Manila Standard - 2021 June 26 - Saturday

BIDEN RECALLS P-NOY’S LEGACY

By Rey E. Requejo, Nash Maulana, Maricel V. Cruz, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja

US PRESIDENT Joe Biden on Friday offered his condolences to the Philippines on the death of former President Benigno Aquino III, describing him as a “valued friend and partner” to the United States who would “long be remembered for serving his country with integrity and selfless dedication.” In a statement released by the White House, Biden Next page Honor guards carry an urn containing the ashes of former President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III from the Heritage Park to be taken to the Church of Gesu at Ateneo De Manila University in Quezon City for public viewing on June 25, 2021. After a 10 a.m. mass at Ateneo, Aquino will be laid to rest today June 26, 2021 beside his parents at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City. Manny Palmero

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Duterte calls on ‘qualified civilians’ to ‘arm selves’ By Joyce Pangco Pañares QUALIFIED civilian groups should be armed to help the police in fighting criminals, President Rodrigo Duterte said as he asked human rights advocates “what is wrong” if he orders the killing of suspects who resist arrest and fight back. In his speech during the launch of the Global Coalition of Lingkod Bayan Ad-

vocacy Support Groups and Force Multipliers in Camp Crame yesterday, the commander-in-chief said the essence of making an arrest is to “overcome the resistance” of the criminal. “The duty of the arresting officer be he a military, police, or an [ordinary person] making a civilian arrest, eh your duty is to overcome his resistance. So that if he chooses to fight you with a gun-for-gun or maybe a blunt instru-

ment, you have every right also to defend yourself for self-preservation – in law it’s called self-defense. You have to bring him under your control and drag him dead or alive to the station,” the President said. “If you have this coalition, you have a list of people who are there who can arm themselves. I will order the police if you are qualified, get a gun, and help Next page

Former President Fidel Ramos receives his second dose of Sinovac COVID-19 jab at De La Salle Santiago Zobel vaccination site in Muntinlupa City. (Story on Page 2)

WHO warns ‘Delta’ more infectious Warning prompts DOH to issue heightened alert

By Willie Casas and Maricel V. Cruz

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HE World Health Organization warned the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 could lead to a worse surge in the country as the Department of Health said it is now on heightened to prevent the spread of the dangerous strain.

Ombudsman bags big fish: ex-top cops, BI execs By Maricel V. Cruz THE Ombudsman finally bagged its proverbial “big fish” as it secured the graft and plunder conviction and prison terms of nine former top police and immigration officials.

In a decision promulgated on Friday, the Sandiganbayan convicted former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Jesus Verzosa and five others of graft in connection to the purchase of P131.5 million worth of police rubber boats and outboard motors in 2009.

The anti-graft court’s Third Division sentenced Verzosa and retired PNP officers Benjamin Belarmino Jr., Jefferson Soriano, Luizo Ticman, Romeo Hilomen, and Villamor Bumanglag to imprisonment of from six to eight years. Next page

“It is going to be infecting people far easier and faster than what we saw during the April to May surge affecting the NCR if the Delta variant starts spreading in the community,” WHO country representative Dr. Rabindra Abeyashinghe said. On April 2, the country logged an alltime high of 15,310 new infections. The surge that began in March prompted the government to place Metro Manila and four surrounding provinces – Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Bulacan – under hard lockdown or Enhanced Community Quarantine. The DOH on Friday called on local governments to enforce strict border

controls to prevent the spread of the dreaded Delta variant. “All of us are on heightened alert now,” said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire. Next page

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM JUNE 25)

1,385,053 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

Verzosa

Argosino

6,813 55,293

PH, 3 OTHERS ON ‘GREY LIST’ OF INT’L TASK FORCE

NEW

ACTIVE

24,152

116

NEWS / A2

1,305,608 RECOVERIES

2,867

DEATHS

NEW

NEW

Robles

Romualdez gets Lakas backing; options open By Maricel V. Cruz THE Executive Committee of Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats has rallied the party leadership behind House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez’s decision to “keep all his options open,” including a possible vice presidential run in the 2022 national elections. The Lakas Execom, in a meeting Wednesday, unanimously approved a motion from Isabela Rep. Antonio Albano to support Romualdez, their party president, if

the latter decides to run for Vice President next year. “In light of the recent news that there is an endorsement by no less than our beloved President for our Majority Floor Leader to be Vice President, this Representative would like to make a motion to adopt here in the plenary to actually endorse you to whatever position you will undertake in the coming 2022 elections,” Albano said. The motion was duly seconded by Reps. Manuel

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US okays sale of P118b war materiel to PH THE US State Department has approved the possible sale of $2.43 billion or P118 billion worth of military equipment and fighter jets to the Philippines, a United States agency has said. The possible sale could include 10 F-16C Block 70/72 aircraft, 24 air-to-air missiles, modular mission

computers, missile launchers, tactical radio system, and ammunition, among others, said the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The State Department “has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Next page

FLORIDA CONDO TOPPLES, 4 DEAD NEWS / B2

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Watchdog adds PH to ‘grey list’ H

AITI, Malta, Philippines and South Sudan were placed Friday on a “grey list” of countries under increased monitoring to counter money laundering and terrorist financing.

The move comes one month after the Council of Europe’s anti-money laundering body, Moneyval, cited Malta’s improvement in combating money laundering, according the country higher international compliance ratings in certain areas. Inclusion on the list can have negative consequences, making it more difficult to attract foreign investment. For Malta, it could hit its gaming and banking sectors which are key to the economy. Malta has long been dogged by charges of laxity on corruption, the focus of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia’s investigations before her 2017 murder.

Two senior politicians were forced to step down following the 2016 international Panama Papers scandal that revealed widespread corruption and financial crime. On Friday, the FATF removed Ghana from its grey list. The FATF did not add or remove any countries from its “blacklist” of countries whose efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing are seen as seriously lacking. Only Iran and North Korea are on the FATF’s blacklist. Nations are urged to take steps to apply measures to protect the international financial system from risks from blacklist countries. AFP

The Financial Action Task Force, an international organization that coordinates global efforts to crack down on money laundering and terrorism financing, said nations on the list are working with it to correct deficiencies in their financial systems. The additions bring to 22 the number of countries currently under increased monitoring by the intergovernmental watchdog, which was created in 1989. Malta becomes the only EU nation on the list dominated by African and Cen-

tral American and Caribbean countries. Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela earlier this week criticised the FATF’s decision, but he pledged to improve oversight on financial crimes. “While I consider this decision as one which is unjust, our country will continue to build on the many reforms we have already done,” Abela said. “Instead of complaining, we will see this challenge as an opportunity,” he told journalists, pledging to respect the watchdog’s decision.

Biden... From A1

PSG chief clears air on Duterte’s jab

added that Aquino’s “steadfast commitment to advancing peace, upholding the rule of law, and driving economic growth for all Filipinos, while taking bold steps to promote the rules-based international order” will leave a “remarkable legacy at home and abroad that will endure for years to come.” “I greatly valued our time working together, and I extend my heartfelt sympathies to his family and to all who will mourn his absence,” the US President said. Biden served as the vice president under the Obama administration from 2009 to 2017, while Aquino was the Philippine president from 2010 to 2016. The 61-year-old Aquino III, son of pro-democracy icons, Benigno Jr. and Corazon, who helped oust the late dictator President Ferdinand Marcos, promoted good governance and brought China’s massive territorial claims to an international court during his presidency. Four years after filing the case against China in 2012, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China’s massive claim and upheld the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea. Expressions of condolences and messages of bereavement poured in for Aquino from Germany, France, Japan, Australia, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Nations and the European Union. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, lauded Aquino for his determination “to reform the government and promote the stable growth of the Philippine economy.” Under Aquino, the ministry said Taiwan and the Philippines have strengthened cooperation on legal and maritime cooperation with the signing of the “Taiwan-Philippines Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Justice” and the “Taiwan-Philippines Cooperation Agreement on Promoting Fishery Law Enforcement.” These agreements highlighted the “friendly and cooperative relations between Taiwan and the Philippines,” the ministry added. Former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada on Friday expressed his grief over Aquino’s death. “The country and I are grieving for the death of former President Benigno ‘Noyno’” Aquino III,” Estrada said in Filipino. “My sincere condolences to the Aquino family. At this time, my only prayer is for the Lord to give you strength. Goodbye, Noy!” The country’s top Muslim leaders also mourned Aquino’s death. “The Bangsamoro government joins the entire country in mourning the death of former President Benigno “Nonoy” Aquino…,” Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim said in a message sent to the Aquino family. Ebrahim said the confidence developed by both parties in the peace process during Aquino’s term paved the way for the signing of key agreements that cleared the path for the foundation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Romualdez... From A1 Zamora of Davao de Oro, Roger Mercado of Southern Leyte, and Lorna Bautista-Bantigan of Davao Occidental. Both Zamora and Bantigan are also members of Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago. Mercado is Lakas Vice President for External Affairs. The motion was approved by all members of the Lakas-CMD Executive Committee, the party’s highest policymaking organ, led by party chairman Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. In the same meeting, the Lakas national party officials also adopted a

By Vito Barcelo THE head of the Presidential Security Group yesterday disclosed President Rodrigo Duterte has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Sinopharm vaccine, only to be denied hours later by presidential spokesman Harry Roque. “Gen. [Jesus] Durante was mistakenly informed by his medical staff that a second dose was already administered to the President,” Roque said in a statement.

WHO... From A1 “All local governments were informed and all regional offices were told that they need to closely watch our borders for the Delta variant,” she said. She said recommended measures include stricter border control, compliance with minimum health standards, and the speedier vaccination of priority groups eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines. The WHO said the Delta variant is present in over 80 countries. Elsewhere in the world, Central Sydney and its popular eastern beaches around Bondi were ordered into lockdown Friday as authorities try to contain an expanding outbreak of the Delta variant. The Israeli health ministry reimposed a requirement Friday for masks to be worn in enclosed public places following a surge in COVID cases since it was dropped 10 days ago. The head of Israel’s pandemic response task force, Nachman Ash, said the rise in cases was likely due to the highly contagious Delta variant first seen in India. Africa is facing a vicious coronavirus resurgence, with unprecedented hospital admissions and fatalities pushing health facilities to the brink as the continent falls far behind in the global vaccination drive. The Delta variant, first detected in India, has so far been reported in 14 African countries, making up the bulk of new cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, according to the WHO.

Ombudsman... From A1 Soriano is now the mayor of Tuguegarao City in Cagayan province. In addition, the Sandiganbayan perpetually disqualified the six from holding public office. Retired Police Director Ronald Roderos, a member of the PNP National Headquarters-Bids and Awards Committee, was acquitted of graft as the court upheld his defense of nonparticipation in the acquisition of the rubber boats and outboard motors. Retired Police Chief Superintendent Herold Ubalde was dropped from the list of the accused because he died while the case was pending. The case stemmed from the PNP’s purchase of 75 PBRs and 93 OBMs from EnviroAire Inc., Geneve SA Philresolution that authorizes Romualdez to sign the renewal of their alliance agreement with the HNP for the 2022 national and local elections. Romualdez explained the alliance agreement would bind the two parties to support whoever they decide to field as candidate for President in next year’s election. “If Mayor Sara Duterte decides to seek higher office for 2022, we are ready to work for her victory in the coming election,” Romualdez said. He underscored the importance of stronger cooperation of political parties in ensuring the preservation of the country’s democratic processes, including the conduct of peaceful and orderly elections.

