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IN THIS ISSUE

A GOLDEN OLYMPICS C1-C4

VOL. XXXV • NO. 175 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Best Olympics finish for PH Hidilyn-led delegation raises medal haul, affirms supremacy in SEA By Riera U. Mallari

OKYO—The Philippines quenched a 97-year-old thirst for Olympic gold in the Summer Games in Tokyo, then added two silver medals and a bronze for good measure, making it the highest ranking country in Southeast Asia.

The challenge now is how to keep this new era of sporting excellence in the region, where the Philippines affirmed its dominance once again two years after ruling the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, which it hosted. Already thumping its chest with its best showing in the 97-year history of participation in the Olympiad following the country’s first ever gold from superwoman weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, Next page

MEDAL TALLY COUNTRY

1. USA 2. CHI 3. JAP 4. GBR 5. ROC

50. PHI

Cases peaking out at 15k/day after ECQ, says health expert

FLAGS OUT. Athletes of various delegations walk past

the Olympic cauldron with their national flags as they enter the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on August 8. AFP

New shipment of Moderna doses boosts vaccine stock By Willie Casas and Rio N. Araja given to the government, while the remaining accounting for 15.88 percent of the target

1,658,916 9,671

77,516

29,122

287

1,552,278

8,079

(As of 4 PM, AUGUST 8)

41 32 14 21 28

33 18 17 22 23

113 88 58 65 71

1 2 1 4

USA edges China at top of Tokyo Games medal table

By Willie Casas and Macon Ramos-Araneta NEW COVID-19 cases could go up to as high as 15,000 a day before easing off, because it would take about seven to 10 days for the lockdown in Metro Manila to take effect, an infectious disease expert said on Sunday. The government placed Metro Manila and other provinces under an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) only on Aug. 6 due to the threat of the more contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus. “It's possible that it would reach 15,000 cases. From 8,000, cases already rose to 11,000, so this might still go up,” Dr. Rontgene Solante, chairman of the Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical

39 38 27 22 20

THE Philippines on Sunday accepted the delivery of 326,400 more COVID-19 vaccine doses from Moderna. The National Task Force Against COVID-19 said 224,400 of the doses will be

102,000 jabs will be given to the International population. Container Terminal Services, Inc. Galvez earlier said that the country is Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said 12.9 expecting at least 22.7 million vaccine million Filipinos have so far received their jabs this month. first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while On Thursday, the Philippines received Next page 11.2 million have been fully vaccinated,

Pump prices cutback: P0.65 /liter By Alena Mae S. Flores DOMESTIC pump prices will likely go down this week by as much as P0.65 per liter to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market. Unioil Petroleum Philippines announced over the weekend that consumers can expect fuel prices to go down from

August 10 to 16. "Diesel should go down by P0.60 per liter. Gasoline should go down by P0.65 per liter," the company said. A report by Reuters over the weekend said oil prices declined amid a slowdown in global recovery due to the Delta variant of the coronavirus. Next page

TOKYO—Eliud Kipchoge produced a marathon masterclass and the USA edged China at the top of the Tokyo Olympics medals table as the curtain fell on the biggest sports event since the pandemic on Sunday. Sunday's closing ceremony took place at a largely vacant Olympic Stadium, rounding off an extraordinary Games conducted mostly without live spectators for a worldwide audience of billions. After Kipchoge's marathon win for Kenya, the United States scored victories in volleyball, track cycling and basketball to top the medals tally with 39 golds, just one ahead of China. The 339th and final gold medal went to Serbia's men's water polo team, capping a Games that were in stark danger of cancellation after they became the first postponed Olympics last year. Thirty-three sports have been contested across 16 days in largely empty stadiums, with fans barred over coronavirus risks and athletes living in strict biosecure conditions. "Some were already speaking of 'Ghost Games'," Olympics chief Thomas Bach told an International Olympic Committee session on Sunday. "What we have seen here is that on the contrary the athletes have brought soul to the Olympic Games." Britain's Olympic chief has told AFP the staging of the Tokyo Games in the Next page

Parañaque bet crowned Miss Philippines-Earth '21 By Nickie Wang SYRIAN-FILIPINO model Naelah Alshorbaji was crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2021 during the virtual pageant held on Sunday. Alshorbaji, who represented Parañaque City, edged out 67 other dele-

gates and succeeded Miss Philippines Earth 2020 Roxanne Allison Baeyens. The 23-year-old beauty queen impressed the judges during the question and answer round where she was asked: “You have goals in life and things you want to do. Given the on Next page

News

MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 2021

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Unstable Internet link bugs students—Marcos

OR as long as there is no stable internet connection for the students in time for the school year 2021-2022, education is bound to suffer, former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos said Sunday. He underscored the need for the government to seriously consider internet infrastructures under its Build-Build-Build program. In a statement, Marcos said there is an urgency to take radical measures if only to ensure that half a million students who have enrolled for the upcoming school year would not suffer the same predicament it had during the previous school

calendar. Marcos also expressed concern over the results of the most recent Philippine Distance Learning survey, which hinted at a general consensus among parents, teachers and students who have had difficulties in adapting to the blended learning system embarking on online classes because of intermittent, if not totally unstable internet connection in their areas.

The survey showed that 67% of the parents, 84% of the teachers and 71% of the students deploring the poor state of interconnectivity, for which the quality of education was compromised. “Internet connection is as essential as our roads and bridges, which the government deems as crucial for the economy to move forward as we continue to get past the pandemic. Having said that, I find it just and proper for the government to look into this concern because what’s at stake here is the future of the next generation of leaders,” Marcos said. He also cited the need to look after the mental state of the students who are into the blended learning system, citing the

Best...

House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco on Sunday thanked the Philippine team for their overall performance to bring honor to the country. “Our warmest congratulations and deepest gratitude to the entire Philippine delegation on reaching multiple milestones in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, including the country’s first gold medal after 97 years of Olympic competition,” he said in a statement. “With one gold from Hidilyn Diaz, two silver medals from Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam, and one bronze from Eumir Marcial, this edition’s Philippine team is undoubtedly the most successful delegation since the country started competing in the Olympics in 1924,” he said. Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez on Sunday commended the 19 Filipino athletes for their “superb” performance, making the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics the country’s best Olympic bid ever with a record-breaking four medals. “Thank you for bringing pride, glory and inspiration to the Filipino people. Thank you for the mission accomplished,” he said. “Your achievements inspired many Filipinos to soar to greater heights and achieve great success in life,” he said. Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said the formula of this newfound success lies in the hard work and teamwork of everyone involved.

“Our hearts are filled with gratitude to the Philippine government through the PSC, the support of private personalities and companies headed by MVPSF and Mr. Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corporation, and everyone else who pledge incentives for our Filipino athletes. Similarly, our heartfelt thanks to the members of the House of Representatives, the Senate, all those who sought grace, strength, courage and hope for our Olympians,” said Tolentino, whose sentiment was echoed by Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez. “Foremost, we thank our partners in the Executive Office, the Senate, the Congress, PAGCOR, and other government agencies, who like us believed that sports have a place in nation building and our athletes are worth supporting,” said Ramirez. The other Tokyo Olympians in Elreen Ando (weightlifting), Kurt Barbosa (taekwondo), Margielyn Didal (skateboarding), Luke Gebbie and Remedy Rule (swimming), Kristina Knott and Ernest John Obiena (athletics), Irish Magno (boxing), Chris Nievarez (rowing), Bianca Pagdanganan, Juvic Pagunsan and Yuka Saso (golf), Jayson Valdez (shooting), Kiyomi Watanabe (judo) and Carlos Yulo (gymnastics) may have fallen short of their goals here, but many of them came tantalizingly close to winning medals. “We will keep supporting our medal winners and those who did not [win],

these athletes are still very young, we know what they are capable of. They will be more ready in the coming Olympics,” said Tolentino. Yulo, for instance, came through with the highest execution and second best score in the men’s vault gymnastics finals, but fell short in the totals, missing the bronze medal by a hairline. His 14.866 score in his second vault attempt called Dragulescu, was even better than the 14.833 of eventual gold medalist Shin Jeahwan (total 14.783) of Korea, but the Filipino gymnast’s 14.566 in the first vault dragged his total score to 14.716 for fourth place. On the other hand, pole vaulter Obiena, whose personal best was 5.87 meters, was the same height cleared by eventual bronze medalist Thiago Braz of Brazil in the games. “We thank those who worked to qualify, those who fought with golden determination as much as those who in the end brought us pride and honor with their victories. We know the sacrifices and hardship you all had to endure in training and preparation. We know the price you had to pay to be on that road towards your dream, our dream. We are sure that your achievements have caught the attention, fired up the imagination and inspired many of our youth to pursue sports. On behalf of a grateful nation, which has so proudly carried you on its shoulder to rejoice in your victory, maraming salamat,” said Ramirez. With Rio N. Araja

"We believe our athletes' earnest spirit and all-out performance moved people," said Tsuyoshi Fukui, chef de mission for the Japanese team. Britain finished fourth with 22 golds and the Russian Olympic Committee, the team for Russian athletes after Russia were banned for systematic doping, were fifth with 20. 'Once in a lifetime' A succession of big names have failed to perform in Japan, where new sports skateboarding, surfing, sport climbing and karate have brought young new stars to the fore. But marathon world record-holder Kipchoge showed his class, kicking in the closing stages and clocking 2hr 08min 38sec to retain his 2016 title. "I know there were a lot of people against holding this Olympics due to the coronavirus," said a flag-waving, 47-yearold fan on the marathon route who gave his name as Tsujita. "But I am glad it took place. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone." The marathon, moved north to Sapporo to avoid Tokyo's summer heat, was one of the few events to allow spectators. Fears of a major outbreak proved unfounded in the mostly vaccinated Olympic contingent and 430 cases were picked up during the Games, including 32 in the Olympic Village.

But athletes had the added pressure of strict 'bubble' conditions including orders to wear masks unless competing, training, eating or sleeping. Victory celebrations have been lowkey, with lonely laps of honour and sparsely attended medal ceremonies. But the emotions of the competitors have been on full view. Trans athletes, 'twisties' Superstar gymnast Simone Biles provided the most jaw-dropping moment when she abruptly pulled out of competition over a bout of the "twisties", a disorientating mental block. Biles, widely acknowledged as the greatest gymnast in history, recovered sufficiently to return for the final event, the beam, claiming a redemptive bronze. Weightlifter Laurel Hubbard became the first openly transgender woman to compete at the Games and Canada's Quinn became the first openly transgender Olympic medallist, with gold in the women's football. In other highlights, the US men's team won their fourth consecutive men's basketball crown and US swimmer Caeleb Dressel assumed the mantle of Michael Phelps with five gold medals in the pool. Among the final events on Sunday, Canadian cyclist Kelsey Mitchell took gold in the women's sprint while Jason Kenny won the men's keirin to become the first Briton to win seven Olympic titles. The Americans started the day two

golds behind China but the women's basketball and volleyball titles and US track cyclist Jennifer Valente's omnium victory put them top of the final table. Uzbekistan's Bakhodir Jalolov beat US fighter Richard Torrez in the super-heavyweight boxing final, while Britain's Lauren Price and Ireland's Kellie Harrington also boxed their way to gold. The Olympic flag will now pass to 2024 hosts Paris. But the circus will reconvene in just six months when Beijing, faced with boycott threats and a renewed coronavirus emergency, holds the Winter Games in February. Michael Payne, the former head of marketing at the IOC, said he believed these unusual Games had provided "optimism and hope for the future". Payne, who in nearly two decades at the IOC was credited with transforming its finances through sponsorship, said he believed the IOC "held its nerve". Polls before the Games consistently showed the Japanese people were against hosting them as Covid-19 cases rose to record levels and a state of emergency was declared in Tokyo. "It was an absolute miracle they happened," said Payne. "A miracle the Japanese pulled it off, a miracle the IOC got all the athletes here and staged a Games in the midst of a pandemic giving optimism and hope for the future." (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

going pandemic with lots of restrictions, how do you plan to move forward?” “Despite the restrictions, we have social media for us to progress and move forward. And I think that’s the beauty of what we are going through right now,” Alshorbaji said. “So, moving forward, I think that I could accomplish my goals and dreams because I have a bright future even during the pandemic and I hope that inspires people around us,” the Fil-Syrian beauty queen added. Alshorbaji, who works as a real estate agent, grew up in the capital city of Damascus until the Syrian unrest escalated and forced her to migrate to her mother’s native country in 2009 at the age of 11. In one of the pageant’s VTR, Alshorbaji said that she considers herself an active and sporty person. The 5-foot-7 fashion model loves the sports of golf, boxing, arnis, and surfing. “I joined the Miss Earth Philippines 2021 pageant to have a greater platform to promote the change I want to see in the world. My environmental advocacy is about reducing plastic waste by turning it into usable products. I chose this serious issue that needs to be tackled with a better solution,” said Alshorbaji who also won Miss Parañaque (2019) and 4th runner-up in Miss Manila (2017). Completing Alshorbaji’s “elemental court” were Miss Philippines Air Ameera Almamari (Atimonan, Quezon); Miss Philippines Water Rocel Angelah Songano (Iloilo City); Miss Philippines Fire Roni Meneses (Mandaluyong City); and Miss Philippines Ecotourism Sofia Lopez Galve (Tanay, Rizal). Members of the board of judges were international model Michael Seifert, TV host Marc Nelson, ABS-CBN weatherman Kim Atienza, Miss Earth 2018 Nguyen Phuong Khanh, reigning Miss Earth 2020 Lindsey Coffey and Carousel Productions Executive Vice President Loraine Schuck. Alshorbaji will represent the Philippines in the Miss Earth 2021 pageant, which has yet to announce a finals date.

COVID-19]. What we are looking at here, because of the transmissibility, is that the virus is not choosing anyone,” Solante said in Filipino. “We know that if the viral load is high, transmission will also worsen.” Solante said several hospitals also found out that those unvaccinated are more likely to get severe infections compared to those who received vaccines. Earlier, Dr. Ted Herbosa, special adviser to the National Task Force against COVID-19, said nine out of 10 ICU patients in the country have not received vaccines against the coronavirus. Solante also said the occupancy rate in Manila-based San Lazaro Hospital's health care capacity is already increasing. He said their utilization rate for COVID-19 bed capacity reached 60 percent and the intensive care unit occupancy soared to more than 80 percent. Despite the possibility of a further spike in cases, Solante said the lockdown is still effective because it will intensify contact tracing. 'We imposed a lockdown so contact tracing is easier because patients are just in the community,” Solante said. As virus infections rise, the highly contagious Delta variant cases also went up to 450. Analysts say the actual figure is most likely higher because of the limited amount of genome sequencing that can be done to detect the variant. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

New...

will be done in following months,” Domingo said in Filipino on Dobol B TV. Domingo said Sinovac, which is also made in China, is the most common vaccine used in the country, followed by AstraZeneca, and Pfizer. Sputnik V is still the lowest due to the limited supply, Domingo added. President Rodrigo Duterte is fully vaccinated with the Sinopharm vaccine. Meanwhile, Vice President Leni Robredo said the government must adjust its communication style to address vaccine hesitancy and to fend off panic. In Bicol to attend her vaccination projects, Robredo observed there were people who were biased against some vaccine brands. She said that in Iriga City, a vaccination

center closed before 4 p.m. after no one wanted to get inoculated once the Janssen vaccine ran out despite having supplies of a different brand. “If people weren't choosing certain vaccine brands, many more would be vaccinated,” she said, highlighting the need to convince the public to get inoculated with whatever brand of vaccine is available. Robredo said communication should be clear to prevent crowds that trooped to vaccination sites in Las Piñas, Manila and Antipolo on the eve of the strict lockdown in the capital region, adding that these incidents would have been avoided if the government released a concise and unified statement. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

P13.90 per liter for gasoline, P11.10 per liter for diesel, and P9.45 per liter for kerosene. Meanwhile, as part of intensified efforts of the Department of Energy (DOE) to eradicate illegal, unsafe, and dangerous activities in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry, the agency's Mindanao Field Office (DOEMFO) dispatched a team last July 27 to 31for a joint inspection/investigation with members of the Midsayap Municipal Police Station. The team validated a complaint lodged through the 8888 Citizens Complaint Center on an alleged illegal LPG refilling activity taking place in Purok 7, Central Bulanan, Midsayap, Cotabato.

