Manila Standard - 2021 July 3 - Saturday by Manila Standard

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VOL. XXXV • NO. 138 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, JULY 3, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Stronger eruption’ likely

Thousands in 13 barangays flee as Phivolcs warns of lingering Taal threat By Rio N. Araja, Vito Barcelo, Willie Casas and Macon Ramos-Araneta

HE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Friday warned that a stronger eruption of Taal Volcano in Batangas is likely due to a new supply of magma rising and a buildup of gases. Phivolcs chief Renato Solidum said the volcano continued to spew smoke caused by gas and water vapor moving up toward its crater. Residents of 13 barangays near the volcano numbering more than 1,300 people were evacuated, disaster officials said. Health officials urged residents in the area to wear face masks to protect against sulfur dioxide and ash. “We just hope that there will be no stronger explosions. But the threat is still there since Taal is still emitting more gases,” Solidum said. The volcano erupted at 3:16 p.m. Thursday, prompting Phivolcs to place it under Alert Level 3 from its Alert Level 2 status.

Evacuees get first crack at vaccine shots By Macon Ramos-Araneta EVACUEES who fled their homes in Batangas due to the eruption of Taal Volcano will get priority for COVID-19 vaccine shots, the provincial disaster official said Friday. Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) chief Joselito Castro told radio dzBB that the national government vowed to provide a supply of vaccines to the evacuation centers. Castro said health protocols are being observed in the evacuation of affected residents to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Senator Joel Villanueva, however,

Next page As Taal Vocano continues to act up and emit smoke after a phreatic eruption, at least a thousand residents of nearby areas like Laurel town have fled and sought refuge in public school buildings-turnedinstant evacuation sites and queue up for food provided by the local government. Meanwhile engineers of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources positioned at the Tagaytay Picnic Grove, get into the action and, using an air sampler machine, measure dust particles emitted by the restive volcano. Danny Pata

4 new areas of concern emerge after steady surge in COVID cases Single-shot vax deemed Delta defiant By Willie Casas

THE independent OCTA Research Group on Friday flagged the cities of Davao, Iloilo, Baguio, and San Fernando in La Union as “areas of concern” because of the increasing number of

COVID-19 cases and high hospital bed occupancy rates. OCTA, in their latest monitoring report, said “new cases continued to escalate in Davao City, which had the highest daily average in the country and a reproduction number of 1.41.”

A reproduction number of 1 or higher indicates sustained COVID-19 transmission, OCTA said. In its report, OCTA said Davao City averaged 324 new cases daily from June 25 to July 1, an increase of 43 percent Next page

JOHNSON and Johnson’s single-shot COVID-19 vaccine is effective against the highly contagious Delta variant, with an immune response lasting at least eight months, the company said Thursday. The antibodies and immune system cells in the blood of eight people vaccinated with the J&J jab effectively neutralized the Delta strain, which was first identified in India, researchers found. A second study with 20 vaccinated patients at Boston’s Beth Israel Medical Center had similar results. Next page

NBI ARRESTS 3 OVER VAX SALE NEWS / A2

President Rodrigo Duterte discusses transportation matters with Light Rail Transit Authority Administrator Reynaldo Berroya, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, and Senator Christopher Lawrence Go aboard a newly built train of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 East Extension Project which was inaugurated on July 1, 2021 after two decades of construction. Arman Baylon

ROBREDO TO SC: JUNK MARCOS BID NEWS / A4

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM JULY 2) 2)

1,424,518 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

4,192 55,482 NEW

ACTIVE

24,973

177

1,344,063

2,212

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

NEW

DoTr execs vow free ride to continue By Darwin G Amojelar and Maricel V. Cruz THE Department of Transportation will tap the P3 billion funds from Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to extend its P5.5. billion funding for the service contracting program for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers after the expiration of the Bayanihan 2 Act on June 30. Next page

Lacson bides time on Sotto’s Pacquiao: True leaders of PDP-Laban support me offer to be NPC standard bearer By Macon Ramos-Araneta

with several people and political leaders regarding their political plans in next year’s national elections. In separate radio interviews, LacSENATOR Panfilo Lacson on Friday said he and Senate President Vicente son said he had yet to decide on the Sotto III were still in consultations Next page

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rey E. Requejo

SHOULD there be a move to oust him during the PDP-Laban national council meeting on July 17, Senator Manny Pacquiao hoped it would not prosper as he claimed he had the support of “the true leaders” of the party. “What are my violations for them to be angry at me and to remove me?”

Paquiao asked. “Is there due process in what they will do?” he added. Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, who was being referred to by Pacquiao as “real owner” of PDP-Laban, said President Rodrigo Duterte and Pacquiao should meet to settle their internal differences. The senator, former PDP-Laban President, and current vice chairman, is the

son of the party’s founder, the late former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. “Allow us to settle the internal issues within the Party, internally and privately,” said Pimentel. Pimentel also rejected questions on the legality of Pacquiao sitting as acting party president. Next page

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Robredo asks SC: Reject Marcos plea terrorism, intimidation and harassment of voters as well as pre-shading of ballots in all of the 2,756 protested clustered precincts. He also asked the PET to conduct another preliminary conference and proceed with the presentation of evidence for his third cause of action. At the same time, Marcos said the tribunal erred in dismissing his third cause of action without affording him the opportunity to present evidence. In dismissing Marcos’s protest, the PET ruled that based on the final tally after revision and appreciation of the votes in the pilot provinces of Camarines Sur, Negros Oriental and Iloilo, protestee Robredo maintained, as in fact she increased her lead with 14,436,337 votes over protestant Marcos who obtained 14,157,771 votes.

“After the revision and appreciation, the lead of protestee Robredo increased from 263,473 to 278,566,” the PET noted. In her comment, Robredo said that Marcos’ motion was “a mere rehash of arguments previously passed upon” by the PET justices. Robredo stressed that since Marcos himself chose the three pilot provinces where he failed to get substantial recovery of votes, the PET “did not err in dismissing the election protest.” “Now that he was proven wrong, protestant Marcos now wants to change the Rules so he can keep fanning the flames on his unsubstantiated allegations,” she lamented. “Protestant Marcos has no one to blame but himself for the dismissal of his election protest. Now, having failed

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar on Friday ordered the deployment of personnel and vehicles to help in the evacuation. Police commanders were told to coordinate with the local disaster risk reduction and management councils to assist in assessing the needs of residents and ensure their health and safety in evacuation centers. Phivolcs had recommended complete evacuation of some parts of Agoncillo and Laurel as Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest) was raised Thursday afternoon. The Palace on Friday assured the public that it is closely monitoring the situation in Taal, adding that concerned government agencies are already prepared to extend assistance to displaced residents. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Calabarzon is already on heightened alert with food packs worth P1.4 million and nonfood items worth P11 million already on standby. “The Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Coast Guard already deployed personnel to help in the conduct of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations,” the Palace official said. “We ask residents in the areas surrounding the volcano lake to remain vigilant, take precautionary measures, and cooperate with their local authorities should the need for evacuation arise,” Roque said.. Roque said local government units (LGUs) are already leading efforts on the ground through their Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices and other government agencies. President Duterte on Thursday directed all concerned government agencies to be on alert. Military personnel, vehicles and equipment have been deployed to assist

in several Batangas towns affected by Taal Volcano’s unrest, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Friday. AFP spokesperson Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said two military trucks coming from the 2nd Infantry Division and a towable fuel and forward were deployed to the Philippine Air Force’s 730th Combat Group in Nasugbu town. “We have placed more personnel on alert and ready for immediate deployment. Communications equipment were also deployed,” Arevalo said. Other units of the Southern Luzon Command are on standby and ready to assist anytime, he added. The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday has advised people living near the Taal Volcano to wear proper protective equipment against the sulfur dioxide being emitted by the volcano. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, during an online briefing, said N95 masks, goggles and other eye protection equipment should be worn especially by people who have asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. “The sulfur dioxide that the volcano is spewing or if the volcano would emit ash would be harmful to anyone who would inhale it,” Vergeire said. Vergeire also said those living near Taal volcano should stay indoors while the volcano continues to spew thick smog. “We are reminding everyone living near the volcano... to be careful and wait for the instructions of the LGU,” she said. “Keep doors and windows closed while there is still threat from the volcano.” The DOH in Calabarzon and other government agencies went on full alert after the alert status in Taal was raised to Level 3. OIC-Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco said all health facilities in Batangas province are ready to provide emergency care in case of mass casualties or emergencies.

warned that the Taal eruption could disrupt vaccine supply arrivals and hurt the economy. The government, he said, should brace for any impact brought about by Taal Volcano’s eruption as the unrest could trigger several events, for a closure of the airport that could delay vaccine shipments, to factories in the area suspending work. He suggested that the government put on standby the P6.37 billion Quick Reaction Fund component of the Calamity Fund in the 2021 national budget.

That amount is distributed among eight agencies in the Public Works and Highways, Education, Health, Interior and Local Governments, Agriculture and National Defense departments. “From a planning perspective, let’s assume the worst-case scenario, and be proactive in anticipating the needs of affected residents,” Villanueva said. He also urged the government to prepare to help those who could be displaced from their homes. He said the Jan. 12, 2020 eruption of Taal Volcano was a preview on how “the world’s smallest active volcano can cause big damage in places beyond its immediate danger zone.” During the eruption, he said the

ashfall caused the cancellation of 643 flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Clark airport in Pampanga, affecting more than 100,000 passengers. “If that happens again, heaven forbid, what’s our Plan B for flights carrying imported vaccines? And how will we dispatch vaccines to provinces because we’re using Manila as a base,” he said. He also cautioned against an economic fallout, “and it comes at a time when factories are restarting their operations.” Within the 50-kilometer radius of the volcano lies the biggest concentration of factories, he said, referring to economic zones in the Batangas, Laguna and Cavite areas.

according to the site. “We believe that our vaccine offers durable protection against COVID-19 and elicits neutralizing activity against the Delta variThe data was sent to bioRxiv, a free ant,” said Paul Stoffels, J&J’s chief scientific online site for unpublished scientific officer, in a company statement. preprints where authors “are able to India death toll breaches make their findings immediately avail400,000 mark able to the scientific community and India became the third country to receive feedback on draft manuscripts before they are submitted to journals,” pass 400,000 COVID-19 deaths, offi-

cial data showed Friday, as the country’s vast vaccination drive slows. Total deaths are 400,312, according to the health ministry – behind only the United States and Brazil – with total cases almost 30.5 million. The surge was blamed on the Delta variant and government complacency after Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared victory over the virus in January.

Delta spreading at record pace

By Rey E. Requejo and Rio N. Araja

ICE President Leni Robredo on Friday asked the Supreme Court, acting as Presidential Electoral Tribunal, to deny the appeal of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. seeking to reverse its decision to dismiss his election protest against her, saying the protestant “needs to concede and accept his defeat with grace.” In her comment and opposition, Robredo through her lawyers said Marcos’ motion to reconsider the PET’s decision that dismissed his election protest “must be denied for utter lack of merit.” Last Feb. 16, the PET through Associate Justice Marvic Leonen unanimously affirmed the proclamation of Robredo as the duly elected vice president in the 2016 national elections as it dismissed

the former senator’s poll protest. Marcos filed a motion for reconsideration on May 6 seeking to overturn the PET’s decision and asked the tribunal to “proceed with the presentation of evidence for the third cause of action.” Marcos’s third cause of action seeks the annulment of election results in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Basilan on the ground of alleged

4Fromnew... A1

‘Stronger... From A1

from the previous week, while 66 percent of its hospital beds and 89 percent of its intensive care unit (ICU) beds were in use OCTA also said Iloilo saw an uptick in infections after a period of decline, while 78 percent of its hospital beds and 94 percent of its ICU beds were occupied. In Baguio City, cases grew by 30 percent over the past week while 82 percent of hospital beds and 77 percent of ICU beds were occupied. OCTA said San Fernando City “had a spike in new COVID-19 cases, which was 148 percent higher than the previous week” with 67 percent of hospital beds and 78 percent of ICU beds in use. The cities of Iloilo and Davao have been placed under the stricter modified enhanced community quarantine until mid-July. On the other hand, OCTA said COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila rose by 5 percent during June 25 to July 1. The National Capital Region (NCR) also posted a reproduction number of 0.82, positivity rate of 6 percent, hospital bed occupancy rate of 36 percent, and ICU utilization rate of 44 percent. OCTA said Navotas, Pateros, and Malabon logged the fewest number of new cases per day at 10 or less. Nationally, the reproduction number stood at 0.97 while the country’s incidence rate was at 5.2 cases per day per 100,000. “The trends slowed down or saw a decline in many LGUs in Mindanao and Visayas, including Cagayan de Oro, Tagum, Zamboanga City, Tacloban, Bacolod and Butuan,” OCTA said. The Department of Health (DOH) earlier classified the Philippines as a low-risk area for COVID-19 but flagged four regions as high-risk The Philippines logged 6,192 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, bringing the total number of infections to 1,424,518. The DOH reported 177 new fatalities, bringing the COVID-19 death toll to 24,973. The DOH also reported 2,212 newly-recovered patients, bringing the total recoveries to 1,344,063. There were 55,482 active cases, of which 91.5 percent were mild, 3.8 percent were asymptomatic, 1.4 percent were critical, 2 percent were severe, and 1.44 percent were moderate. The DOH also reported, nationwide, 55 percent of ICU beds, 46 percent of isolation beds, 44 percent of ward beds, and 34 percent of ventilators, were in use.

“This means that there is magmatic intrusion at the main crater that may further drive succeeding eruptions,” Phivolcs said in a statement. Volcanic sulfur dioxide from Taal had already reached the National Capital Region, other parts of Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan and Zambales. Taal’s last eruption was in January 2020, when the volcano emitted ash 15 kilometers high and spewed red hot lava that destroyed some residential areas, killed livestock and sent 35,000 people fleeing to evacuation sites. In the past 24-hour period, the Taal Volcano Network recorded 29 volcanic earthquakes, including one explosiontype quake, 22 low frequency volcanic quakes and two volcanic tremor events having durations of three minutes, and low-level background tremor that has persisted since April 8. Solidum advised the public to stay away from the entire Taal Volcano Island, a permanent danger zone, and that the high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel must be prohibited due to the hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami should strong eruptions occur. “All activities on Taal Lake should not be allowed at this time. Communities around the Taal Lake shores are advised to remain vigilant, take precautionary measures against possible airborne ash and calmly prepare for possible evacuation should unrest intensify,” Phivolcs said. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) deputy spokesman Mark Cashean Timbal said the evacuees are housed in 11 evacuation centers or sheltering with relatives.

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Lacson... From A1 offer of Sotto, acting president of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), to be the party’s standard bearer. Earlier, Sotto, who is eyeing to join the vice presidential race, said the NPC is still wooing Lacson to run for president. Meanwhile, an official of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines said there was no express prohibition in the 1987 Constitution that could bar President Rodrigo Duterte from running for vice president in next year’s elections. IBP President Domingo Cayosa

stressed that the constitution did not contain any provision disqualifying a sitting president from seeking the vice presidency after completing his single six-year term as president. “The Constitution does not explicitly prohibit a president from running for another office after his term as president. What it prohibits is a reelection,” Cayosa said. “There is no express legal impediment,” he added. He cited the case of former presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Joseph Estrada who were elected as Pampanga congresswoman and Manila mayor, respectively, after stepping down as President.

DoTr... From A1 “We have funds under GAA [General Appropriation Act] to continue the service contracting program. We can download the P3 billion from the Land Bank of the Philippines so that we can continue the compensation for PUV drivers and operators,” Transportation Secretary Art Tugade said. Tugade stressed that the agency would continue the free rides for the benefits of the commuters. Martin Delgra III, LTFRB chairman, said the agency already made a request with the Department of Budget and

Ex-US defense chief Rumsfeld passes away, 88 DONALD Rumsfeld, the cocksure and unrepentant defense secretary who led the United States into war in Iraq and Afghanistan, has died, his family announced Wednesday. He was 88. In charge of the US military for most of George W. Bush’s presidency, Rumsfeld was stubborn and brash, famously dismissing widespread looting after US troops captured Baghdad by quipping, “Stuff happens.” For millions who took to the streets to denounce the war in Iraq, Rumsfeld and vice president Dick Cheney were emblematic of what was seen as excesses in Bush’s “war on terror,” including the indefinite detention of suspects in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the abuse of Iraqis by US jailers at Abu Ghraib prison. The former congressman’s brand of hawkish politics eventually fell from favor as politicians from both sides turned on “forever wars,” and the troops he first sent to Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001 attacks will make their final withdrawal weeks after his death. His family said that Rumsfeld – who after resigning in 2006 not only spent years defending his legacy but also dabbling in software and even releasing a solitaire app – died in Taos, New Mexico, and described “the integrity he brought to a life dedicated to the country.” Bush called his defense secretary, whom he defiantly kept in his cabinet until rival Democrats won control of Congress in 2006, “an exemplary public servant and a very good man.” “He was a faithful steward of our armed forces, and the United States of America is safer and better off for his service,” Bush said, without directly mentioning the decision to invade Iraq. AFP

Pacquiao:... From A1

The Delta variant of coronavirus is driving the pandemic forward in Africa at record speeds, the World Health Organization warned on Thursday. Infection numbers have increased in Africa for six weeks running, rising by a quarter week-on-week to almost 202,000 in the week that ended Sunday, it said. AFP

Pimentel stressed “succession does not require permission of party members.” PDP-Laban Executive Director Ron Munsayac said Pacquiao would not attend the July 17 event. He noted that any resolution or decision that will be borne out of what he called an unauthorized activity will be ignored. Pimentel also said he would not attend the July 17 meeting, noting he has no hand in that meeting. Munsayac said Pacquiao continues to enjoy the “overwhelming support” from the party’s grassroots and longtime members. “Out of our more than 100,000 cardbearing members, only a little more than 5,000 are politicians (from President to councilors). Just to be clear, those who attended the activity held by Sec. Cusi last May 31 were a mere 100 members out of the 100,000 in our roster,” he added. Both Pacquiao and Pimentel did not show up during the party’s National Council Assembly in Cebu last May led by PDP vice chairman and Energy Sec. Alfonso Cusi. It was Cusi, who presided over PDPLaban’s meeting on May 31 where the party adopted a resolution urging Duterte to run for vice president next year. Meanwhile, the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) said it would welcome Pacquiao into the party if he is booted out of PDP-Laban. When asked if the NPC is willing to adopt Pacquiao, NPC acting president and Senate President Vicente Sotto III said: “If he wants to join the NPC, we will cross the bridge when we get there. But of course, he is welcome.” According to Senator Panfilo Lacson, Pacquiao may drop a bombshell on alleged corrupt activities under the Duterte administration today (Saturday) before he leaves for the US to prepare for his boxing match against Errol Spence Jr.

Management to use the P3 billion fund for the extension of the service contracting program of the government. A congressional leader earlier said the national government’s “Libreng Sakay” program should continue even after the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2 expired. Samar Rep. Edgar Sarmiento, chairman of the House committee on transportation, said the DOTr can use its P3 billion allocation. “Even with the expiration of the Bayanihan 2 Law, the DoTr can still continue implementing Libreng Sakay without the need for new legislation. The program has a separate allocation from the national budget of more than P3 bil-

lion,” Sarmiento said in a statement. “This is more than enough to fund the extension of the Libreng Sakay program until December 30. This should give Congress more time to act on pending legislation that provides funding for the extension or possible expansion of the program,” he added. Sarmiento said a total of P8.58 billion has been allocated to finance the government’s Libreng Sakay program. Under the DOTr’s Service Contracting Program, participating PUV drivers would receive an onboarding incentive and a per kilometer fee to ferry medical front liners, authorized persons outside of residence (APORs), and essential employees.

