is not defying the IATF.” The faithful do not need to make a choice between heeding their Catholic faith and ensuring they are protected from the danger of COVID-19. Prayer is a deeply personal experience, and could be done anywhere as long as there is an open and sincere heart of the believer. Certainly, the God we know and believe in would not demand that we put ourselves in harm’s way just to prove our devotion, or punish us if we fail to do so. There should be no conflict between the church and our officials, because their ultimate goals are one and the same: To be safe, and to save lives.

Pacman increasing uneasiness in the SCS. This explains why the yellow opposition possibly pressured that bigoted magistrate to decide against the petition for a recount, for that would add a burden to the US for their use of the bases. Pacquiao is their last man who could manoeuvre things for them. At least, his choice as running mate could provide the funds which Pacquiao could not otherwise secure from his handlers.

People in politics are not exceptionally brilliant or honest. One thing certain is that most of them are shrewd and cunning. Former Vice President Jejomar Binay still enjoys marginal clout and possesses the asset to push his ambition with seeming nod from Washington. What obfuscated the situation is that Pacquiao was nominated by one who has a cloudy relationship with Davao City mayor Sara Duterte. Meanwhile, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco should know that the President is serving as ex oficio chairman of the PDP-Laban. Aquilino Pimentel III, the president of PDP-Laban, was there but pretended not to be senior adviser. As one could recall, Binay resigned from the PDP-Laban in disgust for the party’s failure to stop the gory cannibalism of his political career. Some say, it was no accident why Speaker Velasco nominated Binay. Perhaps, Velasco wanted to make sure that Binay would never again allow the Cayetanos to make noise in Taguig. The desperate empire has an axe to grind against Duterte. As of now, they could only see the pugilist as the qualified contender but which Trump attacked the media as scandals were unearthed about his administration. “I think people were exhausted by the drama and the tension, and probably quite understandably, are turning back to some other interests in their lives, to their families, to their kids, to their work, to their lives and away from the news,” Lukasiewicz said. “I don’t think it’s simply the departure of Donald Trump. I’m sure Donald Trump would like to think that his presence alone controls the success of news media. In the United States, I just don’t think that’s true.” Berkovitz maintained however that President Joe Biden is “a boring guy” who doesn’t generate much drama, making it more difficult to attract readers and viewers. After a period in which the news was equated to drama, “viewers are saying they need a time out,” Berkovitz said. “They will watch Netflix, Amazon or Apple (shows) as a break from the hysteria.” New York Times chief executive Meredith Kopit Levien said in February the media group has proven its value through a variety of major news events. “The news cycle will change and audience will fluctuate,” she said but added that “we are well positioned to deliver continuous growth” in 2021 and beyond. Analysts said the Trump years demonstrated to many Americans the value of an independent media serving as a watchdog on political leaders, but that it is unclear if the impact will last.

of all things, only for his money. The loquacious President has succeeded in using the US bases to exact a bargain but for how long can he demand payment is something that worries the financially hard-up empire. It was Duterte that accelerated the decline of US influence that today is desperately paddling its canoe against the current. This we say because US support for the CPP/ NPA is obvious that it intends to off-balance the Duterte administration to lend credibility to the yellow opposition which everybody knows is now a decomposed political player. This we hasten to say because the decline of the US is an inexorable event in history. The US knows it is a matter of time that the bases will have to go, not because of threat from China but of the reality that Asian countries now demand payment more than their security which the US could no longer afford. This explains why the candidacy of Pacquiao has become imperative. The US could no longer scout one who could assess their future stay in this country. Pacquiao may not be able to resolve the US-China stalemate in the SCS but for how long can the US hold on the lifeline in sustaining the financial requirements of sustaining a puppet. This now makes the US a shameless freeloader like what they did in selecting a bum lady president to replace Evo Morales of Bolivia. Binay is a true PDP-Laban who remained loyal despite being soaked in mud for alleged corruption by the son of his own benefactor, Cory Aquino. If elected vice-president, he will repeat what the brother of that infamous political kingpin Eugenio Lopez did when his brother, Fernando Lopez, served as vice president for three terms. The Lopezes and the Binays have no problem with Pacquiao, and this is the angle that Duterte should look into. The circumstance for which Pacquiao is now grooved both by the US and the oligarchs gives an ominous premonition. Full version on www.manilastandard.net “Their challenge is to show they have premium content whether it is analysis, reporting or investigative reporting that is worth paying the price,” Berkovitz said. Chiara said more people are seeing the value of news, “but the question will be whether it translates into more subscriptions. So far there’s no evidence to show that’s the case.” AFP

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Entering Jerusalem as the pandemic worsens

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SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021

Biden doubles vaccine pledge to 200m U

S PRESIDENT Joe Biden promised 200 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine would be administered in his first 100 days in office, doubling his initial goal, as he said at his first news conference Thursday that he intended to seek another term. Biden also said the United States would likely miss a May 1 deadline set by former president Donald Trump to pull all troops from Afghanistan, although he made clear he expected to end America’s longest war within the year. Delving into details and offering low-key answers, Biden cast a dramatically different character than his bombastic predecessor in his first formal encounter with reporters in the White House’s imposing East Room since he entered office on January 20. Biden waited longer than any modern president to hold a news conference, with his aides apparently worried that the free-wheeling 78-year-old politician – who joked that he entered the Senate “120 years ago” – would veer off a carefully crafted message. But Biden appeared largely at ease and in command as he cast himself as a seasoned Washington operator who would tackle pressing problems starting with COVID-19, which has killed nearly 550,000 people in the United States. “I’ve been hired to solve problems, not create division,” Biden said, pointing to passage of a $1.9 trillion Covid relief bill that sends money to most Americans. “I’m a fairly practical guy. I want to get things done.” Biden began his news conference by announcing that he planned to administer 200 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine in his first 100 days – the end of April. “I know it’s ambitious, twice our original goal,” Biden said. “But no other country in the world has even come close – not even close – to what we are doing, and I believe we can do it.” Biden faced no questions on COVID, a sign of the changing national narrative – and a scenario unimaginable for European leaders under pressure over infections. The United States under Biden has dramatically scaled up the distribution of vaccines – developed during Trump’s presidency – as well as economic support, bringing dividends as hospitalizations dip and new unemployment claims fall to their lowest level since the start of the pandemic. Amid the successes against COVID-19, Trump’s Republican Party has united in denouncing Biden over a wave of Central American migrants heading to the southern border. Biden pushed back on Republican charges of a crisis and voiced compassion for people from Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua who are fleeing violence and poverty. “There is a significant increase in the number of people coming to the border in the winter months of January, February, March. It happens every year,” Biden said. But officials say that the number of unaccompanied children has risen, with the Biden administration racing to set up more shelters to house the youngsters. AFP

GRIM RECORD. Cemetery workers carry a coffin during the first burial at night amid the coronavirus pandemic at the Vila Formosa cemetery in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on

March 25, 2021. Brazil surpassed 100,000 new COVID-19 cases in one day on Thursday, adding another grim record in a country where the pandemic has killed more than 300,000 people, the health ministry said. AFP

China sanctions UK figures over human rights issue CHINA foisted sanctions on British lawmakers and lobby groups Friday, widening a chasm between Beijing and Western powers critical of alleged rights violations in Xinjiang. The EU, UK, Canada and US sanctioned several members of Xinjiang’s political and economic hierarchy this week in a coordinated action over allegations of widespread abuse in the northwestern region. At least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim groups have been held in camps there, according to rights groups, who accuse authorities of forcibly sterilising women and imposing

forced labour. Beijing insists Xinjiang is an “internal affair” and has gone into attack mode as Western opprobrium mounts, putting sanctions on individuals from the European Union and Britain who have taken up the Uyghur cause. It has also fueled a social media PR war against several Western brands operating inside China. On Friday China announced sanctions against nine UK individuals and four entities, saying they had “maliciously spread lies and disinformation” over Beijing’s treatment of Uyghurs.

Those sanctioned included Iain Duncan Smith, former leader of Britain’s Conservative party, as well as other lawmakers and four groups which have been vocal in driving rights in Xinjiang and Hong Kong onto Westminster’s agenda. Also on the list was a law firm which has taken up Uyghur rights causes. Britain, on the other hand, accused China of attempting to “silence those highlighting human rights abuses.” “We condemn China’s attempt to silence those highlighting human rights abuses, at home and abroad, including UK MPs and peers,” For-

eign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a tweet. “While the UK joins the international community to sanction human rights abuses, Chinese govt sanctions its critics,” he added. Raab called on Beijing to give the United Nations access to the region of Xinjiang if they “want to credibly rebut claims of human rights abuses.” All of the sanctioned parties will be barred from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, while their property in the country will be frozen, and Chinese citizens and institutions will be banned from dealings with them. AFP

Rare Van Gogh sells for over $15m

In this file photo taken on February 24, 2021 two employees put on display a painting titled “Scene de rue a Montmartre’’ (Impasse des deux frères et le moulin à Poivre), 1887 by Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh, at the Sotheby’s auction house in Paris. The painting is the highlight of 33 works from masters including Degas, Magritte, Modigliani, Klee, Rodin and his muse Camille Claudel being sold in an auction streamed live by Sotheby’s in Paris. AFP

Germany list France virus high-risk zone GERMANY will classify France as a high-risk zone for Covid-19, Chancellor Angela Merkel said, in a move that could see Berlin tighten border controls and require mandatory quarantine to enter the country. The decision will come into force on Friday and be announced by the national health institute, the Robert Koch Institute, according to the newspaper FAZ. Covid-10 incidence rates, which measure the number of infections in every 100,000 people over the previous seven days, have crossed the threshold of 200 in numerous French departments. In Ile-de-France, the region which encompasses the capital of Paris, it has passed 600. “While we see such a high incidence it is simply a necessity... a practically automatic process,” Chancellor Merkel told a press conference in Berlin Thursday as part of an EU summit focused on the fight against Covid-19. “It is not related here to a political decision but when we see the evolution of the incidence rate – as is the case here – exceed the threshold of 200 for a long time, that requires a classification as a zone of high risk,” she added. Up until now, only France’s border area of Moselle had been classified by Germany as a high-risk zone. The classification imposes several travel restrictions, including a requirement to obtain a negative test result before entering German territory, 10 days’ quarantine, as well as the imposition of strict border controls. Berlin has also placed Austria’s Tyrol state and the Czech Republic in the same category. AFP

