Manila Standard - 2021 August 21 - Saturday by Manila Standard

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Cases hit new high: 17,231 Record spike precedes downshift to modified ECQ – DOH

By Willie Casas and Joel E. Zurbano

HE Philippines logged an all-time high of 17,231 new COVID-19 cases yesterday, bringing the total number of infections to 1,807,800 a day before Metro Manila and Laguna shift to the less stringent Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine today (Saturday).

The previous high was 15,310 new cases on April 2. Health officials said 317 new fatalities on Friday brought the COVID-19 death toll to 31,198. It was the second highest

number of deaths in a day, after the 401 deaths recorded on April 9. The Department of Health (DOH) said 5,595 new recoveries brought total

VOL. XXXV • NO. 187 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Rody assures health workers of incentives PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte assured health workers on Friday the government will “do our best” to release their incentives and protect them as the country battles record-high COVID-19 cases, days after various medical groups said they are considering mass resignation due to the non-release of their benefits. “Be assured that we in government will do our best to protect and incentivize you Next page

WISE MOVE. Backdropped by a colorful mural, two senior citizens cleverly wait out the long line of ayuda seekers (inset), until their names are

called and be given the much-needed aid during cash distribution at a school along Harrison Street in Pasay City on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021. Danny Pata

NCR mayors keep 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew, allow outdoor exercises By Joel E. Zurbano, Darwin G Amojelar

THE curfew hours from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. will remain even as the National Capital Region (NCR) shifts to a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) today

(Saturday) that will last until Aug. 31. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. said members of the Metro Manila Council, composed of the 17 mayors in the NCR, agreed to reimpose the curfew after Malacanang announced the new

quarantine status Thursday night. Meanwhile, an MMC resolution prohibiting people from exercising outside their homes lapsed Friday. Outdoor exercises will be allowed again, Abalos said. Abalos said the MMC accepted the wisdom of the Inter-Agency Task Force

for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IAFT) placing the NCR under an MECQ from Aug. 21-31. “With the MECQ classification in effect, granular lockdowns shall be intensified, with the LGUs identifying areas Next page

17,231

123,251

Auditors flag DOH anew for slow fund use

31,198

317

1,653,351

5,595

percent of its health emergency preparedness and response fund, 86.98 percent of its quick response fund, and 76.39 percent of its calamity fund. The low utilization of Ombudsman Samuel Martires said audit DOH’s calamity funds observations on any government agency can was traced to lapses in the still be elevated to COA’s Commission Proper. procurement activities, “The Office of the Ombudsman would prefer absence of face-to-face to work quietly and away from the limelight, training, travel restricparticularly when the reputation of people in tions and lack of takers. the government are concerned. After all, we still The unused funds of operate under the Constitutional presumption P306.73 million “are conof innocence,” he said. sidered very material,

By Rio N. Araja, Maricel V. Cruz, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rey E. Requejo THE Commission on Audit has again flagged the Department of Health (DOH), this time for failure to use its disaster risk reduction and management funds amounting to P306.73 million in 2020. In a 2020 report, state auditors said the DOH was able to use only 84.71

LET IT FLOW. Clusters of water meters are a common sight in areas where informal settlers reside in Metro Manila. Regulators have told water concessionaires to defer service cuts. Lino Santos

CHINA FIRED FLARES AT PH SEA PATROLS IN JUNE—MILITARY NEWS / A2

Socmed creators seek dialog with BIR on tax plan THE Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines (CICP), an organization of social media content creators that include bloggers and video bloggers, has said it is open to a dialog with the Bureau of Internal Revenue to tackle the tax agency’s issuance of a memorandum that reminded social media influencers

By Rio N. Araja

(As of 4 PM, AUGUST 20)

By Julito G. Rada

Water firms told: Suspend service cut AMID the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System on Friday directed west zone Maynilad Water Services Inc. and east zone Manila Water Co. Inc. to suspend disconnection of unpaid water bills until the end of August. Its Regulatory Office said service disconnection activities must be suspended “until such time that the MECQ has been

1,807,800

SPECIAL REPORT THUMBS UP. Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Benhur Abalos Jr. (2nd from left), National Task Force against COVID-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (3rd from right), and other officials flash the thumbs-up sign during the arrival of the 500,080 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City on Friday (Aug. 20, 2021). The latest vaccine shipment was procured by the private sector. Jess M. Escaros Jr.

‘Teenage pregnancies on the rise’ By Willie Casas

TEENAGE pregnancies may increase by more than 20 percent during quarantine amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a Commission on Population and Development official said.

Executive Director Juan Perez, citing a study by the University of the Philippines Population Institute and the United Nations Population Fund, said pregnancies among teenagers aged between 15 and 19 might inNext page

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‘China fired flares at PH sea patrols in June’

HINA has fired flares to repel Philippine patrol ships in the West Philippine Sea on at least five instances in June, the military’s Western Mindanao Command said Friday.

June 16 from Chigua Reef. On June 22, two incidents were recorded from Calderon Reef, one from Gaven Reef, and one from Mabini Reef. “While we are patrolling the West Philippine Sea, our ISR teams are consistently receiving radio challenges from Chinese Navy or reefs during routine flight patrols,” Pasia said. “The situation has implications as it affects our national security and our dignity as a nation,” he added.

In 2013, the Philippines challenged China’s legal basis for its expansive claim in the South China Sea before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands. Manila won the case in a landmark award in 2016 after the tribunal invalidated Beijing’s assertions. China, however, has repeatedly ignored the PCA ruling, while the Philippines has sought to resolve the sea dispute through a diplomatic approach.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said if the ECQ had been extended for two more weeks and the current levels of vaccination and enforcement of protocols were maintained, active cases in Metro Manila would be at 66,403 by Aug. 31. Metro Manila recorded a total of 32,039 active cases as of Aug. 19, the DOH said. In Pasay City, two newborn babies tested positive for COVID-19. Mayor Imelda Rubiano said the city provided immediate assistance to the families of the infants who were admitted for treatment at Pasay City General Hospital (PCGH). Citing a report submitted to her by PCGH Director Dr. John Victor de Gracia, Rubiano said five babies were admitted to PCGH after their mothers were infected with the deadly virus. Of the five infants, two tested positive for COVID-19. “Upon the advice of our neonatologists

the three negative babies were allowed to stay with their mothers in the COVID-19 wards,” De Gracia said in his report to the Office of the Mayor. One of the babies is currently in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) while the other is being treated in a ward together with the mother. De Gracia said all the new-born babies except for the one at NICU are doing fine, and may be transferred to a quarantine facility or be discharged outright soon together with their mothers. Rubiano reiterated her call to all her constituents to be extra-vigilant and always observe health and safety protocols. She vowed to further intensify their prevention, detection, intervention, treatment and re-integration program to prevent the spread of the virus in Pasay. As of Aug. 19, Pasay still has one of the lowest COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila with 773 although 107 of them were categorized as new cases.

enough to affect the level of efficiency put into managing the DRRM funds,” it noted. “The condition demonstrates that not enough programs and projects were implemented during the year to mitigate related risks and alleviate the people’s condition faster to recovery,” the report read. “It likewise manifests that there was no efficient use of fiscal resources despite hefty fund appropriations or allocations and that program implementation was not maximized during the state of calamity or national emergency, a time when an effective health delivery system is most needed by the people,” it added. COA earlier called the attention of DOH for failure to comply with the existing laws and regulations in the use of its P67.323 billion budget for COVID-19 response. Meanwhile, a congressional leader on Friday dismissed as “illegal” the DOH transfer of at least P42 billion to the Department of Budget and ManagementProcurement Service (DBM-PS). “The transfer alone I think is questionable. Definitely, it’s improper... inappropriate,” said Ang Probinsyano Rep. Bonito Singson, chairman of the House committee on public accounts, said. Singson’s committee last Tuesday conducted a motu proprio investigation into the Commission on Audit’s findings on the DOH’s “deficiencies” in the utilization of COVID-19 funds worth P67.32 billion. Singson said the respective budget allocation for both the agencies rendered the budget transfer illegal. “There might be some basis for illegality because DBM has its own budget, DOH has its own budget.” “It’s juggling funds... Congress approves funds directly to agencies who made the presentation... In this case, there were these funds that were approved specifically to the Department of Health... [Do] they have discretionary powers? they don’t...” he added. He added that the move to transfer the “roles and responsibility” from one

government agency to another “is not allowed”; and that the Commission on Audit would go “crazy”on how the funds were utilized if they have been transferred from one agency to another. Meanwhile, Senator Imee Marcos pressed the DOH for an explanation of its procurement of overpriced face masks and face shield. Marcos cited a COA report showing that the DBM-Procurement Services (DBM-PS) had bought face masks at P27.22 each and face shields priced at P120 each. “Even if we say that the supply was tight at that point, these items were still overpriced,” Marcos said. Senator Richard Gordon, head of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee investigating the alleged mismanagement of P67 billion in COVID-19 funds by the DOH, said he was “astounded” by the reported prices of face shields and face masks. Gordon, also chairman of the Philippine Red Cross, said they buy their masks at below P5 and face shields at P15 each. From the very beginning of their procurement, he related they bought face masks and face shields for PRC at very low price. He rejected the rationale given by DBM-PS that the prices were high due to limited supply. Marcos also said she was baffled by the DOH’s sudden transfer of P42.4 billion to the DBM-PS and asked if the DOH was incapable of holding procurement biddings. Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said it’s “obvious” that there was an “overpricing” in the procurement of these COVID-19 supplies. Drilon said the DBM-PS purchased around P1.66 billion worth of face masks at a unit price much higher than the P5 suggested retail price for face masks. Former Department of Budget and Management (DBM) undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao on Friday surfaced to defend the procurement of face masks and face shields amounting to P1.82 billion. In a Laging Handa briefing, Lao, also the former head of the agency’s Procurement

Service (PS), said his office had bought the “cheapest” face masks and face shields during the start of the pandemic. Lao issued the statement after several senators questioned the purchase of allegedly “overpriced” face masks and face shields in 2020. Based on the Commission on Audit’s 2020 audit report cited by some senators, the DBM-PS purchased around 113.905 million face masks sold at P27.72 each and 1,317,711 face shields at P120 each. Lao said the prices of face shields and face masks could have been considered “very expensive” had the DBM-PS bought them this year. The DBM-PS is tasked to handle largescale procurements for the COVID-19 pandemic response efforts, including the purchase of supplies. Lao, who resigned as DBM-PS head in June this year, resurfaced after several senators questioned the allegedly overpriced face masks and face shields purchased by DOH. Lao said he was willing to attend the Senate inquiry, in case the senators summon him. “It is my responsibility and I am willing to attend to shed light on the matter,” Lao said. In May last year, Lao briefed President Rodrigo Duterte about the purchase of several COVID-19 equipment, including the face masks and face shields. Lao told Duterte that the procured face masks and face shields meet the standards set by DOH and the Food and Drug Administration. In other developments: * Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said President Rodrigo Duterte was not trying to restrain the Commission on Audit from doing its constitutional mandate to scrutinize how government agencies disburse public funds. “The President as a lawyer fully understands the mandate of the COA as a constitutional body. I think his chief concern is on the way the COA’s preliminary findings are presented to the public and the impression that it leaves in the mind of the people prior to full compliance by the agency concerned,” Guevarra said in a text message to reporters.

meter reading activities will continue so that the bills customers receive bear their actual consumption. All meter readers are required to follow strict health and safety protocols,” Maynilad said. As of press time, Manila Water has yet to issue an official statement. The MWSS RO requested the cooperation and assistance from the local govern-

ment units as the water firms continue to conduct their meter reading and billing activities during the period of MECQ. “This is to enable the concessionaires to bill their customers based on actual water consumption, and to detect underground and after-the-meter leaks early, in order to prevent bill shock,” it noted. “In this critical time when public health re-

lies on access to clean, safe, and sufficient water supply, the MWSS RO enjoins the public to conserve water by using this scarce resource responsibly and intelligently,” it said. “Rest assured that the agency will continue to implement proactive measures to make water available, accessible, and affordable for everyone, in its efforts to alleviate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” it added

of their tax obligations. In a statement Friday, CICP said it commended the BIR in issuing the circular as it gave a general overview of all the tax rules and regulations applicable to the members of its organization. “Furthermore, the said circular provides information as to how our members could benefit from certain tax treaties between the Philippines and its partner countries. Ultimately, this information will help our members in avoiding double taxation,” CICP said. CICP acknowledged that payment of taxes was the lifeblood of the government and allowed it to provide necessary services especially in these uncertain times. “As such it is imperative among us, as citizens, to do our part by paying proper taxes. We view the circular as an opportunity to exemplify the importance we give to paying taxes, and show others that we view it as a patriotic duty that any responsible citizen should fulfill,” it said. But it hopes the BIR will soon introduce certain mechanisms that will ease the burden of tax compliance by using these digital platforms, not only for the benefit of the Influencers, but also for the benefit of all taxpayers. “We would be happy to dialogue with the Bureau about these initiatives,” CICP said. CICP further said it is now crafting a Code of Ethics centered around content standards, fair dealing, transparency, social responsibility and compliance with law. “For this, we are thankful for the BIR in giving this opportunity not only for us to promote the organization’s core values, but also for us to show that we are doing our part as responsible citizens of this country,” it said. Earlier this week, Finance Undersecretary Antonette Tionko said the Finance Department was looking at an undetermined amount of tax to be generated from the socalled “social media influencers” who are making money through online content. The BIR defines social media influencers as those generating income for services as bloggers and video bloggers on social media sites such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Reddit, and Snapchat. Full story on manilastandard.net.

peat pregnancies. “They have less access to family planning services, so the likelihood of repeat pregnancy rises. That’s why we also worry about repeat pregnancies,” he said. Perez said around 166,000 families in the country were led by teenage mothers below 18 years old. He said teenage women who were unable to finish high school due to pregnancy lose lifetime wage earnings of around P33 billion. “The effect of pregnancy on young people who do not finish high school is that when they want to look for a job, they face a decrease in income by almost 6 percent,” he said. Meanwhile, in the observance of “Linggo ng Kabataan,” the Department

of Health, Commission on Population and Development and National Youth Commission have joined together to enable conversations among Filipino youth centered on pressing issues currently affecting them, particularly those concerning teenage pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and mental health problems. The celebration, which culminated in a joint virtual event Thursday, serves as a platform for Filipino adolescents and youth to engage with each other, along with experts and medical professionals, in accessing appropriate health information, training, and services enhancing their abilities to come up with informed decisions on their health and other development concerns.

