Manila Standard - 2021 August 6 - Friday by Manila Standard

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PAALAM EARNS A SHOT AT OLYMPIC GOLD By Riera Mallari TOKYO – A silver and a bronze in boxing. Not bad for an hour’s work. Carlo Paalam guaranteed the Philippines with another silver medal after mauling his Japanese opponent Ryomie Tanaka in a unanimous decision win, while Eumir Marcial settled for bronze

30 minutes later after dropping a split decision loss to Ukrainian Oleksandr Khyzhniak in a day of mixed fortunes at the Summer Olympic Games at the Kokugikan Arena here on Thursday. Using his speed and smarts to the hilt, Paalam turned the head of his Japanese rival into a virtual target practice as he continuously landed 1-2 combina-

Carlo Paalam

tions and darted away from trouble to fashion out an imposing 5-0 victory, his fourth impressive win of these pandemic Olympics. “‘Yung strategy na ginawa ko, idinaan ko sa bilis. Ginawa ko kung ano talaga ‘yung laro ko. Kailangang pagisipan mo ‘yung mga galaw mo tsaka tiNext page

Delta cases surge to 315

was confirmed as a returning Filipino from overseas. The remaining 20 cases HEALTH officials reported the detection were still being verified, the Departof 116 more cases of the highly infectious ment of Health (DOH) said. Of the 95 local cases, 83 cases had an COVID-19 Delta variant Thursday. Of the additional 116 Delta variant indicated address in the National Capital Next page cases, 95 were local cases, and only one

By Willie Casas

VOL. XXXV • NO. 172 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Chaos at vaccination sites Fake news on ‘no vax, no ayuda’ triggers rush of jab seekers

FALSE PROMISE. The drawing power of fake news once again has made a fool of many residents who have made a beeline to several vaccination sites as early as the break of dawn in San Lazaro and Ayala Bridge (right), lured by the promise of instant aid (no vax, no ayuda), resulting in a chaotic situation where health and safety protocols have been completely disregarded. Authorities are quick to disperse the crowds by cancelling the vaccination for the day. Norman Cruz

By Vito Barcelo, Rio N. Araja, Joel E. Zurbano, Alena Mae Flores ALACAÑANG on Thursday ordered local officials to implement measures to control crowding in COVID-19 vaccination centers, warning them that failure to do so can be considered a dereliction of duty.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque turnout in Manila was as high as 22,000 issued this warning following reports that from the usual daily numbers of 1,000 an unexpected number of people swarmed to 2,000 per vaccination site. to vaccination centers in Manila. “The President instructed that first, Next page Reports showed that the vaccine

Laguna, CDO and Iloilo City placed under ECQ until Aug. 15

1,627,816 8,127

66,895

28,427

196

1,532,494

4,343

(As of 4 PM, AUGUST 5)

MALACAÑANG has expanded the areas that will be placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine starting today (Friday) to include the province of Laguna, Cagayan de Oro City and Iloilo City.

These areas will be under the strictest lockdown until August 15

as the country scrambles to stem the surge in COVID-19 cases, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said. Meanwhile, the provinces of Cavite, Rizal and Iloilo as well as Lucena City will be placed under Modified ECQ

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III ((right) administers an anti-COVID dose to an employee of SM Supermalls during the 10-m Filipinos fully vaccinated program held at the SM Mega Trade Hall in Mandaluyong City on Thursday (August 5, 2021. Joey O. Razon

By Vito Barcelo

US diplomat indicted for illicit sex acts in PH RIHANNA NOW A BILLIONAIRE ENTERTAINMENT / C3

Jab milestone: 10m get fully vaccinated

10 MILLIONTH JAB.

A FEDERAL grand jury at the Eastern District of Virginia in the United States indicted an American diplomat previously posted in Manila for engaging in illicit sexual conduct in the Philippines and possession of child pornography. The US Department of Justice said Dean Cheves, 61, served at the US Embassy in Manila between Septem September 2020 and February 2021. “While in the Philippines, Cheves allegedly met a 16-year-old online. Court documents further detail that

during the same period. Batangas and Quezon, on the other hand, will be under General Community Quarantine with heightened restrictions from today until Aug. 15.

Cheves allegedly engaged in sexual activity with the minor on two occasions, knowing the minor’s age, and produced cell phone videos of himself engaging in the sex acts each time,” the US DOJ said in an Aug. 3 statement. The videos were reportedly found on Cheves’ devices seized from his embassy residence while in the Philippines. Between February 2021 and March 2021, he also allegedly possessed child pornography. Next page

THE government is targeting to inoculate half of Metro Manila’s population during the two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from Aug. 6 to 20, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Thursday. The Palace official issued the statement during the ceremonial program to celebrate 10 million Filipinos being fully vaccinated at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. “The national government has given Metro Manila 4 million additional jabs to administer during the ECQ,” Roque said. “When this happens, we are close to reaching the point where the entire Metro Manila will achieve 50 percent fully-vaccinated population by the end of the ECQ,” he added. At the same time, Malacañang said 10 million Filipinos had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, describing it as an “important milestone” in the country’s vaccination program. Data presented by the National Task Force Against COVID-19 showed the number of fully vaccinated individuals Next page

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Family plan use up by 6%—PopCom By Willie Casas, Alain Kyle Robredillo and Miguel Angelo Magbag

HE coronavirus pandemic despite, 8,085,000 Filipinos in 2020, when the lockdown began in mid March, used modern methods of Family Planning, a 6 percent increase from the previous year, the Department of Health said.

The DOH and POPCOM will have a joint health event in celebrating the National Family Planning Month this August with the umbrella theme: “Usap Tayo sa Family Planning atbp.” The celebration is aimed at integrating the messaging on family planning within the context of sexual and reproductive health during health crises; sexually transmitted infections including human immunodeficiency virus infection which can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; informed choice and responsible parenthood; and adolescent health and development. The National Family Planning Month will also feature two virtual health events entitled “Usap Tayo sa National Family Planning 2021” and “Usap Tayo sa Family Planning Experts” to be conducted on August 4 and 18, respectively. Regional Offices of both agencies will also conduct local events such as

online press conferences, webinars, social media campaigns, among others to generate widespread attention on the importance and benefits of FP in promoting the overall health and wellness of the Filipinos. The DOH, POPCOM, and various partners, will remain relentless in investing in the health and rights of women as well as couples, so they can have the power to choose, plan and attain their goals and dreams for themselves and their families. As part of the celebration of the National Family Planning Month this August, Police Cpl. Francis Sagmaquen, an investigator at the Caloocan Police Station, related that he and his wife Angel, agreed to have the former vasectomized as their family planning method in a public event hosted by DOH and POPCOM. They have three children and Angel at the moment is pregnant. unvaccinated employees can no longer report to work, and thus cannot receive their daily wage or will be penalized with a deduction in their monthly salaries. Belmonte denounced such workplace orders and tagged them as discriminatory. “The employers have to understand that the delay in the vaccination of their employees had been due to the insufficient vaccine supply and sporadic delivery to local government units, thereby making it impossible to accommodate everyone. They should be lenient considering their employees remain unvaccinated not out of choice or refusal. As soon as the promised additional vaccine supplies are delivered to our city, we will make sure our workers are inoculated as soon as possible,” she said. She said the city government backs the Department of Labor and Employment Labor Advisory No. 3 indicating that no employee shall be discriminated against in terms of tenure, promotion, training, pay, and other benefits or terminated from employment for those employees who refuse or fail to be vaccinated. “Until such time as Congress enacts legislation to the contrary, we stand by the DOLE’s policy,” she said. Workers and residents of Quezon City can register in the QCProtektodo Vaccination Program through the barangay-assisted process or by signing up through its online platform. She reminded workers to register as soon as possible so that once vaccine supplies arrive, they can be given an inoculation schedule right away. “They have to register because our system works on a first-in, first-out basis so the sooner they get in the list, the sooner they can get their schedule,” she said. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has asked the National Bureau of Investigation to track down individuals spreading misinformation that unvaccinated people will not be given cash assistance while the National Capital Region is under a two-week hard lockdown. MMDA chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. said news that only those who have been vaccinated shall be entitled to the financial assistance or ayuda are “fake and baseless.” “To set the record straight, the distribution of ayuda and benefits or privileges is not anchored on whether an individual has been inoculated” said Abalos. “This is really a product of collaboration and cooperation among all sectors. Bayanihan at its finest.” The latest figures were released following the submission of the updated vaccination records of various implementing units across the country. “Our initial tally was just 673,652 but we received updated records from various regions on their output for Tuesday including NCR, which was able to administer 203,000 doses in a single day,” Galvez said. Of the more than 700,000 doses administered, 233,065 were given as the first dose, while nearly half a million doses were dispensed as the second shot.

The government earlier placed the National Capital Region under ECQ from Aug. 6 to 20, with nine out of the 17 cities in Metro Manila recording at least one case of the more transmissible Delta variant. While the entire country’s risk classification remained at “moderate,” cities in Metro Manila except Marikina and Caloocan were already tagged as high-risk due to their moving average daily attack rate. Meanwhile, under fire for barring authorized persons outside of residence (APORs) from being fetched from work by non-APORs during the two-week lockdown in Metro Manila, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar on Thursday reversed the policy. “I coordinated with the NTF (National Task Force against Covid-19) and eventually with (Interior and Local Government) Secretary Eduardo Año,” Eleazar said. “We sought to find a balance here and now, we are allowing our APORs, those working in permitted industries who are leaving their homes for work, meaning they can be driven to and fetched from their workplaces by nonAPOR drivers.” Eleazar, however, added bureaucratic obstacles to the process, saying documents such as the APOR’s employment certificate, a document indicating the name of the APOR’s designated driver, vehicle information, and contact number and a copy of the APOR employer’s business permit must be presented at checkpoints. He also sought to defend his earlier statements barring non-APORs from driving APORs to and from work, saying the practice could be abused by motorists. “We have seen that many are still trying to break the law during the previous implementation of ECQ and MECQ. Anybody can just say ‘I will fetch somebody or I just dropped off somebody’. This practice can be abused but we just considered the plight of our APORs who are complying with rules in retaining it and we don’t want them to sacrifice just because of our stubborn fellowmen,” he said. On Wednesday, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) urged the PNP to reconsider the policy. CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said while they fully understand the purpose of quarantine restrictions, health workers and employees of other essential industries should not be deprived of the right to a safe way of going to and from their workplaces.

Paalam tries to upgrade the color of his medal on Saturday as he shoots for the gold against Great Britain’s Galal Yafai, who 15 minutes earlier edged the Filipino’s 2020 Asia and Oceania Boxing Olympic Qualification Tournament tormentor Saken Bibossinov of Kazakhstan in a close 3-2 split decision win. Khyzhniak, a Ukrainian Athlete of the Year, who has not lost a fight since 2016 in an insane 60-0 streak, was just too powerful for Marcial, who was visibly spent up in the third round after slightly winning the first two, 3-2, 3-2. It was when Marcial faded when Khyzhniak was at his best, nailing the Filipino with power shots to take the round and the nod of all judges in the

third to win via a split verdict. “Malakas siya na fighter, deserve niyang Manalo. Fair po ang judging dito, ” said Marcial of Khyzhniak, who won gold medals at the world (2017) and European (2017 and 2019) championships and looked ready to win the gold in these pandemic Olympics. In golf, Bianca Pagdanganan slipped 20 notches down to a tie for 27th after an even par 71 for a two-day 140, 11 strokes off American leader and world’s no. 1 Nelly Korda, who was 9-under for the day at 63. Women’s US Open champion Yuka Saso recovered on Day 2 with a 3-under 68 after an opening 74, but is still far away from contention at 34th place, 13 shots off the pace.

But there were reports on dropouts which can be attributed to difficulties in accessing family planning services due to COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns, the DOH said. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said: “The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented event that has put the world to a standstill, yet the Philippines still managed to make progress in FP (family planning). “We commend our service providers and partners in the field for their unwavering dedication and efforts in making sure that FP services are available and

accessible, especially during these trying times. This is a testament that the pandemic should not be a hindrance to pursuing open conversations and continuous service provision in family planning for our kababayan.” In this regard, the Department of Health and the Commission on Population and Development renewed their call to stakeholders, particularly local government units, to continue the provision of family planning as one of the vital and essential health services, amid the health crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Delta... From A1

Chaos... From A1

Region (NCR), while three had indicated addresses in Calabarzon. Four were from Central Visayas, two from the Davao Region, and one each from the Zamboanga Peninsula, Cagayan Valley, and Ilocos Region. All cases have been tagged as recovered. Among the total 216 Delta variant cases reported on July 29, the DOH verified one case who was tested in two different laboratories. Both samples were sent to UP-PGC, sequenced after an anonymized selection, and detected with the Delta variant. With this, the DOH is amending the previous total Delta variant cases from 216 to 215. This brings the total Delta variant cases to 331. Of the additional 113 Alpha variant cases detected, 104 were local cases, one ROF, and eight are currently being verified if they are a local or ROF case. Based on the case line list, two cases have died and 111 cases have been tagged as recovered. The new tally brings the total Alpha variant cases to 1,968. Of the additional 122 Beta variant cases, 104 were local cases, four were returning Filipinos and 14 cases were being verified. All cases have been tagged as recovered. The total Beta variant cases are now at 2,268. The variants were detected through genome sequencing undertaken by the Philippine Genome Center. An infectious disease expert, meanwhile, said the mutations of the Lamda variant are similar to those of the Delta variant. The Lambda variant was first detected in Peru, while the Delta variant was first detected in India. In a radio interview, Dr. Rontgene Solante said the Lambda variant, which has not yet been detected in the Philippines, remains to be a variant of interest and not a variant of concern like the Delta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. The Philippines on Thursday logged 8,127 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of infections to 1,627,816. The DOH reported 196 new fatalities, bringing the COVID-19 death toll to 28,427.