ONE of the few paintings by Vincent Van Gogh still in private hands sold for more than $15 million at auction Thursday, Sotheby’s said. “Street Scene in Montmartre” – on public display for the first time since its creation in 1887, after a century in the same collection – fetched $15.4 million, the auction house said. The sale price was a record for the artist in France, it added. The painting was the highlight of an auction of 33 works from masters including Degas, Magritte, Modigliani, Klee, Rodin and his muse Camille Claudel sold in an auction live-streamed by Sotheby’s in Paris. The painting was reoffered at the end of the sale in Paris, after the auction house scrapped its initial sale earlier in the afternoon – where it fetched a slightly higher sale price – due to problems with online bidding. Other highlights included the sale of a

recently restored work by Camille Pissarro, “La Recolte des pois,” which fetched 3.38 million euros. It had been originally commissioned by Van Gogh’s brother, Theo. Francis Picabia’s “La Corrida” meanwhile fetched 3.15 million euros. The 1887 Van Gogh, one of more than 200 paintings produced by the Dutch post-Impressionist master during two years spent in Paris, portrays one of the windmills that dotted Montmartre when it was just a village on the northern outskirts of the capital. A couple stroll and two children play in front of a wooden fence and leafless trees depicted in the characteristic tan and brown tones of his “Dutch palette,” punctuated by a bright red flag blowing above the mill. The period marked a turning point in Van Gogh’s career as he began exploring expressionist techniques and new uses of colour in the final years of his life, before his suicide in 1890 at the age of 37. AFP

Norway extends vax pause NORWAY on Friday extended a suspension of the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine until April 15, with health officials saying they needed more time to investigate a potential link to severe blood clotting. “It is a difficult but correct decision to extend the pause for the AstraZeneca vaccine. We believe it is necessary to carry out more investigations into these cases,” Geir Bukholm, Director of the Division of Infection Control at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI), said in a statement. EU drugs regulator EMA last week said the vaccine was “safe and effective” and not linked to a higher risk of blood clots, but could not “rule out definitively” its role in the rare clotting disorder.

The German government, on the other hand, said it would be open to using the Russian-made Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine once it had been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). “EMA approval – which Sputnik does not yet have – would provide the opportunity to use the vaccine in inoculation campaigns in Europe, and it would then also be worth considering for Germany,” said Chancellor Angela Merkel’s spokesperson Steffen Seibert. He refused to be drawn over France’s accusation against Moscow of using the jabs as a “propaganda” tool. Last week, Merkel herself directly referred to Sputnik jabs and said Germany “should use any vaccine that has been approved” by the EMA. AFP

REPAIR. The sun rises in front of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. Christ the Redeemer is celebrating its 90th anniversary in October 2021 and is receiving restoration work to ensure that it looks its best for the public and visiting tourists. AFP

Thailand faces meth pills surge after Myanmar coup A VILLAGE watchman trains his binoculars on a suspicious fishing boat – the first line of defense as Thailand braces for a fresh methamphetamine influx after a coup in neighbouring Myanmar. The kingdom’s narcotics bureau has already seized more than 80 million “yaba” pills just in the past six months, a record haul partly blamed on a supply

glut caused by the coronavirus pandemic. But now the United Nations warns of an even bigger deluge as Myanmar’s legal economy tanks, following weeks of nationwide unrest and strike action following the military takeover. “If past actions are an indicator of what’s coming, then we’re likely to see another increase in synthetic drug pro-

duction,” said Jeremy Douglas of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. He told AFP that organised crime groups and allied militias across the border were likely working to strengthen their positions while Myanmar was in turmoil. “The best way to make big money fast is the drug trade, and the pieces are in place to scale up,” Douglas said.

Synthetic drug production is already the number one revenue source for several insurgent groups and militias in lawless pockets of Myanmar close to the borders of Thailand and Laos. The frontier traversing the three countries makes up the “Golden Triangle” that has for decades been the hub of Southeast Asia’s lucrative drug trade. AFP

Business Egypt shuts Suez Canal amid struggle to refloat ship CAIRO, Egypt—The owners of a giant container vessel blocking the Suez Canal said Thursday they faced “extreme difficulty” refloating it, as Egypt temporarily closed one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s advisor on seaports, Mohab Mamish, told AFP late Thursday that “maritime navigation will resume again within 48-72 hours, maximum.” “I have experience with several rescue operations of this kind and as the former chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, I know every centimeter of the canal,” said Mamish, who oversaw the recent expansion of the waterway. However, salvage experts had warned earlier on Thursday the shutdown could last days or even weeks, potentially forcing businesses to reroute cargo ships around the southern tip of Africa in a blow to global supply networks. On the third day of the crisis, global shipping giant Maersk and Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd both said they were looking into going around Africa. The Suez drastically shortens travel between Asia and Europe. The Singapore-Rotterdam route, for example, is 6,000 kilometers (3,700 miles) and up to two weeks shorter via the canal than going around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority (SCA) said it was doing all it could to refloat the MV Ever Given, a 400-meter (1,300-foot) long and 200,000 ton vessel that veered off course and ran aground in a sandstorm on Tuesday. Tug boats, dredgers and heavy earthmoving equipment have been deployed, but so far the ship has not budged. “It’s really a heavy whale on the beach, so to speak,” said Peter Berdowski, head of Dutch firm Smit Salvage, which previously worked on the stranded Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia and the sunken Russian nuclear submarine Kursk. The salvage company was deploying a team to the site Thursday to assess what it would take to dislodge the Panamaflagged ship, said Berdowski, CEO of its parent company Boskalis.AFP

IMF warns of varying recoveries post COVID WASHINGTON—The IMF on Thursday warned of “diverging recoveries” among global economies as they struggle with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, even as vaccines are approved. “We are seeing overall improvement in the global economy, but with many countries and people, too many, still left behind,” the Washington-based crisis lender’s spokesman Gerry Rice said. “We have described it in the past as diverging recoveries and countries being at very different levels, and I think we’re still seeing that broad picture.” The International Monetary Fund will on April 6 release new growth forecasts for the global economy, after in January predicting it would see a strong rebound of 5.5 percent this year after contracting 3.5 percent in 2020 as COVID-19 sealed borders and disrupted businesses. However, the lender warned the outlook is beset by “extraordinary uncertainty,” and said the global economy was set to lose $22 trillion from 2020 to 2025 due to the pandemic. The fund this month said the $1.9-trillion relief measure US President Joe Biden signed will boost growth both in the world’s largest economy and internationally, and expand US GDP by five to six percent over three years. It will also increase demand, helping other countries sell more products to US consumers. Biden is expected to unveil a measure to improve US infrastructure that could cost as much as $3 trillion but potentially also increase the country’s high debt and deficit levels. Rice declined to comment on the proposal. AFP

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SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market ends three-day rally; Megaworld rises

T

HE stock market fell Friday on profit taking to end a three-day rally, with investors still wary over rising COVID-19 cases and prospects of a stalled economic recovery.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index slipped 36.37 points, or 0.6 percent, to 6,544.63 on a value turnover of P6.3 billion. Gainers, however, beat losers, 101 to 92, with 49 issues unchanged. Bank of the Philippine Islands, the thirdbiggest lender in terms of assets, declined 1.8 percent to P82.50, while Jollibee Foods Corp., the largest fast-food chain, also dropped 1.8 percent to P174.90. Puregold Price Club Inc., owned by retail tycoon Lucio Co, was down 2 percent to P40.20, but Megaworld Corp., the biggest lessor of office spaces, climbed 3.2 percent to P3.56.

The rest of Asian markets rose Friday, capping another painful week for investors as a forecast-beating US jobs report and Joe Biden’s pledge to double his vaccination target soothed recent worries over rising infections and new lockdowns in Europe. However, long-running concerns over inflation caused by the expected economic resurgence continue to cast a pall over trading floors, while China-US tensions have also inched back into the narrative. Wall Street’s three main indexes enjoyed gains after data showed US unemployment claims last week came in below 700,000 for the first time since the pandemic, reinforcing optimism that the world’s top economy is on the mend. And Asia followed suit, with Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, Mumbai and Taipei each adding more than one percent, while Sydney, Singapore, Jakarta and Bangkok were also up, though Wellington fell. The US jobs figures came as Biden gave

the first news conference of his presidency, at which he promised 200 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine would be administered in his first 100 days. His pledge lifted hopes that strict containment measures could be gradually lifted, allowing life to return to a semblance of normality sooner and getting people spending again. But the positive outlook has investors fearing a huge consumer spending splurge—along with Biden’s recently passed $1.9-trillion stimulus—will send inflation soaring and force the Federal Reserve to tighten the ultra-loose monetary policies that have been a key pillar of a year-long markets rally. And while Fed boss Jerome Powell has repeatedly stated he will not hike interest rates from record lows until inflation is running hot for an extended period, traders are increasingly betting on an increase coming sooner rather than later. With AFP

PSEi March 26, 2021

TOP GAINERS LAST PRICE

% CHANGE CHANGE

1 2

OPMB ATNB

0.013 0.84

0.002 0.09

18.18% 12.00%

3

OM

0.44

0.04

10.00%

4

OV

0.013

0.001

8.33%

5 6

PHES LMG

0.475 4.8

0.035 0.29

7.95% 6.43%

7

WIN

0.255

0.015

6.25%

8 9

GEO LOTO

0.34 2.08

0.02 0.12

6.25% 6.12%

10

NIKL

5.32

0.28

5.56%

TOP LOSERS LAST PRICE

% CHANGE CHANGE

1 2

NI ABA

2.24 1.13

-0.17 -0.08

-7.05% -6.61%

3

PHA

2.11

-0.12

-5.38%

4 5

BC PHR

2.53 2.03

-0.13 -0.1

-4.89% -4.69%

6

PNX3B

101

-4.9

-4.63%

7

ECP

6.7

-0.28

-4.01%

8 9 10

VUL LODE FERRO

2.12 1.08 3.01

-0.08 -0.04 -0.11

-3.64% -3.57% -3.53%

MOST ACTIVE

BANGKOK SHOW. Models pose next to a Nissan Kicks e-powered car at the 42nd Bangkok International Motor Show in Bangkok on March 26, 2021. AFP

1

ALI

VOLUME 17345500

VALUE (PHP) 607751225

2 3

SMPH DITO

8839700 24641900

318643435 255952690

4 5

DDMPR MBT

102432000 4676600

229590480 217276095

6 7

BSC BDO

234768000 1930960

212271290 202872573

8 9

BPI SM

2281440 192720

188301913.5 187989550

10

ICT

1279410

159930752

‘Green gold’: Avocado craze drives crop theft in South Africa By Sofia Christensen TZANEEN, South Africa—Flashing green-and-white lights illuminated the night as the three private security vehicles rolled into the gated orchard, breaking the dark stillness enveloping the farm in northern South Africa. Long shadows fell over the moonlit tracks as the pickup trucks rolled past hundreds of neatly-lined avocado trees, their branches laden with plump darkgreen fruit almost ready for harvesting. Patrol leader Marius Jacobs squinted over the steering wheel, dragging on a cigarette as he scanned the plantation for thieves. Farmers around the quiet tropical town of Tzaneen are battling a scourge of avocado theft driven by booming global demand for the nutrient-rich fruit. Thousands of tons of avocados have been stolen over the past five years, according to the South African Subtropical Growers’ Association. The average annual losses in South Africa, one of the continent’s top avocado producers, is around 24 million rand ($1.6 million). “It’s getting more and more, and it’s bakkie (truck) loads,” said Jacobs, 34, popping open a can of energy drink. “This is not because somebody is hungry, this is a syndicate operating,” he added. “Avo is green gold.” Faced with increasingly frequent raids, farmers have invested heavily in fencing and private security. Jacobs and his team, backed by dogs, now patrol more than 20 mostly avocado farms per night, complementing over 150 guards manning orchards on foot.