Two unidentified men were caught in the act of refilling 11-kg LPG cylinders from inverted 50-kg LPG cylinders. The police contingent of the Joint Team attempted to apprehend these men, who, unfortunately, managed to elude arrest. The team, however, was able to confiscate 50 filled 50-kg LPG cylinders; 23 empty 50-kg cylinders; 16 filled 11-kg LPG cylinders, 376 empty 11-kg LPG cylinders; and seven 11-kg cylinders that were attached to the inverted 50-kg cylinders; totaling 73 50kg cylinders; 399 multi-brand 11-kg cylinders; with two weighing scales, and 15 decanting devices/hoses. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

From A1

the Philippines continued an onslaught never seen before as it added two silver medals from boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam, plus a bronze from their teammate Eumir Marcial. The overall show was good for 50th place overall, a far cry from the 0-0-0 tallies that had marked five Olympiads from 2000 in Sydney to 2012 in London. The medal haul also showed that the regional dominance of the Philippines, which sent 19 of its best athletes in these pandemic games, was no fluke. In contrast, Indonesia which had a 28-strong team in Tokyo, got one gold from the women's badminton doubles tandem of Greysia Polli and Apriyani Rahayu, one silver from weightlifter Eko Irawan, and three bronzes from men's badminton star Anthony Ginting and weightlifters Erwin Abdullah and Windy Aisah – second in the Southeast Asian region and 55th in the world. Traditional ASEAN powerhouse Thailand placed third in the region and 59th overall with a gold and a bronze while Malaysia was 74th overall with only a bronze to show. Vietnam, which won its first Olympic gold in the 2016 Rio Olympics, failed to win a single medal, as did Singapore, Laos, Cambodia, Brunei and Timor Leste.

USA... From A1

midst of the coronavirus pandemic has proved the doubters wrong while a former IOC executive claims it was a "miracle". The first Olympics ever to be postponed took place a year late and in stadiums where spectators were largely banned by the Japanese authorities. Yet the competitors produced outstanding performances, seemingly unaffected by the lack of atmosphere, and the highly skepticalJapanese public slowly warmed to the Games happening in their city—even if they were not able to watch in person. Hugh Robertson, chairman of the British Olympic Association (BOA), said the many who questioned whether they should go ahead had been put in their place. "The doubters have been proved wrong. The world has gone through an exceptionally difficult 18 months but athletes from across the globe came together and put on a memorable show," he said. "The Games have been held in the most challenging circumstances imaginable and the organisers have excelled." The Olympics were plagued by low Japanese support over super-spreader fears but officials maintained that a record haul of 27 gold medals, putting Japan third on the table, has won hearts.

Cases... From A1

Medicine unit of the San Lazaro Hospital said on Dobol B TV after he was asked if cases would reach more than 15,000. On Saturday, the Philippines documented 11,021 fresh cases of COVID-19, the highest since April 11, 2021. On the other hand, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Saturday said active COVID-19 cases in the National Capital Region (NCR) are projected to multiply by the thousands even with weeks of stricter community quarantines. Vergeire said the country is already seeing the impact of the highly contagious Delta variant with the continued surge in new COVID-19 cases. Even with the ECQ, active cases in Metro Manila may still reach around 18,000 by the end of September, she said. The number of COVID-19 cases is also increasing among those in their early 30s to 40s, Solante said. The World Health Organization (WHO) said those vulnerable to COVID-19 are people with comorbidity and senior citizens. Solante, however, revealed that private hospitals and San Lazaro Hospital observed an increase of cases among those in the younger age group. “Even those who are 27 years old, or those in their early 30s and 40s [get

From A1

1 million more COVID-19 vaccine doses from China-based Sinovac. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Eric Domingo said the government plans to procure more doses of China's Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine to bolster the country's inoculation efforts. Domingo said the government is awaiting the donation of over 1 million doses from the Sinopharm vaccine, for which the FDA granted an emergency use authorization (EUA) in June. “What I know is, there will be a donation of 1 million doses. After that, procurements

Pump... From A1

Travel restrictions worldwide amid the prevalence of the Delta variant of COVID-19 is seen to impact on oil demand. The US, the world's biggest oil consumer, has registered renewed spikes in COVID-19 infections, while China imposed lockdowns in several cities to curb the rise in new infections. On August 3, the oil firms raised pump prices by P1.05 per liter for gasoline, P0.75 to P0.80 per liter for diesel and P0.75 per liter for kerosene. These resulted in year-to-date adjustments to stand at a total net increase of

difficulties and stress borne out of what is a rather peculiar set up that the Philippine education system never had before. “I feel sad over the predicament that our students – from pre-school to high school – and teachers are into. There’s no number of words that can describe how bad they feel with what’s been going on because of the pandemic,” added Marcos. As such, the former senator called on President Rodrigo Duterte to consider limited face-to-face classes in areas with low COVID-19 infections, adding that such a move would somehow alleviate the psychological stress that both students and teachers alike are suffering.

Brunei tightens controls amid 7 transmissions KUALA LUMPUR—Brunei imposed strict curbs to halt the spread of Covid-19, after finding its first locally transmitted cases in the country in over a year. Seven community infections were found, the health ministry said Saturday, leading the government to close all places of worship and postpone social events for two weeks. Mass events were also limited to groups of 30 people over this period as school classes were moved online and restaurants barred from serving dine-in. The tiny Islamic sultanate has largely remained coronavirus free, logging only three deaths since the pandemic began. More than half of its 347 infections so far were imported, with tight border controls and quarantine measures keeping the virus's spread in check. Five of the oil-rich nation's first local infections since May last year were linked to a government-run virus monitoring centre. "This cluster is believed to likely have been exposed to one of the imported cases in Brunei," the ministry said in a statement. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Parañaque... From A1

News

MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 2021

SC issues new guidelines on construction trade disputes

MODERNA DOSES.

Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. , NAIA District Customs Collector Carmelita Talusan and Senior VP Zuellig Pharma Corp. Raymond Azurin lead the welcome ceremony for 326,400 doses of Moderna vaccines at NAIA Terminal 3 on Sunday (Aug. 8, 2021. Avito C. Dalan

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has adopted new guidelines that limit the grounds parties may use to appeal the findings and resolutions of construction disputes issued by the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission purportedly to speed up the implementation of the latter’s awards. The SC stressed that the new guidelines with respect to the modes of judicial review of the CIAC should be applied prospectively and does not cover cases that are pending with the CA. Under the new guidelines, the high court said if the issue raised in the appeal is a pure question of law, the petition should be filed directly and exclusively with the high court. In cases where the petition takes issue on the integrity of the arbitral tribunal and its decision, such as allegations of corruption, fraud, misconduct, evident partiality, incapacity or excess of powers within the tribunal, or the unconstitutionality or invalidity of its actions in the arbitral process, the SC declared that the parties are directed to appeal the CIAC award before the CA under Rule 65, on grounds of grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess in jurisdiction, where a factual review may be conducted by the CA. “Under no other circumstances other than the limited grounds provided above may parties appeal to the CA a CIAC arbitral award,” the high court emphasized.

Marcos warns vs. hoarding, urges 2-month price freeze By Macon Araneta SENATOR Imee Marcos has warned of looming shortages not only of food but also of medical equipment if sellers and panic buyers who can afford to hoard them are not stopped. Marcos, who chairs the Senate committee on economic affairs, expressed support for an order of the Department of Justice to the National Bureau of Investigation to probe cases of alleged hoarding of oxygen tanks particularly in Cebu. She also cited an information in Aklan where oxygen tanks and their accessories were running out even as their prices have increased amid surging cases of Covid-19 infection. To prevent sellers from jacking up prices, Marcos called for another 60day price freeze on essential goods and medical supplies and equipment as soon as possible. The senator said the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine National Police should step up monitoring of commercial hoarders as well as shoppers who are hogging limited product supplies in groceries, supermarkets, and specialty stores, to the disadvantage of other consumers. Hoarders and profiteers face imprisonment and fines under the Consumer Act or Republic Act 7394 and the Price Act or Republic Act 7581. “Under the Consumer Act, if found to have committed an unfair and unconscionable sales act or practice, an administrative sanction of up to P300,000.00 may be imposed and/or imprisonment of up to one (1) year.

VAX HUB.

MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos and Navotas City Congressman John Rey Tiangco inspect the COVID-19 vaccination site at the Navotas City Hospital. The vaccination hub is built just as COVID cases in the city has begun to resurge. Andrew Rabulan

Hospitals ask PhilHealth to pay P20-b Covid claims By Willie Casa

TATE-insurer Philippine Health Insurance Corporation owes private and public medical facilities around P20 billion in COVID-19 claims, the Philippine Hospital Association said Sunday. PhilHealth’s unpaid reimbursements to some hospitals run from hundreds of millions to a billion pesos, the group’s president Dr. Jaime Almora, said as he cited data as of July 5. “Yung mga non-COVID claims, nababayaran naman. May slight na delay lang. Ang problema talaga na malaki yung mga COVID claims (Non-COVID claims are being reimbursed even though there’s a slight delay. The huge problem really are COVID claims),” he said over Teleradyo.

“Tinitingnan natin ang figures ngayon, more than P10 billion, nasa vicinity ng P20 billion, ganun na... Tumataas pa rin (We’re looking at figures, it’s estimated at more than P10 billion, it’s in the vicinity of P20 billion. It continues to rise.),” he said. This resulted in the hospitals’ “loss of trust and confidence” in transactions with PhilHealth, Almora said. “Nagkaroon ng demoralization sa mga ospital dahil ‘pag hindi nabayaran ang mga ospital, kasama d’yan ang profes-

sional fee, mga doctor na sinasakripisyo ang mga buhay nila, ‘di rin nila natatanggap yung bayad nila,” he said. “Ultimately, they (hospitals) will find ways and means para ‘di sila malugi. Ang magsa-suffer d’yan, mga pasyente (Ultimately, the hospitals will find ways and means so they won’t suffer losses. But it’s the patients who will suffer.),”he said. The group is set to meet with PhilHealth president and CEO Dante Gierran on Tuesday, Almora said. The Department of Health has also been informed of the issue causing the delay of special risk allowance to health workers in private hospitals, he said. Beneficiaries of the SRA must be frontline personnel who are directly in contact with virus patients, according to Almora.

PERILOUS JOURNEY.

A cargo vehicles treads carefully as it navigates a portion of the 25-kilometer Las Piñas-Zapote River Drive which has collapsed due to heavy rains in the past few days. Traffic flow tends to slow down along the River Drive which has yet to be rebuilt. Norman Cruz

Justice chief warns public on fake email JUSTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Sunday said he might ask the National Bureau of Investigation to run after the perpetrators who created his fake email account and used it for illegal solicitations. “The DOJ Office of Cybercrime (DOJ-OOC) is on it. If necessary, I’ll seek help from the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation),” Guevarra said in a text message. Last Aug. 6, the DOJ-OOC warned the public against receiving the email osecmig1@gmail.com purportedly that of Guevarra and being used to solicit donations in the form of iTunes gift cards for the allegedly sick and terminally ill. “The said email address was used to send messages to a number of recipients requesting assistance in the alleged procurement of iTunes gift cards as donations to patients at hospice care units across the Philippines, subject to reimbursement,” lawyer Charito A. Zamora, Officer-in-Charge of the DOJ-OOC said in a public advisory. “In this regard, please be informed that the DOJ Office of the Secretary’s only official email address (on gmail) is osecmig@gmail.com,” Zamora said. The other official email address is osec@doj.gov.ph. “Messages coming from a different email address than that of the official one…, shall be dealt with conscientiously, as these neither originate from this Department, the Office of the Secretary, nor the Justice Secretary,” DOJ OOC official added. The DOJ-OOC advised to public that should they receive the fake email, they should block the sender, report it as phishing and spam, and inform the incident to the service provider. Rey Requejo

Anti-Covid vaccines safe for breastfeeding or pregnant moms, DOH experts say THE COVID-19 vaccines are safe for breastfeeding and pregnant mothers, the Department of Health said at the launching of the National Breastfeeding Awareness Month on Sunday. DOH director for Knowledge Management and Information Technology Service, Dr. Enrique Tayag, said that there are still no reports of adverse effects on the child while

it is in the uterus when the mother gets vaccinated against COVID-19. “As of now, there is no proof that COVID-19 vaccines have an effect on babies. There is no effect on the pregnant woman and on your baby,” Tayag said. He urged pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to be inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines.

“Dangerous complications may occur compared to other infected individuals that are not pregnant if you were infected by the COVID-19, giving birth to a premature baby is also possible,” Tayag said. Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho, director of DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau and Health Promotions Bureau, said that getting vaccinated could help

pregnant and breastfeeding mothers against COVID-19 virus. However, pregnant mothers are advised to take the vaccine during their second or third quarter of pregnancy and not during the first trimester since the fetus was still developing during that period. Maria Isabel Gallego and Miguel Angelo Magbag

Cabanatuan estate hits out at DAR CABANATUAN CITY—Residents occupying homelots at the Fr. Gregorio Crisostomo Estate in Cabanatuan City have expressed apprehension over the Summons and Notice of Preliminary Conference issued them recently by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Nueva Ecija Provincial Office calling them to meetings on separate dates this month. The summons include the supposed new rental rates for the lots the residents occupy that have increased from seven centavos to P10 per square meter (sqm) for residential, and P1.00 to P25/ sqm for commercial lots. The new rates are retroactive to 2006. The residents were also required to submit certain documents and answer the

summons within 10 days. Their failure to comply will be construed as a waiver and their cases will be submitted to the DAR Adjudication Board (DARAB), an in-house semi-judicial body, for decision. What the residents deem objectionable about the DAR’s move is the sudden and jerky increase in land rental rates, which they consider as excessively high and the fact that they were never informed about them for nearly two decades. Based on the new rates, residents occupying 300-sqm homelots will need to pay P30,600 in rentals annually. while those who developed their lots of the same area into commercial assets have to pay P90,000 rental per year. Most of the lots were originally farmlands.

OFWs in HK get incentives for COVID vax

CENTENARIAN JABBED.

Fidela Bondoy, a centenarian from Bognabong, Tabaco City, receives her COVID-19 vaccine personally supervised by Dr. Wax Guillermo. Her children, who are all priority A2 and A3 also got their jabs. Lola Fidela even volunteered to get in line at the vaccination center, according to Barangay Chairman Martin Borlasa, but was advised that CHU personnel will vaccinate her at home instead.