there should be crowd control. Second, it should be humane. Chaos should be prevented,” he said in Filipino at a Palace press briefing. Roque reminded local officials to ensure that a scheduling system is followed to ensure that there are enough slots for those who show up at vaccination sites. “Let us not turn vaccinations into super spreader events because vaccines will save lives, they should not endanger lives,” he added. He said local officials should be able to control crowding because there are enough resources to implement minimum public health standards, and not implementing them was a form of dereliction of duty. He said neglecting quarantine protocols in COVID-19 vaccination sites could spell disaster. At the same time, Roque disputed suggestions that problems with the government’s messaging caused a surge of people to COVID-19 vaccination sites. President Rodrigo Duterte last July 28 ordered the police and barangay officials to prevent unvaccinated people from going outside, telling them to escort them back to their homes if they did. Roque later clarified that there is currently no enforcement of Duterte’s order to keep unvaccinated individuals at home. “I think there are really some people spreading fake news. There are really some people who have nothing to do in their lives,” he said. He assured the public that unvaccinated persons will still be allowed to leave their homes to buy essential items such as food and medicine. Unvaccinated individuals in areas under the strictest enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) status will also continue to receive P1,000 per person, or a maximum of P4,000 per family under a government subsidy program. Metro Manila will shift to an ECQ from Aug. 6 to 20 to prevent the spread of the highly contagious Delta COVID-19 variant. Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domiagoso appealed for sobriety after throngs of people stormed vaccination sites in the city following reports of restrictions on unvaccinated people. Domagoso urged those who wanted

to be vaccinated to remain calm and observe discipline. Domagoso made the call after Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, who is on top of the city’s mass vaccination program, said they got information that throngs of people arrived on board vans and huge jeeps. The big groups from other areas outside of the city disregarded the cut-off and barriers, prompting a shopping mall designated as a vaccination hub to temporarily close down. The said throngs reportedly were rowdy, taking away the barriers put in the areas and insisting that they be allowed to continue queueing even if they were not even registered. Lacuna noted these persons were from outside Manila, from areas such as Laguna and Cavite and told the marshals they rushed to the sites due to rumors that those who are unvaccinated will be arrested if they go out of their house during the ECQ. The crowd estimates in the mall vaccination sites as provided by Manila Health Department (MHD) chief Dr. Arnold Pangan were as follows: SM San Lazaro -- 7,000 to 10,000 plus; SM Manila,5,000; Lucky Chinatown, 3,000 and Robinson’s Manila, 4,000. Before this, Lacuna said, the sites were handling 1,000 to 2,000 people a day. “And they are fully aware of the policies like the need to pre-register and have their QR codes ready, which was not the case with the throngs who went to the mall sites before dawn on Thursday. Lacuna also said the persons who want to get their jabs in Manila fully know that there is a cut-off. The unruly crowds forced the closure of the SM San Lazaro Mall and the cancellation of the vaccination slated there although the inoculation went on as scheduled in SM Manila, Lucky Chinatown and Robinson’s Manila. Lacuna said 2,500 doses had been allocated per mall site. The Quezon City government, meanwhile, emphasized it would have a nowalk-in policy in all vaccination sites to avoid overcrowding. With the threat of the Delta variant, Mayor Joy Belmonte raised deep concern over reports of increased numbers of walk-ins in vaccination sites. Unregistered individuals reportedly rushed to vaccination sites in recent days after some employers released orders that

Jab... From A1

the highly transmissible Delta variant. ECQ is the most restrictive of four quarantine classifications implemented by the government to slow down the coronavirus spread. The vaccination efforts however will be exempted from the ban on large gatherings during the ECQ in Metro Manila. The Philippines is aiming to achieve “population protection” against COVID-19 by inoculating 50 to 60 percent of the population with a concentration in Metro Manila, two other cities, and six provinces by yearend. Meanwhile, the country’s vaccine czar

Carlito Galvez Jr. said the Philippines had set another record in its vaccination program as a total of 702,013 COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered on Aug. 3, the highest daily throughput the country has recorded so far. “We are very happy with this accomplishment. What we projected for the second quarter was just 500,000 jabs daily and the 700,000 mark was our goal for the fourth quarter,” Galvez said. Galvez said because of the relentless efforts from the healthcare workers, local government units and the private sector, more doses have been administered as early as August.

stood at 10.28 million as of Wednesday. Roque encouraged the public to get their COVID-19 jabs as soon as they can, stressing that it is the only way for Filipinos to continue earning a living. “It is important that we continue vaccinations so that we can return to work, return to our families, and return to our normal lives,” he said. Metro Manila will be placed under a two-week ECQ starting today to quell the spike in coronavirus cases driven by

US... From A1 Cheves is charged with one count of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place and one count of possessing child pornography in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the US or on lands owned or leased by the US. Cheves made his initial court appearance on July 6, 2021 before US Magistrate Judge Ivan Davis of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. If convicted, the US DOJ said he faces a maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison on count one and up to 10 years in prison on count two. A federal district court judge will de-

termine any sentence after considering the US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Currently, the Diplomatic Security Service - Office of Special Investigations is probing the case. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a US initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by US Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

Isko Moreno laughs off DILG order

Paalam... From A1 wala sa sarili. Kaya nga po kami nagtetraining, nage-ensayo para po dito,” said Paalam. The silver that is assured Paalam is the third medal of the boxing team in these games, counting the silver of featherweight Nesthy Petecio and the bronze of Marcial, who 30 minutes later dropped a close split decision 2-3 loss to Ukrainian legend Khyzhniak. This has been the Philippines’ best showing in its 97-year participation in the Olympiad, highlighted by the gold medal of weightlifting superstar Hidilyn Diaz.

THE Department of Interior and Local Government has issued a show cause order to Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso for his alleged failure to comply with the government’s anti-drug policies in 2018. Domagoso, however, in a Facebook post, reminded the DILG that he became mayor only in 2019. “Wow. Galing ha! Sunod sunod na! #AlamNaThis,” he said on his social media account. In the show cause order dated July 9, Interior Undersecretary Ricojudge Echiverri said: “Based on our assessment and verification in the 2018 AntiDrug Abuse Council (ADAC) performance audit, you have failed to comply with the policy and program mandated to your office, specifically in meeting the standards and complying with the measures set forth by the National AntiDrug Abuse Council Audit.” In 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Domagoso as undersecretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. He ran and won as Manila mayor in 2019.

Laguna,... From A1

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Muslim solons demand House inquiry into trader’s slay

FIRST BATCH. Muntinlupa Mayor

Jaime R. Fresnedi and Filinvest Land Vice President Riza Angela Reyes witness the inoculation of the first batch of Filinvest Land employees using Astrazeneca vaccine against COVID-10 held at the Mega Vaccination Center in Festival MallAlabang, Muntinlupa City on August 4,2021. Manny Palmero

By Maricel V. Cruz

Crackdown vs. illegal mining in Nueva Viscaya stepped up By Rio N. Araja

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Mines and Geosciences Bureau has clamped down on illegal small-scale mining in Nueva Vizcaya.

The agency spearheaded the dismantling of various illegal mining equipment during a series of operations conducted against small-scale mining activities in Quezon town, Nueva Vizcaya province from July 27 to 29. “In the case of illegal small-scale mining, miners tend to dig and drill with no proper control on extractive operations.

These unregulated mining activities pose dangers to the environment, and even to human lives,” Secretary Roy Cimatu said. The joint operations which were carried out by MGB-Region 2, DENR Region 2, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office-Nueva Vizcaya, Community Environment and Natural

Resources Office-Aritao, National Bureau of Investigation-Region 2, Philippine National Police, and Armed Forces of the Philippines, in coordination with FCF Minerals Corporation, cracked down on ball mills, shafting, diesel engines, pulleys, and other equipment used in illegal small-scale mining activities at Barangay Runruno. Mario Ancheta, MGB-Region 2 director, said the absence of documents, permits, or authority in the conduct of mining operations and the transport of minerals/ mineral products and by-products will be considered as prima facie evidence of illegal mining.

“This shall cause the seizure/confiscation of the minerals/mineral products and by-products and the tools, conveyances, and equipment used in the commission of the offense in favor of the government,” he said. Prior to the operation, MGB-Region 2 directed an investigation of the ongoing small-scale mining operations within the Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement contract area of mining firm FCF Minerals Corporation. MGB said the firm has not yet utilized or developed the area, Ancheta said, adding the mining area cannot be declared as a “Minahang Bayan” site.

Budget hike for science, R&D sought THE chairman of the House of Representatives’ committee on ways and means has called for more funding for science research and development. Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, the panel chairman, who defended the measure during its approval at the House committee on appropriations, said: “The Science for Change Act is an opportunity to realize the innate potential of our country and our people through scientific and technological development, which has become the principal drive of global wealth.” “I am proud to say that the Economic Development Cluster of the Duterte Cabinet, and the Department of Science and Technology is behind this representation in supporting this critical measure,” Salceda added. Explaining the origins of the Science for Change proposal. Salceda said that “When I returned to Congress in 2016, and in preparation for my policy paper titled “Dutertenomics,” I convened National Scientists, members of the academe, and leading officials of the DOST to craft a national framework for scientific development.” Salceda also expressed alarm over the data from the World Bank which showed that, out of 90 major countries, the Philippines could only beat Algeria and Sudan for R&D spending per capita. In terms of share of GDP. “We beat only Algeria, Iran, and Indonesia,” Salceda added. Salceda also asked the budget committee to consider increasing funding for science research in the 2022 national budget. “In 2017, we set an initial funding of P21 billion for Science for Change. We estimated that, if we were to double R&D spending every year, it would be a good starting point. Within five years, we can reach the 1% of GDP prescribed by the UNESCO as the minimum R&D investment for a country to be competitive,” Salceda said. “2021 GAA funding for R&D is at around P18 billion, still below that starting point. But if we start now, the science for change formula can still help us meet the threshold by 2025. The Science for Change bill outlines how our R&D investments will be spent to improve every facet of the economy and society,” Salceda added.

TIGHT SUPPLY. A large banner placed on the gate of a vaccination site at Don Alejandro Roces Sr. High School, Quezon City spells out the prohibition imposed by the city government Thursday, Aug 5, 2021 because the supply of the Covid-19 vaccine is limited and it is already reserved for those given the schedule. Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

PARTY-LIST legislators from Mindanao on Thursday said they would seek a congressional investigation into the killing of a Moro trader in Nueva Ecija whose body was also allegedly burned. Anak Mindanao congressmen Mujiv Hataman and Amihilda Sangcopan were set to file a resolution in aid of legislation on the matter as they are “extremely alarmed” over the kidnapping and murder of Muslim trader Nadia Casar in Nueva Ecija by alleged members of the Nueva Ecija police force. According to initial investigation, Sangcopan and Hataman said Casar and the driver of transport network vehicle service that Casar hired, were kidnapped by at least five men early afternoon on July 20 in Barangay Tagpos, Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija. After the TNVS driver was robbed of his cellular phone and cash, he was released by the kidnappers at around three in the morning on July 21. In August the charred and decimated remains of Casar were discovered in Sitio Pinagpala, Barangay Imelda Valley, Palayan City, where her body parts were sacked and buried by the suspects. “We strongly condemn the brutal and monstrous killing of Casar. We condemn such utter disregard for life! Matapos nilang dukutin at paslangin ay pinagputol-putol at sinunog pa nila ang bangkay ng aming kababayang Moro. We demand that these murderers be brought to justice and pay dearly for their crimes,” Sangcopan said.

Another SoKor fugitive nabbed in Davao City IMMIGRATION operatives arrested a Korean fugitive wanted in his country for defrauding his victims of 350 million won, equivalent to P15.2 million. Immigration Intelligence Officer Melody Penelope Gonzales of the BI Mindanao Intelligence Task Group in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation arrested the 61-year-old Lee Sanghun in a restaurant in Calinan District, Davao City. Lee is subject of a manhunt of the BI’s Intelligence Division upon receiving information of his crimes from Korean authorities in July. His name is included in the Interpol wanted list, and is tagged as a fugitive wanted for prosecution. Lee has a standing arrest warrant issued in 2020 by the Gunsan Branch, Jeonju District Court of South Korea. Lee defrauded a bank of a total of 350 million won, equivalent to 15.2 million pesos, on 11 separate occasions from 1998 to 1999. In addition, he allegedly took profit by borrowing more than a billion won, or 43 million pesos, from two other fraud cases. He is also linked to illegal online gambling activities in the country, and has pursued mining activities in Davao City. “He has been in the country since 1999 and is already an undocumented and overstaying alien. As a fugitive, he is considered an undesirable alien, and will be immediately deported and blacklisted from our country,” BI chief Jaime Morente said. Vito Barcelo

Dinagat gets first ever fleet of buses for public transport DINAGAT Islands Governor Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao’s vision of establishing an efficient inter-connected public transport system that links seven municipalities within the island province is slowly being realized. In support of that vision, Cagdianao Mining Corp., a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corp., with operations in barangay Valencia, in Dinagat Island, turns over 3 units of brand new buses, backing Governor Bagao’s “DinagatLink”—a transport system that is part of a developmental agenda to transport people and goods efficiently. “It is not enough that we have roads, it is important that there will be movements in these roads, a transport system that will move people and products,” says Bag-ao. Part of Governor Bag-ao’s initiatives is the opening up of road networks in the province that systematize its public land transportation. Bag-ao also acknowledges CMC for the mining company’s contributions in opening up and building roads that now connect the barangays and the municipal-

ities of the island to the business and trade centers of the province. The governor herself led the unveiling of a 19.2-kilometer access road last August 2020, a development project that CMC has initiated, as part of the mining company’s social responsibility programs. The access road costs some P12.2 million which was funded with the company’s Social Development and Management Program and Corporate Social Responsibility funds. Bag-ao cites the social and economic benefits of opening up new roads that now enable, for the first time, land travel for residents who had been relying solely on sea transport. The governor says efficient roads and transport system help ensure the sustainability of development initiatives being undertaken by the government in partnership with the private sector. CMC’s donation of a fleet of new 30-seater buses amounting to P10.8 Million brings bus transport to Dinagat Islands for the first time, getting the residents all excited.