Pickers work at the Afrupro avocado plantation in Tzaneen, on March 10, 2021. Farmers around the quiet tropical town of Tzaneen are battling a scourge of avocado theft driven by booming global demand for the nutrient-rich fruit. AFP

Gangs caught red-handed are handed over to the police. “This is where we caught a (minibus) fully loaded with avos,” recalled guard manager Manuel Malatjie, 28, pointing to the spot of a recently-thwarted raid. “We are trying our best (but) it’s getting bad.” Tons stolen The sound of clipping filled the air as workers snipped high-hanging avocados with picking sticks, filling as many bags as possible before the midday heat. March marks the start of South Africa’s avocado harvest season, and the run-up is a prime time for theft. Farmer Edrean Ernst, 40, forecasts a 250,000 rand ($17,000) loss in stolen

avocados this year, despite spending millions of rand on security and fencing. The 250 hectares (617 acres) of orchards belonging to the family-run Allesbeste farm are nestled between rolling hills, surrounded by lush forest and other crops. “Because it’s very rural, police or security companies cannot patrol such a large area effectively,” Ernst told AFP. “It plays into the criminals’ hands.” Allesbeste, which exports at least 1,500 tons of avocados annually, was targeted no less than 20 times in 2019 and 2020. In a single raid, a truckload of thieves can drive off with a ton of avocados ripped from the trees—a harvest that would take the average farm worker more than 13 hours to pick carefully.

Larger-scale operations can snatch up to 30 tons per robbery. Most of the stolen produce is firstgrade fruit meant for export, mainly to Europe, where it can sell to wholesalers for up to 10 euros ($12) per kilogram (2.2 pounds). South Africa was the world’s sixthbiggest exporter of avocados in 2019, selling fruit worth $70.66 million, according to UN trade figures. Mexico ranked first, with $2.78 billion. ‘Cat-and-mouse’ “It’s a cat-and-mouse game,” said Ernst. Heightened security only deters thieves for a “couple of months,” he added, after which they change tactics and hit again. A thinly-spread police force and the towering cost of private security plays in the looters’ favor. Allesbeste is one of the most opulent farms in the area but it can only afford fencing for half the property and less than a dozen patrol guards. “Because it’s so expensive you try to keep it to a minimum,” Ernst explained. Smaller farms are even more exposed. “Some guys come with big pangas (machetes),” said Phillip Mofokeng, manager of two 83-hectare orchards of tall trees bulging with fruit. “You can’t keep the number of security that you actually want... you don’t have that budget,” he noted, pointing to an easily breached road-facing fence. Several farms in the area were forced to cut down on security last year to make up for coronavirus-linked losses, raising further concern about the 2021 batch. Security agents feared the theft, already driven by poverty and unemployment before the pandemic, would only get worse. AFP

Vaccines, spring weather raise expectations for American travel comeback WASHINGTON—After a year of pandemic restrictions, Americans want to get back on the move—a dynamic apparent in Miami’s spring break revelers and Washington’s deluge of rental cars each weekend. Travel volumes remain depressed, but off their lows. Since March 11, between 1 and 1.5 million people per day have traveled by air, according to Transportation Security Administration data. That level, while less than half the volume in 2019, stands well above the worst of the pandemic. Many in the travel industry are optimistic about a lift from vaccines after a catastrophic 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “Spring is bringing warmer weather and

a brighter outlook for the travel industry,” said Amir Eylon, president of market consultancy Longwoods International. “The faster the progress is on vaccines and controlling the virus, the faster the battered travel sector will recover.” The United States is administering about 2.5 million doses of vaccine per day. A majority of the population is on track to be vaccinated by the July 4 national holiday, setting the stage for a much busier travel outlook. A new poll shows that 87 percent of American travelers have travel plans in the next six months, the highest level since March 2020 at the start of the pandemic, according to a Longwoods survey published this week.

“Only a third of travelers now say that COVID-19 will greatly impact their decision to travel in the next six months, the lowest level in a year,” according to the survey. United Airlines on Thursday announced it was adding 26 new routes between Midwestern cities and coastal destinations such as Hilton Head, South Carolina and Portland, Maine. Among the destinations eager for a comeback is New York City, which saw 66.6 million visitors in 2019. For now, most people visiting to the Big Apple are “within driving distance” of the city, said Chris Heywood, spokesman for NYC & Company, the city’s official tourism and travel promotion organization.

“We are starting to see a lot of green shoots of recovery,” Heywood said, adding that domestic and leisure travel is coming back faster than international and business travel. Data shows New York’s hotels are becoming busier. The hotel occupancy rate was 47 percent for the week of March 7, the highest level since June 2020, according to data from STR. That is still well below the 87 percent in the same period of 2019, but there are clear signs of life on weekends: On Saturday, March 13, occupancy reached 61.5 percent. NYC & Company projects 36.4 million visitors in 2021 after the city had 22 million in 2020. AFP

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

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SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021

PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, March 26, 2021

-36.37 PTS. 6,544.63

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

4,912,843,856 92,080 6,276,673,852.03 101 92 49

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.6310

Japan

Yen

0.009162

0.4456

UK

Pound

1.374300

66.8336

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128722

6.2599

Switzerland

Franc

1.064736

51.7792

Canada

Dollar

0.793462

38.5869

Singapore

Dollar

0.741455

36.0577

Australia

Dollar

0.758100

36.8672

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655196

129.1248

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266667

12.9683

Brunei

Dollar

0.738716

35.9245

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.032165

1.5642

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

13.2416

Euro

Euro

1.177000

57.2387

Korea

Won

0.000881

0.0428

China

Yuan

0.152730

7.4274

India

Rupee

0.013763

0.6693

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.241313

11.7353

New Zealand

Dollar

0.695500

33.8229

Taiwan

Dollar

0.034955

1.6999 Source: BSP

Electric co-ops posted 2% growth in sales last year

Business TRB approves P264 one-way toll on 18-km Skyway Stage 3 By Darwin G. Amojelar

T

HE Toll Regulatory Board said Friday it approved a provisional toll of P264 for Class 1 vehicles traversing the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 Project of San Miguel Corp. from Buendia in Makati City to North Luzon Expressway.

It said for Class 1 vehicles such as cars, jeepneys, vans and pick-ups, the toll from Buendia to Sta. Mesa would be P105; Sta. Mesa to Ramon Magsaysay, P30; Ramon Magsaysay to NLEX Balintawak, P129; and Buendia to NLEX Balintawak, P264. Class 2 vehicles such as buses, trucks and cars with trailers would pay twice as much, while Class 3 vehicles including large trucks and trucks with trailers would pay thrice the rates. “The provisional toll fee matrix will be published once a week for three consecutive weeks and a bond will be required to be posted by the petitioner,” the regulator said. “Please note, however, that the approval of provisional toll rates does not automatically mean that the proponent may immediately be given the authority to start collecting toll fees,” it said. The TRB said that before an authority to collect or toll operating permit would be issued to the operator, the latter should follow the procedures and requirements under the

supplemental toll operation agreement. It said the project should be “substantially completed” or at least 95-percent complete. “An assessment was submitted by an independent consultant earlier this month stating that the facility is already 97 percent. This assessment is now subject to evaluation and validation by the board,” the TRB said. The project should also conform to the approved final engineering design, show that it is capable of being operated safely and commercially and have the toll road facilities installed. “The installation of toll collection equipment and system, which are needed to collect tolls, by the Central Metro Manila Skyway Corporation, is ongoing,” the TRB said. “A joint testing amongst the TRB, the proponent and independent consultant will commence on Monday, 29 March 2021, in areas where installation was completed, to ensure that there are no system glitches or flaws to avoid a repeat of the RFID problems we had in the past,” it said. The TRB said that upon compliance with the requirements, the publication of the toll fee matrix and posting of the required bond, a TOP may be issued together with the notice to start collection. “Rest assured that it is the position of the Toll Regulatory Board, composed of the Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Finance and the National Economic Development Authority, to always come up with a decision that will be fair to the motorists, to the project proponent, and, to the Filipino people,” the TRB said.

UN SUPPORT.

By Alena Mae S. Flores SALES of electric cooperatives in the country grew 2 percent in 2020, according to the data gathered by the National Electrification Administration. “The 2-percent increase is good enough considering the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the economy including the rural electrification sector,” NEA administrator Edgardo Masongsong said. Data showed the ECs’ total electricity sales reached at 23,622 gigawatt-hours in 2020, up from 23,127 gWh in 2019. Meanwhile, the ECs registered a 4-percent decline in revenues last year to P211.457 billion from P221.359 billion in 2019 because of the measures implemented by power utilities, such as extending the ‘grace periods’ for bill payments. The ECs, as directed by the Energy Regulatory Commission, implemented payment extensions to electricity consumers to lessen the burden brought about by the pandemic. Masongsong welcomed proposals to strengthen the role of NEA. The Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc., the umbrella association of 121 ECs nationwide, expressed support to House Bill No. 468 which aims to strengthen the NEA by converting it into the National Electrification Authority. The bill enhances the powers of the agency and places it directly under the Office of the President and not attached to any department. The bill, if approved, will give NEA the power to approve, grant, renew and repeal, alter or amend all franchises for distribution of electricity by electric cooperatives. “It is a way forward for NEA from administration of a program to a regulator or national electrification as authority,” Masongsong said. “Considering the circumstances of our country, being in the typhoon belt and the so-called ‘Ring of Fire’, we could say that the agency did not fail us at all,” said Philreca executive director and general manager Janeene Depay-Colingan. “In fact, the agency was able to surpass its annual target energization and even breached the 14 million consumer-connections nationwide –or 14,253,053 connections, to be exact—within the franchise areas of the 121 ECs nationwide,” she said.