Roque said the PSG chief has already rectified his remarks and apologized for the confusion. Earlier in the day, Durante said the President received his second dose of the vaccine 14 days after getting the first jab. “The President is now fully vaccinated, and this is very important,” Durante said, adding Duterte was first inoculated on May 3. The World Health Organization recommends an interval of three to four

weeks between the first and second doses for this particular vaccine. Sinopharm has been issued emergency use authorization by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration on June 7, or weeks after Duterte received the first dose. It was in February that Sinopharm was given a compassionate use permit by the FDA. Meanwhile, former President Fidel Ramos has received his COVID-19 jab in one of Muntinlupa’s vaccination sites.

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control warned the Delta variant could soon account for 90 percent of new coronavirus cases in the EU. On Thursday, the OCTA Research Group said the Delta variant, first detected in India, could cripple the country’s health care system because of its more infectious nature. OCTA fellow Ranjit Rye warned that the Delta variant, which he described as a game changer, could lead to a surge of COVID-19 cases. Rye warned also that Filipinos should not be complacent and must follow minimum public health protocols. As of June 21, the country has reported a total of 17 cases of the Delta variant but all of them were detected at the country’s borders. OCTA Research also urged the government to do more testing and hire more contract tracers to prevent the community transmission of the more contagious variant. The Philippines logged 6,812 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, bringing the total number of infections to 1,385,053, the DOH reported. The DOH reported 116 new fatalities, bringing the COVID-19 death toll to 24,152. The DOH also reported 2,867 new recoveries, bringing the total recoveries to 1,305,608. Active cases stood at 55,293, of which 90.8 percent were mild, 4.6 percent were asymptomatic, 1.3 percent were critical, 1.9 percent were severe, and 1.35 percent were moderate. The DOH also reported that, nation-

wide, 57 percent of the ICU beds, 46 percent of the isolation beds, 44 percent of the ward beds, and 36 percent of the ventilators, were in use. In Metro Manila, 42 percent of the ICU beds, 40 percent of the isolation beds, 33 percent of the ward beds, and 30 percent of the ventilators, were in use. The DOH said it would allocate additional vaccines from 25 percent to 30 percent in 10 areas outside of the National Capital Region experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases. Malacañang on Thursday identified 10 areas that would be part of the priority in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Palace spokesman Harry Roque said new priority areas would comprise “Metro Manila Plus 8 Plus 10” which would cover the following: Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Cagayan De Oro, Baguio City, Zamboanga City, Dumaguete City, Tuguegarao City, General Santos City, Naga City and Legazpi City. The distribution priority was previously limited to “NCR Plus 8” that is composed of Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, Bulacan, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, and Rizal. Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez on Friday expressed gratitude to the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) for sending ventilators to Cagayan de Oro. On Thursday, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, Jr said that IATF was sending “ventilators to boost the city’s hospitals’ capacity to aid seriously ill patients.” With AFP

ippines, and Bay Industrial Philippines Corp. despite the suppliers’ failure to pass the eligibility tests. To make matters worse, the items delivered by the three suppliers also failed to meet the specifications prescribed by the National Police Commission and were “not functionally compatible,” the court said. “The accused NHQ-BAC officials recommended the award of the supply contract to co-accused Verzosa, who approved the same. Hence, all the accused are responsible for the functional incompatibility of the PRBs and OBMs delivered,” the court said. “Verzosa should have noticed the financial weakness of the suppliers and functional incompatibility of the PRBs and OBMs. Instead, he kept silent. His actions show manifest partiality toward the ineligible suppliers,” it added.

Associate Justice Bernelito Fernandez wrote the decision while Associate Justices Amparo Cabotaje-Ang and Ronald Moreno concurred. In a separate decision, the Sandiganbayan meted out life imprisonment to former Immigration deputy commissioners Al Argosino and Michael Robles and retired police officer Wenceslao Sombrero Jr. after convicting them of plunder in connection with a P50million bribery case. The three were also convicted of graft and sentenced to jail from six to 10 years and perpetual disqualification to hold public office. Robles and Argosino were accused of receiving P50 million from Sombero, the alleged bagman of Chinese businessman Jack Lam, for the release of 1,316 illegal Chinese workers found at the Lam’s casino in Clark, Pampanga in 2016.

US... From A1

military received P183 million worth of weapons and equipment from the Joint US Military Assistance Group-Philippines (JUSMAG), the United States Embassy in the Philippines said. The defense assistance came amid reports that more than 100 new vessels -- likely Chinese -- were detected this month in the West Philippine Sea. According to US-based geospatial imagery and data analysis firm Simularity, the number of vessels rose from 129 to 238. JUSMAG officials delivered the equipment Monday, which included nine M3P .50 caliber heavy machine guns and 10 mortar tubes, among others, at the Clark Air Base.

the Government of the Philippines of F-16 Block 70/72 Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $2.43 billion,” the DSCA said in a statement released on Thursday (Friday in Manila). “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in South East Asia,” the agency said. Earlier this week, the Philippine

FDA approves use of Bharat anti-virus vax By Willie Casas, Joel Zurbano and Vito Barcelo BHARAT BioTech’s COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin has been approved for export to the Philippines, Food and Drug Administration director general Eric Domingo said Friday. According to Domingo, this developed after the FDA revised the emergency use authorization issued to Covaxin since its importer, IP Biotech Inc., already submitted its Good Manufacturing Practice Certificate, Risk Management Plan, and updated Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls. “They initially failed to submit required certificates, although they already passed the inspection for good manufacturing practice. Now, they can import Covaxin here and we can already use it here,” Domingo said. Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran earlier said an EUA was issued to Covaxin in April. Based on the FDA evaluation, Covaxin is given in two doses to those aged 18 years old and above, with the second dose given 28 days after the first dose. “Based on the totality of evidence available to date, including data from adequate and well- known controlled trials, it is reasonable to believe that the Bharat Biotech COVID-19 Vaccine may be effective to prevent, diagnose, or treat COVID-19,” the FDA stated in its June 21 letter. Covaxin’s storage requires 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, and the doses should be used within six hours once opened. Meanwhile, a vaccine with an overall efficacy rate of 90.4 percent and a 93.2 percent efficacy against variants of interest and concern, developed by US biotechnology company Novavax, is expected to arrive in the country in the third quarter of the year. The vaccine’s trade name in the Philippines is Covovax. This was announced by Faberco Life Sciences Inc., the local pharmaceutical firm that has secured the distribution rights to the vaccine in the Philippines.

Duterte... From A1 us enforce the laws,” he added. The coalition is composed of civilian organizations that will partner with the police in fighting crime. Duterte said killing a person who already surrendered is never an option even as he stressed the legality of self-defense “If he goes voluntarily with you – good. It is ideal. You are not supposed to kill a person lying, kneeling, begging for his life,” he said. “But if they resist arrest violently, then you have the right to do your thing [that is] commensurate...What is wrong when I tell the policemen and the soldiers that if you see them in the mountains, carrying arms, shoot them? Do not wait until you are seen so that you have to confront them physically.” “That’s why I said, destroy my country, I will kill you. You destroy the youth of the land. So what’s wrong with that? What divine law or divine right will prevent me from saying, ‘you son of a whore, I will kill you.’ I am protecting my country,” Duterte added. Earlier, International Criminal Court prosecutor Fatou Bensouda requested for the court’s judicial authorization to proceed with an investigation on the Philippine government’s drug war, citing “reasonable basis to believe that crimes against humanity have been committed.” Duterte vowed to never face an investigation by the ICC. The DSCA said in a statement: “The proposed sale will improve the Philippines’ capability to meet current and future threats by enabling the Philippines to deploy fighter aircraft with precision munitions in support of counterterrorism operations in the southern Philippines, increasing effectiveness and minimizing collateral damage.” “The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic militar y balance in the region.” American aerospace, defense, and technology firm Lockheed Martin Corporation will be the principal contractor for the potential sale, the DSCA said.

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PH receives anti-HIV drugs from US

By Rey Requejo

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HE United States government has donated 20,000 bottles of HIV prevention drugs or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to the Philippines’ Department of Health

The donation was made by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) last June 25, which coincided with the formal launch of the P500 million ($10.3 million) US Agency for International Development -PEPFAR program in the Philippines. US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to support the country in its journey to ending AIDS by 2030 through evidencebased strategies like DOH’s PrEP program. “This first tranche of HIV prevention drugs is an initial step toward achieving the country’s goal of ending AIDS,” Law said, in a statement released by the US Embassy in Manila. “We have a long road ahead of us, and the journey will not be easy, but the U.S. government shares your vision and is committed to standing by your side as a partner in realizing an AIDS-free Philippines,” he added. With the anticipated rise in HIV infections as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced access to and uptake of HIV testing and treatment services, “PrEP is a much-needed addition to the HIV prevention arsenal in the Philippines,” the US diplomat stressed. Through the PEPFAR program, USAID will complement the DOH’s work in HIV toward sustainable financing, efficient procurement and supply chain management, and evidence-based, client-centered care. USAID will also work with DOH on building systems to ensure the steady supply of drugs and commodities. DOH welcomed the US support to the Philippines’ campaign against HIV and other sexuality transmitted diseases. “We know that the use of PrEP works effectively to prevent HIV transmission and including this in our coordinated HIV response will spell the difference in our fight against HIV,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said. With almost 50 facilities across Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) ready to provide free PrEP, USAID-PEPFAR will reach over 3,500 clients from key populations with HIV prevention drugs over two years. This PEPFAR support for HIV prevention drugs is part of the U.S. government commitment of more than Php875 million ($18.2 million) over two years for U.S.-Philippines bilateral HIV prevention and control efforts, with implementation by USAID, U.S. Centers for Disease Control, U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, and the U.S. Department of Defense.

VERTICAL FARM.

Navotas City Congressman John Rey Tiangco, Regional Director of the World Scout Bureau Asia Pacific Region Jose Rizal Pangilinan, Bureau of Plant Industry Director George Culaste, and Good Greens President Simon Villalon led the blessing and inauguaration of eight additional towers of Urban Vertical Farm, a new way to boost food production, in Navotas Homes 1-Tanza, Navotas City. Andrew Rabulan

Customs hold session on world’s best practices Manila opens By Joel E. Zurbano THE Bureau of Customs - Ninoy Aquino International Airport took part in a two-day workshop sponsored by the US Customs and Border Protection in a bid to improve efficiency in performing basic tasks and help combat smuggling in the Philippines. The workshop dubbed ‘Hybrid Virtual Workshop for International Air Cargo Interdiction Training’ was organized by the United States Export Control and Related Border Security (US-EXBS) Program on June 17 and 18. “The workshop aims to train and impart on the participants, through information sharing, the best practices being used all over the world in order to meet the highly challenging

task of securing the borders from illicit trade,” said Port of NAIA collector Carmelita Talusan The Export Control and Related Border Security Program is a state department program of the United States designed to help partner governments to develop and improve their strategic trade and related border control systems in accordance with international standards, through technical assistance, executive exchanges and training workshops for border control and enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the primary border control agency of the United States, charged with regulating and facilitating international trade. The workshop was held following

a special training program initiated by the SGS Academy on June 16 in line with the agency’s vision to become a world-class Customs administration. The training was attended by 80 personnel from Customs NAIA Central Mail Exchange Center, Customer Care Center, Public Information Office, and Office of the District Collector, and members of the Multi-Sectoral Advisory Council. The training focused on the latest best practice in the industry, technical standards, and current legal and regulatory compliance expectations. Talusan acknowledged the SGS Academy for the knowledge shared during the seminar and the MSAC members in giving their unwavering support, time and resources.