Gov. Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao accepts a donation of 3 brand new 30-seater buses from Engr. Arnilo C. Milaor, CMC Resident Mine Manager.

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BIG CHECK.

Weightlifting Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz receives a check for P3 million from Rep. Mikey Romero, who had pledged the amount before the Tokyo Summer Games, during a turnover ceremony at the Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City on Thursday. At left is Weightlifting Association of the Philippines president Monico Puentevella. Diaz also ended her COVID-19 quarantine process. Danny Pata

Romualdez mourns loss of Rodeles By Maricel V. Cruz HOUSE Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday night acknowledged his late chief of staff Rachel Rodeles Santiago for the success of his political career in the past decade, describing her as the ‘solid rock’ of his office with a big and compassionate heart for those who are in need. “I had a fantastic and successful life in public service in the past decade, I owe it to Rachel’s leadership and contributions. She was always there for me and for all of us,” Romualdez said in his eulogy during the necrological services Wednesday night arranged by his office and Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez at the Loyola Memorial Chapels and Crematorium in Quezon City. Rachel, a caring wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, and chief of staff, left this world peacefully on August 3 at age 43. She is survived by her husband Edmar; children Kayden, 7, and Francesca Rae, 5; mother Enriqueta; sister Zeny; brothers Fr. Eric, Rogyruel, Reginald, Rodel, Roland, and Reynante. “My life as Majority Leader has been much better, successful and we get the job done because of Rachel’s efficiency and fashion to serve the people,” Romualdez recalled. “She was best chief of staff I could I ever ask for or I have.” “Rachel, we all love you, paalam!” he said. “The vacuum she left behind will never be filled by one particular person, but I know that she would like us to unite and work together in the same spirit that she shared with us this past decade,” Romualdez added. Rep. Yedda, who visited the wake of Rachel, expressed her profound condolences to the family and friends of Rachel.

House panel lauds female PH Olympians By Maricel V. Cruz A COMMITTEE in the House of Representatives on Thursday congratulated weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, featherweight boxing silver medalist Nesthy Petecio, and street skateboarder Margielyn Didal for bringing honors to the country in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics. The committee called on everyone to “express our gratitude and appreciation to the three Filipina athletes who showed not just their talents and skills in the world’s biggest sporting stage, but also the character (traits) of Filipino women —determined, resilient, with unrelenting fighting spirit, and with limitless potential.” The House Committee on Women and Gender Equality, chaired by Bukidnon Rep. Ma. Lourdes Acosta-Alba, also said that Petecio and Didal are female athletes who are proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity. “These three women brought us together in these difficult times and have provided hope and inspiration to the whole nation. Thank you Hidilyn, Nesthy and Margielyn. You have definitely made us proud,”

Senate bill eyes probe on AK-47 importation By Macon Ramos-Araneta

OLLOWING President Rodrigo Duterte’s order in his final State of the Nation Address, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has filed a bill seeking an investigation into the alleged importation and sale of AK-47 rifles to communist rebels. Under Senate Resolution No. 811, Dela Rosa asked the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an inquiry into the issue with the aid of the Philippine National Police (PNP). “The sale of these rifles to NPA (New People’s Army) rebels with the aid of unscrupulous law enforcement agents and government employees is alarming,” read Dela Rosa’s resolution. “Despite the pendency of graft and corrupt criminal cases against alleged

perpetrators, there is a need to determine the means and method exploited that enabled private individuals and corporations to sell firearms to the communist-terrorist group,” it added. Dela Rosa said the Senate probe intends to review and strengthen laws and policies on issuing and granting firearm licenses and permits. In his resolution, Dela Rosa named a certain Isidro Lozada, owner of the Caraga Security Agency, who allegedly

imported and registered over 1,000 AK-47 rifles with the PNP despite irregularities in the application of permits and licenses Lozada allegedly used several names of corporations to facilitate the purchase and registration of firearms. Dela Rosa said 44 of the over 1,000 rifles were recovered by the military in clashes with rebels in Caraga region and Western Mindanao region. In his final SONA delivered July 26, the President ordered Dela Rosa, his former PNP chief, to inquire into the importation of AK-47 rifles supposedly sold to communist rebels. Duterte named a police colonel allegedly involved in the importation and sale of the weapons.

FREE BEEP.

A woman passenger displays a free Beep card from the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) upon presenting her vaccination card with complete doses on Thursday at the LRT 1 Baclaran station. Danny Pata

ELCAC funds being used for ‘census’—Ping SENATOR Panfilo Lacson on Thursday claimed a police general had instructed his subordinates to conduct a census in different barangays using the government’s anti-insurgency funds, adding such move might be electionrelated. In an ANC interview, Lacson said he received reports that part of the P800 million National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC) funds allotted to the Philippine National Police (PNP) would be used for the census. Meanwhile, Vice President Leni Robredo said Thursday fund releases for the government’s anti-communist task force should be suspended and should instead be spent on cash aid for lowincome families who will be affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from August 6 to 20. Robredo was referring to the P19 billion budget of the NTF-ELCAC, of which P16 billion are allocated for a Barangay Development Fund, which is granted to supposed communist-free barangays as determined by the task force. “We received reports that in the PNP, there is a general who is going around instructing his subordinates to conduct census in barangays using part of the P800 million fund under the NTF-ELCAC budget,” Lacson said. “What they want is 30% of the barangay residents will register, give their names, contact numbers, and addresses. So, for what reason? That is quite suspicious, and it appears that it is for the elections. We have to look into that because that is outside the authorized utilization of the NTF-ELCAC funds, which are meant for development projects,” he added. It was Lacson, himself a former PNP chief, who sponsored the budget of the anti-insurgency task force in the Senate. He has declared his run for President in the 2022 elections.

GSIS rents out housing units with buy option THE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is now offering its housing units for lease. Under the scheme, GSIS will rent out its housing units to interested parties who will be given the priority to purchase it any time during the lease agreement. “Sa ilalim ng programang ito, prioridad ng GSIS ang mga kasalukuyang naninirahan sa residential properties ng GSIS upang magkaroon sila ng pagkakataong maging lehitimo ang pamamalagi doon at tuluyang mabili ang kanilang tinitirhan. Hindi natin hahayaang tuluyan silang mawalan ng tahanang mauuwian lalo na ngayong nasa gitna pa rin tayo ng pandemya,” GSIS President and General Manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said. The program, dubbed “Lease with Option to Buy” (LWOB) Program, offers a lease agreement that will be valid for one year, renewable at the option of GSIS. If the unit is occupied, the occupant will be given the priority to lease with an option to buy the property. If the property is unoccupied, it will be open for rental to anyone who will qualify for the program. To qualify for the program, an interested lessee must be a Filipino citizen who is legally authorized to enter into a lease agreement and financially capable to pay rental obligations.

Villar thanks President for lauding 3 agriculture laws as highlights SENATOR Cynthia Villar is thankful after President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in his final State of the Nation Address on July 26, lauded the passage of three important legislations in agriculture, which she authored, and included them among his administration’s accomplishments. These laws are the Free Irrigation Service Act (FISA) or Republic Act 10969, the Rice Tariffication Law or RA 11203, and the Coconut Farmers and Industry

Trust Fund Act or RA 11524. “On behalf of the farmers and fisherfolks, I thank President Duterte for his support in the development of the country’s agricultural sector and for the promotion of food security,” said Villar, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food. FISA, which was passed on November 20, 2017, exempts all farmers with landholdings of eight hectares and be-

low from paying irrigation service fees. Free irrigation was a campaign promise of President Duterte. The Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act is aimed at developing the coconut industry using recovered coco levy assets. This would benefit the country’s 3.5 million coconut farmers from 68 coconut-producing provinces, who own at most five hectares for the last 10 years.

The law also seeks to create a trust fund for these farmers through the selling of assets procured through the coco levy fund. “The coconut farmers are the poorest in the country. They earn only about P1,500 a month. The trust fund will be used for programs, in addition to the programs of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) which will be given a separate budget,” said Villar.Macon Ramos-Araneta

Magalong backs youngest Miss U PH bet

BAGUIO City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong has extended his support for Miss Universe Philippines 2021 candidate Kristina Alexandra S. Rodriguez, the lone representative of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in this year’s pageant. During a courtesy call on Wednesday, Magalong reminded Rodriguez to always strive hard to become a good leader despite the difficulties that may be thrown her way, and to continue having strong passion and determination to pursue her dreams. “Every crisis should not go to waste—it should lead to opportunities,” Magalong told Rodriguez. “Be a youth leader, champion the rights of women, and develop that

passion so you can reach for things even if it seems impossible.” The 18-year-old Rodriguez—the youngest among this year’s Miss Universe Philippines’ hopefuls and an incoming first year college student—said she took this opportunity to make the most out of the pandemic. In joining Miss Universe Philippines 2021, Rodriguez is impressively pushing to make things happen, to reach for her dreams, and to achieve her goals, even in these most trying times. It is thus fitting that Rodriguez is representing Baguio City, which is also in the midst of an impressive transformation amid the still-raging pandemic.

PAGEANT HOPEFUL. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong (left)

welcomes Miss Universe Philippines candidate Kristina Alexandra S. Rodriguez, the lone representative of the Cordillera Administrative Region in this year’s pageant, during a courtesy call on Wednesday. Neil Ongchanco/PI

Kremlin blocks websites linked to exiled critic RUSSIA has blocked the websites of two media and one human rights group linked to self-exiled Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky as authorities turn up the heat on the opposition ahead of parliamentary polls. Russian internet watchdog Roskomnadzor has restricted access to the websites of Open Media and MBKh Media, as well as the website of the Pravozashchita Otkrytki human rights group following a request from prosecutors, they said. Both the rights group and Open Media said on Thursday they were shutting down to shield staff from possible prosecution. In a statement on Twitter, Open Media, which was founded in 2017 with Khodorkovsky’s financial backing, said that Russian authorities did not want critical media. “But at least we tried,” it said. A number of independent media organisations and groups have been banned in Russia in recent months as part of an increasing crackdown on the opposition ahead of parliamentary elections in September. Open Russia, an opposition group founded Khodorkovsky, was designated an “undesirable” organization in Russia in 2017 in line with a law targeting foreign groups accused of political meddling. In May, the group said it was closing to protect its members from prosecution. Khodorkovsky, who owned the oil giant Yukos before he was convicted in two controversial cases and spent a decade beManila Standard hind bars, now lives abroad. AFP TODAY EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT of ESTATE with WAIVER of RIGHTS Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late CARMENCITA LENTEJAS-CASTAÑOS has been extrajudicially settled among her heirs WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS consisting of: • ½ share of land covered by TCT No. 27013 – Barrio Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City; • ½ share of land covered by TCT No. 27014 – Barrio Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City; • 1/7 undivided portion of land covered by TCT No. T-6758 – Sagcahan, Tacloban City; • Manila 1/7 undivided portion of land covered by TCT No. T-35922 – Mun. of Jaro, Prov. of Leyte. As per Doc. No. 306; Page No. 63; Book No. 10; Series TODAY of 2019 before Notary Public ATTY. ALEX BLAISE J. CUNANAN; and Doc. No. 435; Page No. 87; Book No. 51; Series of 2021 before Notary Public ATTY. EDGARDO Y. RAAGAS.

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(MS-AUG 6/13/20, 2021)

NOTICE OF LOSS NOTICE is hereby given that Membership Certificate of Stock with No. B-0193, issued in favor of Specified Contractors Inc., by Royale Tagaytay Country Club, Inc., has been reported lost and a request for reissuance of new Membership Certificate of Stock is made. Anyone in possession of the lost Certificate may report the same to the Membership Office within a period of ten (10) days from the date of publication. Otherwise, reissuance shall be made accordingly. Royale Tagaytay Country Club, Inc. Membership Committee (MS-AUG. 6/12/19, 2021)

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World Thai morgue workers battle exhaustion as deaths mount