CLARK WATER PROJECT.

Clark Development Corp. president and chief executive Manuel Gaerlan (right), along with (from left) Clark Water Corp. market sector lead for water Melvin John Tan, CDC chairman Edgardo Pamintuan and CWC president and chief executive Virgilio Rivera Jr., inspects the start of the siphoning activity and desludging works at the anaerobic and facultative ponds in Clark Freeport Zone. CWC carried out preliminary steps to adhere to the requirements stipulated in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Administrative Order 2016-08, and for the renewal of its discharge permit.

The United Nations in the Philippines, led by Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez (second from right), meets with Agriculture Secretary William Dar (center) to convey the UN’s commitment to support national dialogs around the UN Food Systems Summit. Dar was nominated as the Philippines’ national dialog convenor for the UN Summit to be held in September 2021. With Gonzales and Dar are (from left) Alessandro Marini, country director of the International Food and Agricultural Development; Kati Tanninen, country representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization; and Brenda Barton, representative and country director of the World Food Program.

Prices of condominium units dipped 8.4% in Q4 as homebuyers moved to provinces By Julito G. Rada PRICES of condominium units fell 8.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2020 from a year ago as homebuyers preferred house-and-lot packages in the provinces, results of the Residential Real Estate Price Index report of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show. “The decrease in the prices of condominium units in both the National Capital Region and areas outside NCR may be attributed to the postponement of new launches by developers and lackluster demand for transient dwelling amid the pandemic,” the BSP said. It said, however, that prices of duplexes, townhouses and single detached/attached houses climbed in the fourth quarter by 20 percent, 16.1 percent and 4.7 percent, respectively. Overall, data showed after a steep decline in the previous quarter, residential real estate prices of various types of new housing units in the Philippines

recovered in the fourth quarter. RREPI rose by 0.8 percent year-on-year and by 2.4 percent quarter-on-quarter. “The positive growth in the overall residential property prices was driven mainly by those in AONCR, which grew by 5.9 percent relative to fourth quarter of 2019. Prices across all types of housing units in AONCR, except for the prices of condominium units, rose in fourth quarter of 2020,” the report said. Meanwhile, market research firm Euromonitor International said the changes in work and commuting patterns triggered by the coronavirus pandemic would affect urban planning, construction and real estate sectors. “The surge in homeworking and reduced use of public transport are expected to change how consumers will work and travel. In turn, these changes are set to have a broader impact on the urban planning and construction sectors,” said Euromonitor International senior consultant Justinas Liuima.

Pilipinas Shell incurred P16.18-b net loss in 2020 PILIPINAS Shell Petroleum Corp. said Friday it incurred a net loss of P16.182 billion in 2020, a reversal of the P5.621-billion net income in 2019 because of the unprecedented impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Pilipinas Shell said in a disclosure to the stock exchange 73 percent of the full-year net loss, or P12 billion, represented one-off charges related to the cessation and transformation of its refinery in Tabangao, Batangas and conversion into an import facility, while P4.8 billion was due to the drastic decline in crude prices. The refinery has capacity of 110,000 barrels a day. The company also posted lower net sales of P156.951 billion last year, compared to P218.402 billion in 2019. “Transforming the refinery into a world-class import terminal last August was a difficult but vital decision to make given the negative outlook for the refining sector worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. A very hard decision for Pilipinas Shell but necessary to be more competitive and ratable in the future,” said Pilipinas Shell president and chief executive Cesar Romero. The company said that as of yearend, it was able to secure jobs for over 134 of the 217 impacted refinery employees within other entities in the Shell Companies in the Philippines, while 26 opted for voluntary retirement. Pilipinas Shell posted a core net income of P400 million in the fourth quarter, a strong rebound from the third-quarter core net loss of P700 million. The company said it also exceeded cash conservation targets, recording P3.9 billion in capital and operating expenditure savings, almost double the target of P2 billion for 2020. Alena Mae S. Flores

Property firm bares 3 condo tower projects in Mandaue By Jenniffer B. Austria PROPERTY developer Cebu Landmasters Inc. said Friday joint venture firm Cebu Homegrown Developers Inc. launched a P3-billion condominium project in Mandaue City, Cebu. CLI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the first tower, Mandtra Residences would offer 591 residential units with sizes ranging from 21 square meters to 41 sq. m., and prices starting from P2.35 million to P4.17 million. The first tower is now 60-percent pre-sold after the project was launched this month. The project offers premium amenities and aims to attract upwardly mobile professionals and entrepreneurs in the region. “We want to strengthen our leadership in our home base and this joint venture enables us to have access to high value locations that allow us to offer a new generation of Cebuano entrepreneurs and professionals seeking upgraded living spaces. Our exceptional sales velocity indicates we are indeed meeting a highly felt need,” said CLI president and chief executive Jose Soberano III. The construction of Mandtra Residences on a 12,405-sq. m. property is underway, with the first tower set for completion by 2025. The three-tower development will have a retail podium, a sky garden, clubhouse with adult and kiddie pools, jogging paths, fitness gym and chapel as amenities to future homebuyers. CLI executives said the company started planning the project at the height of the 2020 pandemic, placing a premium on healthy living and a balanced well-being with generous array of amenities and lush open space. Some studio and one-bedroom units offer balconies while a number of units were designed so partitions and walls could easily be knocked down and spaces combined.

IN BRIEF

PH remains ideal investment site—BSP

ECONOMIC managers told Singaporean businessmen Friday that the Philippines remains an ideal investment destination because of its intact and solid macroeconomic fundamentals despite the the global health crisis. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said in a presentation during the virtual Philippines-Singapore Business Conference while countries were preoccupied with the rollout of vaccines and recovery efforts, many investors were in search of business opportunities and destinations that would provide great value for shareholders over the long haul. “The Philippines is a smart investment destination,” Diokno said. He said amid a sea of credit-rating downgrades and negative rating outlooks, the Philippines maintained its investment grade credit ratings, all of which are assigned a “stable” outlook. “Debt watchers are one in saying that the Philippines has strong pre-crisis fundamentals, has robust medium-term growth prospects and is inclined to return to its fiscal consolidation path post COVID,” Diokno said. Julito G. Rada

PES of Gatchalian plans to raise P1.44b

PHILIPPINE Estates Corp., a company led by the Gatchalian family, said Friday it plans to raise P1.445 billion from stock rights’ offering to fund land acquisitions. PES said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it would entitle shareholders to subscribe to 1 right share for every 1 common share owned. It said the net proceeds would be used to acquire properties in Bulacan and Cavite for future development. “Despite the negative economic effects of the pandemic, there will be continued demand for housing as the vaccine rollout is made. Hence, Philippine Estates Corp. aims to expand its inventory of projects through the acquisition of land in selected areas where economic growth is expected to show resiliency,” PES said. “In this regard, the board of PHES has approved to undertake a stock rights offering to raise capital for land acquisition,” the company said. Other terms and conditions of the offering remain to be finalized. Jenniffer B. Austria

EU project energizes two remote schools PROJECT Renewable Energy for Livelihood and Youth, an endeavor supported by the European Union, energized two remote island schools in northern Cebu through solar power. The project team completed the installation of the solar power system with the help of school officials and community leaders amid COVID-19-related protocols. “We look forward to the time when the students are able to come to school physically and experience how their learning conditions have improved. For now, the fully energized schools are helping teachers prepare the modules that their students need,” said RELY project director Sabine Schacknat of lead implementor Sequa gGmbH. Schacknat thanked the community for helping the project team amid quarantine restrictions during the recent turnover of the solar energization projects at Carnaza Elementary School and at Carnaza National High School in Daanbantayan in Cebu, Under the project, Carnaza Elementary School is being powered by a PV system that has the capacity to generate 21,120 watts-peak of electricity. Project RELY’s implementing partners are Vivant Foundation and Process Bohol. Alena Mae S. Flores

Sports

PSA honors 2020 sports achievers ATHLETES and sports personalities who gave Philippine sports something to cheer about during the pandemic will be honored in the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night on Saturday at the TV5 Media Center. Thirty-two awardees make up the short honor roll for 2020, comprised of sportsmen, officials, and entities who made a difference and rose to the challenge in the face of the COVID-19 health crisis that disrupted both local and international sports. To lady golfer Yuka Saso is the recipient of the coveted Athlete of the Year Award traditionally handed out by the country’s oldest media organization, headed by its President and Manila Bulletin sports editor Tito S. Talao. This marks the second time in three years the 19-year-old Filipina athlete of Japanese descent is going to receive the highest accolade from the Philippine sportswriting fraternity, after being bestowed with the same prestigious award in 2018, when she shared the title with fellow golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Lois Kaye Go, and Olympic silver medal winner Hidilyn Diaz. The Awards Night will be held virtually, a first ever in the history of the PSA in the face of strict health restrictions, and is presented by San Miguel Corporationand backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and Cignal TV. PSC chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez will be at the forefront of honoring Saso and the rest of the awardees as guest speaker for the event, where he’ll likewise address the entire Philippine sports community in his keynote speech. Hosted by the pair of Gretchen Ho and Paolo Del Rosario, the awards rite will be aired on March 28 over OneSports+ from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with 1Pacman Partylist, Chooks-to-Go, and Rain or Shine as major backers. Other notable awardees for the year includes Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino (President’s Award), PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial (Executive of the Year), Alliances of Boxing Association in the Philippines (National Sports Association of the Year), and the trio of esteemed sports leaders Jose A. Romasanta, Renauld ‘Sonny’ Barrios, and the late Ambassador and basketball godfather Eduardo ‘Danding’ Cojuangco Jr. (Lifetime Achievement Award). Also receiving major awards are netter Alex Eala, and boxers Johnriel Casimero and Pedro Taduran, while boxing legend and Senator Manny Pacquiao will be the recipient of the Chooks-to-Go Fan Favorite ‘Manok ng Bayan.’ Meanwhile, 20 personalities and entities will be given citation awards, even as athletes who turned frontliners in this time of the pandemic, will be honored with a special recognition as well.