UN-VAXED. A senior citizen has been selling ducklings for almost 10 years now at the Mahogany Market in Tagaytay City. He sends his three children to school and continues selling even though it has been difficult and a daily struggle since the virus pandemic but until now he has not been vaccinated against COVID-19. JR josue

CDC rolls out vaccination program in Clark; first 100 get jab CLARK FREEPORT— The first batch of individuals under the A4 priority group in this Freeport received on June 24, 2021, their initial dose of COVID-19 vaccine during the launch of Clark Development Corporation’s vaccination program. CDC President and CEO Manuel R. Gaerlan attended the first day of the inoculation program and expressed his gratitude to government officials, Local

Government Units (LGUs), and other partner agencies for making the program possible. Gaerlan cited the support of Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and CEO Vivencio Dizon, National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., and City Government of Mabalacat Mayor Crisos-

tomo Garbo, for their efforts to speed up the facilitation of the vaccination activity here. The vaccination activity in the Freeport also corresponds to the immunization program initiated by Mabalacat City LGU. With the arrival of 150 COVID-19 vaccines here yesterday, CDC kicked off its immunization drive at the Clark

Polytechnic and inoculated 100 economic front liners with the said vaccines. CDC Health and Sanitation Division (HSD) Manager Dr. Clemencita Dobles supervised the vaccination activity together with other HSD personnel, doctors, and other medical staff from Department of Health (DOH) Region III. Some 200 vaccines are also expected to arrive today (June 25).

Supercharge regional growth—solon By Maricel V. Cruz

CLARK VAX PROGRAM STARTS. Clark Development Corporation

(CDC) President and CEO Manuel R. Gaerlan (leftmost, standing) together with CDC Health and Sanitation Manager Dr. Clemencita D. Dobles (center, standing) supervised the first day of Clark’s Vaccination program yesterday (June 24) held at the Clark Polytechnic vaccination site here. (CDC-CD Photo)

A LEGISLATOR from the Bicol region on Friday urged his fellow legislators to support a bill designed “to supercharge” growth and create a lot of livelihood opportunities outside Metro Manila amid the prolonged Covid-19 pandemic. Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte was referring to President Duterte’s Balik Probinsya Bagong Pagasa initiative contained in House Bill (HB) 6970 he filed at the House of Representatives. Villafuerte, principal author of the bill, said the measure will not only lead to urban decongestion but will also give the

badly-needed boost to economies in the regions outside the metropolis. “The BP2 measure is a long-term solution to revitalize the economies in the provinces and create jobs for the ever growing Filipino workforce, including our dislocated migrant workers who have returned home and remain unemployed because of the pandemic,” Villafuerte, a former governor, said. Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, the number of unemployed Filipinos stood at 4.14 million in April, bringing the unemployment rate to 8.7 percent, which is higher than the 3.44 million jobless Filipinos and the 7.1 percent unemployment rate reported in March.

344-bed field hospital; Go, Isko upbeat By Macon Ramos- Araneta SIX district hospitals run by the Manila city government would be decongested of Covid-19 patients folllowing yesterday’s inauguration of the Manila Covid-19 Field Hospital located at Burnham Green in Rizal Park. The six district hospitals are the Ospital ng Sampaloc, Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center, Ospital ng Tondo, Ospital ng Maynila, Sta. Ana Hospital and Justice Abad Santos Medical Center. Senate Health Committee Chairman Christopher Go and Manila Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso led the inauguration of the 344-bed capacity that will cater to mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients. Go lauded Domagoso and other city officials led by Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna- Pangan and Manila Health Department Director Dr. Arnold Pangan for their hard work and dedication to establish the facility. Go recognized that this initiative is in line with the efforts of Manila to help enhance, capacitate, and build more health facilities nationwide to cope with the increasing demands for medical care caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

QC VAx Easy new portal for online listing By Rio N. Araja TO complement its “ever-growing” vaccine program, the Quezon City government has opened a new vaccine registration portal. Following the recent technical woes of the city’s third-party partner eZconsult, Mayor Joy Belmonte on Friday clarified that this will be an alternative or additional mode to the current registration processes. “Pending another round of online booking to test eZconsult’s system upgrade, we are offering QC Vax Easy as an option. With this new registration system, we are reducing the difficulty of manually booking your slots. Just register and wait for the city government to contact you for your schedule,” she said. The QC Vax Easy introduces a firstin, first-out registration, meaning those who have registered and submitted their personal information shall be given a schedule for their inoculation, depending on the availability of vaccine supply. The city government will prioritize registrants based on their priority group. Registrants in the QC Vax Easy system can also be used as a quick substitution list in case scheduled registrants would not show up on the day of their vaccination, she noted.

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SALUTE TO PNOY. Yellow ribbons that symbolize the Aquino

legacy are tied to iron barriers on the center aisle of España Boulevard in Sampaloc, Manila following the passing of former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III due to renal disease on Thursday. Norman Cruz

Poe: Hospitals need PhilHealth payments ASAP SEN. Grace Poe yesterday warned the pandemic response of hundreds of hospitals would be placed in jeopardy if the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) would not immediately pay unpaid claims to them. “PhilHealth should pay up. Hospitals are battlegrounds in this fight against COVID-19,” said Poe. She noted that hospitals need what is due to them, especially in this time when a number of them are overwhelmed with patients due to the recent surge of infections. “Being reimbursed of their rightful claims would capacitate hospitals to fully respond to the needs of their patients – both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19,” Poe said. The senator said that PhilHealth owes it to its members to be able to deal with the challenges hounding its system to reimburse hospitals. She cited reports that in Western Visayas alone, including Iloilo City, claims of hospitals and laboratories have reached over P800 million. According to Poe, local executives of the same area have raised the SOS to the national government over the lack of hospital beds, dwindling medical staff, inadequate vaccine supply, shortage of medicines and the slack in PhilHealth’s settling its dues. The state health insurer implemented a Debit-Credit Payment Method starting April supposedly to fast-track the payment of claims and make sure that all health claims were valid. PhilHealth management, Poe said, should review the new system to determine if it’s fast and efficient enough. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Duterte signs 13 bills to expand hospitals By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday signed 13 measures to boost the capacity of various hospitals to provide quality care and services especially amid an ongoing global health crisis. Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate committee on health, sponsored the bills in the Senate the previous month. He committed to fight for the interest and welfare of the people, especially the poor. House Majority Leader and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin G. Romualdez and

Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez on Friday thanked the President for signing into law two measures that would improve the capacity of two hospitals in their province. “We extend our sincerest gratitude to President Duterte for signing these vital bills into law. We also thank our

colleagues from the House of Representatives and the Senate for working on these measures that would surely uplift the health care capacity in our province,” the Romualdez couple, who principally authored House Bills 6971 and 6972, said. “The passage of these measures exemplifies our never-ending commitment to our constituents, who truly deserve quality health care and facilities,” the Romualdezes said. In a speech delivered during the signing ceremony, Duterte congratulated both Houses of Congress for the passage of the measures.

HONORING THE FALLEN.

Officers of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency hold a wreath laying and gun salute ceremony to mark the agency’s 19th anniversary and to pay tribute to fallen comrades at the honor wall of the PDEA general headquarters in Quezon City. Manny Palmero

PhilHealth pay Villar exalts trees’ role as country marks Arbor Day coverage grows, P6.3b released THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is urging health care facilities (HCFs) located in areas with high concentration of COVID-19 cases as determined by the Inter-Agency Task Force/National Task Force Against COVID-19 (IATF-NTF) to avail of its Debit-Credit Payment Method (DCPM). In a statement, PhilHealth said it has implemented the DCPM to fast-track the settlement of its payables to HCFs to ensure continuous delivery of services during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of June 14, 2021, PhilHealth already disbursed more than P6.3 billion to 206 HCFs under the DCPM. The DCPM was first made available to HCFs treating COVID-19 patients in the National Capital Region, Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, and Rizal. In view of IATF Resolution Nos. 121, 118-A, 116-C, 114-C, 114-A, and 113-A, s. 2021, PhilHealth said that it is expanding coverage for the DCPM to the following provinces and cities:

SAYING trees not only provide people with clean air but also protect from destruction due to calamities, Senator Cynthia Villar exhorted the public to protect them and join in greening the communities as the country observes Arbor Day on June 25. Villar, chair of the Senate committee on natural resources, said Arbor Day is a special occasion to remind us of the importance and role of trees in environmen-

tal health and human life. With the onset of the rainy season, Villar said Arbor Day is a reminder of the significant role of trees in helping avert massive flooding, and of mangrove trees serving as barriers against storm surges. Villar also encouraged the public to use the occasion to accelerate protection and conservation of areas like the Las Pinas-Paranaque Wetland Park (formerly

Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area), which has been threatened by development initiatives in Manila Bay. LPPWP, a protected area as declared by Proclamation No. 1412 and listed by the Ramsar Convention as one of the world’s most important wetlands, has a 36-hectare mangrove forest with 11 mangrove species. Macon Ramos-Araneta

DBM answers QC solon’s call on laptop bid THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Thursday allayed concerns on the bidding for 39,000 laptop computers for public school teachers, which it said it still ongoing but is being questioned by a Quezon City lawmaker. In a statement, the DBM responded to House Deputy Speaker Bernadette Herrera-Dy, who called for a probe on what she called a questionable bidding process. “The bidding process is ongoing, and no contract has been awarded. Thus, Rep. Herrera-Dy’s call for a Congress probe is not only premature but grossly unfair,” the DBM said in a statement. “By prejudging the bidder selection process, she is, in fact, trying to influence the final outcome of the PS-DBM’s procurement decision,” the department added, referring to its Procurement Service. Herrera-Dy on Wednesday asked why the contract for the supply and delivery of laptop computers was supposedly set to be awarded not to the lowest bidder. The lawmaker said she received information the contract was practically secured by the second-lowest bidder at almost P2.3 billion, which she claimed was P167 million higher than the lowest bid. “PS-DBM would like to reiterate that government projects are not automatically awarded to the bidders with the lowest bid but to bidders with the lowest calculated responsive bid (LCRB),” the DBM said. The LCRB is defined as the lowest bid from a technically, legally, and financially capable supplier compliant with technical specifications as required and stated on the bidding documents. “In light of these misinformed claims and allegations, PS-DBM urges Rep. Herrera-Dy to refrain from making premature remarks and to be enlightened of the procurement process,” the DBM said. “We also call on the legislators to accord PS-DBM employees the presumption of good faith and regularity as they are merely faithfully performing their duties as public servants,” it added.

Hospitals step up digital advances with Globe assist HOSPITALS are stepping up their digital innovations to improve the access of Filipinos to quality, safe, and affordable healthcare and medical services, especially during the pandemic. Backed by the successes in supporting digital innovations to small businesses before and during the pandemic, Globe Business now offers a partnership giving digital solutions to the healthcare industry. This would ensure better and advanced medical services through cost-efficient means. Globe Business, with guest partners HYBrain, Philippine Hospital Association, and Amazon Web Services, is hosting a webinar entitled “Own Progress Through Collaboration: Innovating Healthcare with Digital Technologies” on June 26 at 1 pm. The session intends to share the latest digitally-enhanced, data-driven healthcare technologies and how it can help small and medium hospitals provide Filipinos a quality healthcare experience, and ease administrative work for the staff. Manelle Cousart-Suyat, Industry Marketing Head for Healthcare of Globe Business, said digital innovations in the healthcare industries could help address the pressing challenges of going to the hospitals due to high cost and fears of getting infected by COVID-19. She said Globe Business offers a modular and digital system for hospitals that automates administrative, financial, and logistical processes through a secured platform. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Navotas unveils 14th anniversary works By Jun David THE City Government of Navotas has inaugurated various facilities in celebration of its 14th cityhood anniversary. Rep. John Rey Tiangco, together with Regional Director of the World Scout Bureau Asia Pacific Region Jose Rizal Pangilinan, Director of Bureau of Plant Industry George Culaste, and Good Greens President Simon Villalon, led the blessing and inauguration of eight additional towers in the Urban Vertical Farm at NavotaAs Homes 2–Tanza. The city’s vertical farm, the tallest in Metro Manila, now has a total of 12 greenhouse towers. The initial four towers were financed by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines– Navotas City Council and Good Greens, while the additional eight were fully funded by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry.