THAILAND’S morgue workers are battling exhaustion as the kingdom’s latest COVID-19 wave hits new highs and the death toll mounts. The daily total of new cases broke the 20,000 threshold for the first time on Wednesday, a feat repeated on Thursday. Authorities announced 160 more deaths on Thursday, taking the total to 5,663 since the pandemic began. At Thammasat University Hospital, north of Bangkok, staff have had to rent a special container to store bodies after the morgue filled up. “It’s very exhausting. We may not be the exact frontline workers who have to deal with newly infected patients Hospital workers prepare to move COVID-19 victims from a cooled storage container into coffins outside the morgue of every day, but we’re the final stage, Thammasat Hospital in Pathum Thani province, just north of Bangkok as Thailand reaches a record high of over 20,000 new cases and we have to help them however over the past 24 hours. AFP we can,” forensic scientist Thanitchet Khetkham told AFP. “I’ve seen our personnel faint quite a few times lately so fatigue is definiteCYAN MAGENTA ly starting toYELLOW set in and BLACK we’re almost at our limits.” Every body that arrives for handling has to be swabbed for COVID-19 by morgue staff swathed in head-to-toe protective suits and face masks and shields. “We have the same number of personnel as before the pandemic but the work we do has tripled so we sure nificant evolution in the US approach States, overwhelmingly among unvacfeel under pressure and stressed out,” HE United States, to stemming the outbreak, with Wash- cinated people. forensic physician Thippailin CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Phinjiwhich closed its ington stating as recently as July 26 Meanwhile, Sydney reported a rerapong told AFP. borders to much of that it would maintain restrictions on cord number of new COVID-19 cases “If one of our personnel happens to the world as the pandemic international arrivals, sidestepping and five virus deaths Thursday, as au- get sick then we’d be in big trouble.” European pressure. thorities expanded the lockdown in The government has imposed severe took hold, plans eventually A working group is developing a Australia’s largest city to neighboring curbs on daily life in dozens of prov“consistent and safe” new system for regions. to begin allowing fully inces, including Bangkok, as it battles entries, the official said, Six weeks after Sydney’s five milto contain the outbreak, fuelled by the vaccinated foreigners back international “for when we can reopen travel.” lion residents were told to stay home, highly contagious Delta variant of the in, a White House official The United States has restricted the number of new infections in New virus. AFP travel from the European Union, Brit- South Wales state grew to 262, the said. President Joe Biden’s administra- ain, China and Iran for more than a largest daily tally since the pandemic tion, recognizing the importance of year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, began. Health officials said almost all international travel, wants to reopen later adding other countries including the new cases were in Sydney, but a to visitors from abroad in a “safe and Brazil and India. The European Union in June opened handful of infections in other districts sustainable manner,” the official said. up to travelers from the United States, prompted state premier Gladys BereIt is developing “a phased approach that over time will mean, with limited typically requiring proof of vaccina- jiklian to widen stay-at-home restricexceptions, that foreign nationals trav- tion or negative tests, under pressure tions. Five positive tests in Newcastle – a eling to the United States – from all from tourism-dependent nations such as Greece, Spain and Italy that feared coastal city of 320,000 people north countries – need to be fully vaccinatof Sydney – prompted authorities to ed,” the official added, without speci- another troubled year. GREEK firefighters battled Thursday The Delta variant has propelled a shutter schools and tell residents to fying a timeframe. to bring under control two major fires The plan marks a tentative but sig- surge in COVID cases in the United stay home for at least a week. AFP raging near Olympia and on the island of Evia as the country swelters in a record-breaking heatwave. More than 170 firefighters, around 50 trucks, six helicopters and waterbombing aircraft were deployed near the ancient archeological site, the birthplace of the Olympic games, on the Peloponnese peninsula. After destroying around 20 houses, “the fire’s front is now heading toGOOGLE co-founder Larry Page wards Lalas,” a wooded mountainous was allowed into New Zealand area to the north west of Olympia, lodespite its closed border so his cal official Nektarios Farmakis told the son could receive urgent medical ANA news agency. attention, the government conOlympia, usually thronging with firmed Thursday. tourists at this time of year, as well as The billionaire’s visit had six nearby villages, were evacuated the prompted criticism from Prime day before. Minister Jacinda Ardern’s politiA similar number of firefighters cal opponents, who demanded an were also battling to contain a blaze explanation for why he was peron Evia, some 200 kilometers east of mitted to enter despite coronaviAthens. rus travel restrictions. At least 150 houses were destroyed Immigration Minister Kris on the island as the fire surrounded a Faafoi told reporters Page had apmonastery and a dozen villages. plied for a medical exemption “to make sure his son got the treatTwo more villages were evacuated ment that was required.” early on Thursday, ANA reported. Health Minister Andrew Little, The mayor of the town of Mantoudi, when questioned in parliament Giannis Tsapourniotis, said the fire about Page, said an application was moving on four fronts, with one was approved in January for a particularly difficult to control near A firefighter saves an American flag as flames consume a home during the Dixie fire in child, accompanied by an adult, the Saint David Monastery, which was Greenville, California. The Dixie fire burned through dozens of homes and businesses in to be medevaced from Fiji. evacuated on Wednesday. AFP downtown Greenville and continues to forge towards other residential communities. He said anyone accepted for AFP treatment is considered to require immediate care and could not be treated locally. “I’m advised all of the normal steps occurred in this case,” Little A HUGE fire has torn through a which has grown so big that it gen- uation orders, leading to them havsaid. northern California town, hours af- erates its own weather system. ing to divert time and resources Ardern said she was not briefed ter officials urged residents to flee “Firefighters are fighting for the to rescue people in the path of the at the time Page was in New Zeathe powerful blaze. town of Greenville,” US Forest Serflames. land. Downtown Greenville, a small vice spokeswoman Pandora Valle “It’s just intense fire behavior, and Immigration New Zealand gencommunity in the north of the state, told the San Francisco Chronicle it’s not what we’re used to,” he said. eral manager of border and visa operations, Nicola Hogg, told was engulfed by flames after strong late Wednesday, but was unable to The Dixie Fire has been burning AFP that Page “met relevant rewinds whipped the natural disaster give further details. for three weeks and spread to over quirements” to be approved entry. towards the community. Images taken by an AFP photog- 1,108 square kilometers, devastating “Mr Page is not a permanent “I’d say the majority of downrapher showed the fire’s heat had huge swathes of Butte and Plumas resident. Citizenship is a matter for town Greenville is completely debent street lights to the ground, counties. the Department of Internal Affairs. stroyed,” tweeted wildfire photogra- with only a few structures still The Dixie Fire has been raging Due to privacy reasons, we are unpher Stuart Palley, sharing images of standing. in the forests of northern California able to comment further without a privacy waiver.” the devastation. The fire entered the town of around since mid-July, part of a climate criHogg did not address the ques“My heart is broken for this beau- 800 people at roughly 4 p.m. (2000 sis that has brought sweltering heat tion of whether Page spent two tiful little town.” GMT) according to Jake Cagle, in- and an alarming drought. weeks in quarantine, as required Authorities had earlier issued cident management team operations By late July, the number of acres of people entering New Zealand. alerts to residents still in Greenville section chief. burned in California was up more The billionaire had reportedly and Chester, as winds of up to 35 In a video late Wednesday, he than 250 percent from 2020 – itself been based on an outlying Fijian mph fanned the flames of the Dixie said that firefighters were strug- the worst year in the state’s modern island during the COVID-19 pandemic. AFP fire, the largest blaze in the state – gling with those not obeying evac- history. AFP

US working to reopen borders to fully-vaxxed T

‘Battle of titans’: Two major fires near Olympic games birthplace

Google mogul Page allowed entry into NZ

Dixie fire levels California town as residents flee blaze

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Indonesia’s economy up by 7.07% in first quarter

PSEi August 5, 2021

TOP GAINERS

JAKARTA—Indonesia’s economy bounced back in the second quarter to post its first growth in more than a year, but analysts warned the recovery might be short-lived as COVID-19 surges. Southeast Asia’s largest economy grew by 7.07 percent in the April-toJune quarter compared with the same period last year, the Central Statistics A vegetable seller arranges his produce at a market in Lhokseumawe, Aceh on August 5, 2021, as Indonesia’s economy bounced back by Agency (BPS) said Thursday. in the second quarter of the year, the first positive growth in five quarters since the pandemic hit the archipelagic nation and the largest The figure is higher than a projec- expansion since 2010. AFP tion by the Central Bank of Indonesia, which predicted growth of 6.75 percent. The expansion, the first positive figure in five quarters, was driven by a pick-up in exports and imports as Indonesia’s trading partners also saw greater activity. “For the economy to keep growing, the key is how we manage the health sector, comply with health protocols and vaccinate people to reach herd THE stock market retreated Thursday cerns that China had the online gam- the uneven rollout of COVID-19 vacimmunity,” BPS head Margo Yuwono on profit taking to snap a three-day ral- ing sector in its crosshairs next, after a cines raising concerns about the worldtold a press conference. ly, on renewed worries about the fast- crackdown on its tech, private tuition wide recovery. Domestic consumption also contribspreading Delta coronavirus variant in and property industries last month The key headache now is the highly uted to the comeback with motorcycle the country. sparked turmoil. transmissible Delta strain, which is and car sales jumping 2.5 and 7.5 perThe Philippine Stock Exchange Index After a soft lead from Wall Street, forcing some governments to reimpose cent respectively compared with the slipped 37.94 points, or 0.6 percent, to where the S&P 500 came off a record lockdowns or other containment meafirst quarter. 6,547.27 on a value turnover of P4.8 high, Asia struggled. sures, blurring the economic outlook. Greater business activity and more billion. Losers beat gainers, 108 to 80, Hong Kong led the losses after a A major concern is the spike in cases public mobility as a result of pandemic with 34 issues unchanged. report in China’s state-backed Se- in China, the world’s second-biggest restrictions being relaxed also contribSM Prime Holdings Inc. of the Sy curities Times said the government economy and major global growth drivGroup, the biggest operator of shopping should end tax breaks for gaming er, which some economists warn could uted to the recovery, Yuwono added. malls, fell 3.2 percent to P32.95, while companies as they have grown into put a big dent in its annual growth. But analysts believe Indonesia will Megaworld Corp., the largest lessor of global firms. US officials on Thursday indicated struggle to record continued growth office spaces, also dropped 3.2 percent Hong Kong reversed early gains and that the variant’s spread could be affectas a virus surge triggered by the Delta to P2.71. went into negative territory with Ten- ing the jobs market. variant wracks the country. Major property developer Ayala Land cent, which has been hammered by BeiData by payroll services firms showed “Indonesia’s economy is struggling Inc. of the Ayala Group declined 2.4 jing’s recent soundings, shedding more US private hiring in July came in at badly, with Q2 GDP data showing that percent to P32.50, but sister unit AC than three percent while Netease lost 330,000, the weakest since February, the recovery lost some momentum Energy Corp. rose 3.1 percent to P8.74. more than four percent. while also less than half the previous even before the latest surge in virus Meanwhile, Asian markets mostly There were also losses in Shanghai, month and well below expectations. cases,” Gareth Leather, a senior Asia fell Thursday following a tepid Wall Singapore, Seoul, Wellington, Taipei, “The labur market recovery continues economist for Capital Economics, said Street lead as traders contemplated Manila and Bangkok. Tokyo, Sydney, to exhibit uneven progress, but progress in a statement. mixed US data and concerns about the Mumbai and Jakarta rose. nonetheless,” ADP chief economist The archipelago has reported more fast-spreading Delta coronavirus variant News that more than 200 million peo- Nela Richardson said. than 3.5 million infections and over and indications that the Federal Reserve ple had now been infected with virus “Bottlenecks in hiring continue to 100,000 deaths from COVID-19 could begin winding back its ultra-loose in just over 18 months highlighted the hold back stronger gains, particularly in though official figures are widely bemonetary policy by the end of the year. huge battle governments face in bring- light of new COVID-19 concerns tied to lieved to be an underestimate. AFP Adding to selling pressure were con- ing the pandemic under control, with viral variants.” With AFP

Market drops; SM Prime, Megaworld lead decliners

Mud-covered bottles of wine from Germany gives hope for future By Yann Schreiber BAD NEUENAHR-AHRWEILER, Germany―In the Ahr valley, mud-smeared bottles rescued from flooded cellars represent hope for a new beginning after the deadly catastrophe that hit Germany three weeks ago. “I told myself we couldn’t just throw it all away,” recalls Linda Kleber, the founder of the “Flutwein” (“Flood wine”) initiative. Kleber came up with the idea as she was retrieving bottle after bottle from the store of her floodravaged restaurant. The vintages that could be saved are now being offered for delivery in the condition they were found: covered in silt, a singular reminder of the devastation the floods wreaked. The money raised, more than two million euros to date, is “a source of hope for all the winegrowers and also for the hospitality sector,” says Peter Kriechel, 38, himself a wine producer and president of the local professional growers’ association. In his cellar, about 200,000 bottles of wine were submerged on the night of June 14. “I think we’re at the start of a long marathon,” he says. “An initiative like ‘Flutwein’ could give us a kickstart.” ‘A tsunami’ In the Ahr valley, known for the pinot noir that grows on its steep slopes, the economy relies significantly on viniculture and the tourism it generates. “Without wine, the Ahr valley wouldn’t exist― to say nothing of its gastronomy,” says Joerg Kleber, husband of Linda. All in all, last month’s disaster claimed the lives of 225 people across Europe, including 187 in Germany, and destroyed five to 10 percent of the wines in Ahr. But the damage to machines and cellars has been much greater, with many holdings severely impacted or almost entirely destroyed. Paul Schumacher, 63, is one of those whose losses were great. “It wasn’t just a flood but a tsunami,” says the grower. Just before the waters arrived at his door, Schumacher went down to make sure his barrels of wine were well sealed. He and his wife then took shelter upstairs, but “the water very quickly rose a meter above the first floor,” he says, still visibly affected by what happened. In the end, the couple ended up spending part of the night on the roof. A tenth of his five hectares of land was devastated. The ground floor of his house, where he also had a restaurant, is still completely coated in mud. The veteran grower still hopes to harvest his grapes and produce this year’s vintage, however. The production of wine in the Ahrweiler region remains very uncertain, but neighboring producers have offered to step in to help bring in this year’s crop. ‘Many will leave’ Facing one of the biggest natural disasters Germany has seen in the last few decades, Angela Merkel’s government has already signed off on emergency aid numbering in the hundreds of millions of euros to go to those most in need. The aid will be supplemented by a reconstruction project, costing further billions. AFP

Producer of wine and president of the local professional growers association Peter Kriechel (center, 38), winemakers Linda (left, 49) and Jorg Kleber (52) from the initiative ‘Flutwine’ (flood wine) are pictured among crates of wine bottles covered in mud recovered from the floods in Bad NeuenahrAhrweiler, North Rhine-Westphalia, western Germany, on July 30, 2021. AFP Manila

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12.73%

SUN

1.75

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OPM OPMB

0.012 0.012

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0.44

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FAF

0.64

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8.47%

0.95

0.07

7.95%

APC

0.345

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6.15%

BKR

1.26

0.07

5.88%

APVI

18.2

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BSC OV PSE COAL JAS ABG RRHI EVER

0.52 0.011 219 0.285 2.1 6.7 50.3 0.345

-0.05 -0.001 -12.8 -0.015 -0.1 -0.3 -2.2 -0.015

-8.77% -8.33% -5.52% -5.00% -4.55% -4.29% -4.19% -4.17%

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ICT ACEN ALI BDO SMPH MEG BPI SM CNVRG URC

VOLUME 3479750 61925600 11442300 2272140 6322500 69214000 1927750 134750 5093900 739930

VALUE (PHP) 608601731 534221466 374569785 252993859 208911365 190030270 160845376.5 131054075 121302690 100130301

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TODAY

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS August 26 2021 On its meeting held on 18 April 2021, the 2021 Board of Directors had decided to postpone the Regular Meeting of the Stockholders of Asia Pacific Medical Center-Iloilo, Inc. (formerly known as Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center - Iloilo, Inc.) on 26 August 2021 at 9:00 am. The meeting will be conducted via remote communication thru a Zoom Conference. Agenda of the Meeting is as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Call to Order Certification of Notice and Quorum Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Stockholders' Meeting held on 29 October 2020 Report of the Management on the Status of the Construction of the Hospital as of 30 June 2021 Presentation of Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 and action thereon Open Forum Ratification and Approval of all previous acts and resolutions of the Board of Directors and Corporate Officers Appointment of External Auditor Election of the 2021 Board of Directors Other Matters Adjournment

Only stockholders of record as of 6 August 2021 are entitled to notice of and to vote at this meeting.