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MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 2021

News Metro Manila to distribute 1k cash aid By Rio N. Araja LOCAL governments in Metro Manila will distribute cash aid by Wednesday, a Metropolitan Manila Development Authority official said Sunday. Some 10.7 million residents are entitled to P1,000 cash aid each or up to P4,000 per family as the capital region was again placed under enhanced community quarantine from August 6 to 20, Malacañang earlier said. The joint memorandum circular of the government agencies is expected to be signed and delivered to Metro Manila mayors later Sunday, said MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia. The funds are expected to be downloaded to local governments between Monday and Tuesday, he added. But former House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano expressed his disappointment over the government’s delayed distribution of “ayuda” to Filipino families in the National Capital Region amid the implementation of a stricter enhanced community quarantine from Aug. 6 to Aug. 20. He said the financial assistance should have been given as early as last week for a more effective and efficient ECQ. “I hope this is the last ECQ. If not, I hope it is well-planned,” he added. The government must not underestimate the hardships of the Filipino people, he noted. On Aug. 6, the Department of Budget and Management granted the release of P10.89 billion in cash assistance from government savings for 11 million constituents of Metro Manila. “Let’s give them 10,000 pesos, not 10,000 excuses,” he said.

To run or not—Leni to announce in Sept.

By Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta

ICE President Leni Robredo is inclined to decide whether she would run for president or not in the 2022 elections by September or October before the filing of the certificate of candidacy with the Commission on Elections. “For my decision-making, I have set a deadline on Oct. 8. If I could be able to decide by September, then I would do so by September. Once I have filed (my CoC), I will no longer withdraw it,” she said during her weekly radio program last Sunday. But she said she wanted to focus more on the COVID-19 pandemic efforts than to think about politics. “Because of the surge (of cases), we cannot afford to stop our efforts. We have to focus on these. Our office continues to do initiatives to be able to help in the vaccination, telemedicine, emer-

gency services, (and) community feeding,” Robredo said. “Let us focus more on the pandemic effort. Hopefully, after two weeks, we could get more encouraging numbers (of cases) so we can give more time for the 2022 election, she added. The Vice President admitted the claim of Senator Panfilo Lacson that she rejected his unification formula in Eleksyon 2022, saying she only wanted to be certain about her 2022 plans. “It is just as simple as that why I resisted the proposal. The fight must go on.

Once I have filed, I need to continue the fight. There is no backing out because I have already presented myself to the public. That is the reason why I was not agreeable to the proposal,” she said Lacson said it was a selfless move on his part to offer the unification formula to Robredo since she was after a united opposition/front in 2022. “After all, it was her objective for liaising with different forces or candidates including Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Sen. Richard Gordon, among others. Domagoso, who fares well, occupying the No. 2 in pre-election surveys for President and Vice President, has repeatedly refused to say if he is running for higher office. On the otherhand, Pacquiao and Gordon hinted that they would run for President.

BIKES FOR COPS.

Quezon City 4th District Councilor Hero Bautista (third from right) has donated several bicycles to Quezon City Police Station 10. Station Commander PLt. Col. Alex Alberto, along with Chief Admin PCpt. Elmer Rabano, Station Community Affairs Development Section chief PCpt. Eric Caguilta, and PSsg Joel Froila received the new bicycles. The donation aims to help the station’s personnel in their commute and to promote a healthier and more active lifestyle.

Nas Academy to stop PH operations amid Kalinga’s Whang-Od issue By Rio N. Araja NAS Academy said Sunday it would stop operations in the Philippines amid the controversy involving its contract with Kalinga traditional Filipina tattoo artist Whang-Od – which has been criticized by a legislator. In a Facebook post, the online learning platform said it started Nas Academy think-

ing everybody should become a teacher. “We wanted everyone inside and outside the Philippines to become a teacher, because knowledge is the only thing that increases when you give it away,” it said. “Sadly, some of our intentions have been misunderstood, as we can see with Whang-Od Academy. But our goal has always been to help peoplebecome

PACC hopeful on Padilla charges PRESIDENTIAL Anti-Corruption Commission Chairman Greco Belgica said they were confident the charges against Nueva Vizcaya Governor Carlos Padilla, his wife and 12 others would push through. In a statement released to media, Belgica said they had enough evidence for the violation of Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Government Procurement Act versus Padilla, former Governor Ruth Padilla and 12 other officials and employees of Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Government. He said the complaint was already with the Ombudsman. There was no comment immediate-

ly available from the Ombudsman nor the accused. In a letter dated May 19, 2021, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra recommended the filing of criminal and administrative cases against the accused. The charges were in relation to the alleged anomalous P149 million infrastructure project in the province namely: Nueva Vizcaya Convention Center, Improvement and Expansion of Provincial Capitol Building 1 and 2 , and Conference Hall in Lower Magat Eco- Tourism Park located in Diadi town, Nueva Vizcaya. Also included in the DOJ recommendation are the three officials of private contractor Sharysu Builders.

teachers, with their input and consent,” the statement added. Amid allegations of exploitation of renowned Apo Whang-Od by popular Palestinian-Israeli vlogger Nuseir Yassin of Nas Daily, AMIN party-list Rep. Amihilda Sangcopan wants respect to Whang-Od’s legacy. “This controversy calls for respect and protection of cultural heritage and legacy

of Apo Whang Od and the Butbot tribe. Apo Whang Od is our revered and oldest mambabatok in Kalinga. She was awarded the prestigious Dangal ng Haraya Award in 2018 by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and is nominated for the National Living Treasures Award (Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan),” she said in a statement.

OVERSEAS Filipino workers in Hong Kong, who can choose their COVID vaccines, have the chance to get cash and other incentives once they get inoculated, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Hong Kong reported on Friday. In a virtual briefing, Labor Attaché Melchor Dizon also said the HK government was set to lift its travel ban on the Philippines Monday that would allow more than 3,000 stranded OFWs to fly to the former British colony. “We encourage our fellow Filipinos here in Hong Kong and those stranded in the Philippines to have themselves vaccinated against COVID-19. Otherwise, you will not be allowed entry into Hong Kong. This is also for your protection,” Dizon said. He noted that of about 220,000 OFWs in HK, only less than 50 percent had availed the vaccine of their choice even as the government has drawn incentive package for those who got inoculated. Dizon said in a press statement the POLO dvalidated 1,000 vaccination cards of returning OFWs who have been fully inoculated in Hong Kong since last month. Under Department Order 226, series of 2021, POLOs are required to validate the authenticity of a COVID-19 vaccination card or document of an OFW from the host country. Dizon said the number of OFWs who would be allowed to travel to Hong Kong could exceed those stranded during the travel ban as the POLO continued to process job orders to the region. He added authorities required a 14day quarantine even for fully vaccinated workers upon arrival in the territory.

Nearly 4,000 seafarers now inoculated By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE partnership of MARINA or Maritime Industry Authority and the Office of Sen. Cynthia Villar has inoculated, with Moderna and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines, almost 4,000 seafarers which w enable to go back to their ships. While ensuring their protection against COVID-19 and its variants, Villar said they could return to their ships to earn a living for their families. Villar noted that Filipino seafarers belonged to the hard-hit maritime industry by the coronavirus pandemic that crippled the world economy. “The impact of this global health crisis resulted (in) the shutdown of ship operations and our seafarers losing their income” said Villar, who related that based on the Department of Transportation data, Filipino seafarers comprised 25 percent of the 1.5 million seafarers in the world. But with vaccination, this has given our Filipino seafarers, whose lives have always been ‘one of sacrifice and hard work,’ the hope that soon, they can give anew their families a comfortable life by being back on board. “We believe and hope that this vaccination will be their passport to restore their jobs,” further stated Villar. To date the Villar’s partnership with MARINA, has givdn Moderna and Janssen vaccines as follows: 738 seamen last July 28 and 1,202 last July 29. Also, 1,360 and 1,689 seamen received their jabs, respectively, last August 2 and August 3. The vaccinations of Filipino seafarers were done at the Villar Familyowned The Tent in Global City, Las Pinas City. Last June, 1,086 seafarers also got their Pfizer jabs during the MARINA vaccine rollout at The Tent.

AVOIDING DELTA.

Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano (left) and Anakalusugan Rep. Michael Defensor answer questions during a press conference at the Mercado del Lago, Taguig City. The lawmakers said the aim of another lockdown to prevent the spread of the more transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus will be wasted if overcrowding at vaccination sites will not be solved. Norman Cruz

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CHARLIE V. MANALO

A lament for Rachel

EDITORIAL

taneously come up with a plan for every situation. In the confusion of the 24 hours that followed, I became even more certain that the Rachel who knew would always take charge was no more. The evening before, we just had a conference call with Rachel around. She was THE Bible is replete with narratives of under quarantine for testing positive from death, from the murder of Cain to the mar- COVID-19, but as her doctors would lattyrdom of the apostle James. With each er confirm, she was very much on the way death, so to speak, the history of Christian to recovery. salvation has taken a different twist and Then just hours later, the unexpected turn, culminating in the very death of Christ happened. She died of heart failure. upon the cross. OPEN Rachel was not the first in my own cirThe death of Rachel, second wife to cle of family and friends to be lost to this THOUGHTS the Biblical patriarch Jacob, is among the virus. In fact, since the beginning of the first deaths recorded in the Scriptures. Ja- pandemic, more than 20 persons close to ORLANDO cob loved her at first sight, but their father me have succumbed to the disease. OXALEScaused him to marry Laban’s shrewdness I never even had the chance to say my the elder sister, Leah. But Jacob persist- final goodbyes to most of them. ed, and soon, Rachel was given to him in But Rachel’s passing made me see death marriage. face-to-face. Leah bore Jacob sons who would later Her death made me realize the fragility become fathers to the tribes of Israel. Ra- of our own lives. chel, on the other hand, was barren. Rachel had come first, but at some Until, as the Bible narrates, God re- point in the future, we too will have to membered Rachel. Then she became leave this world. pregnant with Joseph. In the musical, Les Misérables, Fantine Then she gave birth to the youngest of sings to the dying Jean Valjean, “To love the sons of Jacob, Benjamin. another person is to see the face of God.” Then she died. With the death of a family or friend, there Rachel’s story abruptly ended. follows a rush of memories and emotions— One could easily say how God was un- of times spent together in the past, the grief fair to Jacob for losing too soon a woman of losing a significant someone and the he so dearly loved. pain of knowing that you will never see her again, all because of the love that we had for her in this life. Rest in everlasting Many times in the days that followed, the words of Psalm 22 came to my mind, peace, my friend. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” These were the words that came from the Or how God allowed Joseph and Benja- lips of a crucified Savior. min to grow up without a mother. There is no doubt that these are words of Seeing the pain, suffering and hardship lament and abandonment. all around us in this time of the pandemic, “Why are you so far from saving me, so more than once have I prayed, “Where are far from my cries of anguish? My God, I you, Lord?” cry out by day, but you do not answer, by Why have you allowed this crisis to take night, but I find no rest.” (Psalm 22: 1a-2) away the lives of people we love? But surprisingly at the end, the psalmist Why have you caused difficulties to continues, “Yet you brought me out of the many families who have lost their homes womb; you made me trust in you, even at and livelihoods? my mother’s breast. From birth I was cast Last week I found myself praying the on you; from my mother’s womb you have same words again. been my God.” (Psalm 22: 9-10) We lost a Rachel. What we thought to be a prayer of lament Rachel at 42 years was at the prime of turned out to be a prayer of trust. her life. She was a capable chief of staff So when the dying Savior hung upon the to the Majority Leader of the House of cross, he cried out not a prayer of abandonRepresentatives. She was a caring wife ment, but a psalm of trust. to Edmar and mother to Cheska and That is what our lament ought to be— a Kayden. She was, above all, a compas- grief that hopes for solace, a pain that pines sionate public servant. for a cure, a brokenness that be made whole More than a work colleague, she was a once more, and a death that gives way to the friend-turned-family to us. She was there to resurrection to a new life. share my life’s greatest joys, and comforted We who remain will have to continme during my own difficulties. She shared ue to live in a world grappling with this with us not only her material possessions, crisis. We will continue to make sense of but her friendship, time and attention. She the suffering and pain around us, but we opened her home to us, and made all of us are confident that despite the many unpart of her own family. knowns—the loss of people we love and Then Tuesday morning last week, I got the complexities caused by the situation an unexpected call. as it is, we know that in our own lament Rachel has died. is a prayer of trust, that with the eyes of First, there was disbelief. I insisted that faith, we will find the possibilities of a we wait for the doctors to make an official new hope emerging. pronouncement. In the end, this has been both the Deep inside me, I was reminding myself, easiest and the hardest reality of this miracles do happen. pandemic—to live life in a way that But no miracle came. In an hour or so, I reflects how we love others. For many, got another call. She was pronounced dead. this pandemic has caused relationships Second, there came the grief. I felt so dis- to deepen or for new bonds to emerge oriented that I couldn’t even cry. It seemed or even to renew old friendships. It has that I ran out of tears too soon. taught us to connect our minds and hearts I took all the strength left in me, and in ways where distance makes no differdrove to where I knew I should be—with ence. The same is true for the people who Rachel’s “family” at the office. have left this world for the next. There is NAKED While driving, I kept thinking of sadness in our sorrow, but there is hope what needed to be done next, the fu- THOUGHT knowing what true love really is—to see neral arrangements to be made, the ad- the face of God—and in Him the certainjustments that needed to be made at the CHARLIE ty of a loveV. that lasts forever. office—and then I suddenly felt a deep MANALO Rest in peace everlasting, Rachel. Until sense of loss. in God’s perfect time, we meet again. It finally dawned on me that Rachel was “In Him, who rose from the dead, really gone. our hope of resurrection dawned. The Rachel was in many ways our fulcrum sadness of death gives way to the bright at the office. She was a kind soul with promise of immortality. Lord, for your such a huge heart for others.THE Her FIFTH ears faithful people life is changed, not endwere always ready to listen to GOSPEL the con- ed. When the body of our earthly dwellcerns of both friends and strangers and ing lies in death, we gain an everlasting she always had a ready solution toJUDE every- dwelling place in heaven.”—the funerone who came to her. She couldACIDRE instan- al liturgy.

THE FIFTH GOSPEL JUDE ACIDRE

Rallying for education OPEN THOUGHTS ORLANDO OXALES THE controversy sparked by the onerous provisions of the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s RR 5-2021 has enraged the whole private educational sector, a strategically critical ecosystem that affects not just the direct stakeholders of private educational institutions but thousands

of linkages with small and medium enterprises that beneﬁt from the business operations of schools. If implemented, this would slap a 150-percent increase in the income tax of private schools and would cause long-term consequences to our whole educational system. Responding to the loud protests of an already struggling sector, several lawmakers have called for the revocation of the “erroneous” revenue regulation with both Houses of Congress convening special hearings and ﬁling bills to rectify what Senator Franklin Drilon called “a classic case of legislation by IRR (Im-

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Accolade to the athletes T

HE performance of Filipino athletes in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is a source of pride and honor for our countrymen, many of whom are again beset by the strictest lockdown due to the pandemic. We copped a gold medal in Hidilyn Diaz (55-kg category weightlifting), a silver in Nesthy Petecio (featherweight boxing), and a bronze in Eumir Marcial (middleweight boxing). And then, over the weekend, 23-year-old boxer Carlo Paalam took the silver medal in the men’s ﬂyweight boxing ﬁnals.

They are truly an inspiration. This is an unprecedented year, indeed. It gives us something to be thankful for despite the fact we are still being brought to our knees by COVID-19.

Pandemic or no pandemic, however, our athletes’ victories are a testament that sheer perseverance and hard work do pay off in the end. There is no dearth of talent and ambition among us. We only need to be able to spot them, and give them support, including the wherewithal to train for competitions while also nurturing their well-being. The four athletes and everybody who represented the Philippines in Tokyo deserve our gratitude and pride. They are truly an inspiration.