Navotas provided the 800 sq m lot for the project. “Despite our lack of space, we strived to put up a farm here in Navotas to help promote food security among Navoteños. Now that we are in a pandemic, it is more crucial that we have a sufficient and sustainable source of food,” Rep. Tiangco said. Good Greens, which manages the project, noted that the 12 towers can produce the same yield as that of a 3-hectare traditional farm. Meanwhile, Tiangco, with Vice Mayor Clint Geronimo and other city officials, also led the inauguration of Tangos Elementary School Multi-Purpose Building and ERC Covered Court, both at Brgy. Tangos North; health center at Brgy. North Bay Boulevard South (NBBS) Proper; and the Navotas Rescue Center at Brgy. NBBS DagatDagatan.

SCREENING. Solomon Luis Bolo, 67, has his blood pressure checked before

getting his first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at Central Mall Dasmariñas in Cavite on Friday. Bolo is among the 500 persons who were inoculated with the USmade jab. Gil Calinga

Opinion Liberating Quezon City

NO, QUEZON City is not under threat of being conquered by any foreign or even domestic powers. What this new political party, Malayang Quezon City is espousing is liberating the city residents from the pains and sufferings brought by health concerns. The other day, Edwin Rodriguez, secretary general of the PDP-Laban Quezon City bared that Anakalusugan Partylist Representative Michael “Idol Mike” Defensor is all prepped to challenged incumbent city mayor, Joy Belmonte for the local chief executive post next year under the banner of Malayang Quezon City. And of course, the main battle cry will be to liberate Quezon City residents of their health woes, which incidentally, is Defensor’s advocacy in his partylist. In fact, Defensor even challenged Health Secretary Francisco Duque when he spearheaded the distribution of the socalled miracle drug against COVID-19, ivermectin, to city residents. The solon went further in taking the cudgels for COVID-19 patients when he threatened to file cases against Duque for insisting on dispensing the expensive remdesivir to patients when even the World Health Organization has issued recommendations against the drug. But while this writer sees a battle royale in the offing between Defensor and Belmonte, a survey firm is already projecting a landslide victory for the latter. According to RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc., results of their survey show Belmonte garnering 38 percent of voters’ support as against 10 percent of Defensor. I just cannot understand where RPMDI is getting its figures. In March this year, RPMDI bestowed the title top-performing local chief executive in Metro Manila to Belmonte, even besting Pasig City Mayor Regis Vico Sotto, who at the time, had just been honored by the US State Department for his anti-corruption initiatives. Justifying the results of their survey, Dr. Paul Martinez of RPMD Inc. was all praises for his firm’s top five Metro Manila Mayors, declaring they were all doing a great job as confirmed by the comments, given by the respondents like in Belmonte’s case –“innovations in reaching and addressing constituents’ concerns during pandemic, social and welfare services, ease in doing business and transactions at city hall, and (being a) hands-on mayor,” which made her the top NCR mayor. And as I have said before, that’s where the problem lies. If indeed Belmonte was successful in her handling of the pandemic, then how come as of today, Quezon City is still the leader when it comes to COVID-19 infection? According to the DoH website, as of June 24, 2021, Quezon City has accumulated a total of 106,283 Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic, out of which, 1,495 cases are still active. So, are the respondents not aware of this? Where did RPMDI source its respondents? From another world in another dimension? Maybe, Quezon City really needs to be liberated. Not only from health problems, but also from other concerns as well. Lol. ••• I really find this representative from Probinsyano Ako Partylist, Rep. Jose “Bonito” Singson quite amusing. Not

only is he a non-conformist, but just like Defensor, he has no problem questioning and protesting administration missteps even as he is identified with the majority coalition in Congress, which is supportive of the administration. On the issue of black sand mining, when almost all critics were calling for a total ban for such activity, Singson batted for maximizing its potentials by calling for processing them to finish products such as steel, rather than exporting them in their raw form. With regard to the errors – deliberate or otherwise – found in the learning modules and books being distributed by the Department of Education, Singson displayed no qualms in castigating DepEd officials in their failure to penalize those behind the malicious acts. For those who have yet to know this man personally, Bonito, by the way, is the youngest son of the late former Mayor of Vigan – Maestro Joseling Singson and Caridad Crisologo Singson. Most of his siblings are public servants which include the late Governor Titong Singson, Mayor Chavit, Vice-Governor Jerry, Former PCSO Chair Honey Girl de Leon, and Mayor Germy Goulart of Caoayan. While born to an affluent family, the early demise of his parents while he was still studying, reinforced his determination, not only to survive but to be successful, graduating from Ateneo de Manila with a degree in Business Management.

Where did the respondents to this survey come from— another planet, another dimension? He became a pioneering businessman in Vigan, built boutique commercial complexes with his Plaza Maestro brand in honor of his father. He developed the biggest memorial park, the Jardin de Caridad in honor of his mother. His investments generated employment for many residents of Vigan and neighboring towns, he created downstream industries for other businessmen and helped pave the way for more investments. He is an amateur historian and has a passion for heritage and ancestral restoration. His house, known and referred to as Casa Caridad, remains one of the best faithfully-restored ancestral houses in Vigan. He made other owners of old Vigan houses recognize the essence of restoration and many followed what he started. In building the structures for his businesses, he remained faithful to the architectural values that made Vigan the UNESCO World Heritage City in the Philippines. At present, Rep. Singson chairs the Committee on Public Accounts and has authored 33 House measures while has coauthored 17 House measures. And among his principally-authored House bills, he is most passionate about what he calls “End to Endo Bill” which aims to give employees the opportunity for longer and gainful employment, while also enjoying mandatory social benefits employees are entitled to through the extension of a maximum allowable period of probationary employment from the current six months to twenty-four months. He may be a newbie in Congress, but so far, he’s been impressive.

Why they want to be president THE presidency is the most powerful and highest elective position in our government. So distinctive is the honor, so enticing are the perks and privileges, so effervescent is the regard, adulation and respect, so strong is the appeal to the opposite sex, and so easy and so many are the opportunities to get rich that so many, including lunatics, want to be president. Whoever wins the presidency on May 9, 2022 immediately becomes the cynosure of all eyes. The people will be looking at him in awe, wondering how he got elected. Now that he holds in his hands the country’s and their own destiny, the people will accord him the great respect. Some will even worship him like a king. The president-elect becomes an instant celebrity, far more prestigious than a sports icon or an entertainment luminary. His wife and children are treated with much deference and courtesy. The president heads the executive department purportedly which the constitution considers co-equal with the legislative and judicial branches of the government. But in reality, the executive is much more important and powerful than Congress or the judiciary. The president stands alone. He is above the

Vice President, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. What makes the president even more powerful is his being the commander-inchief of the armed forces of the Philippines. He decides whether or not the country should go to war over a conflict with another nation. He is responsible for maintaining peace and order in the country and safeguarding the security of the state. This is why he is heavily-guarded wherever he is or goes. The safety of the president, even his health, is of abiding concern to Juan dela Cruz. When his sensibilities are offended and his intelligence is insulted, the president could be fearsome and dangerous. Some former presidents sent their critics to jail. Others made the lives of their political enemies miserable. One of the strongest motives which drive many to aspire for the presidency are the many and easy opportunities to make money. The president can make himself enormously wealthy by gaining control of the most vital arteries of the national economy. He can demand protection money from taipans and rich businessmen. The president can put money into his pocket from the public treasury and get away w ith i t. The perks and privileges of the

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EDITORIAL

EvEryman By Ernesto G. Banawis

SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 2021

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Eight modern airports

HE tourism industry is getting a boost from the operation of eight modern airports across the Philippines within the year. The completion of these airport modernization projects amid the pandemic will hopefully complement the government’s efforts to fully reopen the economy toward the end of the year. The Department of Transportation this week said the government will inaugurate next month a new passenger terminal building in the new Clark International Airport. The terminal will triple the airport’s passenger volume from 4.2 million to 12.2 million annually. The DOTR is touting the bigger Clark airport as “Asia’s next premier gateway” that will help decongest the passenger traffic at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Parañaque City. An airport with modern features attracts local and foreign tourists alike. Weary tourists, especially those with connecting flights, look for airport

The country should be ready when the travel season resumes in this part of the world. conveniences to ease the rigors of travel. Their pleasant travel experience contributes to the positive feedback that they could share to friends and families. Tourism is nurtured this way, with the airport experience serving as the tourist’s first impression of the

country or travel destination. The government is also inaugurating Catarman Airport, Butuan Airport, Busuanga Airport, Zamboanga Airport, Siquijor Airport and General Santos Airport within four months, and the Bicol International Airport before the end of the year. The operation of these modern airports is significant to tourism and the general economy. Modern airports lure local and foreign investors. The ease of travel facilitates businesses that will eventually lead to increased economic activities and create job opportunities in the provinces. New and modern airports equate to increased tourism activities. With travel easing in many parts of the world because of an aggressive vaccine rollout, international flights and foreign tourists will soon reach the Philippines in increasing numbers. The country should be ready when the travel season resumes in this part of the world.

Presidential election: A cavalcade of ambitious personalities (Part 1) THE current selection process has all but been scrapped in favor of one believed to be more popular and willing to throw away his billions for an office that in fact betrays our idealism about democracy. Our system of selecting “the best and the brightest” through a convention has all but been shelved. Today, there is no such thing as a convention where politicians are nominated through that process. The party convention as a democratic process takes the responsibility of selecting a candidate who will be allowed to run for president, and the one who will be nominated as presidential candidate is given a free hand to pick his running mate, a practice we literally lifted from the American political system. The beauty of having to hold a convention is to allow the party to select its candidates, and allow delegates to vote the most qualified under the law. The nomination is usually in the form of a convention to select from among the delegates who will be the frontrunner on the basis of political experience, seniority and the position he holds in the party. Popularity within the party and record of legislation like the number of bills passed is taken into account once elected legislator. The process is often termed as a system pre-qualification. The convention now serves as their biodata on how qualified and competent they are. In the rush to implement their concept of our shoddy democracy, the saintly hypocrites abolished the safeguards of the nitty-gritty party convention done by the nomination of candidates, accreditation of poll watchers, minority representation in the Commission on Elections, and in providing accredited political parties to have poll watchers and entitled to have copies of the election canvass returns. It also abolished the system of sectoral representation and adopted instead the partylist representative, and the computerization of our electoral system that resulted instead

So distinctive is the honor, so enticing the perks. president are even more enticing to anyone who thinks he is good enough to be president. This is what induces morons, scalawags, and dregs of society to run for the presidency. Most of our former male presidents could not resist the allure and dalliance of beautiful women. Some even boast of their amorous conquests. Some of the victims are equally proud to be a presidential paramour. What the president can offer is irresistible. The president is always accorded the highest respect and courtesy in all public events. He always sits at the head of the dining table. Just sitting next to the president is even considered a privilege. But the challenges, the overwhelming problems, the incessant carping of the press and critics, the unreasonable demands of his political associates, the deafening cry of the downtrodden and impoverished masses and he anxiety over the judgment of history are among the most compelling reasons why some qualified and respectable individuals do not aspire for the presidency. The president is not immune to criticism. His political enemies pillory him every time he makes an outrageous

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

in the wholesale cheating of election returns with the lackeys amazingly coming out as winners including the election of committed communists in Congress. The most prurient is that the Church and the remaining praetorian guards of US imperialism subcontracted our electoral system to foreign contractors, with our own former Comelec chairman now hiding in the US. Smartmatic exemplifies our deep addiction to our make-believe democracy which in truth is a complete farce. The hypocrites made it easy to junk the Election Code for the simple reason that it has all the shades of “dictatorial legacy.”