TODAY

NOTICE TO THE BONDHOLDERS OF ABOITIZ POWER CORPORATION’S 6.10% SERIES B BONDS DUE 2026 Notice is hereby given to the Bondholders of Aboitiz Power Corporation’s (”AboitizPower”) 6.10% Series B Bonds Due 2026 (the ”Series B Bonds”) of the exercise by AboitizPower of its early redemption option pursuant to the Terms and Conditions of the Series B Bonds. In accordance with the Terms and Conditions, AboitizPower intends to redeem all of the outstanding Series B Bonds on the 7th year from its Issue Date or on September 10, 2021 at an early redemption price of 102.00% of its Issue Price, subject to the applicable taxes in the Philippine. Below are the key dates for the redemption: DATE

EVENT

07September 2021

Last Trading Date

08September 2021

Record Date

10September 2021

Early Redemption Option Date

Transfers of the Series B Bonds shall cease on the Record Date, and the listing of the Series B Bonds on PDEx shall be terminated upon full payment of the Series B Bonds on 10September 2021, in accordance with applicable PDEx rules. Capitalized terms used in this notice shall have the same meaning as set out in the Trust Agreement dated 27August 2014 between AEV and BPI Asset Management and Trust Corporation.

For the health and safety of the stockholders and all persons in light of the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company will not hold a physical meeting and will instead conduct the meeting via Zoom webinar. Stockholders can therefore only attend and participate in the meeting by remote communication. Stockholders also have the option to vote in absentia or appoint the Chairman as proxy. Stockholders who intend to attend by remote communication shall inform the Company by email to acemciloilo.corosec@gmail.com on or before 21 August 2021 subject to the procedure set in the Information Statement which will be posted in the Company's website www.acemc-iloilo.com. In the same website, stockholders may access the following: (a) Minutes of the Meeting on 29 October 2020 and (b) Proxy Form for Attendance at Meeting and other meeting documents required under Section 49 of the Revised Corporation Code. The link for the Zoom webinar will be sent to the email address of the stockholders who registered to attend via remote communication. To those who would opt to participate by voting through the Chairman as proxy, the deadline for submission of proxies will be at 5:00 pm of 19 August 2021. Those who are unable to join the meeting via remote communication but wish to vote on items in the agenda may appoint the Chairman as proxy with specific voting instructions which will be duly counted. Proxies can be submitted to the Office of the Corporate Secretary or via email to the aforementioned address. For individual stockholders, the submission must be accompanied by a copy of a government issued ID as proof of identification. For corporations, the submission must be accompanied by a certification from its Corporate Secretary stating the corporate officer’s authority to represent and sign on behalf of the corporation. In case a quarantine is in effect which makes it difficult to obtain notarization at the time of submission, the Secretary’s Certificate, ballots and proxies need not be notarized. Kindly submit to the Office of the Corporate Secretary the original signed and notarized documents within a reasonable time after the resumption of regular business operations. During the meeting, the Company shall entertain questions and comments from the stockholders after the presentation of the Annual Report. Questions which were not answered during the meeting shall be forwarded to the Office of the Corporate Secretary for the appropriate response via email. For ASM-related queries, you may send an email to acemciloilo.corosec@gmail. com or contact the Office of the Corporate Secretary at 3215748, 09292703169 and 09452331438. For concerns regarding shareholdings, please contact Toni Dinah Cheer D. Fernandez of the Investor Relations Office at 3215748, 09292703169 and 09452331438 or via email directly to acemciloilo@yahoo. com. MAYLENE B. VILLANUEVA Corporate Secretary (MS-AUG. 5 & 6, 2021)

CYAN

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

FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021

SMC rebounded to post P29.6-b net income in first six months By Jenniffer B. Austria CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. said Thursday first-half net income reached P29.6 billion, a sharp turnaround from the P4-billion net loss it incurred in the same period last year as all major businesses posted strong recovery from the impact of the pandemic. San Miguel said in a statement firsthalf consolidated revenues rose 16 percent to P410.1 billion, driven by higher sales from power, infrastructure, food and beverage and fuel and oil businesses. Operating income jumped 309 percent to P61 billion, brought about by improved margins, effective companywide cost savings initiatives and continuous improvements in operational efficiencies. “While there is no doubt that the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic will continue to have an impact on our businesses, our strong performance in the first half reflects the effectiveness of the strategies we’ve put in place and our ability to quickly adapt to the evolving needs of our consumers,” said San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang. San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. generated first-half net income of P17.4 billion, up 137 percent from the same period last year. Revenues climbed 20 percent to P146.8 billion, on the back of continuous volume improvements, better selling prices across the food and beer divisions and sustained all-time high volumes from the spirits division. Power generation firm SMC Global Power Holdings Corp. booked a net income of P12.2 billion in the first six months, a 35-percent improvement from a year ago. The 5-percent increase in consolidated revenues to P60.3 billion was driven by higher spot volumes and improved nominations from customers. Petron Corp. achieved a first-half consolidated net income of P3.9 billion, a significant improvement from the P14.2-billion net loss it reported in the same period last year. With continued price recovery, consolidated revenues rose 14 percent to P174.1 billion.

Misinformation blocking gains in e-cigarettes MISINFORMATION and attacks from well-funded international non-government organizations are among the key obstacles to the adoption of tobacco harm reduction and mitigation of deaths from smoking in low and middle-income countries, according to health policy experts. Representatives from countries like India, Ukraine, Kenya and Mexico enumerated the factors that are hindering LMICs from adopting a harm reduction approach in tobacco control during the Global Forum on Nicotine held virtually from Liverpool on June 17 to 18, 2021. Dr. Sree Sucharitha, a public health researcher and medical doctor from India, said there was a lack of political will to help 300 million smokers in India and make available tobacco harm reduction products such as electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products and Swedish snus. “In articulating tobacco harm reduction in other national policies and realizing the potential of tobacco harm reduction in a country like India with almost 300 million tobacco users of various smoking forms, that would be the topmost barrier or challenge and followed by other challenges like medical professionals’ lack of awareness about tobacco harm reduction and the application of tobacco harm reduction as a main strategy in clinical practice,” said Dr. Sucharitha who is the founding-director of Association for Harm Reduction Education and Research. She said the third challenge is the unavailability of THR products in the market. “With the lack of availment, the opportunity is lost in educating other folks about the opportunities and options available to them,” she said. LMICs, including the Philippines, are drafting policies to regulate smoke-free products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products which are considered much less harmful than conventional cigarettes. The Philippines now has 1 million vapers and users of HTPs, following the introduction of IQOS in the country last year. Other LMICs, however, prohibit the use of these products.

Business July inflation rate slipped to seven-month low of 4% By Julito G. Rada

NFLATION rate in July 2021 fell to a seven-month low of 4.0 percent from 4.1 percent in June, pulled down by slower annual increases in the transport, alcoholic beverages and tobacco prices, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Thursday.

The July inflation was faster than 2.7 percent recorded in the same month last year. Data showed the inflation averaged 4.4 percent in the first seven months of 2021, or above the upper end of the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent set by the government. “The main source of the downward trend of the July 2021 inflation was the lower annual increment registered in the transport

index at 7.0 percent, from 9.6 percent in the previous month,” the PSA said. Contributing to the downtrend in the headline inflation were the slower annual increases in the indices of alcoholic beverages and tobacco, 10.2 percent; furnishing, household equipment and routine household maintenance, 2.3 percent; and restaurant and miscellaneous goods and services, 3.6 percent. Inflation rates were higher in the indices of food and non-alcoholic beverages, 4.9 percent; clothing and footwear, 1.7 percent; housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, 2.6 percent; health, 3.1 percent; and communication, 0.3 percent. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said the July inflation was consistent with the BSP’s assessment that inflation could settle close to the high-end of the target range over the near term before decelerating back to within the target by end of the year as the impact of government supply-side measures take effect. “Meanwhile, inflation is projected to remain firmly within the midpoint of the

target for 2022 to 2023. The continued implementation of direct non-monetary interventions to ease supply constraints remain crucial in tempering inflation pressures,” Diokno said. “The balance of risks to the inflation outlook remained broadly balanced over the policy horizon. The uptick in international commodity prices due to supply-chain bottlenecks and the recovery in global demand could lend upside pressures on inflation,” he said. Diokno said the emergence of new coronavirus variants and delays in easing lockdown measures were seen to pose downside risks to both demand and inflation. “The Monetary Board will consider the latest price developments along with the Q2 2021 GDP outturn in its assessment of the monetary policy stance on Aug. 12, 2021. The BSP remains watchful over the evolving economic conditions and challenges brought about by the pandemic to ensure that the monetary policy stance remains consistent with its price and financial stability objectives,” Diokno said.

PSE INDEX CLOSING Thursday, August 5, 2021

-37.94 PTS. 6,547.27

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

961,995,143 78,713 4,765,283,322.40 80 108 34

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • THURSDAY,AUGUST 5, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

49.7170

Japan

Yen

0.009135

0.4542

Pound

1.388900

69.0519

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128616

6.3944

Switzerland

Franc

1.103631

54.8692

Canada

Dollar

0.797257

39.6372

Singapore

Dollar

0.740412

36.8111

Australia

Dollar

0.737700

36.6762

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652731

131.8858

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266674

13.2582

Brunei

Dollar

0.737681

36.6753

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.030193

1.5011

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

13.5373

Euro

1.183700

58.8500

Korea

Won

0.000875

0.0435

China

Yuan

0.154641

7.6883

India

Rupee

0.013483

0.6703

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.236967

11.7813

New Zealand

Dollar

0.704500

35.0256

Taiwan

Dollar

0.036043

1.7919 Source: BSP

IN BRIEF

ICTSI’s net profit grew 73% in first half

INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. said Thursday net income rose 73 percent in the first half from a year ago on improvement in global trade, exceeding the 2019 pre-pandemic performance. The port operator led by businessman Enrique Razon Jr. said net income amounted to $196.7 million from January to June, up from $113.4 million in the same period last year. “These results have surpassed 2019 prepandemic performance and were driven by favorable market conditions and the prudent actions we took at the onset of the pandemic,” said Razon, chairman and president of ICTSI said. “This is evidenced by the strong organic growth across our terminals underpinned by the strength and resilience of ICTSI and our differentiated strategy,” he said. ICTSI revenues from port operations amounted to $882.6 million, up 22 percent from $724.3 million last year. Darwin G. Amojelar

PLDT earned P12.9b in the first semester

PLDT Inc. said Thursday net income rose 5 percent in the first semester, boosted by home broadband and consumer wireless businesses. The country’s largest telecom company said net profit amounted to P12.92 billion from January to June, higher than P12.28 billion in the same period last year. Core income, which excludes the impact of asset sales and Voyager Innovations, climbed 10 percent year-on-year P15.2 billion in the first half, helped by lower tax rates. “Our initiatives in the first half of the year reassert the group’s commitment to a digitally-empowered Philippines, providing world-class connectivity as a human right, positioning the country as a key player in the global arena, and actively embarking on sustainable development,” said PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications president and chief executive Alfredo Panlilio. Revenues amounted to P95.62 billion in the first half, up 10 percent from P86.73 billion in the same period last year. Darwin G. Amojelar

ABOITIZ-DA PARTNERSHIP. The Aboitiz Group and the Department of Agriculture launch ‘Byaheng Digiskarte ni Ani at

Kita’. Leading the virtual launching are Agriculture Secretary William Dar (upper right), with (from left) Aboitiz Equity Ventures first vice president for corporate external relations Christopher Camba, Aboitiz Foundation president and chief operating officer Maribeth Marasigan, Union Bank of the Philippines senior executive vice president Henry Rhoel Aguda and Pilmico Foods Corp. vice president Joeben Gamatero.