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

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Tab Baldwin with his young Gilas Pilipinas crew during the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifier in Bahrain last Novermber. fiba.basketball

Tab wants international play assimilation for Gilas cagers By Peter Atencio

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AMAHANG Basketbol ng Pilipinas Program Director Tab Baldwin believes that the presence of a younger group of players in the roster of Gilas Pilipinas eases the challenges of teaching them how to play in the international stage. Familiarizing the prospects at an early stage in their careers, according to Baldwin, will give them the experience when they join Gilas camps for certain tournaments in the future. “As it is right now, so many players come in and they just don’t, I guess, have an idea of the international game and the concepts and the level of skill and the level of intensity,” added Baldwin. Since the second week of March, the young members of the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball pool have been continuously training, getting ready for the last window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers mid-June and the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in

Belgrade, Serbia from June 29 to July 4. Baldwin said the national squad is working out double time while inside the bubble in Calamba, Laguna. “For most days, we practice two times. And the players are up around 7 and until the evening,” said Baldwin in an online huddle following Monday’s episode of The Game on ONE News. The players come from different schools, but most of them are from the Ateneo Blue Eagles. Among the newbies from the Blue Eagles are LeBron Lopez, SJ Belangel, Gian Mamuyac, Troy Mallillin, Geo Chiu, Kyle Ong, Jason Credo and

Josh Lazaro. These players have been part of the Blue Eagles, who are seeking to retain the crown for Ateneo in the next season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines cagefest. They are joined by Carl Tamayo of University of the Philippines and RJ Abarrientos of Far Eastern University. Others in the team are Jordan Heading and Tzaddy Rangel, who have been drafted first and third in the Philippine Basketball Association Special Gilas Draft last March 14. This year’s Gilas draftees, William Navarro and Jaydee Tungcab, De La Salle’s Justine Baltazar, Ateneo’s Dwight Ramos and Dave Ildefonso have also been included. Newly naturalized player candidate Ange Kouame and former practice player Chris Koon, plus 2019 draftees Isaac Go, Rey Suerte and twins Matt and Mike Nieto are also practicing with the team.

Zamboanga Valientes join PBA 3x3 League THE Zamboanga City Valientes MLV stamped its mark in Australia with three straight CLB (Champions League Basketball) 3x3 titles. That feat earned the Valientes invitations to play in New Zealand and Japan. And recently, the team management got another invitation from the PBA 3x3 League. Junnie Navarro, one of the most successful Mindanaoan basketball team owners, together with his partners, wasted no time joining the inaugural 3x3 season of Asia’s first pro league. According to Navarro, the Valientes’ entry to the PBA more than fulfilled his dream of playing pro ball. “Before I just dreamt of playing in the PBA,” said Navarro, a former Philippine Youth player. “Now I’ll be a team owner of a PBA team. I’m sure my dad in heaven (Rolando Navarro Sr) is very happy and proud of where the team is heading to. The Navarro family have been supporting sports in Zamboanga for two decades already and my dad started it all.

“This latest achievement of the team will bring so much pr ide and honor to the cit y of Zamboanga not only because the Valientes will be part of the PBA franchise but also because the long-time advocacy of the Navarro family of helping homegrown athletes to get to the PBA continues. Once again, the Valientes will be composed of Zamboanguenos,” added Navarro. Among the Zamboanguenos who have shine in the PBA are Mark Barroca, RR Garcia, and Mike Tolomia. Likely to be included in the Valientes roster are full-blooded Zamboangueños Rudy Lingganay, Jens Knuttel, Med Salim, Das Esa, and Gino Jumao-as. The Zamboanga City Valientes is also supported by Mayor Beng Climaco.

Junnnie Navarro with Australia CLB COO Matt Hollard

TNT Tropang GIGA, Smart train future leaders in basketball Coach Maureen Kris Belen

SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021

FOR the first time ever, TNT Tropang GIGA is launching a training program for basketball management. This program aims to mold potential candidates and train them to be part of the coaching staff of Smart Communications, Inc.’s professional basketball team. “Throughout my career, I have always tried to live according to my passion and purpose. This is an oftrepeated topic even in my talks. My passion has always been coaching and building teams—whether in sports or business. And my purpose is to further the advancement of Filipino coaches, so we can, in turn help develop the next generation of Filipino leaders,” said TNT Tropang GIGA head coach Chot Reyes. This program aims to train talented career-driven basketball enthusiasts who will eventually become part of the coaching or management staff of

TNT Tropang GIGA. “We hope that through this program, we’ll be able to develop not only individuals, but a whole new generation of professionals who can contribute to the well-loved industry of sports, particularly basketball,” said Ricky Vargas, Team Governor and Chairman of PBA Board of Governors. For its first run, it has welcomed Maureen Kris Belen to the training program. “I am elated! It is still surreal up to this moment. As a true fan of the league, for me to be part of such a high-caliber team like TNT Tropang GIGA, is really a dream come true,” said Belen. Belen admitted that it is not easy to be a woman in the industry. But instead of taking it as a setback, she used the challenges to improve herself. “The best thing about being a woman in this industry is that we tend to work harder than anyone in the room, because the pressure is doubled, the purpose is bigger. You don’t just do it for yourself, but for all

the women out there, that’s what makes it so rewarding,” she said. A certified basketball coach, Belen is bringing to the table her experience from stints in the United Arab Emirates and in the Philippines. She managed sports events in Dubai, before she kicked off her coaching career for a college basketball team in July 2017. She also coached the Philippine National Police Women’s Basketball Team in 2019, and became part of the on-ground management team for the basketball competition during the 30th Southeast Asian Games. “As a player, I looked up to Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Tony Parker, Diana Taurasi, Candace Parker, and Becky Hammon,” she said. “I was also inspired by remarkable coaches, like Gregg Popovich, Mike Krzyzewski, and of course, Coach Chot Reyes,” Belen added. Everything has come full circle for Belen since she will be trained under Reyes, a seasoned coach in the PBA, who has led many teams to championships in the league.

Magic trade 3 stars, enter rebuild mode NEW YORK—Nikola Vucevic, Evan Fournier and Aaron Gordon were traded by the Orlando Magic at Thursday’s NBA trade deadline according to multiple reports as the struggling club launched a rebuilding scheme. The Magic, whose record of 15-29 ranks fourth-worst in the league, sent Montenegrin 7-footer (2.13m) Vucevic to the Chicago Bulls along with Nigerian forward Al Farouq Aminu for Otto Porter, Wendell Carter Jr. and first-round NBA Draft picks in 2021 and 2023. That was among multiple deals reported by ESPN and USA Today as the deadline came and went, while some discussed swaps didn’t happen, notably guard Kyle Lowry remaining with the Toronto Raptors and Lonzo Ball staying in New Orleans despite interest from several clubs. French guard Fournier went to the Boston Celtics for two second-round draft picks, his $17 million (14.5 million euro) salary taking the trade exception the Celtics obtained in a sign-and-trade deal involving Gordon Hayward last year, ESPN and USA Today reported. Gordon, a US guard, and US forward Gary Clark went to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Gary Harris, R.J. Hampton and a first-round pick. The Nuggets also obtained center JaVale McGee from Cleveland for two second-round draft picks and Isaiah Hartenstein. Rajon Rondo, an NBA champion guard with Boston in 2008 and the Los Angeles Lakers last year, was traded by the Atlanta Hawks to the Los Angeles Clippers for guard Lou Williams and two secondround draft picks, ESPN reported. The Clippers are 29-16, third in the Western Conference, with the Lakers (28-16) and Denver (26-18) just behind. Toronto, set to lose Lowry in free agency after the season, sent Norman Powell to Portland for Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood and also sent guard Terrence Davis to Sacramento for a secondround selection. The Philadelphia 76ers obtained guard George Hill from the Oklahoma City Thunder and New York forward Ignas Brazdeikis in a three-team swap that landed Terrance Ferguson in New York and gave the Thunder Austin Rivers and Tony Bradley plus second-round picks in 2025 and 2026. The Thunder, 19-25 this season, have a projected 34 selections over the next seven NBA Drafts, half of them first rounders. Oladipo to Miami The Houston Rockets, who have unloaded much of their top talent during the campaign, sent guard Victor Oladipo to the Miami Heat for guard Avery Bradley and center Kelly Olynyk. The Heat are among a fistful of teams in a tight Eastern Conference race with Charlotte at 22-21 then Miami, New York and Atlanta at 22-22 and Boston at 21-23. Boston traded one German big man for another, dealing center Daniel Theis to Chicago for Mo Wagner. AFP

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SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021

rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

Tech & Gadgets

Hotels, restaurants see through pandemic with Globe myBusiness T

HE hospitality industry was one of the hardest hit sectors as hotels and restaurants were forced to close or limit operations following government restrictions to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

With its mission to provide business continuity through technology, Globe myBusiness endeavored to help the hospitality industry get back on its feet through digital solutions and bestin-class connectivity. At the same time, it provided discounted access to the hygiene monitoring program of world-renowned SGS Philippines Inc. to ensure food safety. Globe myBusiness launched its Safe Recovery campaign, as the economy slowly reopened and businesses looked forward to recovering from their losses while addressing customers’ needs. The campaign provided hotels and restaurants, particularly those belonging to the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with relevant technology and industry best practices that can help them operate effectively under the new normal. Since hotels and restaurants are still challenged with getting people through their door due to health and safety concerns, Globe myBusiness partnered with SGS Philippines Inc. to make food safety more accessible to MSMEs and ease the worries of their customers. SGS Philippines Inc. audits and certifies food businesses for their food safety standards through the Hygiene

Globe Business continues to work with clients and partners to ensure that enterprise businesses run smoothly and securely, as they propel their digital transformation.