The best and the brightest? It has to be pointed out that the lack of enthusiasm in the coming electoral exercise has nothing to do with the current leadership of the Duterte administration but due to the dwindling amount of funds pouring into the coffers of candidates from the opposition gunning for the presidency. It is their lack of financial resources that is hampering their decision to run or even to field their own candidate. The decline of the US colonial empire resulted in the dwindling of financial support to sustain its political apparatus. It is an open secret that the US has been funding candidates openly embracing its aggressive ideology. During the period when the US economy was at its peak, support for its lackeys came from various sources, either directly provided by the US intelligence community particularly the CIA or from the various US corporations operating in the country. Funds from the US intelligence community partake of the budget allocated decision. His critics document his mistakes, expose his abuses and make his daily life miserable. Media has always been the most unrelenting critic of the president. All previous presidents experienced strained relationships with the media fraternity. Even the 100-day honeymoon of the president with the press is hardly observed by some media establishments. The most vexing problem of every new president is paying his political debts. Those who gave him huge financial support may demand not only protection but also lucrative contracts to regain their investments. Every president inherits the problems left behind by their predecessors. President Rodrigo Duterte, on a number of occasions, sadly admitted that he failed to solve graft and corruption and the drug menace. These are two pervasive problems which will confront his successor. But the most harrowing problem the incumbent president is presently wrestling with is the pandemic. COVID -19 has wrecked the national economy, thrown millions out of jobs, and deepened the anxieties and heartaches of the people, particularly the downtrodden and disadvantaged. The problem which will nag every president throughout his term is the promise to relieve the people’s hardships and to fufill their dreams. There are many other less burdensome yet equally vexing problems which exasperate the president.

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Duterte, Aquino, and the ICC The dishonesty, incompetence and abuses of some of his allies and subordinates undermines the people’s trust and confidence in the leadership of the sitting president. Most of our former presidents lost even their modest accomplishments because of the shortcomings and shenanigans of the people they enlisted to help them run the government. Full version on www.manilastandard.net

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to it with the single objective of ensuring the victory of a candidate openly supporting the US policy. In short, they act as handlers for known puppets like some kind of prearranged boxing “supervised” by the mafia bosses. US private corporations also seek favor but always make sure they are certified stooges. During that period, US companies virtually dominated global trade and the choice of candidates they wanted to win was easy picking. US companies seeking to develop their personal friendship with the candidate can easily be influenced once elected. This explains why during the era when the US was awash with money, candidates supportive of their cause came in troves. It is not only financial support that they seek but the financial support through advertising arms and media outlets. As the Cold War intensified, expenses in support of US candidates were invariably expanded such that they included a budget to discredit candidates of the communist, the nationalist or any candidate that takes the position of opposing the US policy, particularly on its trade relations and on the status of the US bases. Any candidate that exhibits signs of anti-Americanism or identified as nationalist is automatically treated as a political pariah. It is not only the honesty and character of the person that is being maligned but most importantly, he is denied the funds essential to project himself as a serious candidate.

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Crews comb Florida condo rubble, 99 unaccounted for

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ESCUE teams early Friday combed through the rubble of an oceanfront apartment block near Miami Beach that partially collapsed, killing at least one person and leaving another 99 unaccounted for amid fears of a much higher death toll.

An unknown number of residents are feared to have been asleep in the 12-story building, in the town of Surfside, when the collapse in the wee hours of Thursday morning reduced a large portion of it to a pile of debris, exposing the interiors of gutted apartments. “One side of the building just fell

completely. It doesn’t exist anymore,” said Nicolas Fernandez, 29, an Argentinian resident of Miami who had yet to hear from friends who were staying overnight in his family’s unit in the building. “I don’t know about them. I don’t know if they are alive,” he told AFP.

Authorities said they were still without news of 99 people who may have been inside the building when part of it came crashing down. So far 102 others have been accounted for, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said. Search and rescue teams with sniffer dogs were set to work through Thursday night, Levine Cava said. “As the day comes to an end, their day does not,” she said at an evening news conference, the last until Friday morning. During Friday’s early hours, President Joe Biden declared an emergency, ordering federal assistance for the local relief

effort. “The President’s action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts,” the White House said in a statement. At a Surfside community center, relatives of the missing cried as they waited for news. Tenants of the ruined building who were lucky enough to have been away when disaster struck pondered sudden homelessness. Erick de Moura, 40, happened to spend Wednesday night at his girlfriend’s house. AFP

18 killed in fire at China martial arts school AT LEAST 18 people were killed and 16 injured when a fire broke out at a martial arts school in central China in the early hours of Friday, according to the local government. Local media reported that most of the victims were boarding pupils aged between seven and 16. The fire had been extinguished and authorities were investigating the cause of the blaze, a statement from the Zhecheng county government said. There were 34 boarding students on the premises when the fire broke out, according to government staff quoted by Beijing Toutiao News. Those hurt – four of whom had severe injuries – were rushed to a local hospital, where an unnamed doctor told local media they were “doing everything they could” to save them. The unnamed manager of the center in Henan province was arrested, the statement said. The cause of the fire was still unclear. An official confirmed to AFP that the school was the Zhenxing Martial Arts Center. Local media reports described it as a “comprehensive martial arts training institution” that aimed to “strengthen the body through morality and martial arts.” An online listing for the school advertised hour-long classes each day for a range of martial arts disciplines and said the school “recruits boarding students year-round,” but offered no further details. Provincial party chief Lou Yangsheng told local media that the blaze was a “profound lesson.” AFP

This aerial view shows search and rescue personnel working on site after the partial collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, north of Miami Beach, on June 24, 2021. The multi-story apartment block in Florida partially collapsed early June 24, sparking a major emergency response. AFP

‘New type of early human’ discovered in Israel BONES belonging to a “new type of early human” previously unknown to science have been found in Israel, researchers said Thursday, claiming to have shed new light on human evolution. Excavations in the quarry of a cement plant near the central city of Ramla uncovered prehistoric remains that could not be matched to any known species from the Homo genus. Researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem dubbed the “extraordinary discovery” the “Nesher Ramla Homo type” after the site, in a study published in the journal Science. The fossils date to between 140,000 and 120,000 years ago, and the team believes the Nesher Ramla type would have overlapped with Homo sapiens,

the lineage of modern humans. “We had never imagined that alongside Homo sapiens, archaic Homo roamed the area so late in human history,” lead archaeologist Yossi Zaidner said. “The morphology of the Nesher Ramla humans shares features with both Neanderthals... and archaic Homo,” the researchers said in a statement. “At the same time, this type of Homo is very unlike modern humans – displaying a completely different skull structure, no chin and very large teeth.” Along with the human remains, the dig uncovered large quantities of animal bones as well as stone tools. “The archaeological finds associated with human fossils show that ‘Nesher Ramla Homo’ possessed advanced stone-tool production technologies and

most likely interacted with the local Homo sapiens,” Zaidner said. The researchers suggested that some fossils previously discovered in Israel dating back as far as 400,000 years could belong to the same prehistoric human type. Dentist and anthropologist Rachel Sarig of Tel Aviv University said that previously researchers had tried to ascribe the older bones to known human groups like Homo sapiens or Neanderthals. “But now we say: No. This is a group in itself, with distinct features and characteristics,” she said. The Israeli researchers make the still controversial claim that the discovery of a new archaic Homo group in the Middle East challenges accepted ideas that Neanderthals originated in Europe. AFP

US ex-police officer to be sentenced for Floyd murder

In this file photo, a statue of George Floyd is unveiled at Flatbush Junction on June 19, 2021, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Floyd’s murder, at the hands of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, last year fueled a global movement for racial justice. AFP

FORMER policeman Derek Chauvin could be ordered behind bars for 30 years on Friday when he is sentenced for the murder of African American George Floyd, a killing that sparked America’s biggest demonstrations for racial justice in decades. Minnesota law provides for a minimum sentence of 12.5 years for the white, 45-year-old killer, who has been jailed since being convicted on three counts of murder and manslaughter two months ago. But Judge Peter Cahill, who will hand down the sentence at 1:30 p.m. (1830 GMT, Saturday in Manila) in a Minneapolis court, identified aggravating circumstances that could signal a much heavier punishment. He said Chauvin had “abused his position of trust and authority,” treated Floyd with “particular cruelty” in front of minors and “committed the crime as a group with the active participation of at least three other” officers.

Chauvin and three colleagues arrested Floyd, 46, in May last year on suspicion of having passed a fake $20 bill in a store in Minneapolis, a northern city of around 420,000. They handcuffed him and pinned him to the ground in the middle of the street. Chauvin then knelt on the back of Floyd’s neck for nearly 10 minutes, indifferent to the dying man’s groans and to the pleas of distraught passers-by. The scene, filmed and uploaded by a young woman, quickly went viral. After weeks of home confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hundreds of thousands of people poured onto streets across the country and also overseas, to demand an end to racism and police brutality. It took weeks for the mass demonstrations to taper off, but the debate around the pressing social issues remains vivid in the United States, where President Joe Biden has been slow to come up with the police reforms he promised during his campaign. AFP

Car-bomb attack wounds 15 UN peacekeepers in north Mali A CAR-BOMB attack in northern Mali has wounded 15 UN peacekeepers, the United Nations said on Friday, in the latest attack in the war-torn Sahel state. The UN said on Twitter that an evacuation was underway after a car bomb struck a temporary operational base in the area around Tarkint, in the lawless north of the country, without offering further details. The UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, known as MINUSMA, has some 13,000 troops drawn from several nations deployed across the vast semi-arid country. Mali is struggling to contain an Islamist insurgency that erupted in 2012 and which has claimed thousands of military and civilian lives since. Despite the presence of thousands of French and UN troops, the conflict has engulfed the centre of the country and spread to neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger. On Monday, six French soldiers and four civilians were wounded when a car bomb detonated near a French armored car in central Mali. AFP

3 dead, dozens injured as tornado razes Czech homes AT LEAST three people died and dozens were injured after a rare tornado razed houses to the ground in the Czech Republic’s southeast, rescuers said on Friday. “Unfortunately we could not help three patients,” local emergency service spokeswoman Hedvika Kropackova told AFP. She said 63 injured people had been taken to hospital, 10 of them with serious injuries. “But there will be more because we are now transporting people who suffered injuries at night and called us later,” Kropackova added. Rescuers were still searching under the rubble in some places. Austrian and Slovak rescuers were helping out and the Czech army was deployed in the region. The tornado and hail the size of tennis balls struck several towns and villages including Hodonin, where in addition to causing injuries the extreme weather destroyed a retirement home and the local zoo. The tornado also caused extensive power outages and traffic disruptions, with fallen power lines closing a major motorway connecting Prague with the Slovak capital Bratislava. A total of 78,000 households and companies were left without power on Friday morning. Video footage from the region on social networks showed destroyed buildings and cars, shorn tree stumps and several fires with thick black smoke. “It’s living hell,” regional governor Jan Grolich said after visiting the region. The Czech news agency CTK quoted the mayor of Hrusky as saying that half of his village had been razed to the ground. The storms passing over the Czech Republic forced Prime Minister Andrej Babis to remain in Brussels following an EU summit as a landing in Prague would have been too dangerous. In neighboring Poland, a twister struck the southern Malopolska province on Thursday, damaging roofs and injuring one person according to local media.AFP

Hong Kong artists revive city’s bygone era with miniatures IN A packed metropolis where old buildings are frequently replaced by gleaming skyscrapers, two Hong Kong model makers are trying to preserve the city’s architectural past—in painstakingly detailed miniature form. Stepping into Tony Lai and Maggie Chan’s studio is like walking into a time machine, if that time machine also shrunk everything around except yourself. In one corner, an entire fairground is laid out, complete with moving rides and a revolving ferris wheel. On the other side, a tiny reenactment of the city’s fire dragon festival is underway. Elsewhere is a meticulously recreated revolving restaurant and an entire housing block, complete with window laun-

dry and the fast disappearing neon signs that once lit up Hong Kong’s streets with kaleidoscopic abandon. The two artists share a common passion in bringing their childhood scenes back to life, and say that Hong Kongers are keen to glimpse into the past or recapture faded memories. “When elderly people see our creations, it ignites their memories,” said Lai, gesturing to their recreation of Kai Tak Amusement Park, which was demolished in 1982. “We would often even see elderly people whose eyes would tear up when they saw our models,” he added. Preserving the past is difficult in Hong Kong.