NGCP pushes integrated solution to address energy issues By Alena Mae S. Flores NGCP, the operator of the power grid, said it continues to coordinate with the Department of Energy and various stakeholders to address issues raised during previous hearings with the Senate and House Committee on Energy. The company, along with representatives from DOE, Energy Regulatory Commission, Transco and other agencies, met on Aug. 4 to discuss the energy industry’s most pressing matters. NGCP said it welcomed the meeting as an opportunity to clear matters concerning power. Among the topics discussed are ancillary services which NGCP is addressing by reviewing contracts and capacities. The company said in a statement it is awaiting clarification on some matters regarding DOE guidelines that were

all expressed in the letter submitted to the Department on July 15. NGCP said it sees this as crucial to effectively and efficiently comply with the directive to convert from non-firm to firm contracts. NGCP said that on the issue of delays in Grid Operations and Maintenance Program and Transmission Development Plan submission, the current delays experienced on the GOMP were borne out of clarifications sought from DOE regarding the company’s 2020 submission. However, the company exhibited compliance with its submission of the 2021-2023 GOMP to DOE for approval in June 2021, endorsing the same to IEMOP for concurrence. NGCP assured that for future submissions, all maintenance plans which fall within the peak period would be rejected to prevent any issues on unscheduled

power interruptions. NGCP also acknowledged its responsibility of consistently updating the TDP. The company’s technical group continues to work on its annual submission to DOE, and actively conducts consultations with all relevant stakeholders since its inception in 2009, it said. It said that on the issue of NGCP’s audit, the ERC’s compliance and performance review is ongoing. This involves the audit of the company’s operations, programs and processes. Preparations for the audit began in September 2020, with the requested compliance documents submitted to the ERC on March 8. “NGCP assures the public and its stakeholders that the company remains committed to cooperate with ERC and the auditors assigned to perform the review,” the company said.

Century Pacific Food posts P2.7-b income

CENTURY Pacific Food Inc., one of the leading canned food companies in the country, said net income jumped 21 percent in the first half to P2.7 billion from a year ago, on the back of higher export sales and strong local demand. CNPF said in a disclosure to the stock exchange first-half revenues climbed 8 percent to P27 billion despite the surge in sales in the same period last year due to pantry loading. The company said the positive firsthalf performance was driven by the double-digit growth in the exports business, which went up by 29 percent year-on-year as a result of the continuous reopening of global markets. The company also benefited from favorable tax rates with to the implementation of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises law and an income tax holiday on its new tuna plant, lowering effective income tax rates to 16 percent. “As we ease into the second half of the year, we acknowledge that we are still very much in uncertain times. We continue to monitor key risks, such as inflationary pressures and forex fluctuations, and we have plans in place to mitigate and hedge ourselves against the potential impact,” said CNPF chief finance officer Chad Manapat. Jenniffer B. Austria

Pag-IBIG wins gold at Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards PAG-IBIG Fund’s response to help members and stakeholders cope with the COVID-19 pandemic won a gold under the Most Valuable Government Response category in the 2021 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards. The agency also bagged two bronze for efforts to protect employees’ welfare amid the pandemic under the Most Exemplary Employer category and for the Pag-IBIG Fund 2019 Digital Corporate Annual Report under the Innovation in Annual Reports category. The Stevie Awards is considered as one of the world’s premier business awards which honors innovations and achievements of organizations worldwide. It includes among its judges many of the world’s top business leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, innovators and executives. The Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards recognize innovation in the workplace in all 29 nations of the Asia-Pacific region. Over 900 nominations were received by the award-giving body for this year. “We at Pag-IBIG Fund recognize our mandates and the role we play in helping

our members, stakeholders and the nation cope and recover from the challenges brought about by the pandemic. That is why we immediately moved to implement programs and policies to respond to their needs, while taking care of our own employees’ welfare. These are Pag-IBIG Fund’s contributions to our nation’s recovery efforts, led by President Duterte, during these challenging times,” said Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, head of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund board. Pag-IBIG Fund’s gold Stevie Award was for its Alagang Pag-IBIG: Helping the Nation Recover from COVID-19 campaign, in recognition of the agency’s COVID-19 response to help address the needs of its members and stakeholders amid the health crisis. The agency’s response to the health crisis in 2020 assisted nearly 4.8 million members with home loans and cash loans by automatically providing them with grace periods totaling 6 months in accordance with the Bayanihan I and II Acts.

TELUS VACCINATION. Telus International Philippines, a leading provider of digital customer experience and IT solutions, rolls outs the vaccination program for team members across its Philippine sites as it continues to offer access to its care program for colleagues who have been affected by COVID-19. The company makes the inoculation process hassle-free and convenient as possible for team members. Shuttles are provided from the Telus sites to the vaccination centers and back.

Marcial bows to Ukrainian demigod, settles for 3rd TOKYO—Eumir Felix Marcial rammed into a Ukrainian demigod in Oleksandr Khyzhniak and bowed in a split decision loss, 2-3, to settle for a bronze medal in the men’s middleweight boxing competition at the Summer Olympic Games on Thursday. Khyzhniak, a Ukrainian legend who has not lost a fight since 2016 in an insane 60-0 streak, was just too powerful of a foe even for Marcial, who was visibly spent up in the third round after slightly winning the first two, 3-2, 3-2. That was when Khyzhniak was at his best, nailing Marcial with power shots to take the round with the nod of all judges and the win via a split verdict. “Malakas siya na fighter, deserve niyang Manalo. Fair po ang judging dito, ” said Marcial of Khyzhniak, who won gold medals at the world (2017) and European (2017 and 2019) championships and looked ready to win the gold in these pandemic Olympics. Marcial’s bronze is the Philippines’ third medal in boxing after Nesthy Petecio’s silver in the women’s featherweight and the guaranteed silver of flyweight Carlo Paalam, who 30 minutes earlier pulverized his Japanese foe in Ryomie Tanaka in a 5-0 victory. Marcial turned pro in September last year and trained for four months under world-renowned trainer Freddie Roach at the Wild Cary Gym. He won his first professional fight, a four-rounder, in December, but hasn’t fought a single bout until last May’s Asian championships in Dubai. He exited the Dubai tournament in his first fight and agreed to join a training camp with the US boxing team in Colorado Springs. “He [Marcial] only had six weeks of training with us, although his Colorado [Springs] training helped him a lot,” said Philippine Olympic Boxing Team’s Australian coach Don Abnett. Riera U. Mallari

Sports

FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021

A star is born: Paalam guarantees PH of silver By Riera U. Mallari

OKYO—In an electrifying performance that may have installed him as the Philippines’ newest boxing star, ﬂyweight Carlo Paalam pulled off a clinical 5-0 unanimous decision victory against overmatched Japanese opponent Ryomie Tanaka at the Summer Olympic Games on Thursday. Turning his opponent’s face into a virtual target practice, Paalam used his speed and smarts to the hilt as he continuously landed 1-2 combinations and darted away from trouble in a masterful show that turned heads at the Kokugikan Arena and assured the Philippines of yet another silver. “‘Yung strategy na ginawa ko, idinaan ko sa bilis. Ginawa ko kung ano talaga ‘yung laro ko. Kailangang pag-isipan

mo ‘yung mga galaw mo tsaka tiwala sa sarili. Kaya nga po kami nagte-training, nag-e-ensayo para po dito,” said Paalam. The 23-year-old pride of Cagayan de Oro indeed proved to be a blur for his outclassed Japanese foe, who in the middle of the second round hit Paalam at the back of his head, but the Filipino wisely hung to the Japanese to get his second wind. “Noong second round, natamaan po ako doon. Kita niyo naman sa second

round, binatukan ako, kaya hinawakan ko na talaga ‘yung paa niya para makapahinga ng kaunti,” said Paalam, adding the referee may have not seen the illegal strike because of the swift exchanges. The silver that is assured Paalam is the third medal of the boxing team in these games, counting the silver of featherweight Nesthy Petecio and the bronze of middleweight Eumir Marcial, who 30 minutes later dropped a close split decision loss to Oleksandr Khyzhniak of Ukraine. Paalam tries to upgrade the color of his medal on Saturday as he shoots for the gold against Great Britain’s Galal Yafai, who 15 minutes earlier edged the Filipino’s 2020 Asia & Oceania Boxing Olympic Qualification Tournament tormentor Saken Bibossinov of Kazakhstan in a close 3-2 split decision win. “Hinihiling ko lang po sa kapwa ko

Diaz personally receives P3m Olympic reward from Romero WEIGHTLIFTING superstar Hidilyn Diaz on Thursday received her P3 million check from Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero (1-Pacman Partylist) as her financial reward for winning the country’s first Olympic gold medal in the Tokyo Games. Romero personally and excitedly handed the check to Diaz eight days since the proud daughter of Zamboanga City arrived from Tokyo where she enshrined her name in the pantheon of greats, becoming first Filipino athlete to win the precious gold. “I personally delivered the promise I made last month because the joy and pride Hidilyn gave to our country was immeasurable. This will open for other athletes to

TOKYO—The Philippine Sports Commission’s full share in the earnings of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. must be restored to sustain the gains made by national athletes in the country’s best Olympic finish in history. Former Gilas Pilipinas coach Yeng Guiao made this call as the Philippine campaign winds down at the Tokyo Games, where a 19man delegation has guaranteed the country’s first four-medal haul in 97 years of Olympic participation. Guiao, then a congressman representing the first district of Pampanga, filed a petition before the Supreme Court in 2016 seeking to require both PAGCOR and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to remit their proper contributions to the PSC. As per RA 6847 that created the PSC Act of 1990, PAGCOR is mandated to remit five

Carlo Paalam

Pilipino na ipagdasal ako. Gagawin ko ang best ko, kasi hindi ko naman hawak ‘yung desisyon, tsaka ‘yung kalaban ko kasi magaling din. Tiwala lang sa sarili. Sana ibigay na sa atin ng Panginoon,” said Paalam, who also sent a “shout out” to Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno, one of his biggest supporters.

Non-medalists in Tokyo get P.5m each in incentives

Olympic gold medal winner Hidilyn Diaz (2nd from left) shows the mock check she received from Rep. Mikee Romero (2nd from right) during Thursday’s simple turnover of her P3 million award from the Deputy Speaker at Sofitel Hotel. Also shown are AirAsia executive Erick Arejola, weightlifting chief Monico Puentevella and Diaz’z strength and conditioning coach Julius Naranjo.

work harder to aspire their dreams,” said ny at the Sofitel Hotel where Diaz and other Romero during a simple turnover ceremo- members of her team stayed Turn to C2

Guiao: PSC must get full 5% PAGCOR share for PH athletes

Yeng Guiao

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

percent of its gross income to the government sports agency, while PCSO is supposed to remit 30 percent of earnings from six sweepstakes or lottery draws per annum. But beginning 1993, PAGCOR has unilaterally brought down its contribution to just 2.1375 percent of its gross income, following an executive order from the Office of the President handed down during the time of President Ramos. The Supreme Court has not acted on the petition since then and Guiao said now is as good a time as any to revisit the issue, if only to assure a continuation of the programs that helped Filipino athletes achieve unprecedented success here. “Now is a good time to follow this up with the Supreme Court,” said Guiao, admitting he has not heard from the High Court since the filing of the petition. “Money that really belongs to the athletes but

was channeled to another purpose must be given back to the PSC and used for its original purpose, which is for the development of sports and support for our athletes,” said the NLEX coach. Guiao estimated that if the law is applied retroactively, as much as P15 billion will be remitted to the PSC for sports development, both at the elite level and the grassroots. Guiao, who as vice-chairman of the Committee on Sports in the 16th Congress also co-authored the bill that led to the Athletes Incentives Act, said a large budget both from the government and the private sector is needed to sustain a program that can consistently produce world-class athletes. “Private sector help is most welcome, but it is still charity,,” said the multi-titled PBA coach. “But this budget [for the PSC] as mandated by law will be there for the Filipino athlete every single year.”

TOKYO—Not one of the 19 Filipino athletes, who competed in the pandemic Tokyo Olympics will be left behind, according to Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino. “The non-medalists in the Tokyo Olympics will receive incentives of P500,000 each,” said Tolentino as the Philippine medal campaign boiled down to boxers Eumir Felix Marcial and Carlo Paalam and golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Yuka Saso on Thursday morning. The POC and the MVP Sports Foundation of business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan will reward the nonmedalists on Team Philippines. They are rowing’s Cris Nievarez, taekwondo’s Kurt Barbosa, skateboarding’s Margielyn Didal, shooting’s Jayson Valdez, gymnastics’ Carlos Yulo, boxing’s Irish Magno, judo’s Kiyomi Watanabe, weightlifting’s Elreen Ando, golf’s Juvic Pagunsan, athletics’ EJ Obiena (pole vault), and Kristina Knott (200m) and swimming’s Remedy Rule and Luke Gebbie. “Everyone on Team Philippines in these ‘Golden Olympics’ deserve all the praises, and in this case, incentives, they need,” Tolentino said. “Qualifying for the Olympics is already that difficult, what more competing in the Games themselves. Hidilyn Diaz won the country’s first Olympic gold medal in women’s weightlifting, while Nesthy Petecio clinched a silver in women’s boxing. Marcial and Paalam are guaranteed of a bronze medal each while Pagdanganan and Saso stayed within striking distance in women’s golf as of Thursday morning.