Monitored Program (HMP). HMP demonstrates the commitment of hotels and restaurants to world-class hygiene standards and provides an objective standard for internal benchmarking and auditing. As a perk for Globe myBusiness subscribers, this partnership offers up to P23,000 worth of exclusive discounts on the HMP with every purchase of a Globe myBusiness product. Eligible customers can avail of the service for as low as P6,999 (VAT exclusive) per quarter. Aside from safety and health concerns, Globe myBusiness is also helping the sector recover faster while working

tools such as Amber, RUSH Loyalty, and KonsultaMD to help them bring back customers, encourage their loyalty, and most importantly, ensure their safety. Amber allows businesses to personalize, automate, and brand their SMS blast with ease while RUSH Loyalty helps SMEs build their community of customers, keep them engaged, and ensure repeated returns. Telehealth service KonsultaMD, on the other hand, can be accessed by employees round the clock for professional medical advice. To know more about Globe myBusiness, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/ business/sme.html.

Galaxy Buds Pro effective for people with hearing loss

Takeda starts submissions for dengue vax candidate TAKEDA Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) (“Takeda”) on Friday announced that the European Medicines Agency has accepted the Company’s filing packages for its dengue vaccine candidate (TAK-003) which is being investigated for the prevention of dengue due to any dengue virus serotype in individuals ages four to 60. Takeda intends to submit regulatory filings in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand during 2021. “Submission of regulatory filings for our dengue vaccine candidate, TAK-003, marks an important development for people who are living in or traveling to communities burdened by the threat of dengue,” said Derek Wallace, VP, Dengue Global Program Leader at Takeda. “Dengue outbreaks, which result in half a million hospitalizations globally each year, can overwhelm communities and governments because of the broad impact on the health care system. With limited options to prevent the disease, there is a pressing need for widely available dengue vaccines. Takeda is committed to working with regulatory authorities and recommending bodies to support evaluation of our submissions and achieve access for TAK-003.” Takeda is participating in the EMA’s first-ever parallel assessment of a medicinal product for use in the European Union (EU), and through the EU-M4all (previously Article 58) procedure for countries outside of the EU. Along with the scientific opinion issued by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), national regulators in countries participating in the EU-M4all procedure will conduct their own assessments to determine if national marketing authorizations for TAK-003 are granted. Takeda is also seeking approval of TAK-003 in dengue-endemic countries that are not participating in the EU-M4all procedure. Regulatory submissions for TAK-003 include long-term safety and efficacy data through 36 months from the ongoing pivotal Phase 3 Tetravalent Immunization against Dengue Efficacy Study (TIDES) trial. Takeda intends to present and publish details of the 36-month data at a scientific meeting and in a peer-reviewed journal this year. Takeda also intends to submit regulatory filings in the United States, followed by additional countries in Asia and Latin America.

within very limited budgets. “Hotel and restaurant owners and operators have developed a renewed sense of appreciation for technology because of the challenges they have to face. They are now more open to exploring digital solutions to bring into their business. Globe myBusiness is here to provide them with relevant information and value-for-money offers to address their needs and get them started on their road to recovery,” said Maridol Ylanan, Head of Strategy & Marketing, Globe myBusiness. With this, Globe myBusiness aims to be the preferred partner of MSMEs by providing the necessary digital

Galaxy

ro Buds P

SEOUL, KOREA —Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. revealed the findings of a new study published in Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology, a renowned scientific journal dedicated to ear, nose, and throat research. The study indicated that Galaxy Buds Pro’s Ambient Sound feature is effective in helping those with mild to moderate hearing loss to better hear sounds in their surroundings. The research was carried out in partnership with Samsung Medical Center, Asia’s leading hospital with outstanding health care services and research achievements. Samsung has been working in

collaboration with Samsung Medical Center for over 10 years, focusing on the impact mobile devices can have on hearing and researching new ways to optimize sound experiences for users. This latest research marks an important next step in Samsung’s ongoing commitment to collaborating on pioneering innovations that benefit people in their everyday lives. The study assessed the efficacy of a hearing aid, a personal sound amplification product, and Galaxy Buds Pro. According to the authors, no other study has yet included true wireless earbuds when evaluating the clinical performance of hearing devices. The study is the first to demonstrate the potential benefit of true wireless earbuds for individuals with mild to moderate hearing impairments and has the potential to improve the lives of 1.5 billion people globally who are currently living with some degree of hearing loss. “With rapidly aging populations it’s expected that, by 2050, one in ten people will have hearing loss1. But while hearing aids are useful for managing hearing impairments, uptake remains relatively low, mainly due to the high price,” said Il Joon Moon, Associate Professor at the Depart-

ment of Otorhinolaryngology at Samsung Medical Center. “The initial study findings are very promising and encourage people to discover alternative devices, such as Galaxy Buds Pro, that can support them in their day to day lives.” Galaxy Buds Pro, the hearing aid, and the personal sound amplification product underwent three key tests: electroacoustic assessment, sound amplification evaluation, and a clinical performance evaluation. Electroacoustic Assessment First, the electroacoustic characteristics of each device were assessed to see if they met the key performance criteria for hearing aids: output sound pressure level, frequency range, equivalent input noise, and total harmonic distortion. The results revealed that Galaxy Buds Pro met each of these four criteria, indicating that they show comparable performance to hearing aids.

MakatiMed, PayMaya launch Wellness Privilege Card IN TIME for the celebration of Women’s Month this March, the Makati Medical Center announced that it has formed a strategic partnership with PayMaya to launch the country’s first all-in-one health privilege card for women. Designed to be used at the newlylaunched MakatiMed Wellness Center, the PayMaya-powered Health Privilege Card for women enables clients to schedule medical consultations, receive the latest health updates, enjoy lifestyle discounts, and attend exclusive events designed specifically for them. And since the Health Privilege Card is powered by PayMaya, cardholders can easily enjoy the many perks associated with having a PayMaya account when they download the PayMaya app and link their HPC cards. These perks include: • easy shopping experience whether online or in-store using their Health Privilege Card or via PayMaya QR; • convenient bills payment and discounted mobile prepaid reloading; • easy sending of money to other PayMaya users; • hassle-free bank transfers to almost 40 banks and financial institutions; • cashback deals whenever they pay using their account; among many others. “We are excited to offer another first in healthcare delivery through the Health Privilege Card of MakatiMed Wellness Center. Our partnership with PayMaya allows us to offer this all-inone wellness card which brings a multitude of benefits and convenience to our clientele, both within and outside the MakatiMed Wellness Center,” said Atty. Pilar Nenuca P. Almira, Makati Medical Center President and CEO. “By offering the Wellness for Women Health Privilege Card powered by PayMaya, MakatiMed is enabling its clients with an all-around tool designed not just to take care of their physical health, but their financial wellness as well. We are glad to partner with them as they push the boundaries of healthcare innovation in the country,” added PayMaya President Shailesh Baidwan.

Mariwasa, BatStateU forge ceramic engineering partnership MARIWASA Siam Ceramics, Inc. a total home building solutions provider, recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the Batangas State University to strengthen the industry exposure of future members of the workforce by infusing industry-based skills into the curriculum, particularly Ceramics Engineering. Under the industry-academe partnership, signed by Mariwasa President Jakkrit Suwansilp and Batangas State University President Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, the two parties shall promote a dynamic cooperation in the field of Ceramics Engineering, making it possible to cultivate talented and industrytrained graduates by providing hands-on training and real-life simulations to students. The signing of the partnership, also witnessed by BatStateU Vice President for External Affairs and ICT Dr. Kristoffer Conrad M. Tejada and Mariwasa VP for Finance and Admin Emilie Maramag, also allows capabilitybuilding programs in order to infuse university know-how into the industry operations, while ensuring that students gain practical knowhow, and apply theory to practice. “I expect an active and dynamic collaboration between Mariwasa and Batangas State University with this Memorandum of Agreement, a partnership which we hope to nurture with our exchange of expertise and knowledge sharing,” said Suwansilp.

Proponents of the Mariwasa-Batangas State University Memorandum of Agreement hold their signed partnership. They are Mariwasa President Jakkrit Suwansilp (3rd from left), Batangas State University President Dr. Tirso Ronquillo (2nd from left), BatStateU Vice President for External Affairs Dr. Kristoffer Conrad M. Tejada (left) and Mariwasa VP for Finance and Admin Emilie Maramag.

The agreement is also “devoted to the cultivation of talents with a solid foundation on the basic competencies, necessary experience in the professional training and practicum, and capability of adapting to the developments in the ceramics engineering industry.” Covered in the MOA are the BatStateU faculty and students and Mariwasa staff and personnel, with the former developing the curriculum and outcomes of the academic pro-

gram, from which the required student trainings and laboratory simulations shall emanate. On the other hand, Mariwasa is tasked with identifying the capability training needs of its personnel and necessary support in its operations, from which the capabilitybuilding program and on-the-job training proposals shall emanate. BatStateU is also expected to provide capability building trainings and transfer

of university know-how for Mariwasa in relevant fields of expertise, assigning seasoned professors and resource persons and arranging lectures and presentations for the purpose, based on the training needs as may be provided by Mariwasa, while selecting students who shall be part of laboratory immersion and on-the-job training at Mariwasa, among others. Mariwasa is also tasked to share with BatStateU its facilities for the purpose of laboratory and/or on-the-job training of students; conduct general orientation and briefing for students on Mariwasa policies and safety procedures; ensure that students are free from any form of abuse and or discrimination at the training venue at all times, and are safe through the provision of personal protective equipment as necessary, among others. A pioneer in the construction industry, Mariwasa will be marking its 55th year in the business this June as a total home building solutions provider for Filipinos. It is the Philippines’ largest ceramic tile manufacturer, with products ranging from tiles and sanitary wares, to tile adhesive, skim coat, and other home and building solutions that are available at the leading home depots and tile stores nationwide. To know more about Mariwasa, visit mariwasa.com.

Tech & Gadgets

Huawei proposes model for industrial digitalization in post-pandemic era emerge in the post-pandemic era. Huawei will be more open and continue to work with our 30,000 global partners to complement each other's strengths and help overcome new challenges.