Together, our Singapore spirit: Singapore at 56 By Gerard Ho

Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to the Republic of the Philippines THE Republic of Singapore turns 56 today, 9 August 2021. The last 56 years may have been rife with challenges, but our small city state in Southeast Asia has continued to not only survive, but also thrive. Even as the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the daily lives of Singaporeans and our linkages with the world, we have continued to engage our partners in the region and beyond.

Mabuhay to our enduring partnership with the Philippines. Singapore’s National Day is an occasion for Singaporeans to not only reﬂect on how far our country has come, but also to recognise that Singapore would not have been where we are today without the assistance and support from friends like the Philippines. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines in 1969, bilateral ties have grown from strength to strength. We have good bilateral cooperation in a wide array of sectors, including defence

plementing Rules and Regulations).” That was a valid rebuke as the power to legislate taxes is the exclusive mandate of the House of Representatives. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means Chairperson Joey Salceda, Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez, Rep. Kiko Benitez, Rep. Luis Villafuerte, filed their corrective bills while supportive House Resolutions were filed by Rep. Mark Go, and Rep. Joy Tambunting. Not even a week after sessions started after the SONA, the consolidated bill has been passed on 2nd reading. For a bill not certified as urgent by the President, this is a rare demonstration of urgency from the legislators that deserve recognition. There are now 68 co-authors of the bill which Majority Floor Leader Martin Romualdez vowed to prioritize, and House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco has committed to support. More co-authors are expected to sign-on which will hopefully be passed on third reading when sessions resume after the ECQ lockdowns. In the Senate, counterpart bills were likewise filed by Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and co-authored by Senators: Joel Villanueva, Ralph G. Recto, Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri, Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay, Win Gatchalian, Grace L. Poe, Richard J. Gordon, Francis “Kiko” N. Pangilinan, Risa Hontiveros, Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao, Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., Cynthia A. Villar, and Leila M. De Lima. Ways and Means Chairperson Pia Cayetano also convened a special hearing during the break and has committed to the fast passage once the amending bill of the House of Representatives has been transmitted to the Senate. A national alliance of private school groups under the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA), the Philippine Association of Colleges and University

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

and security, trade and business, organisations like Temasek education, health, human reFoundation to support the source development, and Philippines’ fight against culture. Singapore and COVID-19. Internationthe Philippines also work al cooperation remains closely on important reever more important as gional and international the world, and especialinitiatives, including the ly our region, continue COVID-19 ASEAN Reto battle new waves and sponse Fund and vaccine variants of the virus. multilateralism. Our two governments The past year has been will continue to explore extraordinarily challenging mutually beneficial areas of for all of us. Despite the imcooperation that will pave the pact of the COVID-19 pandemic, way for Singapore and the Philour economic ties are robust. Sin- Gerard Ho ippines to emerge from the pandemic stronger together. At the gapore remains one of the top inrecent Fifth Informal Consultations vestors into the Philippines, and our on the Philippines-Singapore Action companies are bullish about the PhilPlan held on 14 July 2021, we idenippines. People-to-people ties also remain tified opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation in new areas of growth close, as the Philippine community is such as the digital economy and the one of the largest diaspora groups in Singapore. We deeply appreciate the environment in the post-COVID-19 invaluable contributions that Filipino “new normal.” We also committed to professionals, including doctors, nurses, a sustainable post-pandemic economand other economic frontline workers, ic recovery, and looked forward to the have made to Singapore’s COVID-19 resafe resumption of travel between our sponse, as well as our efforts to keep the two countries when conditions permit. Singapore economy going. To our Filipino friends who have Another testament to the enduring walked with Singapore on our nafriendship between our two countries tion-building journey, maraming salamat is the donations of medical equipment po sa inyong lahat! I am confident that like RT-PCR machines, COVID-19 test Singapore and the Philippines will conkits, and oxygen concentrators from the tinue to grow and prosper together in the Singapore government and Singapore years ahead.

(PACU), Davao Colleges and Universities Network, Association of Private, State Colleges, and Universities in Region XI, Bicol Association of Private Colleges and Universities, CESAFI Association of Cebu Private Schools, in recent public statements expressed their gratitude to the growing number of legislators heeding the appeals of the crisis battered schools.

Nobody needs more taxes. What we need are good governance and real solutions. COCOPEA Managing Director and spokesperson Atty. Joseph Noel M. Estrada said, “Nevertheless, while this latest development is a step forward, the suspension is merely temporary, and, we cannot lose sight of our main objective of pushing for a law to finally remove any doubt as to the right of proprietary educational institutions to the preferential tax rate of 10%, which has been in the Tax Code since 1968, and the concessionary tax rate of 1% for three years under the CREATE Act, to provide temporary relief during the pandemic.” Chairman of COCOPEA and concurrent Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities President and A, Dr. Anthony Jose M. Tamayo emphasized the urgency of these corrective legislation as schools are about to start classes this September to address the confusion that the conﬂicting policies are causing and to alleviate the precarious state of the private education sector consequent to the pandemic crisis. COCOPEA stressed that, “It is critical that the bills be passed as soon as possible before the new school year starts in September. This will allow the private

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

education sector to focus all of our time and resources on our highest priority, the very grave learning crisis that our country is now struggling with, rather than on correcting erroneous interpretations of the law and the Constitution.” This issue has crossed sectoral and political lines with civil society and business groups joining what has now become a multi-sectoral push to revoke RR 5-2021. The responsiveness of the legislators shows how important close consultations with stakeholders are critical in crafting public policy which should be nurtured and harnessed by bringing together the best expertise to avoid policy blunders. There is no rationale to justify the re-interpretation of the constitutionally mandated preferential tax rate of educational institutions. Nobody needs more taxes. What we need are good governance and real solutions that would get us out of this protracted health and economic disaster.

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“24. In support of this application for a writ of attachment, incorporated herein and made an integral part hereof as Annex “S” is the Affidavit of Merit executed by the Bank’s duly authorized representative.”

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 98, QUEZON CITY

Affidavit of Merit September 20, 2018

dated

“TESTIMONIAL AND DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE IN SUPPORT PLAINTIFF’S CAUSE OF ACTION”

ROBINSONS BANK CORPORATION, Plaintiff, -versus-

“S”

R-QZN-18-12136-CV FOR: Sum of Money

MARICRIS B. TOLENTINO, FIRST PILIPINAS POWER AND AUTOMATION, INC. AND ARMANDO A. ISIDRO, Defendants. x-------------------------------------------------------x

ALIAS SUMMONS Whereas, on 25 May 2021, Plaintiff ROBINSONS BANK CORPORATION, filed a verified Amended Complaint (With Application for Issuance of Writ of Preliminary Attachment) with this Court, alleging: “AMENDED1 COMPLAINT “(With Application for Issuance of Writ of Preliminary Attachment) “PLAINTIFF, by undersigned counsels, complains against the Defendants and for causes of action alleges that: “1. Plaintiff ROBINSONS BANK CORPORATION (“Bank” / “RBank” for brevity) is a commercial banking corporation duly organized under and existing by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines. It may be served with notices and other legal processes at its principal place of business located at 17th Floor Galleria Corporate Center, EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City and at the address of undersigned Counsels. “2. Defendant MARICRIS B. TOLENTINO (“Tolentino” for brevity) is of legal age and with residence address at Unit 3 Ailil Residences, Kaginhawahan Street, Karangalan Village, Manggahan, Pasig City, where she may be served with summons and court processes. She is the Human Resources Director of First Pilipinas Power & Automation, Inc. “3. Defendant FIRST PILIPINAS POWER & AUTOMATION, INC. (“First Pilipinas” for brevity) is a corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with office address at 1609 Cityland 10 Tower 2 H.V. Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City, where it may be served with summons and court processes. “4. Defendant ARMANDO A. ISIDRO (“Isidro for brevity) is of legal age and with residence address at 5 Versailles St., Eastside Manors, C Raymundo Ave., Maybunga, Pasig City, where she may be served with summons and court processes. He is the President of First Pilipinas Power & Automation, Inc. “5. Sometime in April 2017, Plaintiff Robinsons Bank and First Pilipinas, represented by its President, Armando A. Isidro, entered into a Memorandum of Agreement dated April 27, 2017 wherein the Bank agreed to extend a Personal Loan Facility to the employees of First Pilipinas and the latter agreed to deduct from the salaries of its employees the monthly amortizations to be remitted to the Bank. A copy of the Memorandum of Agreement dated April 27, 2017 is attached hereto as Annex “A” and made integral parts hereof. “6. Conformably with the Memorandum of Agreement on November 28, 2017 Defendant Tolentino, applied for and was granted a loan in the amount of FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (Php500,000.00) subject to interest at the rate of 17.2515% per annum and monthly amortization amounting to Seventeen Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty-Nine Pesos (Php17,889.00) payable starting from January 25, 2018 until December 25, 2020. Copies of the Personal Loan Application Form, IDs and Promissory Note dated November 28, 2017 are attached hereto as Annexes “B”, “C”, “D”, and “E” ad made integral parts hereof. “7. The proceeds of the loan were released through Manager’s Check which was encashed by Defendant Tolentino. A copy of the Manager’s Check is attached hereto as Annex “F” and made integral parts hereof.

“25. Plaintiff Bank in support of its claims against herein Defendants intends to present and offer the testimony of Janice D. Ferreras,, who will testify based on his personal knowledge and original and authentic records in his prove and establish the material allegations stated in this Complaint and the following facts:” a. Plaintiff Robinsons Bank and First Pilipinas Power and Automation, Inc., represented by its President, Armando A. Isidro, entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Plaintiff Bank; b. Defendant Maricris B. Tolentino applied for and was granted a loan by Plaintiff Bank in the amount of FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (Php500,000.00) pursuant to the said MOA; c. The proceeds of the loan were released through a Managers Check which was encashed by Defendant Tolentino; d. Defendant Tolentino expressly authorized Defendant First Pilipinas to deduct from her salary her monthly loan amortizations and remit the same to Plaintiff Bank; e. First Pilipinas failed to deduct and remit to Plaintiff Bank the monthly amortization of Defendant Tolentino commencing on January 25, 2018, February 25, 2018, March 25, 2018, April 25, 2018 and June 25, 2018 and up to the present; f. Plaintiff repeatedly tried to collect the amount due from Defendant Tolentino and from First Pilipinas but to no avail; g. As of July 6, 2018, the outstanding obligation of Defendant Tolentino is in the total amount of Five Hundred Forty Thousand Pesos and 86/100 (Php540,222.86) inclusive of interest and penalties; and h. Defendants are guilty of fraud committed both at the inception of the agreement and/or in the performance of their obligation;” “26. Copy of the Judicial Affidavit of Janice D. Ferreras is hereto attached and made an integral parts of this Complaint as Exhibit “U”.

3. Collect or cause the collection of the installments/amortization and other charges due on the loan from the employees through regular monthly salary/payroll deductions. The EMPLOYER-COMPANY shall continue deducting the amortization from the employee’s salary up to the full payment of the loan based on the schedule submitted to the EMPLOYER-COMPANY by the Bank. “xxx

Xxx For and in consideration of the loan granted to me/us by Robinsons Bank Corporation (the Bank) in the principal amount of ________ and in payment of the said principal amount plus interest other charges, I/We hereby assign in favor of the Bank the sum of at least ________ plus interest and other sums necessary to update my.out loan account, out of the salaries, remuneration, and other benefits due. I/We therefore authorize our said employer or its duly authorized officer/s to deduct from said salaries, remuneration, and benefits, the herein assigned amounts every____ and____ of the month starting_____ on _______ and remit the same directly to the Bank without need of notice or demand, until my/our entire obligations with the Bank are fully paid based on the indicated mode of payment in my/our application or as agreed upon by my/our employer and the Bank.” (Underscoring Supplied). Supplied) “10. In violation of its express obligation to deduct and remit the monthly loan amortizations of its employees, and despite the authority to deduct from Defendant Tolentino, First Pilipinas failed to deduct and remit to Plaintiff Bank the monthly amortization of Defendant Tolentino commencing on January 25, 2018, February 25, 2018, March 25, 2018, April 25, 2018 and June 25, 2018 and up to the present. A copy of the History of Payments is attached hereto as Annex “G” and made integral part hereof.

“B”

Personal Loan Application Form

“C”

ID of Defendant Tolentino

“D”

ID of Defendant Tolentino

To prove that: 1. Defendant Maricris B. Tolentino applied for and was granted a loan by Plaintiff Bank in the amount of FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (Php500,000.00) pursuant to the said MOA; MOA

13. As of July 6, 2018, the outstanding obligation of Defendant Tolentino is in the total amount of Five Hundred Forty Thousand Pesos and 86/100 (Php540,226.86) inclusive of interest and penalties. A copy of the Statement of Account as of July 6, 2018 is hereto attached and made integral part hereof as Annex “O”. “ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS APPLICATION FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A WRIT OF PRELIMINARY ATTACHMENT “Plaintiff repleads the foregoing and further states: “14. This is an action against Defendants who are guilty of fraud committed both at the inception of the agreement and in the performance of their obligations (Section 1[d], Rule 57, Rules of Court). Through machinations and schemes, Defendants successfully enticed Plaintiff to grant the loan but they failed to make payments despite incessant reminders and demands to pay the same. “15. Defendant Tolentino had a preconceived plan not to pay her loan to the Bank as shown by her failure to pay even a single monthly amortization coupled with the fact that she changed her home phone number and transferred residence after obtaining the loan from the Plaintiff without informing the Bank. According to the Report dated July 9, 2018 and Collection Activities submitted by the CMGCollection and Asset Recovery Department of Robinsons Bank, the home phone number provided by Defendant Tolentino in her Application Form is no longer in use and cannot be reached. She cannot also be reached on the other phone numbers she provided in her application form. The Report also stated that Defendant Tolentino had moved out from her address as early as May 30, 2018. The foregoing clearly shows her deceitful intent not to pay her obligation and evade the collection efforts of the Bank. A copy of the Report dated July 9, 2018 and Collection Activities are hereto attached and made integral parts hereof as Annexes “P” and “Q”. “16. Defendant Tolentino maliciously violated her undertaking in the Personal Loan Application Form to inform the Bank of any change in her residence and employmentt in order to defraud Plaintif Plaintiff, to wit: “AGREEMENT: I/We hereby affirm that the statements made in this application and the information given by me/us are true and correct and that any material misrepresentation or falsity therein will be construed as an act to defraud Robinsons Bank Corp. for which civil and criminal liability can be pursued against me/us. I/We authorize Robinsons Bank Corp. to obtain such information as may be required concerning the statements made in this application and that the sources from which Robinsons Bank Corp, may get such information are authorized to so provide. I/We agree that I shall inform Robinsons Bank Corp. immediately of any changes in civil status, residence and employment. Any notice served by Robinsons Bank Corp. at my address per Bank’s record shall be deemed sufficient notice to me/us. I/We authorized Robinsons Bank Corp. to conduct random verification with the BIR to establish the authencity of my/out ITR and other submitted financial statements and hereby waive the confidentiality of any personal information obtained in the course of verification. I/We agree that all statements / information gathered about me/us will be used to determined my/our eligibility for this loan. I/We agree that all statements/information obtained by Robinsons Bank Corp. shall remain the property of Robinsons Bank Corp. whether or not the loan is granted. xxx” “17. Defendant Tolentino may also be considered to have removed or disposed of her property previously kept in her former residence in order to defraud and prevent Plaintiff from collecting payments and levying her properties. Thus, Plaintiff is also entitled to the issuance of a writ of preliminary attachment under Section 1(e) of Rule 57 of the Rules of Court. “18. Defendant Tolentino is likewise guilty of fraud by violating the trust and confidence reposed upon her by the Bank when she maliciously induced and/or conspired with her employer not to make any deduction from her monthly salary to cover the monthly amortizations of her loan. According to Lorna F. Mission, Finance Head of First Pilipinas, Defendant gave instructions that the payments of her loan to the Plaintiff should not be deducted from her salary. Ms. Mission informed Janice D. Ferreras, Loans Collection Section Head of Robinsons Bank, that First Pilipinas was not deducting the loan amortizations of Defendant Tolentino from her salary. Ms. Mission also sent an email to Ms. Ferreras containing the list of First Pilipinas employees from whom First Pilipinas had collected/deducted the monthly amortization on their loan to Plaintiff. However, the list did not include the name of Defendant Tolentino. “19. Defendant Tolentino abused or misused her position as Human Resources Director to prevent Plaintiff from collecting the monthly payment due on her loan. Evidently, Defendant induced her own staff to violate the Memorandum of Agreement which required their company. First Pilipinas, to deduct the monthly payments on her loan from her salary and remit said payments to the Bank. This undoubtedly constitutes fraud in the performance of her obligation to Plaintiff. A copy of the email sent by Lorna Mission is hereto attached and made integral parts hereof as Annex “R”. “20. Defendant First Pilipinas through its President, Armando Isidro, committed fraud in the performance of its obligations to Plaintiff Bank when it acted in conspiracy with Defendant Tolentino not to deduct the loan from Defendant Tolentino’s salary in violation of its covenant to deduct and remit to the Bank the monthly amortizations of its employees pursuant to the Memorandum of Agreement dated April 27, 2017. The Bank would not have granted the loan if not for the warranty of Defendant First Pilipinas to deduct and remit to the Bank the monthly amortizations of its employees. “21. Defendant Armando Isidro is equally liable to Plaintiff Bank under Section 31 of the Corporation Code for directing the affairs of First Pilipinas in bad faith, to wit: “Sec. 31. Liability of directors, trustess or officers.- Directors or trustees who willfully and knowingly vote for or assent to patently unlawful acts of the corporation or who are guilty of gross negligence or bad faith in directing the affairs of the corporation or acquire any personal or pecuniary interest in conflict with their duty as such directors or trustees shall be liable jointly and severally for all damages resulting therefrom suffered by the corporation, its stockholders or members and other persons.” “22. Plaintiff RBank is ready, willing and able to post a bond in such sums as Honorable Court may fix, conditioned upon the payment by plaintiff of all costs and damages which may be adjudged to defendant in the event that the Honorable Court shall final adjudge that plaintiff is not entitled to the relief prayed for.