Sports

FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021

Pacquiao vows: I’m not done yet L

OS ANGELES—Former world champion Manny Pacquiao says he feels young again after a two-year layoff as he prepares to fight unbeaten world champion Errol Spence for two welterweight boxing crowns. The 42-year-old Filipino southpaw, an eight-division world champion, faces American Spence on August 21 at Las Vegas for the International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Council crowns. “I could have fought several easy opponents,” Pacquiao said Wednesday. “I picked the best opponent because I want to add more to my legacy and accomplishments. I have to prove

Pacio keeps close eye on Miao-Alex tiff IT’S lonely at the top for ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio. But it’s a seat he comfortably sits on, as the king of the strawweights awaits his next challenger in the Home of Martial Arts. “The wait continues, but as I wait, I’m continuously improving. I’m very excited and I cannot wait to get back inside the ONE Circle to show how well I have improved,” he said. Pacio has shown no let-ups in his training, working on his weaknesses as he proudly hoists the Philippine flag in ONE Championship. He’s the only Filipino titleholder in the promotion and is fully intent on keeping the belt on his shoulders for his next matches. For the meantime, Pacio is keeping close tabs to his possible next foes and scouting potential opponents as he’s fully aware of the looming threat that awaits him the next time he steps inside the Circle. That’s why the Filipino warrior is keeping a close eye on the strawweight duel between Alex “Little Rock” Silva of Brazil and Chinese sensation Miao Li Tao at ONE: BATTLEGROUND II on August 13 in Singapore. “The fight between Miao Li Tao and Alex Silva is surely a thrilling bout. Miao is a very aggressive and explosive athlete, but Alex on the other hand is very dangerous, especially on the ground,” he assessed. It definitely is shaping up to be a very exciting duel between two of the promotion’s best when it comes to the grappling game, an exciting showdown which could very well determine the next in line for a shot at Pacio’s crown. Silva’s prowess in Brazilian jiu-jitsu is well documented, one that has allowed him to reach the pinnacle of the weight division before when he won the ONE Strawweight World Championship at ONE: WARRIORS OF THE WORLD against Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito back in December 2017. He was actually the last man Pacio fought, with the Filipino narrowly escaping with the belt in tow with a split decision victory in their championship clash at ONE: FIRE & FURY in January 2020. “I learned a lot when I faced Alex last year,” Pacio stated. “He’s always a dangerous opponent and I think if we’d face each other again, I’d have to show more aggression, much loaded striking, and I’d throw a lot of combinations to be able to eke out a decisive win.”

that I’m not done yet.” Pacquiao, 62-7 with two drawn and 39 knockouts, last fought in July 2019 when he beat American Keith Thurman for the World Boxing Association version of the 147-pound division throne. But the Philippine senator was stripped of the crown in January due to inactivity. “It has been two years since I’ve been

here to show for myself that I can still do it at 42.” Pacquiao said he still feels the same fire he has in training for the past 15 years as he prepares for an aggressive rival in Spence, who is 27-0 with 21 knockouts. “I have lots of advantages in this fight. My speed and power, along with my strategy and experience, are all advantages for me,” Pacquiao said. “We have a strategy that we know how to use against a southpaw. He wants to fight toe-to-toe and that’s going to be to my advantage. We’re prepared for anything. If he wants to use his reach advantage instead, we’re ready.” AFP

Manny Pacquiao poses for media at Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles, California ahead of his fight against Errol Spence Jr. on Aug. 21 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. AFP

Olympic sprint queen Thompson-Herah banned for posting footage of own win TOKYO—Jamaican sprint queen Elaine Thompson-Herah prompted a rare climbdown from social media giant Facebook after being banned for posting footage of her own victory at the Tokyo Olympics. Thompson-Herah put up video on the Facebook-owned platform Instagram showing her win in the 200m on Tuesday, when she completed an unprecedented women’s “double-double” in the 100m and 200m at the Rio and Tokyo Games. Justifiably proud of her achievements, Thompson-Herah later revealed she had been temporarily suspended because of rights issues. “I was blocked on Instagram for posting the races of the Olympics be-

cause I did not own the right to do so. So see y’all in 2 days,” she tweeted. The action prompted disbelief among the runner’s followers on social media, with many questioning the logic of preventing an athlete sharing her own moment of glory. However, the footage reappeared on Instagram a few hours later. The International Olympic Committee jealously guards its broadcasting rights, which generate billions of dollars for the organization from global TV networks, particularly NBC in the United States. The IOC’s social media guidelines say athletes “are encouraged to

share their experiences with their friends, family and supporters via social and digital media”. But it says they cannot put up “Olympic Games content containing audio/video of the field of play”.

WARSAW—Belarusian Olympic sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya landed in Poland on Wednesday, where she is to take refuge after saying she feared for her life if forced to return home. The 24-year-old athlete has been at the centre of a diplomatic drama in the middle of the Games since seeking the protection of Tokyo 2020 staff on Sunday, saying her team was trying to bundle her onto a plane after she publicly criticised her coaches. In an unexpected twist on Wednesday, the athlete made a last-minute switch and decided not to board her flight to Warsaw, which has granted her a humanitarian visa, instead taking a plane to the Austrian capital. She was welcomed at Vienna airport by government minister Magnus Brunner. Brunner told reporters afterwards that her route from Japan had been changed for “security reasons”. Brunner said she had seemed “well, considering the circumstances”. “She is worried about her family. She is tired and naturally she is tense after what has happened over the past few days,” Brunner said, adding she was “nervous about how things will progress forward now”. Tsimanouskaya then took a second flight, operated by Polish airline LOT, which landed in Warsaw at 8:11 pm (1811 GMT). Tsimanouskaya “has safely landed in Warsaw,” Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Przydacz tweeted. After landing, she did not exit through the regular passenger arrivals terminal but she did meet with Belarusian opposition figure Pavel Latushka in the airport building. “We hope that the agony of the regime will soon end and Kristina will be able to return to conquering new sports peaks in the New Belarus,” he wrote in a tweet with a picture showing the two of them. Before leaving Tokyo, Tsimanouskaya spent two nights sheltering in the Polish embassy there after calling for international help. Belarus has been wracked by political upheaval and a crackdown on dissent after disputed elections that returned strongman Alexander Lukashenko to power last year. AFP

Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah wins the women’s 200m final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo. AFP

Knott eyes World Championships, SEAG next

Diaz...

By Peter Atencio

From C1

for a seven-day quarantine. “We are really proud of you, Hidilyn. You embody the traits of a great warrior. Hoping every Olympics may gold medal tayo,” said Romero. To which Diaz said: “Naniniwala ako sa kakayahan ng atletang Filipino. Kaya yan!.” Romero also said the day Diaz carried the entire nation on her broad shoulders to the great heights should be celebrated annually starting next year because what she did was extra ordinary. “I can still feel the magnitude of her victory,” said Romero, who was accompanied by AirAsia executive Eric Arejola. Not only did Diaz end the country’s 97 year wait for an Olympic gold on July 26, she also almost reduced her touted Chinese rival to tears as she won the 55-kilogram category in record fashion. Diaz lifted an Olympic record 127kg in the clean and jerk. “That made her victory sweeter and memorable because it was an Olympic record,” added Romero who was part of the PH delegation to the 2012 London Games that saw Diaz appear in her second Olympic appearance.

in the ring and it was good for me to have that rest,” he said. “It helped my body and my mind a lot. This time around, I’m as excited as ever and feeling like I’m young again. “I never imagined being at this point now when I started my career. To be here now and still fighting the best, it’s truly a gift that I’ve received.” Pacquiao left his future in the ring uncertain after the showdown with Spence. “This could be my last fight or there could be more,” he said. “Like I’ve always said, it’s one at a time. After the fight, I’ll talk about the plan and see if there’s another fight coming. “I want to fight and bring honor to my country. At the same time, I’m also

Belarus Olympic athlete lands in Poland for refuge

Kristina Knott

AFTER much reflection, Filipino-American sprinter Kristina Marie Knott will be ready to compete again. Competing in the Olympics for the first time may have overwhelmed her, but the experience of being in the Tokyo Games has given Knott the lessons she needs to be better the next time around. “Just being in the world stage, any athlete is gonna be nervous, since I have never been there before. But I felt good going in, just sitting in the call room, I was ready. Once the gun went off, I felt good going around the curve,” said Knott as she talked about her performance in the women’s 200-meters at the Olympic Stadium. Knott said she tried to go fast against the fastest runners in her heat -- American sprinter Jenna Prandini, Gambia’s Gina Bass and Australian Riley Day. But things did not go well when Knott rounded the first curve. “I was trying to lift my hips. Coming off the curve, that’s when I tried to hit it. But when I tried to hit it, I was not going anywhere,” added Knott. Eventually, Prandini advanced to the semifinals in 22.56 seconds. Bass qualified with Day with their times of 22.74 and 22.94 seconds respectively. Knott, came in at 5th place with a clocking of 23.80 seconds.

“I was saying to myself, come on, come on. I was mentally trying to tell my body to let go. But she was not listening to me clearly,” added Knott. Knott said the whole experience of competing in the Olympics eventually gave her a better outlook of how she is, and how she will approach her preparations the next time around. And being there in the world stage is a whole new experience. In the finals, taking the gold was Jamaican Elaine Thompson-Herah, one of the athletes she ran against during her quest to qualify to the Olympiad. And Thompson-Herah topped the finals in 21.53 seconds, a national Jamaican record. Christine Mboma of Namibia settled for the silver (21.81 seconds) followed by American Gabrielle Thomas (21.87). Knott, who eventually succumbed to hot weather that day, said she now knows she was better than what she showed, vowing she will be back to prepare for international meets again after a month’s rest. With a better perspective of matters, Knott will be preparing for at least two major events, and that’s the World Championships in Oregon and the Southeast Asian Games. “It was a cool experience. But it did not turn out the way I wanted it to. But, just being in the atmosphere of greatness, it was an experience to remember for sure,” said Knott.

Entertainment AST-rising electropop artist and music producer Lesha is making a full-fledged realization of her musical artistry.

From gaining popularity on Youtube to winning international and local musical competitions over the years and independently releasing her own beats, this millennial Filipina musician with a global sound is set to conquer the spotlight once again through her debut album “Sun Moon Rising.” The carrier single, which is also the album title, is available on all digital music streaming platforms beginning today. The up-and-coming music star also plans to unveil each track in the record every month. The debut album is a collection of Lesha’s writings that represent the distinctive sides of herself. Call it an artistic manifestation of her different walks in life and how she views the world from her own point of view. The album enables Lesha to capture her innermost feelings, put them into enthralling lyrics by also integrating the mix of musical genres (from electronic pop, hip-hop, alternative, jazz, trap, and EDM) that she got gravitated to over the years.

Up-and-coming music artist Lesha releases her debut album with carrier single available for streaming on all digital music platforms.

World-class delivery app celebrates first year kicked off with 300 brands on its beta app. Now, a year later, Pick.A.Roo has more than 1,000 brands on the app and almost half a million users. Pick.A.Roo boasts 98 percent satisfied users with 98 percent on time deliveries. To celebrate the accomplishments of the last year, Pick.A.Roo has exciting things in store. Its anniversary month will kick off with a Lucky 8 sale, a buy one get one sale on best sellers from select brands. The Great ROOveal will have special items on sale every hour, with a tag of just P8! These are just a few things that Pick.A.Roo has in store this August. Even more exciting things are around the corner so tune in and follow the Pick.A.Roo Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages for more exclusive app drops. At just one year old, this unicorn app has come a long way. But this is only the beginning, and great new things are on the horizon. Download Pick.A.Roo on the App Store and Google Play. For more information on Pick.A.Roo, visit https://pickaroo.com

Pickaroo co-founder Kevin Tan

Olongapo City beauty named first Miss Aura Philippines PAGEANT CONCEPT ETON CONCEPCION

Alexandra Faith Garcia of Olongapo City is flying to Turkey to compete against 35 other delegates for the title Miss Aura International 2021 pageant.

among the Top 10 finalists. An entrepreneur, Garcia is into food kiosk business and fish farming. Garcia has been training under the Kagandahang Flores Camp and will step up more for the forthcoming 16th Miss Aura International pageant. “I want to thank the Miss Aura Philippines organization for believing in me and all my friends and supporters. I’ll do my best to represent the Philippines and to make my countrymen proud,” said Garcia who is also a triathlon athlete. The special event was graced by some important people in the pageant industry and friends who are close to her heart led by Rodgil Flores, her mentor and head of Kagandang Flores (KF) beauty camp, Jovita Laureola, Managing Director of Ms. Aura Philippines, reigning Mrs. Elite International Philippines 2020, businesswoman and philanthropist Michelle Vitug Encarnacion, and the head of Alexandra's supporters Gino Esteban. Miss Aura International 2021 is scheduled from Sept. 20 to Oct. 5 in Antalya City, Turkey with more than thirty delegates competing. Andreia Correia, a 23-year-old professional model from Portugal, is the reigning Miss Aura International 2020. Read full story on manilastandard.net

Forbes names Rihanna ‘richest female musician’

Singer and businesswoman Rihanna is worth a whopping $1.7 billion making her one of the richest woman musicians on the planet.

her GLOBAL SOUND F

NICKIE WANG

AN AURA of charm and respectability earned for Alexandra Faith Garcia the first-ever Miss Aura Philippines 2021 title and the right to represent the country in Miss Aura International 2021 pageant. California-based Filipino-American designer Kathleen Katniss Griffiths, national director of Miss Aura International Philippines, chose Garcia after conducting a selection process with the Beauty, Behavior, Brain, and Body qualities that the international pageant is looking for. Founded in 2016, the Miss Aura International pageant, formerly Miss Kremer International, centers on the promotion of tourism and gives importance to preserving culture. Garcia is coming from her recent stint at Bb. Pilipinas 2021 pageant where she won the Miss World Balance special award. The 27-year-old, 5-foot-7 Tourism graduate from Columban College in Olongapo City competed in Mutya ng Pilipinas in 2014, her first national pageant, where she paced

FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021

LESHA unleashes

VERY WANG

AMIDST the pandemic, Pick.A.Roo, a proudly Filipino, premium all-in-one lifestyle delivery app, was introduced in the Philippines. Through Pick.A.Roo, many have been given the opportunity to shop on-demad for all their needs and wants, all from the comfort of their homes. Whether groceries, restaurants, or specialty shops, Pick.A.Roo has delivered the best options to choose from. This month, Pick.A.Roo celebrates one whole year of making online shopping a whole new magical experience. Looking back on its beginnings, CEO and co-founder Crystal Gonzalez shares, “When we built Pick.A.Roo, our initial vision was to offer a fresh concept that would bridge the gap between premium offline brands and the growing online segment. While the pandemic did not impact that vision, we had to be more agile in adapting to the current challenges and needs of both retailers and consumers.” When it first launched, Pick.A.Roo