Cooperating with Customers to Create New Value in the Industry

Ken Hu, Huawei's Rotating Chairman

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HENZHEN—Huawei held its online Industrial Digital Transformation Conference, themed "New Value Together". Nearly 50 customers and partners from more than 10 countries and regions shared their industrial practices and jointly explored the new value of digital transformation in the post-pandemic era. In his speech, Ken Hu, Huawei's Rotating Chairman, pointed out that digital transformation is speeding up across industries, and full cloud adoption will happen 1 to 3 years earlier than expected. Going digital is no longer just for internet companies. It's expanding to traditional industries, and from the office to the production floor. We'll keep innovating in technology and scenario-based solutions to help all industries take advantage of this opportunity. So far, Huawei has built 13 Open Labs around the world to support joint innovation. In places like Munich and Dubai, the company is working with almost 900 ecosystem partners to incubate different

solutions for industrial scenarios. To date, it has successfully verified more than 60 solutions in areas ranging from smart retail to smart manufacturing. On the technology side, Huawei is innovating in areas like smart campuses, deterministic networks, hyper-integrated data centers, smart clouds, and green energy to lay the foundation for an intelligent future. A Value-Driven Model for Industrial Digitalization: Create New Value Through Continuous Improvement Based on Business and Scenarios Ideas and models must be tested in real situations. After years of practice, Huawei has proposed a value-driven model for industrial digitalization. Hua-

wei maintains that digital transformation should be focused on actual business use and scenarios, which can then be used to create value for customers through continuous improvement. In his keynote speech, Peng Zhongyang, Board Member, President of Enterprise BG, Huawei, stressed that three basic principles must be followed during digital transformation. First, companies must continue to be customer-centric, which is the starting point of digital transformation. Secondly, they must seize two key factors: the convergence of technologies and scenarios is the key to digitalization, while cloud is critical to continuous optimization and value creation in the digital era. Thirdly, businesses should focus on customer requirements to build a symbiotic and shared digital ecosystem from three dimensions: scenario exploration, capacity building, and a cooperation model to jointly create new value for industries. New challenges and uncertainty will

Huawei is committed to working with customers and partners to integrate core business scenarios with ICT technologies, and accelerate industrial digitalization and upgrade through scenario-specific, innovative solutions. This is also the key to the digitalization of the industry. In the finance sector, through joint innovation with partners, Huawei has provided NCBA Bank Kenya, the largest commercial bank in the East African sub region, with a new digital core system. The system provides inclusive financial services for more than 18 million users in Kenya and neighboring countries, empowering the real economy and promoting sustainable social development. Eric Muriuki Njagi, Director of NCBA Digital Services, said: "Our cooperation with Huawei aims to solve current problems as well as grasp new opportunities brought by future services." In the transportation sector, Dr. Georgia Ayfantopoulou, Research Director Intelligent Infrastructure, Networks, Mobility & Logistics; Deputy Director Hellenic Institute of Transport (HIT) of Center for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH), took Europe as an example and shared the situation of digital transformation of port construction. European Union (EU) ports offer services to a global maritime fleet (Greece, for example is ranked first with a share of 17% of the world fleet in 2020). Seaports and the shipping industry are an important nexus of the EU economy, but are facing challenges such as structural performance gaps, lack of high-quality infrastructure at ports and other low-performing services. To address this, the EU has formulated a strategic agenda for the European ports, focusing on maritime infrastructure as part of raising EU’s global competitiveness.

LG completes your smart home with new Dual Heat Pump Dryer

DRYING clothes efficiently, especially in a humid climate like ours, is one of the most difficult things to do at home. Especially when the rainy season comes, hanging clothes outside to dry is not possible. Drying them in a cramped space indoors can lead to bad odors and even mold or bacteria formation. One of the best ways to solve this problem is to use a dedicated dryer at home. With a dryer, you can dry your clothes no matter what the weather is. LG’s 9kg Dual Inverter Heat Pump Dryer with Smart Wi-Fi gives a modern take on drying laundry. With its DUAL Inverter Heat Pump technology, you get dual savings on energy and time. Thanks to the advanced inverter technology, you get to pick which one you prefer for a given situation—a higher level of energy efficiency or shorter drying time than ever. With energy mode, you save 21% energy while with time mode, you save

up to 24% of time. It is also equipped with an Auto Cleaning Condenser provides proper air flow to maintain high drying performance. Furthermore, it is hassle free of cleaning and provides more free time. The dryer is also equipped with Allergy Care feature which eliminates 99.99% of allergens that may be present, such as house mites that can cause allergy or respiratory issues. Improve your quality of life by keeping an allergen-free environment. Maintenance is a breeze with the Auto Cleaning Condenser that provides proper air flow to ensure high drying performance. Furthermore, it is hassle free of cleaning and provides more free time. It also has a reversible door that can be installed depending on the layout of your space. LG’s Heat Pump Dryer fits perfectly into your smart home. It boasts of Smart Pairing, an intelligent inno-

vation where LG washers and dryers communicate with each other to select a compatible drying cycle, making it the ultimate laundry hack. By pairing your LG Front Load with an LG Dryer, you get dual savings on time and energy, dual allergy care, and dual reliability thanks to its long warranty. It is powered by LG ThinQ AI and can be controlled with the SmartThinQ app. From operating your laundry remotely to downloading additional cycles, your dryer just got smarter. Easily interact with it and access the latest innovations with Wi-Fi connectivity. The LG Dual Inverter Heat Pump Dryer has a 10 Year Warranty – both the DUAL Inverter Compressor and the Inverter Motor has a 10-year warranty, giving you the guarantee that the dryer will always be hassle-free. To know more about this product, visit LG Dual Inverter Heat Pump Dryer.

MediaTek Wi-Fi 6 chipset powers new ASUS gaming notebooks MEDIATEK recently announced its MT7921 Wi-Fi 6 chipset is powering ASUS Republic of Gamers’ (ROG) and The Ultimate Force new gaming notebooks, the first consumer notebooks with MediaTek’s industry leading Wi-Fi 6 connectivity solution. For the ROG and TUF series, the MT7921 delivers high performance, power efficiency for longer battery life and fast, reliable connectivity. Key features of MediaTek’s Wi-Fi 6 solutions include: Higher throughput performance over 2x2 dual-band antennas compared with previous Wi-Fi 5 solutions High performance with power efficiency based on the 22nm process Lower latency with hardware enhancements that provide better signal transmission to support super long-range connections “By collaborating with Asus, the No. 1 gaming device provider, we bring consumers the best connectivity experiences and ability to seamlessly stream games and enjoy extended battery life,” said Alan Hsu, Corporate Vice President at MediaTek. “MediaTek offers best-in-class solutions for notebooks with our high performance, power efficient chipsets with the latest connectivity technologies. Working with com-

panies like Asus, has made MediaTek the global leader in connectivity solutions with the broadest Wi-Fi portfolio across broadband, retail routers, smart phones, consumer electronics and gaming devices.” MediaTek’s Wi-Fi solutions power hundreds of millions of devices every year, and industry demand for Wi-Fi 6 solutions continues to grow. Wi-Fi 6 delivers multi-gigabit, low latency WiFi, providing more reliable connectivity experiences even when users are gaming, streaming or video chatting across multiple devices. “We’re excited to bring MediaTek’s WiFi technology to ROG and TUF series,” said Rangoon Chang, ROG General Manager, PCs and Laptops. “They’re leaders in the field, and are as committed as we are to giving gamers, creators, and everyone the tools they need to perform at their best. MediaTek products have enabled us to bring Wi-Fi 6 to a more diverse range of gaming devices and will improve the experience for everyone.” The ROG and TUF series powered by MediaTek’s Wi-Fi 6 technology will be available in the market starting in March of 2021. For more information on MediaTek’s connectivity solutions, visit: https://www. mediatek.com/products/connectivity-andnetworking

LG Dual Inverter Heat Pump Dryer

SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021

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Lenovo’s EdVision summit to address gap in learning under new normal GLOBAL technology leader Lenovo today held the inaugural virtual EdVision Summit to facilitate a platform for educators to share their experiences and best practices in education transformation under the new normal, brought in close collaboration with Microsoft and powered by Intel vPro®. As part of Lenovo’s ongoing commitment to education in the Philippines, the Summit allows educators to exchange ideas and learn how to better prepare students to excel in the digitalized world with the latest teaching technology solutions and services, enabling flexibility and agility. Lenovo first launched the EdVision program in 2020 to empower educators with smarter technology, deliver innovative education solutions, and provide best-in-class devices and services for e-learning. With the EdVision Summit, Lenovo has collaborated with like-minded industry leaders and key members of the education sector across different markets to help educators understand how to implement new models of teaching, learning, and collaboration, while still managing cost, efficiency, and security. “The EdVision Summit drives thought leadership across members of the academe and is a fantastic opportunity for educators to share their best practices,” said Khoo Hung Chuan, Director of Education Transform and Development, Lenovo Central Asia Pacific. “Through the launch of our EdVision program last year, we have already seen our products, services, and solutions empowering the next generation of educators and students.By bringing more members of the academic sector together, we can accomplish meaningful change on a wider scale and really drive the transformative potential of Smarter Technology for All.” Education is going to be a priority for 2021, as the sector continues to receive the largest portion of the FY 2021 national budget, with 16.7% allocation equivalent to PhP 751.7 billion. Prioritizing the adoption of flexible and blended learning, the government stated that it is implementing programs that focus on the development, reproduction, and delivery of learning resources and procurement of multimedia packages for public schools. This forms one of the many reasons Lenovo has launched the EdVision program—to further support the sector’s technological transformation. To help address the challenging implementation of blended learning, the program provides robust hardware, software, andservices and drives widespread adoption of technology in the sector. It also offers enablement workshops for educators to equip them with the right skills and knowledge in administering online learning. “Technology plays a crucial role in education continuity during this challenging period, and it is inevitable that digitalization would only advance from here. By creating a platform of discussion about education technology, we were able to learn insights from educators andfurther the discourse that would help them cope with the radical transition to digital and prepare for the future of education,” said Michael Ngan, Lenovo Philippines President and General Manager.

Filipino-owned cryptocurrency launched A UTILITY cryptocurrency coin developed by a Filipino-controlled financial technology (fintech) company Smart Asset Management Digital Technology, has successfully launched in global exchange Probit. With the listing of SAM Koin in Probit, holders of the crypto coin can trade, buy or sell the virtual currency or even redeem to gain additional income. “SAMK is now live and trading in Probit!,” announced SAM founding chairman Rommel Santos as he called on SAM subscribers in the Philippines that redemption also went live, allowing them to cash out or sell their utility coins. SAMK was officially launched in February, with the official preorder made available to comes SAM members that have grown exponentially to over 15,000 across the globe in just a few days after its incorporation. SAM members comprise the SAM ecosystem and will have access to a variety of traditional businesses as well as digital-focused enterprises that offer financial opportunities.