Memorandum of dated April 27, 2017

“E”

Promissory Note November 28, 2017

“F”

Manager’s 0000563718

“G”

To prove that the Senior Officers of Plaintiff Bank who executed the Special Power of Attorney were appointed by the Board of Directors of Plaintiff as the authorized representatives of the Bank and were given the power to delegate their authority.

3. Defendant Tolentino expressly authorized Defendant First Pilipinas to deduct from her salary her monthly loan amortizations and remit the same to Plaintiff Bank

Pamela

To prove that 1. First Pilipinas failed to deduct and remit to Plaintiff Bank the monthly amortization of Defendant Tolentino commencing on January 25, 2018, February 25, 2018, March 25, 2018, April 25, 2018 and June 25, 2018 and up to the present; and

History of Payments

Signature Estueta

Asiel

“G-2”

Signature Magpayo

Keanna

“G-3”

Ann

Signature of Sheila Aguilar

“H”

Demand letter dated April 30, 2018

“H-1”

Signature of Atty. Jo Paul B. Gatapia

“H-2”

Signature of Amadeus C. Basco

“I”

Demand letter dated July 6, 2018

“I-1”

Signature of Atty. Jo Paul B. Gatapia

“I-2”

Signature of Amadeus C. Basco

“J”

Demand letter dated July 6, 2018

“J-1”

Signature of Atty. Jo Paul B. Gatapia Signature of Amadeus C. Basco

“J-2”

“K”

Atty.

Mark

Affidavit of Service September 13, 2018

dated

“L”

Signature of Atty. Jo Paul B. Gatapia

“L-1”

Signature of Amadeus C. Basco

“L-2”

Signature of Atty. Jo Paul B. Gatapia

“M”

Demand letter dated July 13, 2018 addressed to Lorna Mission

“M-1”

Signature of Atty. Jo Paul B. Gatapia

“M-2”

Signature of Amadeus C. Basco

“N”

Demand letter dated July 13, 2018 addressed to Armando Isidro

“N-1”

Signature B.Gatapia

“N-2”

Signature of Amadeus C. Basco

“O”

Statement of Account dated July 6, 2018

“O-1”

Signature Estuesta

Asiel

Signature Magpayo

Keanna

Atty.

“3. Defendants be ordered to pay Plaintiff Bank legal interest on the total outstanding obligation, computed from the date of filing of this Complaint until the defendants entire obligation is fully satisfied. “4. Cost of suit.” “OTHER RELIEFS, just and equitable under the premises are likewise prayed.” “Quezon City, May 24, 2021.” “Sgd. “ROBINSONS BANK CORPORATION c/o Legal Services Group 28/F Galleria Corporate Center, EDSA cor. Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City Tel. Nos. (632) 702-9500; (632) 702-9567 Email: legalgroup@robinsonsbank.com.ph”

“Sgd. ROEL S. COSTUNA Head, Legal Services Group IBP Lifetime Member No. 01666/Northern Samar PTR No. 0731159/01-8-2021/Northern Samar Roll No. 40241 MCLE Compliance No. VI-0007684 roel.costuna@robinsonsbank.com.ph “Sgd. “MICHAEL P. VIBAR IBP Lifetime Member No. 018565/Makati PTR No. 073164/01-8-2021/Quezon City Roll No. 68391 MCLE Compliance No. VI-0011049 michael.vibar@robinsonsbank.com.ph “Sgd. “JOHN RAMIL V. RABE IBP No. 109215/Quezon City PTR No. 0731162/01-8-2021/Quezon City Roll No. 71644 MCLE Compliance No. VI-0030430 john.rabe@robinsonsbank.com.ph” “VERIFICATION & CERTIFICATION ON NON-FORUM SHOPPING “1. Janice D. Ferreras, Filipino, of legal age, and with principal 27th Floor, Galleria Corporate Center,EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City, after having been duly sworn in accordance with law, hereby depose and state that: 1. I am the Loans Collection Section Head and the authorized representative sentative of Plaintif Plaintiff Bank; 2. Upon authority2 of the Bank, I have caused the preparation and the filing and amendment of the present Complaint. I have read the same and all the allegations appearing thereon are true and correct based on my own personal knowledge and authentic records of the Bank in my possession; 3. This Complaint is not filed in order to harass but only to enforce existing and valid rights of the Plaintiff against the Defendants and that all factual allegations in the Complaint have evidence to support them; 4. The Bank has not commenced any action or filed any claim involving the same issues any court, tribunal or quasi-judicial agency or body and to the best of my knowledge, no such other action or claim is pending therein: 5. If there is/are such other pending action or claim, a complete statement of the present status thereof shall be reported and that if I should learn that a similar action or proceeding has been filed or is pending before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal or any other tribunal or agency, I hereby undertake to inform this Court of said fact within five (5) calendar days from knowledge thereof.” “IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hands this 24th day of MAY 2021 in QUEZON CITY.” “Sgd. “Janice D. Ferreras “Affiant

Mark

Atty.

“SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 24th day of May 2021 in QUEZON CITY Affiant exhibiting to me her TIN ID NO. 412-947-086-000.” “Doc No. 3752 “Page No. 751 “Book No. 1 “Series of 2021.”

Paul

“Sgd. ATTY. KAREN BARAFAG NOTARY FOR AND QUEZON CITY 21/F Galleria Corporate Center, EDSA cor. Ortigas Ave., QC Roll No. 65611/ADM. MATTER No. NP-322 IBP Lifetime to 047818/Makati City PTR No. 0731165/01-8-2021/Quezon City MCLE Compliance No. VI-0006818; 03/15/2018 Commission Extended to June 30, 2021 Per SC Resolution dated 12-01-2020 on B.M. No. 3795

Mark

Pamela

To prove that as of July 6, 2018 the outstanding obligation of Defendant Tolentino is in the total amount of Five Hundred Forty Thousand Pesos and 86/100 (Php540,222.86) inclusive of interest and penalties.

Ann

Signature of Sheila Aguilar

“P”

Report dated July 9, 2018

“P-1”

Signature of Vergie R. Sumilhig

“P-2”

Signature of Janice D. Ferreras

“P-3”

Signature of Allan H. Casaul

“R”

“2. After trial of the issues, judgment be rendered ordering Defendants, jointly and severally, to pay plaintiff Bank (a) the amount of Five Hundred Forty Thousand Pesos and 86/100 (Php540,222.86) representing the outstanding obligation of Defendant to Plaintiff Bank as of July 6, 2018; (b) attorney’s fees in the amount equivalent to twenty five percent (25%) of the total amount due, and (c) liquidated damages equivalent to twenty five percent (25%) of Plaintiff Bank’s total claims;

Represented By:

Mark

“O-3”

“Q-1”

“1. Upon filing of the Complaint and the appropriate bond, a Writ of Preliminary Attachment be issued against the properties of Defendant directing the Branch Sheriff or other proper officer to attach the properties of Defendant, as may be sufficient to satisty Plaintiff’s fff’s demand;

To prove that Plaintiff repeatedly tried to collect the amount due from Defendant Tolentino and from First Pilipinas but to no avail.

Signature of Janice D. Ferreras Demand letter dated April 30, 2018 addressed to First Pilipinas

“Q”

2. Defendant Tolentino had a preconceived plan not to pay her loan to the Bank as shown by her failure to pay even a single monthly amortization.

Collection Activities

WHEREAS, Private defendants MARICRIS B. TOLENTINO, FIRST PILIPINAS POWER AND AUTOMATION, INC. AND ARMANDO A. ISIDRO have not been served with summons and all court processes in connection with the instant case considering that they are no longer residing at the given address. WHEREAS, on 14 June 2021, the Court granted the plaintiffs’ Motion to Serve Summons by Publication.

To prove that: 1. The home phone number provided by Defendant Tolentino in her Application Form is no longer in use and cannot be reached. She cannot also be reached on the other phone numbers she provided in her application form; 2. Defendant Tolentino had moved out from her address as early as May 30, 2018; and 3. Defendant Tolentino maliciously induced and/or conspired with her employer not to make any deduction from her monthly salary to cover the monthly amortizations of her loan.

NOW, THEREFORE, FIRST PILIPINAS POWER AND AUTOMATION, INC. whose last given address is W5-A RDC Business Complex Mercedes Ave., Exit Cainta, Rizal and ARMANDO A. ISIDRO whose last given address is 5 Versailles St., Eastside Manors C. Raymundo Ave., Maybunga, Pasig City is required to enter her appearance and answer the complaint in the above-entitled case within sixty (60) days after the publication hereof, otherwise, the plaintiff will take judgment against her and demand from this court the relief prayed for in the complaint. Let this alias summons be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in any newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines at the expense of the plaintif plaintiff, to be selected by raffle. WITNESS THE HON. FERDINAND C. BAYLON Acting Presiding Judge of this Court this 24th day of June, 2021 in Quezon City, Philippines. (Sgd.) ANN MARIE LOREN R. PASTOR Branch Clerk of Court Copy furnished: ATTY. JOHN RAMIL V. RABEL Counsel for the Plaintiff 28/F Galleria Corporate Center EDSA cor. Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City John.rabe@robinsonsbank.com.ph

Signature of Atty. Janice D. Ferreras

Email sent by Lorna Mission

To prove the material allegations in the complaint particularly those in support of Plaintiff Bank’s application for the issuance of Writ of Preliminary Attachment against the defendants.”

“WHEREFORE, plaintiff RBank respectfully prays of the Honorable Court that:

Mark

“K-1”

“O-2”

Judicial Affidavit of Janice D. Ferreras dated November 28, 2018

“PRAYER

Mark

Atty.

of Atty.

“U”

To prove that: 1. Defendant Tolentino maliciously induced and/or conspired with her employer not to make any deduction from her monthly salary to cover the monthly amortizations of her loan. 2. Lorna Mission sent an email to the Bank thru our PLP Collection Accredited with a list of First Pilipinas employees whose salaries are being deducted of their loan amortizations and being remitted to the Bank.

FIRST PILIPINAS POWER & AUTOMATION INC. Defendant W5-A RDC Business Complex Mercedes Ave., Exit Cainta, Rizal sales@firstpilipinas.com -1609 Cityland 10 Tower 2 H.V. Dela Costa St., Makati City ARMANDO A. ISIDRO Defendant 5 Versailles St., Eastside Manors C. Raymundo Ave., Maybunga, Pasig City

“23. There is no other sufficient security for the claim sought to be enforced in the principal action, and the amount due the plaintiff is as much as the sum for which the order is granted, above all legal counterclaims.

“I-1”

2. The proceeds of the loan were released through a Managers Check which was encashed by Defendant Tolentino; and

No.

Check

“G-1”

“11. Plaintiff repeatedly tried to collect the amount due under the Promissory Note directly from Defendant Tolentino but to no avail. Copies of the Demand Letters dated April 30, 2018 that were sent by Plaintiff to Defendant and the Affidavit of Service dated July 12, 2018 are hereto attached and made integral parts hereof as Annexes “H”, “I”, “J” and “K”. “12. The Bank also demanded from First Pilipinas, through its President and Finance Officer, to remit the monthly amortizations deducted from the salaries of its employees, if any. However, First Pilipinas failed to remit the same to the Bank. Copies of the Demand Letter dated April 30, 2018 and July 13, 2018 are hereto attached and made integral parts hereof as Annexes “L”, “M”, and “N”. “N”

To prove that the Senior Officers of the Bank who were designated as the authorized representatives by the Board of Directors had delegated their authority to Norman Jay P. Justo through the Special Power of Attorney.

PURPOSE To prove that Plaintiff Robinsons Bank and First Pilipinas Power and Automation Inc., represented by its President Armando A. Isidro, entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Plaintiff Bank.

“9. On the other hand, in the Loan Application Form of Defendant Tolentino, she expressly authorized Defendant First Pilipinas to deduct from her salary her monthly loan amortizations and remit the same to Plaintiff Bank, to wit: “Authority to Deduct and Remit/Debit Account

DOCUMENT Agreement

“A”

“8. Pursuant to the Memorandum of Agreement dated April 27, 2017, First Pilipinas agreed to deduct and remit to the Bank the monthly loan amortization of its employees, to wit: “xxx The Employer-Company covenants and agrees that it shall: “xxx

“I”

“27. Plaintiff Bank also intends to present and offer the following documents as evidence to support and prove its claims against herein Defendants, viz:” EXHIBIT

To prove that Plaintiff Bank is entitled to is claims against Defendants and the issuance of a Writ of Preliminary Attachment on the following grounds; 1. Defendants guilty of fraud in contracting and/or the performance of their obligation to plaintiff; 2. Defendant Tolentino had a preconceived plan not to pay her loan to the Bank as shown by her failure to pay the monthly amortization coupled with the fact that she changed her home phone number and transferred residence after obtaining the loan from Plaintiff without informing the Bank; and 3. Defendant First Pilipinas through its President, Armando Isidro, also committed fraud in the performance of its obligations to Plaintiff Bank when it acted in conspiracy with Defendant Tolentino not to deduct the loan from Defendant Tolentino’s salary in violation of its covenant to deduct and remit to the Bank the monthly amortizations of its employees pursuant to the Memorandum of Agreement dated April 27, 2017. The Bank would not have granted the loan if not for the warranty of Defendant First Pilipinas to deduct and remit to the Bank the monthly amortizations of its employees.