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

SINGER and businesswoman Rihanna is worth a whopping $1.7 billion, Forbes said Wednesday, making her one of the richest female musicians on the planet. The R&B songstress parlayed success in the singles charts into a huge make-up and fashion empire, with earnings that now dwarf those of other music megastars like Madonna and Beyonce. The Barbados-born Robyn Rihanna Fenty exploded onto the scene in 2005, and logged global hits like "We Found Love" and "Umbrella", a collaboration with Jay-Z. But while downloads and tour tickets have contributed to her wealth, it is her business know-how that has rocketed her into the ranks of the uber-wealthy. Forbes, which regularly compiles

lists of the world's richest people, said Wednesday it estimated around $1.4 billion of her nest egg comes from the value of cosmetics company Fenty Beauty, a partnership with French fashion giant LVMH. Fenty Beauty, which launched in 2017 with the goal of promoting inclusivity, produces make-up to match dozens of different skin tones. Rihanna's lingerie company, Savage x Fenty, also contributes to her net worth, Forbes said, pegging the company at $270 million. Although she has not produced an album since 2016, Rihanna still holds sway over legions of fans, with more than 100 million followers on Instagram and Twitter. AFP

“It honestly feels super surreal that I’m finally going to be introducing my debut album soon. These past months have been filled with challenges and learnings but I’m very excited for people to finally hear this body of work that I’ve been working so long and hard,” Lesha excitedly shares. Each track has its own strength on a specific emotion, from reminiscing good times, feeling empowered, letting go of inhibitions to seeking love amid chaos; all those diverse emotions that can surely be relatable to the listeners. Lesha made sure that every song can stand alone as a powerful track and even stronger as an impactful part of Sun Moon Rising album. Another piece of exciting news in store for everyone on the album is that she was also able to bring in collaborators from all around the world (producers and artists from the UK, USA, South Korea, Spain, Bahrain, and Italy) to work with her on this very special project and taking it to a global scale. “It was a very collaborative process and it was a breath of fresh air working with these insanely creative minds. Through this record, I was able to mold my sound and really showcase my capabilities as a music producer and songwriter. I worked on this record from the backend to the front and I’m really proud of myself for that,” Lesha enthuses. Read full story on manilastandard.net

Experience the thrill of Netflix Original series ‘Kingdom’with Smart Signature NETFLIX has given viewers a special treat by dropping Kingdom: Ashin of the North, a special episode spin-off that tells the origins of the resurrection plant and the story of the mysterious Ashin and her role in the tragic events. For an even bigger treat and a unique experience, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has teamed up with Mystery Manila to create a specially themed virtual escape room that transports subscribers to a world of unnatural plagues, political conspiracies, and all kinds of chaos found in the award-winning show. Mystery Manila is known for their experiential and immersive escape rooms but due to the pandemic they have innovated to online escape room executions that still provide the same thrill and excitement that Filipinos know and enjoy. Smart Signature subscribers can exclusively experience the nervewracking Kingdom-inspired virtual escape room by visiting Smartnetflix. mysterymanila.com. Upon entering the escape room, you will find yourself trapped inside the magistrate’s library surrounded by bloodthirsty zombies. To find your way to safety, you will undergo a series of challenges with clues in the form of books and scrolls, letting you experience the chilling scenes

from the horrific Dongnae world. Race against time, challenge your friends, and make the experience even more memorable by posting and sharing it online using the official hashtag #SmartNetflix #EscapeFromDongnae. You may also try customized IG filters @ LiveSmart and check to see what role you are destined to play during the zombie outbreak. Learn more about this exciting experience at smart.com.ph/pages/ EscapeFromDongnae. Smart Signature Plans enable subscribers to escape to a world of entertainment by exclusively bundling them with a Netflix Mobile Plan subscription. By signing up with any Smart Signature SIM-Only Plan, subscribers also conveniently get a monthly Netflix Mobile Plan subscription throughout their 12-month contract, letting them enjoy thousands of award-winning shows, series, documentaries, specials, and feature films right at their fingertips. Discover more about Signature Plans with Netflix at smart.com.ph/Netflix. Sign up as a new subscriber or upgrade your current Smart Postpaid Plan at Smart Stores nationwide or the Smart Online Store at store.smart.com.ph.

A scene from Netflix’s ‘Kingdom: Ashin of the North.’

Taiwan Excellence spearheads singing search for Pinoys nationwide TAIWAN Excellence is organizing a nationwide online singing contest with powerhouse judges singers Bituin Escalante and Frenchie Dy, singer-composers Jay Durias, and music producer Paulo Zarate. Titled “Your Song of Excellence,” the contest jump-started the online search last July and this August, it continues to look for the most promising singers from all over the country. Registration is free and has been extended so that all interested singers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao may still send their entries to audition until Aug. 10 and register for free via bit.ly/ YourSongOfExcellence. With three categories for the online contest, all aspiring Male, Female or Group singers can be the grand prize winners of “Your Song of Excellence” and will have the chance to fulfill their dreams of a recording deal with a major music label and win over half a million ‘Your Song of Excellence’ powerhouse judges (from left) Bituin Escalante, Jay Durias, Frenchie Dy, and Paulo Zarate.

peso prize pool composed of cash and gifts for the contest champions. “We’ve been a witness to the Filipinos’ heart and global skills. We at Taiwan Excellence are all about paving the way for furthering growth and recognizing those who go beyond the standards, similar to those brands that we are in partnership with. This competition is the perfect platform for the aspiring singers to showcase their singing talent that the Filipinos are known for,” Clement Chen, Director of Taiwan External Trade Development Council. Know more about the contest and get updated by liking and following Taiwan Excellence’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ TaiwanExcellence.ph or by clicking on the hashtags #YourSongOfExcellence and #TaiwanExcellencePH on social media to get more updates about “Your Song of Excellence.”

Life

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

TRAVEL & LEISURE

FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021

I registered to vote pre-pandemic, here’s why you should register today (Once suspension has been lifted) By Theriz Lizel R. Silvano

HE short answer: it is relatively easier to register in 2020 than in 2018.

For the long, detailed answer, read on. I was one of the more than 2.5 million new voters who registered to vote for the 2019 midterm elections. Before going to the registration site, I already had a vision of how the process would be: time-consuming and quite tiring. I readied myself for the inconvenience and discomfort because of the humid weather and congested atmosphere. While I couldn’t imagine how the same process would be during a pandemic, I assumed lines would be longer since registrants need to observe physical distancing. But I was wrong. Irene Clamor, a 21-year-old student from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, is a newly registered voter for the 2022 elections. She registered to vote during the pandemic, in October 2020. Her registration experience was easier than mine, despite her registering amid the threat of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

‘‘

“Let’s take a chance.” – Irene Clamor, first-time voter for the 2022 polls Faster registration process

When I registered to vote at the Comelec (Commission on Elections) Antipolo office, it took me almost two hours queuing just to have my biometrics taken. The lines were long and crowded with registrants and companions of senior citizens and PWDs (persons with disabilities). However, according to Irene, when she and her friend went to the Manila City Hall early in the morning with their documents and forms, the whole registration process took only an hour – half of the time I spent standing in line for just one step of the process.

Comelec, in partnership with Robinsons Malls, sets up satellite voter registration booths nationwide to make the process more conveniently accessible to the public. (Photos from Comelec/Facebook)

“It was easy kasi nauna kami sa pila kaya hindi masyadong mahirap and matagal yung pag-aantay namin. Hindi rin kami nagka-problema kasi we brought and presented all of the required documents. Smooth lang yung f low,” the first-time voter told Manila Standard. Irene, however, added that there was a rain the morning they went to the site which she said could be a factor why there was less crowd.

All hands on deck, more sites available

A photo taken by the author after her voter registration.

Wearing a face mask and shield, Irene Clamor registered to vote for the first time in October 2020.

In my registration experience, desk persons were coming in and out of the registration area, grabbing their snacks from shops near the office, which stretched the process even longer. I also remember that many registrants did not accomplish their forms in advance, which was why it took them longer at the site. But according to Irene, the desk persons were all present and available during her registration. She said the

process only took longer if the registrant before you had problems with their documents. Comelec has partnered with Robinsons Malls to make the registration process easier during the pandemic by mounting satellite registration booths in select Robinsons malls nationwide. The poll body also posts updates on its Facebook page on the schedule of voter registration as well as the schedule of their disinfection activities to protect registrants from COVID-19. However, with another lockdown in Metro Manila from August 6 to 20, Comelec has temporarily suspended voter registration in the region. The last day of registration is on September 30.

Take extra precaution

The biggest difference between my experience and Irene’s is that it was less complicated to move from one place to another then since you didn’t have to wear protective equipment. There was also less concern about cleanliness and touching surfaces and objects used by other people. If you’re registering to vote during this period, you must obey physical distancing protocols, wear protective face masks and shields, and stay away from overcrowded spaces. Carry hand sanitizers or alcohol, as well as tissue and/or cleaning wipes.

Why should you register to vote when there’s a threat of a virulent disease

Registering to vote with or without a global health crisis may appear like an inconvenience, but it should be remembered that voting is a basic human right. Irene believes that her vote will make a change in this upcoming election. “Kapag kasi pinagsama yung mga boto namin, makukuha namin yung target result na gusto namin. Isa pa, maling isipin na wala namang halaga ang isang boto, kasi kung maraming tao ang mag-iisip na wala namang halaga yung ‘isang boto’ nila, maraming mawawala. Let’s take a chance,” she said. Registering to vote is a step in obtaining your power as a citizen. You get to engage in a democratic process, help elect deserving and competent politicians, and help make a positive change in our communities. Your vote matters in electing the country’s leader, which will lead to a potential change in how we respond to problems like the pandemic. According to spokesperson James Jimenez, Comelec has surpassed its target number of new voter registrants for the May 9, 2022 elections. The poll body said in June that there were 4.3 million first-time voters, breaching its target of 4 million. In the upcoming elections, there will be at least 60 million voters. Be one of them. Be one of us.

Nature’s attractions I ALWAYS marvel at how artists depict on canvas anything that they see around them, so you can imagine how thrilled At first glance, anyone would think this is a This beautiful oil on canvas, ‘Panibagong Bukas I was as I browsed the masterpieces Artist and PhilFAS founder Bing Famoso stands between her two acrylic on canvas masterpieces: ‘Ang Pardaliparus elegans at ang Alocasia portei’ (left) and photograph. It is actually a lifelike acrylic on canvas, Philippine Cockatoo’ by Seth Corda goes for only on display at the ongoing “Of Art And ‘Banoy Philippine Eagle’ (right) priced at P100,000 and P150,000, respectively. ‘Yellow-headed Water Monitor’ by Larie N. Dianco and P20,000. Wine Para Sa Kalikasan” exhibit at Galsells for only P35,000. lery C of Conrad Manila. This physical and virtual art showcase As I was walking along Gallery C to- world, which means 50 percent of our Bin Muhamad, Malaysian Ambassador both in the Philippines and in Malaysia. is in celebration of World Nature Conser- wards the venue of the event’s opening flora and fauna species are endemic and to the Philippines; H.E. Charles Jose, More information on the artworks may vation Day. It is jointly mounted by the ceremonies, there were four works of art cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia; be obtained through (02) 8833-9999 or hotel, the Department of Environment that immediately caught my attention. Unfortunately, despite the concentration Hon. Loren Legarda, deputy speaker, conradmanila@conradhotels.com and Natural Resources (DENR), and the I made sure I took photos of them, so I of diverse life in both countries, there is House of Representatives; and DENR I have to commend the organizers for Philippine Fauna Art Society (PhilFAS), could share them with you on this page. always the continuing threat to their exist- Secretary Roy Cimatu. putting up a “Pledge Tree” among the which was created through the efforts of Two of them turned out to be those of ence because of habitat loss, human activConrad Manila GM Linda Pecoraro, display, where hotel guests are invited to artist Bing Famoso in 2019 to ity, and climate change. who led similar advocacies in Malaysia share their environmental advocacies, to advocate for the country’s enThis very colorful art ex- where she served as general manager inspire and gain support from others. It YOUR WEEKEND CHUCKLE demic and indigenous fauna hibit was formally opened of Hilton Kota Kinabalu, further em- is indeed of utmost importance that all of through visual art. the other day by Elizabeth phasized in her welcome speech that us who continue to enjoy life in this world LAW OF BIOMECHANICS: The severity of the itch is inCurated by Famoso, the exSy, president of SM Hotels “bringing the beauty of nature on can- show that we care for our environment. I versely proportional to the reach. hibit aims to raise awareness and Conventions Corporation vas offers hotel guests a vibrant show- remember having seen a poster once that of and elicit support for the (SMHCC); Peggy Angeles, case of artworks that aim to conserve, said, “When you realize that HEART and Philippine native fauna speSMHCC executive vice presi- preserve, and protect Mother Earth”. EARTH are spelled with the same letcies and their protection and conservation. PhilFAS founder Bing Famoso. dent; Conrad Manila general manager As part of the opening day festivities, ters, it all starts to make sense.” I couldn’t Featured artworks are from members of This joint undertaking, highlighting Linda Pecoraro; and Famoso. guests were taken on an online tour of agree more. PhilFAS, Malaysian Art Society, Penang Filipino and Malaysian artists, banners Delivering their messages virtually Conrad Manila’s Gallery C with a speArt Society, and the Universiti Teknologi the two countries’ inclusion among the to the opening day crowd were nature cial link to PhilFAS’ full virtual gallery For feedback, I’m at Mara Faculty of Arts and Design. 17 megadiverse countries in the whole conservation advocates H.E. Norman that has over 150 artworks mounted bobzozobrado@gmail.com.