Santos added SAM planning on listing the utility coin in HotBit. The cryptocurrency can be used in trading like buying products and services. SAMK is a “virtual money” that uses blockchain, the underlying technology behind it, according to SAM’s executive technical director, Erick Alvaro, or what is called the “ledger or record” of transactions. Alvaro also advised the SAM community to download their Digital E-wallet for a better experience of trading the utility coin. The SAM e-Wallet is a subscription-based platform, shares and provides economic opportunity. In line with this, one of the company’s 2021 projects includes OFW subscribers as the primary beneficiaries of a livelihood program. Before launching the SAMK and expanding its business in the Philippines, SAM was granted an initial endorsement by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to proceed with the company registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other government agencies for amenabilities.

SAM Digital Technologies is the parent entity of SAM and it’s registered as a digital currency exchanger in Australia under AUSTRAC. SAM is into digital and conventional businesses. Santos added, “The conventional method of the entrepreneurial journey through sharing economy is now fully understood. You should be proud that SAMKoin is a utility coin that gets recognition from those two important sources.” These are the Austrac of Australia and the SEC and the BSP in the Philippines, including the ongoing application as Electronic Money Issuer license, that allows it to conduct e-money transactions. In addition, SAM is also processing compliance requirements with the regulatory bodies in Malaysia and Indonesia. SAM Digital Technologies also wants to clarify rumors that it is affiliated with the DDK of Malaysia. Indeed, DDK stated in December 2020 detailing that SAM is independent of their operations and the two companies are operating separately.

Motoring

RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

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SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021

FORMULA ONE DEBUT

Schumacher gears up for generation game in Bahrain

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INE YEARS on from his father’s last racing campaign, Mick Schumacher admitted on Thursday that he is excited to represent the family name in Formula One again at this weekend’s season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

The reigning Formula Two champion makes his F1 debut with Haas in Sunday’s race at the Bahrain International Circuit where, to his obvious amusement, he will face a handful of his father seven-time champion Michael’s one-time rivals. “I guess it’s kind of funny to think about it, that they’ve raced two generations,” he told reporters. “It shows they’ve been in the sport for a while now and they’ve been obviously successful -- therefore they’re here.” Schumacher’s experience in pre-sea-

Taking care of your car may just protect you, here’s how WHILE health and safety protocols are being strictly implemented and everyone is encouraged to stay at home, this means that you and, to an extent, personal objects like your vehicle, even if you only use it for “less-than-an-hour-long” drives to nearby destinations, are still susceptible to certain safety threats. So how can you ensure health and road safety at this time? Here are a few tips: Regular Disinfection For vehicles that have been used frequently for work or other pressing matters, one way to keep you, your car, and others who use it safe from contagious diseases is to regularly sanitize common touchpoints. These include the door handles, trunk opener, hood opener, and wheels for the exterior; arm rests and attached controls, shift lever, seats, and floor mats for the interior; and the steering wheel, audio panel, and dash surface for the dashboard. Regularly sanitize common touchpoints such as the steering wheel, audio panel, and dash surface. Check your tires Regardless if you’ve been driving regularly or if your vehicle has been sidelined for months, there are parts of your vehicle that you constantly have to monitor to ensure prime performance and road safety. Among these, the easiest to inspect and monitor are your tires. Always make sure that your tires have the right air pressure and are free from cracks and punctures to prevent potential road accidents. Also, don’t forget to check on your tire thread WITH strict quarantine protocols and transport restrictions reinstated in highrisk parts of the country, the logistics industry continues to play a vital role in sustaining both the economy and consumers. To help support the growing and evolving demands of the industry, Hino Motors Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Hino trucks and buses in the Philippines, introduces the newest addition to its growing roster of light-duty trucks—the all-new Hino 300 Series. Built for durability and usability, the all-new Hino 300 Series is designed to support business owners looking to invest in light-duty trucks that can handle heavyduty operations. The introduction of the new units comes at an opportune time with the e-commerce industry thriving and suppliers and retailers requiring reliable trucks to transport essential goods. The all-new Hino 300 Series lightduty trucks come with a Euro 4-compliant, fuel-efficient engine that can help businesses save costs especially for long drives. The 4-cylinder diesel engine runs on an electric control common rail fuel injection system designed to deliver highpower and high-efficiency performance. One variant also includes a 6-speed Automatic Transmission, where the elec-

and lifespan. On average, a tire will last between three to six years on normal usage. For your correct tire pressure, refer to the CAUTION PLATE TIRE PRESSURE located the left center pillar of your car. Monitor your battery Another part of your car that you can easily check and take care of is your battery. Be sure to regularly keep an eye out for your battery levels manually, under the hood, and see if you’ll need to add water. Check the battery terminals and clamps if they are properly secured and free from white rust. Think that your battery should be okay because you haven’t used your car in a while? Car batteries actually lose their charge when unused for a long time. To prevent your battery from draining, start your engine at least once every two weeks or take your car for a safe spin every day

Hino expands LDT line-up

for about 30 minutes. Remember BLOWBAG Besides the battery and the tires, to ensure that your car is in good condition, remember the rest of your “BLOWBAG” (Battery, Light, Oil, Water, Breaks, Air, Gas) checklist. Make sure that all these parts are working properly, or better yet, have an expert examine them. For fluids like water and oil, be sure to have all these checked on a regular basis. Also, do not forget to always leave gas in the tank. Bring it in for maintenance If most of the items on your BLOWBAG checklist are not functioning properly or if your vehicle generally doesn’t feel okay to drive, then it’s probably time to bring it in for maintenance and repairs. Just make sure to have it maintained and repaired by your car’s respective dealerships so that you get the best car parts and topnotch service that will ultimately tronic control ensures shifts, including overdrives, in any road conditions are carried out with ease. The new transmission likewise allows optimized engine braking, an expanded lock-up range, lower fuel consumption on idle and an overall quieter ride. To ensure driver convenience, the cab interior has been upgraded with a bigger meter display for easier reading, improved power doors and windows, and ergonomically designed seats for more room and comfort. SRS Airbags and Antilock Brake System (ABS) have also been installed in some Hino 300 Series variants for increased driver and passenger safety. “We recognize the importance of the local transport and logistics industry given the challenges the country is currently facing. As the country works toward economic recovery, HMP will continue providing Total Support to its customers and lifetime value to Filipinos and the country. With the introduction of our all-new Hino 300 Series, we hope to not only support local suppliers and retailers in responding to the current demands of the market but also to help them in expanding to other businesses and finding new opportunities,” HMP President, Mitsuharu Tabata said.

son testing in Bahrain earlier this month was limited to only two half-days due to a gearbox issue, but he said it had not diminished his anticipation. “It’s been a long wait since last year and I am very happy that we are here now and we start tomorrow (Friday) and then we go from there. “It was kind of sad not to have as many days testing as I would have liked, but we will take on the challenge.” Schumacher, 22, will line up alongside fellow-rookie Russian Nikita Mazepin for Haas.

“I am so happy that we are here and I feel really excited,” he added. His father Michael won seven drivers’ titles, two with Benetton and five with Ferrari, before coming out of retirement to end his career with a stint at the thenfledgling Mercedes works team from 2010 to 2012. The 52-year-old has not been seen in public since a skiing accident in the French Alps in 2013, witnessed by Mick, left the Formula One legend with severe brain injuries. AFP

FASTLANE

How to fast forward your business this summer WITH Hyundai’s new promo dubbed as FAST-FORWARD DRIVE, the Hyundai Reina is yours at #ZeroSafeguardTax, and a low monthly payment of P5,921.00 until April 15, 2021. Whether your engaged in an online, logistics, or TNVS enterprise, you can forge ahead with a sub-compact sedan that’s designed to get you through the busiest of days. The Reina’s 1.4L gasoline engine and motor-driven power steering will ease the drive through stop-and-go traffic and all sorts of roadways. It has ample 2,570mm wheelbase that comfortably seats up to five passengers and a generous trunk space that can store up to 475 liters of cargo. Under the hood is a 1.4L gasoline engine with dynamic power of 95ps for quicker maneuverability in and around the city. It’s mated to either a 5-speed

manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission, offering a more versatile and convenient driving experience for first-time and city drivers alike. And its important safety features are not usually present in most subcompacts: dual airbags that provide significant occupant protection for both driver and front passenger and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that lets you have better control of your maneuvers.

Geely opens Davao City dealership SOJITZ G Auto Philippines continues its expansion in Mindanao as it opens Geely Davao. Since last year, SGAP has already inaugurated 4 dealerships in the country’s South: Geely Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro General Santos, and Davao. Geely Davao is operating under SGAP’s partner dealer Image G Motors Davao Inc. “We are pleased to be part of Geely’s network expansion here in the King City of the South. With how Geely has been greatly performing in the market, I believe that the Davaoeños will be welcoming the brand even more after we have formally opened our doors to them”, Image G Motors Davao Inc. Walter Alvarez said. “Running a business during this time poses a great challenge. But our collective efforts and the trust of our part-

ners make difficulties easier to handle. I would like to thank Image G Motors Davao Inc. for bringing the Geely brand to the King City of the South”, SGAP President & CEO Mikihisa Takayama said. Geely Davao, which opened on March 24, 2021, is located at Km 5 JP Laurel Avenue Bajada, Davao City. It is now working in full operation, Monday through Saturday from 8:00AM5:00PM.

Modernizing taxis in Cebu TOYOTA once again proved its undeniable commitment to support the national government’s Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program and provide better transportation experience through its partnership with Ogre Transport Incorporated, a Cebu-based taxi service company, and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). In a simple and intimate event last March 7, 2021 in Consolacion, Cebu attended by Ogre Transport President Mr. Dave Lim, LTFRB Regional Di-

rector Col. Eduardo C. Montealto, Jr. (Ret.), Toyota Mabolo representatives, LTFRB officers, and VIP guests, Ogre Transport launched its Silver and Gold premium taxis with 100 Innova units and 50 HiAce Commuter Deluxe units, respectively, all customized by Toyota for this partnership as the initial highgrade line-up. “It is of great honor that we were chosen by Ogre Premium Taxi as their partner in mobility in bringing a new riding experience to the public,” Toyota Mabolo President Mr. Philip Lo said. He added that it is indeed a grateful experience to be partners “in delivering happiness to commuters and bringing them safely to their destination.” With Toyota’s Quality, Durability, and Reliability, Cebuanos and tourists can now opt to travel around Cebu in a premium, safe, and most importantly, comfortable commuting experience.