WestMinCom’s Lt. Col. Bill Pasia, in an online briefing, said the Philippine vessels were conducting Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) patrols. “China uses pyrotechnic signals or flare warnings to ward off our ISR

teams. In 2021 alone, a total of five flare warning signals were reported by our ISR teams,” Pasia said. The flares, he said, were fired from buildings in Chinese-occupied reefs in the area. The first incident recorded was on

NCR... From A1

Cases... From A1

where there are spikes in COVID-19 cases. LGUs shall also double-up mass testing, immediate isolation, and contact tracing to further control the transmission of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases,” Abalos said. On Friday, 585,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines arrived in the country, 79 percent of which will be distributed to 38 local government units and the MMDA; and 21 percent of which will go to private companies. “This will be a great boost to our efforts of ramping up vaccination in NCR,” said the MMDA chief. During the recent two-week ECQ period, only essential businesses were open. Authorized persons outside of residence (APORs) including workers of essential businesses are allowed to go out. NonAPOR are not allowed to go outside except for emergency purposes and accessing essential goods and services. Unlike previous MECQ in the NCR, indoor and al-fresco dine-in services, and personal care services including beauty salons, beauty parlors, barbershops and nail spas are not allowed. Religious gatherings will remain online or virtual. Meanwhile, as approved by the IATF, necrological services, wakes, inurnment and funerals will be allowed, provided the immediate family members of the deceased who died of causes other than COVID-19 present proof of their relationship with the deceased and fully comply with the prescribed minimum public health standards. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday announced that there will be no changes in the supply and capacity of public transportation as the National Capital Region (NCR), Laguna, and Bataan downgrade from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to the less restrictive MECQ. “As the threat of COVID-19 and Delta variant cases soar, the public should remain vigilant, especially in using public transport. Just like during the ECQ period, there will be stricter enforcement of safety measures to ensure that only APORs are permitted to use public transport, as mandated by the IATF,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said. Public utility buses and jeepneys are allowed to operate at 50 percent maximum capacity on a “one-seat-apart” rule. There will be no standing passengers and only one passenger is allowed to be seated in the driver’s row. Motorcycle taxi services and Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) operations are allowed. Only one passenger per tricycle is allowed. Philippine National Railways (PNR), LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 will continue during the MECQ period. Train marshals will be deployed to identify APORs and to help enforce strict health and safety protocols. Domestic flights and sea travel in the NCR will also continue during the MECQ, subject to community quarantine restrictions of the passenger’s destination.

recoveries to 1,653,351. There were 123,251 active cases, of which 94.1 percent are mild, 3.2 percent are asymptomatic, 0.7 percent are critical, 1.2 percent are severe, and 0.86 percent are moderate. Nationwide, 73 percent of the ICU beds, 61 percent of the isolation beds, 66 percent of the ward beds, and 52 percent of the ventilators, are in use. In Metro Manila, 74 percent of the ICU beds, 61 percent of the isolation beds, 70 percent of the ward beds, and 57 percent of the ventilators, are in use. The DOH said their modeling tool projected that Metro Manila could hit 83,921 active cases by the end of August, even if vaccination is ramped up and people adhere more closely to health protocols under a modified enhanced community quarantine.

Water... From A1 lifted, and to ensure water supply availability within their service areas.” “We will comply with our regulators’ directive. Maynilad will suspend service disconnections during the MECQ, but

Rody... From A1 for your hard work. We will always be by your side, ready to help in any way we can,” he said in a speech during the arrival ceremony for 1 million Chinesedonated Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine doses Friday. “I thank all the Filipino frontliners for the sacrifices they have made since the beginning of this pandemic. We are truly grateful for your selflessness in caring for the sick during these challenging times,” the President added St. Luke’s Medical Center Employees Association president Jao Clumia earlier belied the claim of Health Secretary

Group draws up unified vax card

Auditors... From A1

Francisco Duque that allowances for meals, accommodation, transportation and life insurance were already released to health workers in private hospitals. “Wala nga po kami niyan kahit pisong duling,” Clumia told ANC’s Headstart. On Wednesday, Filipino Nurses United secretary-general Jocelyn Andamo told the Senate that health workers treating COVID-19 patients in at least 16 hospitals have yet to receive their benefits. These included Metro Manila hospitals Chinese General Hospital, Delos Santos Medical Center, Metropolitan Medical Center, the Pasig City COVID Referral Center, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, San Lazaro Hospital, and St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City and Bonifacio Global City.

‘Teenage... From A1 crease by 21 percent amid the pandemic. “For ages 15-19, if the quarantine is 10 months, there is an increase of 21 percent of teenage pregnancies,” Perez said during a forum on the Linggo ng Kabataan. Perez noted that recorded live births among the said age group had decreased to 178,000 in 2019 from 201,000 live births recorded in 2016. However, he said the lower number still meant almost 500 teens giving birth a day on average. He also stressed that teenagers who had given birth and were living with their partners were especially vulnerable to re-

By Vito Barcelo THE government will issue a uniform certificate of vaccination to Filipinos who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to facilitate safe and smooth mobility, Malacanang said Friday. Presidential spokesman Harry said the Intern-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases formed a sub-technical working group to form a national digital vaccination card. The vaccine card aims to facilitate the smooth and safe movement of the vaccinated individuals in and out of the country. “The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) was designated to lead the sub-Technical Working Group assigned to design the proposed national digital vaccination certificate and issue the related policies,” he said. The IATF approved the constitution of a sub-Technical Working Group to design, deploy, support and recommend relevant policies related to the national certificate for COVID-19 vaccinations, otherwise known as VaxCertPH, Roque said. The technical working group is composed of the Department of Health, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Tourism, Department of Transportation, Department of Labor and Employment, National Privacy Commission. The government aims to launch the digital vaccine certificates by the first week of September.

Socmed... From A1

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Bayanihan 3 crucial factor for recovery —Salceda AN ECONOMIST in the House of Representatives on Friday said economic recovery and meeting the revised targets of the Development Budget Coordinating Committee (DBCC) will depend on the management of the public health situation and the passage of a third Bayanihan package. Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda of Albay made the statement in response to the interagency budget group’s announcement on Thursday that it was lowering its 2021 growth target by two percentage points or from 6 -7 percent to 4- 5 percent. “Everything will depend on whether we can keep ourselves from having to declare lockdowns over broad swathes of the economy, and on whether we can pass a third Bayanihan package to bolster our health response,” said Salceda, chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means. “Observe how we adjust our economic projections each time a major surge takes place. The first time we revised the 2021 targets, it was because of the provincial surges in May. The second one was because of the NCR (National Capital Region) lockdowns and the delays in the arrivals of vaccines.” He said the arrival of vaccines has been picking up and this will help ensure positive economic performance this year. “Anticipated targeted cumulative vaccine arrivals was at 56,386,810 doses. Only 42,575,350 vaccine doses have arrived so far. The largest delays were in the private sector orders.” “As a result of vaccine arrival delays, 7-day average of vaccine rollout has been in a continuous decline since August 5 (at 548,000 doses 7-day trailing average). As of August 15, a total of 12.6 million Filipinos have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccines. This is just 11.63 percent of the population,” Salceda said. He added that, in view of the emerging economic situation, the House leadership and the economic managers are “mutually sold on some form of Bayanihan 3.” “Without a Bayanihan package to help us speed things up on the health front, we might have a much harder time recovering.” Salceda said. “That is why we are hard at work in negotiating a third Bayanihan package with the economic managers. We are already meeting halfway. The House has already reduced its request to P170.1 billion in pandemic response and ayuda. We had a meeting with the economic managers, and the Department of Budget and Management has already found funding for at least 50 percent of the request.” “There is another option that will fully fund the package, but that means abandoning the unobligated items in the 2021 budget. That has its tradeoffs, and August is too early to tell how much of such items can still be obligated,” Salceda added. Maricel V. Cruz

DepEd faces Senate quiz over lapses By Macon Ramos-Araneta

CARGO UNLOADING. Airport personnel unload a container with doses of AstraZeneca vaccine from an aircraft at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal I in Pasay City on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021. The shipment consists of 500,080 vaccine doses, the biggest private sector-procured shipment of AstraZeneca that has arrived in the country so far. Jess M. Escaros Jr.

400,000 face shields overpriced—solon By Maricel V. Cruz

PARTY-LIST lawmaker on Friday sought a congressional investigation into the procurement by the Quezon City local government of 400,000 face shields which allegedly have been overpriced by as much as P24 million. In House Resolution 2143, Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor asked the proper committee of the House of Representatives to launch an inquiry in aid of legislation into the purchase. “Since we are investigating alleged wrongdoing by the Department of Health in the use of pandemic response funds, we might as well look into similar irregularities committed by local government units (LGUs) like Quezon City,” he said.

Defensor said national agencies as well as LGUs should not take advantage of the health crisis “to overprice the purchase of goods or services in the guise of helping people.” “We should not allow corruption, whether by national officials or local leaders,” he stressed. Based on documents by QC LGU insiders “who are scandalized by the scale of corruption in City Hall,” Defensor

revealed that the city procured 400,000 pieces of face shield on Dec. 21, 2020 at P67.50 apiece for a total of P27 million. He identified the supplier as Strength Medical and Drug Supply, which he said is a single proprietorship. At the time of the purchase, he said the prevailing price of face shields in Binondo, Manila was P10 per unit. “The price paid by the Quezon City LGU was more than 600 percent higher than the going rate. There was an almost P60 premium paid per unit, or a total overprice of at least P24 million for a single procurement,” he said. Aside from the excessive price, the procurement did not go through the required public bidding process, he said.

NEW PSG CHIEF.

Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division chief Col. Randolph Cabangbang (center), in this recent photo, is named as the new commander of the Presidential Security Group replacing Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III. Avito C. Dalan

Spare OFWs from vaccine card fees, Rizal lawmaker urges AS HOST countries are becoming stricter in allowing travelers into their territories, Rizal Rep. Fidel Nograles appealed to the national government to exempt Overseas Filipino Workers from paying fees imposed for the issuance of vaccination certificates. In the Philippines, the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis of the World Health Organization (WHO) is being issued by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) for outbound travelers as proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. The certificate, which func-

tions as a medical passport, is also known internationally as Yellow Card or Carte Jaune. Anyone who wishes to get a yellow card has to pay P370, of which P300 is the ‘documentary stamp fee’ while P70 is called a ‘convenience fee.’ “We should spare OFWs from paying these fees. It is but a small help for them in being one of the strongest pillars of the Philippine economy for decades. Besides, the faster we are able to deploy them, the quicker they will be able to help the economy,” Nograles, an assistant major-

ity leader, said. The Department of Foreign Affairs disclosed that Hong Kong, one of the top OFW destinations, will not honor vaccination cards issued by local governments because these did not come from a single source. In an advisory issued earlier this month, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) charted the guidelines for outbound travelers, including OFWs, from the Philippines. The guidelines provide that while the government is preparing a single portal for vaccination records,

the BOQ will issue yellow cards. “We need to understand that many of our OFWs have waited for months for them to travel back to their places of work. This may mean some of them are already exhausting their savings to make ends meet. Three hundred seventy pesos is so small compared to the millions of dollars they contribute to our economy. As such, it is just right to assist our modern-day heroes who are not spared from the hardships brought about by the pandemic,” Nograles added. Maricel Cruz

‘Flexi-time’ sought for workers’ jab

DELIVERY RIDERS. Motorcycle riders wait for their turn to claim orders for delivery inside a mall in Quirino Highway, Fairview, Quezon City on Friday Aug. 20, 2021. Motorcycle food delivery has been prevalent especially amid the hard lockdown imposed in Metro Manila. Ben Briones

ANGELES CITY—Mayor Carmelo Lazatin, Jr. on Friday appealed to all companies here to give their employees ‘flexible time’ in receiving their vaccines via the city’s Ronda Bakuna and Sundo Bakuna programs. According to Lazatin, these vaccination programs launched by the city government are intended for all priority groups including workers. Prior to the vaccination day, City Hall employees from Gender and Development Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office, Angeles City Anti-Drug Abuse Council, and City Nutrition Office conducted household visits in the barangay to give out vaccine forms and notices. “This is why we are asking all companies to allow their employees to re-

ceive their vaccines once the Ronda Bakuna and Sundo Bakuna have been scheduled in their respective barangays,” Lazatin said. Lazatin is also reminding employees to do their part, give their own time, and participate in the city’s ongoing vaccination program. So far, under the A4 priority group also known as economic workers and front liners and uniformed personnel, 35,962 already received their first dose of vaccine, while 15,150 were fully vaccinated. Lazatin also said the vaccine being administered by the city government is for free and cautioned residents not to entertain groups or individuals asking for payment for inoculations. Butch Gunio

AS THE Commission on Audit flagged deficiencies in distance learning funds, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday vowed to lead an inquiry in the Senate on this matter. With less than a month to go before the opening of School Year 20212022, he said the Senate will have a thorough assessment of the Department of Education’s readiness for a prolonged distance learning scenario. COA earlier warned of deficiencies worth P8.136 billion for the implementation of the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan. Among the deficiencies cited by state auditors are lapses in the budget utilization, incomplete submission of the required documents, and other deficiencies in disbursements and procurements. Gatchalian filed Senate Resolution No. 739 to assess if basic education institutions can deliver quality education for the next school year, whether through face-to-face classes, distance learning, or other alternative delivery modes. COA also flagged the flawed, incomplete, and delayed procurement, reproduction, and delivery of selflearning modules (SLMs), considered as the backbone of distance learning. The delays were attributed to factors such as deficient planning, poor monitoring of deliveries, and suppliers’ failure to complete the requirements on time. State auditors added that the nonavailability of the modules on the period which were supposed to be used deprived learners of better learning opportunities and hampered the continuity of the learning process. The COA report added that five regional offices were not able to fully adhere to prescribed specifications for the SLMs, which resulted in poor printing quality. The existence of errors and deficiencies in SLMs, Gatchalian said, also showed procedural lapses in the checking, review, and evaluation process or system as provided for in DepEd Memorandum No. 82 s. 2017, the report said. In its response to the COA’s findings, DepEd emphasized that “none of the initial findings pertained to corruption, malversation of public funds, negligence, or the betrayal of public trust.” DepEd added that in 2019, the Audit Observation Memorandum (AOM) Task Force was created to help improve the addressing of audit concerns.

Two Korean fugitives fall in Boracay IMMIGRATION agents arrested two Korean fugitives on the island of Boracay. The foreign fugitives identified as Kwon Yongtae, 58 and Im Seung Il, 39 were apprehended in an operation at Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island. Kwon is an undocumented alien and is considered a risk to public safety and security, according to Immigration commissioner Jaime Morente. Information from Korean authorities said that Kwon has a warrant of arrest issued in 2012 by the Seoul Bukbu District Court for Fraud in violation of Korean laws. On the other hand, Im has a standing warrant of arrest issued by the Uijeongbu District Court in Korea for Fraud amounting to KRW 32,000,000 or P1.3 million. An Interpol Red Notice was also issued against Im for assault in August last year. Im, along with his gang members, reportedly assaulted a victim and extorted money amounting to 40 Million KRW or 1.7 million pesos Both aliens will be held temporarily in the BI’s Warden Facility in Taguig pending their deportation. Vito Barcelo

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021

News

‘Wasting arbitral award Duterte’s shameful legacy’ By Rey E. Requejo

ORDERLY FLOW. Bacolod City Mayor Bing Leonardia, chair of both the Emergency Operations Center-Task Force (EOC-TF) and the COVID-19 Vaccination Council (CoVaC), and City

Administrator Em Ang, executive director of EOC and coordinator of CoVaC, oversee the vaccination flow for employees of Focus Direct at Ayala Malls Capitol Central on Friday. This project is a partnership between the Bacolod City government and the BPO company. Bacolod PIO

COMELEC REQUIREMENT FOR 2022 POLL ASPIRANTS

Candidates need negative test

By Vito Barcelo

HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is requiring national candidates to present a negative coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) test result before they will be allowed to file their Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) in October at its main building in Intramuros, Manila.

In Resolution No. 10717 released on Friday, the poll body said it will only accept COCs from candidates in the presidential, vice presidential, and senatorial positions who will be able to present a negative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result

taken within the last 24 hours prior to the filing of COC. Meanwhile, despite shifting to the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in Metro Manila, Comelec announced that voter registration and issuance of voter’s certification in all Of-

fices of the Election Officer (OEO) will remain suspended from August 21 to August 31. Thus includes satellite registration in barangays, malls, other venues, read the advisory of the poll body. “Pursuant to the guidelines issued by the National Government, IATF-EID (Inter-Agency Task Force and Local Government Unit concerned, the following measures shall be observed at all times in the filing of COC. For aspirants for the positions of President, Vice-President, Senator, RT-PCR test or antigen test taken within the last 24 hours prior to the filing of COC, indicating a negative re-

50 military men who died in C130 crash identified THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday said it has finally identified all of the 50 military personnel who perished in the July 4 crash of the Lockheed C-130 “Hercules” transport aircraft in Patikul, Sulu. “The AFP in cooperation with the PNP-SOCO (Philippine National PoliceScene of the Crime Operations) have identified all 50 cadavers of military personnel who perished in the ill-fated C-130 crash in Sulu as of August 20,” said AFP public affairs office chief, Navy Capt. Jonathan Zata, in a statement. Among those recently identified were Cpl. Dexter E. Estrada, Cpl. Reynel A. Matundin, Cpl. Gulam H. Ismael, Pfc. Bengie S. Malanog, Pvt. Ian R. Azuelo, Pvt. Erwin M. Canton, Pvt. Mansueto B. Lingatong III, Pvt. Mar Jhun T. Capagngan, and Pvt. Michael C. Dalore from the Philippine Army; and Airman 2nd Class Glen Mar G. Biscocho from the Philippine Air Force. “The AFP has already transported the remains of the personnel to their hometowns so they can be reunited with their families,” Zata said.