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Taguig begins vaccination of A5 indigents By Joel E. Zurbano

LAKE PLACID? Fishpen caretakers go about their usual chores of feeding the fingerlings at the Taal Lake in Agoncillo, Batangas on Friday, July 2 2021 amid the threat of restive Taal Volcano’s eruption. They are advised however to leave the area on or before 4 p.m. and return to the evacuation sites. Danny Pata

Clark security group seizes P1-b tobacco raw materials C

LARK FREEPORT—An estimated P1 billion worth of raw tobacco materials and other items were seized in this Freeport following an operation led by Clark Development Corporation Security Services Group.

Some 300 sacks of dried tobacco leaves, 1,470,000 pieces of invalid light blue Bureau of Internal Revenue tax stamps, 147,000 pieces of invalid green BIR stamps, counterfeit tobacco products and trademarks placed in boxes, and equipment used for manufacturing cigarettes were found inside an aluminum truck-van with plate number RKY 632. The vehicle driven by Efren Taconto was apprehended by CDC Public Safety Department (PSD) officers as it tried to

ship out illegal and counterfeit tobacco products without shipping documents. A certain Jaime Go, also known as Jaime Tiu, is believed to be the Operations manager of the Group identified by the Philippine National Police unit as “Wendel Criminal group” engaged in several illegal activities. These activities include the distribution of counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes as well as shipping of the raw materials used in making cigarettes worth

millions of pesos. Go or Tiu is said to be maintaining a warehouse at Golden Leaf Antiques and Prudence Development and Management Corporation here. Meanwhile, others involved in the big time operation are already in custody and will face charges for the violation of National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, the CDC said. Under this law, internal revenue officers shall have authority to make arrests and seizures for the violation of any penal law, rule or regulation administered by the BIR. Any person so arrested shall be forthwith brought before a court, there to be dealt with according to law. They will also face other penalties and

sanctions for violating Republic Act No. 8293 also known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. According to CDC Vice President for Security Services Group (SSG) PBGen. Sheldon G. Jacaban (Ret), all contents were seized and complaints were already filed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Pampanga against the suspects. The investigation also reveals that four companions of Taconto were also involved in the scheme. Two of the drivers namely, Sammy Molina and Rechie Aminion are residents of Mabalacat City while the two others Ryan Tilanduca and Danny Martizano are from Quezon City and Valenzuela City, respectively.

TAGUIG City has started inoculating people listed under the A5 group category or the indigent population. On Friday, the local government sent its vaccination bus to conduct the symbolic vaccination for the indigent sector at Bagong Lipunan Condominium, Tenement in Barangay Western Bicutan. Mayor Lino Edgardo Cayetano said the vaccination bus which previously accommodated only 200 people a day, was now capable of handling 1,000 and would be deployed to vaccinate the A5 category along with A4 individuals who do not qualify as A5, and 2nd dose recipients at Western Bicutan. “Taguig is also deploying another vaccination bus to vaccinate another 1,000 simultaneously at Barangay Bagumbayan,” said Cayetano. The A5 category is composed of the poor population on the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction and is part of the city’s COVID-19 Priority Vaccination List. Cayetano said the symbolic vaccination of the A5 category aims to boost the city’s ongoing vaccination rollout and protect the vulnerable sector from COVID-19. The city government earlier announced it finished vaccinating the 500-strong member of Taguig City police and had administered the first dose of inoculation for 420 city farmers and fisher folk. “The need to vaccinate these people is truly important. Their job is very essential and crucial to our community,” said Cayetano. Taguig vowed to support all farmers and fisherfolk, and continue to create an avenue to sustain their livelihood. -“We’re doing the best that we can to help all our farmers and fisherfolk. We’ll extend all the support we can give to them to sustain their livelihood. Even though Taguig is a highly urbanized city, the agricultural sector is one of our priorities,” added Cayetano. The city government has so far vaccinated more than 250,000 individuals across the A1-A4 categories and targets to vaccinate 700,000 eligible individuals by the end of the year.

QC businesses boost vax drive by offering discounts to patrons SCORES of business establishments in Quezon City are offering discounts to vaccinated customers to encourage people to get themselves inoculated against COVID-19, according to Councilor Winston Castelo. In the Ever Gotesco-Commonwealth Avenue area in the city’s District 2, food and service shops have launched Bakuna-Diskwento in partnership with Castelo and his wife Rep. Precious Hipolito Castelo. He said the project offers five to 10 percent discounts to vaccinated patrons with some establishments also giving free drinks. “It’s our way of encouraging our people to get themselves vaccinated and protected against the highly infectious new coronavirus and the deadly COVID-19 illness it is causing,” he added.

The latest data showed that about 34 percent of the city’s target of 1.7 million residents have already been inoculated. “We still have a long way to go, so we should leave no stone unturned in encouraging our people to take their vaccine,” Castelo said. The Castelo couple urged other stores in the city to join similar promos. “Making this a city-wide undertaking would entice more residents to get vaccine protection,” the councilor said. He called on the city vaccinators to take extra care in administering the vaccine to avoid breaching protocols. “Breaches and mistakes will just delay our vaccination program. We might as well have a slow-but-sure mindset,” he stressed. Rio Araja

VAX FOR ALL.

Peter Hughes (seated), 77, a British national, receives his second dose of Sinovac vaccine from city health worker Sherilyn Almira (left) at the Vista Mall along Emilio Aguinaldo Highway in Brgy. Agustin 2, City of Dasmarinas, Cavite on Friday (July 2, 2021). Hughes was among the 300 individuals under the A2 (senior citizens) priority group inoculated at the event. Gil Calinga

Agencies unite against housing scam By Rio Araja THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and various government agencies have partnered in a common effort to go after real-estate scammers. Housing czar Eduardo del Rosario signed a joint memorandum circular with the departments of the Interior and Local Government, Justice, Environment and Natural Resources as well as the Professional Regulation Commission and other national government agencies to form an inter-agency task force agains illegal real-estate service practices. The circular was primarily aimed at syn-

chronizing all government efforts in curtailing such unlawful activities and bolster coordination at the national, regional and local levels through the inter-agency task force. “This joint memorandum circular is being signed today to ensure that unscrupulous individuals or swindlers who are fooling the homebuyers, especially the overseas Filipino workers, are dealt with... we need to exert extra efforts, in coordination with relevant government agencies, especially the DOJ, the DILG, the PNP, the NBI, the LRA and the PRC so that together we can have a stronger effort from the national, regional and local level in ending such unlawful practices,” Del Rosario said.

Traffic watch: Edsa re-blocking resumes

PARKING FEE HIKE. UV Express drivers and operators park their

passenger vans along EDSA in Quezon City, July 2 2021, in a display of protest against the sudden increase in parking fee collected by terminal operators. Manny Palmero

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said on Friday it would resume its weekend road re-blocking and other repair works along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and Circumferential Road -5 (C-5 Road). The MMDA gave the Department of Public Works and Highways the go-signal to conduct the road works beginning late night of July 2 until Monday morning. DPWH – National Capital Region director Eric Ayapana said the road rehabilitation will be carried out from 11

p.m., Friday until 5 a.m., Monday, July 5 along EDSA, covering the southbound direction of Biglang Awa Street, 2nd lane from sidewalk in Caloocan City. Reblocking activities at C-5 Road, Quezon City will cover sections after Rosa Alvero, 2nd lane from center island; and before Rajah Matanda, 3rd lane from sidewalk. “The DPWH – NCR secured prior clearance and coordination with the MMDA in anticipation of expected traffic slowdown along areas covered by the weekend road repair,” said Ayapana.

Cebu Pacific lauds use of ‘green lane’ in Cauayan THE Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific welcomes the decision of the City of Cauayan to adopt a ‘green lane’ for fully-vaccinated travellers. Passengers are considered fullyvaccinated at least 14 days after having received the second dose in a two-dose series, or at least 14 days after having received a single-dose vaccine. “We commend the local government of Cauayan for being the first city in the country to implement green lanes for domestic travel. We firmly believe this will pave the way for the safe reopening of domestic tourism and we look forward to other local governments following suit,” said Alex Reyes, Chief Strategy Officer at Cebu Pacific. In its Executive Order No. 53 – 2021, Cauayan City stated that this is effective while the city is under General Community Quarantine. Upon arrival in Cauayan, a traveler will undergo mandatory triage for assessment of documentary requirements and screening of symptoms.

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SATURDAY, JULY 3, 2021 Email: mst.daydesk@gmail.com

NBI nabs 3 for selling Sinovac in QC; 4th suspect still at large Subic to receive PAL flights with returning OFWs SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—The Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) will be accepting rerouted Philippine Airlines (PAL) flights for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) starting Monday, July 5, under a government program to facilitate the return of overseas Filipinos during the COVID-19 pandemic. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said six Philippine Airlines flights are expected to land at the SBIA this month to ferry home mostly overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Dammam and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. The flights have been scheduled on July 5, 7, 15, 17, 25, and 27 with an average of 230 passengers in each of the PAL Airbus A330 flights to Subic. “The arrival of OFWs via Subic is in line with the policy of the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to impose a limit for all international airports in the country to accommodate just 1,500 passengers per day,” Eisma explained on Friday. Accordingly, PAL has distributed its flights to various airports to accommodate the market in accordance with its recovery plan, Eisma added. “Once again, the Subic Bay Freeport Zone is in a unique position to be of service to the Filipino nation, particularly repatriated workers, who long to be home but were hindered by pandemic restrictions,” Eisma said. The SBMA chief pointed out that Subic also began serving as a CrewChange One-Stop-Shop hub since September last year, thereby helping bring home stranded Filipino seafarers or sending them back to work after some vacation. “Our assistance, we are proud to add, would adequately help flesh out President Duterte’s policy that ‘no one should be left behind’,” Eisma added. Under the PAL flights set-up, arriving passengers would be quarantined for seven to 10 days in Subic Bay Freeport hotels and accommodation facilities accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and certified by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ). Eisma said this would create “positive impact on local tourism that would also redound to the benefit of workers, business establishments, and service operators in our communities.”

By Willie Casas

HREE persons, including a registered nurse and medical technologist, were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday for allegedly selling Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines in Quezon City. The NBI Task Force Against Illegal Drugs identified the suspects as Alexis de Guzman, a registered nurse in a hospital in Manila; Harjit Kour Gonzales Singh, a medical technologist; and Calvin Roca. A fourth suspect was still at large, the NBI said Friday. Seized from the suspects was an icebox with 300 doses of Sinovac’s CoronaVac worth P840,000 during an operation in Amoranto Street, Quezon City.

The suspects were selling the vaccines at P4,150 for the first and second dose. Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso confirmed that De Guzman was assigned to a Manila hospital. Domagoso said that maybe De Guzman knew it was illegal to sell the vaccines in Manila, so he sold it to people in another city. Domagoso said that fortunately for the city, the confiscated vaccines did not come from Manila’s supply. “The good news is, so far, the initial

report, it’s not from us (Manila),” said Domagoso. The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday reiterated its warning that COVID-19 vaccines are not for sale. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said she was “sad” to hear of the incident. “Why did we need to reach a point like this where people are taking advantage of what we have right now?” Vergeire said in a press briefing. Identification cards from the City government of Manila, a Manila hospital, and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) of De Guzman were also confiscated from the suspect. The arrested persons were brought to the Department of Justice earlier in the day for appropriate documentation and filling of cases for violation of the Food and Drug Administration Act.

DRUGS AND GUNS. PNP Chief General Guillermo Eleazar announces the arrest of Jason Relucio King (inset) after a search team from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group found 13 firearms, ammunition, and 11 kilograms of dried marijuana at King’s residence in Barangay Longos, Malolos City during a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Friday. Manny Palmero

’Bacarro not off the hook in PMA cadet’s hazing death’ By Maricel V. Cruz NEWLY appointed Southern Luzon Command chief Maj. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro is not yet off the hook for the hazing death of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet Darwin Dormitorio, Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez said Friday. “Mr. Bacarro has not been cleared yet from the criminal charges because the Baguio City Prosecutor’s dismissal of the cases has been seasonably elevated by Dormitorio’s parents to the Department of Justice Secretary for his review. The

appeal is still pending resolution up to now,” he said. “In view of this pendency, Gen. Bacarro should not be promoted nor appointed as commander of the military’s Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) yet pending resolution of his cases by the DOJ secretary,” Rodriguez said. The representative of Cagayan de Oro’s second district said the statement of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana that the former PMA commandant of cadets has been cleared of criminal charges in Dormitorio’s death was inaccurate.

The Dormitorios are residents of Cagayan de Oro and Rodriguez’s constituents. The House leader has asked President Rodrigo Duterte to recall Bacarro’s promotion and appointment as Solcom chief, replacing the retiring Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade. “I am appealing to the President to strongly uphold the Anti-Hazing Law to stop once and for all hazing, which has caused numerous senseless deaths of the Filipino youth by not rewarding those who criminally and deliberately allowed hazing in their institutions like the PMA,” Rodriguez said.

600 Laguna employees get inoculated, Calabarzon essential workers get jabs

MOBILE VAX BUS. The City Government of Navotas receives a mobile vaccination

bus from the Philippine Red Cross and an ambulance from the Department of Health to help reach bedridden residents or those unable to leave their homes, Mayor Toby Tiangco said. At the turnover were Navotas Rep. John Rey Tiangco (3rd from left) and City Health Officer Christia Padolina with Dr. Philip Patrick Co, Development Management Officer V of DOH-Metro Manila Center for Health Development. Andrew Rabulan

Hataman pens elegy for late President PNoy By Frencie L. Carreon ZAMBOANGA CITY—Ahmed “Amin” Hataman, 20, was feeling glum on June 25 -- the Thursday when former President Benigno Aquino III passed away. The 2015 Sustainable Environment and Energy awardee opted to pen his thoughts. “I only found myself crying into my pillow an entire day after hearing of your passing. It had taken essentially an entire 24 hours before the shock subsided, and I had processed the information for long enough that my emotions could take hold of me. I thought that it was only natural that I shed tears for a great man I so admired; the product of a noble heritage and family that shaped Philippine history and are the unfailing hallmarks of democracy. My sadness

was to be expected,” he began. Hataman is one of 35 young leaders from Asia chosen to be part of the first cohort of the Ramon Magsaysay Transformative Leadership Institute’s NextGen Leadership Program. Amin is the son of House Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman, a good friend of the late President Aquino, and Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin. He first became known six years ago as the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor’s son who, at 15, invented biodegradable bags made from coconut by-product. Amin, now on his third year at the Ateneo de Manila University taking AB Economics, is the youngest in the first Forbes 30 under 30 Asia list, and the only Mindanawon on the list since 2015.

SANTA ROSA CITY, Laguna—A total of 600 employees from Laguna Technopark Inc. were vaccinated against the coronavirus during the ceremonial inoculation for essential workers on June 30 at Ayala Malls Solenad here. The ceremony marked the start of the vaccination for priority group A4 in the Calabarzon region once the vaccines procured by the private sector and the allotment of the national government for this priority group arrive. The A4 priority group includes workers in the government and private sectors as well as the informal sector. Santa Rosa Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas said the city government plans to establish additional vaccination sites once the inoculation of the A4 priority group starts to ensure that more workers will be accommodated.

HI-SPEED. A cable technician

installs fiber optics for faster internet connections on Salvia Street, Barangay Kaligayahan, Novaliches-Fairview in Quezon City on Friday. The telephone company is now upgrading cables to fiberoptic wires, removing old cables to create more lines and strong communications for end-users. Oliver Marquez

The City of Santa Rosa targets to vaccinated 3,000 individuals per day once there is a stable supply of vaccine coming from the national government, Arcillas said. The initial batch of AstraZeneca vaccines procured using the funds of the city government is expected to arrive on July 18, 2021. Arcillas joined Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, National Task Force against COVID-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Vivencio B. Dizon, Calabarzon Center for Health Development Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco, Interior Assistant Secretary Francisco R. Cruz, and Ayala Healthcare Holdings President Paolo Maximo F. Borromeo. The vaccinated workers during the ceremony were from Ayala-owned companies, particularly Laguna Technopark Inc. and Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc. Roy Tomandao

Pinay domestic suing HK cops for denying her trafficking tag HONG KONG—A Philippine domestic worker who was sexually abused by her Hong Kong employer will take the city’s police to court over their decision not to classify her as a victim of human trafficking, her lawyers said Friday. Activists have long argued that the city’s 370,000 domestic workers -- mostly poor women from the Philippines and Indonesia -- are acutely vulnerable to various forms of exploitation, including sexual abuse, and have backed calls for a suite of dedicated anti-trafficking laws. Authorities have rejected those demands, but now face a legal challenge after a rare successful conviction of an employer sexually abusing a domestic helper. The woman -- referred to in legal documents as “CB” -- was hired to work as a domestic helper for Brian Apthorp, a British permanent resident in his 80s. She alleged that Apthorp routinely sexually assaulted her throughout her employment in 2018 and 2019. Apthorp was convicted on Friday of two counts of indecent assault against CB and will be sentenced on 15 July. But CB’s lawyers say she felt let down by the response from police and prosecutors, particularly their decision to try Apthorp in the Magistrate’s Court, which deals with the least serious offences and where prison sentences are capped at shorter lengths. They have now launched a judicial review against both the commissioner of police and the secretary for justice over their handling of the case. News of the potentially landmark legal challenge came the same day Hong Kong’s government hit out at a decision by the United States to keep the city on a human trafficking watchlist. Each year the State Department assesses countries for whether they are adequately tackling human trafficking. In its latest report for 2021, US officials said Hong Kong was still not doing enough to identify trafficking victims and prosecute abusers, keeping it on its “Tier Two Watchlist” ranking alongside countries such as Belarus, Liberia, and Thailand. “The absence of laws criminalizing all forms of trafficking impeded officials’ ability to investigate and charge suspected traffickers,” the report’s authors wrote. Hong Kong’s government blasted that assessment in a statement on Friday, describing it as “biased and unreasonable” and declaring that human trafficking has “never been a prevalent problem” in the city. In a legal briefing, CB’s lawyers said they plan to argue that Hong Kong needs “bespoke legislation” to counter forced labor. They also plan to challenge the police’s decision not to classify her as a victim of trafficking or forced labor -- an assessment that could have meant Apthorp would have faced more serious charges and a longer sentence. AFP

PhilHealth, PSA set data sharing pact THE Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) have formalized a joint undertaking on data sharing of death information records. The partnership agreement will help PhilHealth fulfill its mandate of maintaining an accurate database of members in aid of expanding its benefit packages and improving service delivery, while minimizing if not eradicating fraud in claims reimbursements. Under the agreement, PhilHealth shall provide PSA with electronic lists of identified members and their dependents, which would then be matched with the latter’s death records. The PSA will also develop a matching program called Decentralized Vital Statistics to validate the lists to be submitted by PhilHealth. In his message at the virtual signing ceremony, PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Dante A. Gierran said the data sharing agreement “also translates to data integrity that would further help PhilHealth to remain steadfast and committed to its vision, that is, ‘Bawat Filipino, Miyembro, Bawat Miyembro, Protektado, Kalusugan ng Lahat, Segurado.’” Dr. Claire Dennis S. Mapa, Undersecretary, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General, said: “We have been engaging in data sharing agreement with several agencies as the demand for accurate information increases. “Despite the continuing challenges and constraints of the pandemic, we can still work together to improve the accuracy in our system and extend our capacity to promote honest and integrity in public service,” Mapa added. To ensure the confidentiality of data, both agencies have committed to strictly abide by the provisions of Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