Historical buildings are often pitted against powerful billionaire real estate developers and government planners who are eager to build more high rise apartment blocks in a city where housing is in desperately short supply. Many colonial buildings and features that were prized by architects, historians and locals have been torn down, although more recent governments have begun to take a slightly more proactive role in protecting heritage sites. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Lai fondly remembers his father taking him out on a boat to the city’s outlying Lamma Island, where fishing communities lived in tumble down wooden houses on This photo shows model maker Maggie Chan of Toma Miniatures working at her studio in Hong Kong. AFP the shoreline. AFP

Business PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, June 25, 2021

64.51 PTS. 6,950.51

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

2,542,739,786 88,133 6,554,474,587.79 118 88 44

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.8380

Japan

Yen

0.009021

0.4406

UK

Pound

1.392300

67.9971

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128811

6.2909

Switzerland

Franc

1.089443

53.2062

Canada

Dollar

0.811425

39.6284

Singapore

Dollar

0.744713

36.3703

Australia

Dollar

0.758200

37.0290

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655760

129.7020

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266660

13.0231

Brunei

Dollar

0.741950

36.2354

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.031407

1.5339

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.2972

Euro

Euro

1.193100

58.2686

Korea

Won

0.000884

0.0432

China

Yuan

0.154507

7.5458

India

Rupee

0.013481

0.6584

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.240500

11.7455

New Zealand

Dollar

0.705800

34.4699

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035840

1.7504 Source: BSP

IN BRIEF Foreign banks in PH remain stable—Diokno BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said Friday foreign banks operating in the country remain stable and well-capitalized and continue growing amid the current global health crisis. Diokno said in an online briefing the capital adequacy ratio of foreign banks—a measure of financial strength—stood at 27.5 percent as of end-March this year, well above the BSP’s threshold and the international standard. Their assets, loans and deposits at end-April this year represented a 32-percent, 23.4-percent, and 43.4-percent increase, respectively, from figures in 2014, the year when Republic Act 10641 further liberalized the entry of foreign banks. “There are now 29 foreign banks operating in the Philippines accounting for seven percent of the total assets of the Philippine banking system. This indicates that there is room for foreign bank branches and subsidiaries to expand their balance sheet and operations,” Diokno told reporters. “The BSP recognizes the steady growth of foreign banks and their ability to contribute to the country’s road to recovery,” he said. Julito G. Rada

PUV modernization plan lures more co-ops THE Department of Transportation, through the Office of Transportation Cooperatives, said Friday 1,648 transport cooperatives have been accredited under the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP), up 400 percent since 2017. One of the main objectives of the PUVMP is the strict enforcement of the highest standards for public utility vehicles to ensure their roadworthiness to ensure the safety of commuters, drivers and conductors. Apart from a more comfortable commuting experience, the PUVMP guarantees drivers a stable monthly salary as they will be employed by the cooperative. They are also entitled to mandatory benefits such as SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-Ibig. Drivers will not be burdened by miscellaneous expenses as well since the cooperative will shoulder operational costs, such as maintenance of vehicles, parking fees, and insurance. Darwin G. Amojelar

Domninguez, Lopez sign CREATE rules FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez signed on June 21, 2021 the implementing rules and regulations of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, more than two weeks ahead of the July 10, 2021 deadline set under this law. Micro, small and medium enterprises will be the biggest beneficiaries of CREATE with the corporate income tax rate reduction. The signing of the IRR is seen by the Department of Trade and Industry to attract more investors to grow their businesses and “make it happen in the Philippines,” in reference to the DTI’s new investment production campaign dubbed “Make It Happen in the Philippines.” Dominguez and Lopez thanked stakeholders from the private sector and other government agencies such as investment promotion agencies for their inputs in the IRR during the multiple rounds of consultations held over the past two months. “The approval of the IRR covering Title XIII of the Act following multiple consultations with the various stakeholders and way ahead of schedule highlight the Duterte administration’s commitment to come up with an effective, efficient, and fiscally-responsible incentive system, which, hopefully, will set the standard in the region,” Dominguez said.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 2021 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

World Bank okays P19.5-b loan to support PH reforms By Julito G. Rada

T

HE World Bank approved on Friday a $400-million (around P19.5-billion) loan to support reforms that will assist the Philippine government in achieving a resilient financial sector and help ensure a more inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Philippines First Financial Sector Reform Development Policy Financing loan is the first of two programs sup supporting three reform areas, including strengthening financial sector stability, integrity, and resilience; expanding financial inclusion for individuals and firms; and promoting disaster risk

finance that protects national budgets and businesses as well as the lives and livelihoods of families from the impacts of disasters. Ndiame Diop, World Bank country director for Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand said in a statement the multilateral lender welcomed the country’s commitment to these reforms, stressing that the pandemic’s impact on the economy has highlighted the importance of a strong and inclusive financial sector to support economic recovery. “The health crisis, the economic impact of containment measures, and the global slowdown have increased the urgency for reforms, not only to ensure financial sector stability or financial inclusion, but also to support economic recovery and minimize the impact of future shocks particularly on poor and vulnerable segments of the population,” said Diop. “In addition to providing timely financial resources to support government financing needs, the financial sec-

tor reforms supported under this loan will help meet the immediate needs of individuals and micro, small and medium enterprises under strain,” Diop said. This new lending is a development policy loan (DPL) which provides quick-disbursing assistance to countries undertaking reforms. DPLs typically support policy and institutional changes needed to create an environment conducive to sustained and equitable growth as defined by borrower-countries’ own development agenda. Among the policy reforms supported by the DPL to enhance the stability, integrity, and resilience of the financial sector are measures addressing legal, regulatory, and supervisory issues to improve prudential supervision of banks by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas; bringing insurance legislation in the Philippines in line with global standards; and ensuring long-term availability of credit to small and medium enterprises.

DBP-SB CORP. DEAL. State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines teams up with Small Business Corporation to establish a strategic client referral and management system to efficiently manage the assistance programs for micro, small and medium enterprises of the two institutions. Leading the signing of the memorandum of understanding are (from left) SB Corp. executive vice president Santiago Lim, SB Corp. president and chief executive Ma. Luna Cacanando, DBP president and chief executive Emmanuel Herbosa and DBP senior vice president Paul Lazaro.

Jollibee expects foreign business to drive sales this year By Jenniffer B. Austria RESTAURANT operator Jollibee Foods Corp. expects the international business to drive sales and profit this year, as domestic operations are still recovering from the impact of the pandemic. Jollibee president and chief executive Ernesto Tanmantiong said during the annual stockholders’ meeting Friday most of the group’s foreign operations were reaching sales close to the pre-pandemic levels, especially in China, North America and the EMEAA, or Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia. “With the positive outlook on China and United States, given their earlier recovery from the pandemic and with the Philippine recovery underway as

restrictions are lifted and vaccinations rollout, we will accelerate store expansion,” Tanmantiong said. The group plans to open 450 stores this year, 500 in 2022 and over 500 in the succeeding years. “Our business outside the Philippines contributed 40 percent of total system-wide sales. But in the next three years, business overseas will contribute 50 percent, as we will be able to reach our goal of 50:50 business split by that time,” Tanmationg said. He said Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Smashburger were expected to start contributing to the group’s profitability. CBTL showed remarkable profit improvement, with the brand generating a small amount of operating profit in February and March this year. This was a

significant improvement from its losses when Jollibee Group acquired it in the fourth quarter of 2019. CBTL will focus on store expansion in Singapore and Malaysia and increase sales of current stores through better branding and marketing. CBTL also plans to expand through franchising in the US and other countries in 2022. Smashburger posted higher sales and lower operating losses this year. The chain plans to open 25 new stores and renovate older outlets in 2021. “The global crisis made more apparent the advantages of the geographical diversification of our business. We continued to invest for long-term growth even amid the pandemic in countries that presented opportunities,” Tanmantiong said.

GSIS-PHILPOST TIEUP. As a token of appreciation for the grant of insurance to 6,600 personnel of Philippine Postal Corp., Government Service Insurance System president and general manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet (second from left) is given by Postmaster General and PhilPost chief executive Norman Fulgencio (third from left) a set of special stamps dubbed ‘Frontline Heroes Fight Against Coronavirus, We Fight For You’. With them are other executives of PhilPost.

Hot money registered $417-m net inflow in May on positive local developments FOREIGN portfolio investments or hot money rebounded in May with a net inflow of $417 million from the $1.1-billion net outflow registered a year ago, as fund managers reacted positively to the prevailing low interest rate environment, stable inflation and the country’s investment grade rating that was affirmed by a major credit rating agency, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Friday. Data from the BSP showed that gross inflows reached $1.5 billion in May, offsetting the $1-billion gross outflows.

The $1.5-billion registered investments during the month reflected a 124-percent (or $807 million) increase from $651 million recorded in April. About 67.9 percent of these investments went to Philippine Stock Exchange-listed securities (utility companies, property firms, banks, holding firms and food, beverage and tobacco companies), while the remaining 32.1 percent were parked in peso government securities. The United Kingdom, Singapore, the United States, Luxembourg and Nor-

way were the top five sources of foreign funds with combined share of 88 percent in May. “Domestic developments during the month included the country’s inflation of 4.5 percent in April 2021 which is still consistent with the outlook that inflation will breach the 2 to 4 percent target in the first half of this year due to supply side pressures; data on the country’s GDP which posted a decline of 4.2 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2021,” the BSP said. The 4.2-percent first-quarter GDP

growth was an improvement from the 8.3-percent contraction in the fourth quarter of 2020, but deeper compared to the 0.7-percent decline in the first quarter of 2020. It said other factors that contributed to the net inflow in May were the expectations of a GDP expansion in the second quarter with the support of key legislations, the BSP’s decision to maintain policy rates and S&P Global Ratings’ move to maintain the “BBB+” rating on the Philippines with a stable outlook. Julito G. Rada

PXP Energy upbeat, eyeing two exploration deals—official By Alena Mae S. Flores PXP Energy Corp. is confident of securing two new petroleum service contracts amid rising global oil prices. “We look forward to a better second half of 2021 with focused energy in the continuation and fulfillment of our work commitments in our operated and non operated blocks, especially with the resumption of our offshore exploration activities in SC 72 and 75,” PXP Energy president Daniel Stephen Carlos said during the annual stockholders’ meeting Friday. “With the aim to revitalize petroleum activities and to diversify asset portfolio through the acquisition of two new prospective areas, we look forward to be granted 2 new SCs in the Sulu Sea and Recto Bank areas,” Carlos said. PXP Energy In Aug 2019 participated in a bidding round of the Department of Energy over a prospective block in the Sandakan basin in Sulu Sea, along with The Philodrill Corp. “Once a new SC is awarded, our immediate plan is to reprocess at least 1,600 sm of 3D seismic data,” Carlos said. PXP nominated a block in the Recto Bank Area, which is close to the company’s SC 72. Carlos said the company submitted documents for the DOE’s legal, technical and financial review. “Our application for two SCs remains under review in the DOE,” Carlos said. PXP Energy and unit Forum Energy Ltd are involved in a number of SCs in the Philippines, either as an operator or as a joint venture partner. “As in previous years, we remain committed in advancing our exploration efforts particularly in the four service contracts wherein our company is the operator,” he said. PXP’s service contracts includes SC 72 in Recto Bank, SC 75 and 74 both in northwest Palawan and SC 40 in northern Cebu.