Dutertes still top survey, but Isko prevails in NCR DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and her father, President Rodrigo R. Duterte, stood out from the list of Filipino citizens’ choices for president and vice president for next year’s election, the latest RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD) survey implied. In a statement, the pollster said 32.25% of the respondents preferred the first daughter over other possible candidates. She was succeeded by Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso (14.21%), Senator Manny Pacquiao (11.95%), former Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. (11.20%), and Senator Grace Poe (7.62%). Moreno rated first in National Capital Region (NCR) with 22.31% followed by Marcos (19.07%) who also placed second in equalized by Balance of Luzon (17.08%) while Pacquiao achieved significant figures, ranked second in Visayas (21.73%) and Mindanao (11.09%).

sult shall be required,” it said. Also those who have been required to present negative Covid-19 test results are: authorized representative of the aspirants, representative of the groups for the party-list system, their companions, Comelec personnel in charge of receiving COCs, security personnel, and members of the media. At the same time, the Comelec is only allowing a maximum of three people to accompany national candidates in filing their COCs. For other positions, local candidates are only allowed two people to accompany them in the submission of their COCs.

NAVAL EXERCISE.

Philippine Navy personnel through Naval Forces Central Exercise Directorate Headquarters spearhead the conduct of maritime operations utilizing surface events components of NFC at vicinity waters of Camotes Sea. PN reserve participants boarded naval vessels morning of August 17. PN photo

Market Reach International welcomes court decision MARKET Reach International Resources has welcomed the decision of the Metropolitan trial court of San Pedro to invalidate the search warrant served on its warehouse in Laguna last June. Market Reach CEO Jiten (Jatin) Lalwani and officers Argel Jarasa, Bernard Bonina and Naresh Kumar said they hope that the ruling would pave the way to clearing the name of the company so that it could continue its operations unabated.

Previously, executives and employees of the trading firm in the City of San Pedro in Laguna had been charged with violations of the Consumer Act of the Philippines and the Food Safety Act for allegedly altering the production and expiration dates of food products. Market Reach, a leading export company engaged in logistics trading and consolidation, said it is looking forward to moving past this issue so it can pursue its big plans for the year such as ramping

up capabilities for further growth in the years to come. Mr. Lalwani said: “We are pleased with the court decision mostly because we can now focus on our goal of becoming the number one promoter of Filipino products globally. We are excited to not just export local products but also to represent the Philippines in international trade shows and grow our country’s finest offerings abroad, similar to what we have been doing for the past years.”

FORMER Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario on Friday said President Rodrigo Duterte will leave a “shameful legacy” for squandering the 2016 Arbitral Award rendered by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the favor of the Philippines in exchange for Chinese loans and investments, which have not fully materialized up to his day. “Given the 10 months left in the Duterte administration, President Rodrigo Duterte . . . will leave a shameful legacy of squandering the award in a misquided quid pro quo for Chinese loans and investments which have barely materialized to this day,” Del Rosario said, during the virtual forum on “The South China Sea Arbitration as President Aquino’s Greatest Legacy” organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute. “If securing the Award became the centerpiece of the foreign policy of the Aquino administration, the Award is the hallmark of shame for the Duterte administration given President Duterte’s efforts to undermine it since the start of his term to the prejudice of his countrymen,” the country’s former top diplomat added. Del Rosario lamented that when the arbitral award was rendered by the United Nations-backed PCA at the start of President Duterte’s term in 2016, “there was already an order from Malacañang to ‘downplay’ the Award for fear of displeasing China.” “We can see, in retrospect, how this event portended a treasonous policy of the Duterte administration of setting aside the Award,” he said. According to him, Duterte has chosen China over Filipinos because he believes Chinese President Xi Jinping is protecting his Presidency in the Philippines. “This national treachery would require serious evidence were it not for President Duterte’s own admission in 2018 that he ‘loves Xi Jinping’ and his public declaration of Xi Jinping’s promise that Xi Jinping will not allow [President Duterte] to be taken out from…office…,” the former DFA chief said.

Ex-Las Piñas mayor ‘Nene’ Aguilar dies VERGEL “Nene” Aguilar, former mayor of Las Piñas City, passed away Friday morning, the city’s public information office said. He was 74. In a statement, his wife, incumbent Mayor Imelda “Mel” Aguilar, said Nene succumbed to a heart ailment at 4:12 a.m. after being confined at the St. Luke’s Medical Center - Global City in Taguig. Nene served as mayor for 6 terms over 18 years, first from 1995 to 2004 then from 2007 to 2016. His first term saw Las Piñas, a suburb in southern Metro Manila, achieve cityhood. Since then, Nene and Mel have alternated as the city’s chief executives. “Nene, it pains all of us that you are no longer with us, but we know that you have accomplished your mission in this world, not only to your family and loved ones, but to the hundreds of families you have served and supported throughout your years in service,” Mel said in the statement. A son of long-serving Las Piñas mayor and congressman Filemon Aguilar, Nene was a property developer and businessman before running for public office in 1992. He is the brother of Sen. Cynthia Villar. According to a biography on the city’s website, Las Piñas was recognized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government under Nene’s term as one of the country’s best managed cities and named an Awardee for Environmental Protection by the United Nations.

San Ezekiel Moreno anniversary marked SENATOR Cynthia A. Villar and Las Pinas Rep. Camille Villar commemorated the 115th Death Anniversary on August 19 of San Ezekiel Moreno through a mass held at the San Ezekiel Moreno Oratory inside Villar SIPAG compound on C-5 Road in Las Pinas City. The mass, aired on Zoom and Facebook, was sponsored by the Villar SIPAG, which also built in 2014 the Spanish Baroque-inspired Oratory inside its compound. The bone relics of San Ezekiel are preserved inside this church. Sen. Villar and Rep. Villar have committed to hold a mass annually in recognition of San Ezekiel’s services to Las Piñas where he served as its parish priest for three years, from 1876-1879. The Villars cited San Ezekiel for the construction in 1882 of Molino Dam, which has been benefitting residents of Las Piñas and the nearby Bacoor in Cav-

ite as it provides irrigation to farms in these places. “That is one of the historic events in our city, and forever, a century, farmers are using it for their irrigation and residents for their households,” noted Sen. Villar. She committed that they will observe every year,l important milestones in the life of San Ezekiel, patron saint of cancer patients, as a tribute and thanksgiving to him. She said the San Ezekiel Moreno Oratory is a tribute to him by the Villar family and the people of Las Piñas. “We should always feel proud and blessed that San Ezekiel Moreno was once a priest here and lived among our ancestors and even saved them from droughts and fire.” “Let us just pray that he will also protect us against Covid-19 pandemic,” added Sen. Villar. Macon Ramos-Araneta

HARDY MEN. Despite the midday sun, workers continue cementing about 3

kilometers of Amuntay Road, Brgy. Zone 3 Dasmarinas, Cavite pn August 20. JR Josue

Opinion Quarantines are not enough COVID-19 but to other conditions. While there are cases of the fully vaccinated testing positive for the virus, those who need hospitalization are largely the unvaccinated ones. I personally know of several vaccinated friends and their families testing positive for COVID-19 but not needing hospitalization— proof that what science says is true, that vaccines IT HAS just been announced that Metro protect us from severe cases and there is less Manila, Laguna, and Bataan will shift from need for hospitalization. Vaccination is the best Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) to protection against the virus, of course, coupled Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine with observing other health protocols. This is not a secret and the government (MECQ) until the end of August. In making the decision to change quaran- should use all possible means and resources to tine qualifications, news reports quoted the vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate. Moreover, “ayuda” is crucial. The reason why Presidential Spokesperson as having said, “Mahaba ang botohan at nagkaroon ng secret we see so many people outside despite the quarballoting. Lumalabas kasi na hindi na guma- antines is shortage of money. Millions of Filipigana ang ECQ for whatever reason at dapat nos earn on a daily basis. If they do not work, they and their families will starve – this simple. baguhin na ang tactics.” This statement is quite revealing because it re- Thus, no matter the restrictions, people will go veals a mindset that strict community quarantine out to try to earn to put food on the table. No parby itself is effective in curbing COVID-19 cases. ent in his/her right mind will allow their children If this is how our officials think, then it is not sur- to go hungry. Understandably, they will defy restrictions. We have seen prising that the pandemic what happened to our continues to ravage us. drivers who resorted to One would expect We need begging on the streets so that after implementgovernment efficiency their families can eat. ing various levels of And when we speak community quarantine and competence of “ayuda”, this should in the past year and a be enough so people half, the government coupled with a sense can stay home with should have learned that some level of peace of urgency. restrictions in people’s of mind. It is impossimobility are not enough ble for P1,000.00 per in the face of this killer family to be enough. virus. Even the virus itself has been evolving and mutating as ev- Even the P6,000.00 per family released in the idenced by the deadly Delta variant. Yet, it early days of the pandemic was not enough. appears that the government, until now, does Community women who received this assisnot have a comprehensive plan in addressing tance said that it could not be enough even for this problem. By comprehensive, I mean that the most basic of necessities. Many resorted this plan must have different components and to borrowing from friends, relatives, and local usurers and as of the time we spoke with not simply focus on community quarantines. If there is a plan, people do not see that it them, they were worried because as one mothis effective, and therefore, should also evolve. er put it, “lubog na sa utang.” Yet, we hear of billions and billions of peoFor one, quarantine periods must be maximized to have as many people as possible in- ple’s money being flagged by the Commisoculated. This assumes that we have enough sion of Audit (COA) for possible misuse by supply of vaccines. However, we still hear of different government offices with the DOH too many horror stories of people still unable leading the pack. Health Secretary Duque to get their vaccination even if they have been became emotional and complained that COA had destroyed them. Sadly, the secretary fails waiting for a long time. Worse, while under the strictest of quarantines, to realize that his department’s failure to effithe numbers of COVID-19 infections skyrocket, ciently use the people’s money to effectively our health facilities and healthcare providers are curb COVID-19 has destroyed the lives of again overburdened, businesses continue to go millions of Filipino families, and the grief of red, and our people’s sufferings escalate with those whose family members and friends perworsening poverty. On Friday, August 20, the ished because of the pandemic. Therefore, beyond quarantines, we need Department of Health (DOH) reported 17,321 new cases and 317 deaths from the virus. This better testing and contact tracing, we need is the highest since the pandemic started and to support our health institutions and healthhaving more than 10,000 cases daily has been care providers, vaccines, a more aggressive the trend for more than a week now. Also, note vaccination rollout, sufficient ayuda to those that the reported numbers refer only to those that needing financial assistance, and programs to reach DOH. One wonders about those that do address the people’s mental health. We need not get included in the DOH roster. Definitely, government efficiency and competence coupled with a sense of urgency. We need the the ACTUAL number of cases is much higher. Outside of this virus, many more die of government to be proactive, not reactive. Quarantines are NOT enough. other serious diseases because our health system can no longer accommodate them. I @bethangsioco on Twitter; Elizabeth have lost friends to cancer, stroke, and heart attacks. Seniors remain vulnerable not only to Angsioco on Facebook

Easing our way back to the old normal

“Not being allowed to work during lockdowns is disadvantageous to workers, especially those who are on a no-work, no-pay basis, those who were laid off from their jobs or those who are forced to render shorter periods of work due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, because they would not have the means to pay for their families’ daily expenses,” Marcos avers. EACH time I get the chance to talk to someone Rightfully said. Imagine the amount of monfrom the government, I always try to raise my ey the government has to spend for the dole of point that while it is grossly wrong to penalize these workers every time we are placed on anyone for not getting the anti-COVID vaccine lockdown? Not only can the government save yet as we still don’t have the supply enough to on the dole for these workers, but by allowing inoculate everyone or at least the target 70-80 these workers to report for work, for their repercent of the population, giving some perks or spective business establishments to operate and privileges to those who got the complete shots for other vaccinated individuals to patronize already could actually be beneﬁcial. This could respective businesses, the country’s economy help convince those who are having second would continue to grind. thoughts on getting the vaccine or even those It’s basically pump-priming the economy. taking their sweet time to get jabbed (never Last week, I decided to get my maintenance mind those rabid anti medicines at the Mercuvaxxers as no amount ry Drugstore branch in of coaxing could conTrinoma as I happened If we have 10 vince them anyway), to be near the vicinity to start lining up at their that time. Entering the percent of our people nearest vaccination mall, I felt like I was fully inoculated, then center for their shots. thrown into an eerie old, While I was actually abandoned building as let them take the thinking of some lesser all stores there except for restrictions like dropMercury and the mall’s initiative in pumpping the use of face supermarket were open. priming the economy. shields which Yorme If this single mall with Isko and I both agree more than a hundred are useless in preventstores closed during the ing the spread of virus, some business estab- entire duration of the ECQ, then what could be lishments have actually taken the initiative, the impact of having all business establishments giving discounts to vaccinated individuals. closed on a regional level like that of the NCR’s? As such, I was so elated when I found out The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Mar- Industry has already issued a warning to this efcos shared the same position with me, and at a fect saying a prolonged lockdown could force much higher perspective at that. the closure of no less than 16,000 businesses. Marcos, or simply BBM to his supporters, is Aggravating the matter during the ECQ—or not only batting for a lesser restriction for the fully the MECQ which is to commence today, Auvaccinated persons but is calling on the govern- gust 21—is the fact that the lockdown has to ment to allow them to spend time outdoors, either occur at a time when “the parents needed to to earn a living or for health reasons. cough up tuition and other fees for their chilAnd he even aired his appeal early this week dren’s enrollment.” when we at the National Capital Region, were “They need to work to recover their expenses. still under the Enhanced Community Quarantine. And because we are under ECQ, their expenses at BBM insists that as long as these vaccinated home also go up—higher water and power bills. unauthorized persons outside of residence or How can they manage if they are not allowed to what he refers to as UPOR, adhere strictly to work outside their homes?” Marcos said. minimum public health standards, they could Marcos however was quick to stress that be of “big help in weathering the crisis caused even vaccinated individuals should still strictly by the coronavirus. practice minimum public health standards such

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021

EDITORIAL

Not safe at all

ROM today until the end of the month, the National Capital Region, the country’s economy center and where more than 13 million people live, and nearby Laguna will shift from the strictest lockdown to the next lower rung: the Modiﬁed Enhanced Community Quarantine.

which has been affected by the strictest lockdown, the latest of the few since the pandemic stormed into the country early last year.

We just need to make concessions to energize the economy. Under IATF guidelines, all establishments, persons or activities permitted to work or operate at less than full capacity during the ECQ would be allowed to operate at full on-site capacity during MECQ. All establishments, persons or activities not permitted to work or operate during ECQ would be allowed to operate at 50 percent onsite capacity during the MECQ. Earlier, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, a member of the IATF, said they were faced with the option to “either retain ECQ for another week or until the end of the month, or downgrad[e]…to MECQ so that other business[es] could open up.”

From Monday, Bataan’s lockdown will also be downgraded to MECQ, according to Presidential spokesman Harry Roque after President Rodrigo Duterte approved the easing of coronavirus curbs while, ironically, the country reported its highest-ever daily number of COVID-19 infections. The shift down to MECQ does not by any measure mean things are getting to be safe. Not at all. It is just that there appears to be a need to make concessions to energize the economy

Beyond doubt, there is need to provide livelihood for many, who have been jarred by the different levels of community quarantine and, the latest the ECQ, in an attempt to parry off a renewed surge in infections and deaths, driven partly by the contagious Delta variant which has overwhelmed hospitals and healthcare workers. We heard the argument from Malacanang’s spokesman that the latest shift to MECQ is without prejudice to the strict implementation of granular or local lockdowns although absent was the heads up what would happen after August 31 or when to continue with less strict controls. Health ofﬁcials on Friday conﬁrmed 17,231 new coronavirus infections, the highest daily increase since the start of the pandemic, and 317 fatalities. Active cases hit 123,251. It is apparent that the soundest solution to all this is to increase efforts in the vaccination rollout program and to ensure that Filipinos practice basic health protocols – forgotten and ignored in many areas even during the ECQ. We have a long way to go before finally beating COVID-19. Let’s make sure we take prudent and timely steps toward that end.

The Afghan aftermath dent who is also chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, announced a general amnesty to all. Many were surprised by the announcement. The only unusual incident is that those who feel guilty about betraying their country have to get out. In the stampede that ensued at the airport, many among the unruly crowd were injured and some were killed as security personal desperately tried to put order to people wanting to board the aircraft. One even tried to cling to an aircraft—that person fell when the plane took off.

IT IS not the fall of Kabul that surprised many but the pace by which the Taliban overran the country. The Taliban’s arrival came so swiftly that the US-installed government headed by President Ashraf Ghani scampered fast to leave the country. Many political analysts are wondering why the installed government tumbled like the proverbial house of cards, with President Ghani fleeing the country to an unknown destination. US President Joe Biden could not believe it. According to him, the US has trained around 300,000 soldiers to fight against insurgents estimated to number around 75,000. They were trained to fight for their proxy in the guise of rooting out terrorism. This is the reason they invaded that country in September 2003 only to cost the American taxpayers more than $2 trillion dollars, the lives of 2,446 servicemen, and nearly 4,000 civilian contractors of which more than 66,000 Afghan military and police officers killed in fighting the 20-year war. Civilian costs are even higher at 47,245 deaths. The number of Taliban and other opposition fighters killed stands at 51,191. The war includes direct funding, costing about $800 billion and $83 billion to train the Afghan army—only to melt like ice upon hearing the arrival of the Taliban forces. Biden admitted that it was the US that paid the salaries of the Afghan soldiers, equipped them with sophisticated arms, supplied them with tanks, armored personnel carriers, Humvee combat vehicles, fighter jets, Blackhawk helicopters and reconnaissance aircraft only to hand them over to the Taliban who descended from the hills. The fiasco has, all of a sudden, shifted to the US Congress. Many could not reckon why the war that cost the US $2 trillion to fight what many observed as ragtag fighters fell. The US miserably lost that war and paradoxically caused poverty in the US to multiply. It mushroomed the number of unemployed and homeless persons, mired students in unpayable loans, and increased the gap between the rich and the poor thus fueling social unrest. It gained nothing but the hatred of the Afghan people. Strangely, what we thought as extremely fanatical and brutal was dispelled by their liberation of the country. Their militia that patrolled the streets maintained the peace and order of the city and no looting similar to the rallies in the major cities of the US. The head of the Taliban announced there will be no revenge, and would allow women to practice their profession. As one observed, the general amnesty put many in a bind, fearing they would be meted out harsh punishment by their liberating victors. To the surprise of many, the interim presias wearing face masks, frequent handwashing and social distancing. Aside from allowing the fully vaccinated to work, Marcos is also appealing that they be also allowed to practice their religious faith by relaxing restrictions on churches and other places of worship. “Let them visit their places of worship as long as they follow the IATF-imposed minimum health protocol,” Marcos stated in his appeal after meeting with various church leaders who complained about the lack of government’s consultation with them before closing down their places of worship, as he noted that most churches are spacious enough, hence it would be easy to ensure social distancing. When the ECQ was imposed last year, religious activities had to be held virtually to prevent mass gatherings. This was later eased as churches were

President Biden has made it clear that the US can no longer serve as guarantor of democracy and freedom. Noticeably, it seems that only Russia and China did not evacuate their embassy personnel in Kabul. Barely two weeks before the fall, an ofﬁcial delegation from the Taliban visited Russia and China and gave assurances of a peaceful takeover by the Taliban government. In a meeting with Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and later with China’s foreign minister Wang Yi, the two countries promised to offer economic assistance for the rehabilitation of the country after giving assurance that the new Islamic Republic of Afghanistan would not export or support extremism, separatism and fundamentalism to other countries. Even before the dust could settle, the US is already sowing intrigue in a frantic bid to divide the Afghan people. President Biden froze about $9.5 billion of the Afghan government’s reserves in US banks. According to reports, the US State Department was consulted before the action, adding that the Biden administration needs no new authority to freeze the reserves because the Taliban was already under sanctions from an executive order approved after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. China has all the reasons to economically develop that country. Afghanistan’s stability is key to protecting the more than $50 billion worth of Belt-and-Road projects that principally passes through Pakistan, exiting to the Indian Ocean. Cutting through Afghanistan to reach Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Iran, it could make the land route much faster, accelerate trade and promote progress in the TransAsian republics and ease the choking by India of the BRI to the Indian Ocean using the Port of Gwadar in Pakistan. allowed ten percent to 30 percent of their capacity to be ﬁlled. But they were closed again for masses and other group activities when the ECQ was reimposed. Early this month. Marcos said the government should take into consideration that Filipinos are very religiously devoted to their faith, and it would contribute to their mental well-being and uplift their spirits when they can go inside the church to hear mass or pray. “Going to church to pray somehow helps people’s well-being. It somehow makes your heart feel better. Filipinos always want to go to church and practice their faith,” Marcos says. While the suggestion may sound logical to me and some people I know, I would expect others, especially the memas (Yung mga mema-sabi lang), to criticize Marcos’ proposal, and would likely brand them as “insensitive” for those who have yet to get their vaccines.

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China is likely to benefit from the possible open policy exhibited by the new Afghan government. It could offer to its neighbors its precious rare earth minerals to mutually boost their economies. Today, China stands as the leading user of the product for the manufacture of electric cars and in the application of computer gadgets. Afghanistan has an estimated one to three trillion dollars’ worth of mineral deposit. The mineral is an important component in China’s production of electric cars which it now leads. The demand could intensify as soon as the use of electricity surpasses the need for oil and natural gas. This now tells us just how we can rely on the Americans to fight for our freedom and democracy, when it gave an excuse to invade Afghanistan only to end up economically bankrupt. Fighting for American neoliberalism has now raised questions on how it will deal in future relations with other countries like the Philippines, Cuba, North Korea, Venezuela, and Iran where there exists a budding war with the US, so to speak. This is asked because the US is likely to intervene and involve itself again in another war. Besides, there remain today many unanswered questions in the aftermath of the Afghan war. What will the US do to the remaining Afghan prisoners still detained in Guantanamo now that the war against terrorism is over? To political analysts, it is no longer a question of the US proving the case against the suspects who have been detained since 2003 but the justification why they remain locked to date without charges. Second is the effect of US President Biden’s speech to its allies in the aftermath of the US withdrawal. The speech is a downer to most of its allies still living to the belief the US has the power, capacity and political will to enforce its policy of exceptionalism and unilateralism neatly tucked inside the discredited ideology of neoliberalism. The speech was an extraordinary redefinition of US goals and objectives. To quote what he said: “We went to Afghanistan almost 20 years ago with clear goals: Get those who attacked us on September 11, 2001, and make sure al Qaeda could not use Afghanistan as a base from which to attack us again.” x x x “Our mission in Afghanistan was never supposed to have been nation building. It was never supposed to be creating a unified, centralized democracy.” President Biden gave a clear- cut goal that the US seeks to realize after the Afghan fiasco—that it can no longer serve as guarantor of democracy and freedom. That each country must, from now on, work to preserve its own freedom. Effectively, that puts a question to our alliance with the US and its local minions harping in disbelief that the US is now wavering on its commitment to preserve our so-called democratic institution. rpkapunan@gmail.com Which would then be tantamount to insisting that if one person goes hungry, the rest should also go on fasting. Or that if my neighbor has no car or if another neighbor has an old one, I should then forgo my dream of owning a new car as it would be offensive to my neighbors. But then, this is not about insensitivity. This is about slowly easing our way back to the old normal. Back to how we used to live our lives before, or at least, how we remember living before this pandemic. If we have 10 percent of our people fully inoculated, then let them take the initiative in returning to the old normal. Next month, when we get another 10 percent fully vaccinated, we can let them join in the quest to return to living the way we used to. And it goes on and on, until we reach the target number to achieve herd immunity.

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‘Taliban kill relative of Deutsche Welle journalist in Afghanistan’

EMPATHY. A handout picture made available by the Iranian Red Crescent shows an Iranian soldier distributing boxes of juice to

Afghan refugees gathered at the Iran-Afghanistan border between Afghanistan and the southeastern Iranian Sistan and Baluchestan province, as they try to enter the Islamic republic following the takeover of their country by the Taliban earlier this week. Tens of thousands of people have tried to flee Afghanistan since the hardline Islamist militants swept into the capital on August 15, completing a stunning rout of government forces after a two decade insurgency. AFP

TALIBAN fighters in Afghanistan have shot and killed a relative of a Deutsche Welle journalist while hunting for him, the German public broadcaster said. The militants were conducting a house-to-house search for the journalist, who now works in Germany, DW said Thursday. A second relative was seriously wounded but others were able to escape, it said, without giving details of the incident. DW director general Peter Limbourg condemned the killing, which he said showed the danger to media workers and their families in Afghanistan. “The killing of a close relative of one of our editors by the Taliban yesterday is inconceivably tragic, and testifies to the acute danger in which all our employees and their families in Afghani-

China passes tough new online privacy measure

HINA passed a sweeping privacy law aimed at preventing businesses from collecting sensitive personal data Friday, as the country faces an uptick in internet scams and Beijing targets tech giants hoovering up personal data.

Under the new rules passed by China’s top legislative body, state and private entities handling personal information will be required to reduce data collection and obtain user consent. The Chinese state security apparatus will maintain access to swathes of personal data, however. Beijing has long been accused of harnessing big tech to accelerate repression in the northwestern Xinjiang province and elsewhere. The new rules are also expected to further rattle China’s tech sector, with companies like ride hailing giant Didi and gaming behemoth Tencent in regulators’

Israel’s Prime Minister gets vax booster shot ISRAELI Prime Minister Naftali Bennett received a coronavirus vaccine booster shot on Friday, as the country began administering them to people aged 40 and over amid a spike in infections. At a public hospital in Kfar Saba, a central city near Bennett’s home, the 49-year-old Israeli premier kept his eyes on the nurse administering the shot to his left shoulder, with his office saying he was the first head of government in the world to receive a booster. “We’re at the height of the battle now, together we can win; it’s within arm’s reach, but we’re not there yet,” Bennett said shortly before receiving the shot. “I’m asking of you – use this unique privilege you have as Israelis, and go get vaccinated.” Infections in Israel have in recent weeks surged, raising fears of a lockdown over the Jewish High Holidays, which will take place in September. “If you go get the third shot, we can avoid a fourth lockdown,” Bennett said. “We’re seeing profound efficacy of the vaccines working, it’s safe and it’s the way to defeat this virus. The World Health Organization has called for a moratorium on COVID vaccine booster shots to help ease the drastic inequity in dose distribution between rich and poor nations. On Wednesday, WHO’s emergency director Mike Ryan said that booster shots were like “planning to hand out extra life jackets to people who already have life jackets, while we’re leaving other people to drown without a single life jacket.” On Friday, Bennett reiterated his defense of Israel’s “pioneering” booster practice, stressing again that his country would provide the world valuable data. “We from Israel are going to share all the data, all the information and all the insights in this pioneering” scheme, he said. “I’m happy to hear that other countries are following suit, because at the end of the day, this is a global war on COVID and we’ve got to win.” Israel was one of the first countries to launch a vaccination drive in midDecember via an agreement with Pfizer to obtain millions of paid vaccine doses in exchange for sharing data on their effectiveness. AFP

crosshairs in recent months over misuse of personal data. Chinese tech stocks including Alibaba and Tencent dipped after Friday morning’s announcement. The law aims to protect those who “feel strongly about personal data being used for user profiling and by recommendation algorithms or the use of big data in setting [unfair] prices,” a spokesman for the National People’s Congress told state news agency Xinhua earlier this week. It will prevent companies from setting different prices for the same service based on clients’ shopping history. Tens of thousands of consumers have complained about having to pay more for hailing a taxi using an iPhone than a cheaper mobile phone model or for tickets if they are profiled as a business traveller, China’s consumer protection watchdog said. The law is modeled after the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, one of the world’s strictest online privacy protection laws. “China’s new privacy regime is one of the tough-

est in the world,” said Kendra Schaefer, a partner at Beijing-based consulting firm Trivium China. “China is not really looking at the short term with this law.” Instead, she said, it aims “to establish the foundations for the digital economy over the next 40 or 50 years.” The law, which comes into effect on November 1, also stipulates that the personal data of Chinese nationals cannot be transferred to countries with lower standards of data security than China – rules which may present problems for foreign businesses. Companies that fail to comply can face fines of up to 50 million yuan ($7.6 million) or five percent of their annual turnover. The law says sensitive personal data includes information which if leaked can lead to “discrimination... or seriously threaten the safety of individuals” including race, ethnicity, religion, biometric data or a person’s whereabouts. But Chinese cities across the country are peppered with surveillance cameras, some outfitted for facial recognition, collecting biometric information daily. AFP

RESTIVE.

Lava flows from Mount Merapi, Indonesia’s most active volcano, as seen from Tunggularum village in Sleman, Yogyakarta, on August 20, 2021. AFP

stan find themselves,” he said. “It is evident that the Taliban are already carrying out organized searches for journalists, both in Kabul and in the provinces. We are running out of time!” The Taliban had raided the homes of at least three other DW journalists, the broadcaster said. DW and other German media organizations have called on the German government to take swift action to help their Afghan staff. After taking Kabul, the Taliban launched a public relations blitz promising media freedom and a pardon for all their opponents. However, a confidential UN document seen by AFP says they are intensifying their search for people who worked with US and NATO forces. AFP

New Zealand extends national Delta outbreak hard lockdown

NEW Zealand extended a national COVID-19 lockdown Friday as case numbers continued to rise and a Delta variant outbreak spread from Auckland to the capital Wellington. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the initial three-day lockdown, which would have expired overnight Friday, would be extended by another four days. She said New Zealand was still trying to assess the scale of the outbreak, which emerged in Auckland this week, ending the country’s run of six months without community transmission. “We just don’t quite know the full scale of this Delta outbreak. All in all, this tells us we need to continue to be cautious,” she said. Ardern said all the cases, including those in Wellington, were linked, giving less cause for concern. “That’s important, as it means we’re starting to build a picture of the edges of this cluster,” she said. “At this stage, we don’t have random cases popping up.” New Zealand has won widespread praise for its coronavirus response, which focuses on eliminating the virus in the community rather than containing it, and has seen only 26 deaths in a population of five million. But its vaccine rollout has been less stellar, with only around 20 percent of the population fully inoculated. Neighboring Australia has been pursuing a similar “COVID zero” strategy, but is struggling to contain outbreaks of the Delta variant. The New Zealand outbreak has been traced back to a traveller who returned from Sydney earlier this month, although it remains unclear how the virus jumped quarantine containment into the community. AFP

Humanoids to make physical work a ‘choice’ AFTER dominating the electric vehicle market and throwing his hat into the billionaire space race, Tesla boss Elon Musk announced the latest frontier he’s aiming to conquer: humanoid robots. The irascible entrepreneur said Thursday he would have an initial prototype of an androgynous “Tesla Bot” by next year. Based on the same technology as the company’s semi-autonomous vehicles, the robot will be able to perform basic repetitive tasks with the aim of eliminating the need for people to handle

dangerous or boring work, Musk said at an online event on Tesla’s advances in artificial intelligence (AI). “Tesla is arguably the world’s biggest robotics company because cars are semi-sentient robots on wheels,” he said. “It kind of makes sense to put that into a humanoid form.” Tesla’s touting of its automation technology comes as the carmaker faces increased scrutiny over its driver-assistance system, with safety regulators in the United States launching a probe after a series of crashes. Tesla is accused of misleading mo-

torists into believing the so-called Autopilot vehicles can drive themselves, though Musk has defended the system. The Autopilot controversy was not discussed at Thursday’s two and a half hour online conference, or brought up during questions from the audience. Instead, Musk pledged that his future robot would be a benign presence. He said the Tesla Bot, which will have five-fingered hands and come in black and white, is intended to be “friendly” and built such that “you can run away from it and most likely overpower it.”

“Hopefully that won’t happen, but you never know,” he joked. Musk, the second richest person in the world according to Forbes, told the conference he believes robots will phase out physical labor for people. “I think essentially in the future physical work will be a choice,” he said. As CEO, Musk has transformed Tesla from a fledgling startup into a pacesetter in the electric car industry, with the company last month reporting its first-ever quarterly profit above $1 billion on record deliveries. AFP

Astronauts spacewalk for robotic arm CHINESE astronauts edged into space on Friday to add the finishing touches to a robotic arm on the Tiangong space station. The foray, the second spacewalk in two months and relayed on state television, is part of China’s heavily promoted space program which has already seen the nation land a rover on Mars and send probes to the moon. In June, three crew arrived at the station, where they are set to remain in space for a total of three months in China’s longest crewed mission to date. On Friday, astronauts Nie Haisheng and Liu Boming successfully exited the Tianhe core module to install foot stops and a workbench on the station’s robotic arm, said the China Manned Space Agency in a statement.

Video footage showed the astronauts working outside the spacecraft while tethered to it with a long rope. Their tasks also include working on a thermal unit and adjusting a panoramic camera, state broadcaster CCTV reported. This marks only the third spacewalk for Chinese astronauts, after the first in 2008 – when Zhai Zhigang made China the third country to complete a spacewalk after the Soviet Union and the United States. The second took place in early July, when Liu and the third crew member Tang Hongbo left the station. It is China’s first crewed mission in nearly five years and a matter of huge prestige as the country marks the 100th anniversary of the ruling Communist Party. AFP

DEFYING GRAVITY. This photo taken and released on August 20, 2021 by the China Manned Space Engineering Office via CNS shows Chinese astronaut Nie Haisheng leaving the Tianhe core module for a spacewalk. AFP

Business

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

China Telecom up nearly 29% in Shanghai debut

PSEi August 20, 2021

TOP GAINERS 1

MACAY

LAST PRICE 7

% CHANGE CHANGE 1 16.67%

APL

0.114

0.01

9.62%

CIP

156

11.6

8.03%

EVER

0.36

0.025

7.46%

5 6

BSC ALLHC

0.58 4.42

0.04 0.3

7.41% 7.28%

SSI

1.12

0.06

5.66%

HOUSE

7.44

0.38

5.38%

CNVRG

29.4

1.45

5.19%

BHI

0.102

0.005

5.15%

TOP LOSERS 1

GPH

LAST PRICE 12.5

% CHANGE CHANGE -1.4 -10.07%

ORE

0.9

-0.09

-9.09%

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

BKR MHC MJIC BC ACPB1 GSMI BCB ALCO

1.26 0.5 1.5 5.15 513.5 100 5.1 0.66

-0.08 -0.03 -0.08 -0.27 -26 -4.8 -0.24 -0.03

-5.97% -5.66% -5.06% -4.98% -4.82% -4.58% -4.49% -4.35%

MOST ACTIVE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CNVRG ICT EMP AC MONDE ALI ACEN GTCAP AGI GLO

VOLUME 10790500 1567600 15314000 345490 14747500 6545300 25527500 409930 18913800 86895

VALUE (PHP) 311352095 283552986 259280650 250933515 246741996 228396685 226411831 215477000 205521178 187128490

GAS SHORTAGE. This picture shows a Coral petrol station in the Lebanese capital Beirut, on August 19, 2021. The key oil company in Lebanon said Friday it would stop supplying its gas stations with fuel amid severe shortages that have brought the crisishit country to a halt. AFP

Stock market declines, ends four-day advance

HE stock market retreated Friday on profit taking along with the rest of Asia to end a four-day rally, with fears over the fast-spreading Delta variant hounding investors.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index slumped 85.29 points, or 1.3 percent, to 6,633.22 on a value turnover of P6.3 billion. Gainers, however, beat losers, 113 to 78, with 47 issues unchanged. International Container Terminal Services Inc. of tycoon Enrique Razon Jr., the biggest port operator, fell 2.7 percent to P178, while Bank of the Philippine Islands, the third-largest bank in terms of assets, also declined 2.7 percent to P82.15. Converge ICT Solutions Inc., a fiber internet service provider, rose 5.2 per-

cent to P29.40, while AC Energy Corp. of the Ayala Group advanced 4.6 percent to P8.95. The rest of Equity markets fell in Asia on Friday, with fears over the the Federal Reserve’s taper plans and China’s ongoing regulatory crackdown taking the wind out of the sails of the global recovery rally. Hong Kong fell almost two percent, with Beijing’s drive to tighten its grip on the Chinese economy continuing to batter confidence and delivering a blow to market heavyweights Alibaba and Tencent. Shanghai, Tokyo, Sydney, Seoul, Taipei, Wellington and Mumbai also fell, though there were gains in Singapore, Bangkok and Jakarta. Investors have for more than a year sent valuations surging on the back of colossal government and central bank support as well as optimism that the rollout of vaccines will help fight back against the coronavirus and allow econ-

omies to reopen. But while inoculations continue to be administered and life is slowly returning to a semblance of normal, the virus mutation has forced experts to rethink their outlooks for growth as some countries reimpose containment measures and infection rates rise. The prospect that the world may not emerge entirely from the crisis as early as hoped has knocked confidence in recent weeks, though the general view is that the end is still in sight. Compounding the downbeat mood were minutes from the Fed’s July meeting that indicated it is likely to start winding down its ultra-loose monetary policy—the juice that has fueled a longrunning rally—by the end of the year. A speech by Fed boss Jerome Powell at next week’s gathering of central bankers and finance chiefs at Jackson Hole, Wyoming, will be keenly watched for a taper timetable. With AFP

Tokyo robot cafe offers new spin on disability inclusion By Shingo Ito TOKYO, Japan—At a Tokyo cafe, Michio Imai greets a customer, but not in person. He’s hundreds of kilometers away, operating a robot waiter as part of an experiment in inclusive employment. Dawn cafe’s robots are intended to be more than a gimmick, offering job opportunities to people who find it hard to work outside the home. “Hello. How are you?” a sleek white robot shaped like a baby penguin calls from a counter near the entrance, turning its face to customers and waving its flippers. Imai is behind the controls at his home in Hiroshima, 800 kilometers (500 miles) away, one of around 50 employees with physical and mental disabilities who work as Dawn’s “pilots,” operating robot staff. The cafe opened in central Tokyo’s Nihonbashi district in June and employs staff across Japan and overseas, as well as some who work on site. It was originally supposed to open last year to coincide with the Paralympics, but the opening was postponed by the pandemic—just like the Games, which begin on Tuesday. Around 20 miniature robots with almond-shaped eyes sit on tables and in other parts of the cafe, which has no stairs and smooth wooden floors large enough for wheelchairs. The machines named OriHime feature cameras, a microphone and a speaker to allow operators to communicate with customers remotely. “May I take your order?” one asks, next to a tablet showing a menu of burgers, curry and salad. As customers chat with the pilots operating the mini robots, three larger, humanoid versions move around to serve drinks or welcome customers at the entrance. And there’s even a barista robot in a brown apron at

US regulators file revised monopoly suit vs. Facebook

In this picture taken on August 17, 2021, a humanoid robot (center) delivers drinks to customers at the Dawn Cafe in Tokyo. The cafe’s launch comes with the Paralympics due to open on August 24 and disability advocates debating Japan’s progress on inclusion and accessibility. AFP

the bar that can make coffee with a French press. ‘A part of society’ But the robots are largely a medium through which workers can communicate with customers. “I talk to our customers about many subjects, including the weather, my hometown and my health condition,” said Imai, who has a somatic symptom disorder that makes leaving home difficult. “As long as I’m alive, I want to give something back to the community by working. I feel happy if I can be a part of society.” Other operators have a range of different abilities,

including some Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients who use eye movements on a special digital panel to send signals to the robots. The project is the brainchild of Kentaro Yoshifuji, an entrepreneur who co-founded the company Ory Laboratory that makes the robots. After suffering a bout of bad health as a child that left him unable to go school, he began thinking about ways to bring people into the workforce even if they can’t leave home. “I’m thinking about how people can have job options when they want to work,” said the 33-year-old. AFP

Spanish government feels heat over increasing electricity prices MADRID, Spain―Scorching heat has caused power prices to soar in Spain, leading to renewed tensions in the country’s leftist coalition government over how to lower ballooning electricity bills. A recent heatwave which sent temperatures soaring as high as 47 degrees Celsius (117F) in the southern region of Andalusia caused demand for electricity to jump as people turned on their air conditioners, putting further pressure on power prices which were already high due to a global natural gas supply crunch. “Everything indicates the month of August will end with the highest electricity bill in history,” consumer rights

SHANGHAI, China—Shares in China Telecom surged nearly 20 percent in their Shanghai debut Friday after the world’s biggest public offering of the year, coming after the company was delisted in the United States amid China-US tensions. China’s biggest fixed-line operator raised $7.3 billion in its share sale, making it the biggest of 2021, topping the $5.4 billion raised in Hong Kong by TikTok rival Kuaishou Technology in February. And the firm said it could raise a further $1.1 billion if an over-allotment option was exercised. China Telecom’s offer price was set at 4.53 yuan per share and initially sagged below that at the opening on Friday, but quickly rallied to close the morning at 5.39 yuan—a gain of 19 percent. Many of China’s biggest tech and telecom firms traded their shares on the more developed US stock markets in the 2000s as they sought access to global funding. But Beijing has pushed in recent years for its companies to list in mainland Chinese bourses—as well as in Hong Kong—partly to raise the profile of its own exchanges. That is expected to accelerate with Beijing fearing major tech and telecom champions will be squeezed by US regulators as their trade rivalry deepens, and as China executes a sweeping crackdown on its technology and other sectors. China Telecom was delisted by the New York Stock Exchange in January along with fellow state-owned telecoms firms China Mobile and China Unicom following an executive order by former president Donald Trump. The order banned investments by Americans into a range of companies deemed to be supplying or supporting China’s military and security apparatus. China Mobile, the world’s largest mobile operator by subscribers, is also eyeing a second listing in Shanghai to complement its existing Hong Kong shares, while China Unicom Hong Kong has said it is considering a mainland IPO for its technology arm. The companies are seeking capital to help fund China’s ongoing push to build the world’s largest 5G networks. Earlier this month, Chinese electric car maker Li Auto launched an IPO in Hong Kong. While such domestic issues have fared fairly well, a cloud of uncertainty has hung over Chinese stocks listed in the United States as result of the bilateral tensions and China’s tech industry crackdown. AFP

group Facua said Tuesday. It predicts the average monthly household electricity bill this month will hit 92 euros ($107), a 44 percent increase over August 2020. The jump in prices has largely offset the temporary reduction in the value-added tax (VAT) on electricity bills―to 10 percent from 21 percent―which Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s government introduced in July to provide relief to consumers. Far-left party Podemos, the junior partner in Sanchez’s coalition government, has accused the administration of not doing enough to cut power bills. The government “must intervene

in the power market and move towards a system of regulated prices,” Labor Minister Yolanda Diaz, one of the co-leaders of the party and also the third highest-ranking member of the government, told the Ctxt magazine. “All of this is due to a process of privatizations in the electricity sector... which has resulted in an oligopoly that has led to repeated price increases every year,” she added. Spain at the end of 2020 had the fifth-highest household electricity prices in the European Union after Germany, Denmark, Belgium and Ireland, according to Eurostat, the bloc’s statistics office.

The country relies more heavily on natural gas to produce electricity than other European nations such as neighboring France, which has a significant nuclear power sector, said Jordi Castilla, the spokesman for consumer group Facua. Podemos has called for the government to issue a decree that imposes an “immediate” ceiling on power prices and has threatened to stage street protests over the issue, in a country where this question of energy poverty gets regular media attention. The proposal has been rejected by the Socialist party, which argues Spain must respect European market rules for electricity. AFP

WASHINGTON—US regulators Thursday refiled a lawsuit accusing Facebook of maintaining an illegal monopoly in social networking, two months after the case was dismissed by a judge. In the amended complaint, the Federal Trade Commission said Facebook’s dominance “is protected by high barriers to entry,” and that “even an entrant with a superior product cannot succeed against the overwhelming network effects enjoyed by an incumbent personal social network.” The lawsuit filed in federal court in the US capital said Facebook used “anticompetitive acquisitions” to protect its dominance including of the imagecentric social platform Instagram and the messaging service WhatsApp. FTC officials said the deals amounted to “illegal buy-or-bury” schemes. “Facebook lacked the business acumen and technical talent to survive the transition to mobile. After failing to compete with new innovators, Facebook illegally bought or buried them when their popularity became an existential threat,” said acting FTC competition bureau chief Holly Vedova. “This conduct is no less anticompetitive than if Facebook had bribed emerging app competitors not to compete... The FTC’s action today seeks to put an end to this illegal activity and restore competition for the benefit of Americans and honest businesses alike.” Facebook, which has long denied it maintains a monopoly, said in a statement: “We are reviewing the FTC’s amended complaint and will have more to say soon.” In June, US District Judge James Boasberg said in a 53-page opinion that the agency’s initial lawsuit lacked evidence, notably in defining the market that Facebook was allegedly monopolizing. AFP

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

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021

PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, August 20, 2021

-85.29 PTS. 6,633.22

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

2,035,105,585 83,807 6,304,303,166.20 113 78 47

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

50.5130

Japan

Yen

0.009112

0.4603

Pound

1.364000

68.8997

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128371

6.4844

Switzerland

Franc

1.088969

55.0071

Canada

Dollar

0.780031

39.4017

Singapore

Dollar

0.732869

37.0194

Australia

Dollar

0.714800

36.1067

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652661

133.9939

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266645

13.4690

Brunei

Dollar

0.730194

36.8843

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.029999

1.5153

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.7533

Euro

1.167900

58.9941

Korea

Won

0.000850

0.0429

China

Yuan

0.153972

7.7776

India

Rupee

0.013446

0.6792

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.236016

11.9219

New Zealand

Dollar

0.683000

34.5004

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035690

1.8028 Source: BSP

Imported vehicle sales climbed 43% in seven months

Business Private economists become pessimistic on PH prospect M By Julito G. Rada

OST private sector economists are becoming generally pessimistic about the economy amid the lingering global health crisis, the Department of Finance said Friday. The department issued the statement after private sector economists made wrong economic growth forecasts in the second quarter, missing the 11.8-percent year-on-year expansion which was the fastest since the 12 percent registered in the fourth quarter of 1988. “No one among the 20 analysts polled…correctly forecast this rate of growth—the closest is the 11.7 percent outlook by ANZ Research,” the DOF said in an economic bulletin. It said the projections showed that forecasters “were generally pessimistic” about the prospects of the economy to rebound from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The mean of the 20

forecasts was 9.6 percent—or 2.2 percentage points below the actual level. The median was also 10.55 percent, or 1.25 percentage points away. “The range of forecasts is also wide— 12.2 percentage points from the lowest, at 3 percent, to the highest at 15.2 percent. This implies high uncertainty of the economic environment forecasters are looking at,” the DOF said. It said the main reason for the pessimistic forecast in the second quarter was the result of the previous quarter’s estimates. The first-quarter GDP declined 3.9 percent, an upward revision from the previous estimate of -4.2 percent. “Again, no one forecasted the actual

correctly. The closest is Ateneo Center for Research & Economic Development at -3.8 percent, just 0.1 percentage point away,” the DOF said. It said the mean of the first-quarter forecast was -2.3 percent and the median was -2.55 percent, both more optimistic than the actual outturn and 1.6 and 1.35 percentage points, respectively, away from the actual mark. “Forecasters tend to become more pessimistic when their most recent optimistic forecasts did not materialize,” the DOF said. The interagency Development Budget Coordination Committee lowered the 2021 GDP growth forecast to a range of 4 to 5 percent from the previous estimate of 6 to 7 percent, taking into account the lockdowns in August that were expected to impact the third-quarter GDP. The DOF said the rise in new infections, which led to the NCR Bubble Plus restrictions in the second quarter and the recent spread of the Delta variant, which led to the reinstitution of ECQ in NCR, led forecasters to lower their growth outlook.

By Othel V. Campos SALES of imported vehicles rose 43 percent in the first seven months to 35,092 units from 24,610 units in the same period in 2020, an industry group said Friday. The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors Inc. said the Philippine automotive industry was in the phase of gradual recovery. “The gradual adaptation of the automotive industry to ‘now normal’ operations is mainly driven by the valuable lessons gathered and learned over the course of the period. These lessons fuel our passion for developing new and innovative ways to addressing the needs of the market. And AVID is determined to pave the way towards recovery,” said AVID president Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo. Data showed passenger car sales grew 15 percent from January to July to 9,110 units from 7,893 units a year ago, while those of light commercial vehicles increased 52 percent to 34,235 units from 24,451 units. Suzuki led the LV segment with 4,559 units sold, followed by Hyundai with 2,979 units. Commercial vehicle sales also surged 448 percent in the sevenmonth period to 855 units from 156 units a year earlier. Hyundai fueled the segment with healthy sales from trucks and buses. The brand is a huge contributor to nationwide efforts at modernizing public utility vehicles. AVID said that on a month-onmonth basis, sales declined by 2 percent to 4,862 units in July from 4,961 units in June. Passenger car sales dropped 5 percent to 1,293 units from 1,358 units. Light commercial vehicle sales were also on a downtrend, contracting by 3 percent to 3,475 units in July from 3,573 units in June.

BDO’S ASSISTANCE. In line with its disaster response advocacy, BDO Foundation provides assistance to communities hit by heavy rains triggered by typhoon Fabian and the southwest monsoon. Supported by St. John the Baptist Parish Church and St. Michael Parish Church, the foundation provided aid to over 5,000 families in nine barangays in Calumpit, Bulacan and Masantol, Pampanga. Local officials and volunteers led by parish priests Fr. Ventura Galman and Fr. Roland Moraleja distributed the relief packs containing food, rice and drinking water to disasterstricken beneficiaries. The corporate citizenship initiative is backed by BDO branches.

Japan releases P4.6b to support cash assistance JAPAN disbursed 10-billion yen (around P4.6 billion) to the Philippines, representing the final tranche of the 50-billion yen Post-Disaster Standby Loan package, to support the government’s efforts in providing emergency cash grants to vulnerable sectors in Metro Manila, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Friday. PDSL-2 is a quick disbursement facility that allows Japanese funding support in multiple tranches for post-disaster response efforts in the event of a national calamity or health emergency. Dominguez said the disbursement was made in view of the recent declaration of the enhanced community quarantine in the National Capital Region in August to curb the spread of the highly transmissible COVID-19 Delta variant. Under the agreement between the Japanese and Philippine governments for the PDSL-2 signed Sept. 15 last year, the disbursement of the standby loan would be made available through the declaration of a state of calamity or a state of public health emergency by the Duterte administration. In the case of the current COVID-19, the imposition of an ECQ or its equivalent in the NCR or in any other highly urbanized area in the country would trigger the disbursement of the loan. The Japan International Cooperation Agency disbursed four tranches with the aggregate loan amount of 50 billion to the Philippines. The first tranche amounting to 10 billion yen was disbursed on Oct. 27, 2020 in view of Presidential Proclamation No. 1021 declaring a state of calamity throughout the Philippines until Sept. 12, 2021. JICA released the second tranche amounting to 10 billion yen on Jan. 5, 2021 following Presidential Proclamation No. 1051 on Nov. 18, 2020, declaring a state of calamity in the entire Luzon. The third tranche amounting to 20 billion yen was released on June 8, 2021 pursuant to IATF resolutions.

IN BRIEF

Benguet Corp.’s revenue rose to P2.3b in first half

VACCINE DONATION. Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and PLDT Inc. are set to distribute 50,000 AstraZeneca COVID vaccines to five local government units in Metro Manila and Mindanao to augment ongoing efforts of the government. With the assistance of Zuellig Pharma and four Metro Pacific Hospitals, the two batches of vaccines shared with PLDT-Smart Foundation are allocated for Malabon, Navotas, Davao, Bacolod and General Santos. Attending the virtual turnover of the vaccines to Davao City are (top, from left) Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, MPIC chairman Manuel Pangilinan, Metro Pacific Investments Foundation president Melody del Rosario and other executives of MPIC and PLDT.

Jollibee finalizes P3.7-b cash and property infusion in DoubleDragon’s leasing concern By Jenniffer B. Austria RESTAURANT chain operator Jollibee Foods Corp. said Friday it finalized a P3.7-billion investment in the industrial leasing business of DoubleDragon Properties Corp. Jollibee said in a disclosure to the stock exchange wholly-owned subsidiary Zenith Foods Corp. signed definitive agreements to invest cash and properties in CentralHub Industrial Centers Inc. CentralHub is in the business of developing industrial warehouse complexes that will contain standardized, multi-use and industrial quality warehouses suited for commissaries, cold storage and logistics centers to be leased to locators operating nationwide. DoubleDragon said in a separate disclosure the investment by Jollibee would enable CentralHub to expand its recurring rental revenue portfolio with the consolidation of operating commissaries and warehouse assets of Jollibee. The additional commissary assets to be infused by Jollibee will increase

CentralHub’s total industrial land portfolio to 39.8 hectares. Under the plan, Jollibee will acquire 1.6 billion common shares in CentralHub for P1.9 billion. Jollibee will infuse 16.4 hectares of industrial properties in CentralHub in exchange for more shares. These properties are being used as commissaries by Jollibee group. The deal is a part of the company’s plan to reduce assets tied to real estate properties and focus on core food service, restaurant operations and food processing business. This will also enable the company to raise funds for store expansion. DoubleDragon earlier announced plans to eventually transform CentralHub into a real estate investment trust, with a planned initial public offering in 2022. “The timing for the registration of the REIT initial public offering and the filing of the application for the REIT listing of CentralHub will be subject to the agreement of JFC and DoubleDragon, and the parties having secured the necessary regulatory approvals therefor,” DoubleDragon said.

Power demand fell 6.2% in August as gov’t applied ECQ By Alena Mae S. Flores THE average power demand fell 6.2 percent in August to 12,272 megawatts from 13,082 MW in July following the imposition of the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila to stem the increase in COVID-19 infections, the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines said Friday. IEMOP said it also observed lower spot prices in August as the nation experienced intermittent rain and thunderstorms along with the imposition of varying levels of quarantine restrictions. The average price at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market dropped to P5.39 per kilowatt-hour as of Aug. 18 from P6.52 per kWh in July. IEMOP operates WESM, the trading floor of electricity. “There was also an increase in average supply for August in comparison to the previous month by 6.2 percent or 801 MW,” IEMOP said. Regional peak demand in Luzon declined to 10,154 MW in August from of 11,049 MW in July. IEMOP expects a peak demand of 11,322 MW in Luzon in the months of September to December. It said there would be enough power capacity during the Malampaya natural gas field shutdown on Oct. 2 to 22 which would affect the delivery of power from natural gas power plants. The October demand is seen to reach 13,655 MW, versus the supply of 15,807 MW with margins of 2,152 MW. With enough supply, IEMOP said it does not expect price spikes due to the Malampaya shutdown. “Supply levels are generally sufficient to support the demand requirement,” IEMOP said. IEMOP is a non-stock, non-profit corporation governed by a professional board of directors composed of individuals not affiliated with any of the electric companies that trade in the spot market.

BENGUET Corp. said revenue more than tripled in the first half on the back of higher gold and nickel prices. Nickel and gold prices increased 77 percent and 10 percent from a year ago. The listed miner said mid-year revenue climbed to P2.3 billion, more than triple compared to the revenue of P702 million in the same period last year. After tax income improved to PP822 million, or eight times the P99-million income it booked in the same period last year. Benguet Corp. said bullish demand and good weather prevailed, which allowed its wholly-owned nickel subsidiary to triple its export volume to 799,000 tons of ore equivalent to 15 boatloads, compared to 265,000 tons or 5 boatloads last year. Gold production also increased by 44 percent, as operations returned to near-normal following the implementation of health and safety protocols amid the pandemic.

Davao’s bus system seen completed by 2023 THE Department of Transportation said Friday it expects the P18.66-billion Davao Public Transport Modernization Project to be completed by the third quarter of 2023. It said DPTMP aims to provide an efficient and affordable mode of transport for Davaoeños through the delivery of a modern high priority bus system. The project funded by official development assistance loans includes three components: public transport system improvement, institutional capacity strengthening and social development program. “This project aims to provide the Davaoeñeos a modern and reliable high priority bus system, as well as deliver a much-improved public transport infrastructure and services,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said. With the HPBS, interconnected bus services will be prioritized along the 626-kilometer road network. It encompasses the development of five depots, three terminals, a driving school, along with the installation of 1,075 bus stops and other pedestrian improvements. Darwin G. Amojelar

Ayala Land tops 2021 int’l business awards AYALA Land Inc. bested companies from around the globe as it received the most number of Stevie Award wins at The 18th Annual International Business Awards. The Stevie Award is a premier business award program that recognizes the achievements and positive contributions of organizations and working professionals worldwide. ALI was the overall winner this year, taking home 36 Stevie Awards in total, 11 of which were gold, 6 silvers and 19 bronzes. More than 3,700 nominations were submitted this year by organizations of various sizes and industries, and coming from 63 nations and territories around the world. Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 260 executives worldwide who participated in the judging process from June through early August. “Most especially in these difficult times, when all sectors of society are enduring the challenges of the global pandemic, we continue to strive for excellence within our organization in order to serve our stakeholders and the communities in the best and most effective way possible. It is our goal to drive recovery by intensifying our community engagement efforts,” said ALI vice president Manny Blas.

Sports

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

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021

Weightlifting may be removed from Paris ‘24 By Peter Atencio

Manny Pacquiao is greeted by an elderly fan during his training in Las Vegas.

Pacman aching to reclaim WBA crown against Ugas

AS VEGAS—Manny Pacquiao says a change of opponent has not affected his training as he attempts to reclaim his world welterweight crown after a two-year absence from the ring on Saturday. The Filipino boxing icon faces WBA champion Yordenis Ugas at Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena in a bout that was put together after his initial opponent, Errol Spence Jr., suffered an eye injury. The abrupt withdrawal of Spence, the unbeaten IBF and WBC champion, has deprived the 42-year-old Pacquiao of another superfight at the tail-end of his glittering career. It also means Pacquiao, who has not fought since beating Keith Thurman for the WBA title in July 2019, has had to recalibrate his training to account for the fact that he will now be taking on a righthanded opponent rather than a southpaw.

Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 knockouts) played down the impact of the tactical readjustment as he prepares for the 72nd fight of a professional career that began in 1995. “It only took me two days to adjust to fighting Ugas,” Pacquiao said. “I have fought a lot of right-handed fighters before. “It would have been harder switching from preparing for a right hander to a southpaw. Most of my opponents have been right-handed, so there’s nothing to worry about.” The hastily rearranged bout also gives Pacquiao a chance to settle a score.

Pacquiao was controversially stripped of his WBA title on grounds of “inactivity” earlier this year despite the global disruption to boxing caused by the pandemic. The WBA instead handed the belt to Ugas, a fact that rankled Pacquiao. “I didn’t like that someone took my belt without challenging me in the ring,” Pacquiao said. “Both of us are champions, but we’ll see who has the belt after Saturday.” Pacquiao will start as a heavy favorite to reclaim the title in what could easily turn out to be his final fight. While Pacquiao retains enough residue of the talent that made him the most thrilling fighter in boxing at his peak, Father Time remains an ever-present threat for a boxer into his 40s. “I don’t know if this is going to be my last [time in the ring], we are going to see

fight by fight,” said Pacquiao. “I feel young right now. I enjoy training camp and I’m excited to sacrifice and be disciplined every day to prepare for a fight like this.” Pacquiao’s long-time trainer, Freddie Roach, says there has been no sign of a drop-off in his protege’s ferocious work ethic at their Los Angeles training base.

Roach sees Manny KO win

Pacquiao still attacks his gruelling morning roadwork in the hills above the California metropolis, and in a recent workout at Roach’s Wild Card gym, twice floored a sparring partner. “We’ve had a good training camp and Manny has worked really hard for this fight,” Roach said. “Putting a sparring partner on the canvas was a motivation for all of us. We’re going to bring that into this fight. AFP

Hidilyn’s coach speaks: We’ve only just begun By Randy Caluag BEING both a coach and boyfriend to Hidilyn Diaz, Julius Irvin Naranjo rarely speaks his mind about the future plans of the Olympic weightlifting gold medalist about her sporting career. But in a recent post on his social media page, Naranjo made it clear that Diaz is not yet done with the sport even after winning the Philippines’ first gold medal recently in the Tokyo Olympics. “Our journey has only just begun. It is our responsibility to inspire the youth, to be the a voice for sport sciences in weightlifting, and perhaps the voice of clean lifting,” said Naranjo, a former Guam Olympian, who stood as strength and conditioning coach for Diaz during her historic feat. Theirs has become much more than just an coachathlete relationship and together, through the help of sports science which Naranjo has put into in Diaz’s regimen, they will go for an unprecedented fifth straight Olympic appearance. “We have proven that athlete’s can win with sport sciences cleanly and at a time where our sport is going through a lot of challenges. We will do our best to be a role model

for future weightlifters,” said Naranjo, alluding to how they trained scientifically and how weightlifting is struggling to keep its clean status in the Olympics amid allegations of doping by some world-class contenders in the sport. Naranjo will likely fill in the shoes left off by Diaz’s Chinese coach Gao Kaiwen, who was scheduled to go back to China for good, although he was asked by the team to remain as consultant. Diaz will be 33 by the time the Paris Olympics comes around, but Samahang Weighlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella said he will be all-out in support of Diaz’s decision. This early, Team Hidilyn is setting its sights on the World Championship set in November in Lima, Peru. It will be as short vacation for Diaz and her team as they head back to Malaysia in the third week of September to resume training.

UNLESS constitutional reforms are done from within the organization, weightlifting faces the possibility of being deleted from the calendar of events in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The possibility of this happening increased as members of the International Olympic Committee approved a proposal to grant the Executive Board the power to suspend sports from the Olympic program without approval from the session. The body was granted the power remove any sport from the program of the Olympic Games if the International Federation does not comply with the decisions of the IOC Executive Board. The International Weightlifting Federation was among the IFs that have been warned by the IOC after it reportedly failed to follow several clear directions from the Executive Board to improve its doping culture and repair its governance. Because of this, weightlifting now faces the prospect of being removed from the Olympic Games program. And if charter changes are not done, the sport could be suspended from Paris 2024 and allowed to return at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, under a new leadership. “Kailangan naming sumunod sa gusto ng IOC. Kapag hindi nasunod, gaya ng boxing, mabubura kami (sa Paris). Kung matuloy man sa Paris, IOC will run. But, I’m just optimistic about this,” said Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella. The IWF is currently following the path of the International Boxing Association’s Olympic recognition which was suspended by the IOC in June 2019. AIBA’s suspension came after the IOC Session agreed to a proposal from the Executive Board to strip the organization of any involvement in the boxing tournament at Tokyo 2020 because of concerns over its governance, finances and refereeing and judging. Puentevella said that doping violations in the past were a cause of concern for the IOC.

Women arnis medalists share life stories in PSC web series

Hidilyn Diaz is shown during her golden lift, with coach Julius Naranjo

Casimero wants either Donaire, Inoue next THE loud-talking John Riel Casimero, who recently retained his World Boxing Organization bantamweight title, is again looking at possible bluechip bouts with the two rivals he has been chasing all along. One of them is World Boxing Council bantamweight king Nonito Donaire Jr., who said the showdown with compatriot Casimero could still happen as he opened his camp for negotiation. “It’s still possible, maybe this year or early next year,”said Donaire in a short chat with Filipino sportswriter Virgi Romano in Las Vegas. Donaire was supposed to have a unification title bout with Casimero, whose blatant trash-talking on social media forced the former to opt out of the fight because John Riel Casimero Nonito Donaire of what he claimed as “disrespect” to his wife and family. allowing the Filipino to retain his WBO crown via Cuban Guillermo Rigondeux agreed to fight Ca- split decision last Sunday in Las Vegas. simero instead, but ran all game during their bout, Donaire has always insisted that he will negoti-

ate with Casimero on his terms and that disrespectful comments should not be part of their efforts to promote the fight. “I am a Filipino. We are professional fighters. We want to show the world that we have class,” said Donaire. He also reminded Casimero that International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Association titlist Naoya Inoue of Japan also has conditions that Casimero’s camp should respect in case they also negotiate for a fight. “I have my own terms, Noaya has his terms, too.” Moments after his victory over Rigondeux, Casimero called out both Donaire and Inoue. He taunted Inoue and called him “scared.” A few days later, Inoue responded via his Twitter, saying he does not fear anyone. He also wants the fight to happen, so he can beat Casimero. “Please organize a match,” said Inoue in Japanese. Randy Caluag

SIXTEEN women gold medalists from the virtual Women’s Martial Arts Festival, will be featured on the Philippine Sports Commission’s web series “Rise Up, Shape Up” this Saturday. The episode will talk about the national martial arts of the Philippines, with PSC Commissioner Celia Kiram discussing the short history of arnis in her regular segment K-Isport. Stories of the arnis gold medalists and their winning performances will be the focus of the episode, starting with Kristine Petacoste, a Butuan City native, who won the gold medal in the Juniors Traditional Single Weapon, followed by Liendzhay Gigante of Pasig City, who topped in the Juniors Traditional Double Weapon, and Jana Lorraine Quintilla from Rizal, who exhibited sports excellence in the Juniors Traditional Espada Y Daga event for 13-15 years old, among others. “The Women’s Martial Arts Festival held last July 8 to 31, supports the agency’s commitment to strengthen sports and fitness in the country,” said PSC chairman William Ramirez. Women in Sports Commissioner Kiram added that the event celebrates women’s strength in the field of martial arts. Further, the program is in support of Republic Act No. 9710, also known as the “Magna Carta of Women”, which spells out every woman’s right to equal participation in sports. PSC’s Rise Up, Shape Up is a web series streamed via Facebook and YouTube every Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. For more information on Rise Up, Shape Up, visit its official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/riseupshapeup and YouTube page https://www. youtube.com/riseupshapeup.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor E-mail: jdlacsamana@gmail.com

Home/Design

Local tourism can fast-track hotel, leisure sector recovery

EAL estate consultant Colliers recently urged hotel and leisure operators to continue tweaking their marketing strategies to maximize the sector’s recovery, while pushing the Department of Tourism (DOT) to open reopen more local destinations in the country, especially for fully vaccinated individuals.

In its Q2 2021 Philippine property market reports, the firm highlighted its recommendations that will help fast-track the hotel and hospitality sector’s recovery. Domestic travel will stoke leisure sector first According to Colliers, a slow recovery is expected for the leisure sector, especially with domestic and international travel restrictions still in place and new Covid-19 variants dampening sentiment and travel. “But domestic travel will stoke the leisure sector first, particularly with the Philippine government’s thrust to improve hotel occupancies and revive local jobs,” the report said. “This is also in line with its goal of raising tourism’s contribution to the economy.” The DOT projects domestic tourism to reach 36.5 million in 2021 and 84.8 million

in 2022. Although this will still be lower than record-high of 110 million in 2019, Colliers is optimistic that the rise in local travelers should help push occupancies of selected hotels across the country. Tourism workers are front-liners The report also noted that hotel establishments operating as isolation or quarantine facilities should maximize the inclusion of tourism workers alongside medical front-liners in the A1 priority group for the Covid-19 vaccine. Tourism workers employed under the transport, food, restaurant, and accommodation industries should likewise fall under the A4 priority group. In 2020, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show that Filipinos employed in tourism-related industries

cover 11.6% of total employment, down from 13.6% in 2019. Training and refresher courses The report also called on hotel operators who plan on reopening their facilities, to implement training and refresher programs for their existing staff to provide efficient hotel experience for guests post-pandemic. Trainings may include familiarization with new guidelines and cleaning practices in common areas and hotel rooms, and proper food and beverage (F&B) etiquette (e.g., how to sanitize tables, cutlery and glasses, maintain sanitary food preparation). This will allow hotel operators to safely operate while maintaining hospitality and adhering to social distancing protocols, and will encourage more people to travel. Flexibility in bookings Colliers encouraged hotel operators to provide flexibility on their guest’s bookings to generate loyalty. These may include free cancellations, flexibility in check-in and check-out times and room

upgrades, and booking modifications 24 hours before arrival. “In our view, hotel operators should consider adopting the multiple-use model where they can accommodate both quarantine and leisure guests.,” the report recommended.

Olympic champ Hidilyn Diaz is Century Properties homeowner BIGWIGS of the Century Properties Group recently presented their promised house and lot at PHirst Park Homes (Inset) to Olympic gold medallist, Hidilyn Diaz. “Thank you for setting an example to our countrymen and to the youth. You have proven that we can succeed,” said CPG executive chairman Jose E.B. Antonio. Diaz will be choosing her property in any community from any of PPHI’s eight locations. These are the PHirst Park developments in Tanza (Shown in photo) and General Trias, Cavite; Lipa and Nasugbu, Batangas; San Pablo and Calamba, Laguna; Pandi, Bulacan; and in Magalang, Pampanga. “In due time, we can make a trip, and you can choose where you’ll feel most at home,” promised said PHirst Park president Ricky M. Celis. “Stay humble, continue to dream big, and the whole country will be behind you.”

CUT ABOVE THE REST. SMDC Joy Residences is a master-planned development set in a 5.3-hectare prime real estate beside SM’s lifestyle district in Baliwag, Bulacan. Located along the Pan-Philippine Highway, Joy Residences offers a home-beside-the-mall lifestyle with unlimited access to entertainment, dining and retail options. Areas within the development have been allocated to green open spaces, most of which are gardens and linear parks in between buildings. It also offers amenities such as swimming pools, a multipurpose covered court, clubhouse and jogging paths. Take your pick among studio and one-bedroom units, ranging from 23.51 sq.m. to 24.99 sq.m. For more information about SMDC Joy Residences, visit https://smdc.com/properties/joy- residences/. WEWORK, a leading global space provider, recently launched WeWork Growth Campus, an initiative aimed at providing its members with the network and space to help their business grow and thrive. The Growth Campus gathers a whole entrepreneurial community together both virtually and through subsidised space. Members will have complimentary access to WeWork Labs which offers virtual acceleration support: online access to mentoring and coaching opportunities, and customized educational programming. Launched early this year,

Network and space solution

the program has attracted over 800 signups in the first six months, including Antler and Crowdcube. Further information on

how to apply for the Growth Campus can be found at: https://www.wework.com/ en-GB/info/wework-growthcampus-philippines

Seal of safety CENTURY Park Hotel was recently awarded a Safety Seal Certification from the Department of Tourism (DOT) for its good housekeeping practices. Aside from health screening, social distancing measures and regular disinfection activities, the hotel has put in place stricter food preparation procedures, a standby medical team, an improved waste disposal system, designated PPE zones and other COVID-19 protocols. “The pandemic has been upon us for more than a year already and while it has been very challenging, we have fully embraced the situation and put in motion several improvements and adjustments,” said Anthony Tan, Century Park Hotel’s general manager. “Rest-assured that this recognition by the DOT will motivate us to strive harder to provide a clean and safe space for everyone.”

Tech & Gadgets

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21 , 2021 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

T'S back to the daily grind for students as the new school year starts. This means they need a reliable device that will aid them in their online classes and ensure they are able to follow their lessons and learn without any difficulties. And as one of the leading smartphone brands globally, vivo ticks all of the boxes when it comes to an online-class ready smartphone, and more with the vivo V21 5G (https:// www.vivoglobal.ph/phone-orig/vivo-V21-5g/) and V21e (https://www. vivoglobal.ph/phone/vivo-V21e/). Here are some tech essentials that make these devices stand out. HIGH-QUALITY CAMERA FOR THE BEST VIDEO CALL QUALITY With many online classes requiring students to turn on their cameras for attendance and other activities, having a high-quality camera is a must which makes V21 5G and V21e the perfect smartphones. As vivo’s ultra-sleek Selfie phones, the V21 5G and V21e comes with a 64MP rear camera and a 44MP front camera with Optical Image Stabilizer that ensures only the clearest and most-flattering photos and video calls. ROBUST RAM FOR A ZERO-LAG PERFORMANCE Many online classes require a lot of educational videos and online quizzes which makes a zero-lag experience a non-negotiable. With the Extended RAMs of both the V21 5G and the V21e (8GB+3GB), students can access multiple apps and switch apps with ease. They can also access

Telecom Tower Watch: Educational institutions’ digital readiness needs support

V21 5G and V21e delivers the best front-facing cameras, batteries that don’t give up, and extended RAM for that nolag online class life

Get online classes ready with vivo V21 5G, V21e files and programs faster so they don’t get left behind in their classes. FAST-CHARGING BATTERY FOR NON-STOP ACTIVITIES With classes running for several hours, it is important to have a device that will not give up halfway through and will make students miss crucial lessons. vivo’s V21 5G and V21e both come with a robust 4000mAh augmented by a 33W fast charge that can bring a device from zero to 63% in half an hour which gives users more juice for more activities. CLEAREST DISPLAY FOR BETTER VIEWING AND READING When most learning is done on-

line and digitally, it is important to have a screen where users can see their required readings, videos, and other files clearly. With its 6.44” AMOLED Full-screen display, both the V21 5G and V21e ensures students will not miss anything. SLEEK, LIGHT, AND TRENDY DEVICE FOR EVERYTHING AND BEYOND ONLINE LEARNING Smartphones are not only onlineclass exclusives as many students use their phones to socialize and unwind after classes end which makes it important that their devices are not bulky and inconvenient

to use—as vivo’s slimmest 5G mobile phone to date at 7.29mm and just weighs 176g, the V21 5G and the V21e with its 7.38mm thinness and 171g weight, allows its users a handheld experience that allows them to do what they want, comfortably. Get your hands on the V21 5G and V21e online via the official vivo store in Lazada and Shopee and vivo kiosks and stores nationwide. For more information and to get the latest updates, visit vivo’s official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and check out www.vivoglobal.ph for more product information.

Taiwan Excellence online product launch brings in products to enrich home living TAIPEI—Four outstanding Taiwan Excellence awardwinning companies—ARTCERA CORP., YZTEK CO., LTD., TAIWAN GLASS IND. CORP., and SEDA CHEMICAL PRODUCTS CO., LTD. took centerstage in the 2021 Household Goods Online Product Launch that was done via livestream. These amazing companies created the most innovative products and solutions that it hopes will lead to a higher quality of life. Among the most novel products introduced during the launch include a reusable Travel Mug, a Heat Wave Massager, a Plug-in Stove Safety device, Designer Glassware, and a Smart-Health mattress. From the start of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a signiﬁcant impact on household consumption patterns and people’s personal living habits. Since people are spending more time at home during COVID, the demands of housework and home comforts have increased signiﬁcantly compared to pre- pandemic levels, according to Mark Wu, Executive Director of the Strategic Marketing Department of Taiwan External Trade Development Council, Taiwan’s premier trade promotion organization. The Household Goods Online Product Launch included short presentations from each of the featured companies: 1. ARTCERA CORP. (Brand Name: ACERA) The term ACERA refers to a combination of arts and ceramics. The subjects of every ACERA creation come from Chinese culture rendered with modern design skills. In terms of mugs, the strength of ACERA’s mug is its capability to

release far infrared rays and negative ions, which give users a pleasurable experience when every time they drink from it. Furthermore, all ACERA mugs are stylish and eye-catching. With regard to another of ACERA’s amazing products, the Heat Wave Massager, the energy released from the ceramics combined with warm water, enters the body through resonance to rapidly relieve muscle stiffness and fatigue. 2. YZTEK CO., LTD. Based on statistics from fire departments in various countries and cities in the world, kitchen fire accidents are the number one cause of fires in the home. In order to guarantee safety at home, YZTEK has invented e+Autoff, the world’s first automatic stove switch off device. With its exclusive patented automatic fire-off function, you can now upgrade your original gas stove and make it a smart one. What’s more, YZTEK not only provides safety in the kitchen, it also protects the health of people while they cook. Its new invention - Airenewal System – which came out this year, can turn your normal range hood into another level of smart system range hood that keeps the air clean. The higher the heat is, the faster it works to expel smoke and dirt. 3. TAIWAN GLASS IND. CORP. (Brand Name:TG) Taiwan Glass is currently the 4th largest glass manufacturer in the world, and established a new brand of tableware and home decoration - TG in 2018.

New adventures with Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl THE Pokémon Company (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara), is pleased to share the latest news about Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl. https://diamondpearl.pokemon.com/en-us/ What are Pokémon games like? In these roleplaying games (RPGs), the player becomes the protagonist of the story and goes on adventures with mysterious creatures called Pokémon. You can enjoy a variety of ways to play, such as progressing through a single-player story and trading Pokémon with friends. Mysterious creatures called Pokémon A number of mysteries surround these unusual creatures. Some Pokémon live happily together with humans, while other, wild Pokémon live in all sorts of places, from beaches to caves, or in clumps of tall grass. It seems that many aspects of their ecology remain unknown. Making friends with Pokémon and completing your Pokédex You’ll be able to gain Pokémon as companions in a variety of ways, such as by catching wild ones in Poké Balls, or by trading them with friends or family. Getting these fun creatures as companions will allow you to register their names, habitats, and other data in your Pokédex. Befriending lots of different Pokémon is the key to completing your Pokédex! Raising Pokémon and battling As you battle your Pokémon against other Pokémon, you’ll see them learn new moves and sometimes even change their appearance when they evolve! Also, there are people known as Pokémon Trainers who raise Pokémon, some of whom competitively battle other Trainers’ Pokémon to determine whose is strongest. Raise Pokémon you

can feel proud of, and try bringing them into battle! A special video has been released, summarizing the latest information about Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl. Both titles will be released on Friday, November 19, 2021! https://youtu.be/YcSWU9OyYJ4 The adventure begins with a forgotten briefcase?! The stage is set in the Sinnoh region, rich with nature. As the protagonist, you start out in your home of Twinleaf Town, but when you head to the lake in search of a rare Pokémon, a stroke of bad luck puts you face-to-face with a wild Pokémon that appears suddenly. But upon ﬁnding a Poké Ball in a nearby briefcase that just happened to be left behind, you manage to overcome this unexpected challenge with help from a Pokémon. This leads Professor Rowan to recognize your talent as a Pokémon Trainer, and he recruits you to adventure across the Sinnoh region with the aim of completing an encyclopedic record of Pokémon known as a Pokédex.

YZTEK

TG targets the younger generation who prioritize daily quality of life. The product featured during the online launch was its Heat-resistant Water Pitcher Set where its many special features were highlighted. First, the cup matches seamlessly with the pitcher; second, the thin glass allows liquid to ﬂow wide in the mouth; and third, the almost lip-less edge of the cup decreases the oxidation of beverages while drinking. With its simple yet stylish and sleek design, TG has been awarded the RED DOT Design award this year. 4. SEDA CHEMICAL PRODUCTS CO., LTD. SEDA has its own brand called the IMAGER-37, and it includes products such as memory foam mattresses, pillows, seat back cushions and OA furniture, among others. In particular, the mattresses are widely used in many of Taiwan’s most famous hotels and hospitals.

ADVOCACY group, Telecom Tower Watch is pushing for more government and private sector support for connectivity and capacity building programs critical to the digital readiness of the Philippine education sector. “Upgrading of our digital infrastructure and services must be matched with capacity building in terms of skillsets and enabling policies that are compatible to the innovative and competitive environment of the growing digital economy,” said Orlando Oxales, Convenor of Telecom Tower Watch. Oxales pointed out that, “The shock of the lockdowns revealed how the gaps in connectivity, equipment, ICT skills of teachers, the learners and even their parents were not ready for the quick shift to e-learning.” Oxales stressed that “More collaborative interventions to strengthen our digital connectivity to boost Digital modes of education and the upskilling of all teachers in Basic and Higher education must be encouraged with incentive mechanisms such as tax breaks on all ICT related equipment.” “Private sector partnerships such as Globe Telecom’s partnership with DepED Cebu to build new cell sites is an initiative that can be replicated by telcos to enhance accessibility to wireless broadband services for elearning and will also prove critical during disasters and elections,” said Oxales. Oxales appealed that, “The government must allocate adequate funding to accelerate the implementation of the National Broadband Program, the Free Wi-Fi for All Program, and the Common Tower Initiative of the Department of Information and Communications Technology as these will drive development for both government and industries. “Government funding must sustain the DICT and DepED’s Digital Learners and Teachers Project, and The ICT Academy Project under the Digital Workforce Initiative for the upskilling of Filipino workers in Information Technologies, and the DICT’s educational portal implemented with Microsoft for online ICT training of civil servants to allow career advancement and enhance key public services.” In a recent statement, DICT Secretary Gregorio “Gringo” B. Honasan II said, “Moving forward, we shall exert our utmost efforts to ensure the delivery of quality education to our children—education that they will need to live fulﬁlling lives as adults and to participate in and contribute to the global digital economy,” Honasan said. Telecom Tower Watch is an advocacy partnership of DICT and CitizenWatch Philippines to accelerate the expansion of telecommunication towers and ﬁber-optic networks to catch up with growing demand for broadband service.

Moldex Realty drives digital growth with Ohmyhome pact WITH property sales and marketing transitioning to the digital space, trusted real estate brand Moldex Realty has forged a partnership with property solutions platform Ohmyhome for a number of reasons: to acquire direct exposure to target markets abroad; to promote their inventories with Ohmyhome’s ‘no duplication’ guarantee; and to expand Moldex Realty’s brands in emerging economies such as Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand. “So far, our partnerships with property platforms have helped improve our SEO (search engine optimization), giving us high visibility on Google, an advantage when buyers do purchase research online,” Maria Angela Zalazar, Vice President and Sales Head for Digital Sales of Moldex Realty says. “Listings on online platforms also provide us with good leads and inquiries. We can turn that high level of interest among prospective buyers into a commitment to purchase.” Moldex Realty enthusiastically shares its goals and expectations regarding their partnership with Ohmyhome. With Ohmyhome’s strong digital presence, Moldex Realty looks forward to working with the proptech company in acquiring more visibility for their brands. Moldex likewise expects a fast turnover of leads generated from their project listings. “We look forward to quick response time on issues and concerns that may potentially rise,” Zalazar adds.

On this note, Moldex Realty ac- work and study from home. With these features present in many knowledges how Ohmyhome’s proptech expertise can be beneficial to them as a of its developments, Moldex Realty is real estate company. “Ohmyhome’s proj- excited to showcase its projects in the ect landing pages, search functionalities, Ohmyhome application and website. The quick links to developments, easy-to-use following brands will now be searchable interface and reliable property consultants and viewable in Ohmyhome’s channels: MetroGate Prime Subdivisions, ideal will be extremely useful,” Zalazar shares. Lastly, Moldex and Ohmyhome’s part- for accomplished individuals, profesnership comes at a propitious time. Mold- sionals, entrepreneurs, and dual-income ex believes that Filipinos are acknowledg- families, features desirable locations, ing the importance of “pandemic-proof” upscale amenities, and stylish properhouseholds. “People who were used to ties, perfect as multi-generation or resmaller living spaces in the metro now tirement homes. Lots and house and lot crave for more spacious floor layouts that packages are available for sale under the MetroGate brand. Developments under can accommodate a study or home ofthis brand include MetroGate Angeles, fice, and even a home MetroGate Silang Estates, MetroGate gym,” Zalazar says. San Jose, MetroGate North Villas, “They are now and MetroGate Trece Martires. looking for a front garden and a backyard, a verandah or patio, and features that allow for better ventilation.” Property seekers also prioritize good locations. Moldex Realty asserts that prospective buyers prefer properties with close proximity to retail establishments, groceries, and pharmacies. They want access to major road networks to facilitate food and medicine delivery. They are checking out telecommunications infrastructure such Interested property buyers and investors may as telco posts and broadband check out the different Moldex Realty projects in connections for those who the Ohmyhome app and website.

Motoring

Ramon L. Tomeldan Editor

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021

A solid case for choosing a hybrid

HROUGHOUT the history of modern motoring, one of the greatest leaps in innovation was the evolution of the hybrid drivetrain. Who would have thought in such a short amount of time, we would see such massive improvements in fuel efficiency and lower emissions? So, how does a hybrid work? It combines motive power from the gasoline engine and the electric motor, which are proportionally engaged depending on driving conditions. The engine automatically shuts off when the vehicle is at a standstill, and energy is regenerated by converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electrical energy during deceleration and braking. The very first luxury SUV hybrid, not just for Lexus, but the entire auto industry, was the Lexus RX 400h which went on sale in April 2005. Since then, Lexus has globally sold over 2 million hybrid vehicles. Lexus has always been a pioneer of electrification in the luxury car market and has continued to develop its models and technologies with a mission to balance excellent driving performance with environmental sensitivity. The RX badge continues to lead the charge among hybrid SUVs, and the current RX 450h is the result of years of development and improvement, not just in the efficiency of its hybrid drivetrain, but also in the driving experience. Here are a few reasons why the Lexus RX 450h fits the bill of a luxury hybrid SUV:

The RX 450h’s self-charging full hybrid system features a 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 petrol engine and front and rear motors. The total system output (engine and electric motors combined) amounts to 308hp. The engine’s combustion chamber design generates a high degree of tumble inside the cylinders, improving combustion performance and fuel consumption. The key components and control systems in the Lexus Hybrid Drive System were improved and re-engineered to deliver class-leading fuel economy, minimal emissions, and excellent onroad performance. The front transaxle gained a new water-cooled transmission oil cooler for the electric motor and a pre-loaded differential to improve performance and straight-line stability. The rear transaxle featured in the EFour all-wheel-drive system was redesigned with a three-shaft configuration, creating a more compact unit in which the input shaft can be moved as close as possible to the output shaft. The design also saves weight by using aluminum for the case and cover. Other updates to the system included

GAC Motor launches new campaign

a design evolution of the Power Control Unit (PCU), and HV Engine Control Unit (ECU) that delivers better energy efficiency, more driver-friendly operation and more refined performance. A lighter, more efficient electric water pump was introduced and the hybrid battery was repackaged, making it more compact and improving space efficiency. The E-Four electric all-wheel-drive system’s control functions were improved to give a better response when accelerating through bends. Every RX 450h was crafted by Takumi master builders, and it shows in the stunning exterior and luxurious interior. The cabin design strikes a balance between functionality and luxury, finished with refined ma-

terials that exude quality construction and craftsmanship. The ambiance is spacious yet intimate, with high levels of comfort for driver and passengers. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard which allow you to use your smartphone via a 12.3in touchscreen display. Owners will also enjoy the hands-free power back door; clever cargo solutions with the fold-flat rear seats; LED headlights; illuminated exterior door handles; and the ornamented leather shift knob. Other features showcased in the RX 450h are the Hybrid System Indicator that displays real-time information about the system’s output and regeneration; an EV Drive mode for silent and

COMING SOON:

Ford previews future cars

By Othel V. Campos CHINESE car maker Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. Motor recently launched the “Go And Change Campaign”, a strategy which it says, aims to focus on improving Chinese craftsmanship, the quality and technology that comes with every GAC unit. “At GAC Motor, we don’t only strive in creating innovative vehicles. We also encourage our employees and partners to create values together, and go beyond their limits to inspire our consumers to act proactively and help them experience the best mobility solution they deserve,” said GAC CEO Wilbert Lim at the virtual launch of the auto firm’s newest campaign. He attested to the firm’s devotion in creating higher quality products, and innovative technology to provide customers with enjoyable riding experiences, and to ensure a lasting value of GAC vehicles. “When we say Chinese Craftsmanship, it means utilizing the brand’s supply chain and manufacturing strengths in creating a world-class technology that will be also used in conducting highly-advanced research,” he added. To guarantee GAC’s customers with high-quality vehicles, GAC Motor initiated the QDR Project Quality, high Durability, and high Reliability projectwherein it has built a world-class supply chain system and established industry-leading standards. This particular campaign has earned GAC Motor the top Chinese brand, as recognized by J.D. Power Asia Pacific for eight consecutive years. Lim said GAC Motor continues to move forward by establishing its first-class Research and Development (R&D) Center, which hosts 15 kinds of laboratories covering vehicle powertrain and new energy, one trial production workshop with welding, car painting, assembling area and machine processing, and an automobile test site. GAC prides itself that it has set-up 4 R&D centers in Silicon Valley; Detroit, Michigan; Los Angeles, California; and in Shanghai, China. “Quality is at the heart of the new generation of Chinese automobiles. That’s why GAC Motor chose industry-leading premium products in manufacturing vehicles. This includes a Harman-Kardon speaker system, deluxe seating materials, ion-powered aircon filters, and turbocharged yet fuel efficient engines,” he added. Technology innovation is the main reason why GAC Motor launched the Go And Change Campaign, Lim disclosed. The brand funded its Research and Development Centers around the world. The Center in Silicon Valley focuses on big data research, artificial intelligence, research on autonomous vehicles, and new energy technology. In the town proper of Los Angeles City, researchers work on cutting-edge design, human-machine interaction and the localization of cars for specific markets. While the R&D centers in China focus on conglomeration, digitalization technologies and overall design. GAC Motor was officially launched in the Philippines in 2018, after Legado Motors, Inc. acquired the distributorship of the brand for the Philippine market. The brand is adding two more dealers in 2021 to beefw up its presence in Luzon. Right now GAC Motor has 4 physical showrooms in Motor Metrowalk in Pasig City, Tarlac City, Greenhills in San Juan City and in San Fernando, Pampanga. Introduced in 1997, GAC Motor evolved as one of the top-ranking auto brands in China as it worked deliberately to improve its expertise in car manufacturing and became experts in producing quality, safe, durable, and innovative vehicles.

Lexus RH 450

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emission-free movement at low speeds; a drive-mode selector to match your driving style; a start-stop system that shuts off the engine when stationary; and Adaptive Variable Suspension for a smooth ride expected from a Lexus. For added body rigidity Lexus engineers identified key areas in the rocker panels, rear wheelhouses and the underbody where additional spot welds and the use of structural adhesive could deliver a more rigid body. In all, an extra 4.2 meters of adhesive and 14 weld points have been added in these areas, accomplished using the existing tooling on the production line at the Kyushu plant. This increases the integrity of the panel joints, benefiting both stability and ride comfort.

FORD Philippines has launched a new section on its website where customers can learn more about its upcoming vehicles. Under the ‘Coming Soon’ page, customers can see the line-up of Ford vehicles that will be launched in the future. In the Philippines, customers can look forward to the launches of the all-new Ford F-150 Lariat 4x4 and the all-new Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost Limited 4WD. Launch timings and pricing details will be made available in the future. “We are very excited to enable this section of our website to keep our customers up to speed and excited with what Ford vehicles they can expect to be launched in the future. We invite our customers to stay tuned on our website or visit a Ford dealer for more updates about upcoming Ford vehicles,” says Patrick Manigbas, marketing director, Ford Philippines.

FASTLANE

Cleanfuel boosts presence in Rizal

EAST Luzon’s well-known twisting and scenic spots will serve as the latest home for independent oil company Cleanfuel, as the company recently inaugurated the latest addition to its retail network branch in the municipality of Tanay in Rizal province. In social distancing fashion, Cleanfuel President and CEO Jesus “Bong” Suntay led the opening of the new Cleanfuel station in Tanay, Rizal in solidarity and support of the people in the area amid the challenging situation due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases. Strategically-located on F.T. Catapusan Road, in Plaza Aldea, Cleanfuel Tanay is the company’s fourth station in the Rizal area, adding to the stations in Antipolo and in Cainta to cover the major thoroughfares such as Sumulong and Marcos Highway. “We want to send the message that we are committed to helping Filipinos access Quality Fuel for Less during these tough times,” Suntay said. “This is our way of telling our kababayans that we are with them and that we believe in the Filipino resiliency in the face of any challenge. Understanding that the majority of Tanay households depend on the industries of fishing, agriculture, and local commerce, the new station guarantees the residents and commercial establishments in the area the support that they need for daily transport, providing quality fuel products at an affordable price. Motorists can fuel up at the Cleanfuel Tanay station with Clean 91, Premium 95, and high-grade diesel products. During the station opening in Tanay, motorists were able to take ad-

vantage of freebies, including FREE face shields, energy drinks, and limited dri-fit Cleanfuel shirts for the customer who will gas up 15 liters and above. As with other Cleanfuel stations around the country, Cleanfuel Tanay also brings premium amenities to its customers, including clean and spacious air-conditioned restrooms, air and water services, leasing, and other top quality products that local motorists can experience and enjoy.

Three-pronged foray for Geely

IN A bid to expedite its dealer network expansion all over the country, Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP) conducted a series of ground breaking ceremonies in different provinces last month. Alphamile Automotive Dealers Inc. headed by Misters Paul and Mark

Geely Tacloban is one of three dealerships that have broken ground in rapid succession as the brand spreads its wings in the south.

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Tionson, broke ground for the Geely Calamba dealership. Alphamile’s Geely Calamba outlet will be housed in a 1,500sqm lot located at AH26 Highway Brgy. Makiling, Calamba, Laguna. The planned dealership facilities will have 6 service bays and can accommodate 6 cars for display. In the Visayas region, Topcars Autoworld Corporation and MNV Auto Group Inc. broke ground for Geely Tacloban and Bacolod, respectively. Operating for almost a decade in the automotive business, Geely Tacloban is Topcars Autoworld Corp.’s 7th dealership in the market. The 1,000sqm Tacloban Geely outlet will have 6 service bays and display 4-5 cars inside the showroom. Geely Tacloban is located at Tabuan National Highway, Palo, Leyte. Meanwhile, MNV Group’s Geely Bacolod is also a 1,000sqm dealership facility located along Magsaysay Ave., Bacolod City It has 6 service bays and can accommodate 4-5 cars for showroom display. “I am very pleased to welcome Geely Calamba, Tacloban, and Bacolod in the Geely network as we aggressively expand our dealership network in the Southern Luzon provinces, Visayas, and the rest of the country,” SGAP President & CEO Yosuke Nishi said. “The addition of these three outlets will further strengthen Geely’s market presence and at the same time provide residents of these areas access to Geely’s exciting and high technology vehicles and world class facilities.” Nishi added. Geely Calamba, Tacloban, and Bacolod outlets are expected to be fully operational at the start of 2022.