Opinion Feminism matters

SATURDAY, JULY 3, 2021

EDITORIAL

en’s empowerment and gender equality. The results of these initiatives bore fruit as Filipino women started enjoying more rights in their personal, socio-economic, and political lives. It was then when the country got increasing attention from the world as evidenced by the Gender Gap Index ratings. However, after the UN Decade for WomTHE Philippine feminist movement has con- en, support for WROs’ work significantly tributed much to the advancement of Filipino dwindled as the international strategy to adwomen’s rights. For many years, the country dress women’s issues shifted to gender mainhas been scoring quite high in the World Eco- streaming. In the Philippines, since patriarchal nomic Forum’s (WEF) Global Gender Gap culture is widely entrenched and deeply rootIndex. From 2006 to 2018, the Philippines ed, the work of feminists was far from over. consistently ranked among the world’s top Over time because of difficulty to survive, ten (10) countries in addressing gender gap. many WROs have ceased to exist and many We ranked 5th in 2013, 6th in 2006 to 2008, of those that remained had to downsize opera7th in 2015 and 2016, 8th in 2011, 2012, and tions. Organizations find it very difficult to do 2018, 9th in 2009, 2010, and 2014, and 10th significant work because of extreme funding in 2017. However, there have been significant limitations. Thus, in general, the Philippine drops in our ranking from 2019 and 2020 feminist movements weakened. This is a ma(16th) and 2021 (17th). jor problem. The country’s very impressive showing Notwithstanding the challenges, feminist in previous years was not due to luck or co- groups that survived remain on track in their incidence. Those who work. Their continuous possess historical memadvocacy has led to the ory of the Philippine passage of the Magna feminist movements Carta of Women, ReproIt is they who in the late 80s to early ductive Health, Expandwill focus their 2000s may attribute the ed Maternity Leave, and country’s great showSafe Spaces laws. These work so women’s ing to the relentless I know because of my issues are given work done by wompersonal involvement in en’s rights organizaall these successful adthe attention they tions (WROs) and the vocacies. deserve and see to support to addressing Since 2016 howevwomen’s issues by the it that problems are er, the country’s politiinternational developcal climate has greatly addressed. ment community. This changed. The present was during the period administration manifollowing the United fests strong authoritarian Nation’s World Conference on Women in tendencies and does not care much for human Beijing where Filipino feminist leadership and women’s rights. Anti-women officials, was showcased. Several Filipina feminist and even ordinary people, are emboldened by leaders were among the movers and shakers what they see and hear from the highest offiof this important UN conference. cial of the country himself. Sexism and miThe Philippines’ case is proof that invest- sogyny are reinforced that women’s rights are ing in women works. Money for WROs is violated and the gains of the feminist movemoney well-spent, not only for the women ments are dissipating. The feminists’ work has themselves, but also for the country’s interna- become even more complicated and difficult. tional image, at the very least. Feminists, or Alongside these political changes, the counthose who recognize the existing inequalities try’s ranking in the Gender Gap Index has sigbetween women and men and are working to nificantly slid down. This may be attributed to, change the situation, have succeeded in some amongs, the weak implementation of pro-womways in advancing women’s status in society. en laws, the obvious attacks on their rights, and When democratic space reopened after the absence of a vibrant feminist movement to the 1986 EDSA revolt, WROs mushroomed. adequately counter these attacks. These groups started addressing long-neglectThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has reed women’s problems. Feminist groups em- sulted in making life more difficult for everybarked on organizing grassroots and commu- one but more so for poor community women. nity women and those in marginalized sectors Too many suffer from extreme poverty due to like workers, farmers, urban poor, youth, and loss of jobs and livelihood, many are abused indigenous peoples. Feminist coalitions used and violated, their unpaid care work has belegislative advocacy as a major strategy to come heavier, and their access to basic serpursue women’s rights. vices like health has become more problemThese resulted in vibrant and robust femi- atic. Even in terms of participation in online nist movements that worked for the passage of activities that can benefit them, poor women significant women’s rights laws including the are seriously hampered with lack of access to anti-sexual harassment, rape, violence against gadgets, internet, and knowledge on digital women and their children, and trafficking in technology use. Poor community women are persons laws. Pro-women programs were also marginalized twice over. initiated especially during the UN Decade for It is during times like this that the work of Women. These include feminist counseling; WROs is even more important. It is the femsafe houses, legal, and medical assistance for inists who will focus their work so women’s VAW victims/survivors; and livelihood and issues are given the attention they deserve and other support programs for grassroots and ur- see to it that problems are addressed. ban poor women. Feminism matters during this time, it is Feminists were also the first to question crucial. gender inequality in families and personal relationships. WROs were leading the way in @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth countering a patriarchal culture toward wom- Angsioco on Facebook

Everyman

The ‘white knight’ marches on tor in signing a tripartite agreement with the government and American drug manufacturer EARLY this month, the World Bank released Moderna for the supply of 20 million mRNAits forecast for the Philippine economy, pegging 1273 vaccine doses in the country. Initial the growth rate at 4.7 percent this year with the shipment has reached Philippine shores. With country weighed down by the pandemic. more vaccines available, inoculation will be Like other developing countries, the Phil- ramped up and economic activity is expected ippines needs all the help to be able to put to become more vigorous. The ports tycoon back on track its economic trajectory. It is has become a “white knight” with a heart for blessed to have citizens, conglomerates and the poor, the less privileged. other businesses in Razon is also the the country that are white knight of Mamore than willing to nila Water, the East extend assistance for Zone concessionaire. We cannot afford to the social good. In business, a white despair. Among them knight refers to an is Enrique K. Raindividual, a compazon, Jr., the second ny or an investor that wealthiest Filipino in saves another compaForbes’ list of billionaires. ny from a hostile takeover thereby ensuring that When the pandemic broke out in the coun- the core business of the company remains intact. try last year, he was among the country’s bigWith his acquisition of majority shares gest contributors in the humanitarian mission in Manila Water and a revised concession to support the government’s fight against agreement signed, Razon has taken over as COVID-19. His ICTSI and Bloomberry com- Chairman and CEO of the company. Aside panies donated P600 million for supplies and from signing of the revised CA set to expire equipment for hospitals and P100 million for in 2037, being deliberated in Congress is a relief operations in vulnerable communities. 25-year franchise for Manila Water that will “The only thing that counts now is defeating extend Manila Water operations beyond 2037. the virus. What is important is the need for esRazon who is Chairman and President of sential goods to keep flowing. This is a war with ICTSI, the country’s leading terminal operaan unseen enemy and we will have to tally up the tor, grew the port business in Manila started losses later on. More important are the concerns by his grandfather in 1916 and rebuilt by his of the people. Feeding the people,” he had said. father after the Second World War. Today, Early this year, Razon led the private sec- ICTSI has subsidiaries in Eastern Europe, AfBy Melandrew Velasco

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Saluting students

E DOFF our newsroom cap and join the rest of the country to honor three Filipino students who recently won bronze medals at the 33rd International Olympiad in Informatics.

testants also need to think on their feet and find solutions to anything that’s thrown at them,” said Marte Soliza, president of the National Olympiad in Informatics-Philippines . NOI.PH put together and organized the Philippine contingent in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute.

They are Vincent dela Cruz, Raphael Dylan Dalida and Frederick Ivan Tan, who outsmarted hundreds of contestants from more than 80 countries. The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute said this year’s IOI, hosted online due to the pandemic by Singapore, featured a metal glove of programming challenges that tested the competitors’ coding skills and creativity, with problems involving everything from a dungeons game to a mutating DNA. “The IOI is a proving ground for some of the brightest upcoming minds who are in the best position to solve the world’s problems. Apart from coding skills, con-

Three young Filipinos made us proud. But as we applaud the performance of the Filipino students, what really is informatics? This is the study of computational systems, especially those for data storage and retrieval, synonymous, according to ACM Europe and Informatics Europe,

with computer science and computing as a profession, in which the central notion is transformation of information. This is really something that we can collectively take pride in. But even as we congratulate them and ourselves for a job well done, we must posthaste look at the greater picture at the need to improve and maintain basic education so that coming home with medals would be part of the norm, the median as it were, and not the out-and-out peculiarity in academic performance. Instance, while the global assessment Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study 2019 disclosed that the Philippines lags behind 57 other countries in Math and Science achievements, the study also reported that less than 50 percent of Grade 4 learners only were receiving instructions with “high clarity.” This is the all-embracing scenario where our academics and others interested in our track record should have their heartbeats on.

Presidential election: a cavalcade of ambitious personalities

Part II ONE important aspect that allowed the US to control public opinion is their tight control of our local media. US control is interpreted as an attempt to control the press. Any candidate who may advocate restraint of our unbridled exercise of freedom like even putting social order to society is readily accused of having “dictatorial tendency.” The cry for unbridled freedom blended well with the concept of free enterprise. The oligarchy and the Church could hardly delineate their view of freedom of the press from their business interest as media tycoons. The issue gets murky when the government tacitly allowed foreign-owned mass media to operate television and radio stations, and disseminate foreign publications, to air and present shows intended to propagate ideas contrary to the government. The financial difficulty of the US is apparent that today, official news outlets of the US and UK like the Voice of America and BBC made a tie-up with local radio stations with one television station, CNN Philippines, defiantly violating the provision of the Constitution. These stations make an hourly broadcast of events bearing interest to them. One must observe that foreign-controlled media do not only compete but often discredit the government despite the ruling made by the SEC and MTRCB. President Duterte rightly reacted to this column’s comment that Manny Pacquiao and Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel acted to usurp the powers of the President as de oficio head of PDP-Laban. To this day, Pimentel pretends to be cocky as ever. He purposely took advantage of the political affiliation of the President to make sure he will have an assured place in the country’s never ending political bickering. He can only be thankful to the president for being loyal to his ragtag political party. Senator Pimentel forgot that after the election in 2016, Duterte became the head of the party automatically. This honor is accorded to the president to show that he runs the party. Nonetheless, the President remained loyal to the PDP-Laban despite strong overtures by senator Manny Villar to enlist him as member of the Nacionalista Party. There was that irrica and the Americas. He is also CEO and Chairman of Bloomberry Resorts Corporation, which includes the Solaire Hotel and Casino. Expanding his conglomerate, he has put up Prime Strategic Holdings, Inc. of which he is Chairman. The core infrastructure arm of Enrique K. Razon Jr. is Prime Infra and has investments portfolio in water, energy and construction. Razon has been stepping up his investments in infrastructure projects in recent years through his holding company Prime Strategic, which is developing water and power generation projects in the Philippines. Apart from Manila Water, Razon is engaged in the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project. It involves the construction of two water supply infrastructures that will provide Manila Water Company 80 million liters daily in its first phase which is expected to be completed by 2022. By 2025, the second phase will be completed that will ensure a total of 518 million liters daily supply to address the water crisis in

resistible offer, more so after Duterte opted to choose congressman Alan Peter Cayetano as his vice-presidential running mate. Every move taken by President Duterte was calculated to maintain his political independence. The Villars have their eye on keeping tabs on their business interests while Duterte remains in power. Most important, the Cayetanos and Villar joined hands to ensure that the Nacionalista Party could “cage out” Marcos from the vice-presidential race. The effective elimination of Marcos as running mate of Duterte turned out to be one of shameless political maneuvering. As some say, it was BBM that held on to the coattail of Duterte who was made to appear a Nacionalista. But Cayetano ended up miserably to

Shameless political maneuvering backfire his personal vendetta. Neither could it be said that the PDP-Laban provided the political margin for Duterte. This explains why the public up to now cannot identify the President as belonging to the Nacionalista Party or to the PDP-Laban. The President won by his own merit and his popularity increased more after his election as President. This gave the President the idea that his daughter’s regional party like Hugpong ng Pagbabago need not be elevated to a nationwide political party to assure itself of victory. After that election, Pimentel could not assert himself as the party president because he did nothing to contribute to Duterte’s victory. Duterte himself remains silent about his membership with PDP-Laban which has its roots as a yellow party organized by the supporters of the late President Cory Aquino. Duterte, for all his rantings against the yellow and Liberal Party then lorded over by President Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas, made his debut as a politician when he was appointed by Cory as mayor of Davao in 1990s. As one who originally came from the same horde of politicians appointed to replace the duly elected local officials loyal to the ousted President, he himself was a beneficiary of that infamous political pogrom. This explains why Digong felt uneasy when Noynoy and his Liberal Party fanatics launched a systematic barrage to discredit the presidential ambition of Makati mayor Jejomar Binay because that could expose the political largess given by the National Capital Region and the province of Rizal. Proponent of the project is WawaJVCO, Inc., a joint venture company of Prime Infra and San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders and Developers Corporation owned by Oscar Violago. Contractor of the project is Prime BMD, a partnership between Prime Infra and BMD, an Australian construction company. In the energy sector, Prime Infra has interest in the Chico Hydropower Plant. Created to develop the 150MW-250 MW hydropower plant is the ChicoJVCo. It is currently in its initial stages. As published in the Prime Infra website,

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Cory Aquino except that Binay was branded as a consummate money-making and corrupt politician. Nonetheless, Digong came out unscathed from the political mudslinging, a premonition that Duterte was destined to become president. Neither could Binay attack him for most likely he can be branded as the filthiest candidate. In fact, seldom do people know that both of them are original members of PDP-Laban organized by the late senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel that nobody talks about their code of honor. This explains why the President feels irritated at Senator Pimentel for taking potshots at the administration through his would-be presidential bet senator, Manny Pacquiao. The problem of usurpation as to who should stand as party president began with the failure of Pimentel to clarify what role Pacquaio would be doing as upcoming party leader. Since the election of Duterte as President, no election was held except that Pimentel appointed Pacquiao as president. It was a clever move made that instead of giving the President a free hand to run the party as ex-oficio head, he allowed Pacquiao to usurp that role without the benefit of holding an election. Pimentel practically abdicated his role as interim president after the death of the founding head, Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. President Duterte now sees the conduct of the two senators utterly disgusting and disrespectful. What is insulting is that Senator Pacquiao focused his attacks on the energy policy of the government, an issue now being raised by the opposition against his administration. Pimentel, on the other hand, continues to play coy as if unaware of what is going on. On the other hand, Gilberto Teodoro has offered himself as the vice-presidential candidate for Davao City mayor Sara Duterte. Some interpret the move as insidious and cunning. He wants to increase his chances of winning at the expense of preventing the possibility of a coalition between Sara Duterte and Bongbong Marcos, a replica of what Cayetano and Villar did in the 2016, which by fortune, saw the two ambitious politicians ending in trash. Some people could sense the move of Teodoro as sinister. His positioning could resurrect the Prietos from the debacle of having to chew much more than what they could swallow. Gibo is married to a Prieto. The Mile Long property that was taken from them could be regained and the newspaper they used as an attack dog against the President could be back in its old form. rpkapunan@gmail.com the 150MW Chico HPP run-of-the-river type plant, located in Bgy. Mabongtot, Lubuagan, Kalinga, consists of a 65-m high RCC dam with 4-bay emergency spillways to pass a PMF equivalent to a 10,000 year flood. The reservoir area is 157 hectares at the full supply level at Elev. 445m. Prime Infra also has an investment portfolio in Iraq in the energy sector. As the country continues to battle the pandemic’s negative effects, we cannot afford to despair. Let us be white knights to one another. Like Enrique K. Razon, a white knight without the blinders who sees opportunities amid all the problems.

Duterte should reconsider his ICC strategy

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Tens of millions sizzle in India’s severe heatwave

Prosecutors seek 3 year jail term for Ghosn accomplices

TENS of millions of people in India were suffering Friday under a severe heatwave that has pushed the temperature to a nineyear high in Delhi as monsoon rains run JAPANESE prosecutors said Friday behind schedule. they are seeking jail sentences of Heatwaves have killed over 6,500 people nearly three years for an American fain the world’s second-most populous nather-son duo who admit helping fortion since 2010, and scientists say climate mer Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn jump change is making them harsher and more bail and flee Japan. frequent. The prosecutors told a Tokyo court Daytime temperatures were above 40 dethey are seeking a sentence of two gree Celsius for the fourth consecutive day years, 10 months for former special Friday across the states of Rajasthan, Haryforces operative Michael Taylor, and ana and New Delhi. two years, six months for his son PeLarge parts of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and THIRST QUENCHER. A liquid petroleum gas cylinder delivery man drinks water from a bottle during his shift on a hot ter. Madhya Pradesh in central India were also summer afternoon in Amritsar on July 2, 2021. Daytime temperatures were above 40 degree Celsius for the fourth consecutive day “Michael Taylor... played a leading wilting. Friday across the states of Rajasthan, Haryana and New Delhi. AFP role. His responsibility is extremely New Delhi saw 43.1 degrees Celsius on grave,” one of the prosecutors said, Thursday, the hottest July day in the city calling Ghosn’s “unprecedented” Desince 2012 when the capital sweltered uncember 2019 escape a “sophisticated der 43.5 degrees Celsius. and bold crime.” On Friday, the temperature again shot up “The case considerably infringed to 41 degree Celsius in the city of 20 milupon our country’s criminal justice,” lion. he added. Temperatures have remained more than The Taylors have been in custody seven degrees Celsius above normal for since their arrest in May 2020 in the this time of the year, prompting India’s United States for helping smuggle weather office to classify it as “severe exGhosn onto a private jet in an audio treme heat.” equipment case so he could fly to India Meteorological Department said Lebanon, which has no extradition the mercury will stay above 40 degrees How long will it last? LOBAL food prices are rising at their fastest agreement with Japan. for the coming week because of the late That is difficult to say. For the moGhosn had led Nissan for nearly rate in a decade, exacerbating the troubles arrival of the southwest monsoon and a ment, harvests are projected to be very two decades, earning celebrity status hot wind known as the Loo blowing in of the world’s most vulnerable nations as good. as a rare foreign executive to thrive in from the desert state of Rajasthan and The US Department of Agriculture is Japan – until he was arrested in 2018 they struggle with the fallout from the coronavirus Pakistan. forecasting record crop production for on allegations of financial crimes, The weather department has issued a pandemic. 2021-2022 and also record harvests of which he denies. heatwave alert for the region, with forecastBrazilian soybean and American corn. If The Taylors, who had faced a maxiers also saying some isolated places will these materialize, that will help ease the The United Nations’ Food and Agcorn has skyrocketed by 88 percent, mum of three years in jail each, were witness thunderstorms. price situation. extradited to Japan earlier this year. riculture Organization (FAO) is worsoybean by 73 percent, grain and The intense heat has driven up power They first appeared in court last But climate conditions could be a wild ried that soaring prices could foment dairy products by 38 percent, sugar consumption as more and more people month, when they admitted to helping further social unrest in countries al- by 34 percent and meat by 10 percent. card in such projections. turned to air-conditioners and air coolers. orchestrate Ghosn’s audacious flight. For FAO economist Abdolreza Abready mired in political turmoil. “Obviously, it’s very concerning,” Delhi’s power consumption peaked to Earlier this week, the Taylors bassian, “the only thing we know is that the Here is a look at the situation said Arif Husain, chief economist of nearly 7,000 megawatts (MW) this week, said they now “regret” their role in food market is going to be even more volaworldwide: the World Food Program. 10 to 15 percent higher than the average deGhosn’s escape, bowing deeply in Where are food prices headed? In 2007-2008, brutal increases in tile in the future than it was in the past.”CYAN MAGENTA mand at this time of the year. YELLOW BLACK court as they apologized, according What is the impact for poor countries? According to the FAO, food prices the price of basic foodstuffs sparked In Punjab in the north, authorities anto local media. Manila In a range of countries currently facing were nearly 40 percent higher in May riots in a number of cities around the nounced a two-day weekly closure of inStandard The former auto tycoon, who redustrial TODAY units and reduced office hours than a year ago, the sharpest increase world. Peaking in 2010-2011, the other “shocks,” such as COVID-19, food mains an international fugitive in for its employees after electricity demand price inflation currently stands at more since September 2011. price rises acted as a harbinger for the Lebanon, was out on bail while awaittopped 15,000 megawatts. AFP than 20 percent, said WFP’s Husain. AFP On a 12-month basis, the price of Arab Spring uprisings. ing trial on four counts of financial

Soaring food prices may lead to unrest: UN G

misconduct when he fled, transiting in Turkey before arriving in Lebanon. The escape was hugely embarrassing for Japanese authorities. US prosecutors called it “one of the most brazen and well-orchestrated escape acts in recent history.” AFP

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All US, NATO troops depart Bagram air base

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N OTICE Notice is hereby given that COMMUNITIES BULACAN, INC. with office address at LGF Bldg., B. Evia Lifestyle Center, Daang Hari, Almanza Dos, Las Piñas City is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as Expanding Developer of Economic and Low-Cost Housing Project (Bria Homes Plaridel) with 812 house and lot units under R.A. 11534 (CREATE Act) and the Preferred List-Mass Housing of the 2020 IPP, with project site located at Brgy. Lagundi, Plaridel, Bulacan. Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication. (SGD.) ANGELITA F. ARCELLANA Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service

2 cols. x 5 cms.

LIKE DIAMONDS IN THE SKY. This photo taken on July 1, 2021 shows people taking photos on a bird formed

by drones during a show marking the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party in Shenzhen, in China’s southern Guangdong province. AFP

Myanmar orders 2m to stay at home

(MS-JULY 3, 2021)

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that COMMUNITIES BULACAN, INC. with office address at LGF Bldg., B. Evia Lifestyle Center, Daang Hari, Almanza Dos, Las Piñas City is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as Expanding Developer of Economic and Low-Cost Housing Project (Camella Baliwag Phase 7) with 350 house and lot units under R.A. 11534 (CREATE Act) and the Preferred List-Mass Housing of the 2020 IPP, with project site located at Brgy.Pagala, Baliwag, Bulacan. Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication. (SGD.) ANGELITA F. ARCELLANA Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service (MS-JULY 3, 2021)

MYANMAR authorities imposed stay-at-home-measures on the country’s second city Friday as coronavirus cases in the coup-wracked country surge, with many health workers striking to protest against the junta. Inhabitants of Mandalay, as well as two townships in the southern Bago region woke up to new restrictions banning more than one person leaving home for non-medical reasons. There was no timeframe given for the new rules, announced by the health and sports ministry of the State Administration Council – as the junta calls itself. Those travelling to government jobs

are exempted. The affected areas are home to more than two million people, according to a 2014 census, and join towns in western Chin state near the Indian border that have been locked down since May. Authorities reported more than 1,500 new cases on Thursday, up from around 100 per day in early June. Myanmar’s creaking healthcare system had struggled to respond to COVID-19 even before the February coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi. Swathes of the country were put under partial lockdown last year, although enforcement was often lax in the developing nation where many

IP graves eclipse Canada Day N OTICE Notice is hereby given that COMMUNITIES BULACAN, INC. with office address at LGF Bldg., B. Evia Lifestyle Center, Daang Hari, Almanza Dos, Las Piñas City is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as Expanding Developer of Economic and Low-Cost Housing Project (Camella San Ildefonso BP 220) with 232 house and lot units under R.A. 11534 (CREATE Act) and the Preferred List-Mass Housing of the 2020 IPP, with project site located at Brgy.Garlang, San Ildefonso, Bulacan. Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication. (SGD.) ANGELITA F. ARCELLANA Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service (MS-JULY 3, 2021)

CANADA’S national holiday Thursday was marked by a grim reckoning over its colonial history, after more than 1,000 unmarked graves were found near former boarding schools for indigenous children. Several cities across the country canceled their traditional Canada Day celebrations, usually marked by fireworks and barbecues. The hashtag #CancelCanadaDay was trending on social media, and rallies in support of the indigenous community were held around the country. The 154th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation came one day after 182 unmarked graves were found near

a former boarding school in British Columbia where indigenous children were forcibly assimilated. The discovery was the latest in a series that have outraged the country, with 751 similar graves found near a school in Marieval in western Saskatchewan province last week, and 215 found at the end of May at another school in Kamloops, British Columbia. Until the 1990s, some 150,000 indigenous, Inuit and Metis youngsters were forcibly enrolled in the 139 schools, where students were physically and sexually abused by headmasters and teachers who stripped them of their culture and language. AFP

face a stark choice between following regulations and feeding their families. Since the coup, thousands of doctors, volunteers and civil servants have joined a mass civil disobedience campaign to protest against the military regime. Myanmar has reported 3,347 virusrelated deaths, although true figures are likely to be higher. A shipment of 1.5 million vaccines arrived from India earlier this year. On Thursday state media reported junta leader Min Aung Hlaing had agreed to buy two million vaccines from Russia, without specifying which shot. AFP

ALL US and NATO troops have left the biggest air base in Afghanistan, a US defense official told AFP Friday, signaling the complete withdrawal of foreign forces from the country was imminent after two decades of war. Bagram Air Base served as the linchpin for US-led operations in the rugged country, where the long war against the Taliban and their Al-Qaeda allies started in 2001 following the September 11 attacks. “All coalition forces are off Bagram,” said the official – who asked not to be identified – without specifying when the last foreign troops left the base, 50 kilometers north of the capital Kabul. He did not say when it would be officially handed over to Afghan forces, but ministry of defence spokesman Rohullah Ahmadzai said government authorities were “fully prepared” to take over the base. The Taliban said it welcomed and supported the latest phase of the troop pullout. “Their full withdrawal will pave the way for Afghans to decide about their future between themselves,” spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said. The US military and NATO are in the final stages of winding up involvement in Afghanistan, bringing home an unspecified number of remaining troops by a deadline of September 11. AFP

FROZEN IN TIME.

Britain’s Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (left) and Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex unveil a statue of their mother, Princess Diana at The Sunken Garden in Kensington Palace, London on July 1, 2021, which would have been her 60th birthday. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW Manila

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PSEi July 2, 2021

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Global tax deal obtains support of 130 countries

Republic of the Philippines Department of Finance Securities and Exchange Commission Markets and Securities Regulation Department

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGEOF IN THE MATTER : : THE PHILIPPINE STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. : 1 OM 0.44 0.03 7.32% x - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - -- -- -- -- -- x 2 FERRO 3.19 0.21 7.05%

SEC MSRD Order No. 31 Series of 2021

ORDER

3 APO 1.07 0.07 7.00% WHEREAS, on 10 June 2021, The Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. (“Company”) submitted Definitive Information Statement (“DIS”) relative to the scheduled annual 4 WLCON 21 1.2 6.06%meeting on 2 July 2021. stockholders’ 5 GEO 0.36 0.02 5.88% WHEREAS, the company distributed its DIS on 10 June 2021; WHEREAS, 6 SLF 2510 110 4.58% on 18 June 2021, the Company filed with the Commission a request for approval to amend the DIS. The amendments shall be read as follows: 7 MWIDE 6.96 0.26 3.88% Page 2: Agenda 8 MG 0.295 0.01 Only 3.51%stockholders of record at the close of business of 28 May 2021 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, this meeting. Online registration shall 9 PX 6.8 0.23 start3.50% on 10 June 2021 and end on 1 July 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Stockholders may only vote electronically or in absentia, subject to validation procedures.

10 EURO 2.07 0.07 3.50% The rules and procedures for the conduct of the meeting through remote

communication and for voting in absentia are set forth in this Information Statement.

TOP LOSERS

Page 6: Front Page, No. 9 9. Approximate date on which the Information Statement is first to be sent or given to security holders: 10 June 2121

1 OPM 2 VVT

PIZZA ROBOT CREW. This photograph taken on July 1, 2021, shows ‘Pazzi,’ a pizza-making robot at work in a restaurant in LAST % Paris. Page 7: Item 1. Date, timeAFP and place of annual stockholders’ meeting PRICE CHANGE CHANGE (b) Approximate date the Company will first send copies of this information statement to its stockholders: 10 June 2021 0.012 -0.001 -7.69% Page 16 to 18: (c) List of Nominees to the Board of Directors 17.5 -1.4 -7.41%

3 ALHI 4 SFI 5 PHES 6 EVER 7 WIN

NAME 7.45 -0.53 -6.64% Ramon S. Monzon Anabelle L. Chua 0.149 -0.009 -5.70% 0.68 -0.04 -5.56% Jose L. 0.54 -0.03 Rolando -5.26% Macasaet Ferdinand K. Constantino 0.295 -0.015 -4.84%

(c)

Stock market advances; PSEi climbs above 7,000 T

List of Nominees to the Board of Directors` NOMINATOR Jose T. Pardo BDO Unibank Inc. Trust and Investment Group

MOST ACTIVE 1

PLDT

Ramon S. Monzon Ramon S. Monzon

GSIS

Ramon S. Monzon

Tomas I. Alcantara 8 CLI 3.7 -0.16 -4.15% Diosdado M. Arroyo 9 ABS 12.7 -0.48 -3.64% T. Gobing 10 RLT 0.405 -0.015 Eddie -3.57% ____________________

ENDORSED BY

San Miguel Corporation Retirement Plan APEC Business Advisory Council

Ramon S. Monzon

CATEGORY President Non-Broker - Issuer

Non-Broker Investor Non-Broker Investor

Non-Broker - Other Market Participant Broker

HE stock market climbed ThursdayBroker Ramon S. Monzon to a four-and-a-half month high, with the benchmark index topping the 7,000-point mark for theBroker VIVian Yuchengco firstEddie time since February 16 Gobing Ramon S. Monzon this year. Ramon S. Monzon Broker Vivian Yuchengco

Ramon S. Monzon Vivian Yuchengco

struction supplies and home improvement retail chain, surged 6.1 percent to P21, while Puregold Price Club Inc. of retail tycoon Lucio Co. added 2.2 percent to P41.50. The rest of Asian markets were mixed Friday as investors struggled to maintain early momentum, with recovery optimism and vaccine hope playing against worries over a spike in new virus infections. Traders are now looking forward to much-anticipated US jobs data later in the day, which will provide a fresh snapshot of the world’s biggest economy and possibly give the Federal Reserve further reason to begin tapering its ultraloose monetary policy. After Wall Street’s rally, Asia enjoyed broad gains in the morning but that tailed off in the afternoon. Tokyo, Sydney, Singapore, Wellington, Mumbai and Jakarta were all up, while Seoul and Taipei were marginally

Revised to reflect the withdrawal of Mr. Eusebio H. Tanco as nominee for the position of broker-director last 16 June 2021. With his withdrawal, there will only be 14 candidates for IS scats in the board of directors.

VALUE (PHP)

VOLUME

1 SMPH 2 ICT 3 MEG 4 ACEN

24510800 899094400 2042430 336715056 Vivian Yuchengco The Philippine Stock Exchange In68395000 220048800 Eddie Gobing dex rose 38.25 points, or 0.6 percent, to Eusebio Tanco 25616200 216634911 7,002.26 on a value turnover of P5.8 bilTeresita J. Ramon S. Monzon - no Independent

Wilson L. Sy

Leonardo-de Castrolion. relationship with Teresita Gainers edged losers, 108 toDirector 100, 5 PGOLD 4894900 200721515 J. Leonardo-de Castro 36S.issues Consuelo O. Garciawith Ramon Monzon -unchanged. no Independent relationship ith Director 6 MONDE 11106800 188686396 International Consuela O. GarciaContainer Terminal SerVicente L. Panlilio vices RamonInc., S. Monzon -biggest no Independent the port operator and relationship with Vicente Director 7 AC 177000 143431705 L. Panlilio

owned by tycoon Enrique Razon Jr.,

Jose T. Pardo Ramon S. Monzon - no 8 BDO 1158460 133247705 advanced percent to P165.30,Independent while relationship 3.3 with Jose Director T. Pardo DMCI Holdings Inc. of the Consunji Gilberto C. Teodoro Ramon S. Monzon - no Independent 9 DMC 18485900 123241975 relationship with Gilberto Director Group climbed 3.2 percent to P6.70. C. Teodoro Wilcon Depot Inc., the largest con10 SM 111995 113924555

lower. Hong Kong and Shanghai tanked, however, following a recent run-up in the days leading into Thursday’s Chinese Communist Party centenary celebrations, when authorities looked to provide support to markets. The rapid spread of the Delta virus variant has become a cause for concern for several governments and has forced some, including Australia and South Africa, to reimpose lockdown measures. However, other countries such as Britain, the United States and parts of Europe were pressing ahead with their reopenings despite a surge in new cases, with vaccines appearing to help keep deaths and hospitalizations down. Johnson & Johnson became the latest pharma giant to say its drug was effective against Delta and offered durable protection against infection more broadly. With AFP

Czech villagers rail against sprawling Polish brown-coal mine The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company. Mr. Jose T. Pardo. was first elected as an Independent Director on 26 January 2011. SEC Memorandum Circular No. 19 Series of 2016, or the Code of Corporate Governance for Publicly Listed Companies, provides a maximum term limit of nine (9) years for Independent Directors. reckoned from 2012. Chairman has served for the maximum period. The Board of Directors recommended the election of the Chainnan as an Independent Director for another two (2) years in view of the following reasons: (a) the Company would require his continued

PARIS—A total of 130 countries have agreed a global tax reform ensuring that multinationals pay their fair share wherever they operate, the OECD said on Thursday, but some EU states refused to sign up. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said in a statement that global companies, including US behemoths Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Apple would be taxed at a rate of at least 15 percent once the deal is implemented. The new tax regime will add some $150 billion to government coffers globally once it comes into force, which the OECD said it hoped would be in 2023. “The framework updates key elements of the century-old international tax system, which is no longer fit for purpose in a globalized and digitalized 21st century economy,” the OECD said. The formal agreement follows an endorsement by the G7 group of wealthy nations last month, and negotiations now move to a meeting of the G20 group of developed and emerging economies on July 9-10 in Venice, Italy. US President Joe Biden said the latest deal “puts us in striking distance of full global agreement to halt the race to the bottom for corporate taxes.” Germany, another backer of the tax reform, hailed it as a “colossal step towards tax justice,” and France said it was “the most important tax agreement in a century.” British finance minister Rishi Sunak, whose country holds the G7 presidency, said “the fact that 130 countries across the world, including all of the G20, are now on board, marks a further step in our mission to reform global tax.” But EU low-tax countries Ireland and Hungary declined to sign up to the agreement reached in the OECD framework, the organization said, highlighting lingering divisions on global taxation. Both countries are part of a group of EU nations also including Luxembourg and Poland that have relied on low tax rates to attract multinationals and build their economies. Ireland, the EU home to tech giants Facebook, Google and Apple, has a corporate tax rate of just 12.5 percent. Irish Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has warned that the new rules could see Ireland lose 20 percent of its corporate revenue. On Thursday, Donohoe said Ireland still “broadly supports” the deal, but not the 15-percent tax floor. “There is much to finalize before a comprehensive agreement is reached,” he said, adding that Ireland would “constructively engage” in further discussions. AFP

logical Survey. “This decrease is attributed purely to the influence of the Turow mine,” he CHRASTAVA, Czech Republic—For said. guidance and leadership in the Implementation of the projects the past 18 years, Czech physics teacher and reforms he initiated, and (b) the Company needs Mr. Pardo’s wide Alena Teslikova, who works at the Karel Rehak has seen the water level in experience and expertise in the financial markets during these challenging Horni Vitkov school, said her daughter times. his well drop steadily, a phenomenon he attributes to a nearby sprawling Polish Page 31: Item 20. Participation by Remote Communication N O T I C E is struggling with a severe shortage of water. brown-coal mine. Notice is hereby given that THE SERVICE WAREHOUSE enable the Company to identify the stockholders participating by have CORPORATION is applying for registration with“They the Board The open-cast Turow ligniteTo mine of Investments (BOI) as New Operator of Cold Storage remote communication and record their presence for purposes of quorum, a well and spans 28 square kilometers the (11stockholders square must register in the virtual ASM portal through the link and Blast Freezing Facility under Tier 1 of R.A. No. 11534, it’s otherwise known as the Corporate Recovery andempty, Tax Incentives so which willthat be posted in the PSE website or in the email which will be sent miles) and supplies a power station for Enterprises Act (“CREATE”) based on the 2020 Investment to their registered email addresses on file with the Office of the Corporate they Priorities Plan as the transitional Strategic Investment have Priority to accounts for some seven percent of PoSecretary from 10 June 2021 to 1 July 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Stockholders Plan under the said Act, with project locationpump in Sta. Clara, water 5th Floor, The Columbia Tower, Ortigas Avenue, Barangay Wack-Wack, Mandaluyong City, 1555 Philippines land’s electricity consumption. may pose questions or comments at the virtual ASM portal or Batangas City and capacities, as follows: questionsorcommentstocorpsec@pse.com.oh on or before out of a well Located in the middle email of Europe ► Cold storage – 1,088,640 pallets/year or 707,616,000 kg 1 July 2021 at 5:00 p.m. The detailed instructions for participating via in the where the borders of Poland,remote Czechcommunication Re► Blast Freezing – 6,646 pallets/year or 4,320,000 kg neighare set in the Rules for Voting In Absentia and boring plot. Participating public and Germany intersect, the mine In Meeting. attached hereto as Annex “E-1.” Voting on all Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned Items In the agenda will be on 2 July 2021 beginning at 7:30 a.m. until 10 I oath, lived there project may file his/her objection in writing, under with the is now at the center of a bitter a.m. dispute BOl within three (3) days from the date of this publication. when I was between Prague and Warsaw.Page 1 of Annex E: Rules of the Virtual 2021 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting younger and “I moved here in 2001, and we had 8. Voting will be open to registered Stockholders on 2 July 2021 at 7:30 fantastic water, but two years later RAQUEL B.there ECHAGUE was a.m. the OIC-Director never a probwater level in my well dropped by a meResource-Based Industries Service 11. Questions and comments may coal-fired be sent via e-mail on plant or before 1 July is 2021 to from a hill near Vitkov village in the The Polish power Turow seen lem with water,” said Rehak. corpsec@pse.com.ph. and shall be limited to the items in the Agenda of the meeting. ter,” she said. “Of course I had to react, so we made Czech Republic on June 28, 2021. AFP of Annex E-1: Rules for Voting In Absentia and Participation in Meeting In the lion euros ($6 million) for each day the Poland relies on coal to meet up to the well deeper, from 10 toPage 30 2meters 7. Registration will commence on 10 June 2021 and will end on 1 July mine remains open. 80 percent of its energy needs, but has nearby town (32 to 100 feet), and the water 2021 level at 5:00 p.m. The governments of both countries vowed to develop green energy sources of Chrastava, keeps falling,” he added. VOTING MiRehak lives in Horni Vitkov, a village started official talks on the situation in and to shut all of its mines by 2049, in mayor June, vowing to strike a deal. line with EU targets for emissions cuts. chael Canov just across the border from 8.the Turow Once the Stockholder or the proxy holder has successfully registered said he did not (hereinafter Stockholder”), theyCzech may proceed to vote ‘We’re really suffering’ Both Germany and the Repubmine, which has to pump out large vol- the “Registered on all agenda items indicated in the Notice of the Meeting. Registered expect Poland lic have complained about the mine and For the Czechs, the closure of Turow umes of water in order to save itself Stockholders can vote starting 7:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. of 2 July to close the its planned expansion, saying that it has cannot come soon enough. 2021. from getting flooded. Geologists registered a 50-meter drop mine in the Complaints by locals have led the also caused increased noise and dust future levels toin the theauthority area. given by the Commission eninBanc groundwater levels in deeper sedi- near Czech government to fileWHEREFORE, a lawsuit pursuant in SEC Resolution No. 388, Series of 2016, this Department hereby approves the but hoped it But Poland’s largest energy group ments between 1985 and 1999. against Poland with the European Court company’s request to make the above amendment to its previously filed DIS subject which owns bothbelow: the mine and “The decrease was more or less stag- could at least of Justice (ECJ). to its full compliance ofPGE, SRC Rule 20.3.3.4 as quoted build the plant, is planning to extract coal at nant until 2013, when the groundwater help In May, the ECJ ordered Poland to 20.3.3.4. The information statement, proxy form and management public water Turow until 2044. level started to fall again, with the total suspend mining there, but report the Polish referred to in SRC Rule 20.4, if applicable, shall be distributed to park holders at least fifteen (15)since business days the prior mine to the date Operating 1904, em-of the decrease reaching some 60-70 meters,” pipelines logovernment refused, leading security the Czechs stockholders’ meeting; Provided, that in case any changes are made within said Ondrej Nol from the Czech Geo- cally. AFP to ask the ECJ to fine Poland five mil- ploys some 4,000 people.

By Jan Flemr

(MS-JUNE 25, 2021)

the said fifteen (15) business days, the company shall comply with the following requirements:

Oil-producing countries postpone decision on output hike 20.3.3.4.1. Publish in a national newspaper of general circulation the order of the Commission granting the request of the company to make such changes within the said period;

LONDON—Major oil-producing countries togetherStatement, with their 20.3.3.4.2. Submit itsgroup updatedmembers Definitive Information proxy10 alManagement Report five (5) failed business the on Thursday failed to agreeform to and boost output lies ledwithin by Russia to days reachfrom consensus, the Commission of the said changes; and in August to meet growing approval demandbyand lim- leading to discussions being postponed until 20.3.3.4.3. DistributeFriday, relevant according portions of the Information it recent price rises, adjourning their meetto Definitive an OPEC statement. Statement, proxy form and Management Report which havegrowing been updated ing to Friday. “Delay clearly signals tension pursuant to the changes made at least five (5) business days before the The 13 members of OPEC allies between major producers date and of the10 stockholders’ meeting1 (emphasis supplied) over the pace of were expected to make a decision to con- supply growth across the second half of this Let this Order be published at the expense ofthe Issuer in a newspaper of general tinue to moderately increase output beyond year aswithin they to balance the its impact the circulation and uploaded in its website twotry (2) business days from issuance. The company is hereby directed to furnish the Commission copy of the affidavit July. pandemic could have with on ademand with curof publication of this Order. rent high prices,” said analyst Ann-Louise The OPEC+ grouping cut crude production after the pandemic sent oil prices crashHittle of Wood Mackenzie told AFP. SO ORDERED. ing last year. Opening the talks earlier Thursday, AngoPasay City, Philippines; 21 June 2021. But the group has slightly increased pro- lan Oil Minister Diamantino Azevedo, who duction since early May. Oil prices have re- currently holds the group’s presidency, said covered, this week reaching levels last seen that although oil demand was expected to VICENTE GRACIANO P. FELIZMENIO, JR. in October 2018. rebound strongly in the second half of the Director OPEC members led by Saudi Arabia con- year, it was “no time to lower our guard.” ferred Thursday via a teleconference. “The coronavirus continues to take a Five (5) business days before 1 July 2021, the last daytoll, for shareholders to send their questions comments on the But a subsequent technical meeting of the painful with thousands ofand lives still beAmended DIS 1

(MS-JUNE 25, 2021)

ing lost every day,” he said. Azevedo added that the new Delta variant and recent surges in case numbers in numerous countries were “a grim reminder of the uncertainties that still loom over us.” Since 2016 the alliance has voluntarily reduced oil output to maintain prices, in particular since the coronavirus epidemic struck last year, demolishing global demand for oil. This time, oil producing countries had eyed an agreement to continue to moderately increase oil output by 400,000 barrels per day each month from August until the end of the year, according to the Bloomberg news agency, citing an anonymous source. But the United Arab Emirates blocked such a deal, according to comments from market observers. AFP (MS-JUNE 18, 25 & JULY 2, 2021)

park

Authority

(First Publication: JUNE 25, 2021)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

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

SATURDAY, JULY 3, 2021

PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, July 2, 2021

38.25 PTS. 7,002.26

TOTAL VOLUME 2,774,329,340 TOTAL TRADES 77,942 TOTAL VALUE 5,848,677,507.19 ADVANCES 108 DECLINES 100 UNCHANGED 36

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

49.0040

Japan

Yen

0.008966

0.4394

Pound

1.376600

67.4589

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128773

6.3104

Switzerland

Franc

1.080731

52.9601

Canada

Dollar

0.803988

39.3986

Singapore

Dollar

0.741455

36.3343

Australia

Dollar

0.746800

36.5962

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655337

130.1221

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266638

13.0663

Brunei

Dollar

0.738716

36.2000

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.031201

1.5290

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.3424

Euro

1.185100

58.0746

Korea

Won

0.000883

0.0433

China

Yuan

0.154560

7.5741

India

Rupee

0.013413

0.6573

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.240587

11.7897

New Zealand

Dollar

0.696500

34.1313

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035833

1.7560 Source: BSP

Globe forecasts double-digit growth in 5G subscribers

Business PSE capital-raising activities may reach new high this year By Jenniffer B. Austria

APITAL-RAISING activities at the Philippine Stock Exchange this year could match or even exceed the record P228.3 billion in 2012, as companies continue to search for funds to finance expansion, the top executive of the local bourse said Friday. PSE president and chief executive Ramon Monzon said in an interview capital raised in the first half of 2021 already reached P122.46 billion, with several huge fund-raising activities lined up in the second half. These include the three real estate investment trust offerings of Filinvest REIT Inc. (P14 billion), RL Commercial REIT Inc. (P26.7 billion) and MREIT Inc. (P27.3 billion). Del Monte Philippines Inc. also plans to conduct an initial public offering worth P44 billion, while fast-food chain operator Jollibee Foods Corp.is raising P12 billion from the issuance of pre-

ferred shares. “Our all-time high in terms of capital raising was during the Aquino administration…Hopefully we can approximate that this year,” Monzon said. Monzon said while bank financing remained cheap, companies were turning to the equities market as banks started to tighten their lending standards because of the pandemic. Some companies may also reach their bank credit limit, so they are tapping the equities market for financing requirements, he said. The PSE reported that trading activity increased in the first six months, with a daily average value turnover at P8.96

billion, up 21.9 percent year-to-date and 35.9 percent year-on-year. Foreign funds registered a net selling of P77.80 billion in the January to June period. Monzon said the bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index was expected to return to the pre-pandemic levels over the near term if the government could meet its target of vaccinating up to 70 million people by the end of the year. “PSE still has a lot of activities lined up in the next six months, including the launch of new thematic indices, data analytics platform and revamped market education website. We will also continue hosting our twice-a-month market education webinars for retail investors, who have been very instrumental in driving the market’s development during the pandemic,” Monzon said. Capital raising activities from January to June included two initial public offerings, two follow-on offerings, two stock rights offerings and three private placements.

By Darwin G. Amojelar GLOBE Telecom Inc. said Friday it expects the number of subscribers using 5G devices to post a double- digit growth this year as it aggressively rolls out 5G technology nationwide. Customers of 5G devices as of March reached 560,000 based on the company’s latest data. The number rose 10.7 percent in April to more than 620,000 and by 12.0 percent in May to 700,000. It said there was an average of 11.8-percent increase in device count in the last two months. “We are expecting the rise in numbers as we make the 5G technology more pervasive in key locations not only in Metro Manila but also in highly-urbanized cities in the Visayas and Mindanao. The entry of affordable 5G-capable mobile devices has also made it possible for more people to use the technology,” said Globe senior vice president for program delivery Joel Agustin. “We will make our 5G presence more felt in Visayas and Mindanao in the coming months,” he said. Globe now has 5G outdoor coverage in at least 88 percent of the National Capital Region with Bonifacio Global City central business district and Ortigas CBD having the highest coverage with similar 97 percent. Makati CBD is third with 96-percent coverage while Pateros is fourth with 92-percent coverage. Globe’s 5G network is also active in at least 82 percent or more in 13 cities in Metro Manila. It said 5G is accessible in 81 percent of Cebu City, 68 percent of Boracay Island, 67 percent of Bacolod City and 53 percent of Iloilo City. Globe said that in Mindanao, 5G is accessible in 73 percent of Davao City and 72 percent of Cagayan De Oro City. Six additional 5G cell towers are also being installed in General Santos City. Globe said its aggressive network builds and network modernization to 4G LTE and 5G resulted in improved services to customers nationwide. The Benchmarking 5G Experience-Asia Pacific June 2021 report by Opensignal showed that the Philippines’ 5G download speed is now at 141 Mbps, which is among the fastest in the Asia Pacific.

PETROSOLAR DONATION.

PetroSolar Corp., a member of the Yuchengco Group of Companies which owns and operates the 70-megawatt Tarlac Solar Power Plant in Central TechnoPark, Tarlac City, donated used solar panels to the Department of Science and Technology– Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. Attending the turnover ceremony at the PHIVOLCS main office in Diliman, Quezon City, are PetroSolar vice president Francisco Delfin Jr. (right) and PHIVOLCS officer-in-charge Renato Solidum Jr.

Meralco expects generation rates to inch up in July By Alena Mae S. Flores GENERATION charges in the franchise area of power retailer Manila Electric Co. will likely rise in July because of the tight power supply experienced by the Luzon grid last month. Meralco vice president and head of utility economics Lawrence Fernandez said the recent red alert raised on May 31, June 1, June 2 and yellow alert on June 4 signaled the continued tightness in generation supply. Fernandez said the demand in the Luzon grid rose to an all-time high of more than 11,600 megawatts, exceeding even the pre-pandemic record of around 11,300 MW set in 2019. “Thus, with record-high demand and tight supply, there was pressure on WESM [Wholesale Electricity Spot Market] prices to remain elevated, which will in turn push up the generation charge for July,” he said. Meralco sources a portion of its power supply requirement from the WESM, the trading floor of electricity, on a monthly basis. “We also see the depreciation of the peso and the ongoing restriction from the Malampaya gas supply putting upward pressure on the generation charge,” Fernandez said. He said the secondary cap was triggered when high WESM prices were sustained for five days, which was recently shortened by the Energy Regulatory Commission to three days. “This means that buyers are exposed to high prices first before the cap is imposed. Even then, the secondary cap is P6.245/kWh, which is still much higher versus WESM prices in past months,” Fernandez said. Meralco’s power rates also went up slightly in June as the overall rate for a typical household increased by P0.0798 per kilowatt-hour to P8.6718 per kWh from P8.5920 per kWh in May. This was also due to higher charges in the WESM which increased by P1.6322 per kWh.

IN BRIEF

Business confidence weak in second quarter

LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE. Metro Pacific Investments Foundation president Melody del Rosario (center) leads the distribution of Smart pocket Wi-Fi units in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. MPIF launched the first leg of its Puhunang Pangkabuhayan Project in coastal community partner sites in Puerto Galera and Batangas. It donated bicycles, pocket Wi-Fi units and sewing machines for the establishment of alternative livelihood programs amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In line with First Pacific Co. Ltd.’s 40th anniversary and the MVP Group’s Bike for Livelihood program, MPIF provided the tools to displaced or out-of-work individuals to augment their source of income.

Industry leaders urge coordinated policies and new strategies for economic recovery INDUSTRY thought leaders called for urgent policy reforms and new development strategies to strengthen the country’s competitiveness through trade and investments for faster economic during a recent virtual round table discussion with Philippine private business groups. Former Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor for monetary and economic sector Diwa Guinigundo, in his keynote address in the virtual business forum hosted by think tank Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute, said the pandemic requires a well-coordinated mix of policy responses and fresh approaches to ensure successful recovery. “A number of organizations suffer from slow procedures, complex bureaucracies, and rigid hierarchies. The coronavirus has forced us to break through this rigid system and act nimbly to solve pressing issues,” Guigingundo said. “A green and inclusive recovery will significantly enhance the resilience of our economies and societies in the face of both the severe recession and accelerating

environment challenges,” he said. Christian Martin Gonzalez, executive vice president of International Container Terminal Services Inc., stressed the urgency to achieve herd immunity to stimulate the economy. “When we look at herd immunity, we need to look at it not on a broader national level, but in different regions,” Gonzales said. “You have a number of cities in NCR, if they continue the way they are going now and add private vaccine centers, these cities in NCR can hit herd immunity in September or October,” Gonzalez said. Rizalina Mantaring, chairperson of the committee on national issues at the Management Association of the Philippines said “the most essential element of crisis leadership is clear and trustworthy communication.” “People have to believe that their leaders are transparent, honest, understand their situations and can empathize with them,” Mantaring said.

International panel to explore maze of anti-vaping issues AN INTERNATIONAL panel will explore a global web of anti-vape issues and how it influences the public’s perspective on vaping and safer nicotine products. Headlined ‘the battle between innovation and bully tactics,’ the seventh episode of The Advocates Voice will premiere at 6 p.m. Hong Kong Time, or 10 p.m. New Zealand Time on July 11, 2021. Led by Greece-based public health expert, Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos, the panel discussion will be simulcast on the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates’ Facebook page. Hosted by CAPHRA, Nancy Loucas, the group’s executive coordinator, said TAV 7 would make fascinating and timely viewing. TAV is gaining a strong following among tobacco harm reduction supporters and the wider public. It follows mounting evidence, identifying well-known figures and entities at the center of false accusations levelled at safer THR products. Inexcusable attacks on THR consumer advocates are also growing. “Billionaire philanthropists are using their money to influence the World Health Organization and in turn governments who rely on their guidance regarding tobacco policies. It’s a sophisticated global web of lies and Dr. Farsalinos and the TAV panel will expose the truth,” said Loucas. “Ignoring the science, WHO treats smoking and nicotine vaping the same. This disastrous approach towards safer nicotine vaping products continues to negatively impact smoking cessation rates, costing millions of lives globally,” said Loucas. She said TAV 7 would also explore the role of billionaire philanthropist influence on the mainstream media and scientific journals.

BUSINESS confidence in the Philippines weakened in the second quarter on lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the reimposition of stricter community quarantines to curb the further spread of the disease, according to the latest Business Expectations Survey conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show. The survey showed that the overall confidence index for second and third quarters decreased from previous quarter’s survey results. The confidence index for the second quarter dropped to 1.4 percent from 17.4 percent in the first quarter while that for third quarter declined to 31.4 percent from the previous quarter’s survey result of 42.8 percent. The respondents’ less optimistic outlook for the two quarters of 2021 was attributed to the upsurge of COVID-19 cases, re-imposition of stricter community quarantine, particularly in NCR Plus and elevated inflation rate due to supply constraints. Respondents cited concerns over the pace of the vaccination rollout and the expected seasonal factors for third quarter. Julito G. Rada

DOE asked to disclose review of Malampaya

SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian asked the Department of Energy to be transparent in its review of the sale of Shell Philippines Exploration BV’s stake in the Malampaya gas field to Malampaya Energy XP Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of Udenna Corp. owned by businessman Dennis Uy. “This is no ordinary asset. What are the sets of criteria that they will use in evaluating this transaction? It has to be very clear to the public,” Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate energy committee, said. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi earlier said the department was still in the process of evaluating the transaction and it had not yet reached a decision as the parties concerned still had to comply with the requirements of the government. Gatchalian in April also sought justification from the DOE on its decision to give the green light on the transfer of Chevron Malampaya LLC’s 45-percent interest in the Malampaya project to UC Malampaya Philippines, another subsidiary of Udenna. Gatchalian underscored the significance of acquiring Spex’s stake as the company not only holds a 45-percent share but also the operatorship of Service Contract No. 38. Alena Mae S. Flores

ARTA expedites 35,146 permits

THE Anti-Red Tape Authority said Friday it expedited the release of 35,146 various types of government permits from July 2019 to June 2021. Figures released by the agency included the 8,510 permits, licenses, clearance and certifications which were automatically approved or released by government agencies. It also launched its flagship National Effort for Harmonization of Efficient Measures of Inter-related Agencies program that aims to reduce the processes, requirements and processing time by 52 percent for five priority sectors. The program is in line with ARTA’s commitment to fight corruption in government through streamlining, eradication of red tape, collaboration and innovation. Included in the expedited processes were the streamlining of the permitting process for telecommunications towers which led to the release of 26,636 pending permits in the telecommunications sector. These included 3,090 for DITO Telco; 21,689 for PLDT/ Smart; and 1,857 for Globe Telecom. Othel V. Campos

Sports

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

SATURDAY, JULY 3, 2021

Giannis-less Bucks crush Hawks to take 3-2 series lead

Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks and John Collins of the Atlanta Hawks fight for rebounding position during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. AFP

2nd PHILTA online coaches workshop set FORMER Davis Cuppers Rod Rafael and Camoy Palahang share thei r tech n ical expe r iences in the second Philippine Tennis Association Online Coaches Workshop which begins Saturday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, live via the Philta facebook page. The New York-based Rafael will discuss the best practices on how to improve one’s tennis game, while the Kobe, Japanbased Palahang will share his experiences in training juniors and university players, this time scheduled on Sunday from 12 noon to 2 p.m. The International Tennis Federation World Participation Conference, which is scheduled on July12 to 14, 2021—via virtual presentation—will also be discussed. Philta president Atty. Antonio Cablitas will welcome all participating coaches and tennis enthusiasts.

Dominican Republic wins

2 swimmers bring number of Tokyo Olympians to 19 By Peter Atencio

WIMMERS Luke Gebbie and Remedy Rule are headed to the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan after the international governing body for swimming, FINA, awarded them universality places.

Because of this, there are now 19 Filipino qualifiers to the quadrennial meet as they joined pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena, sprinter Kristina Knott, gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo, boxers Felix Eumir Marcial, Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio and Irish Magno, judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, rower Cris Nievarez, skateboarder Margielyn Arda Didal, shooter Jayson Valdez, taekwondo jin Kurt Ryan Barbosa, weightlifters Hidilyn Diaz and Elreen Ann Ando and golfers Juvic Pagunsan, Bianca Pagdanganan and Yuka Saso. Philippine Swimming Inc. president Lailani Velasco said this after she got confirmation from FINA on the status of Gebbie and Rule. A letter sent by FINA coordinator Pedro Adrega on Friday to Velasco affirmed that Gebbie and Rule will be able to swim in two events each in Tokyo. Gebbie will take part in the men’s 50 and 100-meter freestyle events, while Rule will join the women’s 100

COACH Melvyn Lopez said the ‘Pearl of the Antilles’ Dominican Republic team gave him a happy result with its 94-67 stopping of Gilas Pilipinas on Friday in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament at the Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Begrade. “I’m happy with the players who played. These are the players that I am confident with,” said Lopez. Victor Liz shot 23 points for Dominican Republic, which will now battle Italy for a finals’ slot, while Serbia clashes with Puerto Rico for the other ticket in the winner-take-all championship. The encounter wasn’t something coach Tab Baldwin was proud of. “We will head back home with a decent performance against Serbia, and a disappointing game with the Dominican Republic,” said Baldwin. Peter Atencio

and 200-meter butterfly races in the Olympic swimming championships scheduled July 24 to August 1 at the Tokyo Aquatic Centre. “The two individuals emerged as the top-ranked male and female swimmers from the Philippines following their performances during the qualifying window,” said Velasco in a message to the Manila Standard. Last March, the 24-year-old Gebbie, a Fil-Australian, who holds four national records, tried his best to make the qualifying times in the Australian swimming scene. Gebbie managed to log clockings that were close to the qualifying B times in the Tokyo Olympics when he claimed the silver in the men’s 50-meter freestyle event and in snatching a bronze medal in the 100-meter freestyle during the Victorian Open Swimming Championships. Rule, a Fil-American, already hit the OST-B times in the 200-meter butterfly

and in the 100-meter freestyle when she saw action for the Philippines in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. As for, Gebbie, he already hit the qualifying times in the 50m and 100m freestyle events. He made it as far back in July 2019, during the Gwangju World Championships, when he became the first Filipino to have breached the 50-second barrier in the Men’s 100m Freestyle event. Gebbie’s time back then surpassed the 50.03-second OST-B, with his time of 49.94 seconds. The OQT-A of this event is 48.57. Rule is a double silver medalist at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, earning 830 FINA points to make qualification. Last March, Rule claimed a bronze medal in the women’s 200m butterfly event for a new national mark of 2 minutes, 9.58 seconds at the TYR Pro Swim Series in Des Moines, Iowa. Last May, the former University of Texas bet made qualification the women’s 100 butterfly after collecting 808 FINA points with a time of 59.55 seconds during the heats of the Longhorn Aquatics Elite Invite & Time Trials. Her times at both events are within the Olympic Selection Time or “B-cut” times of 2:12.28 and 59.66 seconds, for each event.

LOS ANGELES—The Milwaukee Bucks showed they are more than a oneman show Thursday, using a balanced attack to dominate the Atlanta Hawks 123-112 in game five of the Eastern Conference finals. Brook Lopez had a season-high 33 points, Jrue Holiday had 25 points and 13 assists and Khris Middleton finished with 26 points and 13 rebounds for the Bucks, who grabbed a 3-2 series lead and are one win away from reaching the NBA finals for the first time since 1974. Milwaukee won despite playing without two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is out with an injured knee. He watched the game from the sidelines, standing with his teammates almost the entire game. In his absence, four Bucks starters scored more than 20 points, including Bobby Portis who had 22 points and eight rebounds. “We came out tonight and just did our best to dominate at both ends of the floor,” said Lopez. “We did a great job of playing together. When everyone is scoring and everyone is doing their thing it is tough on their defence.” The best-of-seven series now switches back to Atlanta for game six on Saturday. The winner of the series will face the Phoenix Suns, who eliminated the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday to reach the finals for the first time in 28 years. Role players and reserves were forced to step into the limelight Thursday as both clubs were missing their top scorers. Antetokounmpo injured his knee in a loss in game four, and Hawks star Trae Young sat out his second straight game after he suffered a bone bruise in his right foot in game three. Bogdan Bogdanovic scored a teamhigh 28 points for the Hawks in the road loss. John Collins and Danilo Gallinari each scored 19 points and Lou Williams chipped in 17 for the Hawks, who need to prove in game six they can compete with a key piece of their puzzle missing. Young was a spectator on the Hawks’ bench during the game. “They were more physical. They hit us in the mouth and we just did not recover from that,” said Hawks coach Nate McMillan said. McMillan spoke to the team in the dressing room after game five and reminded them that the next one is do or die. “This is a one game season now,” McMillan said. “There is still a lot of basketball to be played. We got to go back home and take care of business. It is as simple as that.” AFP

Ramirez: Athletes’ sacrifices bearing fruit

William Ramirez

THE sacrifices done by Filipino athletes to prepare, join and qualify for the Tokyo Olympics are now starting to bear fruits. Philippine Sports Commission chairman William Ramirez believes so, now that there are 19 Filipino athletes who have qualified for the quadrennial meet. “The athletes who have been trying to qualify have been preparing and training for four years. Mahaba ang preparation, maraming sacrifices at malaki ang gastos. But they became polished, experienced and they learned a lot,” said Ramirez in a message on Facebook Live. With the entry of two swimmers, Fil-Australian Luke Gebbie and

Fil-American Remedy Rule, 19 Filipino athletes are seeing action in 11 sports during the Summer Games. The others are pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena, sprinter Kristina Knott, gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo, boxers Felix Eumir Marcial, Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio and Irish Magno. Others are rower Cris Nievarez, skateboarder Margielyn Arda Didal, shooter Jayson Valdez, taekwondo jin Kurt Ryan Barbosa, judoka Kiyomi Watanabe,weightlifters Hidylin Diaz and Elreen Ann Ando and golfers Yuka Saso, Bianca Pagdanganan and Juvic Pagunsan. The Philippine Olympic contin-

gent is the biggest in 21 years after 20 athletes saw action in nine disciplines during the 2000 Sydney Olympiad. Ramirez said the government agency has spent a lot in helping these athletes reach out to their Olympic dreams, spending more than P1-billion every year to support their needs. And this was also made possible with the support of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. “Sa 21 years ng PSC, ilang bilyon na rin ang na-invest ng PSC. Before 2016, may naiwang pera ang previous administration. More than P1-billion din,” added Ramirez.

UST duo plunges into Asian U19 beach volley action YOUNG standouts Jayrack Dela Noche and Alexander Iraya make their international debut in the Third Asian U19 Beach Volleyball Championships opening on Saturday (July 3) in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Philippine National Volleyball Federation President Ramon “Tats” Suzara wished De la Noche and Iraya, both products of University of Santo Tomas high school beach volleyball program under current national team coach Paul Jan Doloiras, the best of luck. “Tell the boys no pressure and avoid dehydration and nervousness,” said Suzara in a message to PNVF Board Member Carmela

Gamboa, who is accompanying De la Noche and Iraya in Thailand. “Enjoy the games, nothing to lose.” The PNVF thanked the Philippine Sports Commission and Rebisco for supporting the young squad’s campaign. Seeded eighth in the 13-team men’s competition, the Philippines was drawn in Pool A with top seed Thailand-1 and No. 9 Iran-2. Defending champion Indonesia, only seeded fifth, is in Pool D alongside Kazakhstan, Lebanon-2 and Thailand-3. Second seed Australia, Lebanon-1 and Thailand are in Pool B, while third seed Iran-1 is in Pool C with Qatar and Kazahkstan-2.

The four-day tournament serves as a qualifier for the International Volleyball Federation U19 Beach Volleyball World Championships. De la Noche and Iraya, both natives of Victorias City in Negros Occidental, will also represent the Philippines to the Fourth Asian U21 Beach Volleyball Championships, a qualifier for the FIVB U21 Beach Volleyball World Championships on July 12. Nakhon Pathom recently hosted the Asian Volleyball Confederation Continental Cup Final, where China and Australia booked the lone women and men’s slots to the Tokyo Olympics.

Jayrack Dela Noche and Alexander Iraya

Tech & Gadgets

SATURDAY, JULY 3, 2021

rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

Dating apps: Safer but threats of stalking, doxing still loom F

ROM robot companions to AI choosing the perfect partner, technology has become permanently entwined with dating and ﬁnding love, especially after a year and a half of lockdown that made digital connections the only type possible. To understand the security implications of this trend, Kaspersky researchers conducted an indepth study of nine popular dating apps to assess how safe they were. What they found was that, when compared to their previous research in 2017, dating apps have become safer from a technical standpoint, particularly when it comes to the transfer of data. However, these apps still pose a significant risk when it comes to exposing too much personal information about users—leaving the former vulnerable to threats like cyberstalking and doxing. Meeting the love of your life at a party seems like a thing of the past with online dating experiencing a major boom—not in the least thanks to the pandemic. Tinder reached a record 3 billion swipes in a single day in March 2020, while OkCupid experienced a massive 700% increase in dates from March to May that same year. Amidst this growing popularity, Kaspersky decided to replicate its research from 2017 into the dating app landscape to see what’s improved and what hasn’t in terms of their security. For their research, Kaspersky analyzed nine popular and highly rated dating apps with global user bases: Tinder, Bumble, OkCupid, Mamba, Pure, Feeld, Her, Happn, and Badoo. What they found was that, when compared to 2017, while dating apps have become safer from a technical standpoint, major privacy risks remain. In 2017, four of the apps studied made it possible to intercept data sent from the app, and many used the unencrypted HTTP protocol. However, in 2021, the situation has signiﬁcantly improved. None of the apps studied use

HTTP, and no data is sent if the protocol is not secure. That said, significant privacy concerns remain with dating apps. Most dating apps allow users to register their account with one of their social networking sites (Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, etc.). If the user chooses to do this, then their profile is automatically populated with information from that social networking site, such as photos and profile information. Users are also invited to share information such as their place of work or university. All of the aforementioned data makes it easy to find dating app users’ social media accounts, and depending on their privacy settings on those accounts, a host of other personal information. In addition, apps like Happn, Her, Bumble, and Tinder make it obligatory for users to share their location. Some apps, like Mamba, share the distance of users to the nearest meter. Happn has an additional functionality that lets users see how many times and in what locations their matches have crossed paths with them. Access to data such as users’ location, place of work, name, contact information, etc., leaves them vulnerable to cyberstalking or even physical stalking, as well as doxing (whereby previously private information is made public in

order to shame or harm the victim). What’s more, Mamba is the only application that lets users blur their photos for free, and Pure is the only one that prohibits users from taking screenshots of chats. This makes it possible for users to have their chats and photos shared without their permission, potentially for blackmail purposes or doxing. However, many apps have been adding paid versions, and these include additional choices—often choices that can enhance users’ security. For example, in the paid versions of Tinder and Bumble, you can manually choose your location to a specific region. Since only a region is available rather than a specific distance, it’s much harder to determine a user’s exact location. And some paid versions of apps, like Happn, offer users an “incognito mode”, whereby users can hide their profile from those they haven’t swiped right on and strangers. When it comes to the future of dating apps, Kaspersky has several predictions—and hopes—particularly when it comes to their security, such as the use of AI to protect users from fraud and the creation of verified accounts. You can discover these and more predictions about the future of dating and love, as well as submit your own through the Earth 2050 project. To say safe when using dating apps, Kaspersky experts recommend the following: • Do not share too much personal information (last name, employer, photos with friends, political views, etc) in your profile • Do not tie other social media accounts to your profile • Select your location manually, if possible • Use two-factor authentication, if possible • Delete or hide your profile if you are no longer using the app • Use the built-in messenger in dating apps. It's better to move to other messengers only if you trust your match. If you finally decide to do so, set up the chat in a way that keeps your private info secured. • Use a trusted security solution on your devices, such as Kaspersky Security Cloud. It will help you detect any malicious or suspicious activity across your gadgets, as well as check the security of the URL that you’re visiting.

realme 8 5G: Competent phone for 5G network By Jessica Luna and John Raphael Mendoza THE Philippines is one of the world's best emerging markets when it comes to improvements in mobile experience with 5G, according to mobile analytics ﬁrms Opensignal and Ookla. One telecommunications company has even consistently posted the fastest 5G speeds for the ﬁrst quarter of 2021, with median download speeds of 190 Mbps. But to enjoy such speeds, one needs a 5G capable smartphone. It's like driving on a well-paved superhighway. You need a sports car to get you from point A to point B to enjoy the travel in blazing speeds. The weapon of choice must match the medium, so to speak. This is the reason why after a successful launch of the best-selling realme 8 Pro and the realme 8, realme is once again prepared to shake up the industry with yet another revolutionary offering: the realme 8 5G. Proving that the brand is ready to lead the 5G race as it brings extraordinary performance, speed, and connectivity to its mid-range line-up, realme reinforced its commitment to providing 5G access to more people around the world during its inaugural virtual 5G summit early in June.

Nightscape mode

Uncompromised 5G functionality with 5000mAh battery and Smart Power Saving realme 8 5G boasts of a 5000mAh massive battery that makes it ideal for day-to-day use. With the 18W type C quick charge, the battery can be fully charged rapidly for those long hours of web browsing, video calls, or even watching live stream videos. So what happens when you are on a network lower than 5G? This ain't a problem as realme 8 5G supports Smart 5G Power Saving, wherein the technology can seamlessly and intelligently sense the Turn to C3

Next-level speed and connectivity with Dimensity 700 5G Processor realme 8 5G has for a processors the Dimensity 700 5G, which mixes two highly capable Arm Cortex-A76 cores in its octa-core CPU operating up to a speedy 2.2GHz. Dimensity 700 uses the leading 7nm production processor, which is up to 28% more power-efﬁ-

cient than an equivalent 8nm process, allowing the Dimensity 700 to use its high-performance processors while efﬁciently consuming power, extending battery life to keep you connected for longer. The Dimensity 700 brings a powerful GPU-Arm Mali-G57 MC2 with 950MHz clock speed and supports 90Hz high refresh rate screen technology. Create selfies that will make you smile

GOMO launches ‘ Mo Creds raffle to let you do more with your data GOMO, the game-changing telco brand launched in 2020, gives users a 5G-ready SIM with 30GB of No Expiry Data. Since their launch, the brand has created fun ways to let users make the most of their data allocation. And now, GOMO is giving users another exciting way to use data with the launch of the ‘Mo Creds raffle. Use Your ‘Mo Creds to Win a New iPhone or Samsung ‘Mo Creds is an innovative way of using data launched by GOMO last October 2020. The ‘Mo Creds feature on the GOMO app was a first in market innovation that allowed customers to convert existing data into calls and texts. Subscribers no longer needed to purchase additional credits or promos for this. All they had to do was visit the GOMO app to convert their data in a few simple taps. Since the successful launch of ‘Mo Creds, there have been over 2.4 million conversions to date. GOMO is celebrating this success this July by launching a new way for users to utilize their ‘Mo Creds. Until July 6, GOMO users can convert their ‘Mo Creds into raffle tickets to join the first GOMO 'Mo Creds raffle. Every 0.5GB of data can be converted into one raffle ticket and five text messages. 1.4GB can be converted into 3 raffle tickets and 15 text messages. The winners will be drawn by a randomized electronic raffle on July 7, posted on GOMO’s

SocMed by July 8, and contacted via email. Up for grabs are brand new iPhone 12s and Samsung S21s along with GCash Credits. #WeDontStop Since GOMO officially launched their #WeDontStop campaign last year, the telco has encouraged users to break free and continue doing what they love. The brand has disrupted the market with game-changing innovations like a fully digital experience, no expiry data, and unli data. They also launched exclusive concerts, an artist series, and fun virtual events for everyone to enjoy. GOMO keeps pushing the envelope “We’re thrilled to launch the ‘Mo Creds raffle,” said Bianca Villareal, GOMO Head of Acquisition & Digital Marketing. “It’s another way of letting our subscribers use their data and a fun way of celebrating the success of the ‘Mo Creds feature. The raffle is just the first of many more innovative ways for users to use their GOMO data that we will be launching in the months ahead, so keep an eye out.”

JST backs international cooperation in new normal URGENT cooperation between countries under the new normal has been called on by the Japan Science and Technology Agency during the 11th anniversary of the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development on Tuesday. During a webinar with the theme: "From Labs to Lives: Building R & D Capacities and Opportunities for Sustainable Recovery", leading researchers, scientists, engineers to share their experiences, insights, opportunities, and importance of human resource development to foster S & T innovations towards sustainable recovery. Osamu Kobayashi, Director for International Affairs of JST, stressed in his message during DOSTPCIEERD's anniversary that the coronavirus disease will not be the last disaster of a global scale and while "common challenges" are getting increasingly complicated, they cannot be solved alone. In his presentation, he shared one of the collaborative efforts between DOST and JST, the e-ASIA joint research program established in 2012. He personally thanked DOSTPCIEERD Executive Director Enrico Paringit and said that JST and DOST are one of the founding members of the program and have greatly contributed to the initiative as one of the most positive and active participants. Other projects cited that was done in collaboration with JST were the "Development of Extreme Weather Monitoring and Information Sharing System in the Philippines” which led to the development of Diwata-1 and the “Enhancement of Earthquake and Volcano Monitoring and Effective Utilization of Disaster Mitigation Information in the Philippines” for the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, which was used as an early alert for the evacuation in the massive Taal volcano eruption in 2020. He mentioned how global and complicated challenges can only be addressed through collective actions, or through collaboration between academia, no matter which ﬁelds, the industries, the local and the central governments and country's people. "We should immediately react and take effective actions among like minded partners like JST and the DOST," Kobayashi said. He underscored the importance of trust on why and how the cooperation between the DOST and JST in times of emergency was made possible. Though trust, according to Kobayashi, cannot be achieved overnight and can only be gained step by step through honest behavior. Sharing a remark from a UK Research and Innovation executive, Kobayashi highlighted how concerted actions are necessary to achieve countries' common agendas, and that the funders who share common values, and interests to solve common challenges, should rather cooperate than complete.

Samsung introduces new 2021 Crystal UHD THE year's halfway done, but there’s still plenty of time to reinvent your space with an industry-leading home entertainment upgrade that you and your family deserve. The crystal-clear choice is Samsung’s 2021 Crystal UHD line, which is at the forefront of the 4K revolution with its best-in-class features that will change the way you watch TV. Upgraded color display in a slimmer proﬁle At the foundation of the 2021 Crystal UHD TV is Dynamic Crystal Color, which delivers realistic images with every subtlety, through one billion shades of color born in a pure state with ﬁne crystal. Coupled with the Crystal Processor 4K, enjoy lifelike color as it was intended in content upscaled to 4K resolution every time. The processor also meticulously analyzes

The crystal clear choice for your next TV upgrade

low-resolution videos scene-by-scene to adjust and enhances contrast and HDR. Packed in a profile that is sleeker and slimmer than before, Samsung’s premium design philosophy manifests in the Crystal UHD range through the AirSlim design. At just 25mm, the TV’s depth is the slimmest by Samsung by far allowing the Crystal UHD to blend effortlessly into any space with an elegant, minimalist look. Besides the beautiful AirSlim design, the new Crystal UHD TV features a 3-sided bezel-less boundless screen for a more immersive cinematic experience. The AU8100 model also comes with an adjustable stand, to easily adjust the height and perfectly fit your Soundbar. For those who prefer to keep their TVs off the furniture, the Slim Fit wall-mount, sold separately, enables a flush fit to the wall. To top it off, get instant access to a world of content from Netflix, Viu, YouTube, and more with Samsung’s Smart Hub. Now, users can easily make the most out of their Smart TV as the key centerpiece in their homes. Samsung’s 2021 Crystal UHD line is the crystal-clear choice to upgrade your TV viewing experience, making it a great addition to any home. From July 1 to July 31, 2021, the world’s no. 1 TV brand will offer net cash discounts with Free 1-Year Viu Subscription on select 2021 Crystal UHD models. Get the 55” AU8100 for only P39,999 (P48,999 SRP) and the 50” AU8100 for only P32,999 (P40,499 SRP). With this special limited offer, the whole family will surely have better bonding moments. For more details, visit samsung.com/ph.

Tech & Gadgets

LOBE is gearing up for a sustainable digital future for Filipinos using its robust and pervasive network to carry on technological advancements that could help address problems that people are facing. Speaking during the “The Future of the ICT Industry” virtual forum led by the Department of Information and Communications, Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu said, “digital could be a lifeline for everything.” “I think the biggest winner here is the Filipino. We believe that, given the limitations of this country, digital is truly the answer to help solve a lot of our problems. In terms of future readiness, we are here to encourage digital use and arm our customers for a sustainable tomorrow,” Cu said. He noted that with the accelerated digital adoption during the pandemic, millions of people now have access to ﬁnancial services and highly affordable healthcare. For instance, GCash, the country’s leading e-wallet service, now has 40 million users and 1.9 million merchants. GCash allows purchases, payments, and investments via mobile phones or tablets. With GCash, even the unbanked sector can save money, get loans, buy insurance, invest in bonds and stocks, among other transactions.

Cu: Digital could be a lifeline for everything

The Future of the ICT Industry” virtual forum

Through GCash, Globe wants to provide many more use cases supporting the efforts of the Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The Roadmap aims to convert half of the total retail transactions

to digital channels and raise the number of Filipino adults with bank accounts to 70% by 2023. “While there's still a long way to go with increasing connectivity in the far-ﬂung areas, GCash will extend inclusion to the far

reaches of our economy,” Cu said. The telco also continues to empower primary healthcare through KonsultaMD, which now has over one million members. KonsultaMD is a 24/7 telehealth service that gives everyone unlimited consultations with licensed doctors for as low as P60 a month. “We all know there's a dearth of doctors in this country, and there are no clinics in many parts of the country as well. But now, through the phone, you can have voice or video consultations through KonsultaMD at a very low price. Truly, this democratizes primary health,” Cu said. GCash and KonsultaMD are portfolio companies under 917 Ventures, the country’s largest corporate venture builder wholly owned by Globe. 917Ventures helps consumers and businesses thrive and triumph in today’s challenging environment. Its other companies are healthcare service integrator HealthNow, digital advertising solution provider AdSpark, customer loyalty and e-commerce solutions experts RUSH, and online grocery shopping platform, PureGo.

RBank recognized for innovative digital services

Robinsons Bank

ROBINSONS Bank (RBank) has once again caught the eye of the global landscape with its various product innovations that have earned distinction in 2021. RBank, the ﬁnancial services arm of the Gokongwei Group received the recognition “Most Innovative Digital Banking Services – PH 2021” from The Global Economics Awards, and The Global Business Review Magazine Awards. The Bank has been relentless in developing new services and innovating digital products since the onset of the pandemic. It has released the RBank Sign Up, an online account opening mobile application providing convenience to Filipinos to open a bank account without going to a branch. The app also boasts its capability

for a digital payroll account opening -- allowing companies to easily open the bank accounts for their employees via the app! Additionally, RBank Sign Up also offers its IPONsurance Deposit Product, a savings account that comes with a *free life insurance. IPONsurance is the perfect savings account product to secure the future of your family especially in these difﬁcult times. RBank Sign Up’s uniqueness in the market has allowed it to be awarded as the “Most Innovative Digital Product—PH 2021” by the World Economic Magazine Awards. In 2020, RBank Sign Up also brought recognition to RBank with the award “Omni-Experience Innovator” from the IDC DX Awards. What's more, the Bank continuously improves its RBank Digital online banking

app by adding more features such as sending funds via QR and the RBank Remit, a service that allows RBank accountholders to send remittance to any Cebuana Lhuillier branch nationwide, in real-time! RBank's latest innovation in the development of a cash advance service called the "InstaBale" found in its online banking app. The InstaBale allows eligible RBank Payroll accountholders to make a cash advance on their salaries, providing instant funds within minutes! Through these innovations to fulﬁll the changing needs of its customers, RBank strives to make the banking experience of every Filipino easier and more accessible, especially from the burden brought by the pandemic.

SATURDAY, JULY 3, 2021

realme... From C2

surrounding signal environment and switch between 4G and 5G without switching time, thereby achieving 30% lower power consumption than phones without the Smart 5G feature and avoiding strain on its battery life. Super Power Saving Mode uses CPU tuning, backlight adjustment, and other strategies and targeted power-saving measures for specific applications. With this feature, the system power consumption is reduced, and the phone life is extended. Sleep Standby Optimization, App Quick Freeze, and Screen Battery Optimization also optimize the device for power-saving solutions. Smooth and sharp visual experience with 90Hz Ultra Smooth Display realme 8 5G comes with a 6.5inch 90Hz Ultra Smooth Display with a 90Hz refresh rate and maximum 180Hz sampling rate. Capable of producing 90 frames per second, the 90Hz display has a refresh rate that is 50% higher than the conventional 60Hz display, resulting in a seamless and smooth visual experience with every swipe of the screen. The 6.5-inch display and incredible screen-to-body ratio, the realme 8 5G brings you a supreme visual experience, just perfect for those long binge-watching sessions with Netflix. realme's 48MP Nightscape Camera and 16MP AI Beauty Selfie camera also deliver photos that will satisfy even the most discriminating. Its 8+128 GB storage offers large RAM for more activities in your dayto-day life, not to mention a 3-card slot for two SIM cards so you can alternately pick which network to choose depending on where you are, plus the third slot for an SD card that can store up to 1TB for those enormous photo and video files. So how does this stack up with other 5G phones on the market? Here's the list—higher RAM option (8GB), dedicated microSD, higher front camera resolution (16MP) and lighter and slimmer body with a thickness of 8.5mm and a weight of just 185 grams. The realme 8 5G can be had for as low as P11,999, truly a value for money in this data-driven lifestyle.

HOME/DESIGN Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor • E-mail: jdlacsamana@gmail.com

Ayala Land, SM Prime to pump P90b into Cebu project

EBU, CITY—Two property giants with vastly different design and planning mindsets are currently building a 26-hectare waterside developmen,t envisioned to be the new home of prime entertainment and commercial concepts in Cebu.

The two developers, derailed brieﬂy by the one and a half year-old Covid-19 pandemic which stymied much of the real estate industry, will be spending close to P90 billion to spruce up the mixed-use estate, featuring a commercial center (also known as District Square), a 1.1-hectare park, an Arena, a convention center, and other recreational facilities. Ambitious endeavor The consortium, made up of SM Prime Holdings, Ayala Land, Inc., and Cebu Holdings, Inc., have dubbed the project, South Coast City, an ambitious endeavor which aims to shore up Cebu’s economic recovery efforts by enhancing the region’s offerings, and generating employment and investments. “With the South Coast City, we have an opportunity to make a mark and contribute to regional and national progress,” said Anna Ma. Margarita “Meean” B. Dy, senior vice-president and head of Ayala Land Estates Group, at a zoom press brieﬁng thisd week. Blank slate with enormous potential The estate is 50 m away from SM Seaside City Cebu Mall; 2 km from the Cebu South Bus Terminal; 4 km from the Cebu City Seaport; and just 11 km from Mactan Cebu International Airport. It is accessible through major highways including the Cebu South Coastal Road and the upcoming Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway or CCLEX (3rd Mactan Bridge). It is also close to other landmarks such as the SM Seaside City Cebu, Cebu Ocean Park, UP Cebu SRP Campus, Alta Vista Golf Course, and other residential as well as

retail developments. “With this blank slate, we can create something Cebu has not seen before: a best of both world’s scenario,” explained Dy. “A contemporary development with the latest urban innovations with seaside views, and Cebu’s beaches just a short drive away.” Dy said that as with other Ayala Land estates, South Coast City’s design will integrate sustainable features such as an inclusive pedestrian and bike experience, convenient access points and transit options, wide open spaces and a 1.1-hectare park. It will also be complemented by shopping and dining concepts, and covered walkways with scenic views and features. Cebu’s ﬁrst-ever arena in the works District Square covers 2.7 hectares with 11 commercial lots for sale, all ranging from 1,777 to 2,601 sqm. A 4,000 sqm park lane pedestrian system will connect the main areas of the commercial center, thus promising foot travel among professionals even during the busiest days. This will amplify the Cebu metropolitan coastal experience – a premier integrated estate, in a waterside setting. South Coast City will also be the venue for Cebu’s ﬁrst-ever Arena, which will soon open as a place of convergence for many of the region’s events. Spotlighting Cebu “As one of the country’s fastest developing hubs, we believe this development will not only put a spotlight on Cebu as a destination of future growth – but will likewise elevate experiences and opportunities for Cebuanos and visitors alike,” said Ayala Land president and CEO, Bobby Dy. The land development construction of South Coast City is underway, and scheduled for completion in May 2022. The block development construction of District Square is targeted to be completed by June 2022.

FILINVEST BAGS BUILDING AWARD. Filinvest Land Inc. was recently named one of the top ten developers in the Philippines for 2020 and 2021 in the recently concluded BCI Asia Awards. This award recognizes the contributions of design and development enterprises across the region. “Filinvest Land recognizes the invaluable contribution of our employees, business partners, service providers and the rest of the Filinvest family who enabled the organization to succeed and thrive even amid the pandemic,” said Vince Lawrence L. Abejo, first senior vice president of Filinvest Land, Inc. “We thank BCI Asia for this honor.” Filinvest Land applies its expertise across a diversified portfolio with includes residential communities, offices, malls and commercial spaces, industrial parks, dormitels, townships and mixed-use developments (such as Panglao Oasis in photo).

MODERN COUNTRY LIVING. Tagaytay developer, Don Tim Development Corporation, recently launched a 15.4-hectare village, Daphne, near Mt. Batulao in Batangas. Incorporating an Asian tropical design, Daphne uses locally available materials to bring about an earth tone color. Using clean and simple details that can withstand the elements, it was designed to maximize Metro Tagaytay’s natural sunlight and cool breeze. A second-ﬂoor balcony is made available for those who want a meditative experience within their home. The project is an easy drive from Tagaytay, and the beaches of Batangas. Daphne, is just one among Don Tim’s foray into premium houses in Metro Tagaytay. Don Tim is also set to launch a redesigned bungalow in Montebello for early nesters and retiring couples.

FAMILIES + NATURE IN BATANGAS. Seafront Residences by AboitizLand, located in Brgy. Calubcub II, San Juan, Batangas, takes resort-inspired living further because of its pawikan nature reserve. The entire 43-hectare beachside development, including the shoreline, has been ofﬁcially designated as a prime nesting ground for endangered olive ridley sea turtles (Seen in photo). Through a ﬁve-year Pawikan Conservation Project, the developer’s partnership with Aboitiz Foundation, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the University of the Philippines Diliman Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, the program also provides jobs and volunteer opportunities for the Batangueños from nearby towns. Blessed with a vista of Mt. Banahaw and Tayabas Bay, the beachside retreat in Batangas offers residents an enriching, restorative work-fromparadise lifestyle. Visit https://aboitizland.com/seafront-residences/ for a 360 virtual tour.

Motoring

Ramon L. Tomeldan Editor

SATURDAY, JULY 3, 2021

The power of two titans Toyota, Petron join forces for Vios Cup

WO industry giants have once again come together to revitalize Philippine grassroots motorsports. For the third season, market leaders Petron Corporation and Toyota Motor Philippines have renewed their partnership in the 2021 Toyota Vios Cup, one of the country’s most exciting motorsports events. Inspired by the spirit of “waku-doki” or heart-racing fun, the 2021 Toyota Vios Cup will consist of two formats — the Autocross Challenge and the Circuit Championship. The Autocross Challenge is open to amateur or newbie racers, with individual cars navigating the track in a timed competition. Podium finishes are awarded to drivers who complete the course in the fastest time. The Circuit Championship, on the other hand, is the traditional circuit race with all cars competing head-t0-head to finish at the lead of the pack. Entries are classified into three categories: promotional class, sporting class, and super sporting class. As in previous seasons, the 2021 Toyota Vios Cup will be powered by Petron XCS, a 95-octane highquality premium motor gasoline. Petron XCS is formulated with a high-performance additive system containing a unique combustion catalyst and excellent detergent additive for optimum performance. The additive technology used in Petron XCS ensures quicker

engine response, excellent engine protection, and optimal fuel efficiency. With Petron XCS as the official fuel of the 2021 Toyota Vios Cup, competitors are assured of enhanced engine power and responsiveness for the most optimal track performance. In fact, as the trusted gasoline for the majority of discerning Filipino motorists, Vios Cup racers are familiar with the supe-

rior qualities of Petron XCS in powering their everyday drives, protecting the engines of their personal cars, and enjoying savings due to fuel economy. Way back in the 2018 season, Petron XCS already garnered praise from the competitors like celebrity racers Aubrey Miles and Fabio Ide. “I choose Petron XCS because I use it for my everyday lifestyle. I use it for my two cars

Caltex fuels vaccination drive

closes off Round 3

The promo which runs until July 18 aims to help boost Filipinos’ vaccine confidence, while helping motorists save money on discounts every time they gas up.

The promo, which runs from June 28 to July 18, aims to help boost Filipinos’ vaccine confidence, while helping motorists save up every time they fill their tanks with Caltex quality fuels. To also make Filipino motorists’ drives safer and smoother, Caltex stations across the country remain open during the pandemic to serve them with quality fuel. In addition, Caltex continues to provide contactless payment options for customers, regularly sanitizes its stations, frequently conducts temperature checks for its staff, and implements social distancing measures.

Coolray tops Sub-compact SUV segment GEELY Philippines continues to keep its market standing strong as it logged another top-selling record for its Coolray with 186 units sold in May. Based on CAMPI and AVID reports, the Coolray kept its market leadership in the sub-compact 4x2 SUV with a 33% market share,thus far. Meantime, the Okavango ranked number 3 in the mid-size SUV segment with 151 units sold in May. CAMPI and AVID also for May showed Geely keeping its number 9 ranking in total industry sales (including all segments) with yearto-date sales of 1,987 units. Meanwhile, Geely Philippines ranked 8th

spectators will be allowed. Negative COVID-19 test results are required for all attendees. Physical distancing, sanitation, and personal protective equipment will be implemented, and socializing is prohibited within the venue. Safety marshals and health inspectors will be deployed to ensure compliance. The race calendar for the 2021 Toyota Vios Cup is as follows: Leg 1 - July 9 & 10, Leg 2 - September 10 & 11, and Leg 3 - November 5 & 6. Awarding ceremonies will be held on the last week of November.

Toyota Gazoo Racing GT Cup

Biyaheng Bakunado offers fuel discounts for vaccinated motorists CALTEX, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. is fueling the Philippines’ fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by offering fuel discounts to all motorists who have already been inoculated from the virus with its “Biyaheng Bakunado” promo. “To battle swirling myths, fake news, and apprehension about vaccines’ efficacy, Caltex wants to encourage more Filipinos to get inoculated to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19 by offering fuel discounts. The more people can get vaccinated, the faster the country move toward normalcy and economic recovery,” said CPI Country Chairman Billy Liu. With the promo, vaccinated motorists can enjoy a P3 discount per liter for Platinum and Silver, and P2 per liter for Diesel at all participating Caltex stations nationwide. To get the discount, Caltex customers simply need to present a vaccination card and valid ID, and log in their details on the discount record sheet of the participating Caltex site. Customers need to be vaccinated on or before the promo duration and customers who currently have one dose may also qualify for the discount. “Safety has always been a value of Caltex and this initiative is one way of fleshing out what is important to the Caltex brand and its customers,” added Liu.

and my race car as well,” Miles remarked. For his part, Ide commented, “Petron XCS helps my engine go faster, cleaner, and better. Also for the mileage, I know I can use my car for a longer period of time. It’s the best choice.” The 2021 Toyota Vios Cup will implement strict guidelines as it returns to physical racing to ensure the health and safety of all concerned. The venue will be exclusively for racers, support teams, sponsors, and organizers. No public

among passenger vehicles segment to include passenger cars, SUVs, and MPVs. “We are pleased to see the good reception the Coolray and Okavango have been receiving in the market. This proves that we are offering our customers what they really need at this time,” Sojitz G Auto Philippines President & CEO Yosuke Nishi said. Wordwide, Geely Automobile Holding Limited Group logged a total exports sales volume of 10,384 units in May 2021, which is twice higher than the May 2020 record. The group also recorded a 26% increase in total sales volume during the first 5 months of 2021 with 530,074 units.

TOYOTA Motor Philippines just a total of 75 points for all races. And closed off the third stage of the TOY- David Ison in third, with 50 points for OTA GAZOO Racing GT Cup last all races. June 25 to 26. Over 200 participants, Moving to the promotional class of coming from different age groups, non-professional esports players, the both professional and non-profes- complex configuration of the racesional, raced their way into becom- track has proven to be a challenge ing part of the biggest e-motorsports for them, but it did not stop them in competition this year. But only some chasing their goal to claim the chamwill take a step up in the podium and pionship title. Since the start of the claim their rightful prize. race, Jether Miole maintained a wide Round 3 takes the racers to the Fuji International Speedway, a track based on the realworld circuit located in Shizuoka, Japan. It used to be the home of the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix and for over 50 years, it already went through different conf ig u r at ion s. Currently it has a total length of 4.5 k ilometers, including one After the third stage, the ‘three kings’ of virtual racing reign supreme. of the longest straights on all motorsport tracks stretching at gap lead with Marcus Victa and Ju1.47 kilometers. It has a total of 16 total lius Quitlong chasing on his tail and turns including chicanes and hairpin attempting entry in every corner. corners. Thing even got more intense when Starting with the 17-under Jun- the racers got into contact and getior Class, GR GT Cup proves to be ting split-second exchanges in chala viable venue for those who want to lenging turns. But until the final lap, purse a professional take on racing as Jether Miole, with full composure, their performance really made up a finished the race and claimed the top defining moment. Right off the green spot giving him a total of 90 points signal, Russel Cabrera was quiet yet for all races. Followed by Marcus determined to defend his title, while Victa in second giving him 48 points Joshua Marquez remained on his tail for all races. Julius Quitlong came in for the entire race. David Ison, John 3rd for this race giving him 24 points. Paul Veloso, and Javier Dimalanta on However, in the final tally points, the other hand juggles position as they Owen Rada overtook him with 47 dice through the racing battlefield. points in total. Even after a couple of laps, Cabrera This might be the third installment maintained head while Marquez and of the cup, but it keeps surprising fans Ison continued to tackle each other in and enthusiasts alike as it featured new paint-trading action within corners and names, up and ready to push their way turns. In the end, Russel Cabrera ran to put their names on the leaderboard. home free giving a dominating perWith all eyes on the professionformance throughout all races, giving al Sporting Class, all racers were him a total of 82.5 points for all races. ready to give their all to finally He also set the fastest lap at 1:50.95. claim the title of being the fastest Joshua Marquez came in second with racer in the Philippines.

SATURDAY, JULY 3, 2021 advertise@manilastandard.net

NO FILIPINO LEFT BEHIND

The BSP’s financial inclusion initiatives D ESPITE giving rise to unique challenges and upheavals on a global scale, the COVID-19 crisis has widened the path to accelerating financial inclusion.

The pandemic has given new immediacy and put a much-deserved spotlight on the primacy of financial inclusion in the government’s crisis containment and recovery efforts. It illustrated financial inclusion’s vital role in social welfare and protection, as the transaction account became a necessary means for the country’s poorest and most vulnerable to receive cash assistance from the government. With the imposition of lockdowns and physical distancing measures, consumers and businesses alike shifted to digital payments at an unprecedented speed and scale. All these exigencies demonstrate the importance of an inclusive digital finance ecosystem that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has been deliberately building and shaping in the last few years. The BSP has put in place the building blocks of an inclusive digital finance ecosystem namely, 1) democratized access to a transaction account; 2) expanded network of low-cost financial touch points; and 3) interoperable digital payments. However, the BSP recognizes that more work needs to be done to ensure that a much broader population of Filipinos and their enterprises benefit from welfareenhancing financial services. The BSP has identified the following key aspects that it considers as the most important for all to know about its financial inclusion efforts. Increasing the number of Filipinos with an account by leveraging on compelling use cases Account ownership is a basic step toward digital financial Inclusion. While cost concerns and the lack of ID are being addressed by the Basic Deposit Account (BDA) and the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), respectively, the perceived lack of need for an account remains the top-cited reason for not opening an account by the unbanked. The BSP thus promotes com-

pelling use cases of a transaction account to improve its perceived utility for a broader group of consumers. These include the use of accounts for receipt of cash transfers (in partnership with the Department of Social Work and Development), wages (in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment), student allowances, and payments for transportation and merchants, among others. These efforts are reinforced by BSP’s digital payment initiatives, such as the the QR Ph. Enhancing the digital infrastructure to support digital financial inclusion The BSP is actively involved in the implementation of PhilSys, not only as the partner of Philippine Statistics Authority in the production of the PhilSy ID

cards, but also as Chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Authentication and Use Cases. As a national digital ID platform, PhilSys is envisioned to be a gamechanger for digital financial inclusion. The BSP also supports efforts to address the digital divide and bridge the Internet infrastructure gap in the country by advocating for ICT policy reforms. As Chair of the Financial Inclusion Steering Committee, it has pushed for the liberalization of access to satellite technology for broadband services and the passage of the Open Access in Data Transmission Bill. The BSP’s agent registry initiative aims to create a web portal of cash/e-money agents that can be used by the BSP, BSP-supervised financial institutions, and

the public, in view of the catalytic role of agents in reaching remote areas and transitioning the unbanked from cash to digital transactions. It also aims to increase awareness and trust in digital financial services through consumer empowerment initiatives such as the Digital Literacy Program and the BSP Online Buddy (chatbot). Promoting access to finance for the agriculture and MSME sectors The BSP works on a range of initiatives to create a more sustainable agriculture and MSME financing ecosystem. These initiatives aim to address the challenges that emanate from both the demand-side (farmers and MSMEs) and the supply-side (banks and other financial institutions), as well as the supporting

credit infrastructure. Part of the BSP’s institutionalized support to the microenterprises and their cooperatives is the credit surety fund (CSF) program. The BSP’s goal is to strengthen the role of the CSF as a catalyst for inclusive economic opportunities in the communities they serve. The BSP has also launched in partnership with the Government of Japan the Credit Risk Database (CRD) project which will provide banks with a robust credit risk assessment tool for small and medium enterprise (SME) borrowers. This will promote risk-based lending to facilitate collateralfree and low-cost credit for well-managed SMEs.The BSP is aware that a deeper understanding of the needs and profile of the country’s MSMEs can support well-informed policy interventions and financial product development. Thus, in partnership with the Asian Development Bank, the BSP has launched a national demandside MSME survey, which is expected be completed before the end of the year. The BSP is also supporting the conduct of a supply chain finance market development study as part of its efforts to promote supply chain and value chain financing as innovative lending approaches that can benefit the country’s MSMEs. With the aim of addressing the difficulties faced by MSMEs in accessing bank loans, specifically in filling out long and intimidating application forms, the BSP is working with various banking industry associations and the Department of Trade and Industry to introduce a simpler and borrower-friendly standard loan application form. This initiative will be adopted by participating banks as part of their commitment to support small businesses. Other BSP initiatives to promote MSME and agri financing include engagement with Philippine Guarantee Corporation to enhance credit guarantee programs for microfinance institutions and support for the CSF; legislative advocacy support for the Warehouse Receipts Bill; and the conduct of a study on the need to establish a regulatory framework for development financial institutions.

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BSP to boost digital payments adoption toward a ‘New Economy’

NDER its vision of a “New Economy,” the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is determined to advance the digital transformation of the country’s financial services.

This transformation aims to achieve economic growth and provide opportunities for every Filipino to participate in the formal financial system through easier access to a wider range of financial services. In line with this vision and its stated objectives and strategies under the Digital Payment Transformation Roadmap (DPTR) for 2020-2023, the BSP continues to develop a digital payments ecosystem that targets current consumer and business needs to boost digital payments. Underpinning these are the results of the Better Than Cash Alliance (BTCA) Diagnostic on the Philippines which identified payments-to-business (P2B) transactions as the most viable case that would boost uptake of digital payments.

use case. Here, the payer sends the payee an electronic authority or mandate to draw funds directly from the payer’s account on a regular basis. This case is ideal for recurring payments such as monthly rentals, periodic loan amortizations, and quarterly insurance premiums. These digital payments initiatives are seen to sustain the momentum on the growing preference in the use of digital payments. These initiatives are also expected to facilitate the steady growth of existing digital payment streams PESONet, InstaPay and the payments use cases EGov Pay and QR Ph. For the increasingly popular PESONet and InstaPay, combined volume and value transactions show sustained growth with an average quarterly increase of 5% and 4%, respectively, for Q4 of 2020 and Q1 of 2021. The year-on-year growth of the combined PESONet and InstaPay volume and value also shows an upward trajectory with a surge of 124% in volume and 95% in value by end May 2021. Volume and value of EGov Pay transactions have likewise logged encourag-

The BSP will introduce several digital payments streams, including the multibatch settlement for PESONet, interoperable bills payment facility, request to pay service, and the direct debit use case. These will provide value propositions for the adoption of digital payments in P2B transactions and make them more efficient. The multiple batch settlement scheme for PESONet will increase settlement frequency within a banking day. Currently, the PESONet makes a single batch settlement in a day for same-day settlement. With more batch settlements in a day, the clearing interval will be reduced, allowing earlier crediting of funds to the recipient’s accounts within the same banking day. The bills payment facility aims to remove the inefficiencies associated with the current fragmented bills payment mechanisms. The billers will be capable of collecting from their customers even if their payment service providers are different. For a more flexible way for businesses and consumers to make payments, the request to pay service will allow the payee to send an electronic request for payment to the payer, indicating the amount to be paid and when it falls due. The fourth initiative is the direct debit

ing quarter-on-quarter growth, rising by 51% and 74%, respectively, by the end of May 2021. Also by end-May 2021, the BSP recorded a year-on-year EGov Pay volume and value increase of 5128% and 1935%, respectively. Not to be outdone, the quarterly growth of the volume and value of QR Ph P2P continue to be in an upward trend, increasing by 104% and 138%, respectively, from Q4 2020 to Q1 2021. Further growth in QR Ph use is anticipated with the upcoming launch in September this year of QR Ph Personto-Merchant payments or P2M, which will cover payments to merchants for purchase of goods and services. Later, it may also be used for bills payment. The encouraging growth in digital payments shown in these figures, as well as the upcoming developments designed to provide efficiencies in P2B payments show a promising turn in the BSP’s digital transformation journey. BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno has expressed his confidence that the usage and preference for digital payments that Filipinos have thus far shown will be sustained and spur further developments in financial digitalization. This will enable the country to fully benefit more from a cash-lite and financially inclusive economy.

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Financial supervision in the time of COVID-19

HE COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the significance of a healthy, stable, and most of all, resilient banking system in the economic recovery. This resilience has served as one of the economic lifelines in providing financial and credit support to the country, most importantly to the hard-hit sectors of our economy such as households and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The BSP’s regulatory relief measures

In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic on the financial industry, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) issued regulatory and operational relief measures to assist the BSP Supervised Financial Institutions (BSFIs) to endure the crisis and to enable them to focus their limited resources toward supporting the financing requirements of households and business enterprises. These time-bounded measures provided incentives for BSFIs to extend financial relief to their bor-

rowers, incentivized bank lending, promoted continued access to credit/ financial services, and supported continued delivery of financial services. The relief packages strived to address the critical requirements of the economy, while at the same time, ensured that financial stability would not be compromised.

Extension of financial relief to borrowers

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, BSFIs were given regulatory relief to enable them to grant equivalent financial relief to their borrowers in the form of more flexible and favorable lending terms or restructuring of loan accounts. These include allowing deferred recognition of past due and non-performing loans and staggered booking of allowance for credit losses of affected loan accounts. The BSP also implemented interest rate caps on credit card transactions to ease the financial burden of consumers and MSMEs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Incentivize lending

The BSP’s prudential measures also include initiatives to encourage lending to the MSME sector and critically affected large enterprises. These measures aim to ease certain

prudential requirements of banks to allow them to support financing needs of rural-based clients and MSMEs. This would in turn enable them to carry on with their business during the COVID-19 crisis, as well as hasten recovery and sustainability of their operations during the postcrisis period. Relative to this, the BSP reduced the credit risk weights of loans granted to MSMEs. Banks were allowed to use loans granted to MSMEs as compliance with the reserve requirements so they could tap on their demand deposit account with the BSP. The BSP also deferred the implementation of the revised risk-based capital adequacy framework and reduced the Minimum Liquidity Ratio applicable to standalone thrift banks, rural banks, and cooperative banks. Data as of the reserve week ending June 3, 2021 show that banks utilized P181.6 billion in MSME loans as alternative compliance with the reserve requirements. This indicates that banks have continued to grant new MSME loans or re-finance outstanding MSME loans of their clients since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Promote continued access to financial services. Policies were put in place to ensure that retail clients, who were

affected by the community quarantine arrangements, can still access formal financing channels through the use of information technology. The BSP relaxed the Know-YourCustomer requirements, particularly the presentation of valid IDs by retail clients, including micro-business owners, to facilitate their access to formal financing channels until Dec. 31, 2021. Moreover, fees related to the grant of license or authority to provide Advanced Electronic Payments and Financial Services were temporarily waived until Dec. 31, 2021. This is to encourage BSFIs to provide safe, efficient, and reliable digital channels that support critical payment use cases such as social benefit transfers, payments to merchants or billers including the government, payments to suppliers, and remittances.

Digital banking developments

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the use of digital payments under the “New Economy” environment. Parallel to this, the BSP has designed a three-year Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap and approved the inclusion of “digital banks” as a distinct classification of banks and the corresponding guidelines for their establishment.

These new banks offer financial products and services that are processed end-to-end through a digital platform and/or electronic channels with no physical branches. They are envisioned to address the longstanding barriers to financial inclusion and onboard more Filipinos in the formal system especially during and post-COVID-19 era. Since the release of the BSP’s regulatory framework for digital banks, several proponents have expressed interest and actual intent to apply for a digital banking license in the country. As of June 4, 2021, the Monetary Board has approved the applications of three banks and is now evaluating four more applications, which includes three new players. The BSP is also developing the second set of regulations that will clarify applicability of regulations on capital and liquidity, corporate and risk governance, risk management, and monetary operations to digital banks. Finally, the central monetary authority is crafting guidelines on the adoption of a marketplace banking model. Anchoring on the implementation of the Open Finance Framework, the BSP anticipates the emergence of new business models and arrangements, which will further drive innovation and bring more value to customers.

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BSP supports PhilSys in shaping a more financially inclusive Philippines T HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) supports the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in its recent advisory emphasizing the Philippine Identification (PhilID) card as the official proof of identity for transactions with government and private entities.

The BSP also congratulates the PSA for the positive launch turnout of the third and final step of Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) mass registration, wherein PhilID cards and PhilSys Numbers were distributed to successful registrants. In a recent report by state-run Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank), a total of 2,481,788 unbanked PhilSys registration have already signed up for Landbank transaction accounts as of 30 April 2021. “The PhilSys will be a strategic enabler for a more inclusive new economy, bringing us closer to our shared vision of prosperity for all,” BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said. He added that the BSP is fully committed to support the government and the PSA in bringing the vision of PhilSys to reality.

The BSP reminds banks of the provisions in the Republic Act 1105, also known as the Philippine Identification System Act that the PhilID card, by itself, is a sufficient proof of identification honored and accepted in bank transactions without the need to present any other documentary requirements. The results of the BSP’s 2019 Financial Inclusion Survey cited documentary requirements as one of the top challenges in opening a bank account. With the PhilID card, unbanked Filipinos will be empowered to open bank accounts, including basic deposit accounts (BDA). The BDA was introduced by the BSP in 2018 as a response to the need of the low-income sec-

tor for a low-cost, easy-to-open account. With an initial deposit of PhP100.00, without minimum maintaining balance and dormancy charges, and involving minimal

identification requirement, BDA account ownership has increased and allowed more Filipinos to become financially included. Based on Q4 2020 data, there

are 133 banks in the country offering BDAs. The total number of BDA depositors has reached 6.595 million with an aggregate deposit amount of PhP4.7 billion.

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Discerning, determined, and dauntless: Policymaking from crisis to recovery T HE COVID-19 pandemic is comparable to a massive natural disaster, requiring a set of policy responses that are “matalino, matatag, at matapang.” Monetary authorities exercised decisive and swift liquidity provision to promptly ward off potential liquidity strains following the spike in pandemic-related uncertainties. In the case of the Philippines, the COVID-19 pandemic required the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to mobilize its monetary instruments and other extraordinary measures to help ensure adequate liquidity in the system, restore financial market functioning, and minimize scarring effects on the Philippine economy. These measures include (a) reduction in the policy rate by a cumulative 200 basis points (bps) in 2020; (b) cut in the reserve requirement ratios (RRR) by 200 bps for universal and commercial banks (UKBs) and non-bank financial institutions with quasibanking licenses (NBQBs) and by 100 bps for thrift banks and rural/ cooperative banks; (c) provisional advances to the national government; and (d) purchases of government securities in the secondary market, among others. The cumulative policy rate reduction of the BSP since February 2020 of 200 basis points is a testament to the policy space that

the BSP has been able to build and brings the overnight RRP rate at a historic low of 2.0 percent. These policy rate cuts were intended to reduce the cost of borrowing and to support economic activity. Likewise, the reduction in the RRR aimed to avert liquidity strains in the banking sector and to ensure sufficient domestic liquidity. The BSP provided bridge financing worth ₱300 billion to the government via a repurchase agreement, and which was fully settled in September 2020. Provisional advance to the government—as specified in Sec. 89 of the BSP Charter—of ₱540 billion was granted in October and was fully repaid in December 2020. The latest advances of ₱540 billion was made in January 2021 and will be fully settled by July 12, 2021. Shortterm and limited in magnitude, these advances were made in accordance with the BSP Charter and aimed to address the extraordinary impact of this health crisis. Next page

In the latest update of the map and database created by Elgin et al. (2020), almost all economies, across both advance and emerging market economies, still have policy rates significantly lower than prelockdown. This can be seen in Figure 1 with the predominantly deeper hue of the map (below) and the right skewness of the histogram (left).

Figure 1: Policy rate cuts in 166 countries as of 7 May 2021 relative to 1 February 2020

Source: Elgin, Ceyhun, Gokce Basbug, and Abdullah Yalaman. “Economic Policy Responses to a Pandemic: Developing the Covid-19 Economic Stimulus Index.” In COVID Economics: Vetted and Real-Time Papers, 40–53. 3. The Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR), 2020. http://web.boun.edu.tr/ elgin/COVID_19.pdf; Elgin, Ceyhun. “Ceyhun Elgin’s Website: COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Index (Version: May 7, 2021),” 2021. http://www. ceyhunelgin.com/.

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Discerning, determined,... From E1 In accordance with its Charter, the BSP also transmitted ₱20 billion in dividends to the national government. Overall, the BSP has injected to the financial system more than ₱2.2 trillion, which is equivalent to approximately 12.1 percent of 2020 GDP as of June 2021. Smooth transition from crisis management to risk management Market sentiment has improved since March 2020, as can be seen from the oversubscriptions in the government’s primary auctions for government securities and continued demand of these securities in the secondary market. Moreover, an increase in activity has already been observed in the local capital market. Firms have been able to issue equities and bonds to raise funds and sustain their businesses. Equity capital raised in the Philippine stock exchange in the first 5 months of 2021 rose by more than 150 percent, arising from increases from both financial corporations and non-financial corporations. Similarly, corporate bond issuances for non-financial corporations rose by 25 percent year-on-year in January– May 2021. However, growth in bond issuances for financial corporations remained negative. Notwithstanding ample liquidity in the system, much of the liquidity has been reabsorbed through the BSP’s monetary operations. As of May 25, 2021, the outstanding amount absorbed through the BSP liquidity facilities amounted to more than ₱2.0 trillion. Lending activity and asset price movements continue to be dampened by weak economic activity and banks’ risk aversion, thus moderating the likelihood of asset price inflation fueled by credit. Property prices, on the other hand, remain broadly in line with market fundamentals and within

historical range. Nonetheless, the BSP remains on the lookout for any emerging risks to financial stability, including the buildup of imbalances in asset markets that could lead to a potential disconnect between financial markets and the real sector that a prolonged low interest rate environment could trigger Accommodative policy as catalyst for stability and recovery Overall, the BSP’s accommodative monetary policy has helped bring down the cost of borrowing, revived activity in the government securities market, and maintained confidence in the banking system. Inflation is expected to remain manageable. The year-to-date average inflation rate of 4.4 percent is above the government’s annual inflation target of 3.0 percent ± 1.0 percentage points for the year, but this stems principally from supply-side factors. These factors include the reduction in pork supply due to the African Swine Fever, and the impact of higher international oil prices on domestic petroleum products. The risk of second-round effects from supply-side inflation pressures is blunted by the spare capacity of the economy. The recent elevated inflation figure is consistent with the BSP’s prevailing assessment of inflation likely settling near the high-end of the target range in 2021 before reverting close to the midpoint in 2022. The BSP also believes that risks to the inflation outlook are broadly balanced. Looking ahead, the BSP will continue to focus on keeping its monetary policy stance accommodative as long as necessary. Doing so would complement the government’s initiatives to address the effects of the pandemic until the economic recovery gets fully underway.

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Maybank2U: Banking at your fingertips COOKING, doing arts & crafts and DIY renovations and interior designing—these are just some of the talents we discovered in quarantine that we ourselves didn’t even know we have. But aside from talents in cooking and crafting, we were all surprised to discover how much of our daily errands we can do online and one of them is banking. The first thing that comes to mind when we hear banking is either depositing or withdrawing money but Maybank2U, Maybank’s multi-awarded online banking and mobile app platform in Southeast Asia, lets you do a lot more online. Maybank2U saves you a lot of queuing time with over 300 billers onboard—ranging from utilities, cable and internet, to credit cards, insurance, and loans. You’ll never miss a due date with its real-time payment posting available for many of its billers. Do your prepaid topups with just a few clicks, enabling you to manage your bills and reload any time at any place. Transfer of funds with minimum risk and easier through Maybank2U’s QR Pay. Experience fast and secure transactions just by uploading or scanning QR codes from any of QRPh participating banks. Through the Maybank2U mobile app one can also open a Maybank iSave Account FULLY ONLINE. The ATM card that comes with this Maybank account is widely accessible offering withdrawals FREE OF CHARGE from any BancNet ATMs in the Philippines. Not requiring any initial deposit and maintaining balance, Maybank iSave is not only affordable but also interest-earning, letting you get as much as 2.5 percent per annum with its ongoing promo until September 30, 2021. For more details, visit Deposit Promo (maybank.com.ph) Bills payment, prepaid top-ups, fund transfer via QR pay, and the Maybank iSave Account are all available in the Maybank2U mobile app truly delivering its promise to help you with your banking transactions with just a few lift of a finger, at the safety of your home.

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