Manila to host 4th dialogue on safer nicotine products INTEREST is building ahead of the 4th Asia Harm Reduction Forum— a virtual event that promises to be a dynamic gathering of global tobacco harm reduction advocates with significant developments to discuss. Organized from the Philippines, registration and participation for the June 28 forum is strongly encouraged by the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates. As a non-profit and interdisciplinary organization, AHRF2021 will build on the success of the previous three events in Jakata, Manila and Seoul. It will add to the growing knowledge base on harm reduction, educating participants on recent studies and developments in public health. The forum will feature leading experts from the fields of science, policymaking and consumer advocacy—focused on research-based solutions and strategies that enable greater education and access to safer alternative nicotine products than deadly combustible cigarettes. Speakers include Dr. Achmad Syawqie Yazid, Clive Bates, David Sweanor, Dr. Joe Kosterich, Dr. Lorenzo Mata, Asa Saligupta, Johan Sumantri and Peter Dator. Dator, president of Vapers PH and CAPHRA member, said the forum continues to grow as a significant THR annual event. Given AHRF2020 was cancelled amid COVID-19, there’s extra anticipation around the forum’s online format this year, he said. “It provides an invaluable global platform to discuss emerging issues, practices and policies on harm reduction, public health and policy formulation. Our ultimate mission is to ensure the integration of harm reduction into health policies and programs,” said Dator. He said given all the developments taking place in Asia Pacific, including the Philippine Senate’s expected approval of risk-proportionate legislation, this year’s forum will be keenly attended. Nancy Loucas, coordinator of CAPHRA, said the Asia Pacific consumer advocacy group enthusiastically supports the annual forum and people’s participation.

Sports

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

B4

SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 2021

George lifts LA Clippers over Suns in West finals

Paul George of the LA Clippers drives between Deandre Ayton and Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. AFP

4 venues in Vietnam record new virus cases FOUR of the 12 provinces hosting events of the 31st Southeast Asian Games have recorded new COVID-19 cases this week. The provinces of Haiphong, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang and Quang Ninh are among those most affected by the pandemic. Authorities in Vietnam took note of this after they recorded 79 more local COVID-19 cases in nine localities Friday morning. With the number of cases rising to 11,014, the preparation of the staging of around 16 events of the biennial meet is expected to be affected. Among the events that will be directly affected are canoeing and rowing, which will be held in Haiphong. Bac Ninh, which will host boxing, kickboxing, handball and tennis, is also reporting an outbreak, along with Bac Giang, which will provide a venue for badminton. There are also reports of virus cases in Quang Ninh, which will have events held in women’s football, volleyball, chess, beach volleyball, beach handball, beach soccer, triathlon and xiangqi. The country is already is experiencing a fourth COVID-19 wave, which authorities consider as the most challenging, after it began on April 27 and with infections emerging in 47 of 63 cities and provinces. This is this the reason why Vietnamese organizers are asking for more time to decide on whether the 31st SEA Games will go on as scheduled in November or if it will be postponed for next year. Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said they will respect the decision of the organizers once they have made up their minds. A final decision will be known when the SEA Games Federation Council and the organizers meet anew on July 8. Peter Atencio

No Jokic but Serbia still a handful for PH By Peter Atencio

G

ILAS Pilipinas will get its hands full even against a Serbian team that will play without NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament slated from June 29 to July 4 in Belgrade, Serbia. Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and Bogdanovic of the Atlanta Hawks, that is currently playing the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA against the Milwaukee Bucks, won’t be around as the hosts shoot for a seat in the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. But the Serbians are still a powerhouse team with Nemanja Bjelica of the Miami Heat and man-mountain Boban Marjanovic of the Dallas Mavericks around to lead the charge. Being confident against Serbia and the Dominican Republic will give Team Pilipinas the fighting spirit they need to overcome great odds. Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tab Baldwin said this before Team Philippines left Manila on Thursday afternoon. “I think these players have their own

confidence. The confidence of youth, the confidence of hard work, the confidence of having some success,” said Baldwin. The 12-man squad is made up of Dwight Ramos, Angelo Kouame, Justine Baltazar, Kai Sotto, Carl Tamayo, SJ Belangel, RJ Abarrientos, Isaac Go,

Nikola Jokic

Boban Marjanovic

William Navarro, Mike Nieto, Geo Chiu and Jordan Heading. Joining them are coaching staff members Jong Uichico, Caloy Garcia, Sandy Arespacochaga and Sandro Soriano. “We are focused on various improvements that are relevant to us, and we will certainly make them evident to the players,” added Baldwin. Team Pilipinas is set to start training once everyone has been cleared through an RT-PCR test, before setting foot at the Aleksandar Nikolić Hall, the venue of the tournament. Gilas will meet Serbia on June 30 and the Dominican Republic the following day. “These are a great group of guys to work. And we want them to be confident for sure,” said Baldwin. The Philippines will need two wins to get out of the group stage. From there, they will move into a crossover playoffs with the top two teams of the other group. “We want them to believe in themselves, and I think they do,” said Baldwin. Group B is made up of Puerto Rico, Italy and Senegal.

LOS ANGELES—Paul George scored 27 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to power the Los Angeles Clippers over Phoenix 106-92 Thursday, delivering their first victory in the NBA semi-final playoff series. Reggie Jackson added 23 points and Croatian center Ivica Zubac had 15 points and 16 rebounds as the Clippers pulled within 2-1 of the Suns in the best-of-seven Western Conference finals with game four set for Saturday in Los Angeles. It was a crucial victory for the Clippers as no team in NBA history has ever won a best-of-seven series after losing the first three games. But for the third playoff series in a row, the Clippers won game three after dropping the first two. “This team is tough. We’ll do whatever it takes,” George said. “We trust one another. We’ve got each other’s backs. “We’ve just got great resilience. The team does a great job making adjustments, counters—we just play hard.” The Clippers remained without star Kawhi Leonard, out with a sprained right knee. George played 43 minutes and with Leonard sidelined, he has stepped up to lift the Clippers. “I’m going to make the extra plays,” George said. “I’m going to give everything I have. I don’t care how many minutes I have to play. I’m just going to leave it all on the floor.” Bahamas big man Deandre Ayton led Phoenix with 18 points while Chris Paul had 15 points and 12 assists for the Suns in his return after 11 days out while in Covid-19 safety protocols. “They just outplayed us,” Paul said. “They had a lot more energy. I have to play a lot better. I have to pick up the pace. I played terrible. “It felt good to get out there and play. Now we’ve got some unfinished business.” Paul, who said he “messed around” on a court at home during his isolation, missed his first six shots from the floor before hitting a jumper late in the second quarter. “Once you get over the shock of what’s happening, to hell with how and why, you figure out how you can get better,” Paul said when pressed on concerns about contracting the virus. “I was prepared. I was good. I feel like I’ll feel even better next game. I’m just grateful to be out here playing.” The Suns saw their nine-game win streak snapped after shooting a playoffsworst 38.9% from the floor. “The spirit is high. We move on to the next one,” Suns guard Devin Booker said. “We’ve been like that. We’re going to regroup.” Booker scored 15 points wearing a protective mask due to a broken nose. He said neither the mask nor to injury impacted him but tight defense by LA’s Patrick Beverly kept him to 5-of-21 shooting. AFP

Taekwondo jin gives Arellano U 1st NCAA gold ARELLANO University got its first gold medal as Stanley Roy Laguio ruled the bantamweight division of speed kicking in taekwondo action in the NCAA Season 96 last Thursday. Laguio had an average score of 6.583 points, besting San Sebastian College’s Axl Zerrudo (6.442 points) San Beda University’s Michael Christian Macario (6.383) as they settled for silver and bronze medals, respectively. Zerrudo’s podium finish also put the Stag to the medal tally in the men’s online competition shown over the GTV channel of GMA-7, the league’s new broadcast partner. So far, the Red Jins still lead the medal standings with a 1-1-3 gold-silver-bronze haul, while the College of St. Benilde Blazers are at second spot with one gold and one bronze.

Another Chiefs’ bet, Carl Louie Ayaton, placed fourth with 6.342. Rounding out the finishers are San Beda’s Gianne Kyle Sarmiento Legaspi (6.308), Jose Rizal University’s John Jezra Lorena Sasutona (5.950) and CSB’s Kian Graydon Ashe (5.917). The speed kicking competition in the NCAA will continue with the men’s division until June 29, followed by the women’s category on June 30 to July 5. This season’s host Letran is in charge of the overall staging of events. Stanley Roy Laguio of Arellano University wins the gold medal in the men’s bantamweight division. (GTV/NCAA Images)

Japan PM insists emperor not ‘worried’ about Olympics

People take part in a protest against the hosting of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in Tokyo. People take part in a protest against the hosting of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in Tokyo. AFP

TOKYO—Japan’s prime minister on Friday dismissed claims that the country’s emperor is “concerned” the Tokyo Olympics could spread the coronavirus, saying the comments were the opinions of an imperial household representative. On Thursday, Yasuhiko Nishimura, the head of the Imperial Household Agency that manages royal affairs, told reporters that Emperor Naruhito is “very worried about the current infection situation of Covid-19”, Japanese media reported. Nishimura said he believed the emperor “is concerned that while there are voices of anxiety among the public, the holding of the Olympics and Paralympics... may lead to a rise in infections”. He noted that he had “not heard such words directly from his majesty” but believed he “feels that way”, Kyodo news

agency reported. While the emperor holds no political power, he is an important symbolic figure in Japan. But the remarks were dismissed Friday by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who told reporters Nishimura had “expressed his own opinion”. The line was echoed by Olympic minister Tamayo Marukawa and top government spokesman Katsunobu Kato. Nishimura “was asked to comment on his own feelings about the Olympics, and... (he) discussed his feelings”, Kato told reporters. “I understand that he said he has come to form this sense as he holds daily conversations with his majesty. It has to be stressed that he was speaking about his own thoughts,” Kato added.

Japan’s US-drafted post-war constitution strictly limits the role of the emperor to a symbolic figurehead with no political role. On Thursday, Kato insisted the government remained committed to hosting a “safe and secure” Olympics, Kyodo reported. Public opinion has for months been firmly opposed to holding the Games this year, though recent polls suggest opposition may be softening. No overseas fans will be allowed and domestic spectators will be capped at 10,000 per event. Japan has seen a comparatively small virus outbreak, with around 14,500 deaths despite avoiding harsh lockdowns. Its vaccine rollout started slowly but has picked up pace in recent weeks, with nearly nine percent of the population fully vaccinated. AFP

Tech & Gadgets PayRemit: The only shopping app for Overseas Filipino Workers A S E-COMMERCE grew in the Philippines, one segment was left out— OFWs. Since most OFWs do not have credit cards, they cannot shop and pay online. Even unbanked Filipinos are able to pay cash on delivery, or at payment centers. OFWs did not have similar options.