Duly underscored from paragraph 25 to 27 See attached Special Power of Attorney supported by Secretary’s Certificate.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

(MStandard-July 26, Aug. 2 & 9, 2021)

World

MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Taliban seize 2 provincial cities in blitz KUNDUZ—The Taliban captured two more provincial capitals Sunday as they gained ground in their fight to take over Afghanistan’s cities after seizing much of the countryside in recent months. The insurgents have snatched up four provincial capitals since Friday in a rapid offensive that appears to have overwhelmed government forces. Kunduz and Sar-e-Pul in the north fell within hours of each other Sunday, lawmakers and residents in the cities confirmed, but not without fierce fighting. A Kunduz resident described the city as being enveloped in “total chaos”. “After some fierce fighting, the mujahideen, with the grace of God, captured the capital of Kunduz,” the Taliban said in a statement. “The mujahideen also captured Sar-ePul city, the government buildings and all the installations there.” Parwina Azimi, a women’s rights activist in Sar-e-Pul, told AFP by phone that government officials and the remaining forces had retreated to a barracks about three kilometres (two miles) from the city. “A plane came... but could not (land),” she said. Kunduz, however, is the most significant Taliban gain since the insurgents launched an offensive in May as foreign forces began the final stages of their withdrawal. It has been a perennial target for the Taliban, who briefly overran the city in 2015 and again in 2016 but never managed to hold it for long. The ministry of defence said government forces were fighting to retake key installations. “The commando forces have launched a clearing operation. Some areas, including the national radio and TV buildings, have been cleared of the terrorist Taliban,” it said in a statement. Kabul’s inability to hold the north may prove crucial to the government’s long-term survival. AFP

CALM AT DAWN. Mount Sinabung looks calm as seen from Karo, North Sumatra in Indonesia at dawn on August 8. AFP

France protests COVID health pass P ARIS—Almost a quarter of a million people took to the streets across France on Saturday for the biggest protests yet against a coronavirus health pass needed to enter a cafe or travel on an inter-city train, two days before the new rules come into force. Similar but smaller protests were held in Italy. Championed by President Emmanuel Macron, the French regulations make it obligatory to have either a full course of vaccination against COVID-19, a negative test or be recently recovered from the virus to enjoy routine activities. Macron, who faces re-election next year, hopes to encourage all French to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and thereby defeat the virus and its fastspreading Delta variant. But opponents—who have now held four weekends of consecutive protests—

argue the rules encroach on civil liberties in a country where individual freedom is highly prized. About 237,000 people turned out across France, including 17,000 in Paris, the interior ministry said, exceeding the 204,000 recorded last weekend—unusual numbers for protests at the height of the summer break. In one of several protests in Paris, hundreds marched from the western suburbs to the centre, chanting “Freedom!” and “Macron, we don’t want your pass!”. Wearing a mask, Alexandre Fourez, 34, said he was protesting for the ﬁrst

time and that he had himself recovered from Covid. “The problem with the health pass is that our hand is being forced,” said the marketing employee, adding he “really has difﬁculty believing its use will be temporary”. At least 37,000 people protested in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region on the Mediterranean coast in cities including Toulon, Nice and Marseille, officials said. Slogans included: “The health pass means the death of freedoms.” ‘Get vaccinated’ From Monday, the health pass will be needed to eat in a restaurant or enjoy a drink at a cafe—both indoors and on a terrace. It will be obligatory on intercity transport including high-speed trains and domestic ﬂights although will not be needed on metro systems and suburban transport.

The pass has already been required since July 21 to visit cultural venues such as cinemas, theatres and museums. Its extension was approved by France’s Constitutional Council on Thursday. In a slight easing of rules, Health Minister Oliver Veran said on Saturday that the time period over which a recent Covid test would be valid for the pass would be extended to three days instead of two. It will also be “possible to perform self-tests supervised by a healthcare professional, in addition to antigen and PCR tests. These too will be valid for 72 hours”, the minister said. Most of the protests were peaceful but there were seven arrests in the southeastern city of Lyon for throwing projectiles while in Dijon a tram line was blocked. There were 35 arrests nationwide, the interior ministry said, adding seven members of the security forces were lightly wounded. AFP

Hundreds flee, homes burn as fires ravage Greek island Five reported ISTIAIA, Greece—Hundreds of Greek firefighters fought desperately Sunday to control wildfires on the island of Evia that have charred vast areas of pine forest, destroyed homes and forced tourists and locals to flee. Blazes also raged in the Peloponnese region in the southwest, but fires in a northern suburb of Athens have subsided. Greece and Turkey have been battling devastating fires for nearly two weeks as the region suffers its worst heatwave in decades. Officials and experts have linked such intense weather events to climate change. So far, they have killed two people in Greece and eight in neighbouring Turkey, with dozens more hospitalised. But while rains brought some respite from the blazes in Turkey over the weekend, Greece continued to suffer amid soaring temperatures. The rugged landscape and thick pine forests on Evia which made it appealing to tourists have turned in into a nightmare for firefighters. The inferno on the Greece’s second largest island, which lies east of the capital, has turned thousands of hectares into ashes and destroyed homes.

Thousands have been evacuated, and hundreds of locals and tourists have fled on ferry boats. Some 260 Greek firefighters with 66 vehicles were battling the blazes on Evia, helped by 200 more from Ukraine and Romania with 23 vehicles and seven aircraft. One fire service official told the Eleftheros Typos newspaper that the heat from the fires on Evia and elsewhere was so intense that “the water from the hoses and the waterdropping aircraft was evaporating” before reaching the blazes. Flames were devouring houses in the villages of Ellinika, Vasilika and Psaropouli. Nine people were evacuated from a beach surrounded by flames by the coastal village of Psaropouli, the ANA news agency reported on Saturday. Ferry boats and navy war ships were on alert off the coast to evacuate people. ‘Living dead’ Local officials were critical of the efforts to control the fires, which erupted on the island on August 3. “With what we have seen so far the fire won’t be under control any time soon. I have no more voice left to ask for more aircraft. I can’t stand this situation”, Giorgos

Tsapourniotis, mayor of Mantoudi in Evia told Skai TV on Saturday. He added that many villages were saved because young people stayed there despite the evacuation order and kept the ﬁres away from their homes.

“40,000 people will be living dead in the next years because of the destruction in the area”, Iraklis, a man from Istiaia town in northern Evia told Open TV on Sunday, as people’s homes and livelihoods were Manila wiped out. AFP

Standard

TODAY

GHILLIE TROOPS. Members of Colombian army take part in a military parade in commemoration of the Colombian Army Day in Tolemaida, southeast of Bogota, on August 7. AFP

Myanmar rallyists mark pivotal 1988 uprising anniversary

MERMAID CON. A mermaid poses under water during a shoot with photographer Brett Stanley during MerMagic Con at the Freedom Aquatic Center in Manassas, Virginia on August 7. MerMagic Con is advertised as the largest Mermaid convention in the world. Some parts of the convention are based on modeling and looks like the Miss Mermaid USA Pageant. AFP

YANGON—Myanmar protesters on Sunday marked the anniversary of a 1988 pro-democracy uprising that brought Aung San Suu Kyi to prominence, with flash mobs and marches of defiance against the ruling junta. The country has been in turmoil since the generals launched their February putsch and subsequent crackdown on dissent that has killed more than 900 people, according to a local monitoring group. But protesters remain undeterred, taking to the streets daily in lightning-quick rallies to demand the end to the State Administration Council—as the junta’s so-called “caretaker” government has dubbed itself. On Sunday, flash mobs popped up across Yangon and second city Mandalay to commemorate the 1988 uprising—a massive pro-democracy movement which the military violently quelled by opening fire on protesters and jailing thousands. Following the calls of an online campaign, red-clad protesters on Sunday flashed an eight-finger salute and carried banners

that read “Let’s return the old blood debt of 1988 in 2021.” “In 1988, our country sacriﬁced a lot— many people lost their lives. But the dictatorship is still alive,” said Ko Sai Win, who joined a morning protest in Mandalay. “It is like a black shadow on our country.” The 1988 uprising heralded the rise of Suu Kyi, who had returned to Myanmar just before protests kicked off to care for her ailing mother. Thanks to her stature as the daughter of General Aung San, who fought for independence against the British, and her rousing speeches, Suu Kyi emerged as a pro-democracy icon, later receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. A shadow “National Unity Government” —formed largely of MPs from her ousted party—vowed in a statement Sunday to continue the ﬁght for democracy. British ambassador to Myanmar Peter Vowles also voiced support for the antijunta movement. AFP

missing in huge Dixie wildfire in California LOS ANGELES—US authorities said Saturday they were searching for five people missing as a huge wildfire raged in northern California, leaving two towns in little more than cinders. The Dixie Fire, the largest active wildfire in the United States, recently became the third-largest in California history. As of late Saturday it had destroyed 447,723 acres (180,782 hectares) in four counties, up from the previous day’s 434,813 and surpassing the vast Bootleg Fire in southern Oregon. Dixie is now 21 percent contained, the CalFire website reported, adding that three firefighters had so far been injured fighting the blaze. While the fire continued to grow, officials said Saturday that cooler, calmer weather was giving firefighters a much-needed break. Those conditions are expected to continue into Sunday. “We expect the same fire behavior as yesterday, which was fairly moderate,” Jake Cagle, a firefighter sections chief, said in a briefing Saturday. Earlier, the Dixie Fire left the Gold Rush town of Greenville charred and in ruins, while also burning through the small town of Canyondam. The Plumas County sheriff’s office said it had received descriptions of five people considered missing in Greenville and was searching for them. Five other missing people were confirmed found on Saturday. Residents refuse to leave As authorities urge thousands of locals to evacuate, they have been met at times by armed residents refusing to budge, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday. Law enforcement officers are asking any residents who stay for the names of next-ofkin—to be notified if the fire claims their lives. The Dixie Fire’s movement northeastward has been slowed in part because it has reached the “scar” of an earlier blaze, the 2007 Moonlight Fire, reducing available fuel, CalFire said. AFP

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Notice is hereby given to the effect that a Deed of ExtraJudicial Settlement of Estate (of Deceased Johnny Valerio Ramirez) was executed by his heirs namely: Johnny’s siblings Nelia Ramirez Pascual, Nilo Valerio Ramirez and Cesar Valerio Ramirez; and Johnny’s nephews and nieces Sancho Rafael Pabustan Ramirez, Maria Adrianne Ramirez Alfaro, Nicolas Dante Ramirez Gallegos III, Maria Consolacion Gallegos Duque, Paolo Leandro Ramirez Gallegos, and Francesca Maria Ramirez Gallegos as per Doc No.312, Page No.65, Book No. I, series of 2021 before Notary Public Atty. Chiles Megan M. Areño. Notice is also hereby given to the effect that an Addendum on the Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate of Johnny Ramirez was also executed by all his aforementioned heirs as per Doc No.313, Page No.65, Book No. I, series of 2021 before Notary Public Atty. Chiles Megan M. Areño. (MS-JULY 26, AUG. 2 & 9, 2021)

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

MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 2021

Business

DTI lifts safeguard duties on vehicles By Othel V. Campos

AC Energy unit plans dual-fuel power plant in Batangas City

HE Department of Trade and Industry said over the weekend it dismissed the investigative case over an alleged surge in vehicle imports and lifted the provisional safeguard duties imposed against them. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez confirmed the agency and the Tariff Commission met and agreed on a common decision after finding out that importation of vehicles was actually on a downtrend in 2018 and 2019. The DTI signed a memorandum on Aug. 4 to implement the decision for publication within the week. An industry source, however, said the DTI’s decision would still need guidance from the Department of Finance and the Bureau of Customs. The source said once the BOC issues an order to stop the collection of safeguard duties, it is only then that car importers will stop charging customers with additional taxes. “The DTI will forward the decision to DOF with a request to order the BOC to stop imposing cash bonds and return all cash bonds posted by importers on

By Alena Mae S. Flores INGRID3 Power Corp., controlled by AC Energy Corp. of the Ayala Group, plans to develop a P25-billion dualfuel power plant with an installed capacity of 1,250 megawatts in Batangas City Ingrid3, through LCI Envi Corp., submitted documents to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for public scoping of the project in Barangay Libjo and Malitam, Batangas City. The power plant is expected to be connected to the 500 kV Pinamukan Substation of National Grid Corp. of the Philippines. The company is studying the intended sale from the generation facility. The project is being considered to serve the mid-merit/load peaking requirements of the grid. Mid-merit and peaking/load-following plants are operated with a flexibility to respond to varying demand for electricity throughout the day. Operations of these plants are increased or lowered depending on the foreseen market demand. Ingrid3 said the planned power project will generate electricity by burning fuels to produce high-temperature combustion gases with sufficient energy to rotate a gas turbine. “Gas turbine power plants can be adjusted to accommodate peaks in electricity demand. They are operated mainly during periods of high demand, otherwise they remain standby and are ready to run at any time to provide reserve power when needed,” the company said. Gas turbine plants are also faster to install compared with conventional thermal plant designs, and have fuel flexibility, specifically newer models of gas turbines that can be run using either gas or liquid fuel.

OUTSTANDING FILIPINOS. As a career-service award for Filipino exemplars in the academe, military and police sectors―10 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos are recognized composed of four teachers, three soldiers and three police officers. Each awardee will receive a cash prize of P1 million each (net of tax), a golden medallion and ‘The Flame’ trophy during the conferment ceremonies on Sept. 2 as part of Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co.’s 59th anniversary celebration. The awardees are (top row, from left) Lou Sabrina Ongkiko, Dr. Maria Minerva Calimag, Dr. Iris Thiele Isip-Tan, Jason Albaro; (bottom row, from left) Technical Sergeant Jake Belino, Philippine Air Force; Colonel Augusto Padua, PAF; Lt. Col. Elmer Boongaling; Police Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare; Police Lt. Col. Jonathan Pablito; and Police Senior Master Sergeant Mary Joy Ylanan. CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

To All Stockholders: Please be advised that the annual meeting of stockholders of MARCVENTURES HOLDINGS, INC. (the “Corporation”) will be held virtually on September 3, 2021 (Friday) at 2:00 p.m. at the 4th Floor, BDO Towers Paseo (formerly Citibank Center), 8741 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. Due to the COVID-19 situation and for the health and safety of the stockholders, the meeting will be conducted by remote communication or in absentia and may be accessed through the following link: https://conveneagm.com/ph/ASM-MHI-2021. The Agenda of the meeting is as follows:

5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Stock market to remain volatile; eyes on GDP

TRADING at the Philippine Stock Exchange is expected to remain volatile with investors focusing on the release of important macro-economic numbers. The government is set to report the second-quarter GDP gross domestic product figure on Tuesday. Economists are expecting GDP to post a strong rebound in the second quarter of the year compared with year’s level when the strictest quarantine controls were enforced. “Despite these being secondary to Delta variant pressure, any improvement on the macroeconomic front should at least ease some of the downside risk on yearend projections,” online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia.com said. The upcoming PSE Index recomposition is also expected to drive volatility as funds rebalance their portfolio. “In the face of broad market uncertainty, opt for modest gains on intra-day strength, as the public digests the business terrain for the remainder of third quarter of the year,” 2TradeAsia added. Jenniffer B. Austria

Robinsons Land’s REIT unit adds more assets

RL Commercial REIT Inc. (RCR), the real estate investment trust unit of Robinssons Land Corp. of the Gokongwei Group, said it will add 422,000 square meters of potential office leasing space from the parent firm. RCR, based on the latest prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, said it signed agreement with RLC for the potential acquisition of the latter’s Cyberscape Gamma in Ortigas CBD and/or Robinsons Cybergate Center 1 in Mandaluyong. RLC has approximately 204,000 sq m of gross leasable area from current office assets, 68,000 sq m of business process outsourcing spaces within the company’s various commercial centers and 150,000 sq m of properties in various stages of construction. “Overall, RLC’s potential pipeline for infusions to RCR amounts to a total GLA of approximately 422,000 sq m over time. All potential infusions are subject to the fund manager’s recommendations, market conditions, the requirements of RCR’s business and the approval of the relevant regulatory bodies,” RCR said. Jenniffer B. Austria

PNOC EC decides on Malampaya deal

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

1. 2. 3. 4.

imported motor vehicles. That may take anywhere from one to two weeks,” the source said. The source said “the lifting of the provisional safeguard duty will take effect upon issuance by BOC of an order to do so.” The BOC is the implementing/collecting agency of import tariff rates. Under the provisional safeguard measures, vehicle importers were required to pay safeguard tariffs on imported vehicles ranging from P70,000 for sedan and passenger cars to P110,000 for light commercial vehicles starting Feb. 1, 2021. The DOF mandated the collection of the safeguard duties in the form of landed cost which was used as basis for value added tax collected upon importation. The duties were deducted from the net importers’

selling price and suggested retail price. The DTI acted on the petition for safeguard measures filed by the Philippine Metalworkers Alliance after the group raised concerns on increasing importation of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Under Republic Act 8800, the Safeguard Measures Act, anybody may file with the DTI a verified petition requesting that action be taken to remedy the serious injury to the domestic industry caused by increased imports of a like or directly substitutable product. Data submitted to the TC showed that imports of completely built units of motor vehicles were on an increasing trend from 2014 until 2017 but started to decline from 2018 to 2020. Total imports of CBU motor vehicles peaked in 2017 with 306,819 units, with 78 percent imported by the domestic industry and 22 percent by traders. Imports of CBU motor vehicles went down to 233,346 units in 2018 from a high import level in 2017 and further declined to 108,770 units in 2020 amid the adverse economic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

IN BRIEF

Call to Order Proof of Notice and Certification of Quorum Approval of Minutes of Previous Stockholders’ Meeting Approval of the Management Report and Audited Financial Statements Ratification of All Acts of the Board of Directors and Management Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation to Reduce the Number of Directors Election of Directors Appointment of the Independent External Auditor Other Matters Adjournment

For purposes of the meeting, stockholders of record as of August 3, 2021 are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the said meeting. Stockholders intending to participate by remote communication should register at https:// conveneagm.com/ph/ASM-MHI-2021 on or before August 24, 2021. The password to attend the meeting shall be provided by the Company to all stockholders of record or their proxies who have successfully registered to attend the meeting. Please refer to the Procedure for Participation and Voting at the 2021 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting (attached to the Definitive Information Statement) for detailed information on participation by remote communication and voting in absentia (electronic voting) or by proxy. The deadline for submission of proxies is on August 24, 2021. Validation of proxies will take place on August 27, 2021. Pursuant to SEC Notice dated March 16, 2021, a copy of this Notice, the Definitive Information Statement, Management Report, Proxy Form, minutes of the previous meeting of the stockholders, and other documents related to the meeting may be accessed through the Company’s website https://www. marcventuresholdings.com/. For any questions about the conduct of the virtual meeting, you may send an email to maila.decastro@marcventures.com.ph or inquiries@ marcventures.com.ph. Makati City, August 4, 2021. ROBERTO V. SAN JOSE Corporate Secretary *All proxies which have been previously submitted shall remain valid unless revoked.

(MS-AUG. 9 & 10, 2021)

STATE-RUN PNOC Exploration Corp. will decide in October on whether to give its consent to the sale of the Shell Philippines Exploration B.V.’s 45 percent stake in the Malampaya gas project in northwest Palawan to the Malampaya Energy Group of businessman Dennis Uy. “I opine we are halfway through the evaluation process for the consent. We might be ready by mid-October or thereabout,” PNOC EC president president Rozzano Briguez. PNOC EC owns a 10-percent stake in service contract 38, or the Malampaya gas field project. Briguez earlier said PNOC EC already waived its right to match the offer of Malampaya Energy XP Pte. Ltd., which is controlled by the Udenna Group, but had not given its consent to the sale. Briguez said PNOC EC did not pursue the right to match because the acquisition would result in Spex becoming a government-owned and controlled corporation, posing and operational flexibility issues. Alena Mae S. Flores

DOTR to finish Butuan Airport terminal expansion by mid ‘22 By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Transportation expects to compete the expansion of the Butuan Airport passenger terminal building by May next year. “Starting next month the bidding and the procurement process, then actual construction of the passenger terminal building will start by October,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said over the weekend. The DOTr through the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines will spend P33.59 million to expand the passenger terminal building that can accommodate over 500 passengers. CAAP director general Jim Sydiongco said the agency has also completed the replacement of the airport’s Doppler Very High Frequency Omni Range, an air navigation aid, in December 2019. The system improves the radio navigation at the airport to aid air-

craft in determining their position relative to the Butuan Airport. The CAAP earlier completed the rehabilitation of the Butuan Airport in Agusan del Norte that would further improve mobility in the Caraga Region. Development works in the gateway covers the runway asphalt overlay to provide aircraft with smoother take-offs and landings, and the improvement of the airport’s passenger terminal building. Another vital facility added to the Butuan Airport is the Malasakit Hall, which is part of the airport’s modernization and peoplecentered service delivery thrust. The Malasakit Hall will serve as a waiting area for airline passengers, and features a clinic, a childcare room, a lounge for overseas Filipino workers, a prayer room, a washroom and a concession space for passengers. Tugade similar projects in the Cantilan Port in Surigao del Sur.

INOCULATED FLIGHT CREW. Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ leading carrier, announces that 90 percent of its pilots and cabin crew have been vaccinated, following the completion of the first wave of its employee vaccination program. Second doses are expected to be administered in the coming months, with the target of completing the inoculation in October. The conglomerate-procured vaccines were administered to over 700 CEB employees at the airline’s headquarters in Pasay City from July 28 to Aug. 4, 2021. The airline’s own employee vaccination initiative is part of the Gokongwei Group’s COVID Protect Program, which covers the free inoculation of employees and their dependents, as well as third-party workers.

DBP hikes loans, sustains deposit growth

STATE-OWNED Development Bank of the Philippines continues to broaden its support for the developmental projects of key economic sectors with P414.72billion in total loans to borrowers as of end-March 2021, up 12 percent from P371.01 billion recorded in the same period last year, a top executive said over the weekend. DBP president and chief executive Emmanuel Herbosa said 53 percent or P218.65 billion of the loans went to infrastructure and logistics projects; followed by loans to social services and community development initiatives, P82.56 billion; environmental projects, P44.72 billion; and micro, small and medium enterprises, P32.79 billion. “The increase in loans to priority sectors reflects the bank’s

firm commitment to ensure the steady and gradual recovery of the national economy, despite the looming uncertainties of the current public health emergency,” Herbosa said. DBP, the sixth largest bank in the country in terms of assets, was designated as the country’s Infrastructure Bank by the government. It has a branch network of 129 full-service branch offices, including 11 branch lite units situated mostly in underserved and far-flung areas of the country. Herbosa said DBP’s total assets grew by a hefty 45 percent to P1.10 trillion as of the first quarter this year compared to the same period in 2020, attributed mainly to intensified deposit-taking activities, higher investments and deposits to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

A GOLDEN O OLYMPICS

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Writing ‘herstory’ : How Hidilyn Diaz won Olympic gold By P. Y. Deligero

OR 97 years, the Philippines has been trying to bring home a gold medal from the Olympics. Three years before the long wait reached a hundred, the drought has been ended when weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz demonstrated her strength and finesse during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. After lifting 127 kilograms in the Clean and Jerk and raising a total weight of 224 kilograms, Hi Hidilyn won gold. Her joy, which was evident on her face, was shared by the millions of Filipinos watching from the safety of their homes. While many celebrated her success, Hidilyn’s memo memories came rushing back, that she has indeed come a long way and all of her hard work and sacrifices were not in vain. Looking back on a dream Before Hidilyn became an Olympic gold medalist, she was living her life in her hometown in Barangay Mampang, Zamboanga City. She is the fifth of six children and had tried several sports such as basketball and volleyball before

she found her calling in weightlifting. She was introduced to the latter when she watched her cousins lift big and heavy pieces of wood. With her interest piqued, Hidilyn knew that this was something she wanted to and can do. In the meantime, her experience comes from carrying five-gallon containers filled with water for her family. Luckily, her family was supportive of Hidilyn’s newfound passion. Her cousin Allen Jayfrus Diaz taught her the basics of the sport using homemade barbells made from plastic pipes and concrete weights shaped in tin cans. And to further her knowledge and experience, Hidilyn joined Batang Pinoy and eventually became a national athlete and was placed under the guidance of her first coach, Tony Agustin, a medalist in the Southeast Asian Games. It was Agustin who dreamed of great things for Hidilyn. And even though she didn’t believe it at first, it was made evident that she was meant for greatness. Next page

FOTON AWARDS BRAND NEW 13-SEATER TRANSVAN TO PHILIPPINES’ 1ST OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST THE Largest Commercial Vehicle Manufacturer in Asia, FOTON, has announced that it has gifted a brand new TransVan 13-seater to the Philippines 1st Olympic Gold Medalist Hidilyn Diaz as she brought home a historic triumph in the Women’s Weightlifting 55-kg class held in Tokyo. Since the Philippines had first competed on an Olympic Stage in 1924, it is the first time in around 97 years that the country takes home a gold medal, begetting it as a symbolic victory that the country celebrates.

“The Filipino pride stands top high on an international audience with the triumph of our Filipino athlete, Hidilyn Diaz. As she drives home glory, we are honored to prize her utmost dedication with top-rated mobility of FOTON TransVan 13-seater” says FOTON Motor Philippines Inc. (FMPI) President, Rommel Sytin. Amenable for a wide array of usage, the TransVan 13-seater accentuates family trips and even business-related tours.

A GOLDEN O OLYMPICS

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World class athletes

products of support teams By Jessica Luna and Rommel Fuertes Jr.

T takes a village to produce a worldclass athlete, who needs a well-oiled team of experts to deliver a winning performance in international tournaments like the Olympic Games. Just ask the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee. The PSC calls it the “Hidilyn Model,” wherein its board approved a support team for Hidilyn Diaz after her silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics. “We have limited resources, but we saw her potential so we took the chance,” said Ramirez when the PSC gave its approval to hire for Diaz a foreign coach, strength and conditioning coach, masseuse, sports psychologist and a sports nutritionist, collectively known as Team HD. The result was the Philippines’ firstever gold medal in the Olympiad, courtesy of Diaz in the 55kg weightlifting competitions of the Tokyo games. Ramirez and the PSC board of commissioners provided the same support, based on their submitted requirements, for gymnast Caloy Yulo, pole vaulter EJ Obiena and judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, among others. “I have always said, experience is an advantage. Hidilyn took four Olympic cycles to finally attain her golden dream,” said the sports chief, whose own experience as a two-term Chairman of the PSC helped him lead effectively. POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino also stressed the importance

PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez

POC president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino

of having such a group of experts backing up athletes during international competitions. “Kagaya kay Hidilyn, nasa backroom ang labanan,” said Tolentino, referring to Team HD, which includes Diaz’s Chinese coach Gao Kaiwen, strength and conditioning specialist Julius Naranjo, sports nutritionist Jeaneth Aro and sports psychologist Dr. Karen Trinidad. The POC chief said it was not only Diaz which had support groups that are helping them. “May nakatutok sa kanila na mga psychologists at doktor. Hindi naman sila pinababayaan,” added Tolentino. Support groups will also play an important role in the campaigns of golfers Juvic Pagunsan, Yuka Saso and Bianca Pagdanganan. The needs of Obiena and sprinter Kristina Knott will also be addressed in their competitions in athletics. The PSC has quietly supported the national team, spending around 2.7 billion to cover its expenses, such as foreign exposures, trainings, equipment, meals supplies and allowances. Ramirez disclosed that looking forward to the 2024 Paris Olympics now becomes a rosier picture to look forward to. By then we would have a more mature team to field.

“I think it gives everyone a more impetus to plan and start their preparations,” said Ramirez, smiling “pero dito muna tayo, savor the moment and keep praying for more moments of victories for our athletes and the Filipino people.” After the Tokyo Olympics, though, the PSC wants to buckle down to work by creating a playbook, some sort of a blueprint on how to prepare athletes for the Olympiad. “Gagawin namin ang playbook. These are plans towards the Olympics in Paris, Los Angeles and Brisbane,” said Ramirez. The PSC chief said he and members of the board will deliberate on the playbook in the coming weeks. This will serve as a direction for athletes, coaches, the national sports associations and the private sponsors in their efforts to assist the government agency prepare for major international competitions. The PSC chief explained that the playbook will be for the next leaders of the government sports agency to deal with, when the administration changes in the next nine months. “Kung hindi namin gagawin ito, baka magkaroon ng problema. So it will be an important blueprint for the coming administration,” said Ramirez.

The medals of the Tokyo Olympic Games By Randy Caluag

VEN weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz does not have any idea about the monetary value of her medal. The only thing she knows is that it cost tons of sweat and tears to win the country’s first ever gold medal in the Olympics. Are the Olympic gold medals really made of pure gold? It’s actually not the case. That symbol of sporting greatness is made of pure silver and has about six grams of gold plating. The metal composition of the medals is a general requirement by the International Olympic Committee with the silver weighing not less than 92.5 grams. The medal should also measure at least 60mm in diameter and three millimeters thick. The gold medal in Tokyo weighs about 556 grams, a little lighter than the one minted in PyeongChang for the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea. Some experts put a price tag of $80 for the gold medal, considering the inflation rate of the infused gold and the silver metals. Design of Tokyo medal The design of the medals for the Tokyo Summer Games was made by Junichi Kawanishi, director of the Japan Sign Design Association and the Osaka Design Society. The job was not commissioned to him. Junichi didn’t get the honor on a silver platter as he had to beat 400 other professional designers and design students in a contest hatched by the Tokyo Olympics Organizing Committee. The competitors must strictly stick to the Olympic theme that includes all the five rings symbol, Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, in front of the Panathinaikos Stadium and the official name of the Games. Every Olympics should be different as every host country wants to stamp their own uniqueness. For the Tokyo Games, the medal has patterns of light that represent the athlete’s energy and “those who support them.” The brilliance in it symbolizes “the warm glow of friendship” among participating countries. The lace for the medals is where Japan put its reflection as a country that promotes “Unity in Diversity.” What are the medals made of? The Tokyo organizers launched the 2020 Medal Project in 2018 to make

Writing... From C1 Her early campaigns One of Hidilyn’s earliest successes in her career was back in 2008 when she was selected as a wildcard entry for the Beijing Games, thus making her the first-ever Filipina to compete in weightlifting. She was the first since 1988 to participate in the sport and also the sixth lifter overall. Her next campaign came in 2012. The 21-year-old Hidilyn at the time, who now has a Southeast Asian Games silver medal to her name, headed to London to vie for another win. But being one of two competitors to record a DNF (did not finish) in the 58-kilogram division after failing to lift 118 kilograms in three attempts in the clean and jerk, a win wasn’t in the books for her--yet. But things took a turn for the better in 2016

when Hidilyn headed to Rio. Before Rio, she booked several significant wins such as bagging gold in the 2015 Asian Weightlifting Championships in Phuket, Thailand, a bronze medal in the 2015 World Weightlifting Championships in Houston, Texas, and another bronze in the 2016 edition of the Asian tilt in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. A common denominator that helped her achieve all these wins is her weight class. By this time, Hidilyn competed in the 53-kilogram division and won, thus propelling her to the competition in Brazil. Despite having a slow start where she lifted 88 kilograms to tie her at fourth after the snatch, she was prepared to receive bronze after lifting 112 kilograms on her second attempt, jumping past South Korea’s Yoon Jin-Hee. Yet it seems Hidilyn was meant for more than just third place. When China’s Li Yajun, who reset the earlier Olympic

Record with a 101-kilogram snatch lift, failed to make a single clearance in the clean and jerk, Hidilyn placed second. Later on, Hidilyn would continue her winning streak as she became the first weightlifter to win gold in the Asian Games in 2018, gold in 2019 Southeast Asian Games, silvers in the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games as well as the 2019 Asian Championships, as well as two more bronze awards in the World Championship. This success is what fueled Hidilyn during the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan to work for more. In Tokyo, Diaz cleared 94 and 97 kilograms in the snatch. And even though she failed to lift 99 kilograms, she maintained an aura of ease and calm which was seen by the smile on her face. As the competition neared its end, Hi-

dilyn went head-to-head with China’s Liao Qiuyun, the world record holder in the category and total marks after setting the standard back in 2019. Unfazed, Hidilyn cleared an Olympic record-setting 127 kilograms in her third try, hiking her tally to 224 kilograms, just one kilogram ahead of Liao’s 223 kilograms total. It was this final push that Hidilyn wrote her story in history and won gold for the Philippines after 97 years. Hoping to inspire more Looking back, Hidilyn has nothing but gratitude towards her team, “Team HD.” Her journey hasn’t been an easy one with doubts at the beginning. Despite that, they never gave up and kept on improving in every way they can, especially Hidilyn. Their efforts and preparation over the years bore fruit as Hidilyn brought home

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Gold Medal

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Silver Medal

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Bronze Medal

medals from recycled metals, to be distributed across 33 different sports. The aim was to extract the precious metals from the these gadgets to be used for the manufacturing of about 5,000 medals and about 540 more for the Paralympics which will start on August 24. The public was encouraged to donate old electronic devices like used mobile phones and in March 2019, and approximately 2,400 kg of bronze, 16.5kg of gold and 1,800kg of silver have been recovered. A total of 78,985 tons of small electronic devices were collected. These constuted about half of the needed precious metals for the medals. It was a milestone for an environment-friendly project that offered the public to play a major role in the country hosts’ preparation for the Olympics. Japanese athletes also took part by personally donating their own devices and collecting from the community. While the Philippines made history by winning its first gold medal after 97 years of participation in the Olympics, it is the United States that holds the record for the most gold medals won at an Olympic Games by a single country with 83 gold medals collected at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. By the way, you may ask what the silver and the bronze medals are made of. Yes, the silver medal is made of pure silver while the bronze medal has 95% copper and 5% zinc to form what they call the red brass. gold for herself and her country. Members of Team HD include Chinese mentor Gao Kaiwen, strength and conditioning coach Julius Naranjo, sports nutritionist Jeaneth Aro, and psychologist Dr. Karen Trinidad. Before they set out for the Tokyo Olympics, the journey of HD was featured in a four-part documentary series titled “Let’s Go HD!” In the documentary series, Hidilyn was able to do a “video diary” that’s filled with heartfelt videos that shows both the highs and lows of being an elite athlete while she was training in Malaysia. According to Hidilyn, she hopes to inspire more Filipinos about her journey and share the struggles and successes of being an elite athlete to ultimately encourage her fellowmen that they can make their dreams come true if they put their heart and mind into it.

A GOLDEN O OLYMPICS Special Issue

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Nesthy Petecio’s

roller-coaster ride to glory

By P. Y. Deligero

OXING has always been an integral part of Philippine sports. Several provinces would hold boxing matches during events like fiestas to foster sportsmanship among combatants and give the people entertainment.

Silver medalist Philippines’ Nesthy Petecio cries on the podium with her medal after the women’s feather (54-57kg) boxing final bout during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo. AFP

Having boxing icons like Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire also boosted the Filipinos’ interest in the sport. So when Nesthy Petecio blazed her way through the women’s boxing competition in the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, everyone was eagerly waiting for updates on her performance. Even though Petecio lost in the final bout against Japan’s Sena Irie, who went on to win gold for her country, the Filipina boxer is still praised for her achievement of being the first female boxer to bag a silver medal in the Olympics. As Filipinos celebrate Petecio’s feat that add- before she found her calling in boxing. ed to the tally of medals this year’s elite athletes Supporting Petecio’s interest in boxing was have earned, let’s look back at her journey and her father, who was a boxing coach himself, how she arrived at where she is today. even though he had reservations at first about his daughter joining the sport. But Nesthy did How boxing gave her a purpose not allow this to faze her as she secured her first Born in 1991 in Bago Gallera, Davao City, victory in the Araw ng Dabaw. Petecio was raised from humble beginnings. This win would soon lead her to fall under She would collect chicken droppings and par- the mentorship of Roel Velasco, a 1992 Barticipate in boxing bouts in their province as a celona Olympics bronze medalist. way to feed her family. At 15 years old, Petecio won gold at the When she was 11 years old, Petecio would 2007 Philippine National Games. She later start training hard to acquire the stamina, en- joined the national team. durance and strength she needed to succeed inside the ring. Her first competition was durGoing through highs and lows ing a match in celebration of Araw ng Dabaw. Petecio’s first international appearance Her first opponent was against a man. But happened in the 2011 SEA Games, where because she’s a strong, independent woman, she brought home a silver in the bantamshe felt excitement rather than fear because weight division. Two years later, she won that was a chance for her to show that women another silver medal in the Myanmar edition can keep up with men, even in sports domi- of the regional meet, but this time competing nated by them. in the featherweight division. Petecio admitted that even at a young age, she The Filipina boxer’s resume quickly listed was always boyish. She showed an affinity for significant wins such as a silver medal in the playing basketball and tried her hand in athletics 2014 World Championships in Jeju, gold in the

Margielyn Didal: May chance tayo sa skateboarding

gold in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. A year later, the Filipina boxer qualified for the Olympics, thus achieving her ultimate career goal. Although she didn’t pass the qualifiers in March 2020 when she lost to Irie, Petecio was given a slot by the International Olympic Committee’s Boxing Task Force because of her ranking.

2015 President’s Cup in Jakarta, silver in the 2015 ASBC Women’s Boxing Championships in China, and silver once again in the 2015 Singapore SEA Games bantamweight division. But like the roller-coaster ride that is life, Petecio also had some low points in her career. One was in a qualifier tournament for the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she was dealt an early exit in Morocco against the country’s candidate Zohra Ez Zahraoui. She would also suffer an early exit at the Asian Games in Jakarta. In the controversial match, Petecio lost a split decision to China’s Yin Junhua, crushing her hopes of a podium finish. Many, including the Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines, regarded the result to be questionable since Petecio was more aggressive than her foe. This loss put Petecio in a slump as it made her doubt her skills as a boxer. She also questioned herself if she should pursue a career in boxing. Her doubt stemmed from her having to bow out early of the quadrennial meet after she previously won four straight gold medals from different competitions in

Margielyn Didal at the Ariake Urban Sports Park

Didal prays skateboarding picks up among young athletes By Peter Atencio WITH skateboarding getting popular and more accepted worldwide, Margielyn Didal hopes that interest in the sport will pick up when the lockdowns and fears on the spread of the coronavirus pandemic have gone down. “Skateboarding is big already. It’s been growing for the last nine years. Mas lalaki na ito, lalo na nasa Olympics na,” said Didal via web conference a week after her return to the country from the Tokyo Olympics. In the Philippines, skateboarding has been looked at as a sport that belongs to the “tambay” or individuals, who love to loiter around and do nothing productive. But for the 22-year-old Didal, this perception will most likely change after she competed in the Olympic women’s street event advanced to the finals and placed 7th afterwards. Young athletes from Japan dominated the Tokyo Olympics, winning all three gold medals at stake in the skateboarding competitions that debuted during the Games. The latest was 19-year-old Sakura Yosozumi, who claimed gold on Wednesday in the women’s park skateboarding final.

Last week, it was 22-year-old Japanese athlete Yuto Horigome, who won the first gold medal in the men’s street skateboarding competition. Then, there’s 13-year-old Momiji Nishiya, who won the gold in the women’s street skateboarding competition. Nishiya prevailed in what turned out to be a battle among 13-year-olds with Brazilian Rayssa Leal in the finals. “I hope so,” said Didal when asked if there is a future for the sport in the Philippines.”Nakita na natin na may chance tayo sa skateboarding sa Olympics.” Didal said she enjoyed competing with younger athletes during the Olympics, hoping that a younger generation of Filipino athletes will soon pick up after her. Now, preparations are in order for her next international competitions. But first, she will spend a few weeks resting from minor injuries she sustained during her Olympic campaign. Once she regains her strength, Didal is set to be in the Street League in Salt Lake City, Utah at the end of August. “The Olympics in Paris is the next goal, but now we’re focused on making sure Margie recovers and gets to compete at all the upcoming qualifying events,” said coach Danilo Bautista.

preparation for the Asian Games. Her thoughts eventually wandered to working a regular 9-to-5 job if she ever quit boxing. But she knew that she was on the right track of her career as she was doing something she loved. So instead of giving up, Petecio took a break from boxing to allow her wounds to heal and come back to the ring stronger. Bouncing back For seven months, Petecio suffered depression because of her devastating loss. While she began doubting herself and her skills, some people continued to believe in her. With the much-needed encouragement from her coaches and the people who had faith in her, Petecio bounced back and was again ready to face opponents in the ring. Petecio demonstrated her passion for the sport and reawakened her determination to bring in more successes under her belt when she won the Thailand Open International Boxing Championship and AIBA Women’s Boxing World Championships. She also bagged

On to the Olympics Now given a chance to compete in the Olympics, Petecio was not one to hold back. She started her journey in the highly-acclaimed sports competition with a unanimous victory against Congolese boxer Marcelat Sakobi Matshu. The Filipina boxer also overcame a height and reach disadvantage to advance against Taipei’s Lin Yu-Ting on a 3-2 split decision. Petecio went on blazing through the Olympics as she won another perfect 5-0 judgment against Colombia’s Pan Am bronze medallist Yeni Arias. In the semifinals, the Davao native received a 4-1 verdict against Italy’s Irma Testa, leaving her one win away from a gold medal. In the finals, Petecio would again face Irie, but this time in her hometown. Irie went on to become Japan’s first-ever female boxing medallist, while Petecio earned the silver medal for the tenacity that she’s known for. The silver of Petecio is both a blessing and a challenge. Although having brought home a medal for the Philippines, she also sees this as encouragement for her to improve on her craft and someday bag gold. Nonetheless, the boxer from Davao made it clear that she’s a force to be reckoned with in the ring and she won’t let obstacles keep her from her goals in life.

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A GOLDEN O OLYMPICS LYMPICS Special Issue

Like Pokemon on the prowl, Paalam’s gotta catch ‘em all

Philippines’ Carlo Paalam celebrates his silver medal during the medal ceremony for the men’s fly (48-52kg) boxing final bout during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kokugikan Arena. AFP

By Riera U. Mallari

OKYO – He bulldozed his way through competition like a Tokyo bullet train. He moved like a ninja on stealth mode, fought his foes like Naruto Uzumaki and nearly reached the summit of Mt. Fuji with his jaeger skills.

Carlo Paalam embodied many things Japanese in his nearly monthlong stint in the Tokyo Olympics, but he’s genuinely Pinoy as adobo, the town fiesta boxing tournaments where he used to participate in, the P50 bills he earns from scavenging and the unflinching love for family, country and God. The few times Carlo talked to Filipino scribes in Tokyo, words like family,

God, Pilipinas, kababayan, puso, laban fill up his sentences. In a two-minute interview for instance, he even mentions “Panginoon” four times. “Unang-una, thank you sa Panginoon sa pagbibigay ng lakas sa akin at naabot ko ang pangarap ko. “Hindi ako masyadong nae-expose sa media kasi nasa ibaba pa lang ako. Tapos bigla na lang ipinagkaloob ito ng Panginoon sa akin. “Kung ano po ang ibigay ng Panginoon sa akin sa Paris po soon, itutuloy ko po ang training ko para makamit po ‘yung gintong medalya. Hindi man natin hawak ang kapalaran, pero gagawin ko po ang lahat. “Nagpapasalamat po talaga ako sa Panginoon kasi nabago po ang buhay ko dahil dito sa medalya na ‘to. Maraming maraming salamat!” This was a man so grateful of his Tokyo Olympics’ silver medal accomplishment, he never fails to give back all the glory to God, even though he fell short. Carlo prayed for gold, but only received silver after yielding a 1-4 split decision to Britain’s 2020 Best Boxer awardee in Galal Yafai. Deep inside, the 23-year-old “bunso” of the Philippine boxing team, knows the Olympic gold will happen, in God’s own time. “First time kong nakalaro ng Olympics sa ganitong edad ko. Halos lahat ng mga magagaling nandito, mga second-time Olympian, mga ilang taon nang naging Olympian, ako papasok pa lang,” said Carlo, impliedly indicating the world ain’t seen nothing yet from this man on a mission. Carlo may have matched the silver-medal feat of teammate Nesthy Petecio here in Tokyo, and the runner-up feats of Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco in the 1996 Atlanta Olympiad and Anthony Villanueva in the 1964 edition, also in this Japanese capital. But he isn’t done yet, not until he wins in Paris and Los Angeles. Because like Pokemon on the prowl, Carlo’s gotta catch ‘em all.

Marcial’s journey continues By Jessica Luna TOKYO—Eumir Felix Marcial settled for a bronze medal in the men’s middleweight class of boxing at the Summer Olympic Games, but his journey didn’t end in Tokyo. Marcial would like a shot at the Olympics again three years from now in Paris even though he has already turned professional since September of last year. “Tuloy po ang laban. Sana magkaroon ng pagkakataon para makalaro sa Paris kasi lahat ng atleta pangarap ang gold sa Olympics,” said Marcial after he rammed into a Ukrainian cyborg in Oleksandr Khyzhniak and bowed in a split decision loss, 2-3, thereby preventing him from entering the battle for gold. 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 f o r

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 silver of flyweight Carlo Paalam. After turning pro, Marcial 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 trainhis first fight and agreed to join a train ing camp with the US boxing team in Colorado Springs. “He [Marcial] only had six weeks Coltraining with us, although his Col orado [Springs] training helped Olymhim a lot,” said Philippine Olym pic Boxing Team’s Australian coach Don Abnett, who offered a suggestion what needs to be done in order to prepare the fullboxers to the full est. “Some dual matches in Europe would have been an ideal thing for us.”