Enter PayRemit! In 2017, PayRemit’s payment gateway made it possible for migrant workers to shop online and pay with remittance. Among PayRemit’s most prominent partner merchants are Goldilocks and Cebu Pacific. A year later, in 2018, PayRemit expanded its services and piloted a shopping site on Facebook for appliances and gadgets that OFWs could send to their families back home. Today, the PayRemit App is a well-stocked, curated marketplace that can deliver items to OFWs across Luzon and select Vis/Min areas.

“We had to respond to OFWs’ needs. They wanted an online platform for appliances and gadgets. So we built one,” says Vincent Grey, PayRemit President & CEO. Payremit continued to listen to the market and made it possible for OFWs to pay in installment

starting 2019. Filipinos in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia can enjoy the same benefits as credit cards when shopping on the PayRemit App. PayRemit goes the extra mile by making it easy for OFWs to buy using concierge services. Customers can message PayRemit on FB and someone will help them throughout the entire process. In addition, PayRemit has sales agents—ellow OFWs and satisfied PayRemit customers—who can help their kabayans shop. Aside from the personal touch, what really sets PayRemit apart is the capability to collect cash payments from OFWs. No other e-commerce site can do this. In terms of fulfillment, PayRemit taps local suppliers such as Abenson, Royal Star Appliances and K Servico who are able to deliver items at lower cost. “When we finally got the business model right, it became clear that we were making a huge difference in the lives of our customers, sales agents, and their families. The photos they share with us are testament to this.” adds Vincent. True to its purpose—to empower the lives of Filipino migrant workers and their families—PayRemit will launch more products and services before the year is over.

BRIA Homes to hold Virtual Nationwide PlanTahanan Day LEADING property developer BRIA Homes, the brand that fosters sustainable living among its residents and homeowners, is mounting a nationwide virtual event called Virtual Nationwide PlanTahanan Day on June 30, 2021, at 10 a.m., on the BRIA Homes official Facebook Page. BRIA’s annual PlanTahanan Day initiative aims to promote a positive environmental impact through the following themes: sustainability, relevance of wide open spaces, and the benefits of trees. Sustainability, which basically means managing our natural resources to ensure a healthy environment for future generations, is a recurring subject in all discussions about environmental awareness. On PlanTahanan Day, BRIA will enable participants at the virtual event to explore everyday habits that reduce their ecological footprints such as reusing and recycling, supporting local economies, eliminating plastic wastes, planting tress, and using mass transit—instead of driving—to nearby destinations. The event will also highlight how wide open spaces at BRIA communities spur residents to pursue a healthy active lifestyle by walking, biking, and playing outdoors. To support such eco-friendly activities, BRIA created Sentro, the center of convergence in all its communities.

BRIA’s PlanTahanan Day seeks to promote environmental awareness through the following themes: sustainability, relevance of wide open spaces, and the benefits of trees.

The amenity hub houses the multifunction hall, family park and playground, and BRIA’s newest facility: the community center. All essential services that residents need are in Sentro—a Health Center, a Day Care Center, a Senior Citizen Center, and a Barangay Center. According to Red Rosales, President of BRIA Homes, “BRIA Sentro not only fosters a strong community spirit but also provides a wholesome and serene setting for families to get together and bond, to savor some fresh air, and to lead healthier lives.”

GERALD.ph pioneers cold-chain food delivery in Metro Manila DO you need tubs of ice cream for a birthday but don’t want to get milk shakes when the delivery arrives? Are you craving for fresh salmon but unsure that what you’d get isn’t fresh enough for your grill? Are you anxious your frozen veggies would turn soggy when the courier rings up? GERALD.ph is here to banish all the fears, uncertainties, and anxieties that surround getting frozen foods delivered right at your doorstep as frozen, cold, and fresh as they were first flash frozen. Only GERALD.ph delivers your favorite foods in −20°C from their freezer to your home!

Dispelling the Fear of Frozen Foods

“People didn’t believe in frozen food,” started Gerald Egasse, a French food industry veteran whose experience in France and French Africa led him to the Philippines, “but frozen is mostly defrosted food, thawed in transit, then frozen again at home.” Quality is lost from the time of purchase until the product reaches the home kitchen. “Undergoing multiple temperature changes from the market and multiple defrosting robs food of quality,” he explained, Delivers Frozen Goods in −20°C Right to Your “worse, when they’re stored in less Doorstep than −20°C.” Frozen food begins to deteriorate when temperatures go up, so maintaining its temperature is key: flash freezing at the source and keeping in negative temperature from storage to delivery. Only Gerald.ph does that in the Philippines!

Gerald’s Most Recommended Bestsellers

From the Butcher Shop, Gerald recommends lamb leg (bone in), a big chunk of meat perfect for celebrations, not only on Father’s Day on June 20 but also for all of those occasions and holidays where people come together. Available in 2.4-3.2 kilograms, you can get your leg for P1,795 frozen and vacuum-packed from Australia. Great covered in butter and filled with rosemary sprigs before roasting for two hours at 180°C. Whole salmon fillet (skin on) from the Seafood section is best for grilling with lettuce and roasting with butter and herbs. Rich in omega 3 fatty acids and very good for the heart, each 1.8-2.0 kilograms pack from Chile or Norway costs P1,880. Scallops are so versatile that the Galicians bake it with bread crumbs, ham, and onions; the Japanese serve it in soup or topped on rice; and, the French cook it à la nage in broth flavored with herbs and wine or sautéed, grilled, or broiled in skewers or en brochette.

Finally, BRIA Homes’ Virtual Nationwide PlanTahanan Day will stress on the importance of planting and nurturing trees that are in abundance in BRIA developments. “We want to remind Filipinos of the amazing benefits of trees—how they generate oxygen, lessen greenhouse gases, reduce air and water pollution, prevent f lood damage, provide natural habitats for animals, and offer generous shade that contribute to the comforts of living in a safe and clean environment,” Rosales says.

Complementing all these environmentally friendly features is BRIA Homes’ strategic location. With all of its developments situated close to key destinations such as banks, groceries, schools, and hospitals, BRIA homeowners save on time and fuel consumption in getting around. Its communities have adapted to the digital space as well. Reliable internet service allows residents to engage in remote work and online schooling. BRIA likewise enables digital transactions for local and international bills through its partner banks such as Maybank, BDO, Unionbank, PNB, Security Bank, RCBC, and Metrobank. Residents can also use e-wallets such as All Easy, GCash, and PayMaya to remit their payments. As Filipinos’ home of choice, BRIA Homes follows a reliable formula—Affordability (Mura) + Quality (Dekalidad) = A Beautiful BRIA Home for Every Filipino. Interested homebuyers can head to BRIA’s website for 360 virtual tours, or inquire online through the BRIA Facebook page. Prospective homeowners can also reserve a property online via BRIA’s online reservation page.

rumallari@thestandard.com.ph SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 2021

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Pinoy unicorns: Rise of Filipino conglomerates THE global Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated multiple tech trends that led to a major shake-up in consumer behavior that expedited the rethinking of business models across Asia. While a number of enterprises were quick to also revisit their expansion plans because of the pandemic, two upcoming Filipino conglomerates have forged a partnership to expedite their technology adoption to provide opportunities for Filipinos. “A lot of our friends have questioned our move to launch an initial public offering (IPO) at the height of the pandemic,” said Jeths de Jesus Lacson, chairman and CEO of Smoke Free Innotec. Inc., (SFIO). “Our reply has always been, this is the right time when most industries have been shaken and even most global brands have been adopting to the new playing field.” “Although we don’t believe the [disruption caused by Covid-19] will not make the playing field equal, at least it will give us a chance,” Lacson said. SFIO is a New Zealand-based conglomerate company that is owned and managed by a group of Filipinos with a very detailed and defined road map that has unique and robust structure that will bring a different approach especially in securing potential opportunities. Lacson was referring to the planned IPO of SFIO and its partnership with a publicly-listed company SAM Digital Technologies. It is through SAM’s Project Development programs where Filipinos from across the globe avail of the SFIO projects, including the opportunity to be their shareholder. The conglomerate’s reverse merger to SFIO is in it’s final stage including the renaming of the company prior to the IPO. “SAM Digital company offers a platform that will provide opportunities not only to investors but to SAM subscribers,” Lacson said. He added the SFIO has several projects, including the expansion of its primary brand Epiphany Café, property development and others. Investors have the opportunity to to become stockholder of SFIO via the IPO and through SAM. “I met Rommel Santos and saw the opportunities with SAM, which fortunately is also run by Filipinos. Subscribers of SAM have the opportunity to subscribe to SFIO projects and they have the option to either cancel their subscription or convert them as SFIO shares after 12 months. And while waiting for the 12-month period, SAM will provide subscribers a one percent reward that is redeemable every month,” Lacson explained.

Mariwasa offers innovative flooring solution PEOPLE value their personal space that they make sure it achieves the ideals of their dream home. Be it for a new family or a simple home improvement, they stay on the lookout for better but affordable products or technologies to attain a more comfortable and convenient living space, while maintaining a high aesthetic standard. One aspect that gets a lot of attention is the flooring. Not only does it affect the overall design of a home, the functionality and accessibility of the space also rely heavily on the material used. That is why Mariwasa, the country’s leading homebuilding solutions provider, has recently come up with a new flooring solution that is long-lasting and gives you a high-end appearance with more practical benefits and also lets you stay on your budget. To continue their goal of becoming a one-stop-shop with all the essentials needed to build a quality household, Mariwasa released the Luxury Vinyl Tile or LVT Dry Back and the Stone Plastic Composite or SPC Easy Click floor planks as a Luxury Vinyl Tile Sierra Brown part of their flooring solution for modest families.

The new products

Each product bears Mariwasa’s seal of approval as it underwent rigorous quality control checks and other qualification tests before being released to the market—thus creating affordable, creative, and durable materials that customers love. Mariwasa LVT Dry Back is designed to replicate hard surface flooring materials, such as stone or wood, but is more practical than the mentioned materials. The tile uses a real photographic print film and a clear vinyl layer with a wide variety of design concepts such as Sierra Grey, Sierra Beige, Sierra Ivory, and Sierra Brown.

Meanwhile, the Mariwasa SPC Easy Click is an engineered luxury vinyl that combines limestones and stabilizers to create an extremely durable material, making it suitable for both residential and commercial use. It also comes in different designs such as Avana Grey, Avana Beige, Avana Brown, and Avana Dark Brown. The variety in the design provides residential and commercial owners with modern options that will best fit their preferences.

Benefits of using Mariwasa’s floor tiles

One common concern among homeowners is how to apply their new fixtures. Mariwasa created a solution to this in their new floor tiles with the Mariwasa SPC Easy Click that is built with a click-lock system that makes installation easier and faster. Only a few tools are required to accomplish this task. Apart from being easy to install, several other features make Mariwasa’s new floor tiles stand out. These products are also resistant to various factors that could affect the overall quality of the tiles. This includes being scratchresistant, water-resistant, spill and stain-resistant, as well as termite resistant. Mariwasa LVT Dry Back and SPC Easy Click also prevent the growth of bacteria on their surfaces and other areas to keep residents safe from bacteria or diseases that may harm their health and their pets as well. The tiles are also easy to maintain since it only takes a wet mop to wipe them down clean. The tiles also have an ultraviolet (UV) coating and wear layer that makes the floor easy to clean and protected for daily use. Most importantly, both Mariwasa LVT Dry Back and SPC Easy Click were designed to be more than just easy to maintain and comfortable. Mariwasa made sure that the welfare of the environment is also taken into account as it used 100% recyclable materials to make their floor tiles.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

TODAY

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

TODAY

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

TODAY

(MS-JUNE 26, 2021)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK